connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a connector including: a pin group having a plurality of contact pins arranged in a predetermined direction; an alignment member formed to extend in the predetermined direction and having an alignment groove for aligning the plurality of contact pins at an end portion in a width direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction; and a conductive member formed to extend in the predetermined direction, coupled to the alignment member, and electrically connected to a contact pin for grounding, the alignment member having either one of a first protrusion or a first hole accommodating the first protrusion at a central region in the predetermined direction, the conductive member having the other one of the first protrusion or the first hole at the central region in the predetermined direction, and the alignment member and the conductive member being coupled by fixing the first protrusion to the first hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent the contact elements of a connector from shifting, a known technique involves aligning the front ends of continuous contacts in the width direction using an alignment member having a receiving chamber composed of a concave-convex structure (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-204165). Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-204165 discloses that the alignment member can slide relative to the housing on which the contacts are mounted, thereby making the alignment member less susceptible to thermal effects from the housing.

[0003] In recent years, the need for narrower spacing between contacts in multi-level connectors has necessitated further improvements in the heat-affected zone of the reflow soldering process (the process of heating the printed wiring board in a reflow oven).

[0004] Furthermore, since the frequency band for data transmitted through the connector is required to be high frequency (e.g., above 25 GHz), in order to ensure signal transmission characteristics in the high frequency band, it is effective to absorb noise by having a conductive component made of conductive resin contact or approach the ground pin.

[0005] However, in the case of main connectors using alignment members to align contacts and conductive members to absorb noise, the conductive members and alignment members are heated separately during the reflow soldering process. If the conductive members and alignment members have different coefficients of thermal expansion, a relative positional misalignment between them may occur, resulting in defects in the main connector. The thermal effects of the reflow soldering process become particularly significant when the spacing between contacts is narrow and the number of contact pins is large. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can ensure good high-frequency characteristics through conductive components and can suppress positional misalignment between conductive components and alignment components during the reflow soldering process, thereby ensuring the positional accuracy of the contact pins.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, the connector of the present invention employs the following methods.

[0008] The connector according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a pin group having a plurality of contact pins arranged in a predetermined direction; an alignment member formed to extend in the predetermined direction and having an alignment groove at an end in a width direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction for aligning the plurality of contact pins; and a conductive member formed to extend in the predetermined direction, connected to the alignment member and electrically connected to the contact pins for grounding, wherein the alignment member has either a first protrusion or a first hole receiving the first protrusion in a central region in the predetermined direction, and the conductive member has either the first protrusion or the first hole in the central region in the predetermined direction, and the alignment member and the conductive member are connected by fixing the first protrusion to the first hole.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the connector can ensure good high-frequency characteristics by absorbing noise through the conductive component, since the conductive component is electrically connected to the grounding contact pin.

[0010] Furthermore, in the connector according to the first aspect of the present invention, either the first protrusion or the first hole of the alignment member and either the first protrusion or the first hole of the conductive member are respectively disposed in a central region in a predetermined direction. By fixing the first protrusion to the first hole, the alignment member and the conductive member are connected to each other in the central region.

[0011] Since the alignment member and the conductive member are formed to extend in a specified direction, they thermally expand in the specified direction during the reflow soldering process. Here, because the alignment member and the conductive member are connected in the central region of the specified direction, the distance from the connection point to the end in the specified direction is shorter compared to the case where they are connected in the end region of the specified direction. This helps to suppress relative positional shift caused by the difference in thermal expansion between the alignment member and the conductive member.

[0012] Therefore, the connector according to the first aspect of the present invention can ensure good high-frequency characteristics through conductive components and can suppress positional misalignment between conductive components and alignment components in the reflow soldering process, thereby ensuring the positional accuracy of the contact pins.

[0013] The connector according to the second aspect of the present invention is further configured based on the first aspect as follows: The alignment member has either a second protrusion or a second hole receiving the second protrusion in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either a third protrusion or a third hole receiving the third protrusion in the other end region of the predetermined direction; the conductive member has either the second protrusion or the second hole in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either the third protrusion or the third hole in the other end region of the predetermined direction; the alignment member and the conductive member are connected by fixing the second protrusion to the second hole and fixing the third protrusion to the third hole; in the predetermined direction, the second hole is longer than the second protrusion, and the third hole is longer than the third protrusion.

[0014] According to the connector of the second aspect of the present invention, either a second protrusion or a second hole of the alignment member and either a second protrusion or a second hole of the conductive member are respectively disposed in one end region in a predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to each other in one end region by fixing the second protrusion to the second hole. Furthermore, either a third protrusion or a third hole of the alignment member and either a third protrusion or a third hole of the conductive member are respectively disposed in the other end region in the predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to each other in the other end region by fixing the third protrusion to the third hole. Therefore, the alignment member and the conductive member are reliably connected not only in the central region in the predetermined direction, but also in one end region and the other end region.

[0015] According to the connector of the second aspect of the present invention, in a predetermined direction, the second hole is longer than the second protrusion, and the third hole is longer than the third protrusion. Therefore, during the reflow soldering process, when there is a difference in the thermal expansion of the alignment member and the conductive member, the second protrusion moves within a range that does not contact the end of the second hole in the predetermined direction, and the third protrusion moves within a range that does not contact the end of the third hole in the predetermined direction. Therefore, even when there is a difference in the thermal expansion of the alignment member and the conductive member during the reflow soldering process, it is possible to prevent stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion from occurring due to contact between the second protrusion and the end of the second hole, and to prevent stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion from occurring due to contact between the third protrusion and the end of the third hole.

