WO2007115584A1

WO2007115584A1 - Electrical connector capable of absorbing manufacturing tolerances

Info

Publication number: WO2007115584A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/004583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Per Gerorg Gabrielsson
Original assignee: Fci
Priority date: 2006-04-11
Filing date: 2006-04-11
Publication date: 2007-10-18

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector (10) that is arranged for contacting a first mating board connector (1) of a first circuit board (2) and a second mating board connector (3) of a second circuit board (4), said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board. The connector comprises a housing (11) accommodating a first contact block (12A-12C) and a second contact block (13A-13C), each comprising one or more contacts (14,15) arranged for mating in a mating direction (M) with respectively said first and second mating board connector. The first contact block and second contact block are floatingly arranged in the housing.

Description

Electrical connector capable of absorbing manufacturing tolerances

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of electrical connectors that are arranged for con- tacting a first mating board connector of a first circuit board and a second mating board connector of a second circuit board, wherein the second circuit board is arranged substantially parallel to the first circuit board. Such an electrical connector may e.g. be a cable connector or an interconnector between two board connectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical connectors typically establish an electrical connection between the contacts of the electrical connector and corresponding mating contacts of a mating connector for purposes of e.g. signal transfer. In order to maintain the electrical connection between the electrical connector and the mating connector, a mechanical interconnection between the electrical connector and the mating connector or another component is often desired. A variety of fastening means are known in the prior art to provide such a mechanical interconnection with the mating connector or other component, including screw connections, latching connections etc.

Although such fastening means operate satisfactorily for a variety of applications, they may prove troublesome for applications employing components with large tolerance ranges due to e.g. manufacturing. Such applications involve, for example, electrical connection systems suffering from tolerance stack-ups, including parallel circuit boards comprising board connectors that should be electrically interconnected. For such applications, the position of the connector with respect to the mating board connectors on both parallel circuit boards in order to establish the electrical connection may not coincide with the required position to establish the mechanical interconnection. If the difference between these positions is too large, the connector is unsuitable for the application as it will not be able to provide both the electrical and the mechanical connection.

Consequently, there exists a need in the art for an electrical connector with an improved capability in absorbing tolerances .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided that is arranged for contacting a first mating board connector of a first circuit board and a second mating board connector of a second circuit board, said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board. The connector comprises a housing accommodating a first contact block and a second contact block, each comprising one or more contacts arranged for mating in a mating direction with respectively said first and second mating board connector. The first contact block and second contact block are floatingly arranged in the housing. In another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided that is arranged for contacting a first mating connector of a first circuit board and a second mating connector of a second circuit board, said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board and said first mating connector and second mating connector having a substantially parallel mating direction. The connector comprises a housing accommodating a first shroud accommodating at least one first contact block and a second shroud accommodating at least one second contact block. The first and second contact block each comprise one or more contacts arranged for mating in said mating direction with respectively said first mating board connector of said first circuit board and said second board connector of said second circuit board. The first and second shroud are floatingly arranged in the housing in at least one direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector is provided that is arranged for contacting a first mating connector of a first circuit board and a second mating connector of a second circuit board, said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board and said first mating connector and second mating connec- tor having a substantially parallel mating direction. The connector comprises a housing accommodating a first shroud accommodating at least one first contact block and a second shroud accommodating at least one second contact block. The first and second contact block each comprise one or more contacts arranged for mating in said mating direction with respectively said first mating board connector of said first circuit board and said second board connector of said second circuit board. The first and second shroud are floatingly arranged in the housing in at least one direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The elec- trical connector further has first and second fastening elements arranged for fastening said housing to either said first mating board connector or said second mating board connector.

The floating arrangement of the first and second contact blocks, eventually in combination with their respective shrouds, allows the contact blocks to adapt their position within the housing, in particular in at least one direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector and the first and second mating board connectors, for establishing electrical contact. Consequently, the capability of the connector of the invention to establish an electrical connection with both board connectors along with a mechanical interconnection between the connector and a counter component (such as the board connectors) is improved. A further improvement is achieved if fastening elements of the connector for the mechanical connec- tion are arranged such that these interact with either the first board connector (or another component fixated with respect to the first circuit board) or the second board connector (or another component fixated with respect to the second circuit board) . The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 2 provides the advantage of protection of the contact blocks that protrude from the housing of the connector. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 3 provides a suitable construction to allow floating of the first and second shroud.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 4 comprises a construction for releasably retaining the first and second shroud within the housing.

