Electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector includes: a base; one or more sheet bodies, each sheet body including a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors; at least one flexible shield and at least one rigid shield, wherein terminal ends of the flexible shield cover a first portion of each of the ground conductors, cantilevered resilient ends of the flexible shield make electrical and mechanical contact with the rigid shield, and the rigid shield covers a second portion of each of the ground conductors, the flexible shield further including a flexible shield body configured to buckle in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously corresponding to the ground terminal ends of the plurality of ground conductors. The electrical connector according to this application provides improved mechanical strength and signal integrity.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed by Morales Ltd., filed on December 3, 2019, with application number 201980075603.9 and entitled "Connector with Shielded Terminals". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of input / output (I / O) connectors, and more specifically, to I / O connectors that function to transmit and receive data at high data rates (approximately 112 gigabits (Gbit)). Background Technology

[0003] This section introduces aspects that may help to facilitate a better understanding of the invention described herein. Therefore, the descriptions in this section should be read in this light and should not be construed as an admission of what is or is not present in the prior art.

[0004] Many I / O connectors are constructed with stacked, thin sheet bodies and are highly sensitive to small dimensional changes. Furthermore, because the metal components within these sheets are oriented at right angles to the paddle card or module printed circuit board (PCB), the electrical contacts connecting the host PCB to the paddle card or module PCB often require a 90° rotation via a hemi-form. This construction is difficult to manufacture and assemble. Therefore, improvements to the design of such I / O connectors are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors describe various exemplary I / O connectors and related methods that allow for high data transmission rates. The connectors of this invention include protective shielding to provide improved mechanical strength and signal integrity.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided, comprising: a base; one or more sheet bodies, each sheet body including a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors; at least one flexible shield and at least one rigid shield, wherein a terminal end of the flexible shield covers a first portion of each of the ground conductors, a cantilevered elastic end of the flexible shield makes electrical and mechanical contact with the rigid shield, and the rigid shield covers a second portion of each of the ground conductors, the flexible shield further comprising a flexible shield body configured to buckle in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously corresponding to the ground terminal ends of the plurality of ground conductors.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the sheet body includes a plurality of top sheet bodies and a plurality of bottom sheet bodies, and the flexible shielding includes a first flexible shielding and a second flexible shielding, wherein the terminal end of the first flexible shielding is in electrical and mechanical contact with the top sheet body, and the terminal end of the second flexible shielding is in electrical and mechanical contact with the bottom sheet body.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the cantilevered elastic ends of both the first flexible shield and the second flexible shield are in electrical and mechanical contact with the end of the grounding portion of the rigid shield and the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the plurality of cantilevered elastic ends of the flexible shielding mechanically separate a portion of the flexible shielding body along its length from the cantilever beam portions of the plurality of signal conductors of the corresponding sheet body by a nominal distance.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal flexible portion of the flexible shield creates a responsive electromagnetic cavity in the longitudinal direction of the path of a signal transmitted through a conductor of the sheet body, and the transverse flexible portion of the flexible shield creates a near-Faraday cage having a near-field boundary of a differential signal conductor covering the flexible shield.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the terminal end of the flexible shield is shaped as a rectangle with one end open, and is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the terminal end of the grounding conductor of the sheet body by curling, but not with the terminal end of the signal conductor of the sheet body.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the terminal end of the grounding conductor is formed with a notch to accommodate the flexible shield and prevent the flexible shield from moving.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the rigid shield is connected to the cantilever beam of the grounding conductor of the sheet body, thereby providing mechanical support to the grounding conductor and providing a combined structure to resist warping and other external forces.

[0014] According to one embodiment, it is configured to align with the grounding conductor of the corresponding sheet body.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the rear portion of the rigid shield may be a movable portion configured to initially form an obtuse angle counterclockwise relative to the top.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a plurality of solder joints for connecting the top and the rear to the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor of the corresponding sheet body.

[0017] One embodiment of an electrical connector may include: a base; and one or more sheet bodies, each sheet body including at least one flexible shield and at least one rigid shield, wherein a portion of the flexible shield along its length is configured to be a cantilever beam portion of the electrical signal conductors of a corresponding pair of differential signal conductors of a transmission line at a nominal distance, in order to influence an impedance of the transmission line. Such a connector may include an eight-pin pluggable connector.

[0018] Each transmission line of such a connector may include conductive terminal ends of a plurality of ground conductors and signal conductors, each of the plurality of terminal ends being operable to mechanically and electrically connect the connector to an electronic module (e.g., a PCB).

[0019] In yet another embodiment, each flexible shield of a connector may include a self-aligned flexible shield configured to cover a first portion of each ground conductor of a transmission line and configured to buckle in substantially the same direction as the respective ground conductor while still maintaining a nominal distance from the respective signal conductor.

[0020] In various embodiments of the invention, each flexible shield may include a metal alloy (such as a copper alloy), or alternatively, may include a non-metallic material.

[0021] Furthermore, each flexible shield of a connector of the present invention may be configured to electrically connect a conductive grounding portion of a rigid shield to a grounding conductor of a respective transmission line. Additionally, each flexible shield of a connector of the present invention may include a second end (e.g., a cantilever spring) configured to mechanically separate a longitudinal portion of a flexible shield from a cantilever beam portion of a grounding conductor.