[0016] The connector involved in the third aspect of the present invention is further configured in the following manner based on the first aspect. That is, the alignment member has either a second protrusion or a second hole receiving the second protrusion in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either a third protrusion or a third hole receiving the third protrusion in the other end region of the predetermined direction; the conductive member has either the second protrusion or the second hole in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either the third protrusion or the third hole in the other end region of the predetermined direction; the first protrusion has a plurality of first ribs, which are disposed at least four times in one end, the other end, and both ends in the width direction, and extend in the height direction of the first protrusion; the second protrusion has a plurality of second ribs, which are disposed in a direction different from the predetermined direction and extend in the height direction of the second protrusion; the third protrusion has a plurality of third ribs, which are disposed in a direction different from the predetermined direction and extend in the height direction of the third protrusion; the alignment member and the conductive member are connected by pressing the first protrusion into the first hole, pressing the second protrusion into the second hole, and pressing the third protrusion into the third hole.

[0017] According to the connector of the third aspect of the present invention, since the first rib is provided at one end and the other end in a predetermined direction, the alignment member and the conductive member are positioned in the predetermined direction by pressing the first protrusion into the first hole. Furthermore, since the first rib is provided at both ends in the width direction, the alignment member and the conductive member are positioned in the width direction by pressing the first protrusion into the first hole. Thus, the alignment member and the conductive member are positioned in both the predetermined direction and the width direction, so even if the alignment member and the conductive member undergo thermal expansion, the central region of each member can be maintained in a positioned state.

[0018] Furthermore, in the connector according to the third aspect of the present invention, either the second protrusion or the second hole of the alignment member and the other of the second protrusion or the second hole of the conductive member are respectively disposed in one end region in a predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to each other in one end region by pressing the second protrusion into the second hole. Furthermore, either the third protrusion or the third hole of the alignment member and the other of the third protrusion or the third hole of the conductive member are respectively disposed in the other end region in a predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to each other in the other end region by pressing the third protrusion into the third hole. Therefore, the alignment member and the conductive member are reliably connected not only in the central region in the predetermined direction, but also in one end region and the other end region.

[0019] The connector according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is further configured in the following manner based on any one of the first to third aspects: It includes a housing for holding the pin group; the alignment member has a pair of first fixing portions protruding along the predetermined direction and fixed to the housing; the conductive member has a pair of second fixing portions protruding along the predetermined direction and fixed to the housing; in the state where the alignment member and the conductive member are connected, the pair of first fixing portions and the pair of second fixing portions are in contact; the housing has a pair of fixing grooves; the pair of fixing grooves fix the pair of first fixing portions and the pair of second fixing portions in the state where the alignment member and the conductive member are connected; by fixing the pair of first fixing portions and the pair of second fixing portions to the pair of fixing grooves, the alignment member and the conductive member are connected to the housing.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the state where the alignment member and the conductive member are connected, a pair of first fixing portions of the alignment member and a pair of second fixing portions of the conductive member are in contact and fixed to a pair of fixing grooves provided on the housing. Therefore, the state in which the alignment member and the conductive member are connected can be maintained, and the alignment member and the conductive member can be fixed to the housing.

[0021] The connector according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is further configured in the following manner based on the fourth aspect: The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to the housing by pressing a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts into a pair of fixing grooves.

[0022] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the state where the alignment member is connected to the conductive member, a pair of first fixing portions of the alignment member and a pair of second fixing portions of the conductive member are in contact and are pressed into a pair of fixing grooves provided in the housing.

[0023] Therefore, it is possible to maintain the connection between the alignment member and the conductive member, and to fix the alignment member and the conductive member to the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the module installed on the mounting base plate.

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cut line AA is shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the main connector viewed from the front and above.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the main connector viewed from the top rear.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main connector.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the main connector.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the main connector from the top rear.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of a portion of the top pin group.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of a portion of the bottom pin group.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a perspective view taken from below the back without the conductive and alignment components connected.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a perspective view taken from below the back, with the conductive and alignment components connected.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the aligned components viewed from above the back.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the aligned components from above.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the conductive component.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the first protrusion of the aligned component.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the second and third protrusions of the alignment member.

[0040] Figure 17 This is an enlarged rear view of the area near the press-in groove of the main connector after the backplate has been removed.

[0041] Figure 18 It is a magnified 3D view of the area near the press-in groove of the main connector after the backplate has been removed.

[0042] Figure 19 This is a 3D view of the back side of one end of the main connector (before backplate welding).

[0043] Figure 20 This is a 3D view of the back side of one end of the main connector (after backplate welding).

[0044] Figure 21 This is a rear view of the main connector after the backplate has been removed.

[0045] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 The cut line BB is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0046] Figure 23 Is Figure 22 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the main connector with the backplate installed.

[0047] Figure 24 This is a 3D view of the plug connector viewed from the top rear. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] In this embodiment, the connector is a device that connects the electrical connection module 320 and the mounting substrate 310 (substrate).

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, module 320 includes a plug connector substrate 321 and a housing 322 for housing the plug connector substrate 321. Furthermore, a heat sink 323 may be provided on the upper surface of the housing 322 for effective cooling.

[0051] The plug connector substrate 321 is electrically connected to the mounting substrate 310 via the main connector 100 mounted on the mounting substrate 310 and the plug connector 200 connecting the main connector 100 and the plug connector substrate 321.

[0052] The connectors in this embodiment are the main connector 100 and / or the plug connector 200 described above. These connectors are designed for ultra-high-speed transmission.

[0053] In addition, the "ultra-high-speed transmission" mentioned here refers to, for example, high-speed transmission exceeding 100Gbps based on PMA4 modulation.

[0054] (Main Connector)

[0055] The main connector 100 will be described below.

