Connector for interface

Abstract

To realize a connector for an interface which enables decrease of impedance of a contact while inhibiting displacement of a tip of the contact and can be manufactured easily.SOLUTION: A connector (1) for an interface of the disclosure includes: a housing (11); and a contact assembly (13) held by the housing (11). The contact assembly (13) includes: contacts each having a first electric contact and a second electric contact; an insulation member (24) which holds the contacts; and a locator (25) which corrects displacement of the second electric contacts in a width direction. The locator (25) has partition walls (25b) each of which is disposed between the contacts. At least parts of the partition walls (25b) partition tips of at least parts of the contacts from each other and do not exist between middle parts of the at least parts of contacts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an interface connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an interface connector is used to electrically connect a connection board and a mating connector. For example, as shown in Fig. 21, an interface connector 101 in Patent Document 1 includes a contact 102 having an electrical contact 102a electrically connected to the mating connector, and an auxiliary contact 103 having an electrical contact 103a electrically connected to the connection board and electrically connected to the contact 102.

[0003] The contact 102 and the auxiliary contact 103 are held by an insulating member 104. At this time, a portion 103b of the auxiliary contact 103 on the contact 102 side relative to the electrical contact 103a is inserted between the partition walls 104a of the insulating member 104. This makes it possible to prevent the portion 103b of the auxiliary contact 103 on the contact 102 side relative to the electrical contact 103a from shifting in position in the width direction of the insulating member 104.

[0004] Further, the widened portions 103c of each auxiliary contact 103 are press-fitted into grooves 104b formed on both sides of the partition wall 104a of the insulating member 104 in the width direction of the insulating member 104. This narrows the gap between the widened portions 103c of adjacent auxiliary contacts 103, thereby enabling the impedance of each contact 102 and auxiliary contact 103 to be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-82102 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The interface connector 101 of Patent Document 1 can suppress misalignment of the portion 103b on the contact 102 side relative to the electrical contact 103a of the auxiliary contact 103, but it is difficult to suppress misalignment of the tip portion including the electrical contact 103a of the auxiliary contact 103.

[0007] Furthermore, the interface connector 101 of Patent Document 1 requires grooves 104b to be formed on both sides of the partition wall 104a of the insulating member 104 in order to press-fit the widened portions 103c of the auxiliary contacts 103, and the thickness of the portions of the partition wall 104a between the grooves 104b is thin, making it difficult to mold the insulating member 104.

[0008] The object of the present disclosure is to realize an interface connector that is easy to manufacture and that can reduce the impedance of the contact while suppressing misalignment of the tip portion of the contact, including the electrical contact that is electrically connected to the connection board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An interface connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: Housing and a contact assembly held in the housing; Equipped with An interface connector for electrically connecting a connection connector and a connection board, The contact assembly includes: contacts each having a first electrical contact electrically connected to the connector and a second electrical contact electrically connected to the connection board, the contacts being spaced apart in the width direction of the housing; an insulating member that holds the contacts and into which the connector is fitted; a locator disposed near the second electrical contact and configured to correct misalignment of the second electrical contact in the width direction of the housing; Equipped with The locator has a partition wall disposed between the contacts aligned in the width direction of the housing, At least some of the partition walls separate the tip portions including the second electrical contacts in at least some of the contacts, and are not present between the middle portions exposed from the insulating member on the side of the first electrical contact relative to the tip portions of at least some of the contacts.

[0010] In the above-described interface connector, it is preferable that the width of the middle portion of at least some of the contacts is wider than the width of the tip portion of at least some of the contacts.

[0011] In the above-described interface connector, it is preferable that the spacing between at least some of the partition walls is wider than the width of the tip portions of at least some of the contacts and narrower than the width of the middle portions of at least some of the contacts.

[0012] In the interface connector described above, at least some of the contacts have tip portions that are curved convexly toward the outside of the housing in the thickness direction of the housing, and the second electrical contacts are provided at the tops of the tip portions of the at least some of the contacts, It is preferable that an open end of the tip portion of at least some of the contacts on the opposite side to the middle portion side is inserted between at least some of the partition walls.

[0013] In the above-mentioned interface connector, the contact is preferably a compression connector having an elastic deformation portion that elastically deforms and presses the second electrical contact against a terminal provided on the connection board with a predetermined load when the interface connector is fixed to the connection board, in order to electrically connect the interface connector and the connection board.

[0014] In the above-described interface connector, it is preferable that a through hole is formed in a middle portion of at least some of the contacts.

[0015] The interface connector described above is a first contact group in which the contacts are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing; a second contact group in which the contacts are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing; Equipped with a first electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group is disposed on an opposite side of a side on which a second electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group and a second electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group are disposed in a thickness direction of the housing, relative to a first electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group; a second electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group is disposed on the side of the second electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group in a fitting direction of the connector into the insulating member; the through-hole is formed in the middle of a contact in the first contact group, It is preferable that the through holes are not formed in the middle portions of the contacts in the second contact group.

[0016] In the above-mentioned interface connector, it is preferable that the exposed length of the contacts of the second contact group, including the elastic deformation portion, from the insulating member toward the side in the fitting direction of the connecting connector into the insulating member, is longer than the exposed length of the contacts of the first contact group, including the elastic deformation portion, from the insulating member toward the side in the fitting direction of the connecting connector into the insulating member.

[0017] In the above-described interface connector, it is preferable that the other partition walls for the at least some of the partition walls separate the tip portions of the other contacts for the at least some of the contacts and the middle portions of the other contacts.

