First connector, second connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a first connector, a second connector, and a connector assembly. In the first connector (1), a ground terminal (12) includes a ground terminal base (121), a ground terminal female connecting portion (122), and a ground terminal intermediate portion (123). The ground terminal base (121) is sandwiched between a bottom of a housing (13) and a retainer (14) and is in contact with the bottom of the housing (13). The ground terminal female connecting portion (122) is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing (13). The ground terminal intermediate portion (123) connects the ground terminal base (121) and the ground terminal female connecting portion (122).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a first connector, a second connector, and a connector assembly having the first connector and the second connector. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-12553 (Patent Document 1) discloses a first connector for connecting two coaxial cables. The first connector includes two signal terminals and a ground terminal arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals between each other. The signal terminals and the ground terminal are held together within a housing with a retainer. The housing is grounded (GND).

[0003] One end of each signal terminal is connected to the center conductor of the corresponding coaxial cable. The other end of each signal terminal has a concave signal terminal female connector. The outer conductor of each coaxial cable is connected to the housing, and one end of the grounding terminal is connected to the housing. The other end of the grounding terminal has a concave grounding terminal female connector.

[0004] The first connector and the second connector are combined. The second connector, like the first connector, includes two signal terminals and a ground terminal. In the second connector, one end of each signal terminal has a male signal terminal connection portion that is bent into a convex shape. Each male signal terminal connection portion engages with the corresponding female signal terminal connection portion of the first connector. In the second connector, one end of the ground terminal has a male ground terminal connection portion that is bent into a convex shape. The male ground terminal connection portion engages with the female ground terminal connection portion of the first connector.

[0005] The second connector is mounted on the circuit board (e.g., a flexible circuit board). In the second connector, the other end of each signal terminal is connected to the corresponding signal line on the circuit board. The other end of the ground terminal is connected to the ground line (GND) of the circuit board.

[0006] In the first connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the grounding terminal is connected to the housing only at one end away from the female grounding terminal connector. In the second connector known to be combined with the first connector, the grounding terminal is connected to the circuit board only at one end away from the male grounding terminal connector. In the case of the known connector assembly formed by combining these connectors, the distance between grounds (hereinafter also referred to as "GND distance") is the distance from the end of the grounding terminal of the first connector connected to the housing to the end of the grounding terminal of the second connector connected to the circuit board.

[0007] In this case, the GND distance is relatively long. Therefore, there is a concern about noise leakage from the signal terminals in the first connector. This noise leakage can become particularly significant when conducting high-frequency signals. The same applies to the second connector.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-12553 Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a first connector capable of suppressing noise leakage at signal terminals. Another object of the present invention is to provide a second connector and a connector assembly capable of suppressing noise leakage at signal terminals.

[0010] A first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The housing is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the housing. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held within the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal female connector, and a signal terminal intermediate portion. The signal terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer in an insulated state from the housing. The signal terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The signal terminal intermediate portion connects the signal terminal base and the signal terminal female connector. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held within the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal female connector, and a ground terminal intermediate portion. The ground terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer and is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing. The ground terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The ground terminal female connector contacts the bottom of the housing. The middle part of the grounding terminal connects the base of the grounding terminal to the female connection part of the grounding terminal.

[0011] The second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The frame is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the frame. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal male connection portion, and a signal terminal middle portion. The signal terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed externally. The signal terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The signal terminal middle portion is fixed to the retainer, connecting the signal terminal base and the signal terminal male connection portion. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal male connection portion, and a ground terminal middle portion. The ground terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed externally. The ground terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The back side of at least one of the two ends of the male connection portion of the grounding terminal is exposed to the outside. The middle part of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retainer, connecting the base of the grounding terminal to the male connection portion of the grounding terminal.

[0012] A connector assembly based on an embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector and a second connector. In the connector assembly, the first connector includes a housing, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The housing is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the housing. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, are arranged side-by-side with each other, and are held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal female connector, and a signal terminal intermediate portion. The signal terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer in an insulated state from the housing. The signal terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The signal terminal intermediate portion connects the signal terminal base and the signal terminal female connector. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal female connector, and a ground terminal intermediate portion. The ground terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer and is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing. The ground terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The middle part of the grounding terminal connects the base of the grounding terminal to the female connection part of the grounding terminal. The middle part of the grounding terminal has a protrusion that protrudes from the opening of the housing.

[0013] In the connector assembly, the second connector includes a frame, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The frame is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the frame. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal male connection portion, and a signal terminal middle portion. The signal terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The signal terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The signal terminal middle portion is fixed to the retainer, connecting the signal terminal base and the signal terminal male connection portion. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal male connection portion, and a ground terminal middle portion. The ground terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The ground terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The middle part of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retaining member, and the base of the grounding terminal is connected to the male connection part of the grounding terminal.

[0014] In the connector assembly, when the first connector and the second connector are combined, the female signal terminal connector engages with the male signal terminal connector. Additionally, the female ground terminal connector engages with the male ground terminal connector. Furthermore, the protrusion in the middle of the ground terminal of the first connector contacts the frame of the second connector.

[0015] The first connector based on an embodiment of the present invention can suppress noise leakage from the signal terminals. Furthermore, the second connector and connector assembly based on an embodiment of the present invention can suppress noise leakage from the signal terminals. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly having the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the first connector in the first embodiment, in which a coaxial cable is installed.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the first connector in its state before the coaxial cable is installed in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the elements of the first connector exploded in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 In the first embodiment, from and Figure 4 Different perspectives Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of each element shown.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the signal terminal in the first connector of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second connector combined with the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a top view of the second connector as seen from the surface side in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a top view of the second connector as seen from the rear side in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the signal terminal in the second connector of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the second connector of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the signal terminals in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the second connector of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector in the third embodiment.

[0035] Figure 20This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 23 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the fifth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 24 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the sixth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 25 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the sixth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 26 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the first connector of the seventh embodiment.

[0042] Figure 27 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grounding terminal in the connector assembly formed by combining the first connector and the second connector according to the seventh embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, examples are given to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values ​​or specific materials are sometimes illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0044] The first connector according to this embodiment includes a housing, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The housing is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the housing. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held within the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal female connector, and a signal terminal intermediate portion. The signal terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer in an insulated state from the housing. The signal terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The signal terminal intermediate portion connects the signal terminal base and the signal terminal female connector. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held within the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal female connector, and a ground terminal intermediate portion. The ground terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer and contacts the bottom of the housing. The ground terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The ground terminal female connector is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing. The middle part of the grounding terminal connects the base of the grounding terminal to the female connection part of the grounding terminal (first structure).

