Connector and sheet assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and a sheet assembly. The connector comprises a shell and the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly includes a terminal strip, a sheet molded insert, and a ground path assembly. The terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors, the ground path assembly includes a ground shield, and a contact surface area of the ground shield is terminated to a surface area of a ground terminal of the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet assembly. In one example, a contact surface area of a ground shield is laser welded to a surface of a ground terminal. A shield extension region of the ground shield also extends across a signal terminal in the sheet assembly. In some cases, the ground path assembly may also include a rigid shield and a flexible shield. The ground structure and ground path assembly facilitate higher data rate applications of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors having enhanced shields and to laminate body assemblies. Background Art

[0002] A family of input / output (I / O) connectors is designed for power, data, and power and data interconnect systems, including board-to-board, wire-to-wire, and wire-to-board systems. Depending on the requirements of the electrical and data communication environment in which the connectors are used, there are a variety of designs for each type of system. For example, a wire-to-board system includes a free-end connector attached to a wire and a fixed-end connector attached to a board.

[0003] For example, for high data rate applications with limited physical space, it can be challenging to design interconnect system connectors due to many competing considerations. High data rate interconnect systems typically rely on differentially coupled signal pairs, where two conductors are arranged in pairs to transmit differential signals. The signals being transmitted are represented by the electrical difference measured between the pairs of conductors. Differential signaling helps to avoid stray signals and crosstalk and to avoid unintended signaling patterns between adjacent signal pairs. At the connector interface, ground terminals can be relied upon to create a return path for electrical grounding, to provide shielding between differential pairs, and for other purposes.

[0004] Connectors used in high data rate applications are typically designed to meet a range of mechanical and electrical requirements. For example, high data rate connectors are often used in backplane applications that require very high conductor density and data rates. To meet the required mechanical and electrical requirements, the connectors used in such applications typically include one or more laminate body assemblies. A laminate body assembly can include an insulating web that supports terminal conductors within the laminate body assembly. Using laminate body assemblies helps to manufacture connectors capable of achieving high data rates using a range of different assembly processes. In any case, it remains challenging to design laminate bodies and connectors with the conductor density and small footprint required for high data rate applications in new systems while maintaining the electrical characteristics required for integrity data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of a connector with enhanced shielding are described herein. An exemplary connector includes a housing and a wafer body assembly. The wafer body assembly includes a terminal row, a wafer mold insert, and a ground path assembly. The terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors, the ground path assembly includes a ground shield, and a contact surface area of the ground shield is terminated to a surface area of a ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the wafer body assembly. In one example, the contact surface area of the ground shield is laser welded to the surface of the ground terminal. A shield extension area of the ground shield also extends across signal terminals in the wafer body assembly. In some cases, the ground path assembly may further include a rigid shield and a flexible shield. The ground structure and the ground path assembly facilitate higher data rate applications of the connector.

[0006] In other aspects of the present embodiment, the ground shield includes a plurality of segments and bends between the plurality of segments, and a contact surface area of each of the plurality of segments of the ground shield is terminated to a corresponding surface area of a ground terminal in the wafer body assembly. In other aspects, a contact surface area of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a lower surface area of a ground terminal in the wafer body assembly, and a contact surface area of the flexible ground shield is terminated to an upper surface area of the ground terminal.

[0007] In other examples, the wafer mold insert includes interlocking flanges, and the housing includes latch fingers formed in a side portion of the housing. When the wafer body assembly is inserted into the housing, the latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking flanges of the wafer mold insert. In other cases, the wafer mold insert includes interlocking legs, and the housing includes leg latch fingers formed in a bottom portion of the housing. When the wafer body assembly is inserted into the housing, the leg latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking legs of the wafer mold insert. In other cases, the wafer mold insert includes interlocking flanges, and the housing includes latch fingers and a wafer reference channel formed in a side portion of the housing. When the wafer body assembly is inserted into the housing, the interlocking flanges of the wafer mold insert slide into the wafer reference channel of the housing, and the latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking flanges of the wafer mold insert.

[0008] In other aspects, the connector further includes a second wafer body assembly. The second wafer body assembly includes a second terminal row, a second wafer mold insert, and a second ground path assembly. The second wafer mold insert includes a positioning socket, the wafer mold insert includes a positioning post, and the positioning post of the wafer body assembly extends within the positioning socket of the second wafer body assembly. The ground shield of the wafer body assembly may extend between the terminal row of the wafer body assembly and the second terminal row of the second wafer body assembly.

[0009] An exemplary sheet body assembly includes a terminal row, a sheet body molded insert, and a ground path assembly. The terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors. The ground path assembly includes a rigid ground shield and a flexible ground shield. The contact surface area of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a first surface area of a ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly, and the contact surface area of the flexible ground shield is terminated to a second surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly. In other aspects, the shield extension area of the rigid ground shield extends across signal terminals among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly, and the shield extension area of the flexible ground shield extends across the signal terminals in the sheet body assembly. In other aspects, the contact surface area of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a lower surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly, and the contact surface area of the flexible ground shield is terminated to an upper surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly.

[0010] Another exemplary connector includes a housing, a first sheet body assembly, and a second sheet body assembly. The first sheet body assembly includes a first terminal row, a first sheet body molded insert, and a first ground path assembly. The second sheet body assembly includes a second terminal row, a second sheet body molded insert, and a second ground path assembly. The first ground path assembly includes a first ground shield, and the second ground path assembly includes a second ground shield. The contact surface area of the first ground shield is terminated to a first surface area of a ground terminal in the first terminal row of the first sheet body assembly, and the contact surface area of the second ground shield is terminated to a second surface area of a ground terminal in the second terminal row of the second sheet body assembly.

[0011] In other aspects, the first sheet body molded insert includes a first interlocking flange, and the second sheet body molded insert includes a second interlocking flange. The housing further includes a first latch finger and a second latch finger formed in a side portion of the housing. When the first sheet body assembly and the second sheet body assembly are inserted into the housing, the first latch finger of the housing snaps into a position of mechanical interference with the first interlocking flange, and the second latch finger of the housing snaps into a position of mechanical interference with the second interlocking flange. In other aspects, the second sheet body molded insert includes a positioning socket, the first sheet body molded insert includes a positioning post, and the positioning post extends within the positioning socket to align the first sheet body assembly with the second sheet body assembly. Description of the Drawings

[0012] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, in the drawings, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts in several views.

[0013] Figure 1A is a top perspective view showing an exemplary connector in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1B is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A a bottom perspective view of the connector shown.

[0015] Figure 1C is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A a front view of the connector shown.

[0016] Figure 1D is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure a Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the housing of the connector labeled A-A.

[0017] Figure 2A is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A a top perspective view of an exemplary sheet body assembly of the connector shown.

[0018] Figure 2B is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A a bottom perspective view of the sheet body assembly shown.

[0019] Figure 2C is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A a side view of the sheet body assembly shown.

[0020] Figure 3A is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A a top perspective view of the sheet body assembly of the connector shown.

[0021] Figure 3B is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A a top perspective view of the sheet body assembly of the connector shown.

[0022] Figure 3C is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3B a bottom perspective view of the sheet body assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 4A is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A a partial exploded view of the sheet body assembly of the connector shown.

[0024] Figure 4B is showing in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A a partial exploded view of another sheet body assembly of the connector shown.

[0025] Figure 4C is a partial exploded view of another sheet body assembly of the connector shown Figure 1A in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4D is a partial exploded view of another sheet body assembly of the connector shown Figure 1A in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector labeled B-B in Figure 1D in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary connector in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the connector shown Figure 6 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 is a top exploded perspective view of a connector housing in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a connector housing in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 and Figure 11 are perspective views of different angles showing the internal structure of a connector housing in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 12 and Figure 13 are a top exploded perspective view and a bottom exploded perspective view of a sheet body assembly of a connector in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 14 and Figure 15 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional schematic view of a first sheet body, a second sheet body, a third sheet body, and a fourth sheet body of a connector assembled together in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 16A is a top overall schematic view of a connector in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of a connector taken along line A-A of Figure 16A in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing a flexible shield of another embodiment. Detailed Description

[0038] Connectors are generally designed to meet a range of mechanical and electrical requirements. As an example, high data rate connectors are often used in backplane applications that require very high conductor density and data rates. To meet the required mechanical and electrical requirements, connectors used in such applications typically include one or more sheet body components. The sheet body component may include an insulating web that supports the terminal conductors in the sheet body component. Using sheet body components facilitates the use of a range of different assembly processes to manufacture connectors that can achieve high data rates. In any case, it remains challenging to design sheet bodies and connectors with the conductor density and small footprint required for high data rate applications in new systems while maintaining the electrical characteristics required for integrity data transmission.

[0039] In the context outlined above, various aspects and embodiments of a connector with enhanced shielding are described herein. An exemplary connector includes a housing and a sheet body component. The sheet body component includes a terminal row, a sheet body molded insert, and a ground path component. The terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors, the ground path component includes a ground shield, and a contact surface area of the ground shield is terminated to a surface area of a ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body component. In one example, the contact surface area of the ground shield is laser welded to the surface of the ground terminal. A shield extension area of the ground shield also extends across signal terminals in the sheet body component. In some cases, the ground path component may further include a rigid ground shield and a flexible ground shield. The ground structure and the ground path component facilitate higher data rate applications of the connector.

[0040] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an exemplary connector 10 (also referred to as "connector 10") in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a bottom perspective view of the connector 10, Figure 1C is a front view of the connector 10. The connector 10 is shown in Figure 1Ahas a length, width, and height in the direction shown. However, the connector 10 is shown as a representative example and is not drawn to any specific scale or dimensions. The shape, size, proportion, and other features of the connector 10 can vary compared to those shown. For example, the connector 10 can accommodate larger or smaller terminal banks (e.g., wider or narrower), and other variations also fall within the scope of the examples described herein. In some cases, multiple connectors similar to the connector 10 can be arranged side by side for higher data rate interconnections. Additionally, as shown and described herein, one or more parts or components of the connector 10 can be omitted in some cases. The connector 10 can also include other parts or components not shown.

[0041] Referring Figures 1A - 1C , the connector 10 includes a front port opening 12 and terminal pins 13. The connector 10 is designed to establish and maintain an electrical connection with contacts on the free end of a cable assembly. For example, a printed circuit board (PCB)-type interface of a Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP), Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), or similar cable assembly can be inserted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10.

[0042] The connector 10 includes a terminal bank of terminal conductors extending from the front port opening 12 to the terminal pins 13 for communication of data signals on the terminal conductors. The connector 10 includes several structural features to maintain the alignment and position of the terminal conductors within the connector 10. The connector 10 is also designed to provide shielding and maintain the signal integrity of differential signals on the terminal conductors as the terminal conductors extend from the front port opening 12 to the terminal pins 13. The connector 10 can be designed to be used with SFP, OSFP, QSFP, and related interconnect systems, but the concepts described herein are not limited to being used with any specific type or style of interconnect system. The terminal pins 13 of the connector 10 are designed as surface mount technology (SMT) pins for coupling to contact pads on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), but in some cases, the connector 10 can also be designed to have through-hole leads or other lead types at the terminal pins 13.

