Connection structure for electrical connector, plug, and receptacle

Abstract

To provide a connection structure for an electrical connector that can enhance the degree of freedom in connection while restraining mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance.SOLUTION: A connection structure for an electrical connector includes a plug and a receptacle. The plug has a plurality of first conductors and a plug housing including a first end face that is inclined. The receptacle has a plurality of second conductors and a receptacle housing including a second end face that is inclined. A tip portion of each first conductor is exposed at a first end face, and a tip portion of each second conductor is exposed at a second end face. The plug and the receptacle are configured to be connectable to each other in a first connection manner such that a first direction in which the first conductors extend and a second direction in which the second conductors extend cross each other. When the plug and the receptacle are connected to each other in the first connection manner, the first end face and the second end face face each other, and each tip portion of the first conductors is electrically connected to each tip portion of the corresponding second conductors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection structure, a plug, and a receptacle of an electrical connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector having a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel. [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 connection structure of the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of conductors housed in the electrical connector are connected to the electrode pads of the mating electrical connector via terminals or contacts of different configurations. If there is a part in the conduction path that differs from the configuration of the conductors, this part may cause mismatching of the high-frequency characteristic impedance. In addition, in the connection structure of the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the electrical connectors are connected to each other with the conductors of the electrical connector and the electrode pads of the mating electrical connector extending in the same direction (horizontal direction). However, there is a demand for connecting electrical connectors to each other with the conductors of the electrical connector and the conductors of the mating electrical connector extending in different directions (for example, perpendicular to each other).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connection structure, a plug, and a receptacle for an electrical connector that can increase the degree of connection freedom while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connection structure of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plug and a receptacle. The plug has a plurality of first conductors each extending along a first direction, a first end face inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a plug housing including a plurality of first storage sections each housing the plurality of first conductors. The receptacle has a plurality of second conductors each extending along a second direction, a second end face inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a receptacle housing including a plurality of second storage sections each housing the plurality of second conductors. Each tip of the plurality of first conductors is exposed at the first end face. Each tip of the plurality of second conductors is exposed at the second end face. The plug and the receptacle are configured to be mutually connectable in a first connection manner such that the first direction and the second direction intersect. When the plug and receptacle are coupled to each other in a first connection manner, the first end face and the second end face face each other and each tip end of the multiple first conductors is electrically connected to a tip end of a corresponding one of the multiple second conductors. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in connection while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection structure of an electrical connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a first connection state in which a plug and a receptacle are connected in an L-shape. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connection state of the connection structure taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the receptacle shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the electric wire and the conductor shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection structure of an electrical connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a second connection state in which the plug and receptacle are connected in a straight line. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second connection state of the connection structure taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of an electrical connector according to a first modified example, illustrating a first connected state in which the plug and receptacle are connected in an L-shape. [Figure 8] Part (a) of FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a tip portion of a conductor in the first modified example, and part (b) of FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the tip portion of a conductor in the first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection structure of an electrical connector according to a second modified example, illustrating a first connected state in which the plug and receptacle are connected in an L-shape. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connection state of the connection structure taken along line XX shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second connected state of the electrical connector connecting structure according to the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connected state of an electrical connector connecting structure according to a third modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connected state of an electrical connector connecting structure according to a fourth modified example. 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 connection structure according to one embodiment includes a plug and a receptacle. The plug has a plurality of first conductors each extending along a first direction, a first end face inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a plug housing including a plurality of first storage sections each housing the plurality of first conductors. The receptacle has a plurality of second conductors each extending along a second direction, a second end face inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a receptacle housing including a plurality of second storage sections each housing the plurality of second conductors. Each tip of the plurality of first conductors is exposed at the first end face. Each tip of the plurality of second conductors is exposed at the second end face. The plug and receptacle are configured to be mutually connectable in a first connection manner such that the first direction and the second direction intersect. When the plug and receptacle are coupled to each other in a first connection manner, the first end face and the second end face face each other and each tip end of the multiple first conductors is electrically connected to a tip end of a corresponding one of the multiple second conductors.

[0010] In this electrical connector connection structure, the tip portions of the first conductors are exposed at the first end face, and the tip portions of the second conductors are exposed at the second end face. The tip portions of the first conductors are electrically connected to the tip portions of the second conductors corresponding to the first conductors. According to this electrical connector connection structure, the conductive path does not have any portion different from the shape of the conductor wire, and mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance can be suppressed. According to this electrical connector connection structure, the plug and the receptacle are configured to be connectable to each other so that the first direction and the second direction intersect. When the plug and the receptacle are connected to each other, the first end face and the second end face face each other, and each tip portion of the first conductors is electrically connected to the tip portion of the second conductor corresponding to the second conductors. According to this configuration, the plug and the receptacle can be connected in a state in which the first conductor and the second conductor extend in different directions, and the degree of freedom of connection can be increased. Therefore, according to this electrical connector, the degree of freedom of connection can be increased while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance.

[0011] [2] In the connection structure of the electrical connector of [1] above, the plug and the receptacle may be configured to be connectable in a second connection manner such that the first direction is aligned with the second direction, and when the plug and the receptacle are connected to each other in the second connection manner, the first end face and the second end face may face each other and each tip end of the plurality of first conductors may be electrically connected to a tip end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductors. In this case, the plug and the receptacle may be connected in the second connection manner in addition to the first connection manner. Thus, this electrical connector can further increase the degree of freedom of connection while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance.

[0012] [3] In the connection structure of the electrical connector according to [2] above, one of the plug housing and the receptacle housing may further include a first engagement portion, and the other of the plug housing and the receptacle housing may further include a second engagement portion and a third engagement portion. The second engagement portion is configured to be engageable with the first engagement portion when the plug is coupled to the receptacle such that the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. The third engagement portion is configured to be engageable with the first engagement portion when the plug is coupled to the receptacle such that the first direction is aligned with the second direction. In this case, the coupling between the plug and the receptacle can be fixed both when the plug and the receptacle are coupled to each other such that the first direction intersects with the second direction, and when the plug and the receptacle are coupled to each other such that the first direction is aligned with the second direction.

