Electrical connector

Abstract

The socket connector of the present application comprises: a ground contact having a cylindrical standing wall portion and a substrate connecting portion connected to a substrate; a signal contact arranged in a manner surrounded by the standing wall portion; a housing holding the ground contact and the signal contact in an insulated state; and an extension providing portion fixing the housing to the ground contact; and the signal contact has a contact portion and a terminal portion extending from the contact portion to be connected to a signal terminal portion; and the extension providing portion extends from the housing in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the terminal portion, and is caught to the substrate connecting portion outside the standing wall portion, thereby fixing the housing relative to the ground contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] A connector device is known to electrically connect a signal transmission component to a substrate by engaging a plug connector connected to a signal transmission component and a socket connector mounted on a substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The socket connector of Patent Document 1 includes: an external terminal having a cylindrical portion; an internal terminal disposed inside the cylindrical portion; and an insulator forming a groove communicating between the inner and outer sides of the cylindrical portion.

[0003] [Previous Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 031760 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Here, in the socket connector of Patent Document 1, a notch is formed extending from the inside to the outside of the cylindrical portion for accommodating the insulator. Through this notch, signals from the internal terminals are easily leaked to the outside (easily generating noise), causing the connector's EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) characteristics to deteriorate.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure provides an electrical connector that further improves EMI characteristics.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the disclosed electrical connector is an electrical connector mounted on a substrate, and includes: a signal contact having: a contact portion extending in a direction away from the substrate; and a terminal portion extending along the substrate in a manner leading out from the contact portion; a ground contact having: a vertical wall portion seamlessly surrounding the contact portion; and a substrate connection portion integrally formed with the vertical wall portion, extending outward along the substrate and seamlessly surrounding the vertical wall portion; and an insulating housing disposed between the signal contact and the ground contact to retain the signal contact and the ground contact.

[0011] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, in the direction away from the substrate, the contact portion of the signal contact is seamlessly surrounded by the vertical wall portion of the ground contact. Furthermore, in the direction along the substrate, the vertical wall portion is seamlessly surrounded by the substrate connection portion of the ground contact. Moreover, an insulating shell separates the signal contact and the ground contact. With this configuration, because the signal contact is seamlessly surrounded by the ground contact, signals from the signal contact are less likely to leak to the outside of the ground contact (making noise generation less likely). Therefore, the EMI characteristics of the electrical connector can be improved.

[0012] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the housing has a columnar portion extending along the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion. This configuration increases the contact area between the housing and the vertical wall portion. Consequently, the housing can more effectively retain the signal contact and the ground contact.

[0013] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the grounding contact has a protruding locking portion that protrudes into the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion and engages with the housing. With this configuration, the vertical wall portion engages with a columnar portion extending along the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion using the locking portion protruding into the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion. Therefore, by preventing the housing from detaching, the housing can be held more securely.

[0014] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the locking portion protrudes from the end of the vertical wall portion in the direction away from the substrate, i.e., the front end portion, toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion, and a recess is formed in the housing to engage with the locking portion. By fitting the protruding locking portion into the recess formed in the columnar portion, movement (e.g., rotation) of the housing along the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion is further suppressed. As a result, the housing can be held more appropriately.

[0015] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the front end of the vertical wall is formed in a manner that bends toward the region surrounded by the vertical wall. According to this configuration, by having the housing contact the front end along the inner circumferential surface within the region surrounded by the vertical wall, movement of the housing relative to the direction of departure from the substrate is auxiliaryly suppressed. This allows for more appropriate retention of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, a pair of locking portions are arranged such that they clamp the contact portions and face each other. By positioning the pair of locking portions facing each other around the contact portions, the movement of the housing is better balanced and suppressed, thus enabling the housing to be held more properly.

[0017] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the grounding contact is formed separately from the housing, and the housing has a press-in portion with a convex surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion. Because the grounding contact is formed separately from the housing, the electrical connector can be manufactured by assembly, thus simplifying the manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, since the convex surface, i.e., the press-in portion, pushes against the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion of the grounding contact, the fixing strength of the housing is further increased, thus allowing the housing to be held more securely.

[0018] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the grounding contact is integrally formed with the substrate connection portion by a drawing process. Through the drawing process, the grounding contact's vertical wall portion and substrate connection portion are integrally formed, and no seam is formed between the vertical wall portion and the substrate connection portion. This improves the ease of manufacturing the grounding contact.

[0019] In one embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein, the housing is integrally formed with the grounding contact by insert molding, in a manner that encloses the periphery of the locking portion. By fixing the post-shaped portion and the locking portion, the housing can be held more properly.

