Connector and electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed are a connector and an electronic device. The connector comprises elastic contact members (2) and intermediate contact members (1), wherein the intermediate contact members (1) are suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to signal contacts (61) on a circuit board (6); the elastic contact members (2) each have a wiring section (21) and an elastic contact section (22); the wiring section (21) of each elastic contact member (2) is suitable for being connected to a cable; the elastic contact section (22) of each elastic contact member (2) is in elastic contact with each intermediate contact member (1) to form an electrical connection; and a contact part on which each intermediate contact member (1) is at least in contact with each elastic contact member (2) is subjected to a surface treatment to form an anti-oxidation layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority to the Chinese patent application with the filling No. 2023107511187 filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 21, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a technical field of data transmission, in particular to a connector and an electronic device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Connectors are used to connect different electronic components to achieve signal transmission between the connected electronic components. With continuous technological advancement, data processing speeds of modern network servers and supercomputers are becoming faster. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) use serial differential signal links to transmit ultra-high-speed data, which can reach hundreds of Gbps. On printed circuit boards (PCBs) with complex systems and high component density, it is increasingly difficult to find wiring space that meets the requirements for high-speed differential data transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to use precision cable connectors to directly transmit high-speed differential signals from ASICs to required device. The performance of cable connectors has a crucial impact on the quality of signal transmission, and even affects the integrity of signal transmission. In a connector of the related art, which is connected between a cable and contacts on a circuit board, contact members within a socket of the connector contact signal contacts on the circuit board, contact members within a plug of the connector are connected to the cable, and the contact members within the socket and the contact members within the plug are plugged into each other, making it difficult to achieve stable and reliable signal transmission.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to some extent.

[0005] Therefore, an embodiment of a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector that is easy to surface treat, low in cost, and high in stability and reliability of both contact and signal transmission.

[0006] An embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device having the aforementioned connector.

[0007] The connector of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an elastic contact member and an intermediate contact member, wherein the intermediate contact member is suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to a signal contact on a circuit board; the elastic contact member comprises a wiring section and an elastic contact section; the wiring section of the elastic contact member is suitable for being connected to a cable; the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member to form an electrical connection; and at least contact parts of the intermediate contact member and elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers.

[0008] In the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the connector easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the connector. In addition, the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member and the elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are gold-plated or immersion gold-plated to form gold-plated layers or immersion gold layers.

[0010] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0011] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0012] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0013] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member is sheet-shaped or block-shaped.

[0014] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter metal, wherein a first end of the adapter metal is suitable for being soldered connection to the signal contact on the circuit board, and the other end of the adapter metal is soldered to the intermediate contact member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter, wherein a via hole is provided in the adapter, and the adapter metal is disposed within the via hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of the elastic contact members and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are provided, and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are embedded in a dielectric board.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a base suitable for being mounted onto the circuit board, wherein the dielectric board is fixed on the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion for contacting the signal contact, and a third contact portion, the second contact portion is located between the first contact portion and the third contact portion in an extending direction of the elastic contact section, and the elastic contact section is curved such that the first contact portion and the third contact portion are always in contact, or the first contact portion and the third contact portion are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and the first contact portion and the third contact portion come into contact when the second contact portion contacts the intermediate contact member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the elastic contact member is integrally formed from an elastic metal sheet, a contact surface of at least one of the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion is curved surface, and a shape of a contact part of the intermediate contact member that contacts the second contact portion is adapted to a shape of the second contact portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least a part of the elastic contact section is bent towards an inside of the elastic contact section or bent towards an outside of the elastic contact section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section includes an outwardly protruding arc segment and a zigzag segment connected to the arc segment, at least a part of the zigzag segment is opposite the arc segment, and the first contact portion is slidable relative to the third contact portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a connection sleeve sleeved over the first contact portion and the third contact portion to constrain the first contact portion and the third contact portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section is any one of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape, and a local shape of the elastic contact section is one or more of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape.

[0025] An electronic device of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a circuit board, a cable, and the connector according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect; wherein an inner conductor of the cable is connected to the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to a signal contact on the circuit board.

[0026] In the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the electronic device easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view showing cooperation between a base and a dielectric board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of a dielectric board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a side view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a side view of a connector according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of an elastic contact member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 15 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 16 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic view of an elastic contact member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numerals:

[0028] 1 - Intermediate contact member; 2 - Elastic contact member; 3 - Adapter; 4 - Dielectric board; 5 - Base; 6 - Circuit board; 7 - Housing; 21 - Wiring section; 22 - Elastic contact section; 221 - First contact portion; 222 - Second contact portion; 223 - Third contact portion; 23 - Connection sleeve; 2201 - Arc segment; 2202 - Zigzag segment; 31 - Via hole; 32 - Adapter metal; 321 - First end of the adapter metal; 322 - The other end of the adapter metal; 3211 - First segment; 3212 - Second segment; 3213 - Third segment; 3214 - Fourth segment; 61 - Signal contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present disclosure, but are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0030] The present disclosure is based on the inventors' discovery and recognition of the following facts and problems: To improve the stability and reliability of signal transmission, the applicant of the present disclosure proposes an elastic contact member within a plug that is connected to a cable and directly contacts a signal contact on a circuit board elastically, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the signal transmission.

[0031] Through further research, the inventors discovered and realized that because the elastic contact member of the connector elastically contacts the signal contact on the circuit board via mechanical force, an organic film on the elastic contact member and an organic film on the signal contact on the circuit board can detach under the action of the mechanical force, exposing the elastic contact member and the signal contact on the circuit board to air. The material of the signal contact on the circuit board and the elastic contact member of the connector is generally copper. Exposure of bare copper to air forms an oxide film, affecting the reliability and stability of the connection.

