Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present application provides a connector and a connector assembly that further reduce the number of components and improve the performance of the frame. The connector of the present application is capable of being fitted with a counterpart connector in a first direction, and has a frame having a side wall that surrounds the counterpart connector in a fitted state of the connector, first and second terminals disposed at different positions in a second direction on the inner side of the frame, and a blocking portion disposed between the first and second terminals in the second direction. The side wall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, the frame and the blocking portion are integrated by being formed of the same member, the blocking portion has a linking portion that links one end portion and the other end portion of the frame in a third direction, and the linking portion is fixed to a substrate in a state of being continuously in contact with the substrate in a range from the one end portion to the other end portion of the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector capable of engaging with a counterpart connector, and a connector assembly formed by engaging the connector with the counterpart connector. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of a connector capable of mating with a connector on the other side, the connector described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as connector 1) is listed below. Connector 1 is Figure 21 The socket connector shown has a rectangular frame 3 with an opening 2 at one end. A counter-connector (not shown) enters the inside of the frame 3 through the opening 2, thereby engaging connector 1 with the counter-connector.

[0003] The inner side of frame 3 is configured with Figure 21 The signal transmission terminal 4 shown is shielded from external electromagnetic interference by the frame 3. In some cases, the frame 3 is formed by processing a metal sheet, such as by deep drawing the metal sheet. Figure 22 The frame 3 shown in the same figure is seamlessly continuous in the circumferential direction, thus exhibiting excellent strength and insulation.

[0004] like Figure 22 As shown, on the inner side of the frame 3, sometimes a blocking part 5 is arranged between terminals 4 located at different positions. The blocking part 5 is an electromagnetic shield that suppresses interference between terminals 4, specifically suppressing crosstalk.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 211126218

[0008] Connectors are preferably easier to assemble; the fewer the number of components a connector has, the simpler and cheaper it is to assemble. Therefore, there is a desire to develop connectors with fewer components.

[0009] In addition, such as Figure 21 and 22 As shown, by making frame 3 a seamless structure, the strength of frame 3 can be improved, but further improvement in strength is required. In particular, there are sometimes forces that cause the connector to move in a direction intersecting the connector's mating direction. From the point of view of improving the quality of the connector, it is important to improve the strength against such forces. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to solve the following problems. The objective of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art and provide a connector and connector assembly that further reduces the number of components and improves frame performance.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the connector of the present invention can be fitted with a counterpart connector in a first direction and fixed to a substrate. The connector is characterized by comprising: a frame having a sidewall that surrounds the counterpart connector when the connector is fitted with the counterpart connector; a first terminal and a second terminal located inside the frame and disposed at different positions in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a blocking portion disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal in the second direction. The sidewall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame. The frame and the blocking portion are integrally formed by the same component. The blocking portion has a connecting portion that connects one end and the other end of the frame in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, respectively. The connecting portion is fixed to the substrate while continuously contacting the substrate from one end to the other end of the frame.

[0012] According to the present invention, since the sidewalls of the frame are seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, the strength and insulation of the frame are ensured.

[0013] Furthermore, since the sidewalls and the blocking section of the frame are integrated from the same component, the number of parts is reduced. As a result, the connector assembly process becomes simpler, reducing the connector manufacturing cost.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting portion of the frame is fixed to the substrate while continuously contacting it in the third-party direction from one end of the frame to the other. Therefore, even if a force is applied in the third-party direction to move the connector, the frame can effectively resist that force. As a result, the strength of the connector can be further improved.

[0015] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the connecting portion may extend upward in a third direction and be continuously fixed to the substrate by solder within a range from one end of the extending direction of the connecting portion to the other end of the extending direction.

[0016] Based on the above structure, even when a third party applies an upward force that would cause the connector to move, the frame can effectively resist that force.

[0017] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the connecting portion may extend in a straight line along a third direction.

[0018] Based on the above structure, the connecting part can be easily installed without interfering with its surrounding components.

[0019] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, one end of the frame in the first direction may have an opening, and the end opposite to the opening in the first direction may have a bottom wall. The connector on the opposite side enters the inner side of the frame through the opening and fits into the connector. The connecting part constitutes part of the bottom wall, connecting one end and the other end of the bottom wall in the third direction.

[0020] Based on the above structure, the opening of the frame can be ensured to a greater extent, and the connecting part can be appropriately set at the end of the frame opposite to the opening.

[0021] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the sidewalls, bottom wall, and blocking portion may be constructed from the same component and seamlessly connected.

[0022] Based on the above structure, it is easier to form a partition using a portion of the components that make up the side walls and bottom walls of the frame.

[0023] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the blocking portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes from the connecting portion toward the opening side in a first direction. When the connector is engaged with the other side connector, the protruding portion contacts the other side blocking portion of the other side connector in a second direction, and the blocking portion and the other side blocking portion constitute an electromagnetic shield.

[0024] According to the above structure, by forming an electromagnetic shield with the blocking part and the blocking part on the opposite side in the connector mating state, signal crosstalk between the first terminal and the second terminal can be suppressed.

[0025] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the sidewall, bottom wall and blocking portion may be made of the same metal plate, the connecting portion and the protruding portion are continuous, and the protruding portion is formed by bending the metal plate at the junction of the connecting portion and the protruding portion in the metal plate.

[0026] Based on the above structure, it is easier to form a blocking section using a portion of the components that make up the side walls and bottom walls of the frame.

[0027] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the frame may be conductive, the first terminal and the second terminal are terminals for high-frequency signal transmission, and in the second direction, a plurality of blocking portions are arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0028] According to the above structure, signal crosstalk between the first terminal and the second terminal can be effectively suppressed through multiple blocking parts.