[0056] <Overview of the structure of the main connector>

[0057] The main connector 100 is a connector that is mounted on the mounting base plate 310 and into which the plug connector 200 is inserted. That is, it is a connector used to connect the mounting base plate 310 and the plug connector 200.

[0058] like Figures 3 to 7As shown, the main connector 100 includes a housing 110, a top pin group 120, a bottom pin group 130, a conductive member 140, an alignment member 150, and a backplate 160 (back panel member).

[0059] The housing 110 is a component with a generally rectangular shape, which houses and holds the top pin group 120, the bottom pin group 130, the conductive member 140, and the alignment member 150.

[0060] The outer casing 110 is molded from resin or the like and is not conductive.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a plug insertion space 112 and a component receiving space 114 are formed inside the housing 110.

[0062] A front opening 111 communicating with the plug insertion space 112 is provided on the front of the housing 110.

[0063] The back and a portion of the lower surface of the housing 110 have a back opening 113 that communicates with the component receiving space 114.

[0064] The plug insertion space 112 is a space for the plug connector 200 to be inserted through the front opening 111.

[0065] The component receiving space 114 is a space that receives the conductive component 140 and the alignment component 150.

[0066] Furthermore, each contact pin of the top pin group 120 and the bottom pin group 130 is housed in the plug insertion space 112 and the component housing space 114.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, the top pin group 120 is a group of contact pins formed by arranging a plurality of top ground pins 121 and a plurality of top signal pins 122 in a specified direction.

[0068] In the top pin group 120, multiple top ground pins 121 and multiple top signal pins 122 are arranged according to a specified rule. Details are described later.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the arrangement direction of each contact pin in the top pin group 120 is consistent with the length direction of the housing 110.

[0070] The top grounding pin 121 is an elongated metal terminal for achieving conductivity, having a mounting portion 121a, an upright portion 121b, and a generally straight portion 121c.

[0071] Mounting portion 121a is a portion mounted on mounting substrate 310, extending horizontally on the base end side of top ground pin 121.

[0072] The erected portion 121b is at approximately a right angle from the mounting portion 121a (in Figure 8 The part that stands upright (approximately vertical). The length of the upright part 121b is sufficiently larger than the length of the mounting part 121a.

[0073] The roughly straight section 121c is from the upright section 121b at a roughly right angle (in) Figure 8 The middle part extends in a roughly horizontal direction.

[0074] The length of the generally straight portion 121c is sufficiently larger than the length of the mounting portion 121a. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length of the generally straight portion 121c is greater than the length of the erected portion 121b.

[0075] A plug insertion space 112 is formed on the front end side of the generally straight portion 121c (see reference). Figure 5 The contact portion 121d is bent into a convex shape. The contact portion 121d becomes a contact with the top grounding pin of the plug connector 200, described later. (As...) Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the generally straight portion 121c, including the contact portion 121d, extends into the plug insertion space 112.

[0076] The top signal pin 122 is a slender metal terminal for achieving conduction, having a mounting portion 122a, an upright portion 122b, and a generally straight portion 122c.

[0077] The structure of mounting portion 122a, erecting portion 122b, and generally straight portion 122c is the same as that of mounting portion 121a, erecting portion 121b, and generally straight portion 121c of the top grounding pin 121.

[0078] Additionally, the contact portion 122d formed in the generally straight section 122c becomes a contact with the top signal pin of the plug connector 200 described later.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown, the bottom pin group 130 is a group of contact pins formed by arranging a plurality of bottom ground pins 131 and a plurality of bottom signal pins 132 in a specified direction.

[0080] Multiple bottom ground pins 131 and multiple bottom signal pins 132 are arranged in the bottom pin group 130. Details will be described later.

[0081] like Figure 7As shown, the arrangement direction of each contact pin in the bottom pin group 130 is consistent with the length direction of the housing 110.

[0082] The bottom grounding pin 131 is a slender metal terminal for achieving conductivity, having a mounting portion 131a, an upright portion 131b, and a generally straight portion 131c.

[0083] Mounting portion 131a is a portion mounted on mounting substrate 310, extending horizontally on the base end side of bottom ground pin 131.

[0084] The erected portion 131b is at approximately a right angle from the mounting portion 131a (in Figure 9 The part that stands upright (approximately vertical). The length of the upright part 131b is greater than the length of the mounting part 131a.

[0085] The roughly straight section 131c is the part that extends from the upright section 131b at a roughly right angle (roughly horizontal in the figure).

[0086] The length of the generally straight portion 131c is sufficiently larger than the length of the mounting portion 131a. Furthermore, the length of the generally straight portion 131c is greater than the length of the erected portion 131b.

[0087] A plug insertion space 112 is formed on the front end side of the generally straight portion 131c (see reference). Figure 5 The contact portion 131d is bent into a convex shape. The contact portion 131d becomes the contact point with the bottom grounding pin of the plug connector 200, described later. (As...) Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the generally straight portion 131c, including the contact portion 131d, extends into the plug insertion space 112.

[0088] The bottom signal pin 132 is a slender metal terminal for achieving conduction, having a mounting portion 132a, an upright portion 132b, and a generally straight portion 132c.

[0089] The structure of mounting portion 132a, erecting portion 132b, and generally straight portion 132c is the same as that of mounting portion 131a, erecting portion 131b, and generally straight portion 131c of bottom grounding pin 131.

[0090] Additionally, the contact portion 132d formed in the generally straight section 132c becomes a contact with the bottom signal pin of the plug connector 200 described later.

[0091] With the top pin group 120 and bottom pin group 130 assembled in the housing 110 and the main connector 100 mounted on the mounting substrate 310, as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the top pin group 120 (more specifically, generally straight portions 121c and 122c) is configured within the housing 110 to be positioned above and opposite the bottom pin group 130 (more specifically, generally straight portions 131c and 132c).

