Electrical connectors and electronic devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector capable of effectively suppressing crosstalk between a plurality of contacts and an electronic device including the electrical connector. The electrical connector (1) comprises: a first contact group (21U) arranged on a first contact plane; a second contact group (21L) arranged on a second contact plane; and a ground plate (22) located on a ground plane. In addition to being located between the contact portion (211U) and horizontal extension portion (212U) of the contact (21) of the first contact group (21U) and the contact portion (211L) and horizontal extension portion (212L) of the contact (21) of the second contact group (21L), the ground plate (22) is also located between the horizontal extension portion (212U) of the contact (21) of the first contact group (21U) and the horizontal extension portion (212L), lower extension portion (213L) and terminal portion (214L) of the contact (21) of the second contact group (21L).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-191574 filed on October 18, 2019 (title of invention “Electrical connector and electronic device”), Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-191575 filed on October 18, 2019 (title of invention “Electrical connector and electronic device”), and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-191576 filed on October 18, 2019 (title of invention “Electrical connector and electronic device”), and the contents of the above-mentioned Japanese patent applications are fully cited in this specification by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an electrical connector and an electronic device including the same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an electrical connector and an electronic device including the same: The electrical connector includes a ground plate to suppress crosstalk between contacts of a first contact group disposed on an upper side and contacts of a second contact group disposed on a lower side. The ground plate is located between the contact portions and horizontal extensions of the contacts of the first contact group and the contact portions and horizontal extensions of the contacts of the second contact group, and also between the horizontal extensions of the contacts of the first contact group and the horizontal extensions, lower extensions, and terminal portions of the contacts of the second contact group.

[0003] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an electrical connector and an electronic device including the electrical connector: the electronic device includes two contacts having a narrow pitch portion approaching from one side of the two contacts toward the other side in order to suppress crosstalk caused by the two contacts for transmitting differential signals.

[0004] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an electrical connector and an electronic device including the electrical connector: when the ground plate of the electrical connector has an opening opposite to two contacts constituting a signal contact pair for transmitting differential signals, the electrical connector can also suppress crosstalk caused by the two contacts in the area where the opening is formed. Background Art

[0005] Conventionally, electrical connectors are used to electrically connect electronic devices to other electronic devices. To achieve this electrical connection, a combination of two types of electrical connectors is used: a receptacle connector and a plug connector that is inserted into an insertion port of the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector is mounted on a circuit board within the housing of the electronic device, and the insertion port is exposed to the outside of the electronic device through a through-hole provided in the housing.

[0006] Furthermore, with the recent trend toward miniaturization of electronic devices, demands for smaller electrical connectors have increased. In response to this demand for smaller electrical connectors, the USB Type-C standard was proposed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Electrical connectors conforming to the USB Type-C standard adopt a vertically symmetrical design, enabling the plug connector to be inserted into the receptacle connector regardless of the connector's vertical orientation.

[0007] For example, Figure 1 The conventional electrical connector 800 with waterproof function according to the USB Type-C standard is disclosed. The electrical connector 800 includes a metal housing 810 and an internal structure 820 housed inside the housing 810. Figure 2 As shown, the internal structure 820 includes: a first contact group 830U composed of a plurality of contacts 830 arranged on a first contact plane; a second contact group 830L composed of a plurality of contacts 830 arranged on a second contact plane; a ground plate 840 disposed on a ground plane between the first contact plane and the second contact plane; a housing 850 that maintains insulation of the first contact group 830U, the second contact group 830L, and the ground plate 840; and a waterproof seal 860 (see FIG. 1 ) that seals the interior of the housing 850 in a liquid-tight manner. Figure 3 ).

[0008] In addition, each of the first contact group 830U and the second contact group 830L includes: two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs consisting of two contacts for transmitting high-frequency differential signals between the object side connector; a pair of normal signal contact pairs consisting of two normal signal contacts for transmitting normal frequency differential signals between the object side connector; and a plurality of non-signal contacts for purposes other than signal transmission.

[0009] Housing 850 includes a top housing 850T integrally molded with first contact group 830U, and a bottom housing 850B integrally molded with second contact group 830L and ground plate 840. Top housing 850T is insert-molded using an insulating resin material to form a plurality of contacts 830 arranged on a first contact plane. Similarly, bottom housing 850B is insert-molded using an insulating resin material to form a plurality of contacts 830 arranged on a second contact plane and a ground plate 840 disposed on a ground plate plane.

[0010] With the lower surface of the top case 850T and the upper surface of the bottom case 850B in close contact with each other, the housing 850 is filled with an elastomeric material through the filling openings 870 of the top case 850T and the bottom case 850B, thereby forming a waterproof seal 860 within the housing 850, thereby sealing the interior of the housing 850 liquid-tightly. Thereafter, the top case 850T and the bottom case 850B are overmolded to complete the housing 850.

[0011] Figure 3 express Figure 1 AA line cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 800. Figure 3 As shown, each of the multiple contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the second contact group 830L has: a contact portion 831 that contacts the contact of the connector on the object side; a horizontal extension portion 832 that extends horizontally from the contact portion 831 toward the base end side; a downward extension portion 833 that extends downward from the horizontal extension portion 832; and a terminal portion 834 that extends from the downward extension portion 833 toward the base end side.

[0012] Receptacle connectors conforming to the USB Type-C standard, such as electrical connector 800, are very small, and the isolation distance between the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L is short. Consequently, crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts 830 when current flows through the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L becomes a problem. To suppress this crosstalk, receptacle connectors conforming to the USB Type-C standard have a ground plate 840 disposed between the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L.

[0013] On the other hand, in order to form a waterproof seal 860 within the housing 850 that seals the interior of the housing 850 liquid-tightly, it is necessary to allow the elastomer material to flow within the housing 850 when the elastomer material is filled into the housing 850 through the filling openings 870 of the top housing 850T and the bottom housing 850B. To ensure the fluidity of the elastomer material within the housing 850, a flow opening 841 is formed in the ground plate 840.

[0014] like Figure 2As shown, the ground plate 840 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom housing 850B, so the length of the ground plate 840 (the length in the plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector) is limited by the length of the upper surface of the bottom housing 850B. Therefore, the ground plate 840 is located above the contact portion 831 of the contact 830 of the second contact group 830L and the front end portion of the horizontal extension portion 832, but is not arranged above the base end portion of the horizontal extension portion 832 of the contact 830 of the second contact group 830L, the lower extension portion 833, and the terminal portion 834. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, when the electrical connector 800 is assembled, there is a region without the ground plate 840 between the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L.

[0015] Thus, in the conventional electrical connector 800, there is a region without the ground plate 840 between the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L. Consequently, crosstalk between the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L cannot be suppressed in this region, resulting in a problem in which the electrical performance of the electrical connector 800 cannot be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, differential signals with a frequency above a constant frequency flow through the high-frequency signal contact pairs and the normal signal contact pairs in the contacts 830 of the first contact group 830U and the contacts 830 of the second contact group 830L. Therefore, the crosstalk caused by the high-frequency signal contact pairs and the normal signal contact pairs used to transmit differential signals is particularly significant. Therefore, to improve the electrical characteristics of the electrical connector 800, it is particularly necessary to suppress the crosstalk caused by the high-frequency signal contact pairs and the normal signal contact pairs.

[0017] However, even with the above-described ground plate 840 , it is difficult to completely eliminate the influence of crosstalk caused by the high-frequency signal contact pair and the normal signal contact pair.

[0018] Furthermore, in the area of ground plate 840 where flow openings 841 are formed, there is no metal component for suppressing crosstalk between upper and lower contacts 830. Therefore, crosstalk between upper and lower contacts 830 in this area cannot be suppressed. In particular, the crosstalk caused by high-frequency signal contact pairs and normal signal contact pairs in this area has a significant impact, leading to problems such as deterioration of the electrical characteristics of electrical connector 800.

[0019] In recent years, with the increase in processor computing power, the increased capacity of storage devices such as memories, and increased communication speeds, the amount of data transmitted and received using connectors such as electrical connector 800 has increased. Consequently, the frequency of differential signals transmitted using high-frequency signal contact pairs has tended to increase. As the frequency of differential signals transmitted using high-frequency signal contact pairs increases, the impact of crosstalk caused by the high-frequency signal contact pairs also increases. This increased impact of crosstalk caused by high-frequency signal contact pairs degrades the electrical characteristics of electrical connector 800. Therefore, there is a particular need for technology to suppress crosstalk caused by high-frequency signal contact pairs.

[0020] Prior art literature

[0021] Patent Literature

[0022] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-170195

[0023] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-57501 Summary of the Invention

[0024] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0025] The present invention is a solution proposed in view of the above-mentioned existing problems. The first purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that can effectively suppress crosstalk between a first contact group arranged on the upper side and a second contact group arranged on the lower side, and an electronic device including the electrical connector.

[0026] A second object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector capable of suppressing crosstalk caused by two contacts for transmitting differential signals and an electronic device including the electrical connector.

[0027] A third object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector and an electronic device including the electrical connector that can suppress crosstalk caused by the two contacts in the area where the opening is formed, even when the ground plate has an opening opposite to the two contacts constituting a signal contact pair for transmitting differential signals.

[0028] Solutions to Problems

[0029] Such objects are achieved by the following present inventions. In particular, the first object of the present invention is achieved by the following (1) to (9) present inventions.