[0029] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the blocking part may be connected to the ground potential.

[0030] Based on the above structure, the blocking part can appropriately suppress crosstalk between terminals.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the connector assembly of the present invention is constructed by fitting a connector fixed to a substrate and a counterpart connector in a first direction. The connector assembly is characterized by comprising: a frame having a sidewall that surrounds the counterpart connector when the connector and the counterpart connector are fitted together; a first terminal and a second terminal located inside the frame and disposed at different positions in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a blocking portion disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal in the second direction. The sidewall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame. The frame and the blocking portion are integrally constructed from the same component. The blocking portion has a connecting portion that connects one end and the other end of the frame in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, respectively. The connecting portion is in continuous contact with the substrate from one end to the other end of the frame.

[0032] According to the connector assembly of the present invention described above, the number of components constituting the connector can be further reduced, and the strength and breakability of the connector's frame can be ensured. Furthermore, the strength of the connector relative to forces that would cause the connector to move in a third direction can be improved.

[0033] The effects of the invention:

[0034] According to the present invention, a connector and connector assembly are realized that further reduce the number of components and improve the performance of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the opposite-side connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a top view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a side view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram of section II.

[0041] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the JJ.

[0042] Figure 8This is a top view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a front view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0047] Figure 13 This is an exploded device diagram of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the housing being pressed between two fixing protrusions.

[0049] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram about deep drawing.

[0050] Figure 16 This is a diagram of the connector assembly steps, a cross-sectional view showing stages in the assembly process.

[0051] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the assembly steps of the connector, and a cross-sectional view showing the stage where the assembly is complete.

[0052] Figure 18 This is an exploded apparatus diagram of the counterpart connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the electromagnetic shielding component.

[0054] Figure 20 It is a top view showing each of the connectors in a connector mating state and the opposite connector, excluding the housing and contacts.

[0055] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an existing example connector.

[0056] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the frame and blocking portion of a conventional connector.

[0057] Figure Labels

[0058] 1 Connector 2 Opening 3 Frame 4 Terminal 5 Blocking part 10 Connector 12 Contact (first terminal, second terminal) 14 Contact 20 Housing 21 Housing center 22 Housing end 23 Central protrusion 24 Side protrusion 25 Insertion groove 26 Insertion recess 27 Engaging recess 28 Inner wall protrusion 29 Inclined surface 30 Frame 31 Bottom wall 32 Side wall 33 Long side 34 Short side 35 Flange 36 Raised part 37 Edge 38 Corner 39 Connecting part 40 Protrusion 41 Blocking part 42 Fixing protrusion 50 Counterside connector 52 54 Counter-side contact 60 Counter-side housing 61 Housing center 62 Housing end 63, 64 Contact holding part 65, 66 Side wall 67 Side wall recess 68 Engaging recess 70 Counter-side frame 71 First wall part 72 Second wall part 73, 75 Protruding wall 74, 76 Bending wall 77 Engaging piece part 78 Restricting part 79 Protrusion 80 Counter-side blocking part 81 Extension part 82 Central protrusion part 83 Counter-side protrusion part 84 Protruding end 100 Connector assembly 120 Electromagnetic shielding C Substrate F Frame substrate M Opening N Metal plate P Pressing device Detailed Implementation

[0059] The connector and connector assembly of the present invention will now be described with reference to the configuration examples shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples provided for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. That is, the present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from its spirit.

[0060] Furthermore, the materials, shapes, and dimensions of the components constituting the connector assembly of the present invention can be set according to the intended use of the invention and the level of technology at the time of implementation. Furthermore, the present invention includes its equivalents.

[0061] Furthermore, the three mutually orthogonal directions will be designated as the X, Y, and Z directions below. The Z direction is the vertical direction of both the connector and the connector assembly, equivalent to the mating direction of the connector with the other connector, i.e., the first direction. Additionally, the +Z side will be referred to as the upper side of the connector and connector assembly below. Here, the +Z side is the side where the other connector is located when viewed from the connector in the Z direction.

[0062] The Y direction is the front-to-back direction of the connector and connector assembly, which intersects or, more specifically, is orthogonal to the X and Z directions, and is equivalent to the second direction.

[0063] The X direction is the transverse width direction of both the connector and the connector assembly, which intersects with the Z direction, or more specifically, is orthogonal to it, equivalent to the third direction.

[0064] Furthermore, in this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" include the range of errors generally permissible in the technical field of this invention, and also include states that deviate from strict orthogonality and parallelism by less than a few degrees (e.g., 2 to 3 degrees).

[0065] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the following will refer to the engagement of the connector with the other side connector as "connector engagement", and the state of the connector engaging with the other side connector as "connector engagement state".

[0066] <<Examples of Connector Assembly Structure>>

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 7 This section describes the outline of the structure of a connector assembly (hereinafter referred to as connector assembly 100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Section II, which is the XZ plane of the opposite-side blocking portion 80 described later. Figure 7 Show Figure 5 The JJ section is the XY plane of the fixing protrusion 42, which will be described later.

[0068] Connector assembly 100 has Figure 1 The connector 10 shown and Figure 2 The counterpart connector 50 shown is a constituent element. In the connector assembly 100, the connector 10 is a socket connector, and the counterpart connector 50 is a plug connector. Furthermore, the counterpart connector 50 enters the inner side of the frame 30 of the connector 10, and the connectors fit together to form the connector assembly 100. Hereinafter, the structures of the connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 will be briefly described.

