Connector assembly and connector component

Abstract

The connector assembly (2) is provided with a substrate mounting connector (5), a plurality of third terminals (18) arranged between the first terminal (14) and the second terminal (16) in the first direction along the first direction; and a first shield member (20) provided around the first terminal (14), wherein the first terminal (14) and the second terminal (16) are disposed separately in the first direction, and the third terminals (18) are arranged between the first terminal (14) and the second terminal (16) in the first direction. And a second shield member (22) provided around the second terminal (16). The board-mounted connector is mounted on a board (4). A first connector (8) having a fourth terminal (38) fitted to the first terminal (14); and a second connector (10) having a fifth terminal (44) fitted to the second terminal (16) and capable of further connecting a third connector (12) having a plurality of sixth terminals (86) fitted to the plurality of third terminals (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector assemblies and connector components. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a connector assembly was disclosed in which other connectors were connected to a connector mounted on a substrate (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-102462

[0004] The connector assembly in Patent Document 1 can be said to have room for improvement in terms of design freedom related to the signal transmission path. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide connector assemblies and connector components that enable greater design freedom related to signal transmission paths.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the connector assembly disclosed herein comprises: a substrate mounting connector mounted on a substrate, having a first terminal and a second terminal spaced apart and individually disposed in a first direction, a plurality of third terminals arranged along the first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal, a first shielding member disposed around the first terminal, and a second shielding member disposed around the second terminal; a first connector having a fourth terminal engaging with the first terminal; and a second connector having a fifth terminal engaging with the second terminal, and capable of further connecting a third connector having a plurality of sixth terminals engaging with the plurality of third terminals.

[0007] Additionally, the connector component of this disclosure includes: a first connector having a fourth terminal that engages with a separate first terminal of a substrate mounting connector located inside a first shielding member; and a second connector having a fifth terminal that engages with a separate second terminal of the substrate mounting connector located inside a second shielding member, and a third connector that can be further configured to have a plurality of sixth terminals that contact a plurality of third terminals arranged along a first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal of the substrate mounting connector.

[0008] The connector assembly and connector components disclosed herein enable increased design freedom related to signal transmission paths. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly according to the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2This is a top view showing the connector component of the connector assembly in an enlarged embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the steps of connecting a connector to other connectors to construct a connector assembly on a substrate in an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating the steps of connecting a connector to other connectors to construct a connector assembly on a substrate in an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the steps of connecting a connector to other connectors to construct a connector assembly on a substrate in an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the substrate mounting connector in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a top view of the substrate mounting connector according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the substrate mounting connector according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting components of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting components of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a bottom view showing the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting components of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a side view showing the state of the connecting parts before the first coaxial cable is held in place, according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a side view showing the state after the connecting parts of the embodiment have held the first coaxial cable.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a side view showing the state of the connecting parts before the second coaxial cable is held in place, according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a side view showing the state after the connecting parts of the embodiment have held the second coaxial cable.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting components are combined with the third connector in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a bottom view showing the state in which the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting parts are combined with the third connector in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0027] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a substrate mounting connector mounted on a substrate, having a first terminal and a second terminal spaced apart and individually disposed in a first direction, a plurality of third terminals arranged along the first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal, a first shielding member disposed around the first terminal, and a second shielding member disposed around the second terminal; a first connector having a fourth terminal engaging with the first terminal; and a second connector having a fifth terminal engaging with the second terminal, and capable of further connecting a third connector having a plurality of sixth terminals engaging with the plurality of third terminals.

[0028] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a connector component as described in the first aspect is provided, wherein the first connector further comprises a first coaxial cable electrically connected to the fourth terminal, and the second connector further comprises a second coaxial cable electrically connected to the fifth terminal.

[0029] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the connector component described in the first or second aspect is provided, and further includes a connecting component for connecting the first connector and the second connector.

[0030] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component as described in the third aspect is provided, wherein the third connector overlaps the connecting component and is connected to the substrate mounting connector.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component described in the third aspect is provided, wherein the connecting component has a first retaining portion for retaining the first connector, a second retaining portion for retaining the second connector, and a connecting portion extending in the first direction to connect the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

[0032] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component as described in the fifth aspect is provided, wherein the connecting portion is located in a recessed position relative to the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion, thereby forming a recess, and the third connector is detachably disposed in the recess.

