Receptacle Connector

Abstract

Achieves both contact reliability and high frequency performance. [Solution] Each receptacle contact 17 includes, in this order, a soldered portion (30, 40) soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2, a fixed portion (31, 41) fixed to the receptacle housing 16, and a spring portion (32, 42) supported in a cantilevered manner by the fixed portion (31, 41) and capable of elastic deformation. The spring portion (32, 42) has a first contact portion (32A, 42A) capable of contacting the plug connector 5. The multiple receptacle contacts 17 include signal contacts 19 and ground contacts 20 adjacent to each other. The spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 are capable of elastic deformation independently of each other. The spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 further includes a second contact portion 32B that contacts the ground plate 18 when the connectors are mated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receptacle connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector for high-speed transmission of about 2.0 Gbps. As shown in Fig. 14 of the present application, the connector includes a plurality of contacts 100 mounted in an insulating housing.

[0003] Each contact 100 includes a ground terminal 101 held at ground potential, an insulating layer 102 , a signal line 103 , and two ground lines 104 .

[0004] The ground terminal 101 is composed of a plate-shaped base 105, three extensions 106 extending parallel to each other from one end of the base 105, and three extensions 107 extending parallel to each other from the other end of the base 105.

[0005] The three extension portions 106 include an extension portion 106A located in the center and two extension portions 106B located on either side of the extension portion 106A.

[0006] A signal line 103 is formed on the extension portion 106A via an insulating layer 102. Two ground lines 104 are formed on each of the two extension portions 106B via an insulating layer 102.

[0007] The signal line 103 and the extension portion 106A form a microstrip line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-210886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the three extensions 106 are formed in a comb shape, and therefore extension 106A is electrically connected to the ground of the plug connector via base 105 and extension 106B. Therefore, although technically the signal line 103 and extension 106A constitute a microstrip line, there is still room for improvement in terms of high-frequency performance.

[0010] To improve high-frequency performance, for example, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to provide a plate-shaped extension like base 105 instead of the three extensions 106. However, in this case, signal line 103 and two ground lines 104 would not be able to elastically deform independently of each other, which would significantly deteriorate contact reliability.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that achieves both contact reliability and high-frequency performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Provided is a receptacle connector that includes a plurality of contacts extending parallel to each other, a ground plate arranged opposite the plurality of contacts, and a housing that accommodates the plurality of contacts and the ground plate, and is used by being mounted on a board, wherein each contact includes, in the order listed, a soldering portion that is soldered to the board, a fixed portion that is fixed to the housing, and a spring portion that is supported in a cantilevered manner by the fixed portion and is elastically deformable, the spring portion having a first contact portion that can come into contact with a plug connector, the plurality of contacts including signal contacts and ground contacts that are adjacent to each other, the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact being elastically deformable independently of each other, and the spring portion of the ground contact further having a second contact portion that contacts the ground plate when the connectors are mated or even before the connectors are mated. The second contact portion may be disposed between the first contact portion and the fixed portion. The ground plate may be electrically connected to the plug connector via the second contact portion and the first contact portion of the ground contact in this order, either in a mated state or before the connectors are mated. The ground plate may not have a slit between the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact. The ground plate may not have a slit between the signal contact and the ground contact. The ground plate may be a rectangular flat plate. An angle between the longitudinal direction of the spring portion of the signal contact and the ground plate may be reduced by mating the connector. The ground contact and the ground plate may be configured as separate bodies. The ground contact and the ground plate may be integrally formed. The ground plate may be formed with at least one protrusion that protrudes toward the ground contact, and the fixing portion of the ground contact may be welded to the at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions. a rigid board disposed between the plurality of contacts and the ground plate; and a housing accommodating the plurality of contacts, the ground plate, and the rigid board, the receptacle connector being mounted on a board for use, the rigid board having a contact surface facing the plurality of contacts and a ground surface facing the ground plate, the ground plate being formed as a solid pattern on the ground surface, and each contact having a soldering portion to be soldered to the board and a fixing portion to be fixed to the rigid board. a spring portion supported by the fixed portion in a cantilevered manner and elastically deformable, in this order, the spring portion has a first contact portion that can come into contact with the plug connector, the plurality of contacts include signal contacts and ground contacts that are adjacent to each other, the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact are elastically deformable independently of each other, the spring portion of the ground contact further has a second contact portion that comes into contact with a contact pad formed on the contact surface in a mated state or even before the connectors are mated, and the contact pad is electrically connected to the ground plate via a through hole. At least one fixed pad may be formed on the contact surface of the rigid substrate, and electrically connected to the ground plate via a through hole, and the fixed portion of the ground contact may be soldered to the at least one fixed pad. The at least one anchor pad may include a plurality of anchor pads. The plurality of contacts may include a pair of the signal contacts for differential transmission arranged adjacent to each other and one of the ground contacts, alternately arranged in a pitch direction of the plurality of contacts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, both contact reliability and high frequency performance can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly in a mated state (first embodiment); [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly before the connectors are mated (first embodiment); [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a plug connector (first embodiment). [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a receptacle connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is an end view of a receptacle connector (first embodiment). [Figure 6] 1 is an end view of a receptacle connector (first embodiment). [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (second embodiment). [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (third embodiment). [Figure 9] 10 is an end view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (third embodiment). [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (fourth embodiment); [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (fourth embodiment); [Figure 12] 10 is an end view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (fourth embodiment); [Figure 13] 10 is an end view of a contact assembly of a receptacle connector (fourth embodiment); [Figure 14] This is a simplified diagram of FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0016] In the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments, but unless otherwise specified, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a partial or complete modification, application example, detailed explanation, or supplementary explanation of the other. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when the number of elements, etc. (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is mentioned, it is not limited to that specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the components (including operational steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or approximate to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly not essential in principle. The same applies to the above numbers, etc. (including numbers, numerical values, amounts, and ranges).

