Module connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

A modular connector includes a first housing, a first terminal module, a second terminal module, and a grounding connector. The first terminal module includes a plurality of first conductive terminals and a first metal shield. The plurality of first conductive terminals includes at least a first ground terminal, a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a second ground terminal. The second terminal module includes a plurality of second conductive terminals and a second metal shield. The plurality of second conductive terminals includes at least a third ground terminal, a third signal terminal, a fourth signal terminal, and a fourth ground terminal. The grounding connector is at least partially located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module. The grounding connector is electrically connected to the first ground terminal, the second ground terminal, and the second metal shield, respectively. This configuration improves the quality of signal transmission. The present invention also discloses a connector assembly including the modular connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a module connector and a connector assembly, belonging to the field of connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies in related technologies typically include modular connectors (e.g., female connectors) and mating connectors (e.g., male connectors) that mate with the modular connectors. The modular connectors typically include a plurality of first terminal modules and a plurality of second terminal modules, wherein the first terminal modules and second terminal modules are arranged alternately. The first terminal modules typically include a first fixing block, a plurality of first conductive terminals fixed to the first fixing block, and a first metal shielding sheet that mates with the first fixing block. The plurality of first conductive terminals typically include a plurality of first signal terminals and a plurality of first ground terminals.

[0003] Similarly, the second terminal module typically includes a second fixing block, a plurality of second conductive terminals fixed to the second fixing block, and a second metal shielding sheet cooperating with the second fixing block. The plurality of second conductive terminals typically include a plurality of second signal terminals and a plurality of second ground terminals.

[0004] On a terminal module, such as the first terminal module, the first metal shield can be designed with ribs to contact the corresponding first grounding terminal, thereby achieving a better grounding shielding effect.

[0005] However, as connector assemblies continue to improve their signal transmission quality, there is still room for improvement in the grounding shielding design of related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a module connector and connector assembly with better grounding shielding effect.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a module connector, comprising:

[0008] A first housing, the first housing including a first base, the first base including a first mating surface, a plurality of first mating holes penetrating the first mating surface, and a plurality of second mating holes penetrating the first mating surface;

[0009] A first terminal module is at least partially assembled into the first housing. The first terminal module includes a first fixing block, a plurality of first conductive terminals fixed in the first fixing block, and a first metal shield located on at least one side of the first fixing block. Each first conductive terminal includes a first contact portion protruding from the first fixing block in a first direction. The first contact portion corresponds to a corresponding first mating hole. The plurality of first conductive terminals include at least a first ground terminal, a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a second ground terminal, wherein the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal are located between the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal. The first metal shield includes a first extension portion protruding from the first fixing block in the first direction, and the first extension portion is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding toward the first contact portion.

[0010] A second terminal module, at least partially assembled into the first housing, includes a second fixing block, a plurality of second conductive terminals fixed in the second fixing block, and a second metal shield located on at least one side of the second fixing block; each second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion protruding from the second fixing block along the first direction; the second contact portion corresponds to a corresponding second mating hole; the plurality of second conductive terminals include at least a third ground terminal, a third signal terminal, a fourth signal terminal, and a fourth ground terminal, wherein the third signal terminal and the fourth signal terminal are located between the third ground terminal and the fourth ground terminal; the second metal shield includes a second extension portion protruding from the second fixing block along the first direction, the second extension portion having a second grounding spring arm protruding toward the second contact portion; and

[0011] A grounding connector is provided, at least partially located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module, and electrically connected to the first grounding terminal, the second grounding terminal and the second metal shield, respectively.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the grounding connection piece includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, wherein the grounding connection piece is electrically connected to the second metal shielding piece, the first connecting arm is in contact with the first grounding terminal, and the second connecting arm is in contact with the second grounding terminal.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention,

[0014] The grounding connection piece includes a main body, and both the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are connected to the main body; the main body is in contact with the second metal shielding piece; the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are integrally stamped from the main body, or

[0015] The grounding connection piece includes a main body, and both the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are connected to the main body; the main body is in contact with the second metal shielding piece; the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are separately disposed from the main body and welded and fixed to the main body; or

[0016] The first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are integrally stamped from the second metal shielding sheet, or

[0017] The first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are separately disposed from the second metal shielding sheet and are welded and fixed to the second metal shielding sheet.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the grounding connection piece includes a main body, and the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are both connected to the main body; the main body is in contact with the second extension of the second metal shielding piece;

[0019] Each first conductive terminal includes a first elastic arm protruding from the first fixing block, the first contact portion being located on the first elastic arm, and the first connecting arm elastically abutting against the first elastic arm of the first grounding terminal.

