Terminal module and connector

Abstract

A terminal module comprises a second terminal module and a second cable. The second terminal module comprises a plurality of second conductive terminals. Each second conductive terminal comprises a second contact part, a second tail part and a second connecting part; each second contact part comprises a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm and a connecting wall part. The first elastic arm comprises a first tail end part connected with the second connecting part and a first contact arm. The second elastic arm comprises a second tail end portion abutting against the first tail end portion and a second contact arm. According to the invention, the second tail end part of the second elastic arm is in contact with the first tail end part of the first elastic arm, so that the path of signals transmitted through the second elastic arm is shortened, and the transmission rate is improved. The invention also discloses a connector with the terminal module group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a terminal module and a connector, belonging to the technical field of electrical connectors and their components. Background Technology

[0002] Existing connectors typically include a housing and several terminal modules mounted on the housing. Each terminal module includes a mating terminal module and a cable connected to the mating terminal module. The mating terminal module includes several conductive terminals, with two adjacent conductive terminals forming a pair of differential signal terminals.

[0003] Each conductive terminal includes a contact portion, a tail portion, and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion and the tail portion. The contact portion includes a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm opposite to the first elastic arm, and a connecting wall portion connecting the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm, wherein the second elastic arm is offset from the connecting portion. When a signal is transmitted through the second elastic arm, the signal must pass through the second elastic arm, the connecting wall portion, the connecting portion, and the tail portion to connect with the cable.

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement in the conductive terminals of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a terminal module and connector with an improved structure.

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

[0007] Insulator;

[0008] A second terminal module, the second terminal module being disposed on the insulator; and

[0009] The second cable is electrically connected to the second terminal module;

[0010] The second terminal module includes a second retaining block and a plurality of second conductive terminals fixed to the second retaining block; each second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion, a second tail portion and a second connecting portion connecting the second contact portion and the second tail portion;

[0011] Each second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion comprising a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm opposite to the first elastic arm, and a connecting wall portion connecting one side of the first elastic arm and one side of the second elastic arm.

[0012] The first elastic arm includes a first tail end connected to the second connecting portion and a first contact arm extending along a first direction;

[0013] The second elastic arm includes a second tail end that abuts against the first tail end and a second contact arm that extends along a first direction;

[0014] Wherein, along the first direction, the connecting wall portion is located between the first contact arm and the first tail end portion, and the connecting wall portion is located between the second contact arm and the second tail end portion.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second contact portion of each second conductive terminal includes a first clamping space located between the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm, the first clamping space being configured to accommodate the first conductive terminal of the first backplate connector.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first contact arm is provided with a first end portion at its end, and the second contact arm is provided with a second end portion at its end. The first end portion and the second end portion together form a funnel shape to guide the first conductive terminal into the first clamping space.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insulator is provided with a first end face, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and a terminal receiving hole that penetrates the first end face and the second end face along the first direction, and the second contact portion of the second conductive terminal is received in the terminal receiving hole;

[0018] The insulator includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The first sidewall is further provided with a first opening through the first sidewall, and the second sidewall is further provided with a second opening through the second sidewall. The first end portion of the first contact arm is configured to be elastically deformable in the first opening, and the second end portion of the second contact arm is configured to be elastically deformable in the second opening.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are connected to each other only through the connecting wall portion.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, each second conductive terminal has a slot formed between the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm at a position directly opposite to the connecting wall portion.

[0021] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second conductive terminal of the second terminal module is embedded in the second retaining block, and the second connecting portion is at least partially fixed in the second retaining block.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the terminal module includes a second shielding sleeve that is at least partially sleeved on the insulator, the second shielding sleeve including a shielding cavity, and the insulator being at least partially located in the shielding cavity.

[0023] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second shielding sleeve includes a first shielding sheet and a second shielding sheet, wherein the first shielding sheet and the second shielding sheet are assembled to form a shielding structure that surrounds the entire perimeter.

[0024] The present invention also discloses a connector comprising:

[0025] Second shell; and

[0026] The terminal module is the aforementioned terminal module, and the terminal module is installed in the second housing.

[0027] Compared to existing technologies, the terminal module and connector of the present invention both include an insulator, a second terminal module disposed on the insulator, and a second cable electrically connected to the second terminal module. Each second conductive terminal's second contact portion includes a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm opposite to the first elastic arm, and a connecting wall portion connecting one side of the first elastic arm and one side of the second elastic arm. The first elastic arm includes a first tail end connected to the second connecting portion and a first contact arm extending along a first direction. The second elastic arm includes a second tail end abutting against the first tail end and a second contact arm extending along the first direction. By contacting the second tail end of the second elastic arm with the first tail end of the first elastic arm, the present invention shortens the signal path when transmitted through the second elastic arm, thus improving the transmission rate. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the backplane connector assembly of the present invention in a first embodiment, wherein the first backplane connector and the second backplane connector are in a mating state.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Partial exploded three-dimensional view, in which the first backplane connector and the second backplane connector are separated from each other.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The right view.

[0032] Figure 5This is a partial exploded perspective view of the first backplane connector in the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing is separated.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the first backplane connector in the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the retaining block is separated.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the first backplane connector in the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first terminal module is separated.

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a first terminal module, in which the extended shielding housing assembly is separated.

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0040] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of part B within the middle frame.

[0041] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of part C within the middle frame.

[0042] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 The front view of the extended shielding housing assembly.

[0043] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of part D within the middle frame.

[0044] Figure 17 yes Figure 11 Partial exploded perspective view of the extended shielding housing assembly.

[0045] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0046] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the extended shielding housing assembly.

[0047] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle.

[0048] Figure 21 yes Figure 17 Right view of a portion of the extended shielding housing assembly.

[0049] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded view of a portion of the extended shielding housing assembly.

[0050] Figure 23 yes Figure 11 A partial exploded perspective view of a first terminal module after the extended shielding housing assembly has been removed, in which a first shielding sleeve has been separated.

[0051] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A magnified view of part E within the middle frame.

[0052] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0053] Figure 26 yes Figure 11 A partial exploded perspective view of a first terminal module, in which a first metal shielding sheet, a second metal shielding sheet, and several first shielding sleeves are separated.

[0054] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0055] Figure 28 yes Figure 11 A side view of a first terminal module after the first metal shielding sheet and the second metal shielding sheet have been removed, showing an insulating support, several first conductive terminals, and several first shielding sleeves.

[0056] Figure 29 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second backplane connector of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A partial exploded view, in which the second shell is separated.

[0058] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0059] Figure 32 yes Figure 29 Rear view.

[0060] Figure 33 yes Figure 29 The main view.

[0061] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Partially exploded diagram.

[0062] Figure 35 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the second backplane connector of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0064] Figure 37 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second terminal module of the second backplane connector of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle.

[0066] Figure 39 yes Figure 37 Partial exploded 3D diagram.

[0067] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0068] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 A partial exploded 3D view of a second cable module.

[0069] Figure 42 yes Figure 41 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0070] Figure 43 yes Figure 41 Further partial exploded view.

[0071] Figure 44 yes Figure 43 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0072] Figure 45 The second cable module is removed. Figure 43 A further partial exploded perspective view following the second shielding sleeve and the second insulating block.

[0073] Figure 46 yes Figure 45 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0074] Figure 47 yes Figure 45A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a set of second conductive terminals.

[0075] Figure 48 yes Figure 47 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle.

[0076] Figure 49 yes Figure 47 Another 3D diagram from a different angle.

[0077] Figure 50 yes Figure 49 Top view.

[0078] Figure 51 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first terminal module of a first backplane connector and a second terminal module of a second backplane connector in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 52 It is to remove Figure 51 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first and second extended shielding plates of the first terminal module.

[0080] Figure 53 yes Figure 52 The right view.

[0081] Figure 54 yes Figure 53 A magnified view of part F within the middle frame.

[0082] Figure 55 yes Figure 52 A partial exploded view, in which the first terminal module and the second terminal module are separated from each other.

[0083] Figure 56 yes Figure 55 A magnified view of the H section within the middle frame.

[0084] Figure 57 yes Figure 55 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first terminal module from another angle.

[0085] Figure 58 yes Figure 57 A magnified view of part I within the middle frame.

[0086] Figure 59 yes Figure 55 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first terminal module from another angle.

[0087] Figure 60 yes Figure 59 A magnified view of part J within the middle frame.

[0088] Figure 61This is a partial exploded perspective view of the first backplane connector of the present invention in a second embodiment.

[0089] Figure 62 It is to remove Figure 61 Right view of the retaining block and the circuit board.

[0090] Figure 63 yes Figure 62 A partial exploded view, in which the mounting blocks are separated.

[0091] Figure 64 yes Figure 63 An exploded view of the insulating support and the first conductive terminal.

[0092] Figure 65 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first backplane connector in the second embodiment of the present invention along a certain section.

[0093] Figure 66 yes Figure 65 A magnified view of the K section within the middle frame.

[0094] Figure 67 yes Figure 66 A magnified view of part L in the middle frame shows that the first tail of the first signal terminal and the first tail of the second signal terminal are not fully installed on the circuit board.

[0095] Figure 68 yes Figure 67 A schematic diagram of another state, in which the first tail of the first signal terminal and the first tail of the second signal terminal are mounted to the circuit board and installed in place.

[0096] Figure 69 This is a perspective view of the first backplane connector assembly of the present invention in a third embodiment, wherein the first backplane connector and the second backplane connector are in a mating state.

[0097] Figure 70 yes Figure 69 Partial exploded three-dimensional view, in which the first backplane connector and the second backplane connector are separated from each other.

[0098] Figure 71 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the first backplane connector in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 72 yes Figure 71 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0100] Figure 73 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a first terminal module of a first backplane connector in the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the extended shielding housing assembly is separated.

[0101] Figure 74 yes Figure 73 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0102] Figure 75 yes Figure 73 Further partial exploded view.

[0103] Figure 76 yes Figure 75 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0104] Figure 77 yes Figure 75 An exploded 3D view of the first cable module.

