First terminal module and electric connector

Abstract

A first terminal module comprises a first conductive shell, a first conductive cover plate and a first terminal module. The first conductive cover plate is located on the inner side of the first conductive shell. The first terminal module includes a first signal terminal. The first signal terminal comprises a first middle part, a first signal elastic arm part and a first tail part. And the first conductive shell covers the first signal elastic arm part, the first middle part and the first tail part of the first signal terminal along the length direction of the first signal terminal, so that the shielding effect on the first signal terminal is improved. The invention further discloses an electric connector with the first terminal module.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrical connectors in related technologies typically include an insulating body and several terminal modules mounted within the insulating body. The terminal modules include several conductive terminals. As the requirements for signal transmission in electrical connectors continue to increase, the poor shielding performance of these connectors is increasingly failing to meet the demands.

[0003] To address this, a technical solution has been proposed in the related art that uses a conductive shell instead of an insulating body. In this solution, the conductive shell only covers a portion of the conductive terminal along its length. The other portion of the conductive terminal is fixed by a mounting base; however, the mounting base provides limited shielding for the conductive terminal. Furthermore, since the mounting base and the conductive shell are two separate parts, the shielding effect at their junction for the conductive terminal is poor.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the electrical connectors in the relevant technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a first terminal module with good shielding effect and an electrical connector having the first terminal module.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a first terminal module, comprising:

[0007] The first conductive housing includes a first main body portion, a first docking portion extending from one end of the first main body portion, and a first extension portion extending from the other end of the first main body portion.

[0008] A first conductive cover plate, located inside the first conductive housing; and

[0009] A first terminal module includes a first insulating fixing block and a plurality of first signal terminals fixed to the first insulating fixing block; the first terminal module is at least partially located between the first conductive housing and the first conductive cover plate; the first signal terminal includes a first intermediate portion, a first signal spring arm extending from one end of the first intermediate portion, and a first tail extending from the other end of the first intermediate portion, the first signal spring arm being provided with a first signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the first signal terminal does not contact the first conductive housing.

[0010] The first conductive housing covers the first signal spring arm, the first middle part, and the first tail part of the first signal terminal along the length direction of the first signal terminal.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first docking part, the first main body part and the first extension part are integrally formed.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first docking portion and the first main body portion are stepped, and the first extension portion extends obliquely from the first main body portion.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive housing is provided with a first terminal mounting groove on its inner surface, the first terminal module is at least partially installed in the first terminal mounting groove, and the first conductive cover plate at least partially covers the first terminal mounting groove, wherein at least a portion of the first terminal mounting groove is surrounded by the first conductive housing and the first conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

[0014] As a further improvement to the present invention, the first terminal module further includes:

[0015] A first insulating block, which mates with a first mating portion of the first conductive housing, the first insulating block having a first slot, and a first signal spring arm of the first signal terminal extending beyond the first conductive cover and at least partially extending into the first slot; and

[0016] The first grounding plate has a plurality of first grounding spring arms, each of which has a first grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The first grounding contact portion is located beside the first signal contact portion. The first grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the first conductive cover plate and the first conductive housing.

[0017] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding plate and the first conductive cover plate are two pieces and are in contact with each other.

[0018] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding piece includes a first fixing part fixed to the first docking part and a plurality of first spacer arms extending from the first fixing part and spaced apart, and the first grounding spring arm extends from the first spacer arms.

[0019] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding plate further includes a first abutting portion extending from the first grounding spring arm and a first connecting portion connected to the first abutting portion, wherein the first abutting portion is in contact with the first conductive cover plate.

[0020] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first docking part is provided with a first end face, a first mounting groove near the first end face and a first docking slot through the first end face, the first insulating block is installed in the first mounting groove, and the first signal contact part and the first grounding contact part both protrude into the first docking slot.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first grounding piece includes a first opening located between two adjacent first spacer arms, and the first insulating block is at least partially located in the first opening;

[0022] The first insulating block is provided with a plurality of first slots, and the first spacer arm is at least partially located in the first slots;

[0023] The first fixing part is located outside the first mating slot.

[0024] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first intermediate portion includes a first front end portion connected to the first signal projectile arm portion, a first inclined portion extending upward and backward from the rear end of the first front end portion, a first straight portion extending backward from the rear end of the first inclined portion, and a second inclined portion extending downward and backward from the rear end of the first straight portion. The first tail portion is connected to the second inclined portion, and the first tail portion is configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0025] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the bending method of the first conductive cover plate is the same as that of the first front end, the first inclined portion, the first straight portion and the second inclined portion.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive cover plate is welded and fixed to the inner side of the first conductive shell.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first signal terminal of the first terminal module is two and forms a first differential pair.

[0028] The present invention also discloses an electrical connector comprising:

[0029] A first terminal module, wherein the first terminal module is the aforementioned first terminal module; and

[0030] The second terminal module includes:

[0031] The second conductive housing includes a second main body portion, a second docking portion extending from one end of the second main body portion, and a second extension portion extending from the other end of the second main body portion.

[0032] A second conductive cover plate, located inside the second conductive housing; and

[0033] The second terminal module includes a second insulating fixing block and a plurality of second signal terminals fixed to the second insulating fixing block; the second terminal module is at least partially located between the second conductive housing and the second conductive cover plate; the second signal terminal includes a second intermediate portion, a second signal spring arm extending from one end of the second intermediate portion, and a second tail extending from the other end of the second intermediate portion, the second signal spring arm being provided with a second signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the second signal terminal does not contact the second conductive housing;

[0034] The second conductive housing covers the second signal spring arm, the second middle part, and the second tail part of the second signal terminal along the length direction of the second signal terminal;

[0035] The first conductive housing of the first terminal module contacts the second conductive housing of the second terminal module to form a mating slot between the first conductive housing and the second conductive housing. The first signal contact of the first terminal module protrudes into the mating slot from one side, and the second signal contact of the second terminal module protrudes into the mating slot from the opposite side. The mating slot is configured to receive the mating module, and the mating module contacts the first signal contact and the second signal contact.

[0036] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second conductive housing is provided with a second terminal mounting groove on its inner surface, the second terminal module is at least partially installed in the second terminal mounting groove, the second conductive cover plate at least partially covers the second terminal mounting groove, and at least a portion of the second terminal mounting groove is surrounded by the second conductive housing and the second conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

[0037] As a further improvement to the present invention, the second terminal module further includes:

[0038] The second insulating block mates with the second mating portion of the second conductive housing. The second insulating block has a second slot. The second signal spring arm of the second signal terminal extends beyond the second conductive cover and at least partially extends into the second slot.

[0039] The second grounding plate has a plurality of second grounding spring arms, and the second grounding spring arms have a second grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The second grounding contact portion is located next to the second signal contact portion. The second grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the second conductive cover plate and the second conductive housing.

[0040] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector includes a third terminal module at least partially assembled in the first terminal module, the third terminal module comprising:

[0041] The third conductive housing includes a third main body, a third mating portion extending from one end of the third main body, and a third extension portion extending from the other end of the third main body; the third conductive housing is provided with a third terminal mounting groove located on its inner surface.

[0042] A third conductive cover plate is located inside the third conductive housing and at least partially covers the third terminal mounting slot, wherein at least a portion of the third terminal mounting slot is surrounded by the third conductive housing and the third conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

[0043] The third terminal module includes a third insulating fixing block and a plurality of third signal terminals fixed to the third insulating fixing block; the third terminal module is at least partially installed in the third terminal mounting slot; the third signal terminal includes a third intermediate portion, a third signal spring arm extending from one end of the third intermediate portion, and a third tail extending from the other end of the third intermediate portion; the third insulating fixing block is at least fixed to the third intermediate portion and received in the third terminal mounting slot; the third signal spring arm is provided with a third signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the third signal terminal does not contact the third conductive housing.

