Electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a first ground sheet and a first terminal module. The insulating body is provided with a receiving slot configured to receive a mating module. The first ground sheet is provided on the insulating body. The first terminal module includes a plurality of first signal terminals and a first ground sheet. The first ground sheet is provided with a first base, a plurality of first ground terminals extending from the first base and a first ground protrusion extending from the first base. The first signal terminals and the first ground terminals are each provided with a first elastic arm. The first elastic arm is provided with a first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot. The first contact portion is configured to electrically contact the mating module. The first ground protrusion is in contact with the first ground sheet. Compared with the prior art, the electrical connector with an improved ground structure is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector, belonging to the field of connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors in related technologies typically include an insulating body, several conductive terminals, and a grounding shield. The conductive terminals include several signal terminals and several grounding terminals. The grounding shield is usually in contact with the grounding terminals to improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0003] However, as the requirements for output transmission quality continue to increase, there is still room for improvement in the grounding effect of related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with an improved grounding structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an electrical connector, comprising:

[0006] An insulating body, the insulating body having a receiving slot configured to receive a docking module, the receiving slot extending along a first direction;

[0007] A first ground plate, the first ground plate being disposed on the insulating body; and

[0008] A first terminal module includes a plurality of first signal terminals and a first grounding plate. The first grounding plate has a first base, a plurality of first grounding terminals extending from the first base, and a first grounding protrusion. Both the first signal terminals and the first grounding terminals have a first elastic arm. The first elastic arm has a first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot. The first contact portion is configured to make electrical contact with the docking module.

[0009] The first grounding protrusion is in contact with the first grounding plate.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first terminal module includes a plurality of first cables, which are connected to the first signal terminal.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first terminal module includes a first grounding shield, the first grounding shield including a first shielding portion that at least partially covers the first cable, a first abutting portion extending from one side of the first shielding portion and a second abutting portion extending from the other side of the first shielding portion, the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion being configured to contact one side of the first grounding sheet.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first terminal module includes a second grounding shield, the second grounding shield includes a first protruding part and a second protruding part, and both the first protruding part and the second protruding part are configured to contact the other side of the first grounding sheet.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first terminal module includes a first insulating block, the first insulating block being at least partially fixed to the first signal terminal, the first grounding plate and the first grounding shielding plate; the first elastic arm extends out of the first insulating block, and the first grounding protrusion protrudes out of the first insulating block.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first grounding protrusion protrudes from the first insulating block along the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second grounding shield is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes, and the first insulating block is provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions, wherein at least part of the first positioning protrusions are inserted into the first positioning holes.

[0016] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the plurality of first signal terminals include a first differential signal terminal and a second differential signal terminal, the first differential signal terminal and the second differential signal terminal are arranged adjacent to each other and form a first differential pair; a first grounding terminal is provided on both sides of the first differential pair and at a position adjacent to the first differential pair.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector further includes a second terminal module, the second terminal module including a plurality of second signal terminals and a second grounding plate, the second grounding plate having a second base, a plurality of second grounding terminals extending from the second base, and a second grounding protrusion; both the second signal terminals and the second grounding terminals have a second elastic arm, the second elastic arm having a second contact portion protruding into the receiving slot, the second contact portion being configured to make electrical contact with the mating module;

[0018] The second grounding protrusion contacts the first grounding plate.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second terminal module includes a plurality of second cables, which are connected to the second signal terminal.

[0020] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second terminal module includes a third grounding shield, the third grounding shield including a second shielding portion that at least partially covers the second cable, a third abutting portion extending from one side of the second shielding portion, and a fourth abutting portion extending from the other side of the second shielding portion, the third abutting portion and the fourth abutting portion being configured to contact one side of the second grounding sheet.

[0021] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second terminal module includes a fourth grounding shield, the fourth grounding shield including a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, both of which are configured to contact the other side of the second grounding sheet.

[0022] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second terminal module includes a second insulating block, the second insulating block being at least partially fixed to the second signal terminal, the second grounding plate and the third grounding shielding plate; the second elastic arm extends out of the second insulating block, and the second grounding protrusion protrudes out of the second insulating block.

[0023] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the second grounding protrusion protrudes from the second insulating block along the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fourth grounding shield is provided with a plurality of second positioning holes, and the second insulating block is provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions, wherein at least part of the second positioning protrusions are inserted into the second positioning holes.