[0043] As Figures 1A - 1CAs shown, the connector 10 includes a housing 100. In one example, the housing 100 can be formed of plastic or other insulating materials, but in some cases the housing can also be formed of a combination of insulating and conductive materials. The housing 100 can be formed by any suitable additive or subtractive manufacturing techniques (such as molding, injection molding, printing, and other techniques). In some cases, the outer surface or certain surface areas of the housing 100 can be plated with one or more electroplated metals for conductivity, and the housing 100 can be implemented as an electroplated plastic component in some cases.

[0044] The housing 100 includes a bottom mounting surface 110, a back surface 112, mounting posts 122 and 124, welding rings 126 and 128, and other features described below. The connector 10 is adapted to receive a PCB-style tip of an SFP, OSFP, QSFP, or related connector module at the end of a cable assembly. The PCB-style tip of the cable assembly can be fitted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10. When inserted, the terminal rows of the sheet body assembly within the housing 100 abut and make electrical contact with the contacts on the surface of the PCB-style tip.

[0045] The mounting posts 122 and 124 extend downward from the bottom mounting surface 110 of the housing 100. In one example, the mounting posts 122 and 124 can be integrally formed of the same insulating material as the rest of the housing 100. However, in other cases, the mounting posts 122 and 124 can be formed of a different material (such as conductive metal) from the rest of the housing 100, and the rest of the housing 100 can be molded around the mounting posts 122 and 124. The mounting posts 122 and 124 can be inserted through openings or holes in a PCB board (such as mounting holes, plated-through holes, etc.), and the housing 100 is surface-mounted on the PCB board. The welding rings 126 and 128 can be formed of metal sheets (such as stamping, shearing, or otherwise formed) and are electroplated in some cases. The mounting posts 122 and 124 extend through the central holes of the welding rings 126 and 128. The housing 100 can be molded around the welding rings 126 and 128, or the welding rings 126 and 128 can be inserted into the housing 100 after the housing 100 is molded. In an example where the outer surface of the housing 100 is electroplated for conductivity, the welding rings 126 and 128 can be electrically coupled to the outer conductive surface of the housing 100.

[0046] Figure 1D Shown in Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the housing 100 of the connector 10 labeled A-A. As described above, the connector 10 includes a plurality of sheet body assemblies located within the housing 100. In Figure 1DThose sheet body components are omitted in the views to show the internal features within the housing 100. The housing includes an internal space region 102 in which the sheet body components are positioned and fixed when the connector 10 is assembled.

[0047] As Figure 1D shown, the housing 100 includes sheet body reference channels 130 - 132 formed in a side portion of the housing 100 and sheet body reference channels 133 - 135 formed in another opposite side portion of the housing 100. The housing 100 also includes a sheet body reference channel 136 located in a side portion of the housing 100 and a similar sheet body reference channel ( Figure 1D not shown in the figure) located in the opposite side portion of the housing 100. The sheet body reference channels 130 - 136 (also referred to as "channels 130 - 136") are formed as recessed channels within the internal region 102 of the housing 100 in the side portions of the housing 100. The channels 130 - 136 extend from the rear surface 112 toward the front port opening 12 within the internal region 102 of the housing 100. The length, width, and depth of the channels 130 - 136 may vary in different embodiments. In some cases, the direction of the channels 130 - 136 may also be different from the direction shown. The channels 130 - 136 are formed to cooperate with the guide flanges and interlock flanges of the sheet body components of the connector 10 to position and fix the sheet body components in place within the internal region 102 of the housing 100, as described in further detail below.

[0048] The housing 100 also includes openings 140 and 142 (see Figure 1A ) that pass through a side portion of the housing 100, and openings 144 and 146 (see Figure 1B ) that pass through another opposite side portion of the housing 100. The openings 140, 142, 144, and 146 extend from the exterior of the housing 100 to the internal region 102 within the housing 100. The openings 140, 142, 144, and 146 extend from the exterior of the housing 100 to the internal region 102 within the housing 100. Latch fingers extend in a cantilever arrangement within each of the openings 140, 142, 144, and 146. In particular, the latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 extend in a cantilever arrangement from the side edges or walls of the openings 140, 142, 144, and 146, respectively. The latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 are integrally formed with the housing 100 from the same material as the housing 100 in the example shown, but the latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 may also be formed from other materials and arranged or assembled with the housing 100 in other ways.

[0049] Since the latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 are cantilevered and formed of a relatively compliant (e.g., polymeric) material, they can bend to some extent when a force is applied thereto. The latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 are also resilient and will return to the Figure 1A and Figure 1B positions shown when such a force is removed. The latch fingers 150, 152, 154, and 156 are designed to mechanically engage and interfere with the interlock flanges of the sheet body assembly of the connector 10 to hold the sheet body assembly in place within the interior region 102 of the housing 100, as described in further detail below.

[0050] The housing 100 also includes openings 147 and 148 that pass through the bottom of the housing 100 (see Figure 1B ). The openings 147 and 148 extend from the exterior of the housing 100 into the interior region 102 within the housing 100. Leg latch fingers extend in a cantilever arrangement within each of the openings 147 and 148. In particular, leg latch fingers 157 and 158 extend in a cantilever arrangement around the periphery of the openings 147 and 148, respectively. The leg latch fingers 157 and 158 are integrally formed with the housing 100 from the same material as the housing 100 in the illustrated example, but the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 may also be formed of other materials and arranged or assembled with the housing 100 in other ways. The leg latch fingers 157 and 158 mechanically mate and interfere with the interlock legs of the sheet body assembly within the housing 100 to hold the sheet body assembly in place and secure it, as described in further detail below with reference to Figure 5 further below.

[0051] Figure 2A Shows Figure 1A a top perspective view of exemplary sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the connector 10 shown, with the housing 100 omitted from the view. Figure 2B Shows a bottom perspective view of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500, Figure 2C and shows a side view of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500. The sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 are shown as representative examples and are not drawn to any particular scale or dimensions. Figure 3A Shows Figure 2A a top perspective view of the sheet body assemblies 200 and 500 of the connector 10 shown. Figure 3B Shows a top perspective view of the sheet body assemblies 300 and 400, Figure 3CShows a bottom perspective view of the sheet body assemblies 300 and 400. The shapes, sizes, proportions, and other features of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be different from those shown. For example, the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 may accommodate larger or smaller terminal blocks (e.g., wider or narrower), and other variations also fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Additionally, in some cases, one or more parts or components of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 as shown in the drawings and described herein may be omitted. The sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 may also include other parts or components not shown. Referring below to Figures 2A - 2C and Figures 3A - 3C introduce the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the connector 10, and then refer to Figures 4A - 4D to describe a detailed view of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500.

[0052] Reference Figures 2A - 2C and Figures 3A - 3C , the sheet body assembly 200 includes a terminal block 210, a sheet body molded insert 230, and other components described below. The sheet body assembly 200 supports, spaces, and aligns the terminal conductors in the terminal block 210. The sheet body assembly 300 includes a terminal block 310, a sheet body molded insert 330, and other components described below. The sheet body assembly 300 supports, spaces, and aligns the terminal conductors in the terminal block 310. The sheet body assembly 400 includes a terminal block 410, a sheet body molded insert 430, a sheet body molded insert 430A, and other components described below. The sheet body assembly 400 supports, spaces, and aligns the terminal conductors in the terminal block 410. The sheet body assembly 500 includes a terminal block 510, a sheet body molded insert 530, a sheet body molded insert 530A, and other components described below. The sheet body assembly 500 supports, spaces, and aligns the terminal conductors in the terminal block 510. Each of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 also includes a ground path assembly that includes one or more shields. The ground path assemblies of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 will be described in further detail below.

[0053] Each of the terminal blocks 210, 310, 410, and 510 includes a row of terminal conductors, including signal conductors, power conductors, and ground conductors. The signal conductors and power conductors in the terminal blocks 210, 310, 410, and 510 each include a distal end (i.e., located at Figures 1A - 1DLead contacts (front contacts) within the front port opening 12 of the connector 10 shown, tail contacts located at the other distal end (i.e., at the terminal pin 13), and one or more conductor bends located between the lead contacts and the tail contacts. The signal conductors and power conductors in the terminal banks 210, 310, 410, and 510 are electrically insulated from each other within the connector 10. The signal conductors and power conductors extend from the lead contacts at the front port opening 12 to the tail contacts at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10. The tail contacts of the signal conductors and power conductors can be formed as SMT tail contacts (as shown in the example), or through-holes or other types of contacts. The ground conductors in the terminal banks 210, 310, 410, and 510 each include a lead contact at one distal end and a tail contact at the other distal end. The ground conductors extend from the lead contacts within the front port opening 12 to the tail contacts at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10.

[0054] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the terminal bank 210 includes a first group 210A of terminal conductors, a second group 210B of terminal conductors, and a central group 210C of terminal conductors located between the first group 210A and the second group 210B. The groups 210A and 210B include ground conductors and signal conductors. For example, the group 210A includes the ground conductor 211, the signal conductors 212 and 213 of a differential pair, and the ground conductor 214. The conductors 211 - 214 respectively include lead contacts 211A - 214A at the front port opening 12 of the connector 10, and respectively include tail contacts 211B - 214B at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10. The conductors 211 and 214 are ground conductors in the terminal bank 210, and the conductors 212 and 213 are signal conductors in the terminal bank 210. As shown, the signal conductors 212 and 213 are located between the ground conductors 211 and 214. Each terminal conductor in the terminal bank 210 includes a conductor bend located between the lead contact and the tail contact.

[0055] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the terminal bank 310 includes a first group 310A of terminal conductors, a second group 310B of terminal conductors, and a central group 310C of terminal conductors located between the first group 310A and the second group 310B. The groups 310A and 310B include ground conductors and signal conductors. For example, also refer to Figure 3B, Group 310A includes a ground conductor 311, signal conductors 312 and 313 of a differential pair, and a ground conductor 314. Conductors 311 - 314 respectively include lead contacts 311A - 314A located at the front port opening 12 of the connector 10, and respectively include tail contacts 311B - 314B located at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10. Conductors 311 and 314 are ground conductors in the terminal block 310, and conductors 312 and 313 are signal conductors in the terminal block 310. As shown, signal conductors 312 and 313 are located between ground conductors 311 and 314. Each terminal conductor in the terminal block 310 includes a conductor bend between the lead contact and the tail contact.

[0056] Reference Figure 3B and Figure 3C , the terminal block 410 includes a first group 410A of terminal conductors, a second group 410B of terminal conductors, and a central group 410C of terminal conductors between the first group 410A and the second group 410B. Groups 410A and 410B include ground conductors and signal conductors. For example, also reference Figure 3C , Group 410A includes a ground conductor 411, signal conductors 412 and 413 of a differential pair, and a ground conductor 414. Conductors 411 - 414 respectively include lead contacts 411A - 414A located at the front port opening 12 of the connector 10, and respectively include tail contacts 411B - 414B located at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10. Conductors 411 and 414 are ground conductors in the terminal block 410, and conductors 412 and 413 are signal conductors in the terminal block 410. As shown, signal conductors 412 and 413 are located between ground conductors 411 and 414. Each terminal conductor in the terminal block 410 includes a conductor bend between the lead contact and the tail contact.

