CN212725805U

CN212725805U - Housing for an electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Info

Publication number: CN212725805U
Application number: CN202021981365.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 易陆云; 王菁
Original assignee: Amphenol Commercial Products Chengdu Co Ltd
Current assignee: Amphenol Commercial Products Chengdu Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-11
Filing date: 2020-09-11
Publication date: 2021-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-11

Abstract

The utility model provides a cover shell for electric connector. The body of the sleeve is configured to at least partially surround the insulative housing of the electrical connector. The body may be die cast and include a securing mechanism for securing to the first circuit board. The sleeve also includes a locking assembly removably mounted to the body. The body also includes a second positioning mechanism configured to guide a second electronic system to be positioned on the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted to the electrical connector. The utility model also provides an electric connector subassembly. According to the present invention, a housing for an electrical connector can be arranged at least partially around the electrical connector to improve the connection reliability between the electrical connector and a first electronic system such as a motherboard and a second electronic system such as an SSD, thereby providing a reliable electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

Description

Housing for an electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an electric connector field, concretely relates to an electric connector subassembly that is used for cover shell of electric connector and includes this kind of cover shell.

Background

Electrical connectors may be used to provide electrical connections between electronic systems such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). An edge connector is a common electrical connector that can be mounted to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, such that the tail portions of the terminals of the edge connector electrically connect conductive portions on the first electronic system, for example, by soldering. The edge connector may also interface as a female connector directly with conductive portions on or near an edge of a PCB of a second electronic system, such as a Solid State Drive (SSD), such that the conductive portions of the second electronic system are in contact with contact portions of respective terminals of the edge connector. In this case, the PCB itself acts as a male connector that interfaces with the edge connector, without the need for a separate male connector. In this manner, the conductive portions of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portions of the first electronic system via the terminals of the edge connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

As electronic system application environments become more complex, it is difficult for existing electrical connectors to provide reliable electrical connections between electronic systems, such as between a motherboard and an SSD. For example, vibrations may be present in the environment of an electronic system application. In this case, the SSD inserted into the socket of the electrical connector may be accidentally detached from the socket by vibration. Furthermore, there may be stress concentrations at the connection between the electrical connector and the motherboard to which it is mounted under the influence of vibrations. Such stress concentrations may damage the electrical connection between the electrical connector and the motherboard, e.g., break the solder connections between the tail portions of the terminals and the conductive portions of the motherboard, or even damage the motherboard and the electrical connector.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to existing electrical connectors to ensure a reliable connection between the electrical connector and an electronic system.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention is directed to a housing for an electrical connector to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies of current electrical connectors.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable onto a first circuit board, characterized in that the housing comprises a body configured to at least partially surround the insulative housing, the body comprising a securing mechanism for securing to the first circuit board.

Preferably, the sleeve further comprises a locking assembly removably mounted to the body.

Preferably, the locking assembly is configured for locking a second electronic system mounted to the electrical connector in place.

Preferably, the locking assembly comprises:

a pivot mounted to the body;

a locking member pivotably mounted to the pivot shaft and pivotable about the pivot shaft in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction; and

a biasing member arranged to act on the locking member to urge the locking member to pivot in the first direction towards a locking position.

Preferably, the locking member includes an actuating portion which, when actuated, pivots the locking member in the second direction towards a release position against the action of the biasing member.

Preferably, the deflecting member is a torsion spring.

Preferably, the torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot, one end is attached to the locking member, and the other end is attached to the body or the pivot.

Preferably, the locking member includes a pivoting plate and a locking portion extending from the pivoting plate.

Preferably, the pivot plate is mountable to the body parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

Preferably, the pivot plate is mountable to the body perpendicular to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

Preferably, the locking assembly further comprises a stop member configured to retain the locking member in a locked position.

Preferably, the stop member includes a tab configured to be insertable between the locking member and the body to block the locking member from pivoting in the second direction.

Preferably, the body is formed with a groove, and the locking assembly is disposed in the groove.

Preferably, the body further comprises a second positioning mechanism configured to guide positioning of a second electronic system onto the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted onto the electrical connector.

Preferably, the insulative housing further comprises a first mating face and the body further comprises a second mating face configured to expose at least a socket of the first mating face of the insulative housing, the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in a direction along the second mating face when the second electronic system is mounted in place.

Preferably, the second locating means is a socket recessed into the body from the second abutment face.

Preferably, the socket comprises at least one L-shaped section.

Preferably, in a case where the body is formed with a groove, the groove extends into the insertion groove.

Preferably, where the locking assembly comprises the locking member, the locking member is pivotable into the socket.

Preferably, the body includes a cavity configured to accommodate the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the cavity.

Preferably, the body comprises at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the chamber.

Preferably, the insulating housing further comprises a first abutment surface, the contact portion being accessible via a socket on the first abutment surface, the support mechanism comprising a first support structure configured to support the first abutment surface of the insulating housing.

Preferably, the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber.

Preferably, the insulating housing further comprises a first guide mechanism and the body further comprises a second guide mechanism, the first and second guide mechanisms being configured to cooperate to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

Preferably, the first guide means is a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide means is a boss configured to be insertable into the recess.

Preferably, the insulating housing further comprises a first abutment surface, the contact portion being accessible via a socket on the first abutment surface, the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first abutment surface.

Preferably, the recess is formed adjacent the socket and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

Preferably, where the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid state drive, the solid state drive includes a housing, and the socket is configured to receive an edge of the housing of the solid state drive.

Preferably, the casing is made by die-casting, moulding or machining and/or the thickness of the body is less than or equal to 10 mm.

Preferably, the body comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, the inner shell and the outer shell being separated by the slot.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for an electrical connector, the electrical connector including an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion extending from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable to a first circuit board, the housing comprising:

a body configured to at least partially surround the insulating housing; and

a locking assembly removably mounted to the body.

Preferably, the locking assembly comprises:

a pivot mounted to the body;

Preferably, the deflecting member is a torsion spring.