[0044] A third insulating block, which mates with a third mating portion of the third conductive housing, the third insulating block having a third slot, and the third signal spring arm of the third signal terminal at least partially extending into the third slot; and

[0045] The third grounding plate is provided with a plurality of third grounding spring arms, and each third grounding spring arm is provided with a third grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The third grounding contact portion is located beside the third signal contact portion. The third grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the third conductive cover plate and the third conductive housing.

[0046] The third conductive housing covers the third signal spring arm, the third middle part, and the third tail part of the third signal terminal along the length direction of the third signal terminal.

[0047] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first signal missile arm and the third signal missile arm are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the docking slot.

[0048] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector includes a fourth terminal module at least partially assembled in the second terminal module, the fourth terminal module comprising:

[0049] The fourth conductive housing includes a fourth main body, a fourth mating portion extending from one end of the fourth main body, and a fourth extension portion extending from the other end of the fourth main body; the fourth conductive housing is provided with a fourth terminal mounting groove located on its inner surface.

[0050] A fourth conductive cover plate is located inside the fourth conductive housing and at least partially covers the fourth terminal mounting slot, wherein at least a portion of the fourth terminal mounting slot is surrounded by the fourth conductive housing and the fourth conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

[0051] A fourth terminal module includes a fourth insulating fixing block and a plurality of fourth signal terminals fixed to the fourth insulating fixing block; the fourth terminal module is at least partially installed in the fourth terminal mounting slot; the fourth signal terminal includes a fourth intermediate portion, a fourth signal spring arm extending from one end of the fourth intermediate portion, and a fourth tail extending from the other end of the fourth intermediate portion; the fourth insulating fixing block is at least fixed to the fourth intermediate portion and received in the fourth terminal mounting slot; the fourth signal spring arm is provided with a fourth signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the fourth signal terminal does not contact the fourth conductive housing;

[0052] A fourth insulating block, which mates with a fourth mating portion of the fourth conductive housing, the fourth insulating block having a fourth slot, and the fourth signal spring arm of the fourth signal terminal at least partially extending into the fourth slot; and

[0053] The fourth grounding plate is provided with a plurality of fourth grounding spring arms, and each fourth grounding spring arm is provided with a fourth grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The fourth grounding contact portion is located beside the fourth signal contact portion. The fourth grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the fourth conductive cover plate and the fourth conductive housing.

[0054] The fourth conductive housing covers the fourth signal spring arm, the fourth middle part, and the fourth tail part of the fourth signal terminal along the length direction of the fourth signal terminal.

[0055] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second signal missile arm and the fourth signal missile arm are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the docking slot.

[0056] As a further improvement of the present invention, the third conductive housing is provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions extending toward the fourth conductive housing, and the fourth conductive housing is provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions extending toward the third conductive housing, wherein the first positioning protrusions and the second positioning protrusions abut against each other.

[0057] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell are welded and fixed together.

[0058] Compared to existing technologies, the first terminal module and electrical connector of the present invention include a first conductive housing and a first conductive cover. The first terminal module is at least partially located between the first conductive housing and the first conductive cover to improve the shielding effect on the first signal terminal. Furthermore, the first conductive housing covers the first signal spring arm, the first middle portion, and the first tail portion of the first signal terminal along the length direction of the first signal terminal, thereby achieving substantial coverage of the first signal terminal along its length direction and further improving the shielding effect on the first signal terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the electrical connector is mounted on a circuit board and the mating module is inserted into the mating slot of the electrical connector;

[0060] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle;

[0061] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Partial exploded perspective view, wherein the electrical connector is separated from the circuit board, and the mating module is also separated from the electrical connector;

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B circled in the middle;

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0064] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Partial exploded perspective view of the electrical connector described herein;

[0065] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0066] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Further partial exploded view;

[0067] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0068] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 3D exploded view of the first terminal module;

[0069] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0070] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 3D exploded view of the second terminal module;

[0071] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0072] Figure 14 yes Figure 8 3D exploded view of the third terminal module;

[0073] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0074] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 3D exploded view of the fourth terminal module;

[0075] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0076] Figure 18 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the CC line. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0078] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0079] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0080] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention discloses a connector assembly including a circuit board 200, an electrical connector 100 mounted on the circuit board 200, and a mating module 300 configured to mate with the electrical connector 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the mating module 300 is a circuit board; of course, in other embodiments, the mating module 300 may also be a mating connector.

[0081] The docking module 300 has a tongue plate 301 for insertion into the electrical connector 100, and the tongue plate 301 has a plurality of conductive sheets 302 on its two oppositely arranged surfaces.

[0082] The circuit board 200 is provided with a plurality of solder pads, including a plurality of first solder pads 201, a plurality of second solder pads 202, a plurality of third solder pads 203, and a plurality of fourth solder pads arranged at intervals along a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., front-to-back direction). The first solder pads 201 are arranged in a first row L1 along a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., left-to-right direction), the second solder pads 202 are arranged in a second row L2 along the second direction A2-A2, the third solder pads 203 are arranged in a third row L3 along the second direction A2-A2, and the fourth solder pads 204 are arranged in a fourth row L4 along the second direction A2-A2. The first row L1, the second row L2, the third row L3, and the fourth row L4 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the circuit board 200 is also provided with a plurality of mounting holes 205 penetrating the circuit board 200 along a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., up-down direction).

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the electrical connector 100 includes a first terminal module M1, a second terminal module M2, a third terminal module M3, and a fourth terminal module M4.

[0084] The first terminal module M1 includes a first conductive housing 11, a first conductive cover plate 21 installed on the inner side of the first conductive housing 11, a plurality of first terminal modules 31 installed on the inner side of the first conductive housing 11 and covered by the first conductive cover plate 21, a first insulating block 41 fixed on the first conductive housing 11, and a first grounding piece 51 fixed on the first conductive housing 11 and in contact with the first conductive cover plate 21.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 is made of a metallic material and is a one-piece structure. The first conductive housing 11 includes a first main body portion 111, a first mating portion 112 extending forward from one end (e.g., the front end) of the first main body portion 111, and a first extension portion 113 extending rearward from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the first main body portion 111. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first mating portion 112, the first main body portion 111, and the first extension portion 113 are integrally formed to improve the shielding effect. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first mating portion 112 and the first main body portion 111 are stepped, wherein the upper surface of the first mating portion 112 is lower than the upper surface of the first main body portion 111. The first extension portion 113 extends rearward and downward at an angle from the first main body portion 111.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 is provided with a plurality of first terminal mounting grooves 110 located on its inner surface (e.g., the lower surface) and a first partition wall 114 for separating two adjacent first terminal mounting grooves 110. Specifically, the first terminal mounting grooves 110 are disposed on the lower surface of the first mating portion 112, the lower surface of the first main body portion 111, and the lower surface of the first extension portion 113. In other words, the first terminal mounting grooves 110 extend from the lower surface of the first mating portion 112 to the lower surface of the first extension portion 113.

[0087] The first docking part 112 is provided with a first end face 1121 (e.g., front end face), a first mounting groove 1122 near the first end face 1121, a first docking slot 1123 penetrating the first end face 1121, and a plurality of first positioning posts 1124 protruding upward.

[0088] The first main body 111 has first positioning grooves 1110 on both sides to cooperate with the third terminal module M3.

[0089] The first main body 111 and the first extension 113 together form a first receiving space 115 for accommodating the third terminal module M3. The first extension 113 includes a first sidewall 1151 and a second sidewall 1152 located on both sides of the first receiving space 115. First retaining grooves 1130 are provided on both sides of the first extension 113 to cooperate with the third terminal module M3. Furthermore, the bottom end of the first extension 113 is provided with a plurality of first shielding protrusions 1131 and a first receiving groove 1132 located between two adjacent first shielding protrusions 1131.