[0033] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, a connector component as described in the fifth or sixth aspect is provided, wherein the connecting portion has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are spaced apart in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and forms an opening surrounded by the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the first retaining portion, and the second retaining portion, and the third connector is connected to the substrate mounting connector via the opening.

[0034] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component described in any one of the first to seventh aspects is provided, wherein the third connector has a flexible substrate electrically connected to the sixth terminal.

[0035] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component described in any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided, wherein the substrate mounting connector further has a retaining portion for maintaining the insulation of the plurality of the third terminals.

[0036] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component described in any one of the first to ninth aspects is provided, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are millimeter-wave terminals for transmitting millimeter-wave signals.

[0037] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the connector component described in the tenth aspect is provided, and further includes the third connector that is connected to the aforementioned substrate mounting connector.

[0038] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component as described in the eleventh aspect is provided, wherein the third terminal is a signal terminal or a power terminal, and the signal terminal transmits a signal with a frequency lower than that of the signals transmitted by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0039] According to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, a connector component is provided, comprising: a first connector having a fourth terminal that engages with a separate first terminal of a substrate mounting connector located inside a first shielding member; and a second connector having a fifth terminal that engages with a separate second terminal of the substrate mounting connector located inside a second shielding member, and a third connector that can be further configured to have a plurality of sixth terminals that contact a plurality of third terminals arranged along a first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal of the substrate mounting connector.

[0040] According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, the connector component described in the thirteenth aspect is provided, and further includes the third connector that is connected to the aforementioned substrate mounting connector.

[0041] (Implementation Method)

[0042] The embodiments involved in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the connector component 6 of the connector assembly 2 in an enlarged embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1 , Figure 2 The connector assembly 2 shown includes a substrate mounting connector 5 mounted on a substrate 4, and a connector component 6 connected to the substrate mounting connector 5. The connector assembly 2 is formed by connecting the substrate mounting connector 5 and the connector component 6.

[0045] In the following description, the width direction of connector assembly 2 is defined as the X direction, the length direction of connector assembly 2 is defined as the Y direction, and the height direction of connector assembly 2 is defined as the Z direction.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the connector component 6 includes a first connector 8, a second connector 10, and a third connector 12.

[0047] Connectors 8, 10, and 12 each have terminals (contact terminals) for connection, and are respectively inserted into and electrically connected to the terminals of the mounting connector 5 on the substrate.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 each have a coaxial cable, serving as a transmission path for transmitting high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves. This is useful for applications such as 5G when transmitting millimeter wave signals. The third connector 12 has a flexible substrate, serving as a transmission path for signals with frequencies lower than those transmitted by the first connector 8 and the second connector 10, or as a power transmission path.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 are connected via... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The connecting parts 46 shown are interconnected and integrally formed. The third connector 12 is separate from the first connector 8 and the second connector 10.

[0050] Figures 3-5 This is a perspective view showing the steps of mounting connector 5 on substrate 4 and connecting connectors 8, 10, and 12 to construct connector assembly 2.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, firstly, two connectors 8 and 10 are connected to the substrate mounting connector 5. Specifically, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 are lowered toward the substrate mounting connector 5 in the Z direction (arrows Z1 and Z2). While the fourth terminal 38 of the first connector 8 is engaged with the first terminal 14 of the substrate mounting connector 5, the fifth terminal 44 of the second connector 10 is engaged with the second terminal 16 of the substrate mounting connector 5.

[0052] As described above, the two connectors 8 and 10 can be connected by the connecting part 46 and operated as a whole, and can be connected approximately simultaneously with respect to the substrate mounting connector 5.

[0053] Next, connector 5 is mounted on the substrate to connect to the third connector 12. Specifically, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, with the substrate mounting connector 5 connected to two connectors 8 and 10, the third connector is lowered towards the substrate mounting connector 5 in the Z direction (arrow Z3). An opening 68 is formed in the connecting member 46, allowing the sixth terminal 86 of the third connector 12 to engage with the third terminal 18 of the substrate mounting connector 5 exposed through the opening 68. This constructs... Figure 5 Connector assembly 2 is shown.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the third connector 12 covers the connecting component 46 and connectors 8 and 10 from above and connects to the substrate mounting connector 5. Thus, in Figure 5 In the connector assembly 2 shown, the third connector 12 can be individually plugged in and out. According to this configuration, it is possible to select a mode in which only two of the three connectors 8, 10, and 12 are connected to the substrate mounting connector 5 (e.g., a mode for transmitting only high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves), and a mode such as... Figure 5 The diagram shows the way the three connectors 8, 10, and 12 are connected to the substrate mounting connector 5 (e.g., for transmitting high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves and other signals, including power).