[0032] To prevent oxidation of the elastic contact member and the signal contact on the circuit board, surface treatment (such as gold plating or immersion gold plating) is required on the elastic contact member and the circuit board, so that robust, anti-oxidation films are created on the surfaces of the elastic contact member and the circuit board.

[0033] The inventors realized that the elastic contact member is a separate small component, making surface treatment such as gold plating or immersion gold plating relatively easy. However, surface treatment processes like gold plating or immersion gold plating for circuit boards with numerous contacts are complex, costly, and difficult.

[0034] Hereinafter, a connector and an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] The connector of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes elastic contact members 2 and intermediate contact members 1. The intermediate contact member 1 is suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to a signal contact 61 on a circuit board 6. The elastic contact member 2 includes a wiring section 21 and an elastic contact section 22. The wiring section 21 of the elastic contact member 2 is suitable for being connected to a cable. The elastic contact section 22 of the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member 1 to form an electrical connection. At least contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers.

[0036] The intermediate contact member 1 is connected to the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 by soldering. Thus, the soldered portion between the intermediate contact member 1 and the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 is not exposed to air, preventing oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6.

[0037] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 are soldered using solder. The soldered part of the signal contact 61 between the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 is covered by the solder, preventing the signal contact 61 between the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 from being exposed to air, and preventing oxidation of the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 and the intermediate contact member 1.

[0038] The elastic contact section 22 on the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member 1. The part where the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 contact each other can be exposed to air under mechanical force. At least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers, preventing oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2.

[0039] Since both the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 are small components, surface treatment is less difficult, treatment cost is lower, and contact and signal transmission stability and reliability are high, enabling the connector to operate stably over a long period.

[0040] In addition, the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 are in elastic contact, and the intermediate contact member 1 is soldered to the circuit board 6, resulting in easier operation and lower difficulty of use during operation.

[0041] In the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the connector easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the connector. In addition, the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are gold-plated or immersion gold-plated to form gold-plated layers or immersion gold layers.

[0043] Gold does not form an oxide film when exposed to air. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other can prevent oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2. Furthermore, the gold-plated layer and immersion gold layer are relatively robust and will not detach under mechanical force.

[0044] Therefore, in some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on an entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0045] In gold plating or immersion gold plating processes, gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 is easier than gold plating or immersion gold plating on a part of the outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 can improve the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the intermediate contact member 1.

[0046] Therefore, in some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact section 22 of the elastic contact member 2 by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0047] In gold plating or immersion gold plating processes, gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 is easier than gold plating or immersion gold plating on a part of the outer surface of the elastic contact member 2. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 can improve the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the elastic contact member 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 by gold plating or immersion gold plating, further improving the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the elastic contact member 2.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the elastic contact member 2 is planar.

[0050] When the part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the elastic contact member 2 is planar, the contact area between the elastic contact member 2 and the intermediate contact member 1 is relatively large, resulting in higher contact stability.

[0051] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped or block-shaped.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped.

[0053] When the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1, the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6 is relatively large. That is, when a position between a housing 7 and the circuit board 6 reaches a limit position, the compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 is greater, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0054] Furthermore, the greater compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 allows, for a connector with a housing 7, the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 to reduce a size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7. The block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 can also reduce flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped.

[0056] When the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1, the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6 is relatively small. That is, other components can be arranged between the sheet-shaped intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6, increasing the available space of the electronic device.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate contact member 1 is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board 6.

[0058] When the intermediate contact member 1 contacts the elastic contact member 2, the arc shape of the intermediate contact member 1 cooperates with the elastic contact section 22, resulting in better contact effect between the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2.

[0059] In addition, the intermediate contact member 1 can limit the range of motion of the elastic contact member 2, thereby increasing the contact effect between the elastic contact member 2 and the intermediate contact member 1 and improving the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board 6, and the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped. When the elastic contact member 2 contacts the intermediate contact member 1, the compression is significant, and the range of motion of the elastic contact member 2 relative to the intermediate contact member 1 is relatively small, further improving the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0061] Furthermore, for a connector with a housing 7, the intermediate contact member 1 can further reduce the size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7 and the flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the connector further includes an adapter metal 32. A first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 is suitable for being soldered connection to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6, and the other end 322 of the adapter metal 32 is soldered to the intermediate contact member 1.

[0063] The first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 can be directly soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6. Alternatively, the first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 can also be indirectly soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6.

[0064] The adapter metal 32 can increase the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6. That is, when the position between the housing 7 and the circuit board 6 reaches a limit position, the compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 is greater, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0065] The adapter metal 32 can be an integrated structure or can be composed of a plurality of segments.

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the adapter metal 32 is composed of four segments. The other end 322 of the adapter metal 32 is located on a first segment 3211. The first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 is located on a fourth segment 3214. The first segment 3211, a second segment 3212, a third segment 3213, and the fourth segment 3214 are sequentially connected end-to-end from top to bottom by soldering.

[0067] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter 3. A via hole 31 is provided in the adapter 3, and the adapter metal 32 is disposed within the via hole 31.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adapter metal 32 is made of copper.