[0045] In the first connector of the first structure, the base of the grounding terminal contacts the bottom of the housing, thereby electrically connecting the base of the grounding terminal to the bottom of the housing. Additionally, the female connection of the grounding terminal is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing. In this case, the female connection of the grounding terminal can directly contact the bottom of the housing, or it can contact the bottom of the housing via other conductive members. Therefore, the grounding terminal is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing at both its base and its female connection. That is, the grounding terminal is connected to the housing at its base, away from the female connection, and also connected to the housing at its female connection. The housing is grounded (GND).

[0046] According to the first connector of the first structure, the grounding terminal is connected to the housing at the female grounding terminal connection, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to known first connectors. Therefore, the area through which noise from the signal terminal passes is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from the signal terminal can be suppressed even when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0047] A transmission line is connected to the first connector. The transmission line includes a signal line (signal line) and a ground conductor. In a typical example, two coaxial cables are connected to the first connector. Each coaxial cable includes a center conductor and an outer conductor. The center conductor is the signal line, and the outer conductor is the ground (GND) conductor. Each center conductor is connected to a corresponding signal terminal of the first connector. For example, the signal terminal includes a socket portion. The socket portion extends from the base of the signal terminal to the side opposite to the female connection portion of the signal terminal. By inserting the front end of the center conductor into the socket portion, the center conductor is connected to the signal terminal of the first connector. On the other hand, each outer conductor is connected to the housing of the first connector. For example, the housing includes a riveting portion. The outer conductor is clamped by the riveting portion, and the outer conductor is connected to the housing of the first connector via the riveting portion.

[0048] In other typical examples, two circuit boards (e.g., flexible circuit boards) are connected to a first connector. Each circuit board includes signal lines and a ground (GND) conductor. Each signal line is connected to a corresponding signal terminal of the first connector. Specifically, when the circuit board is a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board includes a first region and a second region connected to the outside of the first region. The first region is a stripline structure, including signal lines, two ground conductors sandwiching the signal lines between each other, and an insulating layer that insulates the signal lines from the ground conductors. In the second region, the two ground conductors are removed, exposing the insulating layer covering the signal lines. Depending on the needs, in the first region, the two ground conductors are connected to each other at predetermined intervals along the signal lines, or multiple grounding vias connected to other grounding portions of the flexible circuit board are configured. As with the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, the first region is clamped by a riveting part, and the ground conductor is connected to the housing of the first connector via the riveting part. Additionally, the socket portion of the signal terminal is inserted into the insulating layer of the second region to clamp the signal lines, and in this state, the riveting part clamps the second region, thereby connecting the signal lines to the signal terminals of the first connector. For the second region, a readout electrode connected to the signal line can be provided on one side of the insulating layer, and this readout electrode can be connected to the socket portion using solder or the like. In this case, the socket portion only needs to be flat to overlap with the readout electrode. Furthermore, the two circuit boards connected to the first connector can be independent of each other, or they can appear as a single unit.

[0049] Based on the first connector of the first structure, it is preferable that the base of the grounding terminal and the bottom of the housing are in partial contact (second structure). In this case, the contact area between the base of the grounding terminal and the housing is small. Therefore, the contact pressure between the base of the grounding terminal and the housing is large. As a result, the contact resistance between the base of the grounding terminal and the housing is low.

[0050] Based on the first connector of the second structure, in a typical example, a first protrusion (third structure) is provided on the bottom of the housing, protruding towards the base of the grounding terminal. In this case, the first protrusion contacts the base of the grounding terminal. Thus, the base of the grounding terminal contacts the bottom of the housing.

[0051] Based on the first connector of the second structure, in other typical examples, a first protrusion (fourth structure) is provided at the base of the grounding terminal, protruding towards the bottom of the housing. In this case, the first protrusion contacts the bottom of the housing. Thus, the base of the grounding terminal contacts the bottom of the housing.

[0052] Based on the first connector of the first to fourth structures, it is preferable that the grounding terminal female connector portion and the bottom of the housing make partial contact with each other (fifth structure). In this case, the contact area between the grounding terminal female connector portion and the housing is small. Therefore, the contact pressure between the grounding terminal female connector portion and the housing is large. As a result, the contact resistance between the grounding terminal female connector portion and the housing is low.

[0053] Based on the first connector of the fifth structure, in a typical example, a second protrusion (sixth structure) is provided on the bottom of the housing, protruding toward the female grounding terminal connector. In this case, the second protrusion contacts the female grounding terminal connector. Thus, the female grounding terminal connector contacts the bottom of the housing.

[0054] Based on the first connector of the fifth structure, in other typical examples, a second protrusion (seventh structure) is provided on the female grounding terminal connector, protruding towards the bottom of the housing. In this case, the second protrusion contacts the bottom of the housing. Thus, the female grounding terminal connector contacts the bottom of the housing.

[0055] Based on the first connector of the first to seventh structures, the size of the grounding terminal female connector can be larger towards the bottom of the housing compared to the signal terminal female connector (eighth structure). In this case, when the grounding terminal female connector is engaged with the grounding terminal male connector of the second connector, the elastic movable area of ​​the grounding terminal female connector is expanded. As a result, the lifespan of the grounding terminal is improved.

[0056] The first connector of the first to eighth structures is combined with the second connector. The second connector can be the second connector of the ninth structure described below, or a known second connector.

[0057] The second connector according to this embodiment includes a frame, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The frame is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the frame. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal male connection portion, and a signal terminal middle portion. The signal terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The signal terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The signal terminal middle portion is fixed to the retainer, connecting the signal terminal base and the signal terminal male connection portion. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal male connection portion, and a ground terminal middle portion. The ground terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The ground terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. At least one of the two ends of the male connection portion of the grounding terminal has its back exposed to the outside. The middle part of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retaining member, connecting the base of the grounding terminal to the male connection portion of the grounding terminal (ninth structure).

[0058] The second connector of the ninth structure is mounted on a circuit board (e.g., a flexible circuit board or a rigid circuit board). This circuit board includes two signal lines and a ground line (GND). Each signal line of the circuit board is connected to a corresponding signal terminal of the second connector. Specifically, the signal terminal engages with the signal line of the circuit board on the back side of its base.

[0059] On the other hand, the ground wire of the circuit board is connected to the ground terminal of the second connector. Specifically, the ground terminal is engaged with the ground wire on the back side of one or both ends of the male connection portion of the ground terminal. That is, the ground terminal is electrically connected to the ground wire of the circuit board at the male connection portion of the ground terminal. However, the ground terminal may also be engaged with the ground wire of the circuit board on the back side of the base of the ground terminal. In this case, the ground terminal is also connected to the ground wire of the circuit board at the base of the ground terminal away from the male connection portion of the ground terminal.

