ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH IMPROVED SHIELDING OF THE CONDUCTIVE TERMINAL

Abstract

An electrical connector comprises a housing, a first terminal module, and a mounting block. The housing includes a first terminal module installation slot. The first terminal module comprises a number of first conductive terminals. Each first conductive terminal comprises a first fixing section, a first contact arm, and a second fixing section. The mounting block is mounted to the housing. The mounting block comprises a base and a first receiving groove extending through the base. The first fixing section is at least partially located in the first terminal module installation slot. The second fixing section is at least partially located in the first receiving groove. The mounting block is a metal shell or a composite shell formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material. The first conductive terminal does not make contact with the mounting block.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202311286923.3, filed on September 28, 2023, entitled “ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrical connector belonging to the technical field of connectors. BACKGROUND

[0003] A prior art electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals mounted on the insulating housing, and a metal shell enclosing the insulating housing. Each conductive terminal typically includes a first fixing portion fixed to the insulating housing, a first elastic arm extending from one end of the first fixing portion, and a second fixing portion bent or curved from another end of the first fixing portion.

[0004] However, how to shield the second fixing section is a technical problem that must be solved by a specialist. SUMMARY

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that improves the shielding of conductive terminals.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an electrical connector comprising: a housing, the housing having a receiving slot configured to at least partially receive a mating module along a first direction, and a first terminal module installation slot communicating with the receiving slot; a first terminal module, the first terminal module being partially received in the first terminal module installation slot; the first terminal module having a plurality of first conductive terminals; each first conductive terminal having a first fixing portion, a first contact arm connected to one end of the first fixing portion, and a second fixing portion connected to another end of the first fixing portion; and a mounting block, the mounting block being attached to the housing;wherein the mounting block has a base and a first receiving groove extending through the base; wherein the first fixing portion is at least partially disposed in the first terminal module installation slot; wherein the second fixing portion is at least partially disposed in the first receiving groove; wherein the first contact arm has a first contact portion projecting into the receiving slot; wherein the mounting block is a metal housing or a composite housing formed by electroplating a metal material on an insulating material; wherein the first conductive terminal is not in contact with the mounting block.

[0007] Furthermore, the first terminal module includes two first conductive terminals, which are a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, respectively; wherein the first terminal module includes a first holding block attached to the second portion of the first signal terminal and the second portion of the second signal terminal; wherein the first holding block is received in the first receiving groove such that the second portion of the first signal terminal and the second portion of the second signal terminal are arranged upside down in the first receiving groove so as not to come into contact with the mounting block.

[0008] Furthermore, the mounting block comprises a first mounting projection extending upwardly from the base; wherein the first receiving groove is provided in the first mounting projection; wherein the housing comprises a rear surface and a receiving space extending through the rear surface; wherein the first mounting projection is received in the receiving space.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of first terminal modules are provided and arranged at intervals along a second direction; wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein a plurality of first receiving grooves are provided and arranged at intervals along the second direction; wherein each first terminal module is at least partially installed in a corresponding first receiving groove; wherein the first mounting projection comprises a plurality of third partition walls, each of which separates two adjacent first receiving grooves.

[0010] Additionally, the housing defines a second terminal module installation slot extending along the first direction; wherein the electrical connector includes a second terminal module partially received in the second terminal module installation slot; wherein the second terminal module includes a plurality of second conductive terminals; wherein each second conductive terminal includes a third fixing portion, a second contact arm connected to one end of the third fixing portion, and a fourth fixing portion connected to another end of the third fixing portion; wherein the mounting block defines a second receiving groove extending through the base; wherein the third fixing portion is at least partially disposed in the second terminal module installation slot; wherein the fourth fixing portion is at least partially disposed in the second receiving groove; wherein the second contact arm comprises a second portion projecting into the receiving slot.

[0011] Furthermore, the second terminal module includes two second conductive terminals, which are a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal, respectively; wherein the second terminal module includes a second holding block fixed to the fourth fixing portion of the third signal terminal and the fourth fixing portion of the fourth signal terminal; wherein the second holding block is received in the second receiving groove so that the fourth fixing portion of the third signal terminal and the fourth fixing portion of the fourth signal terminal are arranged upside down in the second receiving groove so as not to come into contact with the mounting block.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting block comprises a first mounting projection and a second mounting projection extending upwardly from the base; wherein the second receiving groove is provided in the second mounting projection; wherein the first mounting projection projects upwardly beyond the second mounting projection.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of second terminal modules are provided and arranged at intervals along a second direction; wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein a plurality of second receiving grooves are provided and arranged at intervals along the second direction; wherein each second terminal module is at least partially installed in a corresponding second receiving groove; wherein the second mounting projection comprises a plurality of fourth partition walls, each of which separates two adjacent second receiving grooves.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrical connector comprises a back plate attached to a rear side of the housing; the back plate covering the second fixing portions of the second conductive terminals; wherein the back plate and the mounting block are formed as one piece; or wherein the back plate and the mounting block are two separately provided components.

[0015] Furthermore, the housing is a conductive housing; wherein the first fixing portion is arranged upside down in the first terminal module installation slot so that the first fixing portion is not in contact with the conductive housing; wherein the conductive housing is a metal housing; or wherein the conductive casing is a composite casing formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material.

[0016] Compared to the prior art, the present invention comprises the mounting block mounted on the housing. The mounting block includes a base and a first receiving groove extending through the base. The second fixing portion is at least partially disposed in the first receiving groove. The mounting block is a metal shell or a composite shell formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material. The first conductive terminals are not in contact with the mounting block. With this arrangement, the second fixing portion can be shielded by the mounting block, thereby improving the shielding effect on the conductive terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of Fig. 1 from a different angle; Fig. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 3 from a different angle; Fig. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of a circled section C in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a plan view of an electrical connector, a mating module, and a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a bottom view of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a front view of the electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a legal opinion of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the Fig. 3 shown electrical connector; Fig. 11 is another partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 11 from a different angle; Fig. 13 is a plan view of a mounting block in Fig. 11; Fig. 14 is a rear view of the electrical connector when the mounting block is separated; Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the electrical connector when the mounting block is separated; Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connector after removal of the mounting block and when a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing are separated from each other; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of Fig. 16 from a different angle; Fig. 18 is an enlarged partial view of a circled section D in Fig. 16; Fig. 19 is an enlarged partial view of a circled section E in Fig. 17; Fig. 20 is a plan view of Fig. 16; Fig. 21 is a bottom view of Fig. 16; Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the first conductive housing, a plurality of first terminal modules, a first insulating fixing block and a first ground plate in Fig. 16; Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 22 from a different angle; Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the second conductive housing, a plurality of second terminal modules, a second insulating fixing block and a second ground plate in Fig. 16; Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 24 from a different angle; Fig. 26 is a plan view of Fig. 22 from a special angle; Fig. 27 is a plan view of Fig. 23; Fig. 28 is a plan view of Fig. 25; Fig. 29 is a plan view of Fig. 24 from a special angle; Fig. 30 is an enlarged partial view of a frame part F in Fig. 22; Fig. 31 is an enlarged partial view of a frame part G in Fig. 24; Fig. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along line BB in Fig. 3, in which the electrical connector is installed on the circuit board; Fig. 33 is a partially exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 34 is a partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 33 from a different angle; Fig. 35 is another partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 33; and Fig. 36 is a partially exploded perspective view of Fig. 35 from a different angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The examples described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the application, as described in the appended claims.

