Board-to-board connector system

A connector system includes a first contact module terminated to a first circuit board proximate to an edge of the first circuit board. The first contact module has a first housing holding first contacts that are electrically connected to the first circuit board. The connector system also includes a second contact module terminated to a second circuit board proximate to an edge of the second circuit board. The second contact module having a second housing holding second contacts that are electrically connected to the second circuit board. A jumper module electrically connects the first contacts and the second contacts, where the jumper module is movable independently of the first and second housings between a mated state and an unmated state. The first and second contacts are electrically connected in the mated state. When the jumper module is in the unmated state, the first circuit board and the second circuit board can be brought together from a plurality of different directions. The jumper module is moved to the mated state after the first and second circuit boards are brought together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector systems, and more particularly, to connector systems for electrically connecting adjacent circuit boards together.

Connector assemblies are required to provide electrical power or electrical or electronic control signals between components, such as power sources, computers, auxiliary hardware, or other electrical components within an electrical or electronic system. Often, these components contain panel members, such as circuit boards, which are populated with miniaturized components to provide the desired electrical control. One example of an electrical system that utilizes such circuit boards and connector assemblies is a lighting system that utilizes multiple light boards having light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the circuit boards. The light boards are arranged end-to-end and power is transferred from one light board to the next by connector assemblies at the ends of the light boards. Typically, the connector assemblies includes electrical contacts that extend from a housing that is secured adjacent to one end of the light board.

Known lighting systems utilizing light boards are not without disadvantages. For instance, the light boards include connector assemblies that are configured to permit coupling by directing the circuit boards and connector assemblies toward each other in only one direction. For example, one circuit board is held stationary, while the other circuit board is moved toward the stationary board in a direction that is parallel to the plane of the circuit board. As such, the connector assembly of one of the circuit boards, which constitutes a plug, is loaded into the other connector assembly, which constitutes a receptacle. The circuit boards must also be disassembled in the same manner of being moved directly away from the other circuit board in a direction that is parallel to the circuit board. When many boards are used and arranged in an-end-to-end stacked configuration, it is difficult and impractical to remove an interior circuit board without also removing every other circuit board outside of the circuit board that is desired to be removed without damaging adjacent circuit boards or components on the circuit board, such as the connector assemblies.

What is needed is a connector system that utilizes connector assemblies that are secured to circuit boards and that are capable of being brought into electrical contact with each other from a plurality of different directions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a connector system is provided that includes a first contact module terminated to a first circuit board proximate to an edge of the first circuit board. The first contact module has a first housing holding first contacts that are electrically connected to the first circuit board. The connector system also includes a second contact module terminated to a second circuit board proximate to an edge of the second circuit board. The second contact module having a second housing holding second contacts that are electrically connected to the second circuit board. A jumper module electrically connects the first contacts and the second contacts, where the jumper module is movable independently of the first and second housings between a mated state and an unmated state. The first and second contacts are electrically connected in the mated state. When the jumper module is in the unmated state, the first circuit board and the second circuit board can be brought together from a plurality of different directions. The jumper module is moved to the mated state after the first and second circuit boards are brought together.

In another embodiment, a connector system is provided that includes a first contact module terminated to a first circuit board proximate to an edge of the first circuit board that has a first housing holding first contacts. The first contacts are electrically connected to the first circuit board. The first contact module has a receiving part. A second contact module is terminated to a second circuit board proximate to an edge of the second circuit board. The second circuit board has a top surface defining a board plane. The second contact module has a second housing mounted to the top surface of the second circuit board at pads electrically connected to the second circuit board. The second housing has a receiving space that receives the receiving part of the first contact module, wherein the receiving space is configured to receive the receiving part in a direction that is non-parallel to the board plane of the second circuit board. The first contacts are electrically connected to the pads when the receiving part is received in the receiving space.

