Robust and highly reliable high-speed electrical connector assembly

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a shell partially surrounding the insulating housing of the electrical connector. The insulating housing has a mating surface on which a socket is formed. The socket can receive a first printed circuit board of a first electronic device, such as a solid-state drive (SSD). The shell includes a die-cast body having an outer shell and an inner shell separated by a slot. The inner shell includes an opening, and the insulating housing is disposed within the opening. The slot receives an edge of the housing of the first electronic device. The shell includes a feature for attachment to a second electronic device, such as a second printed circuit board (e.g., a motherboard). The shell includes a latch mechanism movably attached to the body. Such a configuration enables a robust and reliable electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the priority and benefit of Chinese Patent Applications No. 202021981365.4 and No. 202010952023.8, both filed on September 11, 2020. The entire contents of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application relates to an interconnection system for electronic devices, such as those including electrical connectors, used to interconnect electronic assemblies.

Background Art

[0003] Electrical connectors may be used to provide electrical connections between electronic systems, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). One typical electrical connector is a card - edge connector, which may be mounted on a first electronic system such that the tail portion of the terminals of the card - edge connector is electrically connected to a conductive portion of the first electronic system, such as a motherboard, for example, by soldering. The card - edge connector may also act as a female connector to directly interface with a conductive portion of a second electronic system such that a conductive portion on or near the edge of the PCB of the second electronic system, such as a solid - state drive (SSD), contacts the contact portion of the corresponding terminals of the electrical connector. In this case, the PCB itself acts as a male connector for interfacing with the card - edge connector without the need for a separate male connector. Thus, the conductive portion of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portion of the first electronic system via the terminals of the card - edge connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a robust and highly reliable high - speed electrical connector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some embodiments relate to a shell for an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the insulating housing. Each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted on a first circuit board. The shell may include a fixing mechanism for being fixed to the first circuit board. The shell may include a body configured to at least partially enclose the insulating housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, the shell may include a locking assembly that is movably mounted to the main body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking assembly may be configured to lock a second electronic system, which is mounted on an electrical connector, into place.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may include a pivot mounted on a body, a locking member pivotally attached to the pivot and capable of pivoting around the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a biasing member positioned to act on the locking member such that the locking member tends to pivot toward a locked position in the first direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the locking member may include an operating part. When activated, the operating part may pivot the locking member toward the release position in a second direction against the action of the biasing member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the biasing member may be a torsion spring, and the torsion spring may be provided around the pivot.

[0011] Some embodiments relate to electrical connectors. An electrical connector may include an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals supported by the insulating housing, and a shell. Each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion. The tail portion may protrude from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and may be mountable on a first circuit board. The shell may include a body that partially encloses the insulating housing and a locking assembly that is movably mounted on the body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may include a rod attached to a shell, a member having a latch feature, and a spring mounted around the rod and configured to bias the member to rotate around a pivot axis so that the latch feature is biased to a latched position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the components of the lock assembly may include a pivot plate, and the latch feature may extend from the pivot plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector may include a position-assuring device configured to (a) engage between the latch mechanism and the shell when the latch mechanism is in the latched position, (b) prevent the latch mechanism from moving when it is fully inserted between the latch mechanism and the shell, and (c) abut against the latch mechanism when it is out of the latched position so as to interfere with the insertion of the position-assuring device between the latch mechanism and the shell when it is out of the latched position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector may be combined with a solid-state drive. The solid-state drive may include a housing having a rim with a complementary latch feature. The complementary latch feature may engage with a latch mechanism, thereby holding the solid-state drive in a mated position with respect to the connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connector may be combined with a printed circuit board. The tail may be surface-mount soldered to the printed circuit board, and the shell may be fastened to the printed circuit board with fasteners.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shell may include a cavity and a gap. The insulating housing may be located within the cavity. The edges of the solid-state drive may be located within the gap.

[0018] In some embodiments, the shell may include a crossbar that spans the width of the cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may include a recess. The shell may include a tongue extending from the crossbar into the recess.

[0020] Some embodiments relate to connectors. A connector may include an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals supported by the insulating housing, and a shell that partially encloses the insulating housing. The terminals may include tails configured for connection to a printed circuit board. The shell may include an outer shell and an inner shell separated by a channel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer shell may include L-shaped segments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer shell may include a second segment separated from the L-shaped segment by a gap.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connector may include a latching mechanism provided within the gap.

[0024] In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a rod having a first end coupled to the L-shaped segment and a second end coupled to the second segment. The rod may extend in a direction defining a rotation axis. The latch mechanism may include a member including a latch body mounted on the rod to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0025] Some embodiments relate to a shell for an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and being capable of being mounted on a first circuit board. The shell may include a body configured to at least partially surround the insulating housing and a fixing mechanism for being fixed to the first circuit board.

[0026] In some embodiments, the shell may include a lock assembly movably mounted on the body.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may be configured to lock a second electronic system mounted on the electrical connector in place.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may include a pivot mounted on the body, a lock member pivotally attached to the pivot and capable of pivoting about the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a biasing member arranged to act on the lock member such that the lock member tends to pivot in the first direction towards a locking position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lock member may include an actuating portion, which, when actuated, pivots the lock member in a second direction towards a release position against the action of the biasing member.

[0030] In some embodiments, the biasing member may be a torsion spring.

[0031] In some embodiments, the torsion spring may be provided around the pivot, with one end attached to a locking member and the other end attached to the main body or pivot.

[0032] In some embodiments, the locking member may include a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pivot plate may be mounted on the main body parallel to the first circuit board when the main body is mounted on the first circuit board.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pivot plate may be mounted perpendicularly to the first circuit board when the main body is mounted on the first circuit board.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may include a position-assurance member configured to hold the locking member in the locked position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the position-assuring member may include a tongue that is inserted between the locking member and the body to prevent the locking member from pivoting in a second direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, grooves may be formed in the main body, and a locking assembly may be provided in the grooves.

[0038] In some embodiments, the body may further include a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the positioning of the second electronic system to the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted to the electrical connector.

[0039] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and the body may further include a second interface surface configured to expose at least a socket on the first interface surface of the insulating housing. The second positioning mechanism prevents the second electronic system from moving toward the second interface surface when the second electronic system is mounted in place.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second positioning mechanism is a slot recessed into the main body from the second interface surface.