[0020] Each second conductive terminal includes a second elastic arm protruding from the second fixing block, the second contact portion being located on the second elastic arm, and the second connecting arm elastically abutting against the second elastic arm of the second grounding terminal.

[0021] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding spring arm is integrally stamped from the first extension portion, and the extension direction of the first grounding spring arm is opposite to the extension direction of the first elastic arm.

[0022] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first connecting arm, the second connecting arm and the first grounding spring arm extend in the same direction.

[0023] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first metal shielding sheet includes a first substrate portion located on one side of the first fixing block. The first substrate portion is provided with a first protruding rib and a second protruding rib, wherein the first protruding rib is in contact with the first grounding terminal and the second protruding rib is in contact with the second grounding terminal.

[0024] The second metal shielding sheet includes a second base plate portion located on one side of the second fixing block. The second base plate portion is provided with a third protruding rib and a fourth protruding rib, wherein the third protruding rib is in contact with the third grounding terminal and the fourth protruding rib is in contact with the fourth grounding terminal.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, along the first direction, both the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are located at the rear end of the first grounding spring arm.

[0026] The present invention also discloses the following technical solution: a module connector, comprising:

[0027] First shell;

[0028] A plurality of first terminal modules are at least partially assembled in the first housing; each first terminal module includes a first fixing block, a plurality of first conductive terminals fixed in the first fixing block, and a first metal shielding plate located on at least one side of the first fixing block; each first conductive terminal includes a first contact portion protruding from the first fixing block in a first direction; the plurality of first conductive terminals include at least a ground terminal and a signal terminal; the first metal shielding plate includes a first extension portion protruding from the first fixing block in the first direction, and the first extension portion is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding toward the first contact portion;

[0029] A plurality of second terminal modules, at least partially assembled in the first housing, each second terminal module including a second fixing block, a plurality of second conductive terminals fixed in the second fixing block, and a second metal shielding plate located on at least one side of the second fixing block; each second conductive terminal including a second contact portion protruding from the second fixing block along the first direction; the plurality of second conductive terminals including at least a ground terminal and a signal terminal; the second metal shielding plate including a second extension portion protruding from the second fixing block along the first direction, the second extension portion having a second grounding spring arm protruding toward the second contact portion; and

[0030] A plurality of grounding connection pieces are provided, wherein the plurality of first terminal modules and the plurality of second terminal modules are alternately arranged along a second direction; each grounding connection piece is at least partially located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module, a portion of the grounding connection pieces are electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the first terminal module and the second metal shield of the second terminal module respectively, and another portion of the grounding connection pieces are electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the second terminal module and the first metal shield of the first terminal module respectively.

[0031] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the grounding terminal of the first terminal module includes a first grounding terminal and a second grounding terminal, and the signal terminal of the first terminal module includes a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal are located between the first grounding terminal and the second grounding terminal;

[0032] The grounding terminals of the second terminal module include a third grounding terminal and a fourth grounding terminal, and the signal terminals of the second terminal module include a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal, wherein the third signal terminal and the fourth signal terminal are located between the third grounding terminal and the fourth grounding terminal.

[0033] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding terminal, the first signal terminal, the second signal terminal and the second grounding terminal are arranged in a staggered manner with the third grounding terminal, the third signal terminal, the fourth signal terminal and the fourth grounding terminal along a third direction, wherein any two of the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0034] As a further improvement of the present invention, each grounding connection piece includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, wherein a portion of the grounding connection piece is electrically connected to the second metal shield, the first connecting arm is in contact with the first grounding terminal, and the second connecting arm is in contact with the second grounding terminal; another portion of the grounding connection piece is electrically connected to the first metal shield, the first connecting arm is in contact with the third grounding terminal, and the second connecting arm is in contact with the fourth grounding terminal.