Preferably, the torsion spring is fitted over the pivot shaft with one end attached to the locking member and the other end attached to the sleeve or the pivot shaft.

Preferably, the body further comprises a second positioning mechanism configured to guide a second electronic system to be positioned onto the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted onto the electrical connector.

Preferably, the socket comprises at least one L-shaped section.

Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover case for an electrical connector, the electrical connector including an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion protruding from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being capable of being mounted on a first circuit board, the cover case comprising:

a body configured to at least partially surround the insulative housing, the body including a second positioning mechanism configured to guide a second electronic system onto the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted to the electrical connector.

Preferably, the socket comprises at least one L-shaped section.

Preferably, the body further comprises a recess configured for disposal of a locking assembly, and the recess extends into the socket.

Preferably, the outer casing comprises an L-shaped first section and a straight second section, the first section being separated from the second section by the groove.

Preferably, the inner housing includes a cavity configured to accommodate the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the cavity.

Preferably, the inner housing further comprises at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the chamber.

Preferably, the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the inner housing to the chamber.

Preferably, the insulating housing further comprises a first guide mechanism and the inner housing further comprises a second guide mechanism, the first and second guide mechanisms being configured to cooperate to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

Preferably, where the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the inner housing to the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector assembly, comprising:

an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion projecting from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable to a first circuit board; and

the aforementioned sleeve, the body of the sleeve at least partially surrounds the electrical connector.

Preferably, in the case where the body further includes a second guide mechanism, the insulating housing further includes a first guide mechanism, and the first guide mechanism and the second guide mechanism are configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing is accurately positioned in the casing.

Preferably, the first guide means is a recess formed in the insulating housing.

Preferably, the recess is formed adjacent to the socket.

Preferably, the insulative housing further comprises a first positioning mechanism for ensuring that the electrical connector is accurately positioned on the first circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted on the first circuit board.

Preferably, the electrical connector is a right angle connector or a vertical connector.

According to the present invention, the housing can be arranged at least partially around the electrical connector to improve the connection reliability between the electrical connector and the first electronic system such as the motherboard and the second electronic system such as the SSD, thereby alleviating or even eliminating the influence of environmental factors such as vibration on the electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system, and providing a reliable electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.

Drawings

The above-described and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated in view of the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. In the drawings:

fig. 1A is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

fig. 1C is yet another perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of fig. 1A with the stop member of the locking assembly of the sleeve removed and the locking member in the locked position;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the electrical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is a rear view of the electrical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1D;

fig. 1G is an exploded view of the electrical connector assembly shown in fig. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a right angle connector of the electrical connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is another perspective view of the right angle connector shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is yet another perspective view of the right angle connector shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a front view of the right angle connector shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is a bottom view of the right angle connector shown in FIG. 2A;

fig. 3A is a perspective view of the shroud of the electrical connector assembly shown in fig. 1A;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is yet another perspective view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a front view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is a rear view of the case shown in FIG. 3A;

fig. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate the electrical connector assembly of fig. 1A mounted to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board;

figure 5A is a perspective view of a locking member of the locking assembly of the sleeve of the electrical connector assembly shown in figure 1A;

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the locking member shown in FIG. 5A;

fig. 6A is a perspective view of a stop member of the locking assembly of the electrical connector assembly shown in fig. 1A;

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the stop member shown in FIG. 6A;

fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a second electronic system, such as an SSD, that may be used to connect to the electrical connector assembly shown in fig. 1A, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein fig. 7A is a perspective view of the second electronic system and fig. 7B is an exploded view of the second electronic system; and

fig. 8A-8E schematically illustrate a process of connecting the second electronic system of fig. 5A to the electrical connector assembly of fig. 1A, wherein fig. 8A illustrates the process from a perspective view, fig. 8B-8D illustrates the process from a side view, fig. 8E illustrates the process from a cross-sectional view, and fig. 8B-8E omit portions of the first and second electronic systems.

List of reference numerals:

1 electric connector assembly

10 right-angle connector

100 insulating housing

101 top surface

103 bottom surface

105 front side surface

107 back side

109 left side face

111 right side

113 socket

115 positioning projection

117 recess

200 terminal

201 contact part

203 tail part

300 casing

301 main body

301a outer casing

301b inner casing

303 top surface

305 bottom surface

306 chamber

307 front side

308 first opening

309 rear side

310 second opening

311 left side surface

312 third opening

313 right side surface

314 threaded hole

315 first beam

317 convex stage

319a first section

319b second section

321 groove

400 locking assembly

401 pivot

403 first direction

405 locking member

405a body

405b top surface

405c bottom surface

405d barb

405e mounting part

405f actuating part

407 deflecting member

409 stop member

500 first circuit board

501 surface of

600 bolt

700 second electronic system

701 outer cover

703 second circuit board

705 conductive part

707 opening

709 edge

711 recess

S space

Detailed Description

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these examples are not meant to form any limitation on the present invention.

Fig. 1A to 1G show an electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1A-1G, the electrical connector assembly 1 may include a right angle connector 10 and a shroud 300 at least partially surrounding the right angle connector 10. The right-angle connector 10 may include an insulative housing 100 and a plurality of terminals 200 disposed in the insulative housing 100. The sleeve 300 may at least partially surround the insulative housing 100 of the right angle connector 10.

Referring to fig. 2A to 2E, the insulative housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10 and the plurality of terminals 200 disposed in the insulative housing 100 are shown in detail. The insulating housing 100 may have a generally block-shaped body and may include a top surface 101, a bottom surface 103 opposite the top surface 101, and four side surfaces extending between the top surface 101 and the bottom surface 103, namely: a front side 105, a back side 107, a left side 109, and a right side 111. Examples of materials suitable for making the insulating housing 100 include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP).