[0105] Figure 78 yes Figure 77 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view. Detailed Implementation

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] This invention discloses a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector that mates with the first connector. Both the first connector and / or the second connector are referred to as connectors. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly is a backplane connector assembly, which includes a first backplane connector 100, a second backplane connector 200 cooperating with the first backplane connector 100, and a circuit board 301 mounted together with the first backplane connector 100. The first backplane connector 100 is one of a board-end backplane connector and a cable backplane connector, and the second backplane connector 200 is one of a cable backplane connector and a board-end backplane connector. In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first backplane connector 100 is a board-end backplane connector, and the second backplane connector 200 is a cable backplane connector. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the first backplane connector 100 and the second backplane connector 200 can be combined in various ways, as long as they can achieve mating. Please refer to... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first backplane connector 100 and the second backplane connector 200 are inserted along a first direction A1-A1 (mating direction) to achieve signal transmission. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first direction A1-A1 is the front-to-back direction.

[0110] Please combine Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown in the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the circuit board 301 includes a plurality of first signal terminal mounting holes 3011, a plurality of second signal terminal mounting holes 3012, a plurality of first ground terminal mounting holes 3013, and a plurality of second ground terminal mounting holes 3014. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of first signal terminal mounting holes 3011, a plurality of second signal terminal mounting holes 3012, a plurality of first ground terminal mounting holes 3013, and a plurality of second ground terminal mounting holes 3014 are arranged in a matrix, wherein adjacent first signal terminal mounting holes 3011 and second signal terminal mounting holes 3012 along the first direction A1-A1 form a group of signal differential pair terminal mounting holes, and each end of each group of signal differential pair terminal mounting holes is respectively provided with a first ground terminal mounting hole 3013 and a second ground terminal mounting hole 3014 to improve the signal transmission quality. In the first embodiment illustrated in this invention, the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011, the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012, the first ground terminal mounting hole 3013, and the second ground terminal mounting hole 3014 are all conductive holes, meaning that a conductive material (e.g., metal) is formed on the inner wall of the hole. When the tail of the conductive terminal comes into contact with the conductive material, it can form an electrical connection with the circuit board 301. The shape, size, and whether the conductive hole penetrates the circuit board 301 can be flexibly designed as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first backplane connector 100 includes a first housing 1, a plurality of first terminal modules 2 mounted on the first housing 1, a plurality of retaining pieces 3 that hold the plurality of first terminal modules 2 together, and retaining blocks 4 that hold the plurality of first terminal modules 2 at their bottom ends.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing 1 is made of an insulating material and includes a first body portion 11, a first wall portion 12 extending rearward from one side (e.g., the upper side) of the first body portion 11, and a second wall portion 13 extending rearward from the opposite side (e.g., the lower side) of the first body portion 11. The first body portion 11 has a mating surface 111 and a plurality of terminal receiving slots 112 penetrating the mating surface 111. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the terminal receiving slots 112 are arranged in multiple rows along a third direction A1-A3 (e.g., vertical direction) and in multiple columns along a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., horizontal direction). The first direction A1-A1, the second direction A2-A2, and the third direction A3-A3 are mutually perpendicular. The first wall portion 12 has a plurality of first slots 121 and a first locking slot 122 communicating with the first slots 121. The second wall portion 13 has a plurality of second slots 131 and a second locking slot 132 communicating with the second slots 131. The first locking groove 122 and the second locking groove 132 extend outward along the third direction A3-A3 through the first wall portion 12 and the second wall portion 13, respectively, to lock the first terminal module 2 and prevent the first terminal module 2 from detaching from the first housing 1. The first slot 121, the second slot 131, and the terminal receiving slot 112, which are aligned with each other, are used together to receive one first terminal module 2.

[0113] In addition, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 1 is further provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions 14 extending forward from the first wall portion 12 and the second wall portion 13 respectively and protruding from the mating surface 111. The positioning protrusions 14 are provided with guide ramps 141 at their ends. The positioning protrusions 14 are configured to be inserted into the positioning grooves 536 of the second backplate connector 200.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 9 to 28 As shown, the first terminal module 2 includes an insulating support 21, a plurality of first conductive terminals 22 fixed to the insulating support 21, a first metal shielding sheet 23 located on one side of the insulating support 21, a second metal shielding sheet 24 located on the other opposite side of the insulating support 21, a plurality of first shielding sleeves 25 sleeved on the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24, and an extended shielding housing assembly 26.

[0115] The insulating support 21 includes a generally frame-shaped frame portion 210 and a plurality of protrusion portions 219 extending out of the frame portion 210 and spaced apart along a third direction A3-A3. The frame portion 210 includes a rear wall 211, a front wall 212 opposite to the rear wall 211, a top wall 213 connecting one end of the rear wall 211 to one end of the front wall 212, a bottom wall 214 connecting the other end of the rear wall 211 to the other end of the front wall 212, and a plurality of connecting walls 215. The connecting walls 215 can strengthen the structural strength of the frame. The rear wall 211 has rearwardly protruding and spaced-apart first protrusions 2111 and second protrusions 2112. The first protrusions 2111 and the second protrusions 2112 are aligned. The first protrusions 2111 have a first contraction portion 2113, and the second protrusions 2112 have a second contraction portion 2114. The top wall 213 is provided with a third protrusion 2133 and a fourth protrusion 2134 that protrude upwards and are spaced apart along a first direction A1-A1. The third protrusion 2133 and the fourth protrusion 2134 are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. The third protrusion 2133 is provided with a third contraction portion 2135, and the fourth protrusion 2134 is provided with a fourth contraction portion 2136. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the insulating bracket 21 is provided with a hollow portion 217, and the connecting wall 215 includes a first connecting wall 2151 connecting the top wall 213 and the bottom wall 214 and a second connecting wall 2152 connecting the rear wall 211 and the bottom wall 214. The first connecting wall 2151 and the second connecting wall 2152 are exposed in the hollow portion 217. The top wall 213 is provided with a first latch protrusion 2131 for insertion into the first latch groove 122, and the bottom wall 214 is provided with a second latch protrusion 2141 for insertion into the second latch groove 132.

[0116] Please combine Figure 5 As shown, the retaining piece 3 includes a generally L-shaped first retaining piece 31 and a generally L-shaped second retaining piece 32. The first retaining piece 31 and the second retaining piece 32 can be made of metal sheet. The first retaining piece 31 has a first retaining groove 311 that respectively mates with the first protrusion 2111 and the second protrusion 2112, and is respectively held with the first contracting portion 2113 and the second contracting portion 2114. Similarly, the second retaining piece 32 has a second retaining groove 321 that respectively mates with the third protrusion 2133 and the fourth protrusion 2134, and is respectively held with the third contracting portion 2135 and the fourth contracting portion 2136.

[0117] Please combine Figures 26 to 28As shown, the insulating support 21 is further provided with a plurality of protrusions 216 for fixing the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the protrusions 216 are disposed on the bottom wall 214 and the front wall 212. Since the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24 are respectively located on both sides of the insulating support 21, the protrusions 216 include a first protrusion 2161 and a second protrusion 2162, wherein the first protrusion 2161 and the second protrusion 2162 are respectively located on opposite sides of the insulating support 21 to be fixed and positioned with the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 28 As shown, structurally, each set of first conductive terminals 22 includes a first contact portion 221, a first tail portion 222, and a first connecting portion 223 connecting the first contact portion 221 and the first tail portion 222. The first contact portion 221 of a portion of the first conductive terminal 22 is used for electrical contact with the second backplane connector 200, and the first tail portion 222 is used for mounting on the circuit board 301 along a third direction A3-A3 (mounting direction). In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first contact portion 221 is substantially perpendicular to the first tail portion 222, and the first connecting portion 223 is curved.

[0119] Functionally, each group of first conductive terminals 22 includes several first ground terminals G1, several second ground terminals G2, several first signal terminals S1, and several second signal terminals S2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, adjacent first signal terminals S1 and second signal terminals S2 form a pair of first differential signal terminals, and each pair of first differential signal terminals is located between a first ground terminal G1 and a second ground terminal G2, that is, each group of first conductive terminals 22 is arranged in a G1-S1-S2-G2 manner. This arrangement is beneficial to improving the quality of signal transmission. The first differential signal terminals are either narrow-side coupled or wide-side coupled.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting portion 223 of the first conductive terminal 22 is embedded in the insulating support 21. Both the first connecting portion 223 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first connecting portion 223 of the second signal terminal S2 are provided with a narrowing portion 2230 embedded in the insulating support 21 to adjust the impedance of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2, achieving impedance matching. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first contact portions 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 are generally needle-shaped, and the first contact portions 221 of the first ground terminal G1 and the second ground terminal G2 are generally rectangular plates. The first contact portions 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 extend forward beyond the first contact portions 221 of the first ground terminal G1 and the second ground terminal G2. The first contact portions 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first contact portions 221 of the second signal terminal S2 both extend forward and protrude from the protrusion portion 219 to mate with the second backplane connector 200.

[0121] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the retaining block 4 is provided with a plurality of through holes 41, and the first tail portion 222 of the first conductive terminal 22 passes through the corresponding through hole 41 along the installation direction and extends downward and protrudes from the retaining block 4.

[0122] In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each first conductive terminal 22 has a fisheye hole at its first tail 222, giving the first tail 222 a certain elastic deformation capability. The first tail 222 of the first signal terminal S1 is inserted into the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011, the first tail 222 of the second signal terminal S2 is inserted into the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012, the first tail 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 is inserted into the first grounding terminal mounting hole 3013, and the first tail 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 is inserted into the second grounding terminal mounting hole 3014.

[0123] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first metal shielding plate 23 and the second metal shielding plate 24 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the insulating bracket 21. Please refer to... Figure 26 as well as Figure 27As shown, the first metal shielding sheet 23 includes a first main body portion 231 and a plurality of first extension portions 232 extending from the first main body portion 231. The plurality of first extension portions 232 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The first main body portion 231 is located on one side of the first connecting portion 223 of the first conductive terminal 22, and the first extension portions 232 are located on one side of the protrusion portion 219 of the first contact portion 221. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first main body portion 231 is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes 2311 that cooperate with a plurality of first protrusions 2161. Optionally, the first protrusions 2161 are fixed and positioned in the first mounting holes 2311 by welding, thereby realizing the fixation and positioning of the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the insulating support 21. The first main body portion 231 is provided with a plurality of protruding ribs 233, the protruding ribs 233 including a first protruding rib 2331 protruding toward the first grounding terminal G1 and a second protruding rib 2332 protruding toward the second grounding terminal G2. The first rib 2331 is provided along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the first grounding terminal G1. The second rib 2332 is provided along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the second grounding terminal G2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first rib 2331 and the second rib 2332 are formed by stamping the first main body portion 231. The first rib 2331 and the second rib 2332 protrude toward the direction of the second metal shielding sheet 24. The first rib 2331 and the second rib 2332 are provided discontinuously along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2 to achieve multi-point contact, thereby improving the contact reliability between the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2.