[0018] In the above-mentioned interface connector, it is preferable that the housing is a shell block having a plurality of portions of different thicknesses, and has a first through hole into which a screw is inserted to fix the interface connector to the connection board in order to electrically connect the interface connector to the connection board, and a second through hole into which the connection connector is inserted in order to fit the connection connector into the insulating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize an interface connector that is easy to manufacture, which can reduce the impedance of the contact while suppressing positional misalignment of the tip portion of the contact, including the electrical contact that is electrically connected to the connection board. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 10 is a perspective view of the interface connector according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the connector and the connection board are electrically connected, as viewed from the +Z axis side. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a perspective view of the interface connector of the embodiment being fixed to the connection board, as viewed from the +Z axis side. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interface connector according to the embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a different perspective view of the interface connector according to the embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a view of the interface connector according to the embodiment as seen from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the interface connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a housing of an interface connector according to an embodiment, viewed from the +Z axis side. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing of the interface connector according to the embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 9] 10 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ground plate of the interface connector according to the embodiment is fixed to the housing. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the interface connector of the embodiment, in which the first contact group, the second contact group, the midplate, and the insulating member are integrated, as viewed from the negative Z-axis side. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of the interface connector of the embodiment, in which a first contact group, a second contact group, a midplate, and an insulating member are integrated, as viewed from the +Z axis side. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the interface connector according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a first contact group, a second contact group, and a midplate of the interface connector according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a view of the contact as seen from the negative side of the X axis to explain the names of the various parts of the contact of the interface connector according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a view of a representative contact of an interface connector according to an embodiment, viewed from the + side of the Y axis. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the midplate of the interface connector according to the embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the locator of the interface connector according to the embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the Z axis. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view of a locator of an interface connector according to an embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis + side. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion XIX in FIG. 4. [Figure 20] 10 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a state in which the interface connector of the embodiment is fixed to a connection board. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Specific embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately simplified. Here, for clarity of explanation, the following description will be made using a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the +Z axis side showing the interface connector of this embodiment electrically connecting the connector and the connection board. Fig. 2 is a perspective view from the +Z axis side showing the interface connector of this embodiment being fixed to the connection board.

[0023] 1 and 2, for example, the interface connector 1 is fixed to the connection board 2 with screws 3, and then the connection connector 4 is fitted into the interface connector 1, thereby electrically connecting the connection board 2 and the connection connector 4. In this case, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the interface connector 1, the Y-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the connection connector 4, and the Z-axis direction is the thickness direction of the interface connector 1.

[0024] The connection board 2 may be a main board or the like on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is mounted, etc. The connector 4 may be, for example, a USB Type-C (registered trademark) or the like.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis - side. Fig. 4 is a different perspective view of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis - side. Fig. 5 is a view of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis - side. Fig. 6 is an exploded view showing the interface connector of this embodiment.

[0026] 3 to 6, the interface connector 1 includes a housing 11, a ground plate 12, and a contact assembly 13. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the housing of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the +Z-axis side. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the housing of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the -Z-axis side.

[0027] 6 to 8, the housing 11 is a block body that is generally rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and is flat in the Z-axis direction. The housing 11 may be, for example, a molded or machined part made of a conductive metal.

[0028] 6 to 8, the housing 11 includes a flat surface 11a, a notch 11b, a first through-hole 11c, a second through-hole 11d, and a third through-hole 11e. The flat surface 11a is disposed on the negative Z-axis side of the housing 11.

[0029] 6 to 8, cutout portion 11b is a portion on the positive Y-axis side of housing 11, and is formed by cutting out a corner on the negative Z-axis side, and is disposed between side wall portion 11f on the positive X-axis side and side wall portion 11f on the negative X-axis side of housing 11. Cutout portion 11b may have, for example, a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0030] 8, the cutout portion 11b includes a first flat portion 11g, a second flat portion 11h, a third flat portion 11i, and a fourth flat portion 11j. The first flat portion 11g is disposed at a height position that is one step lower than the flat surface 11a of the housing 11 toward the +Z axis side.

[0031] The first flat portions 11g are arranged on both sides of the cutout portion 11b in the X-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 8. The first flat portions 11g are arranged, for example, substantially parallel to the XY plane, and may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0032] 8, the second flat portion 11h is disposed at a height position one step lower on the Z-axis positive side than the first flat portion 11g. For example, the second flat portion 11h is disposed adjacent to the first flat portion 11g on the X-axis positive side on the X-axis negative side.

[0033] 8, the second flat portion 11h is disposed adjacent to the first flat portion 11g on the negative side of the X axis on the positive side of the X axis. The second flat portion 11h is disposed, for example, substantially parallel to the XY plane, and may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y axis direction when viewed from the Z axis direction.

[0034] 8, the third flat portion 11i is disposed at a height position one step lower on the Z-axis positive side than the second flat portion 11h. For example, the third flat portion 11i is disposed adjacent to the second flat portion 11h on the X-axis positive side on the X-axis negative side.

[0035] 8, the third flat portion 11i is disposed adjacent to the second flat portion 11h on the negative side of the X axis on the positive side of the X axis. The third flat portion 11i is disposed, for example, substantially parallel to the XY plane, and may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0036] 8, the fourth flat portion 11j is disposed at a height position one step lower toward the positive side of the Z axis than the third flat portion 11i. The fourth flat portion 11j is disposed, for example, between the third flat portion 11i on the positive side of the X axis and the third flat portion 11i on the negative side of the X axis. The fourth flat portion 11j is disposed, for example, approximately parallel to the XY plane, and may have a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X axis direction when viewed from the Z axis direction.

[0037] Therefore, in the portion on the +X-axis side and the portion on the -X-axis side of the cutout portion 11b, for example, a stepped portion 11k is formed by a first flat portion 11g, a second flat portion 11h, a third flat portion 11i, and a fourth flat portion 11j, as shown in Fig. 8. However, the cutout portion 11b may have any shape as long as it can accommodate and attach the contact assembly 13.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the first through holes 11c receive screws 3 for fixing the interface connector 1 to the connection board 2. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the first through holes 11c are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction on the negative Y-axis side of the housing 11 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and penetrate the housing 11 in the Z-axis direction. The first through holes 11c may be, for example, substantially circular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0039] The connector 4 is inserted into the second through hole 11d. The second through hole 11d penetrates the housing 11 in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 6 to 8. That is, the end of the second through hole 11d on the +Y-axis side reaches the cutout portion 11b, and the end of the second through hole 11d on the -Y-axis side reaches the side surface of the housing 11 on the -Y-axis side.

[0040] 6 to 8, the second through-hole 11d is disposed between the first through-hole 11c on the positive X-axis side and the first through-hole 11c on the negative X-axis side when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The second through-hole 11d may have a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, for example.

[0041] 7 and 8, the third through-hole 11e penetrates the housing 11 in the Z-axis direction so as to reach the second through-hole 11d from the surface on the +Z-axis side of the housing 11. The end of the third through-hole 11e on the +Y-axis side reaches the +Z-axis side portion of the side surface 11l on the -Y-axis side of the cutout portion 11b.

[0042] 7, the third through holes 11e may be arranged at approximately the center of the housing 11 in the X-axis direction and spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The third through holes 11e may have, for example, a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0043] In this way, the housing 11 is configured as a shell block having multiple portions of different thicknesses, and may have a shape that is roughly plane-symmetrical with the YZ plane passing through the center of the housing 11 in the X-axis direction as the plane of symmetry, as shown in, for example, Figures 7 and 8.

