Connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector that ensures the strength and blocking performance of a frame and has fewer components. The connector of the present invention can fit a counterpart connector inside a frame, and the connector comprises: a side wall provided on the frame and surrounding the counterpart connector in a state of being fitted with the connector; a first terminal and a second terminal arranged at different positions inside the frame; and a blocking portion arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal inside the frame. The side wall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, and the side wall and the blocking portion are formed of the same component and are integrated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector having a frame and capable of fitting a counterpart connector inside the frame. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional connector having a frame, there is a connector described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as connector 1). Connector 1 is Fig.17 The receptacle connector shown can fit a mating connector (not shown) as a plug connector inside a frame 3 having an opening 2. The frame 3 is formed in a square tube shape and surrounds the mating connector when the mating connector and the connector 1 are fitted.

[0003] Inside the frame 3, there is a Fig.17 The signal transmission terminal 4 shown in the figure is shielded from electromagnetic interference from the outside to the terminal 4 by the frame 3. The frame 3 is formed by processing a metal plate, for example. In this case, for example, the metal plate is subjected to a deep drawing process to obtain Fig.18 The frame 3 shown is seamlessly continuous in the circumferential direction. Such a seamless frame 3 is excellent in strength and blocking properties.

[0004] In addition, when a plurality of terminals 4 are arranged inside the frame 3, Fig.18 As shown, a blocking portion 5 is disposed between the terminals 4. The blocking portion 5 is an electromagnetic shielding member, and suppresses interference between the terminals 4, specifically, suppresses crosstalk.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

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

[0008] The connector is preferably easier to assemble. The fewer the number of components that make up the connector, the easier and cheaper it is to assemble the connector. Fig.17 and Fig.18 A connector having a seamless frame 3 and a smaller number of parts, as shown in the connector 1 . Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to solve the following problems. An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art and to provide a connector having a smaller number of parts while ensuring the strength and blocking performance of the frame.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the connector of the present invention has a frame and can engage the other side connector on the inner side of the frame. The connector is characterized in that it has: a side wall, which is arranged on the frame and surrounds the other side connector when the connector is engaged; a first terminal and a second terminal, which are arranged at different positions on the inner side of the frame; and a blocking portion, which is arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal on the inner side of the frame; the side wall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, and the side wall and the blocking portion are composed of the same component and are integrated.

[0011] According to the present invention, since the side wall of the frame is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, the strength and blocking property (shielding property) of the frame are ensured. In addition, since the side wall of the frame and the blocking portion are formed of the same component and integrated, the number of components is further reduced. As a result, the assembly operation of the connector becomes simpler and the manufacturing cost of the connector can be reduced.

[0012] In addition, in the connector of the present invention, the frame may have an opening at one end in the mating direction of the connector and the other side connector, the other side connector is embedded in the inner side of the frame from the opening and mated with the connector, and the blocking portion protrudes along the mating direction from the end of the frame on the opposite side of the opening in the mating direction.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the opening of the frame can be ensured to be large, and the shielding portion can be appropriately provided using the end portion of the frame on the opposite side to the opening.

[0014] In addition, in the connector of the present invention, the frame may have a bottom wall that extends from the end of the side wall on the opposite side of the opening in the mating direction toward the inside of the frame, and the side wall, bottom wall and shielding portion are composed of the same component and are seamlessly connected.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is easier to form the shielding portion using a part of the members constituting the side wall and the bottom wall of the frame.

[0016] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the side wall, the bottom wall and the blocking portion may be formed of the same metal plate, and the blocking portion may be formed by bending the metal plate at a boundary portion between the bottom wall and the blocking portion.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is further easy to form the shielding portion using a part of the members constituting the side wall and the bottom wall of the frame.

[0018] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, a flange portion extending outward from the frame may be provided at an end portion of the side wall where the opening is located in the mating direction, and the flange portion may be seamlessly connected to a portion of the side wall extending in the mating direction.

[0019] In other words, when forming the side wall of the frame, a processing method for providing a flange portion on the side wall of the frame, such as a drawing method, can be used. This makes it easier to manufacture a seamless frame.

[0020] In addition, the connector of the present invention may further include a housing for holding the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, the housing may be mounted on the blocking portion and arranged inside the frame, and when the other side connector is engaged with the connector, the blocking portion is engaged with the other side blocking portion of the other side connector to form an electromagnetic shield, and the blocking portion includes an engagement portion engaged with the other side blocking portion and an installation portion for installing the housing.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the housing can be held inside the frame using a portion of the blocking portion formed of the same member as the side wall of the frame.