[0013] [4] In the electrical connector connection structure of any one of [1] to [3] above, the first end face of the plug housing may be inclined at 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the second end face of the receptacle housing may be inclined at 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction. In this case, the plug and receptacle can be easily coupled in the first connection mode. Also, the plug and receptacle can be easily coupled in the second connection mode.

[0014] [5] In the connection structure of any one of the electrical connectors described above in [1] to [3], the sum of a first inclination angle at which the first end face of the plug housing is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the first direction and a second inclination angle at which the second end face of the receptacle housing is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the second direction may be 85 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less. In this case, the plug and receptacle can be easily coupled in the first connection mode. Also, the plug and receptacle can be easily coupled in the second connection mode.

[0015] [6] In the connection structure of any one of the above [1] to [5], the multiple first conductors may include multiple signal conductors and multiple ground conductors connected to ground, and the multiple signal conductors and the multiple ground conductors may be arranged to be point symmetric on the first end face. In this case, even if the plug is rotated relative to the receptacle to couple the plug such that the first end face is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second end face, the multiple signal conductors can be electrically connected to the second conductor and the multiple ground conductors can be electrically connected to ground.

[0016] [7] In the connection structure of any one of the electrical connectors [1] to [6] above, the second conductors may extend in the receptacle housing along the second direction and then extend along a third direction intersecting the second direction to be exposed at the second end face. In this case, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle so that the first and second directions intersect each other, the conduction path formed by the first conductor and the second conductor extends along the second direction and the third direction and then extends along the first direction. As a result, the change in the extension direction of the conduction path is smaller than when the conduction path extends along the second direction and then along the first direction, so that the change in the cross-sectional shape is more gradual. As a result, the change in impedance in the conduction path is more gradual, so that the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be suppressed.

[0017] [8] In the connection structure of any one of the electrical connectors [1] to [6] above, the first conductors may extend in the plug housing along the first direction and then extend along a third direction intersecting the first direction to be exposed at the first end face. In this case, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle such that the first and second directions intersect each other, the conduction path formed by the first conductors and the second conductor extends along the first direction, extends along the third direction, and then extends along the second direction. As a result, the change in the extension direction of the conduction path is smaller than when the conduction path extends along the first direction and then along the second direction, so that the change in the cross-sectional shape is more gradual. As a result, the change in impedance in the conduction path is more gradual, so that the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be suppressed.

[0018] [9] The connection structure of any one of the electrical connectors [1] to [6] above may include an intervening member having a plurality of third conductors each extending along the third direction, and a sub-housing including a first main surface and a second main surface intersecting the third direction, and a plurality of third storage portions each storing the plurality of third conductors. The intervening member may be configured such that, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle and the intervening member is interposed between the plug and the receptacle, the first main surface faces the first end surface and the second main surface faces the second end surface. The plurality of third conductors may extend from the first main surface to the second main surface and may be configured such that, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle, a tip end of each of the plurality of first conductors is electrically connected to a tip end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductors. In this case, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle via the intervening member such that the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other, the conduction path formed by the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor extends along the first direction, extends along the third direction, and then extends along the second direction. This reduces the change in the extension direction of the conduction path compared to when the conduction path extends along the first direction and then along the second direction, and therefore the change in the cross-sectional shape is gradual. As a result, the change in impedance in the conduction path is gradual, and deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be suppressed.

[0019]

[10] In the connection structure of any one of the above [1] to [9], the tip portions of the first conductors may be configured to be elastically deformable along the first direction when the plug is coupled to the receptacle. In this case, the tip portions of the first conductors press the tip portions of the corresponding second conductors among the second conductors while physically contacting the tip portions of the second conductors, thereby enabling a more reliable electrical connection to the tip portions of the second conductors.

[0020]

[11] In the connection structure of any one of the above [1] to

[10] , the tip portions of the second conductors may be configured to be elastically deformable along the second direction when the plug is coupled to the receptacle. In this case, the tip portions of the second conductors press the tip portions of the corresponding first conductors among the first conductors while physically contacting the tip portions of the corresponding first conductors, thereby enabling a more reliable electrical connection to the tip portions of the corresponding first conductors.

[0021]

[12] In the connection structure of any one of the above [1] to

[11] , the second conductors may each include a groove formed at a tip of the second conductor. In this case, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle, the tip of each of the first conductors can be electrically connected to a tip of a corresponding one of the second conductors by contacting the tip of each of the first conductors with an inner surface of the groove. In this case, the groove may be U-shaped or V-shaped when viewed from a direction along the second end face. According to this configuration, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle, the tip of each of the first conductors is placed at the bottom of the U-shaped or V-shaped groove and positioned by the inner surface of the groove, so that the tip of each of the first conductors can be more reliably electrically connected to a tip of a corresponding one of the second conductors. Furthermore, each of the second conductors may include an elastic body configured to be expandable and contractible along the second direction, and the elastic body may be configured to press the tip portion of the second conductor along the second direction when the plug is coupled to the receptacle and each tip portion of the first conductors contacts a tip portion of a corresponding one of the second conductors. In this case, each tip portion of the second conductors is pressed against a tip portion of a corresponding one of the first conductors, thereby making it possible to more reliably electrically connect to the tip portion of the first conductor.

[0022]

[13] A plug according to one embodiment is a plug connectable to a receptacle having a plurality of conductors and exposing each of the conductors from an end face. The plug includes a plurality of first conductors each extending along a first direction, a first end face inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a plug housing having a plurality of first storage portions for respectively storing the plurality of first conductors. Each tip of the plurality of first conductors is exposed at the first end face. The first end face is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The plug is configured to be connectable to the receptacle such that the second direction in which the plurality of conductors of the receptacle extend intersects with the first direction. A plug having such a configuration can achieve the same effect as the connection structure of the electrical connector described above.

