Electrical interface connector and network device

Abstract

The application provides an electrical interface connector and network equipment, and belongs to the technical field of network communication. The electrical interface connector comprises a shielding shell, a connector body and a plurality of isolation sheets; the connector body comprises m rows and n columns of interfaces, wherein m is greater than or equal to 1, n is greater than or equal to 1 and m*n is greater than or equal to 2; the connector body and the plurality of isolation sheets are located in the shielding shell, and the signal pins of adjacent two interfaces are separated by the isolation sheets; the shielding shell and the isolation sheets are both used for grounding. By adopting the application, the electrical interface connector has the characteristics of low cost and high-speed signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of network communication technology, and in particular to an electrical interface connector and a network device. Background Technology

[0002] Network devices (such as Ethernet switches in the access and aggregation layers) have electrical interface connectors on their front panels. These connectors are, for example, registered jack 45 (RJ45) electrical interface connectors. These connectors are used to mate with the connectors at the ends of cables to enable communication connections between network devices and other devices.

[0003] Network equipment panels typically feature multi-interface electrical connectors, such as two-layer connectors with multiple interfaces on each layer. For example, a panel may have a 2×4 interface connector or a 2×8 interface connector.

[0004] However, signal crosstalk can easily occur between multiple interfaces within an electrical connector, especially in high-speed signal transmission scenarios where crosstalk between different interfaces is quite severe. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides an electrical interface connector and a network device, the electrical interface connector having the advantages of low cost and high-speed signal transmission.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrical interface connector, which includes a shielding shell, a connector body, and a plurality of insulating plates;

[0007] The connector body includes m rows and n columns of interfaces, where m≥1, n≥1 and m×n≥2;

[0008] The connector body and the plurality of isolation plates are all located in the shielding shell, and the signal pins of two adjacent interfaces are separated by the isolation plates. The shielding shell and the isolation plates are both used for grounding.

[0009] In the solution presented in this application, the multi-interface electrical connector, due to the absence of integrated transformers and magnetic components, has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the connector body is located within a grounded shielding shell, and a grounded isolation plate is arranged between adjacent interfaces of the connector body. Thus, the signals transmitted in each interface are shielded by the grounded shielding shell and the grounded isolation plate, thereby reducing or even preventing signal crosstalk from one interface to another. This improves the isolation between different interfaces, enabling the electrical connector to be used in high-speed applications. Therefore, the electrical connector provided in this application has the advantages of low cost and high-speed signal transmission.

[0010] In one implementation, each signal pin of the interface includes a contact portion disposed on the inner wall of the interface, a pin portion extending from the bottom end of the connector body, and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion and the pin portion.

[0011] The isolation between signal pins of two adjacent interfaces includes at least one of the following: the isolation between contact portions of two adjacent interfaces, the isolation between pin portions of two adjacent interfaces, and the isolation between connection portions of two adjacent interfaces.

[0012] In one implementation, the bottom end of the isolating plate extends to the bottom end of the connector body, and the bottom end of the isolating plate has a grounding pin that extends out of the bottom end of the connector body and is used for grounding.

[0013] In the solution shown in this application, the pin portion of the interface extends from the bottom end of the connector body for connection with the circuit board, while the bottom end of the isolator has a grounding pin, which can isolate the pin portions of two adjacent interfaces, thereby improving the isolation between the two interfaces.

[0014] In one implementation, the insulating piece extends to the front side of the front end face of the connector body and connects to the front wall of the shielding shell; or,

[0015] The isolation plate extends to the rear side of the rear end face of the connector body and connects to the rear shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0016] In the scheme shown in this application, the front side of the isolation plate is connected to the front shell wall of the shielding shell, which on the one hand fixes the isolation plate on the shielding shell, and on the other hand allows the isolation plate to be grounded through the shielding shell.

[0017] In the scheme shown in this application, the rear side of the isolation plate is connected to the rear shell wall of the shielding shell, which on the one hand fixes the isolation plate on the shielding shell, and on the other hand allows the isolation plate to be grounded through the shielding shell.

[0018] In one implementation, n≥2, the connector body includes multiple rows of interfaces in the width direction, and the plurality of isolation plates includes vertical isolation plates;

[0019] In the width direction, the vertical isolation plate is arranged between two adjacent columns of interfaces, and the top end of the vertical isolation plate extends to the top of the connector body and the bottom end extends to the bottom end of the connector body.

[0020] In the solution shown in this application, a vertical isolation plate is arranged in the connector body and is isolated between two rows of interfaces, thereby isolating two adjacent interfaces from top to bottom in the two rows of interfaces.

[0021] In one implementation, the rear side of the vertical isolation plate extends to the rear end face of the connector body, and the rear side of the vertical isolation plate has a snap-fit ​​arm, and the rear shell wall of the shielding shell has a snap-fit ​​hole, wherein the snap-fit ​​arm and the snap-fit ​​hole snap together.

[0022] In the solution shown in this application, the rear side of the vertical isolating piece extends to the rear end face of the connector body. For example, the rear side of the vertical isolating piece is flush with the rear end face of the connector body, or it slightly protrudes from the rear end face of the connector body. A snap-fit ​​arm on the rear side of the vertical isolating piece extends from the rear end face of the connector body and passes through a snap-fit ​​hole on the rear wall of the shielding shell. The snap-fit ​​arm is flexible and can be bent to fit against the outer surface of the rear wall, allowing the rear side of the vertical isolating piece to snap into the rear wall of the shielding shell.