[0069] In some embodiments, the adapter metal 32 is a copper pillar.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped. The sheet-shaped intermediate contact member 1 cooperates with the adapter 3 to increase the compression of the elastic contact member 2, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0071] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 is the signal contact 61, and the adapter 3 is a circuit board. The intermediate contact member 1 and the adapter 3 cooperate to form an adapter circuit board. In practical applications, there is no need to separately produce the intermediate contact member 1, thus improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0072] It should be noted that, unlike the circuit board 6 with numerous contacts, the adapter circuit board is a small component, and signal contacts 61 of the adapter circuit board are few in number, making it convenient for surface treatment.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped, which can further improve the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0074] Furthermore, for a connector with a housing 7, the intermediate contact member 1 can further reduce the size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7 and the flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0075] One adapter 3 can be provided, or a plurality of adapters 3 can be provided.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, one adapter 3 is provided.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, two adapters 3 are provided.

[0078] When there are numerous intermediate contact members 1, soldering each intermediate contact member 1 individually is inefficient.

[0079] Therefore, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of the elastic contact members 2 and a plurality of the intermediate contact members 1 are provided, and the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 are embedded in a dielectric board 4.

[0080] When mounting the plurality of intermediate contact members 1, the dielectric board 4 is soldered onto the circuit board 6 as a whole, enabling soldering of the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 at once and improving the mounting efficiency of the intermediate contact members 1.

[0081] In some embodiments, the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 correspond one-to-one with the signal contacts 61, and the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of elastic contact members 2.

[0082] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector further includes a base 5 suitable for being mounted onto the circuit board 6, and the dielectric board 4 is fixed on the base 5.

[0083] When mounting the dielectric board 4, the base 5 can position the dielectric board 4, facilitating soldering of the dielectric board 4 and further improving the mounting efficiency of the intermediate contact members 1.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic contact section 22 includes a first contact portion 221, a second contact portion 222 for contacting the signal contact 61, and a third contact portion 223. The second contact portion 222 is located between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 in an extending direction of the elastic contact section 22. The elastic contact section 22 is curved such that the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are always in contact, or the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 come into contact when the second contact portion 222 contacts the intermediate contact member 1. That is, regarding the contact state between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 is in contact or not in contact with the signal contact 61, there can be two scenarios. One is that regardless of whether the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 always remain in contact. The other is that when the second contact portion 222 is not in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are also not in contact; when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are in contact.

[0085] When the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are in contact, as shown in FIG. 9, it can be understood that the elastic contact section 22 forms a closed state. When the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are not in contact, as shown in FIG. 8, it can be understood that the elastic contact section 22 forms an open shape.

[0086] Since the first contact portion 221 contacts the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 contacts the signal contact 61, the second contact portion 222 can form a conductive relationship with the wiring section 21 simultaneously via two paths. This can be understood as the elastic contact section 22 having two cross-sections, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the characteristic impedance of the elastic contact member 2.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic contact member 2 can be roughly divided into two parts, namely, the wiring section 21 and the elastic contact section 22, respectively. The shapes of the conductors in the cross-sections of the two parts can differ, but both need to meet the characteristic impedance requirement of 85 ohms. The wiring section 21 is completely encapsulated by plastic within the connector. The elastic contact section 22 undergoes bending deformation and cannot be fixed by plastic. The medium surrounding the elastic contact section 22 is primarily air. This requires that, in cross-section, the area of the signal conductor be larger than that of the wiring section 21, and the spacing of the signal conductors be smaller than that of the wiring section 21 to achieve a same impedance.

[0088] In some embodiments, the elastic contact member 2 is integrally formed from an elastic metal sheet, thereby improving product consistency. A contact surface of at least one of the first contact portion 221, the second contact portion 222, and the third contact portion 223 is a curved surface. A shape of a contact part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the second contact portion 222 is adapted to a shape of the second contact portion 222.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the contact surfaces of the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are curved surfaces, they can slide relative smoothly. When the contact surface of the second contact portion 222 is a curved surface, the second contact portion 222 can better contact the signal contact 61.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the elastic contact section 22 is formed by connecting a plurality of arc segments, each arc segment having a radius of 0.1 mm to 6 mm. In FIG. 10, the elastic contact section 22 consists of four arc segments with radii R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively, where R1 has the smallest value and R3 has the largest value. The elastic contact section 22 can also include straight segments and arc segments; that is, some positions can be designed as straight segments.

[0091] In some embodiments, at least a part of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the entire portion of elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0093] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is any one of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape. A local shape of the elastic contact section 22 is one or more of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape.

[0094] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is W-shaped, and the local shape of the elastic contact section 22 is S-shaped or W-shaped.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the local shapes of the elastic contact section 22 are W-shaped and C-shaped.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is C-shaped.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is elliptical or O-shaped.

[0098] In some embodiments, a second end (i.e., a terminal end) of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0099] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section 22 includes an outwardly protruding arc segment 2201 and a zigzag segment 2202 connected to the arc segment 2201. At least a part of the zigzag segment 2202 is opposite the arc segment 2201.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second end of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22. As shown in FIG. 12, the second end of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the zigzag segment 2202 has a plurality of arcs, and the overall zigzag segment 2202 can be a wave-like shape. The arc segment 2201 has an arc. The zigzag segment 2202 is located on a concave side of the arc segment 2201.

[0102] Designing the elastic contact section 22 to include an outwardly protruding arc segment 2201 and a zigzag segment 2202 connected to the arc segment 2201 can further improve impedance matching.