[0023]

[14] In the plug of

[13] above, the first conductors may include signal conductors and ground conductors connected to ground, and the signal conductors and ground conductors may be arranged point-symmetrically on the first end face. In this case, even when the plug is rotated 180 degrees to be coupled to the receptacle, the signal conductors can be electrically connected to the conductors of the receptacle and the ground conductors can be electrically connected to the ground of the receptacle.

[0024]

[15] A receptacle according to one embodiment is a receptacle connectable to a plug having a plurality of conductors and exposing each conductor from an end face. The receptacle includes a plurality of second conductors each extending along a second direction, a second end face inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a receptacle housing having a plurality of second storage portions for respectively storing the plurality of second conductors. Each tip of the plurality of second conductors is exposed at the second end face. The second end face is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The receptacle is configured to be connectable to a plug such that the first direction and the second direction in which the plurality of conductors of the plug extend intersect. A receptacle configured in this manner can achieve the same effect as the connection structure of the electrical connector described above.

[0025] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connection structure of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector connection structure according to one embodiment, showing a first connection state in which a plug and a receptacle are connected in an L-shape. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the first connection state of the connection structure taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a receptacle. An electrical connector connection structure 1 includes a plug 2, a receptacle 3, and a substrate 4. Hereinafter, directions parallel to the substrate 4 are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction perpendicular to the substrate 4 is defined as the Z direction. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the X direction corresponds to the first direction A, and the Z direction corresponds to the second direction B.

[0027] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, a plug 2 is attached to a board 4 via a receptacle 3. The plug 2 has a plurality of electric wires (a plurality of first conductors) 21 and a plug housing 22. The receptacle 3 has a plurality of conductors (a plurality of second conductors) 31 and a receptacle housing 32.

[0028] The multiple electric wires 21 are members for transmitting power or electric signals. The multiple electric wires 21 have multiple signal lines (multiple signal conductors) 23 and multiple ground lines (multiple ground conductors) 24. The signal lines 23 are made of a metal such as copper. When the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3, the signal lines 23 are electrically connected to a circuit in the board 4 via the conductor 31 in the receptacle 3. The ground lines 24 are made of a metal such as copper. When the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3, the ground lines 24 are connected to ground via the conductor 31 in the receptacle 3.

[0029] Each of the electric wires 21 extends along the X direction. The electric wires 21 are arranged in the Y direction and the Z direction. For example, the electric wires 21 include 108 electric wires. In this case, 18 electric wires arranged in the Y direction are arranged in six rows in the Z direction. In one example, the electric wires 21 include a pair of signal lines 23 and a pair of ground lines 24 arranged alternately along the Y direction. Note that the electric wires 21 are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and other embodiments can be appropriately selected.

[0030] Adjacent signal lines 23 carry currents of opposite phases, and transmit signals by differential transmission, which transmits signals by the potential difference between the pair of signal lines 23. The multiple electric wires 21 are integrated, for example, by a covering member, to form a flexible flat cable (FFC). The distance between each conductor of the multiple electric wires 21 (center-to-center distance) is, for example, 0.6 mm.

[0031] The plug housing 22 includes a front end face (first end face) 25, a rear end face 26, a pair of first side faces 27, a second side face 28a, and a third side face 28b. The front end face 25 and the rear end face 26 are faces extending in the Y direction and the Z direction. The front end face 25 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the X direction. The front end face 25 may be inclined at an angle θ1 (first inclination angle) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the X direction. The angle θ1 may be 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less, or may be 30 degrees or more, for example, 45 degrees. The rear end face 26 is located on the opposite side of the front end face 25 in the X direction. The pair of first side faces 27 are faces extending in the X direction and the Z direction, and are aligned in the Y direction. The pair of first side faces 27 extend from the front end face 25 to the rear end face 26. Each of the first side faces 27 is provided with a first engagement portion 27a. For example, each first engagement portion 27a is a claw protruding from the front end surface 25 in the X direction. The second side surface 28a and the third side surface 28b are surfaces extending in the X direction and the Y direction and are aligned in the Z direction. The width of the second side surface 28a in the X direction is greater than the width of the third side surface 28b in the X direction.

[0032] The plug housing 22 further includes a plurality of through holes (a plurality of first storage portions) 29. Each of the plurality of through holes 29 penetrates the plug housing 22 along the X direction. The through holes 29 are, for example, holes having a circular cross section, and open at the front end surface 25 and the rear end surface 26. In this embodiment, for example, 108 through holes 29 are formed in the plug housing 22. The plurality of through holes 29 are aligned along the Y direction and the Z direction. The inner diameter of each of the through holes 29 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the electric wire 21. The plurality of through holes 29 respectively store the plurality of electric wires 21. The tip portions 21a of the plurality of electric wires 21 are exposed from each of the plurality of through holes 29 at the front end surface 25.

[0033] The multiple signal lines 23 and the multiple ground lines 24 are arranged in point symmetry with respect to a virtual straight line L1 that passes through the center 25a of the front end face 25 and the center 26a of the rear end face 26. Thus, the multiple signal lines 23 and the multiple ground lines 24 are arranged in point symmetry on the front end face 25.

[0034] Next, the receptacle 3 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The multiple conductors 31 are members for transmitting power or electrical signals. The multiple conductors 31 include multiple signal conductors 33 and multiple ground conductors 34. The signal conductors 33 are formed of a metal such as copper. The signal conductors 33 are electrically connected to a circuit in the substrate 4. The ground conductors 34 are formed of a metal such as copper. The ground conductors 34 are electrically connected to ground.