[0041] In some embodiments, the slot may include at least one L-shaped section.

[0042] In some embodiments, if a groove is formed in the main body, the groove may extend into the slot.

[0043] In some embodiments, if the lock assembly may include a locking member, the locking member can be pivoted within the slot.

[0044] In some embodiments, the body may include a cavity configured to receive an insulating housing, and the insulating housing is provided in the cavity.

[0045] In some embodiments, the body may include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the cavity.

[0046] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and the contact portion may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and the support mechanism may include a first support structure configured to support the first interface surface of the insulating housing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first support structure may be a beam extending across an opening in the body leading to the cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first guide mechanism, and the body may further include a second guide mechanism. The first and second guide mechanisms are configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing is properly positioned in the cavity.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first guide mechanism may be a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism may be a platform configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0050] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and contact portions may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and recesses may be recessed into the insulating housing from the first interface surface.

[0051] In some embodiments, the recess may be formed near the socket, and the platform provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0052] In some embodiments, if the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening in the body leading to the cavity, the platform may extend from the beam into the cavity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive including a housing, and the slot may be configured to receive the edge of the housing of the solid-state drive.

[0055] In some embodiments, the shell may be manufactured by die-casting, molding, or machining, and / or the body may have a thickness of 10 mm or less.

[0056] In some embodiments, the body may include an inner shell and an outer shell separated by slots.

[0057] Some embodiments relate to a shell for an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the insulating housing, each of which includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted on a first circuit board. The shell may include a body configured to at least partially enclose the insulating housing and a locking assembly movably mounted on the body.

[0058] In some embodiments, the locking assembly may be configured to lock a second electronic system, which is mounted on an electrical connector, into place.

[0059] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may include a pivot mounted on a body, a locking member pivotally attached to the pivot and capable of pivoting around the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a biasing member positioned to act on the locking member such that the locking member tends to pivot toward a locked position in the first direction.

[0060] In some embodiments, the locking member may include an actuation portion that, when activated, pivots the locking member toward a released position in a second direction against the action of a biasing member.

[0061] In some embodiments, the biasing member may be a torsion spring.

[0062] In some embodiments, the torsion spring may be mounted around the pivot, with one end attached to a locking member and the other end attached to a shell or pivot.

[0063] In some embodiments, the locking member may include a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

[0064] In some embodiments, the pivot plate can be mounted on the main body parallel to the first circuit board when the main body is mounted on the first circuit board.

[0065] In some embodiments, the pivot plate can be mounted perpendicularly to the first circuit board when the main body is mounted on the first circuit board.

[0066] In some embodiments, the lock assembly may further include a position-assuring member configured to hold the locking member in the locked position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the position-assuring member may include a tongue that is inserted between the locking member and the body to prevent the locking member from pivoting in a second direction.

[0068] In some embodiments, the main body may have grooves formed in it, and the lock assembly may be provided in the grooves.

[0069] In some embodiments, the body may further include a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the positioning of the second electronic system to the electrical connector when the second electronic system may be mounted to the electrical connector.

[0070] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and the body may further include a second interface surface which may be configured to expose at least a socket on the first interface surface of the insulating housing, and a second positioning mechanism may prevent the second electronic system from moving toward the second interface surface when the second electronic system may be mounted in place.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second positioning mechanism may be a slot recessed into the main body from the second interface surface.

[0072] In some embodiments, the slot may include at least one L-shaped section.

[0073] In some embodiments, if a groove is formed in the main body, the groove may extend into the slot.

[0074] In some embodiments, if the lock assembly may include a locking member, the locking member may be pivotable within the slot.

[0075] In some embodiments, the body may include a cavity configured to receive an insulating housing, and the insulating housing may be provided in the cavity.

[0076] In some embodiments, the body may include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the cavity.

[0077] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and contact portions may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and the support mechanism may include a first support structure configured to support the first interface surface of the insulating housing.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first support structure may be a beam extending across an opening in the body leading to the cavity.

[0079] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first guide mechanism, and the body may further include a second guide mechanism, wherein the first and second guide mechanisms may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing can be properly positioned in the cavity.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first guide mechanism may be a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism may be a platform configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0081] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and contact portions may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and recesses may be recessed into the insulating housing from the first interface surface.

[0082] In some embodiments, the recess may be formed near the socket, and the platform may provide mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0083] In some embodiments, if the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening in the body leading to the cavity, the platform may extend from the beam into the cavity.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive including a housing, and the slot may be configured to receive the edge of the housing of the solid-state drive.

[0086] Some embodiments relate to a shell for an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the insulating housing, each of which may include a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion of which may protrude from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and be mountable on a first circuit board. The shell may include a body configured to at least partially enclose the insulating housing. The body may include a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the positioning of the second electronic system to the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted to the electrical connector.

[0087] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may include a first interface surface, and the body may include a second interface surface which may be configured to expose at least a socket on the first interface surface of the insulating housing. A second positioning mechanism may prevent the second electronic system from moving toward the second interface surface when the second electronic system is mounted in place.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second positioning mechanism may be a slot recessed into the main body from the second interface surface.

[0089] In some embodiments, the slot may include at least one L-shaped section.

[0090] In some embodiments, the body may be configured to provide a locking assembly and may include a groove extending into the slot.

[0091] In some embodiments, the body may include an inner shell and an outer shell separated by slots.

[0092] In some embodiments, the outer shell may include a first L-shaped section and a second straight section separated from each other by grooves.

[0093] In some embodiments, the inner shell may include a cavity configured to receive an insulating housing, and the insulating housing may be provided in the cavity.

[0094] In some embodiments, the inner shell may include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the cavity.

[0095] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may include a first interface surface, and the contact portion may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and the support mechanism may include a first support structure configured to support the first interface surface of the insulating housing.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first support structure may be a beam extending across an opening in the inner shell leading to the cavity.

[0097] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may include a first guide mechanism, and the inner shell may include a second guide mechanism. The first and second guide mechanisms may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing can be properly positioned in the cavity.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first guide mechanism may be a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism may be a platform configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0099] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first interface surface, and contact portions may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and recesses may be recessed into the insulating housing from the first interface surface.

[0100] In some embodiments, the recess may be formed near the socket, and the platform may provide mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0101] In some embodiments, if the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening in the inner shell leading to the cavity, the platform may extend from the beam into the cavity.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second electronic system may be a solid-state drive including a housing, and the slot may be configured to receive the edge of the housing of the solid-state drive.