[0124] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first extension 232 is generally U-shaped and includes a first side 2320, a first bend 2321 that bends from one end (e.g., the upper end) of the first side 2320 toward the second metal shield 24, and a second bend 2322 that bends from the other end (e.g., the lower end) of the first side 2320 toward the second metal shield 24.

[0125] Similarly, please refer to Figure 26 as well as Figure 27As shown, the second metal shielding sheet 24 includes a second main body portion 241 and a plurality of second extension portions 242 extending from the second main body portion 241. The plurality of second extension portions 242 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The second main body portion 241 is located on the opposite side of the first connecting portion 223 of the first conductive terminal 22, and the second extension portions 242 are located on the opposite side of the protrusion portion 219 of the first contact portion 221. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second main body portion 241 is provided with a plurality of second mounting holes 2411 that cooperate with a plurality of second protrusions 2162. Optionally, the second protrusions 2162 are fixed and positioned in the second mounting holes 2411 by welding, thereby realizing the fixation and positioning of the second metal shielding sheet 24 and the insulating support 21. The second main body portion 241 is provided with a plurality of protruding ribs 243, the protruding ribs 243 including a third protruding rib 2431 protruding toward the first grounding terminal G1 and a fourth protruding rib 2432 protruding toward the second grounding terminal G2. The third rib 2431 is provided along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the first grounding terminal G1. The fourth rib 2432 is provided along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the second grounding terminal G2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third rib 2431 and the fourth rib 2432 are formed by stamping the second main body portion 241. The third rib 2431 and the fourth rib 2432 protrude toward the first metal shield 23. The third rib 2431 and the fourth rib 2432 are discontinuously provided along the extending direction of the first connecting portion 223 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2 to achieve multi-point contact, thereby improving the contact reliability between the second metal shield 24 and the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2. In one embodiment of the present invention, welding is performed on the surfaces of the ribs 233 and 243 to weld the ribs 233 and 243 to the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2. For example, welding is performed on the surfaces of the first protruding rib 2331, the second protruding rib 2332, the third protruding rib 2431, and the fourth protruding rib 2432 to weld the first protruding rib 2331, the second protruding rib 2332, the third protruding rib 2431, and the fourth protruding rib 2432 to the first grounding terminal G1 and the second grounding terminal G2, wherein the welding method is at least one of spot welding, laser welding, and ultrasonic welding.

[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second extension 242 is generally U-shaped and includes a second side 2420, a third bend 2421 that bends from one end (e.g., the upper end) of the second side 2420 toward the first metal shield 23, and a fourth bend 2422 that bends from the other end (e.g., the lower end) of the second side 2420 toward the first metal shield 23.

[0127] Along the length of the first connection portion 223 of the first conductive terminal 22, the first rib 2331 of the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the third rib 2431 of the second metal shielding sheet 24 respectively contact the two opposite sides of the first connection portion 223 of the first grounding terminal G1, thereby forming a surrounding shielding cavity on the outer periphery of the first connection portion 223 of each pair of first differential signal terminals, improving the quality of signal transmission.

[0128] Please combine Figure 24 as well as Figure 25 As shown, when the first metal shielding plate 23 and the second metal shielding plate 24 are respectively installed on both sides of the insulating bracket 21, the first extension 232 of the first metal shielding plate 23 and the second extension 242 of the second metal shielding plate 24 together form a channel portion 240. The protrusion portion 219 is at least partially housed in the channel portion 240. By providing the protrusion portion 219, the first conductive terminal 22 is partially embedded in the protrusion portion 219. On the one hand, this invention can improve the structural strength of the insulating bracket 21, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to adjust the impedance of the first conductive terminal 22, making impedance matching easier to achieve. In addition, the first extension portion 232 and the second extension portion 242, which are jointly wrapped on the protrusion portion 219, also help to improve the shielding effect on the first conductive terminal 22.

[0129] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the first terminal module 2 may further include at least one metal shield (e.g., the first metal shield 23 or the second metal shield 24), the metal shield being located on at least one side of the insulating support 21, and the metal shield having the channel portion 240.

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first contact portion 221 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first contact portion 221 of the second grounding terminal G2 both expose the insulating support 21. The first metal shielding sheet 23 is provided with a first abutting portion 2341 and a second abutting portion 2342 respectively located on both sides (e.g., the upper and lower sides) of the first extension 232, wherein the first abutting portion 2341 contacts one side of the first contact portion 221 of the first grounding terminal G1, and the second abutting portion 2342 contacts one side of the first contact portion 221 of the second grounding terminal G2. Similarly, the second metal shielding sheet 24 is provided with a third abutting portion 2441 and a fourth abutting portion 2442 respectively located on both sides (e.g., the upper and lower sides) of the second extension 242, wherein the third abutting portion 2441 contacts the other side of the first contact portion 221 of the first grounding terminal G1, and the fourth abutting portion 2442 contacts the other side of the first contact portion 221 of the second grounding terminal G2. In other words, the first contact portion 221 of the first grounding terminal G1 is clamped by the first abutting portion 2341 and the third abutting portion 2441, and the first contact portion 221 of the second grounding terminal G2 is clamped by the second abutting portion 2342 and the fourth abutting portion 2442.

[0131] The first shielding sleeve 25 is generally hollow and rectangular, and it fits onto the first extension 232 of the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second extension 242 of the second metal shielding sheet 24, which facilitates fixing the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24 to both sides of the insulating bracket 21. Furthermore, the first shielding sleeve 25 is made of metal, i.e., the first shielding sleeve 25 is a first metal shielding sleeve. The first shielding sleeve 25 is in contact with the first extension 232 and the second extension 242. By providing the first shielding sleeve 25, the shielding effect on the first conductive terminal 22 can be further improved.

[0132] Please combine Figures 23 to 25 As shown in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding sleeve 25 includes a first clamping groove 251 and a second clamping groove 252, wherein the first abutting part 2341, the first contact part 221 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the third abutting part 2441 are tightly inserted into the first clamping groove 251; the second abutting part 2342, the first contact part 221 of the second grounding terminal G2 and the fourth abutting part 2442 are tightly inserted into the second clamping groove 252.

[0133] Furthermore, the first shielding sleeve 25 also includes a first abutting protrusion 253 and a second abutting protrusion 254 located on both sides, wherein the first abutting protrusion 253 and the second abutting protrusion 254 respectively contact the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, in order to increase the fit between the first abutting protrusion 253 and the first metal shielding sheet 23, the first shielding sleeve 25 also includes two first slots 255 located on both sides of the first abutting protrusion 253. Similarly, in order to increase the fit between the second abutting protrusion 254 and the second metal shielding sheet 24, the first shielding sleeve 25 also includes two second slots 256 located on both sides of the second abutting protrusion 254.

[0134] Please combine Figures 11 to 22 as well as Figures 57 to 60 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the extended shielding housing assembly 26 includes a first extended shielding sheet 261, a second extended shielding sheet 262, a first connecting shielding sheet 263, a second connecting shielding sheet 264, a first spring sheet group 265 fixed to the inner side of the first connecting shielding sheet 263, a second spring sheet group 266 fixed to the inner side of the second connecting shielding sheet 264, a first abutting spring sheet 267 fixed to the inner side of the first extended shielding sheet 261, and a second abutting spring sheet 268 fixed to the inner side of the second extended shielding sheet 262.

[0135] Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the extended shielding housing assembly 26 includes a shielding cavity 260 formed by the first extended shielding sheet 261, the second extended shielding sheet 262, the first connecting shielding sheet 263, and the second connecting shielding sheet 264. The first contact portion 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first contact portion 221 of the second signal terminal S2 both protrude into the shielding cavity 260. The extended shielding housing assembly 26 provides a good shielding effect for the first contact portion 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first contact portion 221 of the second signal terminal S2. The first spring contact group 265, the second spring contact group 266, the first abutting spring contact 267, and the second abutting spring contact 268 all at least partially protrude into the shielding cavity 260.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first extended shielding sheet 261 is made of a metallic material. The first extended shielding sheet 261 extends vertically and includes a plurality of first mounting holes 2611, a plurality of second mounting holes 2612, and a first contact spring 2613 located between the first mounting holes 2611 and the second mounting holes 2612 along the vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first extended shielding sheet 261 further includes a plurality of first slots 2614 communicating with the first contact spring 2613 and respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the first contact spring 2613. The first contact spring 2613 is flat to fit against the first shielding sleeve 25. Furthermore, the first extended shielding sheet 261 also includes a first groove 2615 disposed opposite to the first contact spring 2613.

[0137] Similarly, the second extended shielding sheet 262 is made of a metallic material. The second extended shielding sheet 262 extends vertically and includes a plurality of third mounting holes 2621, a plurality of fourth mounting holes 2622, and a second contact spring 2623 located between the third mounting holes 2621 and the fourth mounting holes 2622 along the vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second extended shielding sheet 262 further includes a plurality of second slots 2624 communicating with the second contact spring 2623 and respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the second contact spring 2623. The second contact spring 2623 is flat to fit against the first shielding sleeve 25. Furthermore, the second extended shielding sheet 262 also includes a second groove 2625 disposed opposite to the second contact spring 2623.

[0138] The first connecting shield 263 is flat and made of metal. The first connecting shield 263 extends horizontally approximately along a first direction A1-A1. The first connecting shield 263 includes a first protrusion 2631 fixed in the first mounting hole 2611 and a second protrusion 2632 fixed in the third mounting hole 2621. The first protrusion 2631 and the second protrusion 2632 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the first connecting shield 263. A first clearance groove 2633 and a second clearance groove 2634 are also provided at both ends of the first connecting shield 263 in the front-rear direction. The first connecting shield 263 also has a first fixing groove 2635 and a second fixing groove 2636 located on the left and right sides respectively.

