Connector, mating connector and floating connector assembly

Abstract

Provided in the present invention is a connector, comprising a first housing, a second housing and a first terminal. The first housing comprises a pair of opposingly arranged side walls and end walls, the side walls and the end walls jointly enclosing a first cavity; an end wall is provided with a mounting slot. The first housing is mounted in a second cavity of the second housing. The first terminal is formed in the first housing by means of insert molding; the first terminal comprises a main body portion, and a first contact portion and a mounting portion located at two ends of the main body portion, wherein the mounting portion is bent from the lower end of the main body portion in the direction away from the first cavity, and is embedded into the mounting slot; and the main body portion is of a smooth linear structure in a height direction. The described connector ensures stable high-frequency and high-speed transmission of the terminal, and has low manufacturing difficulty. Further provided in the present invention are a mating connector that mates with the connector and a floating connector assembly composed of both, used for achieving a more stable and more compatible floating board-to-board data transmission connection.

Description

Connectors, mating connectors and floating connector assemblies Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connector technology, specifically relating to a connector, a mating connector, and a floating connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component for data transmission, board-to-board connectors are seeing their usage increase exponentially with the digitalization of various industries. This is particularly true in fields like autonomous driving and robotics, which heavily rely on high-frequency, high-speed data transmission and rely heavily on a large number of board-to-board connectors.

[0003] However, as applications expand, board-to-board connectors installed in electronic devices have encountered numerous problems. Among these, as the distance between circuit boards increases, sudden changes in motion can cause relative displacement between the boards, leading to deformation at the connector's mating ends. The larger the board spacing, the greater the deformation, potentially resulting in decreased transmission stability or connector damage. Furthermore, increased board spacing also increases the likelihood of installation errors, potentially causing localized "loose connections" between terminals during static installation.

[0004] In existing solutions, when the board spacing is large, the relevant connectors are often replaced with two wire-to-board connectors and a high-speed data cable. However, this solution sacrifices transmission efficiency and limits the data transmission capability between boards. Current floating board-to-board connectors increase the contact distance between the contact terminals to ensure contact stability. However, as the board spacing increases, simply increasing the contact distance is clearly insufficient for practical needs. Furthermore, during high-frequency, high-speed data transmission, slippage between terminals can introduce interference, data loss, and wear on the terminal coating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a connector, a mating connector, and a floating connector assembly. The main body is designed with a smooth linear structure, and a first terminal is in-mold-molded into a first housing. A support arm is elastically connected to a base, and a second terminal is elastically positioned between the first and second mating housings. Even with significant static connection position deviations or large offsets between circuit boards during operation, the connector and mating connector can still achieve stable and high-speed data transmission.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this invention are realized through the following technical aspects:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a connector, comprising:

[0008] The first housing includes a pair of side walls arranged opposite each other in the lateral direction and a pair of end walls arranged in the longitudinal direction, the side walls and the end walls together forming a first chamber, and the end walls are provided with mounting grooves;

[0009] The second housing has a second chamber, and the first housing is installed in the second chamber; and

[0010] The first terminal is in-mold injection molded into the first housing. The first terminal includes a main body and a first contact portion and a mounting portion disposed at both ends of the main body. The mounting portion is formed by bending from the lower end of the main body in a direction away from the first cavity and is embedded in the mounting groove.

[0011] The main body has a smooth linear structure in the height direction.

[0012] In some implementations, the main body extends along the height direction and has a constant width in the lateral direction and a constant thickness in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In some implementations, the main body extends along the height direction and is provided with a fixing part that is thickened in the lateral direction; the end wall is provided with a hollow groove, and the fixing part is provided corresponding to the hollow groove.

[0014] In some implementations, the fixing part includes a first fixing block and a second fixing block, wherein the width of the first fixing block and the width of the second fixing block are the same in the lateral direction;

[0015] In the longitudinal direction, the thickness of the first fixing block is the same as the thickness of the second fixing block;

[0016] In the height direction, the height of the first fixing block may be the same as or different from the height of the second fixing block, and the first fixing block and the second fixing block are alternately arranged on the main body.