The embodiments of the invention as defined in claims 5 and 6 improve the capability of the connector to absorb tolerances . The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 7 provides a safe and clean connector.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 8 is a suitable application of the connector as a board-to-board j umper . It should be appreciated that the above-described aspects and embodiments may be combined.

The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to these embodiments .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings : FIG. 1 depicts an electrical interface comprising parallel circuit boards with associated mating board connectors to be connected by a connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show schematic illustrations of elec- trical connectors provided on the interface of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the invention, and

FIGS. 3A-3F show a practical example of an electrical connector corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an electrical interface comprising a first mating board connector 1 of a first circuit board 2 and a second mating board connector 3 of a second circuit board 4. The second circuit board 4 is arranged substantially parallel to the first circuit board 2. The first mating board connector 1 and second mating board connector 3 have a substantially parallel mating direction M (directed into the plane of the figure) . As shown in FIG. 1, each circuit board may comprise a plurality of mating board connectors. Hereinafter, the first and second mating board connectors will be referred to first and second board connectors, whereas the first and second circuit board will be referred to as first PCB and second PCB (printed circuit board) .

The contacts of the board connectors 1, 3 are exposed to openings in panel plates 5, 6. The panel plates 5, 6 each have openings I₁ 8 capable of receiving fastening elements, such as screws, of the connector according to an embodiment of the invention, as will be described below. The fastening elements and the corresponding openings provide for the mechanical interconnection as described in the introductory part of the present application. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a schematic illustration is shown of an electrical connector 10 connected to the assembly of FIG. 1. The electrical connector 10 of FIG. 2A is a cable connector providing external signals over cables C to both the first and second board connector 1, 3. In FIG. 2B, the electrical connec- tor 10 interconnects the first board connector 1 and second board connector 3 via cables or wires C to accomplish signal transfer between the first PCB 2 and second PCB 3. Such an electrical connector 10 may be referred to as a board-to-board jumper and will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3F.

The electrical connector 10 in FIGS. 2A and 2B comprises a housing 11 accommodating a first contact block 12 and a second contact block 13, each comprising one or more contacts 14, 15 arranged for mating in the mating direction M with re- spectively the first and second board connector 1, 3. The first contact block 12 and second contact block 13 are floatingly arranged in the housing 11. The floating arrangement of the first and second contact blocks 12, 13 allows the contact blocks 12, 13 to adapt their position within the housing 11, in particular in at least one direction Fl, F2 perpendicular to the mating direction M. Consequently, the capability of the connector 10 to establish an electrical connection with both board connectors 1, 3 along with a mechanical interconnection between the connector 10 and the board connectors 1, 3 and/or e.g. the panel plates 5, 6 is improved . FIGS. 3A-3F show a practical example of an electrical connector 10 as depicted in FIG. 2B.

Referring first in particular to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the connector 10 has first contact blocks 12A, 12B, 12C comprising the contacts 14 for mating with corresponding contacts of the first board connector 1 and second contact blocks 13A, ^' 13B, 13C comprising the contacts 15 for mating with the corresponding contacts of the second board connector 3. In the present embodiment, each contact block 12A-12C and each contact block 13A-13C comprises 24 contacts 14 respectively 15. The connector 10 has a first shroud 20 and a second shroud 21 comprising compartments for accommodating the contact blocks 12A-12C respectively 13A-13C. A shroud is a part or component or an accessory which provides physical protection to otherwise exposed contact blocks or contacts. The contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C are fixated within the shrouds 20, 21 by structures 22 on the contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C and corresponding openings 23 in the shrouds 20, 21. Furthermore, the shrouds 20, 21 each comprise an interference structure 24, here a rib provided around the outer surface of the shrouds 20, 21, for retaining the shrouds 20, 21 within the housing 11.

FIG. 3C shows a detailed image of the housing 11 of the connector 10. The housing 11 has an outer wall 30 that defines the perimeter of the housing 11 and an inner wall or separation element 31 that divides the interior of the housing 11 in a first housing portion 32 and a second housing portion 33 of substantially equal dimensions. The first housing portion 32 and second housing portion 34 are structured for receiving respec- tively the first shroud 20 and second shroud 21. In particular, each housing portion 32, 33 has a holding edge 34, 35 at the mating side of the housing 11 and latches 36, 37 arranged within said housing 11. By interference with the rib 24, 25, the first shroud 20 and second shroud 21 are fixated in the mating direction M between the holding edge 34, 35 and the latches 36, 37 in respectively the first housing portion 32 and second housing portion 33.

