Connector

Abstract

To prevent the deterioration in transmission quality of a signal.SOLUTION: A plug connector 10 includes a plurality of pairs of signal contacts each including: a connection portion that is individually connected to signal conductors of a pair of coaxial cables 90 and extends in a direction in which the coaxial cables 90 extend, and is connected to the signal conductors of the coaxial cables; and a contact portion that is in contact with the signal contact of the opponent's connector. The plug connector 10 includes: a conductive ground contact; a plurality of pairs of signal contacts; an insulation housing that holds the ground contacts; and a conductive shell that covers at least a part of the insulating housing. A wall 20 is formed of the ground contact and the shell between the two adjacent pairs of signal contacts. In the wall 20, the ground contact and the shell are electrically connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, in an electrical connector having contacts arranged in a row and connected to a substrate, a conductive wall portion is provided in a portion that partitions the contacts for each signal transmitted for the purpose of preventing an increase in crosstalk due to resonance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in recent years, as a connector compatible with high-speed transmission, further improvement has been demanded because it is required to suppress a deterioration in the transmission quality of signals.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of preventing a deterioration in the transmission quality of signals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure individually connects to signal conductors of a pair of coaxial cables extending in the same direction, and each extends along the extending direction of the coaxial cable and has a connection portion connecting to the signal conductor of the coaxial cable and a contact contact portion contacting a signal contact of a mating connector. The connector includes a plurality of pairs of signal contacts, a conductive ground contact having a ground connection portion connecting to an outer conductor of the pair of coaxial cables and a ground contact portion contacting a ground contact of the mating connector, an insulating housing holding the plurality of pairs of signal contacts and the ground contact, and a conductive shell covering at least a part of the insulating housing. The plurality of pairs of signal contacts are arranged in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the coaxial cable, and a wall portion is formed between two adjacent pairs of signal contacts by the ground contact and the shell, and the ground contact and the shell are electrically connected in the wall portion.

[0007] According to the above connector, a wall portion is formed between adjacent pairs of signal contacts by the electrically connected ground contact and shell. Since the ground contact itself is used as the wall portion, the wall portion can be easily arranged between the signal contacts. Further, since the wall portion is formed by the ground contact to which the outer conductor of the coaxial cable is connected and the shell made equipotential by connection with the ground contact, the potential of the wall portion is the ground potential. Since the pair of signal contacts are separated by such a wall portion, crosstalk is suppressed and a decrease in signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0008] The wall portion may be arranged such that the length along the extending direction of the coaxial cable is equal to or greater than the length of the signal contact and the wall portion overlaps the entire signal contact when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contacts.

[0009] By configuring the wall portion as described above, since the signal contacts are separated by the wall portion at any position along the extending direction of the coaxial cable, crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0010] When viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contacts, the wall portion may be in a mode larger than the signal contacts in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the coaxial cable.

[0011] By configuring the wall portion as described above, since the signal contacts are separated by the wall portion at any position along the direction intersecting the extending direction of the coaxial cable, crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0012] The ground contact and the shell may be electrically connected in a mode of surface contact on a plane extending along the extending direction of the coaxial cable.

[0013] By configuring the wall portion as described above, since the connection between the ground contact and the shell is made by surface contact, the potentials of both can be made equal in a stable connection state. Further, as the wall portion, since a contact surface is formed, the area where the wall portion is not formed between the signal contacts can be reduced, so that crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0014] When viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contacts, the ground contact is provided at a position where at least a part overlaps with the signal contacts, and the width of the shell constituting the wall portion along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contacts may be larger than the width of the ground contact constituting the wall portion.

[0015] By configuring the wall portion as described above, the signal contacts are separated by the ground contact, and the shell that is wider than the ground contact forms the wall portion, effectively preventing signal crosstalk. As a result, the occurrence of crosstalk is further suppressed.

[0016] The shell may be electrically connected to the shell of the mating connector on the surface facing the surface that is electrically connected to the ground contact among the pair of main surfaces.

[0017] As described above, by configuring the shell to be also electrically connected to the shell of the mating connector, the shell of the mating connector can also be set to the ground potential, preventing a decrease in the signal transmission quality due to the formation of an unexpected potential difference around the conductor for transmitting the signal.

[0018] The ground contact, the shell, and the signal contact may be integrally provided by the insulating housing.

