Connector and connector system

Abstract

A connector (2) of the present invention comprises: a plurality of pairs of first contacts (120) arranged in an arrangement direction (D2) parallel to a circuit substrate; a plurality of pairs of second contacts (130) arranged along the arrangement direction (D2) between the plurality of pairs of first contacts (120) and the circuit substrate; a plurality of electrically conductive housings (140) that surround the plurality of pairs of first contacts (120) and the plurality of pairs of second contacts (130) around the fitting direction (D1), each pair of first contacts (120) and each pair of second contacts (130); and a plurality of receiving spaces S1 provided in the plurality of housings 140, respectively; the interior of each of the plurality of housings (140) is divided into a first accommodation space (S11) for accommodating the pair of first contacts (120) and a second accommodation space (S12) for accommodating the pair of second contacts (130) by a plurality of partitions (244) of the mating connector (3) that respectively enter the plurality of accommodation spaces (S1).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a connector comprising: a plurality of first cable-side contacts, each connected to the ends of a plurality of first cables in an upper section; a plurality of second cable-side contacts, each connected to the ends of a plurality of second cables in a lower section; a cable-side housing that holds the plurality of first cable-side contacts and the plurality of second cable-side contacts in a staggered manner; and a shielding member that covers the cable-side housing.

[0003] [Background Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-87462 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention provides a connector that effectively balances the number of signals that can be transmitted in parallel with shielding performance.

[0008] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0009] A connector according to one aspect of the present invention is disposed on a circuit substrate and fitted with a mating connector along a mating direction parallel to the circuit substrate, and includes: a plurality of pairs of first contacts arranged along an arrangement direction parallel to the circuit substrate and perpendicular to the mating direction, respectively connected to a plurality of pairs of first signal lines on the circuit substrate; a plurality of pairs of second contacts arranged along the arrangement direction between the plurality of pairs of first contacts and the circuit substrate, respectively connected to a plurality of pairs of second signal lines on the circuit substrate; a plurality of conductive housings arranged along the arrangement direction, surrounding the plurality of pairs of first contacts and the plurality of pairs of second contacts around the mating direction for each pair of first contacts and each pair of second contacts; and a plurality of receiving spaces disposed within the plurality of housings to respectively receive a plurality of conductive partitions disposed on the mating connector; and the interior of each of the plurality of housings is divided into a first receiving space for receiving a pair of first contacts and a second receiving space for receiving a pair of second contacts by the plurality of partitions that respectively enter the plurality of receiving spaces.

[0010] In a configuration where multiple pairs of contacts are arranged in two columns, the multiple pairs of first contacts in the first column and the multiple pairs of second contacts in the second column are separated by multiple housings for each pair of first contacts and each pair of second contacts. Furthermore, by using multiple partitions in the connector, the interior of each of the multiple housings is divided into a first receiving space for accommodating a pair of first contacts and a second receiving space for accommodating a pair of second contacts. This improves shielding performance. Additionally, by using the connector's own components and the components of the mating connector together, the space occupied by the shielding element can be reduced, allowing more space to be allocated for signal transmission. Therefore, it is effective in balancing the number of signals that can be transmitted in parallel and shielding performance.

[0011] Multiple housings may each have a pair of housing contacts, which are oriented opposite each other in the arrangement direction such that they respectively contact the partition of the mating connector entering the receiving space. Shielding performance can be further improved by increasing the shielding between the housing and the partition.

[0012] Feasibly, each pair of first contacts has a first contact portion that contacts the mating first contact of the connector near the circuit substrate; and each pair of second contacts has a second contact portion that contacts the mating second contact of the connector away from the circuit substrate; and multiple housings each accommodate at least the first and second contact portions. Even without providing space between the multiple pairs of mating first contacts and multiple pairs of mating second contacts, interference caused by electromagnetic waves can be suppressed by multiple housings and multiple partitions, and multiple pairs of first contacts can contact multiple pairs of mating first contacts respectively, and multiple pairs of second contacts can contact multiple pairs of mating second contacts respectively. Therefore, the connector can be further miniaturized.

[0013] It is feasible that each of the multiple pairs of first contacts further has a first connection portion connected to a first signal line on the circuit substrate; and each of the multiple pairs of second contacts further has a second connection portion connected to a second signal line on the circuit substrate; and each of the multiple housings further accommodates the first connection portion and the second connection portion. This can further improve the shielding performance.

[0014] Alternatively, the connector may further include an insulating housing that holds multiple pairs of first contacts, multiple pairs of second contacts, and multiple outer shells; and the housing has: a mating hole that opens along the mating direction toward the mating connector; a connection space that opens along the mating direction toward the opposite side of the mating hole and further toward the circuit substrate; and a retaining wall that separates the mating hole from the connection space, holding multiple pairs of first contacts and multiple pairs of second contacts; first contact portions and second contact portions are received in the mating hole; first connecting portions and second connecting portions are received in the connection space; and multiple outer shells separate the mating hole, the connection space, and the retaining wall for each pair of first contacts and each pair of second contacts. By separating the mating hole that receives the first contact portions and second contact portions to the connection space that receives the first connecting portions and second connecting portions, and by using multiple outer shells to separate each pair of first contacts and each pair of second contacts, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0015] Feasibly, in the mating direction, the second connecting portion is located between the first connecting portion and the retaining wall, and the length of the portion of the multiple pairs of second contacts housed in the mating hole is longer than the length of the portion of the multiple pairs of second contacts housed in the connecting space. By shortening the area where the first and second contacts coexist in the same space without being separated by the separating portion, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0016] It is feasible to have multiple outer shells each opening towards the circuit substrate; and at each end of the arrangement direction towards the circuit substrate, there is a pair of outer shell connection portions connected to the grounding pattern of the circuit substrate. By also utilizing the grounding pattern of the circuit substrate as a constituent element of the shielding, the space occupied by the shielding can be further reduced.

[0017] Another aspect of the connector system of the present invention includes: the connector; and a mating connector; wherein the mating connector has: a plurality of conductive mating first contacts, each connected to a plurality of first wires; a plurality of conductive mating second contacts, each connected to a plurality of second wires; a plurality of conductive mating first housings, surrounding each pair of mating first contacts in a mating direction; and a plurality of conductive mating second housings, surrounding each pair of mating second contacts in a mating direction; wherein the plurality of housings accommodate each pair of mating first contacts and each pair of mating second contacts; in each of the plurality of housings, a pair of first contacts respectively contacts a pair of mating first contacts, and a pair of second contacts respectively contacts a pair of mating second contacts; the mating first housing and the mating second housing, which respectively accommodate a pair of mating first contacts and a pair of mating second contacts, have a partition that enters into a receiving space of the housing accommodating the pair of mating first contacts and the pair of mating second contacts, thereby separating a first receiving space from a second receiving space.

[0018] It is feasible for the housing that houses a pair of mating first contacts and a pair of mating second contacts to have a pair of housing contact portions that face each other in the arrangement direction and respectively contact the partition portion that enters the receiving space.

[0019] It is feasible that the first housing and the second housing each have a partition; and the first receiving space and the second receiving space are doubly separated by the partition of the first housing and the partition of the second housing; and a pair of housing contact portions each contact the partition of the first housing and the partition of the second housing.

[0020] It is feasible to open the first housing and the second housing in such a way that a pair of first contacts and a pair of second contacts are in opposite positions in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction and the arrangement direction; and the pair of first contacts respectively contact a pair of first contacts in the direction in which the first housing is opened; and the pair of second contacts respectively contact a pair of second contacts in the direction in which the second housing is opened.