[0060] According to the second connector of the ninth structure, the ground terminal is connected to the ground wire of the circuit board at the male connection of the ground terminal, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to known second connectors. Therefore, the area through which noise passes through the signal terminal is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from the signal terminal can be suppressed even when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0061] The second connector of the ninth structure is combined with the first connector. The first connector can be the first connector of the first to eighth structures described above, or it can be a known first connector.

[0062] The connector assembly based on this embodiment includes a first connector and a second connector. In the connector assembly, the first connector includes a housing, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The housing is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the housing. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, are arranged side-by-side with each other, and are held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal female connector, and a signal terminal intermediate portion. The signal terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer in an insulated state from the housing. The signal terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The signal terminal intermediate portion connects the signal terminal base and the signal terminal female connector. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal female connector, and a ground terminal intermediate portion. The ground terminal base is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer and contacts the bottom of the housing. The ground terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and protrudes from the opening in the housing. The middle part of the grounding terminal connects the base of the grounding terminal to the female connection part of the grounding terminal. The middle part of the grounding terminal has a protrusion that protrudes from the opening of the housing.

[0063] In the connector assembly, the second connector includes a frame, a retainer, two signal terminals, and a ground terminal. The frame is conductive and has an opening on its surface. The retainer is insulating and is held within the frame. The two signal terminals are formed of conductive members, arranged side-by-side and held in the retainer. Each signal terminal includes a signal terminal base, a signal terminal male connection portion, and a signal terminal middle portion. The signal terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The signal terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The signal terminal middle portion is fixed to the retainer, connecting the signal terminal base and the signal terminal male connection portion. The ground terminal is formed of a conductive member. The ground terminal is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retainer. The ground terminal includes a ground terminal base, a ground terminal male connection portion, and a ground terminal middle portion. The ground terminal base is fixed to the retainer, with its back exposed. The ground terminal male connection portion is fixed to the retainer, bent into a convex shape, and exposed through the opening in the frame. The middle part of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retaining member, and the base of the grounding terminal is connected to the male connection part of the grounding terminal.

[0064] In the connector assembly, when the first connector and the second connector are combined, the female signal terminal connector engages with the male signal terminal connector. Additionally, the female ground terminal connector engages with the male ground terminal connector. Furthermore, the protrusion in the middle of the ground terminal of the first connector contacts the frame of the second connector (tenth structure).

[0065] In the connector assembly of the tenth structure, the grounding terminal of the first connector contacts the bottom of the housing at its base, and contacts the frame of the second connector at its protrusion in the middle portion. That is, the grounding terminal is connected to the housing at its base, away from the female grounding terminal connector, and connected to the frame at its middle portion, between the female grounding terminal connector and the base. Since the housing and frame are fitted together, the frame and housing are grounded together (GND).

[0066] According to the connector assembly of the tenth structure, the grounding terminal of the first connector is connected to the frame of the second connector at the middle of the grounding terminal, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to the first connector of a known connector assembly. Therefore, the area through which noise passes through the signal terminal is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from the signal terminal can be suppressed even when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0067] The features of the first connectors of the first to eighth structures can also be added to the first connector of the connector assembly of the tenth structure. The features of the second connector of the ninth structure can also be added to the first connector of the connector assembly of the tenth structure.

[0068] Hereinafter, specific examples of the first connector, the second connector, and the connector assembly of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] [First Implementation Method]

[0070] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly having the first connector 1 according to the first embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The connector assembly includes a first connector 1 and a second connector 2. Two coaxial cables 3 are connected to the first connector 1. A circuit board (not shown) is connected to the second connector 2. By combining the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, each coaxial cable 3 is electrically connected to the circuit board (not shown). The first connector 1, to which the coaxial cables are connected, is also referred to as a plug. In this case, the second connector, which is the counterpart of the first connector, is also referred to as a socket.

[0071] [First Connector 1]

[0072] Figures 2-5 This is a perspective view of the first connector 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 The first connector 1 indicates that the coaxial cable 3 is installed. Figure 3 The first connector 1 indicates the state before the coaxial cable 3 is installed. Figure 4 The components of the first connector 1 are shown in disassembly. Figure 5 From and Figure 4 Different perspectives Figure 4 The elements shown. Figures 2-5This indicates the condition of the first connector 1 when viewed from the surface side.

[0073] In this specification, the surface of the first connector 1 refers to the surface opposite to the second connector 2. Similarly, the surface of the second connector 2 refers to the surface opposite to the first connector 1. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the direction in which the coaxial cable 3 extends is sometimes referred to as the front-back direction. Additionally, the side in the front-back direction where the coaxial cable 3 exists is sometimes referred to as the rear, and the opposite side as the front. In the accompanying drawings, Re is sometimes used to denote the rear, and Fr is sometimes used to denote the front.

[0074] Reference Figures 2-5 The coaxial cable 3 comprises, from the center, a center conductor 31, an insulator 33, an outer conductor 32, and a protective film 34. The center conductor 31 is insulated from the outer conductor 32 by the insulator 33.

[0075] The first connector 1 includes a housing 13, a retainer 14, two signal terminals 11, and a ground terminal 12. The housing 13 is conductive and has an opening 130 on its surface. The housing 13 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The housing 13 is manufactured by bending the metal plate. The material of the housing 13 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The housing 13 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0076] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The housing 13 includes a bottom wall 131, a front wall 132, and two side walls 133. The bottom wall 131 has a generally rectangular planar shape. The bottom wall 131 includes a first bulge 131a located rearward from the center. The first bulge 131a is formed by cutting and raising the bottom wall 131. Additionally, the bottom wall 131 includes a second bulge 131b located forward from the center. The second bulge 131b is formed by cutting and raising the bottom wall 131. The surface on the side opposite to the bottom wall 131 in the area enclosed by the front wall 132 and the two side walls 133 forms an opening 130.

[0077] The first bulge 131a is located one level higher than the bottom wall 131 towards the opening 130 of the housing 13. The second bulge 131b is also located one level higher than the bottom wall 131 towards the opening 130 of the housing 13. The height of the second bulge 131b is almost the same as the height of the first bulge 131a. The first bulge 131aa includes a first protrusion 131aa. The first protrusion 131aa protrudes from the first bulge 131aa towards the opening 130 of the housing 13. In summary, the first protrusion 131aa protrudes inward towards the housing 13. The first protrusion 131aa may be cylindrical or hemispherical, for example.