[0069] (Connector)

[0070] Connector 10 can engage with connector 50 on the opposite side in the Z direction, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lower end (the end on the -Z side) is fixed to the surface of the substrate C by solder. When viewed from above, connector 10 has a roughly rectangular appearance and extends longer in the Y direction than in the X direction. Connector 10 has a symmetrical structure with the central positions in both the X and Y directions as boundaries.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 has: contacts 12 and 14 for signal transmission; a housing 20 for holding contacts 12 and 14; a frame 30 surrounding the housing 20; and a blocking portion 41 constituting an electromagnetic shield 120.

[0072] A contact 12 is held in the central portion 21 of the housing 20 in the Y direction. The contact 12 is a contact for low-frequency signal transmission or power supply. Figure 1 In the structure shown, multiple (e.g., six) contacts 12 are held in the central portion 21 of the housing.

[0073] A contact 14 is held at the housing end 22, which is the end of the housing 20 in the Y direction. The contact 14 is a contact for high-frequency signal transmission, i.e., an RF (Radio Frequency) terminal. High frequency, for example, is a frequency band equivalent to 6 GHz or above, including the 28 GHz bandwidth used for 5G (5th Generation).

[0074] exist Figure 1 In the connector 10 shown, a contact 14 is held at each of the housing ends 22 on the +Y and -Y sides. The +Y side contacts 14 and the -Y side contacts 14 are paired and arranged at different positions in the Y direction. Furthermore, one contact 14 corresponds to a first terminal, and the other contact 14 corresponds to a second terminal. Each of the pair of contacts 14 is arranged at the same position or at different positions in the X direction.

[0075] The housing 20 is a molded product made of insulating resin material and is disposed inside the frame 30 while retaining the contacts 12 and 14. That is, the contacts 12 and 14 of the connector 10 are located inside the frame 30.

[0076] Frame 30 is a rectangular metal frame that appears rectangular when viewed from above, such as... Figure 1 As shown, an opening M is provided at the upper end (one end in the Z direction), supporting the housing 20 disposed inside the frame 30. When the connectors are engaged, the opposite connector 50 enters the inner side of the connector 10 through the opening M. Furthermore, in the engaged state, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the opposite-side connector 50 is housed entirely within the inner space of the frame 30, and the sidewall 32 of the frame 30 surrounds the opposite-side connector 50.

[0077] A blocking portion 41 is disposed in the Y direction between a pair of contacts 14, 14, and in this embodiment, a plurality of blocking portions are disposed between a pair of contacts 14, 14. Specifically, a blocking portion 41 is disposed between a contact 14 held at the housing end 22 on the +Y side and a contact 12 held at the housing center portion 21. Furthermore, a blocking portion 41 is disposed between a contact 14 held at the housing end 22 on the -Y side and a contact 12 held at the housing center portion 21.

[0078] In addition, there is no particular limitation on the number of blocking parts 41, as long as at least one blocking part 41 is arranged in the Y direction between a pair of contacts 14, 14.

[0079] Each blocking portion 41 is connected to a ground potential. Specifically, the lower end of the blocking portion 41 (specifically, the lower surface of the connecting portion 39 described later) contacts a grounding conductive pattern (not shown) formed on the substrate C on which the connector 10 is fixed. Furthermore, in the connector mating state, each blocking portion 41, together with the opposing blocking portion 80 of the opposing connector 50, constitutes an electromagnetic shield 120. The electromagnetic shield 120 suppresses crosstalk between the pair of contacts 14, 14, particularly high-frequency signals.

[0080] (Contact on the other side)

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the counterpart connector 50 has a roughly rectangular appearance when viewed from above, and extends longer in the Y direction than in the X direction. The counterpart connector 50 has a symmetrical structure with the central positions in both the X and Y directions as boundaries.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the counterpart connector 50 has: counterpart contacts 52 and 54 for signal transmission; counterpart housing 60 for holding counterpart contacts 52 and 54; counterpart frame 70 surrounding counterpart housing 60; and counterpart blocking portion 80 constituting electromagnetic shield 120.

[0083] The central portion 61 of the housing, which is the central portion in the Y direction of the opposite-side housing 60, retains the same number of contacts 12. Figure 2 There are six opposing side contacts 52. At the +Y and -Y sides of the opposing side housing 60, i.e., at each housing end 62, there is a opposing side contact 54 for high-frequency signal transmission. Each opposing side contact 52, 54 is positioned corresponding to contacts 12, 14, and is electrically connected to the corresponding contacts 12, 14 in the connector mating state. This enables the transmission of low-frequency or high-frequency signals between the connectors.

[0084] The opposing side housing 60 is a molded product made of insulating resin material and is disposed inside the opposing side frame 70 while holding the opposing side contacts 52 and 54. The opposing side frame 70 is a rectangular metal frame that supports the opposing side housing 60 disposed inside the opposing side frame 70.

[0085] When the connector is engaged, the opposing-side blocking portion 80, together with the blocking portion 41, constitutes the electromagnetic shielding component 120. In this embodiment, the opposing-side blocking portion 80 is made of a metal plate such as brass or bronze. Figure 2As shown, it extends in the X direction and is installed on the opposite side housing 60 by insert molding.

[0086] <<Detailed Structure of the Connector>>

[0087] Reference Figures 8 to 17 The detailed structure of connector 10 is described below.

[0088] in addition, Figure 14 The cross-section shown is through the XZ plane of the fixed protrusion 42. Furthermore, Figure 16 and Figure 17 The cross-section shown is the YZ plane of the protruding portion 40 through the blocking portion 41.