[0103] It is understandable that the shape of the elastic contact section 22 can also be other shapes besides those listed in the above embodiments.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the elastic contact section 22 is formed from an elastic metal sheet with a rectangular cross-section. The thickness of the elastic metal sheet is 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm. The width a of the elastic metal sheet is 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the thickness of the elastic metal sheet is 0.08 mm, and the width of the elastic metal sheet is 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art can select the thickness and width of the elastic metal sheet according to the performance requirements of different connectors.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 10, the overall height H of the elastic contact section 22 is 2 mm to 5 mm. The overall width W of the elastic contact section 22 is 1.2 mm to 2.4 mm. Here, height H refers to a distance from the topmost end to the bottommost end of the elastic contact section 22. Here, overall width refers to a distance from the leftmost end to the rightmost end of the elastic contact section 22.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first contact portion 221 is slidable relative to the third contact portion 223.

[0108] When the second contact portion 222 is in elastic contact with the signal contact 61, the signal contact 61 forms support to the second contact portion 222, causing elastic deformation of the elastic contact member 2. This changes the position of the first contact portion 221 relative to the third contact portion 223. If the first contact portion 221 is always in contact with the third contact portion 223, then when the second contact portion 222 is in elastic contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 slides a distance relative to the third contact portion 223. If the first contact portion 221 is spaced apart from the third contact portion 223 by a predetermined distance, then when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 gradually approaches the third contact portion 223, until it comes into contact with the third contact portion 223. After contact, it can also slide a distance relative to the third contact portion 223.

[0109] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the connector further includes a connection sleeve 23. The connection sleeve 23 is sleeved over the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 to constrain the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223. This allows the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 to move relative to each other within a predetermined range, preventing separation between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223, thus effectively ensuring that the first contact portion 221 can be in stable contact with the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61.

[0110] The electronic device of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a circuit board 6, a cable, and the connector according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect. An inner conductor of the cable is connected to the elastic contact member 2. The intermediate contact member 1 is soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6.

[0111] In the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the electronic device easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0112] It should be noted that the explanations of the connector provided in the aforementioned embodiments are also applicable to the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] All embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented individually or in combination with other embodiments, all of which are considered within the scope of protection claimed by the present disclosure.

[0114] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that terms such as "center", "longitudinal"," transverse", " length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are used only for convenience in describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred apparatus or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0115] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the referred technical features. Thus, features defined by "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of the present disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0116] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, terms such as "mounting", "connection", "coupling", "fixing", etc., shall be construed broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communicative connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediary; they can refer to internal communications between two elements or interaction relationships between two elements, unless otherwise expressly defined. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood based on specific contexts.

[0117] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, a first feature being "on" or "under" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact via an intermediary. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "on top of" and "over" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or can merely indicate that the horizontal level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. A first feature being "below", "beneath", or "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or can merely indicate that the horizontal level of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0118] In the present disclosure, terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" are intended to mean that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, schematic references to the aforementioned terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Additionally, those skilled in the art can combine or integrate different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this specification, provided that such combinations or integrations are not mutually exclusive.

[0119] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understandable that these embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Variations, modifications, substitutions, and alterations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present disclosure, but are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0030]The present disclosure is based on the inventors' discovery and recognition of the following facts and problems: To improve the stability and reliability of signal transmission, the applicant of the present disclosure proposes an elastic contact member within a plug that is connected to a cable and directly contacts a signal contact on a circuit board elastically, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the signal transmission.

[0031]Through further research, the inventors discovered and realized that because the elastic contact member of the connector elastically contacts the signal contact on the circuit board via mechanical force, an orga...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority to the Chinese patent application with the filling No. 2023107511187 filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 21, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a technical field of data transmission, in particular to a connector and an electronic device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Connectors are used to connect different electronic components to achieve signal transmission between the connected electronic components. With continuous technological advancement, data processing speeds of modern network servers and supercomputers are becoming faster. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) use serial differential signal links to transmit ultra-high-speed data, which can reach hundreds of Gbps. On printed circuit boards (PCBs) with complex systems and high component density, it is increasingly difficult to find wiring space that meets the requirements for high-speed differential data transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to use precision cable connectors to directly transmit high-speed differential signals from ASICs to required device. The performance of cable connectors has a crucial impact on the quality of signal transmission, and even affects the integrity of signal transmission. In a connector of the related art, which is connected between a cable and contacts on a circuit board, contact members within a socket of the connector contact signal contacts on the circuit board, contact members within a plug of the connector are connected to the cable, and the contact members within the socket and the contact members within the plug are plugged into each other, making it difficult to achieve stable and reliable signal transmission.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the related art to some extent.

[0005] Therefore, an embodiment of a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector that is easy to surface treat, low in cost, and high in stability and reliability of both contact and signal transmission.

[0006] An embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device having the aforementioned connector.

[0007] The connector of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an elastic contact member and an intermediate contact member, wherein the intermediate contact member is suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to a signal contact on a circuit board; the elastic contact member comprises a wiring section and an elastic contact section; the wiring section of the elastic contact member is suitable for being connected to a cable; the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member to form an electrical connection; and at least contact parts of the intermediate contact member and elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers.

[0008] In the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the connector easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the connector. In addition, the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member and the elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are gold-plated or immersion gold-plated to form gold-plated layers or immersion gold layers.

[0010] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0011] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0012] In some embodiments, one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0013] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member is sheet-shaped or block-shaped.