[0104] Some embodiments relate to electrical connector assemblies. The electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals may include a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion may protrude from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and be mountable on a first circuit board, and the above-mentioned shell, the body of which encloses the electrical connector at least partially.

[0105] In some embodiments, if the main body may include a second guide mechanism, the insulating housing may include a first guide mechanism, and the first and second guide mechanisms may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing can be properly positioned on the shell.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first guide mechanism may be a recess formed in the insulating housing.

[0107] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may include a first interface surface, and contact portions may be accessible through a socket on the first interface surface, and recesses may be recessed into the insulating housing from the first interface surface.

[0108] In some embodiments, the recess may be formed near the socket.

[0109] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a first positioning mechanism to ensure that the electrical connector is properly positioned on the first circuit board when the electrical connector may be mounted on the first circuit board.

[0110] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may be a right-angle connector or a vertical connector.

[0111] These techniques may be used individually or in any appropriate combination. The above summary is provided as an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0112] The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure will be better understood and appreciated when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings below. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to a specific scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0113] [Figure 1A] These are front and side perspective views of an electrical connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a rear and bottom perspective view of an electrical connector assembly, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is another front and side perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A, in which the position-assuring member of the shell lock assembly is removed and the lock member is in the locked position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1D]Figure 1C is a front plan view of an electrical connector assembly shown in one embodiment. [Figure 1E] Figure 1C is a rear plan view of an electrical connector assembly shown in one embodiment. [Figure 1F] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 1D, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1G] Figure 1A is an exploded view of the electrical connector assembly shown. [Figure 2A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the right-angle connector of the electrical connector assembly shown. [Figure 2B] This is another perspective view of the right-angle connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2C] This is yet another perspective view of the right-angle connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a front plan view of the right-angle connector shown. [Figure 2E] Figure 2A is a bottom view of the right-angle connector shown. [Figure 3A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the shell of the electrical connector assembly shown. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is another perspective view of the shell shown. [Figure 3C] This is yet another perspective view of the shell shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 3D] Figure 3A is a front plan view of the shell shown. [Figure 3E] Figure 3A is a rear view of the shell shown. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of a system, according to some embodiments, comprising a first electronic system such as a first circuit board and an electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A that is mounted on the first electronic system. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a plan view of the system. [Figure 5A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the locking member of the locking assembly of the shell of the electrical connector assembly shown. [Figure 5B]This is another perspective view of the locking member shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the position guarantee member of the lock assembly of the electrical connector assembly shown. [Figure 6B] This is another perspective view of the position guarantee member shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view of a second electronic system, such as an SSD, which may be connected to the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is an exploded view of the second electronic system. [Figure 8A] Figure 4A and Figure 7A are perspective views illustrating the process of connecting the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to some embodiments, and illustrating the mating of the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8B] This diagram schematically illustrates the process of connecting the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to one embodiment, and is a side view of the system shown in Figure 8A, in which parts of the first and second electronic systems have been removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] This diagram schematically illustrates the process of connecting the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to one embodiment, and is a side view of the system shown in Figure 8A, in which parts of the first and second electronic systems have been removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8D] This diagram schematically illustrates the process of connecting the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to one embodiment, and is a side view of the system shown in Figure 8A, in which parts of the first and second electronic systems have been removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8E]Figure 8A schematically illustrates the process of connecting the electrical connector assembly shown in Figure 1A with the second electronic system shown in Figure 7A, according to one embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of the system in which parts of the first and second electronic systems have been removed, according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0114] Described herein is an electrical connector assembly that provides a robust and highly reliable electrical connection to a solid-state drive (SSD) or other electronic subassembly. The electrical connector assembly may include an electrical connector and a shell that partially encloses the insulating housing of the electrical connector. The insulating housing may have a mating surface in which a socket is formed. The socket can receive a first printed circuit board of a first electronic device, such as an SSD. The shell may include a die-cast body having an outer shell and an inner shell separated by slots. The inner shell may include an opening, and the insulating housing is provided within the opening. The slots may receive the edge of the housing of the first electronic device. Such a configuration can prevent the SSD from moving horizontally or vertically, which could cause the SSD to become unmated, or from applying torsional forces to the connector that could break the surface-mount solder connection between the connector and the motherboard or otherwise damage the connector or the SSD. The shell may include a form that is mounted to a second electronic device, such as a second printed circuit board (e.g., a motherboard). The shell may include a latching mechanism that is movably attached to the main body. Such a configuration can enable a robust and highly reliable electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

[0115] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, along with some examples, are described in detail below. It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that these embodiments do not constitute any limitation to the present disclosure.

[0116] Figures 1A to 1G illustrate an electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1A to 1G, the electrical connector assembly 1 may include a right-angle connector 10 and a shell 300 that at least partially encloses the right-angle connector 10. The right-angle connector 10 may include an insulating housing 100 and a plurality of terminals 200 provided in the insulating housing 100. The shell 300 may at least partially enclose the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10.

[0117] Referring to Figures 2A to 2E, Figures 2A to 2E illustrate in detail the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10 and the multiple terminals 200 provided in the insulating housing 100. The insulating housing 100 may have a substantially block-shaped body and may include a top surface 101, a bottom surface 103 opposite the top surface 101, and four sides extending between the top surface 101 and the bottom surface 103, namely the front side surface 105, the rear side surface 107, the left side surface 109, and the right side surface 111. Examples of materials suitable for forming the insulating housing 100 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP).

[0118] Multiple terminals 200 may be housed in an insulating housing 100. Each of the multiple terminals 200 may be formed from a conductive material. Suitable conductive materials for forming the terminals 200 may be metals such as copper or metal alloys. Multiple terminals 200 may be configured to transmit differential signals between a first electronic system, such as a circuit board, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD. In some examples, the multiple terminals 200 may be provided in multiple sets, each set containing three terminals 200, namely a ground terminal, a first signal terminal, and a second signal terminal. The first and second signal terminals may constitute a differential signal pair. Each of the multiple terminals 200 includes a contact portion 201, a tail portion 203, and a body portion (not shown) extending between the contact portion 201 and the tail portion 203. The terminal 200 may be bent so that the tail portion 203 can extend substantially perpendicular to the contact portion 201. The tail portion 203 may be configured to be mounted on the first electronic system (for example, by soldering). The contact portion 201 may be configured to establish electrical contact with a conductive portion of the second electronic system.