[0020] [The effects of the invention]

[0021] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical connector with further improved EMI characteristics. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a socket connector mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a socket connector. Figure 3 (a) is a top view. Figure 3 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 3 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the signal contacts of a socket connector. Figure 4 (a) is a top view. Figure 4 (b) is a three-dimensional diagram.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the grounding contact of the socket connector. Figure 5 (a) is a top view. Figure 5 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 5 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the housing of the socket connector. Figure 6 (a) is a top view. Figure 6 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 6 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the socket connector before it is pressed in and fixed.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the mating state of the plug connector and the socket connector. Figure 8 (a) is a top view. Figure 8 (b) is along Figure 8 (a) Sectional view of line AA.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the socket connector of the second embodiment. Figure 9 (a) is a top view. Figure 9 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 9 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the connector device according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a socket connector mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a socket connector. Figure 12 (a) is a top view. Figure 12 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 12 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the signal contacts of a socket connector. Figure 13 (a) is a top view. Figure 13 (b) is a three-dimensional diagram.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the grounding contact of the socket connector. Figure 14 (a) is a top view. Figure 14 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 14 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the housing of the socket connector. Figure 15 (a) is a top view. Figure 15 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 15 (c) is a 3D diagram.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the socket connector before it is pressed in and fixed.

[0038] Figure 17This is a diagram showing the mating state of the plug connector and the socket connector. Figure 17 (a) is a top view. Figure 17 (b) is along Figure 17 (a) Sectional view of the BB line. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, the implementation method will be described with reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Provide a detailed explanation. In the explanation, use the same symbol to mark the same element or elements with the same function, and omit redundant explanations.

[0040] [First Implementation]

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outline of the connector device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 As shown, the connector device 1 includes a socket connector 10 (electrical connector 10) and a plug connector 100. The socket connector 10 is located on a substrate 200 (reference). Figure 2 The coaxial cable SC (signal transmission component) is installed via, for example, soldering. The plug connector 100 is connected to the coaxial cable SC and engages with the receptacle connector 10. In the connector assembly 1, the coaxial cable SC is electrically connected to the substrate 200 by engaging the plug connector 100, which is mounted at one end of the coaxial cable SC, with the receptacle connector 10, which is mounted on the substrate 200. The substrate 200 is, for example, a printed substrate, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, other signal transmission components that transmit signals from various electronic devices can be used instead of the coaxial cable SC.

[0042] In the following description, the mating direction of the socket connector 10 and plug connector 100 of the connector assembly 1 is sometimes referred to as the "Z direction," the axial direction of the mated coaxial cable SC is referred to as the "X direction," and the direction orthogonal to the Z and X directions is referred to as the "Y direction." Furthermore, regarding the Z direction, sometimes, for example... Figure 1 The plug connector 100 is positioned "up" as shown in the diagram, while the socket connector 10 is positioned "down". Furthermore, regarding the X direction, the end of the coaxial cable SC with the plug connector 100 mounted is sometimes positioned "front", while the opposite end is positioned "rear".

[0043] Next, refer to Figures 3-8 The details of the socket connector 10 of the first embodiment will be described below. Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 As shown in (c), the socket connector 10 includes a signal contact 11, a ground contact 12, and a housing 13. In the first embodiment, the ground contact 12 and the housing 13 are formed separately.

[0044] Signal contact 11 is mounted in a manner that surrounds housing 13. Signal contact 11 is also disposed in the center of receptacle connector 10. Ground contact 12 is disposed in a manner that surrounds signal contact 11 and housing 13.

[0045] like Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), signal contact 11 is a cylindrical conductor. Signal contact 11 is formed from, for example, a sheet-like metal component. Signal contact 11 is electrically connected to signal contact 101 of plug connector 100 (reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0046] The signal contact 11 has: a contact portion 111 extending in a direction away from the substrate 200 (upward direction); and a terminal portion 112 extending along the substrate 200 in such a way as to extend from the lower end of the contact portion 111.

[0047] The contact portion 111 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the Z-direction as the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the contact portion 111 contacts the signal contact 101 of the plug connector 100 (reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0048] The terminal portion 112 is rectangular. For example, the terminal portion 112 is shaped such that its length in the Y direction, when viewed from the Z direction, is shorter than its length in the X direction. The terminal portion 112 is continuous with the lower end of the contact portion 111 and is located in front of the contact portion 111 in the X direction (from the direction away from the inner conductor SC1 of the coaxial cable SC, see reference). Figure 8 (b) extends and connects to the signal terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200.

[0049] return Figure 3 (a) The terminal portion 112 is housed within the area surrounded by the grounding contact 12. Furthermore, the terminal portion 112 exposes its front end area, namely the exposed portion 11x, to the outside. "Exposed to the outside" means, for example, that it can be seen from the outside. More specifically, if the socket connector 10 is viewed from above, the exposed portion 11x is configured to be visible. The exposed portion 11x is the contact area between the terminal portion 112 and the signal terminal portion (not shown).

[0050] like Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 As shown in (c), the grounding contact 12 is a conductor with a cylindrical shape disposed in the center of a single side of a rectangular plate. Viewed from above, the central region of the grounding contact 12 is hollowed out into a roughly circular shape. The grounding contact 12 is electrically connected to the grounding contact 102 of the plug connector 100 (see reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0051] The grounding contact 12 has: a vertical wall portion 121 that seamlessly surrounds the area around the contact portion 111; and a substrate connection portion 122 that is integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 121, extends outward along the substrate 200, and seamlessly surrounds the area around the vertical wall portion 121. Furthermore, the grounding contact 12 has a protruding locking portion 123 that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121, causing the housing 13 to engage with the grounding contact 12.