[0030] (1) An electrical connector capable of mating with a mating connector inserted from the front end side, characterized by comprising:

[0031] Insulating shell:

[0032] a first contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing in a manner arranged on a first contact plane and extending linearly along a plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector;

[0033] a second contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing so as to be arranged on a second contact plane opposite to the first contact plane and extending linearly along the insertion and removal direction of the mating connector; and

[0034] a ground plate held on the housing so as to be located between the first contact plane and the second contact plane and on a ground plane facing the first contact plane and the second contact plane;

[0035] Each of the contacts of the first contact group and the second contact group comprises: a contact portion located on the front end side and in contact with the mating connector; a horizontal extension portion extending horizontally from the contact portion toward the base end side; a lower extension portion extending downward from the horizontal extension portion; and a terminal portion extending from the lower extension portion toward the base end side.

[0036] In addition to being located between the above-mentioned contact portion and the above-mentioned horizontal extension portion of the above-mentioned contact of the above-mentioned first contact group and the above-mentioned contact portion and the above-mentioned horizontal extension portion of the above-mentioned contact of the above-mentioned second contact group, the above-mentioned grounding plate is also located between the above-mentioned horizontal extension portion of the above-mentioned contact of the above-mentioned first contact group and the above-mentioned horizontal extension portion, the above-mentioned lower extension portion and the above-mentioned terminal portion of the above-mentioned contact of the above-mentioned second contact group.

[0037] (2) The electrical connector according to (1) above, characterized in that:

[0038] The ground plate includes:

[0039] a first grounding plate located between the contact portions and the horizontally extending portions of the contacts of the first contact group and the contact portions and the horizontally extending portions of the contacts of the second contact group; and

[0040] The second grounding plate is located between the horizontally extending portions of the contacts of the first contact group and the horizontally extending portions, the lower extending portions, and the terminal portions of the contacts of the second contact group.

[0041] (3) The electrical connector according to (2) above, characterized in that:

[0042] The second ground plate further extends so as to be located between the lower extending portions of the contacts of the first contact group, the lower extending portions of the contacts of the second contact group, and the terminal portion.

[0043] (4) The electrical connector according to (2) or (3) above, characterized in that:

[0044] The second ground plate is isolated from the first ground plate, and the second ground plate is not electrically connected to the first ground plate.

[0045] (5) The electrical connector according to any one of (2) to (4) above, characterized in that:

[0046] It also includes a shielding component located outside the shell,

[0047] The second ground plate is electrically connected to the shielding member.

[0048] (6) The electrical connector according to (2) or (3) above, characterized in that:

[0049] The second ground plate is electrically connected to the first ground plate.

[0050] (7) The electrical connector according to any one of (2) to (6) above, characterized in that:

[0051] The housing includes: a top housing for holding the first contact group and the second grounding plate; and a bottom housing for holding the second contact group and the first grounding plate.

[0052] (8) The electrical connector according to (7) above, characterized in that:

[0053] The second grounding plate has: a flat main body; and a pair of protrusions formed on both ends of the main body in a width direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the mating side connector in a manner extending upward from the main body.

[0054] The top shell has a pair of press-in grooves.

[0055] The second ground plate is fixed to the top case by press-fitting the pair of protruding portions of the second ground plate into the pair of press-fit grooves of the top case, respectively.

[0056] (9) An electronic device, comprising:

[0057] Box;

[0058] A circuit substrate disposed in the housing; and

[0059] The electrical connector described in any one of (1) to (8) above is mounted on the above circuit substrate.

[0060] Furthermore, the second object of the present invention is achieved by the present invention of the following (10) to (22).

[0061] (10) An electrical connector capable of mating with a mating connector inserted from the front end, characterized in that it comprises:

[0062] a contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts arranged on a contact plane and extending linearly along a plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector; and

[0063] A ground plate is arranged on a ground plane opposite to the contact plane.

[0064] The contact group includes a signal contact pair for transmitting differential signals.

[0065] Each of the two contacts constituting the signal contact pair has a narrow pitch portion approaching from one side toward the other side.

[0066] The isolation distance between the narrow pitch portions of the two contacts constituting the signal contact pair is smaller than the isolation distance between other portions of the two contacts.

[0067] (11) The electrical connector according to (10) above, characterized in that:

[0068] Each of the contacts of the contact group comprises: a contact portion located on the front end side and in contact with the mating connector; a horizontal extension portion extending horizontally from the contact portion toward the base end side; a lower extension portion extending downward from the horizontal extension portion; and a terminal portion extending from the lower extension portion toward the base end side.

[0069] The narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair is formed on the horizontally extending portion.

[0070] (12) The electrical connector described in (10) or (11) above, characterized in that:

[0071] The ground plate has an opening facing the two contacts of the signal contact pair.

[0072] The narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair faces the opening of the ground plate.

[0073] (13) The electrical connector according to (12) above, characterized in that:

[0074] The narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair has a width smaller than a width of the opening of the ground plate.

[0075] (14) The electrical connector according to (12) or (13) above, characterized in that:

[0076] The signal contact pair of the contact group includes: a normal signal contact pair consisting of two normal signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a normal frequency; and a high-frequency signal contact pair consisting of two high-frequency signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a higher frequency than the normal frequency.

[0077] The two high-frequency signal contacts constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair are opposed to the opening of the ground plate.

[0078] (15) The electrical connector according to any one of (10) to (14) above, characterized in that:

[0079] The narrow pitch portion includes: an approach portion approaching from one of the two contacts of the signal contact pair toward the other; and a straight portion extending from the approach portion in the insertion and removal direction.

[0080] (16) The electrical connector according to (15) above, characterized in that:

[0081] The length of the straight portion of the narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair is at least twice the width of the contact.

[0082] (17) The electrical connector according to (15) or (16) above, characterized in that:

[0083] The separation distance between the straight line portions of the narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair is 1.5 times or less of a width of the contact.

[0084] (18) An electrical connector capable of mating with a mating connector inserted from the front end, characterized in that it comprises:

[0085] a first contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts arranged on a first contact plane and extending linearly along a plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector;

[0086] a second contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts arranged on a second contact plane opposite to the first contact plane and extending linearly along the insertion and removal direction of the mating connector; and

[0087] a ground plate disposed between the first contact plane and the second contact plane and on a ground plane facing the first contact plane and the second contact plane;

[0088] Each of the first contact group and the second contact group includes a signal contact pair for transmitting differential signals.

[0089] Each of the two contacts constituting the signal contact pair in each of the first contact group and the second contact group has a narrow pitch portion approaching from one side toward the other side.

[0090] In each of the first contact group and the second contact group, the isolation distance between the narrow pitch portions of the two contacts constituting the signal contact pair is smaller than the isolation distance between other portions of the two contacts.

[0091] (19) The electrical connector according to (18) above, characterized in that:

[0092] The ground plate has an opening facing the two contacts of the signal contact pair in each of the first contact group and the second contact group.

[0093] The narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair of the second contact group faces the opening of the ground plate.

[0094] (20) The electrical connector according to (19) above, characterized in that:

[0095] The narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair of the first contact group does not face the opening of the ground plate.

[0096] In a plan view, the narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair of the first contact group does not overlap with the narrow pitch portion of each of the two contacts of the signal contact pair of the second contact group.

[0097] (21) The electrical connector according to (19) or (20) above, characterized in that:

[0098] The signal contact pairs of each of the first contact group and the second contact group include: a normal signal contact pair consisting of two normal signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a normal frequency; and a high-frequency signal contact pair consisting of two high-frequency signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a higher frequency than the normal frequency.

[0099] The two high-frequency signal contacts constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair in each of the first contact group and the second contact group are opposed to the opening of the ground plate.

[0100] (22) An electronic device, comprising:

[0101] Box;

[0102] A circuit substrate disposed in the housing; and

[0103] The electrical connector described in any one of the above (10) to (21) is mounted on the above circuit substrate.

[0104] Furthermore, the third object of the present invention is achieved by the present invention of the following (23) to (31).

[0105] (23) An electrical connector capable of being mated with a mating connector inserted from the front end, characterized in that it comprises:

[0106] Insulating shell;

[0107] a first contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing in a manner arranged on a first contact plane and extending linearly along a plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector;

[0108] a second contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing so as to be arranged on a second contact plane opposite to the first contact plane and extending linearly along the insertion and removal direction of the mating connector; and

[0109] a ground plate held on the housing so as to be located between the first contact plane and the second contact plane and on a ground plane facing the first contact plane and the second contact plane;

[0110] Each of the first contact group and the second contact group includes a signal contact pair consisting of two signal contacts for transmitting differential signals.

[0111] The ground plate has an opening facing the two signal contacts of the signal contact pair of the first contact group and the second contact group.

[0112] In a region facing the opening of the ground plate, a separation distance between outer side surfaces of the two signal contacts of the signal contact pair of the first contact group is greater than a width of the opening of the ground plate.

[0113] (24) The electrical connector according to (23) above, characterized in that:

[0114] In a region facing the opening of the ground plate, a separation distance between outer side surfaces of the two signal contacts of the signal contact pair of the second contact group is smaller than a width of the opening of the ground plate.

[0115] (25) The electrical connector according to (23) or (24) above, characterized in that:

[0116] In the area opposite to the above-mentioned opening of the above-mentioned ground plate, the width-direction centers of the above-mentioned two signal contacts of the above-mentioned signal contact pair of the above-mentioned first contact group, the width-direction centers of the above-mentioned two signal contacts of the above-mentioned signal contact pair of the above-mentioned second contact group, and the width-direction centers of the above-mentioned opening of the above-mentioned ground plate are consistent.

[0117] (26) The electrical connector according to (24) or (25) above, characterized in that:

[0118] In a region facing the opening of the ground plate, the isolation distance between the outer side surfaces of the two signal contacts of the signal contact pair of the second contact group is smaller than the isolation distance between the outer side surfaces of other portions of the two signal contacts.