[0090] The first conductive cover plate 21 is located inside the first conductive housing 11 and at least partially covers the first terminal mounting groove 110. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first conductive cover plate 21 is made of metal to improve the shielding effect. At least a portion of the first terminal mounting groove 110 is surrounded by the first conductive housing 11 and the first conductive cover plate 21 in a circumferential manner, thereby forming better shielding for the first terminal module 31 located in the first terminal mounting groove 110 to improve the quality of signal transmission. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the shape of the first conductive cover plate 21 is adapted to the inner surface of the first conductive housing 11, so that the first conductive cover plate 21 can fit well against the inner surface of the first conductive housing 11. The first conductive cover plate 21 is welded and fixed to the inner surface of the first conductive housing 11. Specifically, the first conductive cover plate 21 is provided with a plurality of first openings 210, the first openings 210 corresponding to the first shielding protrusions 1131, to facilitate welding. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive cover plate 21 generally covers the lower surface of the first main body portion 111 and the inner side surface of the first extension portion 113, but the first conductive cover plate 21 does not completely cover the lower surface of the first docking portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive cover plate 21 has a first protruding portion 211 extending below the first docking portion 112, and the first protruding portion 211 is generally flat.

[0091] The first terminal module 31 includes a plurality of first insulating fixing blocks 311 and a plurality of first signal terminals 312 fixed to the first insulating fixing blocks 311. The first terminal module 31 is at least partially mounted in the first terminal mounting groove 110. The first signal terminal 312 includes a first intermediate portion 3121, a first signal spring arm portion 3122 extending from one end (e.g., the front end) of the first intermediate portion 3121, and a first tail portion 3123 extending from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the first intermediate portion 3121. The first insulating fixing blocks 311 are at least fixed to the first intermediate portion 3121 and received in the first terminal mounting groove 110. The first signal spring arm portion 3122 at least partially protrudes into the first docking slot 1123. Specifically, the first signal spring arm portion 3122 is provided with a first signal contact portion 3122a configured to contact the conductive sheet 302 of the docking module 300. The first signal terminal 312 does not contact the first conductive housing 11, nor does it contact the first conductive cover plate 21, to prevent short circuits.

[0092] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 covers the first signal spring arm portion 3122, the first intermediate portion 3121, and the first tail portion 3123 of the first signal terminal 312 along the length direction of the first signal terminal 312, thereby achieving a large-scale coverage along the entire length direction of the first signal terminal 312 and improving the shielding effect. For example, the first conductive housing 11 covers at least 90% of the first signal spring arm portion 3122, at least 90% of the first intermediate portion 3121, and at least 90% of the first tail portion 3123 of the first signal terminal 312 along the length direction of the first signal terminal 312. Preferably, the first conductive housing 11 completely covers the first signal spring arm portion 3122, the first intermediate portion 3121, and the first tail portion 3123 of the first signal terminal 312 along the length direction of the first signal terminal 312, thereby achieving full coverage along the entire length direction of the first signal terminal 312 and further improving the shielding effect.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first terminal module 31 has two first signal terminals 312 forming a first differential pair DP1 to improve the signal transmission rate. A plurality of first insulating fixing blocks 311 are formed on these two first signal terminals 312, and the plurality of first insulating fixing blocks 311 are spaced apart along the length direction of the first signal terminals 312. When the first insulating fixing blocks 311 are installed in the first terminal mounting groove 110, the first signal terminals 312 are mounted in the first terminal mounting groove 110, thereby avoiding contact with the first conductive housing 11 to prevent short circuits. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the number and shape of the first insulating fixing blocks 311 can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further.

[0094] The shape of the first signal terminal 312 matches the shape of the first terminal mounting groove 110. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first intermediate portion 3121 includes a first front portion 3121a connected to the first signal spring arm portion 3122, a first inclined portion 3121b extending upward and backward from the rear end of the first front portion 3121a, a first straight portion 3121c extending backward from the rear end of the first inclined portion 3121b, and a second inclined portion 3121d extending downward and backward from the rear end of the first straight portion 3121c. The first tail portion 3123 is connected to the second inclined portion 3121d, and the first tail portion 3123 is configured to be electrically connected to the first solder pad 201 of the circuit board 200. For example, the first tail portion 3123 is soldered to the first solder pad 201. Those skilled in the art will understand that by providing the first inclined portion 3121b to transition the first straight portion 3121c upward, clearance can be provided for forming the first receiving space 115. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first tail portion 3123 of the first signal terminal 312 in the first differential pair DP1 is located in the first receiving groove 1132 and is shielded by the first shielding protrusions 1131 on both sides, so as to reduce the probability of crosstalk with other first signal terminals 312 during signal transmission and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0095] The bending method of the first conductive cover plate 21 is the same as that of the first front end portion 3121a, the first inclined portion 3121b, the first straight portion 3121c and the second inclined portion 3121d, so as to avoid contact with the first middle portion 3121 of the first signal terminal 312.

[0096] The first insulating block 41 mates with the first mating portion 112 of the first conductive housing 11. In one embodiment of the invention, the first insulating block 41 is embedded in the first mounting groove 1122 of the first mating portion 112, so that the two are tightly fixed together. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, the first insulating block 41 can be assembled and fixed in the first mounting groove 1122 of the first mating portion 112 by other means.

[0097] The first insulating block 41 has a first front end face 410, which is flush with the first end face 1121 of the first mating portion 112. Furthermore, the first insulating block 41 also has a plurality of first slots 411 and a plurality of first narrow slots 412. The first signal spring arm 3122 of the first signal terminal 312 extends at least partially into the first slot 411. By providing the first insulating block 41 near the front end of the first mating slot 1123, protection can be provided for the first signal spring arm 3122 of the first signal terminal 312, and the risk of short circuit due to contact with other components is also reduced.

[0098] The first grounding plate 51 is made of a metallic material. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first grounding plate 51 is generally U-shaped, and includes a first fixing portion 511 mounted on the first docking portion 112, a plurality of first spacer arms 512 extending forward and downward from the first fixing portion 511, and a plurality of first grounding spring arms 513 extending backward and downward from the first spacer arms 512. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first spacer arms 512 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2, and the first grounding spring arms 513 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The first grounding spring arms 513 are located below the first fixing portion 511. The first grounding spring arms 513 are provided with a first grounding contact portion 5131 configured to contact the conductive plate 302 of the docking module 300.

[0099] Specifically, the first fixing part 511 is provided with a first positioning hole 5111 that mates with the first positioning post 1124. The first fixing part 511 contacts the upper surface of the first mating part 112, and the first fixing part 511 is located outside the first mating slot 1123. With this configuration, the first fixing part 511 is less restricted by the first mating slot 1123, thereby allowing for more flexible adjustment of its grounding area to improve the grounding effect.

[0100] The first grounding piece 51 includes a first opening 514 located between two adjacent first spacer arms 512, and the first insulating block 41 is at least partially located in the first opening 514. In other words, the first spacer arms 512 are at least partially located in the first slot 412.

[0101] The first grounding spring arm 513 extends along the first insulating block 41 into the first mating slot 1123. The first grounding contact 5131 is located beside the first signal contact 3122a of the first differential pair DP1 along the second direction A2-A2 to improve the shielding effect.

[0102] The first grounding piece 51 further includes a first abutting portion 515 extending from the first grounding spring arm portion 513 and a first connecting portion 516 connected to the first abutting portion 515.

[0103] The first grounding plate 51 contacts at least one of the first conductive cover plate 21 and the first conductive housing 11 to improve the shielding effect. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding plate 51 and the first conductive cover plate 21 are two pieces that are in contact with each other. Specifically, the first abutting portion 515 contacts the first protruding portion 211 of the first conductive cover plate 21. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the first grounding plate 51 and the first conductive cover plate 21 may also be integrally formed as a single part.

[0104] The second terminal module M2 includes a second conductive housing 12, a second conductive cover plate 22 mounted on the inner side of the second conductive housing 12, a plurality of second terminal modules 32 mounted on the inner side of the second conductive housing 12 and covered by the second conductive cover plate 22, a second insulating block 42 fixed on the second conductive housing 12, and a second grounding piece 52 fixed on the second conductive housing 12 and in contact with the second conductive cover plate 22.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 is made of a metallic material and is a one-piece structure. The second conductive housing 12 includes a second main body portion 121, a second mating portion 122 extending forward from one end (e.g., the front end) of the second main body portion 121, and a second extension portion 123 extending rearward from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the second main body portion 121. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second mating portion 122, the second main body portion 121, and the second extension portion 123 are integrally formed to improve the shielding effect. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second mating portion 122 and the second main body portion 121 are stepped, wherein the lower surface of the second mating portion 122 is higher than the lower surface of the second main body portion 121. The second extension portion 123 extends rearward from both sides of the second main body portion 121.

