Electric connector

Abstract

To provide an electric connector that can improve transmission characteristics.SOLUTION: An electric connector comprises: a plurality of first electric wires having a plurality of first signal lines and a plurality of first ground lines; a plurality of second electric wires having a plurality of second signal lines and a plurality of second ground lines; a housing having a first holding part holding leading ends of the plurality of first electric wires and a second holding part holding leading ends of the plurality of second electric wires; and a ground plate having a plate body part provided between the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second electric wires. The first holding part holds conductors at the leading ends of the plurality of first electric wires, and the second holding part holds conductors at the leading ends of the plurality of second electric wires. The ground plate has a first connection part extending from the plate body part toward the conductors of the plurality of first ground lines and connecting the conductors, and a second connection part extending from the plate body part toward the conductors of the plurality of second ground lines and connecting the conductors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Known electrical connectors that are connected to a mating electrical connector include a plurality of electric wires and a housing that holds the plurality of electric wires (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-069166 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned electrical connector, noise is easily generated in the electric wires due to the increase in the signal transmission speed and the increase in the signal frequency. In order to reduce such noise, it is conceivable to connect the conductor of any of the electric wires to the ground. However, in order to further improve the transmission characteristics, it is desired to further reduce such noise.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector capable of improving transmission characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector as an aspect. The electrical connector includes: a plurality of first electric wires each having a plurality of first signal lines and a plurality of first ground lines connected to a ground, each extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electric wires each having a plurality of second signal lines and a plurality of second ground lines connected to a ground, each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction, the plurality of second electric wires being positioned in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of first electric wires; a housing having a first holding portion for holding each tip of the plurality of first electric wires and a second holding portion for holding each tip of the plurality of second electric wires; and a ground plate having a plate main portion provided between the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second electric wires. In this electrical connector, the first holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the plurality of first electric wires, and the second holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the plurality of second electric wires. The ground plate has a first connection portion that extends from the plate main body to and connects to each conductor of the multiple first ground wires, and a second connection portion that extends from the plate main body to and connects to each conductor of the multiple second ground wires. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the transmission characteristics of an electrical connector can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a sub-connector that constitutes the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the sub-connector taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion VI of the electrical connector shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) An electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of first electric wires each having a plurality of first signal lines and a plurality of first ground lines connected to a ground, each extending along a first direction and arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electric wires each having a plurality of second signal lines and a plurality of second ground lines connected to a ground, each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction, the plurality of second electric wires being positioned in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of first electric wires; a housing having a first holding portion for holding each tip of the plurality of first electric wires and a second holding portion for holding each tip of the plurality of second electric wires; and a ground plate having a plate main portion provided between the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second electric wires. In this electrical connector, the first holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the plurality of first electric wires, and the second holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the plurality of second electric wires. The ground plate has a first connection portion that extends from the plate main body to and connects to each conductor of the multiple first ground lines, and a second connection portion that extends from the plate main body to and connects to each conductor of the multiple second ground lines.

[0010] In this electrical connector, a ground plate is disposed between the multiple first ground wires and the multiple second ground wires, and the ground plate is connected to each conductor of the multiple first ground wires and each conductor of the multiple second ground wires. In this case, the ground potential of the first ground wire and the second ground wire is shared by the ground plate connected to both ground wires. This reduces noise generated in the electrical connector and improves transmission characteristics. Furthermore, in this electrical connector, the ground plate connected to the multiple first ground wires and the multiple second ground wires is disposed between the multiple first electric wires and the multiple second electric wires to form a common ground plate. In this case, since the ground plate is shared, the electrical connector can be made smaller and thinner. Therefore, this electrical connector can improve transmission characteristics and also make it smaller and thinner.

[0011] (2) In the electrical connector of (1) above, the first ground wires and the second ground wires may be arranged alternately in the second direction. In this case, it is possible to simplify the configuration (the first connection portion and the second connection portion) that connects the common ground plate to the first ground wires and the second ground wires.

[0012] (3) In the electrical connector of (1) or (2) above, the first signal lines of the multiple first signal lines and the first ground lines of the multiple first ground lines may be arranged alternately in the second direction. In this case, the arrangement of the signal lines and the ground lines can be simplified. Similarly, the second signal lines of the multiple second signal lines and the second ground lines of the multiple second ground lines may be arranged alternately in the second direction.

