Miniaturized electrical connectors for small electronic systems.

Abstract

To provide an electrical connector that can be manufactured at lower cost and can be made smaller and lighter. [Solution] The electrical connector (100) includes an insulating housing (101) and a plurality of terminals (200) disposed in the insulating housing. The insulating housing includes a top surface (103), a bottom surface (105) opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces (107, 109, 111, 113) extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. Corners between at least two adjacent side surfaces of the side surfaces are formed as chamfered surfaces (133). Such a configuration reduces the dimensions of the electrical connector, enabling a more compact arrangement of components on an electronic system and reducing the dimensions of the electronic system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202021855660.5, filed on August 31, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors for providing electrical connections between electronic systems such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). [Background technology]

[0003] Electrical connectors can be used to electrically connect different electronic systems to one another. One typical electrical connector is a card edge connector that can be mounted on a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, so that the terminal tails of the card edge connector can be electrically connected to the conductive portions of the first electronic system, for example, by soldering. The card edge connector can also function as a female connector for directly interfacing with conductive portions on or near the edge of a PCB of a second electronic system, such as a daughter card, so that the conductive portions of the second electronic system make contact with corresponding terminal contacts of the card edge connector. In this case, the PCB itself functions as a male connector for interfacing with the card edge connector without the need for a separate male connector. In this way, the conductive portions of the second electronic system can electrically connect to corresponding conductive portions of the first electronic system via the terminals of the card edge connector, thereby achieving electrical connection between the first and second electronic systems. This makes it possible to manufacture individual PCBs for specific purposes and then electrically connect the individual PCBs to each other using a card edge connector to form the desired system, rather than manufacturing the entire system as a single component. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to miniaturized electrical connectors for miniature electronic systems.

[0005] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a top surface having a socket, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the plurality of side surfaces including first and second side surfaces extending perpendicular to each other. Each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion being accessible through the socket of the insulating housing and the tail portion protruding from the bottom surface of the insulating housing. The insulating housing includes a chamfered surface connecting one of the first side surfaces and one of the second side surfaces.

[0006] In some embodiments, the insulating housing can include an outwardly projecting platform at one end of the insulating housing near the bottom surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the platform may include a corner portion with a chamfered surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the chamfered surface may be a first chamfered surface, and the platform may include a second chamfered surface such that the platform has a trapezoidal shape.

[0009] In some embodiments, the terminals may be arranged in two mutually opposing, spaced apart rows within the insulating housing, with the terminals in each row aligned therein.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrical connector can include at least one retention mechanism for holding the terminals in position relative to one another.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one retention mechanism may be overmolded around the plurality of terminals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insulating housing can include at least one retention mechanism.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one retention mechanism is formed separately from the insulating housing and is removably mountable within the insulating housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the retention mechanism can include two halves with interlocking mechanisms, each of which can retain a row of terminals formed by some of the plurality of terminals.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include a positioning mechanism to ensure proper positioning of the electrical connector on the electronic system when the electrical connector is attached to the electronic system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include a locking mechanism for locking the electrical connector to the electronic system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may be a vertical connector or a right-angle connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electronic system may be a printed circuit board.

[0019] In some embodiments, one of the first sides can extend into the first surface. One of the second sides can extend into the second surface. The first and second surfaces can intersect along a line. The chamfered surface can be spaced from the line by a distance of 0.36 mm or more.

[0020] In some embodiments, the platform may include a slot for receiving the tab.

[0021] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system. The electronic system may include a printed circuit board and an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a socket, a bottom surface mounted toward the printed circuit board, and a plurality of side surfaces extending perpendicular to the bottom surface, the plurality of side surfaces including first and second side surfaces extending perpendicular to each other. Each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion being accessible through the socket of the insulating housing and the tail portion protruding from the bottom surface of the insulating housing. The printed circuit board may include a first end and a second end, and a curved corner may join the first end and the second end. The electrical connector may be mounted to the printed circuit board with the first side surface adjacent to and parallel with the first end and the second side surface adjacent to and parallel with the second end. The insulating housing may include an angled surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface. The angled surface may be mounted adjacent to the curved corner.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating housing can include a socket portion including the socket, and at least one platform extending from the socket portion in a direction parallel to the bottom surface, and the angled surface can include a surface of one of the at least one platform.