[0021] [The effects of the invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, a connector that is effective in balancing the number of signals that can be transmitted in parallel and the shielding performance can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view illustrating the connector system before mating.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating the state in which a plug connector is fitted into a socket connector.

[0025] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0026] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0027] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0028] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a socket connector.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structure of the shell.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structure of the shell.

[0032] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a plug connector.

[0033] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the first connector.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structure of the first base plate.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structure of the first outer shell.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the first shell.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the first shell.

[0038] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the second connector.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the second shell.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the second shell. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same symbol will be used for the same element or elements having the same function, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0042] The connector system 1 is used for connecting a circuit substrate 10 to multiple pairs of wires 30 in applications requiring low-degradation transmission of high-frequency signals and low profile. Each pair of wires 30 transmits a signal (differential signal). As an example of this application, an information processing system is described where multiple pairs of wires 30 replace printed wiring on the circuit substrate 10 to transmit signals on the circuit substrate 10. By configuring each pair of wires 30 as a shielded cable, a higher signal transmission characteristic than printed wiring can be achieved. Signal transmission characteristic refers to the magnitude of signal degradation during signal transmission; high signal transmission characteristic means low signal degradation during signal transmission. Specific examples of signal degradation include noise interference due to crosstalk and signal attenuation.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the connector system 1 includes a socket connector 2 and a plug connector 3. The socket connector 2 is disposed on the circuit substrate 10 and engages with the plug connector 3 along an engagement direction D1 parallel to the circuit substrate 10. The engagement direction D1 only needs to be substantially parallel to the circuit substrate 10, but may be slightly inclined relative to the circuit substrate 10 due to installation errors of the socket connector 2, etc.

[0044] The plug connector 3 connects to multiple pairs of wires 30 and engages with the socket connector 2 along the engagement direction D1. For example, the plug connector 3 connects to multiple shielded cables 20, each having a pair of wires 30. The multiple shielded cables 20 include: multiple first shielded cables 20A arranged in a first column, and multiple second shielded cables 20B arranged in a second column parallel to the first column. The multiple pairs of wires 30 include: multiple pairs of first wires 30A contained in the multiple first shielded cables 20A and arranged in the first column, and multiple pairs of second wires 30B contained in the multiple second shielded cables 20B and arranged in the second column.

[0045] The difference between multiple first shielded cables 20A and multiple second shielded cables 20B (the difference between multiple pairs of first wires 30A and multiple pairs of second wires 30B) is due to their arrangement. The composition of each of the multiple first shielded cables 20A is the same as that of each of the multiple second shielded cables 20B.

[0046] The term "fitting along the fitting direction D1" means fitting by moving along the fitting direction D1. The plug connector 3 is a "mating connector" for the socket connector 2, and the socket connector 2 is a "mating connector" for the plug connector 3. Figure 2 This indicates the state in which the plug connector 3 is engaged with the socket connector 2 along the engagement direction D1.

[0047] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. (See example.) Figure 3 As shown, the socket connector 2 includes: multiple pairs of conductive first contacts 120, multiple pairs of conductive second contacts 130, and multiple conductive housings 140. The multiple pairs of first contacts 120 are arranged parallel to the circuit substrate 10 and along an arrangement direction D2 perpendicular to the mating direction D1, and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of first signal lines 11 (see reference) on the circuit substrate 10. Figure 6 Multiple pairs of second contacts 130 are arranged along the arrangement direction D2 between multiple pairs of first contacts 120 and the circuit substrate 10, and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of second signal lines 12 on the circuit substrate 10 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0048] The alignment direction D2 only needs to be substantially parallel to the circuit substrate 10, but may be slightly tilted relative to the circuit substrate 10 due to installation errors of the socket connector 2, etc. In addition, the alignment direction D2 only needs to be substantially perpendicular to the mating direction D1, but may be slightly tilted relative to the direction perpendicular to the mating direction D1 due to manufacturing errors of the socket connector 2, etc.

[0049] Multiple housings 140 are arranged along the arrangement direction D2 and around the fitting direction D1, surrounding each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130. For example, each of the multiple housings 140 surrounds a pair of first contacts 120 and a pair of second contacts 130 arranged along a direction D3 perpendicular to the fitting direction D1 and the arrangement direction D2. The enclosure does not necessarily have to be a full circumference enclosure. For example, even if the line surrounding the object is missing more than one part, as long as the annular body obtained by interpolating the missing part using a linear shape contains at least a portion of the object, the object is considered to be surrounded by the line. The same applies below.

[0050] Each of the multiple housings 140 is U-shaped, with the opening portion forming the U-shape located near the circuit substrate 10 and the base portion forming the U-shape located further away from the circuit substrate 10. In other words, each of the multiple housings 140 opens towards the circuit substrate 10. Each of the multiple housings 140 has a pair of housing connection portions 143 at both ends facing the circuit substrate 10 (at both ends of the arrangement direction D2). The pair of housing connection portions 143 are connected to the grounding pattern 13 of the circuit substrate 10.

[0051] The socket connector 2 further includes a plurality of receiving spaces S1. The plurality of receiving spaces S1 are for receiving, respectively, a plurality of conductive partitions 244 (see reference 244) disposed on the plug connector 3. Figure 5 They are arranged in a manner that allows them to be installed in multiple outer shells 140.

[0052] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV. (See example.) Figure 4 As shown, the plug connector 3 has: multiple pairs of conductive first contacts 210A, multiple pairs of conductive second contacts 210B, multiple conductive first housings 220A, and multiple conductive second housings 220B.

[0053] Multiple pairs of first contacts 210A are arranged along the arrangement direction D2 and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of first wires 30A. Multiple pairs of second contacts 210B are arranged parallel to the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A in the orthogonal direction D3 and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of second wires 30B. Multiple first housings 220A surround each pair of first contacts 210A around the mating direction D1. For example, each of the multiple first housings 220A surrounds a pair of first contacts 210A. Multiple second housings 220B surround each pair of second contacts 210B around the mating direction D1. For example, each of the multiple second housings 220B surrounds a pair of second contacts 210B.

[0054] Since the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A in the first column are each surrounded by multiple first housings 220A, and the multiple pairs of second contacts 210B in the second column are each surrounded by multiple second housings 220B, they are separated from each other by conductive components in both the arrangement direction D2 and the orthogonal direction D3 between the first and second columns. Therefore, this effectively improves the shielding performance.

[0055] Each of the multiple first housings 220A is U-shaped, with the opening portion forming the U-shape located near the first contact 210A and the bottom portion forming the U-shape located further away from the first contact 210A. Similarly, each of the multiple second housings 220B is U-shaped, with the opening portion forming the U-shape located near the second contact 210B and the bottom portion forming the U-shape located further away from the second contact 210B. Furthermore, the bottom portions of the multiple first housings 220A are in contact with the bottom portions of the multiple second housings 220B. In other words, each of the multiple first housings 220A can open in a direction away from the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A and multiple of the multiple second housings 220B can open in a direction away from the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A. Even without providing space between the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A and the multiple pairs of second contacts 210B, interference caused by electromagnetic waves can be suppressed by using the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B. This allows the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A to contact the multiple pairs of first contacts 120 (cooperating with the first contacts), and the multiple pairs of second contacts 210B to contact the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 (cooperating with the second contacts). Therefore, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization and shielding performance of the plug connector 3.