[0023] In one implementation, m≥2, the connector body includes multiple rows of interfaces in the height direction, and the pin portions of the multiple rows of interfaces extend from the bottom end of the connector body and are arranged in rows along the insertion direction of the electrical interface connector at the bottom end of the connector body.

[0024] The plurality of isolation plates include an L-shaped isolation plate, the horizontal portion of which is located within the common interface wall between two adjacent rows of interfaces, and the vertical portion of which is located in the connector body and between the corresponding pin portions of two adjacent rows of interfaces, extending toward the bottom of the connector body.

[0025] In the solution shown in this application, after the L-shaped isolator is arranged in the connector body, its horizontal portion is parallel to the top wall of the connector body, and its vertical portion is parallel to and close to the rear end face of the connector body, and the vertical portion extends towards the bottom of the connector body. Thus, the horizontal portion of the L-shaped isolator separates the contact portions of two adjacent interfaces in the height direction, and the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator separates the connection portions of two adjacent interfaces in the height direction.

[0026] In one implementation, the bottom end of the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator extends to the bottom end of the connector body, and the bottom end of the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator has a grounding pin extending out of the bottom end of the connector body, the grounding pin being located between the pin portions corresponding to two adjacent rows of interfaces.

[0027] In the solution shown in this application, the bottom end of the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator has a grounding pin, which is sandwiched between the pin portions of two adjacent interfaces in the height direction, thus isolating the pin portions of the two interfaces.

[0028] In one implementation, the front side of the lateral portion of the L-shaped isolator extends to the front end face of the connector body, and the front side has a snap-fit ​​arm.

[0029] The electrical interface connector also includes a metal piece, which is fixed to the front end face of the connector body and between two adjacent rows of interfaces, and the metal piece has a snap-fit ​​hole;

[0030] The snap-fit ​​arm snaps into the snap-fit ​​hole, and the metal sheet contacts the front shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0031] In the solution shown in this application, the metal sheet is fixed to the front end face of the connector body, such as by snapping it on. The snap-fit ​​arm on the front side of the lateral portion of the L-shaped isolator extends out of the front end face of the connector body and passes through the snap-fit ​​hole on the metal sheet. The snap-fit ​​arm is flexible and can be bent to adhere to the surface of the metal sheet, achieving a snap-fit ​​connection between the front side of the lateral portion and the metal sheet. The metal sheet then abuts against the front wall of the shielding shell, thereby connecting the lateral portion of the L-shaped isolator to the shielding shell, allowing the L-shaped isolator to be grounded through the shielding shell.

[0032] Furthermore, after the connector body is assembled into the shielding shell, the front wall of the shielding shell can cover the metal plate, improving the aesthetics of the electrical interface connector.

[0033] In one implementation, the metal sheet has a spring arm that abuts against the inner surface of the front shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0034] In the solution shown in this application, one end of the spring arm on the metal sheet is fixedly connected to the body of the metal sheet, and the other end is raised towards the front shell wall of the shielding shell. After the connector body is installed into the shielding shell, the spring arm can abut against the front shell wall of the shielding shell, so as to achieve the abutment between the metal sheet and the front shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0035] In a second aspect, a network device is provided, the network device including a chassis, a circuit board and any of the electrical interface connectors described in the first aspect;

[0036] The bottom of the electrical interface connector is fixed to the circuit board and located at the edge of the circuit board, the circuit board is located in the chassis, and the interface of the electrical interface connector is located on the panel of the chassis. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding shell and connector body of an electrical interface connector provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application after disassembly;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical interface connector provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application being mounted on a circuit board;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one interface of an electrical interface connector provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical interface connector including a row interface provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vertical isolation piece provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical interface connector including a row of interfaces provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an L-shaped separator provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical interface connector including multiple rows and columns of interfaces provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vertical isolation plate and an L-shaped isolation plate provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a connector body with a metal sheet fixed to the front end face, provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0049] 100. Chassis; 101. Front panel; 200. Electrical interface connector; 300. Circuit board.

[0050] 1. Shielding shell; 11. Opening.

[0051] 2. Connector body; 21. Interface; 211. Molded body; 212. Interface channel; 213. Contact part; 214. Pin part.

[0052] 31. Vertical isolation plate; 32. L-shaped isolation plate; 301. Grounding pin; 302. Snap-fit ​​arm; 321. Horizontal part; 322. Vertical part; 323. Flanged edge.

[0053] 4. Metal sheet; 41. Spring arm. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] This embodiment relates to an electrical interface connector, also known as a network port connector or Ethernet interface connector. The electrical interface connector is located in a network device and serves as the data interface for transmitting data traffic. Optionally, the network device is an access layer device, such as a Layer 2 switch. Optionally, the network device is an aggregation layer device, such as a Layer 3 switch.

[0056] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the architecture of a network system provided in an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, the network device includes a chassis 100, an electrical interface connector 200 is installed in the chassis 100, and the interface of the electrical interface connector 200 is located on the panel 101 of the chassis 100. The interface of the electrical interface connector 200 is exposed to allow the connector of the power supply connector to be inserted.

