Card edge connector with strength member, and circuit board assembly

A miniaturized card edge connector providing reliable operation. A connector may have a reinforcing member comprising a main body, a first connector engaging portion and a second connector engaging portion. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion extend from the main body in a first vertical direction and are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion are configured to be engaged to both sides of a card slot of the electrical connector. The reinforcing member may effectively protect the insulating body of the electrical connector against deformation or even damage. The reinforcing member can strengthen the connection between the electrical connector and the circuit board to ensure their stable connection. Since the reinforcing member itself is multifunctional and is convenient for mounting, the assembly period may be shortened and the product cost may be lowered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202021417991.0, filed on Jul. 17, 2020. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010175212.9, filed on Mar. 13, 2020. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202020321875.2, filed on Mar. 13, 2020. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a reinforcing member, a card edge connector with the reinforcing member, a circuit board assembly with the card edge connector and an insulating body.

BACKGROUND

As a transmission medium, a card edge connector has been widely used in electronic products such as a computer, and it can be used for connecting electronic cards such as a memory card, a graphics card and a sound card to a circuit board, so that the electronic cards can provide the electronic products with some functions relating with greater memory capacity, improved operating speeds, etc. With the advent of the information age, people are using electronic products increasingly and putting forward more requirements on their functionality. Electronic cards and card edge connectors adopting new technology have been better satisfying people's needs.

Since an electronic card usually has a plate-like structure, a card edge connector for holding the electronic card includes an elongated insulating body with a slender card slot formed therein. An edge of the electronic card can be plugged into the card slot. The card edge connector also includes a number of conductive terminals disposed in the insulating body. After the electronic card is plugged into the card slot, conductive contacts on the electronic card are electrically connected to the conductive terminals on the card edge connector. The insulating body is usually made of plastic. In general, a partitioning rib is provided in the slender card slot. The partitioning rib can be connected between two slender side walls of the card slot in the middle part of the card slot, so as to enhance the mechanical strength of the card slot to a certain extent.

However, after the electronic card is plugged into the card slot, the insulating body still deforms or even cracks at the partitioning rib under the impact of an external force, resulting in poor contact between the electronic card and the circuit board and malfunctions of the electronic product.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments, a reinforcing member is provided. The reinforcing member may comprise a main body, a first connector engaging portion and a second connector engaging portion. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion extend from the main body in a first vertical direction and are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion are configured to be engaged to both sides of a card slot of the electrical connector respectively.

In one aspect, the main body may comprise an intermediate section, a first end section and a second end section. The first end section and the second end section may be connected to two ends of the intermediate section. The intermediate section may extend in the transverse direction. The first end section and the second end section may extend in a longitudinal direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion may be connected to the first end section and the second end section respectively.

In another aspect, a first curved section may be connected between the first end section and the intermediate section, and a second curved section may be connected between the second end section and the intermediate section.

In another aspect, the first connector engaging portion may be L-shaped and comprises a first section and a second section that are perpendicular to each other. The first section may be connected to the first end section, and the second section may extend towards the first curved section and may be spaced apart from the first curved section. The second connector engaging portion may be L-shaped and comprise a third section and a fourth section that are perpendicular to each other. The third section may be connected to the second end section, and the fourth section may extend towards the second curved section and is spaced apart from the second curved section.

In another aspect, the size of the first section may be smaller than or equal to that of the first end section in the longitudinal direction, and/or the size of the third section may be smaller than or equal to that of the second end section in the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, a maximum size of the first connector engaging portion may be greater than the sum of the sizes of the first end section and the first curved section in the longitudinal direction, and/or a maximum size of the second connector engaging portion may be greater than the sum of the sizes of the second end section and the second curved section in the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, a vertical height of the main body may be greater than those of the first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion.

In another aspect, the reinforcing member may further comprise a board engaging portion extending from the main body in a second vertical direction. The second vertical direction may be opposite to the first vertical direction. The board engaging portion may be configured to be engaged to a circuit board that the electrical connector is connected thereto.

In another aspect, the board engaging portion may be connected to the intermediate section.

In another aspect, the board engaging portion may extend in the transverse direction.

In another aspect, an end of the board engaging portion which is opposite to its end connected to the main body may be tapered in the second vertical direction.

In another aspect, ends of the first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion, which are opposite to their ends connected to the main body respectively, may be tapered in the first vertical direction.

In another aspect, the reinforcing member may be an integral sheet metal part.

In yet another aspect, an electrical connector is provided, which may comprise an insulating body and any reinforcing member mentioned above. The insulating body may comprise an interfacing surface and a mounting surface that are arranged opposite to each other in a vertical direction. The insulating body may also comprise a card slot extending in a longitudinal direction in the interfacing surface and a first slot and a second slot in the mounting surface and respectively located on both sides of the card slot in the transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion may be inserted into the first slot and the second slot, respectively.

In another aspect, a partitioning rib may disposed in the card slot, and the first slot and the second slot are respectively located on both sides of the partitioning rib.

In another aspect, a connecting groove may be formed in the mounting surface and communicate between the first slot and the second slot, and the main body may be inserted into the connecting groove.

In another aspect, the mounting surface may be provided with a protruding rib extending in a direction in which the card slot extends. The first slot and the second slot may be respectively located on both sides of the protruding ribs. A distance between the first slot and the second slot may equal a width of the protruding ribs. The connecting groove may be formed in the protruding rib, and two ends of the main body may be against both sides of the protruding rib respectively.

In another aspect, the connecting groove may be formed in the partitioning rib.

In another aspect, the connecting groove may have a first notch and a second notch that are opposite to each other, and the first notch and the second notch may be formed at the mounting surface and in the middle part of the connecting groove.

