Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is an electrical connector, comprising: an insulating housing; a plurality of conductive terminals spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction in the insulating housing, wherein each conductive terminal comprises a mating end, a mounting end and a middle portion connecting the mating end and the mounting end, the mating end being located in the insulating housing, and the mounting end and the middle portion at least partially being located outside of the insulating housing; and a sealing cover, the sealing cover being attached to the plurality of conductive terminals and to part of the insulating housing, such that only the mounting ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially exposed from the sealing cover. Further disclosed in the present application is an electrical connector assembly.

Description

Connectors and connector assemblies

[0001] Cross-related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese utility model patent application No. 202323424318.6, entitled “A Connector,” filed on December 14, 2023, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application generally relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector and a connector assembly including the electrical connector. Background Art

[0004] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems, such as communication systems, data storage systems, and data transmission systems. It is often easier and more cost-effective to manufacture electronic systems as separate electronic subassemblies, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), that can be connected together via electrical connectors.

[0005] In some cases, the PCBs to be connected may each have an electrical connector mounted thereon. The electrical connectors on the two PCBs may mate directly to interconnect the two PCBs. In other cases, the PCBs may be connected indirectly via a cable, or different locations on the same PCB may be connected via a cable. Nevertheless, electrical connectors may still be used to establish such a connection. For example, a cable may be terminated at one or both ends with a plug-type electrical connector. The PCB may be equipped with a socket-type electrical connector. The plug-type electrical connector may be inserted into the socket-type electrical connector to connect the cable to the PCB. A similar arrangement may be used at the other end of the cable to connect the cable to another PCB so that signals and / or power may be transmitted between the PCBs via the cable.

[0006] Cable components such as flexible printed circuits (FPCs) and flexible flat cables (FFCs) can be used to transmit signals and / or power between different PCBs or components on the same PCB. FPC / FFC connectors are often used to connect cable components to PCBs.

[0007] FPC / FFC connectors are typically designed and manufactured to specific specifications to mate with cable assemblies and PCBs and meet signal and / or power transmission requirements. Designing FPC / FFC connectors to meet specific application needs presents multiple challenges. FPC / FFC connectors must possess a variety of characteristics to meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of electronic systems.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the present application proposes a new type of electrical connector to adapt to and meet the requirements of electronic systems.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present application, an electrical connector is provided, characterized in that the electrical connector comprises:

[0011] Insulating housing;

[0012] a plurality of conductive terminals spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction in the insulating housing, each conductive terminal comprising a mating end, a mounting end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the mounting end, the mating end being located within the insulating housing, and the mounting end and the intermediate portion being at least partially located outside the insulating housing; and

[0013] A sealing cover is attached to the plurality of conductive terminals and a portion of the insulating housing so that only the mounting ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially exposed from the sealing cover.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sealing cover comprises a first side facing the insulating housing, and a plurality of posts are integrally formed on the first side so as to protrude and engage with the insulating housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of columns of the sealing cover has at least two sections, wherein a diameter of the section close to the first side of the sealing cover is smaller than a diameter of the section far from the first side of the sealing cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of columns of the sealing cover is formed such that a diameter of the at least one column gradually decreases as it approaches the first side of the sealing cover.

[0017] In one embodiment, a plurality of receiving holes are formed in the insulating shell to receive a plurality of columns of the sealing cover.

[0018] In one embodiment, the shapes of the plurality of receiving holes are complementary to the shapes of the plurality of posts of the sealing cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, the insulating shell includes a base and an accommodating portion opposite to each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction are formed in the base, the plurality of conductive terminals are inserted into the plurality of channels, and the first side of the sealing cover faces the base and covers the plurality of channels.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sealing cover has a second side, and the mounting ends of the conductive terminals are exposed from the second side of the sealing cover.

[0021] In one embodiment, a coating is sprayed on at least the second side of the sealing cover, so that the mounting ends of the conductive terminals are exposed from the coating.

[0022] In one embodiment, the coating is a high temperature resistant coating and / or an epoxy resin coating.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the electrical connector is soldered to a printed circuit board via the mounting ends of the conductive terminals, the second side of the sealing cover or the coating thereon faces the printed circuit board.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sealing cover is formed on the electrical connector by using a secondary molding process, so that the sealing cover at least partially covers the conductive terminals.

[0025] In one embodiment, the insulating housing further comprises a tongue extending from the base in a transverse direction, the plurality of channels extending into the tongue, and when the plurality of conductive terminals are inserted into the plurality of channels, the mating end of each conductive terminal at least partially extends from the tongue.

[0026] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion defines an accommodating space for receiving another electrical connector that matches the electrical connector, and the tongue is located in the accommodating space.

[0027] In one embodiment, the plurality of channels are communicated with the accommodating space.

[0028] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion of the insulating shell includes a first wall and a second wall separated from each other in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the accommodating space is defined by the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, within the accommodating space, the mating end of the conductive terminal protrudes between the tongue portion and the second wall.

[0030] In one embodiment, a groove is formed in the first wall and is recessed into the first wall along a vertical direction to receive a complementary feature of another electrical connector that matches the electrical connector, so that the two electrical connectors can only be connected in a unique orientation.

[0031] In one embodiment, in the insulating shell, the first wall and the third wall are connected to each other at the first corner, the first wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at the second corner, the second wall and the third wall are connected to each other at the third corner, and the second wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at the fourth corner; the groove includes a first groove recessed into the first wall from the accommodating space along the vertical direction at the first corner, and a second groove recessed into the first wall from the accommodating space 550 along the vertical direction at the second corner.

[0032] In one embodiment, the groove further includes a third groove and a fourth groove located between the first groove and the second groove, and the first groove, the second groove, the third groove and the fourth groove are only located at the first wall.

[0033] In one embodiment, two locking holes are formed in the first wall, located in the third groove and the fourth groove respectively.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mating end of the conductive terminal includes a first beam and a second beam, the first beam and the second beam being spaced apart from each other substantially in a vertical direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, in the conductive terminal, the first beam and the second beam are cantilever beams extending from the middle portion.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, a first straight section connecting the first end and the second end, the first end is connected to the middle portion, and the first contact portion of the first beam is located at the second end; the second beam includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, a curved section extending from the third end, and a second straight section connecting the curved section and the fourth end, the third end is connected to the middle portion, and the second contact portion of the second beam is located at the fourth end, and the mating end is defined by the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the electrical connector is connected to another mating electrical connector, the mating ends of the conductive terminals are in contact with corresponding conductive contacts of the other electrical connector.

[0038] In one embodiment, when the electrical connector is connected to another mating electrical connector, the first contact portion of each conductive terminal contacts the corresponding conductive contact before the second contact portion.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present application, an electrical connector is provided, comprising:

[0040] Insulating housing;

[0041] a wiring member, the wiring member comprising a connection end having a plurality of conductive contacts, the connection end of the wiring member being disposed in the insulating housing; and

[0042] A first latching member is mounted to the insulating housing, and the first latching device is selectively switchable between a pre-locking position and a locking position relative to the insulating housing, in which the first latching member is configured to retain the connection end of the wiring member in the insulating housing.

[0043] In one embodiment, the insulating housing includes a base, and a first channel is formed in the base, and the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into the first channel.

[0044] In one embodiment, in the pre-locking position, the first latching member is not in contact with the connecting end of the cable arranging member, and in the locking position, the first latching member is in contact with the connecting end of the cable arranging member to prevent the cable arranging member from being withdrawn from the insulating housing.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first latch member includes a plate body and at least one first arm, wherein the at least one first arm extends from the plate body in a vertical direction, and the at least one first arm contacts the connection end of the wire arrangement member only in the locking position to prevent the wire arrangement member from being withdrawn from the insulating housing.

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one through-hole is formed in the base of the insulating shell and communicates with the first channel, and at least one recess or slot is formed in the connecting end of the wiring member. When the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into the insulating shell through the first channel, the at least one hole and the at least one recess or slot are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0047] In one embodiment, as the first latch member switches between the pre-lock position and the locked position, the at least one first arm moves in the vertical direction, and only when the first latch member is in the locked position, the at least one first arm passes through at least one aperture and at least one notch or slot that are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0048] In one embodiment, an additional positioning opening is formed in the connecting end of the wiring member, and the insulating shell further includes a third arm extending from the base along the lateral direction into the accommodating space, and the third arm is provided with a snap portion so that when the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into place in the insulating shell through the first channel, the snap portion of the third arm engages with the positioning opening in the accommodating space.

[0049] In one embodiment, the connecting end of the wire arrangement member has a first outer contour and a second outer contour opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction, and the first outer contour and the second outer contour are not mirror-symmetrical, so that the connecting end of the wire arrangement member can only be inserted into the first channel in a specified orientation.

[0050] In one embodiment, a step is formed in the first outer contour and / or the second outer contour, so as to contact a step complementary formed in the first channel when the connecting end of the wiring member passes through the first channel and is positioned in the insulating housing.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first latch member also includes two second arms, the two second arms are located at the first end and the second end of the plate body opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction, and the two second arms extend along the vertical direction; the base includes a first end face and a second end face opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, a first groove recessed into the base from the first end face along the longitudinal direction, and a second groove recessed into the base from the second end face along the longitudinal direction, and the two second arms are respectively received in the first groove and the second groove.

[0052] In one embodiment, a first catch and a second catch spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are provided in each of the first groove and the second groove, and a catch portion is formed in each second arm of the first latch member so that the first catch and the second catch can be located in the corresponding catch portion.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first catch and the second catch are configured to define a pre-locked position and a locked position of the first latch member.

[0054] In one embodiment, a third groove is formed in the base, extending along the longitudinal direction to communicate with the first groove and the second groove, and when the first latch member is in the locking position, the plate body of the first latch member is located in the third groove.

[0055] In one embodiment, the insulating housing further includes a receiving portion opposite to the base portion along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the receiving portion defines an receiving space to communicate with the first channel.

[0056] In one embodiment, after the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into the insulating housing through the first channel, the conductive contact of the wiring member is located in the accommodating space.

[0057] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion includes a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall that are opposite to and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall enclose the accommodating space.

[0058] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion includes a recessed seat, which is recessed into the first wall from an outer surface of the first wall of the accommodating portion along a vertical direction.

[0059] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion is integrally formed with a cantilever mechanism, the cantilever mechanism comprising a first elastic beam and a second elastic beam, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam respectively extending from the bottom wall of the recess toward the base along a transverse direction.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] In one embodiment, each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a transverse direction, the first end is fixed, and the second end is free.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cantilever mechanism further includes a third beam connecting the second end of the first elastic beam and the second end of the second elastic beam.

[0063] In one embodiment, a locking protrusion is formed in each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam between the first end and the second end, and the locking protrusion protrudes from an exposed surface of the corresponding elastic beam.

[0064] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a second latching member movably mounted in the base of the insulating housing to selectively switch between a pre-locking position and a locking position.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second latch member is closer to the receiving portion in its locked position than in its pre-locked position.

[0066] In one embodiment, a pair of receiving slide grooves spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are formed in the base of the insulating housing to receive the second latch member therebetween.

[0067] In one embodiment, the second latch member includes a base, and a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm extending from the base in a transverse direction, wherein the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction.

[0068] In one embodiment, each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the transverse direction, so that each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm is connected to the base of the second latch member only by means of the first end and the second end, and the portion other than the first end and the second end is separated from the base of the second latch member along the longitudinal direction.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm of the second latch member are respectively received in the pair of receiving slots so as to be slidable in the transverse direction.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first elastic arm is formed with a first protrusion between its first end and the second end, and the second elastic arm is formed with a second protrusion between its first end and the second end; and a first recess and a second recess spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction are formed in each of the pair of receiving slots, so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be selectively received in the pair of first recesses and the pair of second recesses to define the pre-locking position and the locking position of the second latch member.

[0071] In one embodiment, a guide tongue extends from the receiving portion of the insulating housing, the guide tongue extends in a transverse direction and at least partially extends between the pair of receiving grooves.

[0072] In one embodiment, a base of the second latch member is formed with a guide groove in a side thereof facing the insulating housing, the guide groove being configured to receive the guide tongue when the second latch member is received by the pair of receiving slide grooves.

[0073] In one embodiment, a limiting protrusion is formed on the end of the guide tongue away from the accommodating portion, and a stop portion is formed at one end of the guide groove of the second latch member, so that when the limiting protrusion is located in the guide groove, the movement stroke of the second latch member away from the accommodating portion is constrained by the stop portion.

[0074] In one embodiment, in the pre-locking position of the second latching member, the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member can move toward the insulating housing.

[0075] In one embodiment, in the locked position of the second latch member, the base of the second latch member is at least partially located between the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam and the insulating shell in the vertical direction to prevent the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member from moving toward the insulating shell.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the accommodating portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating portion of another electrical connector, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam can be received in the first locking hole and the second locking hole formed in the accommodating portion of the other electrical connector.

[0077] In one embodiment, in the locking position of the second latch member, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam are prevented from being disengaged from the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cable arrangement member includes a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a combination thereof.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present application, an electrical connector is provided, comprising:

[0080] an insulating housing having a base portion and a receiving portion opposite to the base portion in a lateral direction, wherein a first channel for receiving a cable arrangement member is formed in the base portion; and

[0081] A latch member is movably mounted in the base portion of the insulating housing to selectively switch between a pre-lock position and a lock position, wherein the latch member is closer to the receiving portion in the lock position than in the pre-lock position.

[0082] In one embodiment, the accommodating portion is integrally formed with a cantilever mechanism, the cantilever mechanism comprising a first elastic beam and a second elastic beam, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam respectively extending from the bottom wall of the recess toward the base along a transverse direction.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] In one embodiment, each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a transverse direction, the first end is fixed, and the second end is free.

[0085] In one embodiment, the cantilever mechanism further includes a third beam connecting the second end of the first elastic beam and the second end of the second elastic beam.

[0086] In one embodiment, a locking protrusion is formed in each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam between the first end and the second end, and the locking protrusion protrudes from an exposed surface of the corresponding elastic beam.

[0087] In one embodiment, a pair of receiving slide grooves spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are formed in the base of the insulating housing to receive the latch member therebetween.

[0088] In one embodiment, the latch member includes a base, and a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm extending from the base in a transverse direction, wherein the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction.

[0089] In one embodiment, each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the transverse direction, so that each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm is connected to the base of the second latch member only by means of the first end and the second end, and the portion other than the first end and the second end is separated from the base of the second latch member along the longitudinal direction.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm of the latch member are respectively received in the pair of receiving slots so as to be slidable in the transverse direction.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first elastic arm is formed with a first protrusion between its first end and the second end, and the second elastic arm is formed with a second protrusion between its first end and the second end; and a first recess and a second recess spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction are formed in each of the pair of receiving slots, so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be selectively received in the pair of first recesses and the pair of second recesses to define the pre-locking position and the locking position of the latch member.