[0119] (27) The electrical connector according to any one of (23) to (26) above, characterized in that:

[0120] The opening of the ground plate is a flow opening for forming a waterproof seal portion for liquid-tightly sealing the inside of the housing and for ensuring fluidity of the elastomer material in the housing when the housing is filled with the elastomer material.

[0121] (28) The electrical connector according to (27) above, characterized in that:

[0122] The above-mentioned shell includes a top shell and a bottom shell,

[0123] The waterproof seal portion is formed by filling the housing with the elastic material in a state where the lower surface of the top housing and the upper surface of the bottom housing are in close contact with each other.

[0124] (29) The electrical connector according to (27) or (28) above, characterized in that:

[0125] The waterproof seal portion blocks a path for water to enter from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the housing, thereby sealing the interior of the housing in a liquid-tight manner.

[0126] (30) The electrical connector according to any one of (23) to (29) above, characterized in that:

[0127] The signal contact pairs of each of the first contact group and the second contact group include: a normal signal contact pair consisting of two normal signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a normal frequency; and a high-frequency signal contact pair consisting of two high-frequency signal contacts for transmitting differential signals of a higher frequency than the normal frequency.

[0128] The two high-frequency signal contacts constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair in each of the first contact group and the second contact group are opposed to the opening of the ground plate.

[0129] (31) An electronic device, comprising:

[0130] Box;

[0131] A circuit substrate disposed in the housing; and

[0132] An electrical connector as described in any one of the above (23) to (30) mounted on the above circuit substrate.

[0133] Effects of the Invention

[0134] In the electrical connector of the present invention, the ground plate is located not only between the contact portions and horizontal extensions of the contacts of the first contact group and the contact portions and horizontal extensions of the contacts of the second contact group, but also between the horizontal extensions of the contacts of the first contact group and the horizontal extensions, lower extensions, and terminal portions of the contacts of the second contact group. Thus, in the electrical connector of the present invention, a ground plate is present in areas where, in the prior art, no ground plate is present and where crosstalk between the contacts of the first contact group and the contacts of the second contact group cannot be suppressed. Consequently, crosstalk between the contacts of the first contact group and the contacts of the second contact group can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving the electrical performance of the electrical connector.

[0135] Furthermore, in the electrical connector of the present invention, each of the two signal contacts that transmit differential signals has a narrower pitch portion that approaches from one end toward the other. This structure suppresses crosstalk caused by the narrower pitch portions of the signal contacts, thereby improving the electrical performance of the electrical connector.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the ground plate has an opening facing two contacts constituting a signal contact pair for transmitting differential signals, crosstalk caused by the two contacts can be suppressed in the region where the opening is formed, thereby improving the electrical performance of the electrical connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a conventional electrical connector.

[0138] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing of the electrical connector is shown.

[0139] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A-A line sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0140] Figure 4It is a perspective view of the electric connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Figure 5 Shown from another angle Figure 4 A perspective view of the electrical connector shown.

[0142] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown.

[0143] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the internal structure shown.

[0144] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the first contact group of the internal structure shown.

[0145] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the first contact group is shown.

[0146] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the second contact group of the internal structure shown.

[0147] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top view of the second contact group is shown.

[0148] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 A top view of the ground plate of the internal structure is shown.

[0149] Figure 13 Yes Figure 6 A top view of the lower surface of the top shell of the internal structure is shown.

[0150] Figure 14 is Figure 13 A top view of the top case showing the state where the top case holds the first contact group and the second ground plate.

[0151] Figure 15 Yes Figure 6 A top view of the upper surface of the bottom shell of the internal structure is shown.

[0152] Figure 16 is Figure 15 The bottom housing is shown as a top view of the bottom housing in a state where the bottom housing holds the second contact group and the first ground plate.

[0153] Figure 17 It is used to express the formation of Figure 6A perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first contact point group, the second contact point group, the first ground plate, and the second ground plate in the state of the internal structure shown.

[0154] Figure 18 Observed from the top Figure 17 A top view of the perspective view shown.

[0155] Figure 19 Observed from the bottom Figure 17 A top view of the perspective view shown.

[0156] Figure 20 This is a graph showing the relationship between the isolation distance between the high-speed signal contact pairs of the first contact group and the second contact group and the width of the flow opening formed in the ground plate. Figure 18 A partial enlarged view of the BB line section view.

[0157] Figure 21 yes Figure 18 The C-C line section view in.

[0158] Figure 22 This is a partially enlarged view showing the contact between the second ground plate and the shielding member.

[0159] Figure 23 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in the YZ plane.

[0160] Figure 24 It is a perspective view of a second ground plate of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] Figure 25 It is a perspective view of a ground plate of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane, illustrating the positional relationship among the first contact group, the second contact group, the first ground plate, and the second ground plate in the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Figure 27 It is a plan view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Figure 28 It is a bottom view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Figure 29 It is a front view of the electric connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] Figure 30 It is a rear view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Figure 31 It is a left side view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Figure 32 It is a right side view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0169] Hereinafter, the electrical connector and electronic device of the present invention will be described based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the figures referred to below are schematic diagrams prepared for the purpose of explaining the present invention. The dimensions (length, width, thickness, etc.) of the components shown in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions. In addition, in each figure, the same reference number is marked for the same or corresponding elements. In the following description, the positive direction of the Z axis of each figure is sometimes referred to as the "front end side", the negative direction of the Z axis is referred to as the "base end side", the positive direction of the Y axis is referred to as the "upper side", the negative direction of the Y axis is referred to as the "lower side", the positive direction of the X axis is referred to as the "front side", and the negative direction of the X axis is referred to as the "inner side". In addition, the Z direction is sometimes referred to as the "plugging and unplugging direction of the connector on the other side".

[0170] <First embodiment>

[0171] First, refer to Figures 4 to 23 , the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the electric connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Shown from another angle Figure 4 A perspective view of the electrical connector shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the internal structure shown. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the first contact group of the internal structure shown. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the first contact group is shown. Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the second contact group of the internal structure shown. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top view of the second contact group is shown. Figure 12 yes Figure 6 A top view of the ground plate of the internal structure is shown. Figure 13 Yes Figure 6 A top view of the lower surface of the top shell of the internal structure is shown. Figure 14 is Figure 13A top view of the top case showing the state where the top case holds the first contact group and the second ground plate. Figure 15 Yes Figure 6 A top view of the upper surface of the bottom shell of the internal structure is shown. Figure 16 is Figure 15 The bottom housing is shown as a top view of the bottom housing in a state where the bottom housing holds the second contact group and the first ground plate. Figure 17 It is used to express the formation of Figure 6 A perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first contact point group, the second contact point group, the first ground plate, and the second ground plate in the state of the internal structure shown. Figure 18 Observed from the top Figure 17 A top view of the perspective view shown. Figure 19 Observed from the bottom Figure 17 A top view of the perspective view shown. Figure 20 This is a graph showing the relationship between the isolation distance between the high-speed signal contact pairs of the first contact group and the second contact group and the width of the flow opening formed in the ground plate. Figure 18 A partial enlarged view of the BB line section view. Figure 21 yes Figure 18 The C-C line section view in. Figure 22 This is a partially enlarged view showing the contact between the second ground plate and the shielding member. Figure 23 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in the YZ plane.

[0172] Figure 4 The electrical connector 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is waterproof and has a waterproof function. It is constructed according to the specifications defined by the USB Type-C standard. For example, the electrical connector 1 is mounted as a receptacle connector on a circuit board within the housing (not shown) of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, portable information terminal, portable music player, or e-book reader. A mating connector is inserted from the front end (+Z direction) of the electrical connector 1 to provide an electrical connection between the mating connector and the electrical connector 1.

[0173] The electrical connector 1 of the present invention is constructed in accordance with specifications determined by the USB Type-C standard. Therefore, the electrical connector 1 includes a first contact group 21U and a second contact group 21L, which are respectively arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of an insulating housing 23 and are symmetrically opposed to each other in the upper and lower directions with a ground plate 22 interposed therebetween. The electrical connector 1 has various features for suppressing crosstalk between the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L. In particular, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention is constructed so that the ground plate 22 is also located in an area where metal components such as ground plates are not present in the prior art, thereby effectively suppressing crosstalk between the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L.

[0174] In addition, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, as Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, each of the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A included in each of the first contact point group 21U and the second contact point group 21L, which constitute the two high-frequency signal contact point pairs CP1, has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other. The narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A form a narrow pitch region 217. Forming the narrow pitch portion 216 in each of the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A suppresses crosstalk caused by the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A in the narrow pitch region 217. The reason for this will be described later.

[0175] In addition, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, as Figure 12 As shown, the ground plate 22 has a high-frequency signal contact point pair CP1 (see FIG. 1 ) formed with the first contact point group 21U and the second contact point group 21L. Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 The electrical connector 1 of the present invention is configured to suppress crosstalk between the upper and lower high-frequency signal contacts 21A in the region of the ground plate 22 where the flow openings 2215 are formed, even in such a case.

[0176] like Figure 6 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: an internal structure 2; a metal shell 3 covering the internal structure 2 from the outside; a shielding component 4 covering the shell 3 from the outside; and an outer waterproof sealing component 5 installed on the front end side portion of the outer periphery of the main body 31 of the shell 3 and maintained between the locking portion 32 of the shell 3 and the shielding component 4.

[0177] like Figure 7As shown, the internal structure 2 includes: a first contact group 21U, which is composed of a plurality of contacts 21 arranged on a first contact plane; a second contact group 21L, which is composed of a plurality of contacts 21 arranged on a second contact plane opposite to the first contact plane; a grounding plate 22, which is located between the first contact plane and the second contact plane and on a grounding plane opposite to the first contact plane and the second contact plane; an insulating shell 23, which holds the first contact group 21U, the second contact group 21L and the grounding plate 22; a waterproof sealing portion 24, which is in close contact with each of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L in the shell 23 and is used to liquid-tightly seal the inside of the shell 23; an external molded part 25, which is formed on the outside of the shell 23; and an inner waterproof sealing part 26, which is installed on the outer periphery of the external molded part 25.

