High speed fine pitch connector with dual shielding

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a terminal assembly, a card edge connector and an electronic system. The terminal assembly includes a plurality of terminals arranged in a row parallel to the longitudinal direction and a holder holding the plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including a plurality of first type terminals and a plurality of second type terminals arranged in a plurality of pairs, the plurality of pairs being dispersed between the plurality of second type terminals. The holder is provided with a plurality of groups of first openings, and the plurality of groups of first openings respectively expose the plurality of second type terminals. The terminal assembly includes a first shield attached to the holder and having a plurality of sets of first projections. The plurality of terminals have a first side and a second side opposite to each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first shield is located on the first side of the plurality of terminals, and each of the plurality of groups of first projections extends into a corresponding first opening and electrically contacts a corresponding second type of terminal. Therefore, the signal integrity can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and more specifically, to a terminal assembly that can be used in a compact electrical connector capable of providing high-speed, high-performance transmission. Furthermore, this disclosure also relates to an electrical connector including the terminal assembly and an electronic system including the electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is generally easier and more cost-effective to manufacture an electronic system on several printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are connected to each other via connectors than to manufacture the electronic system as a single component. A conventional arrangement for interconnecting several PCBs typically uses one PCB as the printed circuit board. Other PCBs, called daughter boards or daughter cards, are then connected to the printed circuit board via connectors to achieve the interconnection of these PCBs.

[0003] Electronic systems have become smaller, faster, and more complex overall. These changes mean that the number of circuits in a given area of ​​an electronic system, along with the frequency of their operation, has increased significantly in recent years. Current systems transfer more data between printed circuit boards and require electrical connectors capable of transmitting signals at much higher speeds than those used just a few years ago.

[0004] One of the challenges in manufacturing high-density, high-speed electrical connectors is that the conductors within the connector can be so close together that electrical interference can exist between adjacent signal conductors. To reduce interference, and also to provide the desired electrical properties, shielding is typically placed between or around adjacent signal conductors. Shielding prevents the signal carried on one conductor from causing "crosstalk" on another conductor. Shielding also affects the impedance of each conductor, which can further contribute to the desired electrical properties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a terminal assembly is provided. The terminal assembly includes: a plurality of terminals arranged in a column parallel to a longitudinal direction, the plurality of terminals including a plurality of first-type terminals and a plurality of second-type terminals, the plurality of first-type terminals being arranged in multiple pairs, the multiple pairs being distributed among the plurality of second-type terminals; a retainer holding the plurality of terminals on the retainer, the retainer having multiple sets of openings, the multiple sets of openings respectively exposing the plurality of second-type terminals; and a shield attached to the retainer, the shield having multiple sets of protrusions, the multiple sets of protrusions respectively electrically contacting the plurality of second-type terminals via the multiple sets of openings, wherein: the plurality of terminals have a first side and a second side opposite each other along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the shield includes a first shield located on a first side of the plurality of terminals; each set of protrusions includes a first protrusion; each set of openings includes a first opening; the first protrusion extends into a corresponding first opening and electrically contacts a corresponding second-type terminal.

[0006] For example, each of the plurality of terminals includes a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other in its extension direction, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion, the intermediate section being held on a retainer, the mating contact portion being bent toward a first side, and a first shielding member being located on the side of the intermediate section.

[0007] For example, the first shielding member further includes a plurality of lugs extending toward the mating contact portion beyond the retainer, the plurality of lugs being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and the plurality of lugs being disposed corresponding to a plurality of pairs.

[0008] For example, the first shielding member protrudes from the retainer in a direction toward the mounting tail.

[0009] For example, each of the multiple sets of protrusions includes two first protrusions, each of the multiple sets of openings includes two first openings, a first rib is formed between the two first openings, the two first protrusions are spaced apart along the extension direction and form a first gap, the first rib is inserted into the first gap, the two first protrusions extend into the two first openings respectively and make electrical contact with the same second type of terminal, and the two first protrusions extend to the edge of the first shielding member respectively along two opposite directions in the extension direction.

[0010] For example, the contact surface of each of the multiple sets of protrusions that contacts the corresponding second type terminal is flat for each of the multiple sets of protrusions; the protrusion has opposing edges along the extension direction of the multiple terminals, the edges being not connected to other parts of the first shield, such that the contact surface extends through the protrusion along the extension direction.

[0011] For example, each of the multiple sets of openings includes a second opening located in the retainer; and the shielding also includes a second shield located on a second side of the multiple terminals, and each of the multiple sets of protrusions includes a second protrusion that extends into a corresponding second opening and contacts a corresponding second type terminal.

[0012] For example, each of the plurality of terminals includes a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other along its extension direction, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion, the intermediate section being held on a retainer, the mating contact portion being bent toward a first side, the second shielding member also including a second body and a first extension portion, the second body having a first edge and a second edge opposite each other along its extension direction, a second protrusion disposed on the second body, the first extension portion extending from the first edge along its extension direction to the mating contact portion, and the first extension portion being spaced apart from the mating contacts portions of the plurality of first type terminals.

[0013] For example, the first extension includes a plurality of first sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are configured to correspond to a plurality of pairs.

[0014] For example, each of the plurality of first sub-extensions includes a tongue extending along the extension direction and a curved portion connecting the tongue and the second body, the tongue being closer to the plurality of first type terminals than the second body.

[0015] For example, the mounting tail bends toward the second side, and the second shield also includes a second extension that bends from the second edge of the second body toward the second side to extend to the mounting tail, and the second extension is spaced apart from the mounting tails of the plurality of first type terminals.

[0016] For example, the second extension includes a plurality of second sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are configured to correspond to a plurality of pairs.

[0017] For example, each of the plurality of second sub-extensions has two ends disposed opposite each other along the longitudinal direction, and for each of the plurality of second sub-extensions, the two ends are respectively bent toward the second type terminals on both sides of a pair of first type terminals corresponding to the second sub-extension.

[0018] For example, for each of a plurality of second type terminals: a set of first protrusions and a set of second protrusions corresponding to the second type terminal are offset along the extension direction of the second type terminal.

[0019] For example, the contact surfaces of the shield that are in electrical contact with a plurality of second-type terminals are welded to a plurality of second-type terminals.

[0020] For example, the plurality of terminals also include additional terminals, and the shielding extends only across the plurality of first-type terminals and the plurality of second-type terminals along the longitudinal direction.

[0021] For example, no other type of terminal is provided between the plurality of first type terminals and the plurality of second type terminals.

[0022] For example, each of the plurality of pairs is provided with a second type of terminal on both sides, and additional terminals are located between adjacent second type of terminals.

[0023] For example, the additional terminal includes a plurality of additional first type terminals and a plurality of additional second type terminals, all of the first type terminals and all of the second type terminals being arranged in a repeating pattern, and the retainer is also provided with a plurality of additional openings, the plurality of additional openings exposing the plurality of additional second type terminals respectively, and the position and / or length of the shield on the retainer being configurable to make electrical contact with the corresponding second type terminal via the target opening, so that the position of the additional terminal among the plurality of terminals is configurable.

[0024] For example, the center distance between multiple terminals is equal, each of the multiple sets of additional openings has the same structure as any one of the multiple sets of openings, and all sets of openings are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction.

[0025] For example, for all first type terminals and all second type terminals, a second type terminal is provided between any two adjacent pairs of first type terminals, and a pair of first type terminals is provided between any two adjacent pairs of second type terminals, such that all first type terminals and all second type terminals are arranged repeatedly in a predetermined pattern.

[0026] For example, the center distance between multiple terminals is less than or equal to 0.8 mm.

[0027] This disclosure also provides a card edge connector, comprising: a housing including a plurality of first grooves, a plurality of second grooves, and a receiving groove, the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves being arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction, the receiving groove being spaced apart from the plurality of first grooves along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a terminal assembly including: a plurality of terminals arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction, the plurality of terminals including a plurality of first type terminals extending into the plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second type terminals extending into the plurality of second grooves, the plurality of first type terminals being configured in a plurality of pairs, the plurality of pairs being distributed among the plurality of second type terminals; and a shielding member including a first extension extending into the receiving groove, the shielding member being in electrical contact with the plurality of second type terminals.

[0028] Exemplarily, the housing has a mating surface and a mounting surface opposite each other along a mating direction perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions. The housing also includes a slot recessed inward from the mating surface for receiving an add-on card. A terminal assembly is disposed on the side of the slot. Each of a plurality of terminals includes a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other along its extension direction, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion. The mating contact portion bends into the slot, and the mounting tail portion extends beyond the mounting surface. Along the lateral direction, the intermediate section of the plurality of terminals is located between the slot and the receiving slot. A first extension extends to the mating contact portion of the plurality of first-type terminals.

[0029] Exemplarily, the terminal assembly further includes a retainer on which a plurality of terminals are held, a shield attached to the retainer, the retainer having a plurality of openings exposing a plurality of second-type terminals respectively, the shield electrically contacting the plurality of second-type terminals via the plurality of openings, and the housing further including a mounting groove recessed inward from the mounting surface, the retainer and the shield being mounted to the mounting groove.

[0030] For example, a plurality of first grooves, a plurality of second grooves and a receiving groove extend from the mounting groove toward the mating surface, the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves are located on the sidewall of the slot, and the mating contact portions of a plurality of first type terminals and a plurality of second type terminals bend from the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves into the slot.

[0031] For example, a plurality of terminals have a first side and a second side opposite each other in a lateral direction, the first side being closer to the slot than the second side; the shielding includes a second shielding, a first extension being disposed on the second shielding, the second shielding being located on the second side of the plurality of terminals.

[0032] For example, the mounting tail bends toward the second side, and the second shield also includes a second extension bends toward the second side to extend to the mounting tail. The second extension is located outside the housing and, along the mating direction, between the housing and the mounting tail of the plurality of terminals.

[0033] For example, the second extension includes a plurality of second sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are correspondingly disposed with a plurality of pairs. Each of the plurality of second sub-extensions has two ends disposed opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction. For each of the plurality of second sub-extensions, its two ends are respectively bent toward the second type terminals on both sides of the pair of first type terminals corresponding to the second sub-extension.

[0034] By way of example, the shielding also includes a first shielding located on a first side of the plurality of terminals.

[0035] For example, the first shield is located below the slot and extends beyond the mounting surface.

[0036] For example, the first extension includes a plurality of first sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are correspondingly disposed with a plurality of pairs. The receiving slot includes a plurality of sub-receiving slots, which are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction. The plurality of first sub-extensions are respectively inserted into the plurality of sub-receiving slots.

[0037] For example, the first extension has a first surface facing multiple terminals and a second surface opposite to the first surface in a transverse direction. In the transverse direction, the size of the first extension is smaller than the size of the receiving groove, and the root of the first extension is bent toward the multiple terminals such that the first surface abuts against the groove wall of the receiving groove, and the second surface is spaced apart from the groove wall of the receiving groove.

[0038] For example, each of the plurality of pairs extends into a corresponding first groove.

[0039] This disclosure also provides an electronic system, including: an add-on card having a shielding layer therein and a plurality of contact pads on the surface of the add-on card; an electrical connector including a slot, a plurality of terminals and a shielding element, the slot extending in a longitudinal direction, the plurality of terminals arranged in a row parallel to the longitudinal direction on the side of the slot, the add-on card being inserted into the slot, the plurality of contact pads on the add-on card making electrical contact with the plurality of terminals, wherein: the shielding element includes a first shielding element and a second shielding element, the first shielding element and the second shielding element being located on opposite sides of the plurality of terminals in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the shielding layer and the first shielding element being located on the same side and forming an inner shield for the plurality of terminals, and the second shielding element forming an outer shield for the plurality of terminals.

[0040] For example, the plurality of terminals include a plurality of first type terminals and a plurality of second type terminals, the plurality of first type terminals are arranged in a plurality of pairs, the plurality of pairs are distributed among the plurality of second type terminals, and both the first shield and the second shield are in electrical contact with the second type terminals; the contact pads connected to the plurality of second type terminals in the plurality of contact pads are electrically connected to the shielding layer.

