Electrical connector components

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electrical connector assembly comprising: an insulating housing; multiple rows of contact terminals disposed within the insulating housing, the multiple rows of contact terminals comprising multiple signal terminals and multiple ground terminals; and at least one conductive housing assembled to the insulating housing; wherein the at least one conductive housing is respectively in contact with and connected to corresponding ones of the multiple ground terminals to electrically connect the multiple ground terminals together. The electrical connector assembly provided by the present invention improves the effects of manufacturing tolerances of the plastic insulating housing and all components on the transmission of high-frequency signals in the prior art, and also reduces resonances generated during high-frequency signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of electrical connector technology, and more particularly, to an electrical connector assembly capable of data transmission at a high frequency data transmission rate. Background Art

[0002] Existing high-speed transmission electrical connector assemblies generally include a plastic housing and contact terminals (including signal terminals and ground terminals) assembled within the plastic housing. These contact terminals interconnect two circuit boards. To ensure high-frequency signal transmission performance, existing electrical connector assemblies require very high manufacturing tolerances for the plastic housing. Using existing manufacturing techniques, manufacturing precision requirements are very stringent, increasing manufacturing difficulty and cost. Furthermore, the resonance generated during high-frequency signal transmission in existing high-speed transmission electrical connector assemblies needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector assembly, comprising:

[0005] Insulating housing;

[0006] Disposing a plurality of rows of contact terminals in the insulating housing, the plurality of rows of contact terminals including a plurality of signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals; and

[0007] at least one conductive housing, the at least one conductive housing being assembled on the insulating housing;

[0008] The at least one conductive shell is respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding grounding terminals to electrically connect the grounding terminals together.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one conductive housing has a plurality of conductive protrusions, and the plurality of conductive protrusions are respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding plurality of ground terminals to electrically connect the plurality of ground terminals together.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive shell includes: a plurality of vertical walls arranged side by side and parallel to each other; two end walls connecting the plurality of vertical walls at both ends of the plurality of vertical walls respectively; and a plurality of terminal channels, each terminal channel being defined by every two adjacent vertical walls and the two end walls, and the plurality of signal terminals and the plurality of ground terminals passing through the plurality of terminal channels; wherein the plurality of conductive protrusions are formed on each vertical wall, and the plurality of conductive protrusions are respectively in contact and connected with the corresponding plurality of ground terminals passing through the plurality of terminal channels.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing and the plurality of conductive protrusions are formed integrally.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each upright wall has a first side surface and a second side surface facing opposite corresponding two adjacent terminal channels, respectively; the plurality of conductive protrusions further include a plurality of first conductive protrusions and a plurality of second conductive protrusions; and the plurality of first conductive protrusions are formed on the first side surface, and the plurality of second conductive protrusions are formed on the second side surface.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple rows of contact terminals further include a first row of contact terminals and a second row of contact terminals arranged alternately, and the multiple grounding terminals further include a plurality of first grounding terminals and a plurality of second grounding terminals; the first row of contact terminals is formed by alternatingly arranging a first grounding terminal and a pair of signal terminals, and the second row of contact terminals is formed by arranging a plurality of second grounding terminals; and the first row of contact terminals is arranged in the corresponding terminal channel facing the first side surface of each vertical wall; the second row of contact terminals is arranged in the corresponding terminal channel facing the second side surface of each vertical wall.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each first conductive protrusion is in contact with and connected to each corresponding first ground terminal, and each second conductive protrusion is in contact with and connected to each corresponding second ground terminal.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the first conductive protrusion is different from the shape of the second conductive protrusion.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shape of the first ground terminal is different from a shape of the second ground terminal.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one of the conductive shell and the insulating shell is provided with a positioning hole, and the other of the conductive shell and the insulating shell is provided with a positioning post, which is inserted into the positioning hole to fix the conductive shell to the insulating shell.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the conductive housings are formed side by side and parallel to each other on the insulating housing.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing is made by physical vapor deposition technology or molded interconnect device technology, and is assembled onto the insulating housing.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing is a metallized housing formed by depositing a layer of metal on a plastic housing, and the insulating housing is a plastic housing.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing may be made by depositing a layer of metal nickel on a plastic housing.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing is made of pure metal material by die-casting or casting.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a bottom plate is further included. The bottom plate is disposed on the insulating housing and covers the at least one conductive housing and the multiple rows of contact terminals.