[0057] Two network devices communicate via their respective electrical interface connectors and a cable, specifically an Ethernet cable, connecting the two connectors. For example, the cable has a first connector and a second connector at each end. The two network devices are denoted as the first network device and the second network device, respectively. The first connector of the cable is inserted into one of the interfaces of the electrical interface connector of the first network device, and the second connector of the cable is inserted into one of the interfaces of the electrical interface connector of the second network device. Thus, a communication connection is established between the first network device and the second network device.

[0058] Different types of electrical interface connectors are used in different transmission rate scenarios. For example, integrated electrical interface connectors are used in high-speed scenarios, while discrete electrical interface connectors are used in low-speed scenarios.

[0059] Among them, integrated electrical interface connectors not only include interfaces, but also integrate transformers and magnetic components. Because magnetic components have high isolation requirements, integrated electrical interface connectors have better isolation between different interfaces. In high-speed scenarios, the signal crosstalk between different interfaces is weaker. Therefore, integrated electrical interface connectors can be used in high-speed scenarios, such as 5Gbps or 10Gbps scenarios.

[0060] Separate electrical interface connectors consist only of the interface, while the transformer and magnetic components are independently arranged on the circuit board of the network device. The isolation between different interfaces of separate electrical interface connectors is poor, and signal crosstalk between different interfaces is more serious in high-speed scenarios. Therefore, separate electrical interface connectors are mostly used in low-speed scenarios, such as scenarios below 5Gbps (e.g., 2.5Gbps).

[0061] However, integrated electrical interface connectors have a high degree of integration and complex structure, resulting in higher processing costs. While discrete electrical interface connectors have a simple structure and low processing costs, they suffer from more severe signal crosstalk in slightly more demanding transmission scenarios.

[0062] Therefore, this embodiment provides an electrical interface connector, specifically a multi-interface, separate electrical interface connector. Different interfaces are separated by a grounded isolating plate. Signals transmitted within a single interface are shielded by the grounded shielding shell and the grounded isolating plate, thus preventing signal crosstalk from one interface to another. This improves the isolation between different interfaces, enabling the electrical interface connector to be used in high-speed scenarios, such as 5Gbps or 10Gbps data transmission. As can be seen, the electrical interface connector of this embodiment, because it does not integrate transformers and magnetic components, has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Furthermore, due to the high isolation between different interfaces, it can be used in high-speed scenarios, such as 5Gbps or 10Gbps data transmission.

[0063] The features of the electrical interface connector provided in this embodiment are described below.

[0064] In this embodiment, the electrical interface connector is, for example, a registered jack 45 (RJ45) electrical interface connector.

[0065] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a disassembled schematic of an electrical interface connector provided in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrical interface connector after assembly, mounted on circuit board 300. Optionally, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electrical interface connector shown is used in Figure 1 In the network devices shown.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the electrical interface connector includes a shielding shell 1 and a connector body 2, as referenced. Figure 3As shown, the connector body 2 is installed in the shielding shell 1. The bottoms of both the shielding shell 1 and the connector body 2 are fixed on the circuit board 300. Furthermore, the connector body 2 is also electrically connected to the circuit board 300.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector body 2 includes m rows and n columns of interfaces, that is, m×n interfaces, where m≥1, n≥1, and m×n≥2.

[0068] For example, if m = 1 and n ≥ 2, the connector body 2 includes one row of interfaces, with multiple interfaces in the row distributed along the width direction of the connector body 2. Alternatively, if m ≥ 2 and n = 1, the connector body 2 includes one column of interfaces, with multiple interfaces in the column distributed along the height direction of the connector body 2. Another example is if m ≥ 2 and n ≥ 2, meaning the connector body 2 includes multiple rows and columns of interfaces, with multiple interfaces in each row arranged along the width direction and multiple interfaces in each column arranged along the height direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram is illustrated with m=2 and n=6, which represents a two-row, six-column interface.

[0069] It should be noted that the height direction described in this embodiment is also the thickness direction of the electrical interface connector, which is perpendicular to the circuit board. The front-back direction, which will be introduced later, is the insertion and removal direction of the connector in the interface of the electrical connector. The width direction is a direction that is perpendicular to both the height direction and the front-back direction.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 2 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of one of the interfaces 21 of the connector body 2 shown is provided for reference. Figure 4 As shown, the connector body 2 includes an insulated plastic package 211 and metal signal pins. The plastic package 211 includes an interface channel 212. The signal pins consist of three parts: a contact portion 213 located within the interface channel 212, a pin portion 214 extending from the bottom of the plastic package 211, and a connecting portion (hidden in the plastic package 211 and not shown) connecting the contact portion 213 and the pin portion 214. The contact portion 213 is used to contact the contacts of an electrical connector inserted into the interface channel 212, and the pin portion 214 is used for electrical connection to a circuit board.

[0071] Therefore, one interface 21 of the connector body 2 includes a molding compound 211, an interface channel 212 disposed in the molding compound 211, a contact portion 213 in the interface channel 212, a pin portion 214 at the bottom of the molding compound 211, and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion 213 and the pin portion 214.