[0019] In the case of the above configuration, the positional relationship among the ground contact, the shell, and the signal contact can be appropriately held by the insulating housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a connector capable of preventing a decrease in signal transmission quality is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Embodiments according to the present disclosure described below will be explained, but the present disclosure should not be limited to the following contents. In the following explanations, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0023] [Overview of the Connector Device] Referring to Fig. 1, the overview of the connector device will be explained. As shown in Fig. 1, a connector device 1, which is a type of electrical connector, includes a plug connector 10 and a receptacle connector 30 (a mating connector). Further, the plug connector 10 further includes a lock member 50 that holds the fitting state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30.

[0024] The plug connector 10 is attached to the end of a coaxial cable 90 and is electrically connected to the coaxial cable 90. The receptacle connector 30 is attached to a circuit board 70 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 70.

[0025] The plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30 are configured to be fitted and removed from each other along one direction (for example, the X-axis direction) extending along the main surface 70s (for example, the XY plane) of the circuit board 70. The lock member 50 is configured to hold the fitted state in which the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30 are fitted. In the fitted state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30, a conductive path (for example, wiring, not shown) formed on the main surface 70s of the circuit board 70 and the coaxial cable 90 are electrically connected. Thus, the connector device 1 is a device for electrically and physically connecting the conductive path and the electric cable.

[0026] The circuit board 70 is various types of boards on which electronic circuits and electronic components are mounted, such as a printed wiring board or a flexible printed board. The receptacle connector 30 is mounted on the main surface 70s of the circuit board 70 by soldering or the like.

[0027] The plurality of coaxial cables 90 are wirings used for transmitting signals and the like between various circuit boards built in an electronic device such as a server device. The coaxial cable 90 extends along one direction (for example, the X-axis direction) in the fitted state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30.

[0028] In the connector device 1, a plurality of pairs of coaxial cables 90, each being a set of two coaxial cables 90, are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. A pair of coaxial cables 90 is formed by two coaxial cables 90 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10. The pair of coaxial cables 90 transmits differential signals. The pair of coaxial cables 90 are arranged with a preset predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10.

[0029] The coaxial cable 90 includes an inner conductor 91 (signal conductor) made of a linearly extending metal wire (e.g., a copper wire), an insulator 92 covering the circumferential surface of the inner conductor 91, an outer conductor 93 made of a cylindrical metal braided wire and covering the circumferential surface of the insulator 92, and a protective coating 94 covering the circumferential surface of the outer conductor 93 (see Fig. 4(a)).

[0030] In the following embodiments, it is described that the short side direction of the plug connector 10 is the X-axis direction, the long side direction of the plug connector 10 is the Y-axis direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to these is along the Z-axis direction. The positive X-axis direction is the insertion direction of the plug connector 10 with respect to the receptacle connector 30, and the negative X-axis direction is the removal direction of the plug connector 10 with respect to the receptacle connector 30. Note that the positive X-axis direction may be referred to as "front", and the negative X-axis direction may be referred to as "rear".

[0031] [Plug Connector] Next, with reference to Figs. 2 to 6, the plug connector 10 will be described in detail. Note that Fig. 4 shows a state where the position of the lock member 50 is moved (rotated).

[0032] The plug connector 10 is a long connector whose main body portion extends along a predetermined direction (Y-axis direction), is configured to be fitted to a receptacle connector 30 as a mating connector, and is a connector to which the coaxial cable 90 is connected. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4(a), (b), the plug connector 10 includes a housing 11 (insulating housing), a signal contact member 12 (signal contact), a first shell member 13 (shell), a second shell member 14 (shell), a first ground bar 15, a second ground bar 16, and a ground contact member 17 (ground contact).

[0033] The housing 11 is made of an insulating material containing resin and holds a plurality of signal contact members 12 and ground contact members 17. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3(a), 3(b), etc., for example, the housing 11 includes a main body portion 11a and a tip portion 11b. The main body portion 11a extends along the Y-axis direction and supports the coaxial cable 90 in a state where a main portion is provided at a position facing the tip of the inner conductor 91 of the coaxial cable 90.