[0025] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the plurality of second signal terminals include a third differential signal terminal and a fourth differential signal terminal, the third differential signal terminal and the fourth differential signal terminal are arranged adjacent to each other and form a second differential pair; a second grounding terminal is provided on both sides of the second differential pair and at a position adjacent to the second differential pair.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector further includes a first ground plane located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module, wherein the second ground shield is in contact with one side of the first ground plane, and the fourth ground shield is in contact with the other side of the first ground plane.

[0027] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first grounding protrusion includes a first straight portion, a first inclined portion, a second inclined portion, a connecting portion connecting the first straight portion and the first inclined portion, and an arc-shaped portion connecting the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion. The first straight portion and the first inclined portion have a first included angle of 45°, and the first straight portion and the second inclined portion have a second included angle of 45°. The arc-shaped portion is provided with an arc-shaped surface that abuts against the first grounding plate.

[0028] Compared to existing technologies, the electrical connector of the present invention includes a first grounding plate, and the first grounding plate has a first grounding protrusion that contacts the first grounding plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides an electrical connector with an improved grounding structure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the present invention in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded view, in which the insulating body is separated;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Further partial exploded view;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first terminal module, the second terminal module, and the first ground plane assembled together;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle;

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A partial exploded perspective view, wherein the first terminal module, the second terminal module, and the first ground plane are separated from each other;

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Further partial exploded view;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another perspective of a partially exploded 3D view;

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the first signal terminal, the first cable, the first grounding plate, the first grounding shield, and the second grounding shield.

[0042] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0043] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the second signal terminal, the second cable, the second grounding plate, the third grounding shield, and the fourth grounding shield.

[0044] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0045] Figure 17 This is a 3D exploded view of the third module;

[0046] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view;

[0047] Figure 19 It is along Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross section of the middle BB line;

[0048] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A magnified view of part C within the middle frame;

[0049] Figure 21 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the DD line. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 to 21 As shown, the present invention discloses an electrical connector 100, which includes an insulating body 1, a plurality of ground plates mounted on the insulating body 1, a first module M1 mounted on the insulating body 1, a second module M2 mounted on the insulating body 1, and a third module M3 mounted on the insulating body 1.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the insulating body 1 includes a mating surface 11, a rear end surface 12 opposite to the mating surface 11 along a first direction A1-A1, a mounting surface 13 for mounting on a circuit board (not shown), and a top surface 14 opposite to the mounting surface 13 along a third direction A3-A3. The first direction A1-A1 (e.g., front-to-back direction) is perpendicular to the third direction A3-A3 (e.g., vertical direction).

[0055] The insulating body 1 has a receiving slot 110 that penetrates the mating surface 11 and is configured to receive a mating module (not shown). The receiving slot 110 extends along the first direction A1-A1. The insulating body 1 has a first receiving cavity 121 that penetrates the rear end face 12 along the first direction A1-A1, a second receiving cavity 122 that penetrates the rear end face 12 along the first direction A1-A1, and a third receiving cavity 123 that penetrates the rear end face 12 along the first direction A1-A1. The third receiving cavity 123 is located between the first receiving cavity 121 and the second receiving cavity 122 along the second direction A2-A2 (e.g., left-right direction). The third third direction A3-A3 is perpendicular to the first direction A1-A1 and the second direction A2-A2. The first receiving cavity 121, the second receiving cavity 122, and the third receiving cavity 123 are all connected to the receiving slot 110.

[0056] The insulating body 1 further includes a first mounting groove 131 penetrating the mounting surface 13, a second mounting groove 132 penetrating the mounting surface 13, and a third mounting groove 133 penetrating the mounting surface 13. The third mounting groove 133 is located between the first mounting groove 131 and the second mounting groove 132 along the second direction A2-A2. The insulating body 1 also includes a first recess 141 penetrating the top surface 14 and communicating with the first mounting groove 131, and a second recess 142 penetrating the top surface 14 and communicating with the second mounting groove 132. The third mounting groove 133 communicates with the third receiving cavity 123 along the third direction A3-A3.