[0057] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B, the terminal block 510 includes a first group 510A of terminal conductors, a second group 510B of terminal conductors, and a central group 510C of terminal conductors between the first group 510A and the second group 510B. The groups 510A and 510B include ground conductors and signal conductors. For example, the group 510A includes a ground conductor 511, signal conductors 512 and 513 of a differential pair, and a ground conductor 514. The conductors 511 - 514 respectively include lead contacts 511A - 514A located at the front port opening 12 of the connector 10, and respectively include tail contacts 511B - 514B located at the terminal pins 13 of the connector 10. The conductors 511 and 514 are ground conductors in the terminal block 510, and the conductors 512 and 513 are signal conductors in the terminal block 510. As shown, the signal conductors 512 and 513 are located between the ground conductors 511 and 514. Each terminal conductor in the terminal block 510 includes a conductor bend between the lead contact and the tail contact.

[0058] The group 210A of the terminal block 210 includes four signal conductors and three ground conductors, a total of seven terminal conductors, and each pair of signal conductors is located side by side between two ground conductors. The central group 210C of terminal conductors includes power conductors, and in some cases, may include ground conductors or signal conductors. The group 210B is similar to the group 210A, but is located on the other side of the central group 210C. Compared with the terminal block 210, each of the terminal blocks 310, 410, and 510 includes a similar arrangement of signal conductors, ground conductors, and power conductors. However, the respective lengths, bend shapes, and other features of the terminal conductors in the terminal blocks 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be different from each other.

[0059] The lead contacts of the terminal block 210 face the lead contacts of the terminal block 510. The lead contacts of the terminal block 310 face the lead contacts of the terminal block 410. In one example, in each of the terminal blocks 210, 310, 410, and 510, the spacing between the lead contacts is the same. However, the terminal conductors in the terminal block 210 may be offset relative to the terminal conductors in the terminal block 510 such that the lead contacts are offset between these rows. The terminal conductors in the terminal block 310 may also be offset relative to the terminal conductors in the terminal block 410 such that the lead contacts are offset between these rows. In other cases, the terminal conductors in the terminal blocks 210 and 510 may have the same spacing and be aligned with each other (i.e., not staggered). In other cases, the terminal conductors in the terminal blocks 210 and 510 may have different lead contact spacings from each other. Similarly, the terminal conductors in the terminal blocks 310 and 410 may have the same spacing and be aligned with each other, or the terminal blocks 310 and 410 may have different lead contact spacings from each other.

[0060] The sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200 can be formed of plastic (such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating materials), and is molded around the terminal conductors in the terminal row 210. For example, a lead frame including the terminal row 210 can be formed from a metal flat plate (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) to form the lead frame. In some cases, the metal flat plate can be plated with one or more electroplated metals. The lead frame and the terminal row 210 can be pressed or bent into the shape of the terminal row 210. Then, the lead frame including the terminal row 210 can be placed in a mold, and a plastic material can be injected into the mold to form the sheet body molded insert 230 around the terminal row 210. Then, the terminal row 210 can be sheared or cut off from the lead frame, and the individual terminal conductors of the terminal row 210 can be further bent or otherwise formed into the shape shown in the figure.

[0061] The sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 210 and supports the terminal conductors. The sheet body molded insert 230 also includes structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molded insert 230 includes guiding flanges 232 and 233 for guiding the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 during the assembly of the connector 10, as described in further detail below. In the example shown, the guiding flanges 232 and 233 are shaped as rectangular cubes and include a chamfer or edge at the front side, but the dimensions and shapes of the guiding flanges 232 and 233 can vary in different embodiments. The dimensions of the guiding flange 233 are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channel 136 (see Figure 1D ) of the housing 100 with a minimum clearance, and the dimensions of the guiding flange 232 are also sized to fit and slide within a similar sheet body reference channel of the housing 100. During the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 200 is positioned such that the guiding flanges 232 and 233 are aligned with the sheet body reference channels of the housing 100. Then, the sheet body assembly 200 can be inserted into the inner region 102 of the housing 100 in the direction "D" shown, and the guiding flanges 232 and 233 can slide within the sheet body reference channels of the housing 100. Figure 1D The sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 210 and supports the terminal conductors. The sheet body molded insert 230 also includes structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molded insert 230 includes guiding flanges 232 and 233 for guiding the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 during the assembly of the connector 10, as described in further detail below. In the example shown, the guiding flanges 232 and 233 are shaped as rectangular cubes and include a chamfer or edge at the front side, but the dimensions and shapes of the guiding flanges 232 and 233 can vary in different embodiments. The dimensions of the guiding flange 233 are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channel 136 (see

[0062] The sheet body molded insert 230 further includes interlocking legs 234 and 235 for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. The interlocking legs 234 and 235 are shaped as rectangular cubes, but the dimensions and shapes of the interlocking legs 234 and 235 may vary between different embodiments. The interlocking legs 234 and 235 are designed to mechanically engage with the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 of the housing 100, as described in further detail below with reference to Figure 5 and described further below.

[0063] The sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200 further includes an interlocking nose 239 for positioning the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. The interlocking nose 239 is located at a relatively central portion of the sheet body assembly 200 and is shaped as an elongated nose. When the connector 10 is assembled, the interlocking nose 239 fits and extends into a corresponding positioning recess 137 within the housing 100 (see Figure 1D ). That is, when the connector 10 is assembled, the interlocking nose 239 fits within the positioning recess 137 and occupies the positioning recess 137, with a minimum gap between the outer surface of the interlocking nose 239 and the inner surface of the positioning recess 137 within the housing 100.

[0064] The sheet body molded insert 330 of the sheet body assembly 300 can be formed of plastic (such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymer, or other plastic or insulating materials) and molded around the terminal conductors in the terminal row 310. For example, a lead frame including the terminal row 310 can be formed of a metal flat plate (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) to form the lead frame. In some cases, the metal flat plate can be plated with one or more electroplated metals. The lead frame and the terminal row 310 can be pressed or bent into the shape of the terminal row 310. Then, the lead frame including the terminal row 310 can be placed in a mold, and a plastic material can be injected into the mold to form the sheet body molded insert 330 around the terminal row 310. Then, the terminal row 310 can be sheared or cut off from the lead frame, and the individual terminal conductors of the terminal row 310 can be further bent or otherwise formed into the shape shown.

[0065] The sheet body molded insert 330 of the sheet body assembly 300 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 310 and supports the terminal conductors. The sheet body molded insert 330 further includes structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 300 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molded insert 330 includes interlocking flanges 332 and 333 located at opposite sides of the sheet body molded insert 330 (see Figure 3C)。In the example shown, the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 are shaped as rectangular cubes and include chamfers or edges, but the dimensions and shapes of the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 can vary in different embodiments. When the connector 10 is assembled, the dimensions of the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 are sized to fit and slide respectively within the sheet body reference channels 131 and 134 of the housing 100 with a minimum clearance therebetween.

[0066] The interlocking flanges 332 and 333 are also designed to mechanically engage with the latch fingers 152 and 156 respectively and lock in place within the housing 100. As described above, the latch fingers 152 and 156 will bend to some extent when a force is applied thereto. The latch fingers 152 and 156 are also elastic and will return to Figure 1A and Figure 1B the positions shown when such a force is removed. During the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 300 is positioned such that the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 are aligned with the sheet body reference channels 131 and 134 of the housing 100. Then, the sheet body assembly 300 can be inserted into the inner region 102 of the housing 100 in the Figure 1D direction "D" shown, and the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 can slide within the sheet body reference channels 131 and 134 of the housing 100. When the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 slide within the sheet body reference channels 131 and 134, the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 will interfere with the tips or ends of the latch fingers 152 and 156, pushing the latch fingers 152 and 156 out of the openings 142 and 146. When the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 are pushed past the tips or ends of the latch fingers 152 and 156, the latch fingers 152 and 156 can quickly return behind the interlocking flanges 332 and 333 of the sheet body molded insert 330 of the sheet body assembly 300, fixing the sheet body assembly 300 in place within the housing 100.

[0067] The sheet body molded inserts 430 and 430A of the sheet body assembly 400 can be formed of plastic (such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymer, or other plastics or insulating materials) and molded around the terminal conductors in the terminal row 410. For example, the lead frame including the terminal row 410 can be formed of a metal flat plate (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) to form the lead frame. In some cases, the metal flat plate can be plated with one or more electroplated metals. The lead frame and the terminal row 410 can be pressed or bent into the shape of the terminal row 410. Then, the lead frame including the terminal row 410 can be placed in a mold, and a plastic material can be injected into the mold to form the sheet body molded inserts 430 and 430A around the terminal row 410. Then, the terminal row 410 can be sheared or cut off from the lead frame, and the individual terminal conductors of the terminal row 410 can be further bent or otherwise formed into the shape shown in the figure.

[0068] The sheet body molded inserts 430 and 430A of the sheet body assembly 400 maintain the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 410 and support the terminal conductors. The sheet body molded inserts 430 and 430A also include structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 400 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molded insert 430 includes interlocking flanges 432 and 433 located at opposite sides of the sheet body molded insert 430 (see Figure 3B ). In the example shown, the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 are shaped as rectangular cubes and include chamfers or edges, but the dimensions and shapes of the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 can vary in different embodiments. When the connector 10 is assembled, the dimensions of the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channels 132 and 135 of the housing 100, with a minimum clearance therebetween.

[0069] The interlocking flanges 432 and 433 are also designed to mechanically engage with the latch fingers 150 and 154, respectively, and lock in place within the housing 100. As described above, the latch fingers 150 and 154 will bend to a certain extent when a force is applied thereto. The latch fingers 150 and 154 are also elastic and will return to Figure 1A and Figure 1B the positions shown when such a force is removed. During the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 400 is positioned such that the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 are aligned with the sheet body reference channels 132 and 135 of the housing 100. Then, the sheet body assembly 400 can be moved along Figure 1DInserted into the internal region 102 of the housing 100 in the direction "D" shown, and the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 can slide within the sheet body reference channels 132 and 135 of the housing 100. When the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 slide within the sheet body reference channels 132 and 135, the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 will interfere with the tips or ends of the latch fingers 150 and 154, pushing the latch fingers 150 and 154 out of the openings 140 and 144. When the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 are pushed past the tips or ends of the latch fingers 150 and 154, the latch fingers 150 and 154 can quickly return behind the interlocking flanges 432 and 433 of the sheet body molded insert 430 of the sheet body assembly 400, fixing the sheet body assembly 400 in place within the housing 100.

[0070] In addition, the sheet body molded insert 430A includes guide flanges 432A and 433A located at opposite ends of the sheet body molded insert 430A (see Figure 3C ). In the example shown, the guide flanges 432A and 433A are shaped as rectangular cubes and include chamfers or edges, but the dimensions and shapes of the guide flanges 432A and 433A can vary in different embodiments. When the connector 10 is assembled, the dimensions of the guide flanges 432A and 433A are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100, with a minimum clearance therebetween. During the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 400 is positioned such that the guide flanges 432A and 433A are aligned with the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100. The sheet body assembly 400 is inserted into the internal region 102 of the housing 100 in the Figure 1D direction "D" shown, and the guide flanges 432A and 433A can slide within the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100. In some cases, the sheet body assembly 400 can be joined or connected together (e.g., assembled together) with the sheet body assembly 500, and the sheet body assemblies 400 and 500 can be inserted into the housing 100 together. However, in other embodiments, the sheet body assemblies 400 and 500 can be inserted into the internal region 102 of the housing 100 separately.