[0044] In this case, the housing 11 may preferably have a protrusion 11m that engages with the cutout portion 2a (see FIG. 20) of the connection board 2, a heat dissipation fin 11n for dissipating heat, and the like, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0045] 8, protrusion 11m protrudes from the negative Y-axis side of housing 11 to the negative Z-axis side and extends in the Y-axis direction. Protrusion 11m may be, for example, approximately trapezoidal when viewed in the Y-axis direction. Heat dissipation fin 11n may be disposed at a desired position on the exposed portion of housing 11 when interface connector 1 is fixed to connection board 2.

[0046] The ground plate 12 is made of, for example, a conductive metal, and is electrically connected to the ground of the mating connector 4. Figure 9 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ground plate of the interface connector of this embodiment is fixed to the housing.

[0047] 6 and 9, the ground plate 12 includes a flat portion 12a and an elastically deforming portion 12b. The flat portion 12a is, for example, a substantially rectangular plate when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and has an area slightly smaller than the area of ​​the fourth flat portion 11j of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11.

[0048] 6 and 9, the elastic deformation portion 12b is a substantially rectangular plate that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and is provided with an electrical contact 12c that is curved convexly toward the negative Z-axis side at the end of the elastic deformation portion 12b on the negative Y-axis side. The elastic deformation portion 12b protrudes toward the negative Y-axis side from the flat portion 12a. In this case, it is preferable that the elastic deformation portion 12b be inclined toward the negative Z-axis side as it moves toward the negative Y-axis side.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, such a ground plate 12 is preferably fixed to the housing 11 by joining the flat portion 12a to the fourth flat portion 11j of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11 by means such as laser welding, with the elastic deformation portion 12b passing through the third through hole 11e of the housing 11 from the Y-axis + side.

[0050] At this time, the electrical contacts 12c of the ground plate 12 protrude inward from the circumferential surface of the second through hole 11d of the housing 11. In Fig. 9, the welded joints of the ground plate 12 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0051] 3 to 6, the contact assembly 13 includes a first contact group 21, a second contact group 22, a midplate 23, an insulating member 24, and a locator 25. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the interface connector of the present embodiment, in which the first contact group, the second contact group, the midplate, and the insulating member are integrated, as viewed from the Z-axis - side.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the interface connector of the present embodiment, in which the first contact group, the second contact group, the midplate, and the insulating member are integrated, as seen from the +Z axis side. Fig. 12 is a YZ cross-sectional view of the interface connector of the present embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 13 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the first contact group, the second contact group, and the midplate of the interface connector of this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a view of the contact from the negative side of the X axis to explain the names of each part of the contact of the interface connector of this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a view of a representative contact of the interface connector of this embodiment from the positive side of the Y axis.

[0054] The first contact group 21 is made of a conductive material and includes a plurality of contacts 31 as shown in Figures 10 to 13. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, for example, the contacts 31 are compression contacts that are substantially L-shaped when viewed from the X-axis direction, and include a first portion 31a, a second portion 31b, and an elastic deformation portion 31c.

[0055] 12 to 15, the first portion 31a is disposed substantially parallel to the XY plane and extends in the Y-axis direction. The negative Y-axis side portion of the first portion 31a forms a first electrical contact 31d that is electrically connected to a contact of the connector 4.

[0056] 12 to 15, the second portion 31b has a middle portion 31e and a tip portion 31f, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The middle portion 31e is inclined toward the negative side of the Z-axis as it extends toward the positive side of the Y-axis.

[0057] 14, tip portion 31f is curved convexly toward the negative Z-axis side when viewed from the X-axis direction, and the end portion of tip portion 31f on the negative Y-axis side is connected to the end portion of middle portion 31e on the negative Z-axis side. The end portion of tip portion 31f on the positive Y-axis side forms open end 31g.

[0058] 14 and 15, the end portion (i.e., the top portion) of the tip portion 31f on the negative side of the Z axis forms a second electrical contact 31h that is electrically connected to the signal terminal 2b of the connection board 2. The elastic deformation portion 31c connects the end portion of the first portion 31a on the positive side of the Y axis and the end portion of the second portion 31b on the negative side of the Y axis.

[0059] As shown in Figure 13, such contacts 31 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction so that the first electrical contact 31d of the contact 31 corresponds to the arrangement position of the contact of the connecting connector 4, and the second electrical contact 31h of the contact corresponds to the arrangement position of the signal terminal 2b of the connecting board 2.

[0060] In this case, the first portion 31a of the contact 31 may have a curved portion 31i that curves outward from the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis + side, depending on the arrangement of the second electrical contact 31h of the contact 31, as shown in Figure 13, for example.

[0061] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the contacts 31 arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction may constitute ground contacts 311, and the contact 31 adjacent to the ground contacts 311 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute the first high-speed signal contact 312.

[0062] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the contact 31 adjacent to the first high-speed signal contact 312 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute the second high-speed signal contact 313.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the contact 31 adjacent to the second high-speed signal contact 313 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute a power contact 314, and the other contacts 31 may constitute low-speed signal contacts 315.

[0064] The width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portion 31e of the ground contact 311, the middle portion 31e of the first high-speed signal contact 312, the middle portion 31e of the second high-speed signal contact 313, and the middle portion 31e of the power contact 314 is preferably wider than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portion 31f of each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314, as shown in Figure 15.

[0065] This allows the distance between the ground contact 311 and the first high-speed signal contact 312, the distance between the first high-speed signal contact 312 and the second high-speed signal contact 313, and the distance between the second high-speed signal contact 313 and the power contact 314 to be narrowed in the X-axis direction, thereby reducing the impedance of each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314.

[0066] Furthermore, although detailed functions will be described later, the middle portions 31e of the ground contact 311, the middle portions 31e of the first high-speed signal contact 312, the middle portions 31e of the second high-speed signal contact 313, and the middle portions 31e of the power contact 314 may be provided with through holes 31j as shown in Fig. 15. The through holes 31j extend along the middle portions 31e of the respective contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314.

[0067] 10 to 13, the second contact group 22 includes a plurality of contacts 32 having substantially the same shape as the contacts 31 of the first contact group 21. Therefore, although detailed description will be omitted, the contacts 32 include a first portion 32a, a second portion 32b having a middle portion 32e and a tip portion 32f, and an elastically deformable portion 32c, as shown in FIG.

[0068] In this case, the length in the Y-axis direction of the first portion 32a of the contact 32 is longer than the length in the Y-axis direction of the first portion 31a of the contact 31 in the first contact group 21. In addition, the longitudinal length of the middle portion 32e of the second portion 32b of the contact 32 is longer than the longitudinal length of the middle portion 31e of the second portion 31b of the contact 31 in the first contact group 21.