[0017] In some implementations, neither the first fixing block nor the second fixing block extends a protrusion structure in the lateral direction.

[0018] In some implementations, the first housing comprises two units assembled together; each unit has a complete end wall; the main body is in-mold-molded into the end wall, thereby forming an integral structure between the first terminal and the unit.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mating connector for mating and plugging into any of the connectors described above, the mating connector comprising:

[0020] The first mating housing includes a pair of mating sidewalls arranged opposite each other in the lateral direction and a pair of mating endwalls arranged in the longitudinal direction, as well as a pair of support arms; the mating sidewalls and the mating endwalls together form a third chamber, and the support arms extend from the lower end of the mating sidewalls in the lateral and vertical directions.

[0021] The second mating housing has a base and a receiving groove above the base; the first mating housing is mounted on the receiving groove; and the support arm is elastically connected to the base.

[0022] The second terminal is an integrally formed elastic metal part, and the second terminal is connected to the first mating housing and the second mating housing respectively.

[0023] In some implementations, the second terminal includes a first bent member, a second bent member, and a third bent member that are bent and connected in sequence;

[0024] The first bent component is partially located in the first mating housing and partially located in the second mating housing;

[0025] The second bent part is located in the second mating housing and part is located in the receiving groove and clamps the first mating housing;

[0026] The third bent component is embedded and connected to the second mating housing.

[0027] In some implementations, the first bending member is provided with a second contact portion, which is first bent away from the third chamber and then bent towards the third chamber, and the second contact portion is connected to the first contact portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the mating connector further includes a U-shaped spring member, the spring member comprising an integrally formed first elastic portion and a second elastic portion, the first elastic portion being fixed to the bottom of the support arm and the second elastic portion abutting against the base.

[0029] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a floating connector assembly, including any of the connectors described above and any of the mating connectors described above, wherein the connector is mated to the mating connector, and the connector can drive the first mating housing to move downward relative to the second mating housing in the height direction.

[0030] In summary, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0031] 1. The connector provided by the present invention has a smooth linear structure for the main body and the first terminal is in-mold-molded into the first housing, which improves the feasibility of manufacturing; for high-frequency and high-speed inter-board data transmission, it has high stability while reducing signal transmission.

[0032] 2. The connector provided by the present invention does not require a special mold for the first terminal. During mass production, the material length can be selected as needed to adapt to the requirements of different board spacings. While ensuring a firm connection between the first terminal and the first housing, the utilization rate of the first terminal production line is improved, and the processing difficulty and production cost of various length models of connectors are reduced.

[0033] 3. The mating connector provided by the present invention has an independently set first mating shell and a second mating shell that are elastically connected to the base through a support arm, and a second terminal is elastically set between the first mating shell and the second mating shell. When the first mating shell and the second mating shell have a large deviation or offset in the height direction, the mating connector can still ensure the electrical connection effectiveness and stability of the overall structure within the design range.

[0034] 4. The floating connector assembly provided by the present invention, after the connector and the mating connector are plugged in, forms a floating connection between the first mating shell and the second mating shell. Even if the static connection position of the connector and the mating connector has a large error value, or if the circuit boards are relatively displaced during the operation of the equipment, the connector can still maintain a relatively static connection with the first mating shell. Moreover, the connector can drive the first mating shell to move downward relative to the second mating shell in the height direction. The connection position of the first terminal and the second terminal remains basically unchanged, avoiding the situation of loose connection or unstable transmission, and improving the security and service life of data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is an axial view of the first terminal of the main body with a fixing part in Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the first housing and the first terminal in Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 6 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the mating connector of Embodiment 2.

[0042] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the mating connector of Embodiment 2.

[0043] Figure 9 is a CC sectional view of Figure 7.