[0041] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0042] The advantages and features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure, are provided for understanding the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electronic system, in which the add-on card is separated from the electrical connector;

[0046] Figure 3 An exploded view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The side view of the electrical connector shown in the image;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the electrical connector shown in the image;

[0049] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0050] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector after the add-on card has been connected;

[0051] Figure 8 An inner perspective view of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The inner side view of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0053] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The external perspective view of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0054] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The outer side view of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0055] Figure 12 for Figure 8 The side view of the terminal assembly shown in the image;

[0056] Figure 13 for Figure 12 The exploded side view of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0057] Figure 14 for Figure 12 An exploded perspective view of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0058] Figure 15 for Figure 8 The inner perspective view of the terminals and retainers of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0059] Figure 16 for Figure 15 The external perspective view of the terminals and retainers of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0060] Figures 17 to 19 They are respectively Figure 8 A perspective view and a side view of the first shield of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0061] Figures 20 to 23 They are respectively Figure 8 A perspective view and a side view of the second shield of the terminal assembly shown in the figure;

[0062] Figure 24 A perspective view of a portion of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above;

[0063] Figure 25 Compared to Figure 24 Terminal assembly installed;

[0064] Figure 26 To observe from below Figure 24 A perspective view of a portion of the casing shown in the image;

[0065] Figure 27 Compared to Figure 26 Only one set of terminal blocks was installed;

[0066] Figures 28A to 28F A schematic diagram of a product obtained from various steps in the manufacturing process of a terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] Figures 29A to 29C A schematic diagram illustrating the fabrication of one type of terminal assembly is shown;

[0068] Figures 29D to 29E A schematic diagram illustrating the fabrication of another type of terminal assembly is shown;

[0069] Figure 29F A schematic diagram of another type of terminal assembly is shown.

[0070] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0071] 10. Electrical connector; 100. Housing; 101. First groove; 102. Second groove; 103. Receiving groove; 104. Mud-fitting surface; 105. Mounting surface; 1051. Positioning post; 106. Mounting groove; 1061. End of first groove; 1062. End of second groove; 107. Plate lock; 108. First connecting part; 109. Second connecting part; 110. Slot; 111. Reinforcing rib; 200. Terminal assembly; 300. Terminal; 300A. One side; 300B, Second side; 301, Second type terminal; 302, First type terminal; 302a, First terminal pair; 302b, Second terminal pair; 303, Additional terminal; 310, Mating contact portion; 311, Electrical contact surface; 320, Intermediate section; 330, Mounting tail portion; 331, Bottom surface; 510, First shield; 511, First body; 512, First protrusion; 513, Lug; 514, First gap; 515, First 520. Solder joint; 521. Second shielding component; 521. Second body; 5211. First edge; 5212. Second edge; 522. Second protrusion; 523. First extension; 5230. First sub-extension; 5231. Tongue; 5232. Bend; 5233. First surface; 5234. Second surface; 524. Second extension; 5240. Second sub-extension; 5241. 5242. Both ends of the second sub-extension; 525. Second weld Point; 600, retainer; 601, first opening; 602, first rib; 603, upper edge; 604, lower edge; 605, second opening; 710, terminal clamp; 720, first shielding frame; 721, first V-shaped cut; 730, second shielding frame; 731, second V-shaped cut; 910, first electrical component; 911, contact plate of the first electrical component; 920, second electrical component; 921, contact plate of the second electrical component; 922, shielding layer. Detailed Implementation

[0072] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this disclosure, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0073] The inventors have recognized and understood the ability to provide compact, high-density electrical connectors that improve signal transmission quality and reduce crosstalk. Differential signal transmission is known to reduce crosstalk. Differential signals are carried on a pair of conductors called a "differential pair." The voltage difference between the conductors represents the signal. Typically, differential pairs are designed to have preferential coupling between the paired conductors. For example, the two conductive paths of a differential pair can be arranged closer to each other than adjacent signal conductors in the connector. Shielding is not desired between the paired conductive paths, but shielding can be used between different differential pairs. To prevent unwanted crosstalk, grounding terminals can be used, and the differential pairs and grounding terminals can be arranged in columns parallel to the longitudinal direction. For all or part of the electrical connector, the differential pair can be positioned between two grounding terminals. Thus, the two grounding terminals can shield the differential pair on both sides. Exemplarily, shielding can also be provided to provide shielding for the differential pair on three or four sides to reduce crosstalk.

[0074] In some embodiments, a high-density electrical connector may include a plurality of terminal assemblies held in a housing. Each terminal assembly may include a retainer and a plurality of terminals held by the retainer. The retainer may, for example, be an insulated, longitudinally extending elongated strip. The plurality of terminals may be arranged in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of terminals may include a plurality of first-type terminals and a plurality of second-type terminals. The plurality of first-type terminals are arranged in pairs and distributed in pairs among the second-type terminals. Exemplarily, second-type terminals are provided on both sides of each pair of first-type terminals. The first-type terminals may be used to transmit high-speed signals. Each retainer may be provided with multiple sets of openings correspondingly exposing the plurality of second-type terminals. The retainer may also be attached with shielding members located on the sides of the plurality of terminals, the shielding members extending in the longitudinal direction. The shielding members may be provided with multiple sets of protrusions. The multiple sets of protrusions may respectively make electrical contact with the corresponding second-type terminals through the multiple sets of openings. Thus, for each pair of first-type terminals, the surrounding second-type terminals and the shielding members can form good shielding.

[0075] Furthermore, to improve the shielding effect, the shielding member may include a first shielding member and a second shielding member, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the plurality of terminals along the lateral direction. The first shielding member has multiple sets of first protrusions, and the second shielding member has multiple sets of second protrusions. Each set of openings on the retaining member may include a first opening and a second opening located on the two sides of the plurality of terminals. The first opening and the second opening within each set expose the same type of second terminal. Thus, the first protrusions on the first shielding member and the second protrusions on the second shielding member can be electrically connected to the plurality of type-second terminals via the first opening and the second opening, respectively, thereby providing better shielding for each pair of type-first terminals on all four sides.

[0076] The housing of an electrical connector typically has a slot for receiving an electrical component (e.g., a second electrical component). For clarity, the opening direction of the slot is defined as upward. The second electrical component mates with the electrical connector along its vertical direction. The terminal assembly can be mounted into the housing and is located on the side of the slot. To enable a reliable electrical connection with a contact pad on an electrical component (e.g., a first electrical component) and to hold the electrical component in place, multiple terminals on the terminal assembly can be bent into the slot to apply pressure to the contact pad. Exemplarily, each terminal may include an upper mating contact portion, a lower mounting tail portion, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion. The mating contact portion can be bent laterally into the slot and make electrical contact with the contact pad on the electrical component. The intermediate section can be held in a retainer. The mounting tail portion can extend outside the housing and is used for electrical contact with another electrical component (e.g., the first electrical component).

[0077] Exemplarily, the first shield can be located inside the plurality of terminals, i.e., on the side facing the slot, and the second shield can be located outside the plurality of terminals. To prevent the first shield from electrically connecting with the bent mating contact and to avoid interference with the electrical component inserted into the slot, the size of the first shield is smaller than the size of the second shield along the mating direction of the second electrical component and the electrical connector (which is perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions). Exemplarily, the first shield can be located below the slot, and the upper end of the first shield does not extend into the slot. The lower end of the first shield can extend beyond the retainer and even beyond the housing, as long as it is spaced appropriately from the first electrical component. The second shield can extend from the mounting tail of the terminal to the mating contact. A shielding layer, such as a grounding layer, can be provided inside the second electrical component inserted into the slot. This shielding layer can provide shielding for the first type of terminal together with the inner first shield. Since the terminal will deform outward after the second electrical component is inserted into the slot, the second shield can be inserted into a receiving slot provided in the housing to avoid short-circuiting between the terminal and the second shield. The slot's sidewall can be provided with multiple first grooves and multiple second grooves, and multiple first-type terminals and multiple second-type terminals can be partially accommodated in the first grooves and second grooves, respectively. The receiving slot is spaced apart from the first grooves in the lateral direction. Thus, the gap between the receiving slot and the first grooves can prevent the terminals from short-circuiting with the second shield.

[0078] The second shielding member may include a first extension extending to the mating contact portion of the terminal and / or a second extension extending to the contact tail portion of the terminal. The first extension may extend into the aforementioned receiving groove. Exemplarily, the first extension may include multiple first sub-extensions corresponding to multiple pairs of first-type terminals requiring shielding. Correspondingly, the receiving groove may include multiple sub-receiving grooves for receiving multiple first sub-extensions respectively, thus forming a first connection between adjacent sub-receiving grooves, which can improve the mechanical strength of the housing. Along the longitudinal direction, the size of each first sub-extension may be comparable to the size of the corresponding sub-receiving groove. Along the transverse direction, the size of the sub-receiving groove may be larger than the size of the first sub-extension. The first sub-extension may be bent toward the slot and abut against the sidewall of the sub-receiving groove. This not only restricts the first sub-extension to the desired position but also reduces the resistance to insertion of the first sub-extension into the sub-receiving groove. Exemplarily, the second extension may include multiple second sub-extensions corresponding to multiple pairs of first-type terminals requiring shielding. The second sub-extension is bent in the same direction as the mounting tail portion of the terminal to provide shielding for the first-type terminals over a longer length. Exemplarily, each second sub-extension may have two opposing ends along the longitudinal direction, which may be bent toward the mounting ends of two second-type terminals on either side of a pair of first-type terminals shielded by the second sub-extension. Since the second sub-extensions are typically located outside the housing, they are susceptible to accidental bending toward the mounting ends. These two ends of each second sub-extension ensure that, in the event of an accident, they can abut against the mounting ends of the second-type terminals, preventing short circuits with the first-type terminals. Alternatively, these two ends of each second sub-extension may abut against the mounting ends of the second-type terminals in a normal state.

[0079] The terminal assembly can be assembled outside the housing and then installed inside the housing. For example, a mounting groove can be provided on the bottom surface of the housing, from which the aforementioned first groove, second groove, and receiving groove extend upwards. The shield and retainer of the terminal assembly can be inserted into and secured within the mounting groove. The mounting groove can face in the opposite direction to the slot.

[0080] Exemplarily, a shield with protrusions (e.g., a first protrusion and / or a second protrusion) can be formed by stamping a sheet of metal. To prevent the shield from shifting position when the terminal assembly is mounted to the housing and to ensure reliable electrical contact between the shield and the second type of conductor, the protrusions on the shield can, for example, be welded to the second type of terminal using a laser welding process. Laser welding requires high flatness between the two metal layers to be welded. Exemplarily, at least one side of each protrusion is not connected to other parts of the shield. Exemplarily, opposite sides of each protrusion in the extension direction of the terminal are not connected to other parts of the shield. The protrusion formed by the stamping process can be generally bridge-shaped. The flat contact surface between the protrusion and the second type of terminal can extend through the entire protrusion along the aforementioned extension direction. Based on this, multiple solder joints are formed for each protrusion, and the multiple solder joints can be arranged along the aforementioned extension direction. To avoid affecting the welding process, the first protrusion of the first shield and the second protrusion on the second shield can, for example, be staggered along the aforementioned extension direction.

[0081] The inventors also recognize and understand that the terminal assembly can be designed to change the purpose of the terminals without altering the position of the terminals already held on the retainer by configuring the length and position of the shield. For example, the length and position of the shield can be configured so that terminals intended for transmitting high-speed signals are used for transmitting low-speed signals and / or power signals, or vice versa. To achieve this, the multiple terminals on the retainer can also include multiple additional terminals. The multiple additional terminals can include additional first-type terminals and additional second-type terminals. The additional first-type terminals can have the same structure as the aforementioned first-type terminals for transmitting high-speed signals. The additional second-type terminals can have the same structure as the second-type terminals located around the aforementioned first-type terminals. All first-type terminals and all second-type terminals can be arranged repeatedly along the longitudinal direction in a predetermined pattern. Multiple sets of additional openings can be provided on the retainer at positions corresponding to the additional second-type terminals. Thus, for all second-type terminals, increasing the length of the shield allows for electrical contact with more second-type terminals, and the first-type terminals located between these second-type terminals can all be used for transmitting high-speed signals; conversely, decreasing the length of the shield allows fewer first-type terminals to be used for transmitting high-speed signals. Other unshielded terminals (including Type 1 and Type 2 terminals) can be used to transmit low-speed signals and / or power signals.

[0082] To further facilitate the configuration of the shield's length and position, the spacing between all terminals on the shield can be consistent, and the structure and spacing of all groups of openings (including additional openings) on the shield can be consistent. Thus, the shield can be manufactured as repeating units. When assembling the terminal assembly, the desired number of units can be obtained as needed, and these units are aligned with the target opening groups to make electrical contact with the target's second type of terminal.

[0083] Figure 1-2 An electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The electronic system may include an electrical connector 10. The electrical connector 10 may be configured to be mounted on a first electrical component 910. Exemplarily, the first electrical component 910 may include a circuit board such as a backplate, a mid-plane, or an add-on card, or any other suitable electrical component. The electrical connector 10 may be electrically connected to the first electrical component 910. The electrical connector 10 may also be configured to mate with a second electrical component 920. Exemplarily, the second electrical component 920 may include a second circuit board such as an add-on card, an adapter electrical connector, or any other suitable electrical component. The second electrical component 920 may mate to the electrical connector 10 along a mating direction. The second electrical component 920 may be detachable relative to the electrical connector 10. Similarly, the electrical connector 10 may be electrically connected to the second electrical component 920, thereby electrically connecting the first electrical component 910 and the second electrical component 920 via the electrical connector 10. The illustrated electrical connector 10 is a card edge connector.