[0055] The ability to choose between two signal transmission paths increases the design freedom related to signal transmission paths.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, a recess 70 is provided on the connecting member 46 adjacent to the opening 68. A flexible substrate 84 of the third connector 12 is detachably disposed in the recess 70. Compared to coaxial cables, the flexible substrate 84 is easier to miniaturize and reduce its footprint. By disposing the flexible substrate 84 in the recess 70, it is possible to further reduce its footprint in the Z direction. Figure 5 The connector assembly 2 shown is low-profile.

[0057] Based on the above configuration, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 use coaxial cables to transmit high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves, thereby improving electrical characteristics. The third connector 12 uses a flexible substrate 84, which is easier to achieve in terms of low backlighting and miniaturization compared to coaxial cables, and can be appropriately used, for example, for transmitting signals where signal loss is not a significant problem.

[0058] The following describes the constituent elements of connector assembly 2.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the substrate mounting connector 5. Figure 7 This is a top view of the substrate mounting connector 5. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the substrate mounting connector 5.

[0060] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the substrate mounting connector 5 has a shape extending in the X direction (first direction) and includes a first terminal 14, a second terminal 16, and a third terminal 18 as three types of terminals. All three types of terminals 14, 16, and 18 are mounted on a substrate 4 (not shown).

[0061] The first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 are separate terminals that are arranged independently by being spaced apart in the X direction. Only one of each of the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 is provided, and they are referred to as "separate" terminals. The fourth terminal 38, which engages with the first terminal 14, is also a separate terminal, and the fifth terminal 44, which engages with the second terminal 16, is also a separate terminal.

[0062] The third terminal 18 is one of the multiple terminals disposed in the X direction between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16. A connector with multiple terminals may also be called a "multi-pole connector".

[0063] exist Figures 6-8 In the example shown, three third terminals 18 are arranged in each of the X directions, and two columns are arranged in the Y direction, for a total of six. The number of columns for the third terminals 18 is not limited to two; it can be one column or more than three columns. The number of terminals in each column is not limited to three; as long as there are two or more, the number can be arbitrary. That is, multiple third terminals 18 are arranged along the X-axis direction (first direction) between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16. By arranging multiple third terminals 18 in a single column, a higher level of robustness can be achieved compared to individually arranged first terminals 14 and second terminals 16.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 are each configured as female terminals. The female terminals have recesses through which they are engaged. On the other hand, the third terminal 18 is configured as male terminals. The male terminals have protrusions through which they are engaged. This is not a limitation; terminals 14, 16, and 18 can be either male or female terminals.

[0065] By providing multiple third terminals 18 between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 to ensure the distance between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16, interference that may occur when high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves flow through can be effectively suppressed.

[0066] The substrate mounting connector 5 also includes a first shielding component 20 and a second shielding component 22.

[0067] The first shielding component 20 is disposed around the first terminal 14 to provide electrical protection for the individual first terminal 14, and the second shielding component 22 is disposed around the second terminal 16 to provide electrical protection for the individual second terminal 16. Both shielding components 20 and 22 are made of conductive material and function as grounding terminals when mounted on the substrate 4.

[0068] By providing shielding components 20 and 22, which serve as grounding terminals, around the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16, interference that may occur when transmitting high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] In this embodiment, the shielding components 20 and 22 each have an annular shape, such as... Figure 8 The diagram shows openings 26 and 28 that are closed in the XY plane. The shape is not limited to annular; it can also be partially interrupted.

[0070] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, multiple third terminals 18 are disposed on the outside of shielding components 20 and 22. No dedicated shielding component is provided around the third terminals 18 through which signals with lower frequencies than the high-frequency signals flowing through the first terminals 14 and the second terminals 16 pass.

[0071] The substrate mounting connector 5 also has an insulator 24.

[0072] Insulator 24 is a component that maintains the insulation of terminals 14, 16, 18 and shielding components 20, 22.

[0073] The insulator 24 has a first holding portion 24A for holding a single first terminal 14, a second holding portion 24B for holding a single second terminal 16, and a third holding portion 24C for holding a plurality of third terminals 18.