[0178] Figure 8 A perspective view of the first contact group 21U is shown. Figure 9 The figure shows a top view of the first contact group 21U as viewed from above. The first contact group 21U is composed of a plurality of contacts 21 (twelve in the illustrated embodiment) arranged on a first contact plane located above (in the +Y direction) the ground plane on which the ground plate 22 is disposed. The contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are arranged parallel to each other along the X-axis on the first contact plane and are held in a mutually insulated state in the top case 23T of the case 23 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 ) on the upper surface.

[0179] Each of the multiple contacts 21 has a rod-like shape extending linearly in the Z-axis direction. Each of the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U includes: a contact portion 211U on the front end side (+Z direction side) that contacts the contacts of the mating connector; a horizontal extension portion 212U extending horizontally from the contact portion 211U toward the base end side (-Z direction side); a downward extension portion 213U extending downward from the horizontal extension portion 212U; a terminal portion 214U extending toward the base end side from the downward extension portion 213U; and a tie-bar cut mark 215U formed by punching out the connecting portion using tie-bar cutting during insert molding of the top housing 23T. This connecting portion connects each of the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U.

[0180] When the electrical connector 1 is assembled and the mating connector is inserted from the front end through the front end opening of the housing 3, the contact portions 211U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U come into contact with the corresponding contacts of the mating connector. At this point, the mating connector and the electrical connector 1 are mated, providing an electrical connection between the mating connector and the electrical connector 1. The horizontal extension portions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U extend horizontally from the base end of the contact portion 211U toward the base end side (-Z direction). The horizontal extension portions 212U are embedded in the top housing 23T, and the contacts 21 are fixedly held by the top housing 23T. The contact portions 211U and the horizontal extension portions 212U are located on the first contact plane.

[0181] The downward extension portion 213U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U extends downward (in the -Y direction) from the base end of the horizontal extension portion 212U. Figure 5 As shown, the base ends of the lower extensions 213U of the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are exposed to the outside from the base end side of the top shell 23T. Figure 8 The terminal portion 214U of the contact 21 extends horizontally from the base end of the downward extension portion 213U toward the base end side (-Z direction). The base end of the downward extension portion 213U is exposed to the outside from the base end side of the top housing 23T. The terminal portion 214U of the first contact group 21U is connected to the circuit board of the electronic device.

[0182] Tie-rod cuts 215U in the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are formed by tie-rod cutting after insert molding of the top case 23T. During insert molding of the top case 23T, the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are connected to each other by connecting portions to prevent them from shifting or tilting. Therefore, after insert molding of the top case 23T, tie-rod cutting is performed to punch out the connecting portions connecting each of the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U, thereby separating the multiple contacts 21 from each other. Tie-rod cuts 215U in the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are the remaining portions of the connecting portions punched out by tie-rod cutting.

[0183] In addition, the multiple contacts 21 constituting the first contact group 21U include: two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1, which are composed of two high-frequency signal contacts 21A for transmitting high-frequency differential signals between the object side connector; a pair of normal signal contact pairs CP2, which are composed of two normal signal contacts 21B for transmitting normal frequency differential signals between the object side connector; and multiple non-signal contacts 21C, which are used for purposes other than signal transmission.

[0184] Each pair of the two high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1 is composed of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A. The two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1 are located on both sides of the width direction (X-axis direction in the figure) of the electrical connector 1. In addition, non-signal contacts 21C are arranged on both sides of the two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1. Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the embodiment, the non-signal contacts 21C arranged outside each of the two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1 serve as ground terminals that contact the ground terminals of the mating connector. Meanwhile, the non-signal contacts 21C arranged inside each of the two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1 serve as power supply terminals for supplying power to the electrical connector 1.

[0185] The pair of normal signal contact pairs CP2 consists of two normal signal contacts 21B for transmitting differential signals at normal frequencies with the mating connector. These contacts are arranged between the two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1. Furthermore, non-signal contacts 21C are arranged on either side of the pair of normal signal contact pairs CP2. Each of the non-signal contacts 21C arranged on either side of the pair of normal signal contact pairs CP2 serves as an identification contact used to identify the signal transmission of the electrical connector 1.

[0186] In this way, the first contact group 21U includes contacts 21 for various purposes. In addition, according to the USB Type-C standard, the mutual isolation distances (spacing) of the contact portions 211U of the multiple contacts 21 must be equal (equally spaced). In addition, the spacing lengths of the contact portions 211U of the multiple contacts 21 are strictly determined according to the USB Type-C standard. In addition, the mutual isolation distances of the terminal portions 214U of the multiple contacts 21 are appropriately set based on the execution accuracy of the connection of the electronic device to the circuit substrate (for example, a connection using soldering), the prevention of short circuits (short circuits) between the contacts 21, and other viewpoints.

[0187] The two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A that constitute the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 are used to transmit high-frequency differential signals. Therefore, high-frequency signals flow in opposite directions through the two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A. As is well known in the electromagnetic field, the direction of noise generated by current flowing through a conductor depends on the direction of the current flowing within the conductor. Therefore, if a pair of conductors with currents flowing in opposite directions are arranged in close proximity, the effects of the noise generated by the currents flowing through the pair on the other contact 21 will cancel each other out.

[0188] like Figure 9As shown, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting each of the two high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1, among the plurality of contacts 21 comprising the first contact group 21U, has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other. The narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A form a narrow pitch region 217.

[0189] The narrow spacing portion 216 of each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A has: two approaching portions 2161 approaching from one high-frequency signal contact 21A toward the other high-frequency signal contact 21A; and a straight portion 2162 extending horizontally between the two approaching portions 2161 along the extension direction of the high-frequency signal contact 21A (the plug-in and unplugging direction of the counterpart side connector, i.e., the Z direction).

[0190] As described above, the isolation distance (pitch) between the contact portions 211U of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is determined according to the USB Type-C standard, and the isolation distance between the terminal portions 214U is appropriately set based on the execution accuracy of the connection of the electronic device to the circuit substrate (for example, connection using soldering), the prevention of short circuits (short circuits) between the contacts 21, and other viewpoints. Therefore, as long as the USB Type-C standard is followed, it is impossible to form a narrow pitch area 217 in the contact portion 211U and the terminal portion 214U. Therefore, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, there are no restrictions from the USB Type-C standard, execution accuracy, the prevention of short circuits (short circuits) between the contacts 21, and other viewpoints, and a narrow pitch area 217 is formed in the horizontal extension portion 212U, which has design freedom.

[0191] In the narrow pitch region 217, the isolation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is smaller than the isolation distance between the other portions of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A. As described above, a high-frequency differential signal, i.e., currents flowing in opposite directions, flows through each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A that constitute the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1. Therefore, the direction of the noise generated by the current flowing through each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is different, and the effects of the noise on the other contacts 21 are canceled out. In particular, the isolation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 is smaller than the isolation distance between the other portions. Therefore, in the narrow pitch region 217, the effects of the noise generated by the current (differential signal) flowing through each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A on the other contacts 21 are canceled out. Therefore, in the narrow pitch region 217 , the noise generated by the current (differential signal) flowing in each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A has less influence on the other contact 21 than the noise generated by the current flowing in other parts.

[0192] As is well known, crosstalk between two isolated contacts 21 (for example, contacts 21 of a first contact group 21U and contacts 21 of a second contact group 21L arranged one above the other) is caused by the current flowing in one contact 21 affecting the other contact 21, resulting in a current flowing in the other contact 21 due to electromagnetic induction. Therefore, to suppress crosstalk between two contacts 21, it is useful to absorb or reduce the influence of the current flowing in one contact 21.

[0193] In the narrow pitch region 217, the isolation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is smaller than the isolation distance between the other portions of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A. As a result, the noise generated by the current (differential signal) flowing through each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A cancels out the effects on the other contact 21. Therefore, in the narrow pitch region 217, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be suppressed.

[0194] In addition, from Figure 9 As can be seen, in the narrow pitch region 217, the isolation distance between the straight portion 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 of the high-frequency signal contact 21A and the horizontal extension 212U of the adjacent non-signal contact 21C is greater than the isolation distance between the other portions of the high-frequency signal contact 21A and the horizontal extension 212U of the adjacent non-signal contact 21C. From the perspective of suppressing crosstalk, the isolation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portions 216 of two high-frequency signal contacts 21A should be as small as possible. However, if the separation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is too small, disadvantages such as an increased risk of short circuiting between the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, changes in the impedance of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A, and increased reflection and insertion loss at the high-frequency signal contacts 21A may occur. Therefore, considering various factors, including the aforementioned disadvantages, the separation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is appropriately set to optimize the electrical characteristics of the electrical connector 1. While this is determined by design balances such as the overall dimensions of the electrical connector 1 and the width, length, and thickness of the contacts 21, in order to substantially achieve the crosstalk suppression effect of the narrow pitch region 217, the separation distance between the straight portions 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A is preferably no greater than 1.5 times the width (length in the X direction) of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A, and more preferably no greater than 1.0 times.

[0195] Similarly, from the perspective of suppressing crosstalk, the longer the length (length in the Z direction) of the straight portion 2162 of the narrow pitch portion 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, the better. However, the length of the contact portion 211U (length in the Z direction) is determined by the USB Type-C standard, and the overall length of the electrical connector 1 is limited in order to be installed in an electronic device, so the length of the straight portion 2162 is appropriately set. However, it also depends on the design balance of the electrical connector 1, such as the overall size of the electrical connector 1, the width, length, and thickness of the contact 21, etc. In order to substantially obtain the crosstalk suppression effect of the narrow pitch area 217, the length of the straight portion 2162 is preferably more than twice the width (length in the X direction) of the high-frequency signal contact 21A, and more preferably more than five times.

