ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR COMPACT SYSTEM

An electrical connector for use in a compact system. The connector includes a housing having a pair of towers and an elongated slot between the towers. Each tower has an ejector, a rotator, and a locking member disposed therein. The rotator has a first arm coupled to the ejector and a second arm extending into the slot for coupling to a mating component inserted into the slot. When the first arm is pushed down by the ejector, the second arm pushes up the mating component, causing the locking member to deform so as to release the mating component. When the second arm does not push the mating component, the locking member is in its rest state and locks the mating component in the slot; Such a configuration enables the connector to unmate with a mating component without latches that move outside a perimeter of the connector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 202111120093.8, filed on Sep. 24, 2021. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese Patent Application Serial No. 202122314591.8, filed on Sep. 24, 2021. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This patent application relates generally to interconnection systems, such as those including electrical connectors, used to interconnect electronic assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is generally easier and more cost effective to manufacture a system as separate electronic assemblies, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), which may be joined together with electrical connectors. Having separable connectors enables components of the electronic system manufactured by different manufacturers to be readily assembled. Separable connectors also enable components to be readily replaced after the system is assembled, either to replace defective components or to upgrade the system with higher performance components.

Computers, for example, are often manufactured with connectors that serve as sockets for memory cards. A memory card may contain one or multiple memory chips and may be inserted into a socket to increase the available memory in the computer. Memory cards generally have standardized electrical and mechanical interfaces, as do the memory sockets. Many memory cards, for example, are designed according to a DDR standard, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

Sockets according to those standards have a card slot to receive a memory card and make electrical connections to it. Such sockets typically have an ejector that is mounted at a pivot point in the socket. The upper end of the ejector may be rotated about that pivot point into a position where it engages an opening in the memory card, locking the memory card in the socket. When the upper end of the ejector is rotated away from the socket, the bottom end of the ejector rotates upwards from underneath the memory card, pushing the memory card upwards in the slot so that it can be removed from the socket.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electrical connectors for compact systems.

Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing comprising a slot elongating in a longitudinal direction and a tower disposed at an end of the slot and extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a plurality of terminals held by the housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a mating end curving into the slot, a mounting end extending out of the housing, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the mounting end; and an ejector and a rotator disposed in the tower, wherein the rotator is coupled to the ejector such that movement of the ejector makes the rotator rotate about an axis.

In some embodiments, the ejector may comprise an outer end extending out of a top surface of the tower, an inner end coupled to the rotator, and a portion joining the outer end and the inner end.

In some embodiments, the rotator may comprise a first end coupled to the ejector and a second end extending into the slot, and the axis is located between the first end and second end of the rotator.

In some embodiments, the rotator may comprise a first arm having the first end and a second arm having the second end, the axis may be at a joint of the first arm and the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm may extend in an obtuse angle.

In some embodiments, a distance from the first end to the axis may be less than a distance from the second end to the axis.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a locking member, wherein at least a portion of the locking member is elastic.

In some embodiments, the tower may be a first tower, the ejector and rotator may be a first ejector and a first rotator disposed in the first tower, the electrical connector may comprise a second tower disposed at an opposite end of the slot and extending in the vertical direction, and the slot may extend between the first tower and the second tower.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a second ejector and a second rotator coupled to the second ejector such that a movement of the second ejector can make the second rotator to rotate about an axis.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a second locking member, wherein at least a portion of the second locking member is elastic.

Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing comprising a slot elongating in a longitudinal direction and a tower disposed at an end of the slot, the tower comprising a mounting groove extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a plurality of terminals held by the housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a mating end curving into the slot, a mounting end extending out of the housing, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the mounting end; and an ejector disposed in the mounting groove and configured to be movable within the mounting groove.

In some embodiments, the ejector may comprise an outer end extending out of the housing, an inner end opposite the outer end, and a portion joining the outer end and the inner end, the mounting groove may comprise a first groove holding the portion of the ejector and a second groove extending through the tower, and a width of the second groove may be less than a width of the first groove in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the ejector may comprise a first lug and a second lug protruding from the portion in the lateral direction, the tower may comprise a first notch and second notch extending from the second groove in the lateral direction, and the electrical connector may comprise a first member disposed in the first notch and a second member disposed in the second notch.