[0013] (4) In any of the electrical connectors (1) to (3) above, the multiple first electric wires may be arranged such that each signal line of the multiple first signal lines and each ground line of the multiple first ground lines are point-symmetrical with respect to a center point in the second direction. Similarly, the multiple second electric wires may be arranged such that each signal line of the multiple second signal lines and each ground line of the multiple second ground lines are point-symmetrical with respect to a center point in the second direction. In this case, it is possible to prevent the multiple first electric wires and the multiple second electric wires from being assembled in an incorrect direction.

[0014] (5) In any of the electrical connectors described above in (1) to (4), the first connection portion may include a plurality of first elastic pieces configured to elastically contact each of the conductors of the plurality of first ground wires. Similarly, the second connection portion may include a plurality of second elastic pieces configured to elastically contact each of the conductors of the plurality of second ground wires. In this case, the ground plate can be reliably brought into contact with each of the first ground wires and each of the second ground wires, and stable grounding performance can be achieved.

[0015] (6) In the electrical connector of (5) above, the multiple first elastic pieces and the multiple second elastic pieces may be formed so that each of the multiple first elastic pieces and each of the multiple second elastic pieces protrude in a different direction from each other in the third direction. In this case, it is possible to ensure that the ground plate is in contact with each of the first ground wires and each of the second ground wires, and it is possible to achieve stable grounding performance.

[0016] (7) In any of the electrical connectors (1) to (6) above, the ground plate may be formed with a structure for positioning at least one of the first electric wires and the second electric wires. In this case, it is possible to prevent the ground plate from being assembled in an incorrect direction. Note that such a positioning structure is preferably provided on the ground plate when the signal line and the ground line of each electric wire are not arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center in the second direction (when they are arranged asymmetrically). However, it may be provided when they are point-symmetric.

[0017] (8) In any of the electrical connectors described above in (1) to (7), the first holding portion may include a plurality of first through holes penetrating the housing along the first direction, and each of the plurality of first through holes may house a tip portion of each of the plurality of first electric wires. Similarly, the second holding portion may include a plurality of second through holes penetrating the housing along the first direction, and each of the plurality of second through holes may house a tip portion of each of the plurality of second electric wires. In this case, the first holding portion that holds the plurality of first electric wires and the second holding portion that holds the plurality of second electric wires can be easily formed. Furthermore, the first holding portion and the second holding portion can stably hold each electric wire.

[0018] (9) Any of the electrical connectors (1) to (8) above may further include a first covering member covering at least a portion of the first electric wires excluding the respective tips, and the first covering member may integrate the first electric wires. Similarly, the electrical connector may further include a second covering member covering at least a portion of the second electric wires excluding the respective tips, and the second covering member may integrate the second electric wires. In this case, it is easier to hold the first electric wires and the second electric wires in the housing.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the electrical connector according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and meaning equivalent thereto. In the following description, the same elements in the description of the drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical connector 1 includes a plurality of sub-connectors 2, 3, 4, and 5, and a frame body 6. The electrical connector 1 is attached to a board (not shown), for example, via a mating connector (not shown). The sub-connectors 2 to 5 are stacked (piled up in order) along the Z direction and clamped by the frame body 6. The sub-connectors 3, 4, and 5 have the same configuration as the sub-connector 2. For this reason, hereinafter, the details of the sub-connector 2 will be described, and descriptions of the sub-connectors 3, 4, and 5 may be omitted.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a sub-connector constituting the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the sub-connector 2 includes a plurality of first electric wires 7, a plurality of second electric wires 10, a housing 20, ground plates 30, 40, 30, a plurality of shielding members 60, and a pair of guide pins 70. The ground plate 30 disposed below the sub-connector 2 in the Z direction is a member shared with the sub-connector 3. The plurality of first electric wires 7 are integrated with a covering member 13 to form a flexible flat cable (FFC). Similarly, the plurality of second electric wires 10 are integrated with a covering member 14 to form a flexible flat cable.