[0074] The retaining parts 24A, 24B, and 24C each have a groove for retaining and positioning each terminal.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the insulator 24 is an integral component including a first retaining part 24A, a second retaining part 24B, and a third retaining part 24C, and is made of a material such as resin that has electrical insulation properties.

[0076] Figures 9-11 These are perspective views, top views, and bottom views of the first connector 8, the second connector 10, and the connecting component 46, respectively.

[0077] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the first connector 8 has a first coaxial cable 30, and the second connector 10 has a second coaxial cable 32. Both coaxial cables 30 and 32 are integrally held by the connecting component 46.

[0078] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the first coaxial cable 30 has a center conductor 34 protruding towards the front end. The center conductor 34 connects to the aforementioned fourth terminal 38 via a conductive connecting portion 35 and an extension portion 36. Figure 3 Electrical connection. The connecting part 35, the extension part 36 and the fourth terminal 38 are held by the insulator of the connecting member 46.

[0079] The second coaxial cable 32 has a center conductor 40 protruding towards the front end. The center conductor 40 connects to the aforementioned fifth terminal 44 via a conductive connecting portion 41 and an extension portion 42. Figure 3 Electrical connection. The connecting part 41, the extension part 42 and the fifth terminal 44 are held by the insulator of the connecting member 46.

[0080] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the connecting component 46 has crimped joints 48, 50, and 52 as parts for joining with the first coaxial cable 30, and also has crimped joints 54, 56, and 58. Figure 11 ), as a part for joining with the second coaxial cable 32.

[0081] Crimped joints 48, 50, and 52 are crimped around the first coaxial cable 30 and joined by using clamps (not shown). Similarly, crimped joints 54, 56, and 58 are crimped around the second coaxial cable 32 and joined by using clamps (not shown).

[0082] Figure 12 , Figure 13 These are side views showing the front and rear states of the connecting component 46 holding the first coaxial cable 30.

[0083] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the first crimp joint 48 is joined to the outer sheath 72 of the first coaxial cable 30, the second crimp joint 50 is joined to the outer conductor 74 of the first coaxial cable 30, and the third crimp joint 52 is joined to the insulator 76 of the first coaxial cable 30.

[0084] The connecting member 46, which is continuously formed with the crimped joint 50 and the external conductor 74, is at the same potential (e.g., ground potential) as the external conductor 74. On the other hand, the fourth terminal 38, which is held by the insulator of the connecting member 46, and the portions (connecting portion 35, extension portion 36) continuously formed therewith, are at the same potential (e.g., the potential of a high-frequency signal) as the center conductor 34 of the first coaxial cable 30.

[0085] Figure 14 , Figure 15 These are side views showing the front and rear states of the connecting component 46 holding the second coaxial cable 32.

[0086] like Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the fourth crimp joint 54 is joined to the outer sheath 78 of the second coaxial cable 32, the fifth crimp joint 56 is joined to the outer conductor 80 of the second coaxial cable 32, and the sixth crimp joint 58 is joined to the insulator 82 of the second coaxial cable 32.

[0087] The connecting member 46, which is continuously formed with the crimped joint 56, is joined to the external conductor 80, thereby making the conductive portion of the connecting member 46 at the same potential (e.g., ground potential) as the external conductor 80. On the other hand, the fifth terminal 44, which is held by the insulator of the connecting member 46, and the portions (connecting portion 41, extension portion 42) continuously formed therewith, are at the same potential (e.g., the potential of a high-frequency signal) as the center conductor 40 of the second coaxial cable 32.

[0088] If the connecting member 46 of this embodiment is connected to the substrate mounting connector 5 described above ( Figure 4 , Figure 5 When connected, the portions formed continuously with the crimped joints 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58 come into contact with the shielding components 20 and 22. Since the shielding components 20 and 22 are mounted on the substrate 4 as grounding terminals, the outer conductors 74 and 80 of the coaxial cables 30 and 32 also become grounded via the connecting component 46.

[0089] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the connecting component 46 has a first contact portion 67 and a second contact portion 69, which are the portions that contact the shielding components 20 and 22.

[0090] The first contact portion 67 is the portion that contacts the first shielding member 20, and the second contact portion 69 is the portion that contacts the second shielding member 22. Both contact portions 67 and 69 have a shape that protrudes downward toward the substrate mounting connector 5, and in this embodiment, contact portions 67 and 69 are formed continuously to each other.