[0089] The housing 20 is divided into a central portion 21 and housing ends 22 on the +Y and -Y sides. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the central portion 21 of the housing has a central protrusion 23 and two side protrusions 24 located on both sides of the central protrusion 23 in the X direction. The central protrusion 23 and the two side protrusions 24 extend in the Y direction, and an insertion groove 25 is provided between the central protrusion 23 and the side protrusions 24. A plurality of contacts 12 are inserted into the insertion groove 25 at intervals in the Y direction.

[0090] like Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the +Y and -Y side ends 22 of the housing 20 each have an inset recess 26 formed by recessing inward in the Y direction at their central portions in the X direction. In the inset recess 26, the outer end in the Y direction is an open end, and the other ends are closed by a wall surface that rises vertically towards the +Z side. Furthermore, from... Figure 12 and Figure 13 It can be seen that the contact 14 is pressed inward in the Y direction and embedded in the embedding recess 26.

[0091] like Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, each of the two housing ends 22 has an engagement recess 27 formed by recessing outward in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the two engagement recesses 27 are provided at each housing end 22 in a position where they are separated in the X direction. In the engagement recess 27, the end on the inner side in the Y direction is an open end, and the other ends are closed by a wall surface that rises vertically towards the +Z side. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the protruding portion 40 of the blocking portion 41 enters into each engagement recess 27.

[0092] The frame 30 is conductive and functions as a shield by connecting to the ground potential, blocking external influences on contacts 12 and 14, specifically blocking electromagnetic interference. In this embodiment, the frame 30 extends longer in the Y direction than in the X direction.

[0093] like Figures 8 to 14 As shown, the frame 30 has a bottom wall 31 located at the lower end, opposite to the opening M, in the Z direction, and a side wall 32 extending vertically from the outer edge of the bottom wall 31 towards the +Z side. Figure 8 As shown, the sidewall 32 is rectangular when viewed from above, surrounding the outer surface of the shell 20.

[0094] like Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the sidewall 32 has a pair of long side portions 33 extending in the Y direction and a pair of short side portions 34 extending in the X direction. Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a pair of long side portions 33 and a pair of short side portions 34 are connected seamlessly and without gaps. That is, the sidewall 32 is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame 30. The entire circumference of the frame 30 refers to the entire range of the frame 30 in the circumferential direction, which is the direction surrounding the inner space of the frame 30, in other words, the direction along the edge of the inner space of the frame 30.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the upper end of the sidewall 32 bends outward toward the frame 30 to form a flange portion 35. The flange portion 35 is configured to surround the opening M in the frame 30. By providing this flange portion 35 at the upper end of the sidewall 32, the counterpart connector 50 is properly guided to the inside of the frame 30 during connector engagement. As a result, when connector engagement is complete, the counterpart connector 50 is correctly positioned inside the frame 30.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a raised portion 36 protruding inward toward the frame 30 is partially provided on the inner wall surface of the side wall 32. The raised portion 36 is formed by pressing the wall of the side wall 32 inward. In the connector mating state, the raised portion 36 in the inner wall surface of the side wall 32 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the counterpart connector 50, specifically the outer wall surface of the counterpart frame 70 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0097] The bottom wall 31 is composed of a flat plate along the XY plane, such as... Figure 9 and 12 The bottom wall 31 extends inward toward the frame 30. Furthermore, the upper surface of the bottom wall 31 supports the housing 20, and the lower surface of the bottom wall 31 is fixed to the substrate C. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 is fixed to the substrate C by solder in a state where the entire lower surface is in contact with the substrate C. The fixing of the bottom wall 31 to the substrate C is not limited to welding; it can also be based on fusion welding or other methods.

[0098] like Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the bottom wall 31 of this embodiment is composed of an edge portion 37, a corner portion 38, and a connecting portion 39. Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the edge portion 37 is a narrow section provided along the outer edge of the inner space of the frame 30. The corner portions 38 exist in the four corners of the bottom of the frame 30 in the form of roughly rectangular fragments.

[0099] The connecting portion 39 is a portion extending in the X direction, connecting one end and the other end of the bottom wall 31 in the X direction; specifically, it connects the +X side end and the -X side end of the edge portion 37. The connecting portion 39 forms part of the bottom wall 31 and also forms part of the blocking portion 41. In other words, the blocking portion 41 has the connecting portion 39 as part of it.

[0100] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 39 extends in a straight line along the X direction to avoid interference with components located around it (such as the central portion 21 of the housing and the end portion 22 of the housing). However, it is not limited to this; the connecting portion 39 may also extend in an arc shape relative to the X direction, or it may extend in a serpentine shape in the X direction.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, multiple (specifically two) connecting portions 39 are provided at positions that are separated from each other in the Y direction. Each of the multiple connecting portions 39 is arranged between a pair of contacts 14, 14 in the Y direction. Specifically, one connecting portion 39 is arranged between the contact 14 held at the +Y side of the housing end 22 and the contact 12 held at the housing center 21. Furthermore, one connecting portion 39 is arranged between the contact 14 held at the -Y side of the housing end 22 and the contact 12 held at the housing center 21.

[0102] Each connecting portion 39 forms part of the bottom wall 31 and is fixed to the substrate C in a state of continuous contact with the substrate C within the frame 30 from the end on the +X side to the end on the -X side. In this embodiment, each connecting portion 39 is continuously fixed to the substrate C by solder over a range from one end in the extension direction to the other end in the extension direction (i.e., the entire area from the end on the +X side to the end on the -X side).