[0035] As a further improvement of the present invention,

[0036] Each grounding connector includes a main body, to which both the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are connected; a portion of the main body of the grounding connector is in contact with the second metal shield; another portion of the main body of the grounding connector is in contact with the first metal shield; the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are integrally stamped from the main body, or

[0037] Each grounding connector includes a main body, and both the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are connected to the main body; one portion of the main body of the grounding connector is in contact with the second metal shield; another portion of the main body of the grounding connector is in contact with the first metal shield; the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are separately disposed from the main body and welded to the main body; or

[0038] The first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm of one portion of the grounding connection piece are integrally stamped from the corresponding second metal shielding sheet; the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm of the other portion of the grounding connection piece are integrally stamped from the corresponding first metal shielding sheet; or

[0039] In one part of the grounding connection piece, the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are separately disposed from the corresponding second metal shield and welded to the corresponding second metal shield; in another part of the grounding connection piece, the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm are separately disposed from the corresponding first metal shield and welded to the corresponding first metal shield.

[0040] The present invention also discloses the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising:

[0041] Module connector, wherein the module connector is the aforementioned module connector; and

[0042] A mating connector, the mating connector including a second housing and mating conductive terminals fixed to the second housing, the second housing including a receiving space configured to at least partially accommodate the module connector, each mating conductive terminal including a plug portion protruding into the receiving space, the plug portion contacting a first contact portion of a corresponding first conductive terminal, a corresponding first grounding spring arm, a second contact portion of a corresponding second conductive terminal, and a corresponding second grounding spring arm.

[0043] Compared to existing technologies, the module connector of the present invention includes a grounding connection piece, which is at least partially located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module. The grounding connection piece is electrically connected to the first grounding terminal, the second grounding terminal, and the second metal shielding sheet, respectively. This configuration connects the grounding shielding structures of the first terminal module and the second terminal module in series, improving the quality of signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the mating connector and the module connector are mated together.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Partial exploded 3D diagram;

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Partial exploded perspective view of the docking connector described herein;

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 5Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Partial exploded perspective view of the module connector described herein;

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0052] Figure 9 It is to remove Figure 7 Exploded three-dimensional view of the portion behind the first shell;

[0053] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0054] Figure 11 It is to remove Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the portion behind the first housing, showing that one of the second terminal modules has been separated.

[0055] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Further partial exploded view, in which one of the grounding connection pieces is further separated;

[0056] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0057] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 A top view of several first terminal modules and several second terminal modules assembled together;

[0058] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first terminal module, a grounding connection piece, and a second terminal module separated from each other;

[0059] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 3D exploded view of the second terminal module;

[0060] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 3D exploded view of the first terminal module;

[0061] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0062] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0063] Figure 20This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the first terminal module, a portion of the second terminal module, and the fastening piece assembled together;

[0064] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first terminal module and the second terminal module of the module connector mating with the mating conductive terminals of the mating connector.

[0065] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Top view;

[0066] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A magnified view of part B within the middle frame;

[0067] Figure 24 yes Figure 21 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle;

[0068] Figure 25 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the relative positions of several first terminal modules, several second terminal modules, and several grounding connection pieces when they are assembled together;

[0069] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The main view;

[0070] Figure 27 yes Figure 24 The right view. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0072] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0073] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0074] Please refer to Figures 1 to 27 As shown, this invention discloses a connector assembly including a module connector 100 and a mating connector 200 that mates with the module connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the module connector 100 is a female backplane connector for mounting on a circuit board 300. The mating connector 200 is a male backplane connector.

[0075] Please combine Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector 200 includes a second housing 7, a plurality of mating conductive terminals 8 fixed to the second housing 7, and a mounting block 9 mounted on the second housing 7.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second housing 7 is generally U-shaped and includes a base portion 73, a first sidewall portion 71 integrally extending from one side of the base portion 73, a second sidewall portion 72 integrally extending from the other side of the base portion 73, and a receiving space 70 formed by the base portion 73, the first sidewall portion 71, and the second sidewall portion 72. The receiving space 70 is configured to at least partially receive the module connector 100.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each mating conductive terminal 8 is generally straight and includes a plug portion 81 protruding into the receiving space 70 and a tail portion 82 protruding from the base portion 73. The plurality of mating conductive terminals 8 include a plurality of signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals to contact the corresponding conductive terminals or ground spring arms of the module connector 100.

[0078] The mounting block 9 is provided with several through holes 91 for the tail 82 of the mating conductive terminal 8 to pass through, so as to limit the tail 82 to a certain extent.