[0091] The connecting member 46 also has a first retaining part 60, a second retaining part 62, a first connecting part 64, and a second connecting part 66.

[0092] The first retaining portion 60 is the part that retains the components (connecting portion 35, extension portion 36, and fourth terminal 38) of the first connector 8 that are connected to the first coaxial cable 30. The first retaining portion 60 has an outer conductive portion and an inner insulator, and the first connector 8 is retained by the inner insulator. In this embodiment, a first contact portion 67 is provided protruding below the first retaining portion 60.

[0093] The second retaining portion 62 is the part that retains the components (connecting portion 41, extension portion 42, and fifth terminal 44) of the second connector 10 that are connected to the second coaxial cable 32. The second retaining portion 62 has an outer conductive portion and an inner insulator, and the second connector 10 is retained by the inner insulator. In this embodiment, a second contact portion 69 is provided protruding below the second retaining portion 62.

[0094] The retaining parts 60 and 62 are spaced apart in the X direction and extend along the Y direction respectively.

[0095] The first connecting portion 64 and the second connecting portion 66 are respectively portions that extend in the X direction to connect the first retaining portion 60 and the second retaining portion 62. By providing the connecting portions 64 and 66, the first retaining portion 60 of the first connector 8 and the second retaining portion 62 of the second connector 10 are integrated, enabling the two connectors 8 and 10 to be operated as a single unit.

[0096] The connecting portions 64 and 66 are spaced apart in the Y direction and extend along the X direction respectively. In the Y direction, the first connecting portion 64 is located closer to the coaxial cables 30 and 32 than the second connecting portion 66.

[0097] An opening 68 is formed by two retaining portions 60 and 62 and two connecting portions 64 and 66. The opening 68 serves as a connection point for the sixth terminal 86 of the aforementioned third connector 12. Figure 4 The gap where the third terminal 18 of the substrate mounting connector 5 is fitted is utilized.

[0098] exist Figures 9-11In the example shown, the diagram illustrates a closed opening 68 in the XY plane, but this is not a limitation. For example, the second connecting portion 66 could be omitted, and the opening could be a slit or space open on one side. On the other hand, by providing a second connecting portion 66 in addition to the first connecting portion 64 to form a closed opening 68, the shielding function of the connecting member 46 with ground potential is improved.

[0099] like Figure 9 As shown, the first connecting portion 64 is recessed in the Z direction relative to the two adjacent retaining portions 60, 62, forming a recess 70. The recess 70 is used to lower the back of the connector assembly 2 so as to accommodate the aforementioned third connector 12.

[0100] Figure 16 , Figure 17 These are a perspective view and a bottom view showing the state in which the third connector 12 is combined with the two connectors 8 and 10 and the connecting part 46.

[0101] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown, the third connector 12 has a flexible substrate 84 and a plurality of sixth terminals 86. Figure 17 The sixth terminal 86 is configured to correspond to the third terminal 18, and a total of six are provided. The sixth terminal 86 is the same as the third terminal 18, and multiple terminals can be arranged along the X-axis direction (first direction).

[0102] A plurality of sixth terminals 86 are inserted into the opening 68 of the connecting member 46, and a flexible substrate 84 is detachably disposed in the recess 70 of the connecting member 46.

[0103] Based on the above configuration, the third connector 12 can be plugged in and unplugged independently while the two connectors 8 and 10 are connected to the substrate mounting connector 5. Therefore, it is possible to select between a configuration where two connectors 8 and 10 are connected to the substrate mounting connector 5, and a configuration where three connectors 8, 10, and 12 are connected. This increases the design freedom related to the signal transmission path.

[0104] In particular, in this embodiment, multiple third terminals 18 of the third connector 12, which can be individually plugged in and out, are arranged in a row, resulting in higher rigidity compared to the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16, thus increasing the number of plugging and unplugging cycles that the third connector 12 can guarantee. For example, the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 can be plugged and unplugged 30 times, while the third terminal 18 can be plugged and unplugged 100 times. In contrast, when the first connector, the second connector, and the third connector are integrated and the third connector cannot be plugged and unplugged individually, the number of plugging and unplugging cycles that can be guaranteed as a whole connector is limited to 30 times. The connector assembly 2 of this embodiment is excellent in that it can increase the number of plugging and unplugging cycles of the third connector 12.