[0014] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter metal, wherein a first end of the adapter metal is suitable for being soldered connection to the signal contact on the circuit board, and the other end of the adapter metal is soldered to the intermediate contact member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter, wherein a via hole is provided in the adapter, and the adapter metal is disposed within the via hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of the elastic contact members and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are provided, and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are embedded in a dielectric board.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a base suitable for being mounted onto the circuit board, wherein the dielectric board is fixed on the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion for contacting the signal contact, and a third contact portion, the second contact portion is located between the first contact portion and the third contact portion in an extending direction of the elastic contact section, and the elastic contact section is curved such that the first contact portion and the third contact portion are always in contact, or the first contact portion and the third contact portion are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and the first contact portion and the third contact portion come into contact when the second contact portion contacts the intermediate contact member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the elastic contact member is integrally formed from an elastic metal sheet, a contact surface of at least one of the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion is curved surface, and a shape of a contact part of the intermediate contact member that contacts the second contact portion is adapted to a shape of the second contact portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least a part of the elastic contact section is bent towards an inside of the elastic contact section or bent towards an outside of the elastic contact section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section includes an outwardly protruding arc segment and a zigzag segment connected to the arc segment, at least a part of the zigzag segment is opposite the arc segment, and the first contact portion is slidable relative to the third contact portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a connection sleeve sleeved over the first contact portion and the third contact portion to constrain the first contact portion and the third contact portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section is any one of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape, and a local shape of the elastic contact section is one or more of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape.

[0025] An electronic device of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a circuit board, a cable, and the connector according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect; wherein an inner conductor of the cable is connected to the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to a signal contact on the circuit board.

[0026] In the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the electronic device easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a side view of the connector according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view showing cooperation between a base and a dielectric board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of a dielectric board according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a side view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a side view of a connector according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of an elastic contact member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a side view of an elastic contact member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 15 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 16 is a side view of a connector according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic view of an elastic contact member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference numerals:

[0028] 1 - Intermediate contact member; 2 - Elastic contact member; 3 - Adapter; 4 - Dielectric board; 5 - Base; 6 - Circuit board; 7 - Housing; 21 - Wiring section; 22 - Elastic contact section; 221 - First contact portion; 222 - Second contact portion; 223 - Third contact portion; 23 - Connection sleeve; 2201 - Arc segment; 2202 - Zigzag segment; 31 - Via hole; 32 - Adapter metal; 321 - First end of the adapter metal; 322 - The other end of the adapter metal; 3211 - First segment; 3212 - Second segment; 3213 - Third segment; 3214 - Fourth segment; 61 - Signal contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present disclosure, but are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0030] The present disclosure is based on the inventors' discovery and recognition of the following facts and problems: To improve the stability and reliability of signal transmission, the applicant of the present disclosure proposes an elastic contact member within a plug that is connected to a cable and directly contacts a signal contact on a circuit board elastically, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the signal transmission.

[0031] Through further research, the inventors discovered and realized that because the elastic contact member of the connector elastically contacts the signal contact on the circuit board via mechanical force, an organic film on the elastic contact member and an organic film on the signal contact on the circuit board can detach under the action of the mechanical force, exposing the elastic contact member and the signal contact on the circuit board to air. The material of the signal contact on the circuit board and the elastic contact member of the connector is generally copper. Exposure of bare copper to air forms an oxide film, affecting the reliability and stability of the connection.

[0032] To prevent oxidation of the elastic contact member and the signal contact on the circuit board, surface treatment (such as gold plating or immersion gold plating) is required on the elastic contact member and the circuit board, so that robust, anti-oxidation films are created on the surfaces of the elastic contact member and the circuit board.

[0033] The inventors realized that the elastic contact member is a separate small component, making surface treatment such as gold plating or immersion gold plating relatively easy. However, surface treatment processes like gold plating or immersion gold plating for circuit boards with numerous contacts are complex, costly, and difficult.

[0034] Hereinafter, a connector and an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] The connector of an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes elastic contact members 2 and intermediate contact members 1. The intermediate contact member 1 is suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to a signal contact 61 on a circuit board 6. The elastic contact member 2 includes a wiring section 21 and an elastic contact section 22. The wiring section 21 of the elastic contact member 2 is suitable for being connected to a cable. The elastic contact section 22 of the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member 1 to form an electrical connection. At least contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers.

[0036] The intermediate contact member 1 is connected to the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 by soldering. Thus, the soldered portion between the intermediate contact member 1 and the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 is not exposed to air, preventing oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6.

[0037] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 are soldered using solder. The soldered part of the signal contact 61 between the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 is covered by the solder, preventing the signal contact 61 between the intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6 from being exposed to air, and preventing oxidation of the signal contact 61 of the circuit board 6 and the intermediate contact member 1.

[0038] The elastic contact section 22 on the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member 1. The part where the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 contact each other can be exposed to air under mechanical force. At least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers, preventing oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2.

[0039] Since both the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 are small components, surface treatment is less difficult, treatment cost is lower, and contact and signal transmission stability and reliability are high, enabling the connector to operate stably over a long period.

[0040] In addition, the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 are in elastic contact, and the intermediate contact member 1 is soldered to the circuit board 6, resulting in easier operation and lower difficulty of use during operation.

[0041] In the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the connector easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the connector. In addition, the connector of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other are gold-plated or immersion gold-plated to form gold-plated layers or immersion gold layers.

[0043] Gold does not form an oxide film when exposed to air. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2 that are in contact with each other can prevent oxidation of the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2. Furthermore, the gold-plated layer and immersion gold layer are relatively robust and will not detach under mechanical force.

[0044] Therefore, in some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on an entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0045] In gold plating or immersion gold plating processes, gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 is easier than gold plating or immersion gold plating on a part of the outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member 1 can improve the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the intermediate contact member 1.