[0078] The housing 13, located behind the bottom wall 131 and the two side walls 133, sequentially includes two first riveting portions 134, two second riveting portions 135, two third riveting portions 136, and two fourth riveting portions 137, starting from the side closest to the side wall 133. Each first riveting portion 134, by clamping the retaining member 14, serves to hold the signal terminal 11 and the grounding terminal 12 (described in detail later) together with the retaining member 14 within the housing 13. The front end of the center conductor 31 of the coaxial cable 3 is inserted into the socket portion 114 of the signal terminal 11 (described in detail later), thereby connecting the center conductor 31 to the signal terminal 11. The second riveting portions 135, by clamping the insulator 33 of the coaxial cable 3 into the socket portion 114, serve to hold the coaxial cable 3 within the housing 13. The third riveting portions 136, by clamping the outer conductor 32 of the coaxial cable 3, serve to connect the outer conductor 32 to the housing 13. The fourth riveting part 137 serves to hold the coaxial cable 3 in the housing 13 by clamping the coaxial cable 3 (protective film 34).

[0079] The retainer 14 is insulating and is held within the housing 13. The retainer 14 is made of, for example, resin. The retainer 14 is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the retainer 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal polymer.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The retainer 14 is composed of a first retainer 141 and a second retainer 142 stacked on top of each other. The first retainer 141 is disposed on the opening 130 side of the housing 13, and the second retainer 142 is disposed on the bottom wall 131 side of the housing 13. The first retainer 141 and the second retainer 142 hold the two signal terminals 11 and the ground terminal 12, which will be described in detail later. The first retainer 141 and the second retainer 142 are individually injection molded. However, the second retainer 142 can also be embedded and molded to be integral with the housing 13.

[0081] The second retainer 142 includes a plate portion 142a. The plate portion 142a overlaps the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. The plate portion 142a has a first recess 142aa at a position corresponding to the first protrusion 131a of the housing 13. The first protrusion 131a is received in the first recess 142aa. In addition, the plate portion 142a has a second recess 142ab at a position corresponding to the second protrusion 131b of the housing 13. The second protrusion 131b is received in the second recess 142ab.

[0082] The first retainer 141 includes a recess 141a. The recess 141a accommodates the signal terminal female connection portion 112 of each signal terminal 11, which will be described in detail later, and the ground terminal female connection portion 122 of the ground terminal 12. The recess 141a is in communication with each corresponding portion of each signal terminal female connection portion 112 and ground terminal female connection portion 122.

[0083] Two signal terminals 11 and a ground terminal 12 are held in retaining members 14 (first retaining member 141 and second retaining member 142). Specifically, the second retaining member 142 overlaps the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13, and two signal terminals 11 and a ground terminal 12 are disposed on the second retaining member 14. Here, the two signal terminals 11 are arranged side by side with each other. The ground terminal 12 is arranged side by side with the signal terminals 11 between each other. Each signal terminal 11 and ground terminal 12 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0084] Signal terminal 11 is formed of a conductive component. For example, signal terminal 11 is made of a metal plate. That is, signal terminal 11 is conductive. Signal terminal 11 is manufactured by bending an elongated metal plate. The material of signal terminal 11 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. Signal terminal 11 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0085] Similar to signal terminal 11, ground terminal 12 is formed of a conductive component. For example, ground terminal 12 is made of a metal plate. That is, ground terminal 12 is conductive. Ground terminal 12 is manufactured by bending an elongated metal plate. The material of ground terminal 12 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. Ground terminal 12 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0086] The signal terminal 11 includes a signal terminal base 111, a signal terminal female connector 112, and a signal terminal intermediate portion 113. The signal terminal base 111 extends in a front-rear direction. The signal terminal female connector 112 is disposed in front of the signal terminal base 111. The signal terminal female connector 112 is bent into a concave shape. The signal terminal intermediate portion 113 connects the signal terminal base 111 and the signal terminal female connector 112. The signal terminal intermediate portion 113 includes a straight portion connected to the signal terminal base 111 and an upright portion connected to the rear end of the signal terminal female connector 112. Additionally, the signal terminal 11 includes a socket portion 114. The socket portion 114 extends obliquely rearward from the signal terminal base 111 and stands upright. In another view, the socket portion 114 extends from the signal terminal base 111 to the side opposite to the signal terminal female connector 112. The socket portion 114 has a notch. The front end of the center conductor 31 of the coaxial cable 3 is inserted into the cut of the socket 114.

[0087] The grounding terminal 12 includes a grounding terminal base 121, a grounding terminal female connector 122, and a grounding terminal intermediate portion 123. The grounding terminal base 121 extends in a front-rear direction. The grounding terminal female connector 122 is disposed in front of the grounding terminal base 121. The grounding terminal female connector 122 is bent into a concave shape. The grounding terminal intermediate portion 123 connects the grounding terminal base 121 and the grounding terminal female connector 122. The grounding terminal intermediate portion 123 includes a straight portion connected to the grounding terminal base 121 and an upright portion connected to the rear end of the grounding terminal female connector 122.

[0088] Here, the grounding terminal base 121 is disposed on the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. The grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is disposed on the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13. On the other hand, the signal terminal base 111 is disposed on the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142. Similarly, the signal terminal female connection portion 112 is disposed on the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142.

[0089] Each signal terminal 11 and ground terminal 12 is held within the housing 13 by retainers 14 (first retainer 141 and second retainer 142). In this state, the first riveting portion 134 bends and clamps the retainer 14. Thus, each signal terminal 11 and ground terminal 12 is assembled together with the retainer 14 into the housing 13. Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 1 is obtained. Each signal terminal female connection portion 112 is exposed through the opening 130 of the housing 13. Similarly, the ground terminal female connection portion 122 is exposed through the opening 130 of the housing 13.

[0090] Two coaxial cables 3 are connected to the first connector 1. Specifically, the front end of the center conductor 31 of the coaxial cable 3 is inserted into the socket 114 of the signal terminal 11, and the center conductor 31 is connected to the signal terminal 11. Then, the second riveting part 135 is bent to clamp the insulator 33 of the coaxial cable 3. Thus, the coaxial cable 3 is held in the housing 13. Then, the third riveting part 136 is bent to clamp the outer conductor 32 of the coaxial cable 3. Thus, the outer conductor 32 is connected to the housing 13 through the third riveting part 136. Then, the fourth riveting part 137 is bent to clamp the coaxial cable 3. Thus, the coaxial cable 3 is held in the first connector 1. In this way, two coaxial cables 3 are installed in the first connector 1. Thus, as Figure 2 As shown, a first connector 1 connected to a coaxial cable 3 is obtained.

[0091] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This shows a longitudinal section of signal terminal 11 along the front-to-back direction. Figure 7This represents a longitudinal section of the grounding terminal 12 along the front-to-back direction.

[0092] Reference Figure 6 The signal terminal base 111 is clamped between the bottom of the housing 13 and the retainer 14 in an insulated state by the clamping of the first riveting portion 134. Specifically, the signal terminal base 111 is clamped between the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13 and the first retainer 141. However, there is a plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142 between the signal terminal base 111 and the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. Since the second retainer 142 is insulating, the signal terminal base 111 is insulated from the housing 13.