[0023] In some embodiments, the platform may be a first platform. The at least one platform may include a second platform extending from the socket portion in an opposite direction from the first platform. The angled surface may be a first angled surface. The second platform may include a second angled surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electronic system can include a plurality of securing tabs extending through the first platform and the second platform and engaging the electrical connector to the printed circuit board.

[0025] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical portion can include an insulating housing having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of terminals are disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals having a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion being accessible through a socket in the insulating housing, and the tail portion protruding from the bottom surface and configured to be attached to an electronic system. Corners between at least two adjacent side surfaces of the side surfaces are formed as chamfered surfaces.

[0026] In some embodiments, a portion of at least one end of the insulating housing near the bottom surface may protrude outward to form a platform.

[0027] In some embodiments, chamfers may be formed at the corners of the platform.

[0028] In some embodiments, each of the two corner portions of the platform can be formed as a chamfered surface, such that the platform has a trapezoidal shape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the terminals may be arranged in two mutually opposing, spaced apart rows within the insulating housing, with the terminals in each row aligned therein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electrical connector can include at least one retention mechanism for holding the terminals in position relative to one another.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one retention mechanism may be overmolded around the plurality of terminals.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one retention mechanism may be provided by an insulating housing.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one retention mechanism is formed separately from the insulating housing and is removably mountable within the insulating housing.

[0034] In some embodiments, the retention mechanism can include two halves with an interlocking mechanism, each half holding a row of terminals formed by some of the plurality of terminals.

[0035] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include a positioning mechanism provided on the insulating housing to ensure proper positioning of the electrical connector on the electronic system when the electrical connector is attached to the electronic system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include a securing mechanism provided on the insulating housing for securing the electrical connector to the electronic system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may be a vertical connector or a right-angle connector.

[0038] In some embodiments, the electronic system may be a printed circuit board.

[0039] In some embodiments, a corner portion formed as a chamfer can allow the corner portion to be lowered inward by at least 0.36 mm compared to when the corner portion is not formed as a chamfer.

[0040] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The above summary is provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more fully understood and appreciated hereinafter when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be noted are schematic only and are not to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a vertical connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the area A enclosed by the dotted circle in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 1 is a top view of a printed circuit board having mounted thereon a vertical connector having conventional corner portions. [Figure 5D] 2 is a top view of a printed circuit board mounted with the vertical connector of FIG. 1 having chamfered corners. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a set of three terminals that can be used in the vertical connector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a right side view of the set of three terminals shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the set of three terminals shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the set of three terminals shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 7B is a front view of a terminal row including nine sets of three terminals shown in FIG. 7A and an additional ground terminal. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the terminal row shown in FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the terminal row shown in FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Disclosed herein is a miniaturized electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion. The contact portion may be accessible through a socket in the insulating housing, and the tail portion may protrude from the bottom surface and be attachable to an electronic system. A corner portion between at least two adjacent side surfaces of the side surfaces may be formed as a chamfered surface.

[0044] Such a configuration can reduce the size of the electrical connector. For example, when the electrical connector is attached to an electronic system such as a PCB, the electrical connector can occupy less space and be located closer to other components on the electronic system, allowing for a more compact arrangement of components on the electronic system. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical connector can be located closer to the edge of the electronic system, thereby optimizing the use of space on the electronic system. These can also reduce the size of the electronic system, so that the entire assembly including the electrical connector and electronic system can be manufactured at lower cost and can be smaller and lighter.

[0045] The electrical connector of the present disclosure may be various types of card edge connectors, including but not limited to vertical connectors and right-angle connectors. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with some examples. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments do not impose any limitations on the present disclosure.