[0022] In several embodiments of the invention, the connector of the invention described above and / or elsewhere herein may be configured to operate with an electrical grounding element and to be configured as a second portion covering each conductive grounding conductor of a transmission line.

[0023] Such an exemplary rigid shield can also be configured to resist buckling in substantially the same direction as the buckling of the respective conductive ground conductor of a respective sheet body.

[0024] For example, an exemplary rigid shield may include a metallic material.

[0025] Furthermore, the rigid shields of an exemplary connector may be connected to the respective cantilever beams of a grounding conductor of a respective sheet body to provide mechanical support for the grounding conductor.

[0026] The rigid shielding element of the present invention, as part of a connector of the present invention, may include a top and a rear portion, wherein these two portions are configured to align with a grounding conductor of a respective sheet body. A plurality of solder joints may be used to connect the respective top and rear portions to respective cantilever beam portions of a grounding conductor of a respective sheet body.

[0027] In addition to the connectors described above and herein, the present invention also provides a self-aligned flexible shield that can be used as part of a high-speed connector (e.g., 112 Gbits), wherein the flexible shield can be configured to buckle in substantially the same direction as the conductive ground conductor of a transmission line of a sheet body, but still maintain a nominal distance from the conductive differential signal conductor of the transmission line.

[0028] The flexible shield may include a portion along its length configured to cover a portion of a grounding conductor of a thin sheet while maintaining a nominal distance from a cantilever portion of a differential signal conductor of a transmission line to influence an impedance of the transmission line.

[0029] The flexible shielding element provided by this invention may include a miniature pluggable connector and may include or be constructed of a metal alloy (e.g., a copper alloy). Alternatively, the flexible shielding element of this invention may include or be constructed of a non-metallic material.

[0030] The flexible shielding element provided by the present invention can be configured to electrically connect the conductive grounding portion of a rigid shielding element to the grounding conductor of a transmission line, and may include a second end (e.g., a cantilever spring) configured to mechanically separate the longitudinal portion of the flexible shielding element from the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor.

[0031] In addition to the connector and flexible shield of the present invention, the inventors also describe several methods, some of which are parallel to and related to the connector and shield of the present invention described above and elsewhere herein.

[0032] Further description of these and other embodiments is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, the notes included in the drawings, and the language of the claims included below. The language of the claims included below is incorporated herein by reference in an expanded form (i.e., hierarchically from widest to narrowest), wherein each possible combination indicated by reference in the plurality of dependent claims is illustrated with a single, independent embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention is illustrated by way of example, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, in which:

[0034] Figures 1 to 3BDifferent views of an exemplary I / O connector according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0035] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view of an exemplary self-aligned flexible shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figures 5A to 5E An exemplary construction of a self-aligned flexible shield is shown according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 6A to 6C An exemplary portion of a self-aligned flexible shielding member according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown, the portion of the self-aligned flexible shielding member being configured to serve to make electrical and mechanical contact with the grounding (G) terminal end of a sheet body.

[0038] Figure 6D Exemplary dimensions of a self-aligned flexible shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0039] Figure 6E and Figure 6F An illustrative diagram showing an example of a portion of a self-aligned flexible shield according to various embodiments of the present invention, the portion of which is connected to the terminal end of an electrical conductor of an exemplary sheet body.

[0040] Figure 7 A side view is shown according to several embodiments of the present invention, wherein a module PCB is mechanically fixed and electrically connected to the terminal end of an electrical conductor of an exemplary connector.

[0041] Figures 8A to 8C An exemplary rigid shield is shown according to several embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9A and Figure 9B An exemplary rigid shield is shown fastened to a plurality of molded parts and a sheet body of an exemplary connector according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10A A side view showing an exemplary flexible shield and a rigid shield according to an embodiment of the present invention, a grounding (G) conductor of an exemplary sheet body, and an exemplary connection between them.

[0044] Figure 10B A cross-sectional view is shown showing a portion of a rigid shield connected to multiple portions of a sheet body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10CA cross-sectional view of a portion of a rigid shielding member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 11 A close-up view of an exemplary weldment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the exemplary weldment being used to connect a portion of a rigid shield to a ground (G) conductor of an exemplary sheet body.

[0047] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed below with reference to various accompanying drawings and sketches. The specification and illustrations have been prepared to enhance understanding. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, and well-known elements that are advantageous or even necessary for commercially successful implementation may not be shown, thereby providing a clearer and less obstructive presentation of the embodiments. Furthermore, the dimensions and other parameters described herein are merely exemplary and non-limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The brevity and clarity in the illustrations and descriptions are intended to enable those skilled in the art to effectively make, use, and best practice the invention based on what is known in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative and exemplary, not restrictive or all-encompassing, and all such modifications to the specific embodiments described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form other combinations not otherwise described or shown for purposes of brevity.

[0049] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “general inclusions,” “particular inclusions,” or any other variations thereof are intended to refer to non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the listed elements does not include only those listed elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. As used herein, the terms “a” (a, indefinite article before a consonant) or “an” (an, indefinite article before a vowel) are defined as more than one. As used herein, the term “multiple” is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term “another” is defined as at least a second. Unless otherwise stated herein, relational terms (if any), such as “first” and “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “after,” etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and are not required to require or imply any actual such relationship, priority, importance, or order between such entities or actions.