[0105] (Function, effect)

[0106] As described above, the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment includes: a substrate mounting connector 5, mounted on a substrate 4, having a first terminal 14 and a second terminal 16 spaced apart and individually arranged in the X direction (first direction), a plurality of third terminals 18 arranged along the X direction between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16, a first shielding member 20 disposed around the first terminal 14, and a second shielding member 22 disposed around the second terminal 16; a first connector 8, having a fourth terminal 38 that engages with the first terminal 14; and a second connector 10, having a fifth terminal 44 that engages with the second terminal 16, and capable of further connecting a third connector 12 having a plurality of sixth terminals 86 that engage with the plurality of third terminals 18.

[0107] With this configuration, the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 located inside the shielding components 20 and 22 can transmit high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves. Furthermore, by placing a third terminal 18 between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 to create a gap, interference between the high-frequency signals can be suppressed. Since a third connector 12 can be further connected in addition to the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 corresponding to high-frequency signals, it is possible to select a signal for a different purpose than the signal transmitting the high-frequency signal (e.g., a signal terminal or a power terminal), thereby increasing the design freedom related to the signal transmission path.

[0108] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the first connector 8 also has a first coaxial cable 30 electrically connected to the fourth terminal 38, and the second connector 10 also has a second coaxial cable 32 electrically connected to the fifth terminal 44. With this configuration, high-frequency signals such as millimeter waves are transmitted through the coaxial cables 30 and 32, thereby improving the electrical characteristics.

[0109] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, a connecting member 46 is also provided to connect the first connector 8 and the second connector 10. With this configuration, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 can be treated as a single unit by means of the connecting member 46, thereby improving the workability when the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 are fitted with the substrate mounting connector 5.

[0110] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the third connector 12 overlaps the connecting member 46 and is connected to the substrate mounting connector 5. With this configuration, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 can remain engaged with the substrate mounting connector 5, allowing the third connector 12 to be inserted and removed independently. Since the third connector 12 has multiple third terminals 18 arranged along the X direction, it offers higher rigidity compared to the individually provided first terminals 14 and second terminals 16, enabling an increase in the guaranteed number of insertions and removals.

[0111] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the connecting member 46 has a first retaining portion 60 for retaining the first connector 8, a second retaining portion 62 for retaining the second connector 10, and connecting portions 64 and 66 extending in the X direction (first direction) to connect the first retaining portion 60 and the second retaining portion 62. With this configuration, the first connector 8 and the second connector 10 can be integrated with a simple structure.

[0112] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the connecting portion 64 is located in a recessed position relative to the first retaining portion 60 and the second retaining portion 62, thereby forming a recess 70 with the connecting member 46, and the third connector 12 is detachably disposed in the recess 70. According to this configuration, by disposing the third connector 12 in the recess 70, the connector assembly 2 can be made to have a lower profile.

[0113] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the connecting portions 64 and 66 have a first connecting portion 64 and a second connecting portion 66 spaced apart in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the X direction (first direction), forming an opening 68 surrounded by the first connecting portion 64, the second connecting portion 66, the first retaining portion 60, and the second retaining portion 62. The third connector 12 is connected to the substrate mounting connector 5 via the opening 68. With this configuration, by dividing the connecting portions 64 and 66 into two parts and forming the opening 68 through the two connecting portions 64 and 66 and the two retaining portions 60 and 62, the shielding and strength can be improved.

[0114] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the third connector 12 has a flexible substrate 84 electrically connected to the sixth terminal 86. With this configuration, the flexible substrate 84 of the third connector 12 can be easily miniaturized and made lower in profile compared to the coaxial cables 30 and 32, and can be appropriately used for applications where signal loss (such as digital signals) is not a significant problem.

[0115] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the substrate mounting connector 5 also has an insulator 24 (third retaining portion 24C) that holds a plurality of third terminals 18. With this configuration, the mechanical strength of the connector assembly 2 can be improved by the plurality of third terminals 18 and the third retaining portion 24C.

[0116] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 are millimeter-wave terminals for transmitting millimeter-wave signals. This configuration is useful for applications such as 5G.

[0117] Furthermore, the connector assembly 2 in this embodiment also includes a third connector 12 that connects to the substrate mounting connector 5. With this configuration, the third connector 12 enables the transmission of signals in a frequency band different from the frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave) targeted by the first connector 8 and the second connector 10.