[0046] A vertical connector 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 8C. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the vertical connector 100 may include a housing 101. The housing 101 may be formed, partially or entirely, of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for forming the housing 101 include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP). The housing 101 may have a generally rod-shaped body and may include a top surface 103, a bottom surface 105 opposite the top surface 103, and multiple side surfaces extending between the top surface 103 and the bottom surface 105. In some examples, the housing 101 may include four side surfaces: a wider front side surface 107 and a rear side surface 109, and narrower left and right side surfaces 111 and 113.

[0047] The vertical connector 100 may further include a plurality of terminals 200 housed within the housing 101. Each of the plurality of terminals 200 may be formed from a conductive material. A suitable conductive material for forming the terminals 200 may be a metal, such as copper, or a metal alloy. A set of three terminals 200 may be configured to transmit differential signals between a first electronic device (e.g., a motherboard) and a second electronic device (e.g., a daughterboard).

[0048] 7A-7D, FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate in detail a set of three terminals 200 that can be used in vertical connector 100: ground terminal 210, first signal terminal 220, and second signal terminal 230. FIG. 7A is a front view of the set of three terminals 200. FIG. 7B is a right side view of the set of three terminals 200 shown in FIG. 7A, although only second signal terminal 230 is visible because all three terminals have the same outer shape when viewed from the right side. FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the set of three terminals 200 shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the set of three terminals 200 shown in FIG. 7A.

[0049] The first signal terminal 220 and the second signal terminal 230 may form a differential signal pair. The ground terminal 210, the first signal terminal 220, and the second signal terminal 230 each include a tip portion 201, a contact portion 203, a body portion 205, and a tail portion 207. The tail portion 207 may be configured for connection to a first PCB (e.g., a motherboard). The contact portion 203 may be configured to establish electrical contact with a conductive portion of another electronic system (e.g., another PCB).

[0050] In some examples, the distance D1 between the distal end of the tip portion 201 of the first signal terminal 220 and the distal end of the tip portion 201 of the second signal terminal 230 is equal to the distance D2 between the distal end of the tip portion 201 of the first signal terminal 220 and the tip portion 201 of the ground terminal 210. In some examples, the distance D3 between the contact portion 203 of the first signal terminal 220 and the contact portion 203 of the second signal terminal 230 is equal to the distance D4 between the contact portion 203 of the first signal terminal 220 and the contact portion 203 of the ground terminal 210. In some examples, the distances D3 and D4 are shorter than the distances D1 and D2, respectively. As a non-limiting example, D1 and D2 may be equal to 0.6 mm, and D3 and D4 may be equal to 0.38 mm. The vertical connector 100 has a terminal pitch equal to D1. Thus, in the example where D1 is equal to 0.6 mm, the vertical connector 100 can be referred to as a 0.6 mm card edge connector.

[0051] Multiple sets of three terminals 200 can be arranged in a terminal row, with the terminals in each terminal row aligned therein. FIG. 8A is a front view of a terminal row 300 formed by nine sets of three terminals and an additional ground terminal 240, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the terminal row 300 shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the terminal row 300 shown in FIG. 8A. The sets of three terminals 200 are arranged so that the tip portion of each terminal in the terminal row 300 is the same distance from the tip portion of each adjacent terminal. For example, if the pitch between the tip portions of the terminals in a set of three terminals 200 is 0.6 mm, the pitch between the tip portions of terminals from immediately adjacent sets of three terminals 200 is also 0.6 mm. It should be understood that the multiple terminals 200 may be other suitable shapes.

[0052] 5A and 6, when the terminals 200 are received in the housing 101, the terminals 200 are arranged in two mutually opposing, spaced-apart terminal rows, with the terminals in each terminal row aligned therein. The two terminal rows can be spaced apart such that the terminals 200 are offset from one another or aligned with one another. Conductive portions of a second PCB (e.g., a daughter board) can be inserted between the two terminal rows such that the conductive portions of the second PCB are disposed in contact with the contact portions 203 of the corresponding terminals 200.

[0053] In some embodiments, the vertical connector 100 can include at least one retention mechanism for holding the plurality of terminals 200 in position relative to one another. The retention mechanism can be formed partially or entirely from an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for forming the retention mechanism include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP).