[0084] Exemplarily, the electrical connector 10 can be a vertical connector, including a mating interface and a mounting interface opposite each other along the mating direction. The mating interface is configured to mate with the second electrical component 920. Exemplarily, if the second electrical component 920 includes a second circuit board, the mating interface can include a slot 110 that can receive a portion of the second circuit board, such as an edge of the second circuit board. Exemplarily, if the second electrical component 920 includes an adapter electrical connector, the adapter electrical connector can be adapted to connect with the mating interface of the electrical connector 10. The electrical connector 10 can be a socket connector or a plug connector. The mounting interface of the electrical connector 10 is configured to be mounted to the first electrical component 910. The mounting interface of the electrical connector 10 can be mounted to the first electrical component 910 by soldering or press-fitting. Exemplarily, the electrical connector 10 can also be secured to the first electrical component 910 by other mechanical structures such as guides, fasteners, etc. Optionally, the electrical connector 10 can be a right-angle connector, whose mating interface and mounting interface can be perpendicular to each other. Optionally, the electrical connector 10 can be an orthogonal connector, whose mating interface and mounting interface can be orthogonal to each other.

[0085] like Figure 3As shown, the electrical connector 10 may include a housing 100 and a plurality of terminals 300. The housing 100 may be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. The plastic may include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic may be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, the insulating plastic may contain an insulating material such as glass fiber reinforced. The housing 100 is typically a single piece. The plurality of terminals 300 may be mounted on the housing 100. The plurality of terminals 300 may be arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction XX. A second electrical element 920 may mate with the electrical connector 10 along the mating direction ZZ, such that the terminals or contact pads (e.g., gold fingers) on the second electrical element 920 make corresponding electrical contact with the plurality of terminals 300, thereby allowing the second electrical element 920 to be electrically connected to the electrical connector 10. For clarity and conciseness, a transverse direction YY is also defined, and any two of the mating direction ZZ, the longitudinal direction XX, and the transverse direction YY are perpendicular to each other.

[0086] Exemplarily, a slot 110 extending in the longitudinal direction XX may be provided on the mating surface 104 of the housing 100. The slot 110 can be recessed inward from the mating surface 104 in the mating direction ZZ to receive a portion of the second electrical component 920. The edge of the second electrical component 920 can be inserted into the slot 110. A row of multiple terminals 300 can be located on the side of the slot 110. The mating contact portions 310 of the multiple terminals 300 can be bent into the slot 110 to form a mating interface. When the second electrical component 920 is inserted into the slot 110 of the electrical connector 10, the contact pad 921 on the surface of the second electrical component 920 can contact the multiple terminals 300 with each other to form an electrical connection. The multiple terminals 300 can be arranged in two rows, located on opposite sides of the slot 110 in the lateral direction YY. Optionally, the two rows of terminals 300 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction XX. Optionally, the two rows of terminals 300 can be staggered along the longitudinal direction XX to increase the spacing between the terminals 300, thereby reducing crosstalk. Typically, the two rows of terminals 300 have the same construction, simply arranged as mirror images of each other. Of course, if necessary, the terminals 300 can also be located on one side of the slot 110, with at least a portion of the terminals 300 extending into the slot 110 from its side wall.

[0087] The plurality of terminals 300 may include a plurality of first-type terminals 302 and a plurality of second-type terminals 301. A portion of the plurality of terminals 300 may be first-type terminals 302, and another portion may be a plurality of second-type terminals 301. Optionally, the plurality of terminals 300 may also include other types of terminals. The plurality of first-type terminals 302 may be configured as multiple pairs. The plurality of first-type terminals 302 may be constructed as differential signal pairs for transmitting high-speed signals (e.g., differential signals), thereby reducing the impact of common-mode interference. During transmission, each pair of first-type terminals 302 may transmit a different voltage, thereby determining the logic state transmitted by the transmitting end by comparing the difference between the two voltages, and thus transmitting the signal. The pairs formed by the first-type terminals 302 may also be referred to as differential signal pairs. High-speed signals may include high data rate signals (e.g., signals transmitting data rates exceeding 25 Gb / s in the case of PAM4 encoding) and / or high-frequency signals (e.g., exceeding 56 or 112 Gb / s). The multiple pairs formed by the first-type terminals 302 may be distributed among the multiple second-type terminals 301. The second type terminal 301 can be configured as a shielded terminal, which can be grounded and shield the first type terminal 302, mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by the external environment on the signal transmitted by the first type terminal 302, while preventing the first type terminal 302 from generating EMI and RFI to the outside world. Exemplarily, any two pairs of adjacent first type terminals 302 can be separated by one or more second type terminals 301, thus dispersing multiple pairs of first type terminals 302 to reduce inter-pair interference. Exemplarily, at the ends of the columns containing multiple terminals 300, pairs of first type terminals 302 may each have a second type terminal 301 on each side of the pair.

[0088] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The electrical connector 10 may also include a retainer 600 on which multiple terminals 300 can be held. Thus, the multiple terminals 300 and the retainer 600 are referred to as a terminal assembly 200. Figures 8 to 14 The terminal assembly 200 is shown from several aspects. Multiple terminals 300 are held on the retainer 600 at intervals along the longitudinal direction XX to ensure electrical insulation between adjacent terminals 300. After the multiple terminals 300 and the retainer 600 are assembled to form the terminal assembly 200, the terminal assembly 200 can be integrally mounted on the housing 100.

[0089] The retainer 600 can be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. Exemplarily, the retainer 600 can be formed on a plurality of terminals 300 by insert molding. Exemplarily, the retainer 600 can be a pre-fabricated integral part, and the retainer 600 can be provided with multiple channels, into which the plurality of terminals 300 can be inserted one-to-one. The retainer 600 can also be provided with multiple sets of openings, for example... Figure 15 The first opening 601 and / or Figure 16 The second opening 605 is located in the middle. Multiple sets of openings expose multiple second-type terminals 301 respectively. These multiple sets of openings can be formed by machining after the retainer 600 is inserted, or during the insertion process of the retainer 600. The terminal assembly 200 may also include a shield, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first shielding element 510 and / or Figure 10 and Figure 11 The second shield 520 is provided. The shield may have multiple sets of protrusions, each of which can electrically contact multiple second-type terminals 301 via multiple sets of openings. The shield may be a thin sheet made of conductor, capable of reducing or eliminating external electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference to a certain extent, preventing signal leakage from the first-type terminals 302 dispersed among the multiple second-type terminals 301 to the outside, or preventing external electromagnetic waves and radio frequency coupling to these first-type terminals 302 to generate noise, thus ensuring the reliability of signal transmission. The multiple terminals 300 may have a first side 300A and a second side 300B opposite each other along the lateral direction YY. After the terminal assembly 200 is installed on the housing 100, the first side 300A of the multiple terminals 300 faces the slot 110, and the second side 300B of the multiple terminals 300 is away from the slot 110 relative to the first side 300A, see [reference]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Since multiple terminals 300 can be arranged in two mirror rows on both sides of the slot 110, terminal assemblies 200 can be provided on each side of the slot 110. To improve mechanical strength, multiple terminal assemblies 200 can be provided on each side of the slot 110. The number of terminal assemblies 200 on each side of the slot 110 can be selected according to the number of terminals 300 on that side. (See also...) Figure 2 and Figure 3Each side of the slot 110 has five terminal assemblies 200. To improve the mechanical strength of the housing 100, reinforcing ribs 111 can be provided within the slot 110, dividing the slot 110 into a first sub-slot and a second sub-slot. Typically, the reinforcing ribs 111 are asymmetrically arranged within the slot 110 along the longitudinal direction XX, meaning the first and second sub-slots have different longitudinal lengths to prevent mistaken insertion. Therefore, the number of terminal assemblies 200 on the side of the first sub-slot can differ from the number of terminal assemblies 200 on the side of the second sub-slot. Alternatively, the longitudinal length of the terminal assemblies 200 on the side of the first sub-slot can differ from the longitudinal length of the terminal assemblies 200 on the side of the second sub-slot. Typically, the spacing between adjacent terminals 300 conforms to standards. Changing the number of terminals 300 may result in a change in the longitudinal length of the terminal assemblies 200; otherwise, different terminal assemblies 200 can have similar structures.

[0090] For one or more of the plurality of terminal assemblies 200, exemplarily, their shielding may include a first shield 510. The first shield 510 may be located on a first side 300A of the plurality of terminals 300 and attached to a retainer 600. Figures 17 to 19In the illustrated embodiment, the first shield 510 may be made of a metal sheet. The first shield 510 may include multiple sets of first protrusions 512. Each set of first protrusions 512 may correspond to a second type terminal 301. Each set of first protrusions 512 may include one or more first protrusions 512. As shown, each set of first protrusions 512 may include two first protrusions 512. The multiple first protrusions 512 in each set may be arranged along the extension direction of the terminal 300. By using a metal sheet to process the first shield 510, the first protrusions 512 can be manufactured by a stamping process, which is low-cost and provides good shielding and mechanical properties. Each set of openings may include a first opening 601 located in the retainer 600. Exemplarily, the first opening 601 may expose the second type terminal 301 from the first side 300A. Each set of the multiple sets of first protrusions 512 extends into the corresponding first opening 601 and makes electrical contact with the corresponding second type terminal 301. Thus, on three sides of each pair of first-type terminals 302, the first shielding member 510 and two adjacent second-type terminals 301 can form a shield, thereby enhancing the shielding effect. Specifically, the second-type terminals 301 can shield between two adjacent pairs of first-type terminals 302 and prevent crosstalk, while the first shielding member 510 can shield electromagnetic interference from the direction of slot 110 to a certain extent. The first protrusion 512 can also fit tightly against the inner wall of the first opening 601, for example, the first protrusion 512 can be interference-fitted with the first opening 601, thereby fixing the first shielding member 510 to prevent it from falling off. In the embodiments described below, the shielding member may also include a second shielding member 520 (which will be described in detail below). The second shielding member 520 can be installed on the other side of the retainer 600 relative to the first shielding member 510. Specifically, the second shielding member 520 and the first shielding member 510 are respectively located on both sides of the first type terminal 302 along the lateral direction YY, so that the first shielding member 510 and the second type terminal 301 surround the four sides of each pair of first type terminals 302. This can achieve the best shielding effect.

[0091] In a typical edge connector, the housing has multiple channels, and multiple terminals are directly and individually mounted to these channels. This can lead to a complex housing structure, especially when the connector also includes a shield. The housing then needs mounting slots for the shield, further complicating the structure and reducing its mechanical strength. Furthermore, with an increased number and density of terminals, precisely positioning multiple terminals into the housing's multiple channels significantly increases assembly difficulty. In the solution provided in this disclosure, multiple terminals 300 are reliably fixed to form a terminal assembly 200 using retainers 600 before being mounted onto the housing 100. This ensures precise spacing between the terminals 300. Assembling the terminal assembly 200 onto the housing 100 reduces the risk of misalignment and short circuits in the terminals 300. Moreover, depending on the number of terminals 300, they can be held in multiple retainers 600, further simplifying the structure of the housing 100 and enhancing its mechanical strength. The terminal assembly 200 may further include a first shield 510, which can be inserted into the first opening 601 of the housing 100 via a first protrusion 512 to electrically contact the second type terminal 301. This allows the first shield 510 and the second type terminal 301 to have the same potential, forming good shielding for the first type terminal 302 surrounding it. In this way, the first type terminal 302 can transmit higher-speed signals in the form of differential signals, and the signals are less susceptible to interference, resulting in better signal integrity (SI). The first shield 510 can be attached to the retainer 600 before the terminal assembly 200 is installed into the housing 100, thus avoiding structural complexity of the housing 100. Therefore, the assembly of the electrical connector 10 using the above-described terminal assembly 200 is also simpler, effectively reducing costs.

[0092] For example, the first protrusion 512 can be welded to the corresponding second-type terminal 301 by any suitable method, such as resistance welding, laser welding, or ultrasonic welding. This ensures a good electrical connection between the first shield 510 and the second-type terminal 301, while also fixing them together to prevent poor contact that could reduce the shielding effect. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the first shield 510 needs to be installed onto the retainer 600 holding multiple terminals 300 to form a terminal assembly 200, and then the terminal assembly 200 is secured using a clamp before being assembled into the housing 100. The first protrusion 512 being securely fixed to the retainer 600 prevents displacement or detachment of the first shield 510 relative to the retainer 600 when the terminal assembly 200 is assembled into the housing 100, thereby reducing assembly difficulty.