[0022] The first electric wires 7 are members for transmitting power or electric signals. The first electric wires 7 include a plurality of signal wires 8 (a plurality of first signal wires) and a plurality of ground wires 9 (a plurality of first ground wires). In one example, the first electric wires 7 include five pairs (ten) of signal wires 8 and four pairs (eight) of ground wires 9. The signal wires 8 include a conductor 8a. The conductor 8a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to a mating connector, the conductor 8a is connected to a circuit of the board via a terminal provided on the mating connector. The conductor 8a may be directly connected to an electrode pad provided on the board. The signal wire 8 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 8a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 8a is exposed as it is. The ground wire 9 includes a conductor 9a. The conductor 9a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to a mating connector, the conductor 9a is connected to ground via a ground terminal provided on the mating connector. The conductor 9a may be directly connected to an electrode pad provided on the substrate. The ground line 9 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 9a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 9a is exposed as is. When the ground line 9 is an insulated wire, a part of the insulator of the insulated wire is removed to expose the conductor 9a so that the elastic portion 32 of the ground plate 30 contacts the conductor 9a as described later.

[0023] The multiple first electric wires 7 each extend along the X direction. The multiple first electric wires 7 are arranged along the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. In one example, a pair of signal lines 8 and a pair of ground lines 9 are arranged alternately along the Y direction. Adjacent pairs of signal lines 8 carry currents of opposite phases to each other, and transmit signals by differential transmission in which signals are transmitted by the potential difference between the pair of signal lines 8. The distance between each conductor of the multiple first electric wires 7 (the distance between the centers) is, for example, 0.6 mm.

[0024] The second electric wires 10 are members for transmitting power or electric signals. The second electric wires 10 include a plurality of signal wires 11 (a plurality of second signal wires) and a plurality of ground wires 12 (a plurality of second ground wires). In one example, the second electric wires 10 have four pairs (eight wires) of signal wires 11 and five pairs (ten wires) of ground wires 12. The signal wires 11 have a conductor 11a. The conductor 11a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to a mating connector, the conductor 11a is connected to a circuit of the board via a terminal provided on the mating connector. The conductor 11a may be directly connected to an electrode pad provided on the board. The signal wire 11 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 11a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 11a is exposed as it is. The ground wire 12 has a conductor 12a. The conductor 12a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to a mating connector, the conductor 12a is connected to the ground via a ground terminal provided on the mating connector. The conductor 12a may be directly connected to an electrode pad provided on the substrate. The ground wire 12 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 12a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 12a is exposed as is. When the ground wire 12 is an insulated wire, a part of the insulator of the insulated wire is removed to expose the conductor 12a so that the elastic portion 32 of the ground plate 30 comes into contact with the conductor 12a (see FIG. 6), as described below.

[0025] The second electric wires 10 each extend along the X direction. The second electric wires 10 are arranged in line along the Y direction. The second electric wires 10 are arranged in line with the first electric wires 7 along the Z direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction. That is, the second electric wires 10 are located below the first electric wires 7 in the Z direction. In one example, a pair (two) of signal lines 11 and a pair (two) of ground lines 12 are arranged alternately along the Y direction. The adjacent pair of signal lines 11 carry currents of opposite phases to each other, and transmit signals by differential transmission in which signals are transmitted by the potential difference between the pair of signal lines 11. The distance between the conductors of the second electric wires 10 is, for example, 0.6 mm.

[0026] The pair of signal lines 11 are arranged next to the pair of ground lines 9 along the Z direction. The pair of ground lines 12 are arranged next to the pair of signal lines 8 along the Z direction. That is, in the sub-connector 2, the pair of ground lines 9 and the pair of ground lines 12 are arranged alternately (zigzag) in the Y direction, and the pair of signal lines 8 and the pair of signal lines 11 are arranged alternately differently from the arrangement of each pair of ground lines 9, 12. In addition, in the multiple first electric wires 7, the pair of signal lines 8 and the pair of ground lines 9 are arranged alternately in the Y direction. Similarly, in the multiple second electric wires 10, the pair of signal lines 11 and the pair of ground lines 12 are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0027] The covering member 13 covers the first electric wires 7 except for their front and rear ends. The covering member 13 is made of a resin such as polyester. A part of the covering member 13 that covers the front end of the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 and the front end of the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 has been removed. In other words, a part of the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 and a part of the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 are exposed from the covering member 13.