[0072] Optionally, the connector body 2 includes multiple interfaces 21, and the encapsulation bodies 211 of the multiple interfaces 21 are integrally formed, or the encapsulation bodies 211 of the multiple interfaces 21 are independent of each other and then spliced ​​together.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, a single interface 21 includes multiple signal pins (e.g., 8 signal pins), therefore, a single interface channel 212 contains multiple contact portions 213, each contact portion corresponding to a connection portion and a pin portion. Therefore, referring to... Figure 4 As shown, a single interface 21 includes multiple contact portions 213, multiple connection portions, and multiple pin portions 214. For ease of description, the multiple signal pins of a single interface 21 will be referred to as a group of signal pins, the multiple contact portions of a single interface will be referred to as a group of contact portions, the multiple pin portions of a single interface will be referred to as a group of pin portions, and the multiple connection portions of a single interface will be referred to as a group of connection portions.

[0074] The above is a description of the features of the connector body 2. The features of the shielding shell 1 are described below.

[0075] The shielding shell 1 is used to cover the connector body 2, so the shielding shell 1 is compatible with the connector body 2. (Refer to...) Figure 2 As shown, the shielding shell 1 includes a front shell wall and a rear shell wall positioned opposite each other in the front-to-back direction, a left shell wall and a right shell wall positioned opposite each other in the width direction, and a top wall in the height direction. The bottom of the shielding shell 1 is hollowed out to allow the bottom of the connector body 2 to be electrically connected to the circuit board. Optionally, the bottom of the shielding shell 1 may also have a flange, for example, as shown in the reference. Figure 2 As shown, the bottom edge of the front shell wall is bent vertically into the interior of the shielding shell 1 to form a flange.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1 has m×n openings 11. The number of openings 11 is equal to the number of interfaces 21 included in the connector body 2. Moreover, the shape of the openings 11 matches the shape of the channel opening of the interface channel 212 of the interface 21. The position of the openings 11 corresponds one-to-one with the position of the channel opening of the interface channel 212.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the bottom end of the shell wall (such as the rear shell wall, left shell wall, and right shell wall) of the shielding shell 1 has grounding pins, which are electrically connected to the grounding pins on the circuit board. For example, the grounding pins of the shielding shell 1 are plugged into the circuit board, soldered to the circuit board, or crimped onto the circuit board to achieve grounding of the shielding shell 1. This embodiment does not limit the connection method between the grounding pins of the shielding shell 1 and the circuit board.

[0078] refer to Figure 3As shown, the connector body 2 is installed in the shielding shell 1. The channel opening of one interface channel of the connector body 2 is located in one opening of the shielding shell 1. The contact part inside the interface channel is exposed through the corresponding opening. The pin part at the bottom of the connector body 2 is exposed through the hollow at the bottom of the shielding shell 1.

[0079] In one example, the shielding shell 1 is made of metal, which has a certain degree of ductility. Therefore, the front shell wall, rear shell wall, left shell wall, right shell wall and top wall of the shielding shell 1 can be integrally formed on a single metal sheet through processes such as cutting and bending.

[0080] Optionally, the interconnecting shell walls of the shielding shell 1 are connected by a snap-fit ​​or latching method. For example, the left shell wall and the rear shell wall, as well as the left shell wall and the top wall of the shielding shell 1, are connected by a snap-fit ​​method; the right shell wall and the rear shell wall, as well as the right shell wall and the top wall of the shielding shell 1, are also connected by a snap-fit ​​method. For example, for two shell walls that are snapped together, one shell wall has an opening, and the other shell wall has a protrusion. The protrusion engages with the opening to achieve the snap-fit.

[0081] In this embodiment, the electrical interface connector also includes multiple grounded isolation plates. The signal pins between any two adjacent interfaces are separated by the isolation plates. Thus, a set of signal pins for each interface is located in the shielding channel formed by the shielding shell 1 and the isolation plates. In this way, the signals transmitted within any two interfaces are independent of each other, thereby reducing the possibility of signal crosstalk between different interfaces and improving the isolation between interfaces.

[0082] The material of the isolation plate is metal. The specific material of the isolation plate may be the same as or different from that of the shielding shell 1. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0083] In one example, as described above, the signal pins are fixed to the plastic package of the connector body 2, and the isolator between the signal pins of the two interfaces is fixed in the plastic package.

[0084] As described above, the signal pins of the interface include a contact portion located on the inner wall of the interface channel, a pin portion extending from the bottom of the connector body, and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion and the pin portion. Therefore, the isolator isolating the signal pins of the two interfaces, including at least isolating the contact portions of the two interfaces, isolating the connecting portions of the two interfaces, and isolating the pin portions of the two interfaces.

[0085] The structure of the isolation plate is related to the interface layout of the connector body 2.

[0086] In one example, the connector body 2 includes a row of interfaces (also called a layer of interfaces), i.e., m = 1, n ≥ 2, with n interfaces distributed along the width direction of the connector body 2. (See reference) Figure 5The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a connector body 2 including a row interface provided in this embodiment. Figure 5 The example uses n=4. Figure 5 As shown, on the bottom surface of the connector body 2, n sets of pin portions 214 are arranged along the width direction of the connector body 2, and each set of pin portions 214 is positioned opposite to an interface channel 212.