[0079] Please combine Figures 7 to 15 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the module connector 100 includes a first housing 3, a plurality of first terminal modules 1, a plurality of second terminal modules 2, a plurality of grounding connection pieces 4, a positioning block 5, a plug-in piece 61, and a fastening piece 62.

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first housing 3 includes a first base 33, a first sidewall 31 integrally extending from one side of the first base 33, a second sidewall 32 integrally extending from the other side of the first base 33, and an installation space 30 formed by the first base 33, the first sidewall 31, and the second sidewall 32. The first base 33 includes a first mating surface 330, a plurality of first mating holes 331 penetrating the first mating surface 330, and a plurality of second mating holes 332 penetrating the first mating surface 330.

[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of first terminal modules 1 and the plurality of second terminal modules 2 are arranged alternately along a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., left-right direction). The plurality of first terminal modules 1 and the plurality of second terminal modules 2 are all mounted on the first housing 3.

[0082] In the embodiments illustrated in the present invention, each first terminal module 1 includes a first fixing block 11, a plurality of first conductive terminals 12 fixed in the first fixing block 11, and a first metal shielding sheet 13 located on at least one side of the first fixing block 11. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first conductive terminals 12 are embedded in the first fixing block 11.

[0083] Each first conductive terminal 12 includes a first contact portion 121 protruding from the first fixing block 11 along a first direction A1 (e.g., from back to front), a first fixing portion 122 fixed in the first fixing block 11, and a first mounting portion 123 protruding downward from the first fixing block 11 along a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., vertical direction). Any two of the first direction A1, the second direction A2-A2, and the third direction A3-A3 are perpendicular to each other. The first mounting portion 123 is used to mount on the circuit board 300 to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board 300. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each first conductive terminal 12 includes a first elastic arm 124 protruding from the first fixing block 11 along the first direction A1, and the first contact portion 121 is located on the first elastic arm 124. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first elastic arm 124 is cantilevered and extends along the first direction A1. The first contact portion 121 corresponds to a corresponding first mating hole 331.

[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of first conductive terminals 12 include at least a first ground terminal G1, a first signal terminal S1, a second signal terminal S2, and a second ground terminal G2, wherein the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 are located between the first ground terminal G1 and the second ground terminal G2. Preferably, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 form a differential pair to improve the signal transmission rate.

[0085] The first metal shielding sheet 13 includes a first base plate portion 131 located on one side of the first fixing block 11 along the second direction A2-A2, and a first extension portion 132 extending from the first base plate portion 131. The first extension portion 132 protrudes from the first fixing block 11 along the first direction A1. The first extension portion 132 is provided with a plurality of first grounding spring arms 1321 protruding toward the first contact portion 121. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding spring arms 1321 are integrally stamped from the first extension portion 132. The extending direction of the first grounding spring arms 1321 is opposite to the extending direction of the first elastic arm 124. This design of the first grounding spring arms 1321 can reduce the risk of being damaged by the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first substrate portion 131 is provided with a first protruding rib 1311 and a second protruding rib 1312, wherein the first protruding rib 1311 is in contact with the first fixing portion 122 of the first grounding terminal G1, and the second protruding rib 1312 is in contact with the first fixing portion 122 of the second grounding terminal G2.

[0087] Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each second terminal module 2 includes a second fixing block 21, a plurality of second conductive terminals 22 fixed in the second fixing block 21, and a second metal shielding sheet 23 located on at least one side of the second fixing block 21. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second conductive terminals 22 are embedded in the second fixing block 21.

[0088] Each second conductive terminal 22 includes a second contact portion 221 protruding from the second fixing block 21 along the first direction A1, a second fixing portion 222 fixed in the second fixing block 21, and a second mounting portion 223 protruding downward from the second fixing block 21 along the third direction A3-A3. The second mounting portion 223 is used to mount to the circuit board 300 to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board 300. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each second conductive terminal 22 includes a second elastic arm 224 protruding from the second fixing block 21 along the first direction A1, and the second contact portion 221 is located on the second elastic arm 224. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second elastic arm 224 is cantilevered and extends along the first direction A1. The second contact portion 221 corresponds to a corresponding second mating hole 332.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of second conductive terminals 22 include at least a third ground terminal G3, a third signal terminal S3, a fourth signal terminal S4, and a fourth ground terminal G4, wherein the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 are located between the third ground terminal G3 and the fourth ground terminal G4. Preferably, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 form a differential pair to improve the signal transmission rate.