In an aspect of the invention, the housing 11 further has receiving structures 38 provided on the outer side of the wall 30. It is noted that both receiving structures are on one side of the separation element 31. The receiving structures are capable of holding fastening elements 40, shown in FIG. 3D.

The housing 11 furthermore comprises an attachment structure 39 for attaching a cover 41, shown in FIG. 3D, to the housing 11.

FIG. 3D illustrates a manufacturing process of the electrical connector 10.

First, the contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C are inserted in the shrouds 20, 21 and interconnected (12A-13A, 12B-13B, 12C- 13C) via cable C. The contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C are fixated in the shrouds 20, 21 by interaction of the elements 22, 23.

The housing 11 comprises fastening elements 40 retained by the receiving structures 38

The shrouds 20, 21 that accommodate the interconnected contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C are then inserted in the housing 11, more specifically in the respective housing portions 32, 33, until the interference structures 24, 25 of the shrouds 20, 21 are captured between the holding edges 34, 35 and latches 36,

37. In this position, the freedom of movement of the shrouds 20, 21 in the mating direction M is restricted.

Finally, the cover 41 is attached to the housing by cooperation of the attachment structure 39 and a corresponding locking structure 42 of the cover 41. Said attachment is facilitated by locking hooks 43 capable of interfering with corresponding receiving structures 44 in the housing wall 30. The cover 41 prevents immediate access to the internal of the connector 10 and, accordingly, provides safety and prevents dust and dirt from entering the connector.

Although movement of the shrouds 20, 21 in the mating direction of the housing 11 is restricted, the shrouds 20, 21 are capable of moving or floating in directions Fl, F2 perpendicular to the mating direction M. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3F (most clearly in FIG. 3E; the cables C and cover 41 are omitted for reasons of clarity) , this floating character of the shrouds 20, 21 is accomplished by the internal structure of the housing and the external surface of the shrouds 20, 21. In particular, a first gap Gl exists between the first shroud 20 and the surrounding walls 30, 31 of the first housing portion 32 and a second gap G2 exists between the second shroud 21 and the sur- rounding walls 30,31 of the second housing portion 33 to allow floating of the first and second shroud 20, 21 in the directions Fl, F2 perpendicular to the mating direction M. More precisely, the gaps Gl, G2 are provided between the outer surfaces of the interference structures 24, 25 and the walls of respectively the first housing portion 32 and second housing portion 33. The dimensions of the gaps Gl, G2 restrict floating of the shrouds 20, 21 in the directions Fl, F2. The gaps is typically 0,25 mm large .

FIG. 3F shows the complete electrical connector 10 in its assembled state. The shrouds 20, 21 with the contact blocks 12A-12C, 13A-13C, protrude through the housing 11 to enable the contacts 14, 15 to establish an electrical connection with the corresponding contact of the first and second board connectors 1, 3 in FIG. 1. As a result of the floating arrangement of the shrouds 20, 21, the position of the contact blocks 12A-12C and the contact blocks 13A-13C automatically adapt independently from each other in directions parallel to the panel plates 5, 6, while fastening the electrical connector 10 by means of cooperation of the fastening elements 40 and the openings 7, 8 of the panel plates 5, 6. The fasting elements 40 of the connector 10 are positioned such that these cooperate only with either the openings 7 of the first panel plate 5 or the openings 8 of the second panel plate (or the covers of the board connectors 1, 3 behind these openings) .

Optionally, in order to help the connection of the electrical connector 10 with the mating board connector 1,3, the shrouds 20, 21 are provided with first guiding means, which cooperate into a complementary fashion with complementary guiding means provided with the board connector 1,3. As an example, the shrouds 20,21 include ridges 45, located and spaced at a regular pitch on the exterior surfaces of top 46 and low 47 walls. Hence a channel 48 is defined between two adjacent ridges 45, said channel is adapted to receive a complementary rib 49 formed on the interior surfaces of the top and low walls of the board connector housing.