In a further embodiment, a connector system is provided for interconnecting first and second circuit boards together, where the first and second circuit boards each having a top surface defining a board plane and a board perimeter, and where the first and second circuit boards each having a mating edge. The connector system includes a first contact module having a first housing holding first contacts that are configured to be terminated to the first circuit board proximate to the mating edge of the first circuit board. The first contact module is arranged on the top surface of the first circuit board such that the first contact module is entirely within the board perimeter of the first circuit board. The connector system also includes a second contact module having a second housing holding second contacts that are configured to be terminated to the second circuit board proximate to the mating edge of the second circuit board. The second contact module is arranged on the top surface of the second circuit board such that the second contact module is entirely within the board perimeter of the second circuit board. A jumper module is configured to be coupled to the first and second contact modules, where the jumper module is movable independently of the first and second housings between a mated state and an unmated state. When in the mated state, the jumper module spans across the mating edges to electrically connect the first and second contacts, and when in the unmated state, the jumper module is positioned in a non-blocking position with respect to the mating edges such that the first circuit board and the second circuit board can be brought together, or taken apart, in a direction that is non-parallel to the board planes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a connector system100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The connector system100utilizes connector assemblies102to interconnect electrical components104to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, electrical components104constitute circuit boards104arranged end-to-end in a stacked configuration. Any number of circuit boards104may be connected together. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector system100is an electrical system that distributes electrical power from one electrical component104to the next electrical component104. Alternatively, the connector system100may additionally or alternatively transmit electrical control signals (e.g. data).

The circuit boards104each may be light boards that include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)106mounted to a top surface108of the circuit boards104. The LEDs106may be arranged in any pattern to provide a desired illumination effect. The circuit boards104generally define a board plane110along and/or parallel to the top surface108. When the connector system100is finally assembled, each of the circuit boards104are arranged coplanar with one another along the board plane110.

FIG. 1illustrates a first circuit board112, a second circuit board114, and a third circuit board116. The second circuit board114is configured to be positioned between the first and third circuit boards112,116. During assembly, the circuit boards112,114,116may be coupled to one another in many different ways. The circuit boards112,114,116may ultimately be mounted to a common substrate, heat sink or other supporting structure. Once properly positioned, any or all of the circuit boards112,114,116may be fixedly secured to the supporting structure, such as by using fasteners or an adhesive. As will be described in further detail below, any of the circuit boards may be removed and/or replaced without having to remove adjacent circuit boards. For example, the second circuit board114, which is between the first and third circuit boards112,116, may be removed without having to remove the first or third circuit boards112,116. For example, the second circuit board114may be removed in a direction that is generally away from the supporting structure, such as in the direction of arrow A. In an application in which the supporting structure and circuit boards112,114,116are arranged horizontally, the second circuit board114may be removed in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the second circuit board114may be tilted at angle or rotated outward with respect to the supporting structure to clear either the first or third circuit boards112,116for removal therefrom, such as in the direction of arrow B or arrow C. In the situation where no supporting structure is provided, or it is not provided directly below the circuit boards112,114,116, the second circuit board114may be removed in a downward direction from below the first and third circuit boards112,116, such as in the direction of the arrow D. Because the first circuit board112is on one side of the second circuit board114and because the third circuit board116is on the opposite side of the second circuit board114, it may be difficult to move the second circuit board114in a horizontal direction towards either the first circuit board112or the third circuit board116. Similarly, the second circuit board114, which may be a replacement circuit board, may be loaded into position and brought together with respect to the first circuit board112and/or the third circuit board116in similar ways, such as downward, upward, at an angle or rotated. In the situation in which the third circuit board116is not yet positioned, the second circuit board114may be loaded into position and brought together with respect to the first circuit board112in a direction generally parallel to the board plane110, such as in a horizontal direction or in the direction of arrow E.