[0018] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "said," and "the" include the plural unless the context clearly indicates other meanings.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this application do not represent order, quantity, or importance, but are used only to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "an" and other similar words do not imply a limitation of quantity, but rather mean that there is at least one; "multiple" or "a plurality of" means two or more than two. Unless otherwise noted, "front," "rear," "bottom," and / or "top" and similar words are for convenience of description only and are not limited to any location or spatial orientation.Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprise" cover elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The term "a plurality of" mentioned in the present invention includes two or more.

[0020] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless contradictory, the following embodiments and features can be combined with one another.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, the present invention discloses a connector assembly 400 comprising an electrical connector 100, a printed circuit board 200 for mounting the electrical connector 100, and a mating module 300 that can be at least partially inserted into the electrical connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 is an OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) receptacle connector. Accordingly, the mating module 300 is an OSFP connector. Of course, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the electrical connector 100 may also be an SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) receptacle connector, a QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) receptacle connector, a QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) receptacle connector, an SFP-DD (Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) receptacle connector, or a DSFP (Dual Channel Small Form-factor Pluggable) receptacle connector, etc.Accordingly, the mating module 300 is an SFP connector, a QSFP connector, a QSFP-DD connector, an SFP-DD connector, or a DSFP connector, etc. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the basic structure of the above-mentioned types of electrical connectors is regulated by corresponding association standards and is not described in detail here.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 3, the electrical connector 100 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention defines a receiving slot 101 for at least partially receiving the mating module 300. To simplify the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, an insertion and removal direction of the mating module 300 and the electrical connector 100 is a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., a front-to-back direction); a width direction of the receiving slot 101 is a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., a left-to-right direction); and an installation direction of the electrical connector 100 and the circuit board 200 is a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., a top-to-bottom direction). The first direction A1-A1, the second direction A2-A2, and the third direction A3-A3 are each perpendicular to each other.

[0023] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the counter module 300 includes a tongue plate 301. The tongue plate 301 includes a tongue plate top surface 302, a tongue plate bottom surface 303, a plurality of first contact pads 304 located on the tongue plate top surface 302, and a plurality of second contact pads 305 located on the tongue plate bottom surface 303. The plurality of first contact pads 304 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The plurality of second contact pads 305 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2.

[0024] As in Fig. 6, the plurality of first contact pads 304 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first signal contact pads 3041 and a plurality of first ground contact pads 3042. The plurality of first signal contact pads 3041 are divided into a plurality of groups, each group including two first signal contact pads 3041 arranged side by side along the second direction A2-A2. Each group of first signal contact pads 3041 is assigned two first ground contact pads 3042, each arranged on two sides thereof, so that the shielding and the quality of the signal transmission are improved. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each group of first signal contact pads 3041 forms a differential pair to increase the speed of the signal transmission.In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a length of each first ground contact pad 3042 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than a length of each first signal contact pad 3041 along the first direction A1-A1, so that the shielding is improved and the quality of the signal transmission is improved.

[0025] Similarly, in the Fig. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 7, the plurality of second contact pads 305 comprises a plurality of second signal contact pads 3051 and a plurality of second ground contact pads 3052. The plurality of second signal contact pads 3051 are divided into a plurality of groups, each group comprising two second signal contact pads 3051 arranged side by side along the second direction A2-A2. Each group of second signal contact pads 3051 is assigned two second ground contact pads 3052, each arranged on two sides, so that the shielding and the quality of the signal transmission are improved. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each group of second signal contact pads 3051 forms a differential pair to increase the speed of the signal transmission.In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a length of each second ground contact pad 3052 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than a length of each second signal contact pad 3051 along the first direction A1-A1, so that the shielding and the quality of the signal transmission are improved.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, in one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 200 comprises a circuit board top side 201, a circuit board bottom side 202, a plurality of first conductive regions, and a plurality of second conductive regions. The plurality of first conductive regions includes a plurality of first signal-conducting regions, a plurality of second signal-conducting regions, a plurality of first ground-conducting regions, and a plurality of second ground-conducting regions. Adjacent first signal-conducting regions and second signal-conducting regions along the second direction A2-A2 form a first signal-conducting region group. In one embodiment of the present invention, the group of first signal-conducting regions is a differential pair to increase the speed of signal transmission.Along the second direction A2-A2, each first signal-conducting region group is connected to a first ground-conducting region and a second ground-conducting region, each arranged on two sides, so that the shielding and the quality of the signal transmission are improved.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first conductive regions is a plurality of first conductive pads 203 and the plurality of second conductive regions is a plurality of second conductive pads 204. The plurality of first conductive pads 203 and the plurality of second conductive pads 204 are configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive terminals of the electrical connector 100 using a surface mount device (SMT). The plurality of first conductive pads 203 are exposed on the circuit board top side 201 and are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The plurality of second conductive pads 204 are exposed on the circuit board top side 201 and are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2.The plurality of first conductive pads 203 and the plurality of second conductive pads 204 are generally arranged in two rows along the first direction A1-A1.