[0092] In other words, the bottom pin group 130 is configured within the housing 110 to be positioned downwards and opposite to the top pin group 120. That is, when the main connector 100 is mounted on the mounting substrate 310, the bottom pin group 130 is positioned closer to the mounting substrate 310 (on the mounting substrate 310 side) than the top pin group 120.

[0093] like Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the conductive component 140 is a block-shaped component that is approximately rectangular.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, the conductive member 140 is housed in the member housing space 114 inside the housing 110 with the alignment member 150 mounted on the lower surface.

[0095] The conductive component 140 is a component having a specified conductivity, for example, molded from a resin in which conductive particles are dispersed or an antistatic resin. The "specified conductivity" referred to here is, for example, 10 S / m or more and 200 S / m or less, preferably 30 S / m or more and 150 S / m or less.

[0096] The conductive member 140 is formed to extend in the length direction (prescribed direction) LD, connect with the alignment member 150, and be electrically connected to the top ground pin (grounding contact pin) 121 of the top pin group 120 and the bottom ground pin (grounding contact pin) 131 of the bottom pin group 130, and is a member that makes these pins conductive.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, the conductive member 140 has a first hole 140a, a second hole 140b, and a third hole 140c extending along the height direction HD at its lower end. Figure 14 As shown in the bottom view, the first hole 140a is disposed in the central region CA of the conductive member 140 along the longitudinal direction LD. The second hole 140b is disposed in the end region EA1 (one end side region) of the conductive member 140 along the longitudinal direction LD. The third hole 140c is disposed in the end region EA2 (the other end side region) of the conductive member 140 along the longitudinal direction LD.

[0098] like Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 10 to 12As shown, the alignment member 150 is formed to extend along the length direction LD of the contact pins of the top pin group 120 and the bottom pin group 130, and is a generally rectangular plate-shaped member. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the length of the alignment member 150 in the length direction LD is longer than the length of the width direction WD, which is orthogonal to the length direction LD.

[0099] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the alignment member 150 is housed in the member housing space 114 inside the housing 110 in a state of being mounted on the lower surface of the conductive member 140.

[0100] Alignment member 150 is molded from resin or the like and is a non-conductive member that is not conductive.

[0101] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a plurality of back-side alignment grooves 151 are formed at intervals along the length direction LD at one end of the alignment member 150 on one side of the width direction WD (back opening 113 side). In addition, a plurality of front-side alignment grooves 152 are formed at intervals along the length direction LD at the other end of the alignment member 150 on the other side of the width direction WD (front opening 111 side).

[0102] Each front side alignment groove 152 aligns multiple contact pins at equal intervals by accommodating each contact pin that constitutes the bottom pin group 130.

[0103] Each rear side alignment groove 151 aligns multiple contact pins at equal intervals by accommodating each contact pin that constitutes the top pin group 120.

[0104] like Figure 12 As shown, the alignment member 150 has a plate-shaped main body 150d and a first protrusion 150a, a second protrusion 150b, and a third protrusion 150c protruding from the main body 150d in the height direction HD. The first protrusion 150a is disposed in the central region CA of the main body 150d in the length direction LD. The second protrusion 150b is disposed in the end region EA1 (one end side region) of the main body 150d in the length direction LD. The third protrusion 150c is disposed in the end region EA2 (the other end side region) of the main body 150d in the length direction LD.

[0105] The alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected by pressing a first protrusion 150a into a first hole 140a, pressing a second protrusion 150b into a second hole 140b, and pressing a third protrusion 150c into a third hole 140c.

[0106] like Figure 13As shown in the top view, the first protrusion 150a, the second protrusion 150b, and the third protrusion 150c of the alignment member 150 are circular in top view. The outer diameters of the first protrusion 150a, the second protrusion 150b, and the third protrusion 150c are ODa, ODb, and ODc, respectively. ODa, ODb, and ODc may have the same outer diameter, for example, but they may also have different outer diameters.

[0107] like Figure 15 As shown, the first protrusion 150a has four portions: one end in the length direction LD, the other end in the length direction LD, and both ends in the width direction WD. The first ribs 150a1 extend in the height direction HD of the first protrusion 150a and protrude radially outward from the center of the first protrusion 150a. Furthermore, Figure 15 An example is shown in which the first rib 150a1 is arranged at 90-degree intervals in four locations, but it can also be arranged in any location with more than four locations (e.g., eight locations at 45-degree intervals).

[0108] like Figure 14 As shown, the first hole 140a of the conductive member 140 is a circular hole with an inner diameter IDa when viewed from above. Figure 15 As shown, the outer diameter ODa of the first protrusion 150a is smaller than the inner diameter IDa of the first hole 140a. On the other hand, the outer diameter ODd of the first protrusion 150a, which is positioned at a distance of 180 degrees from the first ribs 150a1, is larger than the inner diameter IDa of the first hole 140a.

[0109] Therefore, when the first protrusion 150a is inserted into the first hole 140a, the front end of the first rib 150a1 partially deforms, pressing the first protrusion 150a into the first hole 140a. The first protrusion 150a is in a state where each of the four first ribs 150a1 at 90-degree intervals contacts the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 140a, thus the alignment member 150 is fixed so that it will not move relative to the conductive member 140 in both the length direction LD and the width direction WD.