[0106] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 is provided with a plurality of second terminal mounting slots 120 located on its inner surface (e.g., the upper surface) and a second partition wall 124 for separating two adjacent second terminal mounting slots 120. Specifically, the second terminal mounting slots 120 are disposed on the upper surface of the second mating portion 122 and the upper surface of the second main body portion 121. In other words, the second terminal mounting slots 120 extend from the upper surface of the second mating portion 122 all the way to the upper surface of the second extension portion 123.

[0107] The second docking portion 122 is provided with a second end face 1221 (e.g., a front end face), a second mounting groove 1222 near the second end face 1221, a second docking slot 1223 penetrating the second end face 1221, and a plurality of downwardly protruding second positioning posts 1224.

[0108] The second main body 121 and the second extension 123 together form a second receiving space 125 for accommodating the fourth terminal module M4. The second extension 123 includes a third sidewall 1251 and a fourth sidewall 1252 located on both sides of the second receiving space 125. Second positioning grooves 1230 are provided on both sides of the second extension 123 to cooperate with the fourth terminal module M4. Furthermore, the bottom of the second main body 121 is provided with a plurality of second shielding protrusions 1211, a second receiving groove 1212 located between two adjacent second shielding protrusions 1211, and a plurality of downwardly protruding mounting posts 1213. The mounting posts 1213 are used to insert into the mounting holes 205 of the circuit board 200.

[0109] The second conductive cover plate 22 is located inside the second conductive housing 12 and at least partially covers the second terminal mounting groove 120. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive cover plate 22 is made of metal to improve the shielding effect. At least a portion of the second terminal mounting groove 120 is surrounded by the second conductive housing 12 and the second conductive cover plate 22 in a circumferential manner, thereby forming better shielding for the second terminal module 32 located in the second terminal mounting groove 120 to improve the quality of signal transmission. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the second conductive cover plate 22 is adapted to the inner surface of the second conductive housing 12, so that the second conductive cover plate 22 can fit well against the inner surface of the second conductive housing 12. The second conductive cover plate 22 is welded and fixed to the inner surface of the second conductive housing 12. Specifically, the second conductive cover plate 22 is provided with a plurality of second openings 220, the second openings 220 corresponding to the second shielding protrusions 1211, to facilitate welding. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive cover plate 22 generally covers the upper surface of the second main body portion 121 and the upper surface of the second extension portion 123, but the second conductive cover plate 22 does not completely cover the upper surface of the second mating portion 122. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive cover plate 22 is provided with a second protruding portion 221 extending above the second mating portion 122, and the second protruding portion 221 is generally flat.

[0110] The second terminal module 32 includes a plurality of second insulating fixing blocks 321 and a plurality of second signal terminals 322 fixed to the second insulating fixing blocks 321. The second terminal module 32 is at least partially mounted in the second terminal mounting groove 120. The second signal terminal 322 includes a second intermediate portion 3221, a second signal spring arm portion 3222 extending from one end (e.g., the front end) of the second intermediate portion 3221, and a second tail portion 3223 extending from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the second intermediate portion 3221. The second insulating fixing blocks 321 are at least fixed to the second intermediate portion 3221 and received in the second terminal mounting groove 120. The second signal spring arm portion 3222 at least partially protrudes into the second docking slot 1223. Specifically, the second signal spring arm portion 3222 is provided with a second signal contact portion 3222a configured to contact the conductive sheet 302 of the docking module 300. The second signal terminal 322 does not contact the second conductive housing 12, nor does it contact the second conductive cover plate 22, in order to prevent short circuit.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 covers the second signal spring arm 3222, the second intermediate portion 3221, and the second tail portion 3223 of the second signal terminal 322 along the length direction of the second signal terminal 322, thereby achieving substantial coverage along the entire length direction of the second signal terminal 322 and improving the shielding effect. For example, the second conductive housing 12 covers at least 90% of the second signal spring arm 3222, at least 90% of the second intermediate portion 3221, and at least 90% of the second tail portion 3223 of the second signal terminal 322 along the length direction of the second signal terminal 322. Preferably, the second conductive housing 12 completely covers the second signal spring arm 3222, the second intermediate portion 3221, and the second tail portion 3223 of the second signal terminal 322 along the length direction of the second signal terminal 322, thereby achieving full coverage along the entire length direction of the second signal terminal 322 and further improving the shielding effect.

[0112] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second signal terminals 322 of the second terminal module 32 are two in number and form a second differential pair DP2 to improve the signal transmission rate. A plurality of second insulating fixing blocks 321 are formed on these two second signal terminals 322, and the plurality of second insulating fixing blocks 321 are spaced apart along the length direction of the second signal terminals 322. When the second insulating fixing blocks 321 are installed in the second terminal mounting groove 120, the second signal terminals 322 are mounted in the second terminal mounting groove 120, thereby avoiding contact with the second conductive housing 12 to prevent short circuits. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the number and shape of the second insulating fixing blocks 321 can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further.

[0113] The shape of the second signal terminal 322 matches the second terminal mounting slot 120. The second tail portion 3223 is configured to be electrically connected to the second solder pad 202 of the circuit board 200. For example, the second tail portion 3223 is soldered to the second solder pad 202. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second tail portion 3223 of the second signal terminal 322 in the second differential pair DP2 is located in the second receiving slot 1212 and is shielded by the second shielding protrusions 1211 on both sides to reduce the probability of crosstalk with other second signal terminals 322 during signal transmission and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0114] The second insulating block 42 mates with the second mating portion 122 of the second conductive housing 12. In one embodiment of the invention, the second insulating block 42 is embedded in the second mounting groove 1222 of the second mating portion 122, so that the two are tightly fixed together. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, the second insulating block 42 can be assembled and fixed in the second mounting groove 1222 of the second mating portion 122 by other means.

[0115] The second insulating block 42 has a second front end face 420, which is flush with the second end face 1221 of the second mating portion 122. Furthermore, the second insulating block 42 also has a plurality of second slots 421 and a plurality of second grooves 422. The second signal spring arm 3222 of the second signal terminal 322 extends at least partially into the second slot 421. By providing the second insulating block 42 near the front end of the second mating slot 1223, protection can be provided for the second signal spring arm 3222 of the second signal terminal 322, and the risk of short circuit due to contact with other components is also reduced.

[0116] The second grounding plate 52 is made of metal. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second grounding plate 52 is generally U-shaped, and includes a second fixing part 521 mounted on the second docking part 122, a plurality of second spacer arms 522 extending forward and upward from the second fixing part 521, and a plurality of second grounding spring arms 523 extending backward and upward from the second spacer arms 522. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second spacer arms 522 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2, and the second grounding spring arms 523 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The second grounding spring arms 523 are located below the second fixing part 521. The second grounding spring arms 523 are provided with a second grounding contact part 5231 configured to contact the conductive plate 302 of the docking module 300.

[0117] Specifically, the second fixing part 521 is provided with a second positioning hole 5211 that mates with the second positioning post 1224. The second fixing part 521 contacts the lower surface of the second mating part 122, and the second fixing part 521 is located outside the second mating slot 1223. With this arrangement, the second fixing part 521 is less restricted by the second mating slot 1223, thereby allowing for more flexible adjustment of its grounding area to improve the grounding effect.

[0118] The second grounding plate 52 includes a second opening 524 located between two adjacent second spacer arms 522, and the second insulating block 42 is at least partially located in the second opening 524. In other words, the second spacer arms 522 are at least partially located in the second slot 422.

