TWI900979B - Electrical connector combination and female electrical connector for mating electronic card or male electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector combination and a composite female electrical connector for an electronic card or a male electrical connector. The composite female electrical connector includes a first insulation structure, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals and a metal shell. The first insulation structure includes a base and a tongue plate. The tongue plate extends from one side of the base along a first direction. The tongue plate includes a tongue plate body and an accommodating groove. The accommodating groove is used to accommodate an electronic device. Card. The plurality of first terminals are combined with the first insulating structure, and the first butt portions of the first terminals are located in the accommodating groove and contact the plurality of contacts of the electronic card. A plurality of second terminals are combined with the first insulation structure, and the second butt portions of the first terminals are located on the second surface. The metal shell is arranged on the first insulation structure, and the metal shell surrounds the tongue plate to form a receiving space for a male electrical connector to be connected. The end of the accommodating slot away from the docking interface has a stop structure for limiting the stroke of the electronic card being inserted into the accommodating slot.

Description

Electrical connector assembly and electronic card and male electrical connector can be used as composite female electrical connector

The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector assembly and a composite female electrical connector that can selectively use an electronic card and a male electrical connector.

To connect with other electronic devices or modules for signal transmission, electronic devices typically feature multiple interfaces. For example, laptops and tablets often feature Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces for image transmission, or interfaces for inserting electronic cards. Due to the trend toward thinner portable electronic devices, the thickness of laptops and tablets has been significantly reduced, and their overall size has also been reduced for easier portability. Consequently, the number of interfaces is often reduced to accommodate this thinner design. Some electronic devices may require multiple interfaces for multiple functions. For example, a tablet computer may require interfaces for communication, identification cards, and Universal Serial Bus (USB). Therefore, accommodating multiple interfaces while maintaining a thin design is a key challenge in current electrical connector design.

In light of this, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector assembly and a composite female electrical connector that can be used with either an electronic card or a male electrical connector. This connector integrates the interface of the electronic card and the interface of the male electrical connector into a single female electrical connector, thereby resolving the problem of multiple, discrete interfaces in conventional technology that hinder the thinning design of electronic devices.

An embodiment of the composite female-end electrical connector of the present invention, which selectively uses an electronic card and a male-end electrical connector, includes a first insulating structure, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals, and a metal shell. The first insulating structure includes a base and a tongue plate, the tongue plate extending from a side of the base along a first direction, the tongue plate including a tongue plate body and a receiving groove, the tongue plate body having a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other, the receiving groove being formed on the first surface, and the receiving groove being used to receive an electronic card. A plurality of first terminals are coupled to the first insulating structure, each first terminal having a first docking portion, a first fixing portion, and a first welding portion, the first docking portion of the first terminal being located in the receiving groove and contacting a plurality of contacts of the electronic card. A plurality of second terminals are coupled to the first insulating structure. Each second terminal has a second mating portion, a second fixing portion, and a second soldering portion. The second mating portion of the first terminal is located on the second surface. A metal housing is disposed within the first insulating structure. The metal housing surrounds the tongue plate to form a receiving space, and one end of the metal housing forms a mating port. The end of the receiving slot, distal from the mating port, has a stop structure to limit the travel of the electronic card during insertion into the slot.

In another embodiment, the first insulating structure further includes a first limiting core and a second limiting core. The first limiting core and the second limiting core are parallel to each other and extend from the base along the first direction. The tongue plate is located between the first limiting core and the second limiting core.

In another embodiment, the mating space of the metal housing is formed by a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall connected to each other. The first side wall is mounted on the first limiting core, and the second side wall is mounted on the second limiting core. The metal housing further includes a clamping spring formed on the top wall and bent toward the receiving slot. The clamping spring interferes with the electronic card and abuts the electronic card.

In another embodiment, the metal housing further includes a clamping and limiting spring. The clamping and limiting spring is formed on the first side wall and is bent toward the receiving slot. The clamping and limiting spring interferes with the electronic card and abuts against the electronic card.