[0054] At least one retention mechanism may be overmolded around a plurality of terminals 200. In some examples, at least one retention mechanism may be formed separately from housing 101 and then removably attached within housing 101. Referring back to FIGS. 2, 3, 5A, and 6, two retention mechanisms are shown therein: first retention mechanism 115 and second retention mechanism 117. In some examples, first retention mechanism 115 and second retention mechanism 117 may each be overmolded around a number of terminals 200 to hold the terminals in two rows of terminals opposed and spaced apart from each other.

[0055] The first retention mechanism 115 and the second retention mechanism 117 can then be secured within the housing 101, thereby retaining the row of terminals within the housing 101. In some examples, the first retention mechanism 115 and the second retention mechanism 117 can include snap-fit ​​mechanisms for cooperating with corresponding mechanisms on the housing 101 to secure the retention mechanisms within the housing 101. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 5A , and 6 , at least one of the first retention mechanism 115 and the second retention mechanism 117 can be a two-part retention mechanism that can include two halves with interlocking mechanisms, each half holding a row of terminals formed by some of the plurality of terminals 200. Each half holds a row of terminals, and the two halves are locked in place relative to each other by the interlocking mechanisms. It should be understood that the vertical connector 100 can have other numbers and / or types of retention mechanisms. It should be understood that the retention mechanisms are not required but merely optional. In some embodiments, the housing 101 can be overmolded directly around the terminals 200 without the need for a separate retention mechanism, i.e., the housing 101 itself forms the retention mechanism.

[0056] 2, 3, 5A, and 6, when terminals 200 are held within housing 101, tail portions 207 of terminals 200 can be positioned to protrude from bottom surface 105 of housing 101 for connection to corresponding conductive portions of a first PCB (e.g., a motherboard). For example, each of tail portions 207 can be bent in an opposite direction relative to body portion 205 for connection to the first PCB. Connection can be achieved by soldering or other suitable means.

[0057] The top surface 103 of the housing 101 of the vertical connector 100 may include at least one socket through which the contact portions 203 of each of the multiple terminals 200 are accessible. For example, a second PCB (e.g., a daughter board) may be inserted into the at least one socket such that conductive portions (e.g., conductive traces) of the second PCB are positioned in contact with the contact portions 203 of the corresponding terminals 200. For example, the conductive portions of the second PCB may be received between two rows of terminals that face each other and contact the contact portions 203 of the corresponding terminals 200. In this manner, the conductive portions of the second PCB may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portions of the first PCB via the terminals 200, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second PCB and the first PCB. The first and second PCBs may communicate with each other by transmitting signals via the vertical connector 100 using a standardized protocol, such as the PCI protocol. Two sockets, a first socket 119 and a second socket 121, are shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A . The second socket 121 can accept a different portion of the same PCB or a different PCB as accepted by the first socket 119. In some examples, the first socket 119 and the second socket 121 can be designed to provide access to different numbers of terminals. For example, the first socket 119 can provide access to 68 terminals, and the second socket 121 can provide access to 56 terminals. In one aspect, this can enable the vertical connector to accept PCBs of different sizes. In another aspect, this can provide an easy-to-operate design to prevent intended or unintended combination or operational errors. It should be understood that the top surface 103 of the housing 101 can have other numbers of sockets, such as one socket or more than two sockets. It should also be understood that the number of sockets can be the same as or different from that of the retention mechanism.For example, when the top surface 103 of the housing 101 includes two sockets, the vertical connector 100 can include two retention mechanisms to make the contact portions 203 of the multiple terminals 200 accessible through the two sockets.

[0058] The vertical connector 100 may further include a positioning mechanism provided on the housing 101 to ensure proper positioning of the vertical connector 100 on the first PCB when the vertical connector 100 is attached to the first PCB. For example, the positioning mechanism may be in the form of a positioning protrusion having two positioning protrusions 123 shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6 . The two positioning protrusions 123 are provided on the bottom surface 105 of the housing 101 near opposite ends of the vertical connector 100. However, it should be understood that the positioning protrusions 123 may be provided in other suitable locations on the bottom surface 105. The positioning protrusions 123 may also be designed to provide an easy-to-operate design to prevent the vertical connector 100 from being intentionally or unintentionally attached to the first PCB in the wrong orientation. For example, when the vertical connector 100 is attached to a first PCB, the positioning protrusions 123 can cooperate with corresponding positioning features (e.g., recesses or openings) in the first PCB to ensure proper positioning of the vertical connector 100 on the first PCB. It should be understood that the vertical connector 100 can have other numbers and / or types of positioning features.