[0052] The vertical wall portion 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the Z-direction as the axial direction. The vertical wall portion 121 houses the housing 13 within its cylindrical opening. The vertical wall portion 121 seamlessly surrounds the contact portion 111 of the signal contact 11 by seamlessly surrounding the periphery of the housing 13. On the outer peripheral surface 121a of the vertical wall portion 121, a fitting recess 12x is formed, extending across its entire circumference and concave towards the center of the axial direction of the vertical wall portion 121. The fitting recess 12x engages with a fitting protrusion 102x formed on the outer periphery of the grounding contact 102 of the plug connector 100 (see reference). Figure 8 (b) The inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121, except for the area where the shell 13 is not formed, is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 13a of the shell 13, which will be described later (see reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0053] An end portion (upper end portion), or front end portion 121c, is formed on the vertical wall portion 121 in a direction away from the substrate 200. Here, "end portion" refers not only to the front end but also includes the area near the front end. The front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121 is formed in a curved manner toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. In the region near the inner peripheral surface 121b, the front end portion 121c contacts the abutment portion 132b of the housing 13 (described later). Through this contact, the front end portion 121c helps to suppress movement of the housing 13 relative to the upward direction.

[0054] The substrate connection portion 122 is formed in a plate shape, continuous with the lower end of the vertical wall portion 121, and extends radially outward along the substrate 200, seamlessly surrounding the periphery of the vertical wall portion 121. The substrate connection portion 122 is disposed on the substrate 200 (see reference). Figure 2 ), connected to the ground terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200.

[0055] The grounding contact 12 is integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 121 and the substrate connection portion 122 by a drawing process. For example, the grounding contact 12 is integrally formed with the side portion, i.e., the vertical wall portion 121, and the flange portion, i.e., the substrate connection portion 122, by performing a drawing process (e.g., cylindrical drawing) on ​​a metal plate. Because the grounding contact 12 is formed by a drawing process, no seam is formed between the vertical wall portion 121 and the substrate connection portion 122. Furthermore, the vertical wall portion 121 is continuously formed with the substrate connection portion 122 in a manner that it stands upright from the substrate connection portion 122.

[0056] The locking portion 123 is a protrusion that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. For example, the end of the locking portion 123 in the direction away from the substrate 200 from the vertical wall portion 121, namely the front end portion 121c, protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. The locking portion 123 is continuous with the front end portion 121c and is integrally formed with it. The locking portion 123 prevents the housing 13 from moving (e.g., rotating) along the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 by locking itself onto the housing 13. A pair of locking portions 123 are also provided in a manner that clamps the contact portion 111 and faces each other. That is, a pair of locking portions 123 are provided in a manner that protrudes toward the center of the socket connector 10. Two or more pairs of locking portions 123 can also be provided as shown in this embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 As shown in (c), the housing 13 is an insulating component formed as a semi-cylindrical shape with a bottom surface having the Z direction as the axial direction. The housing 13 is constructed using, for example, resin. In this embodiment, the housing 13 is integrally formed with the signal contact 11 by insert molding. Therefore, Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) and Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (c) indicates the signal contact 11 and housing 13 before integration.

[0058] A housing 13 is disposed between a signal contact 11 and a ground contact 12, maintaining the connection between the two. The housing 13 is configured to surround a portion of the signal contact 11 and is also surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121 of the ground contact 12. The outer peripheral surface 13a of the housing 13, except for the area where the housing 13 is not formed, is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 (see reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0059] The housing 13 has a base 131, a columnar portion 132, and a press-in portion 133. The base 131 is formed in the shape of a semi-circular plate and is disposed at one end of the housing 13. The base 131 has an upper surface 131a facing the plug connector 100 and a bottom surface 131b facing the substrate 200. A hole, namely a support portion 13y, for mounting the contact portion 111 is formed in the base 131 from the center of the upper surface 131a to the center of the bottom surface 131b.

[0060] The columnar portion 132 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and is continuously formed from the base 131, extending from the base 131. The columnar portion 132 extends along the inner circumferential surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 in the Z direction. The front end (upper end) of the columnar portion 132 can be shaped to reach the front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121, or it can be shaped not to reach the front end portion 121c (only extending below the front end portion 121c). The front end of the columnar portion 132 is formed such that, in the direction away from the substrate 200 (upward direction), it does not exceed the front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121 (see reference). Figure 3 (c)).

[0061] A recess 132a is formed in the housing 13 to engage with the locking portion 123. More specifically, a recess 132a is formed in the columnar portion 132 to engage with the locking portion 123. For example, a plurality of recesses 132a are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the columnar portion 132 at the upper end of the columnar portion 132. The recesses 132a are formed in a recessed manner that corresponds to the shape of the locking portion 123 from the upper end of the columnar portion 132 toward the substrate 200. The recesses 132a are also formed at positions corresponding to the locking portion 123, except in areas where the housing 13 is not formed.