[0119] Multiple sets of three terminals 200 may be arranged in a terminal row, with the terminals within each terminal row aligned. As shown in Figures 2A to 2E, when the terminals 200 are provided in an insulating housing 100, the terminals 200 are arranged in two terminal rows that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, with the terminals within each terminal row aligned. The two terminal rows may be spaced apart such that the terminals 200 are offset from each other or aligned with each other along the direction of arrangement. The conductive portion of the second electronic system may be inserted between the two terminal rows such that the conductive portion of the second electronic system is positioned in contact with the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. It should be recognized that the terminals 200 may be arranged in other suitable ways.

[0120] In some embodiments, the insulating housing 100 may be directly overmolded around the terminals 200 to hold the terminals 200 in place relative to each other. In some embodiments, the right-angle connector 10 may include at least one retaining mechanism (not shown) to hold the terminals 200 in place relative to each other. The retaining mechanism may be formed partially or entirely from insulating material. Examples of materials suitable for forming the retaining mechanism include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). In some examples, at least one retaining mechanism may be overmolded around the terminals 200. In some examples, at least one retaining mechanism may be formed separately from the insulating housing 100 and movablely mountable within the insulating housing 100. It should be recognized that the right-angle connector 10 may have other suitable number / forms of retaining mechanisms.

[0121] One of the four sides of the insulating housing 100 may have at least one socket so that each contact portion 201 of a plurality of terminals 200 is accessible through the socket. This side may also be referred to as the "first interface side". The second electronic system may interface with the insulating housing 100 from the first interface side. For example, the conductive part of the second electronic system, such as an SSD, may be inserted between two rows of terminals through a socket on the first interface side so that the conductive part of the second electronic system is positioned in contact with the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. In this way, the conductive part of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive part of the first electronic system, such as a motherboard, via the terminal 200, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first and second electronic systems may communicate with each other through the right-angle connector 10 using a standardized protocol such as the PCI protocol. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2D, the front surface 105 of the insulating housing 100 may have a socket 113, and the contact portions 201 of each terminal in two opposing and spaced-apart terminal rows are positioned in the socket 113 such that the contact portions 201 of the multiple terminals 200 are accessible through the socket 113. It should be recognized that the front surface 105 of the insulating housing 100 may have a number of other sockets, such as two or more sockets, so that the contact portions 201 of the multiple terminals 200 are each accessible through the socket. It should also be recognized that the number of sockets may be the same as or different from that of the retaining mechanism. For example, when the insulating housing 100 has two sockets, two retaining mechanisms may be provided accordingly to hold the multiple terminals 200 in place relative to each other and to allow the contact portions 201 of the terminals 200 to be accessible through the two sockets.

[0122] Referring to Figures 2A to 2E consecutively, when the terminals 200 are held in the insulating housing 100, the tail portion 203 of each terminal 200 protrudes from the insulating housing 100 at approximately a right angle to the contact portion 201. The contact portion 201 of each terminal 200 may be accessible through the socket 113 on the front side surface 105 of the insulating housing 100, and the tail portion 203 of each terminal 200 may be provided to protrude from the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100 (which may also be referred to as the "first mounting surface") for mounting to a first electronic system such as a motherboard. For example, the tail portions 203 of terminals 200 in two terminal rows may be bent in opposite directions to connect to corresponding conductive parts of the first electronic system. The connection may be achieved by soldering or any other suitable means.

[0123] The right-angle connector 10 may further include a first positioning mechanism provided on the insulating housing 100 to ensure proper positioning of the right-angle connector 10 on the first electronic system, such as a motherboard, when the right-angle connector 10 is mounted on the first electronic system, and to prevent the insulating housing 100 from moving along the surface of the first electronic system. For example, the first positioning mechanism may be in the form of positioning protrusions, two positioning protrusions 115 are illustrated in Figures 2A to 2E. The two positioning protrusions 115 may be provided on the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100, each near the opposite end of the insulating housing 100. However, it should be recognized that the two positioning protrusions 115 may be provided in any other suitable location. The positioning protrusions 115 may be designed to provide a dummy proof design to prevent the right-angle connector 10 from being mounted on the first electronic system in an intentional or unintentional incorrect orientation. As the right-angle connector 10 is mounted on the first electronic system, the positioning projection 115 may cooperate with a corresponding positioning mechanism (e.g., a recess or hole) of the first electronic system to ensure that the right-angle connector 10 is properly positioned on the first electronic system and to prevent movement of the insulating housing 100 along the surface of the first electronic system. It should be recognized that the first positioning mechanism may be any other suitable form.

[0124] To enable the right-angle connector 10 to provide a highly reliable electrical connection between a first electronic system such as a motherboard and a second electronic system such as an SSD, the electrical connector assembly 1 may further include the right-angle connector 10 and a shell 300 for improving the reliability of the connection between the first and second electronic systems.

[0125] Referring to Figures 3A to 3E in succession, Figures 3A to 3E illustrate in detail the shell 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. The shell 300 may have a substantially block-shaped body 301, which may include a top surface 303, a bottom surface 305 opposite the top surface 303, and four sides extending between the top surface 303 and the bottom surface 305, namely a front side surface 307, a rear side surface 309, a left side surface 311, and a right side surface 313.

[0126] The main body 301 may further include a cavity 306 configured to receive the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10. As shown in Figures 1A to 1G, when the insulating housing 100 is provided in the cavity 306, the main body 301 may at least partially enclose the insulating housing 100 so as to expose at least the positioning projection 115 on the first mounting surface (i.e., the bottom surface 103 in the drawing) of the insulating housing 100, the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 protruding from the first mounting surface, and the socket 113 on the first interface surface (i.e., the front surface 105 in the drawing). In particular, the front surface 307 of the main body 301 may include a first opening 308 configured to lead to the cavity 306 so as to expose at least the socket 113 on the first interface surface (i.e., the front surface 105) of the insulating housing 100 when the insulating housing 100 is provided in the cavity 306. The front surface 307 of the shell 300 may also be referred to as the “second interface surface”. The bottom surface 305 of the body 301 may include a third opening 312 configured to lead to the cavity 306, which, when the insulating housing 100 is received into the cavity 306, exposes at least the positioning projection 115 on the first mounting surface of the insulating housing 100 and the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 protruding from the first mounting surface. The bottom surface 305 of the shell 300 may also be referred to as the “second mounting surface”. In addition, the rear surface 309 of the body 301 may include a second opening 310 configured to lead to the cavity 306, which allows the insulating housing 100 to be inserted through it into the cavity 306.