[0028] The plurality of first conductive pads 203 includes a plurality of first signal conductive pads 2031, a plurality of second signal conductive pads 2032, a plurality of first ground conductive pads 2033, and a plurality of second ground conductive pads 2034. Adjacent first signal conductive pads 2031 and second signal conductive pads 2032, which are adjacent along the second direction A2-A2, form a first signal conductive pad group DP1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal conductive pad group DP1 is a differential pair to increase the speed of signal transmission. Along the second direction A2-A2, each first signal conductive pad group DP1 is connected to a first ground conductive pad 2033 and a second ground conductive pad 2034, each arranged on two sides, thereby improving shielding and signal transmission quality.In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a length of each first ground conductive pad 2033 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than a length of each first signal conductive pad 2031 along the first direction A1-A1 and is also greater than a length of each second signal conductive pad 2032 along the first direction A1-A1, thereby improving shielding and signal transmission quality. A length of each second ground conductive pad 2034 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of each first signal conductive pad 2031 along the first direction A1-A1 and is also greater than the length of each second signal conductive pad 2032 along the first direction A1-A1, thereby further improving shielding and signal transmission quality.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first signal-conducting pad 2031 and the second signal-conducting pad 2032 in each first signal-conducting pad group DP1 are the same and are aligned along the second direction A2-A2. In other words, a front edge of the first signal-conducting pad 2031 is aligned with a front edge of the second signal-conducting pad 2032. A rear edge of the first signal-conducting pad 2031 is aligned with a rear edge of the second signal-conducting pad 2032. A front edge of the first ground-conducting pad 2033 extends forward and protrudes beyond the front edge of the first signal-conducting pad 2031 and the front edge of the second signal-conducting pad 2032. A rear edge of the first ground conductive pad 2033 extends rearward and protrudes beyond the rear edge of the first signal conductive pad 2031 and the rear edge of the second signal conductive pad 2032.A front edge of the second ground pad 2034 extends forward and protrudes beyond the front edge of the first signal pad 2031 and the front edge of the second signal pad 2032. A rear edge of the second ground pad 2034 extends rearward and protrudes beyond the rear edge of the first signal pad 2031 and the rear edge of the second signal pad 2032. With this arrangement, the first ground pad 2033 and the second ground pad 2034 can achieve shielding of the first signal pad 2031 and the second signal pad 2032 over their entire lengths, thereby improving the shielding and signal transmission quality.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second conductive pads 204 comprises a plurality of third signal conductive pads 2041, a plurality of fourth signal conductive pads 2042, a plurality of third ground conductive pads 2043, and a plurality of fourth ground conductive pads 2044. Adjacent third signal conductive pads 2041 and the fourth signal conductive pads 2042 along the second direction A2-A2 form a second signal conductive pad group DP2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second signal conductive pad group DP2 is a differential pair to increase the speed of signal transmission. Along the second direction A2-A2, each second signal conductive pad group DP2 is assigned a third ground conductive pad 2043 and a fourth ground conductive pad 2044, each arranged on two sides, so that the shielding and the quality of the signal transmission are improved.In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a length of every third ground conductive pad 2043 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than a length of every third signal conductive pad 2041 along the first direction A1-A1 and is also greater than a length of every fourth signal conductive pad 2042 along the first direction A1-A1, thereby improving shielding and signal transmission quality. A length of every fourth ground conductive pad 2044 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of every third signal conductive pad 2041 along the first direction A1-A1 and is also greater than the length of every fourth signal conductive pad 2042 along the first direction A1-A1, thereby further improving shielding and signal transmission quality.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third signal-conducting pad 2041 and the fourth signal-conducting pad 2042 in every second signal-conducting pad group DP2 are identical and aligned along the second direction A2-A2. In other words, a leading edge of the third signal-conducting pad 2041 is aligned with a leading edge of the fourth signal-conducting pad 2042. A trailing edge of the third signal-conducting pad 2041 is aligned with a trailing edge of the fourth signal-conducting pad 2042. A leading edge of the third ground-conducting pad 2043 extends forward and protrudes beyond a leading edge of the third signal-conducting pad 2041 and a leading edge of the fourth signal-conducting pad 2042. A rear edge of the third ground conductive pad 2043 extends rearward and projects beyond a rear edge of the third signal conductive pad 2041 and a rear edge of the fourth signal conductive pad 2042.A front edge of the fourth ground pad 2044 extends forward and protrudes beyond the front edge of the third signal pad 2041 and the front edge of the fourth signal pad 2042. A rear edge of the fourth ground pad 2044 extends rearward and protrudes beyond the rear edge of the third signal pad 2041 and the rear edge of the fourth signal pad 2042.

[0032] With this arrangement, the third ground conductive pad 2043 and the fourth ground conductive pad 2044 can achieve shielding of the third signal conductive pad 2041 and the fourth signal conductive pad 2042 over their entire length, thereby improving the shielding and increasing the quality of signal transmission.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first conductive regions are a plurality of first through-holes, and the plurality of second conductive regions are a plurality of second through-holes. In other words, the first conductive pads 203 and the second conductive pads 204 of the printed circuit board 200 in the first embodiment are replaced by the first through-holes and the second through-holes. The plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes extend through the printed circuit board top surface 201 and the printed circuit board bottom surface 202 along the third direction A3-A3. The plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes are configured so that the corresponding conductive terminals of the electrical connector 100 can be at least partially inserted to establish an electrical connection.In one embodiment, the corresponding conductive terminals of the electrical connector 100 extend through the first through-holes and the second through-holes and are electrically connected to the circuit board 200 by through-hole welding or soldering. At this time, the first signal conductive pad 2031 is replaced with a first signal through-hole; the second signal conductive pad 2032 is replaced with a second signal through-hole; the first ground conductive pad 2033 is replaced with a first through-hole; and the second ground conductive pad 2034 is replaced with a second through-hole.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first through-holes and the second through-holes are first conductive through-holes and second conductive through-holes, respectively. That is, the first signal conductive pad 2031 is replaced with a first signal conductive through-hole; the second signal conductive pad 2032 is replaced with a second signal conductive through-hole; the first ground conductive pad 2033 is replaced with a first ground conductive through-hole; and the second ground conductive pad 2034 is replaced with a second ground conductive through-hole. The corresponding conductive terminals of the electrical connector 100 are at least partially pressed into the first conductive through-holes and the second conductive through-holes, and the electrical connection between the conductive terminals and the conductive through-holes is achieved by a press fit.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the printed circuit board 200 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of mounting vias 205 extending through the printed circuit board top surface 201 and the printed circuit board bottom surface 202, and a plurality of grounding pads 206 exposed on the printed circuit board top surface 201. The grounding pads 206 are arranged around the corresponding mounting vias 205. The mounting vias 205 are provided for positioning the electrical connector 100. The grounding pads 206 are configured to contact the electrical connector 100 to achieve better grounding and / or fixation.In one embodiment of the present invention, the grounding pads 206 are welded or soldered to corresponding parts of the electrical connector 100, thereby achieving the grounding function and increasing the connection force between the electrical connector 100 and the circuit board 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the majority of the grounding pads 206 are connected as a whole via internal conductive traces of the circuit board 200 to increase the grounded area.

[0036] Referring to the Fig. 8 to 12, the electrical connector 100 in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, an insulating fixing block 2 fixed to the housing, and a plurality of conductive terminals 3 installed on the housing.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is a conductive housing 1. The conductive housing 1 is a metal housing made of a metal material, so that the shielding effect and the signal transmission quality are further improved. In another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing 1 can also be a composite housing formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material. The composite housing can also improve the shielding effect and increase the signal transmission quality.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the conductive housing 1 in one embodiment of the present invention includes a first conductive housing 11 and a second conductive housing 12. The first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are fixed to each other. For example, the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are fixed to each other after assembly by welding, soldering, or other methods.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 includes a first base portion 111 and a first protruding portion 112 extending forward from the first base portion 111. The first base portion 111 includes a first upper surface 1111, a first lower surface 1112, and at least one weight-reducing groove 1113 that is spaced downward from the first upper surface 1111. Weight reduction can be achieved by the weight-reducing groove 1113. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of weight-reducing grooves 1113 are provided that do not extend downward through the first base portion 111, thereby reducing the weight while ensuring the shielding performance of the first base portion 111.The first base portion 111 further includes a plurality of first through-holes 1114 arranged on two sides of the first base portion 111 and extending through the first base portion 111 along the third direction A3-A3. Furthermore, the first base portion 111 includes a first rear surface 1115 and a first mounting groove 1116 offset forward from the first rear surface 1115. The first mounting groove 1116 extends downward through the first bottom surface 1112. The first portion of the base 111 includes at least one first mounting slot 1117 communicating with the first mounting groove 1116. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two first mounting slots 1117 are provided, penetrating downward through the first bottom surface 1112. The first mounting slots 1117 communicate with the first mounting groove 1116.The underside of the first base portion 111 includes at least one first recess 1118 adjacent to the first projecting portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two first recesses 1118 are provided. The first portion 111 of the base further includes a plurality of mounting projections 1119 that project into corresponding first recesses 1118.

[0040] The first protruding portion 112 includes a second upper surface 1121, a second lower surface 1122, and a plurality of first filling grooves 1123 extending upward through the second upper surface 1121 along the third direction A3-A3. The first filling grooves 1123 extend forward through a first front end surface 1120 of the first protruding portion 112 along the first direction A1-A1. The first protruding portion 112 further includes a plurality of first positioning posts 1124 projecting upward above the second upper surface 1121 along the third direction A3-A3.

