Connector and transmission system

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of adjusting an electric length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission without deteriorating mechanical characteristics of signal lines, and a transmission system.SOLUTION: A connector 10 comprises adjustment sections 70a and 70b. The adjustment sections 70a and 70b have wall parts 71a and 71b and movement mechanisms 73a and 73b. The wall parts 71a and 71b consist of a material containing at least a resin and are disposed in the vicinity of terminals 50a and 50b outside of a storage part 60 in which the terminals 50a and 50b are stored. The movement mechanisms 73a and 73b move the wall parts 71a and 71b in a direction in which they are close to and away from the terminals 50a and 50b. In a state where a mating connector 100 is fitted to the connector 10, mating terminals 120a and 120b respectively connected to signal lines 30a and 30b for differential signal transmission are connected to the terminals 50a and 50b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a transmission system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a differential signal transmission method for transmitting data is known.

[0003] The differential signal transmission method uses two transmission lines. On the signal transmitting side, a positive signal is input to one of the two transmission lines, and a negative signal, which is the inverse of the positive signal, is input to the other transmission line. On the signal receiving side, the difference between the positive and negative signals is calculated and a differential signal, which is twice the positive signal, is output.

[0004] In this way, in differential signal transmission, the difference between the positive and negative signals is calculated on the signal receiving side. Therefore, if the two transmission lines are affected by noise, the noise signal can be canceled out by the difference calculation on the signal receiving side.

[0005] However, if there is an electrical length difference between the two transmission lines, even if a positive signal and a negative signal are simultaneously input to the two transmission lines at the signal sending side, there will be a difference in the time it takes for the positive and negative signals to reach the signal receiving side.As a result, even if a difference calculation is performed at the signal receiving side, the noise signal cannot be canceled out.

[0006] To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of physically adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines by bending a signal line included in the transmission line with the longer electrical length of the two transmission lines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-185325 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, with the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the signal line is crushed or twisted at the portion where it is bent, the mechanical properties of the signal line may be deteriorated.

[0009] Therefore, further improvements were required to adjust the electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission without degrading the mechanical characteristics of the signal lines.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector and a transmission system that can adjust the electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission without degrading the mechanical characteristics of the signal lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A connector according to a first aspect of the present invention is adapted to be mated with a mating connector having a first mating terminal and a second mating terminal connected to a first signal line and a second signal line, respectively, for differential signal transmission. The connector includes: a first terminal connected to a board; a second terminal connected to the board and disposed parallel to the first terminal; a dielectric accommodating section that accommodates the first and second terminals and has an opening at one end; a first adjustment section that is disposed near the first terminal outside the accommodating section and includes a first wall section made of a material containing at least a resin and a first movement mechanism that moves the first wall section toward and away from the first terminal; a second adjustment section that is disposed near the second terminal outside the accommodating section and includes a second wall section made of a material containing at least a resin and a second movement mechanism that moves the second wall section toward and away from the second terminal; and a housing that accommodates the accommodating section, the first adjustment section, and the second adjustment section and has an insertion space into which the mating connector is inserted. In the insertion space, the tip end of the first terminal and the tip end of the second terminal are exposed inside the opening of the accommodating part. When the mating connector is inserted into the insertion space of the housing and mated with the connector, the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal are inserted into the opening of the accommodating part and connected to the tip end of the first terminal and the tip end of the second terminal, respectively.

[0012] A transmission system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a connector connected to a substrate and having first and second terminals arranged parallel to each other, a mating connector mated with the connector and having first and second mating terminals connected to the first and second terminals, respectively, and a cable including first and second signal lines for differential signal transmission connected to the first and second mating terminals, respectively. The connector further includes a dielectric accommodating portion that accommodates the first terminal and the second terminal and has an opening on one end, a first adjustment portion that is arranged near the first terminal outside the accommodating portion and includes a first wall portion that is made of a material containing at least resin and a first movement mechanism that moves the first wall portion toward and away from the first terminal, a second adjustment portion that is arranged near the second terminal outside the accommodating portion and includes a second wall portion that is made of a material containing at least resin and a second movement mechanism that moves the second wall portion toward and away from the second terminal, and a housing that accommodates the accommodating portion, the first adjustment portion, and the second adjustment portion and has an insertion space into which the mating connector is inserted. In the insertion space, the tip end of the first terminal and the tip end of the second terminal are exposed inside the opening of the accommodating portion. When the mating connector is inserted into the insertion space of the housing and mated with the connector, the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal are inserted into the opening of the accommodating portion and connected to the tip of the first terminal and the tip of the second terminal, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector and a transmission system that can adjust the electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission without degrading the mechanical characteristics of the signal lines. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of a transmission system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the connector according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the connector according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the connector according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mating connector is fitted to the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the state before the mating connector is mated with the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the state after the mating connector has been mated with the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment portion in the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the operation of the adjustment unit in the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the adjustment unit in the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining measurement of transmission characteristics in the transmission system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a connector according to a modification of this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics in common-mode-differential conversion before adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using a connector according to a modification of this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics in common-mode-differential conversion after adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using a connector according to a modification of this embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics of a differential signal before adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using a connector according to a modification of this embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics of a differential signal after adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using a connector according to a modification of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The transmission system 1 and connector 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions. Furthermore, identical or similar symbols are used for identical functions and configurations, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] 2 to 10B corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The longitudinal direction of the connector 10 coincides with the mating direction of the connector 10 and the mating connector 100. The Y direction shown in FIGS. 2 to 10B corresponds to the width direction of the connector 10 and is perpendicular to the X direction. The Z direction shown in FIGS. 2 to 10B corresponds to the height direction of the connector 10 and is perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0017] 2 to 10B correspond to the front and rear of the connector 10, respectively. The +Y and -Y sides shown in FIGS. 2 to 10B correspond to the left and right of the connector 10, respectively, when facing the front of the connector 10. The +Z and -Z sides shown in FIGS. 2 to 10B correspond to the top and bottom of the connector 10, respectively.

[0018] [Overall schematic configuration of the transmission system] First, the overall configuration of the transmission system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the transmission system 1. The transmission system 1 is a system that transmits data using a differential signal transmission method. In this embodiment, the transmission system 1 is applied to an in-vehicle network. Note that the transmission system 1 is not limited to an in-vehicle network, and can be applied to any network that uses a differential signal transmission method.

[0019] 1, the transmission system 1 includes boards 3 and 5, connectors 10 and 20, and a cable 30. The boards 3 and 5 are, for example, boards of an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on a vehicle. The boards 3 and 5 are respectively equipped with connectors 10 and 20. Note that the boards 3 and 5 are not limited to boards of an ECU.

[0020] As will be described later, the connector 10 has a function to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines used in the transmission system 1. On the other hand, the connector 20 does not have a function to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines used in the transmission system 1. Note that, when it is expected that the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines used in the transmission system 1 will be large, the connector 20 may have a function to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines.

[0021] The cable 30 is a cable for differential signal transmission and includes signal lines 30a and 30b. In this embodiment, the cable 30 is a twisted pair cable, and the signal lines 30a and 30b are twisted together. Note that the cable 30 is not limited to a twisted pair cable, and may be a cable in which the signal lines 30a and 30b are arranged parallel to each other.

[0022] In the cable 30, the signal lines 30a and 30b are covered with a braided wire, and the braided wire is covered with a sheath. The signal lines 30a and 30b are also referred to as a first signal line and a second signal line, respectively.

[0023] As will be described later, the signal line 30a is electrically connected to a terminal 50a of the connector 10 via a mating terminal 120a of a mating connector 100 connected to one end of the cable 30 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The signal line 30a is electrically connected to a terminal (not shown) of the connector 20 via a mating terminal (not shown) of another mating connector connected to the other end of the cable 30. With this configuration, the terminal 50a of the connector 10, the mating terminal 120a of the mating connector 100, the signal line 30a, the mating terminal of the other mating connector, and the terminal of the connector 20 constitute one of two transmission lines used in the transmission system 1. Note that the terminal 50a of the connector 10, the mating terminal 120a of the mating connector 100, the mating terminal of the other mating connector, and the terminal of the connector 20 are each covered with an insulator (dielectric). One of the two transmission lines is also referred to as a first transmission line.