A plurality of terminals 200 may be accommodated in the insulative housing 100. Each of the plurality of terminals 200 may be formed of a conductive material. A suitable conductive material for making the terminal 200 may be a metal, such as copper or a metal alloy. The plurality of terminals 200 may be configured to transmit differential signals between a first electronic system, such as a circuit board, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD. In some examples, the plurality of terminals 200 may be arranged in a plurality of groups, each group including three terminals 200, namely: a ground terminal, a first signal terminal, and a second signal terminal. The first signal terminal and the second signal terminal may form a differential signal pair. Each of the plurality of terminals 200 includes a contact portion 201, a tail portion 203, and a body portion (not shown) extending between the contact portion 201 and the tail portion 203. The terminal 200 may be bent such that the tail portion 203 may extend at a substantially right angle with respect to the contact portion 201. The tail 203 may be configured to be mounted (e.g., by soldering) to a first electronic system. The contact portion 201 may be configured to establish electrical contact with a conductive portion of a second electronic system.

A plurality of sets of three terminals 200 may be provided in terminal rows, with the terminals in each terminal row being aligned in the terminal row. As shown in fig. 2A to 2E, when the terminal 200 is disposed in the insulative housing 100, the terminal 200 is disposed in two terminal rows opposed to and spaced apart from each other, and the terminals in each terminal row are aligned in the terminal rows. The two terminal rows can be spaced apart with the terminals 200 aligned or staggered with respect to each other. The conductive portion of the second electronic system may be inserted between the two terminal rows such that the conductive portion of the second electronic system is disposed in contact with the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. It is to be understood that the plurality of terminals 200 may take other suitable forms.

In some embodiments, the insulative housing 100 may be overmolded directly around the terminals 200 to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in place relative to one another. In some alternative embodiments, the right angle connector 10 may include at least one retaining mechanism (not shown) to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in place relative to one another. The retaining mechanism may be made partially or entirely of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for making the retaining mechanism include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP). In some examples, the at least one retention mechanism may be overmolded around the plurality of terminals 200. In some examples, the at least one retention mechanism may be formed separately from the insulating housing 100 and removably mounted into the insulating housing 100. It should be understood that the right angle connector 10 may have other numbers and/or other forms of retention mechanisms.

One of the sides of the insulative housing 100 may have at least one socket such that the contact portion 201 of each of the plurality of terminals 200 is accessible via the socket. This side surface may also be referred to as a "first mating surface". The second electronic system may be docked with the insulating housing 100 from the first docking face. For example, the conductive portion of the second electronic system, such as the SSD, may be inserted between the two terminal rows via the socket on the first mating face, so that the conductive portion of the second electronic system is disposed in contact with the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. In this way, the conductive portions of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to corresponding conductive portions of the first electronic system, such as a motherboard, via terminals 200, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first electronic system and the second electronic system may communicate by using a right angle connector 10, the right angle connector 10 using a standardized protocol such as the PCI protocol. As shown in fig. 2A, 2B and 2D, the front side 105 of the insulative housing 100 may have a receptacle 113 with the contact portions 201 of the respective terminals of the two terminal rows opposed and spaced apart from each other being located in the receptacle 113 such that the contact portions 201 of the plurality of terminals 200 are accessible via the receptacle 113. It is understood that the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100 may have other numbers of sockets, for example two or more sockets, so that the contact portions 201 of the plurality of terminals 200 may be individually accessible via said sockets. It should also be understood that the number of receptacles may be the same as or different from the number of retention mechanisms. For example, when the insulating housing 100 has two insertion openings, two holding mechanisms may be provided accordingly to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in position relative to each other and so that the contact portions 201 thereof are accessible via the two insertion openings, respectively.

With continued reference to fig. 2A-2E, when the terminal 200 is held in the insulative housing 100, the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 projects from the insulative housing 100 at a generally right angle relative to the contact portion 201. The contact portions 201 of the terminals 200 may be accessible via the sockets 113 on the front side 105 of the insulative housing 100, and the tail portions 203 of the terminals 200 may be disposed to protrude from the bottom surface 103 (also referred to as a "first mounting surface") of the insulative housing 100 for mounting to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. For example, the tail portions 203 of the terminals 200 in the two terminal rows may be bent in opposite directions so as to be connected to the respective conductive portions of the first electronic system. Such attachment may be by welding or other suitable means.

The right-angle connector 10 may further include a first positioning mechanism provided on the insulative housing 100 for ensuring that the right-angle connector 10 is accurately positioned on a first electronic system such as a motherboard when the right-angle connector 10 is mounted on the first electronic system and preventing the insulative housing 100 from moving along a surface of the first electronic system. For example, the first positioning mechanism may be in the form of positioning protrusions, two positioning protrusions 115 being shown in fig. 2A to 2E. Two positioning protrusions 115 may be respectively provided on the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100 near opposite ends of the insulating housing 100. It should be understood that the locating protrusions 115 may be disposed in other suitable locations. The positioning tabs 115 may be designed to provide a fool-proof design to prevent the right angle connector 10 from being installed on the first electronic system in a wrong orientation, either intentionally or unintentionally. When the right-angle connector 10 is mounted onto a first electronic system, the positioning protrusion 115 may mate with a mating positioning mechanism (e.g., a recess or aperture) on the first electronic system to ensure that the right-angle connector 10 is accurately positioned on the first electronic system and to prevent the insulative housing 100 from moving along the surface of the first electronic system. It will be appreciated that the first positioning mechanism may also have other suitable forms.

In order that the right-angle connector 10 may provide a reliable electrical connection between a first electronic system such as a motherboard and a second electronic system such as an SSD, the electrical connector assembly 1 may further include a cover case 300 to improve connection reliability between the right-angle connector 10 and the first and second electronic systems.

Referring further to fig. 3A to 3E, the cover case 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1 is shown in detail. The case 300 may have a generally block-shaped body 301 that may include a top surface 303, a bottom surface 305 opposite the top surface 303, and four side surfaces extending between the top surface 303 and the bottom surface 305, namely: a front side 307, a back side 309, a left side 311, and a right side 313.