[0062] A contact portion 132b is formed in the columnar portion 132, which contacts the region near the inner circumferential surface 121b of the front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121. For example, the contact portion 132b in the upper end portion spans the entire circumference of the region where the shell 13 is formed, and corresponds to the region near the inner circumferential surface 121b of the front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121, forming a stepped shape. By contacting the front end portion 121c with the contact portion 132b, movement of the shell 13 relative to the upward direction is auxiliaryly suppressed.

[0063] The pressed-in portion 133 is a convex surface facing the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the housing 13 is formed separately from the grounding contact 12. The housing 13 is inserted into the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121 and is pressed in and fixed relative to the grounding contact 12. Here, the pressing portion 133 pushes against the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 to fix the grounding contact 12 to the housing 13. By fixing it in this way, it is possible to prevent the housing 13 from falling off the grounding contact 12. Multiple pressing portions 133 (e.g., four) are provided on the outer peripheral surface 13a of the housing 13.

[0064] return Figure 3(a) The housing 13 is only provided in the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. Viewed from above, the housing 13, in the extending direction of the terminal portion 112, is only provided in the area closer to the contact portion 111 than the front end of the terminal portion 112. The housing 13 is formed such that the exposed portion 11x of the signal contact 11 is exposed to the outside. The housing 13 can also be formed, for example, by configuring a portion of it to be cut off, so that the exposed portion 11x is exposed to the outside.

[0065] In the receptacle connector 10, the signal contact 11 is seamlessly surrounded by the ground contact 12. In other words, the receptacle connector 10 has a completely enclosed structure around the signal contact 11. This receptacle connector 10 has a configuration that makes it difficult for signals from the signal contact 11 to leak to the outside of the ground contact 12 (a configuration that is less prone to noise generation).

[0066] [Matching state of socket connectors and plug connectors]

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) The connector device 1 is described in the state in which the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 100 are engaged with each other. Figure 8 (a) is a top view. Figure 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in (a). Figure 8 As shown in (b), the plug connector 100 includes a signal contact 101, a ground contact 102, and a housing 103.

[0068] Signal contact 101 is electrically connected to signal contact 11 of socket connector 10. Signal contact 101 is installed inside housing 103. Signal contact 101 is also connected to the internal conductor SC1 of coaxial cable SC and to contact portion 111 of signal contact 11.

[0069] Grounding contact 102 extends along the X direction. One side of the extending direction of grounding contact 102 is formed into a cylindrical shape that fits into the grounding contact 12 of the socket connector 10. The other side of the extending direction of grounding contact 102 is connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable SC. In the region of grounding contact 102 near the lower end of the cylindrical shape, a fitting protrusion 102x is formed that spans its entire circumference and protrudes radially toward the center.

[0070] The housing 103 is formed in a cylindrical shape and holds the signal contact 101 and the ground contact 102 in an insulated state. The outer peripheral surface of the housing 103 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the ground contact 102.

[0071] The mating recess 12x in the upright portion 121 of the socket connector 10 engages with the mating protrusion 102x in the grounding contact 102 of the plug connector 100. This results in the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 100 being mated together. In this mated state, the terminal portion 112 is housed within the area of ​​the plug connector 100 surrounded by the grounding contact 102.

[0072] In the mating state, the signal contact 101, which is connected to the inner conductor SC1 of the coaxial cable SC, contacts the contact portion 111 of the socket connector 10. The contact portion 111 is connected to the signal terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200 via the terminal portion 112. Thus, the signal transmission circuit of the connector device 1 is formed.

[0073] Furthermore, in the mating state, the grounding contact 102, which is connected to the external conductor of the coaxial cable SC, contacts the vertical wall portion 121 of the socket connector 10. The vertical wall portion 121 is connected to the grounding terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200 via the substrate connection portion 122. Thus, the grounding circuit of the connector device 1 is formed.

[0074] [Effects of this implementation method]

[0075] Next, the function and effect of the socket connector 10 (electrical connector 10) will be explained.

[0076] The electrical connector 10 of this embodiment is an electrical connector 10 mounted on a substrate 200, comprising: a signal contact 11 having: a contact portion 111 extending in a direction away from the substrate 200; and a terminal portion 112 extending along the substrate 200 in a manner leading out from the contact portion 111; a ground contact 12 having: a vertical wall portion 121 seamlessly surrounding the contact portion 111; and a substrate connecting portion 122 integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 121, extending outward along the substrate 200 and seamlessly surrounding the vertical wall portion 121; and an insulating housing 13 disposed between the signal contact 11 and the ground contact 12 to hold the signal contact 11 and the ground contact 12 together.

[0077] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, in the direction away from the substrate 200, the contact portion 111 of the signal contact 11 is seamlessly surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121 of the ground contact 12. Furthermore, in the direction along the substrate 200, the vertical wall portion 121 is seamlessly surrounded by the substrate connection portion 122 of the ground contact 12. Furthermore, an insulating housing 13 separates the signal contact 11 from the ground contact 12. With this configuration, because the signal contact 11 is seamlessly surrounded by the ground contact 12, signals from the signal contact 11 are less likely to leak to the outside of the ground contact 12 (a configuration that minimizes noise generation). Therefore, the EMI characteristics of the electrical connector can be improved.