[0139] Similarly, the second connecting shield 264 is flat and made of metal. The second connecting shield 264 extends horizontally approximately along the first direction A1-A1. The second connecting shield 264 includes a third protrusion 2641 fixed in the second mounting hole 2612 and a fourth protrusion 2642 fixed in the fourth mounting hole 2622. The third protrusion 2641 and the fourth protrusion 2642 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the second connecting shield 264. A third clearance groove 2643 and a fourth clearance groove 2644 are also provided at both ends of the second connecting shield 264 in the front-rear direction. The second connecting shield 264 also has a third fixing groove 2645 and a fourth fixing groove 2646 located on the left and right sides respectively.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first spring clip assembly 265 is made of metal. The first spring clip assembly 265 includes a first spring clip 265a and a second spring clip 265b. The first spring clip 265a includes a first fixing portion 265a0, a first spring arm 265a1 extending from one end of the first fixing portion 265a0, and a second spring arm 265a2 extending from the other end of the first fixing portion 265a0. The number and structural form of the first spring arms 265a1 and the second spring arms 265a2 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing portion 265a0 is fixed to the lower surface of the first connecting shield 263, for example, by welding. The first spring arm 265a1 and the second spring arm 265a2 are both cantilevered, meaning they each have a free end away from the first fixing portion 265a0.

[0141] The second spring piece 265b includes a second fixing part 265b0, a third spring arm 265b1 extending from one end of the second fixing part 265b0, and a fourth spring arm 265b2 extending from the other end of the second fixing part 265b0. In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third spring arm 265b1 and the fourth spring arm 265b2 of the second spring piece 265b are always in contact with the first shielding sleeve 25. When the second spring piece 265b is deformed by the first shielding sleeve 25, the free end of the third spring arm 265b1 can move in the second clearance groove 2634. The number and structure of the third spring arm 265b1 and the fourth spring arm 265b2 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second fixing part 265b0 is fixed to the lower surface of the first connecting shielding plate 263, for example, the second fixing part 265b0 is fixed to the lower surface of the first connecting shielding plate 263 by welding. Both the third spring arm 265b1 and the fourth spring arm 265b2 are cantilevered, meaning they each have a free end away from the second fixing part 265b0. The third spring arm 265b1 and the fourth spring arm 265b2 are configured to abut against the second backplate connector 200, and the free end of the fourth spring arm 265b2 is movable within the second clearance groove 2634.

[0142] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first spring piece 265a and the second spring piece 265b are separately disposed and welded to the lower surface of the first connecting shielding plate 263. With this arrangement, the first connecting shielding plate 263 itself can be made of metal materials of different materials and / or thicknesses to meet the requirements of structural strength and shielding performance. Furthermore, the separate disposal of the first connecting shielding plate 263 and the first spring piece group 265 avoids the possibility of leaving openings that could affect the shielding effect if the first spring piece group 265 were integrally stamped onto the first connecting shielding plate 263.

[0143] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the first spring 265a and the second spring 265b may also be integrally formed.

[0144] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two third spring arms 265b1, and the second spring piece 265b includes a first receiving groove 265b3 located between the two third spring arms 265b1. The second spring arm 265a2, in its free state, protrudes into the first receiving groove 265b3 along a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., a front-to-back direction). In other words, in the free states of the first spring piece 265a and the second spring piece 265b, the second spring arm 265a2 and the third spring arm 265b1 at least partially overlap in a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., a left-to-right direction).

[0145] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second spring clip assembly 266 is made of metal. The second spring clip assembly 266 includes a third spring clip 266a and a fourth spring clip 266b. The third spring clip 266a includes a third fixing portion 266a0, a fifth spring arm 266a1 extending from one end of the third fixing portion 266a0, and a sixth spring arm 266a2 extending from the other end of the third fixing portion 266a0. The number and structural form of the fifth spring arm 266a1 and the sixth spring arm 266a2 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third fixing portion 266a0 is fixed to the upper surface of the second connecting shield 264, for example, by welding. The fifth spring arm 266a1 and the sixth spring arm 266a2 are both cantilevered, meaning they each have a free end away from the third fixing portion 266a0.

[0146] The fourth spring piece 266b includes a fourth fixing part 266b0, a seventh spring arm 266b1 extending from one end of the fourth fixing part 266b0, and an eighth spring arm 266b2 extending from the other end of the fourth fixing part 266b0. In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the seventh spring arm 266b1 and the eighth spring arm 266b2 of the fourth spring piece 266b are always in contact with the first shielding sleeve 25. When the fourth spring piece 266b is deformed by the first shielding sleeve 25, the free end of the seventh spring arm 266b1 can move in the fourth clearance groove 2644. The number and structural form of the seventh spring arm 266b1 and the eighth spring arm 266b2 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth fixing part 266b0 is fixed to the upper surface of the second connecting shielding plate 264, for example, the fourth fixing part 266b0 is fixed to the upper surface of the second connecting shielding plate 264 by welding. Both the seventh elastic arm 266b1 and the eighth elastic arm 266b2 are cantilevered, meaning they each have a free end away from the fourth fixing part 266b0. The seventh elastic arm 266b1 and the eighth elastic arm 266b2 are configured to abut against the second backplate connector 200, and the free end of the eighth elastic arm 266b2 is movable within the fourth clearance groove 2644.

[0147] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third spring piece 266a and the fourth spring piece 266b are separately disposed and welded to the upper surface of the second connecting shielding plate 264. This arrangement allows the second connecting shielding plate 264 itself to be made of metal materials of different materials and / or thicknesses to meet the requirements of structural strength and shielding performance. Furthermore, the separate disposal of the second connecting shielding plate 264 and the second spring piece group 266 avoids the possibility of leaving openings that could affect the shielding effect if the second spring piece group 266 were integrally stamped onto the second connecting shielding plate 264.

[0148] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the third spring 266a and the fourth spring 266b may also be integrally formed.

[0149] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two seventh elastic arms 266b1, and the fourth elastic piece 266b includes a second receiving groove 266b3 located between the two seventh elastic arms 266b1. The sixth elastic arm 266a2, in its free state, protrudes into the second receiving groove 266b3 along the first direction A1-A1. In other words, in the free states of the third elastic piece 266a and the fourth elastic piece 266b, the sixth elastic arm 266a2 and the seventh elastic arm 266b1 at least partially overlap in the second direction A2-A2.

[0150] The first abutment spring 267 includes a first retaining portion 2670, a first abutment spring arm 2671 extending from one end of the first retaining portion 2670, a second abutment spring arm 2672 extending from the other end of the first retaining portion 2670, and a first support portion 2673 and a second support portion 2674 located on the upper and lower sides of the first abutment spring arm 2671. The number and structural form of the first abutment spring arm 2671 and the second abutment spring arm 2672 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first retaining portion 2670 is fixed to the inner surface of the first extended shielding plate 261, for example, the first retaining portion 2670 is fixed to the inner surface of the first extended shielding plate 261 by welding. Both the first abutment spring arm 2671 and the second abutment spring arm 2672 are cantilevered, that is, they each have a free end away from the first retaining portion 2670. When the first abutting spring 267 is abutted and deformed, the free end of the first abutting spring arm 2671 can move in the first groove 2615. The first support part 2673 is provided with a first fixing protrusion 2673a that is engaged in the first fixing groove 2635, and the second support part 2674 is provided with a second fixing protrusion 2674a that is engaged in the third fixing groove 2645.

[0151] The second abutment spring 268 includes a second retaining portion 2680, a third abutment spring arm 2681 extending from one end of the second retaining portion 2680, a fourth abutment spring arm 2682 extending from the other end of the second retaining portion 2680, and a third support portion 2683 and a fourth support portion 2684 located on the upper and lower sides of the third abutment spring arm 2681. The number and structural form of the third abutment spring arm 2681 and the fourth abutment spring arm 2682 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second retaining portion 2680 is fixed to the inner surface of the second extended shielding plate 262, for example, the second retaining portion 2680 is fixed to the inner surface of the second extended shielding plate 262 by welding. The third abutment spring arm 2681 and the fourth abutment spring arm 2682 are both cantilevered, that is, they each have a free end away from the second retaining portion 2680. When the second abutment spring 268 is abutted and deformed, the free end of the third abutment spring arm 2681 can move in the second groove 2625. The third support part 2683 is provided with a third fixing protrusion 2683a that is engaged in the second fixing groove 2636, and the fourth support part 2684 is provided with a fourth fixing protrusion 2684a that is engaged in the fourth fixing groove 2646.

[0152] In the embodiment illustrated in this invention, in order to save costs as much as possible, the first extended shielding plate 261 and the second extended shielding plate 262 may share a common part, the first connecting shielding plate 263 and the second connecting shielding plate 264 may share a common part, the first spring 265a and the third spring 266a may share a common part, the second spring 265b and the fourth spring 266b may share a common part, and the first abutting spring 267 and the second abutting spring 268 may share a common part.

[0153] Please combine Figures 11 to 22 As shown in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first spring arm 265a1 and the second spring arm 265a2 of the first spring piece 265a are arranged at intervals along the first direction A1-A1 to form two layers of grounding contact points. This improves the grounding shielding effect when the second backplane connector 200 mates with the first backplane connector 100. Similarly, the fifth spring arm 266a1 and the sixth spring arm 266a2 of the third spring piece 266a are arranged at intervals along the first direction A1-A1 to form two layers of grounding contact points. This also improves the grounding shielding effect when the second backplane connector 200 mates with the first backplane connector 100.

[0154] In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first spring piece 265a and the second spring piece 265b are fixed to the first connecting shield 263, the third spring piece 266a and the fourth spring piece 266b are fixed to the second connecting shield 264, the first abutting spring piece 267 is fixed to the first extending shield 261, and the second abutting spring piece 268 is fixed to the second extending shield 262. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the positions of the first spring piece 265a and the second spring piece 265b, the third spring piece 266a and the fourth spring piece 266b, the first abutting spring piece 267, and the second abutting spring piece 268 can also be interchanged. For example, the first spring piece 265a and the second spring piece 265b are fixed to the first extended shielding plate 261, the third spring piece 266a and the fourth spring piece 266b are fixed to the second extended shielding plate 262, the first abutting spring piece 267 is fixed to the first connecting shielding plate 263, and the second abutting spring piece 268 is fixed to the second connecting shielding plate 264.

[0155] During assembly, firstly, the first conductive terminal 22 is fixed to the insulating bracket 21, for example, the first conductive terminal 22 is embedded in the insulating bracket 21; then, the first metal shielding sheet 23 and the second metal shielding sheet 24 are respectively installed on both sides of the insulating bracket 21; at this time, the first extension 232 and the second extension 242 together wrap around the protrusion 219; then, the first shielding sleeve 25 is sleeved on the first extension 232 and the second extension 242, and the first abutment 2341, the first contact 221 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the third abutment 2441 are inserted into the first clamping groove 251; the second abutment 2342, the first contact 221 of the second grounding terminal G2 and the fourth abutment 2442 are inserted into the second clamping groove 252.