[0057] The grounding plate includes a first grounding plate 151 and a second grounding plate 152, wherein the first grounding plate 151 is received in the first mounting groove 131 and the first recess 141, and the second grounding plate 152 is received in the second mounting groove 132 and the second recess 142. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding plate 151 includes a first plate portion 1511 received in the first mounting groove 131, a first bent portion 1512 formed by bending the first plate portion 1511, and a first mounting foot 1513 extending from the first plate portion 1511. The first bent portion 1512 is received in the first recess 141 and abuts against the insulating body 1. The second grounding plate 152 includes a second plate portion 1521 received in the second mounting groove 132, a second bent portion 1522 formed by bending the second plate portion 1521, and a second mounting foot 1523 extending from the second plate portion 1521. The second bent portion 1522 is received in the second recess 142 and abuts against the insulating body 1. Both the first mounting foot 1513 and the second mounting foot 1523 extend out of the mounting surface 13 for mounting on the circuit board. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first mounting foot 1513 and the second mounting foot 1523 are staggered along the second direction A2-A2.

[0058] The first module M1 includes a first terminal module TM1, a second terminal module TM2, and a first ground plane 21 located between the first terminal module TM1 and the second terminal module TM2.

[0059] The first terminal module TM1 includes several first signal terminals 3a, a first grounding plate 4a, a first grounding shielding plate 5a, a second grounding shielding plate 6a, several first cables 7a, and a first insulating block 8a.

[0060] The first grounding plate 4a has a first base 4a1, a plurality of first grounding terminals 4a2 extending from the first base 4a1, a first grounding protrusion 4a3 extending from one side of the first base 4a1, and a third grounding protrusion 4a4 extending from the other side of the first base 4a1. Both the first signal terminal 3a and the first grounding terminal 4a2 have a first elastic arm 3a1, and the first elastic arm 3a1 has a first contact portion 3a11 protruding into the receiving slot 110. The first contact portion 3a11 is configured to make electrical contact with the docking module.

[0061] The plurality of first signal terminals 3a include a first differential signal terminal S1 and a second differential signal terminal S2. The first differential signal terminal S1 and the second differential signal terminal S2 are arranged adjacent to each other and form a first differential pair DP1 to improve the signal transmission rate. A first ground terminal 4a2 is provided on both sides of the first differential pair DP1 and at a position adjacent to the first differential pair DP1 to improve the signal transmission quality.

[0062] Each first cable 7a includes a first core 7a1, a second core 7a2, a first insulating portion 7a3 wrapped around the first core 7a1, a second insulating portion 7a4 wrapped around the second core 7a2, a first shielding layer 7a5 wrapped around the first insulating portion 7a3 and the second insulating portion 7a4, and a first insulating sheath 7a6 located outside the first shielding layer 7a5. The first core 7a1 is electrically connected to the first differential signal terminal S1 (e.g., soldered), and the second core 7a2 is electrically connected to the second differential signal terminal S2 (e.g., soldered).

[0063] The first grounding shield 5a includes a first shielding portion 5a0 that at least partially covers the first cable 7a, a first abutting portion 5a1 extending from one side of the first shielding portion 5a0, a second abutting portion 5a2 extending from the other side of the first shielding portion 5a0, a first protruding portion 5a3 extending forward from the first abutting portion 5a1, and a second protruding portion 5a4 extending forward from the second abutting portion 5a2.

[0064] Both the first abutting portion 5a1 and the second abutting portion 5a2 are configured to contact one side of the first base portion 4a1. The first protruding portion 5a3 and the second protruding portion 5a4 are configured to contact one side of the corresponding first grounding terminal 4a2.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first shielding portion 5a0 is raised to contact the first shielding layer 7a5 of the first cable 7a.

[0066] The second grounding shield 6a includes a first body portion 6a0, a plurality of first protruding strips 6a1 integrally stamped from the first body portion 6a0, a plurality of second protruding strips 6a2 integrally stamped from the first body portion 6a0, a first bent portion 6a3 bent from one end of the first body portion 6a0, and a second bent portion 6a4 bent from the other end of the first body portion 6a0. The plurality of first protruding strips 6a1 are spaced apart along the first direction A1-A1, and the plurality of second protruding strips 6a2 are spaced apart along the first direction A1-A1 to form multi-point contact with the corresponding first grounding terminal 4a2. The first protruding strips 6a1 and the second protruding strips 6a2 are configured to contact the other side of the corresponding first grounding terminal 4a2.