In some embodiments, the mounting groove may comprise a fourth groove comprising an inclined surface, and the inner end of the ejector may comprise an initial section extending into the fourth groove, a tail section extending into the second groove, and a curved section joining the initial section and the tail section.

In some embodiments, a distance between the curved section and the first lug may be greater than a distance between the fourth groove and the first notch in the vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a rotator disposed in the mounting groove and comprising a first end coupled to the ejector and a second end extending into the slot, wherein the rotator is configured to rotate about an axis located between the first and the second end upon a movement of the ejector.

In some embodiments, the rotator may comprise a first arm having the first end and a second arm having the second end, the axis is at a joint of the first arm and the second arm, and the first arm and the second arm may extend in an obtuse angle.

In some embodiments, the first arm may be shorter than the second arm.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a locking member comprising a base portion attached to the tower and an intermediate portion cantilevering from the base portion, the intermediate portion comprising a protrusion curving away from the ejector.

Some embodiments relate to a method of operating an electrical connector to release an electronic card mated with the electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising a housing having a slot elongating in a longitudinal direction and a tower disposed at an end of the slot, and an ejector and a rotator disposed in the tower, the rotator comprising a first arm coupled to the ejector and a second arm coupled to the electronic card. The method may comprise moving the ejector in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and removing the electronic card from the slot, wherein the moving of the ejector causes the rotator to rotate about an axis located at a joint of the first arm and the second arm.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector may comprise a locking member disposed in the tower and engaging the electronic card, and the rotating of the rotator may cause the locking member to deform and disengage the electronic card.

Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector for a compact system. The electrical connector may comprise a housing and a locking member arranged in a slot. A top surface of the housing may be provided with the slot recessed along a first direction, and the slot may be configured for receiving an electrical element. The locking member may be configured to at least partially fit in a notch of an electrical element to hold the electrical element in the slot and be separated from the notch by an external force.

In some embodiments, the electrical connector for the compact system may further comprise an assembly. The assembly may be arranged on the housing and have an operable part; the operable part may be movable along a second direction parallel with the first direction; and the assembly may be configured to lift the electrical element by the movement of the operable part such that the notch may be separated from the locking member.

In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an ejector and a rotator; the ejector may be capable of moving along the second direction; the operable part may be arranged on an outer end of the pushing part exposed out of the housing; an inner end of the ejector may be engaged with the rotator; and the rotator may be configured for transmitting the movement of the ejector to the electrical element to lift the electrical element.

In some embodiments, the rotator may be pivotally arranged in the housing.

In some embodiments, an axis of the rotator may be located at the middle of the rotator; the ejector may be engaged with a first end of the rotator; and a second end of the rotator may be used for lifting the electrical element.

In some embodiments, the rotator may comprise an first arm and a second arm; the first arm and the second arm are connected mutually to form a V shape; the axis may be located at a connecting part of the first arm and the second arm; the first end may be located on the first arm; the second end may be located on the second arm; the opening of the V shape may face the top surface; and an angle between the first arm and the second arm may be an obtuse angle.

In some embodiments, a distance from the first end to the axis may be less than a distance from the second end to the axis.

In some embodiments, the housing may be provided with a mounting groove; the mounting groove may comprise a first groove, a second groove, a first notch, and a second notch; the first groove and the second groove extend along the second direction from the top surface; the first groove may be arranged in a side wall of the housing; the second groove may communicate between the middle of the first groove and an outer surface of the side wall; a width of the second groove may be less than a width of the first groove; the first notch and the second notch may respectively extend from the second groove to two sides and communicate between the first groove and the outer surface of the side wall. The ejector may further comprise a portion connected between the outer end and the inner end, and a first lug and a second lug which protrude from the portion to two sides respectively; during the ejector being mounted onto the first groove through the second groove, the first lug and the second lug may enter the first groove respectively through the first notch and the second notch such that the ejector may be movable along the first groove. The electrical connector for the compact system may further comprise a member; and the member may be used for limiting the ejector in the mounting groove.

In some embodiments, the inner end of the ejector may extend into the second groove.

In some embodiments, an end of the first groove away from the top surface may be provided with a fourth groove; the fourth groove and the second groove may be arranged oppositely; the inner end of the ejector may protrude towards the fourth groove; the protruded part may be accommodated in the fourth groove during the reciprocating movement of the ejector; and a distance between the protruded part and the first lug may be greater than a distance between the fourth groove and the first notch.