[0069] 14, the Y-axis minus side portion of the first portion 32a of the contact 32 constitutes a first electrical contact 32d that is electrically connected to a contact of the connector 4. In addition, the Z-axis minus side end portion of the tip portion 32f of the second portion 32b of the contact 32 constitutes a second electrical contact 32h that is electrically connected to the signal terminal 2b of the connection board 2.

[0070] As shown in Figure 13, such contacts 32 are also arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction so that the first electrical contact 32d of the contact 32 corresponds to the position of the contact of the connecting connector 4, and the second electrical contact 32h of the contact 32 corresponds to the position of the signal terminal 2b of the connecting board 2.

[0071] 13, the first electrical contact 32d of the contact 32 is disposed on the positive side of the Z axis relative to the first electrical contact 31d of the contact 31 in the first contact group 21. The second electrical contact 32h of the contact 32 is disposed on the positive side of the Y axis relative to the second electrical contact 31h of the contact 31 in the first contact group 21.

[0072] 13, the second contact group 22 is arranged to cover the first contact group 21 from the positive Z-axis side and the positive Y-axis side. The end portion on the negative Z-axis side of the second electrical contact 32h of the contact 32 is arranged at approximately the same height in the Z-axis direction as the end portion on the negative Z-axis side of the second electrical contact 31h of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21.

[0073] In addition, the first portion 32a of the contact 32 may also have a curved portion 32i that curves outward from the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the +Y-axis side, depending on the arrangement of the second electrical contact 32h of the contact 32, as shown in Figure 13, for example.

[0074] Here, for example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the contacts 32 arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction may constitute ground contacts 321, and the contact 32 adjacent to the ground contacts 321 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute the first high-speed signal contact 322.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the contact 32 adjacent to the first high-speed signal contact 322 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute the second high-speed signal contact 323.

[0076] For example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the contact 32 adjacent to the second high-speed signal contact 323 on the inner side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction may constitute a power contact 324, and the other contacts 32 may constitute low-speed signal contacts 325.

[0077] The width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portion 32e of the ground contact 321, the middle portion 32e of the first high-speed signal contact 322, the middle portion 32e of the second high-speed signal contact 323, and the middle portion 32e of the power contact 324 is preferably wider than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portion 32f of each of the contacts 321, 322, 323, and 324, as shown in Figure 11.

[0078] In addition, the middle portions 32e of each of the contacts 321, 322, 323, and 324 in the second contact group 22 may or may not have a through hole, similar to the middle portions 31e of each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314 in the first contact group 21.

[0079] This allows the distance between the ground contact 321 and the first high-speed signal contact 322, the distance between the first high-speed signal contact 322 and the second high-speed signal contact 323, and the distance between the second high-speed signal contact 323 and the power contact 324 to be narrowed in the X-axis direction, thereby reducing the impedance of each of the contacts 321, 322, 323, and 324.

[0080] 16 is a perspective view of the midplate of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the negative side of the Z axis. The midplate 23 may be made of, for example, a conductive metal. As shown in FIG. 16, the midplate 23 is, for example, a plate that is approximately parallel to the XY plane and has an approximately T-shape as seen from the Z axis direction.

[0081] 16, the midplate 23 has a cutout 23a that reaches the end of the midplate 23 on the + side of the Y axis. The cutout 23a is located approximately in the center of the midplate 23 in the X axis direction and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the Z axis direction. Therefore, the portion of the midplate 23 on the + side of the Y axis has a substantially C-shape when viewed from the Z axis direction.

[0082] 12 and 13, such a mid-plate 23 is disposed in the Z-axis direction between the first portions 31a of the contacts 31 of the first contact group 21 and the first portions 32a of the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22. This makes it possible to suppress crosstalk between the contacts 31 of the first contact group 21 and the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22.

[0083] At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second portions 32b of the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22 are arranged in the cutout portions 23a of the midplate 23. Also, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the flat portions 23b on both sides in the X-axis direction across the cutout portions 23a in the midplate 23 are arranged on the outer side of the interface connector 1 in the X-axis direction relative to the first contact group 21 and the second contact group 22.

[0084] The flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 may be electrically connected to a connection portion (not shown) formed on the ground contact 311 of the first contact group 21 and a connection portion 32k formed on the ground contact 321 of the second contact group 22, as shown in FIG. 13, for example.

[0085] 10 and 11, the insulating member 24 holds the first contact group 21, the second contact group 22, and the mid-plate 23. The insulating member 24 has a substantially T-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and includes a first portion 24a and a second portion 24b.

[0086] 10 and 11, the first portion 24a has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The negative Y-axis side portion of the first portion 24a has a shape that can be fitted with the connector 4.

[0087] 10 and 11, the second portion 24b is connected to the end of the first portion 24a on the +Y-axis side. At this time, the first portion 24a is disposed, for example, at approximately the center of the second portion 24b in the X-axis direction.

[0088] 10 and 11, the second portion 24b has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The second portion 24b includes, for example, a first cutout portion 24c, a positioning pin 24d, and a second cutout portion 24e.

[0089] 10 and 11, the first cutout portion 24c reaches the end of the second portion 24b on the positive side of the Y axis. The first cutout portion 24c is disposed approximately in the center of the second portion 24b in the X axis direction, and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the Z axis direction. Therefore, the second portion 24b has a substantially C-shape when viewed in the Z axis direction.

[0090] The positioning pin 24d is inserted into the positioning hole 2c (see FIG. 2) of the connection board 2 when the interface connector 1 is fixed to the connection board 2. The positioning pin 24d protrudes toward the negative Z-axis side from each of the portions 24f on both sides in the X-axis direction, with the first cutout portion 24c of the second portion 24b in between, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. The positioning pin 24d may be, for example, substantially circular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0091] 10 and 11, the second cutout portions 24e are formed in the portions 24f on both sides in the X-axis direction with the first cutout portion 24c in the second portion 24b in between. The second cutout portions 24e are cut out, for example, on the negative Z-axis side of the portions 24f on both sides in the X-axis direction with the first cutout portion 24c in the second portion 24b in between, and at corners on the inner side of the interface connector 1.

[0092] 10 and 11, the second cutout portions 24e have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The second cutout portions 24e are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, for example.

[0093] Such an insulating member 24 holds the first contact group 21, the second contact group 22, and the mid-plate 23, with the first contact group 21, the second contact group 22, and the mid-plate 23 embedded inside the insulating member 24.