[0110] like Figure 16 As shown, the second protrusion 150b has two second ribs 150b1 at both ends in a direction different from the length direction LD, i.e., the width direction WD. The second ribs 150b1 extend in the height direction HD of the second protrusion 150b and protrude radially outward from the center of the second protrusion 150b. The third protrusion 150c has three third ribs 150c1 at both ends in a direction different from the length direction LD, i.e., the width direction WD. The third ribs 150c1 extend in the height direction HD of the third protrusion 150c and protrude radially outward from the center of the third protrusion 150c.

[0111] The second hole 140b of the conductive member 140 is a generally elliptical or circular hole with an inner diameter of IDb1 in the length direction LD and an inner diameter of IDb2 in the width direction WD. The inner diameter IDb1 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter IDb2. The inner diameter IDb1 is preferably in the range of more than one and less than two times the inner diameter IDb2. The third hole 140c of the conductive member 140 is a generally elliptical or circular hole with an inner diameter of IDc1 in the length direction LD and an inner diameter of IDc2 in the width direction WD. The inner diameter IDc1 is the same as or larger than the inner diameter IDc2. The inner diameter IDc1 is preferably in the range of more than one and less than two times the inner diameter IDc2.

[0112] like Figure 16 As shown, the outer diameter ODb of the second protrusion 150b is smaller than the inner diameter IDb2 of the second hole 140b in the width direction WD. On the other hand, the outer diameter ODe of the second protrusion 150b located at a position where a pair of second ribs 150b1 are spaced 180 degrees apart is larger than the inner diameter IDb2 of the second hole 140b in the width direction WD. The outer diameter ODc of the third protrusion 150c is smaller than the inner diameter IDc2 of the third hole 140c in the width direction WD. On the other hand, the outer diameter ODf of the third protrusion 150c located at a position where a pair of third ribs 150c1 are spaced 180 degrees apart is larger than the inner diameter IDc2 of the third hole 140c in the width direction WD.

[0113] Therefore, when the second protrusion 150b is inserted into the second hole 140b, the front end of the second rib 150b1 partially deforms, pressing the second protrusion 150b into the second hole 140b. The second protrusion 150b is in a state where each of the two ribs 150b1 at 180-degree intervals contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 140b, thus the alignment member 150 is fixed so that it does not rotate relative to the conductive member 140 about the first protrusion 150a.

[0114] Furthermore, when the third protrusion 150c is inserted into the third hole 140c, the front end of the third rib 150c1 partially deforms, pressing the third protrusion 150c into the third hole 140c. The third protrusion 150c is in a state where each of the two third ribs 150c1 at 180-degree intervals contacts the inner circumferential surface of the third hole 140c, thus the alignment member 150 is fixed so that it does not rotate relative to the conductive member 140 about the first protrusion 150a.

[0115] like Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown, in this embodiment, along the length direction LD, the second hole 140b of the conductive member 140 is longer than the second protrusion 150b of the alignment member 150, and the third hole 140c of the conductive member 140 is longer than the third protrusion 150c of the alignment member 150. This is because, during the reflow soldering process, even if there is a difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140, it is possible to prevent stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion caused by contact between the end of the second protrusion 150b and the second hole 140b, and stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion caused by contact between the end of the third protrusion 150c and the third hole 140c.

[0116] like Figure 13 As shown, in the alignment member 150 at room temperature without performing a reflow soldering process, the distance LD in the longitudinal direction from the center of the first protrusion 150a to the center of the second protrusion 150b and the distance LD in the longitudinal direction from the center of the first protrusion 150a to the center of the third protrusion 150c are L1, respectively.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the conductive component 140 at room temperature without the reflow soldering process, the distance LD in the longitudinal direction from the center of the first hole 140a to the center of the second hole 140b and the distance LD in the longitudinal direction from the center of the first hole 140a to the center of the third hole 140c are L2, respectively.

[0118] Distances L1 and L2 are set such that, when the first protrusion 150a is pressed into the first hole 140a, the second protrusion 150b does not contact the end of the second hole 140b along the length direction LD, and the third protrusion 150c does not contact the end of the third hole 140c along the length direction LD. For example, distance L1 is set to be equal to distance L2.

[0119] Figure 16 This illustrates the state of the conductive component 140 and the alignment component 150 connected at room temperature before the reflow soldering process was performed. Figure 16 As shown, at room temperature, a space is formed between the end of the second protrusion 150b along its length LD and the end of the second hole 140b along its length LD. Similarly, at room temperature, a space is formed between the end of the third protrusion 150c along its length LD and the end of the third hole 140c along its length LD.

[0120] During the reflow soldering process, when heating is performed with the conductive member 140 and the alignment member 150 connected, due to the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the conductive member 140 and the alignment member 150, the thermal elongation LD in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 140 may be greater than that in the longitudinal direction of the alignment member 150. Conversely, the thermal elongation LD in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 140 may be less than that in the longitudinal direction of the alignment member 150.

[0121] In this case, the position of the second protrusion 150b relative to the second hole 140b moves along the length direction LD, and the position of the third protrusion 150c relative to the third hole 140c moves along the length direction LD. However, gaps are formed in the length direction LD between the second hole 140b and the second protrusion 150b, and between the third hole 140c and the third protrusion 150c, thus preventing the ends of the second protrusion 150b and the second hole 140b in the length direction LD, and the ends of the third protrusion 150c and the third hole 140c in the length direction LD.

[0122] In the above description, a first protrusion 150a, a second protrusion 150b, and a third protrusion 150c are formed on the alignment member 150, and a first hole 140a, a second hole 140b, and a third hole 140c are formed on the conductive member 140, but other arrangements are also possible. For example, the first hole 140a, the second hole 140b, and the third hole 140c may be formed on the alignment member 150, and the first protrusion 150a, the second protrusion 150b, and the third protrusion 150c may be formed on the conductive member 140.