[0024] The electrical connector assembly provided by the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention improves the electrical performance of the entire electrical connector assembly by forming a conductive shell on the basis of the insulating shell and connecting all ground terminals together by contacting the conductive shell with the ground terminals. While improving the high-frequency signal transmission performance of the electrical connector assembly, the high manufacturing tolerance requirements of the plastic shell in the prior art to ensure high-frequency signal transmission performance are relatively reduced, thereby improving the impact of the manufacturing tolerances of the plastic insulating shell and all parts (such as terminals) in the prior art on the transmission of high-frequency signals. In addition, the electrical connector assembly provided by the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention also improves the resonance generated during the high-frequency signal transmission process, making the signal transmission more stable.

[0025] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base plate is omitted;

[0029] Figure 4 show Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of a conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0030] Figure 5 show Figure 3A perspective schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the contact terminal and the conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly shown; and

[0031] Figure 6 show Figure 3 The diagram is a plan view of the assembly structure of the contact terminals and the conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0034] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is provided, comprising: an insulating shell; multiple rows of contact terminals arranged in the insulating shell, the multiple rows of contact terminals including multiple signal terminals and multiple ground terminals; and at least one conductive shell, the at least one conductive shell being assembled on the insulating shell; wherein the conductive shells are respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding multiple ground terminals to electrically connect the multiple ground terminals together.

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram showing an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base plate is omitted; Figure 4 show Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of a conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly shown; Figure 5 show Figure 3 A perspective schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the contact terminal and the conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly shown; Figure 6 show Figure 3Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the contact terminal and the conductive housing in the electrical connector assembly shown. It should be noted that, since the various components / structures (such as the first grounding terminal, the second grounding terminal, the first conductive protrusion, the second conductive protrusion, the vertical wall, the terminal channel, etc.) in the electrical connector assembly provided by the present invention are presented in multiple forms, for the purpose of clarity, the figure numbers in the figure only identify one or two identical components / structures, rather than all identical components / structures. For example, Figure 6 Only one first ground terminal 221, one second ground terminal 222, one first conductive protrusion 311, one second conductive protrusion 312, one vertical wall 320, and one terminal channel 340 are shown. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these reference numerals may also refer to components / structures that are not shown in the figures but are identical to the components / structures shown.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown, an electrical connector assembly 1000 is provided, comprising: an insulating housing 100; multiple rows of contact terminals L1 and L2 disposed within the insulating housing 100; and at least one conductive housing 300. The multiple rows of contact terminals L1 and L2 include multiple signal terminals 210 and multiple ground terminals 221 and 222. The conductive housing 300 is assembled onto the insulating housing 100. The conductive housing 300 contacts and connects with the corresponding multiple ground terminals 221 and 222, electrically connecting the multiple ground terminals 221 and 222. More specifically, the conductive housing 300 has multiple conductive protrusions 311 and 312, which contact and connect with the corresponding multiple ground terminals 221 and 222, electrically connecting the multiple ground terminals 221 and 222. In other words, the electrical connector assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention improves the electrical performance of the entire electrical connector assembly by forming a conductive housing on the insulating housing and connecting all the ground terminals together through the conductive housing contacting the ground terminals. While improving the high-frequency signal transmission performance of the electrical connector assembly, the high requirements for the manufacturing tolerance of the plastic shell in the prior art to ensure high-frequency signal transmission performance are relatively reduced, thereby improving the impact of the manufacturing tolerance of the plastic insulating shell and all parts (such as terminals) in the prior art on the transmission of high-frequency signals.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, specifically, the conductive housing 300 includes: a plurality of vertical walls 320 arranged side by side and parallel to each other; two end walls 330 connecting the plurality of vertical walls 320 at both ends of the plurality of vertical walls 320; and a plurality of terminal channels 340, each terminal channel 340 being defined by every two adjacent vertical walls 320 and the two end walls 330, and a plurality of signal terminals 210 and a plurality of ground terminals 221, 222 passing through the plurality of terminal channels 340. A plurality of conductive protrusions 311, 312 are formed on each vertical wall 320, and the plurality of conductive protrusions 311, 312 are respectively in contact with the corresponding plurality of ground terminals 221, 222 passing through the plurality of terminal channels 340. That is to say, in the electrical connector assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention, multiple signal terminals 210 and multiple ground terminals 221, 222 are arranged to pass through the terminal channel 340 opened in the conductive shell 300, wherein the multiple ground terminals 221, 222 are in contact and connected with the multiple conductive protrusions 311, 312 of the conductive shell 300 to electrically connect the multiple ground terminals 221, 222 together, thereby improving the electrical shielding performance of the regular electrical connector assembly 1000.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, preferably, the conductive housing 300 may be integrally formed with the plurality of conductive protrusions 311 , 312 to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, more specifically, each vertical wall 320 has a first side surface 321 and a second side surface 322 facing oppositely facing two corresponding adjacent terminal channels 340, respectively. The plurality of conductive protrusions 311 and 312 further include a plurality of first conductive protrusions 311 and a plurality of second conductive protrusions 312. The plurality of first conductive protrusions 311 are formed on the first side surface 321, while the plurality of second conductive protrusions 312 are formed on the second side surface 322. In other words, conductive protrusions are provided on both sides of each vertical wall. Except for the outer surfaces of the two outermost vertical walls, the conductive protrusions on both sides of each vertical wall protrude toward the corresponding terminal channel to contact and connect with the contact terminals located in the terminal channel.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown, more specifically, the multiple rows of contact terminals L1 and L2 further include alternating first and second rows of contact terminals L1 and L2, and the multiple grounding terminals 221 and 222 further include multiple first grounding terminals 221 and multiple second grounding terminals 222. The first row of contact terminals L1 is formed by alternating first grounding terminals 221 and a pair of signal terminals 210, while the second row of contact terminals L2 is formed by arranging multiple second grounding terminals 222. The first row of contact terminals L1 is arranged in the corresponding terminal channel 340 facing the first side 321 of each vertical wall 320; the second row of contact terminals L2 is arranged in the corresponding terminal channel 340 facing the second side 322 of each vertical wall 320. That is, as shown in the figure, each terminal channel 340 is provided with a row of first row contact terminals L1 and a row of second row contact terminals L2.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each first conductive protrusion 311 further contacts and connects with a corresponding first ground terminal 221, while each second conductive protrusion 312 contacts and connects with a corresponding second ground terminal 222. In other words, ground terminals 221 and 222 are arranged around each pair of signal terminals 210, and the ground terminals arranged around each pair of signal terminals 210 are electrically connected together via the conductive protrusions 311 or 312, thereby providing improved electrical shielding performance for each pair of signal terminals 210. This shows that the electrical connector assembly provided according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention also reduces resonance generated during high-frequency signal transmission, making signal transmission more stable.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the shape of the first conductive protrusion 311 is different from the shape of the second conductive protrusion 312. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive protrusion 311 may be in the shape of a two-step protrusion protruding from the side of the vertical wall 320, while the second conductive protrusion 312 may be in the shape of a single step protruding from the side of the vertical wall 320. Furthermore, the shape and / or size of the first conductive protrusion and the second conductive protrusion preferably match the shape and / or size of the first ground terminal and the second base terminal, respectively, with which they are in contact.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the shape of the first grounding terminal 221 is different from the shape of the second grounding terminal 222. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, due to the different positions relative to the pair of signal terminals 210 , the shapes of the first ground terminal 221 and the second ground terminal 222 are also different, in order to better improve the electrical shielding performance.