[0024] Similarly, as will be described later, the signal line 30b is electrically connected to the terminal 50b of the connector 10 via the mating terminal 120b of the mating connector 100 connected to one end of the cable 30 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The signal line 30b is electrically connected to another terminal (not shown) of the connector 20 via another mating terminal (not shown) of another mating connector connected to the other end of the cable 30. With this configuration, the terminal 50b of the connector 10, the mating terminal 120b of the mating connector 100, the signal line 30b, the other mating terminal of the other mating connector, and the other terminal of the connector 20 constitute the other of the two transmission lines used in the transmission system 1. Note that the terminal 50b of the connector 10, the mating terminal 120b of the mating connector 100, the other mating terminal of the other mating connector, and the other terminal of the connector 20 are each covered with an insulator (dielectric). The other of the two transmission lines is also referred to as a second transmission line.

[0025] In this embodiment, a positive signal is input to the first transmission line, and a negative signal obtained by inverting the positive signal is input to the second transmission line. When a positive signal and a negative signal are input to the first transmission line and the second transmission line, respectively, from the substrate 5 side, the difference between the positive signal and the negative signal is calculated on the substrate 3 side, and a differential signal obtained by doubling the positive signal is output. Alternatively, a negative signal may be input to the first transmission line, and a positive signal may be input to the second transmission line.

[0026] [Overall Connector Configuration] Next, the overall configuration of the connector 10 will be described. Figures 2 and 3 are front perspective views of the connector 10. Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the connector 10. In Figure 2, the housing 40 is shown by a two-dot chain line to explain the configuration of the accommodating section 60 and the adjustment sections 70a and 70b in the connector 10. In Figure 3, the housing 40 and the accommodating section 60 are shown by a two-dot chain line to explain the configuration of the terminals 50a and 50b in the connector 10.

[0027] 2 to 4, the connector 10 is attached to an end (+X side) of the substrate 3. A mating connector 100 connected to one end of a cable 30 is mated with the connector 10 (see FIGS. 5 and 7). The connector 10 includes a housing 40, terminals 50a and 50b, an accommodating portion 60, and adjustment portions 70a and 70b.

[0028] The housing 40 accommodates the terminals 50a and 50b, the accommodating portion 60, and the adjusting portions 70a and 70b. The terminals 50a and 50b are accommodated in the accommodating portion 60.

[0029] The adjustment unit 70a is disposed near the terminal 50a outside the accommodating unit 60. The adjustment unit 70a is capable of adjusting the electrical length of the first transmission line. Similarly, the adjustment unit 70b is disposed near the terminal 50b outside the accommodating unit 60. The adjustment unit 70b is capable of adjusting the electrical length of the second transmission line.

[0030] The configuration of each component included in the connector 10 will be described below in order.

[0031] [Housing configuration] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the housing 40. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the housing 40 constitutes the external appearance of the connector 10.

[0032] The depth (X direction), width (Y direction), and height (Z direction) of the housing 40 are, for example, approximately 20 mm, approximately 10 mm, and approximately 15 mm, respectively. However, the dimensions of the housing 40 are not limited to these values.

[0033] The housing 40 has a wide portion 41 and a narrow portion 42. The wide portion 41 is disposed on the front side (+X side) of the housing 40 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 10. The narrow portion 42 is joined to the wide portion 41 and is disposed on the rear side (-X side) of the housing 40 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 10. The width (Y direction) of the wide portion 41 is greater than the width (Y direction) of the narrow portion 42. The height (Z direction) of the wide portion 41 is greater than the height (Z direction) of the narrow portion 42 (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The wide portion 41 is formed in a box shape (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and has a first accommodating chamber 41a and a through-hole portion 41b. The first accommodating chamber 41a is formed inside the wide portion 41 and opens at the front end (+X side) of the wide portion 41 to communicate with the outside. The shape of the first accommodating chamber 41a is formed to correspond to the outer surface shape of a mating housing 110 of the mating connector 100, which will be described later. With this configuration, as will be described later, when the mating connector 100 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a from the front end (+X side) of the wide portion 41, the first accommodating chamber 41a covers at least a portion of the mating housing 110 (see FIG. 5). The first accommodating chamber 41a is also referred to as an insertion space.

[0035] The through-hole 41b is formed at the rear end (-X side) of the wide portion 41 (see FIG. 4), and connects the first storage chamber 41a to a second storage chamber 42a of the narrow portion 42, which will be described later. The inner shape of the through-hole 41b is formed to correspond to the outer surface shapes of a third portion 63 and an opening 64 of the storage portion 60, which will be described later. With this configuration, the front end portion and opening 64 of the third portion 63 of the storage portion 60 are inserted into the first storage chamber 41a via the through-hole 41b and are stored in the first storage chamber 41a.

[0036] Note that locking claws (not shown) protrude from both side surfaces of the wide portion 41. When the mating connector 100 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a, locking claws (not shown) protruding from both side surfaces of the mating housing 110 of the mating connector 100 lock onto the locking claws. This fixes the mating connector 100 to the connector 10. Note that the method for fixing the mating connector 100 to the connector 10 is not limited to this configuration.

[0037] The narrow width portion 42 is formed in a generally inverted U-shape when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 10 (see FIG. 4 ), and includes a second accommodating chamber 42a and recesses 42b and 42c. The second accommodating chamber 42a is formed inside the narrow width portion 42 and opens at the rear end (−X side) of the narrow width portion 42 to communicate with the outside. The width (Y direction) of the second accommodating chamber 42a is generally the same as the width (Y direction) of the accommodating section 60. The height (Z direction) of the second accommodating chamber 42a is generally the same as the combined height (Z direction) of a first portion 61 and a second portion 62 of the accommodating section 60, which will be described later. With this configuration, the accommodating section 60 is inserted into the second accommodating chamber 42a from the rear end (−X side) of the narrow width portion 42, and the rear ends of the first portion 61, second portion 62, and third portion 63 of the accommodating section 60 are accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 42a, as will be described later.

[0038] The recess 42b is formed on the inner surface of the left wall (+Y side) of the narrow width portion 42, and opens toward the second accommodating chamber 42a. A screw hole 43a penetrates the left wall of the narrow width portion 42 in which the recess 42b is formed (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). The recess 42b communicates with the outside of the connector 10 via the screw hole 43a. As will be described later, the adjustment portion 70a is accommodated in the recess 42b. The left wall of the narrow width portion 42 is also referred to as the first side wall. The recess 42b is also referred to as the first recess. The screw hole 43a is also referred to as the first screw hole.

[0039] Similarly, recess 42c is formed on the inner surface of the right side wall (-Y side) of narrow portion 42 and opens toward second housing chamber 42a. A screw hole 43b penetrates the right side wall of narrow portion 42 in which recess 42c is formed (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Recess 42c communicates with the outside of connector 10 via screw hole 43b. As will be described later, recess 42c accommodates adjustment portion 70b. The right side wall of narrow portion 42 is also referred to as the second side wall. Recess 42c is also referred to as the second recess. Screw hole 43b is also referred to as the second screw hole.

[0040] [Terminal Configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminals 50a, 50b will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminals 50a, 50b are made of metal (conductor), are cylindrical, and are arranged parallel to each other. In the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10, the terminals 50a, 50b are arranged on the left (+Y side) and right (-Y side), respectively. The terminals 50a, 50b are also referred to as the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively.

[0041] The diameter of each of the terminals 50a, 50b is, for example, within a range of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. In this case, the distance between the terminals 50a, 50b is, for example, within a range of 1.0 to 1.5 mm. Note that the diameter of each of the terminals 50a, 50b and the distance between the terminals 50a, 50b are not limited to the above ranges.

[0042] The terminals 50a, 50b have standing portions 51a, 51b, curved portions 52a, 52b, extending portions 53a, 53b, and tip portions 54a, 54b. The rear ends of the standing portions 51a, 51b, curved portions 52a, 52b, and extending portions 53a, 53b are disposed in the second housing chamber 42a of the narrow portion 42. The front ends of the extending portions 53a, 53b and tip portions 54a, 54a are disposed in the first housing chamber 41a of the wide portion 41.

