Connector flexible shield with curl

Abstract

An input / output (I / O) connector includes at least one flexible shield. The flexible shield includes an elongate body having a plurality of cutout regions defining a first elongate shield edge and a second elongate shield edge; a plurality of connection portions disposed between the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge; and a plurality of spring sheets protruding from at least one of the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge. A first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is raised relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, and a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body. A portion of the plurality of connections includes a sheet defining a channel offset from the flat surface of the elongated body, with a respective terminal located in the channel. The respective terminals may include a ground terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a flexible shielding component of a connector with a curling portion. Background Art

[0002] A range of input / output (I / O) connectors are designed for interconnect systems including power, data, and both power and data for board-to-board, wire-to-wire, and wire-to-board systems. Numerous designs exist for each type of system, depending on the environmental requirements for power and data communications in which the connector is used. As an example, designing interconnect system connectors for high data rate applications where physical space is constrained can be challenging due to many competing concerns. High data rate interconnect systems often rely on differentially coupled signal pairs, in which two conductors are arranged as a pair to transmit a differential signal. The signal being transmitted is embodied by the measured electrical difference between the conductor pairs.

[0003] Differential signaling can help avoid parasitic signals and crosstalk and avoid unintentional signaling modes between adjacent signal pairs. In connector interfaces, ground terminals can be used to create a return path for electrical grounding, provide shielding between differential pairs, and for other purposes. Connectors used in high data rate applications are typically designed to meet a range of mechanical and electrical requirements. High data rate connectors often require very high conductor density and data rates. In order to achieve the required mechanical and electrical requirements, connectors used in such applications often incorporate one or more thin-film components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various aspects of a connector including one or more flexible shields are disclosed. In a first aspect, an input / output connector includes: a base; a plurality of terminals disposed in the base, wherein the plurality of terminals form a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals opposing each other, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals being configured to engage a plurality of conductive pads on opposite sides of a card; a first flexible shield positioned above the first row of terminals; and a second flexible shield positioned below the second row of terminals. The first flexible shield and the second flexible shield each include: an elongated body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shield edge and a second elongated shield edge; a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge; and a plurality of spring tabs protruding from at least one of the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge.

[0005] In one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, and a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body.

[0006] In one embodiment, a portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes a sheet defining a channel, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is located in a channel of the connecting portions in the second subset.

[0007] In one embodiment, the sheet of the first flexible shield located above the terminals of the first row is rolled up to form a channel facing downward; and

[0008] The sheet of the second flexible shielding member located below the terminals of the second row is rolled up to form an upward channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the number of springs of the first flexible shield is twice the number of ground terminals in the first row of terminals, and the number of springs of the second flexible shield is twice the number of ground terminals in the second row of terminals.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of spring tabs protrude from the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the spring tabs protruding from the first elongated shielding edge contacts a top surface of a corresponding terminal among the plurality of terminals at a first end; and one of the spring tabs protruding from the second elongated shielding edge contacts a top surface of the corresponding terminal among the plurality of terminals at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the channel is sized and positioned to accommodate a single terminal from the plurality of terminals.

[0013] In one embodiment, a corresponding terminal located in the channel is a ground terminal.

[0014] In a second aspect, an input / output connector is described as comprising: a plurality of terminals; and

[0015] A flexible shield comprises: an elongated body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shield edge and a second elongated shield edge; a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge; and a plurality of spring tabs extending from at least one of the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge. A first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, while a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body. Furthermore, a portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes tabs defining a channel offset from the planar surface of the elongated body, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is positioned within the channel of a connecting portion in the second subset.

[0016] The connector includes a plurality of terminals for differential signal transmission, at least a portion of the plurality of terminals are ground terminals; and the number of springs of the flexible shield is twice the number of ground terminals in the plurality of terminals.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plurality of spring tabs protrude from the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge.

[0018] In one embodiment, a spring tab protruding from the first elongated shielding edge contacts a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of ground terminals at a first end; and a spring tab protruding from the second elongated shielding edge contacts a top surface of the corresponding one of the plurality of ground terminals at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0019] In one embodiment, the channel is sized and positioned to accommodate a single terminal from the plurality of terminals.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flexible shield is a first flexible shield, and the I / O connector further includes a second flexible shield.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first flexible shield is located above a first row of the plurality of terminals, and the second flexible shield is located below a second row of the plurality of terminals.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sheet of the first flexible shield located above the first row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing downward; and the sheet of the second flexible shield located below the second row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing upward.