In some embodiments, a surface of the fourth groove opposite to the second groove may be an inclined surface; and the inclined surface may incline towards the slot along a direction away from the top surface.

In some embodiments, the portion may be further provided with a third lug and a fourth lug which respectively protrude towards two sides.

In some embodiments, the third lug may be located between the first lug and the outer end; and the fourth lug may be located between the second lug and the outer end.

In some embodiments, the mounting groove may further comprise an third groove; the third groove may be recessed towards the slot from a side surface of the first groove opposite to the second groove; the third groove may extend along the second direction; and the third groove may align with the portion.

In some embodiments, the member may comprise a first member inserted into the first notch and a second member inserted into the second notch.

In some embodiments, the inner end of the ejector may be hook-shaped; the inner end may comprise an inner initial section, an inner tail section, and an inner curved section connected between the inner initial section and the inner tail section; the inner initial section extends towards the slot from the portion; and the inner tail section extends towards the second groove from the inner curved section.

In some embodiments, the inner tail section may be engaged with the rotator by abutting against the rotator.

In some embodiments, the outer end of the ejector may comprise an outer initial section, an outer tail section, and an outer curved section connected between the outer initial section and the outer tail section; the outer initial section may extend towards the slot from the portion; and the outer tail section may extend from the outer curved section along a direction away from the slot.

In some embodiments, the inner end of the ejector may be provided with a contact surface; and the contact surface may abut against the rotator.

In some embodiments, the rotator may be located at the bottom of the slot; and the rotator may be used for lifting an inserted end of the electrical element.

In some embodiments, the ejector may be an integrated piece.

In some embodiments, the locking members and the assemblies are arranged in pairs; each pair of the locking members are arranged on two sides of the slot respectively; and each pair of the assemblies are arranged on the two sides of the slot respectively.

In some embodiments, the locking member may comprise a base portion and an intermediate portion; the base portion may be arranged in the slot; the intermediate portion may extend from the base portion in a cantilever manner; and a middle of the intermediate portion may protrude towards an interior of the slot.

In some embodiments, a distal end of the intermediate portion may be located in the slot relative to a connecting end of the intermediate portion connected to the base portion.

These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not intended to be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Inventors have recognized and appreciated connector design techniques that enable connectors to be disposed closer to adjacent components and therefore enable the systems to be more compact. The Inventors have recognized and appreciated that conventional connectors require latches for releasing a mating component from the connectors. To provide a sufficient space for the latches to move when releasing a mating component from the conventional connectors, the conventional connectors have to be placed away from adjacent components by at least a predetermined distance. This space may be referred to as a “keep out zone.” The Inventors have recognized and appreciated connectors that may unmate with a mating component without the latches that require the keep out zone.

An electrical connector may include a housing having a slot elongating in a longitudinal direction and configured to receive a mating component such as an electronic card. The housing may hold terminals that have mating ends curving into the slot and mounting ends extending out of the housing. The electronic card may have contact pads aligned in a row along an edge inserted into the slot to make contact with respective mating ends of the terminals. The mounting ends of the terminals may be mounted to another component such as a printed circuit board. Other components may be mounted to the printed circuit board without the need for a keep out zone for the electrical connector.

The electrical connector may include an assembly configured to transform a force applied in a vertical direction to a force ejecting the electronic card out of the slot so as to eliminate the need to have latches that move outside a perimeter of the connector. The assembly may include an ejector configured to be movable in the vertical direction and a rotator configured to rotate about an axis in response to a movement of the ejector. The rotator may extend into the slot and be coupled to the electronic card such that the rotation of the rotator may cause the electronic card to move out of the slot. The rotator may include a first arm coupled to the ejector and a second arm coupled to the electronic card. The axis may be located at a joint of the first arm and the second arm. The first arm and the second arm may be sized and shaped to enable the electronic card to be released by a vertical force of a desired amount. For example, the first arm and the second arm may extend in an obtuse angle. The first arm may be shorter than the second arm.

The assembly may include a locking member configured to prevent the electronic card from being accidentally unmated from the connector. At least a portion of the locking member may be configured to fit in a matching feature of the electronic card such as a notch so as to prevent any relative movements between the connector and the card. The portion of the locking member may be elastic such that it may deform when the card is moved by the rotator and therefore disengage the card. When the card is removed, the portion of the locking member may return to its rest state.