[0103] like Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the protruding portion 40 protrudes from each connecting portion 39 toward the opening M side in the Z direction. The protruding portion 40 is a metal sheet that is approximately S-shaped when viewed from the side, is continuous with the connecting portion 39, and together with the connecting portion 39 forms the blocking portion 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are two protruding portions 40 protruding from the connecting portion 39 on the +Y side and the -Y side, respectively.

[0104] The protruding portion 40 extends towards the +Z side after protruding from the end face of the connecting portion 39 in the Y direction and bending into an L shape, and then bends into an L shape again in the Y direction at the front end (the end on the +Z side). In addition, the protruding portion 40 is elastic and can be elastically deformed in the direction of pressure by flexing if pressed in the Y direction.

[0105] like Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the protruding portion 40 enters the engagement recess 27 and engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement recess 27 located on the outer side in the Y direction. Specifically, as... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, a protrusion (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion 28 of the inner wall surface) protruding inward in the Y direction is provided on the inner wall surface of the outer side in the Y direction of the engagement recess 27. The protrusion 28 of the inner wall surface is a generally trapezoidal protrusion when viewed from the side, and has an inclined surface 29 at its lower end (the end on the -Z side). The inclined surface 29 is inclined in such a way that the closer it is to the upper side, the further inward it is located in the Y direction.

[0106] During the assembly of the housing 20 onto the frame 30, the protruding portion 40 enters the corresponding engagement recess 27 from the lower opening end of the engagement recess 27. At this time, as... Figure 16 As shown, the inclined surface 29 of the protrusion 28 provided on the inner wall surface abuts against the front end of the protruding portion 40, pressing the protruding portion 40 inward in the Y direction. As a result, the protruding portion 40 elastically deforms by flexing inward in the Y direction.

[0107] If the protruding portion 40 further enters the engagement recess 27, the front end of the protruding portion 40 moves upward along the protrusion 28 on the inner wall surface and quickly jumps onto the upper corner of the protrusion 28. At this time, the protruding portion 40 returns from its elastically deformed state of flexing inward in the Y direction to its original state and displaces outward in the Y direction. As a result, the front end of the protruding portion 40 hooks onto the upper corner of the protrusion 28 on the inner wall surface, and the protruding portion 40 engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement recess 27 on the outer side in the Y direction.

[0108] like Figure 8 and Figure 13As shown, fixing protrusions 42 protruding upwards (+Z side) are also provided near the four corners of the bottom wall 31. The fixing protrusions 42 are columnar protrusions, protruding approximately 0.1 mm from the upper surface of the bottom wall 31. Two fixing protrusions 42 are arranged at positions separated from each other in the X direction, as shown... Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, two sets of fixing protrusions 42 are provided on the +Y side and the -Y side respectively.

[0109] The two fixing protrusions 42, respectively located on the +Y and -Y sides, are symmetrically arranged with the center of the connector 10 in the X direction as the boundary. The two fixing protrusions 42 are positioned at the same location in the Y direction. Furthermore, the spacing between the two fixing protrusions 42 in the X direction is approximately the same length as the width of the housing end 22 of the housing 20. Additionally, as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the end face of the fixing protrusion 42 on the inner side in the X direction, that is, the end face of the opposite side of the pair of fixing protrusions 42, bulges out in a mountain shape.

[0110] In this embodiment, the housing 20 is mounted to the frame 30 by means of the aforementioned fixing protrusion 42. Specifically, if the housing 20 is inserted into the frame 30 from the opening M side and positioned in a predetermined location, then as... Figure 14 As shown, the housing end 22 is pressed between the two fixing protrusions 42 and clamped between the fixing protrusions 42. Thus, the housing 20 is mounted on the frame 30.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to reduce the number of components in the connector 10, the frame 30 and the blocking portion 41 are constructed from the same component. Specifically, the bottom wall 31, side wall 32, blocking portion 41, and fixing protrusion 42 are integrally formed from the same component, or more specifically, they are integrally constructed from the same metal plate.

[0112] To be more detailed, Figures 8-13 The frame 30 shown is made of a single sheet of metal. The material of the metal sheet is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, copper alloys such as brass and bronze, or stainless steel. The thickness of the metal sheet is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, set to 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0113] like Figure 15 As shown, the frame 30 is manufactured, for example, by applying a deep drawing process (strictly speaking, a square tube deep drawing) to the metal sheet N. Specifically, the outer edge portion of the metal sheet N is clamped and held using a die or the like, and a pressing tool P, such as a punch, presses down on the portion of the metal sheet N located closer to the inner edge than the outer edge portion. Thus, as... Figure 15As shown, a frame substrate F is obtained as a square-shaped metal forming article with a deep-drawn bottom. The deep-drawn bottom is the deepest (bottom) part of the portion formed by pressing in a metal sheet N during the deep-drawing process.

[0114] An opening is formed on the upper surface side pressed by the pressing device P in the frame substrate F, which becomes opening M when the frame 30 is completed. Furthermore, the square tube portion in the frame substrate F becomes sidewall 32 when the frame 30 is completed. The sidewall 32 formed in the above manner is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame 30, ensuring strength and shielding. Additionally, the outer edge portion of the metal plate N that is clamped during the deep drawing process is retained as a flange-like edge portion on the upper surface side of the frame substrate F, becoming flange portion 35 when the frame 30 is completed.

[0115] After the deep drawing process is performed, most of the bottom of the deep drawing is punched out. After punching, the bottom of the deep drawing retains portions constituting the edge portion 37, the corner portion 38, the connecting portion 39, the protruding portion 40, and the fixing protrusion 42. At this stage, the portion constituting the connecting portion 39 and the portion constituting the protruding portion 40 are continuously connected in the Y direction. Furthermore, the portion constituting the corner portion 38 and the portion constituting the fixing protrusion 42 are continuously connected in the X direction.