[0067] The first insulating block 8a is at least partially fixed to the first signal terminal 3a, the first grounding plate 4a, and the first grounding shield 5a. The number of first insulating blocks 8a can be one or more. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first insulating block 8a is formed on the first signal terminal 3a, the first grounding plate 4a, and the first grounding shield 5a to form a single unit. The first elastic arms 3a1 of the first signal terminal 3a and the first grounding terminal 4a2 both extend beyond the first insulating block 8a. The first grounding protrusion 4a3 and the third grounding protrusion 4a4 both protrude laterally from the first insulating block 8a along the second direction A2-A2. The first grounding protrusion 4a3 contacts the first grounding plate 151.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second grounding shield 6a is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes 6a01, and the first insulating block 8a is provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions 8a1, wherein the first positioning protrusions 8a1 are at least partially inserted into the first positioning holes 6a01. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning protrusions 8a1 can also increase their bonding force with the second grounding shield 6a by means of heat fusion or the like.

[0069] Specifically, please combine Figure 19 as well as Figure 20As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first grounding protrusion 4a3 is bent laterally outward and then bent inward. Specifically, the first grounding protrusion 4a3 includes a first straight portion 4a31, a first inclined portion 4a32, a second inclined portion 4a33, a first connecting portion 4a34 connecting the first straight portion 4a31 and the first inclined portion 4a32, and a first arc-shaped portion 4a35 connecting the first inclined portion 4a32 and the second inclined portion 4a33. The first straight portion 4a31 and the first inclined portion 4a32 have a first included angle α1 of 45°, and the first straight portion 4a31 and the second inclined portion 4a33 have a second included angle α2 of 45°. The first arc-shaped portion 4a35 is provided with a first arc-shaped surface 4a36 that abuts against the first plate portion 1511 of the first grounding plate 151.

[0070] Similarly, the second terminal module TM2 includes several second signal terminals 3b, a second grounding plate 4b, a third grounding shield 5b, a fourth grounding shield 6b, several second cables 7b, and a second insulating block 8b.

[0071] The second grounding plate 4b has a second base 4b1, a plurality of second grounding terminals 4b2 extending from the second base 4b1, a second grounding protrusion 4b3 extending from one side of the second base 4b1, and a fourth grounding protrusion 4b4 extending from the other side of the second base 4b1. Both the second signal terminal 3b and the second grounding terminal 4b2 have a second elastic arm 3b1, which has a second contact portion 3b11 protruding into the receiving slot 110. The second contact portion 3b11 is configured to make electrical contact with the docking module. The first elastic arm 3a1 and the second elastic arm 3b1 are located on both sides of the receiving slot 110 along the third direction A3-A3, respectively, to jointly clamp the docking module, thereby improving docking reliability.

[0072] The plurality of second signal terminals 3b include a third differential signal terminal S3 and a fourth differential signal terminal S4. The third differential signal terminal S3 and the fourth differential signal terminal S4 are arranged adjacent to each other and form a second differential pair DP2 to improve the signal transmission rate. A second ground terminal 4b2 is provided on both sides of the second differential pair DP2 and at a position adjacent to the second differential pair DP2 to improve the signal transmission quality.

[0073] Each second cable 7b includes a third core 7b1, a fourth core 7b2, a third insulating portion 7b3 wrapped around the third core 7b1, a fourth insulating portion 7b4 wrapped around the fourth core 7b2, a second shielding layer 7b5 wrapped around the third insulating portion 7b3 and the fourth insulating portion 7b4, and a second insulating sheath 7b6 located outside the second shielding layer 7b5. The third core 7b1 is electrically connected (e.g., soldered) to the third differential signal terminal S3, and the fourth core 7b2 is electrically connected (e.g., soldered) to the fourth differential signal terminal S4.

[0074] The third grounding shield 5b includes a second shielding portion 5b0 that at least partially covers the second cable 7b, a third abutting portion 5b1 extending from one side of the second shielding portion 5b0, a fourth abutting portion 5b2 extending from the other side of the second shielding portion 5b0, a third protruding portion 5b3 extending forward from the third abutting portion 5b1, and a fourth protruding portion 5b4 extending forward from the fourth abutting portion 5b2.

[0075] The third abutment portion 5b1 and the fourth abutment portion 5b2 are both configured to contact one side of the second base portion 4b1. The third protruding portion 5b3 and the fourth protruding portion 5b4 are configured to contact one side of the corresponding second grounding terminal 4b2.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second shielding portion 5b0 is recessed to contact the second shielding layer 7b5 of the second cable 7b.