[0050] As used herein, the term “coupled” refers to the energy of an electric field associated with a current in at least one conductor being applied to another conductor that is not galvanically connected. In other words, the term “coupling” is not limited to a mechanical connection, a galvanically connected electric connection, or a field-mediated electromagnetic interaction, but it can include more than one such connection, unless its meaning is limited by the context of a particular illustration herein.

[0051] The use of “or” or “and / or” in this document is defined as inclusive (A, B, or C refers to any one or any two or all three) and not exclusive (unless explicitly stated otherwise); therefore, the use of “and / or” in certain circumstances should not be interpreted as implying that the use of “or” elsewhere refers to the exclusive use of “or”.

[0052] The terminology derived from "indicating" (e.g., "indicates in general form" and "indication in noun form") aims to encompass all the various techniques that can be used to communicate or reference the indicated object / information. Some, but not all, examples of techniques that can be used to communicate or reference the indicated object / information include the communication of the indicated object / information, the communication of an identifier of the indicated object / information, the communication of information used to generate the indicated object / information, the communication of certain parts or portions of the indicated object / information, the communication of some derivation of the indicated object / information, and the communication of a symbol representing the indicated object / information.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “including” and / or “having” are defined as including (i.e., open language) in the form of word segmentation.

[0054] It should also be noted that more than one exemplary embodiment may be described as a method. Although a method may be described in an exemplary order (i.e., sequentially), it should be understood that the method may also be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or synchronously. Furthermore, the order of the formation steps within a method may be rearranged. An illustrated method may terminate upon completion and may also include additional steps not described herein, for example, if known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “embodiment” or “exemplary” refer to an example that falls within the scope of the invention.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 1 An exemplary I / O connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, connector 1 may be an Octal Small Form Factor Plugable (OFSP) connector, which serves to mechanically and electrically connect a main printed circuit board (PCB) 2 to a module PCB 3. In various embodiments, for example, the data rate transmitted by the electrical components of connector 1 and PCBs 2 and 3 may be 112 Gbits per second (Gbps).

[0057] Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary I / O connector 1 is shown, comprising a base 10, a sheet body 12 to which flexible shielding elements 4, 6 and rigid shielding elements 5 are attached, another sheet body 11 to which multiple flexible shielding elements and a rigid shielding element are attached, and a bumper 13. For illustrative purposes only, sheet body 11 may be referred to as the "first" or "top" sheet body, and sheet body 12 may be referred to as the "second" or "bottom" sheet body. Furthermore, it should be understood that a connector of the present invention may include more than two sheet bodies, more than one sheet body of each type, and each sheet body may be connected to more than one flexible and / or rigid shielding element.

[0058] In one embodiment, the buffer 13 can serve to restrict the movement of the sheet 11. For example, the buffer 13 can apply a force to a base attached to a rigid shield of the sheet 11. In one embodiment, for example, the buffer is made of plastic.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 3A , showing Figure 1The I / O connector 1 is shown with its base 10 removed to allow the reader to observe the components of the connector 1. As shown, the plurality of conductive terminal ends 11a-n of the ground (G) and signal (S) conductors of the top sheet 11 (where n represents the last end) and the plurality of conductive terminal ends 12a-n of the ground (G) and signal (S) conductors of the bottom sheet 12 (although the latter is only partially seen) are shown respectively. The plurality of terminal ends 11a-n of the ground (G) and signal (S) conductors of the module PCB 3 are inserted onto a top surface of the PCB 3 by press fitting or other means, and onto a bottom surface of the PCB 3 (see also...). Figure 7 Between the multiple terminal ends 12a-n of the ground (G) and signal (S) conductors on the module PCB 3, the module PCB 3 can be mechanically and electrically fixed and connected to the connector 1. In one embodiment, each terminal end 11a-n, 12a-n may include a terminal end of an electrical conductor, wherein a group of four conductors may be referred to as a transmission line. In one embodiment, each of the four conductors constituting a transmission line may be operable to function as a ground (G) or signal (S) conductor. In one embodiment, the sheet bodies 11 and 12 may include a plurality of parallelly positioned transmission lines, wherein each transmission line includes two parallel signal conductors and two parallel ground conductors, and their respective conductive terminal ends are configured in a GSSG configuration for mechanical and electrical connection to the module PCB 3.

[0060] In some embodiments, the transmission lines may be manufactured by insert molding. Furthermore, it should be understood that the number and type of transmission lines shown in the figures within a sheet body are merely exemplary. Therefore, a sheet body may contain numerous double-ended or single-ended transmission lines or other lines as needed. An exemplary sheet body structure may be rigid to provide support for solderable components. Therefore, plastic supports that would otherwise be used for this purpose are no longer required. Furthermore, this rigid sheet body structure provides support when the terminal ends 12a-n contact a board or PCB. More specifically, when the terminal ends 12a-n (i.e., the terminal ends) contact a board or PCB, a good electrical connection can be ensured by applying a minimum force through the rigidity of the sheet body at the interface between the terminal ends 12a-n and the board or PCB.

[0061] Figure 3BA rear view of an exemplary I / O connector 1 is shown. As illustrated, the sheet body 11 may include a plurality of tails 110a-n that can be soldered to a plurality of points on the main PCB 2. Although not seen, the plurality of tails of the sheet body 12 may similarly be soldered to a plurality of points on the main PCB 2. In one embodiment, an exemplary width of a tail may be 250 micrometers, and the spacing between each tail may be 0.6 mm (i.e., 0.6 mm pitch).