[0094] At this time, the first electrical contact 31d of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21 is exposed from the surface of the first portion 24a on the negative side of the Z axis, as shown in Fig. 10. Also, the first electrical contact 32d of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22 is exposed from the surface of the first portion 24a on the positive side of the Z axis, as shown in Fig. 11.

[0095] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the first cutout portion 24c of the second part 24b is arranged with a Y-axis + side portion including the elastic deformation portion 31c of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21, and a Y-axis + side portion including the Y-axis + side portion of the first part 32a of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22.

[0096] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the length of the portion of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22 that is exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y axis is longer than the length of the portion of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21 that is exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y axis.

[0097] 10 and 11, the end portion on the X-axis + side of the flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 on the X-axis + side protrudes from the X-axis + side side surface of the portion 24f on the X-axis + side relative to the first cutout portion 24c in the second portion 24b.

[0098] Also, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the X-axis -side end of the X-axis -side flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 protrudes from the X-axis -side side surface of the X-axis -side portion 24f relative to the first cutout portion 24c in the second portion 24b.

[0099] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the locator of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the negative side of the Z axis. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the locator of the interface connector of this embodiment as seen from the positive side of the Z axis. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of part XIX in Fig. 4.

[0100] Locator 25 suppresses misalignment in the X-axis direction of tip end portions 31f of contacts 31 in first contact group 21 and tip end portions 32f of contacts 32 in second contact group 22. Locator 25 may be made of, for example, insulating resin, and includes frame portion 25a, partition wall 25b, and protrusion 25c as shown in Figs.

[0101] 17 and 18, the frame portion 25a includes a main body portion 25d and beam portions 25e. The main body portion 25d is, for example, a substantially rectangular ring-shaped body that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The outer shape of the main body portion 25d is substantially the same as the inner shape of the first cutout portion 24c of the insulating member 24 when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0102] In addition, the inner shape of the main body 25d is shaped to accommodate, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the portion of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21 exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y-axis, and the portion of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22 exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y-axis.

[0103] 17 and 18, the main body 25d may include a wall 25f hanging down from the positive Y-axis side of the main body 25d toward the positive Z-axis side. The wall 25f may be, for example, a substantially rectangular plate that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The height of the main body 25d in the Z-axis direction, including the wall 25f, may be greater than the thickness of the second portion 24b of the insulating member 24 in the Z-axis direction.

[0104] 17 and 18, beam portion 25e is disposed at approximately the center of main body portion 25d in the Y-axis direction, and extends in the X-axis direction so as to bridge the portion of main body portion 25d on the positive X-axis side and the negative X-axis side. Beam portion 25e has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and is disposed on the negative Z-axis side of main body portion 25d.

[0105] The partition wall 25b is disposed between the contacts 31 of the first contact group 21 and the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22. Here, the partition wall 25b includes, for example, a first partition wall 25g and a second partition wall 25h as shown in FIGS.

[0106] The first partition wall 25g protrudes from the beam portion 25e of the frame portion 25a toward the Y-axis negative side so as to correspond to the arrangement of the ground contacts 311, the first high-speed signal contacts 312, the second high-speed signal contacts 313, and the power contacts 314 of the first contact group 21, for example, as shown in Figure 19.

[0107] Therefore, it is preferable that three first partition walls 25g are disposed on each of the positive and negative X-axis sides of beam portion 25e of frame portion 25a, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. In this case, first partition walls 25g do not reach the negative Y-axis side of main body portion 25d of frame portion 25a.

[0108] In addition, the first partition wall 25g protrudes from the Y-axis + side portion of the main body portion 25d of the frame portion 25a to the Y-axis - side so as to correspond to the arrangement of the ground contacts 321, the first high-speed signal contacts 322, the second high-speed signal contacts 323, and the power contacts 324 of the second contact group 22, as shown in Figure 19, for example.

[0109] Therefore, it is preferable that three first partition walls 25g are disposed on each of the positive X-axis side and negative X-axis side of the positive Y-axis side of main body 25d of frame 25a, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. In this case, first partition walls 25g do not reach beam 25e of frame 25a.

[0110] The first partition wall 25g may be, for example, a substantially rectangular plate when viewed from the X-axis direction, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. The first partition wall 25g may be disposed on the negative Z-axis side of the frame portion 25a.

[0111] Here, the distance between adjacent first partition walls 25g in the X-axis direction is preferably wider than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portions 31f, 32f of each contact 31, 32, and narrower than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portions 31e, 32e of each contact 31, 32.

[0112] The second partition wall 25h protrudes from the beam portion 25e of the frame portion 25a toward the negative Y-axis side so as to correspond to the arrangement of the low-speed signal contacts 315 of the first contact group 21, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0113] 17 and 18, the second partition walls 25h are disposed between the three first partition walls 25g on the +X-axis side and the three first partition walls 25g on the -X-axis side of the beam portions 25e of the frame portion 25a in the X-axis direction. In this case, the second partition walls 25h are disposed so as to bridge the beam portions 25e of the frame portion 25a and the portion of the main body portion 25d of the frame portion 25a on the -Y-axis side.

[0114] In addition, the second partition wall 25h protrudes from the Y-axis + side portion of the main body portion 25d of the frame portion 25a to the Y-axis - side so as to correspond to the arrangement of the low-speed signal contacts 325 of the second contact group 22, as shown in, for example, Figure 19.

[0115] Therefore, the second partition wall 25h is arranged, for example, in the X-axis direction, between the three first partition walls 25g on the +X-axis side and the three first partition walls 25g on the -X-axis side in the Y-axis + side portion of the main body 25d of the frame portion 25a, as shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0116] 17 and 18, second partition wall 25h is disposed so as to bridge beam portion 25e and a portion of main body 25d of frame portion 25a on the +Y-axis side. Second partition wall 25h may be, for example, a substantially rectangular plate when viewed from the X-axis direction. Second partition wall 25h may be disposed on a portion of frame portion 25a on the -Z-axis side.

[0117] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the protrusions 25c protrude outward from the +X-axis side and -X-axis side portions of the main body 25d of the frame 25a in the X-axis direction towards the outside of the interface connector 1.

[0118] 3, the protrusion 25c has a shape that can be fitted into the second cutout portion 24e of the insulating member 24. Therefore, the protrusion 25c has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0119] Such a locator 25 is fixed to the insulating member 24 by inserting the locator 25 into the first cutout portion 24c of the insulating member 24 and fitting the convex portion 25c of the locator 25 into the second cutout portion 24e of the insulating member 24.

[0120] In this case, the first partition wall 25g is positioned between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the ground contacts 311, 321 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322, as shown in Figure 19.