[0078] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the housing 13 has a columnar portion 132 extending along the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121. With this configuration, the contact area between the housing 13 and the vertical wall portion 121 is increased. Therefore, the housing 13 can more appropriately hold the signal contact 11 and the ground contact 12.

[0079] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the grounding contact 12 has a protruding locking portion 123 that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121, causing the housing 13 to engage with the grounding contact 12. With this configuration, the vertical wall portion 121 engages with the columnar portion 132 extending along the inner circumferential surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 using the locking portion 123 protruding into the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. Therefore, since the housing 13 is prevented from falling off, it can be held more securely.

[0080] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the locking portion 123 protrudes from the end portion 121 of the upright wall portion 121 in the direction away from the substrate 200, i.e., the front end portion 121c, toward the area surrounded by the upright wall portion 121, and a recess 132a is formed in the housing 13 to lock into the locking portion 123. By fitting the protruding locking portion 123 into the recess 132a formed in the columnar portion 132, the movement (e.g., rotation) of the housing 13 along the inner peripheral surface 121b of the upright wall portion 121 is further suppressed. As a result, the housing 13 can be held more appropriately.

[0081] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the front end portion 121c of the vertical wall portion 121 is formed in a curved manner toward the region surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121. With this configuration, within the region surrounded by the vertical wall portion 121, the movement of the housing 13 relative to the direction away from the substrate 200 is assisted by the housing 13 being in contact with the front end portion 121c along the inner peripheral surface 121b. This allows the housing 13 to be held more appropriately.

[0082] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, a pair of locking portions 123 are provided so as to clamp the contact portions 111 facing each other. Because the movement of the housing 13 is better balanced and suppressed by arranging a pair of locking portions 123 facing each other around the contact portions 111, the housing 13 can be held more properly.

[0083] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the grounding contact 12 is formed separately from the housing 13, and the housing 13 has a press-in portion with a convex surface facing the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121. Because the grounding contact 12 is formed separately from the housing 13, the electrical connector can be manufactured in an assembly manner, thus simplifying the manufacturing equipment. Furthermore, since the convex surface, i.e., the press-in portion, pushes against the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 of the grounding contact 12, the fixing strength of the housing 13 is further increased, thus more properly holding the housing 13 in place.

[0084] In the electrical connector 10 of this embodiment, the grounding contact 12 is integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 121 and the substrate connection portion 122 by a drawing process. Through the drawing process, the vertical wall portion 121 and the substrate connection portion 122 of the grounding contact 12 are integrally formed, and no seam is formed between the vertical wall portion 121 and the substrate connection portion 122. This improves the ease of manufacturing the grounding contact 12.

[0085] [Second Implementation]

[0086] refer to Figure 9 Regarding the details of the socket connector 20 (electrical connector 20) in the second embodiment, the main focus is on the differences from the socket connector 10 (first embodiment). For example... Figure 9 As shown in (a) to (c), the socket connector 20 includes a signal contact 11, a ground contact 12, and a housing 13. In the socket connector 20, the signal contact 11, the ground contact 12, and the housing 13 are integrally formed by insertion molding.

[0087] The locking portion 123 is designed to be tapered in shape, gradually thinning towards the contact portion 111 (that is, the area of ​​the locking portion 123 closer to the contact portion 111 is thinner).

[0088] The housing 13 is integrally formed with the grounding contact 12 by embedding it around the locking portion 123. For example, the housing 13 fills along the inner peripheral surface 121b of the vertical wall portion 121 to form a columnar portion 132. Furthermore, the housing 13 fills around the tapered shape, i.e., the locking portion 123, to fix the columnar portion 132 and the locking portion 123. The front end of the locking portion 123 may or may not reach the inner peripheral surface of the columnar portion 132 of the housing 13 (it may penetrate the columnar portion 132).

[0089] [Effects of this implementation method]

[0090] In the electrical connector 20 of this embodiment, the housing 13 is integrally formed with the grounding contact 12 by embedding molding in a manner that encloses the periphery of the locking portion 123. By fixing the columnar portion 132 to the locking portion 123, the housing 13 can be held more properly.

[0091] [Third Implementation]

[0092] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The outline of the connector device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 10 As shown, the connector device 3 includes a socket connector 30 (electrical connector 30) and a plug connector 300. Hereinafter, details of the connector device 3 will be described, mainly focusing on the differences from the connector device 1 (first embodiment).

[0093] Connector assembly 3 is a multi-core connector with multiple connection terminals. Plug connector 300 connects to multiple coaxial cables SC (signal transmission components). When the socket connector 30 and plug connector 300 are engaged, the shape of the plug connector 300 as viewed from the socket connector 30, and the shape of the socket connector 30 as viewed from the plug connector 300, are both approximately rectangular. Hereinafter, the direction along the long side (Y direction) of the rectangle will be referred to as the long side direction, and the direction along the short side (X direction) of the rectangle will be referred to as the short side direction.