[0062] Now refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view of an exemplary self-aligning flexible shield 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As illustrated, the exemplary shield 4 may include a plurality of terminal ends 42a-n (where "n" represents the last end (only ends 42a-42e are shown) and a plurality of second ends 44a-n connected by a body 45 of a shield. Also shown is... Figure 4A The two indicators P1A and P1B are respectively used for the flexible longitudinal and transverse portions of the shielding member 4, and together they constitute a region that generally corresponds to the body 45 of the shielding member 4. In other words, multiple flexible longitudinal and transverse portions P1A and P1B constitute a region of the body 45 of the shielding member 4. More specifically, a longitudinal portion P1A may extend from the longitudinal end of end 42a to the longitudinal end of end 44a and may have a width substantially equal to that of end 42a (e.g., the end of a terminal), while the transverse portion P1B may extend from the lower transverse end of end 42a to the upper transverse end of end 44a. Figure 6D Some exemplary dimensions of the shielding member 4 of the present invention are provided. A more detailed description of these ends will be set forth elsewhere herein.

[0063] Now refer to Figures 5A to 5E This illustrates an exemplary configuration of self-aligned flexible shielding elements 4, 6, wherein each shielding element 4, 6 may be configured to cover a first portion of a grounding conductor in the conductor of the bottom sheet body 12. For example, multiple conductors constituting a transmission line and their integral terminal ends 12a-n may be constructed as conductors with an exemplary cantilever beam configuration.

[0064] As will be explained in more detail herein, a flexible shielding element (such as shielding element 4) provided by the present invention can be relatively thin (see [reference]). Figure 6D(Exemplary dimensions in the text), and can be configured to bend and deflect (collectively referred to as buckling) in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously corresponding to the grounding (G) terminal ends of a plurality of grounding conductors of a sheet body, while still maintaining a nominal distance from the respective signal (S) terminal ends of the signal conductors. For example, shield 4 can be connected to a plurality of terminal ends 12a-n, and shield 4 can buckle when more than one of the grounding (G) terminal ends 12a-n buckles, without applying force to the remaining contact ends 12a-n.

[0065] In several embodiments of the invention, the flexible shielding element may be made of a metal alloy such as a copper alloy (e.g., C70250 or C70252).

[0066] In several embodiments, the flexible shielding provided by the present invention can serve to mechanically and electrically connect the terminal ends of multiple grounding (G) conductors to each other (see [reference]). Figure 6A The shielding member 4 connects the ends 12a and 12d, and the grounding (G) portion of a rigid shielding member 5 is electrically connected to the grounding conductor of the sheet bodies 11 and 12 (see...). Figure 7 In this case, the grounding portions 51a and 52a of the rigid shield are electrically connected to the cantilever beam portions 120a and 130a of the grounding (G) conductor via second ends 43a and 44a (e.g., spring-like deformable ends).

[0067] Furthermore, the flexible shielding of the present invention also has the function of shielding the conductors of the transmission lines of a respective sheet body covered by the shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) (e.g., crosstalk) from the transmission lines of adjacent sheets bodies and regulating or otherwise contributing to the total impedance of the electrical ground (G) of a given sheet body.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, instead of being made of a metal alloy, the flexible shielding element of the present invention may be made of a non-metallic material for conducting electricity. In such an embodiment, it is anticipated that the shielding element will still be able to function as a means of connecting multiple ground conductors of a transmission line to each other; however, the ability to shield multiple conductors of the transmission line from EMI is expected to be reduced.

[0069] Figure 5D Show Figure 5B An enlarged image, Figure 5DThe terminal end 42a of the shield 4 is shown aligned with a grounding (G) terminal end 12a of the electrical and mechanical contact sheet 12. As shown, the end 42a is a rectangle with one open end. However, the shape of the end 42a does not need to be a rectangle with one open end. Instead, the end 42a may be formed to make mechanical and electrical contact with a grounding (G) terminal end of a specific shape of a specific sheet. Figure 5B and Figure 5D The terminal end 12a is shown with end 42a aligned with but not fixed to ground (G), while Figure 5C and Figure 5E The terminal end 12a is shown with end 42a aligned with and fixed to ground (G).

[0070] More specifically, in one embodiment, after the shield 4 is aligned on the sheet body 12 (which will be further described herein), each of the aligned ends 42a-n is crimped to: (i) prevent the shield 4 from moving once it is aligned on the sheet body 12, (ii) help maintain a desired spacing between the terminal ends 12a-n, and (iii) securely mechanically and electrically connect the terminal ends 12a-n to a corresponding ground (G) terminal of the sheet body 12, although it should be understood that crimping is only a means or method to prevent the shield 4 from moving and to mechanically and electrically secure a portion of a flexible shield to a ground (G) terminal end of the sheet body.

[0071] It should be understood that an exemplary flexible shield can also be provided on the top sheet body 11, although the ground (G) terminal ends 11a-n of the sheet body 11 are bent and rolled upward (instead of downward as in the ends 12a-n).