When the circuit boards112,114,116are brought together, the connector assemblies102are used to electrically connect the circuit boards112,114,116to one another. One particular type of connector assembly102is illustrated inFIG. 1that utilizes a first contact module120, a second contact module122and a jumper module124that electrically connects the first and second contact modules120,122to one another. The first contact module120is terminated to the first circuit board112proximate to an edge126thereof. The second contact module122is terminated to the second circuit board114proximate to an edge128thereof. Other types of connector assemblies may be utilized in alternative embodiments to couple the circuit boards together. The connector assemblies102are merely illustrative, and the subject matter herein is not intended to be limited to the connector assemblies102illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary connector assembly102for the connector system100(shown inFIG. 1) in an unmated state. When the first and second circuit boards112,114are brought against each other and properly positioned, the edges126,128face one another. Optionally, the edges126,128may abut against one another. Alternatively, the edges126,128may be in close proximity to one another but may be spaced apart from one another by a gap. The gap may accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the circuit boards112,114. When the first and second circuit boards112,114are brought against each other, the top surfaces108of the circuit boards112,114are generally aligned coplanar with one another.

Once the circuit boards112,114are positioned, the contact modules120,122are aligned with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact module120is recessed from the edge126and the second contact module122is recessed from the edge128. Neither contact module120,122hangs over the corresponding edge126,128. Rather, the contact modules120,122remain within the perimeter defined by the top surfaces108of the circuit boards112,114. As such, neither of the contact modules120,122would interfere with the other circuit board114,112, respectively during the insertion or removal of the circuit board114,112. For example, the first circuit board112may be moved vertically upward or downward with respect to the second circuit board114, and the second contact module122does not interfere with such movements of the first circuit board112.

The jumper module124is utilized to electrically contact the first and second contact modules120,122. In an exemplary embodiment, the jumper module124is movable independently of the first and second contact modules120,122. For example, the jumper module124may be moved linearly in a sliding direction, shown by the arrow F, between a mated position and an unmated position. The jumper module124is illustrated in the unmated position inFIG. 2. In the unmated position, the jumper module124is coupled to the first contact module120and in the mated position, the jumper module124is coupled to both the first and second contact modules120,122. The jumper module124represents a receiving part of the connector assembly102. The jumper module124may be considered as part of the first contact module120as the jumper module124is physically coupled to the first contact module120as the circuit board114is moved around and positioned against the first circuit board112.

During mating, the jumper module124may be slid towards the second contact module122to a mated position, in which the jumper module124is coupled to both the first contact module120and the second contact module122. The second contact module122may include a receiving space that receives the receiving part of the connector assembly102, which is represented by the jumper module124. The jumper module124includes a guide130and engages the top surface108of the first circuit board112. The guide130slides along the top surface108as the jumper module124is slid between the mated position and the unmated position. In the mated position, the jumper module124spans across the gap between the edges126,128of the circuit boards112,114. The jumper module124is positioned above both the first circuit board112and the second circuit board114when in the mated position.

FIG. 3is a bottom perspective view of the jumper module124. The jumper module124includes a body132having an opening134therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening134is generally T-shaped, however the opening may have any shape that receives the first and/or second contact modules120,122. The jumper module124includes jumper contacts136held by the body132. The jumper contacts136are generally planar and parallel to one another. The body132includes protrusions138that extend into the opening134. The protrusions138are configured to engage either the first contact module120(shown inFIG. 2) when in the unmated position or the second contact module122(shown inFIG. 2) when in the mated position.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view the first contact module120. In an exemplary embodiment, the second contact module122(shown inFIG. 2) is identical to, or substantially similar to, the first contact module120. Optionally, the first contact module120may also include the jumper module124. The contact module120includes a base140having a bottom142and a top144. A cap146is provided at the top144which defines downward facing ledges147. The cap146and the base140define a generally T-shaped top for the contact module120. The T-shaped top is configured to fit within the T-shaped opening134(shown inFIG. 3) of the jumper module124(shown inFIG. 3). The cap146and the base140may have other shapes in alternative embodiments that correspond to the shape of the opening134. The cap146and ledges147guide the jumper module124to hold the jumper module124onto the contact module120.