[0056] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the VV line. (See example...) Figure 5As shown, with the plug connector 3 engaged with the socket connector 2, the multiple housings 140 of the socket connector 2 accommodate each pair of first contacts 210A and each pair of second contacts 210B arranged in the orthogonal direction D3. Within the housing 140, each pair of first contacts 210A contacts a pair of first contacts 120, and each pair of second contacts 210B contacts a pair of second contacts 130. The first housing 220A and the second housing 220B each have a partition 244 that allows access to the interior of the housing 140. The partition 244 divides the interior of the housing 140 into a first receiving space S11 that accommodates a pair of first contacts 210A and a pair of first contacts 120, and a second receiving space S12 that accommodates a pair of second contacts 210B and a pair of second contacts 130.

[0057] Thus, by using multiple partitions 244 that respectively enter multiple receiving spaces S1, the interior of each of the multiple housings 140 is divided into a first receiving space S11 for receiving a pair of first contacts 120 and a second receiving space S12 for receiving a pair of second contacts 130. According to the socket connector 2, the multiple pairs of first contacts 120 in the first row and the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 in the second row are separated by the multiple housings 140 for each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130. Furthermore, by using multiple partitions 244 in the plug connector 3, the interior of each of the multiple housings is divided into a first receiving space S11 for receiving a pair of first contacts 120 and a second receiving space S12 for receiving a pair of second contacts 130. As a result, the shielding performance is improved. In addition, by using the components of the socket connector 2 and the components of the plug connector 3 together, the space occupied by the shielding member can be reduced, and more space can be allocated for signal transmission. Therefore, it is effective in balancing the number of signals that can be transmitted in parallel and the shielding performance.

[0058] The partition 244 has a pair of housing contact portions 243, which are opposite to each other in the arrangement direction D2 and contact the inner surface of the housing 140 containing the object. By improving the shielding between the housing 140 and the partition 244, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0059] The phrase "the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B have a partition 244" means that at least one of the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B has a partition 244. It is feasible for the first housing 220A to have a partition 244 and the second housing 220B to not have a partition 244; or it is feasible for the second housing 220B to have a partition 244 and the first housing 220A to not have a partition 244. Alternatively, it is feasible for both the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B to have a partition 244, and for the first receiving space S11 and the second receiving space S12 to be doubly separated by the partition 244 of the first housing 220A and the partition 244 of the second housing 220B. This can further improve the shielding performance between the first receiving space S11 and the second receiving space S12.

[0060] Each of the multiple housings 140 may have a pair of housing contact portions 144, which are oriented opposite each other in the arrangement direction D2 such that they respectively contact the partition portion 244 entering the receiving space S1. Each pair of housing contact portions 144 contacts a pair of housing contact portions 243 of the partition portion 244. When both the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B have partition portions 244, each pair of housing contact portions 144 contacts both the partition portion 244 of the first housing 220A and the partition portion 244 of the second housing 220B.

[0061] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line VI-VI. (See example.) Figure 6 As shown, each of the pair of first contacts 120 of the socket connector 2 may have a first contact portion 123, which extends toward the circuit substrate 10 and contacts the first contact 210A of the plug connector 3. Each of the pair of second contacts 130 of the socket connector 2 may have a second contact portion 133, which extends away from the circuit substrate 10 and contacts the second contact 210B of the plug connector 3.

[0062] As described, the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B can each be opened in the orthogonal direction D3 with a pair of first contacts 210A and a pair of second contacts 210B in opposite positions. Specifically, it is feasible for the first housing 220A to be configured such that the U-shaped opening is further away from the circuit substrate 10 than its bottom portion, and the pair of first contacts 210A is disposed in the opening of the first housing 220A. Alternatively, it is feasible for the second housing 220B to be configured such that the U-shaped opening is closer to the circuit substrate 10 than its bottom portion, and the pair of second contacts 210B is disposed in the opening of the second housing 220B. Feasibly, each pair of first contacts 210A has a first contact portion 211A that contacts the first contact 120 in the direction in which the first housing 220A opens (from the bottom portion forming the U-shape to the opening portion forming it), and each pair of second contacts 210B has a second contact portion 211B that contacts the second contact 130 in the direction in which the second housing 220B opens (from the bottom portion forming the U-shape to the opening portion forming it). Even without providing space between the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A and multiple pairs of second contacts 210B, mutual interference caused by electromagnetic waves can be suppressed by the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B, and multiple pairs of first contacts 210A can contact multiple pairs of first contacts 120 respectively, and multiple pairs of second contacts 210B can contact multiple pairs of second contacts 130 respectively. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization and shielding performance of the connector.

[0063] Each of the multiple pairs of first contacts 120 of the socket connector 2 may further have a first connection portion 124 connected to a first signal line 11 of the circuit substrate 10. Each of the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 may further have a second connection portion 134 connected to a second signal line 12 of the circuit substrate 10.

[0064] Each of the multiple housings 140 can accommodate at least a first contact portion 123 and a second contact portion 133 in the mating direction D1. Each of the multiple housings 140 can further accommodate a first connecting portion 124 and a second connecting portion 134 in the mating direction D1. This can further improve the shielding performance.

[0065] Each of the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A of the plug connector 3 may further have a first connecting portion 212A connected to the first wire 30A. Each of the second contacts 210B may further have a second connecting portion 212B connected to the second wire 30B.

[0066] The first wire 30A has a conductive signal conductor 31 and an insulating inner sheath 32 covering the signal conductor 31. Similarly, the second wire 30B also has a signal conductor 31 and an inner sheath 32. The first shielded cable 20A has a conductive outer conductor 21 covering a pair of first wires 30A and an insulating outer sheath 22 covering the outer conductors 21. Similarly, the second shielded cable 20B also has a conductive outer conductor 21 covering a pair of second wires 30B and an insulating outer sheath 22 covering the outer conductors 21.

[0067] For connection to the plug connector 3, a first exposed portion of the signal conductor 31 of each of the pair of first wires 30A and a second exposed portion of the outer conductor 21 are formed at the end of the first shielded cable 20A. The signal conductor 31 of the first exposed portion is connected to the first connection portion 212A by soldering or the like. The outer conductor 21 of the second exposed portion is connected to the first base plate 250A (described later) together with the first housing 220A by soldering or the like.

[0068] Similarly, a first exposed portion and a second exposed portion are also formed at the end of the second shielded cable 20B. The signal conductor 31 of the first exposed portion is connected to the second connecting portion 212B by welding or the like. The outer conductor 21 of the second exposed portion is connected to the second base plate 250B, described later, together with the second housing 220B by welding or the like.

[0069] return Figure 1 The connector system 1 further includes a locking member 280. The locking member 280 prevents the plug connector 3 from disengaging from the socket connector 2 while the plug connector 3 is engaged with the socket connector 2. The locking member 280 has a pair of arms 281 and a retaining rod 282. The pair of arms 281 are respectively mounted at both ends of the plug connector 3 in the alignment direction D2, rotatable about an axis 283 along the alignment direction D2. Each of the pair of arms 281 extends in a direction away from the axis 283. The retaining rod 282 extends along the alignment direction D2 and connects to the ends of the pair of arms 281.

[0070] After the plug connector 3 is fitted into the socket connector 2, by rotating a pair of arms 281 about axis 283, as Figure 2 As shown, the retaining rod 282 is positioned behind the socket connector 2, as can be seen from the plug connector 3. The retaining rod 282, positioned behind the socket connector 2, resists displacement of the plug connector 3 away from the socket connector 2 along the mating direction D1, thus preventing the plug connector 3 from disengaging from the socket connector 2. If the retaining rod 282 is retracted from behind the socket connector 2 by rotating a pair of arms 281 about axis 283, then the plug connector 3 can be disengaged from the socket connector 2.

[0071] The following examples further illustrate the respective configurations of the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 3.