[0093] For example, the terminal 300 can be made of a conductive material such as metal. The terminal 300 is typically an elongated, single piece. The center-to-center distance between multiple terminals 300 can be less than or equal to 0.8 mm, thereby significantly reducing the number of terminals 300 that can be placed in the same area, thus greatly increasing the terminal density of the electrical connector 10. For example, the center-to-center distance between multiple terminals 300 can be between 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm. For example, the center-to-center distance between multiple terminals 300 can be 0.60 mm, 0.61 mm, 0.62 mm, 0.63 mm, 0.64 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.66 mm, 0.67 mm, 0.68 mm, or 0.69 mm, or any intermediate value between them. With the aforementioned shielding protection, the center-to-center distance between terminals 300 can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the miniaturization and high-density of the connector while ensuring signal integrity.

[0094] Combined with appendix Figures 8 to 16 As shown, exemplarily, each terminal 300 may include a mating contact portion 310 and a mounting tail portion 330 opposite each other along its extending direction, and an intermediate section 320 connecting the mating contact portion 310 and the mounting tail portion 330. The mating contact portion 310 is used to engage with a contact pad 921 on the second electrical component 920. Figure 2 Electrical contact, with the tail portion 330 mounted for contact with the contact pad 911 on the first electrical component 910. Figure 2 Electrical contact. The intermediate segment 320 can be held on the retainer 600. The retainer 600 can space the intermediate segments 320 of adjacent terminals 300 to ensure insulation between adjacent terminals 300. The terminals 300 can be held in the desired position through their intermediate segments 320. The aforementioned multiple sets of openings for the shield to pass through (e.g., including the first opening 601 mentioned above and / or the second opening 605 mentioned later) can expose the intermediate segments 320 of the respective terminals 300. When the retainer 600, with the terminals 300 and the shield assembled, is mounted to the housing 100, the intermediate segments 320 can be located on the side of the slot 110.

[0095] Mounting tail 330 can extend from intermediate section 320 beyond retainer 600, and even beyond housing 100 when terminal assembly 200 is mounted to housing 100. Mounting tail 330 of each terminal 300 can connect to first electrical component 910. First electrical component 910 can be a printed circuit board. Optionally, mounting tail 330 can be shaped as a press-fit flexible segment. First electrical component 910 may have multiple contact pads 911 corresponding to the multiple terminals 300, these contact pads 911 being electrically connected to one or more conductive traces in first electrical component 910. Reliable electrical connection between mounting tail 330 and corresponding contact pads 911 is achieved by applying pressure to electrical connector 10 to secure first electrical component 910. In other embodiments not shown, mounting tails of multiple conductors can be mounting tails based on technologies such as surface mount technology (SMT) and / or through-hole mounting technology (THT). The mounting tail 330 can be soldered to the pads on the first electrical component 910 using surface mount technology and / or through-hole mounting technology, thereby achieving electrical connection with the circuit board. In other embodiments, each mounting tail 330 can be connected to a fusible element, such as a solder ball, which can be soldered to the corresponding contact pad 911 on the first electrical component 910. Regardless of the method by which the mounting tail 330 is electrically connected to the circuit board, as long as the electrical connector 10 enables interconnection between the add-on card and the circuit board. Exemplarily, the mounting tails 330 of multiple terminals 300 in each column can be arranged in a column, or alternatively, any two adjacent mounting tails 330 in each column can be offset from the column in opposite directions, thereby increasing the distance between two adjacent mounting tails 330. This increases the spacing between adjacent conductive vias or contact pads 911 on the first electrical component 910, thereby further reducing the spacing between the terminals 300.

[0096] Typically, see Figure 6 and Figure 7The mating contact portion 310 can be bent inward from the side of the slot 110 and protrude into the slot 110. The protrusion formed by the bending of the mating contact portion 310 can face the same direction as the first side 300A where the first shield 510 is located. The mating contact portion 310 can include an electrical contact surface 311 located within the slot 110. The electrical contact surface 311 can be formed by the protrusion of the mating contact portion 310 to ensure that the surface in contact with the contact pad 921 on the second electrical component 920 is smooth, thereby avoiding scratching the contact pad 921. When the second electrical component 920 is inserted into the slot 110, the electrical contact surface 311 on the mating contact portion 310 can make electrical contact with the corresponding contact pad 921 on the second electrical component 920, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the terminal 300 and the circuit on the second electrical component 920. The mating contact portion 310 can be beam-shaped. One end of the mating contact portion 310 is fixed to the middle section 320, while the other end is a free end, giving the mating contact portion 310 a certain degree of elasticity. After the second electrical component 920 is inserted into the slot 110, the mating contact portion 310 can be pushed out of the slot 110 in the lateral direction YY. Under the action of elasticity, the mating contact portion 310 can reliably abut against the contact plate 921 of the second electrical component 920, thereby ensuring reliable electrical contact between the two.

[0097] The first shield 510 may be located on the side of the middle section 320 of the terminal 300. The first shield 510 does not extend to the side of the mating contact 310 to avoid contact between the mating contact 310 bent towards the first side 300A where the first shield 510 is located, and to avoid interference with the first electrical component 910 inserted into the slot 110. Preferably, the first shield 510 may not extend into the slot 110, but is located below the slot 110. The first shield 510 may abut against the retainer 600 that holds the middle section 320, and the first shield 510 and the first type terminal 302 are spaced sufficiently apart by the retainer 600 to avoid signal attenuation due to excessive proximity to the first type terminal 302. When the retainer 600 and the first shield 510 are installed on the housing 100, the retainer 600 and the housing 100 can clamp the first shield 510 in the lateral direction YY, fix the first shield 510, and prevent the first protrusion 512 of the first shield 510 from separating from the second type terminal 301.

[0098] Typically, the second electrical component 920 can be a multilayer circuit board, and a shielding layer 922 can be provided inside the second electrical component 920, such as... Figure 7As shown, when the second electrical component 920 is inserted into the slot 110, the first shield 510 and the shielding layer 922 of the second electrical component 920 can form a relatively complete shielding protection on the first side 300A for the first type terminal 302 and the contact pad 921 electrically connected to the first type terminal 302, thereby improving the signal integrity of the first type terminal 302. Exemplarily, the contact pads 921 connected to the multiple second type terminals 301 can be electrically connected to the shielding layer 922, so that the shielding layer 922, the shield, and the second type terminals 301 are at the same potential, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the shielding protection.

[0099] Exemplarily, the first shield 510 may further include a plurality of lugs 513 extending beyond the retainer 600 toward the mating contact 310. (Refer to reference) Figures 8 to 9 ,as well as Figures 17 to 19 The first shielding member 510 may include a first body 511, on which a plurality of lugs 513 are disposed. The plurality of lugs 513 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction XX, and each lug 513 corresponds to a plurality of pairs formed by a plurality of first-type terminals 302. Each pair of first-type terminals 302 corresponds to one lug 513. (Return to Reference) Figures 6 to 7 The lug 513 extends the dimension (e.g., height) of the first shield 510 along the extension direction of the first type terminal 302 at the paired first type terminals 302, thereby further enhancing the shielding effect on the first type terminals 302 and improving signal integrity. The lug 513 is closer to the slot 110 than other parts of the first shield 510, and thus closer to the shielding layer 922 in the second electrical component 920. Preferably, the lug 513 may be located below the slot 110 or its top may be flush with the bottom surface of the slot 110. It is understood that this application does not exclude embodiments where the top of the lug 513 extends into the slot 110. The lug 513 may extend into the housing 100, and the housing 100 may be provided with a second connecting portion 109 between the separated lugs 513, thereby increasing the strength of the housing 100. A first protrusion 512 may be located on the first body 511. The first protrusion 512 on the first body 511 can be located between the lugs 513 along the longitudinal direction XX. This facilitates the first protrusion 512 to make electrical contact with the second type terminal 301. On the other hand, it ensures the flatness of the part of the first shield 510 corresponding to the first type terminal 302, so that the distance between the first type terminal 302 and the first shield 510 along its extension direction is consistent.

[0100] For example, the first shield 510 protrudes from the retainer 600 in a direction toward the mounting tail 330. The mounting tail 330 needs to be mounted to, for example, a first electrical component 910 on a printed circuit board, which may have numerous traces, some of which may even pass beneath the electrical connector 10. To prevent electromagnetic waves and radio frequency interference generated by these traces from affecting the signals transmitted through the first type terminal 302, as much shielding as possible can be formed along the length (extension direction) of the first type terminal 302. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the lower end of the first shield 510 protrudes from the retainer 600; however, the lower end of the first shield 510 is higher than the bottom surface 331 of the mounting tail 330. When the electrical connector 10 is mounted to the first electrical component 910, the lower end of the first shield 510 can be spaced apart from the first electrical component 910 to prevent the first shield 510 from making electrical contact with the contact pad 911 on the first electrical component 910 that is connected to the first type terminal 302.

[0101] Reference Figures 8 to 9 and Figures 13 to 14 For example, each group of first protrusions 512 may include two first protrusions 512, and correspondingly, each group of openings on the retainer 600 may include two first openings 601. A first rib 602 is formed between the two first openings 601, such as... Figure 15 As shown, two first protrusions 512 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the second type terminal 301 to form a first gap 514. A first rib 602 is inserted into the first gap 514. The two first protrusions 512 in each group extend into two first openings 601 and make electrical contact with the same second type terminal 301. This reduces the contact resistance between the first shield 510 and the second type terminal 301, thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0102] For example, the two first protrusions 512 extend in two opposite directions along the extension direction of the second type terminal 301 to the edge of the first shield 510, respectively. See Figure 17 and Figure 19Correspondingly, the two first openings 601 can also extend to the edges of the retainer 600. Similarly, the two first protrusions 512 can extend along the two opposite directions to the two edges 511a and 511b of the first shield 510. The two edges 511a and 511b are arranged opposite each other along the extending direction of the second type terminal 301. This ensures that both first protrusions 512 have sufficient height. When forming the first shield 510 with the first protrusions 512 using sheet metal stamping, it is desirable that the protruding portion of the first protrusion 512 be as flat as possible, as this protrusion forms the contact surface between the first protrusion 512 and the second type terminal 301. A flat contact surface increases the contact area between the first protrusion 512 and the second type terminal 301, preventing gaps or cavities between them. When the first protrusion 512 is connected to the second type terminal 301 by a welding process such as laser welding, if there is a gap or cavity between the two metal pieces to be connected, it may cause uneven temperature distribution at the welding point, resulting in defects such as porosity, collapse, or even the surface metal piece being welded through without being connected to the internal metal piece, thereby affecting mechanical and electrical performance. As shown in the figure, the upper row of first protrusions 512 can all extend to the edge 511a of the first shield 510, while the lower row of first protrusions 512 can all extend to the edge 511b of the first shield 510. In this way, at least one side of these first protrusions 512 is not connected to other parts of the first shield 510. Compared to a structure where all four sides of each first protrusion 512 are connected to other parts of the first shield 510 to form a dome-like structure, in the case where the area occupied by the first protrusion 512 on the first shield 510 is limited, at least one side of the first protrusion 512 is open. This allows for a larger flat contact surface of the first protrusion 512, which is beneficial for the welding process. Furthermore, a larger flat contact surface on the first protrusion 512 allows for the formation of multiple first solder points 515 between each first protrusion 512 and the first shield 510, thereby increasing the mechanical connection strength and reducing the contact resistance between them.

[0103] To further increase the area of ​​the flat contact surface of the first protrusion 512, exemplarily, in addition to extending one side of each first protrusion 512 to the edge of the first shield 510, the other side of each first protrusion 512 may also not be connected to other parts of the first shield 510. Taking the row of first protrusions 512 on the upper side as an example, each first protrusion 512 may have edges 512a and 512b arranged opposite to each other along the extending direction of the second type terminal 301, wherein edge 512a is located at edge 511a of the first shield 510 and is not connected to other parts of the first shield 510, while edge 512b may form a gap with other parts of the first shield 510, so that edge 512b is also not connected to other parts of the first shield 510. Therefore, when stamping the first protrusion 512, the first protrusion 512 can be in a "bridge" shape. The flat contact surface of the first protrusion 512 can extend from edge 512a to edge 512b. Thus, along the extension direction of the second type terminal 301, multiple first solder points 515 can be formed between the first protrusion 512 and the second type terminal 301. Furthermore, the first shield 510 is typically formed of a thin metal sheet. Taking the electrical connector 10 shown in the figure as an example, the thickness of the metal sheet may be 0.1mm-0.15mm or less. Based on this, the edges 512c and 512d of the first protrusion 512 can be connected to other parts of the first shield 510, with edges 512c and 512d facing each other along the longitudinal direction XX. This ensures the mechanical strength of the first protrusion 512 and prevents deformation. The first protrusion 512 is connected to the other parts of the first shield 510 only on both sides, which can also avoid the problem of the metal sheet being stretched too much and breaking when the metal sheet is stamped to form the first protrusion 512.