The body 301 may also include a cavity 306 configured to receive the insulative housing 100 of the right angle connector 10. As shown in fig. 1A to 1G, when the insulative housing 100 is disposed in the cavity 306, the body 301 may at least partially surround the insulative housing 100 to expose at least the positioning protrusion 115 on the first mounting surface (the bottom surface 103 in the drawings), the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 protruding from the first mounting surface, and the receptacle 113 on the first mating surface (the front surface 105 in the drawings) of the insulative housing 100. Specifically, the front side 307 of the body 301 may include a first opening 308 configured to communicate with the cavity 306 to expose at least the receptacle 113 on the first mating face (i.e., the front side 105) of the insulating housing 100 when the insulating housing 100 is received in the cavity 306. The front side 307 of the case 300 may also be referred to as a "second abutment surface". The bottom surface 305 of the body 301 may include a third opening 312 configured to communicate with the cavity 306 to expose at least the positioning protrusion 115 on the first mounting surface of the insulative housing 100 and the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 protruding from the first mounting surface when the insulative housing 100 is received in the cavity 306. The bottom surface 305 of the casing 300 may also be referred to as a "second mounting surface". Further, the rear side 309 of the body 301 may include a second opening 310 configured to communicate with the cavity 306 to enable the insulating housing 100 to be inserted into the cavity 306 therethrough.

The case 300 may further include a securing mechanism for securing to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, the body 301 of the case 300 may be formed with mounting holes, two of which 314 are shown in fig. 3A to 3E, configured such that the case 300 may be fixed to the first electronic system by bolting. As shown, two mounting holes 314 may be respectively formed at corner portions between adjacent side surfaces of the jacket 300. It should be understood that the case 300 may include other numbers and/or other forms of securing mechanisms.

Referring further to fig. 4A and 4B, the electrical connector assembly 1 may be secured to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board 500, by a securing mechanism of the sleeve 300. The first circuit board may be, for example, a motherboard of a computer. In some examples, the insulative housing 100 of the right angle connector 10 may be disposed in the cavity 306 of the sleeve 300. The right angle connector 10 may then be accurately positioned on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 by mating the first positioning mechanism on the insulative housing 100 with a mating positioning mechanism (not shown) on the first circuit board 500. The first positioning mechanism on the insulative housing 100 may prevent the insulative housing 100 from moving along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. Tail portions 203 of the terminals 200 that extend from the bottom surface 103 of the insulative housing 100 are mounted (e.g., by soldering) to corresponding conductive portions on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. The bolt 600 may then be positioned with its threaded portion screwed into the mounting hole 314 of the sleeve 300 through a hole (not shown) of the first circuit board 500, thereby connecting the sleeve 300 to the first circuit board 500, whereby the electrical connector assembly 1 is fixed to the first circuit board 500.

When the electrical connector assembly 1 is fixed to the first circuit board 500 by the fixing mechanism of the sleeve 300, the body 301 of the sleeve 300 may at least partially surround the insulative housing 100 and provide mechanical support to the insulative housing 100 to prevent the insulative housing 100 from moving away from its mounting position. This may improve connection reliability between the right-angle connector 10 and a first electronic system such as the first circuit board 500, so that the right-angle connector 10 may be more securely mounted on the first electronic system. In this way, it is possible to avoid the risk of the electrical connection between the right angle connector 10 and the first electronic system, for example, the solder connection between the tail portions 203 of the terminals 200 of the right angle connector 10 and the conductive portions of the first circuit board 500 being broken due to the insulating housing 100 moving away from its mounting position.

Since the insulating housing 100 is prevented from moving along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 only by the engagement of the first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 with the mating positioning mechanism on the first circuit board 500, for example, when the second electronic system such as SSD is pulled out of the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, a tensile force acts on the engaging portion of the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, which may cause stress concentration between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500. Such stress concentration may cause the first positioning mechanism of the insulative housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500 to be damaged, thereby causing the electrical connection between the right angle connector 10 and the first electronic system to be broken.

To mitigate such stress concentrations, the body 301 of the case 300 may further include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the body 301 includes a first support mechanism configured to support the first mating face of the insulating housing 100. As shown in fig. 3A-3E, the first support mechanism may be in the form of a first beam 315 extending across a first opening 308 of the front side 307. The first beam 315 may be configured to support the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100. The first beam 315 may provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when the second electronic system, such as the SSD, is pulled out from the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, so as to reduce or even eliminate stress concentration formed between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thereby preventing the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500 from being damaged, and further improving reliability of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It will be appreciated that the first support mechanism may take other suitable forms.

It is to be understood that the body 301 of the casing 300 may also optionally include a second support mechanism (not shown) configured to support a surface of the insulating housing 100 opposite the first mating surface. For example, the second support mechanism may be configured to support the rear side 107 of the insulating housing 100. The second support mechanism may provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when a second electronic system such as an SSD is inserted into the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100 to reduce or even eliminate stress concentration formed between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thereby preventing the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500 from being damaged, and thus improving reliability of electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It will also be appreciated that the second support mechanism may be in the form of a beam or other suitable form.

The insulating case 100 may further include a first guide mechanism, and the sleeve 300 may further include a second guide mechanism. The first guide mechanism of the insulation housing 100 and the second guide mechanism of the case 300 may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulation housing 100 may be accurately positioned in the cavity 306 of the case 300. In some examples, as shown in fig. 2A to 2E and 3A to 3E, the first guide mechanism may be a recess 117 formed on the body of the insulating housing 100, and the second guide mechanism may be a boss 317 extending from the body 301 of the jacket 300 and configured to be inserted into the recess 117. When the insulation housing 100 is installed into the cavity 306 of the casing 300, the bosses 317 of the casing 300 may mate with the recesses 117 of the insulation housing 100 to guide the installation of the insulation housing 100 into the cavity 306 of the casing 300 so that the insulation housing 100 may be properly positioned in the cavity 306 of the casing 300. In some examples, the boss 317 may extend from the first beam 315 of the body 301 into the cavity 306, and the recess 117 may be recessed from the first mating face (i.e., the front side 105) into the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the recess 117 is recessed into the insulated housing 100 from the first mating surface (i.e., the front side 105), located near the receptacle 113, e.g., below the receptacle 113 in the figures. In this case, the boss 317 extends into the recess 117 so that the socket 113 may be substantially surrounded by the body 301 of the sleeve 300, thereby providing mechanical support to the socket 133. This may help prevent socket 133 from being damaged by plugging (e.g., skewing) the second electronic system in the wrong direction.