[0028] The covering member 14 covers the portions of the second electric wires 10 except for their front and rear ends. The material of the covering member 14 is, for example, a resin such as polyester. A part of the covering member 14 that covers the front end of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the front end of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 has been removed. In other words, the front end of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the front end of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 are exposed from the covering member 14.

[0029] The housing 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that holds a plurality of first electric wires 7 and a plurality of second electric wires 10. The material of the housing 20 is formed from a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The housing 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, a third surface 23, and a fourth surface 24. The first surface 21 is a surface that faces a connecting surface of a mating connector when the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are surfaces that extend in the Y direction and the Z direction. The second surface 22 is located on the opposite side of the first surface 21 in the X direction. The third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 are surfaces that extend in the X direction and the Y direction. The fourth surface 24 is located on the opposite side of the third surface 23 in the Z direction.

[0030] The housing 20 further has a plurality of first through holes 25 (first holding portions), a plurality of second through holes 26 (second holding portions), a step portion 27, and a pair of guide holes 28.

[0031] The first through hole 25 is a hole penetrating the housing 20 along the X direction. The first through hole 25 is open on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The shape of the first through hole 25 when viewed from the X direction is, for example, circular. In this embodiment, eighteen first through holes 25 are formed in the housing 20. The multiple first through holes 25 are lined up along the Y direction. The inner diameter of each first through hole 25 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 and the conductor 9a of the ground line 9. Either the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 or the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 is disposed inside each first through hole 25. That is, each first through hole 25 holds the conductor of the tip of the first electric wire 7. The tips 7a of the multiple first electric wires 7 are exposed from each of the multiple first through holes 25 on the first surface 21.

[0032] The second through hole 26 is a hole penetrating the housing 20 along the X direction. The second through hole 26 is open on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The shape of the second through hole 26 when viewed from the X direction is, for example, circular. In this embodiment, eighteen second through holes 26 are formed in the housing 20. The second through holes 26 are aligned along the Y direction. The second through holes 26 are aligned with the first through holes 25 along the Z direction. The inner diameter of each second through hole 26 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the outer diameter of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12. Either the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 or the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 is disposed inside each second through hole 26. That is, each second through hole 26 holds the conductor at the tip of the second electric wire 10. The ends 10a of the second electric wires 10 are exposed from the second through holes 26 on the first surface 21, respectively.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the step portion 27 is provided on the second surface 22. The step portion 27 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The step portion 27 protrudes from the second surface 22 along the X direction. The step portion 27 is located between the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 along the Z direction. A plurality of first grooves 27a are formed on the front surface of the step portion 27, and a plurality of second grooves 27b are formed on the back surface of the step portion 27.

[0034] The first groove 27a extends along the X direction. The first groove 27a is an end surface 27c of the step portion 27, and opens at an end surface 27c located on the opposite side from the second surface 22 along the X direction. The shape of the first groove 27a when viewed from the X direction is, for example, semicircular, but may be V-shaped. In this embodiment, eighteen first grooves 27a are formed in the step portion 27. The multiple first grooves 27a are lined up along the Y direction. Each first groove 27a communicates with each first through hole 25. The inner diameter of each first groove 27a is the same as the inner diameter of the first through hole 25. Either the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 or the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 is disposed inside each first groove 27a. Each conductor at the tip of the first electric wire 7 contacts each first groove 27a.

[0035] The second groove 27b extends along the X direction. The second groove 27b opens at an end surface 27c of the step portion 27. The second groove 27b is located on the opposite side of the first groove 27a in the Z direction. The shape of the second groove 27b when viewed from the X direction is, for example, a semicircular shape facing in the opposite direction to the first groove 27a, but may be a V-shape facing in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, eighteen second grooves 27b are formed in the step portion 27. The multiple second grooves 27b are lined up along the Y direction. Each second groove 27b communicates with each second through hole 26. The inner diameter of each second groove 27b is the same as the inner diameter of the second through hole 26. Either the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 or the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 is disposed inside each second groove 27b. Each conductor of the second electric wire 10 is in contact with each second groove 27b.