[0035] Each of the conductors 31 extends along the Z direction. The conductors 31 are arranged in the X and Y directions. For example, the conductors 31 include 108 conductors. Eighteen conductors arranged in the Y direction are arranged in six rows along the X direction. In one example, the conductors 31 include a pair of signal conductors 33 and a pair of ground conductors 34 arranged alternately along the Y direction. Adjacent pairs of signal conductors 33 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 conductors 33. The distance between each of the conductors 31 (the distance between the centers) is, for example, 0.6 mm.

[0036] The receptacle housing 32 is configured to be connectable to the board 4. The receptacle housing 32 includes a front end face (second end face) 35, a rear end face 36, a pair of first side faces 37, a second side face 38a, and a third side face 38b. The front end face 35 and the rear end face 36 are faces extending in the X direction and the Y direction. The front end face 35 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The front end face 35 may be inclined at an angle θ2 (second inclination angle) with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The angle θ2 may be 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less, or may be 30 degrees or more, or may be, for example, 45 degrees. The sum of the angle θ1 of the front end face 25 of the plug housing 22 and the angle θ2 of the front end face 35 of the receptacle housing 32 may be 85 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less, or may be, for example, 90 degrees. With this angle, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are coupled in an L-shape (first connection state). The rear end face 36 is located on the opposite side of the front end face 35 in the Z direction. The pair of first side faces 37 are faces that extend in the X direction and the Z direction and are aligned in the Y direction. The pair of first side faces 37 extend from the front end face 35 to the rear end face 36. The second side face 38a and the third side face 38b are faces that extend in the Y direction and the Z direction and are aligned in the X direction. The width of the second side face 38a in the Z direction is greater than the width of the third side face 38b in the Z direction.

[0037] Each first side surface 37 is provided with a second engagement portion 37a and a third engagement portion 37b. The second engagement portion 37a is configured to be able to engage with the first engagement portion 27a of the plug housing 22. The third engagement portion 37b is configured to be able to engage with the first engagement portion 27a. In this embodiment, each second engagement portion 37a is disposed in a first recess 37c of the first side surface 37, and is, for example, a claw protruding from the first side surface 37 in the Y direction. Each third engagement portion 37b is disposed in a second recess 37d of the first side surface 37, and is, for example, a claw protruding from the first side surface 37 in the Y direction. That is, the first engagement portion 27a, which is a claw, is hooked on the second engagement portion 37a or the third engagement portion 37b, which is also a claw, so that the first engagement portion 27a and the second engagement portion 37a or the third engagement portion 37b engage with each other.

[0038] The receptacle housing 32 further includes a plurality of through holes (a plurality of second storage sections) 39. The plurality of through holes 39 each penetrate the receptacle housing 32 along the Z direction. The through holes 39 are, for example, holes with a circular cross section, and open at the front end surface 35 and the rear end surface 36. In this embodiment, for example, 108 through holes 39 are formed in the receptacle housing 32. The plurality of through holes 39 are aligned along the X direction and the Y direction. The inner diameter of each through hole 29 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 31. The plurality of through holes 39 each store a plurality of conductors 31. The tip portions 31a of the plurality of conductors 31 are exposed from the respective through holes 39 at the front end surface 35.

[0039] The signal conductors 33 and the ground conductors 34 are arranged in point symmetry with respect to a virtual line L2 that passes through the center 35a of the front end face 35 and the center 36a of the rear end face 36. Thus, the signal conductors 33 and the ground conductors 34 are arranged on the front end face 35 in point symmetry with respect to the center 35a.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 4, the tip portion 21a of the electric wire 21 and the tip portion 31a of the conductor 31 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the electric wire 21 and the conductor 31. The tip portion 21a is configured to be elastically deformable along a first direction A (X direction in FIG. 1) which is the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 21 when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3. In this embodiment, the tip portion 21a has a leaf spring 21b and an end face 21c formed at the tip of the leaf spring 21b. The end face 21c may be inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, similar to the front end face 25. That is, the end face 21c may be inclined so as to coincide with the front end face 25. The end face 21c may be disposed so as to slightly protrude from the front end face 25. The end face 21c is movable in the first direction A by the leaf spring 21b being elastically deformed in the first direction A.

[0041] When the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3, the tip portion 31a is configured to be elastically deformable along a second direction B (Z direction in FIG. 1) which is the longitudinal direction of the conductor 31. In this embodiment, the tip portion 31a has a leaf spring 31b and an end face 31c formed at the tip of the leaf spring 31b. The end face 31c may be inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, similar to the front end face 35. That is, the end face 31c may be inclined so as to coincide with the front end face 35. The end face 31c may be disposed so as to slightly protrude from the front end face 35. The end face 31c is movable in the second direction B by the leaf spring 31b being elastically deformed in the second direction B.

[0042] The coupling of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the connection structure 1 of an electrical connector according to one embodiment, illustrating a second connection state in which the plug and the receptacle are linearly connected. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure in the second connection state taken along line VI-VI shown in Figure 5. In Figures 5 and 6, the Z direction corresponds to both the first direction A and the second direction B.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be connectable to each other in a first connection state such that the first direction A and the second direction B cross each other. When the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are connected to each other such that the first direction A and the second direction B cross each other, the first engagement portion 27a of the plug housing 22 is configured to be connectable to the second engagement portion 37a (see FIG. 3) of the receptacle housing 32. In this case, the front end face 25 and the front end face 35 face each other. For example, the front end face 25 and the front end face 35 face each other in the Z direction, are parallel to each other, and overlap each other. The second side face 28a and the second side face 38a cross each other. The third side face 28b and the third side face 38b cross each other. The tip portion 21a of each of the plurality of electric wires 21 is electrically connected to the tip portion 31a of the corresponding conductor 31 among the plurality of conductors 31. Each tip 21a of the electric wire 21 is pressed by the conductor 31 in the Z direction and contracts in the X direction, thereby pushing back the tip 31a of the conductor 31. Meanwhile, each tip 31a of the conductor 31 is pressed by the electric wire 21 in the X direction and contracts in the Z direction, thereby pushing back the tip 21a of the electric wire 21.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be able to be coupled to each other in a second connection state such that the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B. That is, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be connected in different connection states. When the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B, the first engagement portion 27a of the plug housing 22 is configured to be able to be engaged with the third engagement portion 37b (see FIG. 3) of the receptacle housing 32. In this case, the front end surface 25 and the front end surface 35 face each other. For example, the front end surface 25 and the front end surface 35 face each other in the Z direction, are parallel to each other, and overlap each other. The second side surface 28a and the third side surface 38b are flush with each other. The third side surface 28b and the second side surface 38a are flush with each other. Each tip 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 is electrically connected to a tip 31a of a corresponding one of the multiple conductors 31. Each tip 21a of the electric wires 21 is pressed by the conductor 31 in the Z direction and pushes back the tip 31a of the conductor 31 by contracting in the Z direction. Meanwhile, each tip 31a of the conductor 31 is pressed by the electric wire 21 in the Z direction and pushes back the tip 21a of the electric wire 21 by contracting in the Z direction.