[0094] Next, refer to Figures 12-17 The details of the socket connector 30 in the third embodiment will be described below. Figure 12 (a)~ Figure 12 As shown in (c), the socket connector 30 has a signal contact 31, a ground contact 32, and a housing 33.

[0095] Signal contacts 31 are mounted such that they are surrounded by housing 33. Multiple signal contacts 31 are provided (e.g., three). For example, one signal contact 31 is positioned at the center of the socket connector 30, and two signal contacts 31 are positioned along the long side, sandwiching the central signal contact 31. All signal contacts 31 are arranged such that the contact direction is along the same direction when viewed from the plug connector 300.

[0096] like Figure 13 (a) and Figure 13 As shown in (b), the signal contact 31 is a conductor with a pair of protruding shapes. The protrusions of the signal contact 31 protrude along the Z direction. The signal contact 31 connects the connection portion with the substrate 200 and the contact portion with the signal contact 301 of the plug connector 300 to each other. The signal contact 31 is formed by, for example, bending a metal plate.

[0097] The signal contact 31 has: a contact portion 311 extending in a direction away from the substrate 200 (upward direction); and a terminal portion 312 extending along the substrate 200 in such a way as to extend from the lower end of the contact portion 311.

[0098] The contact portion 311 has a first portion 311a, a second portion 311b, and a connecting portion 311c. The first portion 311a and the second portion 311b each protrude toward the plug connector 300 along the Z direction. The first portion 311a and the second portion 311b extend along the connection direction, facing each other in the short-side direction. The first portion 311a and the second portion 311b each contact the signal contact 301 of the plug connector 300 in a manner that clamps it (see reference). Figure 17 (b)). The connecting part 311c connects the lower end of the first part 311a to the lower end of the second part 311b.

[0099] The terminal portion 312 is rectangular. For example, the terminal portion 312 is shaped such that its length in the Y direction, when viewed from the Z direction, is shorter than its length in the X direction. The terminal portion 312 is continuous with the lower end of the contact portion 311 and extends forward in the X direction (away from the direction of the inner conductor SC1 of the coaxial cable SC, as referenced). Figure 17 (b))), connected to the signal terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200.

[0100] return Figure 12 (a) The terminal portion 312 is housed within the area surrounded by the grounding contact 32. Furthermore, the terminal portion 312 exposes its front end region, the exposed portion 31x, to the outside. The exposed portion 31x is the contact area within the terminal portion 312 that contacts the signal terminal portion (not shown).

[0101] like Figure 14 (a)~ Figure 14 As shown in (c), the grounding contact 32 is a conductor with a corner tube disposed in the center of a single side formed as a rectangular plate. Viewed from above, the central area of ​​the grounding contact 32 is hollowed out into a rectangle. The grounding contact 32 is electrically connected to the grounding contact 302 of the plug connector 300 (see reference). Figure 17 (b)). Grounding contact 32 has a pair of long sides in the long side direction and a pair of short sides in the short side direction.

[0102] The grounding contact 32 has: a vertical wall portion 321 that seamlessly surrounds the area around the contact portion 311; and a substrate connection portion 322 that is integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 321, extends outward along the substrate 200, and seamlessly surrounds the area around the vertical wall portion 321. Furthermore, the grounding contact 32 has a protruding locking portion 323 that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321, causing the housing 33 to engage with the grounding contact 32.

[0103] The vertical wall portion 321 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the Z-direction as the axial direction. The vertical wall portion 321 houses the housing 33 within its cylindrical opening. The vertical wall portion 321 seamlessly surrounds the contact portion 311 of the signal contact 31 by seamlessly surrounding the periphery of the housing 33. A fitting recess 32x is formed on the outer peripheral surface 321a of the vertical wall portion 321, extending across its entire circumference and concave towards the center of the axial direction of the vertical wall portion 321. The fitting recess 32x engages with the fitting protrusion 302x formed on the outer periphery of the ground contact 302 of the plug connector 300 (see reference). Figure 17 (b) The inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321, except for the area where the shell 33 is not formed, is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 33a of the shell 33, which will be described later (see reference). Figure 17 (b)).

[0104] An end portion (upper end portion), or front end portion 321c, is formed in the vertical wall portion 321 in a direction away from the substrate 200. Here, "end portion" refers not only to the front end but also includes the area near the front end. The front end portion 321c of the vertical wall portion 321 is formed in a curved manner toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321. In the region near the inner peripheral surface 321b, the front end portion 321c contacts the abutment portion 332b of the housing 33 (described later). Through this contact, the front end portion 321c helps to suppress movement of the housing 33 relative to the upward direction.

[0105] The substrate connection portion 322 is formed in a plate shape, continuous with the lower end of the vertical wall portion 321, and extends radially outward along the substrate 200, seamlessly surrounding the periphery of the vertical wall portion 321. The substrate connection portion 322 is disposed on the substrate 200 (see reference). Figure 11 ), connected to the ground terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200.