In another aspect, two ends of the connecting groove may be respectively communicated with the middle parts of the first slot and the second slot in the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, a depth of the connecting groove may be smaller than those of the first slot and the second slot.

In another aspect, both the first slot and the second slot may be blind slots.

In another aspect, at least one of the first slot and the second slot may extend from the mounting surface to the interfacing surface.

In another aspect, the electrical connector may be a card edge connector.

In yet another aspect, an electrical connector is provided, which may comprise an insulating body and a U-shaped reinforcing member. The insulating body may comprise an interfacing surface and a mounting surface that are arranged opposite to each other in a vertical direction. A card slot, a first slot and a second slot may be formed in the insulating body. The card slot formed in the interfacing surface may extend in a longitudinal direction, and the first slot and the second slot may run through the insulating body in the vertical direction and may be respectively located on both sides of the card slot in a transverse direction. A U-shaped reinforcing member may have two ends inserted into the first slot and the second slot respectively. Depth of the reinforcing member in the first slot and the second slot may correspond to a vertical height of the insulating body.

In another aspect, a partitioning rib may be disposed in the card slot, and the first slot and the second slot may be respectively located on both sides of the partitioning rib.

In another aspect, the reinforcing member may be plugged into the first slot and the second slot from the mounting surface.

In another aspect, the reinforcing member may comprise a main body, a first connector engaging portion and a second connector engaging portion. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion may extend from the main body in a first vertical direction and may be spaced apart in the transverse direction to form the two ends of the reinforcing member, and respectively inserted into the first slot and the second slot. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion each may have a greater size in the longitudinal direction than that in the transverse direction.

In another aspect, a connecting groove may be formed in the mounting surface and communicated between the first slot and the second slot, and the main body may be inserted into the connecting groove.

In another aspect, two ends of the connecting groove may be respectively communicated with the middle parts of the first slot and the second slot in the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, a vertical height of the connecting groove may be greater than half of a vertical height of the first slot, and/or the vertical height of the connecting groove may be greater than half of a vertical height of the second slot.

In another aspect, the main body may comprise an intermediate section, a first end section and a second end section. The first end section and the second end section may be connected to two ends of the intermediate section and may extend in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate section may extend in the transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion may be connected to the first end section and the second end section respectively.

In another aspect, a first curved section may be connected between the first end section and the intermediate section, and a second curved section may be connected between the second end section and the intermediate section.

In another aspect, the first connector engaging portion may be L-shaped and comprises a first section and a second section that are perpendicular to each other. The first section may be connected to the first end section, and the second section may extend towards and beyond the intermediate section in the longitudinal direction. The second connector engaging portion may be L-shaped and comprises a third section and a fourth section that are perpendicular to each other. The third section may be connected to the second end section, and the fourth section may extend towards and beyond the intermediate section in the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, the reinforcing member may further comprise a board engaging portion extending from the main body in a second vertical direction. The second vertical direction may be opposite to the first vertical direction. The board engaging portion may extend out of the insulating body from the mounting surface and may be configured to be engaged to a circuit board that the electrical connector is connected thereto.

In another aspect, the board engaging portion may be connected to the intermediate section.

In another aspect, the board engaging portion may extend in the transverse direction.

In another aspect, the electrical connector may be a card edge connector.

In another aspect, a circuit board assembly is provided, which may comprise a circuit board and any electrical connector mentioned above, wherein the electrical connector may be connected to the circuit board.

In yet another aspect, an insulating body is provided. The insulating body may comprise an interfacing surface and a mounting surface that are arranged opposite to each other in a vertical direction. A card slot extending in a longitudinal direction may be formed in the interfacing surface and configured to receive an electronic card. A first slot and a second slot may be formed in the mounting surface and respectively located on both sides of the card slot in a transverse direction.

In another aspect, the mounting surface may be provided with a protruding rib extending in a direction in which the card slot extends. The first slot and the second slot may be respectively located on both sides of the protruding rib. A distance between the first slot and the second slot may equal a width of the protruding rib. A connecting groove may be communicated between the first slot and the second slot and formed in the protruding rib.

In yet another aspect, at least one of the first slot and the second slot may extend from the mounting surface to the interfacing surface.

The foregoing aspects may be used separately or together, in a combination to two or more aspects. The advantages and features of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Reference numbers in the drawings are described as below:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, a large number of details will be provided to enable a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following descriptions merely exemplarily show preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure may be implemented without one or more such details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion with the present disclosure, some technical features known in the art have not been described in detail.

The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector, which is suitable for use in miniaturized electronic devices where it provides reliable operation. Such an electrical connector with a reinforcing member and an insulating body, which may receive a circuit board. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member may comprise a main body, a first connector engaging portion and a second connector engaging portion. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion extend from the main body in a first vertical direction and are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion are configured to be engaged to both sides of a card slot of the electrical connector. The reinforcing member may effectively protect the insulating body of the electrical connector against deformation or even damage. The reinforcing member can strengthen the connection between the electrical connector and the circuit board to ensure their stable connection. The reinforcing member itself may be multifunctional, as it is convenient for use in mounting the connector, the assembly period may be shortened and/or the product cost may be lowered.

As shown inFIGS.1to3, an electrical connector100is provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The electrical connector100may include an insulating body300and a reinforcing member200. The electrical connector100may be a card edge connector. The card edge connector may be configured to connect electronic cards, such as a memory card, to another component such as a printed circuit board. The insulating body300may be mounted to a component as a circuit board. In an embodiment in which the insulating body300is mounted to a circuit board, conductive terminals400may be disposed on the insulating body300and configured to electrically connect the electronic card connected to the electrical connector100to the circuit board. Therefore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit board assembly is also provided. The circuit board assembly may include a circuit board (not shown) and any electrical connector as described herein.