Case 300 may further include a second locating mechanism disposed at the second mating face (i.e., front side 307) that may be configured to mate with a mating locating mechanism of a second electronic system, such as an SSD, to ensure that the second electronic system is accurately connected to right angle connector 10, and to retain the second electronic system and prevent it from moving in the plane of the second mating face when the second electronic system is installed in place. In some examples, the second positioning mechanism may be a slot in the body 301 of the concave-shaped casing 300 from the front side 307. In some examples, as shown in fig. 3A, the body 301 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b, the outer shell 301a and the inner shell 301b being separated by a slot. In this case, the inner housing 301b may include a chamber 306 configured to receive the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the inner housing 301b may further include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the inner housing 301b includes a first support mechanism configured to support the first mating face of the insulating housing 100. In some examples, as shown in fig. 3A, the first support mechanism may be in the form of a first beam 315 extending across a first opening 308 of the front side 307 of the inner housing 301 b. The first beam 315 may be configured to support the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the slot may extend at least partially around the first opening 308 of the front side 307. The slot may include an L-shaped first section 319a and a straight second section 319b spaced apart from the first section 319 a. It is understood that the first and

second segments

319a, 319b may also be continuous, or the socket may comprise more segments. As shown, the outer shell 301a may also include an L-shaped first section and a straight second section spaced apart from the first section, respectively. It is also understood that the slot may include two or more L-shaped sections.

The mating locating mechanism of the second electronic system may be an edge of the housing of the second electronic system or other mechanism disposed on the housing. The socket may receive a mating locating mechanism of the second electronic system when mounted to the right angle connector 10 to guide the second electronic system to be accurately connected to the right angle connector 10 and to hold the second electronic system and prevent it from moving in the plane of the front side 307 of the case 300 when mounted in place. In this way, the connection reliability between the right angle connector 10 and the second electronic system can be improved, so that the second electronic system can be more securely mounted to the right angle connector 10, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk of the electrical connection between the right angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, for example, the electrical connection between the contact portions 201 of the terminals 200 of the right angle connector 10 and the conductive portions of the second electronic system, being broken due to the second electronic system moving away from its mounting position.

The sleeve 300 may further include a locking assembly 400 configured to lock and unlock a second electronic system connected to the right angle connector 10 via the receptacle 113. In other words, the locking assembly 400 is configured to be able to lock the second electronic system to the right angle connector 10. In some examples, the locking assembly 400 may be configured to be removably mounted to the sleeve 300. As shown in fig. 1A-1G, the locking assembly 400 may include a pivot 401 for mounting to the sleeve 300, and a locking member 407 pivotably mounted to the pivot 401 and pivotable about the pivot 401 in a first direction 403 (fig. 1F) and a second direction 404 (fig. 8C) opposite the first direction 403.

Referring further to fig. 5A and 5B, the locking member 405 of the locking assembly 400 is shown in detail. The locking member 405 may include a body 405a in the form of a pivoting plate. Body 405a may include a top surface 405b and a bottom surface 405c opposite top surface 405 b. The locking member 405 may also include a locking portion extending from the body 405 a. In some examples, the locking portion may be in the form of a barb 405d, which may extend from one end of the body 405a and protrude from the bottom surface 405 c. The bottom surface 405c may be formed with a mounting portion 405e configured to enable the locking member 405 to be pivotably mounted to the pivot 401.

Referring back to fig. 1A-1G, the locking assembly 400 may further comprise a deflecting member 407 which may be arranged to act on the locking member 405 to tend to pivot it in the first direction 403 towards the locking position. As shown in fig. 1C to 1F, the locking member 405 is pivoted in the first direction 403 by the deflecting member 407 until the locking portion abuts on the sleeve 300. The body 405a of the locking member 405 may also include an actuating portion 405f, such as the end of the body 405 shown opposite the barb 405d in the figures. The actuating portion 405f may be configured to, when actuated (e.g., depressed), pivot the locking member 405 in a second direction 404 opposite the first direction 403 toward a release position (fig. 8C) against the action of the deflecting member 407. In some examples, the deflecting member 407 is a torsion spring that is sleeved on the pivot 401, with one end attached to the locking member 405 and the other end attached to the pivot 401 or the sleeve 300.

With continued reference to fig. 3A-3E, the sleeve 300 may further include a groove 321 configured for disposing the locking assembly 400. In some examples, the groove 321 may be formed in the body 301 of the case 300 and extend into the slot. This allows the locking member 405 to pivot into the slot. For example, when the socket is mated with a mating locating mechanism of the second electronic system, the locking portion may pivot into the socket with the locking member 405 and latch into the mating locking mechanism of the second electronic system, thereby locking the second electronic system in place and preventing the second electronic system from disengaging from the receptacle 113 of the right angle connector 10. This may improve the connection reliability between the right angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, so that the second electronic system may be more securely mounted to the right angle connector 10, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk of the electrical connection between the right angle connector 10 and the second electronic system being broken due to the second electronic system moving away from its mounting position. In some examples, as shown in fig. 3A, where the body 301 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b separated by a slot, the groove 321 may separate the outer shell 301a into an L-shaped first section and a straight second section. In some examples, the groove 321 extends into the slot and separates the slot into a first section 319a and a second section 319 b. It should be understood that the mating locking mechanism of the second electronic system may be a recess or other suitable mechanism formed in the housing of the second electronic system. Although the groove 321 is shown recessed into the body 301 from the top surface 303 in fig. 3A-3E, it should be understood that the groove 321 may also be recessed into the body 301 from other sides, such as from the left side surface 311 and the right side surface 313. With the groove 321 recessed from the top surface 303 into the body 301, the body 405a of the locking member 405 in the form of a pivoting plate can be mounted to the body 301 of the sleeve 300 parallel to the first circuit board 500 when the body 301 of the sleeve 300 is mounted to the first circuit board 500. With the grooves 321 recessed into the body 301 from the left side 311 and the right side 313, the body 405a of the locking member 405 in the form of a pivoting plate can be mounted to the body 301 of the sleeve 300 perpendicular to the first circuit board 500 when the body 301 of the sleeve 300 is mounted onto the first circuit board 500. Further, while only one locking assembly 400 is shown, it should be understood that the right angle connector 10 may include more than one locking assembly. It should also be understood that the locking assembly 400 can be arranged in any other suitable manner.