[0072] [Socket Connector]

[0073] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector 2. As described, the socket connector 2 includes multiple pairs of first contacts 120, multiple pairs of second contacts 130, and multiple housings 140, but... Figure 7 The text indicates a state where only one pair of first contacts 120, one pair of second contacts 130, and one housing 140 have been removed.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the socket connector 2 includes: a housing 110, multiple pairs of first contacts 120, multiple pairs of second contacts 130, multiple outer shells 140, and an outer cover 150. The housing 110 is formed of an insulating material such as resin, which keeps the multiple pairs of first contacts 120, the multiple pairs of second contacts 130, and the multiple outer shells 140 in a mutually insulated state. The housing 110 has: an opposing surface 110a facing the circuit substrate 10, an opposite surface 110b facing away from the circuit substrate 10, a front surface 110c facing the plug connector 3 along the mating direction D1, and a back surface 110d facing away from the plug connector 3 along the mating direction D1.

[0075] Multiple pairs of first contacts 120 are each formed of a metal material such as copper, and each has a first insertion portion 121 and a first foot portion 122. The first insertion portion 121 is inserted into the housing 110 from the back side 110d to the front side 110c. The first contact portion 123 is formed at the end of the first insertion portion 121 inserted into the housing 110. The first foot portion 122 is bent relative to the first insertion portion 121 and extends toward the circuit substrate 10. The first connection portion 124 is formed at the end of the first foot portion 122.

[0076] Multiple pairs of second contacts 130 are each formed of a metal material such as copper, and have a second insertion portion 131 and a second foot portion 132. The second insertion portion 131 is inserted into the housing 110 from the back side 110d to the front side 110c. The second contact portion 133 is formed at the end of the second insertion portion 131 inserted into the housing 110. The second foot portion 132 is bent relative to the second insertion portion 131 and extends toward the circuit substrate 10. The second connection portion 134 is formed at the end of the second foot portion 132. The second insertion portion 131 is located between the first insertion portion 121 and the circuit substrate 10. In addition, the second connection portion 134 is positioned forward of the first connection portion 124. Therefore, the length of the second insertion portion 131 is shorter than the length of the first insertion portion 121, and the length of the second foot portion 132 is shorter than the length of the first foot portion 122.

[0077] Multiple housings 140 are each formed of a metallic material such as copper, and each has a central plate 141 and a pair of partition plates 142. The central plate 141 faces the opposite surface 110b. The pair of partition plates 142 are bent relative to the central plate 141 and extend toward the circuit substrate 10, facing each other along the arrangement direction D2. The housing connection portion 143 is formed at the end of each pair of partition plates 142 facing the circuit substrate 10.

[0078] A pair of separator plates 142 are each inserted into the housing 110 from the opposite side 110b toward the opposing side 110a, separating two adjacent pairs of first contacts 120 from each other, and also separating two adjacent pairs of second contacts 130 from each other. The housing connection portion 143 reaches the opposing side 110a in a manner that allows it to be connected to the grounding pattern 13.

[0079] The outer cover 150 is formed of a metallic material such as copper and at least partially covers the outer surface of the housing 110. For example, the outer cover 150 has a cover plate 151 and a pair of side plates 152. The cover plate 151 covers the opposite surface 110b from the outer side of the central plate 141 of the plurality of housings 140. The pair of side plates 152 extend from both ends of the cover plate 151 in the arrangement direction D2 toward the circuit substrate 10, respectively, and cover both end faces of the housing 110 in the arrangement direction D2.

[0080] At the ends of each pair of side plates 152 facing the circuit substrate 10, a cover connection portion 153 is formed, connecting to the grounding pattern 13 of the circuit substrate 10. Each pair of side plates 152 has a protrusion 154 extending away from the housing 110 along the arrangement direction D2. With the retaining rod 282 of the locking member 280 positioned behind the socket connector 2 as described, the protrusions 154 of the pair of side plates 152 hook onto a pair of arms 281 respectively, preventing the locking member 280 from disengaging.

[0081] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the housing 110 unit as seen from the front (110c) and the opposite (110b) side. Figure 9 This is a perspective view taken from the opposing surface 110a and the rear surface 110d. (Example) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the housing 110 has a fitting hole 111, a connecting space 112, and a retaining wall 113. Figure 8 As shown, the mating hole 111 opens along the mating direction D1 toward the plug connector 3. For example, the mating hole 111 opens on the front side 110c and extends along the arrangement direction D2. Figure 9As shown, the connection space 112 opens in the opposite direction of the fitting hole 111 along the fitting direction D1, and further opens into the circuit substrate 10. For example, the connection space 112 opens at the back surface 110d and the opposing surface 110a, extending along the arrangement direction D2. The retaining wall 113 separates the fitting hole 111 and the connection space 112, retaining multiple pairs of first contacts 120 and multiple pairs of second contacts 130. For example, the retaining wall 113 has multiple pairs of first insertion holes 114 arranged along the arrangement direction D2, and multiple pairs of second insertion holes 115 arranged along the arrangement direction D2 between the multiple pairs of first insertion holes 114 and the opposing surface 110a.

[0082] Multiple pairs of first insertion portions 121 of first contacts 120 are inserted into multiple pairs of first insertion holes 114 from the back side 110d to the front side 110c. The first contact portion 123 at the end of the first insertion portion 121 is received in the fitting hole 111. The first foot 122 and the first connecting portion 124 at the end of the first foot 122 are received in the connecting space 112.

[0083] Multiple pairs of second insertion portions 131 of second contacts 130 are inserted into multiple pairs of second insertion holes 115 from the back side 110d to the front side 110c. The second contact portion 133 at the end of the second insertion portion 131 receives the fitting hole 111. The second foot 132 and the second connecting portion 134 at the end of the second foot 132 are received in the connecting space 112.

[0084] The housing 110 further has a plurality of partition holes 116 arranged along the arrangement direction D2. Each of the partition holes 116 extends between the opposing surface 110a and the opposite surface 110b. The partition holes 116 at both ends of the arrangement direction D2 are respectively received by partition plates 142 located at both ends in the arrangement of the plurality of housings 140. The partition holes 116 other than those at both ends are each received by partition plates 142 overlapping between adjacent housings 140 (see reference). Figure 7 Thus, the multiple housings 140 housed in the multiple partition holes 116 separate the fitting holes 111 from each pair of first contacts 120 and a pair of second contacts 130 arranged in the orthogonal direction D3, respectively, the connection space 112 and the retaining wall 113. By separating the fitting holes 111 that house the first contact portion 123 and the second contact portion 133 to the connection space 112 that houses the first connection portion 124 and the second connection portion 134, and by separating each pair of first contacts 120 and a pair of second contacts 130 arranged in the orthogonal direction D3 by the multiple housings 140, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0085] In each of the plurality of housings 140, the receiving space S1 is formed between the portions of the fitting holes 111 in a pair of partition plates 142. In addition, at least a portion of the portions of the fitting holes 111 in the pair of partition plates 142 is a pair of housing contact portions 144.

[0086] The housing 110 may further have a plurality of reinforcing walls 117 arranged along the arrangement direction D2. The plurality of reinforcing walls 117 protrude from the retaining wall 113 toward the rear surface 110d to separate each pair of first contacts 120 and a pair of second contacts 130 arranged in the orthogonal direction D3 within the connection space 112. Separating holes 116 other than the separating holes 116 at both ends are formed in the plurality of reinforcing walls 117.