The insulating body300may be provided with an interfacing surface310and a mounting surface320that are arranged opposite to each other in a vertical direction Z1-Z2. The interfacing surface310faces the electronic card, and the mounting surface320faces the circuit board. The vertical direction is a direction in which the electronic card is plugged into the electrical connector100, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the circuit board. In the drawings, X1-X2represents a longitudinal direction (i.e., a length direction) of the electrical connector100; Y1-Y2represents a transverse direction (i.e., a width direction) of the electrical connector100; Z1-Z2represents the vertical direction of the electrical connector100(i.e., a height direction). The longitudinal direction X1-X2, the transverse direction Y1-Y2and the vertical direction Z1-Z2are perpendicular to one another. A card slot311extending in the longitudinal direction X1-X2may be formed in the interfacing surface310. The card slot311is recessed inwards from the interfacing surface310to receive the electronic card. The card slot311substantially takes the shape of an elongated strip, as shown inFIG.1. The electronic card may include any one of a graphics card, a memory card and a sound card.

With reference toFIGS.1to2, the conductive terminals400are mounted in side walls311aand311bof the card slot311. The card slot311exposes part of the conductive terminals400. When the electronic card is plugged into the card slot311, the exposed portions of the conductive terminals400may be electrically connected to conductive contacts of the electronic card. The conductive terminals400also extend to the mounting surface320. In the case that the insulating body300is mounted to the circuit board, the conductive terminals400may be electrically connected to circuits in the circuit board. Thus, the conductive contacts of the electronic card are electrically connected to the circuits on the circuit board.

In the longitudinal direction X1-X2, a partitioning rib312may be provided in the middle part of the card slot311, as shown inFIG.1. The partitioning rib312is located in the card slot311and connects the two side walls311aand311bof the card slot311. The electronic card has a notch that matches with the partitioning rib312. The partitioning rib312is usually not disposed in the exact middle of the card slot311in its length direction, so the partitioning rib312also has a foolproof function. When plugged into the card slot311, the electronic card may shake and strike the side walls311aand311band the partitioning rib312under the impact of an external force, which may cause the insulating body300to deform or even crack.

Based on this, the electrical connector100provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a reinforcing member200that may be of a U-shaped structure. As shown inFIG.7, the reinforcing member200may include a main body230, a first connector engaging portion210and a second connector engaging portion220.

The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may extend from the main body230in a first vertical direction Z1. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be spaced apart in a transverse direction Y1-Y2. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be inserted into the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311respectively. As an example, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be connected with the main body230by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may be integrally formed with the main body230.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, the reinforcing member200may further include a board engaging portion240that may extend from the main body230in a second vertical direction Z2. The first vertical direction Z1is opposite to the second vertical direction Z2in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. The board engaging portion240may be inserted into the circuit board. For example, an engaging hole may be formed in the circuit board. The board engaging portion240of the reinforcing member200may be inserted into the engaging hole. The board engaging portion240may be connected with the main body230by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may be integrally formed with the main body230.

The main body230, the first connector engaging portion210, the second connector engaging portion220and the board engaging portion240may be located within the same plane or different planes. In some embodiments, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220have relatively larger sizes in a length direction of the card slot311. Compared with an impact force in the length direction of the card slot311, an impact force in a width direction of the card slot311is more likely to damage the card slot311. The larger the sizes of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220in the longitudinal direction X1-X2are, the greater the resistance to the impact force in the transverse direction Y1-Y2is. Therefore, the insulating body300may be better protected from cracking.

The reinforcing member200may be made of a high-strength material such as plastic, ceramic or metal. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member200is made of a metal material that has a high strength and low material and processing costs. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member200is an integral sheet metal part. In this way, the reinforcing member200is higher in strength, simpler in processing technology and lower in cost.

In order to receive the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220, a first slot321and a second slot322may be formed in the mounting surface320of the insulating body300, with reference toFIGS.5and6. The first slot321and the second slot322may be located on both sides of the card slot311in the transverse direction Y1-Y2. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220are respectively inserted into the first slot321and the second slot322from the side where the mounting surface320is located. The arrow shown inFIG.2schematically shows the direction in which the reinforcing member200is plugged into the insulating body300. The first slot321and the second slot322may be structurally adapted to the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220respectively, so that the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be limited in position after being inserted into the first slot321and the second slot322respectively.

By inserting the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220into the first slot321and the second slot322respectively, the side walls of the card slot311may be strengthened, which improves the impact resistance, particularly the resistance to the impact force in the width direction of the card slot311. Thus, the insulating body300is protected against deforming or cracking to a certain extent.

The conductive terminals400may extend out from the mounting surface320of the electrical connector100. By welding the conductive terminals400to the circuit board, the electrical connector100and the circuit board may be electrically connected. However, since the conductive terminals400are generally small, the structural strength at the welds is generally not high, and the welds are easy to be broken under the impact of an external force. By inserting the board engaging portion240of the reinforcing member200into the circuit board, for example, the engaging hole in the circuit board, the strength of connection between the electrical connector100and the circuit board may be enhanced to ensure that the electrical connector100and the circuit board are firmly connected. At the same time, the electrical connector100may also be positioned on the circuit board to guarantee accurate alignment between the conductive terminals400and points on the circuit board to be welded. Moreover, when the electronic card is connected to the circuit board by the electrical connector100, impact forces on the electronic card and the insulating body300may be transmitted to the circuit board, effectively preventing the insulating body300from deforming and cracking under the impact forces.