As shown in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1G, the locking assembly 400 may further include a stop member 409 configured to retain the locking member 405 in the locked position. Referring further to fig. 6A and 6B, the stop member 409 of the locking assembly 400 is shown in detail. The stop member 409 may include a first mounting portion 409a and a second mounting portion 409b extending from a body thereof, wherein the first mounting portion 409a is configured to be attachable to the locking member 405 and the second mounting portion 409b is configured to be attachable to the sleeve 300. The stop member 409 may further comprise a tab 409C extending from its body configured for insertion between the locking member 405 and the sleeve 300 when the locking member 405 is in the locking position to block the locking member from pivoting in a second direction 404 (fig. 8C) opposite the first direction 403 towards the release position, thereby retaining the locking member 405 in the locking position. This may prevent the locking member 405 from being unintentionally disengaged from the locking position, so that the locking assembly 400 may more reliably lock the second electronic system to the right angle connector 10, thereby allowing the second electronic system to be more securely mounted to the right angle connector 10. In addition, the stop member 409 may also be configured such that it cannot be inserted between the locking member 405 and the sleeve 300 when the locking member 405 is not in the locking position. This may prevent the stop member 409 from being erroneously inserted between the locking member 405 and the sleeve 300.

Fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a second electronic system 700 that may be used to connect to the electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The second electronic system 700 may be a storage device such as a Solid State Disk (SSD). The second electronic system 700 may include a housing 701 and a second circuit board 703 disposed in the housing 701. The second circuit board 703 may have electronic components such as a memory chip mounted thereon. One end of the second circuit board 703 may be formed with a conductive portion 705 for contacting the contact portion 201 of the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10, thereby electrically connecting the second circuit board 703 to the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10. The housing 701 may be formed with an opening 707 to expose the conductive portion 705 of the second circuit board 703. The portion of the housing 701 surrounding the conductive portion 705 may comprise mating locating means configured to mate with the second locating means of the sleeve 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. In some examples, the rim 709 of the housing 701 around the conductive portion 705 may serve as a mating locating mechanism of the housing 701 and be configured to be inserted into the slot of the sleeve 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. The housing 701 may also have formed thereon a mating locking mechanism for mating with the locking member 405. In some examples, the mating locking mechanism of the housing 701 may be a recess 711 formed on the housing 701, and the barb 405d of the locking member 405 may snap into the recess 711. Further, while the housing 701 is shown in fig. 7A and 7B as including two halves 701a and 701B configured to be coupled together, it is understood that the housing 701 may be in a one-piece form or other suitable form.

Fig. 8A-8E schematically illustrate a process 1 of connecting the second electronic system 700 of fig. 7A to the electrical connector assembly of fig. 1A. As shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the electrical connector assembly 1 has been secured to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board 500, in the manner described with respect to fig. 4A and 4B. The stop member 409 of the locking assembly 400 is removed so that the locking member 405 can be pivoted in the second direction 404 to a release position. The second electronic system 700 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow a toward the front side 307 (i.e., the first mating face) of the right angle connector 10. As shown in fig. 8C, the actuating portion 405f is actuated (e.g., depressed) to pivot the locking member 405 in a second direction 404 opposite the first direction 403 against the action of the deflecting member 407 to a release position. A mating locating mechanism, such as a rim 709, of the second electronic system is aligned with the second locating mechanism of the case 300. The second locating mechanism of the sleeve 300 cooperates with the cooperating locating mechanism of the second electronic system to ensure that the second electronic system is accurately connected to the right angle connector 10. As shown in fig. 8D and 8E, a second electronic system 700 is mounted in place. At this time, the second positioning mechanism of the cover case 300 is engaged with the engagement positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to prevent the second electronic system from moving in a direction along the second abutting surface. The conductive portions 705 of the second electronic system 700 are inserted between the two terminal rows via the insertion openings 113 on the front side 105 (i.e., the first mating face) of the insulating housing 100, and the contact portions 201 of the respective terminals 200 are pressed against the conductive portions 705. The actuating portion 405f may then be released such that the locking member 405 pivots in the first direction 403 to a locked position under the action of the deflecting member 407, thereby latching the locking portion to a mating locking mechanism on the housing 701, such as the barb 405d snapping into the recess 711 of the housing 701. As such, the locking member 405 locks the second electronic system 700 in place. Subsequently, the stop member 409 may be mounted to the locking assembly 400 such that the tab 409c is inserted into the space S between the locking member 405 and the sleeve 300 to block the locking member 405 from pivoting in the second direction 404 towards the release position, thereby retaining the locking member 405 in the locking position.

The thickness of the body 301 of the casing 300 may be between 1mm and 10mm, wherein the thickness of the body 301 refers to the vertical distance of the top surface 303, the left side surface 311 and/or the right side surface 313 of the body 301 to the chamber 306. In some examples, the vertical distance from the top surface 303 of the body 301 to the chamber 306 may be between 1mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the vertical distance of the left side 311 and/or the right side 313 of the body 301 to the chamber 306 may be between 1mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the body 301 may have a uniform or non-uniform thickness around the cavity 306. The smaller thickness of the body 301 of the cover case 300 can reduce the occupied space of the cover case 300 on the first circuit board 500, and thus the occupied space of the electrical connector assembly 1 on the first circuit board 500. It should be understood that the body 301 of the case 300 may have other suitable thicknesses.