[0044] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of DD in Figure 7.

[0045] Figure 11 is an axonometric view of the floating connector assembly of Embodiment 3.

[0046] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 11.

[0047] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of FF in Figure 11.

[0048] Marked in the image:

[0049] 100. Connector;

[0050] 200. Pairing connector;

[0051] 300. Floating connector assembly;

[0052] 1. First housing, 11. Side wall, 12. End wall, 121. Mounting groove, 122. Hollowed-out groove, 13. First chamber, 14. Single unit; 2. Second housing, 21. Second chamber, 22. Insert plate, 23. Insertion hole;

[0053] 3. First terminal; 31. Main body; 310. Fixing part; 311. First fixing block; 312. Second fixing block; 32. First contact part; 33. Mounting part; 4. First mating housing; 41. Mating side wall; 42. Mating end wall; 43. Support arm; 431. Slot; 44. Third chamber; 441. Structural insert; 45. Longitudinal gap; 5. Second mating housing; 51. Base; 511. Recess; 52. Receiving groove; 53. Locking fastener;

[0054] 6. Second terminal; 61. First bending member; 611. Second contact part; 62. Second bending member; 63. Third bending member; 64. Bending angle; 7. Spring member; 71. First elastic part; 72. Second elastic part; 721. Protrusion; X, transverse direction; Y, longitudinal direction; Z, height direction. Embodiments of the present invention

[0055] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0057] To better understand the content of the attached diagram, the three axes and directions are explained in advance. The X-axis represents the horizontal coordinate, the Y-axis represents the vertical coordinate, and the Z-axis represents the height coordinate.

[0058] Example 1:

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a connector 100, including a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a first terminal 3. The first housing 1 is used to fix the first terminal 3, specifically including a pair of side walls 11 disposed opposite each other in the transverse X direction and a pair of end walls 12 disposed in the longitudinal Y direction. The side walls 11 and end walls 12 together form a first chamber 13. The first chamber 13 provides mounting conditions when the connector 100 is electrically connected to its mating connector. The second housing 2 is used to fix the first housing 1 and the first terminal 3, and forms a fixed structure with a circuit board at one end, providing the main load-bearing capacity of the connector 100. The second housing 2 is provided with a second chamber 21, in which the first housing 1 is installed.

[0060] The first terminal 3 is disposed in the first housing 1 by in-mold injection molding. Based on Figures 1-2, referring to Figure 3, the first terminal 3 includes a main body 31 and a first contact portion 32 and a mounting portion 33 disposed at both ends of the main body 31. The first contact portion 32 is disposed on the inner side of the first chamber 13, and the connector 100 achieves electrical connection with its mating connector by insertion into the first chamber 13.

[0061] Referring again to Figures 1-3, the mounting portion 33 is formed by bending from the lower end of the main body 31 away from the first chamber 13. A mounting groove 121 is provided on the end wall 12 of the first housing 1, and the mounting portion 33 of the first terminal 3 is embedded in the mounting groove 121. The mounting portion 33 is bent and embedded in the mounting groove 121, so that while ensuring a firm connection with the first housing 1, the mounting portion 33 can protrude outside the second housing 2, thereby allowing it to be soldered to the electrical contacts of the circuit board at one end of the connector 100.

[0062] In this embodiment, the main body 31 has a smooth linear structure in the height direction Z. Preferably, the main body 31 has a smooth straight line structure in the height direction Z. In other embodiments, the main body 31 may also have a smooth curved structure. The specific line shape is selected according to design requirements, and the main body 31 with a straight line structure has advantages in traditional high-frequency and high-speed data transmission, such as stable transmission, low probability of data loss and error.