[0046] Therefore, in some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact section 22 of the elastic contact member 2 by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

[0047] In gold plating or immersion gold plating processes, gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 is easier than gold plating or immersion gold plating on a part of the outer surface of the elastic contact member 2. Gold plating or immersion gold plating on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 can improve the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the elastic contact member 2.

[0048] In some embodiments, a gold-plated layer or an immersion gold layer is formed on the entire outer surface of the elastic contact member 2 by gold plating or immersion gold plating, further improving the efficiency of gold plating or immersion gold plating on the elastic contact member 2.

[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the elastic contact member 2 is planar.

[0050] When the part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the elastic contact member 2 is planar, the contact area between the elastic contact member 2 and the intermediate contact member 1 is relatively large, resulting in higher contact stability.

[0051] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped or block-shaped.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped.

[0053] When the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1, the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6 is relatively large. That is, when a position between a housing 7 and the circuit board 6 reaches a limit position, the compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 is greater, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0054] Furthermore, the greater compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 allows, for a connector with a housing 7, the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 to reduce a size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7. The block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 can also reduce flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped.

[0056] When the elastic contact member 2 is in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1, the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6 is relatively small. That is, other components can be arranged between the sheet-shaped intermediate contact member 1 and the circuit board 6, increasing the available space of the electronic device.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate contact member 1 is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board 6.

[0058] When the intermediate contact member 1 contacts the elastic contact member 2, the arc shape of the intermediate contact member 1 cooperates with the elastic contact section 22, resulting in better contact effect between the intermediate contact member 1 and the elastic contact member 2.

[0059] In addition, the intermediate contact member 1 can limit the range of motion of the elastic contact member 2, thereby increasing the contact effect between the elastic contact member 2 and the intermediate contact member 1 and improving the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board 6, and the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped. When the elastic contact member 2 contacts the intermediate contact member 1, the compression is significant, and the range of motion of the elastic contact member 2 relative to the intermediate contact member 1 is relatively small, further improving the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0061] Furthermore, for a connector with a housing 7, the intermediate contact member 1 can further reduce the size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7 and the flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the connector further includes an adapter metal 32. A first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 is suitable for being soldered connection to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6, and the other end 322 of the adapter metal 32 is soldered to the intermediate contact member 1.

[0063] The first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 can be directly soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6. Alternatively, the first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 can also be indirectly soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6.

[0064] The adapter metal 32 can increase the spacing between the elastic contact member 2 and the circuit board 6. That is, when the position between the housing 7 and the circuit board 6 reaches a limit position, the compression of the elastic contact member 2 in elastic contact with the block-shaped intermediate contact member 1 is greater, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0065] The adapter metal 32 can be an integrated structure or can be composed of a plurality of segments.

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the adapter metal 32 is composed of four segments. The other end 322 of the adapter metal 32 is located on a first segment 3211. The first end 321 of the adapter metal 32 is located on a fourth segment 3214. The first segment 3211, a second segment 3212, a third segment 3213, and the fourth segment 3214 are sequentially connected end-to-end from top to bottom by soldering.

[0067] In some embodiments, the connector further includes an adapter 3. A via hole 31 is provided in the adapter 3, and the adapter metal 32 is disposed within the via hole 31.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adapter metal 32 is made of copper.

[0069] In some embodiments, the adapter metal 32 is a copper pillar.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate contact member 1 is sheet-shaped. The sheet-shaped intermediate contact member 1 cooperates with the adapter 3 to increase the compression of the elastic contact member 2, thereby improving the contact performance of the connector.

[0071] In some embodiments, the intermediate contact member 1 is the signal contact 61, and the adapter 3 is a circuit board. The intermediate contact member 1 and the adapter 3 cooperate to form an adapter circuit board. In practical applications, there is no need to separately produce the intermediate contact member 1, thus improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0072] It should be noted that, unlike the circuit board 6 with numerous contacts, the adapter circuit board is a small component, and signal contacts 61 of the adapter circuit board are few in number, making it convenient for surface treatment.

[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the intermediate contact member 1 is block-shaped, which can further improve the contact performance and electrical performance of the connector.

[0074] Furthermore, for a connector with a housing 7, the intermediate contact member 1 can further reduce the size of the elastic contact member 2 exposed outside the housing 7 and the flatness requirements for the elastic contact member 2.

[0075] One adapter 3 can be provided, or a plurality of adapters 3 can be provided.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, one adapter 3 is provided.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, two adapters 3 are provided.

[0078] When there are numerous intermediate contact members 1, soldering each intermediate contact member 1 individually is inefficient.

[0079] Therefore, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of the elastic contact members 2 and a plurality of the intermediate contact members 1 are provided, and the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 are embedded in a dielectric board 4.

[0080] When mounting the plurality of intermediate contact members 1, the dielectric board 4 is soldered onto the circuit board 6 as a whole, enabling soldering of the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 at once and improving the mounting efficiency of the intermediate contact members 1.

[0081] In some embodiments, the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 correspond one-to-one with the signal contacts 61, and the plurality of intermediate contact members 1 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of elastic contact members 2.

[0082] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector further includes a base 5 suitable for being mounted onto the circuit board 6, and the dielectric board 4 is fixed on the base 5.