[0156] Then, the extended shielding housing assembly 26 is assembled into an integral part, and then assembled with the other parts of the first terminal module 2 to form the first terminal module 2.

[0157] Then, the first terminal module 2 is assembled with the first housing 1;

[0158] Then, the first retaining piece 31 and the second retaining piece 32 are mounted on the first terminal module 2;

[0159] Finally, the retaining block 4 is installed at the bottom of the first terminal module 2, and the first tail 222 of the first conductive terminal 22 extends downward through the retaining block 4 along the third direction A3-A3.

[0160] In the first embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the extended shielding housing assembly 26 is connected to the first metal shielding sheet 23, the second metal shielding sheet 24, the first grounding terminal G1, and the second grounding terminal G2 via the first shielding sleeve 25, thereby increasing the grounding shielding area and improving the quality of signal transmission.

[0161] In addition, by setting the extended shielding housing assembly 26 as a separate part, the present invention helps to reduce the design complexity of the first metal shielding sheet 23, the second metal shielding sheet 24, the first grounding terminal G1, and the second grounding terminal G2.

[0162] Please combine Figures 29 to 50 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second backplane connector 200 is a cable backplane connector, which includes a second housing 5, a plurality of second terminal modules 6 mounted on the second housing 5, and a second positioning pin 8 that positions the second terminal modules 6 in the second housing 5. The first terminal module 2 and / or the second terminal module 6 are both referred to as terminal modules.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second housing 5 is made of an insulating material and includes a second body portion 51, a first extension wall 52 extending from one end of the second body portion 51, and a second extension wall 53 extending from the second body portion 51 to the other end. The second body portion 51 has a plurality of second terminal module receiving slots 511 extending along a first direction A1-A1. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second terminal module receiving slots 511 are arranged in multiple rows along a second direction A2-A2. The first extension wall 52 includes a first extension wall portion 54 and a second extension wall portion 55 disposed opposite to each other. The second extension wall 53 has a receiving space 535 and a positioning groove 536 located on the inner side of the second extension wall 53. The receiving space 535 is used to at least partially receive the first backplane connector 100. The positioning groove 536 cooperates with the positioning protrusion 14 of the first backplane connector 100 to achieve positioning. The first extension wall portion 54 has a plurality of third slots 541 and a third slot 542 communicating with the third slots 541. The second extension wall 55 is provided with a plurality of fourth slots 551 and fourth slots 552 communicating with the fourth slots 551. The third slot 541 and the fourth slot 551 extend in a front-rear direction. The third slot 541 and the fourth slot 551, aligned with each other along a third direction A3-A3, are used to accommodate the corresponding second terminal module 6. The third slot 542 and the fourth slot 552 extend in a vertical direction, wherein the third slot 542 penetrates the first extension wall 54 vertically to communicate with the corresponding third slot 541; the fourth slot 552 penetrates the second extension wall 55 vertically to communicate with the corresponding fourth slot 551. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth slot 551 is T-shaped.

[0164] The second terminal module 6 includes a plurality of second cable modules 6a arranged at intervals along the vertical direction, a plurality of second shielding sleeves 65 sleeved on the second cable modules 6a, and a second fixing block 69 fixed to the plurality of second cable modules 6a and the second shielding sleeves 65. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing block 69 is made of insulating material and is overmolded onto the second cable modules 6a and the second shielding sleeves 65 to form a whole with the second cable modules 6a and the second shielding sleeves 65. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second fixing block 69 is embedded in the groove of the second cable module 6a during molding to increase the bonding force between the two. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the plurality of second cable modules 6a can also be fixed to the second fixing block 69 by assembly or other means, which will not be described in detail in this invention.

[0165] The second fixing block 69 includes a second base 690, a third positioning block 691 protruding upward from the top of the second base 690, and a fourth positioning block 692 protruding downward from the bottom of the second base 690. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third positioning block 691 is received in the third slot 541. The third positioning block 691 also has a third recess 6911 communicating with the third slot 542 in the vertical direction. The fourth positioning block 692 is T-shaped and is received in the fourth slot 551. The fourth positioning block 692 also has a fourth recess 6921 communicating with the fourth slot 552 in the vertical direction.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second positioning pin 8 includes a plurality of third pins 81 and a plurality of fourth pins 82. Both the third pins 81 and the fourth pins 82 are stamped from metal sheets. The plurality of third pins 81 can be individually disposed and installed separately in corresponding third slots 542 and third recesses 6911; the plurality of fourth pins 82 can be individually disposed and installed separately in corresponding fourth slots 552 and fourth recesses 6921. Of course, in other embodiments, the plurality of third pins 81 can also be connected into a whole by a third strip (not shown), and the plurality of fourth pins 82 can also be connected into a whole by a fourth strip (not shown). During assembly, the third pins 81 and the fourth pins 82 are respectively installed as a whole in the corresponding third slots 542 and third recesses 6911 and fourth slots 552 and fourth recesses 6921 to improve installation efficiency; after assembly, the third strip and the fourth strip can be removed or retained as needed. By securing the second terminal module 6 with the third pin 81 and the fourth pin 82, it is possible to prevent the second terminal module 6 from detaching from the second housing 5 in a direction opposite to its assembly direction. Furthermore, this design saves space because the third pin 81 and the fourth pin 82 can be concealed within the second housing 5, thus reducing the size of the second backplane connector 200 to some extent. It also reduces the likelihood that the third pin 81 and the fourth pin 82 will lose their limiting function due to improper external forces.

[0167] Each second cable module 6a includes an insulator 64, a second terminal module 60 mounted on the insulator 64, a second cable 67 electrically connected to the second terminal module 60, a second shielding clamp 68 holding the second cable 67, a second covering block 695 at least partially fixed to the second terminal module 60, the second shielding clamp 68, and the second cable 67, and a second shielding sleeve 65 at least partially sleeved on the insulator 64, the second terminal module 60, and the second covering block 695. The technical term "electrical connection" as used throughout this invention refers to either a contact connection or a non-contact connection, wherein a non-contact connection includes using a transition element to achieve the connection.

[0168] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second covering block 695 is made of insulating material and is overmolded onto the insulator 64, the second terminal module 60, the second shielding clamp 68 and the second cable 67 to form a whole.

[0169] The second terminal module 60 includes a second retaining block 601 and a plurality of second conductive terminals 62 fixed to the second retaining block 601. In one embodiment of the invention, the second conductive terminals 62 are inserted into the second retaining block 601. Of course, in other embodiments, the second conductive terminals 62 can also be fixed to the second retaining block 601 by assembly. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second retaining block 601 includes a second slot 6011, which extends circumferentially along the second retaining block 601.

[0170] Please combine Figures 47 to 50 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each set of second conductive terminals 62 includes a second contact portion 621, a second tail portion 622, and a second connecting portion 623 connecting the second contact portion 621 and the second tail portion 622. The second connecting portion 623 is at least partially fixed to the second retaining block 601. The second contact portion 621 extends forward beyond the second retaining block 601 to contact the first conductive terminal 22 of the first backplane connector 100. The second tail portion 622 extends rearward beyond the second retaining block 601 for electrical connection to the second cable 67.

[0171] In one embodiment of the present invention, each second terminal module 60 has two second conductive terminals 62, both of which are mating signal terminals. These two mating signal terminals form a pair of second differential signal terminals to improve the signal transmission rate.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second contact portion 621 of each second conductive terminal 62 has a two-half structure. Each second contact portion 621 of the second conductive terminal 62 includes a first elastic arm 6211, a second elastic arm 6212 opposite to the first elastic arm 6211, and a connecting wall portion 6213 connecting one side of the first elastic arm 6211 and one side of the second elastic arm 6212. The first elastic arm 6211 includes a first tail end portion 6211a connected to the second connecting portion 623 and a forward-extending first contact arm 6211b. The first contact arm 6211b has a first end portion 6211c located at its end. The second elastic arm 6212 includes a second tail end portion 6212a abutting against the first tail end portion 6211a and a forward-extending second contact arm 6212b. The second contact arm 6212b has a second end portion 6212c located at its end. Along the first direction A1-A1, the connecting wall portion 6213 is located between the first contact arm 6211b and the first tail end portion 6211a, and the connecting wall portion 6213 is located between the second contact arm 6212b and the second tail end portion 6212a.

[0173] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic arm 6211 and the second elastic arm 6212 are connected to each other only through the connecting wall portion 6213. In other words, the position on the second conductive terminal 62 opposite to the connecting wall portion 6213 is a slot 6214 formed between the first elastic arm 6211 and the second elastic arm 6212, thereby giving the first elastic arm 6211 and the second elastic arm 6212 better elastic deformation capability. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive terminal 62 includes a first clamping space 6210 located between the first elastic arm 6211 and the second elastic arm 6212 to accommodate the first contact portion 221 of the first differential signal terminal of the first backplane connector 100. The first end portion 6211c and the second end portion 6212c together form a flared shape to guide the first contact portion 221 of the first differential signal terminal into the first clamping space 6210.

[0174] Compared to existing technologies, the second conductive terminal 62 of the present invention features a second tail end 6212a that contacts the first tail end 6211a. Those skilled in the art will understand that when a signal is transmitted through the second elastic arm 6212, the signal can be transmitted via the following path: second elastic arm 6212 → second tail end 6212a → first tail end 6211a → second connecting portion 623 → second tail end 622 → second cable 67. In other words, when a signal is transmitted through the second elastic arm 6212, the signal does not necessarily have to pass through the connecting wall portion 6213 to reach the second cable 67, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency.

[0175] Please combine Figure 43 and Figure 44 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each insulator 64 has a first end face 641, a second end face 642 opposite to the first end face 641, and a terminal receiving hole 640 extending along a first direction A1-A1 through the first end face 641 and the second end face 642. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the insulator 64 is generally cuboid in shape, including a first sidewall 643 and a second sidewall 644 opposite to the first sidewall 643. The first sidewall 643 also has a plurality of first openings 6431 extending through the first sidewall 643 and communicating with the terminal receiving hole 640. The second sidewall 644 also has a plurality of second openings 6441 extending through the second sidewall 644 and communicating with the terminal receiving hole 640.