[0022] In addition, in the connector of the present invention, a shielding portion may be arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal in a cross direction that intersects with the mating direction of the connector and the other side connector, and in the cross direction, the end face of the mating portion and the end face of the installation portion are located on the same plane.

[0023] According to the above configuration, since the fitting portion and the mounting portion are arranged side by side on the same plane in the blocking portion, the blocking portion can be made more compact.

[0024] In addition, in the connector of the present invention, the engaging part can be engaged with the other side blocking part by being embedded in a recess provided in the other side blocking part, and the mounting part has an insertion recess for inserting a part of the shell and a press-in part protruding from the inner side surface of the insertion recess, and the press-in part is pressed into the part of the shell inserted in the insertion recess.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the blocking portion can be appropriately fitted with the blocking portion on the other side, and the housing can be appropriately attached to the blocking portion.

[0026] In addition, in the connector of the present invention, the frame may be conductive, and the first terminal and the second terminal may be terminals for high-frequency signal transmission; on the inner side of the frame, a third terminal for low-frequency signal transmission may be arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a shielding portion may be arranged between the first terminal and the third terminal and between the second terminal and the third terminal, respectively.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the crosstalk between the first terminal and the second terminal can be effectively suppressed by the plurality of blocking portions.

[0028] Furthermore, in the connector of the present invention, the blocking portion may be connected to a ground potential.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the blocking portion can appropriately suppress crosstalk between the terminals.

[0030] Effects of the invention:

[0031] According to the present invention, a connector is realized which has a smaller number of parts while ensuring the strength and blocking performance of the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a front view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a side view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the connector on the other side.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the connector mated with the mating connector.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a top view of the connector mated with the mating connector.

[0040] Fig. 9 This is a side view of the connector mated with the mating connector.

[0041] Fig.10 It is an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.11 It is a top view of the frame and the shielding part.

[0043] Fig.12 It is shown Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram of a cross section of FIG. 2 .

[0044] Fig.13 It is shown Fig. 9 Figure 2 is a diagram of a JJ cross section.

[0045] Fig.14 This is an illustration of the drawing process.

[0046] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing the connector and the mating connector at a mid-stage of mating, and is a front view of each of the connector and the mating connector.

[0047] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a connector and a mating connector at a mid-stage of mating, and is a diagram showing Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a cross section equivalent to the cross section of JJ.

[0048] Fig.17 This is a perspective view of a conventional connector.

[0049] Fig.18 It is a perspective view showing a frame and a blocking portion included in a connector according to a conventional example.

[0050] Reference numerals

[0051] 1 connector 2 opening 3 frame 4 terminal 5 blocking portion 10 connector 10A opening 11 frame 12 side walls 13, 14 long side portions 15, 16 short side portions 17 bottom wall 18 edge portion 19 corner portion 20 housing 21 housing center portion 22 housing end portion 23 center convex portion 24 side convex portion 25 fitting groove 26 fitting recess 27 inserted portion 31 contact (first terminal) 32 contact (second terminal) 33 contact (third terminal) 40 blocking portion 41 fitting portion 42 connecting portion 43 protruding piece 44 mounting portion 45 insertion recess 46 press-fit portion 47 contact protrusion 51 rising portion 52 bending portion 53 flange portion 54 guide portion 55 protruding portion 100 mating side connector 102 mating side frame 104 bottom wall 106, 108 contact holding portion 111, 112, 113 mating side contact 114 mating side blocking portion 116 fitting recess F frame base material M metal plate P pressing tool DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The connector of the present invention is described below with reference to the specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is only an example listed for easy understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the following embodiments as long as it does not deviate from its purpose. In addition, the material, shape and design size of each part of the connector of the present invention can be set according to the purpose of the present invention and the technical standards at the time of implementation of the present invention. In addition, the present invention includes its equivalents.

[0053] In addition, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as X, Y, and Z directions below, and the mating direction of the connector and the mating connector corresponds to the Z direction. Here, the Z direction is the vertical direction of the connector, the X direction is the lateral width direction of the connector, and the Y direction is the front-back direction of the connector.

[0054] In addition, the shapes and positions of the various parts of the connector described below are the shapes and positions when the connector is viewed with the +Z side as the upper side of the connector and the -Z side as the lower side of the connector. The +Z side (upper side) is the side where the other connector is located when viewed from the connector in the Z direction, and the -Z side (lower side) is the side where the connector is located when viewed from the other connector in the Z direction.

[0055] Furthermore, in this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" include the error range generally allowed in the connector field, and also include states that deviate within a range of less than a few degrees (eg, 2 to 3°) relative to strict orthogonality and parallelism.