[0043] The standing portions 51a, 51b are erected on the pads 3a, 3b formed on the surface of the substrate 3 and extend upward (towards the +Z side). One end (the -Z side) of the standing portions 51a, 51b is soldered to the pads 3a, 3b. With this configuration, the terminals 50a, 50b are attached to the substrate 3. Note that the locations where the standing portions 51a, 51b are erected are not limited to the pads 3a, 3b of the substrate 3, and may be lands on the substrate 3. The standing portions 51a, 51b are also referred to as the first standing portion and the second standing portion, respectively.

[0044] The curved portions 52a and 52b are connected to the standing portions 51a and 51b and are curved 90 degrees forward (toward the +X side). One end (-Z side) of the curved portions 52a and 52b is connected to the other end (+Z side) of the standing portions 51a and 51b, respectively. The curved portions 52a and 52b are also referred to as a first curved portion and a second curved portion, respectively.

[0045] The extending portions 53a and 53b are connected to the curved portions 52a and 52b and extend forward (toward the +X side). One end (-X side) of the extending portions 53a and 53b is connected to the other end (+X side) of the curved portions 52a and 52b, respectively. The extending portions 53a and 53b are also referred to as a first extending portion and a second extending portion, respectively.

[0046] The tip portions 54a and 54b are formed to protrude forward from the other ends (+X side) of the extending portions 53a and 53b. The diameters of the tip portions 54a and 54b are smaller than the diameters of the extending portions 53a and 53b. The centers of the tip portions 54a and 54b coincide with the centers of the extending portions 53a and 53b.

[0047] [Configuration of the storage unit] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the accommodating portion 60. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the accommodating portion 60 is made of a dielectric material and accommodates the terminals 50a and 50b.

[0048] The width (Y direction) of the housing portion 60 is, for example, within a range of 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm. The relative dielectric constant of the housing portion 60 is, for example, within a range of 2.0 to 3.0. The width and relative dielectric constant of the housing portion 60 are not limited to the above ranges.

[0049] The storage section 60 has a first section 61, a second section 62, a third section 63, and an opening 64. The first section 61, the second section 62, the third section 63, and the opening 64 have the same width (Y direction). The rear ends of the first section 61, the second section 62, and the third section 63 are disposed within the second storage chamber 42a of the narrow section 42. The front end of the third section 63 and the opening 64 are disposed within the first storage chamber 41a of the wide section 41.

[0050] The first portion 61 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first portion 61 is erected on the substrate 3 and extends upward (toward the +Z side). One end (-Z side) of the first portion 61 is bonded to the substrate 3. On the rear end surface (-X side) of the first portion 61, storage grooves 61a and 61b are formed along the extension direction (Z direction) of the first portion 61 (see FIG. 4). The storage grooves 61a and 61b are arranged parallel to each other and are arranged on the left (+Y side) and right (-Y side), respectively, in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10.

[0051] The receiving grooves 61a and 61b receive the upright portions 51a and 51b of the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. The bottom surfaces of the receiving grooves 61a and 61b along the extension direction (Z direction) of the first portion 61 are formed to correspond to the outer surface shapes of the upright portions 51a and 51b, respectively. Specifically, the cross section of the bottom surfaces of the receiving grooves 61a and 61b in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction (Z direction) of the first portion 61 is formed in a semicircular shape (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). The depths of the receiving grooves 61a and 61b are greater than the diameters of the upright portions 51a and 51b, respectively (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Therefore, the upright portions 51a and 51b are completely received in the receiving grooves 61a and 61b, and movement of the upright portions 51a and 51b in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10 is restricted. The accommodating grooves 61a and 61b are also referred to as a first accommodating groove and a second accommodating groove, respectively.

[0052] The second portion 62 is formed in a quarter-circular cylindrical shape. The second portion 62 is connected to the first portion 61 and curved 90 degrees forward (toward the +X side). One end (-Z side) of the second portion 62 is connected to the other end (+Z side) of the first portion 61. Curved grooves 62a and 62b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 62 along the curved direction of the second portion 62 (see FIG. 4). The curved grooves 62a and 62b are arranged parallel to each other and are located on the left (+Y side) and right (-Y side), respectively, in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. The curved grooves 62a and 62b communicate with the receiving grooves 61a and 61b.

[0053] The curved grooves 62a and 62b accommodate the curved portions 52a and 52b of the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. The bottom surfaces of the curved grooves 62a and 62b along the curved direction of the second portion 62 are formed to correspond to the outer surface shapes of the curved portions 52a and 52b, respectively. Specifically, the cross section of the bottom surfaces of the curved grooves 62a and 62b in a plane perpendicular to the curved direction of the second portion 62 is formed in a semicircular shape. The depth of the accommodation grooves 61a and 61b is greater than the diameter of the upright portions 51a and 51b, respectively. Therefore, the curved portions 52a and 52b are completely accommodated in the curved grooves 62a and 62b, restricting movement of the curved portions 52a and 52b in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. The curved grooves 62a and 62b are also referred to as a first curved groove and a second curved groove, respectively.

[0054] The third portion 63 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The third portion 63 is connected to the second portion 62 and extends forward (+X side). One end (-X side) of the third portion 63 is connected to the other end (+X side) of the second portion 62. The third portion 63 has accommodating holes 63a and 63b formed in the extending direction (X direction) of the third portion 63 (see FIG. 4). The accommodating holes 63a and 63b are arranged parallel to each other and are located on the left (+Y side) and right (-Y side), respectively, in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. The accommodating holes 63a and 63b communicate with the curved grooves 62a and 62b.

[0055] The receiving holes 63a and 63b receive the extending portions 53a and 53b of the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. The inner surfaces of the receiving holes 63a and 63b along the extending direction (X direction) of the third portion 63 are formed to correspond to the outer surface shapes of the extending portions 53a and 53b, respectively (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). Specifically, the cross section of the receiving holes 63a and 63b in a plane perpendicular to the extending direction (X direction) of the third portion 63 is formed to be circular. Therefore, the extending portions 53a and 53b are completely received in the receiving holes 63a and 63b, and movement of the extending portions 53a and 53b in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10 is restricted. The receiving holes 63a and 63b are also referred to as a first receiving hole and a second receiving hole, respectively.

[0056] The opening 64 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape. The opening 64 is connected to the third portion 63 and extends forward (toward the +X side). One end (-X side) of the opening 64 is connected to the other end (+X side) of the third portion 63. The accommodating holes 63a, 63b of the third portion 63 communicate with the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 of the housing 40 via the opening 64. The tip ends 54a, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b are exposed within the opening 64. The internal space of the opening 64 is also referred to as a fitting space.

[0057] With this configuration, the terminals 50a, 50b can maintain a constant positional relationship with each other while housed in the housing 60. Furthermore, by disposing a dielectric between the terminals 50a, 50b, it is possible to match the differential impedance between the two transmission lines.

[0058] [Adjustment section configuration] Next, the configuration of the adjustment units 70a and 70b will be described. The adjustment units 70a and 70b are also referred to as a first adjustment unit and a second adjustment unit, respectively. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment unit 70a. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of the connector 10. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the operation of the adjustment units 70a and 70b in the connector 10. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the adjustment units 70a and 70b in the connector 10.

[0059] 10A and 10B show cross sections of the connector 10 taken along a plane perpendicular to the height direction (Z direction) of the connector 10 and passing through the receiving grooves 61a and 61b of the first portion 61 of the receiving portion 60 and the upright portions 51a and 51b of the terminals 50a and 50b. FIG. 10A shows a state in which the wall portions 71a and 71b of the adjustment portions 70a and 70b (described later) are farthest from the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. FIG. 10B shows a state in which the wall portions 71a and 71b of the adjustment portions 70a and 70b are closest to the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. Each of the wall portions 71a and 71b can move within a range of 0 mm to 0.5 mm relative to the side surface of the receiving portion 60, for example. The range of movement of the wall portions 71a and 71b is not limited to the above-described range.

[0060] First, the configuration of the adjustment unit 70a will be described. As shown in Figures 4 and 8 to 10B, the adjustment unit 70a includes a wall 71a and a movement mechanism 73a. The wall 71a and the movement mechanism 73a are also referred to as a first wall and a first movement mechanism, respectively.