[0059] The vertical connector 100 may further include a securing mechanism for securing the vertical connector 100 to the first PCB. For example, the securing mechanism may be in the form of a securing tab having three securing tabs 125 as shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6. The securing tabs 125 may be formed from a metallic or non-metallic material. Receiving slots 127 may be formed at the end of the housing 101 of the vertical connector 100 to receive the securing tabs 125. Each of the securing tabs 125 may be received in a corresponding receiving slot 127 and protrude from the bottom surface 105 of the vertical connector 100, with the protruding portion of the securing tab 125 being received by a mating portion of the first PCB, thereby securely securing the vertical connector 100 to the first PCB. In some examples, the portion of the securing tab 125 protruding from the bottom surface 105 of the connector 100 may include a mounting hole. In some examples, each securing tab may be T-shaped. It should be understood that the vertical connector 100 may have other numbers and / or types of fastening mechanisms.

[0060] To minimize the space occupied by the vertical connector 100 on the first PCB, corners between at least two adjacent sides of the housing 101 can be formed as chamfered surfaces 133 to reduce the space occupied by the housing 101 on the first PCB. In some examples, corners between at least two adjacent sides of the front side 107, the rear side 109, the left side 111, and the right side 113 of the housing 101 are formed as chamfered surfaces 133. In some examples, all of the corners between adjacent sides of the housing 101 are formed as chamfered surfaces 133. In some examples, each of the corners between adjacent sides of the housing 101 near the edge of the first PCB is formed as a chamfered surface 133.

[0061] In conventional vertical connectors, the corners between adjacent sides are typically formed as rounded or beveled portions. Compared to conventional vertical connectors, the corners between adjacent sides of the vertical connector 100 formed as chamfered surfaces can reduce the dimensions of the vertical connector 100 and therefore the space occupied by the housing 101 on the first PCB. This allows the vertical connector 100 to be disposed closer to other components on the first PCB, thereby enabling a more compact arrangement of components on the PCB. In addition, the vertical connector 100 can also be disposed closer to the edge of the first PCB, thereby optimizing the use of space on the first PCB. This allows the dimensions of the PCB to be reduced, resulting in the entire assembly including the vertical connector and PCB being manufactured at lower cost and being more compact and lightweight.

[0062] 5B illustrates a comparison between a case where the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 is not formed as a chamfered surface 133 and a case where the corner is formed as a chamfered surface 133, where the dotted line B represents the general outline of the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 when the corner is not formed as a chamfered surface 133. Compared to a case where the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 is not formed as a chamfered surface 133, the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 formed as a chamfered surface 133 allows the corner to be lowered inward by a distance S, where the distance S is the perpendicular distance from the intersection line of the plane where the adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 are disposed relative to the corresponding chamfered surface 133. In some small size vertical connectors 100 (e.g., 0.6 mm card edge connectors as described above), the corner portions between adjacent sides formed as chamfered surfaces 133 allow the corner portions to be lowered inward by at least 0.36 mm compared to when the corner portions are not formed as chamfered surfaces 133.

[0063] 5C and 5D respectively illustrate the arrangement of the vertical connector 100 relative to the end 401 of the printed circuit board 400 when the corner of the vertical connector 100 is not formed as a chamfered surface 133 and when the corner is formed as a chamfered surface 133, and FIG. 5C illustrates the general shape of the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 when the corner is not formed as a chamfered surface 133. In some examples, the printed circuit board 400 may have a curved end. As can be seen from FIGS. 5C and 5D, the corner between adjacent side surfaces of the vertical connector 100 formed as a chamfered surface 133 allows the corner to be lowered inward, thereby allowing the vertical connector 100 to be disposed closer to the end 401 of the printed circuit board 400 when mounted on the printed circuit board 400 than when the corner is not formed as a chamfered surface 133. This allows for optimization of space utilization on the printed circuit board 400, thereby allowing the dimensions of the printed circuit board 400 to be reduced, which in turn allows the entire assembly including the vertical connector 100 and the printed circuit board 400 to be less expensive to manufacture, smaller, and lighter.