[0116] Subsequently, at the junction of the connecting portion 39 and the protruding portion 40, the bottom (i.e., the metal plate N) is bent and deepened. Specifically, the portion constituting the protruding portion 40 is bent approximately 90 degrees relative to the connecting portion 39 and erected. Furthermore, the protruding portion 40 is formed by bending the erected portion into an approximately S-shape.

[0117] In addition, the inner end of each corner portion 38 is cut and bent, and the portion is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the corner portion 38 to form a fixing protrusion 42.

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 and side walls 32 of the frame 30, as well as the protruding portion 40 of the blocking portion 41 and the fixing protrusion 42, are formed from a single metal plate N, and are all integrally and seamlessly connected. Alternatively, the fixing protrusion 42 may be composed of a component different from that of the frame 30.

[0119] As described above, in this embodiment, the frame 30 and the blocking part 41 are integrated, thus reducing the number of components in the connector 10 compared to a structure in which they are separate parts.

[0120] More specifically, when the frame 3 of the connector 1 described in Patent Document 1 is manufactured by deep drawing, the surface pressed by the pressing tool P during processing, in other words, the surface forming the flange portion, is fixed to the substrate. On the other hand, the deep-drawn bottom formed by pressing the pressing tool P is punched, and the punched hole becomes an opening 2 for inserting the opposite connector into the inner side of the frame 3. When the blocking portion 5 is provided on the inner side of the frame 3 manufactured by such steps, the component constituting the blocking portion 5 is prepared separately from the frame 3, and the component is installed at the end of the frame 3 on the substrate side.

[0121] In contrast, the frame 30 of the connector 10 of the present invention is manufactured by deep drawing, but during the process, the surface pressed by the pressing tool P is used as the upper surface, and the bottom of the deep drawing is used as the lower end. In this structure, since the blocking part 41 is formed by utilizing a portion of the bottom of the deep drawing, it is not necessary to use the blocking part 41 as a separate component, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0122] Furthermore, when manufacturing the frame 3 of the connector 1 described in Patent Document 1 through deep drawing, the bottom of the deep drawing is punched to form an opening 2 for embedding the counterpart connector. At this time, it is necessary to punch a relatively large hole according to the size of the counterpart connector.

[0123] In contrast, in the frame 30 of the connector 10 of the present invention, the opening formed by the pressing tool P during the deep drawing process is directly utilized as the opening M for embedding the opposite connector 50. As a result, it is not necessary to punch a large depth at the bottom of the deep drawing to ensure the opening M, and the frame 30 with the necessary opening M can be easily manufactured by the deep drawing process.

[0124] Furthermore, the frame 30 of the connector 10 according to the present invention can ensure the strength and shielding of the frame because the sidewalls 32 are seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame 30.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the connecting portion 39 of the frame 30 of the connector 10, which connects the +X side end and the -X side end of the bottom wall 31, is fixed to the substrate C by solder in a state where it contacts the substrate C throughout its entire protruding region. This further improves the strength of the connector 10. More specifically, sometimes the connector 10 is subjected to a direction that causes it to twist about the Z-axis. Figure 4The force is a displacement force (in the direction indicated by the thick arrow). This torsional force tends to act along the X direction on the sidewall 32 of the frame 30, particularly near the corner of the sidewall 32. In contrast, in the connector 10 of the present invention, the connecting portion 39 is longer and continuous along the X direction, fixed to the substrate C from one end of the extending direction of the connecting portion 39 to the other end. Therefore, the engagement force between the connecting portion 39 and the substrate C can be sufficiently ensured, and the aforementioned torsional force can be adequately resisted (withstood).

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 and the side wall 32 of the frame 30 are integrated, that is, the side wall 32 is connected to the connecting portion 39, specifically via the edge portion 37. In this case, the torsional force acting on the side wall 32 of the frame 30 can be appropriately borne by the connecting portion 39 fixed to the substrate C.

[0127] More specifically, assuming the sidewall 32 and the connecting portion 39 are composed of different components, the torsional force acting on the sidewall 32 is easily dispersed, and the connecting portion 39, which is separate from the sidewall 32, is less susceptible to torsional force. In contrast, when the sidewall 32 and the connecting portion 39 are continuous, the dispersion of torsional force is suppressed. As a result, the connecting portion 39 can adequately bear and resist the torsional force.

[0128] <<Regarding the components of the opposite-side connector and the connector mating state>>

[0129] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 This describes the components of the opposite-side connector 50 and the connector mating state. Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic shield 120, which is the YZ plane passing through the protruding portion 40 of the blocking portion 41 and the protruding portion (opposite side protruding portion 83) of the opposing side blocking portion 80.

[0130] The counterpart-side connector 50 includes a counterpart-side housing 60, which is divided into a central housing portion 61 and housing ends 62 on the +Y and -Y sides. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the central portion 61 of the housing has two contact holding portions 63 extending in the Y direction. The two contact holding portions 63 are spaced apart in the X direction and each holds a plurality of opposite-side contacts 52.

[0131] like Figure 18As shown, the housing end 62 has a contact holding portion 64 and sidewalls 65 and 66 located outside the contact holding portion 64. The contact holding portion 64 has a recess formed on the inner side in the Y direction, in which a counter-side contact 54 is pressed. The sidewall 65 is erected on the outer edge portion in the X direction of the housing end 62. The sidewall 66 is erected on the outer edge portion in the Y direction of the housing end 62, and two sidewalls 66 are provided in the X direction, separated by the recess for pressing the counter-side contact 54.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, a sidewall recess 67 is provided on the sidewall 65, which is recessed outward in the X direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, a meshing recess 68 is provided on the side wall 66, which is recessed outward in the Y direction.