The contact module120includes mounting pads148at the bottom142. The mounting pads148are configured to be secured to the top surface108(shownFIG. 1). For example, the mounting pads148may be soldered to corresponding pads on the top surface108. Alternative securing means may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as pins, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

The contact module120includes a pair of contacts150held by the base140. Any number of contacts150may be provided depending on the particular application. The contacts150have a mounting portion152configured for mounting to the circuit board112. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion152represents a mounting pad configured to be surface mounted, and soldered, to the circuit board112. Alternatively, the contacts150may have an alternative type of mounting portion152, such as a pin for through hole mounting to a via of the circuit board112. Each contact150includes a pair of contact arms154that are open at the top thereof generally opposite the mounting portion152. Optionally, the contact150may be generally U-shaped with the mounting portion152at the base of the U-shaped body.

The base140includes channels156therethrough that provide access to the contacts150. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels156are U-shaped. The channels156and the contacts150receive define the receiving space that is configured to the jumper contacts136therein. The jumper contact136, which define the receiving port may be slidable through the channels156and contact150as the jumper contact136are moved between the mated state and the unmated state. The base140includes notches158that receive the protrusions138(shown inFIG. 3). The notches158may hold the protrusions138to hold the jumper module124in position with respect to the base140.

FIG. 5illustrates an alternative jumper module160for the connector system100. The jumper module160may replace the jumper module124(shown inFIG. 1) and may be coupled to the same contact modules120,122. The jumper module160is illustrated in an unmated state. When the jumper module160is coupled to the contact modules120,122, the jumper module160is in a mated state, wherein an electrical connection is made between the contact modules120,122by the jumper module160. When the jumper module160is in the unmated state, the circuit boards112,114may be brought together, or taken away from each other, in multiple directions, including a vertically upward direction, a vertically downward direction, a horizontal direction, an angled direction, a rotated direction, and the like. Neither the jumper module160nor the contact modules120,122block the movement of the circuit boards112,114with respect to one another.

The jumper module160includes a body162having an opening164along a bottom thereof. The jumper module160includes jumper contacts166held by the body162. In an exemplary embodiment, the jumper contacts166are generally planar and parallel to one another.

The jumper module160includes deflectable latches168along the sides of the body162. The latches168may be securely attached to the caps146of the contact modules120,122. For example, the latches168may be captured under the ledges147. The latches168may be deflected outward to clear the ledges147and remove the jumper module160from the contact modules120,122.

FIG. 6illustrates a cable connector180mated with the contact module122. In order to bring electrical power to the string of circuit boards, a power connector, such as the cable connector180shown inFIG. 6, is electrically connected to one of the circuit boards.FIG. 6illustrates the cable connector180being electrically connected to the one of contact modules122of the first circuit board112. Other circuit boards may be electrically connected to the first circuit board112using connector assemblies similar to the connector assembly102(shown inFIG. 1).

The cable connector180includes a body182having deflectable latches184that securely attach the cable connector180to the contact module120. The cable connector180includes a pair of contacts186that are terminated to ends of wires188. The contacts186engage, and are electrically connected to, the contacts150(shown inFIG. 4) of the contact module120.

FIG. 7illustrates an alternative connector system200. The connector system200utilizes connector assemblies202to interconnect circuit boards204to one another. The connector assemblies202differ from the connector assemblies102illustrated inFIG. 1. Optionally, the circuit boards204may be substantially similar to the circuit boards104illustrated andFIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first circuit board212, a second circuit board214, and a third circuit board216are being coupled to one another using the connector assemblies202. The second circuit board214is being loaded between the first and third circuit boards212,216at an angle.

Each connector assembly202includes a first contact module220and a second contact module222that are electrically connected to one another. The first contact module220is terminated to the first circuit board212proximate to an edge224thereof. The second contact module222is terminated to the second circuit board214proximate to an edge226thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact module220constitutes a receptacle and the second contact module222constitutes a plug that is received in the receptacle. During assembly, the first and second circuit boards212,214are brought against each other, and when properly positioned, the edges224,226face one another. When the first and second circuit boards212,214are brought against each other, the top surfaces of the circuit boards212,214are generally aligned coplanar with one another. As the circuit boards212,214are brought into position, the contact modules220,222are mated with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact module220is recessed from the edge224and the second contact module222extends outward from the edge226.