[0077] The fourth grounding shield 6b includes a second body portion 6b0, a plurality of third protruding strips 6b1 integrally stamped from the second body portion 6b0, a plurality of fourth protruding strips 6b2 integrally stamped from the second body portion 6b0, a third bent portion 6b3 bent from one end of the second body portion 6b0, and a fourth bent portion 6b4 bent from the other end of the second body portion 6b0. The plurality of third protruding strips 6b1 are spaced apart along the first direction A1-A1, and the plurality of fourth protruding strips 6b2 are spaced apart along the first direction A1-A1 to form multi-point contact with the corresponding second grounding terminal 4b2. The third protruding strips 6b1 and the fourth protruding strips 6b2 are configured to contact the other side of the corresponding second grounding terminal 4b2.

[0078] The second insulating block 8b is at least partially fixed to the second signal terminal 3b, the second grounding plate 4b, and the third grounding shield 5b. The number of second insulating blocks 8b can be one or more. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second insulating block 8b is formed on the second signal terminal 3b, the second grounding plate 4b, and the third grounding shield 5b to form a single unit. The second elastic arms 3b1 of both the second signal terminal 3b and the second grounding terminal 4b2 extend beyond the second insulating block 8b. The second grounding protrusion 4b3 and the fourth grounding protrusion 4b4 both protrude laterally from the second insulating block 8b along the second direction A2-A2. The second grounding protrusion 4b3 contacts the first grounding plate 151. The third grounding protrusion 4a4 and the fourth grounding protrusion 4b4 are configured to abut against the third module M3.

[0079] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth grounding shield 6b is provided with a plurality of second positioning holes 6b01, and the second insulating block 8b is provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions 8b1, the second positioning protrusions 8b1 being at least partially inserted into the second positioning holes 6b01. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second positioning protrusions 8b1 can also increase their bonding force with the fourth grounding shield 6b by means of heat fusion or the like.

[0080] Specifically, please combine Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second grounding protrusion 4b3 is bent laterally outward and then bent inward. Specifically, the second grounding protrusion 4b3 includes a second straight portion 4b31, a third inclined portion 4b32, a fourth inclined portion 4b33, a second connecting portion 4b34 connecting the second straight portion 4b31 and the third inclined portion 4b32, and a second arc-shaped portion 4b35 connecting the third inclined portion 4b32 and the fourth inclined portion 4b33. The second straight portion 4b31 and the third inclined portion 4b32 have a third included angle α3 of 45°, and the second straight portion 4b31 and the fourth inclined portion 4b33 have a fourth included angle α4 of 45°. The second arc-shaped portion 4b35 is provided with a second arc-shaped surface 4b36 that abuts against the first plate portion 1511 of the first grounding plate 151.

[0081] The second grounding shield 6a contacts one side of the first grounding plate 21, and the fourth grounding shield 6b contacts the other side of the first grounding plate 21. This arrangement increases the shielding area, which is beneficial for improving the quality of signal transmission. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding plate 21 is provided with a first positioning recess 211 that mates with the first positioning protrusion 8a1 and a second positioning recess 212 that mates with the second positioning protrusion 8b1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning recess 211 and the second positioning recess 212 are aligned along the second direction A2-A2. The first positioning recess 211 and the second positioning recess 212 are connected along the second direction A2-A2. Please refer to... Figure 21 As shown, the first grounding plate 21 is located between the first bend 6a3 and the second bend 6a4, and also between the third bend 6b3 and the fourth bend 6b4.

[0082] Please combine Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, after the first terminal module TM1, the second terminal module TM2, and the first ground plane 21 are assembled into the first module M1, they are then inserted into the first receiving cavity 121 from the rear end face 12 along the first direction A1-A1. During the contact process between the first grounding protrusion 4a3 and the second grounding protrusion 4b3 and the first grounding plate 151, a certain degree of elastic deformation occurs, thereby ensuring contact reliability.

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first terminal module TM1 and the second terminal module TM2 are staggered along the third direction A3-A3. Preferably, the first terminal module TM1 and the second terminal module TM2 are the same part with different mounting angles, so as to achieve part sharing and reduce costs.

[0084] The second module M2 includes a third terminal module TM3, a fourth terminal module TM4, and a second ground plane 22 located between the third terminal module TM3 and the fourth terminal module TM4.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first module M1 and the second module M2 are arranged symmetrically. Therefore, the description of the second module M2 can be referred to the description of the first module M2, and the present invention will not repeat it here.