[0133] The opposing frame 70 is constructed of metal plates, such as copper alloys like brass and bronze, or stainless steel plates. In this embodiment, as... Figure 18 As shown, when viewed from above, the two fragments, roughly C-shaped, are arranged with their ends facing each other on each edge side, thus forming a counter-side frame 70. However, this is not a limitation; the counter-side frame 70 can also be a continuous and indivisible frame.

[0134] like Figure 18 As shown, the two segments constituting the opposite frame 70 each have a pair of first wall portions 71 arranged parallel to each other at intervals in the X direction, and a second wall portion 72 located between the pair of first wall portions 71 in the X direction. The first wall portion 71 has a protruding wall 73 that is vertically erected in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction, and a curved wall 74 that bends inward in the X direction from the -Z side end of the protruding wall 73 into an arc shape.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, the portion of the curved wall 74 located on the outer side in the Y direction and on the inner side in the X direction has a cutout that appears trapezoidal when viewed from above. This cutout is provided to prevent interference between the fixing protrusion 42 of the connector 10 and the first wall portion 71 of the opposite frame 70 when the connector is engaged.

[0136] Furthermore, the portion of the curved wall 74 with the cutout restricts the positional displacement of the counterpart connector 50 in the X and Y directions when the connector is engaged. In other words, the portion of the curved wall 74 with the cutout constitutes a limiting part 78 that restricts the displacement of the counterpart connector 50.

[0137] like Figure 18As shown, the limiting part 78 is provided near the four corners of the opposite side frame 70, i.e., near the corners. Specifically, the limiting part 78 provided on the +Y side is located closer to the corner of the +Y side of the opposite side connector 50 than the opposite side blocking part 80 on the +Y side. The limiting part 78 provided on the -Y side is located closer to the corner of the -Y side of the opposite side connector 50 than the opposite side blocking part 80 on the -Y side.

[0138] like Figure 18 As shown, the second wall portion 72 has a protruding wall 75 that rises vertically in the Z direction and extends in the X direction, and a curved wall 76 that bends inward in the Y direction from the -Z side end of the protruding wall 75 into an arc shape. Figure 18 As shown, a meshing piece 77 is formed on the curved wall 76, bending into an inverted J shape from the inner end in the Y direction towards the -Z side. The meshing piece 77 is inserted into the meshing recess 68, and the opposing frame 70 is assembled to the opposing housing 60. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, the first wall portion 71 and the second wall portion 72 are respectively provided with protrusions 79 that rise in a bead-like shape from the outer surface of the protruding walls 73 and 75.

[0139] The opposing side blocking portion 80 is disposed at multiple positions in the Y direction. Specifically, an opposing side blocking portion 80 is disposed between the opposing side contact 54 held on the +Y side of the housing end 62 and the opposing side contact 52 held on the housing center portion 61. Furthermore, an opposing side blocking portion 80 is disposed between the opposing side contact 54 held on the -Y side of the housing end 62 and the opposing side contact 52 held on the housing center portion 61.

[0140] The opposing-side blocking portion 80 has a protruding portion 81 extending linearly in the X direction at its end on the +Z side (see reference). Figure 6 The tongue-shaped central protrusion 82 protrudes vertically from the central portion of the protruding portion 81 in the X direction toward the -Z side (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0141] like Figure 18 As shown, in the X direction, on both sides of the central protrusion 82, there are opposing side protrusions 83 that bend and protrude towards the -Z side. The opposing side protrusions 83 are protruding pieces whose front ends are laterally bent into a V-shape, possessing elasticity; if pressed in the Y direction, they elastically deform by flexing in the direction of pressure. In the opposing side blocking portion 80, in the X direction, a protruding end 84 protruding from the -Z side end face of the protruding portion 81 is provided at a position further outward than the opposing side protrusions 83 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0142] The mating connector 50, configured as described above, enters the inner side of the frame 30 of the connector 10, and the connector 10 and the mating connector 50 are engaged. In the engaged state, the mating frame 70 contacts the inner wall surface of the side wall 32 of the frame 30 at the protrusion 79 (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, frame 30 contacts the outer wall surface of the opposite frame 70 at the raised portion 36 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0143] Furthermore, in the connector mating state, such as Figure 19 As shown, the two opposing-side protrusions 83 of the opposing-side blocking portion 80 respectively contact the protrusions 40 of the corresponding blocking portion 41. Thus, the blocking portion 41 and the opposing-side blocking portion 80 constitute the electromagnetic shielding member 120. Here, the protrusions 40 and the opposing-side protrusions 83 elastically deform in the Y direction and contact each other in the Y direction. Therefore, the contact state between the protrusions 40 and the opposing-side protrusions 83 is stable, effectively maintaining the electromagnetic shielding member 120.

[0144] Furthermore, the protruding portion 40 and the opposing protruding portion 83 are elastically deformable in the Y direction, so even after the opposing protruding portion 83 contacts the protruding portion 40 during connector mating, the opposing connector 50 can be smoothly (without force) inserted into the inside of the frame 30 in the Z direction.

[0145] Furthermore, in the connector mating state, such as Figure 20 As shown, in the connector 10, two fixing protrusions 42 respectively disposed on the +Y side and the -Y side are opposite to the limiting portion 78 disposed on the opposite side frame 70. Specifically, in the X direction, the limiting portion 78 is disposed at a position further outward than each fixing protrusion 42, and the edges of the fixing protrusion 42 and the limiting portion 78 are adjacent to each other with a small gap.