[0045] As described above, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be connectable to each other both when the first direction A and the second direction B intersect each other (first connection state) and when the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B (second connection state).

[0046] Thus, in the electrical connector connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the tip portions 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 are exposed at the front end surface 25, and the tip portions 31a of the multiple conductors 31 are exposed at the front end surface 35. The tip portions 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 are electrically connected to the tip portions 31a of the corresponding conductors 31 among the multiple conductors 31. Therefore, according to the electrical connector connection structure 1, there is no part in the conduction path that differs from the shape of the conductor, and mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance can be suppressed. Also, according to the electrical connector connection structure 1, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be mutually connectable such that the first direction A and the second direction B intersect. When the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are connected to each other, the front end surface 25 and the front end surface 35 face each other, and the tip portions 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 are electrically connected to the tip portions 31a of the corresponding conductors 31 among the multiple conductors 31. According to this configuration, plug 2 and receptacle 3 can be connected in a state in which electric wire 21 and conductor 31 extend in different directions, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in connection. Therefore, according to this electrical connector connection structure 1, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in connection while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance.

[0047] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are configured to be connectable in a second connection mode such that the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B, and when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are connected to each other in the second connection mode, the front end face 25 and the front end face 35 face each other and the tip end 21a of each of the multiple electric wires 21 is electrically connected to the tip end 31a of the corresponding conductor 31 among the multiple conductors 31. This allows the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 to be connected in the second connection mode in addition to the first connection mode. Therefore, according to this electrical connector connection structure 1, it is possible to further increase the degree of freedom of connection while suppressing mismatching of high-frequency characteristic impedance.

[0048] In the connection structure 1 of the electrical connector, the plug housing 22 further includes a first engagement portion 27a, and the receptacle housing 32 further includes a second engagement portion 37a and a third engagement portion 37b. The second engagement portion 37a engages with the first engagement portion 27a when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3 such that the first direction A and the second direction B intersect with each other. The third engagement portion 37b engages with the first engagement portion 27a when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3 such that the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B. This allows the pair of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 to achieve electrical connection between the electric wire 21 and the conductor 31 in both cases where the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A and the second direction B intersect with each other and where the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A is aligned with the second direction B.

[0049] In electrical connector connection structure 1, front end face 25 of plug housing 22 is inclined at an angle of 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to first direction A. Additionally, front end face 35 of receptacle housing 32 is inclined at an angle of 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to second direction B. This allows plug 2 and receptacle 3 to be easily coupled in the first connection mode, and also allows plug 2 and receptacle 3 to be easily coupled in the second connection mode.

[0050] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the multiple electric wires 21 include multiple signal lines 23 and multiple ground lines 24 connected to ground. The multiple signal lines 23 and the multiple ground lines 24 are arranged to be point symmetrical on the front end face 25. In this case, even when the plug 2 is rotated relative to the receptacle 3 and coupled such that the front end face 25 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the front end face 35, the multiple signal lines 23 can be electrically connected to corresponding ones of the multiple signal conductors 33, and the multiple ground lines 24 can be electrically connected to the ground.

[0051] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the tip portions 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 are configured to be elastically deformable along the first direction A when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3. In this case, the tip portions 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 press the tip portions 31a of the corresponding conductors 31 among the multiple conductors 31 while physically contacting the tip portions 31a of the conductors 31, so that the electric wires 21 can be electrically connected to the tip portions 31a of the conductors 31 more reliably.

[0052] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the tip portions 31a of the multiple conductors 31 are configured to be elastically deformable along the second direction B when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3. In this case, the tip portions 31a of the multiple conductors 31 press the tip portions 21a of the corresponding electric wires 21 among the multiple electric wires 21 while physically contacting the tip portions 21a of the corresponding electric wires 21, thereby enabling a more reliable electrical connection to the tip portions 21a of the corresponding electric wires 21.

[0053] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the multiple through holes 29 of the plug housing 22 each extend along the first direction A and penetrate the plug housing 22. In this case, the multiple through holes 29 hold the multiple electric wires 21, so that the tip ends 21a of the multiple electric wires 21 can be positioned with higher accuracy relative to the tip ends 31a of the corresponding conductors 31 among the multiple conductors 31. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0054] In the electrical connector connection structure 1, the multiple through holes 39 of the receptacle housing 32 each extend along the second direction B and penetrate the receptacle housing 32. In this case, the multiple through holes 39 hold the multiple conductors 31, so that the tip ends 31a of the multiple conductors 31 can be positioned with greater accuracy relative to the tip ends 21a of the corresponding electric wires 21 among the multiple electric wires 21. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the end portions 21a of the electric wires 21 are configured to be elastically deformable along the first direction A, but they may not be configured to be elastically deformable. The end portions 31a of the conductors 31 are configured to be elastically deformable along the second direction B, but they may not be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of an electric connector according to a first modification, showing a first connection state. Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 are perspective views showing another example of the tip of the conductor in the first modification. The connection structure 101 of the electric connector according to the first modification includes a plug 102, a receptacle 103, and a board 4. The plug 102 may have a plurality of electric wires 121 instead of the plurality of electric wires 21. The plug 102 may have a plug housing 22 similar to the plug 2. The tip portions 121a of the plurality of electric wires 121 may not be configured to be elastically deformable. The receptacle 103 may have a plurality of conductors 131 or a plurality of conductors 231 instead of the plurality of conductors 31. The receptacle 103 may have a receptacle housing 32 similar to the receptacle 3.