[0061] The wall 71a is made of a material containing at least resin. For example, the wall 71a is made of resin or synthetic resin having a dielectric constant equivalent to that of glass epoxy (FR-4). The movement mechanism 73a is made of metal or resin. Preferably, the movement mechanism 73a is made of resin.

[0062] The depth (Y direction), width (X direction), and height (Z direction) of the wall portion 71a are, for example, approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 1.0 mm, and approximately 5.0 mm, respectively. Note that the dimensions of the wall portion 71a are not limited to the above values.

[0063] The wall portion 71a is accommodated in a recess 42b formed on the inner surface of the left wall (+Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40, and is disposed opposite the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the accommodating portion 60. With this configuration, the wall portion 71a faces the accommodating groove 61a of the first portion 61 and the curved groove 62a of the second portion 62.

[0064] The wall portion 71a can be moved by the movement mechanism 73a within the recess 42b in a direction toward and away from the terminal 50a along the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. Specifically, the wall portion 71a can be moved in a direction toward and away from the erect portion 51a and the curved portion 52a of the terminal 50a accommodated in the accommodation groove 61a.

[0065] The width (X direction) and height (Z direction) of the recess 42b are approximately equal to the width (X direction) and height (Z direction) of the wall portion 71a, respectively. This configuration restricts movement of the wall portion 71a in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and height direction (Z direction) of the connector 10.

[0066] A receiving portion 76a is formed on the left side surface (+Y side) of the wall portion 71a, opposite to the right side surface (-Y side) facing the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the storage portion 60. The receiving portion 76a has a first storage recess 76a1 and a second storage recess 76a2.

[0067] The first accommodating recess 76a1 is formed inside the wall 71a and opens on the front side surface (+X side) of the wall 71a. The second accommodating recess 76a2 communicates with the first accommodating recess 76a1 in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10 and opens on the front side surface (+X side) and left side surface (+Y side) of the wall 71a. In the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10, the second accommodating recess 76a2 faces the screw hole 43a that penetrates the left wall (+Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40.

[0068] The cross section of the first accommodating recess 76a1 is larger than the cross section of the second accommodating recess 76a2 taken along a plane perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. Therefore, a step is formed at the boundary between the first accommodating recess 76a1 and the second accommodating recess 76a2 (see FIG. 8).

[0069] The movement mechanism 73a has a flange portion 74a and a screw portion 75a. The flange portion 74a and the screw portion 75a are also referred to as a first flange portion and a first screw portion, respectively.

[0070] The flange portion 74a is connected to the threaded portion 75a via a connecting portion that does not have a thread groove (see FIGS. 8, 10A, and 10B). The flange portion 74a is accommodated in a first accommodating recess 76a1 of the receiving portion 76a from the front side surface (+X side) of the wall portion 71a. The connecting portion is accommodated in a second accommodating recess 76a2 of the receiving portion 76a from the front side surface (+X side) of the wall portion 71a. The flange portion 74a and the connecting portion are rotatably accommodated in the first accommodating recess 76a1 and the second accommodating recess 76a2, respectively.

[0071] The screw portion 75a is inserted into a screw hole 43a that penetrates the left side wall (+Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40. A jig receiving portion 75a1 that is fixed to a jig is formed at the tip of the screw portion 75a. When the screw portion 75a is inserted into the screw hole 43a, at least a part of the jig receiving portion 75a1 protrudes outside the left side wall (+Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40.

[0072] By fixing a jig to the jig receiving portion 75a1 of the moving mechanism 73a from outside the housing 40 and using the jig to rotate the screw portion 75a, the wall portion 71a moves integrally with the flange portion 74a accommodated in the first accommodating recess 76a1 of the receiving portion 76a.

[0073] Specifically, when screw portion 75a moves to the right (-Y side) of connector 10 while rotating in one direction, flange portion 74a rotates within first accommodating recess 76a1 and comes into contact with the right surface (-Y side) of first accommodating recess 76a1, moving wall portion 71a to the right (-Y side) of connector 10. As a result, wall portion 71a moves integrally with flange portion 74a in a direction approaching terminal 50a.

[0074] On the other hand, when the screw portion 75a rotates in the other direction and moves to the left (+Y side) of the connector 10, the flange portion 74a rotates within the first accommodating recess 76a1 and comes into contact with the step (+Y side) between the first accommodating recess 76a1 and the second accommodating recess 76a2, moving the wall portion 71a to the left (+Y side) of the connector 10. As a result, the wall portion 71a moves together with the flange portion 74a in a direction away from the terminal 50a.

[0075] Next, the configuration of the adjustment unit 70b will be described. The adjustment unit 70b includes a wall 71b and a movement mechanism 73b. The wall 71b and the movement mechanism 73b are also referred to as a second wall and a second movement mechanism, respectively.

[0076] The wall 71b is made of a material containing at least resin. For example, the wall 71b is made of resin or synthetic resin having a dielectric constant equivalent to that of glass epoxy (FR-4). The movement mechanism 73b is made of metal or resin. Preferably, the movement mechanism 73b is made of resin.

[0077] The depth (Y direction), width (X direction), and height (Z direction) of the wall portion 71b are, for example, approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 1.0 mm, and approximately 5.0 mm, respectively. Note that the dimensions of the wall portion 71b are not limited to the above-mentioned values.

[0078] The wall portion 71b is accommodated in a recess 42c formed on the inner surface of the right wall (-Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40, and is disposed opposite the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the accommodating portion 60. With this configuration, the wall portion 71b faces the accommodating groove 61b of the first portion 61 and the curved groove 62b of the second portion 62.

[0079] The wall portion 71b can be moved by the movement mechanism 73b within the recess 42c in a direction toward and away from the terminal 50b along the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. Specifically, the wall portion 71b can be moved in a direction toward and away from the standing portion 51b and the curved portion 52b of the terminal 50b accommodated in the accommodation groove 61b.

[0080] The width (X direction) and height (Z direction) of the recess 42c are approximately equal to the width (X direction) and height (Z direction) of the wall portion 71b, respectively. This configuration restricts movement of the wall portion 71b in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and height direction (Z direction) of the connector 10.

[0081] A receiving portion 76b is formed on the right side surface (-Y side) of the wall portion 71b, opposite to the left side surface (+Y side) facing the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the storage portion 60. The receiving portion 76b has a first storage recess 76b1 and a second storage recess 76b2.

[0082] The first accommodating recess 76b1 is formed inside the wall 71b and opens on the front side surface (+X side) of the wall 71b. The second accommodating recess 76b2 communicates with the first accommodating recess 76b1 in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10 and opens on the front side surface (+X side) and right side surface (-Y side) of the wall 71a. In the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10, the second accommodating recess 76b2 faces the screw hole 43b that penetrates the right wall surface (-Y side) of the narrow width portion 42 of the housing 40.

[0083] The cross section of the first accommodating recess 76b1 is larger than the cross section of the second accommodating recess 76b2 in a plane perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10. Therefore, a step is formed at the boundary between the first accommodating recess 76b1 and the second accommodating recess 76b2.

[0084] The movement mechanism 73b has a flange portion 74b and a screw portion 75b. The flange portion 74b and the screw portion 75b are also referred to as a second flange portion and a second screw portion, respectively.

[0085] The flange portion 74b is connected to the threaded portion 75b via a connecting portion that does not have a thread groove (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). The flange portion 74b is accommodated in a first accommodating recess 76b1 of the receiving portion 76b from the front side surface (+X side) of the wall portion 71b. The connecting portion is accommodated in a second accommodating recess 76b2 of the receiving portion 76b from the front side surface (+X side) of the wall portion 71b. The flange portion 74b and the connecting portion are rotatably accommodated in the first accommodating recess 76b1 and the second accommodating recess 76b2, respectively.

[0086] Threaded portion 75b is inserted into threaded hole 43b that penetrates the right side wall (-Y side) of narrow width portion 42 of housing 40. A jig receiving portion 75b1 that is fixed to a jig is formed at the tip of threaded portion 75b. When threaded portion 75b is inserted into threaded hole 43b, at least a portion of jig receiving portion 75b1 protrudes outside the right side wall (-Y side) of narrow width portion 42 of housing 40.

[0087] By fixing a jig to the jig receiving portion 75b1 of the moving mechanism 73b from outside the housing 40 and using the jig to rotate the screw portion 75b, the wall portion 71b moves integrally with the flange portion 74b accommodated in the first accommodating recess 76b1 of the receiving portion 76b.