[0176] The second cable 67 includes a second core 671 for electrical connection to the second tail portion 622 of the second differential signal terminal, a second insulating layer 672 wrapped around the second core 671, and a second shielding layer 673 located outside the second insulating layer 672. In one embodiment of the invention, the second core 671 is welded to the second tail portion 622 of the second differential signal terminal. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the second shielding layer 673 is in contact with the second shielding clamp 68.

[0177] Please combine Figure 45 as well as Figure 46As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second shielding clamp 68 is made of metal and includes a third clamping portion 681 and a fourth clamping portion 682. The third clamping portion 681 and the fourth clamping portion 682 are clamped and fixed to the second cable 67, and both the third clamping portion 681 and the fourth clamping portion 682 are in contact with the second shielding layer 673. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second shielding layer 673 is clamped between the third clamping portion 681 and the fourth clamping portion 682.

[0178] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the second cable 67 can be a single-ground wire, double-ground wire, or no-ground wire cable as is available in the prior art. When the second cable 67 is a single-ground wire or double-ground wire cable, the ground wire is in contact with the second shielding clamp 68 to achieve grounding continuity. When the second cable 67 is a no-ground wire cable, the second cable 67 is provided with a shielding layer, which is in contact with the second shielding clamp 68 to achieve grounding continuity.

[0179] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third clamping plate portion 681 includes a third clamping portion 6810, a fifth protruding portion 6811 extending from the top end of the third clamping portion 6810, and a sixth protruding portion 6812 extending from the bottom end of the third clamping portion 6810. The third clamping portion 6810 has an arc-shaped third inner surface 6810a and a third opening 6810b penetrating the third clamping portion 6810.

[0180] The fourth clamping portion 682 includes a fourth clamping portion 6820, a seventh protrusion portion 6821 extending from the top end of the fourth clamping portion 6820, and an eighth protrusion portion 6822 extending from the bottom end of the fourth clamping portion 6820. The fourth clamping portion 6820 has an arc-shaped fourth inner surface 6820a and a fourth opening 6820b penetrating the fourth clamping portion 6820.

[0181] The third clamping part 6810 and the fourth clamping part 6820 together clamp the second cable 67. The third opening 6810b and the fourth opening 6820b can be filled with solder, thereby facilitating the welding of the second shielding plate 68 and the second shielding layer 673.

[0182] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fifth protruding portion 6811 and the seventh protruding portion 6821 abut against each other to form a third insert protrusion 6813; the sixth protruding portion 6812 and the eighth protruding portion 6822 abut against each other to form a fourth insert protrusion 6814. Both the third insert protrusion 6813 and the fourth insert protrusion 6814 are in contact with the second shielding sleeve 65.

[0183] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second covering block 695 is formed over the second terminal module 60, the second shielding clamp 68, and the second cable 67, so as to be integrated with the second terminal module 60, the second shielding clamp 68, and the second cable 67 into a whole. Specifically, the second covering block 695 is embedded in the second slot 6011 of the second retaining block 601 to improve the reliability of their connection. The third insertion tab 6813 and the fourth insertion tab 6814 extend upward and downward, respectively, protruding from the second covering block 695.

[0184] Please combine Figures 39 to 44 As shown, the second shielding sleeve 65 is at least partially fitted onto the insulator 64, the second terminal module 60, and the second covering block 695 to provide better shielding for the second conductive terminal 62. The second shielding sleeve 65 includes a shielding cavity 650, in which the insulator 64 and the second terminal module 60 are at least partially located.

[0185] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second shielding sleeve 65 includes a first shielding plate 651 and a second shielding plate 652, wherein the first shielding plate 651 and the second shielding plate 652 are assembled to form a surrounding shielding structure. Preferably, to save costs, the first shielding plate 651 and the second shielding plate 652 can share parts, that is, the first shielding plate 651 and the second shielding plate 652 are the same part with different installation angles.

[0186] The first shielding plate 651 includes a first rear end portion 6511 and a first shielding portion 6512 extending forward from the first rear end portion 6511. The side portion of the first rear end portion 6511 has a rearwardly penetrating first positioning recess 6511a, which engages with a first positioning protrusion 6951 of the second covering block 695. The top of the first rear end portion 6511 has a first recessed slot 6511b, and the bottom of the first rear end portion 6511 has a second recessed slot 6511c. The front end of the first shielding portion 6512 also has a rearwardly folding first folding piece 6512a, located inside the first shielding portion 6512. Furthermore, the first shielding portion 6512 also has a plurality of first openings 6512b penetrating the first shielding portion 6512, which correspond to the first opening 6431 of the insulator 64. The first end portion 6211c of the first contact arm 6211b is capable of elastic deformation in the first opening 6431 and the first opening portion 6512b.

[0187] Similarly, the second shielding plate 652 includes a second rear end portion 6521 and a second shielding portion 6522 extending forward from the second rear end portion 6521. The side portion of the second rear end portion 6521 has a rearwardly penetrating second positioning recess 6521a, which engages with the second positioning protrusion 6952 of the second covering block 695. The top of the second rear end portion 6521 has a third recessed slot 6521b, and the bottom of the second rear end portion 6521 has a fourth recessed slot 6521c. The front end of the second shielding portion 6522 also has a rearwardly folding second folding piece 6522a, located inside the second shielding portion 6522. Furthermore, the second shielding portion 6522 also has a plurality of second openings 6522b penetrating the second shielding portion 6522, which correspond to the second opening 6441 of the insulator 64. The second end portion 6212c of the second contact arm 6212b is capable of elastic deformation in the second opening 6441 and the second opening portion 6522b.

[0188] When the first shielding plate 651 and the second shielding plate 652 cooperate, the first shielding portion 6512 and the second shielding portion 6522 form a surrounding shielding cavity 650. The first recessed slot 6511b and the third recessed slot 6521b together form a third clamping groove 653 for receiving the third insertion protrusion 6813, and the second recessed slot 6511c and the fourth recessed slot 6521c together form a fourth clamping groove 654 for receiving the fourth insertion protrusion 6814. The first folding piece 6512a and the second folding piece 6522a are both exposed in the shielding cavity 650 to adjust the impedance, thereby reducing the amplitude of impedance changes and improving the quality of signal transmission.

[0189] During assembly, the second terminal module 60 is welded and fixed to the second cable 67; then, the second covering block 695 is formed on the second terminal module 60 and the second cable 67; then, the second terminal module 60 is at least partially inserted into the insulator 64, so that the first contact arm 6211b and the second contact arm 6212b of the second conductive terminal 62 are inserted into the corresponding terminal receiving hole 640; then, the first shielding plate 651 and the second shielding plate 652 are installed on the insulator 64 and the second covering block 695; the third insertion protrusion 6813 is located in the third clamping groove 653, and the fourth insertion protrusion 6814 is located in the fourth clamping groove 654, so that the second shielding clamp 68 contacts the second shielding sleeve 65 to improve the shielding effect; then, the second fixing block 69 is fixed to the second cable module 6a and the second shielding sleeve 65; finally, the second terminal module 6 and the second housing 5 are assembled and fixed by the second positioning pin 8.

[0190] Please combine Figure 1 as well as Figures 51 to 60As shown, when the first backplane connector 100 mates with the second backplane connector 200, the first backplane connector 100 is at least partially inserted into the receiving space 535 of the second backplane connector 200; the second shielding sleeve 65 is inserted into the shielding cavity 260. During the insertion of the second shielding sleeve 65 into the shielding cavity 260, the second shielding sleeve 65 first contacts the first spring arm 265a1 of the first spring piece 265a, the fifth spring arm 266a1 of the third spring piece 266a, the first abutting spring arm 2671 of the first abutting spring piece 267, and the third abutting spring arm 2681 of the second abutting spring piece 268 along the first direction A1-A1. As the second shielding sleeve 65 is further inserted, the second shielding sleeve 65 then contacts the second spring arm 265a2 of the first spring piece 265a, the sixth spring arm 266a2 of the third spring piece 266a, the second abutting spring arm 2672 of the first abutting spring piece 267, and the fourth abutting spring arm 2682 of the second abutting spring piece 268. With this configuration, the extended shielding housing assembly 26 provides two layers of grounding contact points along the first direction A1-A1. The first layer of grounding contact points includes the first spring arm 265a1 of the first spring piece 265a, the fifth spring arm 266a1 of the third spring piece 266a, the first abutting spring arm 2671 of the first abutting spring piece 267, and the third abutting spring arm 2681 of the second abutting spring piece 268. The second layer of grounding contact points includes the second spring arm 265a2 of the first spring piece 265a, the sixth spring arm 266a2 of the third spring piece 266a, the second abutting spring arm 2672 of the first abutting spring piece 267, and the fourth abutting spring arm 2682 of the second abutting spring piece 268. By configuring the above structure, when the second backplane connector 200 mates with the first backplane connector 100, it is beneficial to improve the grounding shielding effect and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0191] Please combine Figure 54 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the height of the first shielding sleeve 25 along the vertical direction is approximately the same as the height of the second shielding sleeve 65 along the vertical direction. When the second backplane connector 200 is mated with the first backplane connector 100, the first contact portion 221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first contact portion 221 of the second signal terminal S2 are respectively inserted into the first clamping space 6210 of the second conductive terminal 62 to achieve electrical conduction. When the second backplane connector 200 is mated with the first backplane connector 100, the second shielding sleeve 65 and the first shielding sleeve 25 do not contact each other along the first direction A1-A1.

[0192] Please combine Figures 61 to 68As shown, a first backplane connector 100 is disclosed in the second embodiment of the present invention for mounting on a circuit board 301.

[0193] Please combine Figure 62 As shown in the second embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 301 includes a plurality of first signal terminal mounting holes 3011, a plurality of second signal terminal mounting holes 3012, a plurality of first ground terminal mounting holes 3013, and a plurality of second ground terminal mounting holes 3014. In the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first signal terminal mounting holes 3011, a plurality of second signal terminal mounting holes 3012, a plurality of first ground terminal mounting holes 3013, and a plurality of second ground terminal mounting holes 3014 are arranged in a matrix, wherein adjacent first signal terminal mounting holes 3011 and second signal terminal mounting holes 3012 along the first direction A1-A1 form a group of signal differential pair terminal mounting holes, and each end of each group of signal differential pair terminal mounting holes is provided with a first ground terminal mounting hole 3013 and a second ground terminal mounting hole 3014, respectively, to improve the quality of signal transmission. In the embodiment illustrated in this invention, the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011, the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012, the first grounding terminal mounting hole 3013, and the second grounding terminal mounting hole 3014 are all conductive holes, meaning that a conductive material is formed on the inner wall of the hole. When the tail of the conductive terminal comes into contact with the conductive material, it can form an electrical connection with the circuit board 301. The shape, size, and whether the conductive hole penetrates the circuit board 301 can be flexibly designed as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further on these aspects.