[0071] The sheet body molded insert 430 also includes positioning sockets. In particular, as Figure 3B shown, the sheet body molded insert 430 includes positioning sockets 442 and 443 formed in the top surfaces of the interlocking flanges 432 and 433, respectively. The positioning sockets 442 and 443 are formed as recessed sockets within the interlocking flanges 432 and 433. The positioning posts of the sheet body assembly 500 can be positioned to extend within the positioning sockets 442 and 443, as described in further detail below.

[0072] The sheet body molded inserts 530 and 530A of the sheet body assembly 500 can be formed of plastics (such as LCP, PE, PTFE, fluoropolymers or other plastics or insulating materials), and are molded around the terminal conductors in the terminal row 510. For example, the lead frame including the terminal row 510 can be formed of a metal flat plate (e.g., stamped, sheared or otherwise formed) to form the lead frame. In some cases, the metal flat plate can be plated with one or more electroplated metals. The lead frame and the terminal row 510 can be pressed or bent into the shape of the terminal row 510. Then, the lead frame including the terminal row 510 can be placed in a mold, and a plastic material can be injected into the mold to form the sheet body molded inserts 530 and 530A around the terminal row 510. Then, the terminal row 510 can be sheared or cut off from the lead frame, and the individual terminal conductors of the terminal row 510 can be further bent or otherwise formed into the shape shown in the figure.

[0073] The sheet body molded inserts 530 and 530A of the sheet body assembly 500 maintain the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 510 and support the terminal conductors. The sheet body molded inserts 530 and 530A also include structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 500 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molded insert 530 includes guide flanges 532 and 533 located at opposite sides of the sheet body molded insert 530 (see Figure 3A ). When the connector 10 is assembled, the guide flanges 532 and 533 are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channels of the housing 100 with a minimum clearance therebetween.

[0074] In addition, the sheet body molded insert 530A includes guide flanges 532A and 533A located at opposite ends of the sheet body molded insert 530A (see Figure 3A ). In the example shown, the guide flanges 532A and 533A are shaped as rectangular cubes and include chamfers or edges, but the size and shape of the guide flanges 532A and 533A can vary in different embodiments. When the connector 10 is assembled, the guide flanges 532A and 533A are sized to fit and slide within the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100 with a minimum clearance therebetween. During the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 500 is positioned such that the guide flanges 532A and 533A are aligned with the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100. The sheet body assembly 500 is inserted into the inner region 102 of the housing 100 in the direction "D" shown, and the guide flanges 532A and 533A can slide within the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100. Figure 1D The sheet body assembly 500 is inserted into the inner region 102 of the housing 100 in the direction "D" shown, and the guide flanges 532A and 533A can slide within the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 of the housing 100.

[0075] The sheet body molded insert 530 also includes positioning posts. In particular, the sheet body molded insert 530 includes positioning posts 542 and 543 that extend downward along the bottom edges of the guiding flanges 532 and 533, as Figure 3A shown. The positioning posts 542 and 543 of the sheet body assembly 500 can be positioned to extend within the positioning sockets 442 and 443 of the sheet body assembly 400. That is, the sheet body assembly 500 can be positioned above the sheet body assembly 400, and the positioning posts 542 and 543 can be inserted into the positioning sockets 442 and 443 of the sheet body assembly 400. The positioning posts 542 and 543 and the positioning sockets 442 and 443 provide a mechanism for aligning the sheet body assemblies 400 and 500 together. Then the sheet body assemblies 400 and 500 can be inserted together into the inner region 102 of the housing 100, as described herein.

[0076] The sheet body molded insert 530 also includes an interlocking nose 539 for positioning the sheet body assembly 500 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. The interlocking nose 539 is located at the relative center of the sheet body assembly 500 and is formed as an elongated nose. When the connector 10 is assembled, the interlocking nose 539 fits into and extends into the corresponding positioning hole 138 (see Figure 1A ) in the housing 100. That is, when the connector 10 is assembled, the interlocking nose 539 fits into and occupies the positioning hole 137 with a minimum gap between the outer surface of the interlocking nose 539 and the inner surface of the positioning hole 137.

[0077] Turning to other aspects of the embodiment, Figure 4A shows Figure 1A a partial exploded view of the sheet body assembly 200 of the connector 10 shown. The sheet body assembly 200 includes flexible shields 250 and 260 and rigid shields 270 and 280. The flexible shields 250 and 260 and the rigid shields 270 and 280 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 200. The ground path assembly is also electrically coupled to and includes the ground conductors in the terminal row 210 (the ground conductors include ground conductors 211, 214, etc.). The rigid shields 270 and 280 of the sheet body assembly 200 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. The metal plates forming the rigid shields 270 and 280 can be relatively thicker than the metal plates used to form the flexible shields 250 and 260, as described in further detail below. The rigid shields 270 and 280 are designed to be fixed together with the sheet body assembly 200 and provide strength, support, and additional rigidity to the sheet body assembly 200 and the connector 10.

[0078] In Figure 4AIn the example shown, the rigid shield 270 includes a first section 270A, a second section 270B, and a third section 270C, with bends between the sections 270A - 270C. The sections 270A - 270C extend in different directions and are angled relative to each other. The rigid shield 270 is generally formed to conform to the bends in the conductor terminal row 210. The rigid shield 270 also includes a contact surface area 271, a shield extension area 272, and a staking aperture 273. Similar to the rigid shield 270, the rigid shield 280 includes multiple sections with bends between the sections. The rigid shield 280 also includes a contact surface area 281, a shield extension area 282, and a staking aperture 283.

[0079] The rigid shields 270 and 280 are formed separately from the terminal row 210 and the sheet body molded insert 230. As Figure 4A shown, the sheet body molded insert 230 includes staking posts, such as staking posts 236 and 237. When the sheet body molded insert 230 is first molded around the terminal row 210, the staking posts 236 and 237 can be cylindrical, as Figure 4A shown. To assemble the sheet body assembly 200, the rigid shields 270 and 280 are arranged with the sheet body molded insert 230 such that the staking posts 236 and 237 extend through the staking apertures 273 and 283 of the rigid shields 270 and 280. Then a thermal staking process is performed to heat the staking posts 236 and 237 to a temperature above the melting temperature of the material forming the sheet body molded insert 230, and the ends of the staking posts 236 and 237 are pressed and formed into caps, with a portion of the caps pressing against the back surfaces of the rigid shields 270 and 280. This process secures the rigid shields 270 and 280 to the sheet body molded insert 230.

[0080] When the sheet body assembly 200 is assembled, the contact surface area 271 of the rigid shield 270 contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210. For example, the contact surface area 271 of the rigid shield 270 contacts the length (length side) of the ground conductor in the first group 210A of terminal conductors in the terminal row 210 (including ground conductors 211 and 214, etc.). The shield extension area 272 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the first group 210A of terminal conductors by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. For example, the rigid shield 270 does not contact the signal conductors 212 and 213 or any other signal conductors in the terminal row 210.

[0081] When the sheet body assembly 200 is assembled, the contact surface area 281 of the rigid shield 280 also contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210. For example, the contact surface area 281 of the rigid shield 280 contacts the length of the ground conductor in the second group 210B of the terminal conductors in the terminal row 210. The shield extension area 282 is spaced apart from and does not contact the signal conductors in the second group 210B of the terminal conductors.

[0082] In some cases, the contact surface area 271 of the rigid shield 270 and the contact surface area 281 of the rigid shield 280 can be electrically coupled or terminated to the upper surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), soldering, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established by welding, soldering, adhesives, or other means along the length of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 and the contact surface areas 271 and 281, or at certain points or sections along the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 and the contact surface areas 271 and 281.

[0083] The flexible shields 250 and 260 of the sheet body assembly 200 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. In some cases, the metal plates forming the flexible shields 250 and 260 can be relatively thinner than the metal plates used to form the rigid shields 270 and 280. The flexible shields 250 and 260 are designed to be relatively more compliant than the rigid shields 270 and 280 such that when the PCB-type interface of the connector is inserted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10 and positioned between the terminal rows 210 and 510, the lead contacts of the terminal row 210 can be bent and sprung back to a certain extent.

[0084] The flexible shield 250 includes a contact surface area 251 and a shield extension area 252. Similar to the flexible shield 250, the flexible shield 260 includes a contact surface area 261 and a shield extension area 262. When the sheet body assembly 200 is assembled, the contact surface area 251 of the flexible shield 250 contacts the lower surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210. For example, the contact surface area 251 of the flexible shield 250 contacts the length of the ground conductor in the first group 210A of terminal conductors (including ground conductors 211 and 214, etc.) in the terminal row 210. The shield extension area 252 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the first group 210A of terminal conductors by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body assembly 200 is assembled, the contact surface area 261 of the flexible shield 260 also contacts the lower surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210. For example, the contact surface area 261 of the flexible shield 260 contacts the length of the ground conductor in the second group 210B of terminal conductors in the terminal row 210. The shield extension area 262 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the second group 210B of terminal conductors by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors.

[0085] In some cases, the contact surface area 251 of the flexible shield 250 and the contact surface area 261 of the flexible shield 260 can be electrically connected or terminated to the lower surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other means along the length of the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 and the contact surface areas 251 and 261, or at certain points or blocks along the ground conductor in the terminal row 210 and the contact surface areas 251 and 261.

[0086] The flexible shields 250 and 260 and the rigid shields 270 and 280 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 200. The flexible shields 250 and 260 and the rigid shields 270 and 280 provide a grounding structure to reduce crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and other undesirable effects in the sheet body assembly 200 and also between the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 within the connector 10. The grounding structure also helps to control the impedance of the signal conductors in the terminal row 210, which act as transmission lines for data communication. The grounding structure provided by the flexible shields 250 and 260 and the rigid shields 270 and 280 is beneficial for higher data rate applications of the connector 10, such as 56 gigabytes per second (Gb / s), 112 Gb / s, 224 Gb / s, and faster data rates.

[0087] Figure 4B is shown Figure 1APartial exploded view of the sheet body assembly 300 of the connector 10 shown. The sheet body assembly 300 includes flexible shields 350 and 360 and rigid shields 370 and 380. The flexible shields 350 and 360 and the rigid shields 370 and 380 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 300. The ground path assembly is also electrically coupled to the ground conductors in the terminal block 310 and includes the ground conductors (including ground conductors 311, 314, etc.). The rigid shields 370 and 380 of the sheet body assembly 300 can be formed of metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. The metal plates forming the rigid shields 370 and 380 can be relatively thicker than the metal plates used to form the flexible shields 350 and 360, as described in further detail below. The rigid shields 370 and 380 are designed to be fixed together with the sheet body assembly 300 and provide strength, support, and additional rigidity to the sheet body assembly 300 and the connector 10.