[0118] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 2 of the embodiment, the third terminal 18 is a signal terminal or a power terminal for transmitting signals with a frequency lower than that of the signals transmitted by the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16. With this configuration, by connecting the third connector 12, the third terminal 18 can be used as a signal terminal or a power terminal for transmitting signals with a lower frequency.

[0119] Additionally, the connector component 6 of the embodiment includes: a first connector 8 having a separate fourth terminal 38 that engages with a first terminal 14 of a substrate mounting connector 5 located inside a first shielding member 20 mounted on a substrate 4; and a second connector 10 having a fifth terminal 44 that engages with a separate second terminal 16 of a substrate mounting connector 5 located inside a second shielding member 22; and a third connector 12 that can be further configured to have a plurality of sixth terminals 86 that contact a plurality of third terminals 18 arranged along the X direction (first direction) between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 16 of the substrate mounting connector 5.

[0120] With this configuration, since the third connector 12 can be further configured, it is possible to select the method of transmitting signals for different purposes (such as signal terminals or power terminals) than the first connector 8 and the second connector 10, thereby increasing the design freedom related to the signal transmission path.

[0121] Furthermore, the connector component 6 in this embodiment also includes a third connector 12 that connects to the substrate mounting connector 5. With this configuration, the application of the transmission path is expanded.

[0122] The present disclosure has been described above by listing the above embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0123] While this disclosure describes preferred embodiments extensively with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included therein, provided they do not depart from the scope of this disclosure based on the additional technical solutions. Furthermore, variations in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment can be achieved without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0124] This disclosure applies to any connector assembly and connector component.

[0125] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0126] 2…connector assembly, 4…substrate, 5…substrate mounting connector, 6…connector component, 8…first connector, 10…second connector, 12…third connector, 14…first terminal, 16…second terminal, 18…third terminal, 20…first shielding component, 22…second shielding component, 38…fourth terminal, 44…fifth terminal, 86…sixth terminal.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, wherein, have: A substrate mounting connector, mounted on a substrate, has a first terminal and a second terminal spaced apart and individually arranged in a first direction, a plurality of third terminals arranged along the first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal, a first shielding member disposed around the first terminal, and a second shielding member disposed around the second terminal. The first connector has a fourth terminal that engages with the first terminal described above; as well as The second connector has a fifth terminal that engages with the aforementioned second terminal. It can further connect to a third connector having a plurality of sixth terminals that engage with a plurality of the aforementioned third terminals.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector also includes a first coaxial cable electrically connected to the fourth terminal. The second connector also has a second coaxial cable that is electrically connected to the fifth terminal.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a connecting component for connecting the first connector and the second connector.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The third connector overlaps the connecting component and is connected to the substrate mounting connector.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting member has a first retaining portion for retaining the first connector, a second retaining portion for retaining the second connector, and a connecting portion extending in the first direction to connect the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting portion is located in a recessed position relative to the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion, thereby forming a recess in the connecting member. The aforementioned third connector is detachably disposed in the aforementioned recess.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The aforementioned connecting portion has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion that are spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, forming an opening surrounded by the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the first holding portion, and the second holding portion. The third connector is connected to the substrate mounting connector via the opening.

8. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The third connector described above has a flexible substrate that is electrically connected to the sixth terminal described above.

9. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The aforementioned substrate mounting connector also has an insulator that holds multiple of the aforementioned third terminals.

10. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first terminal and the second terminal mentioned above are millimeter wave terminals for transmitting millimeter wave signals.

11. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, It also includes the aforementioned third connector that connects to the aforementioned substrate mounting connector.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein, The third terminal is a signal terminal or a power terminal, and the signal terminal transmits signals with a lower frequency than the signals transmitted by the first terminal and the second terminal.

13. A connector component, wherein, have: The first connector has a fourth terminal that engages with a separate first terminal of the substrate mounting connector located inside the first shielding member. as well as The second connector has a fifth terminal that engages with a separate second terminal of the aforementioned substrate mounting connector located inside the second shielding member. The third connector can be further configured to have a plurality of sixth terminals that contact a plurality of third terminals arranged along a first direction between the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector mounted on the substrate.

14. The connector component according to claim 13, wherein, It also includes the aforementioned third connector that connects to the aforementioned substrate mounting connector.

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