[0063] Meanwhile, the smooth, straight-line structure allows multiple first terminals 3 in the same row to be cut from flat raw materials and manufactured together, significantly reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the first terminals 3 and greatly improving production efficiency. Furthermore, if it is necessary to produce connectors 100 of different lengths, only the raw material length of the first terminal 3 and the injection mold of the first housing 1 need to be changed, improving manufacturing feasibility; at the same time, it reduces the investment and production costs of producing connectors 100 of different lengths in the later stages, and also reduces the time required to change production lines for connectors 100 of different lengths.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the main body 31 extends along the height direction Z and maintains a constant width in the transverse direction X and a constant thickness in the longitudinal direction Y. That is, at any position perpendicular to the height direction Z, the main body 31 has the same planar cross-section in both the transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y, forming a uniform structure. Through in-mold injection molding into the first housing 1, the outer periphery of the main body 31 of each first terminal 3 is encased in the material of the first housing 1. This ensures that there is no mutual interference when the first terminals 3 transmit data, and that the data transmission process is stable and controllable. Due to the above configuration, compared to the existing fixed structure between terminals and housing, the first terminals 3 can be set according to the minimum spacing between terminals, thereby improving the terminal density and data transmission capability of the connector. This meets the higher frequency and higher speed data transmission requirements of board-to-board connectors.

[0065] Existing floating connector male products employ an assembly method for the terminals and housing. This assembly method involves designing the terminals as fixed structures with protrusions, but this results in significant signal transmission loss. This embodiment improves manufacturing feasibility and reduces signal transmission loss by using a first terminal with a uniform main body structure.

[0066] In some embodiments, to meet requirements such as testing and weight reduction, the main body 31 extends along the height direction Z and is provided with a fixing part 310 that is thickened in the transverse direction X. Correspondingly, a hollow groove 122 is provided on the end wall 12, and the fixing part 310 is provided corresponding to the hollow groove 122.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1-3, the perforated slots 122 are regularly spaced on the first housing, which can be used to detect whether the first terminal 3 meets the relevant electrical requirements in each interval of the height direction Z during the production process. The perforated slots 122 also facilitate better demolding of the first housing 1 and reduce its weight during in-mold injection molding of the first terminal 3 and the first housing 1. Furthermore, considering the different electrical properties of metal terminals in different environmental media, and to prevent data transmission distortion during crossing different environmental media, the main body 31 is provided with a thickened fixing part 310 corresponding to the position of the perforated slot 122 to solve the above problems.

[0068] Furthermore, the fixing part 310 includes a first fixing block 311 and a second fixing block 312. In the horizontal direction X, the width of the first fixing block 311 is the same as the width of the second fixing block 312. In the vertical direction Y, the thickness of the first fixing block 311 is the same as the thickness of the second fixing block 312. In the height direction Z, the height of the first fixing block 311 and the height of the second fixing block 312 may be the same or different, and the first fixing block 311 and the second fixing block 312 are alternately arranged on the main body part 31. The arrangement of the first fixing block 311 and the second fixing block 312 faces different situations of the hollow groove 122. In this example, the height of the first fixing block 311 is different from the height of the second fixing block 312, and the height of the first fixing block 311 is greater than the height of the second fixing block 312. Please refer to Figure 5 based on Figures 1-3. When the hollow groove 122 penetrates the first housing 1, placing the first fixing block 311 at the hollow groove 122 will have a better data transmission effect. When the hollowed-out groove 122 is only provided on one side of the first chamber 13, the second fixing block 312 with a smaller height can achieve the corresponding effect.

[0069] Alternating the first fixing block 311 and the second fixing block 312 helps to standardize the main body 31 and adapt to the needs of connectors of different lengths in the same series.

[0070] Furthermore, neither the first fixing block 311 nor the second fixing block 312 extends a protrusion structure in the transverse X direction. In existing connectors, terminals often have protrusion structures on their sidewalls, such as serrated or conical protrusions, to ensure more accurate engagement after the terminal is installed into the housing. In this invention, due to the use of in-mold injection molding, the first terminal 3 and the first housing 1 can be firmly connected together without the need for a protrusion structure. Moreover, without the protrusion structure, the center distance between terminals can be set closer, increasing the terminal density of the connector 100 and thus increasing the overall data transmission capability of the connector 100. In addition, the absence of a protrusion structure reduces waste generated during the production of the first terminal 3, lowering the production cost of the connector 100.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first housing 1 includes two units 14 assembled together. Each unit 14 has a complete end wall 12. The main body 31 is in-mold-molded into the end wall 12, thereby forming an integral structure between the first terminal 3 and the unit 14. Referring to Figures 1-5, the two units 14 are symmetrically arranged, with one end forming a first chamber 13, and two sets of first terminals 3 are symmetrically arranged within the two end walls 12. Since the two units 14 have the same or symmetrical shape, the molding difficulty of the first housing 1 and the first terminal 3 during production is reduced. At the same time, the terminal density of the connector 100 is increased several times.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG6, the width of the fixing part 310 in the horizontal direction X is W1, and the distance between two adjacent first terminals 3 is W2, with the relationship: W1 > W2. Since the first terminals 3 are fixed to the first housing 1 through in-mold injection molding, the space between adjacent first terminals 3 will be filled with the molding material of the first housing 1. With the molding material of the first housing 1 as a spacing, the mutual interference of electrical signals between adjacent first terminals 3 will be greatly reduced. Therefore, the distance between two adjacent first terminals 3 can be set to be less than the width of the fixing part 310 to improve the data transmission capability of the connector 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​structure allows for better installation of the first housing 1 within the second chamber 21. Furthermore, structures such as inserts 22 and sockets 23 can be provided on both sides of the second housing 2 at the end connecting to the circuit board to achieve quick connection between the connector 100 and the circuit board.

[0074] In summary, the connector provided in this embodiment, with its main body designed as a smooth linear structure and the first terminal in-mold injection molded into the first housing, offers more stable data transmission stability for high-frequency, high-speed inter-board data transmission compared to existing technical solutions.

[0075] Secondly, the first terminal does not require a dedicated mold. During mass production, the material length can be selected as needed to adapt to different board spacing requirements. While ensuring a firm connection between the first terminal and the first housing, the utilization rate of the first terminal production line is improved, and the processing difficulty and production cost of various connector length models are reduced.

[0076] Example 2:

[0077] Please refer to Figures 7 and 8. This embodiment provides a mating connector 200, one end of which is mated and plugged into the connector 100 in Embodiment 1, and the other end is electrically connected to a second circuit board, thereby realizing high-frequency and high-speed data transmission between boards. The mating connector 200 in this embodiment includes a first mating housing 4, a second mating housing 5, and a second terminal 6.

[0078] The first mating housing 4 includes a pair of mating sidewalls 41 disposed opposite each other in the transverse X direction and a pair of mating endwalls 42 disposed in the longitudinal Y direction, as well as a pair of support arms 43. The mating sidewalls 41 and mating endwalls 42 together form a third chamber 44, and the support arms 43 extend from the lower end of the mating sidewalls 41 in the transverse X and vertical Z directions. The second mating housing 5 has a base 51 and a receiving groove 52 disposed above the base 51. The first mating housing 4 is mounted on the receiving groove 52, and the support arms 43 are elastically connected to the base 51. The second terminal 6 is an integrally formed elastic metal part, and the second terminal 6 is connected to the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 respectively.

[0079] The first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 are elastically connected to the base 51 by the support arm 43 and are provided with an elastic second terminal 6, forming an elastic floating structure between them. When the first mating housing 4 bears a certain load and deforms in the height direction Z, the connection between the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 can be stably maintained, while the second terminal 6 will follow the deformation of the first mating housing 4 to generate displacement, thus achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0080] During implementation, to ensure that the support arm 43 is better restrained on the base 51, a locking member 53 is also inserted into the height direction Z of the receiving groove 52. The locking member 53 and the receiving groove 52 surround the support arm 43, restraining the support arm 43 within the receiving groove 52 and preventing the support arm 43 from popping out of the receiving groove 52. Of course, in other embodiments, the end of the locking member 53 may also be provided with a plug-in structure to fix the mating connector 200 to the circuit board, thereby simplifying the mating connector 200.

[0081] In addition, during static installation, there may be some deviation between connector 100 and mating connector 200, especially in the height direction Z. When the installation error between the two circuit boards is large, the first mating housing 4 can also absorb the installation error between them to ensure the reliability and stability of the connection.

[0082] Based on Figures 7-8, refer to Figure 9. Specifically, the second terminal 6 includes a first bent piece 61, a second bent piece 62, and a third bent piece 63 connected in sequence by bending. The first bent piece 61 is partially located in the first mating housing 4 and partially in the second mating housing 5. The second bent piece 62 is partially located in the second mating housing 5 and partially in the receiving groove 52, clamping the first mating housing 4. The third bent piece 63 is embedded and connected to the second mating housing 5. The second terminal 6 is connected to the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 respectively through the three bent pieces formed by two bending. As shown in Figure 8, the first bent pieces 61 of the two relatively symmetrically arranged second terminals 6 press against and abut against the first mating housing 4 and extend into the third chamber 44 to ensure that when the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 are offset, the first bent piece 61 can move with the first mating housing 4. The third bent piece 63 abuts against and is fixed to the inside of the second mating housing 5, thereby ensuring accurate soldering between the second terminal 6 and the circuit board. The second bending member 62 is movably disposed between the first bending member 61 and the second bending member 62. When deformation occurs, the bending positions at both ends of the second bending member 62 absorb energy and deform, causing the second bending member 62 to move, so that the second terminal 6 moves closely following the first mating housing 5, ensuring a stable electrical connection with the first terminal 3.

[0083] In this embodiment, the bends of the first bent member 61 and the second bent member 62, as well as the bends of the second bent member 62 and the third bent member 63, are all large-radius rounded corners. Large-radius rounded corners have a better energy absorption effect than small-radius rounded corners, dispersing the stress when the terminal floats, giving the second terminal 6 a larger deformation capacity, thus satisfying the larger displacement generated by the first mating housing 4. Furthermore, the bends of adjacent bent members are all obtuse angles, further simplifying the elastic structure of the second terminal 6. This results in lower production costs for the second terminal 6 while ensuring a sufficiently large deformation.

[0084] In a further embodiment, the first bending member 61 is provided with a second contact portion 611. The second contact portion 611 is first bent away from the third chamber 44, and then bent towards the third chamber 44 to form the second contact portion 611, which is connected to the first contact portion 32. The provision of the second contact portion 611 ensures that during the connection process between the connector 100 and the mating connector 200, even if there is a certain tilt angle between the first contact portion 32 and the second contact portion 611, or if there is local deformation, the second contact portion 611 can stably abut against the surface of the first contact portion 32, thus ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10, to further reduce production difficulty and minimize plastic wear during floating, the mating connector 200 also includes a U-shaped spring member 7. The spring member 7 includes an integrally formed first elastic part 71 and a second elastic part 72. The first elastic part 71 is fixed to the bottom of the support arm 43, and the second elastic part 72 abuts against the base 51. In this embodiment, during production and assembly, the bottom of the support arm 43 is provided with a slot 431 for fixing the spring member 7, and the first elastic part 71 is inserted into the slot 431 to complete the fixing. The base 51 is generally provided with a recess 511 for abutting and limiting the second elastic part 72, and the second elastic part 72 is provided with a protrusion 721 that matches the recess 511. During installation, the protrusion 721 abuts against and sinks into the recess 511, thereby realizing the abutment and limiting of the second elastic part 72 with the base 51.

[0086] Of course, in other embodiments, the first elastic part 72 can also be fixed to the base 51, and the first elastic part 71 abuts against the support arm 43, which can also achieve the floating connection effect between the first mating shell 4 and the second mating shell 5. The rebound member 7 is generally an elastic metal sheet that is bent to form an elastic U-shaped structure, which has a better energy absorption effect.

[0087] It should be noted that when using the connector 100 of Embodiment 1, the width of the fixing part 310 is greater than the spacing width between adjacent first terminals 3. Correspondingly, the second terminals 6 in the mating connector 200 also have a corresponding dimensional relationship, that is, the width of the second terminal 6 is greater than the spacing width between adjacent second terminals 6, to ensure the consistency of the electrical connection. However, since there may not be corresponding insulating material between adjacent second terminals 6, attention must be paid to the spacing width between adjacent second terminals 6 to avoid problems such as signal interference during data transmission.

[0088] In summary, the mating connector provided in this embodiment has an independently configured first mating housing and a second mating housing that are elastically connected to the base via a support arm, and a second terminal that is elastically disposed between the first mating housing and the second mating housing. When the first mating housing and the second mating housing have a large deviation or offset in the height direction, the mating connector can still ensure the effectiveness of the overall structure and the stability of the electrical connection within the allowable design range.

[0089] Example 3:

[0090] Please refer to Figure 11 based on Figures 1-10. This embodiment provides a floating connector assembly 300, which includes the connector 100 in Embodiment 1 and the mating connector 200 in Embodiment 2. The connector 100 is mated and inserted into the mating connector 200. As shown in Figures 12-13, a structural insert 441 is provided in the middle of the third chamber 44, and a second contact portion 611 is disposed around the structural insert 441. When the connector 100 is inserted into the first mating housing 4, one end of the connector 100 is inserted into the third chamber 44, while the structural insert 441 extends into the first chamber 13. Thus, the second contact portion 611 abuts against the first contact portion 32, realizing the electrical connection between the connector 100 and the mating connector 200.

[0091] When there is a certain offset between connector 100 and mating connector 100 in the height direction Z, or when there is a positional offset between the circuit boards connected to them, connector 100 can drive the first mating housing 4 to move downward relative to the second mating housing 5 in the height direction Z. At this time, connector 100 and the first mating housing 4 are in a relatively stationary state. The first contact portion 32 and the second contact portion 611 do not slide relative to each other, or their sliding distance is negligible, effectively reducing the plating wear at the contact position of the first terminal 3 and the second terminal 6, thereby improving the service life of the connector assembly. During high-frequency and high-speed data transmission, the reduced displacement of the first contact portion 32 and the second contact portion 611 can improve the stability and effectiveness of the transmission process. Data transmission problems caused by positional fluctuations between circuit boards, such as signal interference and signal loss, will be significantly suppressed.

[0092] Since the support arm 43 is elastically connected to the base 51, the two ends of the elastic second terminal 6 are respectively disposed between the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5. The off-center load generated by the relatively stationary connector 100 and the first mating housing 4 is elastically absorbed, and the second terminal 6 better achieves following after deformation, so that the connection between the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 remains effective.

[0093] In other embodiments, the first mating housing 4 and the second mating housing 5 are further provided with a longitudinal gap 45 in the longitudinal direction Y. After the connector 100 is inserted into the first mating housing 4, if it is subjected to an offset from the longitudinal direction Y, the first mating housing 4 can also generate a certain deformation in the longitudinal direction Y to absorb the error and variable load generated in this direction.

[0094] In summary, the floating connector assembly provided by this invention allows the connector to maintain a relatively static connection with the first mating housing even if the static connection position of the connector and the mating connector has a large error value, or if the circuit boards are relatively displaced during equipment operation. The connection positions of the first terminal and the second terminal remain basically unchanged, avoiding loose connections or unstable transmission, and improving the security and service life of data transmission.