[0056] In addition, for convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the mating of the connector with the mating connector is referred to as “connector mating”, and the state in which the connector and the mating connector are mated is referred to as “connector mating state”.

[0057] 《About the structural example of the connector》

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 16 , illustrating the structure of a connector (hereinafter referred to as connector 10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.16 The cross section shown is a cross section (XZ plane) passing through a shielding portion 40 described later.

[0059] Connector 10 is Figure 1 to Figure 5 The socket connector shown in the figure is mounted on a substrate (not shown) through the lower end of the connector 10. The connector 10 can be connected to the substrate in the vertical direction (Z direction). Figure 6 The plug connector shown is mated with a mating connector 100 .

[0060] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the connector 10 has a frame 11, a housing 20 and a plurality of contacts 31, 32, 33. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the mating connector 100 includes a mating frame 102 , a bottom wall 104 , contact holding portions 106 , 108 , and mating contacts 111 , 112 , 113 .

[0061] The frame 11 forms the outer peripheral wall of the connector 10, and the counterpart frame 102 forms the outer peripheral wall of the counterpart connector 100. The frame 11 and the counterpart frame 102 are both hollow frames that are roughly rectangular when viewed from above, and are made of conductive materials such as metal plates. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the frame 11 surrounds the recessed space inside thereof. An opening 10A is provided at the upper end (one end in the Z direction) of the frame 11.

[0062] When the connector is mated, Figure 7 and Fig.16 As shown, the mating connector 100 is inserted from the opening 10A into the recessed space inside the frame 11. In the mating state of the connectors, the frame 11 surrounds the mating connector 100 over the entire circumference thereof, and the outer circumference of the mating frame 102 contacts the inner circumference of the frame 11.

[0063] In the connector 10, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 20 and the contacts 31, 32, and 33 are arranged inside the frame 11. On the other hand, in the counterpart connector 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the mating side contacts 111 , 112 , 113 are arranged inside the mating side frame 102 at positions corresponding to the contacts 31 , 32 , 33 . The mating side contacts 111 , 112 , 113 are held by convex contact holding portions 106 , 108 protruding from the bottom wall 104 .

[0064] Contacts 31, 32, 33 are terminals for signal transmission or power supply. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it is arranged inside the frame 11. The two contacts 31 and 32 are terminals for high-frequency signal transmission, that is, terminals for RF (Radio Frequency). High frequency is, for example, a frequency bandwidth above 6 GHz, including a frequency bandwidth for 5G (5th Generation) and the like.

[0065] The contacts 31 and 32 form a pair and are arranged at different positions in the Y direction. Specifically, they are arranged symmetrically with the center of the connector 10 as the boundary. The contact 31 arranged on the +Y side is equivalent to the first terminal, and the contact 32 arranged on the -Y side is equivalent to the second terminal. The pair of contacts 31 and 32 can be arranged at the same position in the X direction, or can be arranged at different positions.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of contacts 33 (six in the illustrated manner) are arranged on the inner side of the frame 11. The plurality of contacts 33 include at least a terminal for low-frequency signal transmission, and may also include a terminal for power supply. The plurality of contacts 33 are respectively equivalent to the third terminal, and are arranged between the contact 31 as the first terminal and the contact 32 as the second terminal in the Y direction. The plurality of contacts 33 can be arranged symmetrically in a regular manner in each direction of the X and Y directions, for example, with the center of the connector 10 as the boundary, or can be arranged randomly.

[0067] In the mating state of the connector, the contacts 31, 32, 33 contact and electrically connect with the corresponding contacts of the mating side contacts 111, 112, 113. The contact 31 corresponds to the mating side contact 111, and the contact 32 corresponds to the mating side contact 112. In addition, each of the contacts 31, 32, 33 has, for example, an arched portion opened on the +Z side, and each of the mating side contacts 111, 112, 113 is formed in a rod shape. And, by inserting the corresponding mating side contact into the inner side of the arched portion of each contact, the two are in contact and electrically connected.

[0068] The housing 20 is a component that maintains the insulation of the contacts 31, 32, and 33, and is disposed inside the frame 11, that is, in the recessed space. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 20 is generally rectangular when viewed from above and is divided into a plurality of parts.