[0057] As shown in part (a) of FIG. 8, each of the multiple conductors 131 includes a groove 131b formed in a tip portion 131a of the conductor 131. The groove 131b may be V-shaped when viewed from a direction along the front end surface 35 of the receptacle housing 32. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 8, each of the multiple conductors 231 may include a groove 231b formed in a tip portion 231a of the conductor 231. The groove 231b may be U-shaped when viewed from a direction along the front end surface 35 of the receptacle housing 32. Each of the multiple conductors 231 may include an elastic body 231d configured to be stretchable along the second direction B. Elastic body 231d is configured to press tip portion 231a of conductor 231 along second direction B when plug 102 is fitted into receptacle 103 and each tip portion 121a of multiple electric wires 121 contacts tip portion 231a of a corresponding conductor 231 among multiple conductors 231. As shown in Fig. 7, when plug 102 is coupled to receptacle 103, each tip portion 121a of multiple electric wires 121 contacts inner surfaces 131c, 231c of groove portions 131b, 231b.

[0058] In the connection structure 101 of the electrical connector according to the first modification, the multiple conductors 131, 231 respectively include grooves 131b, 231b formed in the tip portions 131a, 231a of the conductors 131, 231. In this case, when the plug 102 is coupled to the receptacle 103, the tip portions 121a of the multiple electric wires 121 come into contact with the inner surfaces 131c, 231c of the grooves 131b, 231b, so that the tip portions 121a of the multiple electric wires 121 can be electrically connected to the tip portions 131a, 231a of the corresponding conductors 131, 231 among the multiple conductors 131, 231.

[0059] In electrical connector connection structure 101 according to the first modification, grooves 131b, 231b are U-shaped or V-shaped when viewed from a direction along front end surface 35 of receptacle housing 32. In this case, when plug 102 is coupled to receptacle 103, tip ends 121a of multiple electric wires 121 are disposed at the bottom of U-shaped or V-shaped grooves 131b, 231b and positioned by inner surfaces 131c, 231c of grooves 131b, 231b, thereby enabling more reliable electrical connection to tip ends 131a, 231a of corresponding conductors 131, 231 among multiple conductors 131, 231.

[0060] In the electrical connector connection structure 101 according to the first modification, the tip portions 121a of the multiple electric wires 121 contact the inner surfaces 131c, 231c of the grooves 131b, 231b when the plug 102 is coupled to the receptacle 103. In this case, the tip portions 121a of the multiple electric wires 121 can be electrically connected to the tip portions 131a, 231a of the corresponding conductors 131, 231 among the multiple conductors 131, 231.

[0061] In the connection structure 101 of the electrical connector according to the first modification, the multiple conductors 231 may each include an elastic body 231d configured to be stretchable along the second direction B, and the elastic body 231d is configured to press the tip portion 231a of the conductor 231 along the second direction B when the plug 102 is coupled to the receptacle 103 and each tip portion 121a of the multiple electric wires 121 contacts the tip portion 231a of the corresponding conductor 231 among the multiple conductors 231. In this case, the tip portion 231a of the conductor 231 is pressed against the tip portion 121a of the corresponding electric wire 121 among the multiple electric wires 121, so that a more reliable electrical connection to the tip portion 121a of the electric wire 121 can be achieved.

[0062] In the above embodiment and each modified example, the plurality of conductors 31 extend only in the second direction B, but are not limited thereto. The plurality of conductors 31 may extend in the second direction B and then extend along a third direction intersecting the first direction A and the second direction B. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection structure 301 of an electric connector according to a second modified example, showing a first connection state. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure 301 in the first connection state along the line XX shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second connection state of the connection structure 301 of an electric connector according to the second modified example. The connection structure 301 of an electric connector includes a plug 2, a receptacle 303, and a substrate 4. Hereinafter, a direction intersecting the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as a third direction C. The third direction C intersects with the Z direction at an angle θ3. The angle θ3 may be 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less, for example, 45 degrees.

[0063] The receptacle 303 has a plurality of conductors 331 and a receptacle housing 332. The receptacle housing 332 differs from the receptacle housing 32 in that the receptacle housing 332 further includes a pair of inclined surfaces 380a, 380b. The pair of inclined surfaces 380a, 380b are planes intersecting the X direction and the Z direction, and extend along the Y direction and the third direction C. One of the inclined surfaces 380a intersects with the second side surface 38a. The other inclined surface 380b intersects with the third side surface 38b. The plurality of conductors 331 are provided inside the receptacle housing 332. The plurality of conductors 331 include a first portion 311 extending along the second direction B and a second portion 312 extending along the third direction C so as to be perpendicular to the front end surface 35.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, when the plug 2 and the receptacle 303 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A and the second direction B cross each other (first connection state), the second side surface 28a and one of the inclined surfaces 380a cross each other, and the third side surface 28b and one of the inclined surfaces 380b cross each other. As shown in Fig. 11, when the plug 2 and the receptacle 303 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A is along the second direction B (second connection state), the second side surface 28a and the other of the inclined surfaces 380b cross each other, and the third side surface 28b and one of the inclined surfaces 380a cross each other. In both of the above cases, the conductor 331 and the electric wire 21 form a conductive path P3. The conductive path P3 extends along the second direction B, extends along the third direction C, and then extends along the first direction A.