[0083] When mounting the dielectric board 4, the base 5 can position the dielectric board 4, facilitating soldering of the dielectric board 4 and further improving the mounting efficiency of the intermediate contact members 1.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic contact section 22 includes a first contact portion 221, a second contact portion 222 for contacting the signal contact 61, and a third contact portion 223. The second contact portion 222 is located between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 in an extending direction of the elastic contact section 22. The elastic contact section 22 is curved such that the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are always in contact, or the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 come into contact when the second contact portion 222 contacts the intermediate contact member 1. That is, regarding the contact state between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 is in contact or not in contact with the signal contact 61, there can be two scenarios. One is that regardless of whether the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 always remain in contact. The other is that when the second contact portion 222 is not in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are also not in contact; when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are in contact.

[0085] When the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are in contact, as shown in FIG. 9, it can be understood that the elastic contact section 22 forms a closed state. When the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are not in contact, as shown in FIG. 8, it can be understood that the elastic contact section 22 forms an open shape.

[0086] Since the first contact portion 221 contacts the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 contacts the signal contact 61, the second contact portion 222 can form a conductive relationship with the wiring section 21 simultaneously via two paths. This can be understood as the elastic contact section 22 having two cross-sections, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the characteristic impedance of the elastic contact member 2.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic contact member 2 can be roughly divided into two parts, namely, the wiring section 21 and the elastic contact section 22, respectively. The shapes of the conductors in the cross-sections of the two parts can differ, but both need to meet the characteristic impedance requirement of 85 ohms. The wiring section 21 is completely encapsulated by plastic within the connector. The elastic contact section 22 undergoes bending deformation and cannot be fixed by plastic. The medium surrounding the elastic contact section 22 is primarily air. This requires that, in cross-section, the area of the signal conductor be larger than that of the wiring section 21, and the spacing of the signal conductors be smaller than that of the wiring section 21 to achieve a same impedance.

[0088] In some embodiments, the elastic contact member 2 is integrally formed from an elastic metal sheet, thereby improving product consistency. A contact surface of at least one of the first contact portion 221, the second contact portion 222, and the third contact portion 223 is a curved surface. A shape of a contact part of the intermediate contact member 1 that contacts the second contact portion 222 is adapted to a shape of the second contact portion 222.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the contact surfaces of the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 are curved surfaces, they can slide relative smoothly. When the contact surface of the second contact portion 222 is a curved surface, the second contact portion 222 can better contact the signal contact 61.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the elastic contact section 22 is formed by connecting a plurality of arc segments, each arc segment having a radius of 0.1 mm to 6 mm. In FIG. 10, the elastic contact section 22 consists of four arc segments with radii R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively, where R1 has the smallest value and R3 has the largest value. The elastic contact section 22 can also include straight segments and arc segments; that is, some positions can be designed as straight segments.

[0091] In some embodiments, at least a part of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, the entire portion of elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0093] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is any one of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape. A local shape of the elastic contact section 22 is one or more of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape.

[0094] In some embodiments, a main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is W-shaped, and the local shape of the elastic contact section 22 is S-shaped or W-shaped.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the local shapes of the elastic contact section 22 are W-shaped and C-shaped.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is C-shaped.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the main body shape of the elastic contact section 22 is elliptical or O-shaped.

[0098] In some embodiments, a second end (i.e., a terminal end) of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22 or bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0099] In some embodiments, the elastic contact section 22 includes an outwardly protruding arc segment 2201 and a zigzag segment 2202 connected to the arc segment 2201. At least a part of the zigzag segment 2202 is opposite the arc segment 2201.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second end of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the inside of the elastic contact section 22. As shown in FIG. 12, the second end of the elastic contact section 22 is bent towards the outside of the elastic contact section 22.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the zigzag segment 2202 has a plurality of arcs, and the overall zigzag segment 2202 can be a wave-like shape. The arc segment 2201 has an arc. The zigzag segment 2202 is located on a concave side of the arc segment 2201.

[0102] Designing the elastic contact section 22 to include an outwardly protruding arc segment 2201 and a zigzag segment 2202 connected to the arc segment 2201 can further improve impedance matching.

[0103] It is understandable that the shape of the elastic contact section 22 can also be other shapes besides those listed in the above embodiments.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the elastic contact section 22 is formed from an elastic metal sheet with a rectangular cross-section. The thickness of the elastic metal sheet is 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm. The width a of the elastic metal sheet is 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the thickness of the elastic metal sheet is 0.08 mm, and the width of the elastic metal sheet is 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art can select the thickness and width of the elastic metal sheet according to the performance requirements of different connectors.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 10, the overall height H of the elastic contact section 22 is 2 mm to 5 mm. The overall width W of the elastic contact section 22 is 1.2 mm to 2.4 mm. Here, height H refers to a distance from the topmost end to the bottommost end of the elastic contact section 22. Here, overall width refers to a distance from the leftmost end to the rightmost end of the elastic contact section 22.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first contact portion 221 is slidable relative to the third contact portion 223.

[0108] When the second contact portion 222 is in elastic contact with the signal contact 61, the signal contact 61 forms support to the second contact portion 222, causing elastic deformation of the elastic contact member 2. This changes the position of the first contact portion 221 relative to the third contact portion 223. If the first contact portion 221 is always in contact with the third contact portion 223, then when the second contact portion 222 is in elastic contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 slides a distance relative to the third contact portion 223. If the first contact portion 221 is spaced apart from the third contact portion 223 by a predetermined distance, then when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61, the first contact portion 221 gradually approaches the third contact portion 223, until it comes into contact with the third contact portion 223. After contact, it can also slide a distance relative to the third contact portion 223.