[0069] Specifically, the housing 20 includes a portion forming the center portion of the housing 20 in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the housing center portion 21) and portions forming both ends of the housing 20 in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the housing end portions 22). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the central portion 21 of the housing includes a convex portion (hereinafter referred to as the central convex portion 23) located in the central portion in the X direction and convex portions (hereinafter referred to as the side convex portions 24) located on both sides of the central convex portion 23 in the X direction. The central convex portion 23 and the two side convex portions 24 extend in the Y direction respectively, and a concave insertion groove 25 is provided between the central convex portion 23 and the side convex portions 24. The contact 33 is inserted into each insertion groove 25 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 ).

[0070] The shell end 22 on the +Y side and the shell end 22 on the -Y side are symmetrical in shape with the center of the connector 10 as the boundary in the Y direction. Figure 1 As shown, each shell end 22 is a convex portion extending in the X direction. Figure 2 As shown, a recessed portion (hereinafter referred to as an embedding recessed portion 26) is provided at the outer end portion in the Y direction of the housing end portion 22. The contact 31 is pressed inward in the Y direction and embedded in the embedding recessed portion 26 provided in the housing end portion 22 on the +Y side, and the contact 32 is pressed inward in the Y direction and embedded in the embedding recessed portion 26 provided in the housing end portion 22 on the -Y side.

[0071] The housing center portion 21 and the housing end portion 22 are connected and integrated by a portion provided therebetween, specifically, by an inserted portion 27 described later (see Fig.10 ). The housing 20 is, for example, a resin molded product, and the housing 20 having the housing center portion 21 and the housing end portions 22 connected to each other is molded in a single resin molding process.

[0072] In addition, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 10 includes a blocking portion 40 on the inner side of the frame 11. Figure 2 As shown, the blocking portion 40 is disposed between the pair of contacts 31 and 32 in the Y direction (ie, a direction intersecting the Z direction).

[0073] More specifically, in the Y direction, one blocking portion 40 is provided between the contact 31 and the plurality of contacts 33 on the +Y side and between the contact 32 and the plurality of contacts 33 on the -Y side. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in the figure, two interrupters 40 are arranged inside the frame between the pair of contacts 31 and 32. However, the number of interrupters 40 is not particularly limited, as long as at least one interrupter 40 is arranged between the pair of contacts 31 and 32.

[0074] The blocking portion 40 is connected to the ground potential (earth potential). Specifically, a conductive pattern for grounding (not shown) is formed on the substrate on which the connector 10 is mounted, and the blocking portion 40 is provided by contacting the conductive pattern for grounding at its lower end. Fig.13 As shown, the blocking portion 40 is fitted with the other blocking portion 114 of the other connector 100 to form an electromagnetic shield. The electromagnetic shield suppresses crosstalk of signals (especially high-frequency signals) between the pair of contacts 31 and 32.

[0075] Next, the structure of the frame 11 is described in detail. The frame 11 is conductive, and the contacts 31, 32, and 33 are arranged inside the frame 11. That is, the contacts 31, 32, and 33 are surrounded by the conductive frame 11. In addition, the frame 11 contacts a conductive pattern for grounding (not shown) in the substrate on which the connector 10 is mounted, and is connected to the ground potential. As a result, the frame 11 exerts a shielding property and blocks the influence of the outside world on the contacts 31, 32, and 33 (electromagnetic interference).

[0076] like Figure 10 to Figure 12 As shown, the frame 11 has side walls 12 and a bottom wall 17. Fig.11 As shown, the side wall 12 is rectangular in a plan view and surrounds the outer side of the housing 20. In the connector mating state, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 12 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the mating connector 100 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the mating frame 102).

[0077] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the side wall 12 has a pair of long side portions 13, 14 and a pair of short side portions 15, 16. The pair of long side portions 13, 14 are arranged parallel to each other in the X direction and are arranged at intervals, and extend long in the Y direction. The pair of short side portions 15, 16 extend in the X direction and connect the long side ends of the pair of long side portions 13, 14 to each other. The length of each short side portion 15, 16 is shorter than the length of each long side portion 13, 14.

[0078] like Figure 10 to Figure 12 As shown, the parts of the side wall 12 (i.e., a pair of long side parts 13, 14 and a pair of short side parts 15, 16) are connected seamlessly and without gaps. That is, the side wall 12 is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame 11. The entire circumference of the frame 11 is the entire range of the circumference of the frame 11, and the circumference of the frame 11 is the direction in which the frame 11 surrounds the recessed space, in other words, the direction along the outer edge of the recessed space.

[0079] like Fig.12 As shown, the pair of long side portions 13, 14 and the pair of short side portions 15, 16 each have a rising portion 51 rising from the bottom wall 17 and extending to the +Z side. Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, the pair of long side portions 13 and 14 and the pair of short side portions 15 and 16 have a bent portion 52 and a flange portion 53 at their upper end portions (ie, ends on the side where the opening 10A is located in the Z direction).