[0127] The shell 300 may further include a fastening mechanism for securing it to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, mounting holes may be formed in the body 301 of the shell 300. Figures 3A to 3E illustrate two mounting holes 314 configured so that the shell 300 may be secured to the first electronic system by bolts. As shown, the two mounting holes 314 may each be formed in a corner portion between adjacent sides of the shell 300. It should be recognized that the shell 300 may include other appropriate number / forms of fastening mechanisms.

[0128] Referring subsequently to Figures 4A and 4B, the electrical connector assembly 1 may be fixed to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board 500, by a fixing mechanism of the shell 300. The first circuit board may be, for example, a motherboard for a computer. In some examples, the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10 may be provided in the cavity 306 of the shell 300. The right-angle connector 10 may then be properly positioned on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 by mating a first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 with a corresponding positioning mechanism (not shown) on the first circuit board 500. The first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 may prevent the insulating housing 100 from moving along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. The tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 protruding from the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100 is mounted (e.g., by soldering) to the corresponding conductive portion on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. Next, the bolt 600 may be provided such that its threaded portion passes through a hole (not shown) in the first circuit board 500 and is screwed into the mounting hole 314 of the shell 300, thereby connecting the shell 300 to the first circuit board 500. In this way, the electrical connector assembly 1 is fixed to the first circuit board 500.

[0129] Once the electrical connector assembly 1 is secured to the first circuit board 500 by the fixing mechanism of the shell 300, the body 301 of the shell 300 may at least partially enclose the insulating housing 100 and provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 to prevent it from moving away from its mounting position. This can improve the reliability of the connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first electronic system, such as the first circuit board 500, thereby enabling the right-angle connector 10 to be mounted on the first electronic system in a more secure manner. In this way, it is possible to avoid the risk that electrical connections between the right-angle connector 10 and the first electronic system, such as soldering between the tail portion 203 of the terminals 200 of the right-angle connector 10 and the conductive portion of the first circuit board 500, may be damaged by the movement of the insulating housing 100 away from its mounting position.

[0130] Since movement of the insulating housing 100 along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 is prevented only by the cooperation of the first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 with the corresponding positioning mechanism on the first circuit board 500, when a second electronic system, such as an SSD, is pulled out of the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, a tensile force acts on a portion of the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 that is mated with the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, which can lead to stress concentration between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500. Stress concentration can cause damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, which can then lead to the breakdown of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first electronic system.

[0131] To alleviate this stress concentration, the body 301 of the shell 300 may further include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the body 301 includes a first support mechanism configured to support a first interface surface of the insulating housing 100. As shown in Figures 3A to 3E, the first support mechanism may take the form of a first beam 315 extending across a first opening 308 of the front surface 307. The first beam 315 may be configured to support the front surface 105 of the insulating housing 100. The first beam 315 may provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when a second electronic system, such as an SSD, is withdrawn from the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, so as to reduce or even eliminate stress concentration occurring between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thereby avoiding damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, and thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It should be recognized that the first support mechanism may be in other suitable forms.

[0132] It should be recognized that the body 301 of the shell 300 may optionally include a second support mechanism (not shown) configured to support the surface of the insulating housing 100 opposite to the first interface surface. For example, the second support mechanism may be configured to support the rear surface 107 of the insulating housing 100. The second support mechanism may provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when a second electronic system, such as an SSD, is inserted into the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, so as to reduce or even eliminate stress concentration occurring between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thereby avoiding damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, and thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It should also be recognized that the second support mechanism may be in the form of a beam or any other suitable form.

[0133] The insulating housing 100 may further include a first guide mechanism, and the shell 300 may further include a second guide mechanism. The first guide mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the second guide mechanism of the shell 300 may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing 100 can be properly positioned in the cavity 306 of the shell 300. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2A-2E and 3A-3E, the first guide mechanism may be a recess 117 formed in the body of the insulating housing 100, and the second guide mechanism may be a platform 317 extending from the body 301 of the shell 300 and configured to be inserted into the recess 117. When the insulating housing 100 is fitted into the cavity 306 of the shell 300, the platform 317 of the shell 300 may cooperate with the recess 117 of the insulating housing 100 to guide the insulating housing 100 into the cavity 306 of the shell 300 so that the insulating housing 100 can be properly positioned in the cavity 306 of the shell 300. In some examples, the platform 317 may extend into the cavity 306 from the first beam 315 of the body 301, and the recess 117 may be recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first interface surface (i.e., the front surface 105). In some examples, the recess 117 may be recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first interface surface (i.e., the front surface 105) near the socket 113, for example below the socket 113 as shown. In this case, the platform 317 extends into the recess 117 so that the socket 113 may be substantially enclosed by the body 301 of the shell 300, thereby providing mechanical support to the socket 133. This can help prevent damage to the socket 133 by inserting or withdrawing the second electronic system in the wrong direction (e.g., inserting or withdrawing it at an angle).

[0134] The shell 300 may further include a second positioning mechanism provided on the second interface surface (i.e., the front surface 307), the second positioning mechanism may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to ensure that the second electronic system, such as an SSD, is properly connected to the right-angle connector 10, to hold the second electronic system in place when it is mounted in place, and to prevent the second electronic system from moving along the plane of the second interface surface. In some examples, the second positioning mechanism may be a slot recessed into the body 301 from the front surface 307 of the shell 300. In some examples, as shown in Figure 3A, the body 301 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b separated by the slot. In this case, the inner shell 301b may include a cavity 306 configured to receive an insulating housing 100. In some examples, the inner shell 301b may further include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the inner shell 301b includes a first support mechanism configured to support a first interface surface of the insulating housing 100. In some examples, as shown in Figure 3A, the first support mechanism may be in the form of a first beam 315 extending across a first opening 308 in the front surface 307 of the inner shell 301b. The first beam 315 may be configured to support the front surface 105 of the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the slot may extend at least partially around the first opening 308 in the front surface 307. The slot may include a first L-shaped section 319a and a second straight section 319b spaced apart from the first section 319a. It should be noted that the first section 319a and the second section 319b may be continuous, or the slot may include more sections. Accordingly, as shown, the outer shell 301a may include a first L-shaped section and a second straight section spaced apart from the first section. It should also be recognized that a slot may contain two or more L-shaped sections.