[0119] The second grounding spring arm 523 extends along the second insulating block 42 into the second mating slot 1223. The second grounding contact 5231 is located beside the second signal contact 3222a of the second differential pair DP2 along the second direction A2-A2 to improve the shielding effect.

[0120] The second grounding piece 52 also includes a second abutting portion 525 extending from the second grounding spring arm portion 523 and a second connecting portion 526 connected to the second abutting portion 525.

[0121] The second grounding piece 52 contacts at least one of the second conductive cover plate 22 and the second conductive housing 12 to improve the shielding effect. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second grounding piece 52 and the second conductive cover plate 22 are two pieces that are in contact with each other. Specifically, the second abutment portion 525 contacts the second protrusion 221 of the second conductive cover plate 22. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the second grounding piece 52 and the second conductive cover plate 22 can also be integrally formed as a single part.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 of the first terminal module M1 contacts the second conductive housing 12 of the second terminal module M2 to form a mating slot 10 located between the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mating slot 10 includes a first mating slot 1123 and a second mating slot 1223. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 of the first terminal module M1 and the second conductive housing 12 of the second terminal module M2 are welded together.

[0123] The first signal contact 3122a and the first ground contact 5131 of the first terminal module M1 protrude into the mating slot 10 from one side (e.g., from top to bottom), and the second signal contact 3222a and the second ground contact 5231 of the second terminal module M2 protrude into the mating slot 10 from the opposite side (e.g., from bottom to top). The mating slot 10 is configured to receive the mating module 300, and the conductive plates 302 of the mating module 300 are in contact with the first signal contact 3122a, the first ground contact 5131, the second signal contact 3222a, and the second ground contact 5231, respectively.

[0124] The third terminal module M3 includes a third conductive housing 13, a third conductive cover plate 23 installed on the inner side of the third conductive housing 13, a plurality of third terminal modules 33 installed on the inner side of the third conductive housing 13 and covered by the third conductive cover plate 23, a third insulating block 43 fixed on the third conductive housing 13, and a third grounding piece 53 fixed on the third conductive housing 13 and in contact with the third conductive cover plate 23.

[0125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third conductive housing 13 is made of a metallic material and is a one-piece structure. The third conductive housing 13 includes a third main body portion 131, a third mating portion 132 extending forward from one end (e.g., the front end) of the third main body portion 131, and a third extension portion 133 extending rearward from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the third main body portion 131. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third mating portion 132, the third main body portion 131, and the third extension portion 133 are integrally formed to improve the shielding effect. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third extension portion 133 extends rearward and downward at an angle from the third main body portion 131.

[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third conductive housing 13 is provided with a plurality of third terminal mounting slots 130 located on its inner surface (e.g., the lower surface) and a third partition wall 134 for separating two adjacent third terminal mounting slots 130. Specifically, the third terminal mounting slots 130 are disposed on the lower surface of the third mating portion 132, the lower surface of the third main body portion 131, and the lower surface of the third extension portion 133. In other words, the third terminal mounting slots 130 extend from the lower surface of the third mating portion 132 to the lower surface of the third extension portion 133.

[0127] The third docking part 132 is provided with a third end face 1321 (e.g., a front end face), a third mounting groove 1322 near the third end face 1321, and a plurality of upwardly protruding third positioning posts 1324.

[0128] The third main body 131 has first positioning protrusions 1311 on both sides that are inserted into the first positioning groove 1110. The third extension 133 has first retaining posts 1333 on both sides that are inserted into the first retaining groove 1130. In addition, the bottom end of the third extension 133 is provided with a plurality of third shielding protrusions 1331 and a third receiving groove 1332 located between two adjacent third shielding protrusions 1331.

[0129] The third conductive cover plate 23 is located inside the third conductive housing 13 and at least partially covers the third terminal mounting groove 130. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third conductive cover plate 23 is made of metal to improve the shielding effect. At least a portion of the third terminal mounting groove 130 is surrounded by the third conductive housing 13 and the third conductive cover plate 23 in a circumferential manner, thereby forming better shielding for the third terminal module 33 located in the third terminal mounting groove 130 to improve the quality of signal transmission. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the third conductive cover plate 23 is adapted to the inner surface of the third conductive housing 13, so that the third conductive cover plate 23 can fit well against the inner surface of the third conductive housing 13. The third conductive cover plate 23 is welded and fixed to the inner surface of the third conductive housing 13. Specifically, the third conductive cover plate 23 is provided with a plurality of third openings 230, which correspond to the third shielding protrusions 1331 to facilitate welding. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third conductive cover plate 23 generally covers the lower surface of the third main body portion 131 and the inner side surface of the third extension portion 133, but the third conductive cover plate 23 does not completely cover the lower surface of the third mating portion 132. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third conductive cover plate 23 is provided with a third protruding portion 231 extending below the third mating portion 132, and the third protruding portion 231 is generally flat.

[0130] The third terminal module 33 includes a plurality of third insulating fixing blocks 331 and a plurality of third signal terminals 332 fixed to the third insulating fixing blocks 331. The third terminal module 33 is at least partially installed in the third terminal mounting slot 130. The third signal terminal 332 includes a third intermediate portion 3321, a third signal spring arm portion 3322 extending from one end (e.g., the front end) of the third intermediate portion 3321, and a third tail portion 3323 extending from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the third intermediate portion 3321. The third insulating fixing blocks 331 are at least fixed to the third intermediate portion 3321 and received in the third terminal mounting slot 130. The third signal spring arm portion 3322 at least partially protrudes into the first docking slot 1123. Specifically, the third signal spring arm portion 3322 is provided with a third signal contact portion 3322a configured to contact the conductive sheet 302 of the docking module 300. The third signal terminal 332 does not contact the third conductive housing 13, nor does it contact the third conductive cover plate 23, in order to prevent short circuits.

[0131] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third conductive housing 13 covers the third signal spring arm 3322, the third intermediate portion 3321, and the third tail portion 3323 of the third signal terminal 332 along the length direction of the third signal terminal 332, thereby achieving substantial coverage along the entire length direction of the third signal terminal 332 and improving the shielding effect. For example, the third conductive housing 13 covers at least 90% of the third signal spring arm 3322, at least 90% of the third intermediate portion 3321, and at least 90% of the third tail portion 3323 of the third signal terminal 332 along the length direction of the third signal terminal 332. Preferably, the third conductive housing 13 completely covers the third signal spring arm 3322, the third intermediate portion 3321, and the third tail portion 3323 of the third signal terminal 332 along the length direction of the third signal terminal 332, thereby achieving full coverage along the entire length direction of the third signal terminal 332 and further improving the shielding effect.

[0132] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third terminal module 33 has two third signal terminals 332 forming a third differential pair DP3 to improve the signal transmission rate. A plurality of third insulating fixing blocks 331 are formed on these two third signal terminals 332, and the plurality of third insulating fixing blocks 331 are spaced apart along the length direction of the third signal terminals 332. When the third insulating fixing blocks 331 are installed in the third terminal mounting groove 130, the third signal terminals 332 are positioned within the third terminal mounting groove 130, thereby preventing contact with the third conductive housing 13 and preventing short circuits. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the number and shape of the third insulating fixing blocks 331 can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further.

[0133] The shape of the third signal terminal 332 matches the third terminal mounting slot 130. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third tail portion 3323 is configured to be electrically connected to the third solder pad 203 of the circuit board 200. For example, the third tail portion 3323 is soldered to the third solder pad 203. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third tail portion 3323 of the third signal terminal 332 in the third differential pair DP3 is located in the third receiving slot 1332 and is shielded by the third shielding protrusions 1331 on both sides to reduce the probability of crosstalk with other third signal terminals 332 during signal transmission and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0134] The third insulating block 43 mates with the third mating portion 132 of the third conductive housing 13. In one embodiment of the invention, the third insulating block 43 is embedded in the third mounting groove 1322 of the third mating portion 132, so that the two are tightly fixed together. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, the third insulating block 43 can be assembled and fixed in the third mounting groove 1322 of the third mating portion 132 by other means.