A first contact module220is mounted to an edge228of the second circuit board214generally opposite to the edge224of the second circuit board214, and a second contact module222is mounted to an edge230of the third circuit board216for mating with the first contact module220at the edge228of the second circuit board216.

FIG. 8is a top perspective view of the first contact module220. The contact module220includes a first housing240having a bottom242and a top244. The first housing240has a cap246at the top244. The cap246has a downward facing ledge248. The bottom242is configured to be mounted to the top surface of the circuit board, such as by soldering to mounting pads292(shown inFIG. 10).

The first housing240includes a receiving space250configured to receive a portion of the second contact module222(shown inFIG. 7). The receiving space250is represented by a chamber having an open top, an open bottom, and an open front. The first housing240is generally U-shaped around the receiving space250. The first housing240includes a back wall252and sidewalls254that extend forward from a back wall252. In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewalls254have dimples256formed therein.

The contact module220includes a securing feature258that is configured to hold the second contact module222within the receiving space250. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing feature258is represented by a metal clip. Other types of securing features such as latches or fasteners may be used to secure the second contact module222within the receiving space250. The clip has a convoluted shape including a downward facing ledge260. The clip may be deflected rearwardly to allow ingress and egress into and out of the receiving space250.

FIG. 9is a bottom perspective view of the second contact module222. The contact module222includes a second housing270having a bottom272and a top274. The second housing270includes a front edge276. The front edge276is configured to engage the securing feature258(shown inFIG. 8). The front edge276is configured to be captured under the downward facing ledge260(shown inFIG. 8). The second housing270includes a mounting portion278and a mating portion280that extends forward from a mounting portion278to the front edge276. The mounting portion278is configured to be coupled to the second circuit board214(shown inFIG. 7). The mating portion280defines a receiving part of the second contact module222that is configured to be received within the receiving space250(shown inFIG. 8).

The contact module220includes mounting pads282at the bottom272of the mounting portion278. The mounting pads282are configured to be secured to the top surface of the second circuit board214. For example, the mounting pads282may be soldered to corresponding pads on the top surface. Alternative securing means may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as pins, fasteners, adhesives and the like.

The contact module222includes a pair of contacts284held by the second housing270. Any number of contacts284may be provided depending on the particular application. The contacts284each have a mounting portion286configured for mounting to the circuit board214and a mating portion288configured for mating to the first circuit board212. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion286represents a mounting pad configured to be surface mounted, and soldered, to the circuit board214. The mating portion288represents a spring contact that may be biased against corresponding pads on the top surface of the first circuit board212. The mating portions288of the contacts284extend along the mating portion280of the second housing270. The mating portions288may be positioned proximate to the front edge276. The mating portions288represent a receiving part of the contact module222.

The second housing270includes protrusions290extending outward from the mating portion280. The protrusions290are configured to be received within the dimples256(shown inFIG. 8), which operate to resist rearward horizontal movement of the second contact model222with respect to the first contact module220.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of the connector system200in a mated state. The circuit boards212,214are brought together such that the first contact module220is coupled to the second contact module222. The receiving part of the second contact module222is received in the receiving space250of the first contact module220. For example, the mating portion280and the mating portion288are received in the receiving space250. The main portion288directly engages a pad292on the top surface of the first circuit board212.

When assembled, the securing feature258securely attaches the second contact module222to the first contact module220. The front edge276is configured to be captured under the downward facing ledge260. Pulling backwards on the securing feature258may release the second contact module222from the receiving space250.

FIG. 11is a bottom perspective view of a cable connector294configured for mating with the first contact module220(shown inFIG. 8). The cable connector294includes a body295having deflectable latches296that securely attaches the cable connector294to the contact module220. The cable connector294includes a pair of contacts297that are terminated to ends of wires298. The contacts297engage, and are electrically connected to, the pads292(shown inFIG. 10) of the first circuit board212.