[0090] The second metal shield 23 includes a second base plate portion 231 located on one side of the second fixing block 21 along the second direction A2-A2, and a second extension portion 232 extending from the second base plate portion 231. The second extension portion 232 protrudes from the second fixing block 21 along the first direction A1. The second extension portion 232 is provided with a plurality of second grounding spring arms 2321 protruding toward the second contact portion 221. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second grounding spring arms 2321 are integrally stamped from the second extension portion 232. The extending direction of the second grounding spring arms 2321 is opposite to the extending direction of the second elastic arm 224. This design of the second grounding spring arms 2321 can reduce the risk of being damaged by the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200.

[0091] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second substrate portion 231 is provided with a third protruding rib 2311 and a fourth protruding rib 2312, wherein the third protruding rib 2311 is in contact with the second fixing portion 222 of the third grounding terminal G3, and the fourth protruding rib 2312 is in contact with the second fixing portion 222 of the fourth grounding terminal G4.

[0092] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding terminal G1, the first signal terminal S1, the second signal terminal S2, and the second grounding terminal G2 are staggered with the third grounding terminal G3, the third signal terminal S3, the fourth signal terminal S4, and the fourth grounding terminal G4 along the third direction A3-A3.

[0093] In the embodiments illustrated in the present invention, please refer to... Figure 26 As shown, in any adjacent first terminal module 1 and second terminal module 2, a plurality of first grounding spring arms 1321 of the first metal shield 13 of the first terminal module 1 and a plurality of second grounding spring arms 2321 of the second metal shield 23 of the second terminal module 2 are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each grounding connection piece 4 is at least partially located between the first terminal module 1 and the second terminal module 2, wherein a portion of the grounding connection piece 4 is electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the first terminal module 1 (e.g., the first grounding terminal G1 and / or the second grounding terminal G2) and the second metal shield 23 of the second terminal module 2, respectively, and another portion of the grounding connection piece 4 is electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the second terminal module 2 (e.g., the third grounding terminal G3 and / or the fourth grounding terminal G4) and the first metal shield 13 of the first terminal module 1, respectively.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the grounding connection piece 4 includes a main body 40, a first connecting arm 41 connected to the main body 40, and a second connecting arm 42 connected to the main body 40. The first connecting arm 41 and / or the second connecting arm 42 are integrally stamped from the main body 40, or the first connecting arm 41 and / or the second connecting arm 42 are separately disposed from the main body 40 and welded to the main body 40. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting arm 41 and / or the second connecting arm 42 are integrally stamped from the second metal shielding sheet 23, or the first connecting arm 41 and / or the second connecting arm 42 are separately disposed from the second metal shielding sheet 23 and welded to the second metal shielding sheet 23.

[0096] Please combine Figures 11 to 19As shown, taking the grounding connection piece 4 located between the first terminal module 1 and the second terminal module 2 as an example, the main body 40 is in contact with the second metal shield 23, the first connecting arm 41 is in contact with the first grounding terminal G1, and the second connecting arm 42 is in contact with the second grounding terminal G2. Specifically, the main body 40 is in contact with the second extension 232 of the second metal shield 23, the first connecting arm 41 elastically abuts against the first elastic arm 124 of the first grounding terminal G1, and the second connecting arm 42 elastically abuts against the second elastic arm 224 of the second grounding terminal G2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first connecting arm 41, the second connecting arm 42, the first grounding elastic arm 1321, and the second grounding elastic arm 2321 extend in the same direction.

[0097] Please combine Figure 23 As shown, along the first direction A1, the first connecting arm 41 and the second connecting arm 42 are both located at the rear ends of the first grounding spring arm 1321 and the second grounding spring arm 2321.

[0098] The positioning block 5 is used to be installed on the bottom of the first fixing block 11 and the second fixing block 21. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the positioning block 5 is provided with a plurality of slots 51, and the first mounting part 123 and the second mounting part 223 pass downward through the corresponding slots 51.

[0099] The connector 61 is used to combine a plurality of first terminal modules 1 and a plurality of second terminal modules 2 into a single unit to prevent loosening. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the connector 61 is made of a metal material.

[0100] The retaining tab 62 is used to combine a plurality of first terminal modules 1 and a plurality of second terminal modules 2 into a whole, on the one hand, to prevent loosening; on the other hand, the retaining tab 62 combines the first metal shielding sheet 13 with the first fixing block 11 into a whole, and combines the second metal shielding sheet 23 with the second fixing block 21 into a whole. Furthermore, the retaining tab 62 contacts the first metal shielding sheet 13 of the plurality of first terminal modules 1 and the second metal shielding sheet 23 of the plurality of second terminal modules 2 to connect them in series. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the retaining tab 62 is made of metal.

[0101] When the docking connector 200 mates with the module connector 100, the insertion portion 81 of the docking conductive terminal 8 of the docking connector 200 contacts the first contact portion 121 of the corresponding first conductive terminal 12, the corresponding first grounding spring arm 1321, the second contact portion 221 of the corresponding second conductive terminal 22, and the corresponding second grounding spring arm 2321.

[0102] Specifically, the insertion portion 81 of a portion of the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200 is clamped by the first contact portion 121 of the first grounding terminal G1 and a portion of the first grounding spring arm 1321 of the first metal shield 13; the insertion portion 81 of a portion of the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200 is clamped by the first contact portion 121 of the second grounding terminal G2 and a portion of the first grounding spring arm 1321 of the first metal shield 13; the insertion portion 81 of a portion of the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200 is clamped by the second contact portion 221 of the third grounding terminal G3 and a portion of the second grounding spring arm 2321 of the second metal shield 23. The insertion portion 81 of a portion of the grounding terminal of the docking connector 200 is clamped by the second contact portion 221 of the fourth grounding terminal G4 and a portion of the second grounding spring arm 2321 of the second metal shield 23; the insertion portion 81 of a portion of the signal terminal of the docking connector 200 is in side contact with the first contact portion 121 of the corresponding first signal terminal S1 and the first contact portion 121 of the corresponding second signal terminal S2; the insertion portion 81 of a portion of the signal terminal of the docking connector 200 is in side contact with the second contact portion 221 of the corresponding third signal terminal S3 and the second contact portion 221 of the corresponding fourth signal terminal S4.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200 is inserted, the first connecting arm 41 and the second connecting arm 42 can undergo elastic deformation, thereby providing a certain abutment force to the corresponding grounding terminal's insertion portion 81 and improving the insertion and extraction force.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the mating connector 200 mates with the module connector 100, the first metal shield 13 of the first terminal module 1, the first grounding terminal G1, the second grounding terminal G2, the corresponding grounding connection piece 4, the second metal shield 23 of the second terminal module 2, the third grounding terminal G3, the fourth grounding terminal G4, and the grounding terminal of the mating connector 200 are all connected in series, thereby increasing the shared grounding area and improving the quality of signal transmission.

[0105] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A module connector (100), characterized in that, include: The first housing (3) includes a first base (33), the first base (33) includes a first mating surface (330), a plurality of first mating holes (331) penetrating the first mating surface (330), and a plurality of second mating holes (332) penetrating the first mating surface (330). A first terminal module (1) is at least partially assembled into the first housing (3). The first terminal module (1) includes a first fixing block (11), a plurality of first conductive terminals (12) fixed in the first fixing block (11), and a first metal shielding plate (13) located on at least one side of the first fixing block (11). Each first conductive terminal (12) includes a first contact portion (121) protruding from the first fixing block (11) along a first direction (A1). The first contact portion (121) corresponds to a corresponding first mating hole (331). The electrical terminal (12) includes at least a first ground terminal (G1), a first signal terminal (S1), a second signal terminal (S2), and a second ground terminal (G2), wherein the first signal terminal (S1) and the second signal terminal (S2) are located between the first ground terminal (G1) and the second ground terminal (G2); the first metal shield (13) includes a first extension (132) protruding from the first fixing block (11) along the first direction (A1), and the first extension (132) is provided with a first grounding spring arm (1321) protruding toward the first contact portion (121); The second terminal module (2) is at least partially assembled into the first housing (3). The second terminal module (2) includes a second fixing block (21), a plurality of second conductive terminals (22) fixed in the second fixing block (21), and a second metal shielding plate (23) located on at least one side of the second fixing block (21). Each second conductive terminal (22) includes a second contact portion (221) protruding from the second fixing block (21) along the first direction (A1). The second contact portion (221) corresponds to a corresponding second mating hole (332). The conductive terminal (22) includes at least a third ground terminal (G3), a third signal terminal (S3), a fourth signal terminal (S4), and a fourth ground terminal (G4), wherein the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth signal terminal (S4) are located between the third ground terminal (G3) and the fourth ground terminal (G4); the second metal shield (23) includes a second extension (232) protruding from the second fixing block (21) along the first direction (A1), and the second extension (232) is provided with a second grounding spring arm (2321) protruding toward the second contact portion (221); as well as Grounding connection piece (4), which is at least partially located between the first terminal module (1) and the second terminal module (2), and is electrically connected to the first grounding terminal (G1), the second grounding terminal (G2) and the second metal shield (23) respectively.

2. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The grounding connection piece (4) includes a first connecting arm (41) and a second connecting arm (42), wherein the grounding connection piece (4) is electrically connected to the second metal shield (23), the first connecting arm (41) is in contact with the first grounding terminal (G1), and the second connecting arm (42) is in contact with the second grounding terminal (G2).

3. The module connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The grounding connection piece (4) includes a main body (40), and the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both connected to the main body (40); the main body (40) is in contact with the second metal shielding piece (23); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are integrally stamped from the main body (40), or The grounding connection piece (4) includes a main body (40), and the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both connected to the main body (40); the main body (40) is in contact with the second metal shielding piece (23); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are separately disposed from the main body (40) and welded to the main body (40), or The first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are integrally stamped from the second metal shielding sheet (23), or The first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are separately disposed from the second metal shield (23) and welded to the second metal shield (23).

4. The module connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The grounding connection piece (4) includes a main body (40), and the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both connected to the main body (40); the main body (40) is in contact with the second extension (232) of the second metal shielding piece (23); Each first conductive terminal (12) includes a first elastic arm (124) protruding from the first fixing block (11), the first contact portion (121) is located on the first elastic arm (124), and the first connecting arm (41) elastically abuts against the first elastic arm (124) of the first grounding terminal (G1). Each second conductive terminal (22) includes a second elastic arm (224) protruding from the second fixing block (21), the second contact portion (221) is located on the second elastic arm (224), and the second connecting arm (42) elastically abuts against the second elastic arm (224) of the second grounding terminal (G2).

5. The module connector (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first grounding spring arm (1321) is integrally stamped from the first extension (132), and the extension direction of the first grounding spring arm (1321) is opposite to the extension direction of the first elastic arm (124).

6. The module connector (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first connecting arm (41), the second connecting arm (42), and the first grounding spring arm (1321) extend in the same direction.

7. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first metal shielding sheet (13) includes a first substrate portion (131) located on one side of the first fixing block (11). The first substrate portion (131) is provided with a first protruding rib (1311) and a second protruding rib (1312), wherein the first protruding rib (1311) is in contact with the first grounding terminal (G1) and the second protruding rib (1312) is in contact with the second grounding terminal (G2). The second metal shield (23) includes a second substrate portion (231) located on one side of the second fixing block (21). The second substrate portion (231) is provided with a third protruding rib (2311) and a fourth protruding rib (2312), wherein the third protruding rib (2311) is in contact with the third grounding terminal (G3) and the fourth protruding rib (2312) is in contact with the fourth grounding terminal (G4).

8. The module connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Along the first direction (A1), the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both located at the rear end of the first grounding spring arm (1321).

9. A module connector (100), characterized in that, include: First shell (3); A plurality of first terminal modules (1) are at least partially assembled in the first housing (3); each first terminal module (1) includes a first fixing block (11), a plurality of first conductive terminals (12) fixed in the first fixing block (11), and a first metal shield (13) located on at least one side of the first fixing block (11); each first conductive terminal (12) includes a first contact portion (121) protruding from the first fixing block (11) along a first direction (A1); the plurality of first conductive terminals (12) include at least a ground terminal and a signal terminal; the first metal shield (13) includes a first extension portion (132) protruding from the first fixing block (11) along the first direction (A1), and the first extension portion (132) is provided with a first ground spring arm (1321) protruding toward the first contact portion (121); A plurality of second terminal modules (2), the plurality of second terminal modules (2) being at least partially assembled in the first housing (3), each second terminal module (2) including a second fixing block (21), a plurality of second conductive terminals (22) fixed in the second fixing block (21), and a second metal shield (23) located on at least one side of the second fixing block (21); each second conductive terminal (22) including a second contact portion (221) protruding from the second fixing block (21) along the first direction (A1); the plurality of second conductive terminals (22) including at least a ground terminal and a signal terminal; the second metal shield (23) including a second extension portion (232) protruding from the second fixing block (21) along the first direction (A1), the second extension portion (232) having a second ground spring arm (2321) protruding toward the second contact portion (221); and A plurality of grounding connection pieces (4), wherein the plurality of first terminal modules (1) and the plurality of second terminal modules (2) are arranged alternately along a second direction (A2-A2); each grounding connection piece (4) is at least partially located between the first terminal module (1) and the second terminal module (2), a portion of the grounding connection pieces (4) are electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the first terminal module (1) and the second metal shield (23) of the second terminal module (2), and another portion of the grounding connection pieces (4) are electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the second terminal module (2) and the first metal shield (13) of the first terminal module (1).

10. The module connector (100) as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The grounding terminal of the first terminal module (1) includes a first grounding terminal (G1) and a second grounding terminal (G2), and the signal terminal of the first terminal module (1) includes a first signal terminal (S1) and a second signal terminal (S2), wherein the first signal terminal (S1) and the second signal terminal (S2) are located between the first grounding terminal (G1) and the second grounding terminal (G2); The grounding terminals of the second terminal module (2) include a third grounding terminal (G3) and a fourth grounding terminal (G4), and the signal terminals of the second terminal module (2) include a third signal terminal (S3) and a fourth signal terminal (S4), wherein the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth signal terminal (S4) are located between the third grounding terminal (G3) and the fourth grounding terminal (G4).

11. The module connector (100) as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The first grounding terminal (G1), the first signal terminal (S1), the second signal terminal (S2), and the second grounding terminal (G2) are staggered with the third grounding terminal (G3), the third signal terminal (S3), the fourth signal terminal (S4), and the fourth grounding terminal (G4) along a third direction (A3-A3), wherein any two of the first direction (A1), the second direction (A2-A2), and the third direction (A3-A3) are perpendicular to each other.

12. The module connector (100) as described in claim 11, characterized in that: Each grounding connector (4) includes a first connecting arm (41) and a second connecting arm (42). A portion of the grounding connector (4) is electrically connected to the second metal shield (23), the first connecting arm (41) is in contact with the first grounding terminal (G1), and the second connecting arm (42) is in contact with the second grounding terminal (G2). Another portion of the grounding connector (4) is electrically connected to the first metal shield (13), the first connecting arm (41) is in contact with the third grounding terminal (G3), and the second connecting arm (42) is in contact with the fourth grounding terminal (G4).

13. The module connector (100) as described in claim 12, characterized in that: Each grounding connection piece (4) includes a main body (40), and the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both connected to the main body (40); one part of the main body (40) of the grounding connection piece (4) is in contact with the second metal shield (23); the other part of the main body (40) of the grounding connection piece (4) is in contact with the first metal shield (13); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are integrally stamped from the main body (40), or Each grounding connection piece (4) includes a main body (40), and the first connecting arm (41) and the second connecting arm (42) are both connected to the main body (40); one part of the main body (40) of the grounding connection piece (4) is in contact with the second metal shield (23); the other part of the main body (40) of the grounding connection piece (4) is in contact with the first metal shield (13); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) are separately disposed from the main body (40) and welded to the main body (40); or The first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) of one portion of the grounding connecting piece (4) are integrally stamped from the corresponding second metal shielding piece (23); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) of the other portion of the grounding connecting piece (4) are integrally stamped from the corresponding first metal shielding piece (13); or The first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) of one part of the grounding connecting piece (4) are separately disposed from the corresponding second metal shield (23) and welded to the corresponding second metal shield (23); the first connecting arm (41) and / or the second connecting arm (42) of the other part of the grounding connecting piece (4) are separately disposed from the corresponding first metal shield (13) and welded to the corresponding first metal shield (13).

14. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: Module connector (100), wherein the module connector (100) is the module connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; as well as A mating connector (200) includes a second housing (7) and mating conductive terminals (8) fixed to the second housing (7). The second housing (7) includes a receiving space (70) configured to at least partially accommodate the module connector (100). Each mating conductive terminal (8) includes a plug portion (81) protruding into the receiving space (70). The plug portion (81) contacts a first contact portion (121) of a corresponding first conductive terminal (12), a corresponding first grounding spring arm (1321), a second contact portion (221) of a corresponding second conductive terminal (22), and a corresponding second grounding spring arm (2321).

Images