[0093] The signal terminal female connector 112 protrudes from the opening 130 of the housing 13. The recess of the signal terminal female connector 112 faces the opening 130 of the housing 13. A plate portion 142a of a second retainer 142 exists between the signal terminal female connector 112 and the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. Therefore, the signal terminal female connector 112 is insulated from the housing 13. Additionally, a plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142 also exists between the signal terminal intermediate portion 113 and the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. Therefore, the signal terminal intermediate portion 113 is also insulated from the housing 13. In summary, the signal terminal 11 is insulated from the housing 13.

[0094] Here, the signal terminal base 111 is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing 13 and the retainer 14, so that the force applied to the signal terminal 11 from the retainer 14 acts on a position slightly closer to the signal terminal female connector 112 at the contact portion between the signal terminal base 111 and the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142. Therefore, mechanically, the signal terminal female connector 112 is pressed towards the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142. Thus, the posture of the signal terminal female connector 112 is stable.

[0095] Reference Figure 7 The grounding terminal base 121 is clamped between the bottom of the housing 13 and the retainer 14 by means of the clamping of the first riveting portion 134. Specifically, the grounding terminal base 121 is clamped between the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13 and the first retainer 141. Thus, the grounding terminal base 121 partially contacts the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. More specifically, the grounding terminal base 121 contacts the first protrusion 131aa protruding from the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. Therefore, the grounding terminal base 121 is electrically connected to the housing 13.

[0096] The grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is exposed in the opening 130 of the housing 13. The recess of the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 faces the opening of the housing 13. The grounding terminal female connection portion 122 contacts the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13. Therefore, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is electrically connected to the housing 13.

[0097] Here, the grounding terminal base 121 is sandwiched between the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13 and the retainer 14, thereby the force applied to the grounding terminal 12 from the retainer 14 acts on a position slightly closer to the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 at the contact portion between the grounding terminal base 121 and the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. As a result, mechanically, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is pressed towards the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13. Therefore, the posture of the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is stable, and the contact state between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13 is stable. That is, the connection state between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the housing 13 is stable.

[0098] [Second Connector 2]

[0099] Figures 8-12 This is a schematic diagram of the second connector 2 combined with the first connector 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the second connector 2. Figure 9 This is a top view of the second connector 2 as seen from the surface side. Figure 10 This is a top view of the second connector 2 as seen from the rear side. Figure 11 This shows a longitudinal section of the signal terminal 21 in the second connector 2 along the front-back direction. Figure 12 This shows a longitudinal section of the grounding terminal 22 in the second connector 2 along the front-back direction. Figure 8 This indicates the condition of the second connector 2 when viewed from the surface side.

[0100] Reference Figures 8-12 The second connector 2 includes a frame 23, a retainer 24, two signal terminals 21, and a ground terminal 22. The frame 23 is conductive and has an opening 230 on its surface. The frame 23 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The frame 23 is manufactured by bending the metal plate. The material of the frame 23 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The frame 23 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0101] Frame 23 includes a front wall 232, a rear wall 234, two side walls 233, and two flanges 235. Frame 23 has a generally cylindrical shape due to the front wall 232, rear wall 234, and two side walls 233. Each flange 235 extends outward from its corresponding side wall 233. The surface on the opposite side of the flange 235 within the area enclosed by the front wall 232, rear wall 234, and two side walls 233 forms an opening 230.

[0102] The retainer 24 is insulating and is held within the frame 23. The retainer 24 is made of, for example, resin. The retainer 24 is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the retainer 24 is, for example, a liquid crystal polymer.

[0103] The retainer 24 holds the two signal terminals 21 and the ground terminal 22, which will be described in detail later. The retainer 24 may also be molded integrally with the frame 23. Alternatively, the retainer 24 may be molded integrally with each signal terminal 21 and the ground terminal 22.

[0104] The retainer 24 includes a recess 24a. The recess 24a accommodates the signal terminal male connection portion 212 of each signal terminal 21, which will be described in detail later, and the ground terminal male connection portion 222 of the ground terminal 22. The recess 24a is in communication with each corresponding portion of each signal terminal male connection portion 212 and ground terminal male connection portion 222.

[0105] Two signal terminals 21 and a ground terminal 22 are fixed to the retainer 24. Specifically, the two signal terminals 21 are arranged side by side. The ground terminal 22 is arranged side by side with the signal terminals 21 between them. Each signal terminal 21 and ground terminal 22 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0106] Signal terminal 21 is formed of a conductive component. For example, signal terminal 21 is made of a metal plate. That is, signal terminal 21 is conductive. Signal terminal 21 is manufactured by bending an elongated metal plate. The material of signal terminal 21 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. Signal terminal 21 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0107] Similar to signal terminal 21, grounding terminal 22 is formed of a conductive component. For example, grounding terminal 22 is made of a metal plate. That is, grounding terminal 22 is conductive. Grounding terminal 22 is manufactured by bending an elongated metal plate. The material of grounding terminal 22 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. Grounding terminal 22 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., Ni (nickel) plating, Au (gold) plating).

[0108] The signal terminal 21 includes a signal terminal base 211, a signal terminal male connector 212, and a signal terminal intermediate portion 213. The signal terminal base 211 extends in a front-to-back direction. The front end of the signal terminal base 211 protrudes from the retainer 24. The back side of this front end is exposed to the outside. The signal terminal male connector 212 is disposed behind the signal terminal base 211. The signal terminal male connector 212 is bent into a convex shape. The back side of the front end of the signal terminal male connector 212 is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the rear end of the signal terminal male connector 212 remains within the retainer 24. That is, the rear end of the signal terminal male connector 212 is not exposed to the outside. The signal terminal intermediate portion 213 connects the signal terminal base 211 and the signal terminal male connector 212. The signal terminal intermediate portion 213 includes a straight portion.

[0109] The grounding terminal 22 includes a grounding terminal base 221, a grounding terminal male connector 222, and a grounding terminal intermediate portion 223. The grounding terminal base 221 extends in a front-to-back direction. The front end of the grounding terminal base 221 protrudes from the retainer 24. The back side of this front end is exposed to the outside. The grounding terminal male connector 222 is disposed behind the grounding terminal base 221. The grounding terminal male connector 222 is bent into a convex shape. The back side of the front end of the grounding terminal male connector 222 is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the rear end of the grounding terminal male connector 222 remains within the retainer 24. That is, the rear end of the grounding terminal male connector 222 is not exposed to the outside. The grounding terminal intermediate portion 223 connects the grounding terminal base 221 and the grounding terminal male connector 222. The grounding terminal intermediate portion 223 includes a straight portion.

[0110] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 4. The circuit board 4 is a flexible circuit board. The circuit board 4 includes two signal lines 41 and a ground line (GND) 42. Each signal line 41 is connected to the corresponding signal terminal 21 of the second connector 2. The ground line 42 is connected to the ground terminal 22 of the second connector 2.