Therefore, such a reinforcing member200may not only effectively protect the insulating body300of the electrical connector100against deformation or even damage but also strengthen the connection between the electrical connector100and the circuit board to ensure their stable connection. Since the reinforcing member200itself is multifunctional and is convenient for mounting, the assembly period may be shortened and the product cost may be lowered.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, the reinforcing member200may be of the following structure: the main body230of the reinforcing member200may include an intermediate section233, a first end section231and a second end section232. The first end section231and the second end section232are connected to two ends of the intermediate section233respectively. The first end section231and the second end section232are connected to the two ends of the intermediate section233. The first end section231and the second end section232may be connected with the intermediate section233by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may also be integrally formed with the intermediate section233. The intermediate section233may extend in the transverse direction Y1-Y2. The first end section231and the second end section232may extend in the longitudinal direction X1-X2. In this way, viewed in the vertical direction Z1-Z2, the main body230is C-shaped. In the case that the reinforcing member200is mounted on the insulating body300, the transverse direction Y1-Y2is consistent with the width direction of the card slot311, and the longitudinal direction X1-X2is consistent with the length direction of the card slot311.

The board engaging portion240may be connected to the intermediate section233. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be connected to the first end section231and the second end section232respectively. With this arrangement, the structural strength of the main body230is increased, so that the reinforcing member200has a better protective effect on the insulating body300of the electrical connector100.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.7, optionally, the board engaging portion240may extend in the transverse direction Y1-Y2; and optionally, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may extend in the longitudinal direction X1-X2. In this way, the reinforcing member200is smaller in size, more compact in structure and convenient to process and manufacture. At the same time, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220extend in the same direction as the card slot311, such that the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may resist the impact force within a longer size range in the length direction of the card slot311. Thus, the mechanical strength of the insulating body300may be effectively improved, and the insulating body300may be protected better.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, a first curved section234may be connected between the first end section231and the intermediate section233. The first end section231and the intermediate section233are perpendicular to each other, and the first curved section234may serve as a rounded transition section between the first end section231and the intermediate section233. In some embodiments, a second curved section235may be connected between the second end section232and the intermediate section233. The second end section232and the intermediate section233are perpendicular to each other, and the second curved section235may serve as a rounded transition section between the second end section232and the intermediate section233. The first curved section234and the second curved section235may have any radius of curvature. In this way, it is easier to process the main body230by a single plate, realizing a relatively lower production cost.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.7, the first connector engaging portion210may be L-shaped and may include a first section211and a second section212that are perpendicular to each other. The first section211extends in the vertical direction Z1-Z2and may be connected to the first end section231. The second section212extends in the longitudinal direction X1-X2and extends from the first section211towards the first curved section234. In addition, the second section212and the first curved section234may be spaced apart in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. The first connector engaging portion210forms a C-shaped structure with the first end section231and the first curved section234of the main body230. In the case that the reinforcing member200or the main body230is formed by a single plate, it may be conveniently manufactured by bending the plate to form the first curved section234. In addition, since the second section212is wide enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, an excellent reinforcing role may be played to the insulating body300. As the first connector engaging portion210is straight, it is convenient to form a slot in the relatively thin side wall311aof the card slot311for receiving the first connector engaging portion210. Moreover, compared with an embodiment in which the second section212extends from the first section211in a direction opposite to the direction shown in the drawings, the reinforcing member200with this structure saves more raw materials when processed and manufactured by a plate.

Optionally, the second connector engaging portion220may be L-shaped and may include a third section221and a fourth section222that are perpendicular to each other. The third section221extends in the vertical direction Z1-Z2and may be connected to the second end section232. The fourth section222extends in the longitudinal direction X1-X2and extends from the third section221towards the second curved section235. In addition, the fourth section222and the second curved section235may be spaced apart in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. The second connector engaging portion220may form a C-shaped structure with the second end section232and the second curved section235of the main body230. A distance between the second section212and the first curved section234may equal or unequal that between the fourth section222and the second curved section235. In the case that the reinforcing member200or the main body230is formed by a single plate, it may be conveniently manufactured by bending the plate to form the second curved section235. In addition, since the fourth section222is wide enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, an excellent reinforcing role may be played to the insulating body300. As the second connector engaging portion220is straight, it is convenient to form a slot in the relatively thin side wall311bof the card slot311for receiving the second connector engaging portion220. Moreover, compared with an embodiment in which the fourth section222extends from the third section221in a direction opposite to the direction shown in the drawings, the reinforcing member200with this structure saves more raw materials when processed and manufactured by a plate.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.7, the size of the first section211may be smaller than or equal to that of the first end section231in the longitudinal direction X1-X2. The first section211does not extend to the first curved section234, further ensuring that the first connector engaging portion210is straight. Optionally, the size of the third section221may be smaller than or equal to that of the second end section232in the longitudinal direction X1-X2. The third section221does not extend to the second curved section235, further ensuring that the second connector engaging portion220is straight.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.7, a maximum size of the first connector engaging portion210may be greater than the sum of the sizes of the first end section231and the first curved section234in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, i.e., the second section212may extend beyond the first curved section234from the first section211. Thus, the second section212may be big enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, which improves the strengthening effect of the reinforcing member200on the insulating body300. Moreover, in an embodiment in which the reinforcing member200is manufactured by a plate, it may make the best of the plate by adopting the above-mentioned structure on saving raw materials, on the premise of that the strengthening effect of the reinforcing member200on the insulating body300is enhanced.

Optionally, a maximum size of the second connector engaging portion220is greater than the sum of the sizes of the second end section232and the second curved section235in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, i.e., the fourth section222may extend beyond the second curved section235from the third section221. Thus, the fourth section222may be big enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, which improves the strengthening effect of the reinforcing member200on the insulating body300. Moreover, in an embodiment in which the reinforcing member200is manufactured by a plate, it may make the best of the plate by adopting the above-mentioned structure on saving raw materials, on the premise of that the strengthening effect of the reinforcing member200on the insulating body300is enhanced.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, end portions (upper ends in the figure) of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220which are opposite to their end portions (lower ends in the figure) connected to the main body230are tapered in the first vertical direction Z1. The tapered size may play a guiding role. In the process of mounting the reinforcing member200on the insulating body300, the upper ends of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220respectively enter the first slot321and the second slot322of the insulating body300first, and owing to their tapered upper ends, their mounting is convenient.