[0194] The first backplane connector 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first housing 1, a plurality of first terminal modules 2 mounted on the first housing 1, a plurality of retaining pieces 3 that hold the plurality of first terminal modules 2 together, and retaining blocks 4 that hold the plurality of first terminal modules 2 at their bottom ends.

[0195] The first backplane connector 100 in the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as the first backplane connector 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention. For the parts that are the same or corresponding, please refer to the description of the first backplane connector 100 in the first embodiment. The following only describes the main differences between the two.

[0196] In a second embodiment of the first backplane connector 100 of the present invention, each set of first conductive terminals 22 includes a first contact portion 221, a first tail portion 222, and a first connecting portion 223 connecting the first contact portion 221 and the first tail portion 222. The first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 are both provided with fisheye holes, so that they have a certain elastic deformation capability, so that the first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 can be inserted into the first grounding terminal mounting hole 3013 along the installation direction (third direction A3-A3), and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 can be inserted into the second grounding terminal mounting hole 3014 along the installation direction.

[0197] The first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 includes a first serpentine portion 2221 and a first terminal portion 2222 that extends further from the first serpentine portion 2221 along the mounting direction.

[0198] Similarly, the first tail portion 222 of the second signal terminal S2 includes a second serpentine portion 2223 and a second terminal portion 2224 that extends further from the second serpentine portion 2223 along the mounting direction.

[0199] In a second embodiment of the first backplane connector 100 of the present invention, the first backplane connector 100 further includes a mounting block 2225 fixed on the first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second signal terminal S2, so as to form the first differential signal terminal into a whole.

[0200] Please combine Figures 66 to 68 As shown, the first serpentine portion 2221 includes a plurality of interconnected first units 2221a, second units 2221b, and third units 2221c. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first unit 2221a, the second unit 2221b, and the third unit 2221c are all H-shaped.

[0201] The first unit 2221a includes a first crossbeam portion 2221a1, a first longitudinal beam portion 2221a2 located at one end of the first crossbeam portion 2221a1, and a second longitudinal beam portion 2221a3 located at the other end of the first crossbeam portion 2221a1. The two ends of the first longitudinal beam portion 2221a2 and the second longitudinal beam portion 2221a3 extend upward and downward respectively, protruding from the first crossbeam portion 2221a1 along the installation direction. In other words, the first unit 2221a includes a first U-shaped recess 2221a4 located at the upper part of the first crossbeam portion 2221a1 and a second U-shaped recess 2221a5 located at the lower part of the first crossbeam portion 2221a1.

[0202] Similarly, the second unit 2221b includes a second crossbeam portion 2221b1, a third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2 located at one end of the second crossbeam portion 2221b1, and a fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3 located at the other end of the second crossbeam portion 2221b1. The two ends of the third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2 and the fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3 extend upward and downward respectively, protruding from the second crossbeam portion 2221b1 along the installation direction. In other words, the second unit 2221b includes a U-shaped third recess 2221b4 located at the upper part of the second crossbeam portion 2221b1 and a U-shaped fourth recess 2221b5 located at the lower part of the second crossbeam portion 2221b1.

[0203] The third unit 2221c includes a third crossbeam portion 2221c1, a fifth longitudinal beam portion 2221c2 located at one end of the third crossbeam portion 2221c1, and a sixth longitudinal beam portion 2221c3 located at the other end of the third crossbeam portion 2221c1. The ends of the fifth longitudinal beam portion 2221c2 and the sixth longitudinal beam portion 2221c3 extend upward and downward from the third crossbeam portion 2221c1 respectively along the installation direction. In other words, the third unit 2221c includes a U-shaped fifth recess 2221c4 located at the upper part of the third crossbeam portion 2221c1 and a U-shaped sixth recess 2221c5 located at the lower part of the third crossbeam portion 2221c1.

[0204] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first crossbeam portion 2221a1, the second crossbeam portion 2221b1, and the third crossbeam portion 2221c1 are arranged sequentially along the installation direction; the first longitudinal beam portion 2221a2, the third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2, and the fifth longitudinal beam portion 2221c2 are arranged sequentially along the installation direction; the second longitudinal beam portion 2221a3, the fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3, and the sixth longitudinal beam portion 2221c3 are arranged sequentially along the installation direction. The second longitudinal beam portion 2221a3 is connected to the fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3, the third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2 is connected to the fifth longitudinal beam portion 2221c2, the second recess 2221a5 is connected to the third recess 2221b4, and the fourth recess 2221b5 is connected to the fifth recess 2221c4. When the first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 is not mounted on the circuit board 301, the first serpentine portion 2221 includes a first slit 2221d1 located between the first longitudinal beam portion 2221a2 and the third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2, and a second slit 2221d2 located between the fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3 and the sixth longitudinal beam portion 2221c3. The first slit 2221d1 and the second slit 2221d2 are arranged sequentially along the mounting direction and are staggered along the mounting direction.

[0205] The second serpentine portion 2223 is arranged symmetrically with the first serpentine portion 2221 (for example, symmetrically arranged left and right), which will not be described in detail in this invention.

[0206] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the first terminal portion 2222 and the second terminal portion 2224 are triangular and solid. When the first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second signal terminal S2 are respectively installed in the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011 and the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012 along the mounting direction, the first terminal portion 2222 and the second terminal portion 2224 are at least partially inserted into the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011 and the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012 along the mounting direction to achieve electrical connection with the circuit board 301. Because the lengths of the first terminal portion 2222 and the second terminal portion 2224 are relatively short, during the process of the first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second signal terminal S2 being installed in the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011 and the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012 respectively along the mounting direction, the first serpentine portion 2221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second serpentine portion 2223 of the second signal terminal S2 are subjected to the reaction force of the circuit board 301 and undergo a certain elastic compression along the mounting direction, and the positive force is controlled to avoid the first serpentine portion 2221 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second serpentine portion 2223 of the second signal terminal S2 being over-compressed. Preferably, the first slit 2221d1 and the second slit 2221d2 are zero, that is, the first longitudinal beam portion 2221a2 and the third longitudinal beam portion 2221b2 are in contact with each other along the mounting direction, and the fourth longitudinal beam portion 2221b3 and the sixth longitudinal beam portion 2221c3 are in contact with each other along the mounting direction, so as to reduce the signal flow path. With this configuration, when the first tail portion 222 of the first signal terminal S1 is transmitting a signal, the signal can be transmitted through the following parallel paths:

[0207] Path 1: First longitudinal beam 2221a2 → Third longitudinal beam 2221b2 → Fifth longitudinal beam 2221c2 → ... → First end part 2222 → Circuit board 301;

[0208] Path 2: Second longitudinal beam 2221a3 → Fourth longitudinal beam 2221b3 → Sixth longitudinal beam 2221c3 → ... → First terminal section 2222 → Circuit board 301.

[0209] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 both extend downward beyond the first tip portion 2222 and the second tip portion 2224. Although the first terminal portion 2222 and the second terminal portion 2224 are relatively short and inelastic, the first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 are relatively long and elastic. When the first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 are respectively inserted into the first grounding terminal mounting hole 3013 and the second grounding terminal mounting hole 3014, the first tail portion 222 of the first grounding terminal G1 and the first tail portion 222 of the second grounding terminal G2 are respectively press-fitted with the first grounding terminal mounting hole 3013 and the second grounding terminal mounting hole 3014. The resulting interference force can keep the first terminal portion 2222 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second terminal portion 2224 of the second signal terminal S2 in the first signal terminal mounting hole 3011 and the second signal terminal mounting hole 3012, respectively. Meanwhile, the first terminal portion 2222 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second terminal portion 2224 of the second signal terminal S2 can be designed to be shorter in order to reduce installation difficulty and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0210] Please combine Figures 69 to 78 As shown in the illustration, a backplane connector assembly is disclosed in the third embodiment of the present invention, which includes a first backplane connector 100 and a second backplane connector 200 that mates with the first backplane connector 100. In the third embodiment of the present invention, both the first backplane connector 100 and the second backplane connector 200 are cable backplane connectors. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the first backplane connector 100 and the second backplane connector 200 are inserted along a first direction A1-A1 (mating direction) to achieve signal transmission. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the first direction A1-A1 is the front-to-back direction.

[0211] The first backplane connector 100 includes a first housing 1, a plurality of first terminal modules 2 mounted on the first housing 1, and a first positioning pin 3 for positioning the first terminal modules 2 in the first housing 1. For simplicity, in the first backplane connector 100 of the third embodiment of the present invention and the first backplane connector 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding features. Furthermore, the second backplane connector 200 of the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the second backplane connector 200 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and will not be described again here.

[0212] Please refer to Figures 70 to 72 As shown in the third embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first housing 1 is made of insulating material and includes a first body portion 11, a first wall portion 12 extending rearward from one end (e.g., the upper end) of the first body portion 11, and a second wall portion 13 extending rearward from the other opposite end (e.g., the lower end) of the first body portion 11. The first body portion 11 has a mating surface 111 and a plurality of terminal receiving slots 112 penetrating the mating surface 111. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the terminal receiving slots 112 are arranged in multiple rows along a third direction A3-A3. The first wall portion 12 has a plurality of first slots 121 and a first slot 123 communicating with the first slots 121. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first slot 123 communicates with the first slots 121, and the first slot 123 penetrates the first wall portion 12 in a vertical direction. The second wall portion 13 has a plurality of second slots 131 and a second slot 133 communicating with the second slots 131. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second slot 133 is connected to the second slot 131, and the second slot 133 extends through the second wall portion 13 in the vertical direction. The first slot 121 and the second slot 131 extend along the first direction A1-A1. The first slot 121 and the second slot 131, which are aligned with each other in the vertical direction, are used together to accommodate the corresponding first terminal module 2.

[0213] Please combine Figure 72 As shown, the first housing 1 is further provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions 14 extending forward from the first wall portion 12 and the second wall portion 13 respectively and protruding from the mating surface 111. The positioning protrusions 14 are provided with guide ramps 141 at their ends. The positioning protrusions 14 are configured to be inserted into the positioning grooves 536 of the second backplate connector 200.