[0121] In addition, the first partition wall 25g is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0122] Furthermore, the first partition wall 25g is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the power contacts 314, 324, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0123] On the other hand, the first partition wall 25g is not present between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the ground contacts 311, 321 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322, as shown in FIG.

[0124] In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, the first partition wall 25g does not exist between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323, and between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the power contacts 314, 324.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 19, the second partition wall 25h is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the power contacts 314, 324 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the low-speed signal contacts 315, 325, and between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of adjacent low-speed signal contacts 315, 325.

[0126] In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, the second partition walls 25h are also arranged between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the power contacts 314, 324 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the low-speed signal contacts 315, 325, and between the middle portions 31e, 32e of adjacent low-speed signal contacts 315, 325.

[0127] 4, second electrical contacts 31h of first contact group 21 and second electrical contacts 32h of second contact group 22 protrude toward the negative Z-axis side from the negative Z-axis side surface of locator 25. Wall portion 25f of main body 25d of frame 25a closes the open portion of first cutout portion 24c of insulating member 24 on the positive Y-axis side.

[0128] It is preferable that second partition wall 25h of locator 25 be cut out at a portion that interferes with middle portions 31e, 32e of contacts 31, 32. It is also preferable that frame portion 25a of locator 25 be cut out at a portion that interferes when locator 25 is fixed to insulating member 24.

[0129] The contact assembly 13, which integrates the first contact group 21, the second contact group 22, the mid-plate 23, the insulating member 24, and the locator 25, is housed in the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11, as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0130] In this case, the contact assembly 13 may be fixed to the housing 11 by joining the flat portion 23b of the mid-plate 23 to the first flat portion 11g of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11 by means of laser welding or other means. In Fig. 5, the welded joint of the mid-plate 23 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0131] Also, as shown in Figure 4, the first portion 31a of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21, the first portion 32a of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22, and the first portion 24a of the insulating member 24 are passed through the second through hole 11d of the housing 11 toward the Y-axis - side.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, the second portion 24b of the insulating member 24 is accommodated in the recess where the second flat portion 11h of the cutout portion 11b in the housing 11 is formed, and the wall portion 25f of the main body portion 25d of the frame portion 25a of the locator 25 is accommodated in the recess where the third flat portion 11i and the fourth flat portion 11j of the cutout portion 11b in the housing 11 are formed.

[0133] When the flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 of the contact assembly 13 is fixed to the first flat portion 11g of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11 in this manner, the periphery of the flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 functions as an elastic deformation portion, allowing the contact assembly 13 to rotate around the X-axis.

[0134] Therefore, even if an external load around the X-axis is applied to the connecting connector 4 while the connecting connector 4 is electrically connected to the interface connector 1, the area around the flat portion 23b of the mid-plate 23 deforms to release the load, thereby suppressing damage to the contact assembly 13.

[0135] 8, the second through-hole 11d of the housing 11 may include a fitted portion 11o into which the negative Y-axis side portion of the first portion 24a of the insulating member 24 is fitted. The fitted portion 11o is disposed on the negative Y-axis side portion of the second through-hole 11d.

[0136] The mating portion 11o may be, for example, as shown in Figure 8, approximately rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and is recessed toward the Y-axis from the Z-axis side portion of the Y-axis side surface 11l of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11.

[0137] Next, the flow of manufacturing the interface connector 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, the housing 11 is formed, for example, by metal injection molding or cutting. This allows the housing 11 to be formed with higher rigidity than a housing formed from sheet metal. Furthermore, the housing 11 can be easily formed with multiple portions of different thicknesses, such as the cutout portion 11b.

[0138] Next, the first contact group 21, the second contact group 22, and the mid-plate 23 are integrated into the insulating member 24 by insert molding. At this time, it is preferable to insert mold the contacts 31 of the first contact group 21 and the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22 into the insulating member 24 while they are held in predetermined positions by holding members.

[0139] Then, the locator 25 is inserted into the first cutout portion 24c of the insulating member 24, and the protrusion portion 25c of the locator 25 is fitted into the second cutout portion 24e of the insulating member 24, thereby forming the contact assembly 13.

[0140] Next, while passing the elastic deformation portion 12b of the ground plate 12 through the third through hole 11e of the housing 11 from the Y-axis + side, the flat portion 12a of the ground plate 12 is placed on the fourth flat portion 11j of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11, and they are joined together by means such as laser welding.

[0141] Next, the first portion 31a of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21, the first portion 32a of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22, and the first portion 24a of the insulating member 24 are passed through the second through hole 11d of the housing 11 toward the Y-axis - side, and the Y-axis + side portion of the contact assembly 13 is accommodated in the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11 from the Z-axis - side.

[0142] Then, with the flat portion 23b of the mid-plate 23 placed on the first flat portion 11g of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11, they are joined together by means such as laser welding. In this way, the interface connector 1 can be manufactured.

[0143] Next, a process for fixing the interface connector 1 of this embodiment to the connection board 2 and electrically connecting the connection connector 4 to the interface connector 1 will be described. Figure 20 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the state in which the interface connector of this embodiment is fixed to the connection board.

[0144] As shown in Figure 2, the positioning pin 24d of the insulating member 24 of the interface connector 1 is inserted into the positioning hole 2c of the connection board 2 from the Z axis + side, and the housing 11 of the interface connector 1 is placed on the Z axis + side surface of the connection board 2.

[0145] At this time, as shown in FIG. 20, the interface connector 1 may be positioned relative to the connection board 2 by inserting the convex portion 11m of the housing 11 of the interface connector 1 into the notch portion 2a of the connection board 2 from the +Z axis side.

[0146] Next, by passing a screw 3 through the first through hole 11c of the housing 11 of the interface connector 1 from the +Z axis side and screwing it into a screw hole (not shown) of the connection board 2, the interface connector 1 can be fixed to the connection board 2.

[0147] As a result, the second electrical contacts 31h of the contacts 31 in the first contact group 21 of the interface connector 1 and the second electrical contacts 31h of the contacts 32 in the second contact group 22 are electrically connected to the signal terminals 2b of the connection board 2.

[0148] Furthermore, the housing 11 of the interface connector 1 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 2d of the connection board 2. If the housing 11, the ground plate 12, and the mid-plate 23 of the interface connector 1 are made of conductive metal, a ground path can be formed from the ground plate 12 or the mid-plate 23 to the ground terminal 2d of the connection board 2 via the housing 11.

[0149] At this time, a portion of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21 including an elastic deformation portion 31c exposed from the insulating member 24 toward the +Y-axis side, and a portion of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22 including an elastic deformation portion 32c exposed from the insulating member 24 toward the +Y-axis side, elastically deform toward the +Z-axis side.