[0072] In several embodiments of the invention, a flexible shielding element of the invention is configured to serve as an electrical and mechanical contact with a grounding (G) element of a sheet body, but not as a contact with a signal (S) element of the sheet body. For example, now referring to... Figures 6A to 6C The shielding member 4 has ends 42a, 42b, and 42c configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the grounding (G) terminal ends 12a, 12d, and 12g of the sheet body 12, but not to make contact with the signal (S) terminal ends 12b, 12c, 12e, and 12f of the sheet body 12.

[0073] Figure 6AA close-up view of an exemplary flexible shield 4 is shown. As shown, one end portion 42a, 42b of the shield 4 is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the ground (G) terminal portions 12a, 12d of the sheet body 12, but not with the signal (S) terminal portions 12b, 12c of the sheet body 12. The opposite end of the shield 4 includes a second end portion 44a-n, which is configured to make contact with a rigid shield ( Figure 6A The grounding (G) part (not shown) serves to provide electrical and mechanical contact.

[0074] Figure 6B and Figure 6C A view is shown in which the ends 42b, 42c of one end of the shield 4 are configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the ground (G) terminal ends 12d, 12g of the sheet body 12 by curling, but not with the signal (S) terminal ends 12e, 12f of the sheet body 12.

[0075] Figure 6D Exemplary dimensions of a flexible shield 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. It should be understood that... Figure 6D Each dimension shown can be modified to correspond to the construction of the grounding conductor of a transmission line to which a shield is connected.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 6E and Figure 6F The diagram shows a top view and a bottom view, respectively, showing that the terminals 12a and 12d of the grounding (G) are each formed with a recess 420a and 420d for accommodating the ends 42a and 42b of the shield 4. The recess also helps to prevent the corresponding ends 42a and 42b of the shield 4 (and the shield 4 itself) from moving.

[0077] Now refer to Figure 7 The diagram shows a side view in which the module PCB 3 is mechanically fixed and electrically connected to terminal end 11a on a top surface of the PCB 3 and terminal end 12a on a bottom surface of the PCB 3 by press fitting or other means between ends 11a and 12a. Although only one of each type of terminal end 11a-n, 12a-n is shown, it should be understood that each terminal end 11a-n, 12a-n can be mechanically and electrically connected to the module PCB 3.

[0078] Figure 7It is also shown that end 41a of one end of shield 6 is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the grounding (G) terminal end 11a of the top sheet 11, while end 42a of one end of shield 4 is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the grounding (G) terminal end 12a of the bottom sheet 12. Furthermore, as shown, the opposite ends of shields 4 and 6 respectively include second ends 44a and 43a, each second end 44a and 43a configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the ends 51a and 52a of the grounding portion of the rigid shield and the cantilever beam portions 120a and 130a of the grounded conductor. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image).

[0079] Although Figure 7 The connection between the flexible shielding elements 4 and 6 and the grounded conductor is shown, but we will utilize... Figure 7 To illustrate further functions and features of the flexible shielding element provided by the present invention. According to various embodiments of the present invention, shielding elements 4, 6 cover the corresponding portions (i.e., the first portions) of the ground (G) conductors 12a-n of the transmission line of the sheet body 12. In order to provide a required impedance to the transmission line including the differential signal (S) conductor and the resulting return loss (also Figure 7 Not shown in the text, but see, for example, see Figure 6B The ends 12b, 12c), for example, a longitudinal portion P1A of each shield 4, 6 can be constructed at a nominal distance d1 (e.g., nominally 0.15 mm) from a cantilever beam portion of a pair of differential signal (S) conductors corresponding to a transmission line, so as to affect an impedance of the transmission line.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second ends 43a, 44a of the flexible shielding members 4, 6 (e.g., opposing cantilever springs) can help mechanically separate each longitudinal portion P1A of a corresponding shielding member 4, 6 from the cantilever beam portion of each signal (S) conductor of a corresponding pair of differential signal conductors, thereby providing the required return loss for a transmission line. Therefore, the shielding members 4, 6 can function as a required common-mode reference.

[0081] More generally, in various embodiments of the invention, each longitudinal portion P of a particular flexible shielding member 1AThe shield can be constructed at a nominal distance d1 from a corresponding cantilever portion of a pair of differential signal (S) conductors to provide the required impedance and thus return loss for the transmission line. In other words, based on the required impedance or associated return loss of a given transmission line for a connector, the shield can be constructed at a specified distance d1 from a corresponding cantilever portion of each of the corresponding pair of differential signal (S) conductors, where distance d1 achieves such impedance / return loss.

[0082] Although Figure 7 The shapes shown are circular or elliptical, but it should be understood that the second ends 43a, 44a (e.g., opposing cantilever springs) can be constructed and formed in alternative shapes, provided that such alternative shapes mechanically hold a longitudinal portion P of a corresponding shield in the lengthwise direction. 1A The cantilever beam portion of the signal (S) conductor, which is mechanically separated from the corresponding pair of differential (S) conductors, is used to provide the required impedance / return loss for the transmission line.

[0083] It should be noted that, Figure 7 A side view is shown. Therefore, the portion P in the length direction... 1A This actually represents a flexible longitudinal portion of a region of the flexible shielding element 4. As mentioned earlier, in our... Figure 4A In the description, P 1A It is one of many flexible longitudinal portions of a region that substantially corresponds to a flexible body 45 that constitutes the flexible shielding element 4.

[0084] In addition to impedance effects, it is believed that the flexible shielding of the present invention affects the resonant frequency and crosstalk performance of the connector provided by the present invention.