[0041] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 23, the first conductive housing 11 further includes a plurality of first terminal module installation slots 113 extending along the first direction A1-A1. Each first terminal module installation slot 113 extends from the first base portion 111 to the first protruding portion 112. A rear end of the first terminal module installation slot 113 communicates with the first mounting groove 1116. A middle portion of the first terminal module installation slot 113 is circumferentially surrounded by the walls of the first conductive housing 11. A front end of the first terminal module installation slot 113 extends downward through the second bottom surface 1122.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that by arranging the central portion of the first terminal module installation slot 113, which is circumferentially surrounded by the walls of the first conductive housing 11, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the first terminal module installation slots 113 can be better shielded and, on the other hand, adjacent first terminal module installation slots 113 can be well separated from each other, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0042] As in Fig. 23, the plurality of first terminal module installation slots 113 are spaced apart from each other along the second direction A2-A2. The first conductive housing 11 includes a plurality of first partition walls 114 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. Two adjacent first terminal module installation slots 113 are separated by a corresponding first wall 114 along the second direction A2-A2. In other words, each first terminal module installation slot 113 is surrounded by four walls of the first conductive housing 11 for a length corresponding to the corresponding first partition wall 114, thereby improving the shielding effect. With this arrangement, each first terminal module installation slot 113 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving data transmission quality.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 includes a second base portion 121 and a second protruding portion 122 extending forward from the second base portion 121. The second base portion 121 includes a third upper surface 1211, a third lower surface 1212, a plurality of first fastening posts 1213 projecting upward from the third upper surface 1211, and a plurality of second fastening posts 1214 projecting downward from the third lower surface 1212. Furthermore, the second base portion 121 includes a second rear surface 1215 and a receiving space 1216 recessed forward from the second rear surface 1215. The receiving space 1216 extends through the second base portion 121 along the third direction A3-A3. In addition, the second base portion 121 defines a second mounting groove 1217.A top surface of the second base portion 121 defines at least one second recess 1218 adjacent to the second protruding portion 122. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two second recesses 1218 are provided. The second base portion 121 further includes a plurality of second mounting protrusions 1219 projecting into corresponding second recesses 1218. The second conductive housing 12 further includes a plurality of mounting posts 1214a projecting downward beyond the second mounting posts 1214. The mounting posts 1214a are inserted into the mounting through-holes 205 of the printed circuit board 200, enabling installation positioning. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bottom wall of the second conductive housing 12 and the ground mounting pad 206 are fixed by welding or soldering.

[0044] The second protruding portion 122 includes a fourth upper surface 1221, a fourth lower surface 1222, and a plurality of second filling grooves 1223 extending downwardly through the fourth lower surface 1222. The second filling grooves 1223 extend forwardly through a second front end surface 1220 of the second protruding portion 122. The second protruding portion 122 further includes a plurality of second positioning posts 1224 extending downwardly beyond the second lower surface 1222.

[0045] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 25, the second conductive housing 12 further includes a plurality of second terminal module installation slots 123 extending along the first direction A1-A1. Each second terminal module installation slot 123 extends from the second base portion 121 to the second protruding portion 122. A rear end of the second terminal module installation slot 123 communicates with the receiving space 1216. The middle portion of the second terminal module installation slot 123 is enclosed by the walls of the second conductive housing 12. A front end of the second terminal module installation slot 123 extends upward through the fourth upper surface 1221.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that by arranging the central portion of the second terminal module installation slot 123, which is surrounded by the walls of the second conductive housing 12 in the circumferential direction, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the second terminal module installation slots 123 can be better shielded, and on the other hand, the adjacent second terminal module installation slots 123 can be well separated from each other, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0046] As in Fig. 25, the plurality of second terminal module installation slots 123 are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The second conductive housing 12 includes a plurality of second partition walls 124 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. Two adjacent second terminal module installation slots 123 are separated from each other by corresponding second walls 124 along the second direction A2-A2. In other words, each second terminal module installation slot 123 is surrounded by four walls of the second conductive housing 12 for a length corresponding to the second partition wall 124, thereby improving the shielding effect. With this arrangement, each second terminal module installation slot 123 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving data transmission quality.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 16 to Fig. 32, the insulating fixing block 2 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a first insulating fixing block 21 and a second insulating fixing block 22. The first insulating fixing block 21 is fixed in the first filling grooves 1123. The second insulating fixing block 22 is fixed in the second filling grooves 1223. In order to increase the connecting force between the first insulating fixing block 21 and the first conductive housing 11, the first insulating fixing block 21 is preferably overmolded in the first filling grooves 1123. In order to increase the connecting force between the second insulating fixing block 22 and the second conductive housing 12, the second insulating fixing block 22 is overmolded in the second filling grooves 1223.

[0048] The first insulating fixing block 21 defines a plurality of first slots 211 and a plurality of second slots 212, wherein adjacent first slots 211 and second slots 212 form a group and communicate with a corresponding first terminal module installation slot 113. The first insulating fixing block 21 further includes a first front surface 210 that is coplanar or plane-parallel with the first front end surface 1120 of the first protruding portion 112.

[0049] Similarly, the second insulating fixing block 22 defines a plurality of third slots 221 and a plurality of fourth slots 222. Adjacent third slots 221 and fourth slots 222 form a group and communicate with a corresponding second terminal module installation slot 123. The second insulating fixing block 22 includes a second front surface 220 that is coplanar with the second front end surface 1220 of the second protruding portion 122.

[0050] As in Fig. 22 to Fig. 32, the plurality of conductive terminals 3 includes a plurality of first conductive terminals 31 and a plurality of second conductive terminals 32. Each first conductive terminal 31 includes a first fixing portion 311 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a first contact arm 310 extending forward from a front end of the first fixing portion 311, a second fixing portion 312 bent downward from a rear end of the first fixing portion 311, and a first mounting foot 313 extending from a lower end of the second fixing portion 312. The first contact arm 310 includes a first contact portion 3101 protruding into the receiving slot 101 to contact the first signal contact pad 3041 of the tongue plate 301.In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting leg 313 extends horizontally rearward from the lower end of the second fixing portion 312 so as to contact a corresponding first signal-conducting pad 2031 and a corresponding second signal-conducting pad 2032 of the circuit board 200. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting legs 313 can be fixed to the corresponding first signal-conducting pad 2031 and the corresponding second signal-conducting pad 2032 of the circuit board 200 by SMT. In other embodiments, the first mounting legs 313 can, of course, also be arranged perpendicular to the circuit board 200. At this time, the circuit board 200 has a plurality of through-holes, and the first mounting legs 313 extend through the through-holes to be fixed to the circuit board 200 by soldering or welding.In other embodiments, the first mounting feet 313 can also be arranged perpendicular to the circuit board 200. Each first mounting foot 313 is provided with a fisheye hole to ensure a specific degree of elasticity. At this time, the circuit board 200 has a plurality of conductive through-holes, and the first mounting feet 313 can be fixed to the circuit board 200 by pressing. The assembly of the first mounting feet 313 and the circuit board 200 is understandable to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first conductive terminals 31 are divided into a plurality of groups. Each group of first conductive terminals 31 includes a first signal terminal S1 and a second signal terminal S2 arranged adjacent to the first signal terminal S1. Preferably, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each group of first conductive terminals 31 form a differential pair to improve the signal transmission speed.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 further comprises a first holding block 33 fixed to the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 of each group of first conductive terminals 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 are overmolded with the first holding block 33 to form an integrated first terminal module 31a. The first contact portions 3101 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a are configured to contact the first signal contact pads 3041 of the mating module 300. The first mounting foot 313 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first mounting foot 313 of the second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a are configured to contact the first signal conductive pads 2031 and 2032, respectively.the second signal-conducting pad 2032 of the circuit board 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting foot 313 of the first signal terminal S1 and the first mounting foot 313 of the second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a are soldered or welded to the first signal-conducting pad 2031 and the second signal-conducting pad 2032 of the circuit board 200, respectively.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first holding block 33 comprises a first fixing block 331 fixed or attached to the front ends of the first fixing sections 311 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2, a second fixing block 332 fixed to the rear ends of the first fixing sections 311 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2, a third fixing block 333 fixed to the upper ends of the second fixing sections 312 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2, and a fourth fixing block 334 fixed to the lower ends of the second fixing sections 312 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2.