[0196] Thus, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, each of the two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other. The narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A form a narrow pitch region 217. Therefore, in the narrow pitch region 217, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be effectively suppressed.

[0197] As is well known, the higher the frequency of the signal flowing through the contact 21, the greater the impact of crosstalk. Therefore, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, each of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A through which the high-frequency differential signal flows has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other, and the narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A form a narrow pitch area 217. Therefore, compared to providing a narrow pitch portion 216 on two other adjacent contacts 21, crosstalk between multiple contacts 21 can be more effectively suppressed. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the normal signal contact 21B does not have a narrow pitch portion 216, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a solution in which the normal signal contact 21B has a narrow pitch portion 216 similar to the high-frequency signal contact 21A is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0198] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the second contact group 21L, Figure 11 The figure shows a top view of the second contact group 21L as viewed from above. The second contact group 21L is composed of a plurality of contacts 21 (twelve in the illustrated embodiment) arranged on a second contact plane located below (in the -Y direction) the ground plane on which the ground plate 22 is disposed. The contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L are arranged parallel to each other along the X-axis on the second contact plane and are held in isolation from each other by the bottom housing 23B of the housing 23 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 ) on the lower surface.

[0199] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L has a structure substantially similar to that of each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U. Specifically, each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L includes: a contact portion 211L on the distal end side (+Z direction side) that contacts the contacts of the mating connector; a horizontal extension portion 212L extending horizontally from the contact portion 211L toward the proximal end side (-Z direction side); a downward extension portion 213L extending downward from the horizontal extension portion 212L; a terminal portion 214L extending toward the proximal end side from the downward extension portion 213L; and a tie-bar cut 215L formed by punching out a connecting portion using tie-bar cutting during insert molding of the bottom housing 23B. This connecting portion connects the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L.

[0200] However, the length of each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U. In addition, the horizontal extension portion 212L of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L has an outer extension portion 2121 extending in a direction extending outward from the center in the width direction (X direction) of the electrical connector 1. Therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, in a plan view, the terminal portions 214L of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L are located between the terminal portions 214U of the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U. Figure 10 The downward extension amount (-Y direction) of the downward extension portions 213L of the plurality of contacts 21 in the second contact point group 21L is smaller than the downward extension amount of the downward extension portions 213U of the plurality of contacts 21 in the first contact point group 21U.

[0201] The functions of each of the multiple contacts 21 in the second contact group 21L are identical to those of the multiple contacts 21 in the first contact group 21U described above. Specifically, like the first contact group 21U, the second contact group 21L includes: two pairs of high-frequency signal contact pairs CP1, each consisting of two high-frequency signal contacts 21A for transmitting high-frequency differential signals with the mating connector; a pair of normal signal contact pairs CP2, each consisting of two normal signal contacts 21B for transmitting normal-frequency differential signals with the mating connector; and a plurality of non-signal contacts 21C for purposes other than signal transmission. The arrangement of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A, normal signal contacts 21B, and non-signal contacts 21C in the second contact group 21L is identical to that of the first contact group 21U.

[0202] Similar to the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the first contact group 21U, each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the second contact group 21L has a narrow pitch portion 216 approaching from one side toward the other side, and a narrow pitch area 217 is formed by the narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A.

[0203] In addition, in the high-frequency signal contact 21A of the second contact group 21L, an outer extension portion 2121 is formed on the base end side of the horizontal extension portion 212L, so that the narrow pitch portion 216 of the high-frequency signal contact 21A of the second contact group 21L is composed of a close portion 2161 and a straight portion 2162.

[0204] As for the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L, when viewed from the front side (the object side connector side) of the electrical connector 1, the contact portion 211U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U and the contact portion 211L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L are arranged to be symmetrical in the upper and lower directions with the grounding plate 22 between them.

[0205] Furthermore, the front end portions of the contact portions 211U, 211L and the horizontal extensions 212U, 212L of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L (portions closer to the front end than the outer extensions 2121 of the horizontal extensions 212L of the second contact group 21L) face each other across the ground plate 22. Such crosstalk between the vertically opposed contacts 21 adversely affects the electrical characteristics of the electrical connector 1.

[0206] As described above, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A, which transmit high-frequency differential signals, significantly affects the electrical characteristics of the electrical connector 1. In the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 in the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other. The narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A form a narrow pitch region 217. Consequently, in the narrow pitch region 217, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be effectively suppressed, thereby improving the electrical characteristics of the electrical connector 1.

[0207] Figure 12The figure shows a top view of ground plate 22 as viewed from above. Ground plate 22 is positioned between the first contact plane, where first contact group 21U is arranged, and the second contact plane, where second contact group 21L is arranged. Ground plate 22 is positioned on a ground plane parallel to both the first and second contact planes. Ground plate 22 absorbs the effects of current flowing through one contact 21 of first contact group 21U and second contact group 21L, which are arranged vertically. This prevents current flowing through one contact 21 from affecting the other contact 21, thereby suppressing crosstalk between the vertically arranged contacts 21.

[0208] like Figure 12 As shown, the ground plate 22 includes a first ground plate 221 and a second ground plate 222. Figure 7 As shown, the first ground plate 221 is a flat plate-shaped member made of metal material and provided on the upper surface of the bottom shell 23B of the shell 23. Figure 12 , the first ground plate 221 has: a flat main body 2211; and a terminal portion 2212 (refer to FIG. 23 ) extending downward (-Y direction) from the base end of the main body 2211 and exposed to the outside of the housing 23 Figure 5 ).

[0209] The main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom case 23B of the case 23 so as to be parallel to the planes (the first contact plane and the second contact plane) on which the plurality of contacts 21 are arranged. In addition, the main body 2211 has: a plurality of positioning holes 2213, which are used to insert pins, which are used to position the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L when the bottom shell 23B of the shell 23 is insert-molded in a manner that holds the second contact group 21L and the first grounding plate 221; a plurality of pull-rod cutting holes 2214, which are used to perform pull-rod cutting, which is used to punch out the connection parts of the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L connected to each other via the connection parts when the bottom shell 23B of the shell 23 is insert-molded, so as to separate the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L from each other; and a plurality of flow openings 2215, which are used to ensure the fluidity of the elastomer material in the shell 23 when the elastomer material is filled in the shell 23 in order to form the waterproof sealing part 24 inside the shell 23 when the top shell 23T and the bottom shell 23B of the shell 23 are tightly attached to each other.

[0210] Positioning holes 2213 are formed in the main body 2211 to accommodate positioning pins. These positioning pins are used to position each of the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L when insert molding the bottom case 23B so as to retain the second contact group 21L and the first grounding plate 221. Furthermore, during insert molding of the bottom case 23B, positioning pins for positioning each of the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L may be inserted not only through positioning holes 2213 but also through tie-rod cut holes 2214 and flow openings 2215. The number, position, and shape of the positioning holes 2213 in the main body 2211 are not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined based on the needs of insert molding the bottom case 23B.

[0211] Tie-bar cutout holes 2214 are formed in main body 2211 for tie-bar cutting. This tie-bar cutout is used to punch out the connection portions of the plurality of contacts 21 of second contact group 21L, which are connected to each other via the connection portions, during insert molding of bottom case 23B, thereby separating the plurality of contacts 21 of second contact group 21L from each other. During insert molding of bottom case 23B, as described above, the plurality of contacts 21 of second contact group 21L are positioned using positioning pins. To more accurately position the plurality of contacts 21, it is preferable to maintain the plurality of contacts 21 connected to each other at their bases. Therefore, at the time of insert molding of bottom case 23B, the plurality of contacts 21 of second contact group 21L are connected to each other via the connection portions provided in horizontally extending portion 212L. In the illustrated embodiment, among the plurality of contacts 21 constituting the second contact group 21L, two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 and two non-signal contacts 21C located to the left and right of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 are connected to each other via a connecting portion, forming a first contact component and a second contact component, respectively. Specifically, Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In the embodiment, the first contact component is composed of two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, which constitute the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 and are located on the positive side of the X-axis, and two non-signal contacts 21C, which are located to the left and right of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1. Meanwhile, the second contact component is composed of two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, which constitute the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 and are located on the negative side of the X-axis, and two non-signal contacts 21C, which are located to the left and right of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1. Furthermore, two normal signal contacts 21B, which constitute the normal signal contact pair CP2, and two non-signal contacts 21C, which are located to the left and right of the normal signal contact pair CP2, are connected to each other via a connecting portion to form a third contact component. Therefore, the plurality of contacts 21 are composed of three contact components, namely, the first contact component, the second contact component, and the third contact component, formed by connecting four contacts 21 to each other during insert molding of the bottom housing 23B.

[0212] After insert molding of bottom case 23B, the connecting portions of the four interconnected contacts 21 of the first, second, and third contact parts are punched out, and tie-cutting is performed to separate the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L from one another. Tie-cutting of the four contacts 21 constituting each of the first, second, and third contact parts separates the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L from one another, forming tie-cut marks 215L on each of the multiple contacts 21.

[0213] The multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are similarly subjected to drawbar cutting. Similar to the multiple contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L, when insert molding the top case 23T to hold the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U, the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U are composed of a first contact part, a second contact part, and a third contact part. After insert molding the top case 23T, the connecting portions of the four interconnected contacts 21 of the first, second, and third contact parts are punched out through the opening formed in the top case 23T using drawbar cutting, thereby separating the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U from each other. This separates the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U from each other, leaving a drawbar cut mark 215U on each of the multiple contacts 21.