[0085] More specifically, it can be stated that the flexible longitudinal portion P1A creates a responsive electromagnetic cavity in the longitudinal direction of the path of a signal transmitted through a conductor of a thin sheet. In particular, in several embodiments of the invention, as the length of the longitudinal portion P1A of the shield 4 gradually shortens, the resonant frequency modes generated by the corresponding resulting cavity are considered to gradually increase in frequency.

[0086] As explained in more detail below, the added mechanically welded components (see...) Figure 10A The proximity of the welded components (600a-600d) in the cavity is also believed to cause the resonant frequency within the cavity to shift to a higher frequency.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, the inventors have discovered that the flexible shields 4 and 6 shown in the figures and described herein improve crosstalk between the signal (S) conductors of the sheet bodies 11 and 12. More specifically, the lateral flexible portion P1B creates a near-Faraday cage having a near-field boundary over the differential signal (S) conductors covering the shield 4.

[0088] As previously described, the flexible shielding element and the corresponding lateral flexible portion P1B of the present invention buckle as the corresponding ground (G) conductor of a transmission line to which they are attached buckles. Therefore, this buckling capability allows a corresponding flexible shielding element to create and maintain an electromagnetic boundary that reduces the energy of an electric field generated by the signal (S) conductor of the transmission line, thereby limiting the reverse coupling of the components of this electric field with the differential signal conductor of the transmission line within an adjacent sheet body.

[0089] Now refer to Figures 8A to 8C The diagram shows that the second shield 5 includes a top portion 53a and a rear portion 53b. In one embodiment, the entire shield 5 can be considered as an electrical grounding element (G).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shield 5 may include a rigid shield. Compared to the flexible shield of the invention, for example, the rigid shield provided by the invention (such as shield 5) may be configured to resist buckling in substantially the same direction and substantially at the same time as the flexible shield, and in a substantially larger dimension than the flexible shield, and in a substantially similar direction to the buckling of the grounding (G) conductor (i.e., the cantilever beam portions 120a, 130a) of the sheet body connected to the grounding (G) conductor. In various embodiments of the invention, the rigid shield may be made of a metallic material such as a copper alloy (e.g., C70250 or C70252). Alternatively, the rigid shield may be made of a plastic. When the rigid shield is made of a metal alloy, the rigid shield may be manufactured using a metal stamping process.

[0091] In each embodiment, a rigid shield of the present invention may be configured to cover a second portion of each electrical grounding conductor (i.e., a flexible shield covers the first portion) and may be connected to a cantilever beam of a grounding (G) conductor of a sheet body, thereby providing mechanical support to the grounding conductor and providing a combined structure that resists warping and other external forces.

[0092] As shown, for example, the top 53a may include a plurality of openings 56a-n, each of which serves to alignably receive a fastened structure 55a-n (such as a deformable post or column made of plastic, such as a liquid crystal polymer or "LCP") of the first molding 54a. The combination of structures 55a-n and openings 56a-n serves to align the top 53a of the shield 50 with a top of the first molding 54a, as explained in more detail below, thereby aligning the top 53a with the grounding conductor of the sheet body 12. In one embodiment, structure 55a-n may be part of the first molding 54a.

[0093] Continue to refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B In one embodiment, the rear portion 53b of the shield 5 may be a movable portion configured to initially rotate at an obtuse angle x degrees (e.g., 115 degrees or 25 degrees counterclockwise from a geometric plane perpendicular to the top 53a) relative to the top 53a, allowing the top 53a of the shield 5 to align with the first molded member 54a and the ground conductor of the sheet body 12 before the rear portion 53b moves to align with the ground conductor of the sheet body 12. This eliminates the need to simultaneously align the top 53a and the rear portion 53b of the shield 5. In one embodiment, once the rear portion 53b has moved to the position aligned with the ground conductor of the sheet body 12, the rear portion 53b will remain there until it is connected as described below.

[0094] After aligning the top 53a, the rear 53b can then be aligned. (See reference...) Figure 8C In one embodiment, for example, the rear portion 53b may include a plurality of openings 58a-n (openings 58a-n shown below structures 57a-n), each of which serves as a second fastening structure 57a-n (a deformable post or column made of plastic, such as a liquid crystal polymer or "LCP") to receive a second molded member 54b. The combination of structures 57a-n and openings 58a-n can help align the rear portion 53b of the shield 5 with the second molded member 54b, as explained in more detail below, thereby aligning the rear portion 53b with the grounding conductor of the sheet body 12. In one embodiment, structure 57a-n may be part of the second molded member 54b.

[0095] It should be understood that while the above description focuses on aligning the top 53a of the shield 5 before aligning the rear 53b, this is merely exemplary. Alternatively, the rear 53b may be aligned before fastening the top 53a. In either case, the combination of the deformable structure and the opening serves to self-align the top 53a and rear 53b of the shields 4, 5 onto the molded parts 54a, 54b, thereby aligning the top and rear with the grounding conductor of the sheet body 12. Therefore, it can be said that the shields 4, 5 are “self-alignable” or “self-aligning”.

[0096] Next, after aligning and positioning portions 53a and 53b of the shielding member 5 as described above, they can be fixed to the corresponding molded parts 54a and 54b. Now refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B The top 53a and rear 53b of the shielding member 5 are shown as molded parts 54a and 54b fixed to the sheet body 12.