[0106] The grounding contact 32 is integrally formed with the vertical wall portion 321 and the substrate connection portion 322 through a drawing process. For example, the grounding contact 32 is integrally formed with the side portion, i.e., the vertical wall portion 321, and the flange portion, i.e., the substrate connection portion 322, by performing a drawing process (e.g., corner tube drawing) on ​​a metal plate. Because the grounding contact 32 is formed through a drawing process, no seam is formed between the vertical wall portion 321 and the substrate connection portion 322. Furthermore, the vertical wall portion 321 is continuously formed with the substrate connection portion 322 in a manner that it stands upright from the substrate connection portion 322.

[0107] The locking portion 323 is a protrusion that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321. For example, the end of the locking portion 323 that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321 in the direction away from the substrate 200, namely the front end portion 321c. The locking portion 323 is continuous with and integrally formed with the front end portion 321c. By locking the locking portion 323 onto the housing 33, movement of the housing 33 along the inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321 is suppressed. Furthermore, a pair of locking portions 323 are provided in such a way that they clamp the contact portion 311 and face each other. That is, a pair of locking portions 323 are provided in such a way that they protrude toward the center of the socket connector 10. Two or more pairs of locking portions 323 may also be provided.

[0108] like Figure 15 (a)~ Figure 15 As shown in (c), the housing 33 is an insulating component formed in a rectangular shape. The housing 33 is constructed using, for example, resin. In this embodiment, the housing 33 and the signal contact 31 are manufactured by assembly. For example, the housing 33 and the signal contact 31 can also be integrally formed by insert molding.

[0109] A housing 33 is disposed between a signal contact 31 and a ground contact 32, maintaining the connection between the two. The housing 33 is configured to surround a portion of the signal contact 31 and is also surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321 of the ground contact 32. The peripheral surface 33a of the housing 33, except for the area where the housing 33 is not formed, is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321 (see reference). Figure 17 (b)).

[0110] The housing 33 has a base 331, a columnar portion 332, and a press-in portion 333. The base 331 is rectangular in shape and is disposed in the center of the housing 33. The base 331 has an upper surface 331a facing the plug connector 300 and a bottom surface 331b facing the substrate 200. A hole, namely a support portion 33y, is formed in the base 331 for mounting the contact portion 311 from the upper surface 331a to the bottom surface 331b along the long side direction. The support portions 33y are formed in a number corresponding to the number of signal contacts 31 (i.e., 3) at positions corresponding to the positions where the signal contacts 31 are disposed. In addition, in this embodiment, 3 signal contacts 31 are formed, one of which can be set as a ground contact 32, or the ground contact 32 can be appropriately set according to the number of signal contacts 31.

[0111] The columnar portion 332 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is continuously formed with the base 331 to surround the outer periphery of the base 331. The columnar portion 332 extends in the Z direction along the inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321. The front end (upper end) of the columnar portion 332 can be configured to reach the front end portion 321c of the vertical wall portion 321, or it can be configured not to reach the front end portion 321c (only extending below the front end portion 121c). The front end of the columnar portion 332 is formed such that it does not extend beyond the front end portion 321c of the vertical wall portion 321 in the direction away from the substrate 200 (upward direction) (see reference). Figure 12 (c)).

[0112] A recess 332a is formed in the housing 33 to engage with the locking portion 323. More specifically, a recess 332a is formed in the columnar portion 332 to engage with the locking portion 323. For example, multiple recesses 332a are formed at specific intervals along the circumference of the columnar portion 332 at its upper end. The recesses 332a are formed in a recessed manner that corresponds to the shape of the locking portion 323 and is recessed from the upper end of the columnar portion 332 toward the substrate 200. Furthermore, the recesses 332a are formed at positions corresponding to the locking portion 323, except in areas where the housing 33 is not formed.

[0113] A contact portion 332b is formed in the columnar portion 332, which contacts the region near the inner circumferential surface 321b of the front end portion 321c of the vertical wall portion 321. For example, in the upper end portion, the contact portion 332b spans the entire circumference of the region where the shell 33 is formed, and corresponds to the region near the inner circumferential surface 321b of the front end portion 321c of the vertical wall portion 321, forming a stepped shape. By contacting the front end portion 321c with the contact portion 332b, the movement of the shell 33 relative to the upward direction is auxiliaryly suppressed.

[0114] The pressed-in portion 333 is a convex surface facing the inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the housing 33 is formed separately from the grounding contact 32. The housing 33 is inserted into the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321 and is pressed in and fixed relative to the grounding contact 32. Here, the pressing portion 333 pushes against the inner peripheral surface 321b of the vertical wall portion 321 to fix the grounding contact 32 to the housing 33. By fixing it in this way, it is possible to prevent the housing 33 from falling off the grounding contact 32. Multiple pressing portions 333 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 33a of the housing 33 (for example, four corresponding to the four corners of the housing 33).

[0115] return Figure 12(a) The housing 33 is only provided in the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion 321. Viewed from above, the housing 33, in the extending direction of the terminal portion 312, is only provided in the area closer to the contact portion 311 than the front end of the terminal portion 312. The housing 33 is formed such that the exposed portion 31x of the signal contact 31 is exposed to the outside. The housing 33 may also be formed such that a portion is cut off, thus exposing the exposed portion 31x to the outside. In this top view, by exposing the exposed portion 31x of the signal contact 31 to the outside, the connection between the signal contact 31 and the substrate 200 can be seen when the socket connector 30 is mounted on the substrate 200.