Similarly, the electrical connector may mate with an electronic card with the assembly interacting with the card. For example, the insertion of an electronic card may cause the portion of the locking member to deform until the electronic card is inserted into position and the portion of the locking member fits in the notch of the card. When the portion of the locking member fits in the notch of the card, the portion of the locking member may return to its rest state.

FIG.1toFIG.12is an example of techniques as described herein integrated into an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing100and a locking member200. The housing100may have a top surface101and a mounting surface102. The top surface101may be provided with a slot110which is recessed along a first direction. The slot110may be configured to receive a mating component such as an electronic card or a plug electrical connector. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated below, an electronic card900is a mating component.

The slot110may elongate between two towers170of the electrical connector. The slot110may extend into the towers. The mounting surface102may face a printed circuit board. The electronic card900may be inserted into the slot110, and the electrical connector may be mounted to the printed circuit board, such that the electronic card is electrically connected to the printed circuit board through the electrical connector, and a circuit on the electronic card and a circuit on the printed circuit board are interconnected. The housing100may be provided with a plurality of terminals800. Each of the plurality of terminals800may include a mating end curving into the slot110, a mounting end extending out of the mounting surface102and configured to be mounted to the printed circuit board, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the mounting end. The terminals800may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board through any proper manners such as welding. The terminals800may include but are not limited to one or more kinds of signal terminals and grounding terminals. The terminals800may be arranged on the housing100in any pattern according to their types.

The locking member200may be disposed in a tower of the electrical connector. As shown inFIG.8, the locking member200may be inserted into a portion of the slot110that extends into the tower. The locking member200may be arranged in the slot110in any suitable manner such as welding and/or adhesion. As shown inFIG.5. the electronic card900may have a notch910. The locking member200may be configured to at least partially fit in the notch910so as to hold the electronic card900in the slot110. The locking member200may be configured to be separable from the notch910by, for example, an external force that may be applied to the electrical connector and/or the electronic card900by an operator such as a force of pressing the locking member200, a force of pushing the electronic card900, and a force of pulling the electronic card900.

As shown inFIG.5, the notch910may include a groove, and the locking member200may include a protrusion configured to at least partially fit in the groove. The protrusion of the locking member200may be elastic so as to be separable from the groove of the notch910. The locking member200and the notch910may adopt any suitable structures.

When operating the electrical connector, the electronic card900may be inserted into the slot110along a first direction by an external force applied thereto. During the insertion, the locking member200may be pressed by the electronic card900, so that the locking member200may deform and the electronic card900may be further inserted. The electronic card900may be inserted until the locking member200fits in the notch910and returns to a rest state so as to prevent the locking member200from accidentally disengaging the notch910. Such a configuration enables the electronic card900to be reliably held in the slot110. When removing the electronic card900, an external force opposite to an insertion direction may be applied to the electronic card900. During the removal, edges of the notch910of the electronic card900may press the locking member200so as to deform the locking member200and therefore disengage the locking member200from the notch910. After the electronic card900is removed, the locking member200may return to its rest state.

The locking member200is disposed in the slot110and therefore takes no additional space outside the connector housing. Such a configuration enables the reduction of the spacing between the electrical connector and an adjacent device on a printed circuit board and therefore the miniaturization of an electronic system.

As shown inFIG.1toFIG.12, the electrical connector may further include an assembly300. The assembly300may be disposed in the towers of the housing100. The assembly300may be provided with an operable part301. The operable part301may be movable along a second direction. The second direction may be parallel with the first direction. The assembly300may be configured to lift the electronic card900by the movement of the operable part301, so that the notch910is separated from the locking member200.

The operable part301may be operated (for example, pressed or pulled) along the second direction to remove the electronic card900. The operable part301may drive the assembly300to move so as to lift the electronic card900. The assembly300may include various types of transmission pieces which can convert the movement of the operable part301along the second direction into a force to lift the electronic card900. During the lift, the notch910of the electronic card900may cause the locking member200to deform, so that the notch910is separated from the locking member200, and the electronic card900can be taken out. After the electronic card900is removed, the locking member200may return to its rest state. When inserting the electronic card900, the electronic card900may be directly inserted into the slot110along the first direction. During the insertion, the notch910of the electronic card900may cause the locking member200to deform, so that the electronic card900can be further inserted. The locking member200may return to its rest state when the electronic card900is inserted into a preset position, and the notch910is mated with the locking member200. The electronic card900can be held in the slot110.