[0092] In one embodiment, a guide tongue extends from the receiving portion of the insulating housing, the guide tongue extends in a transverse direction and at least partially extends between the pair of receiving grooves.

[0093] In one embodiment, a base of the latch member is formed with a guide groove in a side thereof facing the insulating housing, the guide groove being configured to receive the guide tongue when the latch member is received by the pair of receiving slide grooves.

[0094] In one embodiment, the guide tongue is formed with a limiting protrusion on one end thereof away from the accommodating portion, and a stop portion is formed at one end of the guide groove of the latch member, so that when the limiting protrusion is located in the guide groove, the movement stroke of the latch member away from the accommodating portion is constrained by the stop portion.

[0095] In one embodiment, in the pre-locking position of the latching member, the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member can move toward the insulating housing.

[0096] In one embodiment, in the locking position of the latch member, the base of the latch member is at least partially located between the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam and the insulating shell in the vertical direction to prevent the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member from moving toward the insulating shell.

[0097] In one embodiment, when the accommodating portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating portion of another electrical connector, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam can be received in the first locking hole and the second locking hole formed in the accommodating portion of the other electrical connector.

[0098] In one embodiment, in the locking position of the latch member, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam are prevented from being disengaged from the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

[0099] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a wire arrangement member, wherein the wire arrangement member includes a connection end having a plurality of conductive contacts, and the connection end of the wire arrangement member is inserted into the insulating housing through the first passage.

[0100] In one embodiment, the cable arrangement member includes a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a combination thereof.

[0101] According to another aspect of the present application, an electrical connector assembly is provided, comprising:

[0102] a first electrical connector having an insulating housing; and

[0103] A second electrical connector having an insulating shell, wherein the first electrical connector is an electrical connector according to any one of claims 27 to 83, and the insulating shell of the first electrical connector is defined with a receiving portion for being inserted into the receiving space defined by the receiving portion of the insulating shell of the second electrical connector.

[0104] In one embodiment, the second electrical connector is the aforementioned electrical connector.

[0105] In one embodiment, it is characterized in that after the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space of the second electrical connector and is in place, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for assembling a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector is provided, comprising:

[0107] Providing the aforementioned electrical connector as a first electrical connector;

[0108] providing a second electrical connector; and / or

[0109] When the first latch member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, inserting the connecting end of the cable arrangement member into the insulating housing of the first electrical connector, and after the connecting end of the cable arrangement member is inserted into place, placing the first latch member in its locking position; and / or

[0110] When the second latch member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space defined by the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the second electrical connector, and then the second latch member is in its locking position to prevent the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector from being withdrawn from the accommodating space.

[0111] In one embodiment, the aforementioned electrical connector is provided as the second electrical connector.

[0112] In one embodiment, after the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space of the second electrical connector and is seated, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

[0113] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for assembling a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector is provided, comprising:

[0114] Providing the aforementioned electrical connector as a first electrical connector;

[0115] providing a second electrical connector; and

[0116] When the latch member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space defined by the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the second electrical connector, and then the latch member is in its locking position to prevent the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector from being withdrawn from the accommodating space.

[0117] In one embodiment, the aforementioned electrical connector is provided as the second electrical connector.

[0118] In one embodiment, after the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space of the second electrical connector and is seated, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

[0119] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination.The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] The above and other aspects of the present application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the electrical connector, circuit board and electronic system according to the present application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the size, proportional relationship and number of components of the components or parts in the drawings are not intended to limit the present application. In the drawings:

[0121] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an electronic system according to some embodiments of the present application, the electronic system including a first electrical connector (plug connector), a second electrical connector (socket connector), and a circuit board;

[0122] FIG2 is another perspective view of the electronic system of FIG1;

[0123] FIG3 is an exploded perspective view of a first electrical connector (plug connector) of the electronic system, wherein a cable member to be received by the electrical connector is also shown;

[0124] 4 is another perspective view of the first electrical connector (plug connector) of the electronic system, wherein the cable member is shown to have been received by the electrical connector;

[0125] FIG5 is a perspective view of a cable arrangement member;

[0126] 6A is a perspective view of a first electrical connector (plug connector) with a first latch member of the connector positioned in a pre-locked position and a cable member at least partially positioned within an insulating housing;

[0127] 6B is a perspective view of the first electrical connector (plug connector) with the first latch member of the connector in a locked position and the cable member at least partially positioned within the insulating housing;

[0128] FIG7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG6A ;

[0129] FIG7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG6B ;

[0130] FIG8A shows a perspective view of the base of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector;

[0131] FIG8B shows another perspective view of the base of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector of FIG8A ;

[0132] FIG8C shows another perspective view of the base of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector of FIG8A ;

[0133] 9A is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector (plug connector), wherein the insulating housing and the cable arrangement member are partially cut away along line III-III in FIG. 4 and schematically illustrates the cable arrangement member about to be inserted into the insulating housing;

[0134] 9B is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector (plug connector), wherein the insulating housing and the cable arranging member are partially cut away along line III-III in FIG. 4 and schematically illustrates that the cable arranging member has been inserted into place in the insulating housing;

[0135] 10A is a cross-sectional view of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector (plug connector), wherein the insulating housing is cut along line VV in FIG. 8A and schematically illustrates the wiring member about to be inserted into the insulating housing;

[0136] 10B is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector (plug connector), wherein the insulating housing is cut along line VV in FIG. 8A and schematically shows that the cable arranging member has been inserted into the insulating housing in place;

[0137] 11A is a perspective view of a latch member (second latch member) of a first electrical connector (plug connector);

[0138] 11B is another perspective view of the latch member (second latch member) of the first electrical connector (plug connector);

[0139] 12A is a cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector (plug connector) taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 4 , wherein the latch member (second latch member) is shown in the first position;

[0140] 12B is a cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector (plug connector) taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 4 , wherein the latch member (second latch member) is shown in the second position;

[0141] 13A is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4 , in which the latch member (second latch member) of the first electrical connector (plug connector) is shown in a first position corresponding to FIG. 12A ;

[0142] 13B is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4 , in which the latch member (second latch member) of the first electrical connector (plug connector) is shown in a second position corresponding to FIG. 12B ;

[0143] FIG14A is a perspective view of a second connector (receptacle connector);

[0144] FIG14B is an exploded perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector);

[0145] FIG15 is a perspective view of a single conductive terminal of the second connector (receptacle connector);

[0146] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 14A , wherein the sealing cover of the second connector is not shown installed;

[0147] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 14A , wherein the sealing cover of the second connector is shown to have been installed;

[0148] 18A is a perspective view of a second connector (receptacle connector) with the printed circuit board not shown and the sealing cover of the second connector not shown installed;

[0149] 18B is a perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) with the printed circuit board not shown and the sealing cover of the second connector shown installed;

[0150] 18C is a partially cutaway perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) along line AA in FIG. 18B ;

[0151] 18D is a partially cutaway perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line BB in FIG. 18B ;

[0152] FIG18E is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the dotted box in FIG18D;

[0153] FIG18F is a partially enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the second connector (receptacle connector) corresponding to the dotted box in FIG18D;

[0154] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0155] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connection assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0156] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of a second connection assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0157] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of a second housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0158] 23 and 24 are schematic structural diagrams of positioning fasteners provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0159] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view of the installation process of the positioning fastener and the second housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0160] FIG26 is a cross-sectional view showing the installation of the positioning fastener and the second housing provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0161] FIG27 is an exploded view of a first connecting assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0162] FIG28 is an exploded view of a second connecting assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0163] FIG29 is a cross-sectional view of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0164] 30 and 31 are cross-sectional views of a first connection assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0165] FIG32 is a schematic diagram of the installation of an FPC assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0166] FIG33 is a schematic diagram of the abutment between the floating connecting arm and the abutment portion provided in the novel embodiment of the present application;

[0167] 34A is a partially cutaway perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line A1-A1 in FIG. 18B ;

[0168] 34B is a partially cutaway perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line A2-A2 in FIG. 18B , but the perspective view of the figure is viewed from a perspective opposite to that of FIG. 34A ;

[0169] FIG35A is a perspective view schematically showing a second connector (receptacle connector) according to another embodiment of the present application, wherein the second connector (receptacle connector) is connected to a circuit board;

[0170] FIG35B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line A3-A3 in FIG35A; and

[0171] FIG35C is a cutaway perspective view of the second connector (receptacle connector) taken along line A4-A4 in FIG35A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0172] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Electrical connectors can be connected together to form connector assemblies. The electrical connectors and connector assemblies must have properties that meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of the electronic system. As an example, the electrical connectors and connector assemblies need to have sufficiently high safety and reliability. For example, the electrical connectors need to have sufficiently high dielectric withstanding voltage performance. As another example, it is desirable that the electrical connectors and connector assemblies have a smaller footprint in the electronic system. As yet another example, it is desirable that the electrical connectors have good hot plugging capabilities. As yet another example, it is desirable that the connector assembly allows for convenient assembly and / or disassembly in a space-constrained environment.

[0173] The inventors have recognized and appreciated a design technique for an electrical connector having characteristics that meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of electronic systems. This technique can provide an electrical connector and connector assembly that is compact, safe, reliable, and easier to assemble and disassemble, while meeting the mechanical and electrical requirements set forth by regulations such as USCAR. This technique can be particularly advantageous in wire-to-board connection systems.

[0174] The plug connector may include an insulating housing, a wire arrangement member and a latch member. Alternatively, the wire arrangement member may not be part of the plug connector, but merely a member to be connected to the plug connector. The wire arrangement member includes a connection end having a plurality of conductive contacts. The connection end of the wire arrangement member is disposed in the insulating housing. The latch member is mounted to the insulating housing and is configured to retain the connection end of the wire arrangement member in the insulating housing. With this configuration, the connection end of the wire arrangement member can be directly disposed in the insulating housing for establishing an electrical connection with a mating electrical component (e.g., a socket connector). Compared to traditional electrical connectors that use crimped cables to connect wires, this configuration can simplify the structure of the plug connector and reduce its manufacturing cost. With the aid of the latch member, the connection end of the wire arrangement member can be reliably retained in the insulating housing. Retaining the wire arrangement member by a single latch member can simplify the structure and assembly process of the plug connector.

[0175] The latch member can be mounted to the insulating housing and selectively positioned between a pre-locked position and a locked position. This configuration enables the plug connector to meet the requirements of regulations such as USCAR. Because the latch member is pre-locked in place before the cable assembly is placed in the insulating housing, it can prevent the latch member from being lost during the installation of the cable assembly, and can improve the assembly efficiency of the plug connector.

[0176] The conductive contacts of the cable assembly are surrounded and protected by the housing of the insulating housing to prevent contact with the user's fingers or tools, thereby preventing electric shock or short circuits. This configuration improves the safety and reliability of the plug connector. The cable assembly can include a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a combination thereof.

[0177] A receptacle connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of conductive terminals disposed within the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a base and a tongue extending from the base in a transverse direction. The tongue may include a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. Each conductive terminal includes a mating end having a mating contact portion, a mounting end opposite the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the mounting end. The plurality of conductive terminals may include a plurality of first conductive terminals and a plurality of second conductive terminals. The plurality of first conductive terminals are arranged in a first row along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse and vertical directions, with the mating ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals extending into the tongue so that their mating contact portions protrude from the first surface. The plurality of second conductive terminals are arranged in a second row along the longitudinal direction, with the mating ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals extending into the tongue so that their mating contact portions protrude from the second surface. The mating ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals and the mating ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals may be staggered in the vertical direction. This arrangement enables the first and second rows to be arranged with a smaller spacing in the vertical direction while still ensuring sufficient spacing between the mating ends of the first and second conductive terminals. This arrangement can reduce the size (ie, height) of the socket connector in the vertical direction Z. This is conducive to miniaturization of the socket connector and can reduce the space occupied by the socket connector in the electronic system.

[0178] The base of the insulating housing of the socket connector may include a third surface and a fourth surface on the side opposite to the tongue. The third surface and the fourth surface are both perpendicular to the transverse direction and face in the same direction. The fourth surface is farther from the tongue in the transverse direction than the third surface. The mounting ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals extend from the third surface of the base in the transverse direction, and the mounting ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals extend from the fourth surface of the base in the transverse direction. Through this configuration, the creepage distance between the mounting ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals and the mounting ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals can be increased, thereby allowing the plurality of first conductive terminals and the plurality of second conductive terminals to be arranged at a closer spacing and improving the insulation withstand voltage performance of the socket connector. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the socket connector in the transverse direction and / or longitudinal direction. This is conducive to the miniaturization of the socket connector and can reduce the space occupied by the socket connector in the electronic system.

[0179] The mating ends of the receptacle connector's conductive terminals can feature a double-beam, double-contact configuration. This configuration improves the receptacle connector's electrical connection reliability and effectively prevents momentary disconnections. Furthermore, this configuration increases the current-carrying capacity of the conductive terminals, enabling the receptacle connector to meet high-current transmission requirements. Furthermore, this configuration increases the receptacle connector's contact density, facilitating miniaturization.

[0180] The plug connector and the receptacle connector can mate with each other to form a connector assembly. A connector position assurance (CPA) device can securely lock the plug connector and the receptacle connector together. Furthermore, the plug connector and the receptacle connector can have cooperating guiding features. Such guiding features can prevent the plug connector from being inserted into the receptacle connector in an skewed orientation, thereby protecting the mating conductive structures of the plug connector and the receptacle connector and improving the hot-swappability capability of the connector assembly.

[0181] Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the present application in any way. In addition, the features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other unless they conflict.

[0182] Electronic systems

[0183] 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an electronic system 1 according to some embodiments of the present application, which includes an electrical connector 10 , an electrical connector 20 , and a circuit board 30 .

[0184] For clarity and simplicity, FIG1 defines a transverse direction XX, a longitudinal direction YY, and a vertical direction ZZ. Transverse direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ are mutually perpendicular. Transverse direction XX generally refers to the width of electrical connector 10 and electrical connector 20. Longitudinal direction YY generally refers to the length of electrical connector 10 and electrical connector 20. Vertical direction ZZ generally refers to the height or thickness of electrical connector 10 and electrical connector 20.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electronic system 1 includes an electrical connector 10 , an electrical connector 20 , and a circuit board 30 .

[0186] The circuit board 30 may also be referred to as a “printed circuit board” or “PCB.” The circuit board 30 may be a main board, such as a main board of a battery management system (BMS).

[0187] The electrical connector 20 may be a board-mounted connector that is mounted and connected to a circuit board 30. Specifically, the electrical connector 20 may be mechanically fixed to the circuit board 30 and electrically connected to a conductive structure 32 (e.g., a conductive pad or a conductive through-hole) of the circuit board 30. The electrical connector 20 may provide an electrical interface for electrically connecting the electrical connector 10 to the circuit board 30.