[0054] Similarly, each second conductive terminal 32 includes a third fixing portion 321 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a second contact arm 320 extending forward from a front end of the third fixing portion 321, a fourth fixing portion 322 bent downward from a rear end of the third fixing portion 321, and a second mounting leg 323 extending from a lower end of the fourth fixing portion 322. The second contact arm 320 includes a second contact portion 3201 protruding into the receiving slot 101 to contact the second signal contact pad 3051 of the tongue plate 301. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second mounting foot 323 extends horizontally forward from the lower end of the fourth fixing portion 322 so as to be in contact with the third signal conductive pad 2041 and the fourth signal conductive pad 2042 of the circuit board 200.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second mounting feet 323 are soldered or welded to the third signal conductive pad 2041 and the fourth signal conductive pad 2042 of the circuit board 200 by SMT. Of course, in other embodiments, the second mounting feet 323 may also be arranged perpendicular to the circuit board 200. At this time, the circuit board 200 has a plurality of through holes, and the second mounting feet 323 are passed through the through holes to be soldered or welded to the circuit board 200. In other embodiments, the second mounting feet 323 may also be arranged perpendicular to the circuit board 200. Each second mounting foot 323 has a fisheye hole to ensure a specific degree of elasticity. At this time, the circuit board 200 has a plurality of conductive through holes.The second mounting feet 323 can be fixed to the circuit board 200 by pressing them in. The manner of mounting the second mounting feet 323 and the circuit board 200 is understandable for the person skilled in the art and is not described in detail here.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of second conductive terminals 32 are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group of second conductive terminals 32 includes a third signal terminal S3 and a fourth signal terminal S4 arranged adjacent to the third signal terminal S3. Preferably, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each group of second conductive terminals 32 form a differential pair to improve the signal transmission speed.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 further comprises a second holding block 34 fixed to the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 of each group of second conductive terminals 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 are overmolded with the second holding block 34 to form an integrated second terminal module 32a. The second contact portions 3201 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a are configured to be in contact with the second signal contact pads 3051 of the mating module 300.The second mounting foot 323 of the third signal terminal S3 and the second mounting foot 323 of the fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a are each in contact with a corresponding third signal-conducting pad 2041 and a corresponding fourth signal-conducting pad 2042 of the circuit board 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second mounting foot 323 of the third signal terminal S3 and the second mounting foot 323 of the fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a are soldered or welded to the corresponding third signal-conducting pad 2041 and the corresponding fourth signal-conducting pad 2042 of the circuit board 200, respectively.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second holding block 34 comprises a fifth fixing block 341 fixed to the front ends of the third fixing sections 321 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4, a sixth fixing block 342 fixed to the rear ends of the third fixing sections 321 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4, a seventh fixing block 343 fixed to the upper ends of the fourth fixing sections 322 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4, and an eighth fixing block 344 fixed to the lower ends of the fourth fixing sections 322 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4.

[0058] According to Fig. 1 to Fig. 32, the electrical connector 100 in one embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one ground plate 4, which is attached to the conductive housing 1. The ground plate 4 comprises a first ground plate 41 and a second ground plate 42. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two first ground plates 41 are provided, which are made of metal. Two second ground plates 42 are provided and consist of metallic material.

[0059] Each first ground plate 41 is generally U-shaped and includes a first mounting plate 411, a second mounting plate 412 opposite the first mounting plate 411, a first connecting plate 413 connecting one side of the first mounting plate 411 and one side of the second mounting plate 412, and a first extension plate 414 extending downward and rearward from another side of the second mounting plate 412. The first mounting plate 411 has a plurality of first positioning holes 4111 that mate with the first positioning posts 1124. The first extension plate 414 is received in a corresponding first recess 1118 of the first conductive housing 11. The first extension plate 414 defines a plurality of first mounting holes 4141 for receiving the first mounting protrusions 1119.

[0060] The first connection plate 413 abuts against and at least partially covers the first front surface 210 of the first insulating fixing block 21. The first connection plate 413 is arranged at a front end of the receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1. When inserting the mating module 300, the tongue plate 301 can first come into contact with the first connection plate 413, thereby facilitating the dissipation of static electricity. The second fixing plate 412 is provided with a plurality of first elastic ground arms 415 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The first elastic ground arms 415 are arranged on two sides of the first contact arms 310 of each group of first conductive terminals 31 to improve the shielding effect and the quality of signal transmission.

[0061] The first elastic mass arm 415 curves as a whole away from the first mounting plate 411. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic mass arm 415 includes a first intermediate portion 4150, a first elastic arm portion 4151 connecting one end of the first intermediate portion 4150 and the first connecting plate 413, and a second elastic arm portion 4152 connecting another end of the first intermediate portion 4150 and the first extension plate 414. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first intermediate portion 4150 includes a first recess 4150a that projects into the receiving slot 101.The first section of the elastic arm 4151 has a first elastic contact arm 4151a extending toward the first intermediate section 4150, and a first relief groove 4151b corresponding to the first elastic contact arm 4151a and forming a deformation space for the first elastic contact arm 4151a. The second section of the elastic arm 4152 is provided with a second elastic contact arm 4152a extending toward the first intermediate section 4150, and a second relief groove 4152b corresponding to the second elastic contact arm 4152a and providing a deformation space for the second elastic contact arm 4152a. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic contact arm 4151a and the second elastic contact arm 4152a are each arranged on two sides of the first intermediate section 4150.The first elastic contact arm 4151a and the second elastic contact arm 4152a are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. A free end of the first elastic contact arm 4151a and a free end of the second elastic contact arm 4152a are both located near the first intermediate portion 4150. The first elastic arm 4151a, the first recess 4150a, and the second elastic arm 4152a are all in contact with the corresponding first ground contact pad 3042 of the mating module 300. This three-point contact method is advantageous for achieving a better shielding effect.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion of the elastic arm 4151 includes a first frame 4151c surrounded on all sides. The first relief groove 4151b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the first frame 4151c. The first elastic arm 4151a is connected to one wall of the first frame 4151c. The other three walls of the first frame 4151c each surround the other three sides of the first elastic contact arm 4151a. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first frame 4151c surrounding the first elastic contact arm 4151a can better protect the first elastic contact arm 4151a and prevent the first elastic contact arm 4151a from excessive deformation.