[0088] In Figure 4B the example shown, the rigid shield 370 includes a first section 370A and a second section 370B, with a bend therebetween. The sections 370A and 370B extend in different directions and are angled relative to each other. The rigid shield 370 is generally formed to conform to the bend in the terminal block 310 of the conductor. The rigid shield 370 also includes a contact surface area 371, a shield extension area 372, and a riveting hole 373. Similar to the rigid shield 370, the rigid shield 380 includes multiple sections, with a bend therebetween. The rigid shield 380 also includes a contact surface area 381, a shield extension area 382, and a riveting hole 383.

[0089] The rigid shields 370 and 380 are formed independently of the terminal block 310 and the sheet body molded insert 330. As Figure 4B shown, the sheet body molded insert 330 includes riveting posts, such as riveting posts 336 and 337, etc. When the sheet body molded insert 330 is first molded around the terminal block 310, as Figure 4B shown, the riveting posts 336 and 337 can be cylindrical. To assemble the sheet body assembly 300, the rigid shields 370 and 380 are arranged with the sheet body molded insert 330 such that the riveting posts 336 and 337 extend through the riveting holes 373 and 383 of the rigid shields 370 and 380. Then a hot riveting process is performed to heat the riveting posts 336 and 337 to a temperature above the melting temperature of the material forming the sheet body molded insert 330, and the ends of the riveting posts 336 and 337 are pressed and formed into caps, with a portion of the caps pressed against the back surfaces of the rigid shields 370 and 380. This process fixes the rigid shields 370 and 380 to the sheet body molded insert 330.

[0090] When the sheet body assembly 300 is assembled, the contact surface area 371 of the rigid shield 370 contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 310. For example, the contact surface area 371 of the rigid shield 370 contacts the length of the ground conductors (including ground conductors 311 and 314, etc.) in the terminal row 310. The shield extension area 372 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 310 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body assembly 300 is assembled, the contact surface area 381 of the rigid shield 380 also contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 310. The shield extension area 382 is separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 310 and does not contact the signal conductors.

[0091] In some cases, the contact surface area 371 of the rigid shield 370 and the contact surface area 381 of the rigid shield 380 can be electrically connected or terminated to the lower surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 310 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other means along the length of the ground conductors in the terminal row 310 and the contact surface areas 371 and 381, or at certain points or blocks along the contact surface areas 371 and 381.

[0092] The flexible shields 350 and 360 of the sheet body assembly 300 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. In some cases, the metal plates forming the flexible shields 350 and 360 can be relatively thinner than the metal plates used to form the rigid shields 370 and 380. The flexible shields 350 and 360 are designed to be relatively more compliant than the rigid shields 370 and 380, such that when the PCB-type interface of the connector is inserted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10 and is located between the terminal rows 310 and 410, the lead contacts of the terminal row 310 can be bent and sprung to a certain extent.

[0093] The flexible shield 350 includes a contact surface area 351 and a shield extension area 352. Similar to the flexible shield 350, the flexible shield 360 includes a contact surface area 361 and a shield extension area 362. When the sheet body assembly 300 is assembled, the contact surface area 351 of the flexible shield 350 contacts the lower surface of the ground conductor in the terminal block 310. For example, the contact surface area 351 of the flexible shield 350 contacts the lengths of the ground conductors (including ground conductors 311 and 314, etc.) in the terminal block 310. The shield extension area 352 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal block 310 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body assembly 300 is assembled, the contact surface area 361 of the flexible shield 360 also contacts the lower surface of the ground conductor in the terminal block 310. The shield extension area 362 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal block 310 and does not contact the signal conductors.

[0094] In some cases, the contact surface area 351 of the flexible shield 350 and the contact surface area 361 of the flexible shield 360 can be electrically connected or terminated to the lower surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal block 310 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact or termination can be established by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other means along the lengths of the contact surface areas 351 and 361, or at certain points or blocks along the contact surface areas 351 and 361.

[0095] The flexible shields 350 and 360 and the rigid shields 370 and 380 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 300. The flexible shields 350 and 360 and the rigid shields 370 and 380 provide a ground structure to mitigate crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and other undesirable effects within the sheet body assembly 300 and also between the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 within the connector 10. The ground structure also helps to control the impedance of the signal conductors in the terminal block 310, which act as transmission lines for data communication. The ground structure provided by the flexible shields 350 and 360 and the rigid shields 370 and 380 is beneficial for higher data rate applications of the connector 10.

[0096] Figure 4C is shown Figure 1APartial exploded view of the sheet body assembly 400 of the connector 10 shown. The sheet body assembly 400 includes flexible shields 450 and 460 and rigid shields 470 and 480. The flexible shields 450 and 460 and the rigid shields 470 and 480 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 400. The ground path assembly is also electrically coupled to and includes the ground conductors (including ground conductors 411, 414, etc.) in the terminal block 410. The rigid shields 470 and 480 of the sheet body assembly 400 can be formed of metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. The metal plates forming the rigid shields 470 and 480 can be relatively thicker than the metal plates used to form the flexible shields 450 and 460, as described in further detail below. The rigid shields 470 and 480 are designed to be fixed together with the sheet body assembly 400 and provide strength, support, and additional rigidity to the sheet body assembly 400 and the connector 10.

[0097] In Figure 4C the example shown, the rigid shield 470 includes a first section 470A and a second section 470B, with a bend therebetween. The sections 470A and 470B extend in different directions and are angled relative to each other. The rigid shield 470 is generally formed to conform to the bend in the terminal block 410 of the conductors. The rigid shield 470 also includes a contact surface area 471, a shield extension area 472, and a riveting hole 473. Similar to the rigid shield 470, the rigid shield 480 includes multiple sections, with a bend therebetween. The rigid shield 480 also includes a contact surface area 481, a shield extension area 482, and a riveting hole 483.

[0098] The rigid shields 470 and 480 are formed independently of the terminal block 410 and the sheet body molded insert 430. As Figure 4C shown, the sheet body molded insert 430 includes riveting posts, such as riveting posts 436 and 437, etc. When the sheet body molded insert 430 is first molded around the terminal block 410, as Figure 4C shown, the riveting posts 436 and 437 can be cylindrical. To assemble the sheet body assembly 400, the rigid shields 470 and 480 are arranged with the sheet body molded insert 430 such that the riveting posts 436 and 437 extend through the riveting holes 473 and 483 of the rigid shields 470 and 480. Then a hot riveting process is performed to heat the riveting posts 436 and 437 to a temperature above the melting temperature of the material forming the sheet body molded insert 430, and the ends of the riveting posts 436 and 437 are pressed and formed into caps, with a portion of the caps pressing against the back surfaces of the rigid shields 470 and 480. This process fixes the rigid shields 470 and 480 to the sheet body molded insert 440.

[0099] When the sheet body assembly 400 is assembled, the contact surface area 471 of the rigid shield 470 contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 410. For example, the contact surface area 471 of the rigid shield 470 contacts the length of the ground conductors (including ground conductors 411 and 414, etc.) in the terminal row 410. The shield extension area 472 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 410 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body assembly 400 is assembled, the contact surface area 481 of the rigid shield 480 also contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 410. The shield extension area 482 is separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 410 and does not contact the signal conductors.

[0100] In some cases, the contact surface area 471 of the rigid shield 470 and the contact surface area 481 of the rigid shield 480 can be electrically connected or terminated to the upper surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 410 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other means along the length of the ground conductor in the terminal row 410 and the contact surface areas 471 and 481, or at certain points or blocks along the contact surface areas 471 and 481.

[0101] The flexible shields 450 and 460 of the sheet body assembly 400 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. In some cases, the metal plates forming the flexible shields 450 and 460 can be relatively thinner than the metal plates used to form the rigid shields 470 and 480. The flexible shields 450 and 460 are designed to be relatively more compliant than the rigid shields 470 and 480, such that when the PCB-type interface of the connector is inserted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10 and is located between the terminal rows 410 and 410, the lead contacts of the terminal row 410 can be bent and sprung to a certain extent.

[0102] The flexible shield 450 includes a contact surface area and a shield extension area, and the flexible shield 460 also includes a contact surface area and a shield extension area. When the sheet body assembly 400 is assembled, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 450 contacts the upper surface of the ground conductor in the terminal block 410. The shield extension area of the flexible shield 450 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal block 410 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body assembly 400 is assembled, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 460 also contacts the upper surface of the ground conductor in the terminal block 410. The shield extension area of the flexible shield 460 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal block 410 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. In some cases, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 450 and the contact surface area of the flexible shield 460 can be electrically connected or terminated to the upper surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal block 410 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesive, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established along the length of the contact surface area, or at certain points or blocks along the contact surface area, by welding, brazing, adhesive, or other means.

[0103] The flexible shields 450 and 460 and the rigid shields 470 and 480 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 400. The flexible shields 450 and 460 and the rigid shields 470 and 480 provide a ground structure to mitigate crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and other undesirable effects within the sheet body assembly 400 and also between the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 within the connector 10. The ground structure also helps to control the impedance of the signal conductors in the terminal block 410, which act as transmission lines for data communication. The ground structure provided by the flexible shields 450 and 460 and the rigid shields 470 and 480 is beneficial for higher data rate applications of the connector 10.

[0104] Figure 4D is shown Figure 1APartial exploded view of the sheet body assembly 500 of the connector 10 shown. The sheet body assembly 500 includes flexible shields 550 and 560 and rigid shields 570 and 580. The flexible shields 550 and 560 and the rigid shields 570 and 580 form a ground path assembly for the sheet body assembly 500. The ground path assembly is also electrically coupled to and includes ground conductors in the terminal block 510 (including ground conductors 511, 514, etc.). The rigid shields 570 and 580 of the sheet body assembly 500 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., stamped, sheared, or otherwise formed) and in some cases are electroplated. The metal plates forming the rigid shields 570 and 580 can be relatively thicker than the metal plates used to form the flexible shields 550 and 560, as described in further detail below. The rigid shields 570 and 580 are designed to be fixed together with the sheet body assembly 500 and provide strength, support, and additional rigidity to the sheet body assembly 500 and the connector 10.

[0105] In Figure 4D In the example shown, the rigid shield 570 includes a first section 570A, a second section 570B, and a third section 570C, with bends between the sections 570A - 570C. The sections 570A - 570C extend in different directions and are angled relative to each other. The rigid shield 570 is generally formed to conform to the bends in the terminal block 510 of the conductors. The rigid shield 570 also includes a contact surface area 571, a shield extension area 572, and a rivet hole 573. Similar to the rigid shield 570, the rigid shield 580 includes multiple sections with bends between the sections. The rigid shield 580 also includes a contact surface area 581, a shield extension area 582, and a rivet hole 583.

[0106] The rigid shields 570 and 580 are formed independently of the terminal block 510 and the sheet body molded insert 530. As Figure 4D shown, the sheet body molded insert 530 includes rivet posts, such as rivet posts 536 and 537, etc. When the sheet body molded insert 530 is first molded around the terminal block 510, the rivet posts 536 and 537 can be cylindrical, as Figure 4DAs shown. To assemble the sheet body component 500, the rigid shields 570 and 580 are arranged together with the sheet body molded insert 530 such that the riveting posts 536 and 537 extend through the riveting holes 573 and 583 of the rigid shields 570 and 580. Then a hot riveting process is performed to heat the riveting posts 536 and 537 to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the material forming the sheet body molded insert 530, and the ends of the riveting posts 536 and 537 are pressed and formed into caps, with a part of the caps pressing on the back surfaces of the rigid shields 570 and 580. This process fixes the rigid shields 570 and 580 to the sheet body molded insert 530.