[0188] The electrical connector 10 may be configured to electrically connect an electrical component to the electrical connector 20 and the circuit board 30. The electrical component may be, for example, a cell sensing circuit (CSC) configured to monitor the status (eg, voltage and temperature) of a battery cell.

[0189] The electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can establish an electrical connection between the circuit board 30 and the electrical component to achieve signal and / or power transmission. For example, the status data of the battery cell collected by the CSC can be transmitted to the data acquisition module of the BMS through the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20. The electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can constitute a connector assembly for signal and / or power transmission. It should be understood that the use of the electronic system 1 and the connector assembly according to the present application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can be used for an on-board charger (OBC), a micro control unit (MCU), etc.

[0190] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical connector 20 is disposed on a surface 31 of a circuit board 30 and is electrically connected to conductive structures 32 (shown as conductive pads in Figure 14B) of the circuit board 30. As will be described in detail below, a portion of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 so that the conductive structures of the electrical connector 10 mate with the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 20. The electrical connector 10 may also be referred to as a "first electrical connector" or a "plug connector," and the electrical connector 20 may also be referred to as a "second electrical connector" or a "receptacle connector."

[0191] Plug connector

[0192] 3 and 4 show the configuration of the electrical connector 10. As shown in FIG3 and 4, the electrical connector 10 may include an insulating housing 100, a latch member 300, and a latch member 400. The latch member 300 may also be referred to as a "first latch member" or an "FPC / FFC position assurance (FPA) device". The latch member 400 may also be referred to as a "second latch member". The latch member 400 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the latch member 400 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). In an alternative embodiment, the electrical connector 10 may include only one of the latch member 300 and the latch member 400.

[0193] The electrical connector 10 is configured to receive a cable assembly 200 in a detachable manner. The cable assembly 200 may be a flexible electrical connection assembly having a flat-shaped connection end. The cable assembly 200 may also be referred to as a "cable". For example, the cable assembly 200 may be electrically connected to an electrical component such as a CSS described above, or the cable assembly 200 itself may be part of an electrical component such as a CSS described above. The cable assembly 200 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC). The cable assembly 200 received by the electrical connector 10 may include an FFC, an FPC, or a combination thereof.

[0194] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cable member 200 may include at least two, for example, two cable members spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The cable member 200 is generally flat and has opposing sides, for example, one side of the cable member 200 is schematically shown in FIG3 . As shown, the cable member 200 includes a body 201 and a connection end 202.

[0195] The connecting end 202 may have a flat shape. The connecting end 202 may include a first surface 202a and a second surface 202b opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ. A plurality of conductive contacts 203 may be exposed at the first surface 202a of the connecting end 202. The conductive contacts 203 may also be referred to as "conductive contact strips" or "gold fingers". The conductive contacts 203 may be formed of a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for manufacturing the conductive contacts 203 may be a metal material, such as a copper alloy. The main body 201 may extend from the connecting end 202 to the other end (not shown) of the wiring member 200 and provide an electrical connection between the connecting end 202 and the other end, thereby enabling signal and / or power transmission. The main body 201 may be flexible, for example, to be suitable for being bent. The connecting end 202 may be hardened to be suitable for being inserted into the insulating housing 100 and establishing an electrical connection with a mating electrical component (e.g., an electrical connector 20).

[0196] As shown, the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200 may be received or disposed in the insulating housing 100. The latch member 300 is mounted to the insulating housing 100 and may be configured to retain and lock the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member in the insulating housing 100.

[0197] With this configuration, the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200 can be removably received or disposed within the insulating housing 100 for establishing an electrical connection with a mating electrical component. Compared to conventional electrical connectors that utilize crimped cables for cable connections, this configuration simplifies the structure of the electrical connector 10 and reduces its manufacturing costs. Latching member 300 securely holds the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200 within the insulating housing 100.

[0198] The insulating housing 100 and the latch member 300 may be made of insulating materials. Examples of insulating materials 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).

[0199] As shown in FIG3 , the insulating housing 100 includes a base 110 and first channels 111 , each extending from a first surface 110a of the base 110 through the base 110 along a transverse direction XX. As shown, the connecting end 202 of the wiring member 200 may include a first segment 210 and a second segment 220 . The first segment 210 of the connecting end 202 extends from the main body 201 along a transverse direction XX, and the second segment 220 extends from the first segment 210 along a transverse direction XX away from the main body 201. In other words, the first segment 210 extends between the second segment 220 and the main body 201 and connects the second segment 220 to the main body 201. The wiring member 200 may terminate at the second segment 220. A plurality of conductive contacts 203 are located on the second segment 220. The structure of the connecting end 202 of the second wiring member 200B is substantially identical to that of the connecting end 202 of the first wiring member 200A. For the sake of brevity, details of these identical parts will not be repeated.

[0200] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connection end 202 of the cable member 200 can be inserted into the insulating housing 100 through the first channel 111. When the connection end 202 of the cable member 200 is received or positioned in the insulating housing 100, the first section 210 of the connection end 202 of the cable member 200 is located in the first channel 111. With this configuration, the base 110 can limit the movement of the first section 210 of the connection end 202 of the cable member 200 relative to the insulating housing 100 in the longitudinal direction YY and the vertical direction ZZ, thereby retaining the connection end 202 of the cable member 200 in the longitudinal direction YY and the vertical direction ZZ.

[0201] 5 , the first section 210 of the connection end 202 of the wiring member 200 has side edges. For example, the first section 210 of the connection end 202 of the wiring member 200 includes a first side edge 211 and a second side edge 212 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0202] In the embodiments of the present application, the first segment 210 of the first cable member 200 may include a notch extending from a side edge along the longitudinal direction YY into the first segment 210, or a slot extending through the first segment 210 near a side edge along the vertical direction ZZ. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the first segment 210 of the cable member 200 may include a first notch 213 extending from a first side edge 211 along the longitudinal direction YY into the first segment 210, and a second notch 214 extending through the first segment 210 near a second side edge 212 along the vertical direction ZZ. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape and position of the notch and slot can be redesigned based on the needs of the specific embodiments of the present application to meet the objectives of the specific embodiments described below.

[0203] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the latch member 300 is mounted to the base 110 and is configured to be selectively positioned between a pre-locked position (Figure 6A) and a locked position (Figure 6B). In other words, the latch member 300 can be selectively switched between the pre-locked position / state (Figure 6A) and the locked position / state (Figure 6B) while remaining mounted to the base 110. For example, when switching between the pre-locked position and the locked position, the latch member 300 can selectively move in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0204] In the pre-locked position shown in FIG6A , the latch member 300 is not in contact with the cable member 200, allowing the first section 210 or the second section 220 of the cable member 200 to move along the transverse direction XX into the first channel 111. In other words, in the pre-locked position of the latch member 300, the connecting end 202 of the cable member 200 is allowed to be inserted into the insulating housing 100 from the first side 110 a of the base 110 through the first channel 111.

[0205] In the locked position shown in FIG6B , the latch member 300 contacts or interacts with the cable member 200A to retain the first segment 210 of the cable member 200 within the first channel 111. In the locked position, the latch member 300 blocks the first segment 210 from being withdrawn from the insulating housing 100 or the base 110 along the transverse direction XX within the first channel 111, thereby retaining the first segment 210 within the first channel 111. In this manner, the latch member 300 is able to retain the cable member 200 relative to the insulating housing 100 or the base 110.

[0206] When in the pre-locked position, the latch member 300 allows the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200 to be inserted into the insulating housing 100; when in the locked position, the latch member 300 retains the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200 in the insulating housing 100. This configuration allows the latch member 300 to be installed in the insulating housing 100 before the cable traversing member 200 is inserted into the insulating housing 100 (i.e., the latch member 300 is pre-locked in place), and after the cable traversing member 200 is inserted into the insulating housing 100, the latch member 300 pre-installed in the insulating housing 100 is used to lock the cable traversing member 200 in place. This configuration enables the electrical connector 10 to meet the requirements of regulations such as USCAR. Because the latch member 300 is pre-locked in place relative to the insulating housing 100 before the cable traversing member 200 is inserted into the insulating housing 100, it is possible to prevent the latch member 300 from being lost during installation of the cable traversing member 200, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the electrical connector 10.

[0207] As shown in FIG3 , the latch member 300 may include two first arms 310 . Each first arm 310 has a first body 311 extending along a vertical direction ZZ. The latch member 300 may include a plate 330 . The plate 330 may also be referred to as a "pressing plate." Each of the two first arms 310 extends from the plate 330 along a vertical direction ZZ. The latch member 300 may also include two second arms 320 . The two second arms 320 may be configured to attach the latch member 300 to the base 110 of the insulating housing 100 . Each second arm 320 extends from the plate 330 along a vertical direction ZZ and includes a latching slot 321 . The plate 330 of the latch member 300 includes a first end 330 a and a second end 330 b , which are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The two second arms 320 extend from a first surface 331 of the plate 330 along the vertical direction ZZ at the first end 330 a and the second end 330 b , respectively. The two first arms 310 may extend from the first surface 331 of the plate body 330 along the vertical direction ZZ between the two second arms 320. The second arms 320 may be elastic arms. The latching slots 321 may be elongated along the vertical direction ZZ. The latching slots 321 of the two second arms 320 are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0208] As shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, the base 110 of the insulating housing 100 includes a first end surface 110c and a second end surface 110d that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction YY, a first groove 115 that extends from the first end surface 110c into the base 110 along the longitudinal direction YY, and a second groove 116 that extends from the second end surface 110d into the base 110 along the longitudinal direction YY. Furthermore, a third groove 117 is formed in the second side or bottom surface 110b of the base 110. For example, the third groove 117 extends from the second side or bottom surface 110b into the base 110 along the vertical direction ZZ. For example, the third groove 117 has an elongated shape that matches the shape of the plate 330. The third groove 117 communicates with both the first groove 115 and the second groove 116.

[0209] When the latch member 300 is mounted on the base 110, the two second arms 320 of the latch member 300 are received in the first groove 115 and the second groove 116, respectively. The plate 330 of the latch member 300 is located within the third groove 117, with the first surface 331 of the plate 330 facing the insulating housing 100 or its base 110. In this way, the two second arms 320 and the plate 330 of the latch member 300 are protected by the base 110, preventing them from being accidentally removed from the base 110. This configuration improves the reliability of the mounting of the latch member 300 on the base 110 and facilitates the installation, adjustment, and removal of the latch member 300.

[0210] As shown in Figures 8A to 8C , the base 110 may include two first latches 113 and two second latches 114. For example, a pair of first latches 113 and second latches 114 may be provided in each of the first and second recesses 115, 116. Each latch may be formed so as to extend outward from the bottom surface of the corresponding first recess 115 or second recess 116. The first and second latches 113, 114 are shaped to be received in the corresponding recesses 321 of the second arm 320 of the latch member 300. Thus, when the latch member 300 is mounted on the base 110 and the first and second recesses 115, 116 receive the two second arms 320 of the latch member 300, respectively, the contact surfaces 321a of the recesses 321 (see Figures 3, 7A, and 7B) can selectively contact the corresponding first latch 113 (Figure 7A) or second latch 114 (Figure 7B). For example, in FIG7A , the latch member 300 is in the pre-locked position, where the contact surface 321 a of the latch groove 321 of each of the two second arms 320 of the latch member 300 contacts the corresponding first catch 113. Simultaneously, as the latch member 300 is forced to move in the vertical direction ZZ, the latch member 300 can transition to the locked position, as shown in FIG7B , where the contact surface 321 a of the latch groove 321 of each of the two second arms 320 of the latch member 300 contacts the corresponding second catch 114. This snap-fit ​​engagement allows the latch member 300 to be securely maintained in the pre-locked and locked positions, while facilitating switching of the latch member 300 between the pre-locked and locked positions.

[0211] For example, when the latch member 300 is in the pre-locked position, pressing the plate 330 along the vertical direction ZZ can push the latch member 300, causing the contact surfaces 321a of the latching slots 321 of the two second arms 320 to move from the corresponding first catches 113 to the corresponding second catches 114, thereby moving the latch member 300 to the locked position. When the latch member 300 is in the locked position, the two second arms 320 can be slightly separated to release from the corresponding second catches 114, and the contact surfaces 321a of the latching slots 321 of the two second arms 320 can be engaged with the corresponding first catches 113, thereby placing the latch member 300 in the pre-locked position. Furthermore, the latch member 300 can be removed from the base 110 by releasing the two second arms 320 from the corresponding first catches 113 or the corresponding second catches 114. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch 113 and 114 is configured to have an inclined surface, and the free end surface of the corresponding slot portion 321 is also correspondingly inclined to help the latch member 300 switch from the pre-locking position to the locking position through sliding friction between the inclined surfaces.

[0212] In FIG3 , the center or centerline between the two first arms 310 of the latch member 300 along the longitudinal direction YY and the center or centerline between the two second arms 320 along the longitudinal direction YY may not coincide with each other. This configuration can provide a foolproofing function to prevent the latch member 300 from being installed on the base 110 in the wrong orientation. As shown in FIG8A to 8C , two through-holes 118 are formed in the base 110. For example, the two holes 118 can simultaneously pass through the bottom surface of the third groove 117 and the other side of the base 110 opposite to the side where the third groove 117 is located (along the vertical direction ZZ). The two holes 118 are configured to allow the two first arms 310 to pass through respectively, so that when the latch member 300 is installed on the base 110, it can switch between the pre-locked position and the locked position.

[0213] Figures 6A and 7A illustrate the latch member 300 in a pre-locked position, in which the cable traversing member 200 can be at least partially inserted into the first channel 111 of the base 110 along the transverse direction XX. Because the latch member 300 is in the pre-locked position, the latch member 300 is not in contact with the cable traversing member 200, meaning that the cable traversing member 200 can be withdrawn from the base 110 as needed. For example, this allows the connection end 202 of the cable traversing member 200B to be inserted into and removed from the insulative housing 100 along the transverse direction XX. When the latch member 300 is in the pre-locked position and the cable traversing member 200 is inserted into the base 110, the first notch 213 and the second slot 214 of the cable traversing member 200 can be aligned with the two openings 118 of the base 110, respectively, in the transverse direction XX.

[0214] 6B and 7B , the two first arms 310 of the latch member 300 pass through the aligned aperture 118 and the first recess 213 and the aligned aperture 118 and the second recess 214, respectively, to prevent the cable member 200 from being withdrawn from the base 110 along the lateral direction XX.