[0150] Furthermore, the length of the portion of the contact 31 of the first contact group 21 including the elastic deformation portion 31c exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y axis is shorter than the length of the portion of the contact 32 of the second contact group 22 including the elastic deformation portion 32c exposed from the insulating member 24 to the + side of the Y axis.

[0151] In addition, the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portion 31e of the ground contact 311 of the first contact group 21, the middle portion 31e of the first high-speed signal contact 312, the middle portion 31e of the second high-speed signal contact 313, and the middle portion 31e of the power contact 314 is wider than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portion 31f of each contact 311, 312, 313, 314.

[0152] Therefore, although each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314 of the first contact group 21 is unlikely to elastically deform toward the + side of the Z axis, if the middle portion 31e of each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314 of the first contact group 21 is provided with a through hole 31j, the portion of each of the contacts 311, 312, 313, and 314 including the elastic deformation portion 31c exposed toward the + side of the Y axis from the insulating member 24 can be elastically deformed favorably toward the + side of the Z axis.

[0153] The connecting connector 4 is inserted into the +Y-axis side of the second through-hole 11d of the housing 11 of the interface connector 1. This causes the connecting connector 4 to fit into the -Y-axis side portion of the first portion 24a of the insulating member 24 of the interface connector 1.

[0154] As a result, the contacts of the mating connector 4 are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts 31d of the contacts 31 in the first contact group 21 of the interface connector 1 and the first electrical contacts 32d of the contacts 32 in the second contact group 22.

[0155] Furthermore, the ground of the connector 4 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 12c of the ground plate 12 of the interface connector 1. This allows the connector 4 to be electrically connected to the connection board 2 via the interface connector 1.

[0156] Thus, in this embodiment, the first partition wall 25g of the locator 25 is positioned between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the ground contacts 311, 321 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322, as shown in Figure 19.

[0157] In addition, the first partition wall 25g of the locator 25 is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0158] Furthermore, the first partition wall 25g of the locator 25 is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the power contacts 314, 324, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0159] On the other hand, first partition wall 25g of locator 25 is not present between middle portions 31e, 32e of ground contacts 311, 321 and middle portions 31e, 32e of first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322, as shown in FIG.

[0160] In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, first partition wall 25g of locator 25 is not present between middle portions 31e, 32e of first high-speed signal contacts 312, 322 and middle portions 31e, 32e of second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323.

[0161] Furthermore, the first partition wall 25g of the locator 25 is not present between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the second high-speed signal contacts 313, 323 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the power contacts 314, 324, as shown in FIG.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 19, the second partition wall 25h of the locator 25 is disposed between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the power contacts 314, 324 and the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the low-speed signal contacts 315, 325, and between the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of adjacent low-speed signal contacts 315, 325.

[0163] In addition, the second partition wall 25h of the locator 25 is also disposed between the middle portions 31e, 32e of the power contacts 314, 324 and the middle portions 31e, 32e of the low-speed signal contacts 315, 325, as shown in FIG. 19, and between the middle portions 31e, 32e of adjacent low-speed signal contacts 315, 325.

[0164] Therefore, the interface connector 1 of this embodiment can suppress positional misalignment in the X-axis direction of the tip portion 31f including the second electrical contact 31h of each contact 31 in the first contact group 21 and the tip portion 32f including the second electrical contact 32h of each contact 32 in the second contact group 22.

[0165] Furthermore, first partition wall 25g of locator 25 is not present between middle portions 31e, 32e of some of contacts 31, 32. Therefore, in interface connector 1 of the present embodiment, the width dimension in the X-axis direction of middle portions 31e, 32e of at least some of contacts 31, 32 can be increased, thereby narrowing the spacing in the X-axis direction between some of contacts 31, 32 and reducing the impedance of some of contacts 31, 32.

[0166] In particular, the interface connector 1 of this embodiment can increase the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portions of adjacent high-speed signal contacts and the middle portions of contacts adjacent to the high-speed signal contacts, thereby narrowing the spacing in the X-axis direction between adjacent contacts and achieving even higher speed transmission.

[0167] Furthermore, since the first partition wall 25g of the locator 25 does not exist between the middle portions 31e, 32e of some of the contacts 31, 32, the locator 25 can be manufactured more easily than the locator of the interface connector of Patent Document 1.

[0168] Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture an interface connector 1 that can reduce the impedance of at least some of the contacts 31, 32 while suppressing positional misalignment of the tip portions 31f, 32f including the second electrical contacts 31h, 32h of the contacts 31, 32.

[0169] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, when the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the contacts 31, 32 are inserted between the partition walls 25b, the length of the first partition wall 25g in the Y-axis direction can be short, and the locator 25 can be easily formed.

[0170] Furthermore, since the open ends 31g, 32g of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the contacts 31, 32 are in the vicinity of the first electrical contacts 31d, 32d, positional deviation of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the contacts 31, 32 in the X-axis direction can be effectively suppressed.

[0171] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, when a part of the contacts 31 has a shorter portion exposed from the insulating member 24 to the +Y-axis side compared to the contacts 32 of the second contact group 22 and a wider width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portion 31e, and is provided with a through hole 31j, the part of the part of the contacts 31 exposed from the insulating member 24 to the +Y-axis side can be elastically deformed well to the +Z-axis side.

[0172] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, when the housing 11 is formed by metal injection molding or cutting, it is possible to form a housing 11 with higher rigidity than a housing formed from sheet metal. Moreover, it is possible to easily form the housing 11 having a plurality of portions with different thicknesses, such as the cutout portion 11b.

[0173] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, if the interface connector 1 is configured to be fixed to the connection board 2 with screws 3, if the interface connector 1 breaks down, the interface connector 1 can be easily replaced.

[0174] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, if the housing 11, ground plate 12, and mid-plate 23 are made of conductive metal, the ground plate 12 and mid-plate 23 can be easily joined to the housing 11 by laser welding or the like.

[0175] In the interface connector 1 of this embodiment, when the flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 of the contact assembly 13 is fixed to the first flat portion 11g of the cutout portion 11b of the housing 11, the periphery of the flat portion 23b of the midplate 23 functions as an elastic deformation portion, allowing the contact assembly 13 to rotate around the X-axis.

[0176] Therefore, even if an external load around the X-axis is applied to the connecting connector 4 while the connecting connector 4 is electrically connected to the interface connector 1, the area around the flat portion 23b of the mid-plate 23 deforms to release the load, thereby suppressing damage to the contact assembly 13.