[0065] In the connection structure 301 of the electrical connector according to the second modification, when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 103 so that the first direction A and the second direction B intersect with each other, the conductive path P3 formed by the electric wire 21 and the conductor 331 extends along the second direction B, extends along the third direction C, and then extends along the first direction A. As a result, the change in the extension direction of the conductive path is smaller than when the conductive path extends along the second direction B and then extends along the first direction A, and therefore the change in the cross-sectional shape is more gradual. As a result, the change in impedance in the conductive path is more gradual, and deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be suppressed.

[0066] Thus, in connection structure 301 of the electrical connector according to the second modification, when plug 2 is coupled to receptacle 303 so that first direction A and second direction B intersect each other, and when plug 2 is coupled to receptacle 303 so that first direction A is along second direction B, conduction path P3 is bent 45 degrees inside receptacle housing 332, and then bent 45 degrees at front end faces 25, 35. Therefore, the change in direction of the conduction path is gentle. As a result, the change in impedance in conduction path P3 is gentle, and deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be further suppressed.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the multiple electric wires 21 extend only in the first direction A, but this is not limited thereto. The multiple electric wires 21 may extend in the first direction A and then extend along the third direction C. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric connector connection structure 401 according to a third modified example, showing a first connection state. The electric connector connection structure 401 includes a plug 402, a receptacle 3, and a substrate 4.

[0068] The plug 402 has a plurality of electric wires 421 and a plug housing 422. The plug housing 422 differs from the plug housing 22 in that the plug housing 422 further includes a pair of inclined surfaces 480a, 480b. The pair of inclined surfaces 480a, 480b are planes intersecting the X direction and the Z direction, and extend along the Y direction and the third direction C. One inclined surface 480a intersects with the second side surface 28a. The other inclined surface 480b intersects with the third side surface 28b. The plurality of electric wires 421 are provided inside the plug housing 422. The plurality of electric wires 421 include a first portion 411 extending along the first direction A and a second portion 412 extending along the third direction C so as to be perpendicular to the front end face 25.

[0069] When the plug 402 and the receptacle 3 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A and the second direction B cross each other (first connection state), the slope 480a on one side and the second side 38a on the other side cross each other, and the slope 480b on the other side and the third side 38b on the other side cross each other. When the plug 402 and the receptacle 3 are coupled to each other such that the first direction A is along the second direction B (second connection state), the slope 480b on the other side and the second side 38a on the other side cross each other, and the slope 480a on one side and the third side 38b on the other side cross each other (not shown, but see FIG. 11). In both of the above cases, the conductor 31 and the wire 421 form a conductive path P4. The conductive path P4 extends along the first direction A, then along the third direction C, and then along the second direction B.

[0070] In connection structure 401 of an electrical connector according to the third modification, when plug 402 is coupled to receptacle 3 such that first direction A and second direction B intersect with each other, conductive path P4 formed by electric wire 421 and conductor 31 extends along first direction A, extends along third direction C, and then extends along second direction B. This reduces the change in the extension direction of the conductive path compared to when the conductive path extends along first direction A and then along second direction B, and the change in the extension direction is therefore gentler. As a result, the change in impedance in the conductive path is gentler, and deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be further suppressed.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the electrical connector connection structure 1 may further include an intervening member that is interposed between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 and has an intervening conductor extending along the third direction C. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connector connection structure according to a fourth modified example, illustrating a first connection state. The electrical connector connection structure 501 includes the plug 2, the receptacle 3, the substrate 4, and an intervening member 5.

[0072] The intervening member 5 has a plurality of intervening conductors (a plurality of third conductors) 51 and a sub-housing 52. The plurality of intervening conductors 51 each extend along the third direction C. The sub-housing 52 includes a first main surface 53 and a second main surface 54 that intersect with the third direction C. When the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3, the intervening member 5 is interposed between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3. In this case, the first main surface 53 faces and overlaps with the front end surface 25 of the plug housing 22 in the third direction C. The second main surface 54 faces and overlaps with the front end surface 35 of the receptacle housing 32 in the third direction C. The plurality of intervening conductors 51 extend from the first main surface 53 to the second main surface 54. When plug 2 is coupled to receptacle 3 , the multiple intervening conductors 51 electrically connect each tip end 21 a of the multiple electric wires 21 to a tip end 31 a of a corresponding one of the multiple conductors 31 .

[0073] In the connection structure 501 of the electrical connector according to the fourth modification, when the plug 2 is coupled to the receptacle 3 via the intervening member 5 so that the first direction A and the second direction B intersect with each other (first connection state), the conductive path P5 constituted by the electric wire 21, the intervening conductor 51, and the conductor 31 extends along the first direction A, extends along the third direction C, and then extends along the second direction B. This reduces the change in the extension direction of the conductive path compared to when the conductive path extends along the first direction A and then extends along the second direction B. As a result, the change in impedance in the conductive path is gradual, and deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal can be suppressed.

[0074] In the above embodiment, it is sufficient that one of the plug housing 22 and the receptacle housing 32 includes the first engagement portion 27a, and the other of the plug housing 22 and the receptacle housing 32 includes the second engagement portion 37a and the third engagement portion 37b. For example, the receptacle housing 32 may include a configuration corresponding to the first engagement portion 27a, and the plug housing 22 may include a configuration corresponding to the second engagement portion 37a and the third engagement portion 37b.