[0036] The covering member 13 is removed, for example, at a position overlapping the end face 27c of the step portion 27 in the X direction. That is, the position of the front end face (not shown) of the covering member 13 in the X direction is approximately the same as the position of the end face 27c of the step portion 27 in the X direction. If the first electric wire 7 is an insulated electric wire, the insulation is removed at the same position, and the conductors of the first electric wire 7 (the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 and the conductor 9a of the ground line 9) are exposed. The covering member 14 is removed, for example, at a position overlapping the end face 27c of the step portion 27 in the X direction. That is, the position of the front end face (not shown) of the covering member 14 in the X direction is approximately the same as the position of the end face 27c of the step portion 27 in the X direction. If the second electric wire 10 is an insulated electric wire, the insulation is removed at the same position, and the conductors of the second electric wire 10 (the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the conductor 12a of the ground line 12) are exposed.

[0037] The pair of guide holes 28 are holes penetrating the housing 20 along the X direction. The shape of the guide hole 28 when viewed from the X direction is circular. A pair of guide pins 70 are inserted into the inside of the pair of guide holes 28, respectively. The pair of guide holes 28 are formed to sandwich the multiple first through holes 25 and second through holes 26 in the Y direction. The inner diameter of the pair of guide holes 28 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of each of the first through holes 25 and each of the second through holes.

[0038] The ground plate 30 is a ground member for reducing noise generated in the electrical connector 1. The material of the ground plate 30 is a conductive material formed from an alloy such as beryllium copper. As shown in FIG. 3, the ground plate 30 has a plate main body 31, a plurality of elastic parts 32 (first connection part, first elastic piece), and a plurality of elastic parts 33 (second connection part, second elastic piece). Although FIG. 3 shows the ground plate 30 located above the housing 20, a ground plate 30 with a similar configuration is also arranged below the housing 20. The plate main body 31, the plurality of elastic parts 32, and the plurality of elastic parts 33 are integrally formed, for example, by press working.

[0039] The plate main body 31 is provided on the third surface 23 (or the fourth surface 24) of the housing 20. The plate main body 31 is fixed to the third surface 23 (or the fourth surface 24) by, for example, an adhesive. The plate main body 31 is a flat plate that is elongated in the Y direction, and is located above the multiple first through holes 25. The plate main body 31 may be fixed to the third surface 23 of the housing 20 by a mechanical engagement means.

[0040] The number of the elastic parts 32 is four pairs (eight), which is the same as the number of the ground lines 9 or the signal lines 11. The number of the elastic parts 33 is five pairs (ten), which is the same as the number of the signal lines 8 or the ground lines 12. The elastic parts 32 and the elastic parts 33 are lined up along the Y direction. A pair of elastic parts 32 and a pair of elastic parts 33 are lined up alternately along the Y direction. The elastic parts 32 are lined up along the ground lines 9 or the signal lines 11 in the Z direction, and the elastic parts 33 are lined up along the signal lines 8 or the ground lines 12 in the Z direction.

[0041] Here, the elastic portion 32 and the elastic portion 33 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the sub-connector 2 taken along the line VV shown in FIG. 3. Each elastic portion 32 is a portion for electrically connecting the plate main body 31 and the conductor 9a of each ground line 9. Each elastic portion 32 extends from the plate main body 31 toward the conductor 9a of each ground line 9, and is bent so as to be folded back at a portion in contact with the conductor 9a. The shape of the elastic portion 32 when viewed from the Y direction is a V-shape protruding toward the conductor 9a of each ground line 9. Each elastic portion 32 has elasticity and elastically contacts the conductor 9a. The elastic portion 32 faces the first groove 27a of the step portion 27 so as to sandwich the conductor 9a. In other words, the step portion 27 faces the elastic portion 32 with the conductor 9a sandwiched therebetween. The elastic portion 32 contacts the conductor 9a on the first groove 27a.