[0063] Similarly, the second portion of the elastic arm 4152 includes a second frame 4152c surrounded on all sides. The second relief groove 4152b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the second frame 4152c. The second elastic contact arm 4152a is connected to one wall of the second frame 4152c. The other three walls of the second frame 4152c each surround the other three sides of the second elastic contact arm 4152a. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second frame 4152c surrounding the second elastic contact arm 4152a can provide better protection for the second elastic contact arm 4152a and prevent the second elastic contact arm 4152a from being excessively deformed.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning posts 1124 are fixed to the first mounting holes 4111, so that the first mounting plate 411 is fixed to the second upper surface 1121 of the first protruding portion 112. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 21, a dimension of the first mounting hole 4141 along the first direction A1-A1 may be slightly larger than a dimension of the first mounting protrusion 1119 along the first direction A1-A1. Therefore, when the first elastic contact arm 4151a, the first intermediate portion 4150, and the second elastic contact arm 4152a are contacted and deformed by the first ground contact pad 3042 of the mating module 300, the first extension plate 414 may move accordingly in the first recess 1118 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0065] Each second ground plate 42 is generally U-shaped and includes a third mounting plate 421, a fourth mounting plate 422 opposite the third mounting plate 421, a second connecting plate 423 connecting one side of the third mounting plate 421 and one side of the fourth mounting plate 422, and a second extension plate 424 extending downward and rearward from another side of the fourth mounting plate 422. The third mounting plate 421 has a plurality of second mounting holes 4211 that mate with the second positioning posts 1224. The second extension plate 424 is received in a corresponding second recess 1218 of the second conductive housing 12. The second extension plate 424 defines a plurality of second mounting holes 4241 for receiving the second mounting projections 1219.

[0066] The second connection plate 423 abuts against and at least partially covers the second front surface 220 of the second insulating fixing block 22. The second connection plate 423 is arranged at the front end of the receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1. When the mating module 300 is inserted, the tongue plate 301 can first come into contact with the second connection plate 423, thereby facilitating the dissipation of static electricity. The fourth mounting plate 422 is provided with a plurality of second elastic ground arms 425 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. The second elastic ground arms 425 are respectively arranged on two sides of the second contact arms 320 of each group of second conductive terminals 32, thus improving the shielding effect and the quality of signal transmission.

[0067] The second elastic mass arm 425 curves as a whole away from the third mounting plate 421. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second elastic mass arm 425 includes a second intermediate portion 4250, a third elastic arm portion 4251 connecting one end of the second intermediate portion 4250 and the second connecting plate 423, and a fourth elastic arm portion 4252 connecting another end of the second intermediate portion 4250 and the second extension plate 424. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second intermediate portion 4250 includes a second recess 4250a that projects into the receiving slot 101.The third section of the elastic arm 4251 includes a third elastic contact arm 4251a extending toward the second intermediate section 4250, and a third relief groove 4251b corresponding to the third elastic contact arm 4251a and forming a deformation space for the third elastic contact arm 4251a. The fourth section of the elastic arm 4252 includes a fourth elastic contact arm 4252a extending toward the second intermediate section 4250, and a fourth relief groove 4252b corresponding to the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a and providing a deformation space for the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third elastic contact arm 4251a and the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a are each arranged on two sides of the second intermediate section 4250.The third elastic contact arm 4251a and the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. A free end of the third elastic contact arm 4251a and a free end of the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a are both located near the second intermediate portion 4250. The third elastic contact arm 4251a, the second recess 4250a, and the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a are all in contact with the second ground contact pad 3052 of the mating module 300. This three-point contact method is advantageous for achieving a better shielding effect.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third portion of the elastic arm 4251 includes a third frame 4251c surrounded on all sides. The third relief groove 4251b is a closed groove and is enclosed by the third frame 4251c. The third elastic contact arm 4251a is connected to one wall of the third frame 4251c. The other three walls of the third frame 4251c each surround the other three sides of the third elastic contact arm 4251a. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third frame 4251c surrounding the third elastic contact arm 4251a can better protect the third elastic contact arm 4251a and prevent the third elastic contact arm 4251a from excessive deformation.

[0069] Similarly, the fourth portion of the elastic arm 4252 includes a surrounding fourth frame 4252c. The fourth relief groove 4252b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the fourth frame 4252c. The fourth elastic contact arm 4252a is connected to one wall of the fourth frame 4252c. The other three walls of the fourth frame 4252c each surround the other three sides of the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth frame 4252c surrounding the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a can provide better protection for the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a and prevent the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a from being excessively deformed.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second positioning posts 1224 are fixed in the second mounting holes 4211 so that the third mounting plate 421 is fixed to the fourth lower surface 1222 of the second protruding portion 122. As shown in Fig. As shown in FIG. 20, a dimension of the second mounting hole 4241 along the first direction A1-A1 may be slightly larger than a dimension of the second mounting protrusion 1219 along the first direction A1-A1. Therefore, when the third elastic contact arm 4251a, the second intermediate portion 4250, and the fourth elastic contact arm 4252a are contacted and deformed by the second ground contact pad 3052 of the mating module 300, the second extension plate 424 may move accordingly in the second recess 1218 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15, the electrical connector 100 in one embodiment of the present invention further comprises a mounting block 5 mounted on the conductive housing 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting block 5 is a metal shell made of a metal material, so that the shielding effect and the signal transmission quality are improved. In another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting block 5 may also be a composite shell formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting block 5 comprises a base 51, a first mounting projection 52 extending upward from the base 51, a second mounting projection 53 extending upward from the base 51, a plurality of first receiving grooves 522 extending through the mounting block 5 along the third direction A3-A3, and a plurality of second receiving grooves 532 extending through the mounting block 5 along the third direction A3-A3. The base 51 has a plurality of positioning holes 510 on two sides. The positioning holes 510 mate with the second mounting projections 1214. The base 51 has an upper surface 511 and a lower surface 512. The first mounting projection 52 and the second mounting projection 53 both project upward beyond the upper surface 511 of the base 51.

[0073] The plurality of first receiving grooves 522 extend upward through the first mounting projection 52. The first mounting projection 52 is provided with a back plate 521 that further projects upward, as well as with a plurality of third partition walls 523 that separate the plurality of first receiving grooves 522. The back plate 521 is designed to pass through the receiving space or mounting space 1216 and the first mounting groove 1116 and to be inserted into the first mounting slots 1117. The back plate 521 shields the second fixing portions 312 of the first conductive terminals 31 and the fourth fixing portions 322 of the second conductive terminals 32, forming an external shield. The first receiving groove 522 serves to receive the fourth fixing block 334 and to arrange the second fixing portions 312 of the first conductive terminals 31 upside down in the first receiving groove 522.On the one hand, this arrangement improves the shielding effect on the first conductive terminals 31. On the other hand, a short circuit is avoided by the contact between the second fixing section 312 and the mounting block 5.

[0074] The plurality of second receiving grooves 532 extend upward through the second mounting projection 53. The second mounting projection 53 is provided with a mounting positioning plate 531 and a plurality of fourth partition walls 533 that separate the plurality of second receiving grooves 532. The mounting plate 531 is inserted into the second mounting groove 537 to achieve mounting positioning. The second receiving groove 532 serves to receive the eighth fixing block 344 and to arrange the fourth fixing portions 322 of the second conductive terminals 32 upside down in the second receiving groove 532. On the one hand, this arrangement improves the shielding effect on the second conductive terminals 32. On the other hand, a short circuit caused by contact between the fourth fixing portions 322 and the mounting block 5 is avoided.