[0018] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figures 1 and 2 show a connector assembly 3 that mechanically and electrically connects multiple cables 1 to a board 2. The connector assembly 3 includes a receptacle connector 4 that is surface-mounted on the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2, and a plug connector 5 that is provided at the end of the multiple cables 1.

[0019] (Plug Connector 5) First, the plug connector 5 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the plug connector 5. As shown in Figure 3, the plug connector 5 includes a paddle card 6 and a plug housing 7 that holds the paddle card 6 and multiple cables 1.

[0020] The paddle card 6 is configured by forming a plurality of electrode pads 9 on each of two pad-forming surfaces 8A of a rigid substrate 8. On each pad-forming surface 8A, the plurality of electrode pads 9 are arranged in a row. Hereinafter, the direction in which the plurality of electrode pads 9 are arranged in a row on each pad-forming surface 8A is referred to as the pitch direction. On each pad-forming surface 8A, the plurality of electrode pads 9 are configured by arranging a pair of signal pads 10 for differential transmission and one ground pad 11, which are arranged adjacent to each other, alternately in the pitch direction.

[0021] Each cable 1 is configured, for example, by covering a pair of core wires for differential transmission with an insulator, and the covered wire is then covered with a shield and a sheath. The pair of core wires and the shield of each cable 1 are electrically connected to a pair of signal pads 10 and ground pads 11, respectively. Typically, the multiple ground pads 11 are electrically connected to each other on each pad-forming surface 8A.

[0022] Here, the terms "vertical direction," "pitch direction," and "width direction" are defined with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The vertical direction, pitch direction, and width direction are directions that are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the up-down direction is the direction in which the plug connector 5 is inserted into and removed from the receptacle connector 4. Therefore, the up-down direction coincides with the height direction of the receptacle connector 4, and also coincides with the height direction of the plug connector 5. The up-down direction includes the upward (removal direction) and downward (mating direction). The upward direction is the direction in which the plug connector 5 is removed from the receptacle connector 4. The downward direction is the direction in which the plug connector 5 is mated with the receptacle connector 4. The terms upward and downward are used merely for convenience of explanation and do not specify the orientation of the connector assembly 3 during use.

[0024] As described above, in Fig. 3, the pitch direction is the direction in which the electrode pads 9 are arranged on each pad-forming surface 8A of the rigid substrate 8. The pitch direction includes the inward pitch direction and the outward pitch direction. The inward pitch direction is the direction approaching the center of the connector assembly 3 in the pitch direction. The outward pitch direction is the direction away from the center of the connector assembly 3 in the pitch direction.

[0025] The width direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the pitch direction. The width direction includes the inward width direction and the outward width direction. The inward width direction is a direction approaching the center of the connector assembly 3 in the width direction. The outward width direction is a direction away from the center of the connector assembly 3 in the width direction.

[0026] The "up-down direction," "pitch direction," and "width direction" are also referenced when explaining the configuration of the receptacle connector 4. As shown in Figure 1, when the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated, the attitude of the plug connector 5 relative to the receptacle connector 4 is uniquely determined, so it goes without saying that the "pitch direction" and "width direction" defined with reference to the configuration of the plug connector 5 can be directly referenced when explaining the configuration of the receptacle connector 4.