[0023] In a third aspect, an input / output connector is described as comprising: a plurality of terminals; a first flexible shield; and a second flexible shield. Each of the first and second flexible shields has: an elongated body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shielding edge and a second elongated shielding edge; a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first and second elongated shielding edges; and a plurality of spring tabs protruding from at least one of the first and second elongated shielding edges. A first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, while a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body. A portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes a tab defining a channel offset from the planar surface of the elongated body, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is located in the channel.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first flexible shield is located above a first row of the plurality of terminals, and the second flexible shield is located below a second row of the plurality of terminals.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sheet of the first flexible shield located above the first row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing downward; and the sheet of the second flexible shield located below the second row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing upward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Many aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, in the drawings, like reference numerals throughout the several views represent corresponding parts.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 The connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is Figure 1 A side sectional view of the opposite side.

[0029] Figure 3 The connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is Figure 1 A rear cross-sectional view of an opposite side.

[0030] Figure 4 is another perspective view of a connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein a base is omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0031] Figure 5According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A top perspective view of a flexible shielding member of a connector.

[0032] Figure 6 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a flexible shield of a connector.

[0033] Figure 7 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of two flexible shielding parts of a connector.

[0034] Figure 8 According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A side view of the two flexible shields of the connector.

[0035] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flexible shielding member according to various embodiments of the present disclosure relative to FIG. Figure 1 A side view of one terminal of a connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure relates to a flexible shield of a connector having one or more crimped portions or multiple deformable sheets that define a ground path for improved mechanical integrity and signal integrity (SI) performance, among other benefits. Various connectors include multiple terminals that contact multiple conductive pads of a connector of a paddle card, etc. when inserted and coupled. It is desirable to maximize surface contact and minimize movement between the multiple terminals and the multiple conductive pads of a paddle card to improve conductivity, signal integrity, etc. In order to facilitate and maintain a connection between the multiple conductive pads of the paddle card and the multiple terminals of a connector at a location referred to herein as a contact point, the multiple terminals are designed to flex or bend, which creates a tight connection between the paddle card and the multiple terminals.

[0037] In conventional connectors, a shield, such as a ground shield, is often positioned at a distal end of the terminal significantly away from the point of contact where the terminals and the conductive pads of the board contact one another. Poor shielding design at the contact point or connectors without shielding on the terminals can result in significant signal integrity loss, which degrades connector performance. To overcome signal integrity issues, other ground shields have been introduced that are positioned below the terminals in a top row and below the terminals in a bottom row. However, with these ground shields, signal integrity issues continue to exist, particularly in 224G connectors, due to cavity resonance and other characteristics.

[0038] Thus, various embodiments of a flexible shield for use in connectors including, but not limited to, 112G connectors, 224G connectors, and other connectors are described. In some embodiments, an input / output (I / O) connector is described as including a base, a plurality of terminals, and one or more flexible shields. In some embodiments, the plurality of terminals form a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals opposite each other. The first row of terminals and the second row of terminals are configured to engage a plurality of conductive pads on opposite sides of a connecting device, such as a card, of an external connector.

[0039] In some embodiments, a first flexible shield can be positioned above the first row of terminals, while a second flexible shield can be positioned below the second row of terminals. The first flexible shield may include an elongated rectangular body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shield edge and a second elongated shield edge. The first flexible shield may also include a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge, and a plurality of spring tabs extending from one or both of the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge. As will be described, the plurality of spring tabs may have a curled shape.

[0040] A first subset of the plurality of connections can be raised relative to a flat surface of the elongated body. Conversely, a second subset of the plurality of connections can be lowered relative to the flat surface of the elongated body. Each of the connections in the second subset may include a sheet that is curled in a downward or upward direction away from a flat surface of the flexible shield, thereby defining a channel within which one or more terminals of the connector can be located. In some embodiments, a terminal located in the channel defined by the curled sheet may include a ground terminal. The flexible shield can be formed from a conductive material and can be flexible or shifted in accordance with flexible deformation or shift of the terminals.