[0107] When the sheet body component 500 is assembled, the contact surface area 571 of the rigid shield 570 contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510. For example, the contact surface area 571 of the rigid shield 570 contacts the length of the ground conductors (including ground conductors 511 and 514, etc.) in the terminal row 510. The shield extension area 572 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 510 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductors. When the sheet body component 500 is assembled, the contact surface area 581 of the rigid shield 580 also contacts the surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510. The shield extension area 582 is separated from the signal conductors in the terminal row 510 and does not contact the signal conductors.

[0108] In some cases, the contact surface area 571 of the rigid shield 570 and the contact surface area 581 of the rigid shield 580 can be electrically connected and terminated to the lower surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesives, or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination can be established by welding, brazing, adhesives, or other means along the length of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510 and the contact surface areas 571 and 581, or at certain points or blocks along the contact surface areas 571 and 581.

[0109] The flexible shields 550 and 560 of the sheet body component 500 can be formed from metal plates (e.g., by stamping, shearing, or otherwise) and in some cases are electroplated. In some cases, the metal plates forming the flexible shields 550 and 560 can be relatively thinner than the metal plates used to form the rigid shields 570 and 580. The flexible shields 550 and 560 are designed to be relatively more compliant than the rigid shields 570 and 580 such that when the PCB - type interface of the connector is inserted into the front port opening 12 of the connector 10 and is located between the terminal rows 210 and 510, the lead contacts of the terminal row 510 can be bent and sprung back to a certain extent.

[0110] The flexible shield 550 includes a contact surface area and a shield extension area, and the flexible shield 560 also includes a contact surface area and a shield extension area. When the wafer assembly 500 is assembled, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 550 contacts the upper surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510. The shield extension area of the flexible shield 550 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductor in the terminal row 510 by a gap and does not contact the signal conductor. When the wafer assembly 500 is assembled, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 560 also contacts the upper surface of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510. The shield extension area of the flexible shield 560 is mechanically and electrically separated from the signal conductor in the terminal row 510 and does not contact the signal conductor. In some cases, the contact surface area of the flexible shield 550 and the contact surface area of the flexible shield 560 can be electrically connected and terminated to the upper surface area of the ground conductor in the terminal row 510 by welding (e.g., laser welding, spot welding, etc.), brazing, conductive adhesive or other means. For example, electrical contact and termination may be established along the length of the contact surface area or at certain points or regions along the contact surface area by welding, soldering, adhesives or other means.

[0111] The flexible shields 550 and 560 and the rigid shields 570 and 580 form a ground path assembly for the wafer assembly 500. The flexible shields 550 and 560 and the rigid shields 570 and 580 provide a grounding structure to mitigate crosstalk, electromagnetic interference, and other undesirable effects between the wafer assembly 500 and the wafer assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 also within the connector 10. The grounding structure also helps control the impedance of the signal conductors in the terminal row 510, which act as transmission lines for data communications. The grounding structure provided by the flexible shields 550 and 560 and the rigid shields 570 and 580 facilitates higher data rate applications of the connector 10.

[0112] Figure 5 The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in Figure 1D A cross-sectional view of the connector 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the housing 100 includes openings 147 and 148 extending through the bottom of the housing 100. The openings 147 and 148 extend from the exterior of the housing 100 to the interior region 102 within the housing 100 (see also FIG. Figure 1D ). The latch fingers extend in a cantilever arrangement within each opening 147 and 148. In particular, the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 extend in a cantilever arrangement around the periphery of the openings 147 and 148, respectively. The tapered edges of the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 also extend partially within the openings 147 and 148.

[0113] Also as Figure 2B shown, the sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200 includes interlocking legs 234 and 235 for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 200 within the housing 100. The interlocking legs 234 and 235 are designed to mechanically engage with the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 of the housing 100 to hold and fix the sheet body assembly 200 in place. More specifically, during the assembly of the connector 10, the sheet body assembly 200 is positioned such that the guiding flanges 232 and 233 (see Figure 2B ) are aligned with the sheet body reference channels of the housing 100. Then, the sheet body assembly 200 is inserted into the inner region 102 of the housing 100 in the direction "D" as Figure 1D shown, and the guiding flanges 232 and 233 slide within the sheet body reference channels of the housing 100. At this time, the interlocking legs 234 and 235 slide into the openings 148 and 147 of the housing 100 and press against the tapered edges of the leg latch fingers 157 and 158. The interlocking legs 234 and 235 of the sheet body assembly 200 push the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 away from and towards the peripheral edges of the openings 148 and 147. When the interlocking legs 234 and 235 are pushed past the tips or ends of the latch fingers 157 and 158, the leg latch fingers 157 and 158 can snap back and be located behind the interlocking legs 234 and 235 of the sheet body molded insert 230 of the sheet body assembly 200, as Figure 5 shown, fixing the sheet body assembly 200 in place within the housing 100.

[0114] Figure 5 Also shown is how the contact surface areas of the rigid shields 270, 280, 370, 380, 470, 480, 570, and 580 contact the ground conductors in the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the connector 10. The shield extension areas of the rigid shields 270, 280, 370, 380, 470, 480, 570, and 580 are mechanically and electrically separated from and do not contact the signal conductors in the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the connector 10.

[0115] Next, a connector 10 according to another embodiment of the present application will be described, where the same components as those in the above respective embodiments are still labeled with the same reference numerals, and for the sake of avoiding redundancy, the repeated description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0116] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, wherein Figure 6 is a top perspective view showing an exemplary connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7which shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 6 The bottom perspective view of the connector shown, the connector 10 of this another embodiment also includes a front port opening 12, terminal pins 13 ( Figure 7 shown in), and a terminal row of terminal conductors extending from the front port opening 12 to the terminal pins 13 for communication of data signals on the terminal conductors. The connector 10 also includes several structural features to maintain the alignment and position of the terminal conductors within the connector 10. The connector 10 is also designed to provide shielding and maintain the signal integrity of differential signals on the terminal conductors when the terminal conductors extend from the front port opening 12 to the terminal pins 13. The connector 10 also includes a housing 100, and the housing 100 includes a bottom mounting surface 110, a back surface 112, mounting posts 122 and 124, welding rings 126 and 128, and other features described below

[0117] Different from the foregoing respective embodiments, the housing 100 of this another embodiment is composed of two parts, a plastic part 160 and a metal part 170. The front port opening 12 is formed in the plastic part 160, which can, on the one hand, avoid possible abrasions when the mating connector is inserted through the front port opening 12, and on the other hand, avoid short circuits with the housing during mating; the metal part 170 can be formed, for example, by molding, injection molding, die casting, printing, or other techniques to improve the overall strength of the housing 100, and the metal part 170 can also improve the anti-deformation ability of the housing 100 when a sheet body assembly applies force to the housing 100.

[0118] With reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the Figure 8 which shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 6 The top exploded perspective view of the connector housing shown, the Figure 9 which shows another embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 6 The bottom exploded perspective view of the connector housing shown, the plastic part 160 of the housing 100 includes a first fastening part 162, correspondingly, the metal part 170 of the housing 100 includes a second fastening part 172. In the examples shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , both the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172 are generally U-shaped. The first fastening part 162 includes a card slot part 1621 and ribs 1622 on one or both sides within the card slot part 1621 (only the rib 1622 on one side is shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 ); the second fastening part 172 includes a card arm part 1721. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172 can also be in other forms, such as the form of protrusions and grooves or snap holes.

[0119] The plastic part 160 of the housing 100 further includes connecting protrusions 161. The connecting protrusions 161 shown in the figure are located on the top surface of the plastic part 160 and are three cylindrical protrusions, but this is not limiting. The connecting protrusions 161 can also be in other shapes, such as prismatic. Correspondingly, three connecting holes 171 are provided on the top surface of the metal part 170. The shape of the connecting holes 171 can correspond to the shape of the connecting protrusions 161. The appropriate number of connecting protrusions 161 and connecting holes 171 can be set according to actual needs.

[0120] When assembling the plastic part 160 and the metal part 170, the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172 are fastened to each other. At the same time, the connecting protrusions 161 pass through the connecting holes 171. After that, for example, by hot pressing, the end of the connecting protrusion 161 can be pressed into a cap shape, so as to fix the plastic part 160 and the metal part 170 together. Of course, the plastic part 160 and the metal part 170 can also be fixed to each other by the interference fit between the connecting protrusions 161 and the connecting holes 171. Or the connecting protrusions 161 and the connecting holes 171 can be in interference fit and then the end of the connecting protrusion 161 can be hot pressed to form a cap fixed to the connecting hole 171. When the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172 are fastened to each other, for example, as shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the locking arm part 1721 of the second fastening part 172 extends into the slot part 1621 of the first fastening part 162 and presses the rib 1622 located on one or both sides of the slot part 1621, so as to form a tight fit / interference fit between the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172. Through the fixed connection between the connecting protrusions 161 and the connecting holes 171 and the tight fit between the first fastening part 162 and the second fastening part 172, the plastic part 160 and the metal part 170 of the housing 100 are firmly assembled together.

[0121] Similar to the foregoing embodiments, the housing 100 includes an internal space area 102. When the connector 10 is assembled, the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500 are positioned and fixed in the internal space area 102. In order to realize the positioning and fixing of the sheet body assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500 in the internal space area 102 of the housing 100, the metal part 170 of this further embodiment further includes the following features, that is, a second positioning groove 173 is provided at one end of the top surface of the metal part 170 away from the plastic part 160, a slot 177 is provided at one end of the top surface of the metal part 170 close to the plastic part 160, and a first positioning groove 174 is provided at one end of the bottom surface of the metal part 170 close to the plastic part 160. The second positioning groove 173 BH1For example, it can be in the form of a dovetail groove, and the card slot 177 can be in the form of, for example, a [BH2] slot hole. First card holes 175 and second card holes 176 are provided on both side walls of the metal part 170. Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively show the first card holes 175 and the second card holes 176 located on the two side walls. The mating relationships of the above-mentioned various features with the thin plate body assemblies 200, 300, 400, and 500 will be described below.

[0122] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the Figure 10 and Figure 11 respectively show perspective views of different angles of the internal structure of the connector housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing 100 includes thin plate body reference channels 130, 131, 132 (shown in Figure 6 ) formed in one side wall inside the housing 100 and thin plate body reference channels 133, 134, 135 (shown in Figure 10 ) formed in another opposite side wall inside the housing 100. The thin plate body reference channels 130 and 133 are oppositely arranged to form a reference channel for inserting the thin plate body assembly 200 (also referred to as the first thin plate body assembly 200 hereinafter). And the end portions of the thin plate body reference channels 130 and 133 close to the front port opening 12 or the plastic part 160 (shown in Figure 11 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) are respectively formed with stop edges 1301 and 1331 to define the insertion position of the first thin plate body assembly 200. Similarly, the thin plate body reference channels 131 and 134 are oppositely arranged to form a reference channel for inserting the thin plate body assemblies 300 and 400 (also referred to as the second thin plate body assembly 300 and the third thin plate body assembly 400 hereinafter). The end portions of the thin plate body reference channels 131 and 134 close to the front port opening 12 are respectively formed with stop edges 1311 and 1341 to define the insertion positions of the second thin plate body assembly 300 and the third thin plate body assembly 400. The thin plate body reference channels 132 and 135 are oppositely arranged to form a reference channel for inserting the thin plate body assembly 500 (also referred to as the fourth thin plate body assembly 500 hereinafter). The end portions of the thin plate body reference channels 132 and 135 close to the front port opening 12 are respectively formed with stop edges 1321 and 1351 to define the insertion position of the fourth thin plate body assembly 500.