[0080] The bent portion 52 is continuous with the rising portion 51 and is bent toward the outside of the frame 11. The flange portion 53 is continuous with the bent portion 52 and is a flange-shaped portion extending from the bent portion 52 toward the outside of the frame 11.

[0081] The bent portion 52 and the flange portion 53 are provided in the frame 11 so as to surround the opening 10A and constitute a guide portion 54. The guide portion 54 is provided at the end portion (i.e., the upper end portion) of the side wall 12 located on the opening 10A side in the Z direction, and is a portion that guides the counterpart connector 100 from the opening 10A to the inside of the frame 11. By providing the guide portion 54, when the connectors are mated, the counterpart connector 100 can be appropriately guided to the inside of the frame 11, so that the counterpart connector 100 is correctly positioned inside the frame 11.

[0082] In addition, if Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the guide portion 54 is provided at the upper end portion of the side wall 12 (the end portion on the side having the opening 10A) throughout the entire circumference of the frame 11. Thus, when the connectors are mated, the counterpart connector 100 can be guided to the inner side of the frame 11 without any obstacles. Specifically, for example, in a structure where the guide portion 54 is interrupted in the circumferential direction of the frame 11, the counterpart connector 100 may be hooked at the portion where the guide portion 54 is interrupted. In contrast, since the guide portion 54 is provided throughout the entire circumference of the frame 11, the above-mentioned inconvenience can be avoided when the connectors are mated.

[0083] The frame 11 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the mating connector 100 in the connector mating state, and can well maintain this state. Fig.11 As shown, a protrusion 55 is provided at the center of each of the pair of long sides 13 and 14 in the Y direction and at the center of each of the pair of short sides 15 and 16 in the X direction. Fig.12 As shown, the protruding portion 55 is a portion that protrudes further toward the inner side of the frame 11 than other portions (portions other than the protruding portion 55) in the side wall 12. In addition, the protruding portion 55 is provided at the upper end portion of the side wall 12 in the Z direction, and more specifically, is provided at the boundary periphery between the rising portion 51 and the bent portion 52.

[0084] When the connector is in mating state, Figure 8 As shown, the area of ​​the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 12 having the protruding portion 55 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the counterpart connector 100, more specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the counterpart frame 102. Thus, by providing the protruding portion 55 on the side wall 12, the side wall 12 is easily in contact with the counterpart connector 100, and as a result, the connector mating state can be stably and well maintained.

[0085] For example, Fig.12 As shown, the protrusion 55 is formed by pressing the portion of the member constituting the side wall 12 (specifically, the metal plate M described later) forming the protrusion 55 into the inner side of the frame 11 and bending it into an arch shape. In addition, the protrusion 55 provided on each long side 13, 14 has a length of more than 1 / 3 of the length of each long side 13, 14 in the Y direction, preferably more than 1 / 2. The protrusion 55 provided on each short side 15, 16 has a length of more than 1 / 3 of the length of each short side 15, 16 in the X direction, preferably more than 1 / 2.

[0086] The bottom wall 17 of the frame 11 extends from the lower end of the side wall 12 (the end opposite to the opening 10A in the Z direction) toward the inside of the frame 11. The bottom wall 17 is formed of a flat plate along the XY plane. Fig.10 and Fig.11The bottom wall 17 has a narrow edge portion 18 provided inside the frame 11 to border the outer edge of the recessed space, and corner portions 19 present in the form of substantially rectangular fragments at the four corners of the recessed space.

[0087] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown, a blocking portion 40 is arranged between two adjacent corners 19 in the X direction. Two groups of two adjacent corners 19 are provided at positions separated from each other in the Y direction, and a blocking portion 40 is arranged between two adjacent corners 19 on the +Y side and between two adjacent corners 19 on the -Y side.

[0088] Each blocking portion 40 is continuous with a portion of the bottom wall 17, specifically, with two adjacent corner portions 19. Fig.12 As shown, the blocking portion 40 protrudes toward the +Z side from the bottom wall 17, that is, the end of the frame 11 on the opposite side of the opening 10A in the Z direction. In addition, the blocking portion 40 is formed in a line-symmetrical shape with the center of the frame 11 in the X direction as the boundary. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, in the X direction, a fitting portion 41 is provided at the center of the blocking portion 40 , and mounting portions 44 are provided at both ends of the blocking portion 40 .