[0214] In a state where the lower surface of the top shell 23T and the upper surface of the bottom shell 23B of the shell 23 are in close contact with each other, an elastomer material is filled into the shell 23 to form a waterproof seal portion 24 (see Figure 7 ) and uses the flow opening 2215. The waterproof seal portion 24 is an elastic member formed tightly inside the housing 23 so as to surround a portion of each of the plurality of contacts 21.

[0215] Waterproof seal 24 embeds a portion of each of the multiple contacts 21 within housing 23, in close contact with each portion of the multiple contacts 21. Thus, housing 23 is sealed liquid-tightly by waterproof seal 24, preventing water from intruding from the distal end to the proximal end. Thus, waterproof seal 24 is located between the distal end and proximal end of housing 23, blocking the path for water to intrude from the distal end to the proximal end within housing 23 and providing a waterproofing function within housing 23.

[0216] In a state where the lower surface of the top case 23T and the upper surface of the bottom case 23B of the case 23 are in close contact with each other, the filling openings 233 (see FIG. 23 ) of the top case 23T and the bottom case 23B are opened. Figure 7 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 ), the housing 23 is filled with an elastic material to form a waterproof seal portion 24 in the housing 23. The flow opening 2215 is an opening for ensuring the fluidity of the elastic material in the housing 23 when forming the waterproof seal portion 24.

[0217] The flow opening 2215 is formed at a position facing each of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L. To improve adhesion to a portion of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L of the waterproof seal 24, when the elastomeric material is filled into the housing 23 through the filling openings 233 of the top housing 23T and the bottom housing 23B, it is necessary to ensure that the elastomeric material is adhered to the entire circumference of each of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L located below the flow opening 2215. If the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L overlap with first ground plate 221 in the portion facing flow opening 2215 of first ground plate 221 when viewed from above, the mold cannot press the entire circumference of each of the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L in the portion facing flow opening 2215 of first ground plate 221 during insert molding of bottom case 23B. As a result, during insert molding of bottom case 23B, the insulating resin material of bottom case 23B flows around each of the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L in the portion facing flow opening 2215 of first ground plate 221, preventing the entire circumference of each of the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L from being exposed. In this case, when waterproof seal 24 is formed, no space is created for the elastomeric material to adhere closely to the entire circumference of each of the multiple contacts 21 of second contact group 21L. For these reasons, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L need to be fully exposed relative to the flow opening 2215 in the portion facing the flow opening 2215 of the first ground plate 221 .

[0218] For example, Figure 20As shown, the separation distance W2 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the second contact group 21L is smaller than the width (length in the X direction) W3 of the flow opening 2215 opposing the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the second contact group 21L. This allows the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L to be fully exposed relative to the flow opening 2215 in the portion opposing the flow opening 2215 of the first ground plate 221. This allows the elastomeric material to flow sufficiently around the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L during formation of the waterproof seal 24, thereby improving the adhesion of the waterproof seal 24 to a portion of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L.

[0219] In addition, if Figure 21 As shown, the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221 is located between the contact portions 211U and horizontal extensions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the contact portions 211L and horizontal extensions 212L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L. This arrangement allows the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221 to absorb the effects of current flowing through the contact portions 211U, 211L, and horizontal extensions 212U, 212L of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L. Consequently, crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts 21 can be suppressed.

[0220] return Figure 12 The second grounding plate 222 is a component made of a metal material and is located on the ground plane closer to the base end (-Z direction) than the first grounding plate 221. The second grounding plate 222 includes a main body 2221 formed on a flat plate; a pair of protrusions 2222 extending upward (+Y direction) from both ends of the main body 2221 in the width direction (X direction); and a pair of electrical contacts 2223 located at both ends of the main body 2221 in the width direction (X direction) and contacting the inner surface of the shield member 4. The pair of protrusions 2222 and the electrical contacts 2223 are located above the main body 2221 (+Y direction), preventing them from contacting the first grounding plate 221.

[0221] The main body 2221 is a plate-shaped component located closer to the base end of the main body 2211 of the first grounding plate 221 on the ground plane. The main body 2221 of the second grounding plate 222 is configured not to contact the main body 2211 of the first grounding plate 221. On the ground plane, a very small gap exists between the main body 2211 of the first grounding plate 221 and the main body 2221 of the second grounding plate 222. As described above, the pair of protrusions 2222 and the electrical contact portion 2223 of the second grounding plate 222 also do not contact the first grounding plate 221. Therefore, the second grounding plate 222 is isolated from the first grounding plate 221 and is not directly electrically connected to the first grounding plate 221.

[0222] A pair of protrusions 2222 extend upward (in the +Y direction) from both end portions of the body 2221 in the width direction (in the X direction). By inserting each of the pair of protrusions 2222 into the press-fit groove 234 (see FIG. 23 ) formed on the lower surface of the top case 23T, Figure 13 ), thereby enabling the second grounding plate 222 to be mounted on the lower surface of the top housing 23T. Furthermore, the second grounding plate 222 can be mounted on the lower surface of the top housing 23T at any time after the top housing 23T is formed by insert molding and before it is integrated with the bottom housing 23B.

[0223] A pair of electrical contact portions 2223 extend outward from both end portions of the main body 2221 in the width direction (X direction). The shape of the outer side of the electrical contact portion 2223 is adapted to the inner side surface of the shielding member 4 (see FIG. Figure 22 The pair of electrical contacts 2223 are brought into contact with the shield member 4 , thereby achieving grounding (earthing) of the second ground plate 222 .

[0224] like Figure 21 As shown, the main body 2221 of the second grounding plate 222 is located between the horizontal extensions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the horizontal extensions 212L, lower extensions 213L, and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L. With this arrangement, the influence of current flowing through the horizontal extensions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U or the horizontal extensions 212L, lower extensions 213L, and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L is absorbed by the main body 2221 of the second grounding plate 222.

[0225] The ground plate 22 of the electrical connector 1 of the present invention includes a second ground plate 222 in addition to the first ground plate 221 used in the prior art. Thus, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention is configured such that the second ground plate 222 of the ground plate 22 is disposed in an area where metal components such as ground plates are not present in the prior art. More specifically, the second ground plate 222 is disposed between the horizontal extensions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the horizontal extensions 212L, lower extensions 213L, and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L. This effectively suppresses crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts 21.

[0226] Figure 13 The lower surface of the top case 23T is shown with the second ground plate 222 mounted thereon. Figure 14 The lower surface of the top case 23T is shown in a state where the top case 23T holds the first contact group 21U and the second ground plate 222 .

[0227] like Figure 13 As shown, the top shell 23T has: a base 231 located on the base end side (-Z direction side); a tongue-shaped portion 232 extending from the base 231 toward the front end side (+Z direction side); a filling opening 233 formed in the base end side portion of the tongue-shaped portion 232; and a pair of press-fit grooves 234 formed at both ends of the width direction (X direction) of the lower surface of the base 231. The top shell 23T is formed by insert molding in a manner to hold the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U. Figure 14 As shown, the second grounding plate 222 is fixed to the lower surface of the top shell 23T by pressing a pair of protrusions 2222 of the second grounding plate 222 into a pair of press-in grooves 234 formed on the lower surface of the top shell 23T after being embedded and formed in a manner to hold the multiple contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U, and the second grounding plate 222 is held by the top shell 23T.

[0228] The tongue-shaped portion 232 is provided with: a plurality of positioning holes 2321 for inserting pins for positioning the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U when the top shell 23T is insert-formed; and a plurality of pull-rod cutting holes 2322 for performing pull-rod cutting, which is used to punch out the connection portions of the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U that are connected to each other via the connection portions when the top shell 23T is insert-formed, so as to separate the plurality of contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U from each other.

[0229] Figure 15 The upper surface of the bottom housing 23B is shown provided with the first ground plate 221 . Figure 16The upper surface of the bottom case 23B is shown in a state where the bottom case 23B holds the second contact group 21L and the first ground plate 221 .

[0230] like Figure 15 As shown, similar to the top shell 23T, the bottom shell 23B has: a base 231 located on the base end side (-Z direction side); a tongue 232 extending from the base 231 toward the front end side (+Z direction side); and a filling opening 233 formed on the base end side portion of the tongue 232. Figure 16 As shown, a first grounding plate 221 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom housing 23B, and the lower surface of the bottom housing 23B holds the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L. The bottom housing 23B is formed by insert molding to hold the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L and the first grounding plate 221.

[0231] The tongue-shaped portion 232 of the bottom shell 23B is formed with: a plurality of positioning holes 2321 for inserting pins, which are used to position the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 2213 and the pull-rod cutting holes 2214 of the first grounding plate 221 when the bottom shell 23B is insert-formed; and a plurality of pull-rod cutting holes 2322 for performing pull-rod cutting, which is used to punch out the connection parts of the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L connected to each other via the connection parts when the bottom shell 23B is insert-formed. This allows the plurality of contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L to be separated from each other.

[0232] like Figure 7 As shown, the housing 23 is formed by closely attaching the bottom surface of the top housing 23T, on which the second grounding plate 222 is attached, to the top surface of the bottom housing 23B. When the bottom surface of the top housing 23T and the top surface of the bottom housing 23B are closely attached, the filling openings 233 of the top housing 23T and the bottom housing 23B overlap with the flow openings 2215 of the first grounding plate 221 when viewed from above.