[0041] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1is a top perspective view of a connector 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The connector is from Figure 1 A side sectional view of an opposite side of Figure 3 is a rear cross-sectional view of connector 100. Connector 100 may comprise a 112G connector, a 224G connector, or other high data rate connector, but as can be appreciated, other types of connectors are also contemplated.

[0042] Connector 100 is shown as a representative example and is not drawn to any particular scale or dimensions. The shape, size, ratios, and other characteristics of connector 100 can vary relative to that shown. For example, connector 100 can accommodate more or fewer rows of terminals (e.g., connector 100 can be wider or narrower), and other variations are within the scope of the examples described herein. In addition, as shown in the drawings and as described herein, one or more parts or components of connector 100 can be omitted in some cases. Connector 100 may also include other parts or components not shown.

[0043] Refer to it together Figures 1 to 3 , the connector 100 generally includes a base 103, a thin film assembly 106 at least partially contained or housed within the base 103, and other components as will be described. The base 103 can be formed from a plastic or other insulating material, but in one example, in some cases, the base 103 can also be formed from a metal or a combination of insulating material and conductive material. The thin film assembly 106 includes a plurality of terminals 109 configured to contact a suitable connector. For example, in the embodiment shown, the plurality of terminals 109 are configured to contact and engage with a board 200 of another connector (not shown). However, for purposes of explanation, the board 200 is shown, and it is understood that the terminals 109 can engage and couple with different types of connectors.

[0044] The plurality of terminals 109 of the connector 100 can extend from a front port opening 112 to a terminal base 115 for communication of data signals on the terminals 109. As the plurality of terminals 109 extend from the front port opening 112 to the terminal base 115, the connector 100 provides shielding for differential signals on the plurality of terminals 109 and maintains signal integrity. The plurality of terminals 109 can be electrically connected to a plurality of rear terminals 118, wherein the plurality of rear terminals 118 can be connected to a plurality of wires to form a free-end connector. Alternatively, the plurality of rear terminals 118 can be positioned orthogonally for surface mount connection or other desired configuration. The plurality of rear terminals 118 can be integral with the plurality of terminals 109, or can include a plurality of independent terminals that are welded to or otherwise connected to the plurality of terminals 109.

[0045] For connection to a connector on a card 200 or the like, the wafer assembly 106 can include a first row 121 of terminals 109 and a second row 124 of terminals 109. For example, the first row 121 can include a top row of terminals 109, while the second row 124 can include a bottom row of terminals 109, although other arrangements of the plurality of terminals 109 are also contemplated, such as a plurality of vertically extending rows of terminals 109. In any case, the terminals 109 in the first row 121 and the terminals 109 in the second row 124 can be sized and positioned to engage a plurality of conductive pads 203 located on opposite sides (e.g., the bottom side and the top side) of the card 200.

[0046] The wafer assembly 106 may include terminal support structures 127a and 127b (collectively, "terminal support structures 127"). The first terminal support structure 127a can accommodate and retain the tail ends of the terminals 109 in the first row 121. Furthermore, the first terminal support structure 127a can retain a connection (e.g., a soldering, welding, etc.) between the terminals 109 in the first row 121 and the rear terminals 118 extending from a rear side of the connector 100. Similarly, a second terminal support structure 127b can accommodate and retain the tail ends of the terminals 109 in the second row 124. The second terminal support structure 127b can also retain a connection (e.g., a soldering, welding, etc.) between the terminals 109 in the second row 124 and the rear terminals 118 extending from a rear side of the connector 100. In some embodiments, the two terminal support structures 127 are formed from a polymer material. Thus, in some embodiments, the two-terminal support structures 127 can be formed by injection molding or other processes.

[0047] Additionally, connector 100 may include one or more flexible shields 130a, 130b (collectively, “flexible shields 130 ”). Flexible shields 130 can be positioned relative to terminals 109 to provide improved signal integrity and mechanical and structural integrity to the overall structure of connector 100 .

[0048] Now go to Figure 4 , shows a perspective view of the wafer assembly 106 of the connector 100, wherein the base 103 is omitted for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, a first flexible shield 130 can be positioned above the first row 121 of terminals 109, while a second flexible shield 130 can be positioned below the second row of terminals 109. However, in alternative embodiments, a connector having a single row of terminals 109 can include one or more flexible shields 130, for example, below and / or above the single row of terminals 109. Also, a connector 100 having more than two rows of terminals 109 can employ one or more flexible shields 130 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] For example, the first flexible shield 130a can be positioned between the terminals 109 of the first row 121 and the top (not shown) of the base 103, while the second flexible shield 130b can be positioned between the terminals 109 of the second row 124 and the bottom of the base 103. The flexible shield 130 can include a plurality of crimps defining a plurality of channels, in which one or more of the plurality of terminals 109 can be positioned. For example, in some embodiments, a ground terminal of the plurality of terminals 109 is positioned in the plurality of crimps for improved shielding and signal integrity.