[0087] In a design where the connector body 2 includes a row of interfaces 21, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the isolation plate is specifically a vertical isolation plate 31. The vertical isolation plate 31 is perpendicular to the top wall of the connector body 2 and parallel to the front-back direction of the connector body 2, that is, the vertical isolation plate 31 is parallel to the side wall of the connector body 2 in the width direction. Wherein, Figure 6 The vertical isolation plate shown is applied to Figure 5 In the connector body 2 shown, two interfaces 21 that are adjacent in the width direction are separated.

[0088] So, for reference Figure 5 As shown, vertical isolation plates 31 are arranged between two adjacent rows of interfaces in the width direction. For example, a vertical isolation plate 31 is embedded in the common interface wall between two adjacent rows of interface channels 212 to isolate the contact portions 213 within these two interface channels 212. Further, the bottom end (i.e., bottom edge) of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2, thereby isolating the connection portions of two adjacent interfaces. Further, optionally, the bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends beyond the bottom surface of the connector body 2, even higher than the pin portion on the bottom surface of the connector body 2, thereby isolating the pin portions of two adjacent interfaces.

[0089] In one example, the vertical isolating tab 31 extending beyond the bottom edge of the connector body 2 can be replaced with a grounding pin, therefore, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2, either flush with the bottom surface of the connector body 2 or slightly protruding beyond the bottom surface of the connector body 2. (See reference) Figure 6 As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 has one or more grounding pins 301. Figure 6 Taking two grounding pins as an example, in a design where the bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 is relatively long, the number of grounding pins can be increased. Therefore, refer to... Figure 5 As shown, the grounding pin 301 at the bottom of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends into the pin portion 214 of two adjacent interfaces, so that the grounding pin 301 is arranged between the pin portions 214 of the two adjacent interfaces, which has the effect of isolating the two sets of pin portions.

[0090] It should be noted that, theoretically, the front edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 extends to the front end face of the connector body 2, and the rear edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 extends to the rear end face of the connector body 2, so as to completely isolate two adjacent interfaces in the width direction. In actual manufacturing, the rear edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 can extend to the rear end face of the connector body 2, or even extend beyond the rear end face of the connector body 2. However, due to current manufacturing processes and costs, the front edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 may not extend to the front end face of the connector body 2. Figure 5 The front edge of the vertical isolation piece 31 does not extend to the front end face of the connector body 2. The front edge of the isolation piece is also called the front edge, and the rear edge of the isolation piece is also called the rear edge.

[0091] In another example, the connector body 2 includes a column of interfaces, i.e., m ≥ 2, n = 1, where m interfaces are stacked sequentially along the height direction of the connector body 2, as shown in the reference. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a connector body 2 including a row of interfaces provided in this embodiment. Figure 7 The example uses m=2. (See reference.) Figure 7 As shown, on the bottom surface of the connector body 2, m sets of pins are arranged sequentially along the front-back direction of the connector body 2 to form a row of pins.

[0092] In a design where the connector body 2 includes a row of interfaces, the shape of the insulating plate is as follows: Figure 8 The L-shaped isolator shown is designated L-shaped isolator 32. L-shaped isolator 32 includes a horizontal portion 321 and a vertical portion 322. The horizontal portion 321 is embedded within the common interface wall between two adjacent interfaces in the height direction, while the vertical portion 322 is embedded within the connector body and sandwiched between the pin portions of the two interfaces. In the connector body 2, the horizontal portion 321 of the L-shaped isolator 32 is parallel to the top wall of the connector body 2, and the vertical portion 322 is parallel to and close to the rear end face of the connector body 2. Thus, the L-shaped isolator 32 is arranged between the signal pins of the two interfaces, following the direction of the signal pins.

[0093] In one example, the front edge of the lateral portion of the L-shaped isolator 32 extends to the front end face of the connector body 2 to isolate the contact portions within the two interfaces. The bottom edge of the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator 32 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2 to isolate the connection portions of the two interfaces. Optionally, the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 of the L-shaped isolator 32 may further extend beyond the bottom surface of the connector body 2, even above the pin portion of the bottom surface of the connector body 2, to isolate the pin portions of the two interfaces.

[0094] Similarly, the vertical portion 322 extending from the bottom edge of the connector body 2 can be replaced with a grounding pin, therefore, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2, either flush with the bottom surface of the connector body 2 or slightly protruding beyond the bottom surface of the connector body 2. (Reference) Figure 8 As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 has one or more grounding pins 301. Figure 8 Taking two grounding pins 301 as an example, in a design where the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 is relatively long, the number of grounding pins can be increased. Therefore, refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the grounding pin 301 at the bottom of the vertical part 322 extends into the pin portion 214 of two adjacent interfaces, so that the grounding pin 301 is arranged between the pin portions 214 of the two adjacent interfaces, which has the effect of isolating the two sets of pin portions.

[0095] In another example, the connector body 2 includes a multi-row, multi-column interface scheme, where m ≥ 2 and n ≥ 2, see reference. Figure 9 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a connector body 2 including multiple rows and columns of interfaces provided in this embodiment. Figure 9 The diagram uses m=2 and n=2 as an example. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown, the two rows of interfaces are stacked along the height direction of the connector body 2, and multiple interfaces in each row are distributed along the width direction of the connector body 2. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 9 As shown, the bottom surface of the connector body 2 also has 2×2 sets of pins arranged in rows, including two rows of pins. Multiple sets of pins in each row are distributed along the width direction of the connector body 2. One row of interfaces corresponds to one row of pins; however, this embodiment does not specify which row of interfaces corresponds to which row of pins.