[0064] In some embodiments, portions of opposing ends of the housing 101 proximate the bottom surface 105 can protrude outward to form platforms. As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , portions of the left and right ends of the housing 101 proximate the bottom surface 105 protrude outward to form a first platform 129 and a second platform 131, respectively. The first platform 129 and the second platform 131 can be configured to provide additional mechanical support to the vertical connector 100 when the vertical connector 100 is attached to a first PCB. In some examples, receiving slots 127 for receiving the securing tabs 125 can be formed in the first platform 129 and the second platform 131. In some examples, the receiving slots 127 for receiving the securing tabs 125 can be formed through the first platform 129 and the second platform 131. In this case, the securing tabs 125 can be secured into the receiving slots 127 from the sides of the first platform 129 and second platform 131 facing the bottom surface 105 and then partially protrude from the bottom surface 105. It should be understood that the housing 101 can have only one platform.

[0065] 1-6 , chamfered surfaces 133 may be formed on corner portions of the first platform 129 and the second platform 131, respectively, to reduce the space occupied by the platforms on the first PCB, thereby reducing the space occupied by the housing 101 on the first PCB. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 4-6 , chamfered surfaces 133 may be formed on two corner portions of each of the first platform 129 and the second platform 131, resulting in each of the first platform 129 and the second platform 131 tapering outward and each of the first platform 129 and the second platform 131 having a generally trapezoidal shape. In this manner, the vertical connector 100 may occupy less space and be disposed closer to other components on the first PCB, thereby enabling a more compact arrangement of components on the PCB. Additionally, the vertical connector 100 can be disposed closer to the edge of the first PCB, thereby optimizing space utilization on the first PCB. This allows the PCB dimensions to be reduced, resulting in the entire assembly including the vertical connector and PCB being less expensive to manufacture and more compact and lightweight. It should be understood that the housing 101 of the vertical connector 100 can have one platform or more than two platforms.

[0066] While the present disclosure has been described in detail above with respect to a vertical connector, it should be understood that the present disclosure is also applicable to right-angle connectors. Unlike the vertical connector 100, in a right-angle connector, the socket is formed on a side surface of the insulating housing rather than on the top surface of the insulating housing, and the terminals of the right-angle connector are configured so that contact portions of the terminals are accessible through the socket. For example, the right-angle connector can be used to connect a mezzanine card to a motherboard. In some examples, the right-angle connector can be configured to be attached to a first PCB (such as a motherboard) so that trailing portions of the terminals of the right-angle connector are electrically connected to conductive portions (e.g., conductive traces) of the first PCB. A second PCB (such as a mezzanine card) can be inserted into the socket so that the conductive portions of the second PCB are disposed in contact with the contact portions of the corresponding terminals. In this manner, the conductive portions of the second PCB can be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portions of the first PCB via the terminals of the right-angle connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second PCB and the first PCB. The first and second PCBs can communicate with each other by transmitting signals using right-angle connectors using a standardized protocol, such as the PCI protocol.

[0067] It should also be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one element or component from another, and these elements and / or components should not be limited by this terminology.

[0068] The present disclosure has been described in detail in combination with specific embodiments. Obviously, it should be understood that the embodiments shown in the above description and accompanying drawings are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100 Vertical Connector 101 Case 103 Top surface 105 bottom 107 Front side 109 Posterior side 111 left side 113 Right side 115 First Retention Mechanism 117 Secondary Retention Mechanism 119 First Socket 121 Second Socket 123 Positioning protrusion 125 fixed tab 127 Receiving Slots 129 First Platform 131 Second Platform 133 Chamfered surface 200 terminals 201 Tip part 203 Contact part 205 Main body part 207 End part 210 Ground terminal 220 first signal terminal 230 Second signal terminal 240 Additional Ground Terminal 300 terminal rows 400 Printed Circuit Board 401 End

Claims

1. an insulating enclosure having a top surface with a socket, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the plurality of side surfaces including a first side surface and a second side surface extending perpendicular to each other; a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals having a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion being accessible through the socket of the insulating housing and the tail portion protruding from the bottom surface of the insulating housing; Equipped with The electrical connector, wherein the insulating housing includes a chamfered surface connecting one of the first sides and one of the second sides.