[0087] In the mating direction D1, the second connecting portion 134 is located between the first connecting portion 124 and the retaining wall 113 (see reference). Figure 6 The length of the portion of the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 housed in the fitting hole 111 can be longer than the length of the portion of the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 housed in the connection space 112. By shortening the area where the first contact 120 and the second contact 130 coexist in the same space without being separated by the separator 244, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0088] The socket connector 2 can be assembled by, for example, the following steps. First, for the multiple pairs of second insertion holes 115 of the housing 110, the second insertion portions 131 of multiple pairs of second contacts 130 are inserted from the back side 110d to the front side 110c, the second contact portions 133 of multiple pairs of second contacts 130 are received in the fitting holes 111, and the second connecting portions 134 of multiple pairs of second contacts 130 are received in the connection space 112. Next, for the multiple pairs of first insertion holes 114 of the housing 110, the first insertion portions 121 of multiple pairs of first contacts 120 are inserted from the back side 110d to the front side 110c, the first contact portions 123 of multiple pairs of first contacts 120 are received in the fitting holes 111, and the first connecting portions 124 of multiple pairs of first contacts 120 are received in the connection space 112. Next, multiple outer shells 140 are inserted from the opposite side 110b to the opposite side 110a into multiple partition holes 116. Then, the outer cover 150 is sealed onto the housing 110 from the opposite side 110b to the opposite side 110a.

[0089] [Plug Connector]

[0090] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of plug connector 3. (See diagram below.) Figure 10As shown, the plug connector 3 has a first connector 200A, a second connector 200B, and a conductive cover 300. The first connector 200A unitizes the plurality of pairs of first contacts 210A and the plurality of first housings 220A. The second connector 200B unitizes the plurality of pairs of second contacts 210B and the plurality of second housings 220B. The first connector 200A and the second connector 200B overlap in the orthogonal direction D3. The cover 300 surrounds the overlapping first connector 200A and the second connector 200B, integrating the first connector 200A and the second connector 200B. The first connector 200A and the second connector 200B, in their overlapping state, engage with the socket connector 2 along the engagement direction D1.

[0091] The following describes each component. In the description of each component, the direction toward the plug connector 3 along the mating direction D1 is designated as "front". In the description of the first connector 200A, the direction toward the second connector 200B is referred to as "inner side", and the direction away from the second connector 200B is referred to as "outer side". In the description of the second connector 200B, the direction toward the first connector 200A is referred to as "inner side", and the direction away from the first connector 200A is referred to as "outer side".

[0092] (First Connector)

[0093] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector. (See diagram below.) Figure 11 As shown, the first connector 200A has multiple pairs of first contacts 210A, a first housing 260A, a first base plate 250A, and multiple first outer shells 220A. The multiple pairs of first contacts 210A arranged along the arrangement direction D2 are each formed of a metal material such as copper and extend along the mating direction D1. A first contact portion 211A is formed at the front end of the forward-facing first contact 210A. A first connecting portion 212A is formed at the base end of the rearward-facing first contact 210A.

[0094] The first housing 260A is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The first housing 260A extends along the arrangement direction D2, holding a plurality of first contacts 210A. The first housing 260A exposes the first contact portions 211A of the plurality of first contacts 210A to the outside and exposes the first connecting portions 212A of the plurality of first contacts 210A to the inside. Signal conductors 31 of the plurality of first wires 30A are connected from the inside to the first connecting portions 212A of the plurality of first contacts 210A via welding or the like.

[0095] The first base plate 250A is formed of a metallic material such as copper and extends along the arrangement direction D2, connecting from the outside to the outer conductors 21 of the plurality of first shielded cables 20A. The first base plate 250A is held in the first housing 260A in a state of insulation from the plurality of first contacts 210A.

[0096] like Figure 12 As shown, the first base plate 250A has a pair of base connecting portions 251 at both ends in the arrangement direction D2. Each pair of base connecting portions 251 is held to the first base plate 250A in an exposed manner and connected to the cover 300. Between the pair of base connecting portions 251, the first base plate 250A has a plurality of openings 252 arranged along the arrangement direction D2, and a plurality of pairs of openings 253. The plurality of openings 252 correspond to a plurality of first shielded cables 20A. Each of the plurality of openings 252 is designed to expose the outer conductor 21 of the corresponding first shielded cable 20A. The first base plate 250A is connected to the plurality of first shielded cables 20A from the outside via the plurality of openings 252 by welding or the like.

[0097] Multiple pairs of openings 253 correspond to multiple first shielded cables 20A and also to multiple openings 252. Each pair of openings 253 is formed such that the corresponding opening 252 is located between openings 253 in the arrangement direction D2. As described later, the multiple pairs of openings 253 are used to connect multiple first housings 220A to the first base plate 250A.

[0098] like Figure 13 As shown, each of the plurality of first housings 220A has a base portion 230 and an end portion 240. The base portions 230 of the plurality of first housings 220A respectively surround the outer conductors 21 of the plurality of first shielded cables 20A and are fixed to a first base plate 250A. For example, the base portion 230 has a pair of base sidewall portions 231 and a base connecting wall portion 232. The base connecting wall portion 232 faces the first base plate 250A from the inside. The pair of base sidewall portions 231 are respectively bent relative to the base connecting wall portion 232 and extend toward the first base plate 250A, facing each other along the arrangement direction D2. The shielded cable 20 of the corresponding first shielded cable 20A is housed between the pair of base sidewall portions 231.

[0099] A fixing piece 233 is formed at the end of each of the pair of base sidewall portions 231 facing the first base plate 250A. The fixing pieces 233 of the pair of base sidewall portions 231 respectively enter a pair of openings 253 and are fixed (connected) to the first base plate 250A from the outside by welding or the like. Thus, the first outer shell 220A is held in the first housing 260A via the first base plate 250A.

[0100] End portion 240 extends forward from base portion 230 along the engagement direction D1, surrounding a pair of first contacts 210A. For example, end portion 240 has a pair of end sidewall portions 241 and an end connecting wall portion 242. The end connecting wall portion 242 is connected to the base connecting wall portion 232. The pair of end sidewall portions 241 bend relative to the end connecting wall portion 242 and extend outward, respectively connecting to a pair of base sidewall portions 231. The pair of end sidewall portions 241 face each other along the arrangement direction D2.

[0101] Compared to the spacing of a pair of base sidewall portions 231 in the arrangement direction D2, the spacing of a pair of end sidewall portions 241 in the arrangement direction D2 is smaller. An outer conductor 21 of the first shielded cable 20A is present in the base portion 230, while an outer conductor 21 of the first shielded cable 20A is absent in the end portion 240. By comparing the spacing of the pair of base sidewall portions 231 where the outer conductor 21 is present with the spacing of the end sidewall portions 241 where the outer conductor 21 is absent, the uniformity of the configuration relationship between the pair of first wires 30A and the metal body surrounding the ground potential of the pair of first wires 30A can be improved, further enhancing signal transmission characteristics.

[0102] Each pair of end sidewall portions 241 has a pair of outer shell contact portions 243. The pair of outer shell contact portions 243 elastically deform and move closer together when subjected to external force, and move away from each other when the external force is removed. At least a portion of the end portion 240 enters the receiving space S1, becoming a partition portion 244. The pair of outer shell contact portions 243 are in contact with the inner surfaces of a pair of partition plates 142. The portions of the pair of partition plates 142 that respectively contact the pair of outer shell contact portions 243 constitute the pair of outer shell contact portions 144.