[0044] In addition, if Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown, one of the conductive housing 300 and the insulating housing 100 is provided with a positioning hole 301, and the other of the conductive housing 300 and the insulating housing 100 is provided with a positioning post 101. The positioning post 101 is inserted into the positioning hole 301 to secure the conductive housing 300 to the insulating housing 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the positioning holes 301 are provided on two opposing end walls 330 of the conductive housing 300, and the positioning posts 301 are provided at positions on the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the positioning holes 101. In this way, the conductive housing 300 can be more effectively secured to the insulating housing 100.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a plurality of conductive housings 300 are formed side by side and parallel to each other on the insulating housing 100. Figure 3 As shown, six conductive housings 300 are formed side by side and parallel to each other on the insulating housing 100. Of course, in other embodiments, other numbers of conductive housings may be formed on the insulating housing according to actual needs. Furthermore, it should be noted that since the conductive protrusions are provided on both sides of each vertical wall of the conductive housing, a conductive protrusion is also present between the outermost vertical walls of two adjacent conductive housings 300, which can be used to contact and connect the ground terminal located between the two conductive housings 300.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductive housing 300 is formed using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology or molded interconnect device (MID) technology and assembled onto the insulating housing 100. MID technology refers to the process of fabricating or mounting electrical components on the surface of an injection-molded plastic housing, thereby combining the electrical interconnection function of the components with the mechanical support function of the plastic housing. Of course, in other embodiments, other technologies capable of metallizing the plastic surface may also be used to form the conductive housing on the insulating housing.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the conductive housing 300 is a metalized housing formed by depositing a layer of metal on a plastic housing, and the insulating housing 100 is a plastic housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the conductive housing 300 can be formed by depositing a layer of nickel on the plastic housing. Of course, in other embodiments, the conductive housing 300 can also be formed by depositing other conductive metal materials, or by die-casting or casting other conductive pure metal materials.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the electrical connector assembly may further include a base plate 400. The base plate 400 is disposed above the insulating housing 100 and covers the conductive housing 300 and the multiple rows of contact terminals L1 and L2. The base plate improves the impedance of the entire electrical connector assembly, thereby enhancing high-speed signal transmission.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and that they may be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflict in structure or principle.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0051] Although some embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0052] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly (1000), characterized in that: The electrical connector assembly (1000) comprises: Insulating housing (100); Arranging multiple rows of contact terminals (L1, L2) in the insulating housing (100), the multiple rows of contact terminals (L1, L2) comprising multiple signal terminals (210) and multiple ground terminals (221, 222); at least one conductive housing (300), the at least one conductive housing (300) being assembled on the insulating housing (100); and a bottom plate (400), the bottom plate (400) being arranged on the insulating housing (100) and covering the conductive housing (300) and the multiple rows of contact terminals (L1, L2); Wherein, the at least one conductive housing (300) is respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding plurality of grounding terminals (221, 222) to electrically connect the plurality of grounding terminals (221, 222) together; The conductive housing (300) is a metallized housing formed by depositing a layer of metal on a plastic housing, and the insulating housing (100) is a plastic housing.

2. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one conductive housing (300) has a plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312), and the plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312) are respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding plurality of grounding terminals (221, 222) to electrically connect the plurality of grounding terminals (221, 222) together.

3. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The conductive housing (300) comprises: a plurality of vertical walls (320) arranged side by side and parallel to each other; Two end walls (330) connecting the plurality of vertical walls (320) at both ends of the plurality of vertical walls (320); and A plurality of terminal channels (340), each terminal channel (340) being defined by two adjacent vertical walls (320) and the two end walls (330), and the plurality of signal terminals (210) and the plurality of ground terminals (221, 222) passing through the plurality of terminal channels (340); The plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312) are formed on each vertical wall (320), and the plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312) are respectively in contact with and connected to the corresponding plurality of grounding terminals (221, 222) passing through the plurality of terminal channels (340).

4. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive housing (300) and the plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312) are formed integrally.

5. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: Each upright wall (320) has a first side surface (321) and a second side surface (322) facing opposite two adjacent terminal channels (340). The plurality of conductive protrusions (311, 312) further include a plurality of first conductive protrusions (311) and a plurality of second conductive protrusions (312); and The plurality of first conductive protrusions (311) are formed on the first side surface (321), and the plurality of second conductive protrusions (312) are formed on the second side surface (322).

6. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The multiple rows of contact terminals (L1, L2) further include a first row of contact terminals (L1) and a second row of contact terminals (L2) that are alternately arranged; the multiple grounding terminals (221, 222) further include a plurality of first grounding terminals (221) and a plurality of second grounding terminals (222); The first row of contact terminals (L1) is formed by alternatingly arranging a first ground terminal (221) and a pair of signal terminals (210), and the second row of contact terminals (L2) is formed by arranging a plurality of second ground terminals (222); and The first row of contact terminals (L1) is arranged in a corresponding terminal channel (340) facing the first side surface (321) of each vertical wall (320); and the second row of contact terminals (L2) is arranged in a corresponding terminal channel (340) facing the second side surface (322) of each vertical wall (320).

7. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: Each first conductive protrusion (311) is in contact with and connected to each corresponding first grounding terminal (221), and each second conductive protrusion (312) is in contact with and connected to each corresponding second grounding terminal (222).

8. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The shape of the first conductive protrusion (311) is different from the shape of the second conductive protrusion (312).

9. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The shape of the first grounding terminal (221) is different from the shape of the second grounding terminal (222).

10. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: One of the conductive housing (300) and the insulating housing (100) is provided with a positioning hole (301), and the other of the conductive housing (300) and the insulating housing (100) is provided with a positioning post (101), and the positioning post (101) is inserted into the positioning hole (301) to fix the conductive housing (300) to the insulating housing (100).

11. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: A plurality of the conductive housings (300) are formed on the insulating housing (100) side by side and parallel to each other.

12. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The conductive housing (300) is manufactured by physical vapor deposition technology or molded interconnect device technology, and is assembled onto the insulating housing (100).

13. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive shell (300) is made by depositing a layer of metal nickel on a plastic shell.

14. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The conductive housing (300) is made of pure metal material by die-casting or casting.

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