[0097] exist Figure 9A In this embodiment, for example, each of the deformable fastening structures 55a-n of the first molded member 54a, which has been received by the openings 56a-n of the shield 5 after passing through the corresponding openings 56a-n, can be deformed (i.e., flattened or "mushroom-shaped"), for example, by a heat staking process, such that the diameter of one end of this structure 55a-n is increased to a value larger than the diameter of a corresponding opening 56a-n (i.e., the deformed end is larger than the opening), to securely fasten the top 53a of the shield 5 to the first molded member 54a, which, as will be described in more detail below, is also connected to the grounding conductor of the sheet body 12. In one embodiment, for example, the molded member 54a can be constructed as a box with a structure having an outer periphery surrounding and a central opening (see...). Figure 10A ).

[0098] An exemplary hot-melting process may utilize a pulsed laser that heats each end of the structure 55a-n to deform (i.e. melt) each end, thereby increasing the diameter of that end of the structure 55a-n to a value greater than the diameter of the corresponding opening 56a-n.

[0099] The rear part 53b can be secured in the same way. For example, refer to Figure 9BEach of the deformable fastening structures 57a-n of the second molded member 54b, which has been received by the openings 58a-n of the shielding member 5 after passing through the corresponding openings 58a-n (openings 58a-n are shown on the bottom side of structure 57a-n), can be deformed (i.e., flattened or "mushroom-shaped"), for example, by a heat-melting process, to increase the diameter of one end of such structure 57a-n to a value larger than the diameter of a corresponding opening 58a-n (i.e., the deformed end is larger than the opening), so as to securely fix the rear portion 53b of the shielding member 5 to the second molded member 54b, which is also connected to the grounding conductor of the sheet body 12. As previously described, an exemplary heat-melting process can utilize a pulsed laser that heats each end of structure 57a-n to deform (i.e. melt) each end, thereby increasing the diameter of one end of such structure 57a-n to a value larger than the diameter of a corresponding opening 58a-n.

[0100] In one embodiment of the invention, although the rigid shielding element of the invention may differ geometrically from the flexible shielding element, the rigid shielding element may be connected to the sheet body 11 in the same way.

[0101] Having described exemplary flexible and rigid shielding components, we now turn to describe an exemplary connection that serves to connect two shielding components to a grounding (G) conductor of a sheet body.

[0102] Now refer to Figure 10A A side view showing an exemplary connection between a flexible shield 4 and a rigid shield 5 and a thin-film grounding (G) conductor and each other. Although Figure 10A Only the cantilever beam portion 120a-n and terminal end 12a of one of the grounding conductors of the sheet body 12 are shown, but it should be understood that the shields 4 and 5 can be connected to all the grounding (G) conductors of the sheet body 12 in the same way.

[0103] In particular, the top 53a and rear 53b of the rigid shielding member 5 can utilize molded parts 54a, 54b, deformable structures 55a, 57a, and openings 54a, 56a. Figure 10A The cantilever beam portion 120a-n is securely connected to a grounding (G) conductor of the sheet body 12 by a combination of multiple welded parts 600a-d (not shown in the figure). In one embodiment, for example, the molded part 54a includes a box-shaped structure with an opening in the middle that allows welding.

[0104] Furthermore, despite Figure 10A Four welded components 600a-d are shown, but it should be understood that more or fewer welded components may be used, as long as the integrity of the connection between the rigid shield and a grounded conductor is achieved. Figure 10AAlso shown is a second end 44a of a flexible shield 4, which is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with a cantilever beam portion 120a of a grounded (G) conductor and with an end 52a of a rigid shield 5.

[0105] By connecting the rigid shielding to the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor, the welded joint serves to increase the mechanical strength of the resulting combination of a corresponding sheet body and the rigid shielding. Furthermore, the welded joint reduces electrical resonance by creating a common grounding structure through the connection of multiple cantilever beam portions of a grounding conductor to the welded joint of the rigid shielding. This common grounding structure acts as an electrical bridge across the connector, shielding the signal within the conductor from electromagnetic interference and providing enhanced signal integrity (e.g., resonance can be improved or controlled by connecting the sheet body and the shielding, as described herein).

[0106] In several embodiments of the present invention, each weldment 600a-d can be formed by applying a converging laser beam to the weldment to melt the weldment onto a corresponding portion of the cantilever beam 120a-n and a corresponding portion of the rigid shield 5. Figure 11 An example is shown with a close-up view of an exemplary welding position, wherein an exemplary weldment 600a may be created between a portion of a rigid shield and a cantilever beam portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of a weldment may be 0.16 mm. However, it should be understood that the dimensions of the weldment may vary (e.g., a diameter of 0.2 mm).

[0107] Now refer to Figure 10B A cross-sectional view showing the connection between portions 500a and 550b of the rigid shield 5 and the cantilever portions 120b and 123b of the sheet body. Specifically, for example, weld members 600b and 600c are used to securely connect portions 5 of the rigid shield 5 to the cantilever portions 120b and 123b of the ground (G) conductor of the sheet body 12. To provide the required capacitance to the transmission line including the cantilever portions 121b and 122b of the differential signal (S) conductors, portions 500a and 500b of the rigid shield 5 should be a nominal distance d2 from each cantilever portion 121b and 122b of the signal (S) conductors, and the longitudinal portion P2 of the rigid shield 5 can be configured to be a nominal distance d3 from the cantilever portions 121b and 122b of the corresponding pair of differential signal (S) conductors. For example, in one embodiment, the distances d2 and d3 can be 0.16 mm and 0.29 mm (nominal), respectively, to provide acceptable capacitance.