[0135] The third insulating block 43 has a third front end face 430, which is flush with the third end face 1321 of the third mating portion 132. Furthermore, the third insulating block 43 also has a plurality of third slots 431 and a plurality of third narrow slots 432. The third signal spring arm 3322 of the third signal terminal 332 extends at least partially into the third slot 431. By providing the third insulating block 43 near the front end of the first mating slot 1123, protection can be provided for the third signal spring arm 3322 of the third signal terminal 332, and the risk of short circuit due to contact with other components is also reduced.

[0136] The third grounding plate 53 is made of metal. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third grounding plate 53 is generally U-shaped, and includes a third fixing part 531 mounted on the third docking part 132, a plurality of third spacer arms 532 extending forward and downward from the third fixing part 531, and a plurality of third grounding spring arms 533 extending backward and downward from the third spacer arms 532. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third spacer arms 532 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2, and the third grounding spring arms 533 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The third grounding spring arms 533 are located below the third fixing part 531. The third grounding spring arms 533 are provided with a third grounding contact part 5331 configured to contact the conductive plate 302 of the docking module 300.

[0137] Specifically, the third fixing part 531 is provided with a third positioning hole 5311 that mates with the third positioning post 1324. The third fixing part 531 contacts the upper surface of the third mating part 132, and the third fixing part 531 is located outside the first mating slot 1123. With this configuration, the third fixing part 531 is less restricted by the first mating slot 1123, thereby allowing for more flexible adjustment of its grounding area to improve the grounding effect.

[0138] The third grounding plate 53 includes a third opening 534 located between two adjacent third spacer arms 532, and the third insulating block 43 is at least partially located in the third opening 534. In other words, the third spacer arms 532 are at least partially located in the third slot 432.

[0139] The third grounding spring arm 533 extends along the third insulating block 43 into the first mating slot 1123. The third grounding contact 5331 is located beside the third signal contact 3322a of the third differential pair DP3 along the second direction A2-A2 to improve the shielding effect.

[0140] The third grounding piece 53 also includes a third abutting portion 535 extending from the third grounding spring arm portion 533 and a third connecting portion 536 connected to the third abutting portion 535.

[0141] The third grounding plate 53 contacts at least one of the third conductive cover plate 23 and the third conductive housing 13 to improve the shielding effect. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third grounding plate 53 and the third conductive cover plate 23 are two pieces that are in contact with each other. Specifically, the third abutment portion 535 contacts the third protrusion 231 of the third conductive cover plate 23. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the third grounding plate 53 and the third conductive cover plate 23 can also be integrally formed as a single part.

[0142] The fourth terminal module M4 includes a fourth conductive housing 14, a fourth conductive cover plate 24 mounted on the inner side of the fourth conductive housing 14, a plurality of fourth terminal modules 34 mounted on the inner side of the fourth conductive housing 14 and covered by the fourth conductive cover plate 24, a fourth insulating block 44 fixed on the fourth conductive housing 14, and a fourth grounding plate 54 fixed on the fourth conductive housing 14 and in contact with the fourth conductive cover plate 24.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth conductive housing 14 is made of a metallic material and is a one-piece structure. The fourth conductive housing 14 includes a fourth main body portion 141, a fourth mating portion 142 extending forward from one end (e.g., the front end) of the fourth main body portion 141, and a fourth extension portion 143 extending downward from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the fourth main body portion 141. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth mating portion 142, the fourth main body portion 141, and the fourth extension portion 143 are integrally formed to improve the shielding effect. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth extension portion 143 extends downward from the fourth main body portion 141.

[0144] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth conductive housing 14 is provided with a plurality of fourth terminal mounting slots 140 located on its inner surface (e.g., the upper surface) and a fourth partition wall 144 for separating two adjacent fourth terminal mounting slots 140. Specifically, the fourth terminal mounting slots 140 are disposed on the upper surface of the fourth mating portion 142 and the upper surface of the fourth main body portion 141.

[0145] The fourth docking part 142 is provided with a fourth end face 1421 (e.g., a front end face), a fourth mounting groove 1422 near the fourth end face 1421, and a plurality of downwardly protruding fourth positioning posts 1424.

[0146] The fourth main body 141 has second positioning protrusions 1411 on both sides that are inserted into the second positioning groove 1230. The second positioning protrusions 1411 abut against the first positioning protrusions 1311 along the third direction A3-A3 to fix the third terminal module M3 and the fourth terminal module M4 to the upper and lower sides of the docking slot 10. In addition, the bottom end of the fourth extension 143 is provided with a plurality of fourth shielding protrusions 1431 and a fourth receiving groove 1432 located between two adjacent fourth shielding protrusions 1431.

[0147] The fourth conductive cover plate 24 is located inside the fourth conductive housing 14 and at least partially covers the fourth terminal mounting groove 140. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth conductive cover plate 24 is made of metal to improve the shielding effect. At least a portion of the fourth terminal mounting groove 140 is surrounded by the fourth conductive housing 14 and the fourth conductive cover plate 24 in a circumferential manner, thereby forming better shielding for the fourth terminal module 34 located in the fourth terminal mounting groove 140 to improve the quality of signal transmission. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the fourth conductive cover plate 24 is adapted to the inner surface of the fourth conductive housing 14, so that the fourth conductive cover plate 24 can fit well against the inner surface of the fourth conductive housing 14. The fourth conductive cover plate 24 is welded and fixed to the inner surface of the fourth conductive housing 14. Specifically, the fourth conductive cover plate 24 is provided with a plurality of fourth openings 240, which correspond to the fourth shielding protrusions 1431 to facilitate welding. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth conductive cover plate 24 generally covers the upper surface of the fourth main body portion 141 and the inner side surface of the fourth extension portion 143, but the fourth conductive cover plate 24 does not completely cover the upper surface of the fourth mating portion 142. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth conductive cover plate 24 is provided with a fourth protruding portion 241 extending above the fourth mating portion 142, and the fourth protruding portion 241 is generally flat.

[0148] The fourth terminal module 34 includes a plurality of fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 and a plurality of fourth signal terminals 342 fixed to the fourth insulating fixing blocks 341. The fourth terminal module 34 is at least partially mounted in the fourth terminal mounting groove 140. The fourth signal terminal 342 includes a fourth intermediate portion 3421, a fourth signal spring arm portion 3422 extending from one end (e.g., the front end) of the fourth intermediate portion 3421, and a fourth tail portion 3423 extending from the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the fourth intermediate portion 3421. The fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 are at least fixed to the fourth intermediate portion 3421 and received in the fourth terminal mounting groove 140. The fourth signal spring arm portion 3422 at least partially protrudes into the second docking slot 1223. Specifically, the fourth signal spring arm portion 3422 is provided with a fourth signal contact portion 3422a configured to contact the conductive sheet 302 of the docking module 300. The fourth signal terminal 342 is not in contact with the fourth conductive housing 14, nor with the fourth conductive cover plate 24, to prevent short circuits.

[0149] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth conductive housing 14 covers the fourth signal spring arm 3422, the fourth intermediate portion 3421, and the fourth tail portion 3423 of the fourth signal terminal 342 along the length direction of the fourth signal terminal 342, thereby achieving substantial coverage along the entire length direction of the fourth signal terminal 342 and improving the shielding effect. For example, the fourth conductive housing 14 covers at least 90% of the fourth signal spring arm 3422, at least 90% of the fourth intermediate portion 3421, and at least 90% of the fourth tail portion 3423 of the fourth signal terminal 342 along the length direction of the fourth signal terminal 342. Preferably, the fourth conductive housing 14 completely covers the fourth signal spring arm 3422, the fourth intermediate portion 3421, and the fourth tail portion 3423 of the fourth signal terminal 342 along the length direction of the fourth signal terminal 342, thereby achieving full coverage along the entire length direction of the fourth signal terminal 342 and further improving the shielding effect.