2. The aspects include: a third side extending perpendicular to the first side; a fourth side extending perpendicular to the second side; and Equipped with the chamfered surface is a first chamfered surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, The insulating housing is a second chamfered surface connecting the second side surface and the fourth side surface; a third chamfered surface connecting the third side surface and the fourth side surface; 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, comprising:

3. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein said insulating housing includes an outwardly projecting platform at one end of said insulating housing near said bottom surface.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3 , wherein the platform comprises the second side.

5. 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein said platform includes a corner portion with said chamfered surface.

6. the insulating housing includes a first platform and a second platform respectively projecting outwardly at opposite ends of the insulating housing; the first platform having a second side; The electrical connector of claim 2 , wherein the second platform includes a third side.

7. the first platform comprises the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface such that the first platform has a trapezoidal shape; 7. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein the second platform includes the third chamfered surface and a fourth chamfered surface such that the second platform has a trapezoidal shape.

8. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the plurality of terminals are arranged in two mutually opposing, spaced apart terminal rows within the insulating housing, the terminals in each terminal row being aligned therewithin.

9. 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one retention mechanism for holding said plurality of terminals in position relative to one another.

10. The electrical connector of claim 9 , wherein the at least one retention mechanism is overmolded around the plurality of terminals.

11. The electrical connector of claim 9 , wherein the insulating housing comprises the at least one retention mechanism.

12. 10. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein the at least one retention mechanism is formed separately from the insulating housing and is removably mounted within the insulating housing.

13. 13. The electrical connector of claim 12, wherein the retention mechanism comprises two halves having interlocking mechanisms, each half holding a row of terminals formed by some of the plurality of terminals.

14. 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising a positioning mechanism for ensuring proper positioning of the electrical connector on an electronic system when the electrical connector is attached to the electronic system.

15. The electrical connector of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the electrical connector in an electronic system.

16. 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, which is a vertical connector or a right-angle connector.

17. 16. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the electronic system is a printed circuit board.

18. one of the first sides extends into the first face; one of the second sides extends into the second face; the first surface and the second surface intersect each other along a line; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the chamfered surface is spaced from the wire by a distance of 0.36 mm or greater.

19. The electrical connector of claim 3 , wherein the platform includes a slot for receiving a tab.

20. a printed circuit board; an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: socket, a bottom surface attached to the printed circuit board; and a plurality of side surfaces extending perpendicular to the bottom surface, the side surfaces including first and second side surfaces extending perpendicular to each other; an insulating housing comprising: a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals having a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion being accessible through the socket of the insulating housing, and the tail portion protruding from the bottom surface of the insulating housing; Equipped with the printed circuit board having a first end and a second end, a curved corner joining the first end and the second end; the electrical connector is mounted to the printed circuit board with the first side adjacent to and parallel to the first end and the second side adjacent to and parallel to the second end; The electronic system, wherein the insulating enclosure includes an angled surface connecting the first side and the second side, the angled surface being mounted adjacent the curved corner.

21. the insulating housing includes a socket portion including the socket, and at least one platform extending from the socket portion in a direction parallel to the bottom surface; 21. The electronic system of claim 20, wherein the angled surface comprises a surface of one of the at least one platform.

22. the platform is a first platform; the at least one platform includes a second platform extending from the socket portion in a direction opposite the first platform; the angled surface is a first angled surface; 22. The electronic system of claim 21, wherein the second platform comprises a second angled surface.

23. 23. The electronic system of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of securing tabs extending through the first platform and the second platform and engaging the electrical connector to the printed circuit board.

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