[0075] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base 51, the first mounting protrusion 52, and the second mounting protrusion 53 are integrally constructed. The back plate 521 can better shield the second fixing portions 312 of the first conductive terminals 31 and the fourth fixing portions 322 of the second conductive terminals 32, thereby improving the signal transmission quality.

[0076] As in Fig. 12, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base 51 further includes a plurality of first through-holes 513 and a plurality of second through-holes 514 extending through the upper surface 511 and the lower surface 512. The first through-holes 513 serve to pass the first mounting feet 313 of the first signal terminals S1 and the second signal terminals S2 in the corresponding first terminal module 31a. The second through-holes 514 serve to pass the second mounting feet 323 of the third signal terminals S3 and the fourth signal terminals S4 in the corresponding second terminal module 32a. The first mounting feet 313 and the second mounting feet 323 are used for fastening and mounting to the circuit board 200.

[0077] With reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 12 to Fig. 15, in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to improve the shielding of the first mounting feet 313 and the second mounting feet 323, the electrical connector 100 further comprises a plurality of first shielding ribs 54, a plurality of second shielding ribs 55, a plurality of third shielding ribs 56, and a plurality of fourth shielding ribs 57. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first shielding ribs 54, the plurality of second shielding ribs 55, the plurality of third shielding ribs 56, and the plurality of fourth shielding ribs 57 are all provided on the mounting block 5 and protrude downward from the lower surface 512 of the base 51.Each first through-hole 513 is connected to a first shielding rib 54 and a second shielding rib 55 on two sides thereof, so that the first mounting feet 313 of a group of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in the first terminal module 31a are better shielded, thereby improving the signal transmission quality. Each second through-hole 514 is connected to a third shielding rib 56 and a fourth shielding rib 57 on two sides thereof, so that the second mounting feet 323 of a group of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in the second terminal module 32a are better shielded, thereby improving the signal transmission quality.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding rib 54, the second shielding rib 55, the third shielding rib 56, and the fourth shielding rib 57 are all formed integrally with the base 51. Of course, in other embodiments, the first shielding rib 54, the second shielding rib 55, the third shielding rib 56, and the fourth shielding rib 57 may also be manufactured separately from the base 51 and then assembled and fixed to the base 51.

[0079] As in Fig. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding ribs 54 and the third shielding ribs 56 are arranged at intervals along the first direction A1-A1. The second shielding ribs 55 and the fourth shielding ribs 57 are arranged at intervals along the first direction A1-A1. The first shielding rib 54 and the third shielding rib 56 are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. The second shielding rib 55 and the fourth shielding rib 57 are aligned along the first direction A1-A1.

[0080] The first shielding rib 54 includes a first lower mounting surface 541. The second shielding rib 55 includes a second lower mounting surface 551. The third shielding rib 56 includes a third lower mounting surface 561. The fourth shielding rib 57 includes a fourth lower mounting surface 571. The first mounting foot 313 includes a first lower contact surface 3131. The second mounting foot 323 includes a second lower contact surface 3231. To improve contact reliability, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first lower mounting surface 541, the second lower mounting surface 551, the third lower mounting surface 561, the fourth lower mounting surface 571, the first lower contact surface 3131 and the second lower contact surface 3231 are all coplanar.

[0081] When the electrical connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board 200, the first shielding ribs 54 and the second shielding ribs 55 are in contact with the corresponding first ground conductive pads 2033 and the second ground conductive pads 2034, respectively. The third shielding ribs 56 and the fourth shielding ribs 57 are in contact with the corresponding third ground conductive pads 2043 and the fourth ground conductive pads 2044, respectively. The first mounting feet 313 of the first terminal module 31a are in contact with the corresponding first signal conductive pads 2031 and the second signal conductive pads 2032, respectively. The second mounting feet 323 of the second terminal module 32a are in contact with the corresponding third signal conductive pads 2041 and the fourth signal conductive pads 2042. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding ribs 54 and the second shielding ribs 55 with the corresponding first grounding pads 2033 respectively.soldered or welded to the second grounding pads 2034. The third shielding fins 56 and the fourth shielding fins 57 are soldered or welded to the corresponding third grounding pads 2043 and the fourth grounding pads 2044, respectively.

[0082] When assembling the electrical connector 100, first, the first insulating fixing block 21 is fixed in the first filling grooves 1123, and the second insulating fixing block 22 is fixed in the second filling grooves 1223.

[0083] Then, the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are assembled. The first mounting posts 1213 are inserted into the first positioning through-holes 1114. The first base 111 and the second base 121 vertically coincide. The first protruding portion 112 and the second protruding portion 122 correspond vertically. The first mounting groove 1116 and the mounting space 1216 correspond vertically. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting posts 1213 are press-fitted to the first positioning through-holes 1114 to increase the holding force of the two. To further increase the joining force between the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12, the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are soldered or welded at a joint.For example, the first conductive housing 11 is provided with an upwardly recessed first welding groove 11a at the joint location. The second conductive housing 12 is provided with a downwardly recessed second welding groove 12a at the joining position. The first welding groove 11a and the second welding groove 12a communicate with each other at the corresponding positions, thereby facilitating the filling of solder into the first welding groove 11a and the second welding groove 12a, so that fixation of the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 is achieved by welding or soldering. When the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are fixed, the receiving slot 101 for receiving the mating module 300 is formed between the first protruding portion 112 and the second protruding portion 122.

[0084] Then, the first ground plate 41 and the second ground plate 42 are fixed to the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12, respectively.

[0085] Then, the first terminal modules 31a and the second terminal modules 32a are installed in the corresponding first terminal module installation slots 113 and the second terminal module installation slots 123 from back to front along the first direction A1-A1. At this time, the first fixing block 331 and the second fixing block 332 are fixed in the corresponding first terminal module installation slot 113, and the first fixing portions 311 of the first conductive terminals 31 are arranged upside down in the corresponding first terminal module installation slot 113 to prevent a short circuit due to contact with the first conductive housing 11. The first contact arm 310 of the first signal terminal S1 extends at least partially into the first slot 211 of the first insulating fixing block 21. The first contact arm 310 of the second signal terminal S2 extends at least partially into the second slot 212 of the first insulating fixing block 21.Similarly, the fifth fixing block 341 and the sixth fixing block 342 are installed in the corresponding second terminal module installation slot 123. The third fixing portions 321 of the second conductive terminal 32 are arranged upside down in the second terminal module installation slot 123 to prevent short circuits caused by contact with the second conductive housing 12. The second contact arm 320 of the third signal terminal S3 extends at least partially into the third slot 221 of the second insulating fixing block 22. The second contact arm 320 of the fourth signal terminal S4 extends at least partially into the fourth slot 222 of the second insulating fixing block 22.