[0135] The corresponding positioning mechanism for the second electronic system may be the edge of the housing of the second electronic system or another mechanism provided on the housing. When the second electronic system is mounted on the right-angle connector 10, the slot may accept the corresponding positioning mechanism for the second electronic system in order to guide the second electronic system so that it is properly connected to the right-angle connector 10, to hold the second electronic system in place when it is mounted in place, and to prevent the second electronic system from moving along the plane of the front surface 307 of the shell 300. In this way, it is possible to improve the reliability of the connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system so that the second electronic system can be mounted on the right-angle connector 10 in a more secure manner, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk that electrical connections between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, such as the electrical connection between the contact portion 201 of the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10 and the conductive portion of the second circuit board, will be damaged by the movement of the second circuit board away from its mounting position.

[0136] The shell 300 may further include a locking assembly 400 configured for locking and unlocking a second electronic system connected to the right-angle connector 10 through a socket 113. In other words, the locking assembly 400 is configured to lock the second electronic system to the right-angle connector 10. In some examples, the locking assembly 400 may be configured to be movably mounted on the shell 300. As shown in Figures 1A to 1G, the locking assembly 400 may include a pivot 401 configured to be mountable on the shell 300, and a locking member 405 pivoted to the pivot 401 and capable of pivoting in a first direction 403 (Figure 1F) and a second direction 404 (Figure 8C) opposite to the first direction 403.

[0137] Referring subsequently to Figures 5A and 5B, Figures 5A and 5B illustrate in detail the locking member 405 of the lock assembly 400. The locking member 405 may include a body 405a in the form of a pivot plate. The body 405a may include a top surface 405b and a bottom surface 405c opposite to the top surface 405b. The locking member 405 may further include a locking portion extending from the body 405a. In some examples, the locking portion may be in the form of a hook 405d, extending from one end of the body 405a and protruding from the bottom surface 405c. The bottom surface 405c may have a mounting portion 405e formed therein, which is configured to allow the locking member 405 to be pivotally attached to the pivot 401.

[0138] Returning to Figures 1A to 1G, the lock assembly 400 may further include a biasing member 407, which may act on the lock member 405 such that it tends to pivot toward the locked position in a first direction 403. As shown in Figures 1C to 1F, the lock member 405 pivots toward the first direction 403 under the action of the biasing member 407 until the lock portion abuts against the shell 300. The body 405a of the lock member 405 may further include an actuating part 405f, such as the end of the body 405a opposite to the hook 405d, as illustrated in the drawings. The actuating part 405f may be configured to cause the lock member 405, when actuated (e.g., pushed down), to pivot toward the unlocked position (Figure 8C) toward a second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403, against the action of the biasing member 407. In some examples, the biasing member 407 is a torsion spring provided around the pivot 401, with one end attached to the locking member 405 and the other end attached to the pivot 401 or the shell 300.

[0139] Referring to Figures 3A to 3E, the shell 300 may further include a groove 321 configured to provide a lock assembly 400. In some examples, the groove 321 may be formed in the body 301 of the shell 300 and extend into a slot. This allows the locking member 405 to pivot within the slot. For example, when the slot is interfaced with a corresponding positioning mechanism of the second electronic system, the locking portion may pivot within the slot together with the locking member 405 and latch into the corresponding locking mechanism of the second electronic system, thereby locking the second electronic system in place and preventing it from disengaging from the socket 113 of the right-angle connector 10. This improves the reliability of the connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, allowing the second electronic system to be mounted to the right-angle connector 10 in a more secure manner, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk that the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system will be damaged by the movement of the second electronic system away from its mounting position. In some examples, as shown in Figure 3A, if the body 301 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b separated by a slot, the groove 321 may divide the outer shell 301a into a first L-shaped section and a second straight section. In some examples, the groove 321 extends into the slot and divides the slot into a first section 319a and a second section 319b. It should be recognized that the corresponding locking mechanism of the second electronic system may be a dimple formed in the housing of the second electronic system or any other suitable mechanism. Although the groove 321 is shown recessed into the body 301 from the top surface 303 as illustrated in Figures 3A to 3E, it should be recognized that the groove 321 may be recessed into the body 301 from other sides, such as from the left side 311 and the right side 313. If the groove 321 is recessed into the body 301 from the upper surface 303, the body 405a of the pivot plate-shaped locking member 405 may be mounted on the body 301 of the shell 300 parallel to the first circuit board 500 when the body 301 of the shell 300 is mounted on the first circuit board 500.If the groove 321 is recessed into the body 301 from the left side 311 or the right side 313, the body 405a of the pivot plate-shaped locking member 405 may be mounted perpendicular to the first circuit board 500 on the body 301 of the shell 300 when the body 301 of the shell 300 is mounted on the first circuit board 500. In addition, although only one locking assembly 400 is illustrated, it should be recognized that the right-angle connector 10 may include two or more locking assemblies. It should also be recognized that the locking assemblies 400 may be arranged in any other suitable manner.

[0140] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1G, the lock assembly 400 may further include a position-assuring member 409 configured to hold the lock member 405 in the locked position. Referring subsequently to Figures 6A and 6B, Figures 6A and 6B illustrate in detail the position-assuring member 409 of the lock assembly 400. The position-assuring member 409 may include a first mounting portion 409a and a second mounting portion 409b extending from the body of the position-assuring member 409, the first mounting portion 409a configured for attachment to the lock member 405, and the second mounting portion 409b configured for attachment to the shell 300. The position-guaranteeing member 409 may further include a tongue 409c extending from the body of the position-guaranteeing member 409, the tongue 409c being configured to be inserted between the locking member 405 and the shell 300 when the locking member 405 is in the locked position, so as to prevent the locking member from pivoting toward the unlocked position in a second direction 404 (Figure 8C) opposite to the first direction 403, thereby holding the locking member 405 in the locked position. This prevents the locking member 405 from accidentally moving away from the locked position, so that the locking assembly 400 may lock the second electronic system to the right-angle connector 10 in a more reliable manner, thereby mounting the second electronic system to the right-angle connector 10 in a more secure manner. Additionally, the position-guaranteeing member 409 may be further configured so that the position-guaranteeing member 409 cannot be inserted between the locking member 405 and the shell 300 when the locking member 405 is not in the locked position. This prevents the position guarantee member 409 from being mistakenly inserted between the locking member 405 and the shell 300.