[0034] Note that overhang portions 11x protruding outward in the Y-axis direction are provided at both ends of the main body portion 11a (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). The overhang portion 11x functions, for example, as a portion that supports a lock member 50 to be attached to the plug connector 10 together with a support portion 13b and a support portion 14c as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0035] The tip portion 11b protrudes in the X-axis direction from one end of the main body portion 11a (the end opposite to the end into which the coaxial cable 90 is inserted). The tip portion 11b holds the signal contact member 12 and the ground contact member 17 extending in the X-axis direction. Further, the tip portion 11b constitutes the convex portion W of the plug connector 10 together with the signal contact member 12 and the ground contact member 17. Therefore, the thickness (length in the Z-axis direction) of the tip portion 11b corresponds to the height (length in the Z-axis direction) of the recess V of the receptacle connector 30 described later. As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the plug connector 10 is fitted to the receptacle connector 30, the signal contact member 12 attached to the tip portion 11b of the plug connector 10 and the signal contact member 33 exposed from the recess V of the receptacle connector 30 come into contact with each other to constitute, for example, a part of a signal circuit.

[0036] Above the housing 11, a first shell member 13 is provided as shown in FIG. 3(a). Further, below the housing 11, a second shell member 14 is provided as shown in FIG. 3(b). The housing 11 and the second shell member 14 may be integrally formed.

[0037] The signal contact member 12 is attached to the upper surface of the tip portion 11b of the housing 11. The signal contact member 12 is provided such that a pair of signal contact members 12 are exposed along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 in a form corresponding to the pair of coaxial cables 90. The pair of signal contact members 12 are two signal contact members 12 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10.

[0038] The pair of signal contact members 12 are arranged with a preset predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10 (Y-axis direction), similar to the pair of coaxial cables 90, along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10.

[0039] The signal contact member 12 is formed of a conductive metal member. The signal contact member 12 is formed along the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 from the main body portion 11a to the tip portion 11b of the housing 11.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the signal contact member 12 contacts and electrically connects to the inner conductor 91 of the coaxial cable 90. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(a), when mating, the signal contact member 12 contacts and electrically connects to the signal contact member 33 of the receptacle connector 30. That is, the signal contact member 12 has a function as a contact portion.

[0041] The first shell member 13 is formed of a conductive metal member and is mounted so as to cover the upper part of the housing 11 as shown in FIGS. 3(a), 4(a), etc. The first shell member 13 has an upper wall portion 13a and support portions 13b at both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(a). The support portion 13b is formed in a substantially U-shaped with an open bottom. The support portion 13b is formed so as to cover the support portion 14c of the second shell member 14 which becomes the bearing portion of the lock member 50 described later.

[0042] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the upper wall portion 13a is located behind the housing 11, contacts the first ground bar 15, and is electrically connected to the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90 via the first ground bar 15. In this way, the first shell member 13 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90.

[0043] The second shell member 14 is formed of a conductive metal member and is integrally formed with the housing 11 as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(b). The second shell member 14 has a lower wall portion 14a, a ground contact support portion 14b, and a support portion 14c as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0044] The lower wall portion 14a of the second shell member 14 is exposed on the lower surface of the housing 11 as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4(b). Further, when mating with the receptacle connector 30, the lower wall portion 14a contacts the second shell member 35 of the receptacle connector 30 and is electrically connected to the second shell member 35 of the receptacle connector 30.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the lower wall portion 14a is located behind the housing 11, contacts the second ground bar 16, and is electrically connected to the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90 via the second ground bar 16. In this way, the second shell member 14 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90.

[0046] The ground contact support portion 14b is formed to extend from the lower wall portion 14a in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. The ground contact support portions 14b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10. Further, the ground contact support portion 14b is arranged to extend in the same direction (X-axis direction) as the signal contact members 12 between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12. Note that the ground contact support portion 14b may be in contact with the ground contact member 17 and be connected by, for example, ultrasonic connection or soldering. Thereby, the ground contact support portion 14b is electrically connected to the ground finger 15b.

[0047] Note that before the step of integrally forming the second shell member 14 and the ground contact member 17 with the housing 11, reliable connection can be achieved by electrically connecting the second shell member 14 and the ground contact member 17 in advance.