[0104] Alternatively, a larger first protrusion 512 could be formed for each of the second type terminals 301. For example, the first protrusion 512 could be provided at the edge of the first shield 510 or at the center of the first shield 510 along the extending direction of the second type terminal 301. In this case, it is also possible to ensure that the edges 512a and 512b of the first protrusion 512, which are positioned opposite each other along the aforementioned extending direction, are not connected to other parts of the first shield 510.

[0105] like Figures 10 to 14 , Figure 16 and Figures 20 to 23As shown, by way of example, the shielding member may further include a second shielding member 520. Opposite to the first shielding member 510 described above, the second shielding member 520 is located on the second side 300B of the plurality of terminals 300 and attached to the retainer 600. Each set of openings on the retainer 600 may further include a second opening 605, which may be located on the second side 300B of the terminal 300. The second shielding member 520 may include a plurality of sets of second protrusions 522, each set of which may extend into a corresponding second opening 605 and contact a corresponding second type terminal 301. In the lateral direction YY, each pair of first type terminals 302 is provided with opposing first shielding members 510 and second shielding members 520 on both sides for shielding protection; in the longitudinal direction XX, each pair of first type terminals 302 is provided with at least two second type terminals 301 on both sides for shielding protection. Furthermore, both the first shield 510 and the second shield 520 are electrically contacted with at least two second-type terminals 301, thereby electrically connecting the conductors surrounding each pair of first-type terminals 302 to each other and giving them the same potential. Thus, all four sides of each pair of first-type terminals 302 are shielded, significantly improving signal integrity. The second shield 520 can also be limited by the second opening 605 via the second protrusion 522, thereby ensuring the relative position between the second shield 520 and the retainer 600, facilitating the assembly of the terminal assembly 200 formed therefrom into the housing 100. Exemplarily, multiple sets of second protrusions 522 can be correspondingly welded to multiple second-type terminals 301 by any suitable method, such as resistance welding, laser welding, or ultrasonic welding, thereby making the electrical connection and fixation between the second shield 520 and the first-type terminals 302 more reliable.

[0106] For example, the second shielding member 520 can be made of a metal sheet. Using a metal sheet to fabricate the second shielding member 520 allows for the production of the second protrusion 522 through a stamping process, resulting in lower cost and better shielding and mechanical properties. When forming the second protrusion 522 using a metal sheet by stamping, it is desirable that the protruding portion of the second protrusion 522 be as flat as possible, forming the contact surface between the second protrusion 522 and the second type terminal 301. A flatter contact surface increases the contact area between the second protrusion 522 and the second type terminal 301, preventing gaps or cavities between them. Therefore, when the second protrusion 522 is connected to the second type terminal 301 using a welding process such as laser welding, defects affecting mechanical and electrical performance can be avoided at the weld joint. Furthermore, if the flat contact surface on the second protrusion 522 is large, multiple second solder points 525 can be formed between each second protrusion 522 and the second shield 520, thereby improving the mechanical connection strength between the two and reducing the contact resistance between them.

[0107] To further increase the area of ​​the flat contact surface of the second protrusion 522, at least one side of each second protrusion 522 may not be connected to other parts of the second shield 520, rather than having the second protrusion 522 in a dome-like structure with four sides connected. Each second protrusion 522 may have edges 522a and 522b arranged opposite each other along the extending direction of the second type terminal 301. One of the edges 522a and 522b may also extend to the edge of the second shield 520, for example, edge 522b of the second protrusion 522 extends to the second edge 5212 of the second shield 520. The other edge 522a and 522b may form a gap with other parts of the second shield 520, so that the edge is not connected to other parts of the second shield 520, for example, edge 522a of the second protrusion 522 forms a gap with other parts of the second shield 520. Therefore, during the stamping process, the second protrusion 522 can be formed in a "bridge" shape. The flat contact surface of the second protrusion 522 can extend from edge 522a to edge 522b. Thus, along the extension direction of the second type terminal 301, multiple second solder points 525 can be formed between the second protrusion 522 and the second type terminal 301. Furthermore, the second shielding member 520 is typically formed from a thin metal sheet. Taking the electrical connector 10 shown in the figure as an example, the thickness of the metal sheet is approximately 0.1mm-0.15mm or less. Based on this, edges 522c and 522d of the second protrusion 522 can be connected to other parts of the second shielding member 520, with edges 522c and 522d facing each other along the longitudinal direction XX. This ensures the mechanical strength of the second protrusion 522 and prevents deformation. The second protrusion 522 is connected to the other parts of the second shield 520 only on both sides, which can also avoid the problem of the metal sheet being stretched too much and breaking when the metal sheet is stamped to form the second protrusion 522.

[0108] Alternatively, the second protrusion 522 can be disposed in the middle of the second shield 520 along the extending direction of the second type terminal 301. In this case, gaps can be formed between the edges 522a and 522b of the second protrusion 522, which are disposed opposite each other along the aforementioned extending direction, and the other parts of the second shield 520, so that they are not connected to the other parts of the second shield 520.

[0109] Reference Figures 20 to 23Exemplarily, the second shield 520 may further include a second body 521 and a first extension 523. In the embodiment shown in the figures, when the second shield 520 is attached to the retainer 600, the second body 521 may have the same dimensions as the retainer 600 in the mating direction ZZ. The second body 521 has a first edge 5211 and a second edge 5212 opposite to each other along the extension direction of the second type terminal 301. The first edge 5211 may face the mating surface 104 of the housing 100, and the second edge 5212 may face the mounting surface 105 of the housing 100. In the illustrated orientation, the first edge 5211 is located above the second edge 5212. The first edge 5211 may be substantially flush with the upper edge of the retainer 600, and the second edge 5212 may be substantially aligned with the lower edge of the retainer 600 or may not extend to the lower edge of the retainer 600. Of course, embodiments in which the second body 521 and the retainer 600 have other dimensions in the mating direction ZZ are not excluded from this application. Multiple sets of second protrusions 522 can be provided on the second body 521, and can extend into the second opening 605 of the retainer 600 and make electrical contact with the corresponding second type terminal 301.

[0110] The first extension 523 can extend from the first edge 5211 along the extending direction of the first type terminal 302 to the mating contact portion 310, and the first extension 523 is spaced apart from the mating contact portion 310 of the first type terminal 302. As described above, the lug 513 of the first shield 510 can, together with the shielding layer 922 of the second electrical component 920, form a relatively complete inner shield for the first type terminal 302 on the first side 300A. Correspondingly, an outer shield can also be formed as much as possible along the extending direction of the first type terminal 302 by providing a second shield 520 with the first extension 523 on the second side 300B. To avoid situations such as the first extension 523 bending and contacting the first type terminal 302, or the first type terminal 302 shifting towards the second side 300B under the pressure of the second electrical component 920 and contacting the first type terminal 302, a receiving groove 103 can be provided on the housing 100, and the first extension 523 can extend into the receiving groove 103, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. The receiving slot 103 can be located outside the slot 110 along the lateral direction YY. The first type terminal 302 can extend into the slot 110, thereby separating the first type terminal 302 from the first extension 523. Thus, the housing 100 can separate the first type terminal 302 and the first extension 523. In summary, the second shield 520, by providing the first extension 523, can provide optimal shielding protection for the first type terminal 302.

[0111] For example, as described above, the first extension 523 may extend only on the second side 300B of the plurality of pairs of first type terminals 302. In other words, the first extension 523 may include a plurality of first sub-extensions 5230, which may be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction XX, and the plurality of first sub-extensions 5230 are correspondingly arranged with the plurality of pairs formed by the plurality of first type terminals 302. The spacing between adjacent first sub-extensions 5230 may be aligned precisely with the second type terminal 301. Based on this, a plurality of receiving slots 103 arranged along the longitudinal direction XX may be provided on the housing 100, and each first sub-extension 5230 may be inserted into the corresponding receiving slot 103. The first connecting portion 108 between adjacent receiving slots 103 may strengthen the housing 100, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the housing 100. In other embodiments not shown, the first extension may extend continuously in the longitudinal direction XX to span multiple pairs of first type terminals 302, and correspondingly, the receiving groove 103 within the housing 100 may extend a longer length in the longitudinal direction XX to accommodate the continuously extending first extension.

[0112] For example, each first sub-extension 5230 may include a tongue 5231 extending along the extension direction of the first type terminal 302, and a bend 5232 connecting the tongue 5231 and the second body 521. Figures 6 to 7 and Figure 14 As shown, along the lateral direction YY, the tongue 5231 is closer to the second side 300B of the terminal 300 than the second body 521. The bend 5232 is inclined toward the second side 300B of the terminal 300 along the direction from the second body 521 to the tongue 5231. Optimal shielding is achieved when the shield is at a specific distance around the first type terminal 302 requiring shielding. However, the retainer 600 needs a certain dimension in the lateral direction YY to ensure mechanical strength. If it is necessary to bring the first sub-extension 5230 closer to the first type terminal 302, the first sub-extension 5230 can be bent toward the slot 110 by the bend 5232, and the portion above the bend 5232 can form the tongue 5231. Exemplarily, the tongue 5231 can extend parallel to the mating direction ZZ, thereby being substantially parallel to the first type terminal 302 that is pressed outward by the second electrical component 920 inserted into the slot 110, see [reference]. Figure 7 To enhance the shielding and protection effect.

[0113] For example, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, for each second-type terminal 301, the first protrusion 512 on the first shield 510 and the second protrusion 522 on the second shield 520 can be staggered along the extending direction of the second-type terminal 301. The first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 can be soldered to the second-type terminal 301 from the first side 300A and the second side 300B, respectively. If the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 are aligned along the extending direction of the second-type terminal 301, the first solder joint 515 between the first protrusion 512 and the second-type terminal 301 and the second solder joint 525 between the protrusion 522 and the second-type terminal 301 may be too close or even overlap, which may affect the soldering effect. In actual soldering, when the first solder joint 515 and the second solder joint 525 overlap, the second-type terminal 301 may be damaged or even broken. Therefore, it is desirable to stagger the first solder joint 515 and the second solder joint 525 along the extending direction of the second-type terminal 301. The areas of the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 are limited. When the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second type terminal 301, it is difficult to stagger the first solder joint 515 and the second solder joint 525. Therefore, by staggering the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522, the first solder joint 515 and the second solder joint 525 can be staggered, effectively improving the soldering yield. For example, each group of second protrusions 522 may include only one second protrusion 522. Of course, the number of second protrusions 522 in each group can also be adjusted as needed.

[0114] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11For example, the mounting tail 330 can be bent toward the second side 300B, thereby increasing the distance between the mounting tails 330 of the terminals 300 on both sides of the slot 110, reducing crosstalk, and facilitating the placement of the contact pad 911 on the first electrical component 910. To prevent the second edge 5212 of the second body 521 of the second shield 520 from being too close to the mounting tail 330, the downward extension dimension of the second body 521 of the second shield 520 is limited. If two first protrusions 512 are provided for each second type terminal 301, similar to the first shield 510, and two second protrusions 522 are also provided on the second body 521, then the dimension of each second protrusion 522 in the mating direction ZZ will be correspondingly shortened. In this way, on the one hand, it will be more difficult to weld the second protrusions 522 to the second type terminal 301, and it will also be difficult to offset them from the first protrusions 512. On the other hand, providing two first openings 601 and two second openings 605 on the retainer 600 for each second type terminal 301 may reduce the mechanical strength of the retainer 600. In contrast, a second protrusion 522 can be provided for each second type terminal 301. Along the extending direction of the terminal 300, the size of the second protrusion 522 can be no smaller than the first protrusion 512, and the second protrusion 522 can be positioned between the two first protrusions 512 along the extending direction of the terminal 300, thereby offset from the first protrusions 512 to ensure welding quality. The retainer 600, in addition to the portions of the first openings 601 and the second openings 605, also serves to cover and fix the second type terminal 301. The portion between the two first openings 601 can provide a first fixing point on one side of the second type terminal 301, and the portions of the retainer 600 above and below the second openings 605 can provide a second fixing point and a third fixing point on the other side of the second type terminal 301, respectively. These three fixing points are staggered along the extension direction of the terminal 300, so the second type terminal 301 can be reliably fixed to the retainer 600. The second type terminal 301 is not easily detached from the retainer 600 when subjected to external force. For example, to limit the second shield 520, the second opening 605 can be located at the center of the retainer 600 along the extension direction of the terminal. Thus, the four side edges of the second opening 605 can limit the second protrusion 522, thereby restricting the second shield 520 to the desired position on the retainer 600.