[0042] Each elastic portion 33 is a portion for mutually conducting the plate main body portion 31 and the conductor of the ground line of another sub-connector (sub-connector 3 in the case of the lower ground plate 30) arranged on the plate main body portion 31. Details will be described later. Each elastic portion 33 extends from the plate main body portion 31 toward the opposite side of the conductor 8a of each signal line 8 (for example, the ground line 12 of the sub-connector 3) and is bent so as to be folded back midway. The shape of the elastic portion 33 when viewed from the Y direction is a V-shape that faces in the opposite direction to the elastic portion 32. Each elastic portion 33 has elasticity. Each elastic portion 33 is configured not to come into contact with the conductor 8a of each signal line 8. The elastic portion 33 faces the first groove 27a of the step portion 27 across the conductor 8a. In other words, the step portion 27 faces the elastic portion 33 across the conductor 8a.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the ground plate 40 (second ground plate) is another ground member for reducing noise generated in the electrical connector 1. The material of the ground plate 40 is, for example, an alloy such as beryllium copper. The ground plate 40 is a flat plate that is long in the Y direction. The ground plate 40 is located in a through hole (not shown) that penetrates the housing 20 along the X direction. The ground plate 40 is located between the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10. A part of the ground plate 40 is located inside the step portion 27 and between the first grooves 27a and the second grooves 27b. The ground plate 40 is larger than the plate body portion 31 of the ground plate 30 by the step portion 27. The ground plate 40 may have an elastic portion like the ground plate 30, and the elastic portion may be in elastic contact with the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 or the conductor 12a of the ground line 12. Alternatively, the elastic portion may be configured to contact the ground plate 30. Alternatively, the elastic portion may be configured to contact the guide pin 70. In this case, the material of the guide pin 70 is metal, and the guide pin 70 contacts the ground or the like on the board side. The ground plate 40 does not need to be connected to the ground.

[0044] The multiple shielding members 60 are members for reducing noise generated in the electrical connector 1. The material of the shielding members 60 is, for example, an alloy such as beryllium copper. Each shielding member 60 is located outside the multiple first electric wires 7 in the Y direction, outside the multiple second electric wires 10 in the Y direction, between adjacent signal lines 8 and ground lines 9, and between adjacent signal lines 11 and ground lines 12. The shielding members 60 may be connected to the ground. An end of the shielding member 60 may be formed in a spring shape, and the end may be in contact with the ground plate 30 and the ground plate 40. The shielding members 60 may not be connected to the ground.

[0045] The pair of guide pins 70 are pins extending along the X direction. The material of the guide pins 70 is, for example, a metal such as stainless steel. Each guide pin 70 is located in each guide hole 28. The pair of guide pins 70 are provided so as to sandwich the first through holes 25 and the second through holes 26 in the Y direction. The pair of guide pins 70 are inserted into a pair of guide holes (not shown) provided in the mating connector, thereby positioning each signal line, etc., when the sub-connector 2 is mated with the mating connector.

[0046] The sub-connector 2 configured as above, and the sub-connectors 3 to 5 each having the same configuration as the sub-connector 2, are stacked in the Z direction and sandwiched by a frame 6. The frame 6 is an annular member. The frame 6 is made of a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The stacked sub-connectors 2 to 5 are located inside the frame 6. The frame 6 is in contact with the plate main body 31 of the ground plate 30. The ground plate 30 is sandwiched between the frame 6 and the third surface 23 of the housing 20.

[0047] Here, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the connection configuration between the ground plate 30 arranged between the sub-connector 2 and the sub-connector 3 and the multiple first electric wires 7 of the sub-connector 3 and the multiple second electric wires 10 of the sub-connector 2 will be described.

[0048] First, the arrangement of the electric wires in the sub-connector 2 and the sub-connector 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The ground wires 9 and the ground wires 12 in the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 in the sub-connectors 2 and 3 are arranged alternately in the Y direction. The signal wires 8 and the signal wires 11 in the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 in the sub-connectors 2 and 3 are also arranged alternately in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first electric wires 7 in the sub-connectors 2 and 3 may be arranged such that each signal wire of the signal wires 8 and each ground wire of the ground wires 9 are point-symmetrical with respect to a center point C in the Y direction. Furthermore, the second electric wires 10 in the sub-connectors 2 and 3 may be arranged such that each signal wire of the signal wires 11 and each ground wire of the ground wires 12 are point-symmetrical with respect to a center point C in the Y direction. In addition, the multiple ground wires 9 and the multiple ground wires 12 in the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 in the other sub-connectors 4, 5 are similarly arranged alternately, and may also be arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center point.