[0088] Specifically, when screw portion 75b rotates in one direction and moves to the left (+Y side) of connector 10, flange portion 74b rotates within first accommodating recess 76b1 and comes into contact with the left surface (+Y side) of first accommodating recess 76b1, moving wall portion 71b to the left (+Y side) of connector 10. As a result, wall portion 71b moves integrally with flange portion 74b in a direction approaching terminal 50b.

[0089] On the other hand, when screw portion 75b rotates in the other direction and moves to the right (-Y side) of connector 10, flange portion 74b rotates within first accommodating recess 76b1 and comes into contact with the step (-Y side) between first accommodating recess 76b1 and second accommodating recess 76b2, moving wall portion 71b to the right (-Y side) of connector 10. As a result, wall portion 71b moves together with flange portion 74b in a direction away from terminal 50b.

[0090] The configuration of each component included in the connector 10 has been described above in order.

[0091] [Connector assembly] Next, we will explain how to assemble the connector 10. First, with the terminals 50a, 50b accommodated in the accommodating portion 60, the terminals 50a, 50b and the accommodating portion 60 are fixed to the board 3. Next, the accommodating portion 60 accommodating the terminals 50a, 50b is accommodated in the housing 40, which is provided with the adjustment portions 70a, 70b.

[0092] Specifically, the accommodating portion 60 accommodating the terminals 50a, 50b is inserted into the second accommodating chamber 42a of the narrow portion 42 of the housing 40 from the rear end side (-X side) of the narrow portion 42 (see FIG. 4). When the accommodating portion 60 is further inserted into the second accommodating chamber 42a, the front end and opening 64 of the third portion 63 of the accommodating portion 60 are inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 through the through-hole 41b of the wide portion 41.

[0093] When the accommodating portion 60 is inserted to a position where the adjustment portions 70a, 70b face the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the accommodating portion 60, the housing 40 is fixed to the board 3. In this way, the connector 10 is assembled.

[0094] [Signal line configuration] Next, the configuration of the signal lines 30a, 30b will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector 10. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state before the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state after the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector 10. Note that Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views including cross sections of the connector 10 and the mating connector 100, taken along a plane perpendicular to the height direction (Z direction) of the connector 10 and passing through the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10 and the mating terminals 120a, 120b of the mating connector 100.

[0095] 5, the signal lines 30a and 30b include signal line conductors 31a and 31b and signal line coatings 32a and 32b. The signal line conductors 31a and 31b are made of metal (conductor). The signal line coatings 32a and 32b are made of insulator (dielectric) and cover the signal line conductors 31a and 31b.

[0096] 5 to 8, at one end of the cable 30, the signal wires 30a and 30b are exposed from the cable 30. At the other end of the cable 30, the signal wires 30a and 30b are untwisted and the signal wire coatings 32a and 32b are stripped from the signal wires 30a and 30b, exposing the signal wire conductors 31a and 31b. The exposed signal wire conductors 31a and 31b are arranged parallel to each other.

[0097] [Mating connector configuration] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the mating connector 100. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the mating connector 100 has a mating housing 110, mating terminals 120a and 120b, and a mating accommodating portion 130. The mating terminals 120a and 120b are also referred to as a first mating terminal and a second mating terminal, respectively.

[0098] Mating housing 110 is formed in a box shape and has opening 110a. Opening 110a is formed in the rear end portion (-X side) of mating housing 110 and opens at the rear end face (-X side) of mating housing 110. Opening 110a communicates with the front outer side (+X side) of mating housing 110 via a receiving hole formed in the front end portion (+X side) of mating housing 110.

[0099] The mating terminals 120a and 120b are formed in a cylindrical shape. The mating terminals 120a and 120b are electrically connected to the signal line conductors 31a and 31b exposed from the signal line coatings 32a and 32b, respectively, at one end of the cable 30. For example, the mating terminals 120a and 120b are electrically connected to the signal line conductors 31a and 31b by crimping crimping portions (not shown) provided on the mating terminals 120a and 120b, respectively, to the signal line conductors 31a and 31b.

[0100] Terminal receiving portions 121a and 121b are formed at the tip portions of the mating terminals 120a and 120b. The terminal receiving portions 121a and 121b are cylindrical recesses that open at the end faces (-X side) of the mating terminals 120a and 120b. The centers of the mating terminals 120a and 120b coincide with the centers of the terminal receiving portions 121a and 121b. The diameters of the terminal receiving portions 121a and 121b approximately coincide with the diameters of the tip portions 54a and 54b of the terminals 50a and 50b of the connector 10.

[0101] The mating accommodating portion 130 is made of a dielectric material and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The mating accommodating portion 130 accommodates the signal line conductors 31a and 31b exposed from the signal line coatings 32a and 32b, and the mating terminals 120a and 120b electrically connected to the signal line conductors 31a and 31b. The portion of the mating accommodating portion 130 on the cable 30 side is referred to as the base portion of the mating accommodating portion 130.

[0102] In the mating connector 100, the end of the cable 30 and the base of the mating accommodating portion 130 are accommodated in the accommodating hole of the mating housing 110. In the mating connector 100, the portion of the mating accommodating portion 130 other than the base is accommodated in the opening 110a of the mating housing 110.

[0103] [Mating connector and mating connector] Next, the mating of the connector 10 and the mating connector 100 will be described. First, the mating housing 110 of the mating connector 100 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 of the housing 40 in the connector 10 (see FIG. 6). When the mating housing 110 is further inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 of the housing 40, the mating accommodating portion 130 of the mating connector 100 is inserted into the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60 of the connector 10.

[0104] When the mating housing 110 is further inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 of the housing 40, the tip portions 54b, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b protruding into the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60 of the connector 10 are accommodated in the terminal receiving portions 121a, 121b of the mating terminals 120a, 120b accommodated in the mating accommodating portion 130 of the mating connector 100. As a result, the mating terminals 120a, 120b of the mating connector 100 are electrically connected to the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10, respectively (see FIG. 7).

[0105] When the mating housing 110 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the wide portion 41 of the housing 40 of the connector 10 to a position where the mating terminals 120a, 120b of the mating connector 100 are electrically connected to the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10, respectively, the locking claws (not shown) protruding from both sides of the mating connector 100 are locked by the lockable claws (not shown) protruding from both sides of the wide portion 41 of the connector 10. This causes the mating connector 100 to fit into the connector 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0106] When the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector 10, the outer surface of the mating accommodating portion 130 of the mating connector 100 contacts the inner surface of the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60 of the connector 10. Therefore, the peripheral edge of the accommodating portion 60 of the connector 10 and the peripheral edge of the mating accommodating portion 130 of the mating connector 100 shield the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10 and the mating terminals 120a, 120b of the mating connector 100, and also form a common ground for the two transmission lines.

[0107] [Electrical length difference adjustment] Next, we will explain how to adjust the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using connector 10. Generally, in a transmission line made up of a conductor and a dielectric, as the dielectric constant of the dielectric increases, the propagation speed in the medium decreases and the electrical length of the transmission line increases.

[0108] Here, if the dielectric constant between the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10 is changed to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines when the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector 10, it may become impossible to match the differential impedance between the two transmission lines, which may result in degradation of signal quality. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to change only the dielectric constant on the outside of the terminals 50a, 50b of the connector 10, the wall portions 71a, 71b of the adjustment portions 70a, 70b are movably arranged near the terminals 50a, 50b outside the accommodating portion 60.

[0109] As described above, the walls 71a and 71b are made of a material containing at least resin (dielectric). Therefore, when there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission, the dielectric constant outside the terminal (e.g., terminal 50a) included in the transmission line with the shorter electrical length can be increased by moving a wall (e.g., wall 71a) located near the terminal in the connector (e.g., terminal 50a) toward the terminal. This increases the electrical length of the transmission line with the shorter electrical length, allowing the electrical length difference to be adjusted so that it is eliminated.

[0110] In this embodiment, a network analyzer is used to determine whether or not there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission. Test signals (in-phase signals) with the same phase are input from the network analyzer to one end of the two transmission lines. If there is an electrical length difference between the two transmission lines, reflected signals (differential signals) with different phases are input from the two transmission lines to the network analyzer. The network analyzer measures the transmission characteristics (reflection characteristics in synchronous-differential conversion) based on the input reflected signals to determine the degree to which the in-phase signals have been converted into differential signals.