[0115] Exemplarily, the second shield 520 may further include a second extension 524, with the first extension 523 and the second extension 524 extending from the second body 521 in opposite directions. Providing the second extension 524 can provide shielding protection for the terminal portion below the second body 521. In the case where the mounting tail 330 is bent toward the second side 300B, exemplarily, the second extension 524 bends from the second edge 5212 of the second body 521 toward the second side 300B of the terminal 300 to extend to the mounting tail 330 of the terminal 300. This allows for better shielding along the extension direction of the first type terminal 302. The second extension 524 is spaced apart from the mounting tails 330 of the plurality of first type terminals 302. The portion of the second extension 524 near its end may be parallel to the mounting tail 330 of the terminal 300, thereby forming shielding protection above the mounting tail 330, such as... Figure 12 As shown. Along the mating direction ZZ, the second extension 524 can be located between the housing 100 and the mounting tails 330 of the plurality of terminals 300. The second extension 524 does not protrude from the housing 100 in the lateral direction YY. After the electrical connector 10 is mounted to the printed circuit board, there is almost no possibility of the second extension 524 being contacted or bumped, which can effectively prevent the second extension 524 from deforming and contacting the first type of terminal 302.

[0116] Reference Figures 20 to 23 For example, the second extension 524 may include a plurality of second sub-extensions 5240, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction XX, and are correspondingly disposed to a plurality of pairs formed by a plurality of first type terminals 302. The spacing between adjacent second sub-extensions 5240 may be aligned with the second type terminals 301. A plurality of second protrusions 522 may be disposed corresponding to the plurality of spacings between the second sub-extensions 5240. The plurality of second protrusions 522 may extend to the second edge 5212 of the second body 521 of the second shield 520. During the installation of the electrical connector 10 to the first electrical component 910 or during the storage or transportation of the electrical connector 10, the second extension 524 may be bent toward the mounting tail 330 of the terminal 300 due to external scratches or collisions. The second extension 524 may be constructed as a plurality of independent second sub-extensions 5240 to avoid deformation of the second extension 524 as a whole toward the mounting tail 330 when one part is deformed by force.

[0117] Furthermore, each second sub-extension 5240 may have two ends 5241 and 5242 disposed opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction XX. The second sub-extension 5240 may be in the form of a beam extending along the longitudinal direction XX. The two ends 5241 and 5242 of the second sub-extension 5240 may be bent toward the second type terminals 301 on both sides of the pair of first type terminals 302 corresponding to the second sub-extension 5240 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 11 Even if one or more of the second sub-extensions 5240 are deformed by an external force, the downwardly bent ends 5241 and 5242 of the second sub-extension 5240 can abut against the mounting tail 330 of the second type terminal 301 before the straight portion connecting the ends 5241 and 5242. Thus, the second sub-extension 5240 can be supported on the mounting tail 330 of the second type terminal 301 without making electrical contact with the mounting tail 330 of the first type terminal 302.

[0118] Figure 24 A perspective view of a portion of a housing 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Figure 25 Compared to Figure 24 Terminal assembly 200 has been installed. Figure 26 To observe from below Figure 24 The perspective view of a portion of the housing 100 shown is for clarity. Figure 27 Compared to Figure 26 Only one set of terminal assemblies 200 is installed. As shown, in addition to the receiving groove 103 that accommodates the first extension 523 of the second shield 520, the housing 100 may also include a plurality of first recesses 101 and a plurality of second recesses 102. The plurality of first recesses 101 and the plurality of second recesses 102 are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction XX. The plurality of first recesses 101 and the plurality of second recesses 102 communicate with the slot 110. Exemplarily, the plurality of first recesses 101 and the plurality of second recesses 102 may be disposed on the sidewall of the slot 110. The terminal assembly 200 includes a plurality of terminals 300 located in the column of the plurality of first recesses 101 and the plurality of second recesses 102. The plurality of terminals 300 may include a plurality of first-type terminals 302 extending into the plurality of first recesses 101 and a plurality of second-type terminals 301 extending into the plurality of second recesses 102. The plurality of first-type terminals 302 are arranged in a plurality of pairs, and the plurality of pairs of the plurality of first-type terminals 302 are distributed among the plurality of second-type terminals 301. Thus, multiple first grooves 101 are distributed among multiple second grooves 102. The mating contact portions 310 of the first type terminal 302 and the second type terminal 301 are bent from the first groove 101 and the second groove 102 into the slot 110, respectively.

[0119] The receiving slot 103 can be spaced apart from the first groove 101 along the lateral direction YY. A first extension 523 of a shield (e.g., a second shield 520) extends into the receiving slot 103, and the shield makes electrical contact with a plurality of second-type terminals 301. The receiving slot 103 can limit the first extension 523, separating it from the first-type terminals 302 and preventing the first extension 523 from contacting the first-type terminals 302. The second-type terminals 301 can be grounded as shielding terminals, and the shield makes electrical contact with the second-type terminals 301, thereby forming shielding protection for the first-type terminals 302.

[0120] Exemplarily, each pair of first-type terminals 302 can extend into a corresponding first recess 101. The first recess 101 may have a larger dimension in the longitudinal direction XX than the second recess 102, such that each pair of first-type terminals 302 can be accommodated in the same first recess 101. The second-type terminals 301 are accommodated separately in the second recess 102. As described above, the first-type terminals 302 that transmit high-speed signals are typically configured to transmit differential signals. By arranging each pair of first-type terminals 302 in the same first recess 101, the spacing between the pair of first-type terminals 302 can be reduced without changing the overall size of the electrical connector, or the width of each first-type terminal 302 in the pair can be increased partially or entirely, thereby improving signal integrity.

[0121] Exemplarily, the housing 100 has a mating surface 104 and a mounting surface 105 that are opposite each other along the mating direction ZZ. A slot 110 is recessed inward from the mating surface 104 and is used to receive a second electrical component 920. A positioning post 1051 may also be provided on the mounting surface 105 of the housing 100. The positioning post 1051 can be inserted into a positioning hole of the first electrical component 910 to secure the electrical connector 10 in the horizontal direction. The housing 100 can also be secured by a plate lock 107 (see...). Figure 3 The retainer 600 and the shield 200 are fixed to the first electrical component 910. The housing 100 may also include a mounting groove 106 recessed inward from the mounting surface 105, into which the terminal assembly 200 formed by the retainer 600 and the shield can be mounted. Thus, after the shield is attached to the retainer 600, the retainer 600, the terminal 300, and the shield can be mounted together into the mounting groove 106. The sidewalls of the mounting groove 106 that are opposite each other in the lateral direction YY can clamp the retainer 600 and the shield, so that they can be securely mounted onto the housing 100. This simplifies the assembly of the electrical connector 10, and the retainer 600 can prevent the terminal 300 from being misaligned during the installation of the terminal assembly 200 into the housing 100. The retainer 600 can be mounted into the mounting groove 106 by interference fit, or it can be fixed into the mounting groove 106 by snap-fit, adhesive, or other means.

[0122] Exemplarily, a plurality of first grooves 101, a plurality of second grooves 102, and a receiving groove 103 extend from the mounting groove 106 toward the mating surface 104. The plurality of first grooves 101 and the plurality of second grooves 102 are located on the sidewall of the slot 110, and the mating contact portions 310 of the plurality of first type terminals 302 and the plurality of second type terminals 301 are respectively bent from the plurality of first grooves 101 and the plurality of second grooves 102 into the slot 110. In this way, a rib can be formed between the first grooves 101 and the second grooves 102 to separate the first type terminals 302 and the second type terminals 301. The first grooves 101 and the second grooves 102 are formed on the sidewall of the slot 110. Exemplarily, the first grooves 101 and the second grooves 102 can extend from the sidewall of the slot 110 to the bottom wall of the slot 110, so that the first grooves 101 and the second grooves 102 can be L-shaped. Therefore, the bottoms of the first groove 101 and the second groove 102 can have a wider width (dimension along the lateral direction YY), and the wider bottoms of the first groove 101 and the second groove 102 can fully communicate with the mounting slot 106. The mating contact portion 310 of the terminal 300 is curved, resulting in a larger dimension of the mating contact portion 310 along the lateral direction YY. During the insertion of the assembled terminal assembly 200 from the mounting surface 105 of the housing 100 into the mounting slot 106, the wider bottoms of the first groove 101 and the second groove 102 allow the mating contact portion 310 to pass through, thereby enabling the mating contact portion 310 to be configured to be curved into the slot 110.

[0123] For example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first extension 523 may have a first surface 5233 facing the corresponding terminal 300 and a second surface 5234 opposite to the first surface 5233 along the transverse direction YY. Along the transverse direction YY, the dimensions of the first extension 523 are all smaller than the dimensions of the receiving groove 103, and the root of the first extension 523 is bent towards the corresponding terminal 300, such that the first surface 5233 abuts against the groove wall of the corresponding receiving groove 103, and the second surface 5234 is spaced apart from the groove wall of the corresponding receiving groove 103. The first extension 523 may have a certain degree of elasticity; its smaller size reduces friction during insertion into the receiving groove 103. With the first surface 5233 of the first extension 523 abutting against the groove wall of the receiving groove 103, the first extension 523 can be relatively close to the first type terminal 302, improving shielding performance. For example, the lower part of the groove wall of the receiving groove 103 against which the first surface 5233 abuts (i.e., the opening of the receiving groove 103) may be chamfered.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first shield 510 may be located below the slot 110, and the first shield 510 extends beyond the mounting surface 105. In this way, the first shield 510 can shield and protect the middle section 320 of the first type terminal 302 below the slot 110.

[0125] Figures 28A to 2 8G illustrates a schematic diagram of the product obtained at various steps in the processing of a terminal assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 28A As shown, multiple independent terminals 300 are held on a terminal clamp 710, the spacing between these terminals 300 conforming to the spacing on the housing 100 of the electrical connector 10. Exemplarily, the mounting ends 330 of the multiple terminals 300 can be held on the terminal clamp 710. Then, a retainer 600 is formed on the middle section 320 of the multiple terminals 300 using an insert molding process, such as... Figure 28B As shown. Multiple sets of openings (e.g., first opening 601 and second opening 605) corresponding to multiple second-type terminals are formed on the retainer 600 during insertion molding. A first shielding frame 720 is provided, to which a first shielding member 510 is connected, and multiple sets of first protrusions 512 are formed on the first shielding member 510. A first V-cut 721 may be provided between the first shielding frame 720 and the first shielding member 510, which facilitates separation of the first shielding frame 720 and the first shielding member 510. Figure 28C As shown, after aligning the first protrusion 512 on the first shielding member 510 with the first opening 601 on the retainer 600 and attaching the first shielding member 510 to the retainer 600, the first shielding frame 720 can be bent upwards, causing the first V-shaped cut 721 to break, and the first shielding frame 720 to separate from the first shielding member 510, as shown. Figure 28D As shown.

[0126] Then, with the side of the retainer 600 having the second opening 605 facing upwards, as shown... Figure 28E As shown, a second shielding frame 730 is provided, to which a second shielding member 520 is connected. The second shielding member 520 has multiple sets of second protrusions 522 formed thereon. A second V-shaped cutout 731 may be provided between the second shielding frame 730 and the second shielding member 520, which facilitates the separation of the second shielding frame 730 and the second shielding member 520. Figure 28F As shown, after aligning the second protrusion 522 on the second shield 520 with the second opening 605 on the retainer 600 and attaching the second shield 520 to the retainer 600, the second shield frame 730 can be bent upwards, causing the first V-shaped cut 721 to break and the second shield frame 730 to separate from the second shield 520, as shown in Figure 28G.

[0127] It should be noted that the terminal clamp 710 can be held on multiple terminals 300 indefinitely for execution. Figures 28B to 2 During the operation shown in 8G, the integral part formed in each step is always fixed using the terminal clamp 710. Additionally, Figure 28E The steps shown can be omitted, and it is not necessary to reverse the retainer 600 and the multiple terminals 300. It is also possible to install the second shield 520, to which the second shield frame 730 is connected, onto the retainer 600 from below. As described above, the first protrusion 512 on the first shield 510 and / or the second protrusion 522 on the second shield 520 can be soldered to the corresponding second type of terminal. The first soldering process for the first protrusion 512 can be performed at any step after the first protrusion 512 is installed into the first opening 601; similarly, the second soldering process for the second protrusion 522 can be performed at any step after the second protrusion 522 is installed into the second opening 605. Optionally, the first soldering process and the second soldering process can be performed simultaneously after both the first protrusion 512 and the second protrusion 522 are in place. For example, the first soldering process can be performed before the first shield frame 720 and the first shield 510 are separated to avoid the first shield 510 failing to remain in the desired position during the removal of the first shield frame 720. Similarly, the second welding process can be performed before the second shielding frame 730 and the second shielding member 520 are separated, in order to avoid the second shielding member 520 failing to remain in the desired position during the removal of the second shielding frame 730.