FIG. 12illustrates another alternative connector system300. The connector system300utilizes connector assemblies302to interconnect circuit boards304to one another. The connector assemblies302differ from the connector assemblies102illustrated inFIG. 1. Optionally, the circuit boards304may be substantially similar to the circuit boards104illustrated andFIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first circuit board312, a second circuit board314, and a third circuit board316are being coupled to one another using the connector assemblies302. The second circuit board314is being loaded between the first and third circuit boards312,316in a vertically downward direction, which is generally perpendicular to the horizontally oriented circuit board314.

Each connector assembly302includes a first contact module320and a second contact module322that are electrically connected to one another. The first contact module320is terminated to the first circuit board312proximate to an edge324thereof. The second contact module322is terminated to the second circuit board314proximate to an edge326thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second contact modules320,322are identically formed. The contact modules320,322have a dovetail configuration to securely link the contact modules320,322together when assembled. During assembly, the first and second circuit boards312,314are brought against each other, and when properly positioned, the edges324,326face one another. When the first and second circuit boards312,314are brought against each other, the top surfaces of the circuit boards312,314are generally aligned coplanar with one another. As the circuit boards312,314are brought into position, the contact modules320,322are mated with one another. The circuit boards312,314are configured to be brought into position in a vertical direction, as opposed to a horizontal direction. As such, the second circuit board314may be removed without removing the first circuit board312and/or the third circuit board316.

Contact modules320,322are mounted to an edge328of the second circuit board314generally opposite to the edge324of the second circuit board314, and also to an edge330of the third circuit board316for mating with the contact module320at the edge328of the second circuit board316. The contact modules320,322at both edges326,328of the second circuit board314are identical to one another, and face in opposite directions.

FIG. 13is a front perspective view of the contact module320. As noted above, the second contact module322(shown inFIG. 12) may be identical to, or substantially similar to, the contact module320. The contact module320includes a housing340having a bottom342and a top344. The housing340has a central mating face346.

A receiving part348extends forwardly from the mating face346and one of the sides thereof. A receiving space350extends rearwardly from the mating face346at the opposite side thereof. The receiving part348is configured to be received in a corresponding receiving space in the second contact module322. The receiving space350is configured to receive a corresponding receiving part of the second contact module322. The receiving part348and the receiving space350have complementary shapes such that the first and second contact modules322may co-nest with one another. The co-nesting or dovetailing of the contact modules320,322resist horizontal movement of the contact modules320,322with respect to one another.

The receiving part348has a protrusion352extending outward therefrom. The receiving space350has a dimple354formed therein. The protrusion352is configured to be received within a corresponding dimple in the second contact module322. Similarly, the dimple354is configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the second contact module322. The protrusions352and dimples354operate to resist vertical movement of the second contact module322with respect to the first contact module320.

The contact modules320each include a pair of contacts360held by the housing340. Any number of contacts360may be provided depending on the particular application. The contacts360each have a mounting portion (not shown) configured for mounting to the circuit board312and a mating portion362configured for mating to corresponding contacts of the second contact module322. The mating portions362may be spring contacts that may be biased against the corresponding contacts of the second contact module322. The mating portions362are positioned along the central mating face346.

FIG. 14is a bottom perspective view of a cable connector380configured for mating with the contact module320(shown inFIG. 13). The cable connector380includes a body382having deflectable latches384that securely attach the cable connector380to the contact module320. The cable connector380includes a pair of contacts386that are terminated to ends of wires388. The contacts386engage, and are electrically connected to, the contacts360(shown inFIG. 13) of the contact module320.