[0096] In the multi-row, multi-column interface scheme, the multiple isolation plates include a vertical isolation plate 31 and an L-shaped isolation plate 32. (Reference) Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic of multiple isolation plates. Figure 10 The multiple isolation plates shown are applied to Figure 9 The electrical interface connector shown.

[0097] like Figure 10 And refer to Figure 9 As shown, the vertical isolation plate 31 is parallel to the sidewall of the connector body 2 in the width direction. The L-shaped isolation plate 32 also includes a horizontal portion 321 and a vertical portion 322. The horizontal portion 321 is parallel to the top wall of the connector body 2, and the vertical portion 322 is parallel to the rear end face of the connector body 2.

[0098] The number of vertical isolation plates 31 can be one or more. For example, if there are two interfaces in the width direction, the number of vertical isolation plates 31 is one; if there are three interfaces in the width direction, the number of vertical isolation plates 31 is two; if there are six interfaces in the width direction, the number of vertical isolation plates 31 is five. Therefore, based on n interfaces in the width direction, the number of vertical isolation plates 31 is n-1.

[0099] like Figure 9 And refer to Figure 10 As shown, the height of the vertical isolation piece 31 is adapted to the height of the connector body 2, and is used to isolate two interfaces that are adjacent in the width direction in the first row to the mth row. For example, if m = 2, a single vertical isolation piece 31 can isolate two interfaces that are adjacent in the width direction in the first row, and can also isolate two interfaces that are adjacent in the width direction in the second row.

[0100] The number of L-shaped isolation pieces 32 varies. For example, in the scheme with m=2 (two rows and n columns of interfaces), there are n L-shaped isolation pieces 32. In the scheme with m=3 (three rows and n columns of interfaces), there are 2n L-shaped isolation pieces 32. Therefore, in the m-n-column interface scheme, the number of L-shaped isolation pieces 32 is (m-1)×n.

[0101] Optionally, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the L-shaped isolation plates 32 on both sides of the vertical isolation plate 31 are welded to the vertical isolation plate 31 to form a whole. In this scheme, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the vertical isolation piece 31 has a slot, which is located above the horizontal portion 321 of the L-shaped isolation piece 32, and the slot extends from the front side to the rear side of the vertical isolation piece 31, without penetrating the rear side. In this way, after the vertical isolation piece 31 and multiple L-shaped isolation pieces 32 are welded together as a whole, they can be easily embedded into the connector body 2.

[0102] Optionally, in the m-row n-column interface scheme, the number of L-shaped isolation plates 32 is m-1, and the n-column interfaces share one L-shaped isolation plate 32. For example, in the scheme where m=2, that is, in the two-row n-column interface scheme, the number of L-shaped isolation plates 32 is one. The L-shaped isolation plate 32 includes a vertical part 322 and n horizontal parts 321, and two adjacent horizontal parts 321 are formed by slotting.

[0103] In this embodiment, the number of L-shaped isolation plates 32 is not limited.

[0104] In one example, such as Figure 9 And refer to Figure 10As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2. The bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 has one or more grounding pins 301. The vertical isolation plate 31 is used to isolate the pin portions of two adjacent rows of interfaces. Therefore, the grounding pins 301 of the vertical isolation plate 31 are located between two adjacent rows of interfaces. Alternatively, the bottom edge of the vertical isolation plate 31 may extend to the end of the pin portion to isolate the pin portions of two rows of interfaces.

[0105] In one example, such as Figure 9 And refer to Figure 10 As shown, the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 of the L-shaped isolator 32 extends to the bottom surface of the connector body 2. The bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 has one or more grounding pins 301. The vertical portion 322 is used to isolate the pin portions of two adjacent rows of interfaces. Therefore, the grounding pins 301 of the vertical portion 322 are located between two adjacent rows of interfaces. For example, refer to... Figure 9 As shown, there is a grounding pin 301 of a vertical portion 322 between the pin portions of two adjacent interfaces in the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, the bottom edge of the vertical portion 322 may extend to the end of the pin portion to isolate the pin portions of the two rows of interfaces.

[0106] Optionally, refer to Figure 10 As shown, the vertical portion 322 of the L-shaped isolator 32 has a flange 323 at one or both ends along the width direction, and the bottom end of the flange 323 has a grounding pin 301. The flange 323 is mounted on the side of the connector body 2 in the width direction, which helps to isolate this electrical interface connector from other adjacent connectors.

[0107] The above describes the structural features of multiple isolation plates in different interface layout schemes of connector body 2. Other grounding schemes for the isolation plates are described below.

[0108] As described above, the isolator is grounded by connecting its bottom end to a ground pin on the circuit board. In another example, the isolator can also be grounded by contacting the shielding shell.