[0103] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the first housing 260A includes: a first housing base 261, a plurality of first protrusions 262, a pair of first base holding portions 264, and a pair of first guides 263. The first housing base 261 extends along the arrangement direction D2. The plurality of first protrusions 262 are arranged along the arrangement direction D2, protruding forward and inward from the first housing base 261. The plurality of first protrusions 262 hold each pair of first contacts 210A in a manner that exposes a first contact portion 211A, and are respectively housed in a plurality of first outer shells 220A. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 262 holds a pair of first contacts 210A with a first contact portion 211A exposed to the outside, and enters the end 240 of the first outer shell 220A from the outside. The first connecting portion 212A of a pair of first contacts 210A protrudes rearward from the first protrusions 262 and is located inside the first housing base 261 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0104] A pair of first base retaining portions 264 protrude inward and rearward from both ends of the first housing base 261 in the arrangement direction D2, respectively retaining both ends of the first base plate 250A with a pair of base connecting portions 251 exposed outward. A pair of first guides 263 protrude forward from the pair of first base retaining portions 264. In the arrangement direction D2, a plurality of first protrusions 262 are located between the pair of first guides 263. The pair of first guides 263 protrude further forward than the plurality of first protrusions 262. When the plug connector 3 is fitted into the socket connector 2, the pair of first guides 263 enter the plug connector 3 before the plurality of first protrusions 262, guiding the plurality of first protrusions 262 into the plug connector 3.

[0105] The first housing 260A has a first fitting portion 265 facing the second housing 260B described later. For example, the first housing 260A has a pair of protrusions formed on a pair of first guide members 263 in an inwardly projecting manner as the first fitting portion 265.

[0106] (Second connector)

[0107] Figure 16 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector. (See diagram below.) Figure 16 As shown, the second connector 200B has multiple pairs of second contacts 210B, a second housing 260B, a second base plate 250B, and multiple second outer shells 220B. The construction of the second connector 200B is the same as that of the first connector 200A. The multiple pairs of second contacts 210B correspond to the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A in the first connector 200A, the second housing 260B corresponds to the first housing 260A in the first connector 200A, and the second base plate 250B corresponds to the first base plate 250A in the first connector 200A. The multiple second outer shells 220B correspond to the multiple first outer shells 220A in the first connector 200A. Each pair of second contacts 210B is a single component from each pair of first contacts 210A. A second contact portion 211B is formed at the front end of the forward-facing second contact 210B. A second connecting portion 212B is formed at the base end of the rearward-facing second contact 210B. The second base plate 250B and the first base plate 250A are the same part, and the multiple second shells 220B are each the same part as the multiple first shells 220A.

[0108] The function of the second housing 260B in the second connector 200B is the same as that of the first housing 260A in the first connector 200A, but the second housing 260B and the first housing 260A are not the same part. The second housing 260B is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The second housing 260B extends along the arrangement direction D2 and holds a plurality of second contacts 210B. The second housing 260B exposes the second contact portions 211B of the plurality of pairs of second contacts 210B to the outside and exposes the second connecting portions 212B of the plurality of pairs of second contacts 210B to the inside. At the second connecting portions 212B of the plurality of pairs of second contacts 210B, signal conductors 31 of a plurality of pairs of second wires 30B are connected from the inside by welding or the like.

[0109] The second base plate 250B is held in the second housing 260B in an insulated state from the plurality of second contacts 210B, and is connected from the outside to the outer conductor 21 of the plurality of second shielded cables 20B.

[0110] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the second housing 260B is identical to the first housing 260A, and includes: a second housing base 271, a plurality of second protrusions 272, a pair of second base holding portions 274, and a pair of second guides 273. The second housing base 271 extends along the arrangement direction D2. The plurality of second protrusions 272 extend along the arrangement direction D2, protruding forward and inward from the second housing base 271. The plurality of second protrusions 272 hold each pair of second contacts 210B, respectively housed in the plurality of second housings 220B. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 272 holds a pair of second contacts 210B with the second contact portion 211B exposed externally, and the end 240 of the second housing 220B enters from the outside. The second connecting portion 212B of the pair of second contacts 210B protrudes rearward from the second protrusions 272 and is located inside the second housing base 271 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0111] A pair of second base retaining portions 274 protrude inward and rearward from both ends of the second housing base 271 in the arrangement direction D2, respectively retaining both ends of the second base plate 250B with the pair of second housing bases 271 exposed outward. A pair of second guides 273 protrude forward from the pair of second base retaining portions 274. In the arrangement direction D2, a plurality of second protrusions 272 are respectively located between the pair of second guides 273. The pair of second guides 273 protrude further forward than the plurality of second protrusions 272. When the plug connector 3 is fitted into the socket connector 2, the pair of second guides 273 enter the plug connector 3 before the plurality of second protrusions 272, guiding the plurality of second protrusions 272 into the plug connector 3.

[0112] In the orthogonal direction D3, the thickness of a pair of second guide members 273 is different from the thickness of a pair of first guide members 263. For example, the thickness of a pair of second guide members 273 in the orthogonal direction D3 is greater than the thickness of a pair of first guide members 263 in the orthogonal direction D3.

[0113] The second housing 260B has a second fitting portion 275 facing the first housing 260A. For example, the second housing 260B has a pair of recesses formed on a pair of second guides 273 with inward openings as the second fitting portions 275, and a pair of protrusions that serve as the first fitting portions 265 are respectively inserted into the pair of recesses of the second fitting portions 275. Alternatively, it is possible that the first fitting portion 265 is a recess and the second fitting portion 275 is a protrusion.

[0114] (Outer cover)

[0115] return Figure 10 The cover 300 has a first outer cover 310A and a second outer cover 310B. The first outer cover 310A is formed of a metal material such as copper and has a cover plate 311 and a pair of side plates 312. The cover plate 311 extends along the arrangement direction D2 and covers the first housing 260A from the outside.

[0116] A pair of side plates 312 are connected to both ends of a cover plate 311 in the arrangement direction D2, respectively covering the end faces of the first housing 260A and the second housing 260B in the arrangement direction D2. The cover plate 311 has a pair of connecting openings 313 near each end in the arrangement direction D2. The pair of connecting openings 313 expose a pair of base connecting portions 251 of the first base plate 250A to the outside. The cover plate 311 is fixed (connected) to the pair of base connecting portions 251 of the first base plate 250A from the outside via the pair of connecting openings 313 by welding or the like.

[0117] The cover plate 311 may further have a cover connection portion 314 between a pair of connecting openings 313, which contacts the first base plate 250A. The cover connection portion 314 extends inward between the pair of connecting openings 313 and contacts the first base plate 250A.

[0118] A pair of bearing slots 315 are provided on each of the pair of side plates 312. The pair of bearing slots 315 open outwards toward the cover plate 311.

[0119] The second outer cover 310B is the same as the first outer cover 310A, and is formed of a metal material such as copper. It has a cover plate 311 and a pair of connecting openings 313. The cover plate 311 extends along the arrangement direction D2 and covers the second housing 260B from the outside.

[0120] A pair of side plates 312 are connected to both ends of a cover plate 311 in the arrangement direction D2. In the arrangement direction D2, they overlap with a pair of side plates 312 of the first outer cover 310A and are respectively fixed (connected) to the pair of side plates 312 of the first outer cover 310A by welding or the like. The cover plate 311 has a pair of connecting openings 313 near each end in the arrangement direction D2. The pair of connecting openings 313 expose a pair of base connecting portions 251 of the second base plate 250B to the outside. The cover plate 311 is fixed (connected) to the pair of base connecting portions 251 of the second base plate 250B from the outside via the pair of connecting openings 313 by welding or the like.