[0233] After the lower surface of the top housing 23T and the upper surface of the bottom housing 23B are brought into close contact, the elastomer material is filled into the housing 23 through the filling openings 233 of the top housing 23T and the bottom housing 23B. The elastomer material filled into the housing 23 flows into the housing 23 through the flow openings 2215 of the first grounding plate 221. The elastomer material then solidifies, forming a waterproof seal 24 within the housing 23. The waterproof seal 24 seals the interior of the housing 23 liquid-tightly, preventing water from intruding from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0234] After forming the waterproof seal 24, in order to integrate the top shell 23T and the bottom shell 23B, the top shell 23T and the bottom shell 23B are overmolded to form an outer molded part 25. The top shell 23T and the bottom shell 23B are integrated by the outer molded part 25. Figure 6 as well as Figure 23 As shown, an annular inner waterproof seal member 26 made of an elastic material is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer mold 25. The gap between the inner structure 2 and the inner surface of the outer shell 3 is sealed liquid-tightly by the inner waterproof seal member 26. The inner waterproof seal member 26 blocks the intrusion path of water from the distal end side to the proximal end side between the inner surface of the inner structure 2 and the outer shell 3, thereby providing a waterproof function between the inner structure 2 and the outer shell 3.

[0235] After a shell 23 is formed inside thereof to hold the first contact group 21U, the second contact group 21L, the first grounding plate 221, the second grounding plate 222 and the waterproof sealing part 24, an inner waterproof sealing part 26 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the external molded part 25, thereby forming the internal structure 2.

[0236] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship among the first contact point group 21U, the second contact point group 21L, the first ground plate piece 221 , and the second ground plate piece 222 in a state where the internal structure 2 is formed. Figure 18 This is a plan view of the first contact point group 21U, the second contact point group 21L, the first ground plate 221, and the second ground plate 222 as viewed from above. Figure 19 This is a plan view of the first contact point group 21U, the second contact point group 21L, the first ground plate 221, and the second ground plate 222 as viewed from below. Figure 20 yes Figure 18 A partial enlarged view of the BB line cross-sectional view. Figure 21 yes Figure 18 In addition, Figures 17 to 21 , components of the internal structure 2 other than the first contact group 21U, the second contact group 21L, the first ground plate 221, and the second ground plate 222 are omitted for the sake of explanation. Figure 20 In order to simplify the drawing, only the cross section of the contact 21 and the first ground plate 221 are shown, and other parts of the contact 21 shown in the BB line cross section are omitted.

[0237] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the internal structure 2 (refer to Figure 6), the first contact group 21U is located above the first grounding plate 221 and the second grounding plate 222, and the second contact group 21L is located below the first grounding plate 221 and the second grounding plate 222. In addition, the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L, the first grounding plate 221, and the second grounding plate 222 are connected by the housing 23 (see Figure 7 ) and are isolated from each other and maintained in an insulated state.

[0238] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the internal structure 2 (refer to Figure 6 ), the main body 2211 of the first grounding plate 221 is located between the contact portion 211U and the horizontal extension portion 212U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U and the contact portion 211L and the horizontal extension portion 212L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L. Furthermore, the main body 2221 of the second grounding plate 222 is located between the horizontal extension portion 212U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U and the horizontal extension portion 212L, the lower extension portion 213L, and the terminal portion 214L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L. Therefore, crosstalk can be suppressed not only between the contact portion 211U and horizontal extension portion 212U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U and the contact portion 211L and horizontal extension portion 212L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L, but also between the horizontal extension portion 212U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U and the horizontal extension portion 212L, lower extension portion 213L, and terminal portion 214L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L. This structure can more effectively suppress crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts 21.

[0239] In addition, if Figure 18As shown, the narrow-pitch portions 216 of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U are located above the main portion 2211 of the first ground plate 221 and the main portion 2221 of the second ground plate 222. Specifically, the narrow-pitch region 217 formed by the narrow-pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A that constitute the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the first contact group 21U is formed so as to span both the main portion 2211 of the first ground plate 221 and the main portion 2221 of the second ground plate 222. As described above, since the first and second ground plates 221 and 222 do not contact each other, there is an area between the first and second ground plates 221 and 222 where no metal components exist to absorb the effects of current flowing through the contacts 21. In this area, the first and second ground plates 221 and 222 cannot suppress crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts. In particular, in such an area, the influence of crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contact constituting the differential signal flowing high frequency on the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of CP1 becomes greater.

[0240] However, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, a narrow-pitch region 217 formed by the narrow-pitch portions 216 of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U exists across both the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221 and the main body 2221 of the second ground plate 222. As described above, in the narrow-pitch region 217, the effects of noise generated by each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A on the other contact 21 cancel each other out. Consequently, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A in the narrow-pitch region 217 is suppressed. Consequently, crosstalk between the high-frequency signal contacts 21A above and below the first ground plate 221 and the second ground plate 222 can be suppressed.

[0241] On the other hand, Figure 19 As shown, the narrow-pitch portion 216 of the high-frequency signal contact 21A of the second contact group 21L is formed at a position opposing the flow opening 2215 of the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221. In other words, the first ground plate 221 has the flow opening 2215 formed at a position opposing the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L, and the high-frequency signal contact 21A of the second contact group 21L has the narrow-pitch portion 216 at a position opposing the flow opening 2215 of the first ground plate 221.

[0242] As described above, the narrow-pitch portion 216 of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U is formed so as to span both the main portion 2211 of the first grounding plate 221 and the main portion 2221 of the second grounding plate 222. On the other hand, the narrow-pitch portion 216 of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L is formed so as to face the flow opening 2215 of the first grounding plate 221. Figure 18 or Figure 19 In the top view shown, that is, the top view of the first contact group 21U, the second contact group 21L, and the ground plate 22 viewed from the top or bottom, the narrow spacing portions 216 of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U do not overlap with the narrow spacing portions 216 of two adjacent high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L.

[0243] As described above, in order to fill the housing 23 with an elastomeric material to form the waterproof seal 24, the first grounding plate 221 is provided with a flow opening 2215. However, the region of the first grounding plate 221 where the flow opening 2215 is formed does not contain any metal components to absorb the effects of the current flowing through the contacts 21, and therefore cannot suppress crosstalk in this region. To address this issue, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention has structural features for suppressing crosstalk in the region of the first grounding plate 221 where the flow opening 2215 is formed, as described below.

[0244] Figure 20 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the flow opening 2215 of the first grounding plate 221. Figure 18 A partial enlarged view of the BB line section view. Figure 20 As shown, the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact point pair CP1 of the first contact point group 21U and the two high-frequency signal contact points 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact point pair CP1 of the second contact point group 21L face each other across the flow opening 2215 of the first ground plate 221 .

[0245] Furthermore, in the region facing the flow opening 2215, the center in the width direction of the space between the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U, the center in the width direction of the space between the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L, and the center in the width direction of the flow opening 2215 coincide with each other. In other words, in the region facing the flow opening 2215, the centers of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U, the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L, and the flow opening 2215 coincide with each other.

[0246] from Figure 20It can be seen that the separation distance W1 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U, which are opposite the flow opening 2215, is greater than the width W3 of the flow opening 2215. Furthermore, the mutually opposing surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A are referred to as the inner side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, and the surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A opposite to the inner side surfaces are referred to as the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A.

[0247] Because the separation distance W1 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U is greater than the width W3 of the flow opening 2215, the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U are not fully exposed relative to the flow opening 2215, and a portion of their outer sides face the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221. Therefore, in the area facing the flow opening 2215, the influence of the current flowing through the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U is largely absorbed by the main body 2211 of the first ground plate 221. Consequently, in the area facing the flow opening 2215, crosstalk caused by the current flowing through the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U can be suppressed.

[0248] On the other hand, as described above, the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the second contact point group 21L have narrowed-pitch portions 216 at positions opposing the flow opening 2215. Furthermore, narrowed-pitch regions 217 of the high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact point group 21L are formed at positions opposing the flow opening 2215. Therefore, in the region opposing the flow opening 2215, the separation distance W2 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact point group 21L is smaller than the separation distance W1 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact point group 21U.

[0249] As described above, in the narrow pitch region 217, the effects of noise generated by each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A on the other contact 21 cancel each other out. Therefore, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be suppressed in the narrow pitch region 217. Consequently, crosstalk generated by the high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L can be suppressed in the region facing the flow opening 2215.

[0250] In addition, refer to Figure 20, which illustrates the relationship between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 on one side of the first contact group 21U, the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 on one side of the second contact group 21L, and the width W3 of the flow opening 2215 opposite to them. The same is true for the relationship between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 on the other side of the first contact group 21U, the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 on the other side of the second contact group 21L, and the width W3 of the flow opening 2215 opposite to them.

[0251] Thus, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, the isolation distance W1 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U and the isolation distance W2 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L differ in the region opposite the flow opening 2215. Therefore, crosstalk between the upper and lower high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be effectively suppressed in the region where the flow opening 2215 is formed.

[0252] Furthermore, in the region facing the flow opening 2215, the separation distance W2 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L is smaller than the width W3 of the flow opening 2215, and the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L are completely exposed relative to the flow opening 2215. Therefore, as described above, when the elastomer material is filled into the housing 23 through the filling openings 233 of the top housing 23T and the bottom housing 23B to form the waterproof seal 24 within the housing 23, the adhesion of the waterproof seal 24 to the portions of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L can be improved, thereby enhancing the waterproof performance within the housing 23.

[0253] As described above, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention includes an internal structure 2 that incorporates various features for suppressing crosstalk between the plurality of contacts 21. In particular, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention is configured such that the second ground plate piece 222 of the ground plate 22 is located in an area where metal components such as ground plates are not conventionally present, more specifically, between the horizontal extensions 212U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the horizontal extensions 212L, lower extensions 213L, and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L. Consequently, crosstalk between the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L can be effectively suppressed.