[0215] In the illustrated embodiment, the latch member 300 switches between the pre-locked position and the locked position by selectively engaging the contact surface 321a of the latching groove portion 321 with the latches 113 and 114. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other implementations may also be employed in the technical solutions of the present application. For example, in an alternative embodiment, a latching portion may be formed on each of the two second arms 320 of the latch member 300 on their facing surfaces. The latching portion may be in the shape of a barb. The latching portion is capable of selectively engaging one of two latching grooves formed in the bottom surface of a corresponding one of the first and second recesses 115 and 116 of the base 110, separated in the vertical direction ZZ. The positions of the two latching grooves correspond to the positions of the latches 113 and 114 shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, respectively, to similarly define the pre-locked and locked positions of the latch member 300.

[0216] As shown in Figures 4 and 8B, the insulating housing 100 may include a receiving portion 150. The receiving portion 150 extends from the base 110 along the transverse direction XX and encloses an accommodating space 140. In the insulating housing 100, the first channel 111 is configured to communicate with the accommodating space 140. The accommodating space 140 is open at the end opposite the base 110. When the cable assembly 200 is inserted into the base 110, the second section 220 of the cable assembly 200 is positioned in the accommodating space 140. Through this configuration, the conductive contacts 203 of the cable assembly 200 can be protected by the receiving portion 150 to prevent contact by the user's fingers or tools, thereby preventing the user from being electrocuted or preventing electrical short circuits. This configuration can improve the safety and reliability of the electronic system 1 using the electrical connector 10.

[0217] For example, the leading edge of the second section 220 of the connecting end 202 of the cable member 200 may be retracted into the accommodating space 140 by a certain distance in the transverse direction XX relative to the opening of the accommodating portion 150. For example, the distance may be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0218] The receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 can be formed by a plurality of walls extending from the base 110 along the transverse direction XX. The plurality of walls can include a first wall 151 and a second wall 152 that are opposed to and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ, and a third wall 153 and a fourth wall 154 that are opposed to and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The first wall 151, the second wall 152, the third wall 153, and the fourth wall 154 enclose an accommodating space 140. Furthermore, the receiving portion 150 can serve as an insertion portion of the insulating housing 100 for insertion into the housing of another electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector 20 described below) that mates with the electrical connector 10.

[0219] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the insulating housing 100 may include a third arm 160 extending from the base 110 along the transverse direction XX into the accommodating space 140. The third arm may have a snap-fit ​​portion 161. The third arm 160 may be a resilient arm. When the cable traversing member 200 is positioned or received in place within the insulating housing 100, the snap-fit ​​portion 161 of the third arm 160 can engage with the positioning opening of the second section 220 of the cable traversing member 200 to retain the second section 220 in the accommodating space 140.

[0220] 3 and 5 , the second section 220 of the wiring member 200 may include a first side edge 221 and a second side edge 222 that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction YY. The second section 220 of the wiring member 200 may include a first notch 225 that is recessed from the first side edge 221 into the second section 220 along the longitudinal direction YY, and a second notch 226 that is recessed from the second side edge 222 into the second section 220 along the longitudinal direction YY. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning opening of the second section 220 is implemented in the form of a first notch 225 and a second notch 226; the third arm 160 is correspondingly provided as two third arms 160, and the positions of the two third arms 160 in the longitudinal direction YY correspond to the positions of the first notch 225 and the second notch 226, respectively. Therefore, when the cable traversing member 200 is inserted into the insulating housing 100 from the state shown in FIG. 9A and positioned (as shown in FIG. 9B ), the locking portions 161 of the two third arms 160 (only the locking portion 161 corresponding to the second notch 226 is shown in FIG. 9A and 9B ) respectively engage with the first notch 225 and the second notch 226, and the third arms 160 further help lock the cable traversing member 200. In alternative embodiments not shown, the number of third arms 160 may be greater or less, and the number of notches in the second section 220 that engage with the third arms may also be increased or decreased accordingly. The recesses 225 and 226 can be implemented in the form of other suitable positioning openings, for example, as through holes formed in the connecting end of the wiring member 200 away from the corresponding side edges; and the third arm 160 can be correspondingly designed in the base 110 so that its snap portion 161 can engage with the positioning opening.

[0221] When the electrical connector 10 is mated with the electrical connector 20 , the design of the third arm 160 can prevent the second section 220 of the cable arrangement member 200 from shifting or tilting, thereby improving the working reliability of the electronic system 1 composed of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 .

[0222] As shown in Figure 9A, each third arm 160 may include a third body 160a. A latch portion 161 protrudes from the third body 160a along the vertical direction ZZ. The second wall 152 of the accommodating portion 150 and the third body 160a of the third arm 160 sandwich the second section 220 of the cable traversing member 200 therebetween. This configuration guides the insertion of the second section 220 of the cable traversing member 200 into the accommodating space 140. Furthermore, the second section 220 of the cable traversing member 200 can be securely retained within the accommodating space 140.

[0223] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B , the first side edge 211 of the first segment 210 and the first side edge 221 of the second segment 220 of the cable member 200 define a first outer profile of the connecting end 202 of the cable member 200, while the second side edge 212 of the first segment 210 and the second side edge 222 of the cable member 200 define a second outer profile of the connecting end 202 of the cable member 200. The first outer profile is opposite to the first outer profile along the longitudinal direction YY. According to an embodiment of the present application, when viewed in a projection plane parallel to the longitudinal direction YY and the transverse direction XX, the first outer profile and the second outer profile of the cable member 200 are not mirror-symmetrical. For example, a step 22a is formed in the second outer profile defined by the second side edges 212 and 222. A step 11a having a complementary shape to step 22a is formed in the first channel 111 of the insulating housing 100. Thus, when the connecting end 202 of the cable member 200 is inserted into the insulating housing 100 through the first channel 111, the steps 11a and 22a can exactly contact each other. This configuration can provide a foolproof function, ensuring that the cable member 200 can always be inserted into the insulating housing 100 with the first surface 202a of the connecting end 202 facing the first wall 151 of the receiving portion 150, thereby preventing the cable member 200 from being inserted into the insulating housing 100 in the wrong orientation (in this wrong orientation, the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second cable member 200B face the second wall 152).

[0224] As shown in Figure 4, the first wall 151 and the third wall 153 of the insulating shell 100 are connected to each other at the first corner, the first wall 151 and the fourth wall 154 are connected to each other at the second corner, the second wall 152 and the third wall 153 are connected to each other at the third corner, and the second wall 152 and the fourth wall 154 are connected to each other at the fourth corner.

[0225] In an embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 may include a first rib 171 protruding outward from the first wall 151 along the vertical direction ZZ at a first corner, and a second rib 172 protruding outward from the first wall 151 along the vertical direction ZZ at a second corner. The first rib 171 and the second rib 172 each extend along the transverse direction XX. As will be described in detail below, the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 are configured to mate with corresponding grooves in the housing of the electrical connector 20 when the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 to guide the insertion of the insertion portion. This configuration can prevent the electrical connector 10 from being inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an skewed orientation, thereby protecting the electrical connector 10 and the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 20 and improving the hot-swappable capability of the electrical connector 10. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating housing 100 may include ribs at the third and fourth corners.

[0226] Although the first, second, third, and fourth walls 151, 152, 153, and 154 of the insulating housing 100 are substantially flush with one another at their free ends in the illustrated embodiment, in unillustrated embodiments, the third wall 153 of the insulating housing 100 may extend beyond the first and second walls 151, 152 in the transverse direction XX to form a first protrusion, and the fourth wall 154 may extend beyond the first and second walls 151, 152 in the transverse direction XX to form a second protrusion. The first and second protrusions are configured to mate with corresponding recesses in the housing of the electrical connector 20 when the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the housing. This configuration increases the size of the receiving portion 150 in the mating direction without increasing the overall width of the electrical connectors 10 and 20. This configuration helps guide the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 in the correct orientation when inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 and reduces its play, thereby improving the hot-swappability of the electrical connector 10. Furthermore, if the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an oblique orientation, this configuration can prevent the conductive portions of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 from contacting each other, thereby protecting the circuits from damage. This can improve the hot-plugging capability and reliability of the electrical connector 10.

[0227] In an embodiment of the present application, the electrical connector 10 may include a connector position assurance (CPA) device configured to lock the electrical connector 10 to a mating electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector 20) when the electrical connector 10 mates with the mating electrical connector.

[0228] 4 and 8B , the receiving portion 150 may include a recess 178 that is recessed into the first wall 151 along the vertical direction ZZ from the outer surface 151a of the first wall 151 and extends along the transverse direction XX. The recess 178 may extend to the base 110 along the transverse direction XX.

[0229] With further reference to Figures 2, 4, and 8B, the CPA device may include a cantilever mechanism 180. The cantilever mechanism 180 may be an integral part of the receiving portion 150. The cantilever mechanism 180 may include a first elastic beam 181 and a second elastic beam 182. The recess 178 may include a bottom wall 178c and first and second side walls 178a and 178b that oppose each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The first and second elastic beams 181 and 182 extend from the bottom wall 178c of the recess 178 along the transverse direction XX toward the base 110. The first and second elastic beams 181 and 182 may be cantilever beams. The first elastic beam 181 includes a first end 181a and a second end 181b that oppose each other in the transverse direction XX. The first end 181a is fixed and connected to the bottom wall 178c. The second end 181b is free and spaced apart from the bottom wall 178c in the vertical direction ZZ. The second elastic beam 182 includes a first end 182a and a second end 182b that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX. The first end 182a is configured to be fixed and connected to the bottom wall 178c. The second end 182b is configured to be unfixed and spaced apart from the bottom wall 178c in the vertical direction ZZ. The first elastic beam 181 and the second elastic beam 182 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY and define a receiving space therebetween. The first elastic beam 181 and the second elastic beam 182 can be parallel to each other.

[0230] The cantilever mechanism 180 may further include a third beam 183. The third beam 183 extends along the longitudinal direction YY from the second end 181b of the first elastic beam 181 to the second end 182b of the second elastic beam 182. In other words, the third beam 183 connects the second end 181b of the first elastic beam 181 and the second end 182b of the second elastic beam 182.

[0231] As shown in Figures 2 and 8B, a locking protrusion 184 is formed on the first elastic beam 181 of the cantilever mechanism 180. The locking protrusion 184 is located between the first end 181a and the second end 181b of the first elastic beam 181 and extends from the exposed surface of the first elastic beam 181. Similarly, a locking protrusion 184 is also formed on the second elastic beam 182 of the cantilever mechanism 180. The locking protrusion 184 is located between the first end 182a and the second end 182b of the second elastic beam 182 and extends from the exposed surface of the second elastic beam 182. These two locking protrusions 184 are configured to engage with locking holes (described below) in a mating electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 20) when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the mating electrical connector, thereby ensuring that sufficient retention force can be applied between the electrical connector 10 and the mating electrical connector even when the latch member 400 is not installed on the electrical connector 10.

[0232] According to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the CPA device may further include a latching member 400. The latching member 400 may be configured to lock the CPA device or its cantilever mechanism 180 when the electrical connector 10 is mated with a mating electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector 20), so that the two electrical connectors cannot be separated at will.

[0233] A pair of receiving slots 179 are formed in the base 110 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10, as shown in Figures 1, 8A, and 9A. For example, the pair of receiving slots 179 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY and open toward each other, such that the pair of slots 179 are configured to receive a latch member 400 that is slidable relative to the base 110 in the transverse direction XX. A guide tongue 190 extends from the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100, such as the receiving space 140 thereof. The guide tongue 190 is formed to extend at least partially between the pair of receiving slots 179, and a stopper protrusion 191 is formed on the free end of the guide tongue 190 (the end facing away from the receiving portion). The guide tongue 190 and the slots 179 are parallel to each other and extend in the transverse direction XX.

[0234] As shown in FIG11A , a guide groove 401 is formed in a first side 400a of the latch member 400, wherein the first side 400a is the side of the latch member 400 that faces the base 110 when the latch member 400 is received by the receiving chute 179. The guide groove 401 is configured to receive the guide tongue 190 when the latch member 400 is received by the receiving chute 179. In other words, the guide tongue 190 is guided in the guide groove 401 as the latch member 400 slides relative to the base 110. Therefore, the sliding movement of the latch member 400 relative to the base 110 is guided not only by the receiving chute 179 but also by the guide tongue 190, thereby improving the stability of the sliding movement. As further shown in Figure 11, a stop portion 402 is formed at one end of the guide groove 401 to ensure that when the guide groove 401 receives the guide tongue 190, the maximum stroke of the latch member 400 moving in the lateral direction away from the accommodating portion 150 is constrained by the contact between the stop portion 402 and the limiting protrusion 191 of the guide tongue 190.

[0235] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the latch member 400 may include a base and a first resilient arm 410 and a second resilient arm 420, respectively, extending from the base along a transverse direction XX. The base 401 may be shaped to facilitate engagement by a user's hand, thereby facilitating movement of the latch member 400 within the receiving slot 179. The first resilient arm 410 and the second resilient arm 420 are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction YY. Furthermore, the first resilient arm 410 includes a first end 410a and a second end 410b that are opposed to each other along the transverse direction XX. The first resilient arm 410 is configured to be connected to the base of the latch member 400 solely via the first end 410a and the second end 410b, such that the portion of the first resilient arm 410 other than the first end 410a and the second end 410b is separated from the base of the latch member 400 along the longitudinal direction YY. Similarly, the second resilient arm 420 includes a first end 420a and a second end 420b that are opposed to each other along the transverse direction XX. The second elastic arm 420 is configured to be connected to the base of the latch member 400 only by means of the first end 420a and the second end 420b, so that the portion of the second elastic arm 420 other than the first end 420a and the second end 420b is spaced apart from the base of the latch member 400 along the longitudinal direction YY.

[0236] The latch member 400 is configured to be received in the receiving chute 179 via its first and second elastic arms 410, 420, respectively. A first protrusion 412 is formed between the first and second ends 410a, 410b of the first elastic arm 410, and a second protrusion 422 is formed between the first and second ends 420a, 420b of the second elastic arm 420. The first and second protrusions 412, 422 are formed to protrude in opposite directions in the longitudinal direction YY. Furthermore, two recesses 179a, 179b are formed in each receiving chute 179 at intervals along the transverse direction XX, such that when the first and second elastic arms 410, 420, are received in the receiving chute 179, the first protrusion 412 of the first elastic arm 410 and the second protrusion 422 of the second elastic arm 420 are selectively received in the two recesses 179a, 179b of each receiving chute 179, respectively. Through this configuration, the latch member 400 can be selectively placed in a pre-locked position (a first position shown in FIG. 12A ) and a locked position (a second position shown in FIG. 12B ). In the pre-locked position (as shown in FIG. 13A ), the latch member 400 is securely retained on the insulating housing 100 and unlocks the cantilever mechanism 180 to allow the first beam 181, the second beam 182, and the third beam 183 of the cantilever mechanism 180 to move toward the bottom wall 178 c when biased toward the bottom wall 178 c. In the locked position (as shown in FIG. 13B ), the latch member 400 is also securely retained on the insulating housing 100 and locks the cantilever mechanism 180 to prevent the first beam 181, the second beam 182, and the third beam 183 from moving toward the bottom wall 178 c when biased toward the bottom wall 178 c. This configuration enables the electrical connector 10 to meet the requirements of specifications such as USCAR. Since the latch member 400 can be pre-locked in place, it is possible to avoid losing the latch member 400 when the electrical connector 10 is mated with a mating connector, and the assembly efficiency of the electronic system 1 can be improved.