FIG. 15illustrates yet another alternative connector system400. The connector system400utilizes connector assemblies402to interconnect circuit boards404to one another. The connector assemblies402differ from the connector assemblies102illustrated inFIG. 1. Optionally, the circuit boards404may be substantially similar to the circuit boards104illustrated andFIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first circuit board412, a second circuit board414, and a third circuit board416are being coupled to one another using the connector assemblies402. The second circuit board414is being loaded between the first and third circuit boards412,416at an angle. Alternatively, the second circuit board414may be mated with the first circuit board412by loading the second circuit board414into position in a vertically downward direction, a vertically upward direction, or a horizontal direction.

Each connector assembly402includes a first contact module420and a second contact module422that are electrically connected to one another. The first contact module420is terminated to the first circuit board412proximate to an edge424thereof. The second contact module422is terminated to the second circuit board414proximate to an edge426thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact module420constitutes a receptacle or socket and the second contact module422constitutes a plug that is received in the receptacle. During assembly, the first and second circuit boards412,414are brought against each other, and when properly positioned, the edges424,426face one another. When the first and second circuit boards412,414are brought against each other, the top surfaces of the circuit boards412,414are generally aligned coplanar with one another. As the circuit boards412,414are brought into position, the contact modules420,422are mated with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the first contact module420is recessed from the edge424and the second contact module422extends outward from the edge426.

A first contact module420is mounted to an edge428of the second circuit board414generally opposite to the edge424of the second circuit board414, and a second contact module422is mounted to an edge430of the third circuit board416for mating with the first contact module420at the edge428of the second circuit board416.

FIG. 16is an exploded perspective view of the first contact module420. The contact module420includes a first housing440having a bottom442and a top444. The first housing440has contact channels446extending therethrough. Mounting tabs448are coupled to the first housing440. The mounting tabs448are configured to be mounted to the top surface of the circuit board412, such as by soldering to mounting pads (not shown).

The first housing440includes a receiving space450configured to receive a portion of the second contact module422(shown inFIG. 15). The receiving space450is represented by a chamber having an open top and an open front. Optionally, the receiving space450may also include an open bottom. Contacts452are loaded into the contact channels446. The contact452are positioned within the receiving space450for mating with a portion of the second contact module422. In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts452are identical to one another and constitute sockets. The contacts452each include a mounting portion454configured for mounting to the circuit board412. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portions454represent mounting pads configured to be surface mounted, and soldered, to the circuit board412. Each contact452includes a pair of contact arms456that are open at the top thereof generally opposite the mounting portion454. Optionally, the contacts450may be generally U-shaped with an open top and an open front.

FIG. 17is an exploded perspective view of the second contact module422. The contact module422includes a second housing470having a bottom472and a top474. The second housing470has contact channels476extending therethrough. Mounting tabs478are coupled to the second housing470. The mounting tabs478are configured to be mounted to the top surface of the circuit board414, such as by soldering to mounting pads (not shown).

The contact module422includes a receiving part480that is configured to extend outward from the front of the second housing470. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving part480is represented by contacts482that are configured to extend forward of the second housing470. The contacts482constituted blade-type contacts or pin-type contacts that are configured to be received within the receiving space450(shown inFIG. 8) and the socket-type contacts452. The contacts482each include a mounting portion484configured for mounting to the circuit board414. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portions484represent mounting pads configured to be surface mounted, and soldered, to the circuit board414. Optionally, the contacts482may be stamped and formed.

FIG. 18is an exploded perspective view of yet another contact module520for the connector system400(shown inFIG. 15). The contact module520may replace the contact modules420,422(shown inFIG. 15). The contact module520is hermaphroditic and includes both a socket contact522and a blade contact524. The contacts522,524are received within a housing526of the contact module520. Contact modules520are positioned at both edges of the circuit boards. When the circuit boards are brought together, the contact modules520at the edges of adjacent circuit boards are mated with each other.

Each contact module520has a receiving part and a receiving space that receives a corresponding receiving part of another contact module520. The receiving space is represented by an opening in the housing526and the socket contact522. The receiving part is represented by the blade portion of the blade contact524that extends outward from the housing526. The blade contacts524are received within the socket contacts522of the corresponding contact modules520to make electrical connection therebetween.