Similarly, an end portion (lower end in the figure) of the board engaging portion240which is opposite to an end portion (upper end in the figure) connected to the main body230is tapered in the second vertical direction Z2. The tapered size may play a guiding role. In the process of mounting the reinforcing member200on the circuit board, the lower end of the board engaging portion240enters the engaging hole of the circuit board first, and owing to the tapered lower end of the board engaging portion240, its mounting is convenient.

Referring back toFIG.1, in the case that the partitioning rib312is provided in the card slot311, the first slot321and the second slot322may be located at the partitioning rib312. The first slot321and the second slot322may be located on both sides of the partitioning rib312respectively. As mentioned above, the electronic card usually has a notch that matches with the partitioning rib312, which may prevent the electronic card from being plugged in a wrong direction. At the same time, the partitioning rib312may also improve the structural strength of the card slot311. When the insulating body300is impacted by an external force, the partitioning rib312may absorb a part of the external force. The partitioning rib312is usually solid and is of certain sizes in the length and width directions of the card slot311. For some models of card edge connectors (e.g., a card edge connector for plugging a DDR5 memory card), the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311have relatively long solid sections at the partitioning rib312, without any conductive terminal400. Therefore, in terms of space and structure, it provides conditions for forming the first slot321and the second slot322for receiving the reinforcing member200because of the partitioning rib312. When the inventor made vibration and impact tests on a conventional card edge connector without the reinforcing member200, it was found that crack would happen at the partitioning rib312. Therefore, disposing the reinforcing member200at the partitioning rib312may enhance the strength of the insulating body300.

Certainly, for different models of card edge connectors, if spatially and structurally permitted, the first slot321and the second slot322may also be located at other positions of the insulating body300than at the partitioning rib312. Besides, based on the structure of the insulating body300, one or more reinforcing members200may be mounted thereon.

Referring toFIG.7, in the vertical direction Z1-Z2, those skilled in the art may select vertical heights of the main body230, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220according to the position of the reinforcing member200. In the case that the reinforcing member200is plugged at the position where the partitioning rib312is located, the vertical height of the main body230may be appropriately increased. At least part of the main body230may also be inserted into the insulating body300, for example, into the partitioning rib312. In the embodiment shown by the drawings, the main body230is basically inserted into the insulating body300, and the exposed part is mainly the board engaging portion240.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.8, the vertical height of the main body230of the reinforcing member200′ may be greater than those of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220. Since the main body230is the supporter for the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220, increasing the vertical height of the main body230may improve the mechanical strength of the reinforcing member200′. This arrangement is particularly applicable when the vertical height of the reinforcing member200′ is large.

The reinforcing member200′ is basically similar to the reinforcing member200in structure and their difference is mainly the size relationship between components. Therefore, the same or similar components in the reinforcing member200′ and the reinforcing member200use the same reference numbers, and the reinforcing member200′ will be described later in detail.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6, a connecting groove323may also be formed in the mounting surface320. The connecting groove323may be communicated between the first slot321and the second slot322. The connecting groove323may be perpendicular to the first slot321and the second slot322. The connecting groove323may be connected to ends or middle parts of the first slot321and the second slot322. The main body230may be inserted into the connecting groove323. In this way, not only may the structural strength of the insulating body300be further enhanced, but also the electrical connector100provided with the reinforcing member200may be small in size and compact in structure.

In some embodiments in which the first slot321and the second slot322may be located at the partitioning rib312, the connecting groove323is located in the partitioning rib312. There is enough space for forming the connecting groove323in the partitioning rib312, and the formation of the connecting groove323in the partitioning rib312has little effect on the structural strength of the insulating body300.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6, the connecting groove323may have a first notch325and a second notch326opposite to each other. The first notch325and the second notch326may be located at the mounting surface320, i.e., the first notch325and the second notch326are located at the opening of the connecting groove323. The first notch325and the second notch326may be located in the middle part of the connecting groove323and may be of the same or different sizes. Since the insulating body300is usually manufactured by means of injection molding, on the one hand, the first notch325and the second notch326may enhance the strength of an injection molding workpiece, and prevent the injection molding workpiece from being skewed due to its excessive thinness, thereby better protecting the product size, and on the other hand, the first notch325and the second notch326may save the material of the insulating body300to reduce the cost.

Regarding the foregoing embodiment in which the second section212of the first connector engaging portion210extends beyond the first curved section234from the first section211and the fourth section222of the second connector engaging portion220extends beyond the second curved section235from the third section221, as shown inFIG.6, two ends of the connecting groove323may be respectively communicated with the middle parts of the first slot321and the second slot322. Therefore, the connecting groove323of this structure may match with the structures of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6, the depth of the connecting groove323may be smaller than those of the first slot321and the second slot322. In this way, the connecting groove323may match with the main body230, the first slot321and the second slot322may match with the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220respectively, the insulating body300does not need to be slotted any other, and thus, the structural strength of the insulating body is improved.