The body 301 of the casing 300 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material, preferably a metallic alloy, more preferably a zinc alloy. The body 301 may be manufactured using any suitable process, for example the body 301 may be manufactured by moulding or machining. The body 301 is preferably manufactured using a die casting (die casting) process. Manufacturing the body 301 using an injection molding process may make the body 301 more suitable for providing mechanical support and positioning, and may make the outer and inner housings 301a, 301b easier to form in the case where the casing 300 includes the outer and inner housings 301a, 301b separated by the slots. It will be appreciated that the casing may also be two-piece, i.e. the outer shell 301a and the inner shell 301b may be manufactured separately and subsequently joined together.

Although the invention is described in detail above in connection with a right angle connector 10, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to vertical connectors. Unlike the right-angle connector 10, in the vertical connector, a receptacle is formed in a top surface of the insulative housing opposite to a bottom surface (in other words, a mating surface is disposed opposite to a mounting surface) and a terminal of the vertical connector is configured such that a contact portion thereof is accessible via the receptacle. The vertical connector may also be used to connect a second electronic system, such as an SSD, to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, the vertical connector may be configured to be mounted to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, such that tail portions of terminals of the vertical connector are electrically connected to conductive portions (e.g., conductive traces) of the first electronic system. A second electronic system such as an SSD may be inserted into the socket such that conductive portions of the second electronic system are disposed in contact with contact portions of the respective terminals. In this way, the conductive portions of the second electronic system may be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portions of the first electronic system via the terminals of the vertical connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first electronic system and the second electronic system may communicate by sending signals using a vertical connector that uses a standardized protocol, such as the PCI protocol.

It will be further understood that the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used merely to distinguish one element or component from another, but these elements and/or components should not be limited by such terms.

The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments. It is clear that the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are to be understood as illustrative and not as restrictive. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shroud for an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion projecting from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable to a first circuit board, wherein the shroud comprises a body configured to at least partially surround the insulative housing, the body including a securing mechanism for securing to the first circuit board.

2. A sleeve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking assembly removably mounted to the body.

3. A sleeve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the locking assembly is configured for locking a second electronic system mounted to the electrical connector in position.

4. A sleeve according to claim 3, wherein the locking assembly comprises:

a pivot mounted to the body;

5. A sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the locking member includes an actuating portion which, when actuated, pivots the locking member in the second direction towards a release position against the action of the biasing member.

6. A casing according to claim 4, wherein the deflecting member is a torsion spring.

7. A sleeve according to claim 6, wherein the torsion spring is mounted on the pivot shaft with one end attached to the locking member and the other end attached to the body or the pivot shaft.

8. A sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the locking member comprises a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

9. The case of claim 8, wherein the pivot plate is mountable to the body parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

10. The case of claim 8, wherein the pivot plate is mountable to the body perpendicular to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

11. A sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a stop member configured to retain the locking member in a locked position.

12. A sleeve as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stop member comprises a tab configured to be inserted between the locking member and the body to block the locking member from pivoting in the second direction.

13. A sleeve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body is formed with a groove and the locking assembly is disposed in the groove.

14. A case according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body further comprises a second positioning mechanism configured to guide positioning of a second electronic system onto the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted onto the electrical connector.

15. A jacket according to claim 14, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first mating surface and the body further comprises a second mating surface configured to expose at least a receptacle of the first mating surface of the insulating housing, the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in a direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is mounted in place.

16. A sleeve according to claim 15, wherein the second locating means is a socket recessed into the body from the second abutment surface.

17. A sleeve according to claim 16, wherein the slot comprises at least one L-shaped section.

18. A case according to claim 16 wherein, with the body formed with a groove, the groove extends into the slot.

19. A sleeve according to claim 18, wherein the locking member is pivotable into the slot with the locking assembly including the locking member.

20. The case of claim 1, wherein the body includes a cavity configured to receive the insulative housing, and the insulative housing is disposed in the cavity.

21. A case according to claim 20, wherein the body includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the chamber.

22. A jacket according to claim 21, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first abutment surface, the contact portion being accessible via a socket on the first abutment surface, the support mechanism comprising a first support structure configured to support the first abutment surface of the insulating housing.

23. A case according to claim 22 wherein the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber.

24. A casing according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first guide means and the body further comprises a second guide means, the first and second guide means being configured to cooperate to accurately locate the insulating housing in the chamber.

25. A casing according to claim 24, wherein the first guide means is a recess formed in the insulating housing and the second guide means is a boss configured to be insertable into the recess.

26. A casing according to claim 25, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first abutment surface, the contact portion being accessible via a socket on the first abutment surface, the recess being recessed from the first abutment surface into the insulating housing.

27. A case according to claim 26 wherein the recess is formed adjacent the socket and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted in the recess.

28. A casing according to claim 25 wherein, where the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

29. A case according to claim 3, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

30. The case of claim 16, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state disk comprising an enclosure, and the socket is configured to receive a rim of the enclosure of the solid state disk.

31. A case according to claim 1, wherein:

the casing is made by die casting, molding or machining; and/or

The thickness of the body is less than or equal to 10 mm.

32. A case according to claim 16 wherein the body comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, the inner and outer shells being separated by the slot.

33. A cover case for an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion extending from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable to a first circuit board, the cover case comprising:

a body configured to at least partially surround the insulating housing; and

a locking assembly removably mounted to the body.

34. A sleeve as claimed in claim 33, wherein the locking assembly is configured for locking a second electronic system mounted to the electrical connector in position.

35. A sleeve according to claim 34, wherein the locking assembly comprises:

a pivot mounted to the body;

36. A sleeve as claimed in claim 35, wherein the locking member includes an actuating portion which, when actuated, pivots the locking member in the second direction towards a release position against the action of the biasing member.