[0075] In the above embodiment, it is sufficient that the first engagement portion 27a and the second engagement portion 37a are mutually engageable, and it is sufficient that the first engagement portion 27a and the third engagement portion 37b are mutually engageable. For example, the first engagement portion 27a may be a guide pin provided on the front end surface 25 of the plug housing 22, and the second engagement portion 37a and the third engagement portion 37b may be holes provided on the front end surface 35 of the receptacle housing 32. In this case, the first engagement portion 27a may be inserted into the second engagement portion 37a or the third engagement portion 37b to engage with the second engagement portion 37a or the third engagement portion 37b.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the signal lines 23 and the ground lines 24 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the virtual straight line L1 passing through the center 25a of the front end face 25 and the center 26a of the rear end face 26, but this is not limiting. For example, the signal lines 23 and the ground lines 24 may be arranged point-symmetrically with respect to a predetermined point on the front end face 25. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1,101,301,401,501...Connection structure of electrical connector 2,102,402…Plug 3,103,303…Receptacle 4...Substrate 5…Intervening member 21,121,421...Electric wire (first conductor) 21a, 121a...Tip 21b…Leaf spring 21c...end face 22…Plug housing 23...Signal line (signal conductor) 24...Ground wire (ground conductor) 25...Front end surface (first end surface) 25a…center 26...Rear end surface 26a…center 27…1st side 27a...first engagement part 28a…Second side 28b…Third side 29...Through hole (first storage section) 31, 131, 231, 331...Conductor (second conductor) 31a, 131a, 231a...Tip 31b…Leaf spring 31c...end face 32,332…Receptacle housing 33...Signal conductor 34…Ground conductor 35...Front end surface (second end surface) 35a…center 36...Rear end surface 36a…Center 37…1st side 37a...Second engagement part 37b...Third engaging part 37c…First recess 37d…Second recess 38a…Second side 38b…Third side 39...Through hole (second storage section) 51...Intervening conductor (third conductor) 52…Sub-housing 53…First main surface 54…Second main surface 131b,231b…Groove 131c, 231c…Inside 231d…Elastic body 311…Part 1 312…Second part 380a, 380b...Slope 411…Part 1 412…Second part 422…Plug housing 480a, 480b...Slope A…First direction B…Second direction C…Third direction L1, L2: Virtual straight line P3, P4, P5...conduction path θ1, θ2, θ3...Angles

Claims

1. a plug having a plug housing including a plurality of first conductors each extending along a first direction, a first end face inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of first storage portions each storing the plurality of first conductors; a receptacle having a plurality of second conductors each extending along a second direction, a second end face inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a receptacle housing including a plurality of second storage portions each storing the plurality of second conductors; each of the first conductors has a tip end exposed at the first end surface; each of the second conductors has a tip end exposed at the second end surface; the plug and the receptacle are configured to be connectable to each other in a first connection manner such that the first direction and the second direction intersect, when the plug and the receptacle are coupled to each other in the first connection manner, the first end face and the second end face face each other, and each tip end of the plurality of first conductors is electrically connected to a tip end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductors. A connection structure for an electrical connector.

2. the plug and the receptacle are configured to be connectable in a second connection manner such that the first direction is aligned with the second direction; when the plug and the receptacle are coupled to each other in the second connection manner, the first end face and the second end face face each other, and each tip end of the plurality of first conductors is electrically connected to the tip end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductors.

2. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1.

3. One of the plug housing and the receptacle housing further includes a first engagement portion, The other of the plug housing and the receptacle housing is a second engagement portion configured to be engageable with the first engagement portion when the plug is coupled to the receptacle such that the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other; a third engagement portion configured to be engageable with the first engagement portion when the plug is coupled to the receptacle such that the first direction is aligned with the second direction.

3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 2.

4. the first end surface of the plug housing is inclined at an angle of 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, The second end surface of the receptacle housing is inclined at an angle of 43 degrees or more and 47 degrees or less with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

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

5. a sum of a first inclination angle at which the first end face of the plug housing is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction and a second inclination angle at which the second end face of the receptacle housing is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction is 85 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less; 3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first conductors include a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors connected to a ground; the plurality of signal conductors and the plurality of ground conductors are arranged to be point symmetric on the first end surface, 3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the second conductors extend inside the receptacle housing along the second direction, and then extend along a third direction intersecting the second direction and are exposed at the second end surface.

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

8. the first conductors extend inside the plug housing along the first direction, and then extend along a third direction intersecting the first direction and are exposed at the first end surface; 3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

9. an interposition member having a plurality of third conductors each extending along a third direction, a first main surface and a second main surface intersecting the third direction, and a sub-housing including a plurality of third storage portions each storing the plurality of third conductors, the intervening member is configured such that, when the plug is coupled to the receptacle and the intervening member is interposed between the plug and the receptacle, the first main surface faces the first end surface and the second main surface faces the second end surface; the plurality of third conductors extend from the first main surface to the second main surface and are configured to electrically connect each tip end of the plurality of first conductors to a tip end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductors when the plug is mated with the receptacle.

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

10. each of the tip portions of the plurality of first conductors is configured to be elastically deformable along the first direction when the plug is coupled to the receptacle; 3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

11. each tip portion of the plurality of second conductors is configured to be elastically deformable along the second direction when the plug is coupled to the receptacle; 3. The electrical connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

12. Each of the second conductors includes a groove portion formed at a tip portion of the second conductor.

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

13. A plug connectable to a receptacle having a plurality of conductors and exposing each conductor from an end face, a plurality of first conductors each extending along a first direction; a plug housing having a first end surface inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of first storage portions for respectively storing the plurality of first conductors; each of the first conductors has a tip end exposed at the first end surface; the first end surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, A plug configured to be connectable to the receptacle such that a second direction in which the multiple conductors of the receptacle extend intersects with the first direction.

14. the first conductors include a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors connected to a ground; the plurality of signal conductors and the plurality of ground conductors are arranged to be point symmetric on the first end surface, The plug according to claim 13.

15. A receptacle connectable to a plug having a plurality of conductors and exposing each conductor from an end face thereof, a plurality of second conductors each extending along a second direction; a receptacle housing having a second end surface inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a plurality of second storage portions for respectively storing the plurality of second conductors; each of the second conductors has a tip end exposed at the second end surface; the second end surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, A receptacle configured to be connectable to the plug such that a first direction in which the conductors of the plug extend intersects with the second direction.

Images