[0123] In addition, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , two slots 139 are respectively formed in the two opposite side walls inside the housing 100. Both ends of the support plate 600 (to be described hereinafter) can be respectively inserted into the slots 139.

[0124] Next, reference will be made to Figure 12 and Figure 13 to specifically describe a first sheet-like component 200, a second sheet-like component 300, a third sheet-like component 400, and a fourth sheet-like component 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 12 is a top-down exploded perspective view of a sheet-like component of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 is a bottom-up exploded perspective view of a sheet-like component of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The first sheet-like component 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure similarly includes a terminal row 210 and a sheet-like molded insert 230. The sheet-like molded insert 230 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 210 and supports the terminal conductors. The sheet-like molded insert 230 further includes structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet-like component 200 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet-like molded insert 230 includes guiding flanges 232 and 233 on its two sides for guiding the sheet-like component 200 within the housing 100 during the assembly of the connector 10. The guiding flanges 232 and 233 respectively engage the sheet-like reference channels 130 and 133 (i.e., fit and slide within the sheet-like reference channels 130 and 133 with a minimum clearance), and the first sheet-like component 200 is respectively limited in its insertion limit position within the housing 100 by the stop edges 1301 and 1331. First locking blocks 2321 ( Figure 12 shown in Figure 13 ) and 2331 ( Figure 10 shown in Figure 11 ) are respectively provided on the guiding flanges 232 and 233. With reference to the combination of Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, when the first sheet-like component 200 is inserted and in place inside the housing 100, the first locking blocks 2321 and 2331 respectively engage the first locking holes 175 provided on the two side walls of the metal part 170 of the housing 100 to achieve the positioning of the first sheet-like component 200 within the housing 100. The setting positions of the first locking blocks 2321, 2331 and the first locking holes 175 can be interchanged, or other structural forms can also be adopted. According to Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown in the embodiment, the first locking blocks 2321, 2331 may also be provided with inclined surfaces for guiding when the first locking blocks 2321, 2331 are engaged into the first locking holes 175. In addition, as Figure 13As shown, a first positioning block 2301 is provided on the bottom surface of the thin-sheet body molded insert 230. Compared with the first clamping blocks 2321 and 2331, the first positioning block 2301 is disposed closer to the front port opening 12 or the plastic part 160. When the first thin-sheet body assembly 200 is inserted and positioned inside the housing 100, the first positioning block 2301 engages with the first positioning groove 174 provided on the bottom surface of the metal part 170 of the housing 100. According to an embodiment, the first positioning block 2301 is a convex block and the first positioning groove 174 is a concave groove. With reference to Figure 9 and Figure 13 shown, the first positioning block 2301 is biased and limited within the first positioning groove 174 by a support plate 600 (described below), so that positioning in the left-right direction and the up-down direction can be achieved. The first positioning block 2301 and the first positioning groove 174 can be in a tight fit or a loose fit. Of course, the positions of the first positioning block 2301 and the first positioning groove 174 can also be interchanged, or other forms can be adopted.

[0126] The second thin-sheet body assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure similarly includes a terminal row 310 and a thin-sheet body molded insert 330. The thin-sheet body molded insert 330 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 310 and supports the terminal conductors. The thin-sheet body molded insert 330 further includes structural features for positioning and fixing the thin-sheet body assembly 300 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the thin-sheet body molded insert 330 includes interlocking flanges 332 ( Figure 12 shown in) and 333 ( Figure 13 shown in).

[0127] The third thin-sheet body assembly 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure similarly also includes a terminal row 410 and a thin-sheet body molded insert 430. The thin-sheet body molded insert 430 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal row 410 and supports the terminal conductors. The thin-sheet body molded insert 430 further includes structural features for positioning and fixing the thin-sheet body assembly 400 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the thin-sheet body molded insert 430 includes interlocking flanges 432 ( Figure 12 shown in) and 433 ( Figure 13 shown in).

[0128] In addition, as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown in [the figure], on both side end faces of the sheet body molded insert 330 of the second sheet body assembly 300, first positioning holes 3301 are provided. Correspondingly, on both side end faces of the sheet body molded insert 430 of the third sheet body 400, first positioning posts 4301 are provided. The first positioning posts 4301 of the third sheet body 400 can be inserted into the first positioning holes 3301 of the second sheet body 300 to achieve positioning between the second sheet body 300 and the third sheet body 400. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The cross-section of the first positioning hole 3301 shown in [the figure] is semi-circular. Correspondingly, the first positioning post 4301 is also semi-cylindrical in a matching shape, but not limited thereto. The first positioning post 4301 can also be cylindrical, prismatic, etc. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the first positioning hole 3301 can also be circular, rhombic; the installation positions of the first positioning post 4301 and the first positioning hole 3301 can also be interchanged. On the top surface of the sheet body molded insert 330 of the second sheet body 300, a locking post 3302 is also provided. Correspondingly, on the top surface of the sheet body molded insert 430 of the third sheet body 400, a locking hole 4302 is provided. The locking post 3302 of the second sheet body 300 can pass through the locking hole 4302 of the third sheet body 400 and then be fixed in the locking hole 4302 by hot pressing or other means, or the locking post 3302 can be fixed in the locking hole 4302 by interference fit, or the locking post 3302 and the locking hole 4302 are fixed to each other by hot pressing and melting after interference fit. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The locking post 3302 shown in [the figure] is prismatic. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the locking hole 4302 is also rectangular in a matching shape, but not limited thereto. The locking post 3302 can also be semi-cylindrical, cylindrical, other prismatic, etc. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the locking hole 4302 can also be semi-circular, circular, other rhombic; the installation positions of the locking post 3302 and the locking hole 4302 can also be interchanged, and the appropriate number of locking posts 3302 and locking holes 4302 can also be set according to requirements. Through the cooperation of the first positioning post 4301 and the first positioning hole 3301 and the cooperation of the locking post 3302 and the locking hole 4302, the second sheet body assembly 300 and the third sheet body assembly 400 are combined into one body. After the connector 10 is installed, the interlocking flanges 332 and 432 and the interlocking flanges 333 and 433 after being combined are respectively located in the reference channels 131 and 134 in the housing 100 with a minimum gap and can slide along the reference channels 131 and 134.

[0129] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, in addition to the interlocking flanges 432 and 433, the sheet body molded insert 430 of the third sheet body assembly 400 also includes guiding flanges 432A ( Figure 12 shown in [the figure]) and 433A ( Figure 13As shown). At both ends of the top surface of the sheet body molding insert 430 of the third sheet body assembly 400, second positioning holes 4303 are provided.

[0130] The fourth sheet body assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a terminal block 510 and a sheet body molding insert 530. The sheet body molding insert 530 maintains the spacing between the terminal conductors in the terminal block 510 and supports the terminal conductors. The sheet body molding insert 530 further includes structural features for positioning and fixing the sheet body assembly 500 within the housing 100 of the connector 10. More specifically, the sheet body molding insert 530 includes a first guiding flange 532 ( Figure 12 as shown in) and 533 ( Figure 13 as shown in), and a second guiding flange 532A ( Figure 12 as shown in) and 533A ( Figure 13 as shown in). Second positioning posts 5302 are provided on both sides of the sheet body molding insert 530 of the fourth sheet body assembly 500. The second positioning posts 5302 can be correspondingly inserted into the second positioning holes 4303 of the third sheet body 400 to achieve the positioning fit between the third sheet body assembly 400 and the fourth sheet body assembly 500. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The second positioning posts 5302 shown in are in the shape of a quadrangular prism. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the second positioning holes 4303 is also a matching rectangle, but this is not limited thereto. The second positioning posts 5302 can also be in the shape of a semi-cylindrical, cylindrical, other prismatic shapes, etc. Correspondingly, the cross-section of the second positioning holes 4303 can also be semi-circular, circular, other rhombic shapes; the arrangement positions of the second positioning posts 5302 and the second positioning holes 4303 can also be interchanged, and the appropriate number of second positioning posts 5302 and second positioning holes 4303 can also be set according to requirements. When the overall of the second sheet body assembly 300 and the third sheet body assembly 400 are installed and positioned with respect to the fourth sheet body assembly 500 via the cooperation of the second positioning posts 5302 and the second positioning holes 4303, the guiding flanges 432A and 433A of the third sheet body assembly 400 are respectively aligned with the second guiding flanges 532A and 533A of the fourth sheet body assembly 500, and the whole is located in the reference channel 136 ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 as shown in) within the housing 100 with a minimum gap and can slide along the reference channel 136.

[0131] Second clamping blocks 5301 are provided on both sides of the sheet body molding insert 530 of the fourth sheet body assembly 500. With reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the second clamping block 5301 of the fourth thin sheet body component 500 can be correspondingly inserted into the second clamping holes 176 provided on both side walls of the housing 100. In addition, a protrusion 5304 is provided at one end of the top surface of the thin sheet body molding insert 530 of the fourth thin sheet body component 500 near the front port opening 12, and the protrusion 5304 is correspondingly inserted into the card slot 177 provided on the top surface of the housing 100. The protrusion 5304 can be in interference fit with the card slot 177.

[0132] Considering that the length of the fourth thin sheet body component 500 is relatively large and the bridging distance during installation in the housing 100 is also relatively large, in order to prevent the rear end of the fourth thin sheet body component 500 (i.e., the end far from the front port opening 12) from sagging or warping left and right, a second positioning block 5303 is provided at the end of the top surface of the thin sheet body molding insert 530 of the fourth thin sheet body component 500 far from the front port opening 12, and the second positioning block 5303 is preferably provided at the middle position in the left-right direction. When the fourth thin sheet body component 500 is installed in place in the housing 100, the second positioning block 5303 cooperates with the second positioning groove 173 provided on the top surface of the metal part 170 of the housing 100. When the second positioning groove 173 is in the form of a dovetail groove, the second positioning block 5303 is also in the form of a dovetail, but this is not limited thereto.

[0133] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The support plate 600 is also shown in, the middle part of the support plate 600 abuts against the bottom of the second thin sheet body 300, and both ends of the support plate 600 are respectively inserted into the slots 139 ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown in) provided on the two inner side walls of the housing 100, the support plate 600 abuts against the middle part below the second thin sheet body 200 to prevent it from sagging and warping; on the other hand, the support plate 600 has a certain elasticity, so it can provide a certain elasticity to the second thin sheet body component 300, the third thin sheet body component 400 and the fourth thin sheet body component 500 assembled together to compensate for their assembly errors, ensure that the second thin sheet body component 300, the third thin sheet body component 400 and the fourth thin sheet body component 500 are tightly fitted together, and can also absorb the force during the interference fit of the second thin sheet body component 300, the third thin sheet body component 400 and the fourth thin sheet body component 500.