As shown inFIGS.3to6, the mounting surface320may be provided with a protruding rib324. The protruding rib324may effectively prevent the insulating body300from warping during injection molding so as to avoid structural deformation. The protruding rib324extends in an extending direction (i.e., the length direction) of the card slot311. The first slot321and the second slot322are respectively located on both sides of the protruding rib324. A distance between the first slot321and the second slot322equals the width of the protruding rib324. The connecting groove323is formed in the protruding rib324, and two ends of the main body230of the reinforcing member200are against the both sides of the protruding rib324. With reference toFIG.7, the first end section231and the second end section232of the main body230are respectively against the both sides of the protruding rib324. The protruding rib324is sandwiched between the first end section231and the second end section232of the main body230. Thus, the strength of the reinforcing member200may be maintained.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.6, both the first slot321and the second slot322may be blind slots. In other words, neither the first slot321nor the second slot322runs through from the mounting surface320of the insulating body300to the interfacing surface310thereof. After assembly is completed, the openings of the first slot321and the second slot322face the circuit board and are blocked by the circuit board. If the first slot321and the second slot322are through slots, dust is easily deposited in the first slot321and the second slot322from the side where the interfacing surface310is located, since there is no shield on this side. The dust will become mildewed in moist air. If the moldy dust comes in contact with electrical elements on the circuit board, dangerous accidents such as burning of the electrical elements may be caused. With this arrangement, dust may be prevented from settling in the first slot321, the second slot322and the connecting groove323, and the safety of the electrical connector100may be improved. In addition, since the side where the interfacing surface310is located usually faces a user, the fact that the reinforcing member200does not extend to this side may maintain the integrity of the surface on this side and keep the appearance of the electrical connector100attractive.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.9to10, the insulating body300′ may be provided with an interfacing surface310and a mounting surface320that are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. At least one of the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ may extend from the mounting surface320to the interfacing surface310, i.e., at least one of the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ may run through the insulating body300′ in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. Correspondingly, the depth of the reinforcing member200′ inserted into the through slot of the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ (hereinafter referred to as insertion depth) is equivalent to the vertical height of the insulating body300′. That is, the insertion depth may be slightly smaller than or equal to the vertical height of the insulating body300′. “Slightly smaller” means that a difference between the vertical height and the insertion depth is less than or equal to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between the vertical height and the insertion depth may be less than or equal to 3 mm, or less than or equal to 1.5 mm. In the shown embodiment, both the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ run through the insulating body300′. Portions of the reinforcing member200inserted into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ almost completely take up the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ respectively.

The reinforcing member200′ runs through the insulating body300′ and may strengthen the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311over the entire vertical height of the insulating body300′, thereby greatly improving the strength of the insulating body300′. In addition, whether the reinforcing member200′ is properly mounted on the insulating body300′ may be checked from the interfacing surface310.

Other than the first slot321′ and the second slot322′, the insulating body300described above is basically the same as the insulating body300′. Therefore, the same reference numbers are assigned to the same or similar components in the insulating body300and the insulating body300′, and the insulating body300′ will be described later in detail.

As described above, since the reinforcing member200′ in this embodiment may be plugged into the insulating body300′ in a penetrating manner, the vertical height of the reinforcing member200′ is relatively larger. The reinforcing member200′ is selected to improve the strength of the electrical connector. Certainly, if necessary, the reinforcing member200may also replace the reinforcing member200′.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.9to13, the reinforcing member200′ may be plugged into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ from the mounting surface320, i.e., the reinforcing member200′ is plugged into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ in the first vertical direction Z1. The arrow shown inFIG.11schematically shows the direction in which the reinforcing member200′ is plugged into the insulating body300′. The reinforcing member200′ may be plugged until it is close to or flush with the interfacing surface310. The reinforcing member200′ does not extend beyond the insulating body300′ from the interfacing surface310, avoiding adversely affecting insertion of the electronic card. In addition, since the side where the interfacing surface310is located generally faces the user, the fact that the reinforcing member200′ does not extend beyond this side may maintain a smooth surface on this side and keep the appearance of the electrical connector100′ attractive. Moreover, as will be described below, the reinforcing member200′ may also be provided with a board engaging portion240. In the case that the board engaging portion240is provided, the reinforcing member200′ is plugged from below to facilitate arrangement of the board engaging portion240.

Optionally, since the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ run through the insulating body300′ in the vertical direction Z1-Z2, the reinforcing member200′ may also be plugged into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ from the interfacing surface310, i.e., the reinforcing member200′ is plugged into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ in the second vertical direction Z2.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.8, the reinforcing member200′ may include a main body230, a first connector engaging portion210and a second connector engaging portion220. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may extend from the main body230in the first vertical direction Z1. Exemplarily, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be connected with the main body230by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may be integrally formed with the main body230. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be spaced apart to form the two ends of the reinforcing member200′ and inserted into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ respectively.

The main body230, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be located within the same plane or different planes. In some embodiments, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220have larger sizes in the longitudinal direction X1-X2than those in the transverse direction Y1-Y2, as shown inFIG.8. Compared with an impact force in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, an impact force in the transverse direction Y1-Y2is more likely to damage the card slot311. The larger the sizes of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220in the longitudinal direction X1-X2are, the greater the resistance to the impact force in the transverse direction Y1-Y2is. Therefore, the insulating body300′ may be better protected from cracking.

In order to receive the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220are respectively inserted into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ from the side where the mounting surface320is located. The first slot321′ and the second slot322′ may structurally match with the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220respectively, so that the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be limited in position after being respectively inserted into the first slot321′ and the second slot322′.

Since the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220have larger size in the longitudinal direction X1-X2than those in the transverse direction Y1-Y2, the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311may be strengthened better, which improves the impact resistance, particularly the resistance to the impact force in the transverse direction Y1-Y2. Therefore, the insulating body300′ is protected against deforming or cracking to a certain extent.