[0048] The first shell member 13 and the second shell member 14 are mounted as a sealing member that performs electromagnetic shielding by covering the signal transmission path formed inside the plug connector 10 from the outside.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(b), the support portion 14c is provided so as to further protrude from the lower wall portion 14a in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. The support portion 14c is formed in a substantially U shape with an open upper portion. The support portion 14c functions as a bearing portion that rotatably supports the lock member 50. Note that the support portion 13b of the first shell member 13 and the support portion 14c of the second shell member 14 are in contact with each other together with a part of the upper wall portion 13a of the first shell member 13 and the lower wall portion 14a, whereby the first shell member 13 and the second shell member 14 are electrically connected.

[0050] The first ground bar 15 is formed of a conductive metal member and has a main body portion 15a and ground fingers 15b as shown in FIGS. 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b). The main body portion 15a of the first ground bar 15 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 as shown in FIG. 5(a). The main body portion 15a contacts the outer conductors 93 of a plurality of coaxial cables 90 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10 and is electrically connected to the outer conductors 93 of the plurality of coaxial cables 90. That is, the first ground bar 15 is electrically connected to the outer conductors 93 of the plurality of coaxial cables 90.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b), the ground fingers 15b project forward from the front end of the main body portion 15a. Further, the ground fingers 15b project obliquely downward. The front end of the ground finger 15b is soldered to a ground contact member 17 described later. Thereby, the ground finger 15b is electrically connected to the ground contact member 17. Thus, in the plug connector 10, the first ground bar 15 and the ground contact member 17 function as ground contacts connected to the outer conductors 93 of the coaxial cable 90. And the first ground bar 15 functions as a ground connection portion, and the ground contact member 17 functions as a ground contact portion.

[0052] Also, the connection between the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90 and the ground contact member 17 may be made without passing through the first ground bar 15, for example, by extending a shield wire from the outer conductor and directly electrically connecting it to the ground contact member 17.

[0053] The second ground bar 16 is formed of a conductive metal member. Similar to the first ground bar 15, it is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. The second ground bar 16 contacts the outer conductors 93 of a plurality of coaxial cables 90 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10 and is electrically connected to the outer conductors 93 of the plurality of coaxial cables 90. Further, the second ground bar 16 contacts the lower wall portion 14a of the second shell member 14 and is electrically connected to the lower wall portion 14a.

[0054] The ground contact member 17 is formed of a conductive metal member and is a long member extending in the short direction (X-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. The ground contact member 17 is attached to the upper surface of the ground contact support portion 14b. The ground contact members 17 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the plug connector 10 corresponding to the ground contact support portions 14b. As shown in FIG. 5(b), although the ground contact member 17 has a quadrangular prism shape with a rectangular cross section, the cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited.

[0055] As described above, the ground contact member 17 is soldered to the ground finger 15b and is electrically connected. Also, the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b are electrically connected by soldering or the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 5(b), a state where the lower surface of the ground contact member 17 is in contact with the ground contact support portion 14b is realized over the entire surface, and both are electrically connected.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the lock member 50 is formed in a substantially U shape and is rotatably supported by the support portion 14c of the second shell member 14. The lock member 50 is composed of, for example, a metal rod-shaped member (round bar member) and has elasticity and conductivity. As described above, by the support portion 14c that supports both ends of the lock member 50 functioning as a bearing portion, the lock member 50 is rotatable about an axis extending along the Y-axis direction. The lock member 50 has an arm portion 51 extending along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 at its central portion. When the lock member 50 rotates, the arm portion 51 moves so as to rotate around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10.

[0057] (Peripheral Structure of Signal Contact Member and Ground Contact Member) With reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the structure around the signal contact member 12 and the ground contact member 17 will be further described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5(b), a plurality of pairs of signal contact members 12 connected to a pair of coaxial cables 90 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. Also, a ground contact member 17 is disposed between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12. In this way, along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10, a pair of signal contact members 12 and the ground contact member 17 are alternately arranged.

[0059] The ground contact member 17 is fixed to the ground contact support portion 14b of the second shell member 14. Thereby, a wall portion 20 that separates between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12 is formed by the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b.

[0060] Since both the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b (the second shell member 14) are conductive members, the above-described wall portion 20 is conductive. Further, the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b are fixed in a contact state and are electrically connected, so they have the same potential. Also, in a state where the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30 are fitted, the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b are at the ground potential. Therefore, the wall portion 20 can exhibit a function of suppressing crosstalk between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12.