[0146] Based on the above structure, in the connector mating state, the limiting part 78 limits the displacement of the opposite connector 50 relative to the connector 10 in the X direction, specifically limiting the displacement in the X direction. Figure 4 The displacement is indicated by the arrow. Specifically, viewed from the fixing protrusion 42, the limiting portion 78, located on the side with the same displacement direction as the opposite connector 50, contacts the fixing protrusion 42 in the X direction and locks the fixing protrusion 42. This restricts the displacement of the opposite connector 50. As a result of restricting the displacement of the opposite connector 50, deformation and damage to the opposite connector 50 caused by this displacement can be suppressed.

[0147] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[0148] The above examples illustrate the connector and connector assembly of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and embodiments other than those described above may also be considered.

[0149] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example of manufacturing a seamless frame 30 through deep drawing, this method is not a limitation. Other processing methods can be used as long as a seamless frame 30 can be manufactured. For example, cutting and drawing processes can also be used.

[0150] Alternatively, the frame 30 can also be manufactured by casting or die casting. In this case, it is not limited to a structure in which the protruding part 40 protrudes from the side end face (the end face on the outer side in the Y direction) of the connecting part 39, but can also be a structure in which the protruding part 40 protrudes from the upper end face (the end face on the +Z side) of the connecting part 39.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a rectangular frame-shaped and narrow edge portion 37 is provided on the bottom wall 31 of the frame 30, and a connecting portion 39 connects the +X side end and the -X side end of the edge portion 37. However, it is not limited to this, and the edge portion 37 may not be provided on the frame 30. In this case, the connecting portion 39 directly connects the +X side end (i.e., the long side portion 33 of the +X side) and the -X side end (i.e., the long side portion 33 of the -X side) of the side wall 32.

[0152] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the external shapes of the frame 30 and the opposite frame 70 are rectangular when viewed from above, but they are not limited to this. They can also be quadrilaterals other than rectangles, such as circles, trapezoids, or rhombuses, or polygons other than quadrilaterals when viewed from above.

Claims

1. A connector capable of engaging with a counterpart connector in a first direction and being fixed to a substrate, characterized in that, The connector includes: A frame having a sidewall surrounding the counterpart connector when the connector is engaged with the counterpart connector; The first terminal and the second terminal are located inside the frame and are configured at different positions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; The housing is disposed inside the frame while retaining the first terminal and the second terminal; as well as The blocking portion is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal in the second direction. The sidewalls are seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame. The frame has an opening at one end in the first direction. The frame and the blocking part are integrally formed by the same component. The blocking portion has a connecting portion that connects one end and the other end of the frame in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The connecting portion is fixed to the substrate while continuously contacting the substrate from one end of the frame to the other end; The blocking portion has a protruding portion that extends from the connecting portion. When the connector is engaged with the other side connector, the protruding portion contacts the other side blocking portion of the other side connector in the second direction, and the blocking portion and the other side blocking portion constitute an electromagnetic shielding component. The protruding portion extends toward the opening side after protruding from the outer end face of the connecting portion in the second direction and bending into an L-shape, and then bends into an L-shape again at the front end of the protruding portion in the second direction. The protruding portion enters into the engagement recess provided in the housing and engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement recess located on the outer side in the second direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion extends upward from the third party and is continuously fixed to the substrate by solder within a range from one end of the extending direction of the connecting portion to the other end of the extending direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion extends in a straight line along the third direction.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The frame has a bottom wall at the end opposite to the opening in the first direction. The opposite connector enters the inner side of the frame through the opening and engages with the connector. The connecting portion forms part of the bottom wall, connecting one end and the other end of the bottom wall facing the third direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sidewall, the bottom wall, and the blocking portion are constructed from the same component and are seamlessly connected.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sidewalls, the bottom wall, and the blocking portion are all made of the same metal plate. The connecting portion is continuous with the protruding portion. The protruding portion is formed by bending the metal plate at the junction of the connecting portion in the metal plate and the protruding portion.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is conductive. The first terminal and the second terminal are terminals used for high-frequency signal transmission. In the second direction, a plurality of the blocking portions are disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal.

8. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking part is connected to the ground potential.

9. A connector assembly, formed by fitting a connector fixed to a substrate and a counterpart connector in a first direction, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: A frame having a sidewall surrounding the counterpart connector when the connector is engaged with the counterpart connector; The first terminal and the second terminal are located inside the frame and are configured at different positions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; The housing is disposed inside the frame while retaining the first terminal and the second terminal; as well as The blocking portion is disposed between the first terminal and the second terminal in the second direction. The sidewalls are seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame. The frame has an opening at one end in the first direction. The frame and the blocking part are integrally formed by the same component. The blocking portion has a connecting portion that connects one end and the other end of the frame in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The connecting portion is in continuous contact with the substrate from one end of the frame to the other end; The blocking portion has a protruding portion that extends from the connecting portion. When the connector is engaged with the other side connector, the protruding portion contacts the other side blocking portion of the other side connector in the second direction, and the blocking portion and the other side blocking portion constitute an electromagnetic shielding component. The protruding portion extends toward the opening side after protruding from the end face of the connecting portion on the outside of the second direction and bending into an L-shape, and then bends into an L-shape again at the front end of the protruding portion on the outside of the second direction. The protruding portion enters into the engagement recess provided in the housing and engages with the inner wall surface of the engagement recess located on the outer side in the second direction.

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