[0134] The assembled structure of the first thin sheet body component 200, the second thin sheet body component 300, the third thin sheet body component 400 and the fourth thin sheet body component 500 is as shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 shown in, where Figure 14 and Figure 15Stereoscopic and cross-sectional schematic views showing the first sheet body assembly 200, the second sheet body assembly 300, the third sheet body assembly 400, and the fourth sheet body assembly 500 of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure assembled together are respectively shown. The lead contacts of the terminal row 210 of the first sheet body assembly 200 face the lead contacts of the terminal row 510 of the fourth sheet body 500, and the lead contacts of the terminal row 310 of the second sheet body assembly 300 face the lead contacts of the terminal row 410 of the third sheet body plastic 400. As Figure 15 shown, the terminal tail structures of the first sheet body assembly 200, the second sheet body assembly 300, the third sheet body assembly 400, and the fourth sheet body assembly 500 are all bent at about 90° to improve the coplanarity of the terminal tails. In addition, the foremost ends (close to the front port opening 12) of the guiding flanges 232 and 233 of the first sheet body assembly 200 are the first edge L1, the foremost ends (close to the front port opening 12) of the interlocking flanges 332, 432 and 333, 433 of the second sheet body assembly 300 and the third sheet body assembly 400 are the second edge L2, and the foremost ends (close to the front port opening 12) of the first guiding flanges 532 and 533 of the fourth sheet body 500 are the third edge L3. As Figure 15 shown in, the first edge L1 is closest to the front port opening 12, followed by the third edge L3, and then the second edge L2. Correspondingly, referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, after the connector 10 is installed, the stop edges 1301 and 1331 of the sheet body reference channels 130 and 133 are engaged with the first edge L1 and are closest to the front port opening 12; the stop edges 1311 and 1341 of the sheet body reference channels 131 and 134 are engaged with the second edge L2 and are farthest from the front port opening 12; the stop edges 1321 and 1351 of the sheet body reference channels 132 and 135 are engaged with the third edge L3 and are slightly farther from the front port opening 12 and are closer to the stop edges 1301 and 1331.

[0135] Next, referring again to Figure 16A and Figure 16B for description, wherein, Figure 16A is an overall top view schematic diagram showing a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 16A A-A line of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. When the connector according to the present disclosure needs to be installed by belly-to-belly soldering, that is, when soldering is required on both the front and back sides of the PCB board, four tabs 20 can be provided on the bottom surface of the connector 10 and soldered to the PCB board to assist in the double-sided soldering operation. Figure 16BThe cross-sectional view shows a support plate 600 that supports the first sheet body assembly 200. The support plate 600 abuts against the middle position of the bottom surface of the first sheet body assembly 200, and its specific installation settings and functions are as described above.

[0136] The connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with the rigid shielding member and the flexible shielding member as described in the foregoing respective embodiments to form a grounding path assembly for each of the sheet bodies 200, 300, 400, and 500. The connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and the connectors of the foregoing respective embodiments may also be provided with the following flexible shielding member 290.

[0137] See Figure 17 shown, the Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing a flexible shielding member of another embodiment. The flexible shielding member 290 terminates the contact surface area in a clamping manner to the surface area of the grounding terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors of each sheet body. Specifically, as Figure 17 shown, the flexible shielding member 290 includes a plurality of cross beam portions 291, a plurality of clamping portions 292, a plurality of abutting portions 293, a plurality of first shielding portions 294, and a plurality of second shielding portions 295. The plurality of clamping portions 292 of each flexible shielding member 290 are spaced apart along the left-right direction Y and respectively aligned with the plurality of grounding terminals of the corresponding sheet body. Each clamping portion 292 of each flexible shielding member 290 has a rib portion 296 extending along the up-down direction Z, and a pair of clamping arms 297 respectively extending from both sides of the rib portion 296 in the same direction (i.e., the direction close to the corresponding grounding terminal) and curling inward. The clamping arms 297 are respectively clamped to the welding sections of the plurality of grounding terminals. The plurality of cross beam portions 291 of each flexible shielding member 290 are disposed at intervals of two up and down between two adjacent clamping portions 292, and the left and right ends of each cross beam portion 291 are respectively connected to two adjacent clamping portions 292. In Figure 17 the embodiment shown, the number of the plurality of clamping portions 292 corresponds to the number of the plurality of grounding terminals, but the number of the plurality of clamping portions 292 may also be less than the number of the plurality of grounding terminals, and there is no limit to a specific number.

[0138] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "rear", "right", and "left" do not aim to provide an absolute reference system. On the contrary, these terms are relative and aim to identify certain features related to each other, because the orientation of the structure described herein may change. Terms such as "comprising", "including", "having", etc. are synonymous and are used in an open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc. In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense rather than in its exclusive sense. Therefore, when used, for example, to connect a series of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0139] Unless otherwise specified, combinatorial language, such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" or "at least one of X, Y, or Z", is generally used to mean one of them, any combination of two, or all three (or more, if a larger group is specified), such as X only, Y only, Z only, a combination of X and Y, a combination of X and Z, a combination of Y and Z, and a combination of all X, Y, and Z. This combinatorial language is generally not intended to, and unless specifically stated, does not represent or require the inclusion of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. The terms "about" and "substantially", unless otherwise defined herein in relation to a specific range, percentage, or associated measure of deviation, account for at least some manufacturing tolerances between the theoretically designed and manufactured product or component, such as those described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Y14.5 and related International Organization for Standardization geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, even when using theoretical terms in combination, such as "vertical", "orthogonal", "vertex", "collinear", "coplanar", and other terms in the geometric context, such manufacturing tolerances are still considered even if the terms "about", "substantially", or related terms are not explicitly cited.

[0140] The above embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of implementations to provide a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without materially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. In addition, components and features described with respect to one embodiment may be included in another embodiment. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: a housing; and a sheet body assembly, the sheet body assembly including a terminal row, a sheet body molded insert, and a ground path assembly, wherein: the terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors; the ground path assembly includes a ground shield; and a contact surface area of the ground shield is terminated to a surface area of a ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, A shield extension area of the ground shield extends across signal terminals among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the ground shield includes a plurality of sections and bends between the plurality of sections; and a contact surface area of each of the plurality of sections of the ground shield is terminated to a corresponding surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the ground shield includes a rigid ground shield; the ground path assembly further includes a flexible ground shield; a contact surface area of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a lower surface area of the ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly; and a contact surface area of the flexible ground shield is terminated to an upper surface area of the ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The ground path assembly includes a plurality of rigid ground shields and a plurality of flexible ground shields.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes leg latch fingers formed at a bottom of the housing, and a sheet body reference channel and latch fingers formed in a side of the housing.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the sheet body molded insert includes an interlocking flange; the housing includes latch fingers formed in a side of the housing; and when the sheet body assembly is inserted into the housing, the latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking flange of the sheet body molded insert.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the sheet body molded insert includes interlocking legs; the housing includes leg latch fingers formed in a bottom of the housing; and when the sheet body assembly is inserted into the housing, the leg latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking legs of the sheet body molded insert.

9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the sheet body molded insert includes an interlocking flange; the housing includes a sheet body reference channel and latch fingers formed in a side of the housing; and when the sheet body assembly is inserted into the housing, the interlocking flange of the sheet body molded insert slides into the sheet body reference channel of the housing, and the latch fingers of the housing snap into a position of mechanical interference with the interlocking flange of the sheet body molded insert.

10. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sheet body assembly, including a second terminal row, a second sheet body molded insert, and a second ground path assembly, wherein: The second sheet body molded insert includes a positioning socket; The sheet body molded insert includes a positioning post; and The positioning post of the sheet body assembly extends within the positioning socket of the second sheet body assembly.

11. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second sheet body assembly, the second sheet body assembly including a second terminal row, wherein the ground shield of the sheet body assembly extends between the terminal row of the sheet body assembly and the second terminal row of the second sheet body assembly.

12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The contact surface area of the ground shield is laser welded to the surface area of the ground terminal.

13. A sheet body assembly, comprising: A terminal row; A sheet body molded insert; And A ground path assembly, wherein: The terminal row includes a plurality of terminal conductors; The ground path assembly includes a rigid ground shield and a flexible ground shield; The contact surface area end of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a first surface area of a ground terminal among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly; and The contact surface area end of the flexible ground shield is terminated to a second surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly.

14. The sheet body assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The shield extension area of the rigid ground shield extends across signal terminals among the plurality of terminal conductors in the sheet body assembly; and The shield extension area of the flexible ground shield extends across the signal terminals in the sheet body assembly.

15. The sheet body assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The rigid ground shield includes a plurality of sections and a bend between the plurality of sections; and The contact surface area of each section of the plurality of sections of the rigid ground shield is terminated to a corresponding surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly.

16. The sheet body assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The contact surface area of the rigid ground shield is terminated to the lower surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly; and The contact surface area of the flexible ground shield is terminated to the upper surface area of the ground terminal in the sheet body assembly.

17. A connector, comprising: A housing; A first sheet body assembly, including a first terminal row, a first sheet body molded insert, and a first ground path assembly; And A second sheet body assembly, including a second terminal row, a second sheet body molded insert, and a second ground path assembly, wherein: The first ground path assembly includes a first ground shield; The second ground path assembly includes a second ground shield; The contact surface area of the first ground shield is terminated to a first surface area of a ground terminal in the first terminal row of the first sheet body assembly; And The contact surface area of the second ground shield is terminated to a second surface area of a ground terminal in the second terminal row of the second sheet body assembly.

18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first ground path assembly includes a first plurality of rigid ground shields and a flexible ground shield; and The second ground path component includes a second plurality of rigid ground shields and a flexible ground shield.

19. The connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first sheet body molded insert includes a first interlocking flange; The second sheet body molded insert includes a second interlocking flange; The housing includes a first latch finger and a second latch finger formed in a side portion of the housing; And When the first sheet body assembly and the second sheet body assembly are inserted into the housing, the first latch finger of the housing snaps into a position of mechanical interference with the first interlocking flange, and the second latch finger of the housing snaps into a position of mechanical interference with the second interlocking flange.

20. The connector according to claim 17, wherein: The second sheet body molded insert includes a positioning socket; The first sheet body molded insert includes a positioning post; and The positioning post extends within the positioning socket to align the first sheet body assembly with the second sheet body assembly.

21. The connector according to claim 1 or 17, wherein The housing includes a plastic portion and a metal portion, and a front port opening of the connector is formed in the plastic portion.

22. The connector according to claim 22, wherein The plastic portion includes a first fastening portion, and the metal portion includes a second fastening portion. The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are engaged to combine the plastic portion and the metal portion.

23. The connector according to claim 22, wherein The plastic portion is provided with a connecting convex portion, and the metal portion is provided with a connecting hole. The connecting convex portion can pass through and be fixed in the connecting hole to achieve the combination of the plastic portion and the metal portion.

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