[0150] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth signal terminal 342 of the fourth terminal module 34 consists of two terminals forming a fourth differential pair DP4 to improve the signal transmission rate. A plurality of fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 are formed on these two fourth signal terminals 342, and the plurality of fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 are spaced apart along the length direction of the fourth signal terminals 342. When the fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 are installed in the fourth terminal mounting groove 140, the fourth signal terminals 342 are positioned within the fourth terminal mounting groove 140, thereby preventing contact with the fourth conductive housing 14 and preventing short circuits. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the number and shape of the fourth insulating fixing blocks 341 can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and this will not be elaborated further in this invention.

[0151] The shape of the fourth signal terminal 342 matches the fourth terminal mounting slot 140. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth tail portion 3423 is configured to be electrically connected to the fourth solder pad 204 of the circuit board 200. For example, the fourth tail portion 3423 is soldered to the fourth solder pad 204. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth tail portion 3423 of the fourth signal terminal 342 in the fourth differential pair DP4 is located in the fourth receiving slot 1432 and is shielded by the fourth shielding protrusions 1431 on both sides to reduce the probability of crosstalk with other fourth signal terminals 342 during signal transmission and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0152] The fourth insulating block 44 mates with the fourth mating portion 142 of the fourth conductive housing 14. In one embodiment of the invention, the fourth insulating block 44 is embedded in the fourth mounting groove 1422 of the fourth mating portion 142, so that the two are tightly fixed together. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, the fourth insulating block 44 can be assembled and fixed in the fourth mounting groove 1422 of the fourth mating portion 142 by other means.

[0153] The fourth insulating block 44 has a fourth front end face 440, which is flush with the fourth end face 1421 of the fourth mating portion 142. Furthermore, the fourth insulating block 44 also has a plurality of fourth slots 441 and a plurality of fourth narrow slots 442. The fourth signal spring arm 3422 of the fourth signal terminal 342 extends at least partially into the fourth slot 441. By providing the fourth insulating block 44 near the front end of the second mating slot 1223, protection can be provided for the fourth signal spring arm 3422 of the fourth signal terminal 342, and the risk of short circuit due to contact with other components is also reduced.

[0154] The fourth grounding plate 54 is made of metal. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth grounding plate 54 is generally U-shaped, and includes a fourth fixing part 541 mounted on the fourth docking part 142, a plurality of fourth spacer arms 542 extending forward and upward from the fourth fixing part 541, and a plurality of fourth grounding spring arms 543 extending backward and upward from the fourth spacer arms 542. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth spacer arms 542 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2, and the fourth grounding spring arms 543 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The fourth grounding spring arms 543 are located above the fourth fixing part 541. The fourth grounding spring arms 543 are provided with a fourth grounding contact part 5431 configured to contact the conductive plate 302 of the docking module 300.

[0155] Specifically, the fourth fixing part 541 is provided with a fourth positioning hole 5411 that mates with the fourth positioning post 1424. The fourth fixing part 541 contacts the lower surface of the fourth mating part 142, and the fourth fixing part 541 is located outside the second mating slot 1223. With this arrangement, the fourth fixing part 541 is less restricted by the second mating slot 1223, thereby allowing for more flexible adjustment of its grounding area to improve the grounding effect.

[0156] The fourth grounding plate 54 includes a fourth opening 544 located between two adjacent fourth spacer arms 542, and the fourth insulating block 44 is at least partially located in the fourth opening 544. In other words, the fourth spacer arms 542 are at least partially located in the fourth slots 442.

[0157] The fourth grounding spring arm 543 extends along the fourth insulating block 44 into the second mating slot 1223. The fourth grounding contact 5431 is located beside the fourth signal contact 3422a of the fourth differential pair DP4 along the second direction A2-A2 to improve the shielding effect.

[0158] The fourth grounding piece 54 also includes a fourth abutting portion 545 extending from the fourth grounding spring arm portion 543 and a fourth connecting portion 546 connected to the fourth abutting portion 545.

[0159] The fourth grounding plate 54 contacts at least one of the fourth conductive cover plate 24 and the fourth conductive housing 14 to improve the shielding effect. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth grounding plate 54 and the fourth conductive cover plate 24 are two pieces that are in contact with each other. Specifically, the fourth abutment portion 545 contacts the fourth protrusion 241 of the fourth conductive cover plate 24. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the fourth grounding plate 54 and the fourth conductive cover plate 24 can also be integrally formed as a single part.

[0160] During assembly, the first terminal module M1, the second terminal module M2, the third terminal module M3, and the fourth terminal module M4 are assembled first. Then, the third terminal module M3 is installed in the first receiving space 115 of the first terminal module M1. At this time, the first sidewall 1151 and the second sidewall 1152 of the first extension 113 can shield the third terminal module M3 in the second direction A2-A2, thereby improving the quality of signal transmission. Similarly, the fourth terminal module M4 is installed in the second receiving space 125 of the second terminal module M2. At this time, the third sidewall 1251 and the fourth sidewall 1252 of the second extension 123 can shield the fourth terminal module M4 in the second direction A2-A2, thereby improving the quality of signal transmission. Finally, the first sub-assembly SA1 formed by the first terminal module M1 and the third terminal module M3, and the second sub-assembly SA2 formed by the second terminal module M2 and the fourth terminal module M4 are fixed together to form the electrical connector 100 of the present invention. The first signal spring arm 3122 and the third signal spring arm 3322 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the mating slot 10 (i.e., the first direction A1-A1), and the second signal spring arm 3222 and the fourth signal spring arm 3422 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the mating slot 10.

[0161] Compared to existing technologies, the first terminal module M1 of the present invention includes a first conductive housing 11 and a first conductive cover plate 21. The first conductive cover plate 21 is located inside the first conductive housing 11 and at least partially covers the first terminal mounting groove 110. At least a portion of the first terminal mounting groove 110 is surrounded by the first conductive housing 11 and the first conductive cover plate 21 in a circumferential manner to improve the shielding effect on the first signal terminal 312. In addition, the first conductive housing 11 covers the first middle portion 3121, the first signal spring arm portion 3122, and the first tail portion 3123 of the first signal terminal 312 along the length direction of the first signal terminal 312, thereby achieving that the first conductive housing 11 covers most of the first signal terminal 312 along the length direction of the first signal terminal 312, further improving the shielding effect on the first signal terminal 312. Furthermore, the first conductive housing 11 is an integral part, which is beneficial to improving the stability of signal shielding and has good anti-crosstalk performance. The first conductive housing 11 is an integral part, which also helps to improve the consistency of the first terminal mounting slot 110 and improve the stability of high-frequency signal transmission.

[0162] The second terminal module M2, the third terminal module M3, and the fourth terminal module M4 have a similar structure to the first terminal module M1, and therefore also have similar beneficial effects as the first terminal module M1. This will not be elaborated further in this invention. Furthermore, the first terminal module M1, the second terminal module M2, the third terminal module M3, and the fourth terminal module M4 of this invention can all be designed independently, have simple structures, can be freely stacked, and are easy to manufacture.

[0163] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A first terminal module, characterized in that, include: The first conductive housing includes a first main body portion, a first docking portion extending from one end of the first main body portion, and a first extension portion extending from the other end of the first main body portion. A first conductive cover plate, located inside the first conductive housing; and A first terminal module includes a first insulating fixing block and a plurality of first signal terminals fixed to the first insulating fixing block; the first terminal module is at least partially located between the first conductive housing and the first conductive cover plate; the first signal terminal includes a first intermediate portion, a first signal spring arm extending from one end of the first intermediate portion, and a first tail extending from the other end of the first intermediate portion, the first signal spring arm being provided with a first signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the first signal terminal does not contact the first conductive housing. The first conductive housing covers the first signal spring arm, the first middle part, and the first tail part of the first signal terminal along the length direction of the first signal terminal.

2. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first docking part, the first main body part, and the first extension part are integrally formed.

3. The first terminal module as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first docking portion and the first main body portion are stepped, and the first extension portion extends obliquely from the first main body portion.

4. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first conductive housing has a first terminal mounting groove on its inner surface, the first terminal module is at least partially mounted in the first terminal mounting groove, and the first conductive cover plate at least partially covers the first terminal mounting groove, wherein at least a portion of the first terminal mounting groove is surrounded by the first conductive housing and the first conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

5. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first terminal module also includes: A first insulating block, which mates with a first mating portion of the first conductive housing, the first insulating block having a first slot, and a first signal spring arm of the first signal terminal extending beyond the first conductive cover and at least partially extending into the first slot; and The first grounding plate has a plurality of first grounding spring arms, each of which has a first grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The first grounding contact portion is located beside the first signal contact portion. The first grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the first conductive cover plate and the first conductive housing.

6. The first terminal module as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The first grounding plate and the first conductive cover plate are two pieces and are in contact with each other.

7. The first terminal module as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The first grounding plate includes a first fixing part fixed to the first docking part and a plurality of first spacer arms extending from the first fixing part and spaced apart, and the first grounding spring arm extends from the first spacer arms.

8. The first terminal module as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The first grounding plate further includes a first abutting portion extending from the first grounding spring arm and a first connecting portion connected to the first abutting portion, wherein the first abutting portion contacts the first conductive cover plate.

9. The first terminal module as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The first docking part is provided with a first end face, a first mounting groove near the first end face, and a first docking slot through the first end face. The first insulating block is installed in the first mounting groove, and the first signal contact part and the first grounding contact part both protrude into the first docking slot.

10. The first terminal module as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The first grounding plate includes a first opening located between two adjacent first spacer arms, and the first insulating block is at least partially located in the first opening; The first insulating block is provided with a plurality of first slots, and the first spacer arm is at least partially located in the first slots; The first fixing part is located outside the first mating slot.

11. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first intermediate portion includes a first front end portion connected to the first signal flare arm portion, a first inclined portion extending upward and backward from the rear end of the first front end portion, a first straight portion extending backward from the rear end of the first inclined portion, and a second inclined portion extending downward and backward from the rear end of the first straight portion. The first tail portion is connected to the second inclined portion, and the first tail portion is configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board.

12. The first terminal module as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The bending method of the first conductive cover plate is the same as that of the first front end, the first inclined portion, the first straight portion, and the second inclined portion.

13. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first conductive cover plate is welded and fixed to the inner side of the first conductive shell.

14. The first terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first signal terminal of the first terminal module is two and forms a first differential pair.

15. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: The first terminal module is the first terminal module as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; as well as The second terminal module includes: The second conductive housing includes a second main body portion, a second docking portion extending from one end of the second main body portion, and a second extension portion extending from the other end of the second main body portion. A second conductive cover plate, located inside the second conductive housing; and The second terminal module includes a second insulating fixing block and a plurality of second signal terminals fixed to the second insulating fixing block; the second terminal module is at least partially located between the second conductive housing and the second conductive cover plate; the second signal terminal includes a second intermediate portion, a second signal spring arm extending from one end of the second intermediate portion, and a second tail extending from the other end of the second intermediate portion, the second signal spring arm being provided with a second signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the second signal terminal does not contact the second conductive housing; The second conductive housing covers the second signal spring arm, the second middle part, and the second tail part of the second signal terminal along the length direction of the second signal terminal; The first conductive housing of the first terminal module contacts the second conductive housing of the second terminal module to form a mating slot between the first conductive housing and the second conductive housing. The first signal contact of the first terminal module protrudes into the mating slot from one side, and the second signal contact of the second terminal module protrudes into the mating slot from the opposite side. The mating slot is configured to receive the mating module, and the mating module contacts the first signal contact and the second signal contact.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The second conductive housing has a second terminal mounting groove on its inner surface. The second terminal module is at least partially mounted in the second terminal mounting groove. The second conductive cover plate at least partially covers the second terminal mounting groove. At least a portion of the second terminal mounting groove is surrounded by the second conductive housing and the second conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner.

17. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The second terminal module also includes: The second insulating block mates with the second mating portion of the second conductive housing. The second insulating block has a second slot. The second signal spring arm of the second signal terminal extends beyond the second conductive cover and at least partially extends into the second slot. The second grounding plate has a plurality of second grounding spring arms, and the second grounding spring arms have a second grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The second grounding contact portion is located next to the second signal contact portion. The second grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the second conductive cover plate and the second conductive housing.

18. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a third terminal module at least partially assembled in the first terminal module, the third terminal module comprising: The third conductive housing includes a third main body, a third mating portion extending from one end of the third main body, and a third extension portion extending from the other end of the third main body; the third conductive housing is provided with a third terminal mounting groove located on its inner surface. A third conductive cover plate is located inside the third conductive housing and at least partially covers the third terminal mounting slot, wherein at least a portion of the third terminal mounting slot is surrounded by the third conductive housing and the third conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner. The third terminal module includes a third insulating fixing block and a plurality of third signal terminals fixed to the third insulating fixing block; the third terminal module is at least partially installed in the third terminal mounting slot; the third signal terminal includes a third intermediate portion, a third signal spring arm extending from one end of the third intermediate portion, and a third tail extending from the other end of the third intermediate portion; the third insulating fixing block is at least fixed to the third intermediate portion and received in the third terminal mounting slot; the third signal spring arm is provided with a third signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the third signal terminal does not contact the third conductive housing. A third insulating block, which mates with a third mating portion of the third conductive housing, the third insulating block having a third slot, and the third signal spring arm of the third signal terminal at least partially extending into the third slot; and The third grounding plate is provided with a plurality of third grounding spring arms, and each third grounding spring arm is provided with a third grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The third grounding contact portion is located beside the third signal contact portion. The third grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the third conductive cover plate and the third conductive housing. The third conductive housing covers the third signal spring arm, the third middle part, and the third tail part of the third signal terminal along the length direction of the third signal terminal.

19. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The first signal missile arm and the third signal missile arm are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the docking slot.

20. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a fourth terminal module at least partially assembled in the second terminal module, the fourth terminal module comprising: The fourth conductive housing includes a fourth main body, a fourth mating portion extending from one end of the fourth main body, and a fourth extension portion extending from the other end of the fourth main body; the fourth conductive housing is provided with a fourth terminal mounting groove located on its inner surface. A fourth conductive cover plate is located inside the fourth conductive housing and at least partially covers the fourth terminal mounting slot, wherein at least a portion of the fourth terminal mounting slot is surrounded by the fourth conductive housing and the fourth conductive cover plate in a circumferential manner. A fourth terminal module includes a fourth insulating fixing block and a plurality of fourth signal terminals fixed to the fourth insulating fixing block; the fourth terminal module is at least partially installed in the fourth terminal mounting slot; the fourth signal terminal includes a fourth intermediate portion, a fourth signal spring arm extending from one end of the fourth intermediate portion, and a fourth tail extending from the other end of the fourth intermediate portion; the fourth insulating fixing block is at least fixed to the fourth intermediate portion and received in the fourth terminal mounting slot; the fourth signal spring arm is provided with a fourth signal contact portion configured to contact the docking module; the fourth signal terminal does not contact the fourth conductive housing; A fourth insulating block, which mates with a fourth mating portion of the fourth conductive housing, the fourth insulating block having a fourth slot, and the fourth signal spring arm of the fourth signal terminal at least partially extending into the fourth slot; and The fourth grounding plate is provided with a plurality of fourth grounding spring arms, and each fourth grounding spring arm is provided with a fourth grounding contact portion configured to contact the docking module. The fourth grounding contact portion is located beside the fourth signal contact portion. The fourth grounding plate is in contact with at least one of the fourth conductive cover plate and the fourth conductive housing. The fourth conductive housing covers the fourth signal spring arm, the fourth middle part, and the fourth tail part of the fourth signal terminal along the length direction of the fourth signal terminal.

21. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that: The second signal missile arm and the fourth signal missile arm are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the docking slot.

22. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that: The third conductive housing is provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions extending toward the fourth conductive housing, and the fourth conductive housing is provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions extending toward the third conductive housing, wherein the first positioning protrusions and the second positioning protrusions abut against each other.

23. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The first conductive shell and the second conductive shell are welded together.

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