[0109] In one example, the rear side of the isolator extends to the rear end face of the connector body 2 and connects to the rear shell wall of the shielding shell. For example, in a scheme where the connector body 2 includes multiple interfaces in the width direction, refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 10As shown, the plurality of isolation plates includes a vertical isolation plate 31. The rear side of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends to the rear end face of the connector body 2, and the rear side of the vertical isolation plate 31 has a snap-fit ​​arm 302. The rear shell wall of the shielding shell 1 has a snap-fit ​​hole, and the snap-fit ​​arm 302 extends out of the rear end face of the connector body 2 and snaps into the snap-fit ​​hole. For example, the snap-fit ​​arm 302 of the vertical isolation plate 31 extends out of the rear end face of the connector body 2 and passes through the snap-fit ​​hole on the rear shell wall of the shielding shell 1. Then, the snap-fit ​​arm 302 bends to adhere to the outer surface of the rear shell wall, thereby snapping the snap-fit ​​arm into the snap-fit ​​hole. The vertical isolation plate 31 is snapped into the rear shell wall of the shielding shell 1, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the vertical isolation plate 31 and the shielding shell 1.

[0110] In one example, the front side of the isolator extends to the front end face of the connector body 2 and connects to the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1. For example, in a configuration where the connector body 2 includes multiple interfaces in the height direction, refer to... Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, among the multiple isolation plates is an L-shaped isolation plate 32. The front side of the lateral portion 321 of the L-shaped isolation plate 32 has a snap-fit ​​arm 302. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the front side of the transverse portion 321 extends to the front end face of the connector body 2, and the snap-fit ​​arm 302 on the front side of the transverse portion 321 extends out of the front end face of the connector body 2. Optionally, the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1 has a snap-fit ​​hole, and the snap-fit ​​arm 302 of the transverse portion 321 extends into the snap-fit ​​hole on the front shell wall and bends to adhere to the outer surface of the front shell wall. Thus, the snap-fit ​​arm of the transverse portion 321 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​hole of the front shell wall, and the transverse portion of the L-shaped isolation piece 32 is fixedly connected to the front shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0111] Considering that the front wall of the shielding enclosure is located at the panel of the network device and is exposed, the horizontal locking arm of section 321 is attached to the front wall of the shielding enclosure, which affects the aesthetics of the network device. Therefore, alternatively, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the electrical interface connector also includes a metal piece 4, which is fixed to the front end face of the connector body 2 and located between two adjacent rows of interfaces. The metal piece 4 has a snap-fit ​​hole. The snap-fit ​​arm 302 on the front side of the transverse portion 321 passes through the snap-fit ​​hole on the metal piece 4 and bends to adhere to the outer surface of the metal piece 4 facing away from the connector body 2. After the connector body 2 is installed in the shielding shell 1, the metal piece 4 on the front end face of the connector body 2 abuts against the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1. Thus, the L-shaped isolation piece 32 is connected to the shielding shell 1 by snapping with the metal piece 4 and the metal piece 4 abutting against the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1.

[0112] Optionally, the metal sheet 4 is connected to the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1 by abutment in the manner described in the reference. Figure 11As shown, the metal sheet 4 has a spring arm 41, one end of which is connected to the body of the metal sheet 4, and the other end extends towards the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1. After the connector body 2 is fixed in the shielding shell 1, the spring arm 41 of the metal sheet 4 can abut against the inner surface of the front shell wall of the shielding shell 1. Thus, the metal sheet 4 is connected to the front shell wall of the shielding shell.

[0113] Based on the above, the isolation plate can be grounded by connecting to the circuit board via its bottom grounding pin, or by being fixedly connected to the shielding shell. To achieve better shielding, in this embodiment, the isolation plate is grounded not only through its own grounding pin but also by connecting to the shielding shell.

[0114] In one example, to secure a relatively thin insulating sheet within the connector body, an insulating layer may be deposited on one or both surfaces of the insulating sheet to increase its rigidity. The insulating sheet with the insulating layer then is secured to the connector body, where the connector body's molding compound has slots for the insulating sheet to be inserted. The insulating sheet with the insulating layer is filled into these slots. Optionally, the insulating layer on the surface of the insulating sheet may be made of the same material as the molding compound of the connector body.

[0115] For example, in a scheme where the isolation plates are vertical isolation plates, after an insulating layer is laid on both surfaces of each vertical isolation plate, they are then respectively inserted into the plastic encapsulation between two adjacent interfaces in the width direction.

[0116] For example, in a design where the isolator is an L-shaped isolator, an insulating layer is laid on both surfaces of the horizontal portion and both surfaces of the vertical portion of the L-shaped isolator before it is installed into the plastic encapsulation of the connector body.

[0117] For example, in a design where the isolation plate includes a vertical isolation plate and an L-shaped isolation plate, after the vertical isolation plate and the L-shaped isolation plate are welded together as a whole, an insulating layer is laid on the two surfaces of the vertical isolation plate and the two surfaces of the L-shaped isolation plate, and then the whole thing is installed into the plastic encapsulation of the connector body 2.

[0118] In one example, simulations were performed on electrical interface connectors without and with isolation plates. For the connector without isolation, the near-end crosstalk between two adjacent interfaces at a bandwidth of 400MHz was greater than -50dB. For the connector with isolation, the near-end crosstalk between two adjacent interfaces at a bandwidth of 400MHz reached -65dB. The larger the absolute value of the crosstalk between the two interfaces, the weaker the crosstalk and the better the isolation. Therefore, electrical interface connectors with isolation plates have a significant improvement effect on signal crosstalk.