[0121] The cover plate 311 may further have a cover connection portion 314 between a pair of connection openings 313, which contacts the second base plate 250B. The cover connection portion 314 extends inward between the pair of connection openings 313 and contacts the second base plate 250B.

[0122] A pair of bearing slots 315 are provided on each of the pair of side plates 312. The pair of bearing slots 315 open in the direction away from the cover plate 311. The pair of bearing slots 315 of the second outer cover 310B and the pair of bearing slots 315 of the first outer cover 310A form the bearing holes of the pair of arms 281 of the locking member 280.

[0123] The second outer cover 310B can be the same part as the first outer cover 310A. In this case, a pair of side plates 312 of the second outer cover 310B overlaps with a pair of side plates 312 of the first outer cover 310A in an alternating arrangement in the arrangement direction D2 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0124] (Assembly steps)

[0125] The plug connector 3 can be assembled through the following steps. First, a first unit is formed by embedding resin material, integrating multiple pairs of first contacts 210A, a first base plate 250A, and a first housing 260A. Similarly, a second unit is formed by embedding resin material, integrating multiple pairs of second contacts 210B, a second base plate 250B, and a second housing 260B. Next, multiple pairs of signal conductors 31 of first wires 30A are connected to the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A in the first unit. Similarly, multiple pairs of signal conductors 31 of second wires 30B are connected to the multiple pairs of second contacts 210B in the second unit. Next, multiple first housings 220A are mounted to the first unit in such a way that each pair of the multiple pairs of first contacts 210A connected to the multiple pairs of first wires 30A is surrounded. Similarly, multiple second housings 220B are mounted to the second unit in such a way that each pair of the multiple pairs of second contacts 210B connected to the multiple pairs of second wires 30B is surrounded. Next, the first housing 260A and the second housing 260B are combined in such a way that multiple pairs of first contacts 210A and multiple pairs of second contacts 210B are arranged parallel to each other in the orthogonal direction D3, and integrated by the cover 300. Next, the locking member 280 is installed on the plug connector 3.

[0126] 〔Summarize〕

[0127] The embodiments illustrated above include the following configurations.

[0128] (1) A connector 2, disposed on a circuit substrate, fitted with a mating connector 3 along a mating direction D1 parallel to the circuit substrate, and comprising: multiple pairs of first contacts 120 arranged along an arrangement direction D2 parallel to the circuit substrate and perpendicular to the mating direction D1, respectively connected to multiple pairs of first signal lines on the circuit substrate; multiple pairs of second contacts 130 arranged between the multiple pairs of first contacts 120 and the circuit substrate along the arrangement direction D2, respectively connected to multiple pairs of second signal lines on the circuit substrate; and multiple conductive housings 140 arranged along the arrangement direction D2, surrounding the mating direction D1. The plurality of first contacts 120 and the plurality of second contacts 130 surround each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130; and a plurality of receiving spaces S1 are respectively disposed in a plurality of housings 140 to receive a plurality of conductive partitions 244 disposed in the mating connector 3; and the plurality of partitions 244 that respectively enter the plurality of receiving spaces S1 divide the interior of each of the plurality of housings 140 into a first receiving space S11 for receiving a pair of first contacts 120 and a second receiving space S12 for receiving a pair of second contacts 130.

[0129] In the configuration where multiple pairs of contacts are arranged in two columns, the multiple pairs of first contacts 120 in the first column and the multiple pairs of second contacts 130 in the second column are separated by multiple housings 140 for each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130. Furthermore, by using the multiple partitions 244 of the connector 3, the interior of each of the multiple housings 140 is divided into a first receiving space S11 for receiving a pair of first contacts 120 and a second receiving space S12 for receiving a pair of second contacts 130. As a result, the shielding performance is improved. In addition, by using the components of the connector 2 itself and the components of the connector 3 together, the space occupied by the shielding can be reduced, and more space can be allocated for signal transmission. Therefore, it is effective in balancing the number of signals that can be transmitted in parallel and the shielding performance.

[0130] (2) According to the connector 2 of (1), each of the plurality of housings 140 has a pair of housing contacts 144, which are opposite to each other in the arrangement direction D2 in such a way that they respectively contact the partition 244 of the mating connector 3 that enters the receiving space S1.

[0131] The shielding performance can be further improved by increasing the shielding between the outer casing 140 and the partition 244.

[0132] (3) The connector 2 according to (1) or (2), wherein each of a pair of first contacts 120 has a first contact portion 123, the first contact portion 123 contacting and mating with the first contact portion 210A of the connector 3 near the circuit substrate; and each of a pair of second contacts 130 has a second contact portion 133, the second contact portion 133 contacting and mating with the second contact portion 210B of the connector 3 away from the circuit substrate; and each of a plurality of housings 140 at least accommodates the first contact portion 123 and the second contact portion 133.

[0133] Even without providing space between the multiple pairs of mating first contacts 210A and the multiple pairs of mating second contacts 210B, interference caused by electromagnetic waves can be suppressed by using multiple housings 140 and multiple partitions 244, and multiple pairs of first contacts 120 can contact multiple pairs of mating first contacts 210A respectively, and multiple pairs of second contacts 130 can contact multiple pairs of mating second contacts 210B respectively. Therefore, the connector 2 can be further miniaturized.

[0134] (4) According to the connector 2 of (3), each of the plurality of first contacts 120 further has a first connection portion 124 connected to a first signal line on the circuit substrate; and each of the plurality of second contacts 130 further has a second connection portion 134 connected to a second signal line on the circuit substrate; and each of the plurality of housings 140 further accommodates the first connection portion 124 and the second connection portion 134.

[0135] This can further improve shielding performance.

[0136] (5) The connector 2 according to (4) further includes an insulating housing 110, which holds multiple pairs of first contacts 120, multiple pairs of second contacts 130, and multiple outer shells 140; and the housing 110 has: a mating hole 111, which opens along the mating direction D1 toward the mating connector 3; a connecting space 112, which opens along the mating direction D1 toward the mating hole 111 in the opposite direction and further toward the circuit substrate; and a retaining wall 113, which separates the mating hole 111 from the connecting space 112 and holds multiple pairs of first contacts 120 and multiple pairs of second contacts 130; a first contact portion 123 and a second contact portion 133 are received in the mating hole 111; a first connecting portion 124 and a second connecting portion 134 are received in the connecting space 112; and multiple outer shells 140 separate the mating hole 111, the connecting space 112, and the retaining wall 113 for each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130.

[0137] By separating each pair of first contacts 120 and each pair of second contacts 130 through multiple housings 140 from the fitting hole 111 that accommodates the first contact portion 123 and the second contact portion 133 to the connection space 112 that accommodates the first connection portion 124 and the second connection portion 134, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0138] (6) According to the connector 2 of (5), in the mating direction D1, the second connecting portion 134 is located between the first connecting portion 124 and the retaining wall 113, and the length of the portion of the plurality of second contacts 130 housed in the mating hole 111 is longer than the length of the portion of the plurality of second contacts 130 housed in the connecting space 112.

[0139] By shortening the area where the first contact 120 and the second contact 130 coexist in the same space without being separated by the partition 244, the shielding performance can be further improved.

[0140] (7) The connector 2 according to any one of (1) to (6) wherein a plurality of housings 140 are each opened toward the circuit substrate; and a pair of housing connection portions 143 having grounding patterns connected to the circuit substrate at both ends of the arrangement direction D2 toward the circuit substrate.

[0141] By also utilizing the grounding pattern of the circuit substrate as a component of the shield, the space occupied by the shield can be further reduced.