[0237] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present application, the latch member 400 is configured so that only when it is in the pre-locking position, the first protrusion 412 and the second protrusion 422 of the latch member 400 are simultaneously locked in the recess 190a of the receiving slot 179 and the limiting protrusion 191 of the guide tongue 190 is also in contact with the stop portion 402, thereby ensuring that the latch member 400 is prevented from detaching from the CPA device due to accidental force, thereby improving reliability.

[0238] The specific process of operating the extension mechanism 180 and the latch member 400 to lock and unlock the electrical connector 10 to and from the electrical connector 20 will be described below in conjunction with an example in which the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are combined into a connector assembly.

[0239] Although the electrical connector 10 is described above as having a single cable routing member, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 10 may include more (e.g., two, three, four, or five) cable routing members. The structure of the insulating housing 100 may be adjusted accordingly to provide more cable routing members. For example, the insulating housing 100 may have more first channels 111.

[0240] Although the latch member 300 is described above as having two first arms 310, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the latch member 300 may have only a single first arm 310, or may have more than two first arms 310. The number of second channels in the insulating housing 100 and the number of notches in the cable routing member may be adjusted accordingly. For example, the cable routing member may have multiple notches on each side edge, or may have one or more notches on only a single side edge.

[0241] Although the latch member 300 is described above as having two second arms 320, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the latch member 300 may have only a single second arm 320. For example, the latch member 300 may have a single first arm 310 and a single second arm 320 to achieve the aforementioned pre-locking and locking functions. In some other embodiments, the latch member 300 may have more than two second arms 320. The number of recesses in the insulating housing 100 for receiving the second arms may be adjusted accordingly.

[0242] socket connector

[0243] 14A and 14B , the electrical connector 20 may include an insulating housing 500 and a plurality of conductive terminals 600 . The insulating housing 500 may be fixed to the printed circuit board 30 using fixing pieces 700 .

[0244] A plurality of conductive terminals 600 are disposed in the insulating housing 500. The insulating housing 500 provides support and protection for the plurality of conductive terminals 600. The insulating housing 500 can be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for making the insulating housing 500 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).

[0245] The electrical connector 20 can be configured to be disposed on the surface 31 of the circuit board 30 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and electrically connected to the conductive structures of the circuit board 30 (e.g., the conductive pads on the surface 31 hidden in FIG. 1 ). The insulating housing 500 can be configured to be placed on the surface 31 of the circuit board 30. The insulating housing 500 can include a slot 530 for receiving a fixing plate 700. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 14A , the fixing plate 700 can be inserted into the corresponding slot 530 and fix the insulating housing 500 to the circuit board 30. The fixing plate 700 can be made of a metal material.

[0246] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the insulating housing 500 may include a base 510 and a tongue 520 extending from the base 510 along a transverse direction XX. The tongue 520 extends from a first surface (front surface) 511 of the base 510 along the transverse direction XX. The tongue 520 may include a first surface 521 and a second surface 522 that are opposite to each other in a vertical direction ZZ that is perpendicular to the transverse direction XX. The base 510 may include a top surface 515 and a bottom surface 516 that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ. When the electrical connector 20 is mounted on the circuit board 30, the bottom surface 516 of the base 510 faces the surface 31 of the circuit board, and the second surface 522 of the tongue 520 is closer to the surface 31 of the circuit board 30 and the bottom surface 516 of the base 510 in the vertical direction ZZ than the first surface 521.

[0247] The conductive terminal 600 may be formed of a conductive material. A conductive material suitable for manufacturing the conductive terminal 600 may be a metal material, such as a copper alloy. The conductive terminal may also be referred to as a "terminal," "conductor," or "conductive element."

[0248] Each conductive terminal 600 includes a mating end having a mating contact portion, a mounting end opposite to the mating end, and a middle portion connecting the mating end and the mounting end. The plurality of conductive terminals 600 are configured in the same shape and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY within the insulating housing 500.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 15 , each conductive terminal 600 includes a mating end 621 having a mating contact portion 621 a , a mounting end 622 opposite to the mating end 621 , and a middle portion 623 connecting the mating end 621 and the mounting end 622 .

[0250] The insulating housing 500 may include a plurality of channels 506, one of which is shown in Figure 16, extending from the base 510 along the transverse direction XX into the tongue 520. The plurality of channels 506 are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0251] As shown in FIG16 , each channel 506 can extend from a first side 519 of the base 510 opposite the tongue 520 along a transverse direction XX into the tongue 520 and open at a second surface 522 of the tongue 520. The intermediate portion 623 and mating end 621 of each of the plurality of conductive terminals 600 are inserted into the corresponding channel 506 from the first side 519 of the base 510, with the intermediate portion 623 disposed in the base 510 and the mating end 621 extending into the tongue 520 such that the mating contact portion 621 a protrudes from the second surface 522. With this configuration, as will be described in detail below, when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are mated, the mating contact portions 621 a of the plurality of conductive terminals 600 can establish separable electrical contact with the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the cable assembly 200 of the electrical connector 10.

[0252] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, each conductive terminal 600 can have a dual-beam, dual-contact configuration. Specifically, the configuration of the mating end 621 of the conductive terminal 600 includes a first beam 631 and a second beam 632. The first beam 631 and the second beam 632 extend from the middle portion 613 along the transverse direction XX in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY. The first beam 631 and the second beam 632 are spaced apart from each other.

[0253] As shown in Figure 15, the first beam 631 of each conductive terminal 600 includes a first end 631a and a second end 631b opposite each other, and a first straight section 631c connecting the first end 631a and the second end 631b. The first end 631a is connected to the middle portion 623, and the second end 631b is configured to be unfixed. In other words, the first beam 631 is a cantilever beam. The first straight section 631c extends from the first end 631a to the second end 631b in a direction parallel to or obliquely toward the second beam 632 relative to the transverse direction XX. The first contact portion 641 of the first beam 631 is located at the second end 631b and protrudes from the first straight section 631c in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0254] The second beam 632 of each conductive terminal 600 includes a third end 632a and a fourth end 632b, which are opposite to each other, a curved section 632c extending from the third end 632a, and a second straight section 632d connecting the curved section 632c and the fourth end 632b. The third end 632a is connected to the middle portion 623, and the fourth end 632b is configured to be unfixed. In other words, the second beam 632 is a cantilever beam. The curved section 632c of the second beam 632 bends from the third end 632a toward the first beam 631, such that the second straight section 632d and the fourth end 632b are located between the middle portion 623 of the conductive terminal 600 and the second end 631b of the first beam 631 in the transverse direction XX. The second straight section 632d extends from the curved section 632c to the fourth end 632b. The second contact portion 642 is located at the fourth end 632b and protrudes from the second straight section 632d in the vertical direction ZZ. With this configuration, when the second beam 632 is biased to deflect toward the first beam 631 in the vertical direction ZZ, the first beam 631 can prevent the second beam 632 from excessively deforming, thereby protecting the second beam 632. Furthermore, the shapes of the first beam 631 and the second beam 632 of the conductive terminal 600 can provide a longer moment arm within a limited space, thereby improving the consistency of the contact force provided by the first beam 631 and the second beam 632.

[0255] The first contact portion 641 and the second contact portion 642 together define the mating contact portion 621a of the mating end 621, thereby forming a dual-point contact structure. This dual-point contact structure of the conductive terminal 600 can provide more contact points within a limited space, thereby enabling the electrical connector 20 to meet high pin count requirements.

[0256] It should be understood that the specific configuration of the mating portion of the conductive terminal 600 is not limited to the configuration described above. In other embodiments, the mating end 621 of the conductive terminal 600 may have a single beam and a single contact portion, or may have more beams and more contact portions.

[0257] 16 , when each conductive terminal 600 is inserted into the channel 506 , the mating end 621 of the conductive terminal 600 and a portion of the middle portion 623 are located within the base 510 , but another portion of the middle portion 623 of the conductive terminal 600 and the mounting end 622 are exposed from or near the first side 519 of the base 510 , which enables the mounting end 622 to establish an electrical connection with the conductive structure on the circuit board 30 , respectively.

[0258] As shown in Figure 14A, the insulating housing 500 also includes a receiving portion 540, which extends from the first surface 511 of the base 510 along the transverse direction XX and encloses an accommodating space 550. The accommodating portion 540 is opposite to the base 510 in the transverse direction XX. The tongue 520 is positioned in the accommodating space 550. The accommodating space 550 is open at the end opposite to the base 510. Through this configuration, the mating ends 621 of the first conductive terminal 610 and the second conductive terminal 620 can be positioned in the accommodating space 550 and protected by the accommodating portion 540 to prevent contact by the user's fingers or tools, thereby preventing the user from getting an electric shock or avoiding a short circuit. This configuration can improve the safety and reliability of the electronic system 1 using the electrical connector 20.

[0259] For example, the front end 520a of the tongue portion 520 may be retracted into the accommodating space 550 by a certain distance in the transverse direction XX relative to the opening of the accommodating space 550 defined by the accommodating portion 540. For example, the distance may be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0260] The receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a first wall 541 and a second wall 542 that are opposed to and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ, and a third wall 543 and a fourth wall 544 that are opposed to and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The first wall 541, the second wall 542, the third wall 543, and the fourth wall 544 enclose an accommodating space 550. The accommodating space 550 can serve as a slot in the insulating housing 500 to receive a housing of another electrical connector that mates with the electrical connector 20. For example, the accommodating space 550 can receive the accommodating portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10.

[0261] As shown in Figure 14A, the first wall 541 and the third wall 543 of the insulating shell 500 are connected to each other at the first corner, the first wall 541 and the fourth wall 544 are connected to each other at the second corner, the second wall 542 and the third wall 543 are connected to each other at the third corner, and the second wall 542 and the fourth wall 544 are connected to each other at the fourth corner.

[0262] According to an embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a first groove 561 recessed into the first wall 541 at a first corner from the receiving space 550 along the vertical direction ZZ, and a second groove 562 recessed into the first wall 541 at a second corner from the receiving space 550 along the vertical direction ZZ. The first groove 561 and the second groove 562 each extend along the transverse direction XX. The first groove 561 and the second groove 562 are respectively configured to receive the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10. With this configuration, the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 can only be inserted into the receiving space 550 of the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 by aligning the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the insulating housing 100 with the first groove 561 and the second groove 562 in the transverse direction XX. Additionally, a third groove 563 and a fourth groove 564 are formed in the first wall 541 for respectively receiving the first elastic beam 181 and the second elastic beam 182 of the cantilever mechanism 180. According to an embodiment of the present application, the first groove 561, the second groove 562, the third groove 563, and the fourth groove 564 are formed only in the first wall 541 facing the first surface 521 of the tongue 520, while no similar grooves are formed in the second wall 542 facing the opposite second surface 522 of the tongue 520. This asymmetric configuration prevents the electrical connector 10 from being inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an skewed orientation, thereby protecting the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 and improving the hot-swappable capability of the electrical connector 20. Furthermore, during the insertion of the accommodating portion 150 into the accommodating space 550 of the accommodating portion 540, the first groove 561, the second groove 562, the third groove 563, and the fourth groove 564 can serve to guide the insertion. Furthermore, the first and second ribs 171, 172 cooperate with the first and second grooves 561, 562, and the first and second spring beams 181, 182 cooperate with the third and fourth grooves 563, 564 to ensure that the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the electrical connector 20 in a unique orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating housing 500 may include grooves at the third and fourth corners.

[0263] As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the tongue portion 520 may be spaced apart from the third wall 543 and the fourth wall 544 in the transverse direction XX, and spaced apart from the first wall 541 and the second wall 542 in the vertical direction ZZ. When the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the receiving space 550 of the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20, the first wall 151 of the insulating housing 100 is located between the tongue portion 520 and the first wall 541, the second wall 152 of the insulating housing 100 and the cable routing member 200 are located between the tongue portion 520 and the second wall 542, the third wall 153 of the insulating housing 100 is located between the tongue portion 520 and the third wall 543, and the fourth wall 154 of the insulating housing 100 is located between the tongue portion 520 and the fourth wall 544.

[0264] According to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG14B , the electrical connector 20 further includes a sealing cover 800. The sealing cover 800 is configured to be attached to the first side 519 of the base 510, thereby covering the portion of the middle portion 623 of each conductive terminal 600 exposed from the first side 519 and covering most of the mounting end 622, leaving only a portion of the mounting end 622 sufficient to electrically connect with the corresponding conductive structure 32 (e.g., a conductive pad). Because the conductive terminal 600 is inserted into the channel 506 of the insulating housing 500, a gap between the conductive terminal 600 and the channel 506 is inevitable. However, depending on the assembly process of the electrical connector, the corresponding electronic system, and the printed circuit board, liquid glue is sprayed after the electrical connector is installed on the printed circuit board. This liquid glue penetrates into the channel 506 of the insulating housing 500 through the gap and then appears at the contact portions of the conductive terminal 600, such as the first contact portion 641 and the second contact portion 642, causing a decrease in conductivity, thereby affecting the normal operation of the electronic system 1 or the electrical connector 10 or 20. According to an embodiment of the present application, the presence of the sealing cover 800 increases the path length for the liquid glue to penetrate into the above-mentioned gap, and the sealing cover 800 itself and a portion of the conductive terminal 600 have a secondary molded covering area (as described below), thereby significantly reducing the possibility of the liquid glue penetrating into the above-mentioned gap and the channel 506 of the insulating shell 500, thereby significantly improving the conductive performance of the conductive terminal 600.

[0265] The sealing cover 800 can be made of any suitable sealing insulating material, such as plastic. According to an embodiment of the present application, the sealing cover 800 is fabricated on the insulating housing 500 using a secondary molding process after the conductive terminal 600 is already mounted on the insulating housing 500, as particularly shown in Figures 34A and 34B. Using the secondary molding process, the sealing cover 800 can at least partially cover the conductive terminal 600, particularly the middle portion 623 and the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600, thereby increasing the likelihood that the liquid adhesive will penetrate into the channel 506 of the insulating housing 500 through the aforementioned gaps, thereby improving the conductive performance of the conductive terminal 600.