[0123] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the backplate 160 is a block-shaped component with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown, the back panel 160 is mounted on the back of the housing 110 in such a way that it closes the back opening 113 of the housing 110.

[0125] The back plate 160 is molded from, for example, resin. The back plate 160 can be a conductive component or a non-conductive component.

[0126] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main connector 100 is formed by assembling the housing 110, top pin group 120, bottom pin group 130, conductive member 140, alignment member 150 and back plate 160 constructed in the above manner.

[0127] At this time, as Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, the assembly of conductive member 140 and alignment member 150 (refer to...) Figure 11 They are fixed to the housing 110 by pressing their two ends into the pressing grooves (fixing grooves) 116 formed on the two inner sides of the housing 110.

[0128] Specifically, the extrusion ribs 116a formed on the upper surface of the press-in groove 116 are flattened by the conductive member 140, thereby pressing both ends of the component into the press-in groove 116.

[0129] like Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the alignment member 150 has a pair of first fixing portions 150e and 150f that protrude along the length direction LD and are fixed to the housing 110. The conductive member 140 has a pair of second fixing portions 140e and 140f that protrude along the length direction LD and are fixed to the housing 110. Figure 11 As shown, when the alignment member 150 is connected to the conductive member 140, a pair of first fixing parts 150e, 150f and a pair of second fixing parts 140e, 140f are in contact.

[0130] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, with the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 connected, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected to the housing 110 by pressing the first fixing part 150e and the second fixing part 140e into the pressing groove 116. Although the figure is omitted, with the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 connected, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected to the housing 110 by pressing the first fixing part 150f and the second fixing part 140f into the pressing groove (a groove identical to the pressing groove 116 is formed at the end of the length direction LD of the housing 110).

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the bottom pin group 130 is pressed and fixed to the housing 110 in a state where it is positioned by the alignment member 150 fixed to the housing 110.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, approximately semi-circular protrusions 115 (protruding downwards) are formed at both ends of the outer casing 110. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, approximately semi-circular protrusions 143 (convex upwards) are formed at both ends of the conductive member 140.

[0133] And, as Figure 19 As shown, when the assembly of the conductive member 140 and the alignment member 150 is housed in the housing 110, each protrusion 115 and each protrusion 143 overlap, thereby forming an axial portion at each end.

[0134] And, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the back plate 160 is fixed to the back of the housing 110 by means of the front ends of each shaft being inserted into the fixing holes 162 formed at both ends of the back plate 160.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the top pin group 120 is pressed and fixed by the back plate 160 while being positioned by the alignment member 150 fixed to the housing 110.

[0136] In the main connector 100 constructed in the manner described above, as Figure 3 As shown, the fixing accessory 170 and each contact pin installed on the housing 110 are soldered to the mounting base 310.

[0137] By soldering the fixing fitting 170 to the mounting base 310, the main connector 100 can be rigidly fixed to the mounting base 310. In addition, by soldering each contact pin to the mounting base 310, the main connector 100 can be fixed to the mounting base 310, and each contact pin can be electrically connected to the mounting base 310.

[0138] <Detailed information regarding the arrangement of contact pins and the configuration of pin groups>

[0139] like Figure 8 As shown, in the top pin group 120, when the top ground pin 121 is set to "G" and the top signal pin 122 is set to "S", the contact pins are arranged in the manner of GSSGGSSG-...-GSSG. That is, there are multiple groups of GSSGs of the two top signal pins 122 forming a differential pair arranged between the two top ground pins 121 in a specified direction. At this time, the G located at the end (e.g., the right end) of the first group is adjacent to the G located at the end (e.g., the left end) of the second group.

[0140] In this embodiment, such an arrangement is referred to as a "dual-grounding structure". By adopting a dual-grounding structure, crosstalk during ultra-high-speed transmission can be reduced.

[0141] like Figure 9 As shown, in the bottom pin group 130, the bottom pin group 130 has, for example, portions arranged in a manner of GSSGSSG-…-SSG.

[0142] As described above, by configuring the top pin group 120 (specifically, the generally straight portions 121c and 122c) within the housing 110 at a position higher than the bottom pin group 130 (specifically, the generally straight portions 131c and 132c), such that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there is a margin in space above the top pin group 120.

[0143] On the other hand, since there is a mounting substrate 310 on the bottom pin group 130 side, there is no space available.

[0144] Because high-speed signals are configured on the top pin group 120 with a dual ground structure, the top pin group 120 is more prone to heat generation than the bottom pin group 130 during ultra-high-speed transmission. However, by configuring the top pin group 120 higher than the bottom pin group 130, the heat sink 323 for cooling the top pin group 120 can be configured in the secured space.

[0145] In other words, the top pin group 120, which is prone to heat generation, is actively configured above the housing 110, which has ample space and is easy to install heat sinks 323, etc.

[0146] Alternatively, the dual-ground structure can be used only in the top pin group 120, or in both the top pin group 120 and the bottom pin group 130.

[0147] <Details regarding conductive components>

[0148] Figure 21 The image shows a rear view of the main connector 100 with the backplate 160 removed. Additionally, Figure 22 The middle shows Figure 21 The cut line BB is shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0149] like Figure 10 and Figure 22 As shown, a plurality of back-side contact protrusions 141 are formed on the back side of the conductive member 140.

[0150] The back side contact protrusion 141 is a protrusion that extends along the height direction (thickness direction) of the conductive member 140 and is formed at equal intervals throughout the length direction of the conductive member 140.

[0151] like Figure 5 and Figure 22 As shown, the rear side contact protrusion 141 is electrically connected to the front side of the raised portion 121b of the two adjacent top ground pins 121 in the top pin group 120. Thus, the top ground pins 121 are electrically connected to the conductive member 140, thereby enabling noise attenuation.