[0050] then, Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a representative flexible shield 130 according to various embodiments. Figure 6 FIG is a bottom perspective view of the representative flexible shield 130. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the flexible shield 130 may include an elongated body 133 having a plurality of notched areas 136a-136n (collectively, "notched areas 136"). The plurality of notched areas 136 can be formed to reduce material usage while improving signal integrity. In some embodiments, the elongated body 133 is generally rectangular, however, in other embodiments, other shapes are contemplated, such as square, circular, triangular, etc. The plurality of notched areas 136 define a first elongated shield edge 139a and a second elongated shield edge 139b (collectively, "elongated shield edge 139"), a plurality of connecting portions 142 disposed between the first elongated shield edge 139a and the second elongated shield edge 139b, and a plurality of spring tabs 145 extending from at least one of the first elongated shield edge 139a and the second elongated shield edge 139b.

[0051] In some embodiments, the flexible shield 130 can be formed from a single piece of material, such as a single piece of conductive material. The plurality of cutout regions 136 can be cut, etched, or otherwise formed from the single piece of material. Thus, in some embodiments, the various components of the illustrated flexible shield 130 can be integral with one another. However, in alternative embodiments, some or all of the illustrated components can be attached using an attachment process such as welding or otherwise added.

[0052] The plurality of connecting portions 142 may include a plurality of extensions connecting the first elongated shield edge 139a and the second elongated shield edge 139b and forming a connection between the first elongated shield edge 139a and the second elongated shield edge 139b. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a first subset 147 of the plurality of connectors 142 can be elevated relative to a planar surface 148 of the elongated body 133. Similarly, a second subset 151 of the connectors 142 can be lowered relative to the planar surface 148 of the elongated body 133. The elevated connectors 142 and the lowered connectors 142 can be formed by selective bending or other deformation.

[0053] Each of the connectors 142 in one of the two subsets can include a tab 154, depending on the desired placement of the flexible shield 130. The tab 154 can be rolled or otherwise deformed to form or otherwise define a channel 157. In some embodiments, the channel 157 can be offset from the flat surface 148 of the elongated body 133 of the flexible shield 130. For example, if the flexible shield 130 is to be placed above a row of terminals 109, the tab 154 can be rolled downward to form a downwardly directed channel 157. Conversely, if the flexible shield 130 is to be placed below a row of terminals 109, the tab 154 can be rolled upward to form an upwardly directed channel 157.

[0054] Furthermore, if the flexible shield 130 is to be positioned above a row of terminals 109, the tabs 150 can be positioned on the connecting portion 142 so that each is lowered relative to the flat surface 148 of the flexible shield 130. Alternatively, if the flexible shield 130 is to be positioned below a row of terminals 109, the tabs 150 can be positioned on the connecting portion 142 so that each is raised relative to the flat surface 148 of the flexible shield 130.

[0055] A corresponding terminal of the plurality of terminals 109 can be located in the channel 157. Return to Reference Figure 4 , the terminal 109 located in the channel 157 is a ground terminal; however, it is understood that other types of terminals 109 may potentially be located in the channel 157. Additionally, although the channel 157 described herein is sized and positioned to hold only a single terminal 109, in other embodiments, the channel 157 can be sized and positioned to hold two or more terminals 109.

[0056] The plurality of spring tabs 145 can be crimped in some embodiments and can extend from one or both of the two elongated shield edges 139. The spring tabs 145 on opposite edges of the flexible shield 130 can correspond to each other, can be aligned with each other, and therefore, can be located on the same terminal 109. Thus, as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the number of spring plates 145 in the first flexible shield 130a is twice the number of ground terminals in the terminals 109 of the first row 121, while the number of spring plates 145 in the second flexible shield 130b is twice the number of ground terminals in the terminals 109 of the second row 124.