[0266] A plurality of receiving holes 529, 539, 549 are formed in the first side 519 of the base 510 of the insulating housing 500, or in a portion surrounding the first side 519. For example, the internal shapes of these receiving holes 529, 539, 549 themselves may vary, but their primary function is to secure the sealing cover 800. A plurality of posts 829, 839, 849 having shapes complementary to these receiving holes are integrally formed on the sealing cover 800. These posts 829, 839, 849 extend from a side 800a of the sealing cover 800 that faces the base 510.

[0267] For example, as shown in FIG18A , two receiving holes 539 are formed near the ends of the base 510 of the insulating housing 500 along the longitudinal direction YY. These two receiving holes 539 receive two posts 839 formed near the ends of the sealing cover 800 along the longitudinal direction YY. In particular, the receiving holes 539 are formed to have at least two sections (shown as two sections in FIG18C ), wherein the aperture of the section of the receiving hole 539 close to the sealing cover 800 is smaller than the aperture of the section of the receiving hole 539 away from the sealing cover 800. Therefore, under the conditions of the manufacturing process of the secondary molding, the posts 839 are also formed to have at least two sections (shown as two sections in FIG18C ), wherein the diameter of the section of the post 839 close to the side 800a of the sealing cover 800 is smaller than the diameter of the section of the post 839 away from the side 800a of the sealing cover 800. In other words, the posts 839 are formed in an inverted shape. This shape helps prevent the sealing cover 800 from accidentally detaching from the insulating housing 500, thereby increasing the securement of the fixing. It should be understood that the undercut shape can be adopted in only one, two, or any number of the plurality of posts of the sealing cover 800, and correspondingly, one, two, or any number of the plurality of receiving holes of the base 510 of the insulating housing 500 can adopt a complementary shape.

[0268] 18D and 18E illustrate the receiving hole 529 of the base 510 receiving the post 829 of the sealing cover 800. For example, the receiving hole 529 is formed to have at least two sections (shown as two sections in FIG. 18D and 18E ), wherein the aperture of the section of the receiving hole 529 close to the sealing cover 800 is smaller than the aperture of the section of the receiving hole 529 away from the sealing cover 800. Therefore, under the conditions of the secondary molding manufacturing process, the post 829 is also formed to have at least two sections (shown as two sections in FIG. 18D and 18E ), wherein the diameter of the section of the post 829 close to the side 800a of the sealing cover 800 is smaller than the diameter of the section of the post 829 away from the side 800a of the sealing cover 800. In other words, the post 829 is formed in an inverted shape. This shape helps prevent the sealing cover 800 from accidentally detaching from the insulating housing 500, thereby increasing the secureness of the fixation.

[0269] It should be understood that the shape, size, and position of each receiving hole of the sealing cover 800 in the base body can be determined as needed and are not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure. The shape of the undercut of the column of the sealing cover 800 is also not limited to the case where the diameter segment changes as shown in Figures 18C, 18D, and 18E. In Figure 18F, another alternative embodiment of the undercut shape of the column 829 of the sealing cover 800 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the shape of the column 829 is an undercut shape with a diameter gradually increasing from the side 800a close to the sealing cover 800 to the side 800a away from the column 829. Accordingly, the receiving hole 529 for receiving the column 829 is also correspondingly formed in the base body 510 with an aperture gradually increasing from the side 800a close to the sealing cover 800 to the side 800a away from the column 829. This undercut shape also helps prevent the sealing cover 800 from accidentally detaching from the insulating housing 500, thereby increasing the firmness of the fixation.

[0270] As shown in FIG18C , the sealing cover 800 further includes another side 800 b that faces the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600. The mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600 extends from the other side 800 b. When the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600 is soldered to the conductive structure 32 (e.g., a conductive pad) of the circuit board 30, the other side 800 b faces the surface 31 of the printed circuit board 30, and a gap may form between the other side 800 b and the surface 31 of the printed circuit board 30. When liquid glue is sprayed onto the printed circuit board 30, this gap may create a siphon effect, causing the liquid glue sprayed thereto to be sucked into the gap, thereby affecting the conductive performance of the conductive terminal 600.

[0271] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, in the case where the permeability of the liquid glue used is too strong, a coating can be sprayed on the side 800b of the sealing cover 800 before the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600 is soldered to the conductive structure 32 (such as a conductive pad) of the circuit board 30. The material of the coating can be a suitable material such as a high-temperature resistant epoxy resin. According to one embodiment, the material of the coating can be non-transparent. The thickness of the coating is preferably such that it does not affect the soldering of the mounting end 622 to the conductive structure 32 (such as a conductive pad) of the circuit board 30. According to an embodiment of the present application, the presence of the coating on the side 800b of the sealing cover 800 ensures that the possibility of any gap between the side 800b and the surface 31 of the printed circuit board 300 is greatly reduced, thereby eliminating the possibility of the sprayed liquid glue penetrating through such a gap, thereby improving the conductive reliability of the conductive terminal 600.

[0272] In particular, for situations where the permeability of liquid glue sprayed onto corresponding portions of the electrical connector is too strong, Figures 35A to 35C schematically illustrate an electrical connector 20 according to another embodiment of the present application. In the illustrated embodiment, the same reference numerals may refer to the contents already described above and will not be redundantly described. In the illustrated embodiment, a sealing cover 810 is provided on the first side 519 of the base 510 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20. For example, the sealing cover 810 can be formed in a manner similar to the sealing cover 800 described above. As shown in Figure 35A, the sealing cover 810 has a side 810a facing away from the first side 519 of the base 510 and another side 810b generally facing the surface 31 of the circuit board 30. As shown in Figure 35B, an anti-permeation glue or coating 900 is sprayed between the sealing cover 810 and the base 510 from the direction of the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600. This is completed before the electrical connector 20 is connected to the circuit board 30. For example, the anti-permeation glue or coating 900 can be blue and glow under ultraviolet light. The function of the anti-permeation glue or coating 900 is to prevent the liquid glue sprayed on the electrical connector 20 from entering the gap between the sealing cover 810 and the conductive terminal 600 at the mounting end 622 (for example, as schematically shown in a dotted circle in Figure 35C), thereby affecting the conductive performance. It should be understood that the mounting end 622 of the conductive terminal 600 is exposed from the side 810b of the sealing cover 810, and the amount of the anti-permeation glue or coating 900 is preferably such that it does not affect the subsequent connection between the mounting end 622 and the circuit board 30. In an additional embodiment, the anti-permeation glue or coating 900 can also be sprayed on the side 810a of the sealing cover 810.

[0273] As shown in FIG1 , two locking holes 541 b are formed in the insulating housing 500, specifically in the first wall 541 of the accommodating portion 540 of the insulating housing 500. When the accommodating portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is properly inserted into the accommodating space 550 of the accommodating portion 540 of the electrical connector 20, the two locking holes 541 b are configured to receive the locking protrusions 184 of the first and second elastic beams 181, 182 of the cantilever mechanism 180, respectively. As shown in FIG13A , when the latch member 400 is in the pre-locked position, the latch member 400 is not in contact with the cantilever mechanism 180, allowing the first, second, and third elastic beams 181, 182, and 183 of the cantilever mechanism 180 to be forced to move relative to the accommodating portion 540. As further shown in Figure 13B, when the latch member 400 is in the locked position, a portion of the base of the latch member 400 extends into between the bottom wall 178c of the recess 178 of the accommodating portion 150 and the third beam 183 and / or the first elastic beam 181 and the second elastic beam 182, so that the first elastic beam 181, the second elastic beam 182, and the third beam 183 can no longer move relative to the accommodating portion 540, so that the accommodating portion 540 and the accommodating portion 150 are firmly locked together.

[0274] Although it is described above that the middle portion and the mating end of the conductive terminal 600 are directly inserted into the channel of the insulating housing 500, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the insulating housing 500 can be molded around the middle portion and the mating end of the conductive terminal 600, or the conductive terminal 600 can be held by an insulating terminal retaining member, and the conductive terminal 600 and the terminal retaining member together constitute a terminal assembly and are mounted to the insulating housing 500.

[0275] Although it is described above that the mounting end of the conductive terminal is configured to be soldered to the conductive structure 32 (e.g., conductive pad) of the circuit board 30, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the mounting end can be in any other suitable form, such as a press-fit "eye of needle."

[0276] Connector components

[0277] Electrical connector 10 and electrical connector 20 can mate with each other to form a connector assembly. This connector assembly can provide an electrical connection between circuit board 3 and another electrical component to achieve signal and / or power transmission. This connector assembly can be referred to as a "wire-to-board assembly" or "wire-to-board connector." For example, this connector assembly can be used as a BMS connector in a battery management system.

[0278] As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 mate with each other, the tongue 520 of the electrical connector 20 is received in the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10, and the mating contact portions of the mating ends of the plurality of conductive terminals 600 electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the cable assembly 200. Specifically, the mating contact portions 621a of the mating ends 621 of the plurality of conductive terminals 620 electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the cable assembly 200. In this manner, an electrical connection can be established between the cable assembly 200 of the electrical connector 10 and the conductive terminals 600 of the electrical connector 20. When the electrical connector 20 is mounted on the circuit board 30, the conductive terminals 600 of the electrical connector 20 can establish an electrical connection between the cable assembly 200 of the electrical connector 10 and the conductive structures on the circuit board 30, thereby connecting the cable assembly to the circuit board 30.

[0279] The tongue 520 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 is received in the receiving space 140 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 and is positioned to attach the second section 220 of the cable routing member 200 of the electrical connector 10. The receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 is received in the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 and is positioned between the tongue 520 and the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20. This arrangement enables the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 and the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 to mate tightly together and forms a labyrinth-type seal between the exterior of the connector assembly and the mating interface of the connector assembly, effectively preventing foreign matter from entering the mating interface.

[0280] The first wall 151 of the electrical connector 10 is received between the first wall 541 of the electrical connector 20 and the tongue 520. The second wall 152 of the electrical connector 10 and the second section 220 of the cable routing member 200 are received between the second wall 542 of the electrical connector 20 and the tongue 520. The third wall 153 of the electrical connector 10 is received between the third wall 543 of the electrical connector 20 and the tongue 520. The fourth wall 154 of the electrical connector 10 is received between the fourth wall 544 of the electrical connector 20 and the tongue 520.

[0281] The first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the electrical connector 10 are respectively received in the first groove 561 and the second groove 562 of the electrical connector 20, and the first elastic beam 181 and the second elastic beam 182 of the cantilever mechanism 180 of the electrical connector 10 are respectively received in the third groove 563 and the fourth groove 564 of the electrical connector 20. As described above, this configuration can improve the hot plugging capability and reliability of the connector assembly.

[0282] For example, a connector includes a first connecting component and a second connecting component that is plugged into and connected to the first connecting component; the first connecting component includes a first shell, a first installation cavity is formed inside the first shell, the second connecting component includes a second shell and a positioning fastener arranged in the second shell, the second shell is plugged into the first installation cavity, and is positioned and connected to the first shell by the positioning fastener; a positioning slot is formed on the first surface of the second shell, the positioning slot includes two opposite side walls, the side walls are formed with a positioning groove, the positioning fastener includes a fastener body and elastic arms arranged on opposite sides of the fastener body, and a positioning protrusion is provided on the elastic arm; the positioning fastener is slidably installed in the positioning slot so that the positioning protrusion is positioned in the positioning groove.

[0283] A connector provided in this embodiment has an elastic arm positioning design that can effectively save space and reduce height, and is particularly suitable for the connection requirements of low-height connectors. Positioning slots and positioning grooves are provided to position and connect the elastic arm and positioning protrusions respectively, effectively ensuring the connection stability between the positioning fastener and the second shell, thereby improving the installation stability of the connector.

[0284] Example 1:

[0285] As shown in Figures 19 to 26, a connector includes a first connecting component (or electrical connector) 1P and a second connecting component (or electrical connector) 2P that is plugged into and connected to the first connecting component 1P. After the first connecting component 1P and the second connecting component 2P are plugged into and connected, they are used to transmit signals or currents. Usually, the position of the first connecting component 1P is fixed, such as installing the first connecting component 1P on a PCB board 3P, and the first connecting component 1P and the PCB board 3P are connected in a detachable manner. Relative to the first connecting component 1P, the position of the second connecting component 2P is movable. When the signal or current transmission function needs to be realized, the second connecting component 2P only needs to be plugged into the first connecting component 1P.

[0286] The first connecting component 1P includes a first shell (or insulating shell) 11P, and a first installation cavity (or accommodating space) 12P is formed inside the first shell 11P. The second connecting component 2P includes a second shell (or insulating shell) 21P and a positioning fastener (or latch component) 22P arranged on the second shell 21P. The second shell 21P is inserted into the first installation cavity 12P and is positioned and connected to the first shell 11P by the positioning fastener 22P. It can be understood that the internal space size of the first installation cavity 12P matches the external structure of the second shell 21P inserted into it. After the second shell 21P is inserted into the first installation cavity 12P, it is positioned and connected to the first shell 11P by the positioning fastener 22P.

[0287] A positioning groove 23P is formed on the first surface of the second housing 21P. For example, the first surface is the upper surface of the second housing 21P. The positioning groove 23P is formed on the upper surface of the second housing 21P. The positioning groove 23P includes two opposing sidewalls 231P. For ease of understanding, the two sidewalls are defined herein as the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. A positioning groove 232P is formed on each of the first and second sidewalls. The positioning fastener 22P includes a fastener body (or base) 221P and elastic arms 222P disposed on opposite sides of the fastener body 221P. The first and second elastic arms each include a positioning bump (or protrusion) 223P.

[0288] When connecting the positioning fastener 22P to the second shell 21P, the positioning fastener 22P is slidably installed in the positioning slide groove 23P, that is, along the set installation direction, the positioning fastener 22P is slid along the positioning slide groove 23P until the positioning protrusions 223P on the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are respectively positioned in the positioning grooves (or recesses) 232P on the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0289] It should be noted that the positioning fastener 22P in this example includes a fastener body 221P and elastic arms 222P arranged on opposite sides of the fastener body 221P. The elastic arms 222P have an elastic force, and the fastener body 221P provides a connection and fixing function for the elastic arms 222P. The distance between the two opposite side walls of the positioning slot 23P is equal to the distance between the two elastic arms 222P under normal conditions. For ease of understanding, the positioning protrusion 223P is set here to be located in the middle position of the elastic arm 222P, that is, when the positioning fastener 22P is moved along the positioning slot 23P During sliding installation, one end of the elastic arm 222P begins to slide along the side wall of the positioning slot 23P. When the positioning protrusion 223P begins to enter the positioning slot 23P, the elastic arm 222P is squeezed and deformed. When the positioning protrusion 223P slides to the corresponding positioning groove 232P position in the positioning slot 23P, the positioning protrusion 223P is positioned in the positioning groove 232P under the elastic force of the elastic arm 222P. At this time, the positioning installation of the positioning fastener 22P is completed, ensuring the installation stability of the positioning fastener 22P and the second shell 21P.