[0108] More generally, in various embodiments of the invention, a portion of the rigid shield should be a nominal distance d2 from each cantilever beam portion of the signal (S) conductor of the corresponding pair of differential signal (S) conductors, and a lengthwise portion P2 of a particular rigid shield should be a nominal distance d3 from each cantilever beam portion of the signal (S) conductor of the corresponding pair of differential signal (S) conductors, so as to provide the required capacitance and generated voltage for the transmission line.

[0109] It should be understood that the shielding component 5 comprises multiple parts P2.

[0110] Similar to the flexible shielding element provided by the present invention, the rigid shielding element of the present invention can also affect the resonance and crosstalk performance of a connector 1.

[0111] More specifically, it can be said that portion P2 creates a responsive electromagnetic cavity in the longitudinal direction of the path of a signal transmitted through a conductor of a thin sheet. In particular, in several embodiments of the invention, as the length of the longitudinal portion P2 of the shield 5 gradually shortens, the resonant frequency modes generated by the corresponding resulting cavity are considered to gradually increase in frequency.

[0112] The additional mechanically welded parts (see below for more details) Figure 10A The vicinity of the welded component 600a-d is also believed to cause the resonant frequency in this cavity to shift to a higher frequency.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, the inventors have discovered that the rigid shield 5 shown in the figures and described herein improves crosstalk between the signal (S) conductors of the sheet bodies 11 and 12. More specifically, the transverse flexible portion of the shield 5 ( Figure 10B Not shown in the image, but see [link / reference]. Figure 8C A near-Faraday cage is created at the near-field boundary of the differential signal (S) conductor of a given transmission line covering the sheet body 12 of the shield 5, thereby limiting the reverse coupling of the components of this electric field with the differential signal conductor of the transmission line within an adjacent sheet body (such as sheet body 11).

[0114] Figure 10CA cross-sectional view of a portion 601 of a rigid shield 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The portion 601 may be made of a plastic and serves to mechanically support the elements of the shield 5 and the connector 1 and hold these elements together. Furthermore, the portion 601 may serve to electrically insulate the elements of the connector 1 from each other. More specifically, the portion 601 may be made of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant, which also influences (i) the electric field and thus the voltage and capacitance between (i) signal conductors 121b and 122b, (ii) between signal conductors 120b and 121b and ground conductors 122b and 123b, and (iii) between the rigid shield 5 and the signal and ground conductors 120b-123b below it.

[0115] While the benefits, advantages, and problems of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that such benefits, advantages, and problems, as well as any elements that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or problems or make such benefits, advantages, or problems more apparent, should not be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements of any or all claims appended to or derived from this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: A base; One or more thin sheets, each thin sheet including multiple signal conductors and multiple ground conductors; At least one flexible shielding element and at least one rigid shielding element, In this configuration, the terminal end of the flexible shielding member covers a first portion of each grounding conductor; the cantilevered elastic end of the flexible shielding member makes electrical and mechanical contact with the rigid shielding member; and the rigid shielding member covers a second portion of each grounding conductor. The flexible shielding also includes a flexible shielding body, and is configured to buckle in substantially the same direction and substantially simultaneously with the grounding terminal ends of the plurality of grounding conductors.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet body includes multiple top sheet bodies and multiple bottom sheet bodies, and the flexible shielding includes a first flexible shielding and a second flexible shielding. The terminal end of the first flexible shielding is in electrical and mechanical contact with the top sheet body, and the terminal end of the second flexible shielding is in electrical and mechanical contact with the bottom sheet body.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein, The cantilevered elastic ends of both the first flexible shield and the second flexible shield are in electrical and mechanical contact with the end of the grounding portion of the rigid shield and the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of cantilevered elastic ends of the flexible shielding mechanically separate the longitudinal portion of the flexible shielding body from the cantilever beam portion of the plurality of signal conductors of the corresponding sheet body by a nominal distance.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal flexible portion of the flexible shield creates a responsive electromagnetic cavity in the longitudinal direction of the path of a signal transmitted through a conductor of the sheet body, and the transverse flexible portion of the flexible shield creates a near-Faraday cage having a near-field boundary of a differential signal conductor covering the flexible shield.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible shielding member has a rectangular shape with one open end, and is configured to make electrical and mechanical contact with the terminal end of the grounding conductor of the sheet body by curling, but not with the terminal end of the signal conductor of the sheet body.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein, The terminal end of the grounding conductor is formed with a notch to accommodate the flexible shield and prevent the flexible shield from moving.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid shielding member is connected to the cantilever beam of the grounding conductor of the sheet body, thereby providing mechanical support for the grounding conductor and providing a combined structure to resist warping and other external forces.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid shielding member includes a top and a rear portion, wherein the top and the rear portion are configured to align with the grounding conductor of the corresponding sheet body.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein, The rear of the rigid shield may be a movable portion, which is configured to initially form an obtuse angle counterclockwise relative to the top.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein, The electrical connector also includes a plurality of solder joints for connecting the top and the rear to the cantilever beam portion of the grounding conductor of the corresponding sheet body.

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