[0057] Furthermore, in embodiments where the spring tabs 145 protrude from both the first and second elongated shield edges 139a, 139b, one of the spring tabs 145 protruding from the first elongated shield edge 139a can contact a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals 109 at a first end (e.g., a front end), while one of the spring tabs 145 protruding from the second elongated shield edge 139b can contact a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals 109 at a second end opposite the first end. In some embodiments, the spring tabs 145 protruding from the second elongated edge 139b can have the same or different width as the spring tabs 145 protruding from the first elongated shield edge 139a.

[0058] Next turn Figure 7 and Figure 8 , showing the first flexible shield 130a and the second flexible shield 130b of the connector 100, wherein all other components are omitted for the purpose of explanation. Specifically, Figure 7 A perspective view of the first flexible shield 130a and the second flexible shield 130b of the connector 100 is shown. Figure 8 A side view of the first and second flexible shields 130a, 130b of the connector 100 is shown.

[0059] Refer to it together Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first flexible shield 130a is shown angled because it will be positioned over the terminals 109 of the first row 121, and similarly, the second flexible shield 130b is shown angled because it will be positioned over the terminals 109 of the second row 124. Both angles can be identical but opposite relative to a common axis α1. The first flexible shield 130a is angled downward, with a front end of the first flexible shield 130a lower than a rear end of the first flexible shield 130a. The second flexible shield 130b is angled upward, with a front end of the second flexible shield 130b higher than a rear end of the second flexible shield 130b. The plurality of tabs 154 of the plurality of connecting portions 142 of the first flexible shield 130a are curled downward, thereby forming a plurality of downwardly directed channels 157a, while the plurality of tabs 154 of the plurality of connecting portions 142 of the second flexible shield 130b are curled upward, forming a plurality of upwardly directed channels 157b. By positioning the ground terminals of the terminals 109 of the first row 121 and the terminals 109 of the second row 124 within these channels 157 , the signal integrity of the connector 100 is improved.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 9, shows a side view of a flexible shield 130 relative to a terminal 109 of the connector 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As described above, in embodiments where a plurality of spring tabs 145 protrude from both the first elongated shield edge 139a and the second elongated shield edge 139b, one of the spring tabs 145 protruding from the first elongated shield edge 139a can contact a top surface 170 of a corresponding terminal 109 at a first end (e.g., a front end 173), while one of the spring tabs 145 protruding from the second elongated edge 139b can contact a top surface 170 of a corresponding terminal 109 at a second end (e.g., a rear end 176) opposite the first end. The flexible shield 130 can have a width that is substantially similar to a body of the terminal 109 (except for the curved front portion of the terminal 109).

[0061] Because the flexible shield 130 has a curled portion, i.e., a central sheet 151 that curls or otherwise surrounds the terminal 109, and because the two springs 145 of the flexible shield 130 contact a terminal 109 at both ends, the distance between the curled portion and the springs 145 is reduced by half compared to two alternative flexible shields. This reduces cavity resonance energy and significantly improves SI performance.

[0062] The above-mentioned features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and if possible, the features discussed in the various embodiments may be interchangeable. In the following description, many specific details are provided to fully understand the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the many specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusion to multiple aspects of the present disclosure.

[0063] Although relative terms such as "on," "below," "upper," and "lower" are used in the specification to describe the relative relationship of one component to another, these terms are used in the specification for convenience only, for example, as directions in the examples shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is turned upside down, the "upper" component mentioned above will become the "lower" component. When one structure is "on" another structure, it may be that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or the structure is "directly" provided on the other structure, or the structure is "indirectly" provided on the other structure through other structures.

[0064] In this specification, terms such as "a," "an," "the," and "said" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms "comprise," "include," "have," "contain," and variations thereof are used to be open ended and mean that additional elements, components, etc. are included in addition to the listed elements, components, etc., unless otherwise specified in the accompanying claims.

[0065] The terms "first", "second", etc. are only used as labels and are not limitations on many objects. It will be understood that if multiple components are provided, these components can be referred to as "first" components, "second" components, etc., within the applicable scope.