[0128] For example, return to the reference Figures 10 to 11 Each terminal assembly 200 may further include additional terminals 303, with shielding extending longitudinally only across multiple first-type terminals 302 and multiple second-type terminals 301. The sides of the additional terminals 303 may not be shielded. The additional terminals 303 may be located around the periphery of the first-type terminals 302 and multiple second-type terminals 301. The additional terminals 303 may be used to transmit low-speed or power signals and typically do not require shielding. According to some embodiments, the additional terminals 303 may include sideband terminals. Sideband terminals may transmit low-frequency signals (e.g., frequencies less than 500 MHz) or signals with low data rates (e.g., less than 100 Mb / s). According to some embodiments, the additional terminals 303 may also include power terminals. Power terminals may transmit direct current. Alternatively, power terminals may transmit other high-current and low-frequency signals.

[0129] As described above, the shielding component electrically contacts the second type terminal 301. If a shielding component is provided, some terminals in the additional terminals 303 need to be connected to the shielding component. This reduces the number of additional terminals 303 that can transmit low-speed or high-power signals. If the shielding component extending to the additional terminals 303 is not connected to any of the additional terminals 303, the support of the shielding component on the side of the additional terminals 303 needs to be considered. Moreover, an excessively long shielding component not connected to the terminal 300 may couple with electromagnetic waves, reducing shielding performance. In summary, providing additional terminals 303 can expand the performance of the electrical connector 10, and by ensuring that the shielding component only spans multiple first type terminals 302 and multiple second type terminals 301 along the longitudinal direction XX, it simplifies the design, reduces the impact on the additional terminals 303, and improves performance.

[0130] Exemplarily, the position of the additional terminal 303 relative to the plurality of first-type terminals 302 and the plurality of second-type terminals 301 in the longitudinal direction XX is configurable. The position of the additional terminal 303 relative to the plurality of first-type terminals 302 and the plurality of second-type terminals 301 can be physically changed by adjusting a small number of parts included in the electrical connector 10. Exemplarily, the housing 100 can be configured to allow all terminals 300 to be mounted in the adjusted position even after the position of the additional terminal 303 is adjusted. Optionally, the plurality of terminals 300 can be configured to have adjustable positions relative to the retainer 600, thereby changing the relative position of the additional terminal 303. Alternatively, after the plurality of terminals 300 are held on the retainer 600, the position of any terminal may not be physically changed, but rather the position of the shield may be adjusted such that the first-type terminals 301 shielded by the shield are used for transmitting high-speed signals, the second-type terminals electrically in contact with the shield provide shielding for high-speed signals, and the other unshielded terminals serve as additional terminals for transmitting low-speed signals and / or power signals.

[0131] The additional terminal 303 can have various positions relative to the first type terminal 302 and the second type terminal 301. In the illustrated embodiment, along the longitudinal direction XX, the retainer 600 can be non-physically divided into two segments, namely a first segment and a second segment. The first type terminal 302 and the second type terminal 301 are held on the first segment, and the additional terminal 303 can be held on the second segment. The second type terminals 301 are spaced apart on the first segment, and the first type terminals 302 are distributed in pairs within the intervals between the second type terminals 301. Exemplarily, the aforementioned first segment can be divided into multiple first sub-segments, each located on both sides of the second segment. Alternatively, the aforementioned second segment can be divided into multiple second sub-segments, each located on both sides of the first segment. This can be applied to various types of second electrical components 920 and first electrical components 910.

[0132] Exemplarily, the additional terminals 303 include a plurality of additional first-type terminals 302 and a plurality of additional second-type terminals 301, all of which are arranged in a repeating pattern. Exemplarily, a second-type terminal 301 is disposed between any two adjacent pairs of first-type terminals 302, and a pair of first-type terminals 302 is disposed between any two adjacent pairs of second-type terminals 301. Since two adjacent pairs of first-type terminals 302 share one second-type terminal 301, the number of second-type terminals 301 can be effectively reduced without compromising shielding protection. More terminals 300 can be used for signal transmission within the same space, increasing the density of transmitted signals. As described above, the second-type terminals 301 are disposed on both sides of each pair of first-type terminals 302, providing shielding protection to the first-type terminals 302 from both sides, thus improving signal integrity.

[0133] See Figure 15 and Figure 16 Terminal pairs S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 are all pairs formed by first-type terminals 302, and the terminal G between these terminal pairs is a second-type terminal. (See also...) Figures 8 to 11Terminal pairs S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8, and the sides of terminals G on both sides, are provided with a first shield 510 and / or a second shield 520. Thus, the first shield 510 and / or the second shield 520 connect to these terminals G, providing shielding for terminal pairs S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8. The remaining terminal pairs S1, S2, S3, and G are not shielded on their sides, and they have no electrical connection to each other. Therefore, each of terminal pairs S1, S2, S3, and G can be used as an additional terminal for transmitting low-speed signals and / or power signals. Although shielding for the additional terminals is not required, or the structural requirements for each additional terminal are not particularly stringent based on its intended use, it is still desirable that the terminals in additional terminal 303 also consist of first-type terminals 302 and second-type terminals 301. Furthermore, it is desirable that the first-type terminals 302 and second-type terminals 301 in additional terminal 303 are arranged in the same repeating pattern as the first-type terminals 302 used for transmitting high-speed signals and the surrounding second-type terminals 301. Thus, taking the illustrated embodiment as an example, any one or more terminal pairs S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 can be used to transmit high-speed signals, depending on the desired shielding configuration. Other terminal pairs can be used to transmit low-speed and / or power signals. Alternatively, all terminal pairs can be used to transmit high-speed signals without providing additional terminals. (See also...) Figure 3 The electrical connector 10 may include 10 terminal assemblies 200, which may include the same or different numbers of terminals 300. Exemplarily, regardless of the number of terminals 300, first type terminals 302 and second type terminals 301 may be arranged in a repeating pattern as described above. The position of the shields on these terminal assemblies 200, and their length along the longitudinal direction XX, can be configured as needed. Thus, for each terminal assembly 200, since the position and length of the shields are configurable, high-speed signals can be transmitted to the target terminal pairs on each terminal assembly 200, while other terminal pairs and their surrounding terminals G can serve as additional terminals 303. Furthermore, for each terminal assembly 200, its shields may include a first shield 510 and / or a second shield 520.

[0134] To further facilitate configuration of the shield's position and length as needed, the retainer 600 may also be provided with multiple sets of additional openings. These additional openings expose multiple additional type-two terminals. For example... Figures 8 to 11 and Figures 15 to 16As shown, the shielding member may include a first shielding member 510, and each set of additional openings may include a first opening 605'. Thus, the position and / or length of the first shielding member 510 on the retainer 600 are configurable to make electrical contact with a corresponding second-type terminal 301 via a target opening. The target opening may include at least a portion of the first opening 605 and the first opening 605'. A first protrusion 512 on the first shielding member 510 may make electrical contact with the corresponding second-type terminal 301 via this at least portion of the first opening. In this way, the first-type terminals 302 distributed among the corresponding second-type terminals 301 can be used to transmit high-speed signals. Other first-type terminals 302 and second-type terminals 301 may serve as additional terminals 303, such that the position of the additional terminals 303 among the plurality of terminals 300 is configurable.

[0135] Optionally, the shielding member may include a second shielding member 520, and each set of additional openings may include a second opening 605'. Thus, the position and / or length of the second shielding member 520 on the retainer 600 are configurable to make electrical contact with a corresponding second-type terminal 301 via a target opening. The target opening may include at least a portion of the second opening 605 and the second opening 605'. A second protrusion 522 on the second shielding member 520 may make electrical contact with the corresponding second-type terminal 301 via this at least portion of the second opening. In this way, the first-type terminals 302 distributed among the corresponding second-type terminals 301 can be used to transmit high-speed signals. Other first-type terminals 302 and second-type terminals 301 may serve as additional terminals 303, such that the position of the additional terminals 303 among the plurality of terminals 300 is configurable.

[0136] When both the first shielding member 510 and the second shielding member 520 are present, the first shielding member 510 and the second shielding member 520 can make electrical contact with the same second-type terminals 301 to form good shielding for the first-type terminals 302 distributed between the corresponding second-type terminals 301. It is understood that this application does not exclude embodiments where the first shielding member 510 and the second shielding member 520 make electrical contact with different second-type terminals 301, including one or more of the following: 1) a portion of the second-type terminals 301 made electrical contact by the first shielding member 510 and a portion of the second-type terminals 301 made electrical contact by the second shielding member 520 are the same; 2) the second-type terminals 301 made electrical contact by the first shielding member 510 and the second-type terminals 301 made electrical contact by the second shielding member 520 are completely different.

[0137] To efficiently configure the position of the shielding for different terminal assemblies 200, the center distance between multiple terminals 300 on each terminal assembly 200 can be equal. In other words, the additional terminal 303 can be structurally and structurally identical to other terminals 300, and terminals 300 without side shielding can serve as additional terminals 303. In terminals 300 with side shielding, the second type terminal 301 can electrically contact the shielding, and the first type terminal 302 can be used to transmit high-speed signals. For electrical connectors 10 requiring more additional terminals 303, the shielding can be appropriately shortened, thereby reducing the number of additional second type terminals 301 connected to the shielding. This allows the second type terminals 301 in the additional terminals 303 to be used for transmitting low-speed or power signals. For electrical connectors 10 requiring more first type terminals 302 capable of transmitting high-speed signals, the shielding can be appropriately extended, up to a maximum length in the longitudinal direction XX with the same dimensions as the retainer 600. This allows for shielding and protecting more first type terminals 302, increasing the number of terminals available for high-speed signals. Therefore, for electrical connectors 10 with different requirements, only the length of the shield needs to be configured, without changing the parameters of other components, resulting in better compatibility and lower replacement costs.

[0138] When the center distance between multiple terminals 300 is equal, optionally, each of the multiple sets of additional openings has the same structure as any one of the multiple sets of openings, and all sets of openings are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction XX. In this way, both the first shield 510 and the second shield 520 can be made into repeating units, each unit corresponding to a pair of first type terminals 302. When using... Figures 28A to 2 When the terminal assembly 200 is manufactured using the process shown in 8G, the first shielding frame 720 connected to the first shielding member 510 and the second shielding frame 730 connected to the second shielding member 520 can each be manufactured as repeating units. Thus, an appropriate number of units can be selected based on the number of terminal pairs formed by the required shielding first-type terminals 302 and their position relative to the additional terminals 303. For example... Figures 29A to 29C As shown, taking the second shielding frame 730 connected to the second shielding member 520 as an example, when there are multiple pairs of first terminal pairs 302a that need to be shielded, and there are other second terminal pairs 302b that do not need to be shielded (used as additional terminals 303) between them, a second shielding frame 730 including n repeating units can be provided first, where n is the total number of pairs of first terminal pairs 302a and second terminal pairs 302b. Then as... Figure 29BAs shown, along the second V-shaped cut 731, the unit of the second shield 520 corresponding to the second terminal pair 302b is removed. Finally, the second shield frame 730, with part of the second shield 520 removed, is mounted on the retainer 600 holding multiple terminals 300 to form the terminal assembly 200. When the second shield 520 is not attached to the retainer 600, holding them together by the second shield frame 730 can improve assembly efficiency.

[0139] Optionally, when it is desired that more second terminal pairs 302b be spaced between the two first terminal pairs 302a, more units of the second shield 520 on the second shield frame 730 can be removed, such as... Figures 29D to 29E As shown, for example, two units are removed. The remaining units of the second shield 520 are mounted on the retainer 600 using the second shield frame 730. Since the second type terminal 301a between the two pairs of second terminal pairs 302b is not electrically connected to the second shield 520, this second type terminal 301a can also be used to transmit low-speed signals and / or power signals.

[0140] Optionally, if only a second type terminal 301 is provided between the first terminal pairs 302a that need to be shielded, the second shielding member 520 on the second shielding frame 730 does not need to be processed. When the number of first terminal pairs 302a is m, a second shielding frame 730 with m repeating units of second shielding member 520 can be directly provided. In this case, since two adjacent first terminal pairs 302a can share one second type terminal 301, the number of second type terminals 301 corresponding to these first type terminals 302 can be reduced when the high-speed signal transmission rate is equal. Therefore, the number of additional terminals 303 will increase accordingly.

[0141] exist Figure 29C and Figure 29E In the illustrated embodiment, each first terminal pair 302a has a second type terminal 301 on both sides, and a second terminal pair 302b, serving as an additional terminal 303, can be located between adjacent second type terminals 301. In this case, at least one additional second type terminal 301 is required to separate the second terminal pair 302b from the first terminal pair 302a. In contrast, as... Figure 29F As shown, the multiple first terminal pairs 302a do not have additional terminals 303 other than the second type terminal 301. Since two adjacent pairs of first terminal pairs 302a can share the second type terminal 301 disposed between them, the number of second type terminals 301 can be reduced, thereby increasing the signal transmission density.