The operable part301of the assembly300may be operated by a user along a direction parallel with an insertion direction of the electrical element (such as the electronic card900). Such a configuration uses the space above the connector rather than the space besides the connector, and therefore reduces the spacing between the electrical connector and an adjacent device on a printed circuit board, enabling the miniaturization of an electronic system.

The operable part301may have any suitable structure. As illustrated, the operable part301may have a larger contact surface. In this way, the operable part301can be found easily, the pressure intensity applied to the operable part301by a user can be reduced, and thereby improving use experience. For example, the operable part301may be formed by stamping and folding a metal sheet. As another example, the operable part301may have an anti-skid layer, such as a frosted layer and a rubber layer. If the operable part301is too smooth, an operating object (such as a user's hand) may slip off the operable part301. The operable part301may be made of an insulating material, for example, the same material as that of the housing100. In this way, static electricity cannot be conducted to the electrical connector and the electronic card900in the operation process.

As illustrated, each tower of the electrical connector may have a locking member200and an assembly300disposed therein. The locking member200and the assembly300may be arranged on the same side or different sides of the slot110. As shown in the figure, the locking members200and the assemblies300may be arranged in pairs. Each pair of locking members200may be arranged on two sides of the slot110respectively, for example, a first side and a second side which are opposite to each other. Each pair of assemblies300may be arranged on two sides of the slot110respectively, for example, a third side and a fourth side which are opposite to each other. The first side and the second side may be the same as the third side and the fourth side respectively, or the first side and the second side may be completely different sides from the third side and the fourth side. It may be understood that the notches910may be arranged at corresponding positions of two sides of the electronic card900. In this way, the notches910on the two sides of the electronic card900may at least partially fit in the corresponding locking members200respectively, so that the electronic card900is held in the slot110under uniform force. The connection strength between the electronic card900and the slot110may be higher. When the assemblies300on two sides are operated at the same time, the electronic card900can be lifted by the movement of the respective operable parts301of the assemblies300, so that the notches910are separated from the locking members200. Compared to affording force only on one side of the electronic card, affording forces on two sides on balance may avoid damage. Although in the illustrated example each tower has a locking member200and an assembly300disposed therein, it should be appreciated that only one tower may have a locking member200and an assembly300disposed therein in some embodiments.

As shown inFIG.8, the locking member200may include a base portion210, a distal end222, and an intermediate portion220joining the base portion210and distal end222. The base portion210may be arranged in the slot110through any proper manner such as insertion, welding or adhesion. The intermediate portion220may extend from the base portion210in a cantilever manner. A middle of the intermediate portion220may protrude towards an interior of the slot110. The middle of the intermediate portion220may form a protrusion configured to at least partially fit in the notch910of the electronic card900. The intermediate portion220may deform under the action of an external force. When the middle of the intermediate portion220is in its rest state, the intermediate portion220may be locked in the notch910of the electronic card900so as to prevent the electronic card900from accidentally disengaging the slot110. When removing the electronic card900, edges of the notch910of the electronic card900may press the middle of the intermediate portion220, so that the intermediate portion220may deform and disengage the notch910of the electronic card900. Such a configuration enables repeatably inserting and removing the electronic card900as needed. The locking member200has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost and reliable performance.

The intermediate portion220may have a connecting end221connected to the base portion210. Further, the distal end222may be closer to the slot110relative to the connecting end221of the intermediate portion220. In this way, when inserting the electronic card900, the distal end222may extend downwards, so that the inserting process is smoother. When removing the electronic card900, the distal end222may move upwards by following the notch910of the electronic card900. The locking member200may be configured to require a suitable external force to disengage the notch910and therefore prevent the electronic card900from accidentally disengaging the electrical connector.

As shown inFIG.4toFIG.9, the assembly300may include an ejector310and a rotator320. The ejector310is capable of moving along a second direction. The ejector310may include an outer end340and an inner end330. The outer end340may be exposed out of the housing100. The operable part301may be arranged on the outer end340of the ejector310. The inner end of the ejector310may be engaged with the rotator320through any proper manner such as abutting, welding or adhesion. The ejector310may be an integrated piece. The method for manufacturing the integrated piece includes but not limits to one or more of integrated formation, welding and adhesion. In this way, the structure of the ejector310is simpler and the mechanical strength is higher.