[0116] In the receptacle connector 30, the signal contact 31 is seamlessly surrounded by the ground contact 32. In other words, the receptacle connector 30 has a completely enclosed structure around the signal contact 31. This receptacle connector 30 is designed to prevent signals from the signal contact 31 from leaking to the outside of the ground contact 32 (making it less prone to noise generation).

[0117] [Matching state of socket connectors and plug connectors]

[0118] Next, refer to Figure 17 (a) and Figure 17 (b) The connector device 3 is described in the state in which the socket connector 30 and the plug connector 300 are engaged with each other. Figure 17 (a) is a top view. Figure 17 (b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in (a). Figure 17 As shown in (b), the plug connector 300 includes a signal contact 301, a ground contact 302, and a housing 303.

[0119] Signal contact 301 is electrically connected to signal contact 31 of socket connector 30. Signal contact 301 is installed inside housing 303. In addition, signal contact 301 is connected to the internal conductor SC1 of coaxial cable SC, and is connected by clamping the contact portion 311 of signal contact 31.

[0120] Grounding contact 302 extends along the X direction. One side of the extending direction of grounding contact 302 is formed into a corner tube shape that fits into the grounding contact 32 of the socket connector 30. The other side of the extending direction of grounding contact 302 is connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable SC. In the region of grounding contact 302 near the lower end of the corner tube shape, a fitting protrusion 302x is formed that spans its entire circumference and protrudes radially toward the center.

[0121] The housing 303 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical tube to hold the signal contact 301 and the ground contact 302 in an insulated state. The outer peripheral surface of the housing 303 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the ground contact 302.

[0122] The recessed portion 32x of the vertical wall portion 321 of the socket connector 30 engages with the protruding portion 302x of the grounding contact 302 of the plug connector 300. This results in the socket connector 30 and the plug connector 300 being engaged with each other. In this engaged state, the terminal portion 312 is housed within the area of ​​the plug connector 300 surrounded by the grounding contact 302.

[0123] In the engaged state, the signal contact 301, which is connected to the inner conductor SC1 of the coaxial cable SC, contacts the contact portion 311 of the socket connector 30. The contact portion 311 is connected to the signal terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200 via the terminal portion 312. Thus, the signal transmission circuit of the connector device 3 is formed.

[0124] Furthermore, in the mating state, the grounding contact 302 connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable SC contacts the vertical wall portion 321 of the socket connector 30. The vertical wall portion 321 is connected to the grounding terminal portion (not shown) of the substrate 200 via the substrate connection portion 322. Thus, the grounding circuit of the connector device 3 is formed. Alternatively, the object connector, i.e., the plug connector 300 of the third embodiment, may also be an object connector connected to the coaxial cable SC, but connected to other substrates, such as those connected to a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0125] While the implementation methods have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the described implementation methods, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0126] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 10: Socket connector (electrical connector)

[0128] 11: Signal contact

[0129] 111:Contact Department

[0130] 112: Terminal section

[0131] 121: vertical wall part

[0132] 122: Substrate connection portion

[0133] 12: Grounding contact

[0134] 13: Shell

[0135] 20: Socket connector (electrical connector)

[0136] 200: Substrate

[0137] 30: Socket connector (electrical connector)

[0138] 31: Signal contact

[0139] 311:Contact Department

[0140] 312: Terminal section

[0141] 321: Wall vertical part

[0142] 322: Substrate connection portion

[0143] 32: Grounding contact

[0144] 33: Shell.

Claims

1. An electrical connector mounted on a substrate, said electrical connector comprising: A signal contact having: a contact portion extending in a direction away from the substrate; and a terminal portion extending along the substrate in a manner leading out from the contact portion; A grounding contact having: a vertical wall portion that seamlessly surrounds the contact portion; And a substrate connection portion, integrally formed with the vertical wall portion, extending outward along the substrate and seamlessly surrounding the vertical wall portion; and An insulating housing is disposed between the signal contact and the ground contact to maintain the connection between the signal contact and the ground contact; and The grounding contact has a protruding locking portion that protrudes toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion, causing the housing to lock relative to the grounding contact. The locking portion protrudes from the end of the vertical wall portion in the direction away from the substrate, that is, the front end portion, toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall portion; A recess is formed in the housing that engages with the locking portion.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a columnar portion extending along the inner circumferential surface of the upright wall portion.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the front end portion of the vertical wall is formed in a manner that bends toward the area surrounded by the vertical wall.

4. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking portions are provided in a pair facing each other in such a way that they clamp the contact portions.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The grounding contact is formed separately from the housing; The housing has a press-in portion with a convex surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall portion.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the housing is integrally formed with the grounding contact by an insert molding method, in a manner that encloses the periphery of the locking portion.

7. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the grounding contact is integrally formed with the stand-up wall portion and the substrate connection portion by a drawing process.

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