[0290] A connector provided in this example has a positioning fastener 22P, also called CPA, which adopts two opposing elastic arms 222P and cooperates to form a positioning slot 23P on the second shell 21P. When the elastic arm 222P is squeezed in the positioning slot 23P, it will deform, so that during the continued sliding process, the elastic force of the elastic arm 222P is utilized to position the positioning protrusion 223P in the positioning groove 232P, replacing the traditional connector installation and connection method of setting CPA in the height direction, effectively saving space and reducing height, and is particularly suitable for the connection requirements of low-height connectors, and can effectively ensure the connection stability between the positioning fastener 22P and the second shell 21P, thereby improving the installation stability of the connector.

[0291] Example 2:

[0292] Referring to Figures 23 to 26, the positioning groove 23P also includes a first opening and a first bottom wall 233P facing the first opening, and a flange 234P is formed on the side wall. The elastic arm 222P is limited between the first bottom wall 233P and the flange 234P, which limits the movable space of the elastic arm 222P and serves as a guide for installation, which has the advantages of improving connection stability and facilitating installation.

[0293] The installation positions of the two elastic arms 222P in the horizontal direction are limited by the two opposite side walls of the positioning groove 23P, and the movable space of the elastic arms 222P in the vertical direction is limited by the flange 234P cooperating with the first bottom wall 233P, thereby further ensuring the installation and connection stability between the positioning fastener 22P and the second shell 21P. In addition, a guide groove is formed between the flange 234P and the first bottom wall 233P, which guides the sliding installation of the positioning fastener 22P.

[0294] In some embodiments, a positioning buckle 235P is provided on the first bottom wall 233, and a positioning slot 224P for cooperating with the positioning buckle 235P is provided on the fastener body 221P, further improving the connection stability between the positioning fastener 22P and the second shell 21P, thereby improving the use stability of the connector.

[0295] A connector provided in this example, after using the positioning slide 23P and the positioning groove 232P to position and connect the elastic arm 222P and the positioning protrusion 223P respectively, combined with the positioning connection relationship of the positioning clip 235P and the positioning slot 224P, further improves the installation and connection stability between the positioning fastener 22P and the second shell 21P.

[0296] Example 3:

[0297] Referring to Figures 27-29, the first connecting component 1P also includes a connecting terminal (or mating end) 13P arranged on the first shell 11P. The connecting terminal 13P is a double-arm double-contact structure. The connecting terminal 13P with a double-arm double-contact structure can, on the one hand, meet the power-on requirements of large currents and the requirements of multiple pins. On the other hand, it can have the function of preventing foreign objects from passing through, ensuring the stability of signal transmission, and can be used in a high-frequency vibration environment.

[0298] The second connection component 2P also includes an FPC cable 24P arranged in the second shell 21P, and the connection terminal 13P is connected to the FPC cable 24P. After the second shell 21P is inserted into the first installation cavity 12P, the FPC cable 24P establishes a connection relationship with the connection terminal 13P, thereby realizing the connector's function of transmitting signals and current.

[0299] Example 4:

[0300] Referring to Figures 27 and 29, a terminal slot 14P and an injection molded part (or sealing cover) 15P are provided in the first shell 11P; the terminal slot 14P includes a notch, and the connecting terminal 13P is inserted into the terminal slot 14P through the notch, and the injection molded part 15P is used to seal the notch to prevent liquid glue from penetrating into the contact point of the connecting terminal 13P and affecting the contact performance.

[0301] The contact point of the connecting terminal 13P is inserted into the terminal slot 14P through the notch to achieve a connection relationship with the second connecting component 2P. Usually, the portion of the connecting terminal 13P exposed at the notch will be sprayed with liquid glue, and the liquid glue will penetrate into the contact point of the connecting terminal 13P. Therefore, in this example, the injection molded part 15P is injection molded at the notch, and the notch is sealed by the injection molded part 15P, so that the liquid glue cannot penetrate into the contact point of the connecting terminal 13, thereby ensuring the contact performance.

[0302] In some embodiments, the injection molded part 15P includes a sealing surface 151P and a connecting rib (or column) 152P connected to the sealing surface 151P. The connecting rib 152P extends into the interior of the first shell 11P to improve the injection molding stability of the injection molded part 15P, thereby ensuring the sealing function of the injection molded part 15P.

[0303] Specifically, an undercut structure 1521P is formed at one end of the connecting rib 152P away from the sealing surface 151P. The undercut structure 1521P is used to prevent the connecting rib 152P from falling off toward the sealing surface 151P, thereby ensuring the sealing function of the injection molded part 15P. Referring to Figure 30, the connecting rib 152P includes a first part away from the sealing surface 151P and a second part close to the sealing surface 151P. The first part and the second part are both cylindrical structures, and the diameter of the first part is larger than the diameter of the second part. This inverted structure 1521P can prevent the injection molded part 15P from falling off toward the sealing surface 151P after the injection molded part 15P is injection molded; similarly, referring to Figure 29, the connecting rib 152P is a frustum structure, and the diameter of the part of the connecting rib 152P away from the sealing surface 151P is larger than the diameter of the part close to the sealing surface 151P. This inverted structure 1521P can also ensure that the injection molded part 15P is prevented from falling off toward the sealing surface 151 after the injection molded part 15P is injection molded.

[0304] It should be understood that in this example, the specific structure of the connecting rib 152P is not limited. It is only necessary to form an undercut structure 1521, and the undercut structure 1521P can prevent the injection molded part 15P from falling off toward the sealing surface 151P.

[0305] Embodiment 5:

[0306] 28 and 30 , the second connection assembly 2P further includes a locking member (or latching component) 25P pre-locked on the second shell 21P. The locking member 25P includes a pressure plate 251P and a first card block (or arm) 252P and a second card block (or arm) 253P extending from the end of the pressure plate 251P. A first notch 241P is formed on the FPC cable 24P. The first card block 252P is engaged with the second shell 21P, and the second card block 253P is engaged with the first notch 241P. The FPC cable 24P is locked and positioned in the second shell 21P by the locking member 25P to ensure the installation stability of the FPC cable 24P.

[0307] For example, the second shell 21P is formed with at least two limit points toward the position of the first block 252P. When the first block 252P passes through the first limit point and enters the second limit point, the locking member 25P is locked on the second shell 21P. At the same time, the second block 253P is connected with the first notch 241P, so that the FPC cable 24P is locked and positioned in the second shell 21P.

[0308] A second notch 242P is also formed on the FPC cable 24P, and a second installation cavity (or channel) 26P is formed in the second shell 21P. A fool-proof structure 261P for cooperating with the second notch 242P is formed in the second installation cavity 26P to prevent the FPC cable 24P from being inserted upside down.

[0309] Referring to Figures 27 and 33, in some embodiments, the first surface of the second shell 21P is also formed with a floating connecting arm (or cantilever mechanism) 27P for positioning and connecting with the first shell 11P, and at least two positioning blocks (or locking protrusions) 271P are formed on the floating connecting arm 27P, and a positioning groove (or locking hole) 111P is formed on the first shell 11P at the position corresponding to the positioning block 271P.

[0310] After the second shell 21P is inserted into the first installation cavity 12P, the two positioning blocks 271P on the floating connecting arm 27P are confined in the positioning grooves 111P on the first shell 11P, so that the first shell 11P and the second shell 21P are connected.

[0311] In order to further improve the connection stability between the first shell 11P and the second shell 21P, an abutment portion 2211P for locking the floating connecting arm 27P is formed on the fastener body 221P. After the second shell 21P is inserted into the first mounting cavity 12P, the floating connecting arm 27P can still be in a floating state under the action of external force. Therefore, in this example, by forming the abutment portion 2211P on the fastener body 221P and utilizing the abutment relationship between the abutment portion 2211P and the floating connecting arm 27P, after the second shell 21P is inserted into the first mounting cavity 12P, the abutment portion 2211P abuts against the floating connecting arm 27P to prevent the floating connecting arm 27P from floating, thereby ensuring the insertion stability between the first shell 11P and the second shell 21P, and thereby improving the stability of the connector.

[0312] To sum up, the connector provided in the present application has an elastic arm positioning design that can effectively save space and reduce height, and is particularly suitable for the connection requirements of low-height connectors. Positioning slots and positioning grooves are provided to position and connect the elastic arm and positioning protrusions respectively, effectively ensuring the connection stability between the positioning fastener and the second shell, thereby improving the installation stability of the connector.

[0313] A connector comprises a first connecting component and a second connecting component plugged into and connected to the first connecting component;

[0314] The first connecting assembly includes a first housing having a first mounting cavity formed therein, and the second connecting assembly includes a second housing and a positioning fastener provided on the second housing. The second housing is inserted into the first mounting cavity and is positioned and connected to the first housing via the positioning fastener.

[0315] A positioning slot is formed on the first surface of the second housing, the positioning slot includes two opposite side walls, the side walls are formed with positioning grooves, the positioning fastener includes a fastener body and elastic arms provided on opposite sides of the fastener body, and the elastic arms are provided with positioning protrusions;

[0316] The positioning fastener is slidably installed in the positioning slide groove, so that the positioning protrusion is positioned in the positioning groove.

[0317] In some embodiments, the positioning slot further includes a first opening and a first bottom wall facing the first opening, the side wall is formed with a flange, and the elastic arm is located between the first bottom wall and the flange.

[0318] In some embodiments, a positioning buckle is provided on the first bottom wall, and a positioning slot for cooperating with the positioning buckle is provided on the fastener body.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first connecting assembly further comprises a connecting terminal provided on the first housing, wherein the connecting terminal is a double-arm double-contact structure;

[0320] The second connecting component further includes an FPC cable disposed on the second housing, and the connecting terminal is connected to the FPC cable.

[0321] In some embodiments, a terminal slot and an injection molded part are provided in the first housing;

[0322] The terminal slot includes a notch, and the connecting terminal is inserted into the terminal slot through the notch.

[0323] In some embodiments, the injection molded part includes a sealing surface and a connecting rib connected to the sealing surface, and the connecting rib extends into the interior of the first shell.

[0324] In some embodiments, an undercut structure is formed at one end of the connecting rib away from the sealing surface.

[0325] In some embodiments, the second connecting assembly further comprises a locking member pre-locked on the second housing, the locking member comprising a pressing plate and a first clamping block and a second clamping block extending from an end of the pressing plate;

[0326] A first notch is formed on the FPC cable, the first clamping block is connected to the second shell, and the second clamping block is connected to the first notch. The FPC cable is locked and positioned in the second shell by a locking member.

[0327] In some embodiments, a second notch is formed on the FPC cable, a second installation cavity is formed in the second shell, and an anti-fouling structure for cooperating and connecting with the second notch is formed in the second installation cavity to prevent the FPC cable from being inserted upside down.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first surface of the second shell is further formed with a floating connecting arm for positioning and connecting with the first shell, the floating connecting arm is formed with at least two positioning blocks, and a positioning groove is formed on the first shell corresponding to the position of the positioning block; the fastener body is formed with an abutment portion for locking the floating connecting arm.

[0329] Having thus described several embodiments, it will be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0330] It should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth", "seventh" and "eighth" are only used to distinguish one element, component or part from another element, component or part, but these elements, components and parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0331] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. It is apparent that the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are to be understood as illustrative only and do not constitute limitations on the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications or alterations to the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector comprises: Insulating housing; a plurality of conductive terminals, the plurality of conductive terminals are arranged in a longitudinal direction in the insulating housing and spaced apart from each other, each conductive terminal comprising a mating end, a mounting end, and a middle portion connecting the mating end and the mounting end, the mating end is located in the insulating housing, and the mounting end and the middle portion are at least partially located outside the insulating housing; and A sealing cover is attached to the plurality of conductive terminals and a portion of the insulating housing so that only mounting ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially exposed from the sealing cover.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing cover comprises a first side facing the insulating housing, and a plurality of upright posts are integrally formed on the first side so as to protrude and engage with the insulating housing.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of columns of the sealing cover has at least two sections, wherein a diameter of the section close to the first side of the sealing cover is smaller than a diameter of the section far from the first side of the sealing cover.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the plurality of columns of the sealing cover is formed such that a diameter of the at least one column gradually decreases as it gradually approaches the first side of the sealing cover.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: A plurality of receiving holes are formed in the insulating housing to receive a plurality of upright posts of the sealing cover.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shapes of the plurality of receiving holes are complementary to the shapes of the plurality of posts of the sealing cover.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The insulating shell includes a base and a receiving portion which are opposite to each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction are formed in the base, the plurality of conductive terminals are inserted into the plurality of channels, and the first side of the sealing cover faces the base and covers the plurality of channels.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sealing cover has a second side, and the mounting ends of the conductive terminals are exposed from the second side of the sealing cover.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: A coating is sprayed on at least the second side of the sealing cover so that the mounting end of the conductive terminal is exposed from the coating.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The coating is a high temperature resistant coating and / or an epoxy resin coating.

11. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: When the electrical connector is soldered to a printed circuit board via the mounting ends of the conductive terminals, the second side of the sealing cover or the coating thereon faces the printed circuit board.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The sealing cover is formed on the electrical connector by a secondary molding process, so that the sealing cover at least partially covers the conductive terminal.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The insulating housing further includes a tongue extending from the base in a lateral direction, the plurality of channels extending into the tongue, and when the plurality of conductive terminals are inserted into the plurality of channels, the mating end of each conductive terminal at least partially protrudes from the tongue.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The accommodating portion defines an accommodating space for receiving another electrical connector that matches the electrical connector, and the tongue portion is located in the accommodating space.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: The plurality of channels are in communication with the accommodating space.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: The accommodating portion of the insulating shell includes a first wall and a second wall separated from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the accommodating space is defined by the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall.

17. The electrical connector according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the accommodating space, the mating end of the conductive terminal protrudes between the tongue portion and the second wall.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: A groove is formed in the first wall and is recessed into the first wall along a vertical direction to receive a complementary feature of another electrical connector that matches the electrical connector, so that the two electrical connectors can only be connected in a unique orientation.

19. The electrical connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: In the insulating shell, the first wall and the third wall are connected to each other at the first corner, the first wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at the second corner, the second wall and the third wall are connected to each other at the third corner, and the second wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at the fourth corner; the groove includes a first groove recessed into the first wall along the vertical direction from the accommodating space at the first corner, and a second groove recessed into the first wall along the vertical direction from the accommodating space 550 at the second corner.

20. The electrical connector according to claim 19, characterized in that The groove further includes a third groove and a fourth groove located between the first groove and the second groove, and the first groove, the second groove, the third groove and the fourth groove are located only at the first wall.

21. The electrical connector according to claim 20, characterized in that: Two locking holes are formed in the first wall, respectively located in the third groove and the fourth groove.

22. The electrical connector according to claim 21, characterized in that The mating end of the conductive terminal includes a first beam and a second beam, and the first beam and the second beam are generally spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.