It should be appreciated that the above-described em- bodiments are described by way of example only. Modifications can be envisaged by the man skilled in the art, including providing less or more contact blocks or designing other floating structures, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (10) arranged for contacting a first mating board connector (1) of a first circuit board (2) and a second mating board connector (3) of a second circuit board (4), said second circuit board being arranged substan- tially parallel to said first circuit board, wherein said connector comprises: a housing (11) ;

- at least one first contact block (12 ; 12A-12C) flόatingly arranged in said housing and comprising one or more con- tacts (14) arranged for mating in a mating direction (M) with said first mating board connector of said first circuit board, and at least one second contact block (13; 13A- 13C) floatingly arranged in said housing and comprising one or more con- tacts (15) arranged for mating in said mating direction with said second mating connector of said second circuit board .

2. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first contact block (12A-12C) is fix- ated within a first shroud (20) and said at least one second contact block (13A-13C) is fixated within a second shroud (21) and wherein said first shroud and second shroud are floatingly arranged within said housing.

3. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2, wherein said housing (11) comprises a first housing portion (32) defined by walls (30,31) of said housing surrounding at least a portion (24) of said first shroud (20) and a second housing portion (33) defined by walls (30,31) of said housing surrounding at least a portion (25) of said second shroud (21) , wherein a first gap (Gl) exists between said first shroud and said surrounding walls of said first housing portion and a second gap (G2) exists between said second shroud and said surrounding walls of said second housing portion to allow floating of said first and second shroud in at least one direction (Fl, F2) per- pendicular said mating direction (M) .

4. The electrical connector (10) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein said housing (11) comprises at least one holding edge (34,35) at a mating side of said connector and one or more latches (36,37) arranged within said housing and wherein at least one of said first shroud and second shroud (20,21) is fixated in said mating direction (M) between said holding edge and said one or more latches .

5. The electrical connector (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said connector comprises first and second fastening elements (40) arranged for fastening said housing (11) on a component (1,3,5,6) associated with either said first circuit board (2) or said second circuit board (4) .

6. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 5, wherein said first and second fastening elements (40) are arranged for fastening said housing (11) to either said first mating board connector (1) or said second mating board connector

(3) .

7. The electrical connector (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said connector further comprises a cover (41) attached to said housing (11) opposite to said mating side.

8. The electrical connector (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first contact block (12;12A-12C) and second contact block (13 ; 13A-13C) are electrically interconnected within said housing (11) for coupling said first and second mating board connectors (1,3) .

9. An electrical connector (10) arranged for contacting a first mating connector (1) of a first circuit board (2) and a second mating connector (3) of a second circuit board (4) , said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board and said first mating connector and second mating connector having a substantially parallel mating direction (M), wherein said connector comprises: - a housing (11) ; a first shroud (20) accommodating at least one first contact block (12; 12A- 12C) having one or more contacts (14) arranged for mating in said mating direction with said first mating board connector of said first circuit board, wherein said first shroud is floatingly arranged in said housing in at least one direction (Fl, F2) perpendicular to said mating direction, and a second shroud (21) accommodating at least one second contact block (13; 13A- 13C) having one or more contacts (15) arranged for mating in said mating direction with said second mating board connector of said second circuit board, wherein said second shroud is floatingly arranged in said housing in at least one direction (Fl, F2) perpendicular to said mating direction.

10. An electrical connector (10) arranged for contacting a first mating connector (1) of a first circuit board (2) and a second mating connector (3) of a second circuit board (4) , said second circuit board being arranged substantially parallel to said first circuit board and said first mating connector and second mating connector having a substantially parallel mating direction (M), wherein said connector comprises: - a housing (11) ; a first shroud (20) accommodating at least one first contact block (12; 12A- 12C) having one or more contacts (14) arranged for mating in said mating direction with said first mating board connector of said first circuit board, wherein said first shroud is floatingly arranged in said housing in at least one direction (F1,F2) perpendicular to said mating direction; a second shroud (21) accommodating at least one second contact block (13;13A-13C) having one or more contacts (15) arranged for mating in said mating direction with said second mating board connector of said second circuit board, wherein said second shroud is floatingly arranged in said housing in at least one direction (Fl, F2) perpendicular to said mating direction, and - first and second fastening elements (40) arranged for fastening said housing to either said first mating board connector or said second mating board connector.