[0109] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the connector further includes a connection sleeve 23. The connection sleeve 23 is sleeved over the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 to constrain the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223. This allows the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223 to move relative to each other within a predetermined range, preventing separation between the first contact portion 221 and the third contact portion 223, thus effectively ensuring that the first contact portion 221 can be in stable contact with the third contact portion 223 when the second contact portion 222 is in contact with the signal contact 61.

[0110] The electronic device of an embodiment of the second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a circuit board 6, a cable, and the connector according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect. An inner conductor of the cable is connected to the elastic contact member 2. The intermediate contact member 1 is soldered to the signal contact 61 on the circuit board 6.

[0111] In the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the intermediate contact member is in elastic contact with the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to the circuit board. During the surface treatment process, only small components need to be surface treated, avoiding surface treatment of the circuit board with numerous contacts. This makes the electronic device easy to surface treat, reduces the cost of surface treatment, resulting in high stability and reliability of contact and signal transmission of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is relatively easy to use.

[0112] It should be noted that the explanations of the connector provided in the aforementioned embodiments are also applicable to the electronic device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] All embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented individually or in combination with other embodiments, all of which are considered within the scope of protection claimed by the present disclosure.

[0114] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that terms such as "center", "longitudinal"," transverse", " length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are used only for convenience in describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred apparatus or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0115] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the referred technical features. Thus, features defined by "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of the present disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0116] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, terms such as "mounting", "connection", "coupling", "fixing", etc., shall be construed broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communicative connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediary; they can refer to internal communications between two elements or interaction relationships between two elements, unless otherwise expressly defined. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood based on specific contexts.

[0117] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, a first feature being "on" or "under" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact via an intermediary. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "on top of" and "over" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or can merely indicate that the horizontal level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. A first feature being "below", "beneath", or "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or can merely indicate that the horizontal level of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0118] In the present disclosure, terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" are intended to mean that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, schematic references to the aforementioned terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Additionally, those skilled in the art can combine or integrate different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this specification, provided that such combinations or integrations are not mutually exclusive.

[0119] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understandable that these embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Variations, modifications, substitutions, and alterations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0029]Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present disclosure, but are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0030]The present disclosure is based on the inventors' discovery and recognition of the following facts and problems: To improve the stability and reliability of signal transmission, the applicant of the present disclosure proposes an elastic contact member within a plug that is connected to a cable and directly contacts a signal contact on a circuit board elastically, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the signal transmission.

[0031]Through further research, the inventors discovered and realized that because the elastic contact member of the connector elastically contacts the signal contact on the circuit board via mechanical force, an orga...

Claims

1. A connector, comprising an elastic contact member and an intermediate contact member, wherein the intermediate contact member is suitable for being directly or indirectly welded and connected to a signal contact on a circuit board; the elastic contact member comprises a wiring section and an elastic contact section; the wiring section of the elastic contact member is suitable for being connected to a cable; the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member is in elastic contact with the intermediate contact member to form an electrical connection; and at least contact parts of the intermediate contact member and elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are surface-treated to form anti-oxidation layers.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein at least the contact parts of the intermediate contact member and the elastic contact member that are in contact with each other are gold-plated or immersion gold-plated to form gold-plated layers or immersion gold layers.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the intermediate contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact section of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein one of the gold-plated layers or one of the immersion gold layers is formed on an entire outer surface of the elastic contact member by gold plating or immersion gold plating.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intermediate contact member is sheet-shaped or block-shaped.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the intermediate contact member is arc-shaped and protrudes toward a side of the circuit board.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an adapter metal, wherein a first end of the adapter metal is suitable for being soldered connection to the signal contact on the circuit board, and the other end of the adapter metal is soldered to the intermediate contact member.

9. The connector according to claim 8, further comprising an adapter, wherein a via hole is provided in the adapter, and the adapter metal is disposed within the via hole.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the elastic contact members and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are provided, and a plurality of the intermediate contact members are embedded in a dielectric board.

11. The connector according to claim 10, further comprising a base suitable for being mounted onto the circuit board, wherein the dielectric board is fixed on the base.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the elastic contact section comprises a first contact portion, a second contact portion for contacting the signal contact, and a third contact portion, the second contact portion is located between the first contact portion and the third contact portion in an extending direction of the elastic contact section, and the elastic contact section is curved such that the first contact portion and the third contact portion are always in contact, or the first contact portion and the third contact portion are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and the first contact portion and the third contact portion come into contact when the second contact portion contacts the intermediate contact member.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the elastic contact member is integrally formed from an elastic metal sheet, a contact surface of at least one of the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the third contact portion is curved surface, and a shape of a contact part of the intermediate contact member that contacts the second contact portion is adapted to a shape of the second contact portion.

14. The connector according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least a part of the elastic contact section is bent towards an inside of the elastic contact section or bent towards an outside of the elastic contact section.

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein the elastic contact section comprises an outwardly protruding arc segment and a zigzag segment connected to the arc segment, at least a part of the zigzag segment is opposite the arc segment, and the first contact portion is slidable relative to the third contact portion.

16. The connector according to claim 15, further comprising a connection sleeve sleeved over the first contact portion and the third contact portion to constrain the first contact portion and the third contact portion.

17. The connector according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a main body shape of the elastic contact section is any one of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape, and a local shape of the elastic contact section is one or more of a circle, an ellipse, an O-shape, a C-shape, a W-shape, and an S-shape.

18. An electronic device, comprising a circuit board, a cable, and the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17; wherein an inner conductor of the cable is connected to the elastic contact member, and the intermediate contact member is soldered to a signal contact on the circuit board.

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