[0119] In this embodiment, the multi-interface electrical connector, lacking integrated transformers and magnetic components, boasts a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. The connector body is housed within a grounded shielding shell, and a grounded isolating plate is positioned between adjacent interfaces. Thus, signals transmitted through each interface are shielded by the grounded shielding shell and grounded isolating plate, thereby reducing or even preventing signal crosstalk from one interface to another. This enhances the isolation between different interfaces, enabling the electrical connector to be used in high-speed applications. Therefore, the electrical connector provided in this embodiment offers advantages in both low cost and high-speed signal transmission.

[0120] This application also provides a network device, see reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the network device includes a chassis, a circuit board, and the aforementioned electrical interface connector, with the bottom of the connector fixed to the circuit board. For example, the bottom of the connector body 2 is fixed to the circuit board, and the pin portion at the bottom of the connector body 2 is electrically connected to the circuit board. The grounding pin at the bottom of the shielding shell 1 is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the grounding pin at the bottom of the isolating plate is electrically connected to the circuit board. (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, the electrical interface connector is located near the edge of the circuit board. After the circuit board is installed in the chassis, the interface of the electrical interface connector can be located on the front panel of the chassis. For example, the front wall of the shield of the electrical interface connector is roughly flush with the front panel.

[0121] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrical interface connector, characterized in that, The electrical interface connector includes a shielding shell (1), a connector body (2), and multiple insulating plates; The connector body (2) includes an m-row n-column interface (21), where m≥1, n≥1 and m×n≥2; The connector body (2) and the plurality of isolation plates are both located in the shielding shell (1), and the signal pins of two adjacent interfaces (21) are separated by the isolation plates. The shielding shell (1) and the isolation plates are both used for grounding.

2. The electrical interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the interfaces (21) includes a contact portion (213) disposed on the inner wall of the interface, a pin portion (214) extending from the bottom end of the connector body, and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion (213) and the pin portion (214). The signal pins of two adjacent interfaces (21) are separated by the isolation plate, including at least one of the following: the contact portions (213) of two adjacent interfaces (21) are separated by the isolation plate, the pin portions (214) of two adjacent interfaces are separated by the isolation plate, and the connection portions of two adjacent interfaces are separated by the isolation plate.

3. The electrical interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the isolation plate extends to the bottom end of the connector body (2), and the bottom end of the isolation plate has a grounding pin that extends out of the bottom end of the connector body (2) and is used for grounding.

4. The electrical interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating piece extends to the front side of the front end face of the connector body (2) and connects to the front shell wall of the shielding shell (1); or, The isolation plate extends to the rear side of the rear end face of the connector body (2) and is connected to the rear shell wall of the shielding shell (1).

5. The electrical interface connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Where n≥2, the connector body (2) includes multiple rows of interfaces in the width direction, and the plurality of isolation plates include a vertical isolation plate (31); In the width direction, the vertical isolation plate (31) is arranged between two adjacent columns of interfaces (21), and the top end of the vertical isolation plate (31) extends to the top of the connector body (2) and the bottom end extends to the bottom end of the connector body (2).

6. The electrical interface connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rear side of the vertical isolation plate (31) extends to the rear end face of the connector body (2), and the rear side of the vertical isolation plate (31) has a snap-fit ​​arm (302). The rear shell wall of the shielding shell (1) has a snap-fit ​​hole, and the snap-fit ​​arm (302) and the snap-fit ​​hole snap together.

7. The electrical interface connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Where m≥2, the connector body (2) includes multiple rows of interfaces in the height direction, and the pin portions (214) of the multiple rows of interfaces extending from the bottom end of the connector body (2) are arranged in rows along the insertion direction of the electrical interface connector at the bottom end of the connector body (2). The plurality of isolation plates include an L-shaped isolation plate (32), the horizontal portion (321) of which is located within the common interface wall between two adjacent rows of interfaces, and the vertical portion (322) of which is located in the connector body (2) and between the corresponding pin portions (214) of two adjacent rows of interfaces.

8. The electrical interface connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom end of the vertical portion (322) of the L-shaped isolation plate (32) extends to the bottom end of the connector body (2), and the bottom end of the vertical portion (322) of the L-shaped isolation plate (32) has a grounding pin (301) extending out of the bottom end of the connector body (2), and the grounding pin (301) is located between the pin portions (214) corresponding to two adjacent rows of interfaces.

9. The electrical interface connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The front side of the transverse portion (321) of the L-shaped isolation piece (32) extends to the front end face of the connector body (2), and the front side has a snap-fit ​​arm (302). The electrical interface connector also includes a metal piece (4), which is fixed on the front end face of the connector body (2) and between two adjacent rows of interfaces. The metal piece (4) has a snap-fit ​​hole. The snap-fit ​​arm (302) snaps into the snap-fit ​​hole, and the metal sheet (4) contacts the front shell wall of the shielding shell (1).

10. The electrical interface connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The metal sheet (4) has a spring arm (41) that abuts against the inner surface of the front shell wall of the shielding shell (1).

11. A network device, characterized in that, The network device includes a chassis (100), a circuit board (300), and an electrical interface connector (200) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; The bottom of the electrical interface connector (200) is fixed to the circuit board (300) and located at the edge of the circuit board (300). The circuit board (300) is located in the chassis (100) and the interface (21) of the electrical interface connector (200) is located on the panel (101) of the chassis (100).

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