[0086] Preferably, the first terminal module TM1, the second terminal module TM2, the third terminal module TM3, and the fourth terminal module TM4 are all the same part with different mounting angles, so as to achieve part sharing and reduce costs. The second ground plate 22 can also share parts with the first ground plate 21, thereby reducing costs.

[0087] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third module M3 includes a first terminal module M31, a second terminal module M32, a third terminal module M33, a fourth terminal module M34, and a mounting block 9.

[0088] The first terminal module M31 includes a first insulator 9a and a plurality of first terminals 9a1 fixed to the first insulator 9a. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first terminals 9a1 are embedded and molded into the first insulator 9a to form a single unit. Each first terminal 9a1 includes a first spring arm 9a11 protruding from the first insulator 9a and a first mounting tail 9a12 protruding from the first insulator 9a. The first mounting tail 9a12 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board.

[0089] The second terminal module M32 includes a second insulator 9b and a plurality of second terminals 9b1 fixed to the second insulator 9b. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second terminals 9b1 are embedded in the second insulator 9b to form a single unit. Each second terminal 9b1 includes a second spring arm 9b11 protruding from the second insulator 9b and a second mounting tail 9b12 protruding from the second insulator 9b. The second mounting tail 9b12 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board.

[0090] The third terminal module M33 includes a third insulator 9c and a plurality of third terminals 9c1 fixed to the third insulator 9c. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third terminals 9c1 are embedded in the third insulator 9c to form a single unit. Each third terminal 9c1 includes a third spring arm 9c11 protruding from the third insulator 9c and a third mounting tail 9c12 protruding from the third insulator 9c. The third mounting tail 9c12 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board.

[0091] The fourth terminal module M34 includes a fourth insulator 9d and a plurality of fourth terminals 9d1 fixed to the fourth insulator 9d. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth terminals 9d1 are embedded in the fourth insulator 9d to form a single unit. Each fourth terminal 9d1 includes a fourth spring arm 9d11 protruding from the fourth insulator 9d and a fourth mounting tail 9d12 protruding from the fourth insulator 9d. The fourth mounting tail 9d12 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board.

[0092] The mounting block 9 is provided with a plurality of mounting slots 91 to allow the first mounting tail 9a12, the second mounting tail 9b12, the third mounting tail 9c12, and the fourth mounting tail 9d12 to pass through. The functions of the first terminal 9a1, the second terminal 9b1, the third terminal 9c1, and the fourth terminal 9d1 can be flexibly determined as needed, including but not limited to, for transmitting power or signals (e.g., low-speed signals).

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to accommodate the misaligned arrangement of the first terminal module TM1 and the second terminal module TM2 and the misaligned arrangement of the third terminal module TM3 and the fourth terminal module TM4, the first spring arm 9a11, the second spring arm 9b11, the third spring arm 9c11 and the fourth spring arm 9d1 located on the same side (e.g., the upper side) of the first terminal 9a1, the second terminal 9b1, the third terminal 9c1 and the fourth terminal 9d1 can also be designed to deviate from the same side (e.g., to the left) along the second direction A2-A2; the first spring arm 9a11, the second spring arm 9b11, the third spring arm 9c11 and the fourth spring arm 9d1 located on the same other side (e.g., the lower side) of the first terminal 9a1, the second terminal 9b1, the third terminal 9c1 and the fourth terminal 9d1 can also be designed to deviate from the same other side (e.g., to the right) along the second direction A2-A2. With this configuration, the first terminal 9a1, the second terminal 9b1, the third terminal 9c1, and the fourth terminal 9d1 can optimize the spacing between them along the second direction A2-A2.

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first terminal module M31, the second terminal module M32, the third terminal module M33, and the fourth terminal module M34 are assembled into a whole and then inserted into the third receiving cavity 123 from the rear end face 12. The first insulator 9a, the second insulator 9b, the third insulator 9c, and the fourth insulator 9d are provided with mutually cooperating mounting structures, such as protrusions and grooves, positioning posts and positioning holes, etc.

[0095] After the first terminal module M31, the second terminal module M32, the third terminal module M33 and the fourth terminal module M34 are inserted into the third receiving cavity 123, the mounting block 9 is then installed in the third mounting slot 133.

[0096] Compared to the prior art, the electrical connector 100 of the present invention has a first grounding plate 151, and the first grounding plate 4a has a first grounding protrusion 4a3 that contacts the first grounding plate 151. With this configuration, the present invention provides an electrical connector 100 with an improved grounding structure, which can reduce the number of parts.

[0097] 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. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: An insulating body, the insulating body having a receiving slot configured to receive a docking module, the receiving slot extending along a first direction; A first ground plate, the first ground plate being disposed on the insulating body; and A first terminal module includes a plurality of first signal terminals and a first grounding plate. The first grounding plate has a first base, a plurality of first grounding terminals extending from the first base, and a first grounding protrusion. Both the first signal terminals and the first grounding terminals have a first elastic arm. The first elastic arm has a first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot. The first contact portion is configured to make electrical contact with the docking module. The first grounding protrusion is in contact with the first grounding plate.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first terminal module includes a plurality of first cables, which are connected to the first signal terminal.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first terminal module includes a first grounding shield, which includes a first shielding portion that at least partially covers the first cable, a first abutting portion extending from one side of the first shielding portion, and a second abutting portion extending from the other side of the first shielding portion. Both the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are configured to contact one side of the first grounding sheet.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first terminal module includes a second grounding shield, which includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of which are configured to contact the other side of the first grounding shield.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first terminal module includes a first insulating block, which is at least partially fixed to the first signal terminal, the first grounding plate, and the first grounding shielding plate; the first elastic arm extends out of the first insulating block, and the first grounding protrusion protrudes out of the first insulating block.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The first grounding protrusion protrudes from the first insulating block along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The second grounding shield is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes, and the first insulating block is provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions, wherein at least part of the first positioning protrusions are inserted into the first positioning holes.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of first signal terminals include a first differential signal terminal and a second differential signal terminal. The first differential signal terminal and the second differential signal terminal are arranged adjacent to each other to form a first differential pair. A first grounding terminal is provided on both sides of the first differential pair and at a position adjacent to the first differential pair.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The electrical connector further includes a second terminal module, which includes a plurality of second signal terminals and a second grounding plate. The second grounding plate has a second base, a plurality of second grounding terminals extending from the second base, and a second grounding protrusion. Both the second signal terminals and the second grounding terminals have a second elastic arm. The second elastic arm has a second contact portion that protrudes into the receiving slot. The second contact portion is configured to make electrical contact with the mating module. The second grounding protrusion contacts the first grounding plate.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The second terminal module includes a plurality of second cables, which are connected to the second signal terminal.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The second terminal module includes a third grounding shield, which includes a second shielding portion that at least partially covers the second cable, a third abutting portion extending from one side of the second shielding portion, and a fourth abutting portion extending from the other side of the second shielding portion. Both the third abutting portion and the fourth abutting portion are configured to contact one side of the second grounding plate.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The second terminal module includes a fourth grounding shield, which includes a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, both of which are configured to contact the other side of the second grounding shield.

13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The second terminal module includes a second insulating block, which is at least partially fixed to the second signal terminal, the second grounding plate, and the third grounding shielding plate; the second elastic arm extends out of the second insulating block, and the second grounding protrusion protrudes out of the second insulating block.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The second grounding protrusion protrudes from the second insulating block along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The fourth grounding shield is provided with a plurality of second positioning holes, and the second insulating block is provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions, wherein at least part of the second positioning protrusions are inserted into the second positioning holes.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The plurality of second signal terminals include a third differential signal terminal and a fourth differential signal terminal. The third differential signal terminal and the fourth differential signal terminal are arranged adjacent to each other to form a second differential pair. A second grounding terminal is provided on both sides of the second differential pair and at a position adjacent to the second differential pair.

17. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The electrical connector further includes a first ground plane located between the first terminal module and the second terminal module, wherein the second ground shield contacts one side of the first ground plane and the fourth ground shield contacts the other side of the first ground plane.

18. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The first grounding protrusion includes a first straight portion, a first inclined portion, a second inclined portion, a connecting portion connecting the first straight portion and the first inclined portion, and an arc-shaped portion connecting the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion. The first straight portion and the first inclined portion have a first included angle of 45°, and the first straight portion and the second inclined portion have a second included angle of 45°. The arc-shaped portion is provided with an arc-shaped surface that abuts against the first grounding plate.

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