[0089] like Fig.12 As shown, the mounting portion 44 is formed into an inverted U shape when viewed from the Y direction, and has an insertion recess 45 formed from the end of the -Z side of the mounting portion 44 to the +Z side. Fig.12 As shown, the inserted portion 27 as a part of the housing 20 is inserted into the insertion recess 45 .

[0090] The inserted portion 27 is located between the housing center portion 21 and the housing end portion 22 in the Y direction, and is provided at two locations symmetrically with the center of the housing 20 in the X direction as a boundary. Each inserted portion 27 is a columnar protrusion, which is lower in height in the Z direction than the housing center portion 21 and the housing end portion 22 and has a slight width in the X direction.

[0091] The insertion recess 45 has a depth corresponding to the height of the inserted portion 27 and a width slightly wider than the width of the inserted portion 27. A pair of inner side surfaces arranged in the X direction are provided inside the insertion recess 45. Fig.12 As shown, a press-in portion 46 protrudes from the inner side surface of the pair of inner side surfaces closer to the center of the blocking portion 40 in the Y direction. When the inserted portion 27 is inserted into the insertion recess 45, the press-in portion 46 is pressed into the inserted portion 27, more specifically, is sunk into the inserted portion 27.

[0092] As described above, the inserted portion 27 is inserted into the insertion recess 45 and thereby mounted on the mounting portion 44. As a result, the housing 20 is supported by the frame 11 via the shielding portion 40 inside the frame 11.

[0093] like Fig.12 As shown, the fitting portion 41 is located between the two mounting portions 44 in the X direction, and has a connecting portion 42 provided at the end of the blocking portion 40 on the -Z side and a pair of protruding pieces 43 protruding from the X-direction center of the connecting portion 42 toward the +Z side.

[0094] The connecting portion 42 extends linearly in the X direction and connects the two mounting portions 44 to each other. The pair of protruding pieces 43 are arranged in a substantially V-shape when viewed from the Y direction. Each protruding piece 43 is, for example, made of a leaf spring and has elasticity, and can be elastically deformed in such a way that the interval between the protruding pieces 43 becomes narrower. Fig.12 As shown, the distal end of each protruding piece 43 has a contact convex portion 47 protruding in a mountain shape toward the outside in the X direction.

[0095] When the connector is in mating state, Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fitting portion 41 is fitted with the other side blocking portion 114 provided in the other side connector. Specifically, a recess (hereinafter referred to as the fitting recess 116) formed at a position corresponding to the fitting portion 41 is provided in the X-direction central portion of the other side blocking portion 114. The fitting recess 116 has a sufficient depth to accommodate the distal ends of the pair of protruding pieces 43 (i.e., the contact convex portions 47). In addition, the width (length in the X-direction) of the fitting recess 116 is slightly narrower than the interval between the protruding pieces 43, or strictly speaking, the interval between the protruding pieces 43 before elastic deformation.

[0096] When the connector is mated, Fig.13 As shown, the pair of protruding pieces 43 of the fitting portion 41 enter the inner side of the fitting recess 116 while elastically deforming to narrow the interval between the protruding pieces 43. As a result, the fitting portion 41 is fitted into the fitting recess 116. When the fitting portion 41 enters the inside of the fitting recess 116, the ends of the pair of protruding pieces 43, that is, the contact protrusions 47, contact the inner side surface of the fitting recess 116. In addition, it is preferable that a concave shape formed corresponding to the curved shape of the contact protrusions 47 is provided on the inner side surface of the fitting recess 116 in a manner that cooperates with the contact protrusions 47.

[0097] When the fitting portion 41 is fitted with the other blocking portion 114, that is, when the connector is in the mating state, the blocking portion 40 and the other blocking portion 114 form an electromagnetic shield. As described above, this electromagnetic shield suppresses crosstalk of signals between the two contacts 31 and 32 for high-frequency signal transmission.

[0098] In each of the blocking portion 40 on the +Y side and the blocking portion 40 on the -Y side, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the fitting portion 41 and the two mounting portions 44 can be respectively arranged at the same position in the Y direction. In addition, it is more preferred that the thickness (length in the Y direction) of the fitting portion 41 and the mounting portion 44 are approximately uniform. In other words, in the Y direction, the end surface of the fitting portion 41 and the end surface of the mounting portion 44 can be located on the same plane. In this case, the blocking portion 40 can be made compact, and the configuration space of the blocking portion 40 in the frame 11 can be further reduced.

[0099] In the connector 10 of the present invention, the side wall 12, the bottom wall 17 and the blocking portion 40 of the frame 11 are formed of the same component and integrated for the purpose of reducing the number of components. In detail, the side wall 12 and the bottom wall 17 of the frame 11 are formed of the same component, specifically, a metal plate M, and the blocking portion 40 is formed using a part of the same metal plate M. The material of the metal plate M is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include copper alloys such as brass and bronze, or stainless steel. In addition, the plate thickness of the metal plate M is not particularly limited, and is set to 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm, for example.

[0100] For example, Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the frame 11 of the connector 10 of the present invention can be manufactured by applying a drawing process (strictly speaking, a square tube drawing process) to a metal plate M. Specifically, the outer edge of the metal plate M is clamped and held by a die or the like, and a pressing tool P such as a punch is pressed against a portion of the metal plate M located inside the outer edge. Fig.14 As shown, a square tube-shaped metal molded product having a drawn bottom (hereinafter referred to as frame base material F) is obtained. The drawn bottom is the portion located at the innermost side (bottom) of the portion formed by pressing the metal plate M during the drawing process.

[0101] An opening is formed on the side of the frame base F where the pressing tool P presses (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface side), and this opening becomes the opening 10A when the frame 11 is completed. In addition, the square tube portion of the frame base F becomes the side wall 12 when the frame 11 is completed. In addition, the outer edge portion of the metal plate M that is clamped during the drawing process remains as a flange-shaped edge portion on the upper surface side of the frame base F, and becomes the flange portion 53 when the frame 11 is completed.

[0102] After the drawing process is performed, the bottom of the frame base material F is punched into a predetermined shape. As a result, a portion corresponding to the bottom wall 17 (specifically, the edge portion 18 and the corner portion 19) of the frame 11 and a portion corresponding to the cutoff portion 40 remain at the drawn bottom of the frame base material F. At this stage, the portion corresponding to the bottom wall 17 (specifically, the portion corresponding to the corner portion 19) and the portion corresponding to the cutoff portion 40 are continuously connected.

[0103] Thereafter, the drawn bottom portion is bent at the boundary between the portion corresponding to the bottom wall 17 and the portion corresponding to the blocking portion 40. More specifically, the portion corresponding to the blocking portion 40 of the drawn bottom portion is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the portion corresponding to the bottom wall 17 and raised.

[0104] Through the above steps, the frame 11 is manufactured from one metal plate M. In the frame 11 manufactured through the above steps, the side wall 12 is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame 11. Thus, the strength and blocking property (shielding property) of the frame 11 are ensured.

[0105] Furthermore, in each part of the side wall 12, the rising portion 51 and the flange portion 53 are seamlessly connected. A bent portion 52 is provided between the rising portion 51 and the flange portion 53, and the bent portion 52 and the flange portion 53 constitute a guide portion 54. Thus, the guide portion 54 can be formed incidentally in the process of manufacturing the frame 11 by drawing a metal plate M.

[0106] In addition, the side wall 12 and the bottom wall 17 of the frame 11 are seamlessly connected, and the blocking portion 40 is seamlessly connected to the bottom wall 17. In particular, the blocking portion 40 is formed by bending the metal plate M at the boundary portion between the bottom wall 17 and the blocking portion 40 in the metal plate M. As a result, the number of connector components can be reduced compared to a conventional connector (e.g., the connector 1 described in Patent Document 1) in which the frame 11 and the blocking portion 40 need to be separately provided.

[0107] In more detail, when the frame 3 of the connector 1 described in Patent Document 1 is manufactured by drawing, the surface pressed by the pressing tool P during processing (in other words, the surface on the side where the flange portion is formed) is fixed to a substrate not shown. On the other hand, the bottom of the drawing formed by pressing the pressing tool P is punched out, and the punched hole becomes the opening 2 for embedding the other side connector into the inner side of the frame 3. When the shielding portion 5 is provided on the inner side of the frame 3 manufactured by such a step, a component constituting the shielding portion 5 is prepared separately from the frame 3, and the component is assembled to the lower end portion of the frame 3 (the end portion on the substrate side).

[0108] In contrast, although the frame 11 of the connector 10 of the present invention is manufactured by deep drawing, the surface pressed by the pressing tool P during processing is used as the upper surface (the surface on the +Z side). That is, the deep drawing bottom formed by pressing the pressing tool P is equivalent to the lower end of the frame 11. In this structure, a part of the deep drawing bottom can be used to form the blocking portion 40. Therefore, the blocking portion 40 does not need to be a separate component, reducing the number of components. In addition, by reducing the number of components, the manufacturing cost of the connector can be reduced.

[0109] Furthermore, when the frame 3 of the connector 1 described in Patent Document 1 is manufactured by drawing, the bottom of the drawing is punched out to form the opening 2 for the mating connector to fit in, as described above. In this case, a larger hole needs to be punched out according to the size of the mating connector.

[0110] On the other hand, in the frame 11 provided in the connector 10 of the present invention, as described above, the opening formed by pressing the pressing tool P during the drawing process is directly used as the opening 10A for inserting the other-side connector 100. That is, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to punch out the drawing bottom to a large size in order to ensure the opening 10A, and the frame 11 having the opening 10A of the necessary size can be easily manufactured by the drawing process.

[0111] As described above, in the present invention, the frame 11 seamlessly integrated with the blocking portion 40 can be easily manufactured by drawing and bending one metal plate M. Thus, a connector with a lower manufacturing cost can be provided.

[0112] 《Other Implementation Methods》

[0113] As mentioned above, the structure of the connector of the present invention has been described by giving a specific example, but the above embodiment is only an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and embodiments other than the above are also conceivable.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the side wall 12, the bottom wall 17 and the blocking portion 40 of the frame 11 are formed of the same component and are integrated, and the blocking portion 40 protrudes from the bottom wall 17 to the +Z side. That is, in the above embodiment, the blocking portion 40 is continuous with the bottom wall 17, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the blocking portion 40 may be continuous with the side wall 12, and specifically, the blocking portion 40 extends from one or both of the pair of long sides 13 and 14 of the side wall 12 in the X direction.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example of manufacturing the seamless frame 11 by drawing is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other processing methods may be used as long as the seamless frame 11 can be manufactured. For example, cutting and drawing may be used.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bent portion 52 and the flange portion 53 are provided at the upper end portion (the end portion on the +Z side) of the side wall 12 of the frame 11. However, this is not limiting, and a structure without the bent portion 52 and the flange portion 53 may be provided, that is, a structure in which the upper end portion of the side wall 12 is not bent but extends straight to the +Z side.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the side wall 12 of the frame 11 is rectangular in plan view. However, the side wall 12 may be other than rectangular in plan view, such as circular, elliptical, rhombus, trapezoidal, or parallelogram or polygonal other than quadrilateral.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising a frame and capable of fitting a counterpart connector inside the frame, the connector comprising: A side wall, provided on the frame, surrounding the counterpart connector in a state of being engaged with the connector; The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged at different positions inside the frame; and The interrupter is arranged inside the frame between the first terminal and the second terminal, and is characterized in that: The connector further includes a housing for holding the first terminal and the second terminal. The housing is mounted on the blocking portion and is disposed inside the frame. When the mating connector is engaged with the connector, the blocking portion is engaged with the mating blocking portion of the mating connector to form an electromagnetic shield. The blocking portion includes a fitting portion that fits with the blocking portion on the other side and a mounting portion that mounts the housing; The side wall is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the frame, The side wall and the blocking portion are formed of the same member and are integrated with each other.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame has an opening at one end in the mating direction between the connector and the mating connector. The counterpart connector is inserted into the inner side of the frame from the opening to be engaged with the connector. The blocking portion protrudes in the fitting direction from an end portion of the frame on the opposite side to the opening in the fitting direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame has a bottom wall extending from an end of the side wall on the opposite side of the opening in the fitting direction toward the inside of the frame. The side wall, the bottom wall, and the blocking portion are formed of the same member and are seamlessly connected.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side wall, the bottom wall and the blocking portion are formed of the same metal plate, The blocking portion is formed by bending the metal plate at a boundary portion between the bottom wall and the blocking portion.

5. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A flange portion extending toward the outside of the frame is provided at an end portion of the side wall on the side where the opening is located in the fitting direction. The flange portion is seamlessly connected to a portion of the side wall extending in the fitting direction.

6. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking portion is arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal in a direction intersecting with a mating direction of the connector and the mating connector. In the intersecting direction, an end surface of the fitting portion and an end surface of the mounting portion are located on the same plane.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engaging portion engages with the other blocking portion by being embedded in a recess provided in the other blocking portion. The mounting portion includes an insertion recess into which a portion of the housing is inserted and a press-fit portion protruding from an inner side surface of the insertion recess. The press-fit portion is press-fitted into a portion of the housing inserted into the insertion recess.

8. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is conductive. The first terminal and the second terminal are terminals for high-frequency signal transmission. A third terminal for low-frequency signal transmission is arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal on the inner side of the frame. The blocking portion is disposed between the first terminal and the third terminal and between the second terminal and the third terminal, respectively.

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking portion is connected to a ground potential.

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