In another embodiment, the accommodating groove has a first notch on one side close to the first limiting core, and the clamping limiting spring passes through the first notch and enters the accommodating groove.

In another embodiment, the accommodating slot has a second notch on one side near the second limiting core to accommodate the portion of the electronic card protruding from the accommodating slot.

In another embodiment, the metal housing further includes at least one first limiting spring formed on the top wall and bent toward the first surface of the tongue plate to limit the electronic card and the male electrical connector.

In another embodiment, the metal housing further includes at least one second limiting spring formed on the bottom wall and bent toward the second surface of the tongue plate to limit the male electrical connector.

In another embodiment, the metal housing further includes a plurality of third limiting springs formed on the first side wall and the second side wall and bent toward the abutting space to limit the male electrical connector.

In another embodiment, an electrical connector assembly of the present invention includes a composite female electrical connector and a male electrical connector, optionally using the aforementioned electronic card and male electrical connector. The male electrical connector includes a second insulating structure and a plurality of third terminals. The second insulating structure includes a mating groove that engages with a tongue plate of the first insulating structure, such that an inner surface of the mating groove overlaps the receiving groove. The plurality of third terminals are coupled to the second insulating structure and extend into the mating groove. When the mating groove engages with the tongue plate, the third terminals contact the second terminals.

1: Choose between using a composite female connector for the electronic card or a male connector.

2: Male electrical connector

10: First insulation structure

10a: First insulating section

10b: Second insulating section

10c: The third insulated section

11: Base

12: Tongue plate

13: First limiting core

14: Second limiting core

20: First terminal

20a: First docking portion

20b: First fixing portion

20c: First welding section

30: Second terminal

30a: Second docking portion

30b: Second fixing portion

30c: Second welding section

40: Metal shell

40a: Upper plate part

40b: Lower plate

41: Snap-on structure

42: Docking port

43: Docking Space

44: Clamping Shrapnel

45: First limit spring

46: Second limit spring

47: Third limiter spring

48: Clamping limit spring

60: Second insulation structure

61: Docking groove

121: Tongue plate body

122: Storage Tank

1211: First Surface

1212: Second Surface

1221: Stop structure

1222: First Gap

1223: Second Gap

C: Electronic card

L1: First Direction

L2: Second Direction

P: Circuit board

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in which a composite female electrical connector is used in conjunction with an electronic card and a male electrical connector.

Figure 2 is a 3D exploded view of a composite female electrical connector that can be used with either the electronic card or the male electrical connector in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electronic card and male electrical connector of Figure 1, optionally using the first and second terminals of a composite female electrical connector.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first terminal and second terminal configuration in Figure 3 from another angle.

Figures 5, 6, and 7 are perspective views of the assembly process of the electronic card and male electrical connector of the present invention, optionally using a composite female electrical connector.

Figure 8 is a perspective view from another angle showing the electronic card and male electrical connector of Figure 7 being connected using a composite female electrical connector.

Figure 9 is a top view of the electronic card and male electrical connector of Figure 1, optionally using a composite female electrical connector.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a front view of the electronic card and male electrical connector of Figure 1, optionally using a composite female electrical connector.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a top view of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 14.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a composite female electrical connector is selectively used with an electronic card or a male electrical connector. The composite female electrical connector 1 of this embodiment comprises a first insulating structure 10, a plurality of first terminals 20, a plurality of second terminals 30, and a metal housing 40.

The first insulating structure 10 is composed of a first insulating portion 10a, a second insulating portion 10b, and a third insulating portion 10c. (See Figure 6 ) The first insulating structure 10 includes a base 11, a tongue 12, a first position-limiting core 13, and a second position-limiting core 14. The tongue 12, first position-limiting core 13, and second position-limiting core 14 extend from one side of the base 11 along a first direction L1. The tongue 12, first position-limiting core 13, and second position-limiting core 14 are perpendicular to the base 11, with the tongue 12 located between the first position-limiting core 13 and the second position-limiting core 14.

The tongue plate 12 includes a tongue plate body 121 and a receiving slot 122. The tongue plate body 121 has a first surface 1211 and a second surface 1212 disposed opposite each other. The receiving slot 122 is formed on the first surface 1211. In this embodiment, the receiving slot 122 is a recessed structure formed on the first surface 1211. The receiving slot 122 is used to accommodate an electronic card C.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 , a plurality of first terminals 20 are bonded to the first insulating structure 10. Each first terminal 20 has a first mating portion 20a, a first fixing portion 20b, and a first soldering portion 20c. The first mating portion 20a of the first terminal 20 is bonded to the tongue plate body 121 and positioned within the receiving slot 122. It contacts multiple contacts on the electronic card C, thereby forming an electrical connection with the electronic card C. In this embodiment, the electronic card C is a memory card, such as a micro SD card. There are 17 first terminals 20 (compliant with the UHS-II bus), with the first mating portions 20a arranged in two rows, front and back. The first fixing portion 20b is fixed to the base 11 of the first insulating structure 10, and the first soldering portion 20c is exposed from the side of the base 11 away from the tongue plate 12 so as to be soldered to the pad of the circuit board P.

A plurality of second terminals 30 are coupled to the first insulating structure 10. Each second terminal 30 has a second mating portion 30a, a second fixing portion 30b, and a second soldering portion 30c. The second mating portion 30a of the second terminal 30 is coupled to the tongue plate body 121 and is located on the second surface 1212. The second mating portion 30a is used to mate with the third terminal of a male electrical connector to establish an electrical connection. The second fixing portion 30b is fixed to the base 11 of the first insulating structure 10. The second soldering portion 30c is exposed from the side of the base 11 away from the tongue plate 12 to facilitate soldering to a pad on the circuit board P. The configuration of the plurality of second terminals 30 in this embodiment complies with the USB 3.1 Type A specification. There are nine second terminals 30, with the second mating portions 30a arranged in two rows, front and back.

As shown in Figure 4, the first soldering portions 20c of the plurality of first terminals 20 and the second soldering portions 30c of the plurality of second terminals 30 of this embodiment are arranged in a row along a second direction L2, which is perpendicular to the first direction L1. The plurality of first soldering portions 20c are disposed on either side of the second soldering portion 30c. In this embodiment, the first soldering portion 20c is divided into nine pins on the left and eight pins on the right, disposed on either side of the nine second soldering portions 30c arranged in a row.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, the first insulating structure 10 is comprised of a first insulating portion 10a, a second insulating portion 10b, and a third insulating portion 10c. As shown in Figure 5, a plurality of first terminals 20 are bonded to the first insulating portion 10a using an insert injection molding process. Accommodation grooves 122 are also formed on the surface of the first insulating portion 10a. A plurality of second terminals 30 are bonded to the second insulating portion 10b using an insert injection molding process. A first retaining core 13 and a second retaining core 14 are also formed on the second insulating portion 10b. The first insulating portion 10a and the second insulating portion 10b are assembled using a structure of engaging posts and engaging holes to form a portion of the base 11, the tongue plate 12, the first limiting core 13, and the second limiting core 14.

As shown in Figure 5, the third insulating portion 10c is joined to the first insulating portion 10a and the second insulating portion 10b by an insert injection molding process or an overmolding process to form a complete base 11. The first soldering portion 20c of the first terminal 20 and the second soldering portion 30c of the second terminal 30 extend rearward from one side of the third insulating portion 10c.

As shown in Figure 6, the accommodating groove 122 opens at the front end of the tongue plate 12. A stopper structure 1221 is provided at the rear bottom of the accommodating groove 122. In this embodiment, the stopper structure 1221 comprises a plurality of ribs. A first notch 1222 is provided on the sidewall of the accommodating groove 122 near the first position-limiting core 13, and a second notch 1223 is provided on the sidewall of the accommodating groove 122 near the second position-limiting core 14.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the metal shell 40 is coupled to the first insulating structure 10. The metal shell 40 of this embodiment is formed from a metal plate by first forming an opening at a predetermined position through a stamping process. The metal plate is then bent to form an upper plate portion 40a and a lower plate portion 40b that are disposed opposite each other. The upper plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b cover the first insulating structure 10 from above and below. The left and right side edges of the upper plate portion 40a and the lower plate portion 40b are bent and covered by the first limiting core 13 and the second limiting core 14. Finally, the left and right sides of the metal shell 40 are secured by snap structures 41 on the left and right sides. The metal housing 40 has a docking port 42 formed at one end corresponding to the tongue plate 12. A docking space 43 is formed between the upper and lower plates 40a, 40b, and between the first and second stopper cores 13, 14 for inserting an electronic card C and a male electrical connector. The docking space 43 is composed of a top wall 43a, a bottom wall 43b, a first side wall 43c, and a second side wall 43d. The top wall 43a is part of the upper plate 40a, and the bottom wall 43b is part of the lower plate 40b. The first side wall 43c is the side of the metal housing 40 that covers the first stopper core 13 and is adjacent to the docking space 43. The second side wall 43d is the side of the metal housing 40 that covers the second stopper core 14 and is adjacent to the docking space 43.

The metal housing 40 further includes a retaining spring 44 formed on the top wall 43a and bent toward the receiving slot 122 . This allows the retaining spring 44 to interfere with the electronic card C and abut against it. This applies pressure to the electronic card C, keeping it positioned in the receiving slot 122 .

Referring to Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10, the metal housing 40 further includes two first stopper springs 45 and two second stopper springs 46. The first stopper springs 45 are formed on the top wall 43a, and the second stopper springs 46 are formed on the bottom wall 43b. The first stopper springs 45 are bent toward the first surface 1211 of the tongue body 121, limiting the insertion of the male electrical connector and the electronic card C into the mating space 43. The second stopper springs 46 are bent toward the second surface 1212 of the tongue body 121, limiting the insertion of the male electrical connector into the mating space 43.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12 , the metal housing 40 further includes two third stopper springs 47, respectively formed on the first sidewall 43c and the second sidewall 43d. These springs 47 bend toward the mating space 43 to limit the position of the male electrical connector. The metal housing 40 further includes a clamping stopper spring 48, formed on the first sidewall 43c and extending through the first notch 1222 of the receiving slot 122 to bend toward the inside of the receiving slot 122. The clamping stopper spring 48 interferes with the electronic card C, abutting against it. Furthermore, the clamping stopper spring 48, together with the other sidewall of the receiving slot, clamps the electronic card C, securing it within the receiving slot 122. When the user inserts the electronic card C into the accommodating slot 122, the front end of the electronic card C abuts against the stopper structure 1221 of the accommodating slot 122. The retaining spring 48 abuts against the left side of the electronic card C, allowing the protruding structure on the right side of the electronic card C to pass through the second notch 1223 and abut against the second sidewall 43d.

Please refer to Figures 13, 14, and 15, which illustrate an embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention. This embodiment includes the aforementioned composite female electrical connector 1, which can be used with either an electronic card or a male electrical connector, and a male electrical connector 2. The male electrical connector 2 includes a second insulating structure 60 and a plurality of third terminals. The second insulating structure 60 includes a mating groove 61, which engages with the tongue 12 of the first insulating structure 10, such that an inner surface of the mating groove 61 overlaps the accommodating slot 122. A plurality of third terminals are coupled to the second insulating structure 60 and extend into the mating groove 61. When the mating groove 61 engages with the tongue 12, the third terminals contact the second terminals 30.

The composite female electrical connector of the present invention, which allows for the selective use of either an electronic card or a male electrical connector, features a receiving slot formed on the first surface of the tongue plate body with a first insulating structure. This allows the electronic card to be accommodated within the existing electrical connector interface, eliminating the need for a separate interface to accommodate the electronic card. This solves the problem of multiple, discrete interfaces in existing technology, which hinders the slimming design of electronic devices. Because the size of the electronic card of the present invention cannot be fully inserted into the receiving slot of the tongue plate, a portion of it will be exposed in the female electrical connector. Therefore, only one of the electronic card and the male electrical connector can be used.

However, the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. In other words, any simple equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the present invention's patent application and the novel description are still covered by the present invention. Furthermore, no single embodiment or patent application of the present invention is required to achieve all of the objects, advantages, or features disclosed herein. Furthermore, the abstract and title are intended solely to assist in searching patent documents and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" in this specification or patent application are used solely to name elements or to distinguish between different embodiments or scopes, and are not intended to limit the upper or lower limits on the number of elements.

1: Use either the electronic card or the male connector with a composite female connector 10: First insulation structure 12: Tongue plate 40: Metal housing 42: Docking port 43: Docking space C: Electronic card P: Circuit board

Claims (7)

A composite female electrical connector for use with either an electronic card or a male electrical connector comprises: A first insulating structure comprising a base and a tongue extending from a side of the base in a first direction. The tongue comprises a tongue body and a receiving slot. The tongue body has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite each other. The receiving slot is formed on the first surface and is used to receive an electronic card. A plurality of first terminals coupled to the first insulating structure, each of the first terminals having a first mating portion, a first fixing portion, and a first soldering portion. The first mating portions of the first terminals are located in the receiving slot and contact multiple contacts on the electronic card. A plurality of second terminals coupled to the first insulating structure, each second terminal having a second mating portion, a second fixing portion, and a second welding portion, the second mating portions of the second terminals being located on the second surface; A metal housing disposed on the first insulating structure, the metal housing surrounding the tongue plate to form a receiving space, and having a mating port formed at one end of the metal housing; The receiving slot has a stop structure at one end away from the docking port, for limiting the travel of the electronic card inserted into the receiving slot. The first insulating structure further includes a first limiting core and a second limiting core. The first limiting core and the second limiting core are parallel to each other and extend from the base in the first direction. The tongue is located between the first limiting core and the second limiting core. The metal housing further includes a clamping and limiting spring formed on the first side wall and bent toward the receiving slot. The clamping and limiting spring interferes with the electronic card and abuts against it. The receiving slot has a first notch on a side adjacent to the first limiting core. The clamping and limiting spring passes through the first notch and enters the receiving slot. As described in claim 1, the electronic card and the male-end electrical connector optionally use a composite female-end electrical connector, wherein the docking space of the metal shell is formed by a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall connected to each other, the first side wall is arranged on the first limiting core, the second side wall is arranged on the second limiting core, and the metal shell further includes a clamping spring formed on the top wall and bent toward the accommodating slot, the clamping spring interferes with the electronic card and abuts against the electronic card. As described in claim 1, the electronic card and the male-end electrical connector optionally use a composite female-end electrical connector, wherein the accommodating slot has a second notch on one side close to the second limiting core to accommodate the portion of the electronic card protruding from the accommodating slot. As described in claim 2, the electronic card and the male end electrical connector optionally use a composite female end electrical connector, wherein the metal shell further includes at least one first limiting spring sheet, and the at least one first limiting spring sheet is formed on the top wall and bent toward the first surface of the tongue plate to limit the electronic card and the male end electrical connector. As described in claim 2, the electronic card and the male-end electrical connector optionally use a composite female-end electrical connector, wherein the metal shell further includes at least one second limiting spring sheet, and the at least one second limiting spring sheet is formed on the bottom wall and bent toward the second surface of the tongue plate to limit the male-end electrical connector. As described in claim 2, the electronic card and the male-end electrical connector optionally use a composite female-end electrical connector, wherein the metal shell further includes a plurality of third limiting springs, which are formed on the first side wall and the second side wall and bent toward the docking space to limit the male-end electrical connector. An electrical connector assembly comprising: A composite female electrical connector for use with the electronic card and male electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; and A male electrical connector comprising: A second insulating structure comprising a mating groove, the mating groove engaging with the tongue of the first insulating structure such that an inner surface of the mating groove overlaps the receiving slot; and A plurality of third terminals coupled to the second insulating structure and extending into the mating groove. When the mating groove engages with the tongue, the third terminals contact the second terminals.