The rotator320may be used to transmit the movement of the ejector310to the electronic card900so as to lift the electronic card900. The operable part301may be operated to move the ejector310along the second direction, and the ejector310may lift the electronic card900by the rotator320, so that the electronic card900can be removed. The ejector310may move along the second direction, and the rotator320may convert the movement in the second direction into the lifting of the electronic card900. Such a configuration enables the assembly300to have a simple structure, low manufacturing cost and reliable performance.

As shown inFIG.9, the inner end330of the ejector310may have a contact surface360. The contact surface360may abut against the rotator320. By the contact surface360, the contact area of the inner end330and the rotator320can be enlarged, so that the pressure intensity may be reduced, and damage to the inner end330and the rotator320may be avoided.

As shown inFIG.4toFIG.8, the rotator320may be located at the bottom of the slot110. The rotator320may be used to lift an inserted end of the electronic card900(for example, a lower end of the electronic card900in the figure). The rotator320may be pivotally arranged in the housing100. The rotator320may be provided with a lifting shaft hole326, the housing100may be provided with a housing shaft hole140, and the electrical connector may further include a pivot160. The pivot160may pass through the lifting shaft hole326and the housing shaft hole140, so that the rotator320may be pivotally arranged in the housing100. In other examples, the rotator320may be provided with a pivot, and the housing100may be provided with a shaft hole; or the housing100may be provided with a pivot, and the rotator320may be provided with a shaft hole. The ejector310and the electronic card900may be engaged with a first position and a second position of the rotator320respectively. The pivotable rotator320may transmit the second direction movement of the ejector310in the same direction. When the ejector310moves upwards, the second position may be pulled to move upwards and the rotator320may lift the electronic card900. Alternatively or additionally, the rotator320may also transmit the second direction movement of the ejector310in the opposite direction. When the ejector310moves downwards, the second position may be pushed to move upwards and the electronic card900can be lifted.

Referring back toFIG.9, an axis P-P of the rotator320may be located at a middle of the rotator320. The ejector310may be engaged with a first end321of the rotator320. A second end322of the rotator320may be used to lift the electronic card900. The first position may be located at the first end321, and the second position may be located at the second end322. The ejector310and the electronic card900may act on two sides of the axis P-P respectively. When the ejector310and the electronic card900act on the rotator320on the same side of the axis P-P, the ejector310and the electronic card900may have the same movement direction. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the second end322of the rotator320may abut against an inserted end of the electronic card900and lift the electronic card900. In other embodiments not shown, the second end322of the rotator320may also abut against other parts of the electronic card900, for example, a groove on the side of the electronic card900, and lift the electronic card900.

The first end321of the rotator320may be pressed by the ejector310when the operable part301is pressed. The second end322of the rotator320may move upwards, and the electronic card900may be lifted.

The rotator320may include a first arm324and a second arm325. The first arm324and the second arm325may be connected to form a V shape. The axis P-P may be located at a connecting part of the first arm324and the second arm325. The first end321may be located on the first arm324. The second end322may be located on the second arm325. An opening of the V shape may face the top surface101. An angle between the first arm324and the second arm325may be an obtuse angle. In this way, the second arm325may engage the inserted end of the electronic card900, and the first arm324may bends upward, providing sufficient space for the movement of the first end321.

A distance from the first end321to the axis P-P may be less than a distance from the second end322to the axis P-P. In this way, a distance of pressing the operable part301may be shortened, so that a space required for unlocking the electronic card900from the electrical connector can be further reduced.

As shown inFIG.10toFIG.12, the housing100may be provided with a mounting groove120. The mounting groove120may include a first groove123, a second groove124, a first notch121, and a second notch122. The first groove123and the second groove124may extend in the second direction. The first groove123may be arranged in a side wall of the housing100. The second groove124may communicate between a middle of the first groove123and an outer surface of the side wall. The second groove124may communicate the first groove123with the outside. A width of the second groove124may be less than a width of the first groove. The first notch121and the second notch122may extend from the second groove124to two sides respectively, and may communicate between the first groove123and the outer surface of the side wall. The first the notch121and the second the notch122may be the same or different. In the section view of the housing100that is sectioned perpendicular to the first direction at a position other than the first notch121and the second notch122, the mounting groove120may be generally T-shaped. In the section view of the housing100that is sectioned perpendicular to the first direction at the first notch121and the second notch122, the mounting groove120may be generally rectangular.

Referring back toFIG.8toFIG.9, the ejector310may further include a portion350, a first lug361and a second lug362. The portion350may be connected between the outer end340and the inner end330. The first lug361and the second lug362may respectively protrude towards two sides from the portion350. When mounting the ejector310to the first groove123through the second groove124, the first lug361and the second lug362may enter the first groove123respectively through the first notch121and the second notch122. The portion350may align with the second groove124, the first lug361and the second lug362may align with the first notch121and the second notch122respectively, then the portion350may pass through the second groove124, and the first lug361and the second lug362may pass through the first notch121and the second notch122respectively. In this way, the portion350, the first lug361and the second lug362may enter the first groove123. Then the ejector310may be movable along the first groove123. The electrical connector may further include a member400, as shown inFIG.8. The member400may be configured to limit the ejector310in the mounting groove120. In this arrangement, the electrical connector is easy for manufacture, since the structure of the ejector310is simpler, and the assembly process is simple.

The member400may have various suitable structures. For example, the member400may have a structure for blocking all or part of the second groove124, or may have a structure for blocking all of the second groove124, the first notch121and the second notch122. As shown inFIG.8, the member400may include a first member410and a second member420. The first member410may be inserted into the first notch121. The second member420may be inserted into the second notch122. In this arrangement, less materials are used for the member400, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As shown inFIG.8toFIG.9, the portion350may further be provided with a third lug363and a fourth lug364which protrude towards two sides respectively. In this way, when the ejector310moves along the first groove123, along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the slot110in a horizontal plane, the first lug361, the second lug362, the third lug363and the fourth lug364may be in contact with a groove wall of the first groove123, and the portion350may be spaced apart from the first groove123. Therefore, friction between the ejector310and the first groove123may be reduced, so that the ejector310can move along the mounting groove120more smoothly. Moreover, abrasion speeds of the ejector310and the mounting groove120can be reduced, and service lives of the ejector310and the mounting groove120can be prolonged. In addition, the contact area is reduced, so that the machining allowance can be improved.

As shown inFIG.8toFIG.9, the third lug363may be located between the first lug361and the outer end340. The fourth lug364may be located between the second lug362and the outer end340. In this way, when the ejector310is mounted, the third lug363and the fourth lug364may be inserted into the first groove123from the top of the housing100. There is no need to arrange any notch mated to the third lug363and the fourth lug364on the housing100. Therefore, the electrical connector has a simpler structure and lower manufacturing cost.

As shown inFIG.10toFIG.12, the mounting groove120may further include a third groove125. The third groove125may be recessed from a side surface, opposite to the second groove124, of the first groove123towards the slot110. The third groove125may extend along the second direction. The third groove125may align with the portion350. The side surface of the mounting groove120may be spaced apart from the portion350by means of the third groove125, so that friction between the mounting groove120and the portion350can be further reduced. The ejector310can move along the mounting groove120more smoothly, the abrasion speeds of the ejector310and the mounting groove120can be further reduced, and the service lives of the ejector310and the mounting groove120can be further prolonged. In addition, the contact area is reduced, so that the machining allowance can be further improved.

The inner end330of the ejector310may extend into the second groove124. In this way, the space of the second groove124may be utilized. The s inner end330may be configured to be larger, and the contact area between the inner end330and the rotator320may be increased, thereby reducing pressure intensity and avoiding damage to the inner end330and the rotator320.

Referring toFIG.4toFIG.7,FIG.9andFIG.12, an end (that is, a lower end in the figure) of the first groove123may be provided with a fourth groove130. The fourth groove130may be arranged opposite to the second groove124. The inner end330of the ejector310may protrude towards the fourth groove130. The protruded part may be accommodated in the fourth groove130during the movement of the ejector310. A distance between the protruded part and the first lug361may be greater than a distance between the fourth groove130and the first notch121. In the process of mounting the ejector310, the protruded part may be inserted into the fourth groove130when the first lug361aligns with the first notch121. After the mounting of the ejector310and the blocking of the first notch121by the member400, the protruded part cannot reach an upper part of the first groove123, and the ejector310cannot be separated from the housing100.

Referring toFIG.4toFIG.7,FIG.9andFIG.12, a surface of the fourth groove130opposite to the second groove124may be an inclined surface150. The inclined surface150may incline towards the slot110along a direction away from the top surface101. The fourth groove130is gradually narrowed along an upward direction. When the ejector310moves upwards, the inclined surface150may have a buffering effect on the inner end330of the ejector310, thereby achieving good hand feeling during use.

As shown inFIG.9, the inner end330of the ejector310may be hook-shaped. The inner end330may include an initial section331, a tail section332, and a curved section333. The curved section333may join the initial section331and the tail section332. The initial section331may extend towards the slot110from the portion350. The tail section332may extend towards the second groove124from the curved section333. In this way, the contact area of the inner end330and the rotator320may be increased, and the inner end330and the rotator320may engage more stably. Further, the tail section332may be engaged with the rotator320by abutting against the rotator320. In this way, the production process may be simpler, and the production efficiency may be improved.

As shown inFIG.9, the outer end340of the ejector310may include an initial section341, a tail section342and a curved section343. The curved section343may join the initial section341and the tail section342. The initial section341may extend towards the slot110from the portion350between the outer end340and the inner end330. The tail section342may extend from the curved section343along a direction away from the slot110. The outer end340may be hook-shaped. The operable part301may be located on a top surface of the curved section343. A user may press the top surface of the curved section343which has larger contact area in use, thereby improving the use experience of operating the operable part301.

In some embodiments, housing components, such as the housing100and members400, may be dielectric members molded from a dielectric material such as plastic or nylon. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenyline sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylenoxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). Other suitable materials may be employed, as aspects of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, conductive components, such as terminals800, may be made of metal or any other material that is conductive and provides suitable mechanical properties for conductive elements in an electrical connector. Phosphor-bronze, beryllium copper and other copper alloys are non-limiting examples of materials that may be used. The conductive elements may be formed from such materials in any suitable way, including by stamping and/or forming.

In some embodiments, connector components, such as the locking member200, ejector310, rotator320, may be made of metal or any other material that provides suitable properties for their functions in an electrical connector. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead, pewter, and tin-based alloys. Other suitable materials may be employed, as aspects of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard. The connector components may be formed from such materials in any suitable way, including by stamping and/or forming and/or molding.

The present disclosure has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for the purpose of illustration and description, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the scope of the described embodiments. In addition, it may be understood by a person skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, a variety of variations and modifications may be made according to the teaching of the present disclosure, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and its equivalent scope.

Various changes may be made to the illustrative structures shown and described herein. For example, although the electrical connector described above are shown and described with reference to a card edge connector, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are 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 backplane connectors, daughter card connectors, stacking connectors, Mezzanine connectors, I/O connectors, chip sockets, Gen Z connectors, etc.

In some embodiments, mounting ends were illustrated as surface mount elements that are designed to fit within pads of printed circuit boards. However, other configurations may also be used, such as press fit “eye of the needle” compliant sections, spring contacts, solderable pins, etc.

In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “transverse direction”, “vertical direction”, “perpendicular”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom” and the like usually are shown based on the accompanying drawings, only for the purposes of the ease in describing the present disclosure and simplification of its descriptions. Unless stated to the contrary, these orientation words do not indicate or imply that the specified apparatus or element has to be specifically located, and structured and operated in a specific direction, and therefore, should not be understood as limitations to the present disclosure. The orientation words “inside” and “outside” may refer to the inside and outside relative to the contour of each component itself.

For facilitating description, the spatial relative terms such as “on”, “above”, “on an upper surface of” and “upper” may be used here to describe a spatial position relationship between one or more components or features and other components or features shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms not only include the orientations of the components shown in the accompanying drawings, but also include different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the component in the accompanying drawings is turned upside down completely, the component “above other components or features” or “on other components or features” will include the case where the component is “below other components or features” or “under other components or features”. Thus, the exemplary term “above” can encompass both the orientations of “above” and “below”. In addition, these components or features may be otherwise oriented (for example rotated by 90 degrees or other angles) and the present disclosure is intended to include all these cases.