[0142] (8) A connector system 1, comprising: a connector 2 according to (1); and a mating connector 3; wherein the mating connector 3 comprises: a plurality of conductive mating first contacts 210A, respectively connected to a plurality of first wires 30A; a plurality of conductive mating second contacts 210B, respectively connected to a plurality of second wires 30B; a plurality of conductive mating first housings 220A surrounding each pair of mating first contacts 210A in a mating direction D1; and a plurality of conductive mating second housings 220B surrounding each pair of mating second contacts 210B in a mating direction D1; and the plurality of housings 140A are mating first contacts 210A and mating second contacts 210B. Point 210B accommodates each pair of mating first contacts 210A and each pair of mating second contacts 210B. In each of the plurality of housings 140, a pair of first contacts 120 respectively contact a pair of mating first contacts 210A, and a pair of second contacts 130 respectively contact a pair of mating second contacts 210B. The mating first housing 220A and mating second housing 220B, which respectively accommodate a pair of mating first contacts 210A and a pair of mating second contacts 210B, have a partition 244. The partition 244 enters the receiving space S1 of the housing 140 that receives a pair of mating first contacts 210A and a pair of mating second contacts 210B, thus separating the first receiving space S11 and the second receiving space S12.

[0143] (9) According to the connector system 1 of (8), the housing 140 that houses a pair of mating first contacts 210A and a pair of mating second contacts 210B has a pair of housing contact portions 144 that face each other in the arrangement direction D2 and respectively contact the partition portion 244 that enters the receiving space S1.

[0144] (10) The connector system 1 according to (9) wherein the first housing 220A and the second housing 220B each have a partition 244; and the first receiving space S11 and the second receiving space S12 are doubly separated by the partition 244 of the first housing 220A and the partition 244 of the second housing 220B; and a pair of housing contact portions 144 each contact both the partition 244 of the first housing 220A and the partition 244 of the second housing 220B.

[0145] (11) The connector system 1 according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the mating first housing 220A and the mating second housing 220B are each opened in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction D1 and the arrangement direction D2, such that a pair of mating first contacts 210A and a pair of mating second contacts 210B are in opposite positional relationships; and a pair of first contacts 120 respectively contact a pair of mating first contacts 210A in the direction in which the mating first housing 220A is opened; and a pair of second contacts 130 respectively contact a pair of mating second contacts 210B in the direction in which the mating second housing 220B is opened.

[0146] The above describes the implementation methods, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the described implementation methods, and appropriate changes can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0147] [Symbol Explanation]

[0148] 1…Connector system, 2…Connector, 3…Mating connector, D1…Mating direction, D2…Arrangement direction, S1…Receiving space, 244…Separation portion, S11…First receiving space, S12…Second receiving space, 30A…First wire, 30B…Second wire, 110…Housing, 120…First contact, 123…First contact portion, 124…First connecting portion, 130…Second contact, 133…Second contact portion, 134…Second connecting portion, 140…Outer shell, 143…Outer shell connecting portion, 144…Outer shell contact portion, 111…Mating hole, 112…Connecting space, 113…Retaining wall.

Claims

1. A connector disposed on a circuit substrate, engaging with a mating connector along a mating direction parallel to the circuit substrate, and comprising: Multiple pairs of first contacts are arranged along an arrangement direction parallel to the circuit substrate and perpendicular to the mating direction, and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of first signal lines on the circuit substrate; Multiple pairs of second contacts are arranged along the arrangement direction between the multiple pairs of first contacts and the circuit substrate, and are respectively connected to multiple pairs of second signal lines on the circuit substrate; Multiple conductive shells are arranged along the arrangement direction and surround the multiple pairs of first contacts and the multiple pairs of second contacts around the fitting direction for each pair of first contacts and each pair of second contacts. as well as Multiple receiving spaces are respectively disposed within the multiple housings to respectively receive multiple conductive partitions disposed in the mating connector; and By entering the plurality of partitions of the plurality of receiving spaces, the interior of each of the plurality of housings is divided into a first receiving space for receiving the pair of first contacts and a second receiving space for receiving the pair of second contacts.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of housings has a pair of housing contacts that are oriented toward each other in the arrangement direction such that they respectively contact the partition of the mating connector entering the receiving space.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the pair of first contacts has a first contact portion that contacts a mating first contact of the mating connector near the circuit substrate; and Each of the pair of second contacts has a second contact portion that contacts the mating second contact of the mating connector in a direction away from the circuit substrate; Each of the plurality of housings at least accommodates the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of pairs of first contacts further has a first connection portion connected to a first signal line of the circuit substrate; and Each of the plurality of pairs of second contacts further has a second connection portion connected to a second signal line on the circuit substrate; Each of the plurality of outer casings further houses the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

5. The connector of claim 4, further comprising an insulating housing that holds the plurality of first contacts, the plurality of second contacts, and the plurality of outer shells; and The housing has: The fitting hole opens along the fitting direction toward the mating connector; The connecting space opens in the opposite direction to the fitting hole along the fitting direction, and further opens in the direction toward the circuit substrate; and The retaining wall separates the fitting hole from the connection space, and retains the plurality of pairs of first contacts and the plurality of pairs of second contacts; The first contact portion and the second contact portion are housed in the fitting hole; The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are housed in the connecting space; The plurality of housings separate the fitting hole, the connection space, and the retaining wall for each pair of the first contacts and the pair of the second contacts.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein in the mating direction, The second connecting portion is located between the first connecting portion and the retaining wall. The length of the portion of the plurality of second contacts housed in the fitting hole is longer than the length of the portion of the plurality of second contacts housed in the connection space.

7. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of housings opens toward the circuit substrate; and Each end of the arrangement direction facing the circuit substrate has a pair of housing connection portions connected to the grounding pattern of the circuit substrate.

8. A connector system, comprising: The connector according to claim 1; as well as The mating connector; and The mating connector includes: Multiple pairs of conductive mating first contacts are respectively connected to multiple pairs of first wires; Multiple pairs of conductive mating second contacts are respectively connected to multiple pairs of second wires; A plurality of conductive mating first housings, surrounding each of the plurality of mating first contacts along the mating direction; and A plurality of conductive mating second housings surround each of the plurality of mating second contacts along the mating direction; and The plurality of housings accommodate the plurality of pairs of mating first contacts and the plurality of pairs of mating second contacts for each pair of mating first contacts and each pair of mating second contacts. In each of the plurality of housings, the pair of first contacts respectively contact the pair of mating first contacts, and the pair of second contacts respectively contact the pair of mating second contacts; The mating first housing and the mating second housing, which respectively house the pair of mating first contacts and the pair of mating second contacts, have the following characteristics: The partition enters the receiving space of the housing that receives the pair of mating first contacts and the pair of mating second contacts, thus separating the first receiving space from the second receiving space.

9. The connector system of claim 8, wherein the housing housing the pair of mating first contacts and the pair of mating second contacts has a pair of housing contact portions facing each other in the arrangement direction and respectively contacting the partition portion entering the receiving space.

10. The connector system of claim 9, wherein the mating first housing and the mating second housing each have the partition portion; and The first receiving space and the second receiving space are doubly separated by the partition portion that mates with the first housing and the partition portion that mates with the second housing; The pair of outer shell contact portions each contact the partition portion of the first outer shell and the partition portion of the second outer shell.

11. The connector system of claim 8, wherein the mating first housing and the mating second housing are each opened such that the pair of mating first contacts and the pair of mating second contacts are in opposite positional relationships in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the alignment direction; and The pair of first contacts respectively contact the pair of first contacts in the direction in which the first housing is opened; The pair of second contacts respectively contact the pair of mating second contacts in the direction in which the mating second housing opens.

Images