[0142] Since the positions and lengths of the first shield 510 and the second shield 520 are configurable, the thickness of the terminal assembly 200 at locations where no shield is provided is determined solely by the retainer 600, for example... Figure 29C and Figure 29E The right end is shown. However, the width of the mounting groove 106 provided in the housing 100 is consistent along its length direction (longitudinal direction XX), so that the housing 100 can be manufactured as a standard part, regardless of the position and length of the shielding member. Moreover, although in Figure 29C and Figure 29E In this embodiment, the right end of the terminal assembly 200 is thinner because it is not connected to a shielding member. However, in other embodiments not shown, the left end of the terminal assembly 200 can also be thinner. To prevent the thinner portion from wobbling within the wider mounting slot 106, see, for an example, refer back to [reference needed]. Figure 26 The mounting groove 106 has a first groove end 1061 and a second groove end 1062 along the longitudinal direction XX. The width of the first groove end 1061 and the second groove end 1062 can be smaller than the width of other portions, thereby securing the thinner end of the terminal assembly 200. If a shield is required at the end of the terminal assembly 200, a retainer 600 can protrude from the shield along the longitudinal direction XX at that end, thus not hindering the installation of the shield.

[0143] According to another aspect of this application, an electronic system is provided. The electronic system may include a second electrical component 920, such as an add-on card. The add-on card may have a shielding layer 922, see reference [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The surface of the add-on card has multiple contact pads 921. The electronic system may also include an electrical connector 10, which may include a slot 110, multiple terminals 300, and a shield. The slot 110 extends in the longitudinal direction XX, and the multiple terminals 300 are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction XX on the side of the slot 110. When the add-on card is inserted into the slot 110, the multiple contact pads 921 on the add-on card can make electrical contact with the multiple terminals 300. The shield may include a first shield 510 and a second shield 520, which are located on opposite sides of the multiple terminals 300 in the lateral direction YY, respectively. The shielding layer 922 and the first shield 510 are located on the same side and form an inner shield for the multiple terminals 300, while the second shield 520 forms an outer shield for the multiple terminals 300. This provides good shielding protection for the terminals 300, and the structure is relatively simple, suitable for the transmission of high-density, high-speed signals, and has a compact overall size.

[0144] Therefore, this disclosure has been described through the above-described embodiments. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make many more variations, modifications, and improvements based on the teachings of this disclosure, all of which fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the described embodiments.

[0145] Various modifications can be made to the structures illustrated and described in this article. For example, the electrical connector described above can be, for example, a card edge connector, a backplane connector, a daughter card connector, etc.

[0146] Although many inventive aspects have been described above with reference to vertical connectors, it should be understood that the aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto. As such, any one of the inventive features, either alone or in combination with one or more other inventive features, can also be used in other types of connectors, such as right-angle connectors and coplanar connectors.

[0147] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0148] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figures but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0149] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0150] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A terminal assembly, characterized in that, include: Multiple terminals are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction. The multiple terminals include multiple first-type terminals and multiple second-type terminals. The multiple first-type terminals are arranged in multiple pairs, and the multiple pairs are distributed among the multiple second-type terminals. A retainer, wherein the plurality of terminals are held on the retainer, and the retainer is provided with a plurality of sets of openings, the plurality of sets of openings respectively exposing the plurality of second type terminals; as well as A shielding member attached to the retaining member, the shielding member having multiple sets of protrusions, each set of protrusions electrically contacting a plurality of second-type terminals via multiple sets of openings, wherein: The plurality of terminals have a first side and a second side opposite each other along a lateral direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The shielding component includes a first shielding component located on the first side of the plurality of terminals, and each of the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion, and each of the plurality of openings includes a first opening, wherein the first protrusion extends into the corresponding first opening and makes electrical contact with the corresponding second type terminal.

2. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of terminals includes a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other along its extending direction, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion, the intermediate section being held on the retainer. The mating contact portion is bent toward the first side, and the first shield is located on the side of the middle section.

3. The terminal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first shielding member further includes a plurality of lugs extending beyond the retaining member toward the mating contact portion, the plurality of lugs being spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and corresponding to the plurality of pairs.

4. The terminal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first shielding member protrudes from the retaining member in a direction toward the mounting tail.

5. The terminal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of protrusions includes two first protrusions, and each of the plurality of openings includes two first openings, with a first rib formed between the two first openings. The two first protrusions are spaced apart along the extending direction to form a first gap. The first rib is inserted into the first gap, and the two first protrusions extend into the two first openings to make electrical contact with the same type of second terminal. The two first protrusions extend to the edges of the first shielding member in two opposite directions along the extension direction, respectively.

6. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface of each of the multiple sets of protrusions that contacts the corresponding second type of terminal is flat. For each of the multiple sets of protrusions; The protrusion has opposing edges along the extension direction of the plurality of terminals, the edges being unconnected to other portions of the first shield, such that the contact surface extends through the protrusion along the extension direction.

7. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of openings includes a second opening located in the retainer; and The shielding component further includes a second shielding component located on the second side of the plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of protrusions includes a second protrusion that extends into a corresponding second opening and contacts a corresponding second type terminal.

8. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of terminals includes a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other along its extending direction, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion, the intermediate section being held on the retainer. The mating contact portion is bent toward the first side. The second shielding member further includes a second body and a first extension. The second body has a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other along the extension direction. The second protrusion is disposed on the second body. The first extension extends from the first edge along the extension direction to the mating contact portion, and the first extension is spaced apart from the mating contact portions of the plurality of first type terminals.

9. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first extension includes a plurality of first sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are disposed corresponding to the plurality of pairs.

10. The terminal assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of first sub-extensions includes a tongue extending along the extension direction and a curved portion connecting the tongue and the second body. The tongue is closer to the plurality of first-type terminals than the second body.

11. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting tail bends toward the second side. The second shielding member further includes a second extension that bends from the second edge of the second body toward the second side to extend to the mounting tail, and the second extension is spaced apart from the mounting tails of the plurality of first type terminals.

12. The terminal assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second extension includes a plurality of second sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are disposed corresponding to the plurality of pairs.

13. The terminal assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of second sub-extensions has two ends disposed opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction. For each of the plurality of second sub-extensions, both ends are bent toward the second type terminals on both sides of a pair of first type terminals corresponding to the second sub-extension.

14. The terminal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, For each of the plurality of second-type terminals: The first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions corresponding to the second type of terminal are offset along the extension direction of the second type of terminal.

15. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface of the shielding component that makes electrical contact with the plurality of second-type terminals is welded to the plurality of second-type terminals.

16. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of terminals also include additional terminals, and the shielding extends only across the plurality of first-type terminals and the plurality of second-type terminals along the longitudinal direction.

17. The terminal assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, No other type of terminal is provided between the plurality of first-type terminals and the plurality of second-type terminals; or Each of the plurality of pairs is provided with a second type of terminal on both sides, and the additional terminal is located between adjacent second type of terminals.

18. The terminal assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The additional terminals include multiple additional first-type terminals and multiple additional second-type terminals, all of which are arranged in a repeating pattern according to a predetermined design. The retainer is also provided with multiple sets of additional openings, which respectively expose the multiple additional second-type terminals. The position and / or length of the shield on the retainer are configurable to make electrical contact with the corresponding second type terminal via the target opening, thereby making the position of the additional terminal among the plurality of terminals configurable.

19. The terminal assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The center distance between the plurality of terminals is equal. Each of the plurality of additional openings has the same structure as any one of the plurality of openings, and all the openings are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction.

20. The terminal assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, For all first-type terminals and all second-type terminals, a second-type terminal is provided between any two adjacent pairs of first-type terminals, and a pair of first-type terminals is provided between any two adjacent pairs of second-type terminals, such that all first-type terminals and all second-type terminals are arranged repeatedly according to the predetermined pattern.

21. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center distance between the plurality of terminals is less than or equal to 0.8 mm.

22. A card edge connector, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a plurality of first grooves, a plurality of second grooves, and a receiving groove. The plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction. The receiving groove is spaced apart from the plurality of first grooves along a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. as well as Terminal assembly, the terminal assembly comprising: Multiple terminals are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction. The multiple terminals include multiple first-type terminals extending into the multiple first grooves and multiple second-type terminals extending into the multiple second grooves. The multiple first-type terminals are arranged in multiple pairs, and the multiple pairs are distributed among the multiple second-type terminals. and A shielding element, the shielding element including a first extension that extends into the receiving groove, the shielding element being in electrical contact with the plurality of second-type terminals.

23. The card edge connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, The housing has a mating surface and a mounting surface opposite each other along a mating direction perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. The housing also includes a slot recessed inward from the mating surface for receiving an additional card. The terminal assembly is disposed on the side of the slot, each of the plurality of terminals including a mating contact portion and a mounting tail portion opposite each other along its extension direction, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact portion and the mounting tail portion, the mating contact portion being bent into the slot, and the mounting tail portion extending beyond the mounting surface. Along the lateral direction, the middle section of the plurality of terminals is located between the slot and the receiving slot, and the first extension extends to the mating contact portion of the plurality of first-type terminals.

24. The card edge connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, The terminal assembly also includes a retainer on which the plurality of terminals are held. The shielding member is attached to the retaining member, and the retaining member has multiple sets of openings, each of which exposes one of the plurality of second-type terminals. The shielding member makes electrical contact with the plurality of second-type terminals through the multiple sets of openings. The housing also includes a mounting groove recessed inward from the mounting surface, to which the retainer and the shield are mounted.

25. The card edge connector according to claim 24, characterized in that, The plurality of first grooves, the plurality of second grooves, and the receiving groove extend from the mounting groove toward the mating surface. The plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves are located on the sidewall of the slot, and the mating contact portions of the plurality of first type terminals and the plurality of second type terminals are respectively bent from the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves into the slot.

26. The card edge connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, The plurality of terminals have a first side and a second side opposite each other along the lateral direction, the first side being closer to the slot than the second side; The shielding component includes a second shielding component, the first extension is disposed on the second shielding component, and the second shielding component is located on the second side of the plurality of terminals.

27. The card edge connector according to claim 26, characterized in that, The mounting tail is bent toward the second side, and the second shielding member further includes a second extension bent toward the second side to extend to the mounting tail. The second extension is located outside the housing, and Along the mating direction, the second extension is located between the housing and the mounting tail of the plurality of terminals.

28. The card edge connector according to claim 27, characterized in that, The second extension includes a plurality of second sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are correspondingly disposed with respect to the plurality of pairs. Each of the plurality of second sub-extensions has two ends disposed opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction. For each of the plurality of second sub-extensions, both ends are bent toward the second type terminals on both sides of a pair of first type terminals corresponding to the second sub-extension.

29. The card edge connector according to claim 26, characterized in that, The shielding component further includes a first shielding component located on the first side of the plurality of terminals.

30. The card edge connector according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first shielding element is located below the slot. The first shielding element extends beyond the mounting surface.

31. The card edge connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first extension includes a plurality of first sub-extensions, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction and are correspondingly disposed with respect to the plurality of pairs. The receiving slot includes a plurality of sub-receiving slots, which are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of first sub-extensions are respectively inserted into the plurality of sub-receiving slots.

32. The card edge connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first extension has a first surface facing the plurality of terminals and a second surface opposite to the first surface along the lateral direction. Along the lateral direction, the dimensions of the first extension are all smaller than the dimensions of the receiving groove, and the root of the first extension is bent toward the plurality of terminals, such that the first surface abuts against the groove wall of the receiving groove, and the second surface is spaced apart from the groove wall of the receiving groove.

33. The card edge connector according to claim 22, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of pairs extends into a corresponding first groove.

34. An electronic system, characterized in that, include: An add-on card having a shielding layer inside and a plurality of contact pads on its surface; An electrical connector includes a slot, a plurality of terminals, and a shield. The slot extends longitudinally, and the plurality of terminals are arranged in a column parallel to the longitudinal direction on the side of the slot. An add-on card is inserted into the slot, and the plurality of contact pads on the add-on card are in electrical contact with the plurality of terminals, wherein: The shielding component includes a first shielding component and a second shielding component, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the plurality of terminals in the lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The shielding layer and the first shielding member are located on the same side and form an inner shield for the plurality of terminals, while the second shielding member forms an outer shield for the plurality of terminals.

35. The electronic system according to claim 34, characterized in that, The plurality of terminals includes a plurality of first-type terminals and a plurality of second-type terminals, wherein the plurality of first-type terminals are arranged in a plurality of pairs, and the plurality of pairs are distributed among the plurality of second-type terminals. Both the first shield and the second shield are in electrical contact with the second type of terminal; The contact pads connected to the plurality of second-type terminals are electrically connected to the shielding layer.

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