[0111] Specifically, refer to Figure 11 The front end of the signal terminal base 211 overlaps with the signal line 41 of the circuit board 4. The back side of the front end of the signal terminal base 211 is exposed to the outside, and the back side of the front end is bonded to the signal line 41 of the circuit board 4 by soldering. Therefore, the signal terminal base 211 is electrically connected to the signal line 41 of the circuit board 4.

[0112] On the other hand, the signal line 41 of the circuit board 4 is not formed at the position corresponding to the signal terminal middle portion 213 and the signal terminal male connection portion 212. Therefore, the signal terminal middle portion 213 and the signal terminal male connection portion 212 are not connected to the signal line 41 of the circuit board 4.

[0113] Reference Figure 12 The front end of the grounding terminal base 221 overlaps with the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4. The back side of the front end of the grounding terminal base 221 is exposed to the outside, and the back side of the front end is joined to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 by soldering. Therefore, the grounding terminal base 221 is electrically connected to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4.

[0114] On the other hand, the ground line 42 of the circuit board 4 is not formed at a position corresponding to the middle portion 223 of the ground terminal and the male connection portion 222 of the ground terminal. Therefore, the middle portion 223 of the ground terminal and the male connection portion 222 of the ground terminal are not connected to the ground line 42 of the circuit board 4.

[0115] Such a second connector 2 is equivalent to a known second connector.

[0116] [Connector Assembly]

[0117] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly formed by combining the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 This shows a longitudinal section of signal terminals 11 and 21 along the front-to-back direction. Figure 14 This shows the longitudinal section of grounding terminals 12 and 22 along the front-to-back direction.

[0118] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 When the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are combined, the female signal terminal connection portion 112 engages with the corresponding male signal terminal connection portion 212. Simultaneously, the female ground terminal connection portion 122 engages with the male ground terminal connection portion 222. The housing 13 engages with the frame 23. Therefore, the frame 23 and the housing 13 are grounded together (GND).

[0119] When the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are combined, the signal terminal female connection portion 112 and the ground terminal female connection portion 122 can elastically deform within the space of the recess 141a of the first retainer 141. Therefore, the signal terminal female connection portion 112 elastically deforms into an open position as the signal terminal male connection portion 212 enters, and then returns to a closed position. Thus, the signal terminal female connection portion 112 and the signal terminal male connection portion 212 are in close contact and electrically connected. Similarly, the ground terminal female connection portion 122 elastically deforms into an open position as the ground terminal male connection portion 222 enters, and then returns to a closed position. Thus, the ground terminal female connection portion 122 and the ground terminal male connection portion 222 are in close contact and connected.

[0120] [Effect]

[0121] In the first connector 1 of this embodiment, the grounding terminal 12 is electrically connected to the bottom of the housing 13 at both the grounding terminal base 121 and the grounding terminal female connection portion 122. That is, the grounding terminal 12 is connected to the housing 13 at the grounding terminal base 121, which is away from the grounding terminal female connection portion 122, and is also connected to the housing 13 at the grounding terminal female connection portion 122.

[0122] Grounding terminal 12 is connected to housing 13 at grounding terminal female connection 122, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to a known first connector. Therefore, the area through which noise passes through signal terminal 11 is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from signal terminal 11 can be suppressed not only when conducting low-frequency signals but also when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0123] Here, focusing on signal terminal 11, noise radiation is easily generated at the female signal terminal connection 112. This is because the female signal terminal connection 112 engages with the male signal terminal connection 212 of the second connector 2, and impedance mismatch can easily occur at this engagement point. Therefore, connecting the ground terminal 12 to the housing 13 at the female ground terminal connection 122 located near the female signal terminal connection 112 is extremely effective in suppressing noise leakage.

[0124] In this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the female grounding terminal connector 122 only contacts the bottom of the housing 13. In other words, the female grounding terminal connector 122 is not fixed to the bottom of the housing 13. Therefore, when the female grounding terminal connector 122 is engaged with the male grounding terminal connector 222 of the second connector 2, the elastic deformation of the female grounding terminal connector 122 is not hindered at all. However, as long as the elastic deformation of the female grounding terminal connector is allowed, the female grounding terminal connector 122 can also be joined to the housing 13 by welding or the like.

[0125] In this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the ground terminal base 121 contacts a first protrusion 131aa protruding from the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. That is, the ground terminal base 121 and the bottom of the housing 13 are in partial contact. In this case, the contact area between the ground terminal base 121 and the housing 13 is small. Therefore, the contact pressure between the ground terminal base 121 and the housing 13 is large. As a result, the contact resistance between the ground terminal base 121 and the housing 13 is low.

[0126] However, in the first connector 1, the grounding terminal base 121 and the bottom of the housing 13 do not necessarily need to be in partial contact with each other. For example, the first protrusion 131aa of the housing 13 may not be provided, and the first protrusion 131a of the housing 13 may be made flat. In this case, the grounding terminal base 121 and the first protrusion 131a of the housing 13 are in contact over a large area.

[0127] [Second Implementation]

[0128] The following is for reference Figures 15-17 The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment modifies the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, descriptions of structures that are repeated in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0129] [First Connector 1]

[0130] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 differs from that of the first embodiment. The structure related to the signal terminal 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0131] Reference Figure 15 The grounding terminal 12 has the same shape as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the housing 13 does not have the second raised portion 131b of the first embodiment. Instead, a bottom wall 131 is present in the housing 13 at a position corresponding to the female grounding terminal connection portion 122. Furthermore, the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142 does not have the second recess 142ab of the first embodiment. That is, in the second retainer 142, the plate portion 142a located at the position corresponding to the female grounding terminal connection portion 122 is flat.

[0132] In this case, a plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142 is present between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. Therefore, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is insulated from the housing 13. In summary, in the first connector 1 of this embodiment, the grounding terminal 12 contacts the bottom of the housing 13 at a point on the grounding terminal base 121. That is, the grounding terminal 12 is connected to the housing 13 at the grounding terminal base 121 away from the grounding terminal female connection portion 122.

[0133] Such a first connector 1 is equivalent to a known first connector.

[0134] [Second Connector 2]

[0135] Figure 16This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminal 22 in the second connector 2 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 22 differs from that of the first embodiment. The structure related to the signal terminal 21 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0136] Reference Figure 16 The grounding terminal 22 has a shape that is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the back side of the front end of the grounding terminal male connection portion 222 is exposed to the outside, and the rear end of the grounding terminal male connection portion 222 is also exposed to the outside. That is, the rear end of the grounding terminal male connection portion 222 extends to the back side of the retainer 24.