Further, as shown inFIG.8, the reinforcing member200′ may further include a board engaging portion240. The board engaging portion240may extend from the main body230in the second vertical direction Z. The board engaging portion240may extend beyond the insulating body300′ from the mounting surface320. Exemplarily, the board engaging portion240may be connected with the main body230by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may be integrally formed with the main body230. The main body230, the first connector engaging portion210, the second connector engaging portion220, and the board engaging portion240may be located within the same plane or different planes. The board engaging portion240may be inserted into the circuit board. For example, an engaging hole may be formed in the circuit board. The board engaging portion240of the reinforcing member200′ may be inserted into the engaging hole.

The conductive terminals400are mounted in the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311, as shown inFIG.10. The card slot311exposes parts of the conductive terminals400. In the case that the electronic card is plugged into the card slot311, the exposed portions of the conductive terminals400may be electrically connected to a conductive contact of the electronic card. The conductive terminals400also extend to the mounting surface320. In the case that the insulating body300′ is mounted on the circuit board, the conductive terminals400may be electrically connected to circuits in the circuit board. Thus, the conductive contacts of the electronic card are electrically connected to the circuits on the circuit board.

The conductive terminals400extend out from the mounting surface320of the electrical connector100′, as shown inFIGS.10to13. By welding the conductive terminals400to the circuit board, the electrical connector100′ may be electrically connected to the circuit board. However, since the conductive terminals400are generally small, the structural strength at the welds is generally not high, and the welds are easy to be broken under the impact of an external force. By inserting the board engaging portion240of the reinforcing member200′ into the circuit board, such as an engaging hole in the circuit board, the strength of connection between the electrical connector100′ and the circuit board may be enhanced to ensure that the electrical connector100′ and the circuit board are firmly connected. At the same time, the electrical connector100may also be located on the circuit board to guarantee an accurate alignment between the conductive terminal400and points on the circuit board to be welded. Moreover, when the electronic card is connected to the circuit board by the electrical connector100′, impact forces on the electronic card and the insulating body300′ may be transmitted to the circuit board, effectively preventing the insulating body300from deforming and cracking under the impact forces.

Therefore, the reinforcing member200′ provided with the board engaging portion240may not only effectively protect the insulating body300′ of the electrical connector100′ against deformation or even damage but also strengthen the connection between the electrical connector100′ and the circuit board to ensure their stable connection. Since the reinforcing member200′ itself is multifunctional and is convenient for mounting, the assembly period may be shortened and the product cost may be lowered.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.8, the reinforcing member200′ may be of the following structure: the main body230of the reinforcing member200′ may include an intermediate section233, a first end section231and a second end section232. The first end section231and the second end section232are connected to two ends of the intermediate section233respectively. The first end section231and the second end section232may be connected with the intermediate section233by means of, for example, welding, bonding, etc., or may also be integrally formed with the intermediate section233. The intermediate section233may extend in the transverse direction Y1-Y2. The first end section231and the second end section232may extend in the longitudinal direction X1-X2. In this way, viewed in the vertical direction Z1-Z2, the main body230is substantially C-shaped.

In an embodiment in which the reinforcing member200′ includes the board engaging portion240, the board engaging portion240may be connected to the intermediate section233. The first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may be connected to the first end section231and the second end section232respectively. With this arrangement, the structural strength of the main body230is increased, so that the reinforcing member200′ has a better protective effect on the insulating body300′ of the electrical connector100′. As shown inFIG.8, optionally, the board engaging portion240may extend in the transverse direction Y1-Y2. In this way, the reinforcing member200′ is small in size, more compact in structure, and convenient to process and manufacture. At the same time, the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220extend in the same direction as the card slot311, such that the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220may resist the impact force within a longer size range in the length direction of the card slot311. Thus, the mechanical strength of the insulating body300′ may be effectively improved, and the insulating body300′ may be protected better.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.8, a first curved section234may be connected between the first end section231and the intermediate section233. The first end section231and the intermediate section233are perpendicular to each other, and the first curved section234may serve as a rounded transition section between the first end section231and the intermediate section233. In some embodiments, a second curved section235may be connected between the second end section232and the intermediate section233. The second end section232and the intermediate section233are perpendicular to each other, and the second curved section235may serve as a rounded transition section between the second end section232and the intermediate section233. The first curved section234and the second curved section235may have any radius of curvature. In this way, the main body230may be easily formed by a single plate and thus is low in production cost.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.8, the first connector engaging portion210may be L-shaped and may include a first section211and a second section212that are perpendicular to each other. The first section211extends in the vertical direction Z1-Z2and may be connected to the first end section231. The second section212extends towards and beyond the intermediate section233in the longitudinal direction X1-X2(i.e., extends in a direction indicated by the arrow X2). In this way, the first connector engaging portion210is big enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2and may play a favorable strengthening role to the insulating body300′. Certainly, the second section212may also extend from the first section211in a direction indicated by the arrow X1. However, compared with such an embodiment, the reinforcing member200′ shown inFIG.8saves more raw materials when manufactured by a plate. In some embodiments, the second section212and the first curved section234may be spaced apart in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. In this way, in the case that the reinforcing member200′ or the main body230is formed by a single plate, it may be conveniently manufactured by bending the plate to form the first curved section234. Moreover, the straight first connector engaging portion210may be guaranteed during bending, which is convenient to form a slot in the relatively thin side wall311aof the card slot311for receiving the first connector engaging portion210.