[0111] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining measurement of transmission characteristics in the transmission system 1. As shown in Fig. 11, a user uses a network analyzer 200 at any measurement timing to determine whether or not there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines.

[0112] Specifically, with one end of cable 30 electrically connected to connector 10, the user electrically connects the other end of cable 30 to measurement jig 300. Measurement cables 210a and 210b of network analyzer 200 are electrically connected to measurement jig 300. With this configuration, measurement cables 210a and 210b are electrically connected to two transmission lines, respectively, via measurement jig 300.

[0113] The user inputs an in-phase test signal from the network analyzer into the two transmission lines, and then measures the transmission characteristics based on the reflected signals input from the two transmission lines to the network analyzer to determine the degree to which the in-phase signal has been converted into a differential signal.

[0114] If the degree to which the in-phase signal has been converted into a differential signal exceeds the tolerance, the user uses a jig to rotate the screw portion 75a of the adjustment unit 70a or the screw portion 75b of the adjustment unit 70b to move the wall portion 71a or 71b. After moving the wall portion 71a or 71b by the desired distance, the user again measures the transmission characteristics using the network analyzer to determine the degree to which the in-phase signal has been converted into a differential signal. When the degree to which the in-phase signal has been converted into a differential signal falls within the tolerance, the user finishes adjusting the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines.

[0115] When two transmission lines are subjected to noise, in-phase noise signals are transmitted through the two transmission lines. Therefore, if the difference in electrical length between the two transmission lines is adjusted, the noise signal can be canceled out by calculating the difference on the signal receiving side (for example, on the substrate 3 side).

[0116] Instead of acquiring reflected signals from the two transmission lines, transmitted signals may be acquired from the two transmission lines, and the transmission characteristics (transmission characteristics in synchronous-differential conversion) may be measured based on the acquired transmitted signals to determine the degree to which the in-phase signal has been converted into a differential signal. In this case, two measurement cables of another network analyzer are connected to the other end of cable 30, and the transmitted signals from the two transmission lines are input to the other network analyzer.

[0117] [Actions and Effects] According to this embodiment, the connector 10 is fitted with a mating connector 100 having mating terminals 120a and 120b connected to signal lines 30a and 30b for differential signal transmission, respectively.

[0118] The connector 10 includes a housing 40, terminals 50a and 50b, a storage portion 60, and adjustment portions 70a and 70b. The terminal 50a is connected to the substrate 3. The terminal 50b is also connected to the substrate 3 and is arranged parallel to the terminal 50a. The storage portion 60 is made of a dielectric material, stores the terminals 50a and 50b, and has an opening 64 on one end side.

[0119] The adjustment portions 70a, 70b include wall portions 71a, 71b and movement mechanisms 73a, 73b. The wall portions 71a, 71b are made of a material containing at least resin and are disposed near the terminals 50a, 50b outside the accommodating portion 60. The movement mechanisms 73a, 73b move the wall portions 71a, 71b toward and away from the terminals 50a, 50b. The housing 40 accommodates the accommodating portion 60 and the adjustment portions 70a, 70b, and has a first accommodating chamber 41a into which the mating connector 100 is inserted.

[0120] In the first accommodating chamber 41a of the housing 40, the tip ends 54a, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b are exposed inside the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60. When the mating connector 100 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the housing 40 and mated with the connector 10, the mating terminals 120a, 120b are inserted into the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60 and connected to the tip ends 54a, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b, respectively.

[0121] With the above-described configuration, when the mating connector 100 is fitted into the connector 10, the signal line 30a, the mating terminal 120a surrounded by the mating accommodating section 130 (dielectric), and the terminal 50a surrounded by the accommodating section 60 (dielectric) form one of two transmission lines for differential signal transmission (first transmission line). Similarly, when the mating connector 100 is fitted into the connector 10, the signal line 30b, the mating terminal 120b surrounded by the mating accommodating section 130 (dielectric), and the terminal 50b surrounded by the accommodating section 60 (dielectric) form the other of two transmission lines for differential signal transmission (second transmission line).

[0122] As described above, generally, the higher the dielectric constant of a transmission line, the slower the propagation velocity in the medium and the longer the electrical length of the transmission line. Therefore, when there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission, the dielectric constant of the outer side of a terminal (e.g., terminal 50a) included in the transmission line with the shorter electrical length can be increased by moving a wall (e.g., wall 71a) made of a material containing at least resin and disposed near the transmission line with the shorter electrical length (e.g., first transmission line) in connector 10 in a direction toward the terminal. This increases the electrical length of the transmission line with the shorter electrical length, thereby adjusting the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines.

[0123] Therefore, even if there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines can be adjusted without bending the signal lines, simply by moving wall portions 71a and 71b within connector 10. Therefore, the electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission can be adjusted without deteriorating the mechanical characteristics of the signal lines.

[0124] In conventional technology, when the difference in electrical length between two transmission lines is physically adjusted by bending the signal line included in the transmission line with the longer electrical length, tension is generated in the cable, which may prevent it from being connected to the connector terminal.Furthermore, in a twisted pair cable, bending only one signal line may deteriorate the transmission and reflection characteristics of the differential signal, which may result in the cable no longer meeting the required specifications.

[0125] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines can be adjusted without physically deforming the signal lines 30a and 30b, and therefore the above-mentioned problem does not occur.

[0126] In this embodiment, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines can be adjusted using commonly used resins, etc., without using a special cancellation circuit, which helps prevent increases in manufacturing costs.

[0127] In this embodiment, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines is adjusted by adjusting the dielectric constant of the outer regions of the two transmission lines so as not to affect the electrical coupling state between the two transmission lines. This makes it possible to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines while satisfying the required cable specifications without degrading the transmission and reflection characteristics of the differential signal.

[0128] In this embodiment, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines is adjusted by moving the walls 71a and 71b within the connector 10. Therefore, even after the transmission system 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the electrical length difference can be easily readjusted at any desired timing.

[0129] Furthermore, assuming that the baud rate of transmission signals required in the future will be 50 Gbaud (1 symbol time = 0.02 ns), in order to obtain sufficient transmission characteristics (transmission and reflection characteristics due to differential-to-in-phase conversion) between two transmission lines, if the upper limit of the allowable time difference is at least 1 / 10 of the time of one symbol, then 0.002 ns will be the upper limit of the allowable electrical length difference between the two transmission lines.

[0130] Here, if the relative dielectric constant of the medium is 2.0, the propagation velocity in the medium is 2.1198528×10 8 Since the electrical length difference is m / s, 0.002 ns is converted into a physical length difference of approximately 0.43 mm.

[0131] Generally, when considering the electrical length difference between terminals covered with dielectric inside the connector, the electrical length difference between mating terminals covered with dielectric inside the mating connector, and the electrical length difference between signal lines housed inside the cable, it is difficult to keep the physical length difference between two transmission lines to approximately 0.43 mm or less in manufacturing.

[0132] On the other hand, when the relative dielectric constant of the medium is increased from 2.0 to 2.5 using connector 10 of this embodiment, the physical length difference is corrected from approximately 0.43 mm to approximately 0.38 mm, thereby correcting the electrical length difference by approximately 10% per unit time. Therefore, even if the electrical length difference between two transmission lines exceeds the allowable upper limit, by using connector 10 of this embodiment, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines can be corrected to below the allowable upper limit with a simple operation.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the terminals 50a, 50b have standing portions 51a, 51b, curved portions 52a, 52b, and extending portions 53a, 53b. The standing portions 51a, 51b are provided on the substrate 3. The extending portions 53a, 53b extend toward the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60. The curved portions 52a, 52b are connected to the standing portions 51a, 51b and the extending portions 53a, 53b.

[0134] According to the above-described configuration, the terminals 50a and 50b can electrically connect the mating terminals 120a and 120b, which are connected to the signal lines 30a and 30b, respectively, to the substrate 3 with a simple configuration.

[0135] According to this embodiment, the accommodating portion 60 has accommodating grooves 61a, 61b, curved grooves 62a, 62b, and accommodating holes 63a, 63b. The accommodating grooves 61a, 61b accommodate the erected portions 51a, 51b of the terminals 50a, 50b. The accommodating holes 63a, 63b accommodate the extended portions 53a, 53b of the terminals 50a, 50b and communicate with the opening 64. The curved grooves 62a, 62b communicate with the accommodating grooves 61a, 61b and the accommodating holes 63a, 63b and accommodate the curved portions 52a, 52b of the terminals 50a, 50b.

[0136] According to the above-described configuration, the accommodating section 60 can accommodate the terminals 50a, 50b with a simple configuration, maintain a constant positional relationship between the terminals 50a, 50b, and achieve matching of differential impedance between the two transmission lines.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the wall portions 71a and 71b are disposed outside the storage portion 60 so as to face the storage grooves 61a and 61b and the curved grooves 62a and 62b.

[0138] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to adjust the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines while maintaining matching of the differential impedance between the two transmission lines with a simple configuration.

[0139] According to this embodiment, the movement mechanisms 73a, 73b have flange portions 74a, 74b and screw portions 75a, 75b. The screw portions 75a, 75b are inserted into screw holes 43a, 43b that penetrate the left and right walls of the housing 40. The flange portions 74a, 74b are connected to the screw portions 75a, 75b and are housed within the walls 71a, 71b.

[0140] When the screw portions 75a, 75b rotate in one direction, the wall portions 71a, 71b move integrally with the flange portions 74a, 74b toward the terminals 50a, 50b. When the screw portions 75a, 75b rotate in the other direction, the wall portions 71a, 71b move integrally with the flange portions 74a, 74b away from the terminals 50a, 50b.

[0141] According to the above-described configuration, the walls 71a and 71b can be moved toward and away from the terminals 50a and 50b with a simple configuration.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the walls 71a, 71b are housed in recesses 42b, 42c formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right side walls of the housing 40. The walls 71a, 71b move within the recesses 42b, 42c toward and away from the terminals 50a, 50b.

[0143] According to the above-described configuration, the wall portions 71a, 71b can be moved toward and away from the terminals 50a, 50b with a simple configuration while preventing the wall portions 71a, 71b from interfering with other components within the connector 10.

[0144] According to this embodiment, the transmission system 1 includes a connector 10, a cable 30, and a mating connector 100. The connector 10 is connected to a substrate 3 and has terminals 50a and 50b arranged parallel to each other. The mating connector 100 is fitted to the connector 10 and has mating terminals 120a and 120b connected to the terminals 50a and 50b, respectively. The cable 30 includes signal lines 30a and 30b for differential signal transmission, connected to the mating terminals 120a and 120b, respectively.

[0145] The connector 10 includes a housing 40, a storage section 60, and adjustment sections 70a and 70b. The storage section 60 is made of a dielectric material, stores the terminals 50a and 50b, and has an opening 64 on one end. The adjustment sections 70a and 70b include walls 71a and 71b and movement mechanisms 73a and 73b. The walls 71a and 71b are made of a material containing at least resin and are disposed near the terminals 50a and 50b outside the storage section 60. The movement mechanisms 73a and 73b move the walls 71a and 71b toward and away from the terminals 50a and 50b. The housing 40 stores the storage section 60 and the adjustment sections 70a and 70b, and has a first storage chamber 41a into which the mating connector 100 is inserted.

[0146] In the first accommodating chamber 41a of the housing 40, the tip ends 54a, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b are exposed inside the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60. When the mating connector 100 is inserted into the first accommodating chamber 41a of the housing 40 and mated with the connector 10, the mating terminals 120a, 120b are inserted into the opening 64 of the accommodating portion 60 and are connected to the tip ends 54a, 54b of the terminals 50a, 50b, respectively.

[0147] According to the above-described configuration, even if there is an electrical length difference between two transmission lines for differential signal transmission, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines can be adjusted without bending the signal lines, simply by moving the walls 71a and 71b within the connector 10. Therefore, the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines for differential signal transmission can be adjusted without deteriorating the mechanical characteristics of the signal lines.

[0148] [Variations] In the above-described embodiment, the wall portions 71a, 71b are arranged on the outside of the accommodating portion 60, facing the accommodating grooves 61a, 61b and the curved grooves 62a, 62b, but the arrangement of the wall portions 71a, 71b is not limited to this.

[0149] Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of connector 10A according to this modification. As shown in Fig. 12, in this modification, connector 10A has adjustment units 170a and 170b instead of adjustment units 70a and 70b. Adjustment units 170a and 170b have walls 171a and 171b instead of walls 71a and 71b, and also have movement mechanisms 73a and 73b.

[0150] The X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the longitudinal, width, and height directions of the connector 10A, respectively. The +X and −X sides shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the front and rear of the connector 10A, respectively. The +Y and −Y sides shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the left and right sides of the connector 10A as viewed from the front of the connector 10A, respectively. The +Z and −Z sides shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the top and bottom of the connector 10A, respectively.

[0151] The walls 171a and 171b are made of a material containing at least resin and are formed in an inverted L shape when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10A. The walls 171a and 171b have vertical portions 171a1 and 171b1 and horizontal portions 171a2 and 171b2.

[0152] The vertical portions 171a1, 171b1 have the same configuration as the walls 71a, 71b, and are disposed opposite the first portion 61 and the second portion 62 of the storage portion 60. With this configuration, the vertical portions 171a1, 171b1 face the storage grooves 61a, 61b of the first portion 61 and the curved grooves 62a, 62b of the second portion 62.

[0153] The vertical portions 171a1 and 171b1 have first accommodating recesses 76a1 and 76b1 and second accommodating recesses 76a2 and 76b2 that accommodate the flange portions 74a and 74b and connecting portions of the movement mechanisms 73a and 73b.

[0154] The horizontal portions 171a2 and 171b2 extend from above the vertical portions 171a1 and 171b1 along the direction in which the third portion 63 of the accommodating portion 60 extends (X direction) toward the front (+X side) of the connector 10A.

[0155] The horizontal portions 171a2 and 171b2 are disposed opposite parts of the third portion 63 of the accommodating portion 60. With this configuration, the horizontal portions 171a2 and 171b2 face the accommodating holes 63a and 63b of the third portion 63.

[0156] Incidentally, recesses 42b, 42c formed on the inner surfaces of the left wall (+Y side) and right wall (-Y side) of narrow width portion 42 of housing 40 are recessed in an inverted L shape when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the width direction (Y direction) of connector 10A, in accordance with the shapes of walls 171a, 171b. With this configuration, walls 171a, 171b are accommodated in recesses 42b, 42c.

[0157] The walls 171a, 171b can be moved by the movement mechanisms 73a, 73b within the recesses 42b, 42c along the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10A toward and away from the terminals 50a, 50b. Specifically, the walls 171a, 171b can be moved toward and away from the erected portions 51a, 51b, the curved portions 52a, 52b, and parts of the extending portions 53a, 53b of the terminals 50a, 50b accommodated in the accommodation grooves 61a, 61b.

[0158] An example of measuring the transmission characteristics between two transmission lines using the connector 10A will be described below.

[0159] In this measurement example, the depth (Y direction), width (X direction), and height (Z direction) of each of the vertical portions 171a1 and 171b1 are approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 1.0 mm, and approximately 5.0 mm, respectively. The depth (Y direction), width (X direction), and height (Z direction) of each of the horizontal portions 171a2 and 171b2 are approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 11.0 mm, and approximately 1.0 mm, respectively. Thus, the total dimension of each of the wall portions 171a and 171b in the width direction (X direction) is approximately 12 mm. The relative dielectric constant of each of the wall portions 171a and 171b is approximately 4.0.

[0160] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics in in-phase-to-differential conversion before adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using connector 10A. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics in in-phase-to-differential conversion after adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using connector 10A. In Figs. 13 and 14, the solid line and dotted line show the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics, respectively.

[0161] When there is a physical length difference of approximately 2.5 mm between two transmission lines, the transmission and reflection characteristics at the in-phase-to-differential conversion are approximately -21 dB at 5 GHz due to the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines corresponding to the physical length difference, as shown in Figure 13.

[0162] In contrast, when the wall is placed closer to the outside of the transmission line with the shorter physical length (electrical length) of the two transmission lines, the transmission and reflection characteristics in the in-phase-differential conversion can be reduced to about -24 dB at 5 GHz, as shown in Figure 14.

[0163] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics of a differential signal before adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using connector 10A. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics of a differential signal after adjusting the electrical length difference between two transmission lines using connector 10A. In Figs. 15 and 16, the solid line and dotted line indicate the reflection characteristics and transmission characteristics, respectively.

[0164] When there is a physical length difference of approximately 2.5 mm between two transmission lines, there is no significant change in the transmission and reflection characteristics of the differential signal before and after adjusting the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. In this way, adjusting the electrical length difference using connector 10A can correct the electrical length difference while maintaining matching of the differential impedance between the two transmission lines.

[0165] According to this embodiment, the wall portions 171a and 171b are disposed on the outside of the accommodating portion 60 so as to face parts of the accommodating grooves 61a and 61b, the curved grooves 62a and 62b, and the accommodating holes 63a and 63b.

[0166] According to the above-described configuration, the wall portions 171a and 171b have an increased area facing the housing portion 60 compared to the wall portions 71a and 71b. Therefore, even if the electrical length difference between the two transmission lines is large, the electrical length difference can be adjusted with a simple configuration while maintaining matching of the differential impedance between the two transmission lines.

[0167] [Other variations] In the above-described embodiment, the walls 71a, 71b are accommodated in the recesses 42b, 42c and configured to move toward and away from the terminals 50a, 50b, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, ribs may be provided along the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 10 on the front (+X side), rear (-X side), top (+Z side), and bottom (-Z side) of the recesses 42b, 42c. With this configuration, the walls 71a, 71b move on the ribs, thereby reducing contact resistance during movement.

[0168] In the above-described embodiment, the cross sections of the terminals 50a, 50b are circular, but this is not limiting. For example, the cross sections of the terminals 50a, 50b may be rectangular. In this case, the inner shapes of the receiving grooves 61a, 61b, the curved grooves 62a, 62b, and the receiving holes 63a, 63b of the receiving portion 60 are changed to correspond to the outer shapes of the terminals 50a, 50b.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, no shield is provided around the housing unit 60, but this is not limiting. When the transmission system 1 is applied to a high-speed communication network, the housing unit 60 may be housed inside a metal barrel. In this case, the adjustment units 70a and 70b are provided inside the metal barrel.

[0170] In the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the accommodating portion 60 may be reduced to the extent that it does not affect the matching of differential impedance between the two transmission lines, so that the wall portions 71a and 71b are closer to the terminals 50a and 50b.

[0171] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1 Transmission System 3. Circuit Board 10,10A Connector 30 Cable 30a,30b signal line 40 Housing 41a First Containment Cell 42b, 42c recess 43a, 43b screw holes 50a, 50b terminals 51a,51b Standing section 52a, 52b curved section 53a,53b Extension part 54a, 54b Tip 60 Storage section 61a, 61b Receiving groove 62a, 62b curved groove 63a, 63b Receiving holes 64 Opening 70a,70b,170a,170b Adjustment section 71a,71b,171a,171b Wall part 73a,73b Moving mechanism 74a, 74b flange 75a, 75b screw part 100 Mating Connector 120a, 120b mating terminal

Claims

1. A connector to be fitted with a mating connector having a first mating terminal and a second mating terminal connected to a first signal line and a second signal line, respectively, for differential signal transmission, a first terminal connected to the substrate; a second terminal connected to the substrate and arranged parallel to the first terminal; a housing portion made of a dielectric material that houses the first terminal and the second terminal and has an opening on one end side; a first adjustment unit including a first wall portion disposed near the first terminal outside the accommodation portion and made of a material containing at least resin, and a first movement mechanism that moves the first wall portion in a direction toward and a direction away from the first terminal; a second adjustment unit including a second wall portion disposed near the second terminal outside the accommodation portion and made of a material containing at least resin, and a second movement mechanism that moves the second wall portion in a direction toward and a direction away from the second terminal; a housing that accommodates the accommodating portion, the first adjustment portion, and the second adjustment portion and has an insertion space into which the mating connector is inserted; Preparation, In the insertion space, a tip end portion of the first terminal and a tip end portion of the second terminal are exposed inside the opening of the accommodating portion, When the mating connector is inserted into the insertion space of the housing and engaged with the connector, the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal are inserted into the opening of the accommodating portion and connected to the tip end of the first terminal and the tip end of the second terminal, respectively.

2. The first terminal is a first standing portion standing on the substrate; a first extension portion extending toward the opening of the accommodation portion; a first curved portion connected to the first standing portion and the first extending portion; and The second terminal is a second standing portion standing on the substrate; a second extension portion extending toward the opening of the housing portion; a second curved portion connected to the second standing portion and the second extending portion; The connector of claim 1 , wherein

3. The storage section is a first receiving groove that receives the first standing portion; a first receiving hole that receives the first extension portion and communicates with the opening; a first curved groove communicating with the first accommodating groove and the first accommodating hole and accommodating the first curved portion; a second receiving groove that receives the second standing portion; a second receiving hole that receives the second extension portion and communicates with the opening; a second curved groove communicating with the second accommodating groove and the second accommodating hole and accommodating the second curved portion; The connector of claim 2 , wherein

4. the first wall portion is disposed outside the accommodation portion, facing the first accommodation groove and the first curved groove; The connector according to claim 3 , wherein the second wall portion is disposed outside the accommodating portion, facing the second accommodating groove and the second curved groove.

5. the first wall portion is disposed on an outer side of the accommodating portion so as to face the first accommodating groove, the first curved groove, and a part of the first accommodating hole; The connector according to claim 3 , wherein the second wall portion is disposed outside the accommodating portion so as to face the second accommodating groove, the second curved groove, and a portion of the second accommodating hole.

6. The first moving mechanism is a first screw portion inserted into a first screw hole penetrating a first side wall of the housing; a first flange portion connected to the first screw portion and accommodated within the first wall portion; and When the first screw portion is rotated in one direction, the first wall portion moves integrally with the first flange portion in a direction approaching the first terminal, When the first screw portion rotates in the other direction, the first wall portion moves integrally with the first flange portion in a direction away from the first terminal, The second movement mechanism is a second screw portion inserted into a second screw hole penetrating a second side wall of the housing; a second flange portion connected to the second screw portion and accommodated within the second wall portion; and When the second screw portion is rotated in one direction, the second wall portion moves integrally with the second flange portion in a direction approaching the second terminal, The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the second wall portion moves integrally with the second flange portion in a direction away from the second terminal when the second screw portion rotates in the other direction.

7. the first wall portion is accommodated in a first recess formed on an inner surface of a first side wall of the housing, the first wall portion moves in the first recess in a direction toward and away from the first terminal; the second wall portion is accommodated in a second recess formed on the inner surface of the second side wall of the housing, The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the second wall portion moves in the second recess in a direction toward and away from the second terminal.

8. a connector connected to the substrate and having first and second terminals arranged parallel to each other; a mating connector fitted to the connector, the mating connector having a first mating terminal and a second mating terminal connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively; a cable including a first signal line and a second signal line for differential signal transmission, connected to the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal, respectively; Equipped with The connector comprises: a housing portion made of a dielectric material that houses the first terminal and the second terminal and has an opening on one end side; a first adjustment unit including a first wall portion disposed near the first terminal outside the accommodation portion and made of a material containing at least resin, and a first movement mechanism that moves the first wall portion in a direction toward and a direction away from the first terminal; a second adjustment unit including a second wall portion disposed near the second terminal outside the accommodation portion and made of a material containing at least resin, and a second movement mechanism that moves the second wall portion in a direction toward and a direction away from the second terminal; a housing that accommodates the accommodating portion, the first adjustment portion, and the second adjustment portion and has an insertion space into which the mating connector is inserted; Furthermore, In the insertion space, a tip end portion of the first terminal and a tip end portion of the second terminal are exposed inside the opening of the accommodating portion, a transmission system in which, when the mating connector is inserted into the insertion space of the housing and engaged with the connector, the first mating terminal and the second mating terminal are inserted into the opening of the accommodating portion and connected to the tip end of the first terminal and the tip end of the second terminal, respectively.

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