[0177] In the above embodiment, for example, the housing 11 is made of a molded or machined product, but the housing 11 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of holding the contact assembly 13. Furthermore, the configuration of the contact assembly 13 is an example, and it may have any configuration as long as it is capable of holding a plurality of contacts lined up in the X-axis direction, and may be fixed to the housing via an insulating member.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portions 31e, 32e of some of the contacts 31, 32 is wider than the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portions 31f, 32f of some of the contacts 31, 32, but the relationship between the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the middle portions 31e, 32e of the contacts 31, 32 and the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the tip portions 31f, 32f of the contacts 31, 32 is not limited.

[0179] Furthermore, although through holes 31j are provided in the middle portions 31e of some of the contacts 31, 32, these may be omitted. In short, the shapes of the contacts 31, 32 are not limited as long as they can be electrically connected to the signal terminals 2b of the connection board 2 and the contacts of the connector 4.

[0180] The shape of the insulating member 24 in the above embodiment is an example, and any shape may be used as long as it can hold the first contact group 21 and the second contact group 22.

[0181] Although the interface connector 1 of this embodiment includes the first contact group 21 and the second contact group 22, it is sufficient that the interface connector 1 includes one or more contact groups, and the number of groups is not limited.

[0182] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1 Interface connector 2 Connection board, 2a Notch, 2b Signal terminal, 2c Positioning hole, 2d Ground terminal 3 screws 4 Connector 11 housing, 11a flat surface, 11b cutout portion, 11c first through hole, 11d second through hole, 11e third through hole, 11f side wall portion, 11g first flat portion, 11h second flat portion, 11i third flat portion, 11j fourth flat portion, 11k stepped portion, 11l Y-axis -side surface of cutout portion, 11m convex portion, 11n heat dissipation fin, 11o mating portion 12 ground plate, 12a flat portion, 12b elastic deformation portion, 12c electrical contact 13 Contact assembly 21 First group of contacts 22 Second group of contacts 23 Midplate, 23a Notch, 23b Flat 24 insulating member, 24a first portion, 24b second portion, 24c first notch portion, 24d positioning pin, 24e second notch portion, 24f portions on both sides of the first notch portion in the second portion 25 Locator, 25a Frame, 25b Partition wall, 25c Convex portion, 25d Main body, 25e Beam, 25f Wall, 25g First partition wall, 25h Second partition wall 31 contact, 31a first portion, 31b second portion, 31c elastic deformation portion, 31d first electrical contact, 31e middle portion, 31f tip portion, 31g open end, 31h second electrical contact, 31i curved portion, 31j through hole 32 contact, 32a first portion, 32b second portion, 32c elastic deformation portion, 32d first electrical contact, 32e middle portion, 32f tip portion, 32h second electrical contact, 32i curved portion, 32k connecting portion 101 Interface Connector 102 contact, 102a electrical contact 103 auxiliary contact, 103a electrical contact, 103b portion of the auxiliary contact on the contact side relative to the electrical contact, 103c widened portion 104 insulating member, 104a partition wall, 104b groove portion 311 Ground Contact 312 First High Speed ​​Signal Contact 313 Second high speed signal contact 314 Power Contact 315 Low Speed ​​Signal Contact 321 Ground Contact 322 First High Speed ​​Signal Contact 323 Second high speed signal contact 324 power contact 325 Low Speed ​​Signal Contact

Claims

1. Housing and a contact assembly held in the housing; Equipped with An interface connector for electrically connecting a connection connector and a connection board, The contact assembly includes: contacts, each having a first electrical contact electrically connected to the connector and a second electrical contact electrically connected to the connection board, the contacts being spaced apart in a width direction of the housing; an insulating member that holds the contacts and into which the connector is fitted; a locator disposed near the second electrical contact and configured to correct misalignment of the second electrical contact in the width direction of the housing; Equipped with The locator has a partition wall disposed between the contacts aligned in the width direction of the housing, An interface connector, wherein at least some of the partition walls separate tip portions including the second electrical contacts of at least some of the contacts, and are not present between the tip portions of at least some of the contacts on the side of the first electrical contact and the middle portion exposed from the insulating member.

2. 2. The interface connector according to claim 1, wherein a width dimension of a middle portion of at least some of the contacts is wider than a width dimension of a tip portion of at least some of the contacts.

3. 3. The interface connector according to claim 2, wherein the spacing between at least some of the partition walls is wider than the width of tip portions of at least some of the contacts and narrower than the width of middle portions of at least some of the contacts.

4. a tip end portion of at least some of the contacts has a curved shape that is convex toward the outside of the housing in the thickness direction of the housing, and the second electrical contact is provided at a top of the tip end portion of at least some of the contacts; 4. The interface connector according to claim 3, wherein an open end on the opposite side to the middle portion at the tip end of at least some of the contacts is inserted between at least some of the partition walls.

5. 5. An interface connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact is a compression connector having an elastic deformation portion that elastically deforms and presses the second electrical contact against a terminal provided on the connection board with a predetermined load when the interface connector is fixed to the connection board, in order to electrically connect the interface connector and the connection board.

6. The interface connector according to claim 5 , wherein at least some of the contacts have through holes formed in their central portions.

7. a first contact group in which the contacts are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing; a second contact group in which the contacts are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing; Equipped with a first electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group is disposed on an opposite side of a side on which a second electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group and a second electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group are disposed in a thickness direction of the housing, relative to a first electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group; a second electrical contact of the contact in the second contact group is disposed on a side of the second electrical contact of the contact in the first contact group in a fitting direction of the connector into the insulating member; the through-hole is formed in the middle of a contact in the first contact group, 7. The interface connector according to claim 6, wherein the through-holes are not formed in the middle portions of the contacts in the second contact group.

8. 8. The interface connector according to claim 7, wherein an exposed length of the contacts of the second contact group, including the elastic deformation portion, from the insulating member toward a side in a fitting direction of the connecting connector into the insulating member, is longer than an exposed length of the contacts of the first contact group, including the elastic deformation portion, from the insulating member toward a side in a fitting direction of the connecting connector into the insulating member.

9. 5. The interface connector according to claim 1, wherein the other partition walls for the at least some of the contacts separate tip portions of the other contacts for the at least some of the contacts and separate middle portions of the other contacts.

10. 5. The interface connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a shell block having a plurality of portions of different thicknesses, and has a first through hole into which a screw is inserted to fix the interface connector to the connection board in order to electrically connect the interface connector to the connection board, and a second through hole into which the connection connector is inserted in order to fit the connection connector into the insulating member.

Images