[0086] Then, the mounting block 5 is fixed or mounted to the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12. The first fixing portion 311 of the first conductive terminal 31 and the second fixing portion 312 of the first conductive terminal 31 are received in the first terminal module installation slot 113 and the first receiving groove 522, respectively. The third fixing portion 321 of the second conductive terminal 32 and the fourth fixing portion 322 of the second conductive terminal 32 are received in the second terminal module installation slot 123 and the second receiving groove 532, respectively. The first terminal module installation slot 113 is a circumferential slot surrounded by a plurality of walls of the first conductive housing 11, and adjacent first terminal module installation slots 113 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the first fixing portion 311 of the first conductive terminal 31 can be better shielded.The second terminal module installation slot 123 is a circumferential slot surrounded by a plurality of walls of the second conductive housing 12, and adjacent second terminal module installation slots 123 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the third fixing portion 321 of the second conductive terminal 32 can be better shielded. The first receiving groove 522 is a circumferential groove surrounded by a plurality of walls of the mounting block 5, and adjacent first receiving grooves 522 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the second fixing portion 312 of the first conductive terminal 31 can be better shielded. The second receiving groove 532 is a circumferential groove surrounded by a plurality of walls of the mounting block 5, and adjacent second receiving grooves 532 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the fourth fixing portion 322 of the second conductive terminal 32 can be better shielded.When the mounting block 5 is mounted, the mounting block 5 contacts the rear ends of the first partition walls 114 and the second partition walls 124, thereby further improving the shielding effect.

[0087] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of steps in the above assembly method can be flexibly adjusted as needed and will not be described again in the present invention.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the electrical connector 100 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention further includes a cover or film 13 that is fixed to the first upper surface 1111 of the first conductive housing 11 and covers the weight-reducing grooves 1113. The film 13 has a flat surface so that, when the electrical connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board 200, a suction cup can suck the film 13 and grip the electrical connector 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, the film 13 is a polyester film.

[0089] As in Fig. 33 to Fig.36, in another embodiment of the connector assembly 400 of the present invention, the back plate 521 and the mounting block 5 are two separate components. The mounting block 5 is mounted to the conductive housing 1. The back plate 521 is interposed between the conductive housing 1 and the mounting block 5. The back plate 521 and the mounting block 5 are each a metal housing or a composite housing formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material, thereby achieving a better shielding effect.

[0090] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of this description should be based on the skill of those skilled in the art. Although the direction descriptions have been described in detail in the above embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions may still be made to the application, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the application should be covered by the claims of the application.

Claims

[1] Electrical connector (100), characterized by : a housing, the housing having a receiving slot (101) configured to at least partially receive a mating module (300) along a first direction (A1-A1), and a first terminal module installation slot (113) communicating with the receiving slot (101); a first terminal module (31a), wherein the first terminal module (31a) is partially received in the first terminal module installation slot (113); wherein the first terminal module (31a) has a plurality of first conductive terminals (31); wherein each first conductive terminal (31) has a first fixing portion (311), a first contact arm (310) connected to one end of the first fixing portion (311), and a second fixing portion (312) connected to another end of the first fixing portion (311); and a mounting block (5), the mounting block (5) being mounted on the housing; the mounting block (5) having a base (51) and a first receiving groove (522) extending through the base (51); wherein the first fixing portion (311) is arranged at least partially in the first terminal module installation slot (113); wherein the second fixing portion (312) is arranged at least partially in the first receiving groove (522); wherein the first contact arm (310) has a first contact portion (3101) that projects into the receiving slot (101); the mounting block (5) is a metal housing or a composite housing formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material; wherein the first conductive terminal (31) is not in contact with the mounting block (5). [2] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal module (31a) has two first conductive terminals (31), which are a first signal terminal (S1) and a second signal terminal (S2), respectively; wherein the first terminal module (31a) has a first holding block (33) fixed to the second fixing portion (312) of the first signal terminal (S1) and to the second fixing portion (312) of the second signal terminal (S2); wherein the first holding block (33) is received in the first receiving groove (522) such that the second fixing portion (312) of the first signal terminal (S1) and the second fixing portion (312) of the second signal terminal (S2) are arranged upside down in the first receiving groove (522) so as not to come into contact with the mounting block (5). [3] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 2, wherein the mounting block (5) has a first mounting projection (52) extending upwardly from the base (51); wherein the first receiving groove (522) is provided in the first mounting projection (52); wherein the housing has a rear surface and a receiving space (1216) extending through the rear surface; wherein the first mounting projection (52) is received in the receiving space (1216). [4] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of first terminal modules (31a) are provided and arranged at intervals along a second direction (A2-A2); wherein the second direction (A2-A2) is perpendicular to the first direction (A1-A1); wherein a plurality of first receiving grooves (522) are provided and arranged at intervals along the second direction (A2-A2); wherein each first terminal module (31a) is at least partially installed in a corresponding first receiving groove (522); wherein the first mounting projection (52) has a plurality of third partition walls (523), each of which separates two adjacent first receiving grooves (522). [5] The electrical connector (100) of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a second terminal module installation slot (123) extending along the first direction (A1-A1); The electrical connector (100) comprises a second terminal module (32a) partially received in the second terminal module installation slot (123); the second terminal module (32a) comprising a plurality of second conductive terminals (32); each second conductive terminal (32) comprising a third fixing portion (321), a second contact arm (320) connected to one end of the third fixing portion (321), and a fourth connecting portion (322) connected to another end of the third fixing portion (321); wherein the mounting block (5) defines a second receiving groove (532) extending through the base (51); wherein the third fixing portion (321) is at least partially disposed in the second terminal module installation slot (123); wherein the fourth fixing portion (322) is at least partially disposed in the second receiving groove (532); wherein the second contact arm (320) has a second portion (3201) that protrudes into the receiving slot (101). [6] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second terminal module (32a) has two second conductive terminals (32) which are a third signal terminal (S3) and a fourth signal terminal (S4), respectively; wherein the second terminal module (32a) has a second holding block (34) which is fixed to the fourth fixing portion (322) of the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth fixing portion (322) of the fourth signal terminal (S4); wherein the second holding block (34) is received in the second receiving groove (532) such that the fourth fixing portion (322) of the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth fixing portion (322) of the fourth signal terminal (S4) are arranged upside down in the second receiving groove (532) so as not to be in contact with the mounting block (5). [7] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 6, wherein the mounting block (5) has a first mounting projection (52) and a second mounting projection (53) extending upwardly from the base (51); wherein the second receiving groove (532) is provided in the second mounting projection (53); wherein the first mounting projection (52) projects upwardly beyond the second mounting projection (53). [8] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of second terminal modules (32a) are provided and arranged at intervals along a second direction (A2-A2); wherein the second direction (A2-A2) is perpendicular to the first direction (A1-A1); wherein a plurality of second receiving grooves (532) are provided and arranged at intervals along the second direction (A2-A2); wherein each second terminal module (32a) is at least partially installed in a corresponding second receiving groove (532); wherein the second mounting projection (53) has a plurality of fourth partition walls (533), each of which separates two adjacent second receiving grooves (532). [9] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a back plate (521) mounted on a rear side of the housing; wherein the back plate (521) covers the second fixing portions (312) of the first conductive terminals (31); wherein the back plate (521) and the mounting block (5) are integrally formed; or wherein the back plate (521) and the mounting block (5) are two separately provided components. [10] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a conductive housing; wherein the first fixing portion (311) is arranged upside down in the first terminal module installation slot (113) so that the first fixing portion (311) is not in contact with the conductive housing (1); wherein the conductive housing (1) is a metal housing; or wherein the conductive casing (1) is a composite casing formed by electroplating a metal material onto an insulating material.

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