[0141] Figures 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a second electronic system 700 that may be used to connect to an electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. The second electronic system 700 may be a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD). The second electronic system 700 may include a housing 701 and a second circuit board 703 provided in the housing 701. Electronic components such as memory chips may be mounted on the second circuit board 703. One end of the second circuit board 703 may have a conductive portion 705 formed thereon for contact with the contact portion 201 of the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10, thereby electrically connecting the second circuit board 703 to the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10. The housing 701 may have an opening 707 formed thereon to expose the conductive portion 705 of the second circuit board 703. The portion of the housing 701 around the conductive portion 705 may include a corresponding positioning mechanism configured to cooperate with a second positioning mechanism of the shell 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. In some examples, the edge 709 of the housing 701 around the conductive portion 705 may be used as a corresponding positioning mechanism of the housing 701 and configured to be inserted into a slot of the shell 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. The housing 701 may also have a corresponding locking mechanism formed thereon to cooperate with a locking member 405. In some examples, the corresponding locking mechanism of the housing 701 may be a dimple 711 formed in the housing 701, and the hook 405d of the locking member 405 may be fitted into the dimple 711. Furthermore, although the housing 701 is illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B as including two halves 701a and 701b configured to be joined together, it should be recognized that the housing 701 may be a single piece or in any other suitable shape.

[0142] Figures 8A to 8E schematically illustrate the process of connecting the second electronic system 700, shown in Figure 7A, to the electrical connector assembly 1, shown in Figure 1A. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the electrical connector assembly 1 is fixed to the first electronic system, such as the first circuit board 500, in the manner described above with respect to Figures 4A and 4B. The position-assuring member 409 of the lock assembly 400 is removed to allow the locking member 405 to pivot to the released position in the second direction 404. The second electronic system 700 is moved toward the front surface 307 (i.e., the first interface surface) of the right-angle connector 10 in the direction indicated by arrow A. As shown in Figure 8C, the actuation part 405f is actuated (e.g., pushed down) so that the locking member 405 pivots to the released position in the second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403, against the action of the biasing member 407. The corresponding positioning mechanism of the second electronic system, such as the edge portion 709, is aligned with the second positioning mechanism of the shell 300. The second positioning mechanism of the shell 300 cooperates with the corresponding positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to ensure that the second electronic system is properly connected to the right-angle connector 10. The second electronic system 700 is mounted in place as shown in Figures 8D and 8E. At this point, the second positioning mechanism of the shell 300 and the corresponding positioning mechanism of the second electronic system cooperate with each other to prevent the second electronic system from moving toward the second interface surface. The conductive portion 705 of the second electronic system 700 is inserted between the two rows of terminals through the socket 113 on the front surface 105 (i.e., the first interface surface) of the insulating housing 100, and the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200 is pressed against the conductive portion 705. Next, the actuation portion 405f may be released to allow the locking member 405 to pivot to the locked position in the first direction 403 under the action of the biasing member 407, so that the locking portion latches into the corresponding locking mechanism of the housing 701, for example, a hook 405d is fitted into a dimple 711 of the housing 701. In this way, the locking member 405 locks the second electronic system 700 into place.Next, a position-assuring member 409 may be attached to the lock assembly 400 such that the tongue 409c is inserted into the space S between the lock member 405 and the shell 300 to prevent the lock member 405 from pivoting toward the unlocked position in the second direction 404, thereby holding the lock member 405 in the locked position.

[0143] The body 301 of the shell 300 may have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, where the thickness of the body 301 refers to the vertical distance from the top surface 303, left side surface 311 and / or right side surface 313 of the body 301 to the cavity 306. In some examples, the vertical distance from the top surface 303 of the body 301 to the cavity 306 may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. In some examples, the vertical distance from the left side surface 311 and / or right side surface 313 of the body 301 to the cavity 306 may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. In some examples, the body 301 may have a uniform or non-uniform thickness around the cavity 306. The relatively small thickness of the body 301 of the shell 300 reduces the footprint of the shell 300 on the first circuit board 500, and therefore can reduce that of the electrical connector assembly 1 on the first circuit board 500. It should be recognized that the body 301 of the shell 300 may have any other suitable thickness.

[0144] The body 301 of the shell 300 may be made from a metallic or non-metallic material, preferably from a metallic alloy, more preferably from a zinc alloy. The body 301 may be manufactured using any suitable process, for example, by molding or machining. In some embodiments, the body 301 may be manufactured using a die-casting process. Manufacturing the body 301 using a die-casting process may make the body 301 more suitable for providing mechanical support and mechanical positioning, and if the shell 300 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b separated by slots, manufacturing the body 301 using a die-casting process may make it easier to form the outer shell 301a and the inner shell 301b. It should be recognized that the shell may be a two-piece shell, i.e., the outer shell 301a and the inner shell 301b may be manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0145] While this disclosure is described in detail above in relation to the right-angle connector 10, it should be recognized that this disclosure is also applicable to vertical connectors and other suitable types of electrical connectors. Unlike the right-angle connector 10, in a vertical connector, the socket is formed on the upper surface of the insulating housing opposite the bottom surface (in other words, in a vertical connector, the interface surface is opposite the mounting surface), and the terminals of the vertical connector are configured such that the contact portions of the terminals are accessible through the socket. Vertical connectors may also be used to connect a second electronic system, such as an SSD, to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, the vertical connector may be configured to be mounted on the first electronic system such that the tail portions of the terminals of the vertical connector are electrically connected to the conductive portions (e.g., conductive traces) of the first electronic system, such as a motherboard. The second electronic system, such as an SSD, may be inserted into the socket such that the conductive portions of the second electronic system are in contact with the contact portions of the corresponding terminals. Thus, the conductive parts of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive parts of the first electronic system via the terminals of a vertical connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first and second electronic systems may communicate with each other by transmitting signals using the vertical connector with a standardized protocol such as the PCI protocol.

[0146] It should be recognized that the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used solely to distinguish one element or part from another, and that these elements and / or parts should not be limited by the terms.