[0049] Next, referring to Fig. 6, a connection configuration between the ground plate 30 located between the two sub-connectors 2 and 3 and the signal lines and ground lines located on one side and the other side of the ground plate 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the elastic portion 33 of the shared ground plate 30 is connected to the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 in the second electric wire 10 of the sub-connector 2. Meanwhile, the elastic portion 32 of the ground plate 30 located between the two sub-connectors 2 and 3 is connected to the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 in the first electric wire 7 of the sub-connector 3. In this way, the ground plate 30 located between the two sub-connectors 2 and 3 is shared. By sharing the ground plate 30 in this way, the potential of the ground line 9 of the sub-connector 3 and the ground line 12 of the sub-connector 2 are shared (equal potential).

[0050] As described above, in the electrical connector 1 according to the present embodiment, the ground plate 30 is disposed between the ground wires 9 of the sub-connector 3 and the ground wires 12 of the sub-connector 2, and the ground plate 30 is connected to each conductor 9a of the ground wires 9 and each conductor 12a of the ground wires 12. The ground plate 30 connected to both ground wires allows the ground potential of the ground wires 9 of the sub-connector 3 and the ground wires 12 of the sub-connector 2 to be shared. This reduces noise generated in the electrical connector 1 and improves transmission characteristics. Furthermore, in the electrical connector 1, the ground plate 30 connected to the ground wires 9 and the ground wires 12 is disposed between the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 as a common ground plate. Since the ground plate is shared in this way, the electrical connector 1 can be made smaller and thinner. Therefore, the electrical connector 1 can improve transmission characteristics and also be made smaller and thinner. The above-described configuration is also applied to the connection configuration between the sub-connectors 3 and 4 and the connection configuration between the sub-connectors 4 and 5, and these configurations also enable improvement in transmission characteristics and miniaturization.

[0051] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the multiple ground wires 9 and the multiple ground wires 12 are arranged alternately in the Y direction in each of the sub-connectors 2 to 5. This simplifies the configuration (first connection portion and second connection portion) for connecting the common ground plate 30 to the multiple ground wires 9 and the multiple ground wires 12.

[0052] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the multiple first electric wires 7 are arranged such that each signal line of the multiple signal lines 8 and each ground line of the multiple ground lines 9 are point-symmetrical with respect to the center point C in the Y direction. Similarly, the multiple second electric wires 10 are arranged such that each signal line of the multiple signal lines 11 and each ground line of the multiple ground lines 12 are point-symmetrical with respect to the center point C in the Y direction. This makes it possible to prevent the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 from being assembled in an incorrect direction.

[0053] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic portion 32 is an elastic piece configured to elastically contact each of the conductors 9a of the multiple ground wires 9, and the elastic portion 33 is an elastic piece configured to elastically contact each of the conductors 12a of the multiple ground wires 12. This configuration allows each ground plate 30 to be in more reliable contact with each of the ground wires 9 and 12, making it possible to achieve stable grounding performance.

[0054] In the electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic pieces of the elastic portion 32 and the elastic pieces of the elastic portion 33 are formed to protrude in different directions in the Z direction. This allows the ground plate 30 to be in more reliable contact with each of the ground wires 9 and 12, thereby enabling stable grounding performance to be achieved.