23. The electrical connector according to claim 22, characterized in that In the conductive terminal, the first beam and the second beam are cantilever beams extending from the middle portion.

24. The electrical connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The first beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, a first straight section connecting the first end and the second end, the first end is connected to the middle portion, and the first contact portion of the first beam is located at the second end; the second beam includes a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other, a curved section extending from the third end, and a second straight section connecting the curved section and the fourth end, the third end is connected to the middle portion, the second contact portion of the second beam is located at the fourth end, and the mating end is defined by the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

25. The electrical connector according to claim 24, characterized in that When the electrical connector is connected to another matching electrical connector, the mating ends of the conductive terminals are in contact with corresponding conductive contacts of the other electrical connector.

26. The electrical connector according to claim 25, characterized in that When the electrical connector is connected to another matching electrical connector, the first contact portion of each conductive terminal contacts the corresponding conductive contact before the second contact portion.

27. An electrical connector, comprising: Insulating housing; A wiring member, the wiring member comprising a connection end having a plurality of conductive contacts, the connection end of the wiring member being disposed in the insulating housing; as well as A first latch member is mounted to the insulating housing and the first latch device is capable of locking relative to the insulating housing. The insulating housing is selectively switched between a pre-locking position and a locking position, in which the first latching member is configured to retain the connecting end of the cable flexing member in the insulating housing.

28. The electrical connector according to claim 27, characterized in that The insulating housing includes a base, and a first passage is formed in the base, and the connection end of the wiring member is inserted into the first passage.

29. The electrical connector according to claim 28, characterized in that In the pre-locking position, the first latching member is not in contact with the connecting end of the wire arranging member, and in the locking position, the first latching member is in contact with the connecting end of the wire arranging member to prevent the wire arranging member from being withdrawn from the insulating housing.

30. The electrical connector according to claim 29, characterized in that The first latch member includes a plate body and at least one first arm, which extends from the plate body in a vertical direction. The at least one first arm contacts the connecting end of the wire arrangement member only in the locking position to prevent the wire arrangement member from being withdrawn from the insulating housing.

31. The electrical connector according to claim 30, characterized in that At least one through hole is formed in the base of the insulating shell and communicates with the first channel, and at least one recess or slot is formed in the connecting end of the wiring member. When the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into the insulating shell through the first channel, the at least one hole and the at least one recess or slot are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

32. The electrical connector according to claim 31, characterized in that As the first latch member switches between the pre-locking position and the locking position, the at least one first arm moves in the vertical direction, and only when the first latch member is in the locking position, the at least one first arm passes through at least one aperture and at least one recess or notch aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

33. The electrical connector according to claim 32, characterized in that An additional positioning port is formed in the connecting end of the wiring member, and the insulating shell further includes a third arm extending from the base along a lateral direction into the accommodating space, and the third arm is provided with a snap portion so that when the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into place in the insulating shell through the first channel, the snap portion of the third arm engages with the positioning port in the accommodating space.

34. The electrical connector according to claim 33, characterized in that The connecting end of the wire arrangement member has a first outer contour and a second outer contour opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction, wherein the first outer contour is not mirror-symmetrical to the second outer contour so that the connecting end of the wire arrangement member can only be inserted into the first channel in a specified orientation.

35. The electrical connector according to claim 34, characterized in that A step is formed in the first outer contour and / or the second outer contour so as to contact with a step complementary to that formed in the first channel when the connecting end of the wiring member passes through the first channel and is positioned in the insulating housing.

36. The electrical connector according to claim 35, characterized in that The first latch member also includes two second arms, the two second arms are located at the first end and the second end of the plate body opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction, and the two second arms extend along the vertical direction; the base includes a first end face and a second end face opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, a first groove recessed into the base from the first end face along the longitudinal direction, and a second groove recessed into the base from the second end face along the longitudinal direction, and the two second arms are respectively received in the first groove and the second groove.

37. The electrical connector according to claim 36, characterized in that A first catch and a second catch are provided in each of the first groove and the second groove and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a catch groove portion is formed in each second arm of the first latch member so that the first catch and the second catch can be located in the corresponding catch groove portion.

38. The electrical connector according to claim 37, characterized in that The first catch and the second catch are configured to define a pre-lock position and a locked position of the first latch member.

39. The electrical connector according to claim 38, characterized in that A third groove is formed in the base, the third groove extending in the longitudinal direction to communicate with the first groove and the second groove, and when the first latch member is in the locking position, the plate body of the first latch member is located in the third groove.

40. The electrical connector according to claim 39, characterized in that The insulating housing further includes a receiving portion opposite to the base portion along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the receiving portion defines a receiving space to communicate with the first channel.

41. The electrical connector according to claim 40, characterized in that When the connecting end of the wiring member is inserted into the insulating housing through the first passage, the conductive contact of the wiring member is located in the accommodating space.

42. The electrical connector according to claim 41, characterized in that The accommodating portion includes a first wall and a second wall opposite to and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall opposite to and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the third wall and the fourth wall enclose the accommodating space.

43. The electrical connector according to claim 42, characterized in that The receiving portion includes a recessed seat which is recessed into the first wall from an outer surface of the first wall of the receiving portion along a vertical direction.

44. The electrical connector according to claim 43, characterized in that The accommodating portion is integrally formed with a cantilever mechanism, the cantilever mechanism comprising a first elastic beam and a second elastic beam, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam respectively extending from the bottom wall of the recess toward the base along a transverse direction.

45. The electrical connector according to claim 44, characterized in that The first elastic beam and the second elastic beam are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

46. ​​The electrical connector according to claim 45, characterized in that Each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a lateral direction, the first end is fixed, and the second end is free.

47. The electrical connector according to claim 46, characterized in that The suspension mechanism further includes a third beam, and the third beam connects the second end of the first elastic beam and the second end of the second elastic beam.

48. The electrical connector according to claim 47, characterized in that A locking protrusion is formed in each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam between the first end and the second end, and the locking protrusion protrudes from an exposed surface of the corresponding elastic beam.

49. The electrical connector of claim 48, further comprising a second latch member movably mounted in a base portion of the insulating housing to selectively switch between a pre-lock position and a locked position.

50. The electrical connector according to claim 49, characterized in that The second latch member is closer to the receiving portion in its locked position than in its pre-locked position.

51. The electrical connector according to claim 50, characterized in that A pair of receiving slide grooves spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are formed in the base of the insulating housing to receive the second latch member therebetween.

52. The electrical connector according to claim 51, characterized in that The second latch member includes a base, and a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm extending from the base in a transverse direction, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm being opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction.

53. The electrical connector according to claim 52, characterized in that Each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the transverse direction, so that each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm is connected to the base of the second latch member only by means of the first end and the second end, and the portion other than the first end and the second end is separated from the base of the second latch member along the longitudinal direction.

54. The electrical connector according to claim 53, characterized in that The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm of the second latch member are slidably received in the pair of receiving slide grooves in the lateral direction, respectively.

55. The electrical connector according to claim 54, characterized in that The first elastic arm is formed with a first protrusion between its first end and the second end, and the second elastic arm is formed with a second protrusion between its first end and the second end; a first recess and a second recess separated from each other in the lateral direction are formed in each of the pair of receiving slide grooves, so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be selectively received in the pair of first recesses and the pair of second recesses to define the pre-locking position and the locking position of the second latch member.

56. The electrical connector according to claim 55, characterized in that A guide tongue portion extends from the receiving portion of the insulating housing, the guide tongue portion extends in a lateral direction and at least partially extends between the pair of receiving slide grooves.

57. The electrical connector according to claim 56, characterized in that A base of the second latch member is formed with a guide groove in a side thereof facing the insulating housing, the guide groove being configured to receive the guide tongue when the second latch member is received by the pair of receiving slide grooves.

58. The electrical connector according to claim 57, characterized in that The guide tongue has a limiting protrusion formed on one end thereof away from the accommodating portion, and a stop portion is formed at one end of the guide groove of the second latch member, so that when the limiting protrusion is located in the guide groove, the movement stroke of the second latch member away from the accommodating portion is constrained by the stop portion.

59. The electrical connector according to claim 58, characterized in that In the pre-locking position of the second latching member, the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member can move toward the insulating housing.

60. The electrical connector according to claim 59, characterized in that In the locked position of the second latch member, the base of the second latch member is at least partially located between the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam and the insulating shell in the vertical direction to prevent the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member from moving toward the insulating shell.

61. The electrical connector according to claim 60, characterized in that When the receiving portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the receiving portion of another electrical connector, the locking protrusions of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam can be received in the first locking hole and the second locking hole formed in the receiving portion of the other electrical connector.

62. The electrical connector according to claim 61, characterized in that In the locking position of the second latch member, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam are prevented from being disengaged from the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

63. The electrical connector according to claim 62, characterized in that The wiring member includes a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a combination thereof.

64. An electrical connector, comprising: An insulating housing having a base and a receiving portion opposite to the base in a lateral direction, wherein a first channel for receiving a wiring member is formed in the base; as well as A latch member is movably mounted in the base of the insulating housing to selectively switch between a pre-lock position and a lock position, wherein the latch member is closer to the receiving portion in the lock position than in the pre-lock position.

65. The electrical connector according to claim 64, characterized in that The accommodating portion is integrally formed with a cantilever mechanism, the cantilever mechanism comprising a first elastic beam and a second elastic beam, the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam respectively extending from the bottom wall of the recess toward the base along a transverse direction.

66. The electrical connector according to claim 65, characterized in that The first elastic beam and the second elastic beam are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

67. The electrical connector according to claim 66, characterized in that Each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other in a lateral direction, the first end is fixed, and the second end is free.

68. The electrical connector according to claim 67, characterized in that The suspension mechanism further includes a third beam, and the third beam connects the second end of the first elastic beam and the second end of the second elastic beam.

69. The electrical connector according to claim 68, characterized in that A locking protrusion is formed in each of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam between the first end and the second end, and the locking protrusion protrudes from an exposed surface of the corresponding elastic beam.

70. The electrical connector according to claim 69, characterized in that A pair of receiving slide grooves spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction are formed in the base of the insulating housing to receive the latch member therebetween.

71. The electrical connector according to claim 70, characterized in that The latch member includes a base, and a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm extending from the base in a transverse direction, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm being opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction.

72. The electrical connector according to claim 71, characterized in that Each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the transverse direction, so that each of the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm is connected to the base of the second latch member only by means of the first end and the second end, and the portion other than the first end and the second end is separated from the base of the second latch member along the longitudinal direction.

73. The electrical connector according to claim 72, characterized in that The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm of the latch member are slidably received in the pair of receiving slide grooves in a lateral direction, respectively.

74. The electrical connector according to claim 73, characterized in that The first elastic arm is formed with a first protrusion between its first end and the second end, and the second elastic arm is formed with a second protrusion between its first end and the second end; a first recess and a second recess separated from each other in the lateral direction are formed in each of the pair of receiving slide grooves, so that the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be selectively received in the pair of first recesses and the pair of second recesses to define the pre-locking position and the locking position of the latch member.

75. The electrical connector according to claim 74, characterized in that A guide tongue portion extends from the receiving portion of the insulating housing, the guide tongue portion extends in a lateral direction and at least partially extends between the pair of receiving slide grooves.

76. The electrical connector according to claim 75, characterized in that A base of the latch member is formed with a guide groove in one side thereof facing the insulating housing, the guide groove being configured to receive the guide tongue when the latch member is received by the pair of receiving slide grooves.

77. The electrical connector according to claim 76, characterized in that The guide tongue has a limiting protrusion formed on one end thereof away from the accommodating portion, and a stop portion is formed at one end of the guide groove of the latch member, so that when the limiting protrusion is located in the guide groove, the movement stroke of the latch member away from the accommodating portion is constrained by the stop portion.

78. The electrical connector according to claim 77, characterized in that In the pre-locking position of the latching member, the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member can move toward the insulating housing.

79. The electrical connector according to claim 78, characterized in that In the locked position of the latch member, the base of the latch member is at least partially located between the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam and the insulating shell in the vertical direction to prevent the first elastic beam and / or the second elastic beam and / or the third beam of the cantilever member from moving toward the insulating shell.

80. The electrical connector according to claim 79, characterized in that When the receiving portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the receiving portion of another electrical connector, the locking protrusions of the first elastic beam and the second elastic beam can be received in the first locking hole and the second locking hole formed in the receiving portion of the other electrical connector.

81. The electrical connector according to claim 80, characterized in that In the locking position of the latch member, the locking protrusion of the first elastic beam and the locking protrusion of the second elastic beam are prevented from being disengaged from the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

82. The electrical connector according to claim 81, further comprising a wire arrangement member, the wire arrangement member comprising a connection end having a plurality of conductive contacts, the connection end of the wire arrangement member being inserted into the insulating housing through the first passage.

83. The electrical connector according to claim 82, characterized in that The wiring member includes a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or a combination thereof.

84. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: a first electrical connector having an insulating housing; as well as A second electrical connector having an insulating shell, wherein the first electrical connector is an electrical connector according to any one of claims 27 to 83, and the insulating shell of the first electrical connector is defined with a receiving portion to be inserted into a receiving space defined by the receiving portion of the insulating shell of the second electrical connector.

85. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 82, characterized in that The second electrical connector is an electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

86. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 84 or 85, characterized in that: After the receiving portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the receiving space of the second electrical connector and is in place, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

87. A method of assembling a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, comprising: Providing an electrical connector according to any one of claims 27 to 63 as a first electrical connector; providing a second electrical connector; and / or When the first latch member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, inserting the connecting end of the cable arrangement member into the insulating housing of the first electrical connector, and after the connecting end of the cable arrangement member is inserted into place, placing the first latch member in its locking position; and / or When the second latch member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space defined by the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the second electrical connector, and then the second latch member is in its locking position to prevent the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector from being withdrawn from the accommodating space.

88. The method according to claim 87, characterized in that An electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 26 is provided as the second electrical connector.

89. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 87 or 88, characterized in that: After the receiving portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the receiving space of the second electrical connector and is in place, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

90. A method of assembling a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, comprising: Providing an electrical connector according to any one of claims 64 to 83 as a first electrical connector; providing a second electrical connector; as well as When the latching member of the first electrical connector is in its pre-locking position, the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the first electrical connector is inserted into the accommodating space defined by the accommodating portion of the insulating housing of the second electrical connector, and then the latching member is in its locking position to prevent the accommodating portion of the first electrical connector from being withdrawn from the accommodating space.

91. The method according to claim 90, providing the electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 26 as the second electrical connector.

92. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 90 or 91, characterized in that: After the receiving portion of the first electrical connector is inserted into the receiving space of the second electrical connector and is in place, the conductive contacts of the first electrical connector are in conductive contact with the conductive terminals of the second electrical connector.

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