[0214] Each first terminal module 2 includes a plurality of first cable modules 2a arranged at intervals along a third direction A3-A3, a plurality of first shielding sleeves 25 sleeved on the first cable modules 2a, a first fixing block 29 fixed to the plurality of first cable modules 2a and the first shielding sleeves 25, and an extended shielding shell assembly 26 cooperating with the first shielding sleeves 25. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing block 29 is made of insulating material and is overmolded onto the plurality of first cable modules 2a and the plurality of first shielding sleeves 25 to form a whole with the plurality of first cable modules 2a and the plurality of first shielding sleeves 25. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first fixing block 29 is embedded in the groove of the first cable module 2a during molding to increase the bonding force between the two. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the plurality of first cable modules 2a can also be fixed to the first fixing block 29 by assembly or other means, which will not be described in detail in the present invention.

[0215] The first fixing block 29 includes a first base 290, a first positioning block 291 protruding upward from the top of the first base 290, and a second positioning block 292 protruding downward from the bottom of the first base 290. The first positioning block 291 is inserted into the first slot 121. The first positioning block 291 has a first recess 2911 communicating with the first slot 123 in a vertical direction. The second positioning block 292 is inserted into the second slot 131. The second positioning block 292 has a second recess 2921 communicating with the second slot 133 in a vertical direction.

[0216] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning pin 3 includes a plurality of first pins 31 and a plurality of second pins 32. Both the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are stamped from metal sheets. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first pins 31 can be individually disposed and installed separately in corresponding first slots 123 and first recesses 2911; the plurality of second pins 32 can be individually disposed and installed separately in corresponding second slots 133 and second recesses 2921. Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first pins 31 can also be connected into a whole by a first strip (not shown), and the plurality of second pins 32 can also be connected into a whole by a second strip (not shown); during assembly, the first pins 31 and the second pins 32 are respectively installed as a whole in the corresponding first slots 123 and first recesses 2911 and second slots 133 and second recesses 2921 to improve installation efficiency; after assembly, the first strip and the second strip can be removed or retained according to actual needs. By using the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 to fix the first terminal module 2, it is possible to prevent the first terminal module 2 from detaching from the first housing 1 in a direction opposite to its assembly direction. Furthermore, this design saves space because the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 can be hidden within the first housing 1, thus reducing the size of the first backplate connector 100 to some extent. It also reduces the probability that the first pin 31 and the second pin 32 will lose their limiting function due to improper external forces.

[0217] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each first cable module 2a includes a first terminal module 20, a plurality of first cables 27 connected to the first terminal module 20, a first shielding clamp 28 cooperating with the first cables 27, and a first covering block 295 at least partially fixed to the first terminal module 20, the first shielding clamp 28 and the first cables 27.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal module 20 includes a first retaining block 201 and a plurality of first conductive terminals 22 fixed to the first retaining block 201. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining block 201 is made of an insulating material, and the first conductive terminals 22 are inserted-molded into the first retaining block 201. Of course, in other embodiments, the first conductive terminals 22 can also be fixed to the first retaining block 201 by assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining block 201 includes a first slot 2011, which extends circumferentially along the first retaining block 201.

[0219] Each set of first conductive terminals 22 includes a first contact portion 221, a first tail portion 222, and a first connecting portion 223 connecting the first contact portion 221 and the first tail portion 222. The first connecting portion 223 is fixed to the first retaining block 201. The first contact portion 221 is needle-shaped and protrudes forward from the first retaining block 201 for engaging with the second backplane connector 200. The first tail portion 222 extends rearward and protrudes from the first retaining block 201 for electrical connection with the first cable 27. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first conductive terminal 22 is generally straight and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0220] In one embodiment of the present invention, each first terminal module 20 includes a first signal terminal S1 and a second signal terminal S2, wherein the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 form a first differential signal pair to improve the signal transmission rate. The first cable 27 includes a first core 271 for electrical connection to a first tail portion 222 of the first differential signal terminal, a first insulating layer 272 wrapped around the first core 271, and a first shielding layer 273 located outside the first insulating layer 272. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first core 271 is welded to the first tail portion 222 of the first differential signal terminal. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first shielding layer 273 is in contact with the first shielding clamp 28.

[0221] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding clamp 28 is made of metal and includes a first clamping portion 281 and a second clamping portion 282. The first clamping portion 281 and the second clamping portion 282 are clamped and fixed to the first cable 27, and both the first clamping portion 281 and the second clamping portion 282 are in contact with the first shielding layer 273. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding layer 273 is clamped between the first clamping portion 281 and the second clamping portion 282.

[0222] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the first cable 27 can be a single-ground wire, double-ground wire, or no-ground wire cable as in the prior art. When the first cable 27 is a single-ground wire or double-ground wire cable, the ground wire is in contact with the first shielding clamp 28 to achieve grounding conduction. When the first cable 27 is a no-ground wire cable, the first cable 27 is provided with a shielding layer, and the shielding layer is in contact with the first shielding clamp 28 to achieve grounding conduction.

[0223] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first clamping plate portion 281 includes a first clamping portion 2810, a first protrusion portion 2811 extending from the top end of the first clamping portion 2810, and a second protrusion portion 2812 extending from the bottom end of the first clamping portion 2810. The first clamping portion 2810 has an arc-shaped first inner surface 2810a and a first opening 2810b penetrating the first clamping portion 2810.

[0224] The second clamping plate portion 282 includes a second clamping portion 2820, a third protrusion portion 2821 extending from the top end of the second clamping portion 2820, and a fourth protrusion portion 2822 extending from the bottom end of the second clamping portion 2820. The second clamping portion 2820 has an arc-shaped second inner surface 2820a and a second opening 2820b penetrating the second clamping portion 2820.

[0225] The first clamping part 2810 and the second clamping part 2820 together clamp the first cable 27. The first opening 2810b and the second opening 2820b can be filled with solder, thereby facilitating the welding of the first shielding plate 28 and the first shielding layer 273.

[0226] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first protruding tab 2811 and the third protruding tab 2821 abut against each other to form a first inserting tab 2813; the second protruding tab 2812 and the fourth protruding tab 2822 abut against each other to form a second inserting tab 2814. Both the first inserting tab 2813 and the second inserting tab 2814 are in contact with the first shielding sleeve 25.

[0227] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first covering block 295 is formed over the first terminal module 20, the first shielding clamp 28, and the first cable 27, so as to be integrated with the first terminal module 20, the first shielding clamp 28, and the first cable 27 into a whole. Specifically, the first covering block 295 is embedded in the first slot 2011 of the first retaining block 201 to improve the reliability of the connection between the two. The first insertion tab 2813 and the second insertion tab 2814 extend upward and downward, respectively, protruding from the first covering block 295.

[0228] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding sleeve 25 includes a cylindrical portion 257 at least partially sleeved on the first covering block 295 and a sleeve portion 258 connected to the cylindrical portion 257. The sleeve portion 258 includes a first clamping groove 251 and a second clamping groove 252. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first clamping groove 251 is used to allow the first insertion protrusion 2813 to be inserted, and the clamping groove 252 is used to allow the second insertion protrusion 2814 to be inserted.

[0229] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first shielding layer 273 is in contact with the first shielding clamp 28, and the first shielding clamp 28 is in contact with the first shielding sleeve 25. With this arrangement, the first shielding layer 273, the first shielding clamp 28, and the first shielding sleeve 25 form a grounding shielding structure connected in series, thereby improving the quality of signal transmission.

[0230] The extended shielding housing assembly 26 of the first backplane connector 100 in the third embodiment of the present invention is exactly the same as the extended shielding housing assembly 26 of the first backplane connector 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention, and will not be described again here. Those skilled in the art will understand that designing the extended shielding housing assembly 26 in the form of the present invention allows for the sharing of parts as much as possible, regardless of whether the first backplane connector 100 is the board-end backplane connector in the first embodiment or the cable backplane connector in the third embodiment.

[0231] 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 terminal module, characterized in that, include: Insulator; A second terminal module is disposed on the insulator; as well as The second cable is electrically connected to the second terminal module; The second terminal module includes a second retaining block and a plurality of second conductive terminals fixed to the second retaining block; each second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion, a second tail portion and a second connecting portion connecting the second contact portion and the second tail portion; Each second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion comprising a first elastic arm, a second elastic arm opposite to the first elastic arm, and a connecting wall portion connecting one side of the first elastic arm and one side of the second elastic arm. The first elastic arm includes a first tail end connected to the second connecting portion and a first contact arm extending along a first direction; The second elastic arm includes a second tail end that abuts against the first tail end and a second contact arm that extends along a first direction; Wherein, along the first direction, the connecting wall portion is located between the first contact arm and the first tail end portion, and the connecting wall portion is located between the second contact arm and the second tail end portion.

2. The terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each second conductive terminal has a second contact portion including a first clamping space located between the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm, the first clamping space being configured to receive the first conductive terminal of the first backplane connector.

3. The terminal module as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first contact arm has a first end portion at its end, and the second contact arm has a second end portion at its end. The first end portion and the second end portion together form a funnel shape to guide the first conductive terminal into the first clamping space.

4. The terminal module as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The insulator has a first end face, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and a terminal receiving hole that penetrates the first end face and the second end face along the first direction. The second contact portion of the second conductive terminal is received in the terminal receiving hole. The insulator includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The first sidewall is further provided with a first opening through the first sidewall, and the second sidewall is further provided with a second opening through the second sidewall. The first end portion of the first contact arm is configured to be elastically deformable in the first opening, and the second end portion of the second contact arm is configured to be elastically deformable in the second opening.

5. The terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are connected to each other only through the connecting wall portion.

6. The terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each second conductive terminal has a slot formed between the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm at a position directly opposite to the connecting wall portion.

7. The terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second conductive terminal of the second terminal module is embedded in the second retaining block, and the second connection portion is at least partially fixed in the second retaining block.

8. The terminal module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal module includes a second shielding sleeve that is at least partially fitted onto the insulator. The second shielding sleeve includes a shielding cavity, and the insulator is at least partially located in the shielding cavity.

9. The terminal module as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The second shielding sleeve includes a first shielding plate and a second shielding plate, wherein the first shielding plate and the second shielding plate are assembled to form a shielding structure that surrounds the entire perimeter.

10. A connector, characterized in that, include: Second shell; as well as A terminal module, wherein the terminal module is as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the terminal module is mounted on the second housing.

Images