[0055] The electrical connector 1 according to this embodiment further includes a covering member 13 that covers the first electric wires 7 except for their respective tips, and the first electric wires 7 are integrated together by the covering member 13. Similarly, the electrical connector 1 further includes a covering member 14 that covers the second electric wires 10 except for their respective tips, and the second electric wires 10 are integrated together by the covering member 14. This makes it easier for the electrical connector 1 to hold the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 in the housing 20.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the holding portion for holding the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10 is a through hole, but it may have another shape, for example, a groove, as long as it can hold the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10, respectively. In addition, in the above embodiments, the shape of the elastic parts 32 and 33 is V-shaped, but the shape of the elastic parts 32 and 33 may be another shape. As an example, the shape of the elastic parts 32 and 33 may be a smooth curved shape protruding toward the conductor of the ground line, or may be a straight line.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center point C, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the electric wires may be arranged non-point-symmetrically. In this case, however, in order to prevent the first electric wire 7, the second electric wire 10, and the ground plate from being assembled incorrectly, the ground plate 30 may be formed with a structure (e.g., a notch) for positioning at least one of the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10. In this case, it is possible to prevent the ground plate from being assembled in an incorrect direction. Note that such a positioning structure may be provided when the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10 are arranged point-symmetrically.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the signal lines 8, 11 and the ground lines 9, 12 are configured to be paired in the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10, but the arrangement is not limited to this. For example, the signal lines 8, 11 and the ground lines 9, 12 may be arranged alternately in the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10, or three or more lines of the same type may be grouped together and the groups may be arranged alternately. In this case, the arrangement of the elastic parts 32, 33 may be changed according to the arrangement of the ground lines. Such changes are obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...Electrical connector 2,3,4,5...Sub-connectors 6…Frame body 7…First wire 7a…Tip 8...Signal line (plurality of first signal lines) 8a…conductor 9...Ground wire (multiple first ground wires) 9a…conductor 10…Second electric wire 10a...Tip 11...Signal line (plurality of second signal lines) 11a…conductor 12...Ground wire (multiple second ground wires) 12a…conductor 13...Covering material 14…Covering material 20. Housing 21...Side 1 22…Second side 23...Third side 24…Side 4 25...First through hole (first holding part) 26...Second through hole (second holding part) 27...Dan section 27a…1st groove 27b…Second groove 27c...end face 28...Guide hole 30…Ground plate 31…Plate body 32... Elastic portion (first connection portion, first elastic piece) 33... Elastic portion (second connection portion, second elastic piece) 40…Ground plate 60...Shielding material 70…Guide pin

Claims

1. a plurality of first electric wires including a plurality of first signal lines and a plurality of first ground lines connected to a ground, each of which extends along a first direction and is arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electric wires including a plurality of second signal lines and a plurality of second ground lines connected to a ground, each extending along the first direction and arranged along the second direction, the plurality of second electric wires being positioned in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of first electric wires; a housing having a first holding portion that holds each tip end of the plurality of first electric wires and a second holding portion that holds each tip end of the plurality of second electric wires; a ground plate having a plate body portion provided between the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second electric wires, the first holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the first electric wires, The second holding portion holds each conductor at each tip of the plurality of second electric wires, the ground plate has a first connection portion extending from the plate main body portion to each conductor of the plurality of first ground lines and a second connection portion extending from the plate main body portion to each conductor of the plurality of second ground lines.

2. the first ground lines and the second ground lines are arranged alternately in the second direction.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

3. each of the first signal lines of the plurality of first signal lines and each of the first ground lines of the plurality of first ground lines are arranged alternately in the second direction; 3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first electric wires are arranged such that each signal line of the first signal lines and each ground line of the first ground lines are point-symmetric with respect to a center point in the second direction; the second electric wires are arranged such that each signal line of the second signal lines and each ground line of the second ground lines are point-symmetrical with respect to a center point in the second direction.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the first connection portion includes a plurality of first elastic pieces configured to elastically contact each of the conductors of the plurality of first ground lines, the second connection portion includes a plurality of second elastic pieces configured to elastically contact each of the conductors of the plurality of second ground lines, 3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of first elastic pieces and the plurality of second elastic pieces are formed such that each of the plurality of first elastic pieces and each of the plurality of second elastic pieces protrude in different directions in the third direction.

6. The electrical connector of claim 5.

7. The ground plate is formed with a structure for positioning at least one of the first electric wires and the second electric wires.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the first holding portion includes a plurality of first through holes penetrating the housing along the first direction, and a tip end portion of each of the first electric wires is housed in each of the first through holes; the second holding portion includes a plurality of second through holes penetrating the housing along the first direction, and tip portions of the plurality of second electric wires are housed in the respective second through holes.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The electric wire assembly further includes a first covering member covering at least a portion of the first electric wires excluding the tip portions thereof, the first covering member forming an integrated structure of the first electric wires, The electric wire assembly further includes a second covering member covering at least a portion of the second electric wires excluding the tip portions thereof, and the second covering member integrates the second electric wires.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2.

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