[0137] The second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 4. The ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 is formed at a position corresponding to the front end of the ground terminal base 221, and also at a position corresponding to the ground terminal male connection portion 222. The front and rear ends of the ground terminal male connection portion 222 overlap with the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4. The front end of the ground terminal male connection portion 222 is exposed externally, and its back surface is bonded to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 by soldering. Similarly, the rear end of the ground terminal male connection portion 222 is also exposed externally, and its back surface is bonded to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 by soldering. Furthermore, the back surface of the front end of the ground terminal base 221 is bonded to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 by soldering.

[0138] [Connector Assembly]

[0139] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the second embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 17 Similar to the first embodiment, the female grounding terminal connector 122 and the male grounding terminal connector 222 are engaged. Thus, the female grounding terminal connector 122 and the male grounding terminal connector 222 are connected.

[0140] [Effect]

[0141] In the second connector 2 of this embodiment, the ground terminal 22 is connected to the ground line 42 of the circuit board 4 on the back side of the front end of the ground terminal base 221. Furthermore, the ground terminal 22 is connected to the ground line 42 on the back sides of both the front and rear ends of the ground terminal male connection portion 222. That is, the ground terminal 22 is connected to the ground line 42 of the circuit board 4 at the ground terminal base 221 away from the ground terminal male connection portion 222, and also connected to the ground line 42 of the circuit board 4 at the ground terminal male connection portion 222.

[0142] Grounding terminal 22 is connected to the ground line 42 of circuit board 4 at grounding terminal male connection 222, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to a known second connector. Therefore, the noise transmission area of ​​signal terminal 21 is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from signal terminal 21 can be suppressed not only when conducting low-frequency signals but also when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0143] Here, focusing on signal terminal 21, noise radiation is easily generated at the male connection portion 212 of the signal terminal. This is because the male connection portion 212 of the signal terminal fits into the female connection portion 112 of the first connector 1, and impedance mismatch is easily caused at this fitted connection. Therefore, connecting the ground terminal 22 to the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 at the ground terminal male connection portion 222 located near the male connection portion 212 of the signal terminal is extremely effective in suppressing noise leakage.

[0144] However, the grounding terminal 22 may also be connected to the ground wire 42 on the back side of either the front or rear end of the grounding terminal male connection portion 222. Alternatively, the grounding terminal 22 may not be connected to the ground wire 42 on the back side of the front end of the grounding terminal base 221. In other words, the ground wire 42 of the circuit board 4 may not be formed at the position corresponding to the front end of the signal terminal base 211.

[0145] [Third Implementation Method]

[0146] The following is for reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment modifies the first connector 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0147] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the third embodiment along the front-back direction. Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 is different from that in the first embodiment. The structure related to the signal terminal 11 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0148] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19The grounding terminal 12 has a shape that is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13 in the first connector 1 does not have the first protrusion 131aa of the first embodiment. That is, the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13 is flat. Instead, in the grounding terminal 12, a first protrusion 121a is provided at the base 121 of the grounding terminal. This first protrusion 121a protrudes toward the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13. That is, the first protrusion 121a protrudes toward the bottom of the housing 13. The first protrusion 121a may be cylindrical or hemispherical, for example.

[0149] In this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the first raised portion 131a of the housing 13 contacts the first protrusion 121a protruding from the ground terminal base 121. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the ground terminal base 121 and the bottom of the housing 13 are in partial contact with each other. In this case, the contact resistance between the ground terminal base 121 and the housing 13 is low.

[0150] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0151] The following is for reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment modifies the first connector 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0152] Figure 20 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the fourth embodiment along the front-back direction. Figure 21 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the front-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 is different from that in the first embodiment. The structure related to the signal terminal 11 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0153] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 The grounding terminal 12 is substantially the same in shape as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the second bulge 131b of the housing 13 includes a second protrusion 131ba. The second protrusion 131ba protrudes from the second bulge 131b toward the opening 130 side of the housing 13. In short, the second protrusion 131ba protrudes toward the inside of the housing 13. The second protrusion 131ba may be cylindrical or hemispherical, for example.

[0154] In this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 contacts the second protrusion 131ba protruding from the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13. That is, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the bottom of the housing 13 are in partial contact with each other. In this case, the contact area between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the housing 13 is small. Therefore, the contact pressure between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the housing 13 is large. As a result, the contact resistance between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the housing 13 is low.

[0155] [Fifth Implementation]

[0156] The following is for reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 The fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment modifies the first connector 1 of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0157] Figure 22 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the fifth embodiment along the front-back direction. Figure 23 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 is different from that in the fourth embodiment.

[0158] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 The grounding terminal 12 is substantially the same in shape as in the fourth embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the second bulge 131b of the housing 13 in the first connector 1 does not have the second protrusion 131ba of the fourth embodiment. That is, the second bulge 131b of the housing 13 is flat. Instead, a second protrusion 122a is provided in the female grounding terminal connection 122 of the grounding terminal 12. This second protrusion 122a protrudes toward the second bulge 131b of the housing 13. That is, the second protrusion 122a protrudes toward the bottom of the housing 13. The second protrusion 122a may be cylindrical or hemispherical, for example.

[0159] In this embodiment, in the first connector 1, the second raised portion 131b of the housing 13 contacts the second protrusion 122a protruding from the grounding terminal female connection portion 122. That is, similar to the fourth embodiment, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the bottom of the housing 13 are in partial contact with each other. In this case, the contact resistance between the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 and the housing 13 is low.

[0160] [Sixth Implementation Method]

[0161] The following is for reference Figure 24 and Figure 25The sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment modifies the first connector 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0162] Figure 24 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the sixth embodiment along the front-back direction. Figure 25 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-to-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 is different from that in the first embodiment. The structure related to the signal terminal 11 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0163] Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 The grounding terminal 12 has a shape that is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the housing 13 in the first connector 1 does not have the second raised portion 131b of the first embodiment. Instead, a bottom wall 131 is present in the housing 13 at a position corresponding to the female grounding terminal connection portion 122. In addition, the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142 has a through hole 142ac instead of the second recess 142ab of the first embodiment. In the plate portion 142a of the second retainer 142, the through hole 142ac is formed at a position corresponding to the female grounding terminal connection portion 122.

[0164] In the first connector 1, the grounding terminal female connector 122 is larger towards the bottom of the housing 13 than the signal terminal female connector 112 (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 13 The grounding terminal female connection portion 122 contacts the bottom wall 131 of the housing 13. Therefore, the grounding terminal female connection portion 122 is electrically connected to the housing 13.

[0165] In this case, when the female grounding terminal connection 122 engages with the male grounding terminal connection 222 of the second connector 2, the elastic movable area of ​​the female grounding terminal connection 122 expands. As a result, the lifespan of the grounding terminal 12 is increased.