[0152] Here, the rear side contact protrusion 141 can either physically contact the top ground pin 121 or have a small gap between it and the top ground pin 121. The term "small gap" here refers to a gap that separates the distance for high-frequency electrical connections above 1 GHz, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0153] In addition, the rear side contact protrusion 141 is neither physically in contact with nor electrically connected to the top signal pin 122.

[0154] A strip-shaped protrusion 141a (protruding shape) is formed on the surface of the contact protrusion 141 on the back side.

[0155] The strip protrusion 141a is an elongated protrusion extending along the height direction (thickness direction) of the conductive member 140, and one is formed in the central region of each back side contact protrusion 141.

[0156] The strip protrusion 141a protrudes between the top ground pin 121 and the top ground pin 121, thereby increasing the area of ​​the conductive member 140 opposite to the top ground pin 121.

[0157] like Figure 10 and Figure 22 As shown, a plurality of front-side contact protrusions 142 are formed on the front side of the conductive member 140.

[0158] The front side contact protrusion 142 is a protrusion that extends along the height direction (thickness direction) of the conductive member 140 and is formed at equal intervals along the length direction of the conductive member 140.

[0159] like Figure 5 and Figure 22 As shown, the front-side contact protrusion 142 is electrically connected to the back side of the raised portion 131b of the bottom ground pin 131 of the bottom pin group 130. Thus, the bottom ground pin 131 is electrically connected to the conductive member 140, thereby enabling noise attenuation.

[0160] Here, the front-side contact protrusion 142 can either physically contact the bottom ground pin 131 or have a small gap between it and the bottom ground pin 131. The term "small gap" here refers to a gap that separates the distance for high-frequency electrical connections above 1 GHz, for example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0161] In addition, the front side contact protrusion 142 and the bottom signal pin 132 are neither physically in contact nor electrically connected.

[0162] Furthermore, when the bottom pin group 130 adopts a dual grounding structure, the front side contact protrusion 142 can also be made to have the same shape as the back side contact protrusion 141.

[0163] like Figure 5 As shown, the dimension of the conductive member 140 in the height direction is more than 50% of the dimension of the upright portion 121b of the top grounding pin 121.

[0164] Therefore, the back side contact protrusion 141 (including the strip protrusion 141a) contacts more than 50% of the area of ​​the raised portion 121b that extends across the top ground pin 121.

[0165] Furthermore, in order to achieve this, the conductive member 140 needs to be increased in the height direction. In this case, the proportion of the conductive member 140 occupying the component housing space 114 inside the housing 110 will necessarily increase.

[0166] This improves the noise attenuation performance of the conductive component 140.

[0167] In addition, the conductive component 140 preferably occupies 50% to 90% of the component housing space 114.

[0168] <Details about the back panel>

[0169] exist Figure 23 The text is a jumbled collection of characters and phrases, seemingly from different sources and lacking coherent sentences. A direct translation wouldn't be meaningful. Figure 22 The backplate 160 is shown mounted on the main connector 100.

[0170] like Figure 23 As shown, a plurality of contact protrusions 161 are formed on the front side of the back plate 160.

[0171] The contact protrusion 161 is a protrusion that extends along the height direction (thickness direction) of the back plate 160 and is formed at equal intervals along the length direction of the back plate 160.

[0172] like Figure 5 and Figure 23 As shown, the contact protrusion 161 contacts the back side of the raised portion 121b of the two adjacent top ground pins 121 in the top pin group 120.

[0173] like Figure 23 As shown, the position of the contact protrusion 161 corresponds to the position of the back side contact protrusion 141, so the top ground pin 121 can be clamped between the contact protrusion 161 and the back side contact protrusion 141. Thus, the top ground pin 121 can be pressed against the back side contact protrusion 141, thereby improving contact.

[0174] Furthermore, the conductive member 140 is pressed towards the bottom ground pin 131 by the pressing force applied from the back plate 160 to the top ground pin 121, thus enabling the front side contact protrusion 142 to be pressed against the bottom ground pin 131, thereby improving contact.

[0175] A strip-shaped protrusion 161a is formed on the surface of the contact protrusion 161.

[0176] The strip protrusion 161a is a slender protrusion extending along the height direction (thickness direction) of the back plate 160, and one is formed in the central region of each contact protrusion 161.

[0177] The strip protrusion 161a protrudes between the top ground pin 121 and the top ground pin 121, thereby increasing the area of ​​the back plate 160 opposite to the top ground pin 121.

[0178] (Plug Connector)

[0179] The plug connector 200 will be described below.

[0180] <An overview of the structure of the plug connector>

[0181] The plug connector 200 is a connector that is inserted into the main connector 100 and into the plug connector base plate 321. That is, it is a connector used to connect the main connector 100 and the plug connector base plate 321.

[0182] like Figure 24 As shown, the plug connector 200 includes a housing 210, a top pin group 220, and a bottom pin group (not shown).

[0183] The housing 210 is a component having a plate-shaped portion 211 and a protrusion 212 protruding from the back of the plate-shaped portion 211, which houses and holds the top pin group 120 and the bottom pin group.

[0184] The outer casing 210 is molded from resin or the like and is not conductive.

[0185] (The function and effect of connectors)

[0186] The main connector 100 in this embodiment has the following functions and effects.

[0187] According to the connector of this embodiment, the first protrusion 150a of the alignment member 150 and the first hole 140a of the conductive member 140 are respectively provided in the central region CA of the length direction LD. By pressing the first protrusion 150a into the first hole 140a, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected to each other in the central region CA.