[0095] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this invention, and while the description is specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this invention, and these obvious substitutions all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, include: The first housing (1) includes a pair of side walls (11) arranged opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction and a pair of end walls (12) arranged in the longitudinal (Y) direction. The side walls (11) and the end walls (12) together form a first chamber (13). The end walls (12) are provided with mounting grooves (121). The second housing (2) has a second chamber (21), and the first housing (1) is installed in the second chamber (21); and The first terminal (3) is injection molded into the first housing (1). The first terminal (3) includes a main body (31) and a first contact part (32) and a mounting part (33) provided at both ends of the main body (31). The mounting part (33) is formed by bending from the lower end of the main body (31) toward the direction away from the first chamber (13). The mounting part (33) is embedded in the mounting groove (121). The main body (31) has a smooth linear structure in the height direction (Z).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (31) extends along the height direction (Z) and its width remains constant in the transverse direction (X) and its thickness remains constant in the longitudinal direction (Y).

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (31) extends along the height direction (Z) and is provided with a fixing part (310) that is thickened in the transverse direction (X); the end wall (12) is provided with a hollow groove (122), and the fixing part (310) is provided corresponding to the hollow groove (122).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing part (310) includes a first fixing block (311) and a second fixing block (312). In the horizontal direction (X), the width of the first fixing block (311) is the same as the width of the second fixing block (312). In the longitudinal direction (Y), the thickness of the first fixing block (311) is the same as the thickness of the second fixing block (312); In the height direction (Z), the height of the first fixing block (311) is the same as or different from the height of the second fixing block (312), and the first fixing block (311) and the second fixing block (312) are alternately arranged on the main body (31).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, Neither the first fixing block (311) nor the second fixing block (312) extends a protrusion structure in the transverse (X) direction.

6. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing (1) comprises two units (14) assembled together; each unit (14) has a complete end wall (12); the main body (31) is in-mold-molded into the end wall (12), thereby the first terminal (3) and the unit (14) form an integral structure.

7. A mating connector, which is mated and plugged into the connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The mating connector (200) includes: The first mating housing (4) includes a pair of mating sidewalls (41) arranged opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction and a pair of mating endwalls (42) arranged in the longitudinal (Y) direction, and a pair of support arms (43); the mating sidewalls (41) and the mating endwalls (42) together form a third chamber (44), and the support arms (43) extend from the lower end of the mating sidewalls (41) in the transverse (X) and height (Z) directions; The second mating housing (5) has a base (51) and a receiving groove (52) above the base (51). The first mating housing (4) is mounted on the receiving groove (52), and the support arm (43) is elastically connected to the base (51). The second terminal (6) is an integrally formed elastic metal part, and the second terminal (6) is connected to the first mating housing (4) and the second mating housing (5) respectively.

8. The mating connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second terminal (6) includes a first bent piece (61), a second bent piece (62) and a third bent piece (63) connected in sequence by bending. The first bent piece (61) is partially located in the first mating housing (4) and partially located in the second mating housing (5); The second bent member (62) is partially located in the second mating housing (5), partially located in the receiving groove (52), and clamps the first mating housing (4); The third bending member (63) is embedded and connected to the second mating housing (5).

9. The mating connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first bending member (61) is provided with a second contact portion (611). The second contact portion (611) is first bent away from the third chamber (44) and then bent towards the third chamber (44). The second contact portion (611) is connected to the first contact portion (32).

10. The mating connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mating connector (200) also includes a U-shaped spring member (7), which includes an integrally formed first elastic part (71) and a second elastic part (72). The first elastic part (71) is fixed to the bottom of the support arm (43), and the second elastic part (72) abuts against the base (51).

11. A floating connector assembly, comprising the connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-6 and the mating connector (200) according to any one of claims 7-10, characterized in that, The connector (100) is mated to the mating connector (200), and the connector (100) can drive the first mating housing (4) to move downward relative to the second mating housing (5) in the height direction (Z).

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