[0166] [Seventh Implementation Method]

[0167] The following is for reference Figure 26 and Figure 27 The seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment modifies the first connector 1 of the second embodiment described above, and uses the second connector 2 of the first embodiment described above.

[0168] Figure 26 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 12 in the first connector 1 of the seventh embodiment along the front-back direction. Figure 27This is a longitudinal sectional view along the front-back direction of the grounding terminals 12 and 22 in the connector assembly formed by the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 according to the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure related to the grounding terminal 12 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0169] Reference Figure 26 and Figure 27 The grounding terminal 12 has a shape that is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the grounding terminal middle portion 123 in the first connector 1 has a protrusion 123a. The protrusion 123a protrudes from the opening 130 of the housing 13. In another view, the protrusion 123a protrudes from the straight portion of the grounding terminal middle portion 123 toward the opening 130 of the housing 13. In the grounding terminal middle portion 123, the protrusion 123a is formed at a position corresponding to the rear surface of the rear wall 234 in the frame 23 of the second connector 2.

[0170] Reference Figure 27 When the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are combined, the protrusion 123a of the middle portion 123 of the grounding terminal of the first connector 1 contacts the rear wall 234 of the frame 23 of the second connector 2. Therefore, the protrusion 123a of the middle portion 123 of the grounding terminal of the first connector 1 is electrically connected to the frame 23 of the second connector 2.

[0171] In the first connector 1 of this embodiment, the ground terminal 12 contacts the bottom of the housing 13 at its base 121. Furthermore, the ground terminal 12 contacts the frame 23 of the second connector 2 at its protrusion 123a in the middle portion 123. That is, the ground terminal 12 is connected to the housing 13 at its base 121, away from the female ground terminal connection 122, and to the frame 23 of the second connector 2 at its middle portion 123. As described above, the frame 23 is grounded (GND).

[0172] In this configuration, the grounding terminal 12 of the first connector 1 is connected to the frame 23 of the second connector 2 at the middle portion 123 of the grounding terminal, thereby shortening the GND distance compared to the first connector 1 in a known connector assembly. Consequently, the area through which noise passes through the signal terminal 11 is narrowed. As a result, noise leakage from the signal terminal 11 can be suppressed not only when conducting low-frequency signals but also when conducting high-frequency signals.

[0173] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the second connector 2 of the first embodiment and the second connector 2 of the third to seventh embodiments can be replaced with the second connector 2 of the second embodiment. The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 of each of the first to seventh embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0174] The number of coaxial cables 3 connected to the first connector 1 is not limited to two. The number of coaxial cables 3 can also be three or more. For example, when the number of coaxial cables 3 is three, the first connector 1 has three signal terminals 11 and two ground terminals 12. The three signal terminals 11 are arranged side-by-side. The two ground terminals 12 are arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals 11 between each other. Alternatively, instead of two coaxial cables 3, a circuit board (e.g., a flexible circuit board) can be connected to the first connector 1.

[0175] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0176] 1...First connector; 11...Signal terminal; 111...Signal terminal base; 112...Signal terminal female connector; 113...Signal terminal middle portion; 12...Ground terminal; 121...Ground terminal base; 122...Ground terminal female connector; 123...Ground terminal middle portion; 13...Housing; 130...Opening; 131...Bottom wall; 131a...First raised portion; 131b...Second raised portion; 14...Retaining member; 141First retaining member; 141a... 142...Second retainer; 142a...Board portion; 2...Second connector; 21...Signal terminal; 211...Signal terminal base; 212...Signal terminal male connection portion; 213...Signal terminal middle portion; 22...Ground terminal; 221...Ground terminal base; 222...Ground terminal male connection portion; 223...Ground terminal middle portion; 23...Frame; 230...Opening; 24...Retainer; 24a...Recess; 3...Coaxial cable; 4...Circuit board.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, wherein, The first connector includes: The casing is conductive and has openings on its surface; A retainer, which is insulating, is held within the housing; Two signal terminals, formed of conductive components, are arranged side by side and held in the retaining member; as well as A grounding terminal, formed of a conductive member, is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals and held in the retaining member. The signal terminals respectively include: The base of the signal terminal is clamped between the bottom of the housing and the retainer in a state of insulation from the housing; The signal terminal female connector is bent into a concave shape and exposed at the opening of the housing; and The signal terminal base is connected to the signal terminal female connector in the middle section. The grounding terminal includes: The base of the grounding terminal is sandwiched between the bottom of the housing and the retainer and is in contact with the bottom of the housing; The grounding terminal female connection portion is bent into a concave shape and exposed in the opening of the housing; and The grounding terminal has a middle portion where the base of the grounding terminal is connected to the female connection portion of the grounding terminal, and has a protrusion exposed in the opening of the housing. The second connector includes: The frame is conductive and has openings on its surface; A retainer, which is insulating, is held within the frame; Two signal terminals, formed of conductive components, are arranged side-by-side and held in the retaining member of the second connector; and A grounding terminal, formed of a conductive member, is arranged side-by-side with the signal terminals of the second connector and held in the retaining member of the second connector. The signal terminals respectively include: The base of the signal terminal is fixed to the retainer of the second connector, with its back exposed to the outside; The signal terminal male connector, fixed to the retainer of the second connector, is bent into a convex shape and protrudes from the opening of the frame; and The middle portion of the signal terminal is fixed to the retaining member of the second connector, connecting the base of the signal terminal of the second connector to the male connection portion of the signal terminal of the second connector. The grounding terminal includes: The base of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retainer of the second connector, with its back exposed to the outside; The grounding terminal male connection portion, fixed to the retaining member of the second connector, is bent into a convex shape and exposed in the opening of the frame; and The middle portion of the grounding terminal is fixed to the retaining member of the second connector, connecting the base of the grounding terminal of the second connector to the male connection portion of the grounding terminal of the second connector. When the first connector and the second connector are combined, the female signal terminal connection part is engaged with the male signal terminal connection part, the female ground terminal connection part is engaged with the male ground terminal connection part, and the protrusion in the middle of the ground terminal of the first connector contacts the frame of the second connector.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, In the first connector, the base of the grounding terminal is in partial contact with the bottom of the housing.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, In the first connector, a first protrusion is provided on the bottom of the housing, protruding toward the base of the grounding terminal.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, In the first connector, a first protrusion is provided at the base of the grounding terminal, protruding toward the bottom of the housing.

5. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the first connector, the grounding terminal female connection portion is in partial contact with the bottom of the housing.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein, In the first connector, a second protrusion is provided on the bottom of the housing, protruding toward the female grounding terminal connection portion.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein, In the first connector, a second protrusion is provided on the grounding terminal female connection portion, protruding toward the bottom of the housing.

8. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In the first connector, the grounding terminal female connection portion is larger in size towards the bottom of the housing compared to the signal terminal female connection portion.

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