[0066] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementation methods set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An input / output connector, characterized in that: include: a base; A plurality of terminals disposed in the base, wherein the plurality of terminals form a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals opposite to each other, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals being configured to engage a plurality of conductive pads on opposite sides of a board; a first flexible shielding member located above the first row of terminals; and a second flexible shielding member, located below the second row of terminals, Among them, the first flexible shielding member and the second flexible shielding member each include: a slender body having a plurality of notch areas defining a first slender shielding edge and a second slender shielding edge; a plurality of connecting portions, which are arranged between the first slender shielding edge and the second slender shielding edge; and a plurality of spring clips, which protrude from at least one of the first slender shielding edge and the second slender shielding edge.

2. The input / output connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, A first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, and a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body.

3. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: in, A portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes a sheet defining a channel, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is located in a channel of the connecting portions of the second subset.

4. The input / output connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: in, The sheet of the first flexible shielding member located above the terminals of the first row is curled to form a channel facing downward; as well as The sheet of the second flexible shielding member located below the terminals of the second row is curled to form an upward channel.

5. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: in, The number of the spring pieces of the first flexible shield is twice the number of the ground terminals in the first row of terminals, and the number of the spring pieces of the second flexible shield is twice the number of the ground terminals in the second row of terminals.

6. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: in, The plurality of spring tabs protrude from the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge.

7. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: in: A spring tab protruding from the first elongated shield edge contacts a top surface of a corresponding terminal among the plurality of terminals at a first end; as well as A spring tab protruding from the second elongated shield edge contacts a top surface of the corresponding terminal among the plurality of terminals at a second end opposite to the first end.

8. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: in, The passageway is sized and positioned to receive a single terminal from the plurality of terminals.

9. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: in, A corresponding one of the terminals located in the channel is a ground terminal.

10. An input / output connector, characterized in that: include: Multiple terminals; as well as A flexible shielding member, comprising: an elongated body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shielding edge and a second elongated shielding edge; a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge; and a plurality of spring tabs protruding from at least one of the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge, wherein a first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a flat surface of the elongated body, and a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the flat surface of the elongated body, And wherein a portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes a sheet defining a channel offset from the planar surface of the elongated body, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is located in the channel of a connecting portion of the second subset.

11. The input / output connector according to claim 10, characterized in that in, The connector includes a plurality of terminals for differential signal transmission, at least a portion of the plurality of terminals being ground terminals; and The number of the spring pieces of the flexible shield is twice the number of the ground terminals among the plurality of terminals.

12. The input / output connector according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: in, The plurality of spring tabs protrude from the first elongated shield edge and the second elongated shield edge.

13. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: in: A spring tab protruding from the first elongated shield edge contacts a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of ground terminals at a first end; as well as A spring tab protruding from the second elongated shield edge contacts a top surface of the corresponding terminal among the plurality of ground terminals at a second end opposite to the first end.

14. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: in, The passageway is sized and positioned to receive a single terminal from the plurality of terminals.

15. The input / output connector according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that: in, The flexible shield is a first flexible shield, and the input / output connector further includes a second flexible shield.

16. The input / output connector according to claim 15, characterized in that in, The first flexible shield is located above a first row of the plurality of terminals, and the second flexible shield is located below a second row of the plurality of terminals.

17. The input / output connector according to claim 16, wherein: in, The sheet of the first flexible shielding member located above the first row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing downward; as well as The sheet of the second flexible shielding member located below the second row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form an upward channel.

18. An input / output connector, characterized in that: include: Multiple terminals; a first flexible shield; as well as a second flexible shielding member, Each of the first flexible shielding member and the second flexible shielding member comprises: an elongated body having a plurality of notched areas defining a first elongated shielding edge and a second elongated shielding edge; a plurality of connecting portions disposed between the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge; and a plurality of spring tabs protruding from at least one of the first elongated shielding edge and the second elongated shielding edge, wherein a first subset of the plurality of connecting portions is elevated relative to a planar surface of the elongated body, and a second subset of the plurality of connecting portions is lowered relative to the planar surface of the elongated body, And wherein a portion of the plurality of connecting portions includes a sheet defining a channel offset from the planar surface of the elongated body, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of terminals is located in the channel.

19. The input / output connector according to claim 18, characterized in that in, The first flexible shield is located above a first row of the plurality of terminals, and the second flexible shield is located below a second row of the plurality of terminals.

20. The input / output connector according to claim 19, wherein: in, The sheet of the first flexible shielding member located above the first row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form a channel facing downward; as well as The sheet of the second flexible shielding member located below the second row of the plurality of terminals is curled to form an upward channel.

Images