37. A case according to claim 35, wherein the deflecting member is a torsion spring.

38. A sleeve according to claim 37, wherein the torsion spring is mounted on the pivot, one end being attached to the locking member and the other end being attached to the sleeve or the pivot.

39. A sleeve according to claim 35, wherein the locking member comprises a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

40. The case of claim 39, wherein the pivot plate is mountable to the body parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

41. The case of claim 39, wherein the pivot plate is mountable to the body perpendicular to the first circuit board when the body is mounted to the first circuit board.

42. A sleeve as claimed in claim 35, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a stop member configured to retain the locking member in a locked position.

43. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the stop member comprises a tab configured to be inserted between the locking member and the body to block the locking member from pivoting in the second direction.

44. A sleeve as claimed in claim 33, wherein the body is formed with a groove and the locking assembly is disposed in the groove.

45. A case according to any one of claims 33 to 44 wherein the body further comprises a second locating mechanism configured to guide the second electronic system onto the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted onto the electrical connector.

46. The case of claim 45, wherein the insulative housing further includes a first mating surface and the body further includes a second mating surface configured to expose at least a receptacle of the first mating surface of the insulative housing, the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in a direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

47. A sleeve according to claim 46, wherein the second locating means is a socket recessed into the body from the second abutment surface.

48. A sleeve according to claim 47, wherein the slot comprises at least one L-shaped section.

49. A sleeve according to claim 47, wherein, with the body formed with a groove, the groove extends into the socket.

50. A sleeve according to claim 49, wherein the locking member is pivotable into the slot with the locking assembly including the locking member.

51. The case of claim 33, wherein the body includes a cavity configured to receive the insulative housing, and the insulative housing is disposed in the cavity.

52. The case of claim 51, wherein the body comprises at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulative housing in the chamber.

53. The case of claim 52, wherein the insulative housing further comprises a first mating surface, the contact portion accessible via a socket on the first mating surface, the support mechanism comprising a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulative housing.

54. The case of claim 53, wherein the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber.

55. A casing according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first guide means and the body further comprises a second guide means, the first and second guide means being configured to co-operate to accurately locate the insulating housing in the chamber.

56. A casing according to claim 55, wherein the first guide means is a recess formed in the insulating housing and the second guide means is a boss configured to be insertable into the recess.

57. The case of claim 56, wherein the insulative housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion accessible via a socket on the first mating surface, the recess recessed from the first mating surface into the insulative housing.

58. A case according to claim 57 wherein the recess is formed adjacent the socket and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted in the recess.

59. The case of claim 56, wherein where the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the body to the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

60. The case of claim 34, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

61. The case of claim 47, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state disk comprising an enclosure, and wherein the socket is configured to receive a rim of the enclosure of the solid state disk.

62. A cover case for an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulative housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion extending from a first mounting face of the insulative housing and being mountable to a first circuit board, the cover case comprising:

63. The case of claim 62, wherein the insulative housing further includes a first mating surface and the body further includes a second mating surface configured to expose at least a receptacle of the first mating surface of the insulative housing, the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in a direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

64. A sleeve according to claim 63, wherein the second locating means is a socket recessed into the body from the second abutment surface.

65. A sleeve according to claim 64, wherein the slot comprises at least one L-shaped section.

66. A sleeve according to claim 64 or 65, wherein the body further comprises a recess configured for disposal of a locking assembly, and wherein the recess extends into the slot.

67. A case according to claim 66 wherein the body comprises an inner shell and an outer shell, the inner and outer shells being separated by the slot.

68. The case of claim 67, wherein the outer housing comprises an L-shaped first section and a straight second section, the first section separated from the second section by the groove.

69. The case of claim 67, wherein the inner housing includes a cavity configured to receive the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the cavity.

70. The case of claim 67, wherein the inner housing further comprises at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the chamber.

71. The case of claim 68, wherein the insulative housing further comprises a first mating surface, the contact portion accessible via a socket on the first mating surface, the support mechanism comprising a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulative housing.

72. The case of claim 71, wherein the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the inner housing to the chamber.

73. The case of any one of claims 69-72, wherein the insulating housing further comprises a first guide mechanism and the inner housing further comprises a second guide mechanism, the first and second guide mechanisms configured to cooperate to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

74. A casing according to claim 73, wherein the first guide means is a recess formed in the insulating housing and the second guide means is a boss configured to be insertable into the recess.

75. The case of claim 74, wherein the insulative housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion accessible via a socket on the first mating surface, the recess recessed from the first mating surface into the insulative housing.

76. A casing according to claim 75, wherein the recess is formed adjacent the socket and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted in the recess.

77. The case of claim 76, wherein where the first support structure is a beam extending across an opening of the inner housing to the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

78. The case of claim 62, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state drive.

79. The case of claim 64, wherein the second electronic system is a solid state disk comprising an outer shell and the socket is configured to receive a rim of the outer shell of the solid state disk.

80. An electrical connector assembly comprising:

a case according to any one of claims 1 to 79 the body of the case at least partially surrounding the electrical connector.

81. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 80, wherein in a case where the body further comprises a second guide mechanism, the insulative housing further comprises a first guide mechanism, the first and second guide mechanisms being configured to cooperate to accurately position the insulative housing within the sleeve.

82. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 81, wherein the first guide mechanism is a recess formed in the insulative housing.

83. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 82, wherein the insulative housing further comprises a first mating face, the contact portion is accessible via a socket on the first mating face, and the recess is recessed from the first mating face into the insulative housing.

84. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 83, wherein the recess is formed adjacent to the socket.

85. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 80, wherein the insulative housing further comprises a first positioning mechanism for ensuring that the electrical connector is accurately positioned on the first circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted onto the first circuit board.

86. The electrical connector assembly as recited in claim 80, wherein the electrical connector is a right angle connector or a vertical connector.