[0027] (Receptacle connector 4) Next, the receptacle connector 4 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the receptacle connector 4. As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle connector 4 includes two contact assemblies 15 and a receptacle housing 16 (housing).

[0028] The two contact assemblies 15 are typically formed by pressing a thin metal plate made of copper, copper alloy, etc. The receptacle housing 16 is typically formed by injection molding an insulating resin such as PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate), PPS (Poly Phenylene Sulfide), nylon resin, or LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer, registered trademark).

[0029] The two contact assemblies 15 are formed symmetrically to each other when viewed in the pitch direction. Therefore, one of the contact assemblies 15 will be described, and a description of the other contact assembly 15 will be omitted.

[0030] The contact assembly 15 includes a plurality of receptacle contacts 17 (contacts) extending parallel to one another, and a ground plate 18 arranged widthwise outwardly of the receptacle contacts 17. The receptacle contacts 17 extend primarily in the vertical direction. The receptacle contacts 17 are arranged at regular intervals in the pitch direction. The receptacle contacts 17 are configured by arranging a pair of signal contacts 19 for differential transmission, which are arranged adjacent to one another, and one ground contact 20, alternately arranged in the pitch direction. The ground plate 18 is configured as a generally rectangular flat plate.

[0031] The receptacle housing 16 accommodates two contact assemblies 15. The receptacle housing 16 is formed with a mating space 21 that opens upward to receive the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5. The receptacle housing 16 is formed with a plurality of contact slits 22 that respectively receive the plurality of receptacle contacts 17. The plurality of contact slits 22 form two slit rows 23 that extend in the pitch direction. The two slit rows 23 are formed so as to sandwich the mating space 21 in the width direction. The plurality of contact slits 22 are formed so as to penetrate the receptacle housing 16 in the vertical direction.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an end view of the receptacle connector 4. The end view shown in FIG. 5 was created by cutting the ground contacts 20. The left half of FIG. 5 shows the end view of the receptacle connector 4 before the connectors are mated, and the right half of FIG. 5 shows the end view of the receptacle connector 4 in the mated state. In the right half of FIG. 5, the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 is shown by a two-dot chain line. Similarly, in the right half of FIG. 5, the ground contacts 20 that have elastically deformed due to connector mating are shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0033] 4 and 5, as described above, the ground contact 20 extends generally in the vertical direction. The ground contact 20 includes, in this order from top to bottom, a soldering portion 30, a fixing portion 31, and a spring portion 32. In FIG. 5, for ease of understanding, the soldering portion 30, the fixing portion 31, and the spring portion 32 are specified by their ranges in the vertical direction.

[0034] The soldering portion 30 protrudes downward from the lower surface 16A of the receptacle housing 16 and is soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2 shown in FIG. 1 together with a soldering portion 18B of the ground plate 18, which will be described later.

[0035] 4, fixing portion 31 has a plurality of press-fit claws 31A that protrude in the pitch direction. When ground contact 20 is press-fitted into contact slit 22 from underside 16A of receptacle housing 16, multiple press-fit claws 31A bite into the inner surface of contact slit 22, and as a result, fixing portion 31 is fixed to receptacle housing 16 in a manner that is substantially unable to deform elastically.

[0036] 5, the spring portion 32 is supported by the fixed portion 31 in a cantilever manner and is configured to be elastically deformable. The spring portion 32 is configured to be elastically deformable inward and outward in the width direction with the upper end of the fixed portion 31 as its fixed end. The spring portion 32 is configured to be elastically deformable over its entire length in the up-down direction.

[0037] As shown in the right half of Figure 5, the spring portion 32 has a first contact portion 32A that can come into contact with the ground pad 11 of the plug connector 5 when the connector is mated, and a second contact portion 32B that comes into contact with the ground plate 18 when the connector is mated.

[0038] The first contact portion 32A is curved so as to convex inward in the width direction. The second contact portion 32B is curved so as to convex outward in the width direction. The second contact portion 32B is curved so as to convex toward the ground plate 18. The first contact portion 32A is disposed higher than the second contact portion 32B. That is, the second contact portion 32B is disposed between the first contact portion 32A and the fixed portion 31.

[0039] The first contact portion 32A does not face the ground plate 18 in the width direction. In contrast, the second contact portion 32B faces the ground plate 18 in the width direction.

[0040] The spring portion 32 has an upper region 32Q that is a region above a contact position P between the second contact portion 32B and the ground plate 18, and a lower region 32R that is a region below the contact position P. That is, the first contact portion 32A is disposed in the upper region 32Q. The second contact portion 32B is disposed at the contact position P, which is the boundary between the upper region 32Q and the lower region 32R. The second contact portion 32B is, simply put, disposed midway along the spring portion 32 in the up-down direction. In other words, the second contact portion 32B is disposed at a position away from the upper end of the spring portion 32 and at a position away from the lower end of the spring portion 32.

[0041] FIG. 6 is an end view of the receptacle connector 4. The end view shown in FIG. 6 was created by cutting the signal contacts 19. The left half of FIG. 6 shows the end view of the receptacle connector 4 before the connectors are mated, and the right half of FIG. 6 shows the end view of the receptacle connector 4 in the mated state. In the right half of FIG. 6, the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 is shown by a two-dot chain line. Similarly, in the right half of FIG. 6, the signal contacts 19 that have elastically deformed due to the mated state of the connectors are shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0042] 4 and 6, as described above, the signal contact 19 extends generally in the vertical direction. The signal contact 19 includes a soldering portion 40, a fixing portion 41, and a spring portion 42, in this order from top to bottom. In FIG. 6, for ease of understanding, the soldering portion 40, the fixing portion 41, and the spring portion 42 are identified by their ranges in the vertical direction.

[0043] The soldering portion 40 protrudes downward from the lower surface 16A of the receptacle housing 16, and is soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2 shown in FIG.

[0044] 4, fixing portion 41 has a plurality of press-fit claws 41A that protrude in the pitch direction. When signal contact 19 is press-fitted into contact slit 22 from underside 16A of receptacle housing 16, multiple press-fit claws 41A bite into the inner surface of contact slit 22, and as a result, fixing portion 41 is fixed to receptacle housing 16 substantially without being able to elastically deform.

[0045] 6, the spring portion 42 is supported by the fixed portion 41 in a cantilever manner and is configured to be elastically deformable. The spring portion 42 is configured to be elastically deformable inward and outward in the width direction, with the upper end of the fixed portion 41 as its fixed end. The spring portion 42 is configured to be elastically deformable over its entire length in the up-down direction.

[0046] As shown in the right half of FIG. 6, the spring portion 42 has a first contact portion 42A that can come into contact with the signal pad 10 of the plug connector 5 in the mated state.

[0047] The first contact portion 42A is curved so as to protrude inward in the width direction.

[0048] The first contact portion 42A does not face the ground plate 18 in the width direction.

[0049] 4 to 6, the spring portions 42 of the signal contacts 19 and the spring portions 32 of the ground contacts 20 that are adjacent in the pitch direction are configured to be elastically deformable independently of each other. This ensures high contact reliability between the multiple receptacle contacts 17 of the receptacle connector 4 and the multiple electrode pads 9 of the plug connector 5.

[0050] As described above, the ground plate 18 is configured in a rectangular flat plate shape. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the ground plate 18 does not have a slit between the spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 when viewed in the width direction. Furthermore, the ground plate 18 does not have a slit between the signal contact 19 and the ground contact 20 when viewed in the width direction.

[0051] 5 and 6, the gland plate 18 is housed in a plate slit 50 formed in the receptacle housing 16. As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of press-fit claws 18A are formed on both ends of the gland plate 18 in the pitch direction. When the gland plate 18 is press-fitted into the plate slit 50 from the lower surface 16A of the receptacle housing 16, the press-fit claws 18A bite into the inner surface of the plate slit 50, and as a result, the gland plate 18 is fixed to the receptacle housing 16 substantially without being elastically deformable.

[0052] 4 and 5, a plurality of soldering portions 18B are formed on the lower end of the ground plate 18. The plurality of soldering portions 18B protrude downward from the lower surface 16A of the receptacle housing 16 and are soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2 shown in FIG.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, ground plate 18 extends vertically from underside 16A of receptacle housing 16 to contact position P. As shown in the right half of Fig. 5, in the mated state, ground plate 18 is electrically connected to ground pad 11 of paddle card 6 of plug connector 5 via second contact portion 32B and first contact portion 32A of ground contact 20 in this order.

[0054] 6, a thin receptacle housing 16 is interposed between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18 in the width direction. The thin receptacle housing 16 interposed between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18 is referred to as a dielectric layer 16X. Therefore, the signal contacts 19, the dielectric layer 16X, and the ground plate 18 form a microstrip line.

[0055] Here, the technical significance of the second contact portion 32B will be explained. In Fig. 5, if the second contact portion 32B were not present, i.e., if the ground contacts 20 were not in contact with the ground plate 18 at the contact positions P, the ground plate 18 would be electrically connected to the ground pads 11 on the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via the multiple soldered portions 18B, the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2, the soldered portions 30 of the multiple ground contacts 20, the fixed portion 31, and the spring portion 32. In other words, the ground plate 18 is electrically connected to the ground pads 11 on the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via a very circuitous route that passes through the board 2. Therefore, the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18 is weak, and excellent high-frequency performance as a microstrip line cannot be expected.

[0056] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the ground plate 18 is electrically connected to the ground pad 11 on the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via the second contact portion 32B and the first contact portion 32A of the ground contact 20 in that order. That is, the ground plate 18 is electrically connected to the ground pad 11 on the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via the shortest path without any detours. Therefore, the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 is strong, resulting in excellent high-frequency performance as a microstrip line. It is noteworthy that, as shown in FIG. 5 , a microstrip line exhibiting excellent high-frequency performance can be constructed even in the lower region 32R where the ground contact 20 has excellent spring properties. Therefore, it can be said that the receptacle connector 4 achieves both contact reliability and high-frequency performance.

[0057] 6, the angle θ between the longitudinal direction of the spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 becomes smaller when the connectors are mated. In other words, as shown in the right half of Fig. 6, when viewed in the pitch direction, the longitudinal direction of the spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 become closer to being parallel to each other when the connectors are mated. As a result, in the mated state, the distance between the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 becomes approximately constant over the entire area in the vertical direction, so it can be said that a high level of high-frequency performance can be achieved for the microstrip line configured by the signal contact 19, the dielectric layer 16X, and the ground plate 18.

[0058] The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The first embodiment has the following features.

[0059] 1 to 6, the receptacle connector 4 includes a plurality of receptacle contacts 17 (contacts) extending parallel to one another, a ground plate 18 arranged opposite the plurality of receptacle contacts 17, and a receptacle housing 16 (housing) that houses the plurality of receptacle contacts 17 and the ground plate 18. The receptacle connector 4 is mounted on the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2 for use. Each receptacle contact 17 includes, in this order, soldered portions (30, 40) soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2, fixed portions (31, 41) fixed to the receptacle housing 16, and spring portions (32, 42) supported in a cantilevered manner by the fixed portions (31, 41) and capable of elastic deformation. The spring portions (32, 42) have first contact portions (32A, 42A) that can come into contact with the plug connector 5. The multiple receptacle contacts 17 include adjacent signal contacts 19 and ground contacts 20. The spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 are elastically deformable independently of each other. The spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 further has a second contact portion 32B that comes into contact with the ground plate 18 when the connector is mated. This configuration achieves both contact reliability and high-frequency performance.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the second contact portions 32B of the spring portions 32 of the ground contacts 20 come into contact with the ground plate 18 when the connectors are mated. However, instead of this, the second contact portions 32B of the spring portions 32 of the ground contacts 20 may come into contact with the ground plate 18 before the connectors are mated. In either case, the high contact reliability of the receptacle connector 4 is ensured, especially since the lower regions 32R of the spring portions 32 can be elastically deformed without any problems.

[0061] 5, the second contact portion 32B is disposed between the first contact portion 32A and the fixed portion 31. With the above configuration, compared to when the second contact portion 32B is disposed above the first contact portion 32A, the ground plate 18 can be electrically connected to the ground pad 11 of the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via the shortest route without taking a detour, which contributes to the high-frequency performance of the microstrip line.

[0062] 5, ground plate 18 is electrically connected to ground pad 11 of paddle card 6 of plug connector 5 via second contact portion 32B and first contact portion 32A of ground contact 20 in that order, either in the mated state or even before the connectors are mated. With the above configuration, ground plate 18 can be electrically connected to ground pad 11 of paddle card 6 of plug connector 5 via a path suitable for achieving the high high frequency performance of the microstrip line.

[0063] 4, the ground plate 18 does not have a slit between the spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20. In other words, the ground plate 18 does not have a slit between the signal contact 19 and the ground contact 20. With the above configuration, the portion of the ground plate 18 that is electromagnetically coupled to the signal contact 19 can be electrically connected to the ground pad 11 of the paddle card 6 of the plug connector 5 via the shortest path without taking a detour.

[0064] 4, the ground plate 18 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate. According to the above configuration, the ground plate 18 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0065] 6, the angle θ between the longitudinal direction of the spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 becomes smaller when the connector is mated. With the above configuration, the distance between the signal contact 19 and the ground plate 18 is generally constant over the entire area in the vertical direction when the connector is mated, so that the high-frequency performance of the microstrip line composed of the signal contact 19, the dielectric layer 16X, and the ground plate 18 can be achieved at a high level.

[0066] 5, the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18 are configured as separate bodies. This configuration makes it easy to manufacture the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18, allowing for greater freedom in designing the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18.

[0067] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of contact assembly 15 of receptacle connector 4.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18 are separate components, as shown in Fig. 5. In contrast, in this embodiment, the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18 are integrated into one piece, as shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, the soldered portions 30 of the ground contacts 20 and the soldered portions 18B of the ground plate 18 are connected to each other. This configuration reduces the number of components compared to when the ground contacts 20 and the ground plate 18 are separate components.

[0069] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the contact assembly 15 of the receptacle connector 4. Figure 9 shows an end view of the contact assembly 15. The end view shown in Figure 9 was created by cutting the ground contact 20.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , in this embodiment, the ground contacts 20 are supported by welding to the ground plate 18. Specifically, the ground plate 18 has a plurality of protrusions 60 formed thereon, each protruding toward the ground contact 20. In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 60 includes two protrusions 60. The two protrusions 60 are arranged to face each ground contact 20 in the width direction. The two protrusions 60 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The ground contacts 20 are welded to the two protrusions 60. This secures the ground contacts 20 to the ground plate 18. In other words, the fixing portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are welded to the two protrusions 60, thereby being fixed to the ground plate 18 in a manner that is substantially non-elastically deformable. As a result, the fixing portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are fixed to the receptacle housing 16 via the ground plate 18, which includes the two protrusions 60, in a manner that is substantially non-elastically deformable. In this way, the fixed portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are electrically connected to the ground plate 18 via the two protrusions 60, which further strengthens the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18, thereby achieving high high frequency performance of the receptacle connector 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the fixed portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are electrically connected to the ground plate 18 at multiple locations in the vertical direction, which further strengthens the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18, thereby achieving an even higher level of high frequency performance of the receptacle connector 4.

[0071] The third embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The third embodiment has the following features.

[0072] 8 and 9, the ground plate 18 is formed with two protrusions 60 that protrude toward each ground contact 20 for each ground contact 20. The fixing portion 31 of the ground contact 20 is welded to the corresponding two protrusions 60. With this configuration, the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18 is further strengthened, thereby achieving an even higher level of high-frequency performance for the receptacle connector 4.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the ground plate 18 is formed with two protrusions 60 for each ground contact 20, protruding toward the ground contact 20. However, instead of this, the ground plate 18 may be formed with only one protrusion 60 for each ground contact 20, or may be formed with three or more protrusions 60 for each ground contact 20.

[0074] 9, in this embodiment, the length of the spring portion 32 in the vertical direction is shorter than that of the first embodiment. However, the second contact portion 32B is formed midway through the spring portion 32, and the lower region 32R is elastically deformable, just like the first embodiment.

[0075] The ground contact 20 may be welded to the two protrusions 60 by, for example, fusion welding, pressure welding, or brazing. Fusion welding is a method of joining base materials by melting them together or by melting a welding rod (filler metal) and the base materials. Pressure welding is a method of joining base materials by mechanically melting them using friction, pressure, electric current, or the like. Brazing is a method of using a filler metal (brazing filler metal) to join the joint.

[0076] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described below, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a contact assembly 15. For ease of explanation, some of the receptacle contacts 17 are not shown in FIG. 11. FIGS. 12 and 13 are end views of the contact assembly 15. The end view of FIG. 12 was created by cutting the ground contacts 20. The end view of FIG. 13 was created by cutting the signal contacts 19.

[0077] 10 to 13, the contact assembly 15 includes, in this order, a plurality of receptacle contacts 17, a rigid board 70, and a ground plate 18 arranged outward in the width direction. As in the first embodiment, the ground plate 18 is arranged to face the plurality of receptacle contacts 17 in the width direction. The rigid board 70 is arranged between the plurality of receptacle contacts 17 and the ground plate 18. As in the first embodiment, the contact assembly 15 is accommodated in a receptacle housing 16.

[0078] The rigid substrate 70 has a contact surface 70A facing the multiple receptacle contacts 17 and a ground surface 70B facing the ground plate 18. The multiple receptacle contacts 17 are fixed to the contact surface 70A. The ground plate 18 is formed as a solid pattern on the ground surface 70B.

[0079] 11 and 12, a plurality of pads 80 are formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70 for each ground contact 20. The pads 80 are arranged in a vertical line. Typically, the pads 80 are formed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Each pad 80 is electrically connected to the ground plate 18 via a through-hole 81.

[0080] The multiple pads 80 include one contact pad 82 that faces the second contact portion 32B of the spring portion 32 of the corresponding ground contact 20 in the width direction, and three fixed pads 83 that face the fixed portion 31 of the corresponding ground contact 20 in the width direction.

[0081] The second contact portion 32B of the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 is configured to come into contact with the corresponding contact pad 82 when the connector is mated. As in the first embodiment, the second contact portion 32B of the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 may already be in contact with the corresponding contact pad 82 before the connector is mated.

[0082] The fixing portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are soldered to three fixing pads 83, thereby fixing the ground contacts 20 to the contact surface 70A of the rigid board 70. When the connectors are mated, the ground contacts 20 are electrically connected to the ground plate 18 via multiple pads 80, including one contact pad 82 and three fixing pads 83. This further strengthens the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18, thereby achieving high high-frequency performance for the receptacle connector 4.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 , a plurality of fixing pads 84 are formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70, one for each signal contact 19. In this embodiment, the plurality of fixing pads 84 includes two fixing pads 84. The two fixing pads 84 are arranged so as to face the corresponding signal contact 19 in the width direction. The two fixing pads 84 are arranged spaced apart in the up-down direction. The signal contact 19 is soldered to the two fixing pads 84. In this way, the signal contact 19 is fixed to the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70. More specifically, by being soldered to the two fixing pads 84, the signal contact 19 is fixed to the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70 in a manner that is substantially non-elastically deformable.

[0084] Rigid board 70 is typically housed and held in receptacle housing 16 by being press-fitted into plate slit 50 together with ground plate 18. Ground plate 18 is electrically connected to connector mounting surface 2A of board 2 via a plurality of ground contacts 20. Receptacle housing 16 holds rigid board 70 via a plurality of receptacle contacts 17 and ground plate 18.

[0085] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The fourth embodiment has the following features.

[0086] That is, the receptacle connector 4 includes a plurality of receptacle contacts 17 (contacts) extending parallel to one another, a ground plate 18 arranged opposite the plurality of receptacle contacts 17, a rigid board 70 arranged between the plurality of receptacle contacts 17 and the ground plate 18, and a receptacle housing 16 that accommodates the plurality of receptacle contacts 17, the ground plate 18, and the rigid board 70. The receptacle connector 4 is mounted on the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2 when in use. The rigid board 70 has a contact surface 70A facing the plurality of receptacle contacts 17 and a ground surface 70B facing the ground plate 18. The ground plate 18 is formed as a solid pattern on the ground surface 70B of the rigid board 70. Each receptacle contact 17 includes, in this order: a soldered portion (30, 40) soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the board 2; a fixed portion (31, 41) fixed to the contact surface 70A of the rigid board 70; and a spring portion (32, 42) supported in a cantilevered manner by the fixed portion (31, 41) and capable of elastic deformation. The spring portion (32, 42) has a first contact portion (32A, 42A) capable of contacting the plug connector 5. The multiple receptacle contacts 17 include adjacent signal contacts 19 and ground contacts 20. The spring portion 42 of the signal contact 19 and the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 are capable of elastic deformation independently of each other. The spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 further includes a second contact portion 32B that contacts a contact pad 82 formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid board 70 when the connectors are mated. The contact pads 82 are electrically connected to the ground plate 18 via through holes 81. With the above configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to achieve both contact reliability and high-frequency performance. Furthermore, since the dielectric layer 16X interposed between the multiple receptacle contacts 17 and the ground plate 18 is formed from the rigid substrate 70, the dielectric layer 16X can be formed thinner than in the first embodiment, in which the dielectric layer is formed by injection molding.

[0087] The second contact portion 32B of the spring portion 32 of the ground contact 20 may already be in contact with the contact pad 82 formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid board 70 before the connectors are mated.

[0088] Additionally, a plurality of fixing pads 83 are formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid board 70, and are electrically connected to the ground plate 18 via through holes 81. The fixing portions 31 of the ground contacts 20 are soldered to the plurality of fixing pads 83. This configuration further strengthens the electromagnetic coupling between the signal contacts 19 and the ground plate 18, thereby achieving high high frequency performance for the receptacle connector 4.

[0089] In the fourth embodiment, three fixing pads 83 facing each ground contact 20 are formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70 for each ground contact 20. However, instead of this, only one fixing pad 83 facing each ground contact 20 may be formed on the contact surface 70A of the rigid substrate 70, or three or more fixing pads 83 facing each ground contact 20 may be formed.

[0090] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments already described, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 cable 2 boards 2A connector mounting surface 3 Connector Assembly 4 Receptacle Connector 5 plug connector 6 Paddle Cards 7 Plug housing 8 Rigid PCB 8A Pad forming surface 9 Electrode Pads 10 Signal Pads 11 Ground Pad 15 Contact assembly 16 Receptacle housing (housing) 16A Bottom 16X Dielectric Layer 17 Receptacle contact (contact) 18 Ground Plate 18A press-fit jaws 18B Soldering part 19 signal contacts 20 Ground Contact 21 Fitting space 22 Contact slit 23 Slit row 30 Soldering section 31 Fixed part 31A press-fit jaws 32 Spring part 32A 1st contact part 32B 2nd contact part 32Q upper area 32R lower area 40 Soldering section 41 Fixed part 41A press-fit jaws 42 Spring part 42A 1st contact part 50 plate slits 60 Protrusion 70 Rigid PCB 70A contact surface 70B Ground plane 80 pads 81 through holes 82 contact pads 83 Fixation Pad 84 Fixation Pad P contact position θ angle

Claims

1. a plurality of contacts extending parallel to one another; a ground plate disposed opposite the plurality of contacts; a housing that accommodates the plurality of contacts and the ground plate; Including, Used mounted on a substrate, A receptacle connector, Each contact is a soldering portion to be soldered to the substrate; a fixing portion fixed to the housing; a spring portion supported by the fixed portion in a cantilever manner and capable of elastic deformation; in this order, the spring portion has a first contact portion that can come into contact with the plug connector; the plurality of contacts include a signal contact and a ground contact adjacent to each other; the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact are elastically deformable independently of each other; The spring portion of the ground contact further has a second contact portion that contacts the ground plate in a mated state or even before the connectors are mated. Receptacle connector.

2. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The second contact portion is disposed between the first contact portion and the fixed portion. Receptacle connector.

3. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, the ground plate is electrically connected to the plug connector via the second contact portion and the first contact portion of the ground contact in this order, either in a mated state or before the connectors are mated. Receptacle connector.

4. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, the ground plate does not have a slit between the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact; Receptacle connector.

5. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The ground plate does not have a slit between the signal contact and the ground contact. Receptacle connector.

6. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The ground plate is a rectangular flat plate. Receptacle connector.

7. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, an angle between the longitudinal direction of the spring portion of the signal contact and the ground plate is reduced by mating the connectors; Receptacle connector.

8. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The ground contact and the ground plate are configured as separate bodies. Receptacle connector.

9. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The ground contact and the ground plate are integrally formed. Receptacle connector.

10. 2. The receptacle connector according to claim 1, The ground plate has at least one protrusion formed thereon that protrudes toward the ground contact, the fixing portion of the ground contact is welded to the at least one protrusion. Receptacle connector.

11. 11. The receptacle connector according to claim 10, the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions; Receptacle connector.

12. a plurality of contacts extending parallel to one another; a ground plate disposed opposite the plurality of contacts; a rigid substrate disposed between the plurality of contacts and the ground plate; a housing that accommodates the plurality of contacts, the ground plate, and the rigid substrate; Including, Used mounted on a substrate, A receptacle connector, the rigid substrate has a contact surface facing the plurality of contacts and a ground surface facing the ground plate; the ground plate is formed as a solid pattern on the ground surface, Each contact is a soldering portion to be soldered to the substrate; a fixing portion fixed to the rigid substrate; a spring portion supported by the fixed portion in a cantilever manner and capable of elastic deformation; in this order, the spring portion has a first contact portion that can come into contact with the plug connector; the plurality of contacts include a signal contact and a ground contact adjacent to each other; the spring portion of the signal contact and the spring portion of the ground contact are elastically deformable independently of each other; the spring portion of the ground contact further has a second contact portion that comes into contact with a contact pad formed on the contact surface in a mated state of the connector or even before the connector is mated; The contact pad is electrically connected to the ground plate via a through hole. Receptacle connector.

13. 13. The receptacle connector according to claim 12, At least one fixing pad is formed on the contact surface of the rigid substrate and is electrically connected to the ground plate via a through hole; the fixed portion of the ground contact is soldered to the at least one fixed pad; Receptacle connector.

14. 14. The receptacle connector according to claim 13, the at least one anchor pad comprises a plurality of anchor pads; Receptacle connector.

15. 13. The receptacle connector according to claim 1 or 12, the plurality of contacts include a pair of signal contacts for differential transmission arranged adjacent to each other and one ground contact, alternately arranged in a pitch direction of the plurality of contacts; Receptacle connector.

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