[0188] Since the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are respectively formed to extend along the length direction LD, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 thermally expand along the length direction LD during the reflow soldering process. Here, since the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected in the central region CA of the length direction LD, the distance from the connection position to the end of the length direction LD is shorter than the case where they are connected in the end regions EA1 and EA2 of the length direction LD. This can suppress the relative positional shift caused by the difference in the amount of thermal expansion of the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140.

[0189] Therefore, the main connector 100 according to this embodiment can provide a connector that absorbs noise by electrically connecting the grounding contact pin to the conductive member, improves high-frequency characteristics, and suppresses the relative positional offset between the conductive member 140 and the alignment member 150 in the reflow soldering process.

[0190] According to the main connector 100 of this embodiment, the second protrusion 150b of the alignment member 150 and the second hole 140b of the conductive member 140 are respectively provided in one end region along the length direction. By pressing the second protrusion 150b into the second hole 140b, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected to each other in one end region. Furthermore, the third protrusion 150c of the alignment member 150 and the third hole 140c of the conductive member 140 are respectively provided in the other end region along the length direction LD. By pressing the third protrusion 150c into the third hole 140c, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are connected to each other in the other end region. Therefore, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are reliably connected in one end region and the other end region, except for the central region CA along the length direction LD.

[0191] According to the main connector 100 of this embodiment, in the length direction LD, the second hole 140b is longer than the second protrusion 150b, and the third hole 140c is longer than the third protrusion 150c. Therefore, in the reflow soldering process, when there is a difference in the thermal expansion of the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140, the second protrusion 150b moves within a range that does not contact the end of the second hole 140b in the length direction LD, and the third protrusion 150c moves within a range that does not contact the end of the third hole 140c in the length direction LD. Therefore, in the reflow soldering process, even when there is a difference in the thermal expansion of the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140, it is possible to prevent the second protrusion from contacting the end of the second hole and generating stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion, and to prevent the third protrusion 150c from contacting the end of the third hole 140c and generating stress corresponding to the difference in thermal expansion.

[0192] According to the main connector 100 of this embodiment, since the first rib 150a1 is provided at one end and the other end of the length direction LD, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are positioned in the length direction LD by pressing the first protrusion 150a into the first hole 140a. Furthermore, since the first rib 150a1 is provided at both ends of the width direction WD, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are positioned in the width direction WD by pressing the first protrusion 150a into the first hole 140a. Thus, the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 are positioned in both the length direction LD and the width direction WD, so even if the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 thermally expand, the central region CA of each member can be maintained in a positioned state.

[0193] According to the main connector 100 of this embodiment, when the alignment member 150 is connected to the conductive member 140, a pair of first fixing portions 150e and 150f of the alignment member 150 and a pair of second fixing portions 140e and 140f of the conductive member 140 are in contact and are pressed into a pair of pressing grooves 116 provided in the housing 110. Therefore, the connection between the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 can be maintained, and the alignment member 150 and the conductive member 140 can be fixed to the housing 110.

[0194] In addition, in the above embodiments, the dual grounding structure of the top pin groups 120 and 220 is not a necessary structure.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a pin group having a plurality of contact pins arranged in a predetermined direction; An alignment member is formed to extend in the predetermined direction and has an alignment groove at its end in a width direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction for aligning the plurality of contact pins. The alignment member is molded from resin and is a non-conductive member that is not conductive. The connector includes a conductive member extending in the predetermined direction, connected to the alignment member, and electrically connected to the grounding contact pin. The conductive member is molded from resin and has a predetermined conductivity. The alignment member has either a first protrusion or a first hole receiving the first protrusion in a central region in the predetermined direction, and the conductive member has either the first protrusion or the first hole in the central region of the predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected by fixing the first protrusion to the first hole. The connector includes a housing for holding the pin assembly. The alignment member has a pair of first fixing portions protruding along the predetermined direction and fixed to the housing, and the conductive member has a pair of second fixing portions protruding along the predetermined direction and fixed to the housing. When the alignment member is connected to the conductive member, a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts are in contact. The housing has a pair of fixing grooves, which fix the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts when the alignment member is connected to the conductive member. By fixing the pair of first fixing parts and the pair of second fixing parts to the pair of fixing grooves, the alignment member and the conductive member are connected to the housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment member has either a second protrusion or a second hole receiving the second protrusion in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either a third protrusion or a third hole receiving the third protrusion in the other end region of the predetermined direction. The conductive member has either the second protrusion or the second hole in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either the third protrusion or the third hole in the other end region of the predetermined direction. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected by fixing the second protrusion to the second hole and fixing the third protrusion to the third hole. In the predetermined direction, the second hole is longer than the second protrusion, and the third hole is longer than the third protrusion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment member has either a second protrusion or a second hole receiving the second protrusion in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either a third protrusion or a third hole receiving the third protrusion in the other end region of the predetermined direction. The conductive member has either the second protrusion or the second hole in one end region of the predetermined direction, and either the third protrusion or the third hole in the other end region of the predetermined direction. The first protrusion has a plurality of first ribs, which are disposed at least four times in one end, the other end, and both ends in the width direction, and extend in the height direction of the first protrusion. The second protrusion has a plurality of second ribs, which are disposed in a direction different from the predetermined direction and extend in the height direction of the second protrusion. The third protrusion has a plurality of third ribs, which are disposed in a direction different from the predetermined direction and extend in the height direction of the third protrusion. The alignment member and the conductive member are connected by pressing the first protrusion into the first hole, pressing the second protrusion into the second hole, and pressing the third protrusion into the third hole.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment member and the conductive member are connected to the housing by pressing a pair of first fixing parts and a pair of second fixing parts into a pair of fixing grooves.

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