[0147] This disclosure is described in detail, along with specific embodiments. Clearly, the embodiments illustrated in the above description and accompanying drawings should be understood to be illustrative and not to constitute a limitation of this disclosure. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications or changes that fall within the scope of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1. Electrical connector assembly 10 Right-angle connectors 100 Insulating Housing 101 Top surface 103 Bottom 105 Front and side view 107 Posterior side 109 Left side 111 Right side 113 Socket 115 Positioning protrusion 117 recess 200 terminals 201 Contact area 203 Tail section 300 shells 301 Main Unit 301a Outer shell 301b Inner Shell 303 Top surface 305 Bottom 306 Cavity 307 Front and side view 308 First opening 309 Posterior side 310 Second opening 311 Left side 312 Third opening 313 Right side 314 screw holes 315 First Beam 317 Platforms 319a Section 1 319b Second section 321 Groove 400 Lock Assembly 401 Pivot 403 First Direction 405 Locking component 405a Main Unit 405b top surface 405c bottom 405d hook 405e mounting part 405f Operating part 407 Biasing member 409 Position guarantee component 409c tongue piece 500 First circuit board 501 Surface 600 volts 700 Second Electronic System 701 Housing 703 Second circuit board 705 Conductive part 707 Aperture 709 Edge 711 Dimple S space

Claims

1. A shell for an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector comprises an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and configured to be mounted on a first circuit board, and the shell is, A fixing mechanism configured to be fixed to the first circuit board, A main body configured to at least partially enclose the insulating housing, A cavity configured to receive the aforementioned insulating housing, A gap separated from the cavity and configured to receive the edge of a second electronic system that is mated to the electrical connector, A shell equipped with this feature.

2. A locking assembly that is movably mounted on the main body and configured to engage with the edge of the second electronic system in the gap. The shell according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The shell according to claim 2, wherein the locking assembly is configured to lock the second electronic system, which is attached to the electrical connector, into place.

4. The lock assembly, The pivot attached to the main body, A locking member is pivotally attached to the pivot and configured to pivot around the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, A biasing member is arranged to act on the locking member such that the locking member tends to pivot toward the locked position in the first direction, The shell according to claim 3, comprising:

5. The shell according to claim 4, wherein the locking member comprises an operating portion, and when the operating portion is activated, it pivots the locking member toward the release position in the second direction against the action of the biasing member.

6. The biasing member is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is provided around the pivot. The shell according to claim 4.

7. Insulating housing and A plurality of terminals provided in the insulating housing, each of which comprises a contact portion and a tail portion, wherein the tail portion protrudes from the first mounting surface of the insulating housing and is configured to be mounted on the first circuit board, It is a shell, A fixing mechanism configured to be fixed to the first circuit board, A main body that at least partially encloses the insulating housing, A cavity configured to receive the aforementioned insulating housing, A gap separated from the cavity and configured to receive the edge of a second electronic system that is mated to an electrical connector, A shell comprising a lock assembly that is movably attached to the main body, An electrical connector equipped with the following features.

8. The insulating housing comprises a first interface surface having a socket, The body of the shell has a second interface surface configured to expose the socket on the first interface surface of the insulating housing, The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein the second interface surface comprises a support mechanism configured to support the first interface surface of the insulating housing.

9. The lock assembly, A rod attached to the aforementioned shell, A member having a latch shape, A spring mounted around the rod and configured to bias the member to rotate around its axis of rotation so that the latch mechanism is biased to the latch position, The electrical connector according to claim 7, comprising:

10. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein the lock assembly is configured to engage with the edge of an electronic component, thereby holding the electronic component in a mating position with respect to the electrical connector.

11. The insulating housing is at least partially disposed within the cavity, The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein the gap is configured to receive the edge of the electronic component.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein the support mechanism is a crossbar extending across the width of the cavity.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein the member of the lock assembly comprises a pivot plate, and the latch feature extends from the pivot plate.

14. Insulating housing and A plurality of terminals provided in the insulating housing, each of which comprises a contact portion and a tail portion, wherein the tail portion protrudes from the first mounting surface of the insulating housing and is configured to be mounted on the first circuit board, It is a shell, A fixing mechanism configured to be fixed to the first circuit board, A main body that at least partially encloses the insulating housing, A cavity configured to receive the aforementioned insulating housing, A gap separated from the cavity and configured to receive the edge of a solid-state drive that is mated to an electrical connector, A latch mechanism that is movably attached to the main body, A shell equipped with, A position guarantee device, (a) When the latch mechanism is in the latch position, it fits between the latch mechanism and the shell, (b) When fully inserted between the latch mechanism and the shell, the movement of the latch mechanism is prevented, and (c) A position guarantee device configured to contact the latch mechanism when the latch mechanism is dislodged from the latch position, such that it interferes with the insertion of the position guarantee device between the latch mechanism and the shell when the latch mechanism is dislodged from the latch position, An electrical connector equipped with the following features.

15. Combined with the solid-state drive, The solid-state drive comprises a housing having an edge portion having a complementary latch feature, The electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein the complementary latch configuration engages with the latch mechanism, thereby holding the solid-state drive in a mated position with respect to the electrical connector.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 15, wherein the tail portion is surface-mount soldered to the printed circuit board and the shell is fastened to the printed circuit board with a fastener.

17. The insulating housing is provided at least partially within the cavity, The edge of the solid-state drive is provided within the gap. The electrical connector according to claim 16.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein the shell further comprises a crossbar extending across the width of the cavity.

19. The insulating housing includes a recess, The shell further comprises a tongue extending from the crossbar into the recess. The electrical connector according to claim 18.

20. The main body comprises an outer part and an inner part, The cavity is located inside the inner portion of the main body. The shell according to claim 1, wherein the gap is located between the outer portion and the inner portion of the main body.

21. The shell according to claim 20, wherein the outer portion comprises a first segment and a second segment separated from the first segment.

22. The first segment of the outer portion is L-shaped. The shell according to claim 21.

23. The second segment is linear. The shell according to claim 22.

24. A latch mechanism provided between the first segment and the second segment The shell according to claim 23, further comprising the above.

25. The latch mechanism, A rod having a first end connected to the first segment and a second end connected to the second segment, wherein the rod extends in a direction that defines the axis of rotation, A member having a latch-shaped body that is mounted on the rod so as to rotate around the rotation axis, The shell according to claim 24, comprising:

Images