[0254] Furthermore, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A constituting the high-frequency signal contact pair CP1 of the first contact group 21U and the second contact group 21L has a narrow pitch portion 216 that approaches from one side toward the other. The narrow pitch portions 216 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A form a narrow pitch region 217. Thus, by forming the narrow pitch portion 216 in each of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A, crosstalk caused by the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be suppressed in the narrow pitch region 217.

[0255] Furthermore, in the electrical connector 1 of the present invention, in the region facing the flow opening 2215 of the first ground plate 221, the separation distance W1 between the outer side surfaces of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the first contact group 21U is greater than the width W3 of the flow opening 2215. Furthermore, the narrow pitch region 217 of the two high-frequency signal contacts 21A of the second contact group 21L faces the flow opening 2215. Therefore, crosstalk between the upper and lower high-frequency signal contacts 21A can be effectively suppressed in the region where the flow opening 2215 is formed.

[0256] return Figure 6 The outer shell 3 is a cylindrical member made of a metal material that covers the internal structure 2 from the outside. The outer shell 3 accommodates the internal structure 2 in a state of covering the internal structure 2, except for the front end and the base end in the insertion and removal direction (Z direction) of the mating connector. The outer shell 3 has a cylindrical main body 31 and an annular locking portion 32 formed so as to protrude outward from the front end of the outer periphery of the main body 31.

[0257] The locking portion 32 is an annular portion formed so as to protrude outward from the front end of the outer periphery of the main body 31, and has the function of locking, from the front end side, the outer waterproof sealing member 5 provided so as to cover the front end portion of the outer periphery of the main body 31. In the housing 3, the outer diameter of the portion where the locking portion 32 is formed (the outer diameter of the locking portion 32) is larger than the outer diameter of the portion where the locking portion 32 is not formed (the outer diameter of the main body 31).

[0258] Shielding member 4 covers the plurality of contacts 21 and grounding plates 22 (first grounding plate sheet 221 and second grounding plate sheet 222 ) of first contact group 21U and second contact group 21L of housing 3 and internal structure 2 from the outside, thereby providing electromagnetic shielding (EMC) for these components.

[0259] The shielding member 4 is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the housing 3. When the shielding member 4 is mounted on the housing 3, a space is formed between the front end of the shielding member 4 and the locking portion 32 of the housing 3, and the outer waterproof sealing member 5 is mounted in the space. Figure 22As shown, the inner side surface of the shielding member 4 contacts the pair of electrical contact portions 2223 of the second ground plate 222. With such a structure, the second ground plate 222 is grounded (earthed).

[0260] return Figure 6 The outer waterproof sealing member 5 is mounted on the front end side of the outer periphery of the main body portion 31 of the housing 3 and is held between the front end portion of the shielding member 4 and the locking portion 32 of the housing 3. The outer waterproof sealing member 5 is an annular member made of elastic material and is used to prevent water from intruding into the electronic device through the gap in the mounting opening of the electrical connector 1 when the electrical connector 1 is mounted on the electronic device.

[0261] Figure 23 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 23 As shown, the water intrusion path from the front end side to the base end side of the housing 23 is blocked by the waterproof seal 24, providing a waterproof function within the housing 23. On the other hand, the water intrusion path from the front end side to the base end side between the housing 23 and the inner side surface of the outer shell 3 is blocked by the inner waterproof seal 26, providing a waterproof function within the outer shell 3. In addition, an outer waterproof seal 5 is attached to the front end side of the outer periphery of the main body 31 of the outer shell 3 to prevent water from intruding into the electronic device to which the electrical connector 1 is mounted.

[0262] <Second embodiment>

[0263] Below, refer to Figures 24 to 26 , an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. Figure 24 It is a perspective view of a second ground plate of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 It is a perspective view of a ground plate of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane to illustrate the positional relationship between the first contact group, the second contact group, the first ground plate, and the second ground plate in the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 Components other than the first contact point group 21U, the second contact point group 21L, the first ground plate 221, and the second ground plate 222 are omitted.

[0264] The following description of the electrical connector 1 of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the electrical connector 1 of the first embodiment, and descriptions of the same matters will be omitted. The electrical connector 1 of this embodiment has the same structure as the electrical connector 1 of the first embodiment, except that the structure of the second ground plate 222 is modified.

[0265] Figure 24The second grounding plate 222 of the electrical connector 1 of this embodiment is shown. The second grounding plate 222 of this embodiment includes a main body 2221 on a flat plate; a pair of protrusions 2222 extending upward (in the +Y direction) from both ends of the main body 2221 in the width direction (X direction); a pair of electrical contact portions 2223 located at both ends of the main body 2221 in the width direction (X direction) and in contact with the first grounding plate 221; and an extension portion 2224 extending downward (in the -Y direction) from the base of the main body 2221.

[0266] The main body 2221 and the pair of protrusions 2222 are the same as those of the second grounding plate 222 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted. On the other hand, the pair of electrical contact portions 2223 of the second grounding plate 222 of this embodiment extend from both end portions of the width direction of the main body 2221 toward the front end side (+Z direction). Figure 25 As shown, the pair of electrical contacts 2223 do not contact the shielding member 4 but contact the first ground plate 221. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second ground plate 222 is electrically connected to the first ground plate 221.

[0267] In addition, if Figure 26 As shown, when the internal structure 2 is formed, the extension portion 2224 extends downward (in the -Y direction) from the base end portion of the main body 2221 so as to be located between the lower extension portion 213U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U, the lower extension portion 213L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L, and the terminal portion 214L. In other words, when the internal structure 2 is formed, the extension portion 2224 is located between the lower extension portion 213U of the contact 21 of the first contact group 21U, the lower extension portion 213L of the contact 21 of the second contact group 21L, and the terminal portion 214L.

[0268] In the first embodiment, no metal member exists between the lower extensions 213U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the lower extensions 213L and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L to absorb the effects of current flowing through the contacts 21. In contrast, in this embodiment, an extension 2224 exists between the lower extensions 213U of the contacts 21 of the first contact group 21U and the lower extensions 213L and terminal portions 214L of the contacts 21 of the second contact group 21L, thereby more effectively suppressing crosstalk between the upper and lower contacts 21.

[0269] While the electrical connector of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, electronic devices including the electrical connector of the present invention described above also fall within the scope of the present invention. The electronic device of the present invention includes a housing, a circuit board (not shown) disposed within the housing, and the electrical connector mounted on the circuit board.

[0270] The electrical connector and electronic device of the present invention have been described based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each structure of the present invention can be replaced with any structure that can achieve the same function, or any structure can be added to each structure of the present invention.

[0271] For example, in each embodiment of the electrical connector 1, after the top housing 23T is formed by insert molding, the second ground plate 222 is attached to the top housing 23T by press-fitting the pair of protrusions 2222 into the pair of press-fit grooves 234 formed on the lower surface of the top housing 23T. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the top housing 23T may also be formed by insert molding in such a manner as to retain the first contact group 21U and the second ground plate 222.

[0272] Anyone skilled in the art and technology to which the present invention pertains, without intentionally departing from the principles, methods, and scope of the present invention, may modify the structure of the electrical connector of the present invention. Such modified electrical connectors are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, any combination of the electrical connectors of the first and second embodiments is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0273] in addition, Figures 4 to 26 The number and types of components of the electrical connector shown are merely illustrative and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Additions, combinations, or deletions of any components are also within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and intent of the present invention.

[0274] Also, for reference, Figures 27 to 32 1 shows six views of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 It is a plan view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 It is a bottom view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 29 It is a front view of the electric connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 It is a rear view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 It is a left side view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 It is a right side view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector capable of being mated with a mating connector inserted from the front end, characterized in that: include: Insulating shell: a first contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing in a manner arranged on a first contact plane and extending linearly along a plugging and unplugging direction of the mating connector; a second contact group consisting of a plurality of contacts held by the housing so as to be arranged on a second contact plane opposite to the first contact plane and extending linearly along the insertion and removal direction of the mating connector; and a ground plate held on the housing so as to be located between the first contact plane and the second contact plane and on a ground plane facing the first contact plane and the second contact plane; Each of the contacts of the first contact group and the second contact group comprises: a contact portion located on the front end side and in contact with the mating connector; a horizontal extension portion extending horizontally from the contact portion toward the base end side; a lower extension portion extending downward from the horizontal extension portion; and a terminal portion extending from the lower extension portion toward the base end side. The ground plate is located between the contact portion and the horizontal extension portion of the contact of the first contact group and the contact portion and the horizontal extension portion of the contact of the second contact group, and is also located between the horizontal extension portion of the contact of the first contact group and the horizontal extension portion, the lower extension portion and the terminal portion of the contact of the second contact group. The ground plate includes: a first grounding plate located between the contact portions and the horizontally extending portions of the contacts of the first contact group and the contact portions and the horizontally extending portions of the contacts of the second contact group; and The second grounding plate is located between the horizontal extension portion of the contact of the first contact group and the horizontal extension portion, the lower extension portion and the terminal portion of the contact of the second contact group. The second ground plate is isolated from the first ground plate, and the second ground plate is not electrically connected to the first ground plate.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The second ground plate further extends so as to be located between the lower extending portions of the contacts of the first contact group, the lower extending portions of the contacts of the second contact group, and the terminal portion.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a shielding component located outside the shell, The second ground plate is electrically connected to the shielding member.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes: a top housing for holding the first contact group and the second grounding plate; and a bottom housing for holding the second contact group and the first grounding plate.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The second grounding plate has: a flat main body; and a pair of protrusions formed on both ends of the main body in a width direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the mating side connector in a manner extending upward from the main body. The top shell has a pair of press-in grooves. The second ground plate is fixed to the top case by press-fitting the pair of protruding portions of the second ground plate into the pair of press-fit grooves of the top case, respectively.

6. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Box; A circuit substrate is provided in the box; as well as The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, mounted on the circuit board.

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