Optionally, the second connector engaging portion220may be L-shaped and may include a third section221and a fourth section222that are perpendicular to each other. The third section221extends in the vertical direction Z1-Z2and may be connected to the second end section232. The fourth section222extends towards and beyond the intermediate section233in the longitudinal direction X1-X2(i.e., extends in a direction indicated by the arrow X2). In this way, the second connector engaging portion220is big enough in the longitudinal direction X1-X2and may play a favorable strengthening role to the insulating body300′. Certainly, the fourth section222may also extend from the third section221in a direction indicated by the arrow X1. However, compared with such an embodiment, the reinforcing member200′ shown inFIG.8saves more raw materials when manufactured by a plate. In some embodiments, the fourth section222and the second curved section235may be spaced apart in the vertical direction Z1-Z2. In this way, in the case that the reinforcing member200′ or the main body230is formed by a single plate, it may be conveniently manufactured by bending the plate to form the second curved section235. Moreover, the straight second connector engaging portion220may be guaranteed during bending, which is convenient to form a slot in the thin side wall311bof the card slot311for receiving the second connector engaging portion220. A distance between the second section212and the first curved section234may equal or unequal that between the fourth section222and the second curved section235.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.9and10, in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, a partitioning rib312may be provided in the middle part of the card slot311. The partitioning rib312is located in the card slot311and connects the two side walls311aand311bof the card slot311. The electronic card has a notch that matches with the partitioning rib312. The partitioning rib312is usually not arranged in the middle part of the card slot311in its length direction, so the partitioning rib312also has a foolproof function. When plugged into the card slot311, the electronic card may shake and strike the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311and the partitioning rib312under the impact of an external force, which may cause the insulating body300′ to deform or even crack.

The first slot321′ and the second slot322′ may be located at the partitioning rib312, and may be located on opposite sides of the partitioning rib312respectively. As mentioned above, the electronic card usually has a notch that matches with the partitioning rib312, which may prevent the electronic card from being plugged in a wrong direction. At the same time, the partitioning rib312may also improve the structural strength of the card slot311. When the insulating body300′ is impacted by an external force, the partitioning rib312may absorb part of the external force. The partitioning rib312is usually solid, and is of certain size in the length and width directions of the card slot311. For some models of electrical connectors (e.g., an electrical connector for plugging a DDR5 memory card), the side walls311aand311bof the card slot311have relatively long solid sections at the partitioning rib312, without any the conductive terminals400. Therefore, in terms of space and structure, it provides conditions for forming the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ for receiving the reinforcing member200′ because of the partitioning rib312. When the inventor made vibration and impact tests on a conventional electrical connector without the reinforcement member200′, it was found that crack would happen at the partitioning rib312. Therefore, disposing the reinforcing member200′ at the partitioning rib312may enhance the strength of the insulating body300′.

Certainly, for different models of electrical connectors, if spatially and structurally permitted, the first slot321′ and the second slot322′ may also be located at other positions of the insulating body300′ than at the partitioning rib312. Besides, based on the structure of the insulating body300′, one or more reinforcing members200′ may be mounted thereon.

In an embodiment in which the reinforcing member200′ includes a main body230, a first connector engaging portion210and a second connector engaging portion220, as shown inFIGS.14to16, a connecting groove323may be further formed in the mounting surface320. The connecting groove323may be communicated between the first slot321′ and the second slot322′. The connecting groove323may be perpendicular to the first slot321′ and the second slot322′. Both ends of the connecting groove323may be communicated with any appropriate positions of the first slot321′ and the second slot322′. The main body230may be inserted into the connecting groove323. In this way, not only may the structural strength of the insulating body300′ be further enhanced, but also the electrical connector100′ provided with the reinforcing member200′ may be small in size and compact in structure.

For the aforementioned embodiment in which the second section212of the first connector engaging portion210extends beyond the intermediate section233from the first section211and the fourth section222of the second connector engaging portion220extends beyond the intermediate section233from the third section, as shown inFIGS.14to15, in the longitudinal direction X1-X2, both ends of the connecting groove323may be respectively communicated with the middle parts of the first slot321′ and the second slot322′. Therefore, the connecting groove323of this structure may match with the structures of the first connector engaging portion210and the second connector engaging portion220described above.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.16, the vertical size of the connecting groove323may be greater than half of the vertical size of the first slot321′. The vertical size of the connecting groove323may also be greater than half of the vertical size of the second slot322′. In this way, the main body230may be of a relatively bigger vertical size to enhance the structural strength of the reinforcing member200′ itself, and the depth of the main body230inserted into the connecting groove323is also increased to better improve the structural strength of the insulating body300′.

Various changes may be made to the illustrative structures shown and described herein. For example, a reinforcing member was described in connection with the card edge connector. A reinforcing member may be used in connection with any suitable electrical connectors, such as backplane connectors, daughter card connectors, stacking connectors, Mezzanine connector, I/O connector, chip socket, Gen Z connector, etc. These connectors have insufficient strength when they suffer from vibration and impact, while the reinforcing member can well enhance the strength of such connectors.

Furthermore, although many inventive aspects are shown and described with reference to a vertical connector, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, as any of the inventive concepts, whether alone or in combination with one or more other inventive concepts, may be used in other types of electrical connectors, such as right angle connectors, coplanar electrical connectors, etc.

In the description of the present disclosure, it needs to be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the orientation terms such as “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “vertical”, “perpendicular”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. is usually based on the orientation shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. These orientation terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element has to have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, except as otherwise noted. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. The orientation terms, “inside” and “outside”, refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

For ease of description, spatial terms, such as “above”, “on”, etc., can be used herein to describe the spatial relationship between one or more components or features shown in the drawings and other components or features. It should be understood that the spatial terms not only include the orientation of the components shown in the drawings, but also include other orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the drawings are inverted as a whole, a component “above other components or features” becomes to the component “below other a components or structures”. Thus, the exemplary term “above” can include both orientations “above” and “below”. In addition, these components or features can also be positioned at other different angles (for example, rotated by 90 degrees or other angles), and this disclosure intends to cover all of these situations.

It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific implementations, and are not intended to limit to the exemplary implementations according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, the use of “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing”, or “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter (or equivalents thereof) and/or as additional items.

It should be noted that the terms “first” and “second” in the description, the claims and the drawings of the application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific sequence. It should be understood that numbers used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein.