Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Abstract

The application provides an electric connector and an electric connector combination. The electric connector comprises an insulating seat body and a plurality of terminal columns. Each of the terminal columns comprises a plurality of ground terminals and a plurality of pairs of differential signal terminals alternately arranged along a first direction, and the plurality of terminal columns are arranged at intervals along a second direction. Each of the ground terminals has a body part and three elastic contact parts. Each of the signal terminals of each of the pairs of differential signal terminals has a body part and an elastic contact part. On two adjacent terminal columns, the orthogonal projection of the two elastic contact parts of each of the pairs of differential signal terminals in the second direction is within the width coverage of the elastic contact parts of the corresponding ground terminals, and the orthogonal projection of the middle elastic contact part of each of the ground terminals in the second direction is within the width coverage of the elastic contact parts of the corresponding pair of differential signal terminals. The electric connector of the application can improve the signal integrity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly for high-speed signal transmission. Background Technology

[0002] As signal transmission speeds increase, it is necessary to further reduce crosstalk interference during signal transmission to improve signal integrity. However, existing electrical connectors still have shortcomings. In addition, the insulating base of existing electrical connectors has poor structural strength, making it prone to warping and deformation during the soldering process, which affects the soldering quality between the terminals and the circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an electrical connector that overcomes at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, the electrical connector of the present invention includes an insulating base and multiple rows of terminals.

[0005] Multiple terminal rows are arranged on the insulating base. Each terminal row includes multiple ground terminals and multiple pairs of differential signal terminal pairs. The multiple ground terminals and the multiple pairs of differential signal terminal pairs are arranged alternately along a first direction, and the multiple terminal rows are arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each ground terminal has a body portion and three elastic contact portions extending from the body portion and spaced apart from each other. Each pair of differential signal terminal pairs consists of two signal terminals. Each signal terminal has a body portion and an elastic contact portion extending from the body portion. On two adjacent terminal rows, the orthographic projection of the two elastic contact portions of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs in the second direction is within the width coverage of the three elastic contact portions of the corresponding ground terminal, and the orthographic projection of the middle elastic contact portion of each ground terminal in the second direction is within the width coverage of the two elastic contact portions of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair.

[0006] In some embodiments, each ground terminal further has three tails extending from the body portion at intervals from each other, the three tails of each ground terminal and the three elastic contact portions extending from opposite sides of the body portion respectively, each signal terminal of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs further has a tail extending from the body portion, the tail of each signal terminal and the elastic contact portion extending from opposite sides of the body portion respectively, on two adjacent terminal rows, the orthographic projection of the two tails of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs in the second direction is within the width coverage of the three tails of the corresponding ground terminal, and the orthographic projection of the middle tail of each ground terminal in the second direction is within the width coverage of the three tails of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair.

[0007] In some embodiments, the insulating base has a bottom wall with a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends. The insulating base also has a plurality of elongated protrusions that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from the bottom wall, located between the first side and the second side, and extending along the first direction. The bottom wall and the plurality of protrusions together define a plurality of slots. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots are arranged alternately along the second direction. The insulating base also has a plurality of grounding terminal slots and a plurality of signal terminal slots that respectively accommodate the plurality of grounding terminals on the wall surfaces of the plurality of protrusions in adjacent slots.

[0008] In some embodiments, the insulating base further has a plurality of recessed relief portions corresponding to a plurality of elastic contact portions of the plurality of grounding terminals, and a plurality of recessed relief portions corresponding to a plurality of elastic contact portions of the plurality of signal terminals. Each protrusion has an integrally extended protrusion in the recessed relief portion corresponding to the elastic contact portion of each signal terminal and / or the elastic contact portion located in the middle of each grounding terminal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and the insulating base also has a rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rib extends to the first side and the second side, and the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess, with the anti-mistake recess located between the rib and the anti-mistake protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insulating base has two terminal setting areas spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and an isolation area located between the two terminal setting areas. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots in each terminal setting area are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions in one terminal setting area correspond to the plurality of slots in the other terminal setting area respectively in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of grounding terminals are first grounding terminals, and each column of terminals further includes a second grounding terminal. The second grounding terminal has a body portion and an elastic contact portion extending from the body portion. In two adjacent columns of terminals, one column of terminals is arranged in a manner from left to right along the first direction, consisting of a second grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first grounding terminal. The other column of terminals is arranged in a manner from left to right along the first direction, consisting of a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a second grounding terminal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of grounding terminals are first grounding terminals, and each column of terminals further includes a second grounding terminal. The second grounding terminal has a body portion and an elastic contact portion extending from the body portion. The second grounding terminal is disposed in each column of terminals adjacent to the corresponding differential signal terminal pair and located at the outermost end position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the insulating base has a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and a rib formed on the third side, wherein the lengths of the first side and the second side along the first direction are shorter than the lengths of the third side and the fourth side along the second direction.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly that can overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0017] Therefore, the electrical connector assembly of the present invention comprises two electrical connectors having the same structure and mating with each other.

[0018] Each electrical connector includes an insulating base and multiple terminal rows. The terminal rows are arranged on the insulating base, each terminal row including multiple ground terminals and multiple pairs of differential signal terminal pairs. The multiple ground terminals and the multiple pairs of differential signal terminal pairs are arranged alternately along a first direction, and the terminal rows are spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each ground terminal has a body portion and three resilient contact portions extending from the body portion at intervals. Each pair of differential signal terminal pairs consists of two signal terminals, each signal terminal having a body portion and a resilient contact portion extending from the body portion. On two adjacent terminal rows, the orthographic projection of the two resilient contact portions of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs in the second direction falls within the width coverage of the three resilient contact portions of the corresponding ground terminal, and the orthographic projection of the middle resilient contact portion of each ground terminal in the second direction falls within the width coverage of the two resilient contact portions of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair.

[0019] In some embodiments, each ground terminal further has three tails extending from the body portion at intervals from each other, the three tails of each ground terminal and the three elastic contact portions extending from opposite sides of the body portion respectively, each signal terminal of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs further has a tail extending from the body portion, the tail of each signal terminal and the elastic contact portion extending from opposite sides of the body portion respectively, on two adjacent terminal rows, the orthographic projection of the two tails of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs in the second direction is within the width coverage of the three tails of the corresponding ground terminal, and the orthographic projection of the middle tail of each ground terminal in the second direction is within the width coverage of the three tails of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair.

[0020] In some embodiments, the insulating base has a bottom wall with a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends. The insulating base also has a plurality of elongated protrusions that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from the bottom wall, located between the first side and the second side, and extending along the first direction. The bottom wall and the plurality of protrusions together define a plurality of slots. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots are arranged alternately along the second direction. The insulating base also has a plurality of grounding terminal slots and a plurality of signal terminal slots that respectively accommodate the plurality of grounding terminals on the wall surfaces of the plurality of protrusions in adjacent slots.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions of one of the two mating electrical connectors are respectively inserted into the plurality of slots of the other electrical connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating base further has a plurality of recessed relief portions corresponding to a plurality of elastic contact portions of the plurality of grounding terminals, and a plurality of recessed relief portions corresponding to a plurality of elastic contact portions of the plurality of signal terminals. Each protrusion has an integrally extended protrusion in the recessed relief portion corresponding to the elastic contact portion of each signal terminal and / or the elastic contact portion located in the middle of each grounding terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and the insulating base also has a rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall.

[0025] In some embodiments, the rib extends to the first side and the second side, and the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess, with the anti-mistake recess located between the rib and the anti-mistake protrusion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the foolproof protrusions of one of the two mating electrical connectors abut against the corresponding foolproof recess of the other electrical connector, the rib of one electrical connector abuts against the fourth side of the other electrical connector, and the plurality of foolproof protrusions and ribs of the two electrical connectors cooperate to form a closed perimeter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the insulating base has two terminal setting areas spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and an isolation area located between the two terminal setting areas. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots in each terminal setting area are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions in one terminal setting area correspond to the plurality of slots in the other terminal setting area respectively in the first direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the plurality of grounding terminals are first grounding terminals, and each column of terminals further includes a second grounding terminal. The second grounding terminal has a body portion and an elastic contact portion extending from the body portion. In two adjacent columns of terminals, one column of terminals is arranged in a manner from left to right along the first direction, consisting of a second grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first grounding terminal. The other column of terminals is arranged in a manner from left to right along the first direction, consisting of a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first grounding terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a second grounding terminal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the plurality of grounding terminals are first grounding terminals, and each column of terminals further includes a second grounding terminal. The second grounding terminal has a body portion and an elastic contact portion extending from the body portion. The second grounding terminal is disposed in each column of terminals adjacent to the corresponding differential signal terminal pair and located at the outermost end position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the insulating base has a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and a rib formed on the third side, wherein the lengths of the first side and the second side along the first direction are shorter than the lengths of the third side and the fourth side along the second direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, in two mating electrical connectors, two mating ground terminals are mated together by three elastic contact portions extending from the body portion of the ground terminal, and each mating elastic contact portion forms two contact points; two mating signal terminals are mated together by elastic contact portions extending from the body portion of the signal terminal, and form two contact points.

[0032] Therefore, the electrical connector assembly of the present invention comprises two electrical connectors having the same structure and mating with each other.

[0033] Each electrical connector includes an insulating base and multiple rows of terminal blocks. The multiple rows of terminal blocks are arranged on the insulating base, each row including multiple ground terminals and multiple pairs of differential signal terminals. The multiple ground terminals and the multiple pairs of differential signal terminals are alternately arranged along a first direction, and the multiple rows of terminal blocks are spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The insulating base has a bottom wall with a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends. The insulating base also has multiple elongated protrusions that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from the bottom wall, located between the first side and the second side, and extending along the first direction. The bottom wall and the multiple protrusions together define multiple slots. The insulating base has two terminal mounting areas spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and an isolation area located between the two terminal mounting areas. The multiple protrusions and multiple slots in each terminal mounting area are alternately arranged in a row along the second direction, and the multiple protrusions in one terminal mounting area correspond to the multiple slots in the other terminal mounting area in the first direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions of one of the two mating electrical connectors are respectively inserted into the plurality of slots of the other electrical connector.

[0035] In some embodiments, each pair of differential signal terminals consists of two signal terminals, and the insulating base also has a plurality of ground terminal slots and a plurality of signal terminal slots that respectively accommodate the plurality of ground terminals on the walls of the plurality of protrusions in adjacent slots.

[0036] In some embodiments, the terminal set area in one terminal set area corresponds to the multiple terminal rows for transmitting signals, and the terminal set area in another terminal set area corresponds to the multiple terminal rows for receiving signals.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and the insulating base also has a rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall.

[0039] In some embodiments, the rib extends to the first side and the second side, and the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess, with the anti-mistake recess located between the rib and the anti-mistake protrusion.

[0040] In some embodiments, the foolproof protrusions of one of the two mating electrical connectors abut against the corresponding foolproof recess of the other electrical connector, the rib of one electrical connector abuts against the fourth side of the other electrical connector, and the plurality of foolproof protrusions and ribs of the two electrical connectors cooperate to form a closed perimeter.

[0041] In some embodiments, the bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and the insulating seat also has a rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall, wherein the lengths of the first side and the second side along the first direction are shorter than the lengths of the third side and the fourth side along the second direction.

[0042] Therefore, the electrical connector of the present invention includes an insulating base, at least three differential signal terminal groups, and at least one second ground terminal.

[0043] At least three differential signal terminal groups are disposed on the insulating base and arranged in two substantially parallel columns, wherein two differential signal terminal groups are disposed in a first column of the two columns, and a third differential signal terminal group is disposed in a second column of the two columns and located between the two differential signal terminal groups disposed in the first column. Each differential signal terminal group includes a pair of differential signal terminals arranged side by side and two first ground terminals, the two first ground terminals being located on the outer sides of the differential signal terminal pair. At least one second ground terminal is disposed on the insulating base and located between the two differential signal terminal groups disposed in the first column, the second ground terminal being aligned with the corresponding two first ground terminals of the two differential signal terminal groups disposed in the first column and facing the differential signal terminal pair of the differential signal terminal group disposed in the second column.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second grounding terminal is interconnected with the two adjacent corresponding first grounding terminals and shares at least one tail.

[0045] In some embodiments, the two differential signal terminal groups in the first column are arranged along a first direction, and the first column and the second column are arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The insulating base has a bottom wall with a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends. The insulating base also has a plurality of protrusions that are parallel to each other, spaced apart from the bottom wall, and located between the first side and the second side, extending in an elongated shape along the first direction. The bottom wall and the plurality of protrusions together define a plurality of slots, and the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots are arranged alternately along the second direction.

[0046] In some embodiments, each differential signal terminal pair consists of two signal terminals, each signal terminal having an elastic contact portion, each first ground terminal and the second ground terminal each having an elastic contact portion, the insulating base also having a plurality of recessed relief portions with positions respectively corresponding to the elastic contact portions of the first ground terminal and the elastic contact portions of the second ground terminal, and a plurality of recessed relief portions with positions respectively corresponding to the elastic contact portions of the plurality of signal terminals, each protrusion having an integrally extended protrusion in the corresponding elastic contact portion of each signal terminal and / or in the corresponding recessed relief portion of the elastic contact portion of the corresponding second ground terminal.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and the insulating base also has a rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rib extends to the first side and the second side, and the first side and the second side of the insulating base each have an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion and an anti-mistake recess, with the anti-mistake recess located between the rib and the anti-mistake protrusion.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the electrical connector mates with another electrical connector of the same construction, each of the anti-fooling protrusions of one electrical connector mates with the corresponding anti-fooling recess of the other electrical connector, the rib of one electrical connector mates with the fourth side of the other electrical connector, and the plurality of anti-fooling protrusions and the plurality of ribs of the two electrical connectors cooperate to form a closed periphery.

[0051] In some embodiments, the insulating base has two terminal setting areas spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and an isolation area located between the two terminal setting areas. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots in each terminal setting area are arranged alternately along the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions in one terminal setting area correspond to the plurality of slots in the other terminal setting area respectively in the first direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first column is arranged from left to right along a first direction, consisting of a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first ground terminal, while the second column is arranged from left to right along the first direction, consisting of a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first ground terminal, and the first column and the second column are spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least three differential signal terminal groups in the first column are arranged along a first direction, the first column and the second column are arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the insulating base has a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and a rib formed on the third side, the length of the first side and the second side along the first direction is shorter than the length of the third side and the fourth side along the second direction.

[0054] The present invention has at least the following advantages: it can reduce crosstalk interference between differential signal terminal pairs between adjacent terminal rows, increasing signal integrity. Furthermore, the rib enhances the structural strength of the insulating base in the length direction. This reduces warping deformation of the insulating base during the soldering process, thereby improving the soldering quality between the terminals of the multi-row terminal rows and the circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0056] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention, illustrating that two electrical connectors are mated together.

[0057] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0058] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment from another viewpoint;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a top view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged view of an insulating base of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged view of the insulating base of the electrical connector in the first embodiment, viewed from another perspective;

[0063] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a portion of the multi-row terminal array of the electrical connector in the first embodiment;

[0064] Figure 9 This is a front view of the terminal block of the electrical connector in the first embodiment;

[0065] Figure 10 This is a top view of a portion of the terminal rows of the electrical connector of the first embodiment;

[0066] Figure 11 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by the XI-XI line in the diagram;

[0067] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion;

[0068] Figure 13 This is a top view of a portion of the terminal rows of the electrical connector, which is a second embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 14 This is a top view of a portion of the terminal rows of the electrical connector according to a third embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention; and

[0070] Figure 15 This is a top view of a portion of the terminal rows of the electrical connector, which is a fourth embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention.

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0072] 100: Electrical connector

[0073] 1: Insulating base

[0074] 10: Tin Ball

[0075] 11: Bottom wall

[0076] 111: First side

[0077] 112: Second side

[0078] 113: Third side

[0079] 114: Fourth side

[0080] 115: First grounding terminal slot

[0081] 116: Signal terminal slot

[0082] 117: Second grounding terminal slot

[0083] 118: Depressed Avoidance Section

[0084] 119: Spacer Rib

[0085] 120: Fool-proof convex part

[0086] 121: Fool-proof concave part

[0087] 12: convex strips

[0088] 13: Slot

[0089] 14: Bumps

[0090] 15: Convex Rib

[0091] 2: First grounding terminal

[0092] 21: Ontology part

[0093] 22, 22': Elastic contact part

[0094] 23, 23': Tail

[0095] 30: Differential signal terminal block

[0096] 3: Differential signal terminal pair

[0097] 4: Signal terminal

[0098] 41: Ontology part

[0099] 42: Elastic contact part

[0100] 43: Tail

[0101] 5: Second grounding terminal

[0102] 51: Ontology part

[0103] 52: Elastic contact part

[0104] 53: Tail

[0105] 6: First grounding terminal

[0106] 61: Ontology part

[0107] 62: Elastic contact part

[0108] 63: Tail

[0109] 7: Second grounding terminal

[0110] 71: Ontology part

[0111] 72: Elastic contact part

[0112] 73: Tail

[0113] 74: Connecting part

[0114] 8: Grounding terminal

[0115] T: Terminal array

[0116] L1: First column

[0117] L2: Second column

[0118] D1: First Direction

[0119] D2: Second Direction

[0120] HB1: Width

[0121] HB2: Overall width

[0122] HC1: Overall width

[0123] HC2: Overall width

[0124] HT1: Overall width

[0125] HT2: Overall Width

[0126] Z1, Z2: Terminal setting area

[0127] Z3: Isolation Zone Detailed Implementation

[0128] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention includes two electrical connectors 100 having the same structure and mating with each other. Each electrical connector 100 includes an insulating base 1 and multiple rows of terminal blocks T arranged on the insulating base 1.

[0129] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The insulating base 1 is made of, for example, a plastic insulating material and has a bottom wall 11 and a plurality of protrusions 12 disposed on the bottom wall 11. The bottom wall 11 has a first side 111 and a second side 112 parallel to a first direction D1 and located at opposite ends, and a third side 113 and a fourth side 114 parallel to a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and located at opposite ends. The lengths of the first side 111 and the second side 112 along the first direction D1 are shorter than the lengths of the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 along the second direction D2, making the bottom wall 11 rectangular. The protrusions 12 protrude parallel to each other and spaced apart from the bottom wall 11, and are located between the first side 111 and the second side 112, extending in an elongated shape along the first direction D1. The bottom wall 11 and the protrusions 12 together define a plurality of slots 13, which are alternately arranged along the second direction D2.

[0130] Each terminal column T includes multiple first ground terminals 2 and multiple pairs of differential signal terminal pairs 3. These first ground terminals 2 and these differential signal terminal pairs 3 are arranged alternately along the first direction D1. A corresponding terminal column T is provided on the wall surface of each protrusion 12 adjacent to the slot 13, such that these terminal columns T are arranged at intervals from each other along the second direction D2.

[0131] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Each first grounding terminal 2 has a body portion 21 for interfering with the insulating base 1, three elastic contact portions 22, 22' extending from the body portion 21 at intervals, and three tail portions 23, 23' extending from the body portion 21 at intervals. These tail portions 23, 23' and the elastic contact portions 22, 22' extend from opposite sides of the body portion 21, respectively. Figure 8As shown, these tails 23, 23' extend downwards at right angles from the bottom end of the main body 21 and are exposed above the bottom wall 11. Each tail 23, 23' is used for soldering a solder ball 10. The tail 23 is a central tail located in the middle, while the tails 23' are spaced apart on opposite sides of the tail 23, and each tail 23' is a side tail adjacent to the side of the main body 21. These elastic contact portions 22, 22' extend upwards from the top end of the main body 21. The elastic contact portion 22 is a central elastic contact located in the middle, while the elastic contact portions 22' are spaced apart on opposite sides of the elastic contact portion 22, and each elastic contact portion 22' is a side elastic contact adjacent to the side of the main body 21.

[0132] Each differential signal terminal pair 3 consists of two signal terminals 4. Each signal terminal 4 has a body portion 41 for interfering with the insulating base 1, an elastic contact portion 42 extending from the body portion 41, and a tail portion 43 extending from the body portion 41. The tail portion 43 and the elastic contact portion 42 extend from opposite sides of the body portion 41, respectively. Figure 8 As shown, the tail portion 43 extends downward at a right angle from the bottom end of the body portion 41 and exposes the bottom wall 11 for soldering a solder ball 10. The elastic contact portion 42 extends upward from the top end of the body portion 41.

[0133] In this first embodiment, each terminal row T further includes a second grounding terminal 5. Each second grounding terminal 5 has a body portion 51 for interfering with the insulating base 1, an elastic contact portion 52 extending from the body portion 51, and a tail portion 53 extending from the body portion 51. The tail portion 53 and the elastic contact portion 52 extend from opposite sides of the body portion 51, respectively. Figure 8 As shown, the tail portion 53 extends downward at a right angle from the bottom end of the body portion 51 and exposes the bottom wall 11 for soldering a solder ball 10. The elastic contact portion 52 extends upward from the body portion 51.

[0134] The insulating base 1 also has a plurality of first grounding terminal slots 115 respectively accommodating the first grounding terminals 2, a plurality of signal terminal slots 116 respectively accommodating the signal terminals 4, a plurality of second grounding terminal slots 117 respectively accommodating the second grounding terminals 5, and a plurality of recessed relief portions 118 respectively corresponding to the elastic contact portions 22, 22', 42, 52.

[0135] Each first grounding terminal 2 is inserted from bottom to top into the corresponding first grounding terminal slot 115. The interference between the body portion 21 and the insulating base 1 fixes each first grounding terminal 2 within the corresponding first grounding terminal slot 115. Each signal terminal 4 is inserted from bottom to top into the corresponding signal terminal slot 116. The interference between the body portion 41 and the insulating base 1 fixes each signal terminal 4 within the corresponding signal terminal slot 116. Each second grounding terminal 5 is inserted from bottom to top into the corresponding second grounding terminal slot 117. The interference between the body portion 51 and the insulating base 1 fixes each second grounding terminal 5 within the corresponding second grounding terminal slot 117.

[0136] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 10 In two adjacent terminal columns T, one terminal column T is arranged from left to right along the first direction D1 with a second ground terminal 5, a differential signal terminal pair 3, a first ground terminal 2, a differential signal terminal pair 3, and a first ground terminal 2, while the other terminal column T is arranged from left to right along the first direction D1 with a first ground terminal 2, a differential signal terminal pair 3, a first ground terminal 2, a differential signal terminal pair 3, and a second ground terminal 5.

[0137] In this first embodiment, the overall width HB2 of the two body portions 41 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width HB1 of the body portion 21 of each first ground terminal 2 in the first direction D1. The overall width HB2 is the distance between the two body portions 41 on their respective outer sides. On two adjacent terminal columns T, the orthographic projection of the two body portions 41 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in the second direction D2 lies within the width coverage of the corresponding body portion 21 of the first ground terminal 2. The overall width HC2 of the two elastic contact portions 42 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the overall width HC1 of the two elastic contact portions 22' of each first ground terminal 2 in the first direction D1. The overall width HC2 is the distance between the two elastic contact portions 42 on their respective outer sides, and the overall width HC1 is the distance between the two elastic contact portions 22' on their respective outer sides. On two adjacent terminal rows T, the orthographic projection of the two elastic contact portions 42 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in the second direction D2 lies within the width coverage of the elastic contact portions 22' of the corresponding first ground terminal 2, and the orthographic projection of the elastic contact portion 22 of the middle first ground terminal 2 in the second direction D2 lies within the width coverage of the elastic contact portions 42 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3. The overall width HT2 of the two tail portions 43 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the overall width HT1 of the two tail portions 23' of each first ground terminal 2 in the first direction D1. The overall width HT2 is the distance between the two tail portions 43 on their respective outer sides, and the overall width HT1 is the distance between the two tail portions 23' on their respective outer sides. On two adjacent terminal columns T, the orthographic projection of the two tails 43 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 on the second direction D2 is within the width coverage of the tails 23' of the corresponding first ground terminal 2, and the orthographic projection of the tail 23 of each first ground terminal 2 located in the middle on the second direction D2 is within the width coverage of the tails 43 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3.

[0138] The design of each first ground terminal 2, by having the orthographic projection of the middle elastic contact 22 on the second direction D2 located within the width coverage of the elastic contact 42 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3, and the orthographic projection of the middle tail 23 on the second direction D2 located within the width coverage of the tail 43 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3, allows the coupling amount when each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 is coupled with the corresponding first ground terminal 2 in the adjacent terminal column T to be mainly concentrated on the middle elastic contact 22 and the middle tail 23. This further reduces the coupling amount of the elastic contact 22' and tail 23' located on the sides, and is less likely to cause crosstalk interference to two differential signal terminal pairs 3 located in the same terminal column T and adjacent to the elastic contact 22' and tail 23'.

[0139] Since the width of the body portion 51 of each second ground terminal 5 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width HB1 of the body portion 21 of each first ground terminal 2 in the first direction D1, by placing the second ground terminal 5 in each column of terminal T adjacent to the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3 and located at the outermost end position, the overall width of each column of terminal T in the first direction D1 and the overall width of the insulating base 1 in the first direction D1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall volume of the electrical connector 100.

[0140] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each protrusion 12 has an integrally extended protrusion 14 in the corresponding recessed relief portion 118 of the elastic contact portion 42 of each signal terminal 4 and the elastic contact portion 22 of each first ground terminal 2 located in the middle. This increases the amount of insulating plastic between the elastic contact portions 42 of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 in two adjacent terminal rows T and the elastic contact portion 22 of the corresponding first ground terminal 2, thereby improving the coupling effect between the elastic contact portions 42 and the elastic contact portion 22. This increases the coupling amount of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 to the elastic contact portion 22 of the corresponding first ground terminal 2 in the adjacent terminal row T, and further reduces the coupling amount of each pair of differential signal terminal pairs 3 to the elastic contact portions 22' of the corresponding first ground terminal 2 in the adjacent terminal row T located on the side.

[0141] It should be noted that by simultaneously providing protrusions 14 within the corresponding recessed relief portions 118 corresponding to the elastic contact portions 42 and 22, the amount of insulating plastic between these elastic contact portions 42 and 22 is increased, thereby improving the coupling effect. Of course, the arrangement of the protrusions 14 in this first embodiment can also be varied according to requirements, and is not limited to the aforementioned arrangement:

[0142] One approach is that each protrusion 12 has a protrusion 14 provided only in the corresponding recessed relief portion 118 of the elastic contact portion 42 corresponding to each signal terminal 4.

[0143] Another approach is that each protrusion 12 has a protrusion 14 provided only in the corresponding recessed relief portion 118 of the elastic contact portion 22 located in the middle of each of the first grounding terminals 2.

[0144] refer to Figure 4 The insulating base 1 has two terminal mounting areas Z1 and Z2 spaced apart from each other along the first direction D1, and an isolation area Z3 located between the two terminal mounting areas Z1 and Z2. The protrusions 12 and slots 13 of each terminal mounting area Z1 and Z2 are arranged alternately in a row along the second direction D2, and the protrusions 12 of one terminal mounting area Z1 correspond to the slots 13 of the other terminal mounting area Z2 on the first direction D1. In this first embodiment, the corresponding terminal rows T arranged in one terminal mounting area Z1 are used to transmit signals, and the corresponding terminal rows T arranged in the other terminal mounting area Z2 are used to receive signals. By separating the two terminal mounting areas Z1 and Z2 through the isolation area Z3, better near-end crosstalk isolation can be achieved, thereby improving signal integrity.

[0145] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 The insulating base 1 has an adjacent anti-mistake protrusion 120 and an anti-mistake recess 121 formed on its first side 111 and second side 112 respectively. Each anti-mistake protrusion 120 of each electrical connector 100 is used to mate with a corresponding anti-mistake recess 121 of another electrical connector 100. The insulating base 1 also has a rib 15 formed on the third side 113 and protruding from the bottom wall 11. The rib 15 extends along the second direction D2 and is elongated. Each rib 15 of each electrical connector 100 is used to mate with the fourth side 114 of another electrical connector 100. In this first embodiment, the rib 15 extends to the first side 111 and the second side 112, and each anti-mistake recess 121 is located between the rib 15 and the corresponding anti-mistake protrusion 120.

[0146] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 11To mate two electrical connectors 100, first align the anti-misalignment protrusions 120 of one electrical connector 100 with the anti-misalignment recesses 121 of the other electrical connector 100. Then, move one electrical connector 100 toward the other electrical connector 100 and mate it. When the two electrical connectors 100 are mated together, the anti-misalignment protrusions 120 of one electrical connector 100 mate with and are inserted into the anti-misalignment recesses 121 of the other electrical connector 100, the ribs 15 of one electrical connector 100 mate with the fourth side 114 of the other electrical connector 100, and the anti-misalignment protrusions 120 and ribs 15 of the electrical connector 100 cooperate to form a closed perimeter, and the protrusions 12 of one electrical connector 100 are inserted into and mate with the slots 13 of the other electrical connector 100.

[0147] Each electrical connector 100, through the design of these foolproof protrusions 120 and these foolproof recesses 121, can prevent mis-insertion when these electrical connectors 100 are mated, and can ensure that these protrusions 12 are accurately inserted and mated in these slots 13 respectively.

[0148] Each electrical connector 100 extends to the first side 111 and the second side 112 via the rib 15, spaced apart from the anti-misalignment protrusions 120. This arrangement ensures that when the anti-misalignment protrusions 120 of one electrical connector 100 are inserted into the corresponding anti-misalignment recesses 121 of another electrical connector 100, they are blocked in the first direction D1 by the corresponding anti-misalignment protrusions 120 and the rib 15, preventing the two electrical connectors 100 from wobbling along the first direction D1 and improving the stability after mating. Furthermore, the ribs 15 can cooperate with the anti-misalignment protrusions 120 to form a closed outer peripheral wall structure, thereby protecting the terminal blocks T from accidental damage to their terminals by external tools. Furthermore, since the lengths of the third side 113 and the fourth side 114 of the insulating base 1 along the second direction D2 are greater than the lengths of the first side 111 and the second side 112 along the first direction D1, the protruding rib 15, which extends from the bottom wall 11 and is formed on the third side 113, enhances the structural strength of the insulating base 1 in the length direction. This reduces warping deformation of the insulating base 1 during the soldering process, thereby improving the soldering quality between the terminals of these terminal rows T and the circuit board.

[0149] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12When two electrical connectors 100 are mated together, the corresponding first grounding terminals 2, corresponding signal terminals 4, and corresponding second grounding terminals 5 of the two electrical connectors 100 are mated together. Two mated first grounding terminals 2 form two contact points with three interlocking elastic contact portions 22, 22', and each interlocking elastic contact portion 22, 22' forms two contact points, for a total of six contact points. Two mated signal terminals 4 form two contact points with their elastic contact portions 42. Two mated second grounding terminals 5 form two contact points with their elastic contact portions 52. Specifically, each elastic contact portion 22, 22' of one mated first grounding terminal 2 contacts the body portion 21 of the other first grounding terminal 2 to form a contact point, resulting in a total of six contact points between the two mated first grounding terminals 2, thereby ensuring a stable electrical connection between the two mated first grounding terminals 2. The elastic contact portion 42 of one of the interconnected signal terminals 4 contacts the body portion 41 of the other signal terminal 4 to form a contact point, so that there are two contact points between the two interconnected signal terminals 4, thereby ensuring that the two interconnected signal terminals 4 can maintain a stable electrical connection. The elastic contact portion 52 of one of the interconnected second ground terminals 5 contacts the body portion 51 of the other second ground terminal 5 to form a contact point, so that there are two contact points between the two interconnected second ground terminals 5, thereby ensuring that the two interconnected second ground terminals 5 can maintain a stable electrical connection.

[0150] refer to Figure 13 The overall structure of the second embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is roughly the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the number of terminals and their arrangement are different.

[0151] In this second embodiment, each electrical connector 100 includes at least three differential signal terminal groups 30, which are disposed on the insulating base 1 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown, the differential signal terminal groups 30 are arranged in two substantially parallel columns, with two differential signal terminal groups 30 located in a first column L1 along the first direction D1, and another differential signal terminal group 30 located in a second column L2 between the differential signal terminal groups 30 in the first column L1. The first column L1 and the second column L2 are arranged alternately along the second direction D2. Each differential signal terminal group 30 includes a differential signal terminal pair 3 arranged side by side and two first ground terminals 6, which are located on the two outer sides of the differential signal terminal pair 3.

[0152] Each of the electrical connectors 100 further includes at least one second ground terminal 7, which is disposed on the insulating base 1 and located between the differential signal terminal groups 30 disposed in the first column L1. The second ground terminal 7 is adjacent to two corresponding first ground terminals 6 of the differential signal terminal groups 30 and faces the differential signal terminal pair 3 of the differential signal terminal group 30 disposed in the second column L2.

[0153] The terminal arrangement of the first column L1 is as follows: a first ground terminal 6, a differential signal terminal pair 3, a first ground terminal 6, a second ground terminal 7, a first ground terminal 6, a differential signal terminal pair 3, and a first ground terminal 6 are arranged from left to right along the first direction D1. The terminal arrangement of the second column L2 is as follows: a first ground terminal 6, a differential signal terminal pair 3, and a first ground terminal 6 are arranged from left to right along the first direction D1.

[0154] In this second embodiment, the structure of each first grounding terminal 6 and the structure of the second grounding terminal 7 are the same as those of the second grounding terminal 5 in the first embodiment (e.g., ...). Figure 9 Similar to the structure shown, each of the first grounding terminal 6 and the second grounding terminal 7 has a body portion 61, 71, an elastic contact portion 62, 72, and a tail portion 63, 73.

[0155] In the first column L1, the orthographic projection of the elastic contact 72 of the second ground terminal 7 in the second direction D2 lies within the width coverage of the elastic contact 42 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3, and the orthographic projection of the tail 73 of the second ground terminal 7 in the second direction D2 lies within the width coverage of the tail 43 of the corresponding differential signal terminal pair 3. This ensures that when the differential signal terminal pair 3 of the second column L2 couples with the adjacent second ground terminal 7 in the first column L1 and the two first ground terminals 6 located on the opposite side of the second ground terminal 7, the coupling amount is mainly concentrated on the elastic contact 72 and the tail 73 of the second ground terminal 7, thereby reducing crosstalk interference in the differential signal terminal pairs 3 of the first column L1 and the second column L2.

[0156] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this second embodiment, the structure of each first grounding terminal 6 and the structure of the second grounding terminal 7 may also be the same as that of the first grounding terminal 2 in the first embodiment (e.g., Figure 9Similar to the structure shown, each first grounding terminal 6 and the second grounding terminal 7 has multiple elastic contact portions and multiple tail portions. In addition, the number of differential signal terminal groups 30 and the number of second grounding terminals 7 of each electrical connector 100 can also be multiple. By repeatedly arranging the terminals of the first column L1 and the terminals of the second column L2 along the second direction D2 on the side of the second column L2 opposite to the first column L1, multiple columns of terminal T can be arranged as in the first embodiment.

[0157] refer to Figure 14 The overall structure of the third embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is roughly the same as that of the second embodiment, except that the number of terminals and their arrangement are different.

[0158] In this third embodiment, the number of differential signal terminal groups 30 is four, and the number of second ground terminals 7 is two. The terminal arrangement of the first column L1 is the same as in the second embodiment. The terminal arrangement of the second column L2 is as follows: a first ground terminal 6, a differential signal terminal pair 3, a first ground terminal 6, a second ground terminal 7, a first ground terminal 6, a differential signal terminal pair 3, and a first ground terminal 6 are arranged from left to right along the first direction D1.

[0159] refer to Figure 15 The overall structure of the fourth embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is generally the same as that of the second embodiment, except that the structure of the terminals is different.

[0160] In this fourth embodiment, the second grounding terminal 7 also has two connecting portions 74 protruding from opposite sides of the body portion 71. These connecting portions 74 integrally connect two adjacent body portions 61 corresponding to the first grounding terminals 6, thereby forming a connection with the first grounding terminal 2 of the first embodiment (e.g., ...). Figure 9 The grounding terminal 8 has the same structure as shown.

[0161] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this fourth embodiment, the number of tails 63 and 73 of the grounding terminal 8 may also be one or two, so that the interconnected second grounding terminal 7 and these first grounding terminals 6 share one or two tails.

[0162] In summary, by employing the elastic contact portion 22 and the tail portion 23 of each first grounding terminal 2 in the first embodiment, and by employing the elastic contact portion 72 and the tail portion 73 of the second grounding terminal 7 in the second, third, and fourth embodiments, crosstalk interference between differential signal terminal pairs 3 between adjacent terminal rows T can be reduced, increasing signal integrity. Furthermore, the protruding rib 15 enhances the structural strength of the insulating base 1 in the length direction. This reduces warping deformation of the insulating base 1 during the soldering process, thereby improving the soldering quality between the terminals of these terminal rows T and the circuit board, thus effectively achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0163] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and patent specification of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: an insulative housing; at least three differential signal terminal groups arranged in two substantially parallel columns in the insulative housing, wherein two differential signal terminal groups are arranged in a first column of the two columns, and another differential signal terminal group is arranged in a second column of the two columns and between the two differential signal terminal groups arranged in the first column, each differential signal terminal group comprises a differential signal terminal pair and two first ground terminals arranged side by side, the two first ground terminals are respectively located at two outer sides of the differential signal terminal pair; and at least one second ground terminal arranged in the insulative housing and between the two differential signal terminal groups arranged in the first column, the second ground terminal is adjacent to corresponding two first ground terminals of the two differential signal terminal groups arranged in the first column and faces the differential signal terminal pair of the differential signal terminal group arranged in the second column.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The second ground terminal and the corresponding two first ground terminals adjacent thereto are connected to each other and share at least one tail portion.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The two differential signal terminal groups arranged in the first column are arranged along a first direction, the first column and the second column are arranged apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the insulative housing has a bottom wall with a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends, the insulative housing further has a plurality of protrusions parallel to each other and protruding from the bottom wall and between the first side and the second side and extending in the first direction in a strip shape, the bottom wall and the plurality of protrusions jointly define a plurality of slots, the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots are alternately arranged along the second direction.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, Each differential signal terminal pair consists of two signal terminals, each signal terminal has a resilient contact portion, each first ground terminal and the second ground terminal each has a resilient contact portion, the insulative housing further has a plurality of recessed portions corresponding to the resilient contact portions of the first ground terminals and the second ground terminal, and a plurality of recessed portions corresponding to the resilient contact portions of the signal terminals, each protrusion is provided with a protrusion extending in the recessed portion corresponding to the resilient contact portion of each signal terminal and / or the resilient contact portion of the second ground terminal.

5. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, The first side and the second side of the insulative housing each form an adjacent foolproof protrusion and a foolproof recess.

6. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, The bottom wall has a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, the insulative housing further has a protruding rib formed on the third side and protruding from the bottom wall.

7. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein, The protruding rib extends to the first side and the second side, the first side and the second side of the insulative housing each form an adjacent foolproof protrusion and a foolproof recess, the foolproof recess is located between the protruding rib and the foolproof protrusion.

8. The electrical connector of claim 7, wherein, When the electrical connector is mated with another electrical connector of the same configuration, the fool-proof protrusions of one electrical connector are mated with the corresponding fool-proof recesses of the other electrical connector, the protruding ribs of one electrical connector are mated with the fourth side of the other electrical connector, and the plurality of fool-proof protrusions and the plurality of protruding ribs of the two electrical connectors cooperate to form a closed periphery.

9. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein, The insulating housing has two terminal arrangement regions spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and a separation region located between the two terminal arrangement regions, the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of slots of each terminal arrangement region are alternately arranged along the second direction, and the plurality of protrusions of one terminal arrangement region correspond to the plurality of slots of the other terminal arrangement region respectively in the first direction.

10. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The arrangement of the first column is a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first ground terminal arranged from left to right along a first direction, and the arrangement of the second column is a first ground terminal, a differential signal terminal pair, and a first ground terminal arranged from left to right along the first direction, the first column and the second column are arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, The at least three differential signal terminal groups arranged in the first column along a first direction, the first column and the second column are arranged spaced apart from each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the insulating housing has a first side and a second side parallel to the first direction and located at opposite ends, a third side and a fourth side parallel to the second direction and located at opposite ends, and a protruding rib formed on the third side, the lengths of the first side and the second side taken along the first direction are shorter than the lengths of the third side and the fourth side taken along the second direction.

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