[0061] In an environment where miniaturization of the connector is required as in the connector device 1, since the signal contact members 12 are also arranged relatively close to each other, crosstalk may occur and the signal transmission quality may deteriorate. In particular, since the electrical signals propagate in a state where each of the signal contact members 12 is not covered by a coating or the like, the possibility of crosstalk occurring is increased. In such a situation, when a conductive wall portion 20 is provided between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12, the wall portion 20 can function as a shield and suppress crosstalk.

[0062] When the shape and arrangement of the wall portion 20 are set to satisfy specific conditions, the crosstalk suppression effect by the wall portion 20 can be further enhanced.

[0063] As an example, it can be mentioned that the length of the wall portion 20 along the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90 is equal to or greater than the length of the signal contact member 12. In the plug connector 10 shown in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when the length of the signal contact member 12 is L1 and the length of the wall portion 20 (here, the length of the ground contact member 17 is taken) is L2, the relationship of L2>L1 is satisfied. By setting L1 and L2 to the relationship of L2≧L1, the straight-line propagation of the signal in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 is prevented, so that the occurrence of crosstalk can be suppressed.

[0064] Also, when viewed from the array direction of a plurality of pairs of signal contacts, that is, from the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10, the wall portion 20 may be larger than the signal contact member 12 in a direction intersecting the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the coaxial cable 90. In the plug connector 10 shown in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the length (height) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the signal contact member 12 is H1 and the length (height) of the wall portion 20 (the sum of the lengths of the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b) is H2, the relationship of H2 > H1 is satisfied. By setting H2 and H1 to the relationship of H2 ≧ H1, the propagation of signals in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 is further prevented, so that the occurrence of crosstalk can be suppressed.

[0065] Note that, as described above, when the relationship between L1 and L2 or the relationship between H1 and H2 satisfies specific conditions, the wall portion 20 may be arranged so as to overlap the entire signal contact member 12 when viewed from the array direction of a plurality of pairs of signal contacts, that is, from the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10. In this case, since the leakage of electrical signals in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 is suppressed, the crosstalk suppression effect is enhanced.

[0066] When the ground contact member 17 is provided at a position overlapping the signal contact member 12 when viewed in the array direction of a plurality of pairs of signal contacts, that is, in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10, the width of the shell constituting the wall portion 20 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 may be larger than the width of the ground contact member 17 constituting the wall portion 20. In the plug connector 10 shown in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), when viewed in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10, the signal contact member 12 and the ground contact member 17 are provided at overlapping positions. Further, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the length (width) of the ground contact member 17 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 is W1 and the length (width) of the ground contact support portion 14b is W2, the relationship W2>W1 is established. By setting W1 and W2 to the relationship W2>W1, the signal propagation path between a pair of signal contacts is made longer, so that the possibility of crosstalk occurring can be reduced.

[0067] Also, when the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b (second shell member 14) like the wall portion 20 in the plug connector 10 of the present embodiment are electrically connected by surface contact on a plane extending along the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the coaxial cable 90, the crosstalk suppression effect by the wall portion 20 becomes even higher. Note that "surface contact" means that the region where the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b are in contact is a two-dimensional region in both the width direction (X-axis) and the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the wall portion 20. In the example of the present embodiment, since the entire opposing surface of the ground contact member 17 with the ground contact support portion 14b is in contact with the ground contact support portion 14b, it can be said that there is "surface contact".

[0068] [Receptacle Connector] Referring to FIGS. 6(a), (b) and FIGS. 7(a), (b), the receptacle connector 30 will be described. The receptacle connector 30 includes a housing 31, a ground contact member 32, a signal contact member 33, a first shell member 34, and a second shell member 35. Note that FIGS. 6(a), (b) also show the conductor region 70t on the main surface 70s of the circuit board 70.

[0069] The housing 31 is formed of an insulating resin. As shown in FIG. 7, a recess V with an open rear end is formed in the housing 31. The recess V forms a fitting space into which the plug connector 10 is inserted. The recess V is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30. Note that a part of the fitting space is formed by the second shell member 35.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 7(a), (b), a plurality of ground contact members 32 and a plurality of signal contact members 33 are press-fitted and attached to the front wall portion 31a of the housing 31. Note that the plurality of ground contact members 32 and the plurality of signal contact members 33 may be integrally formed with the housing 31 by insert molding. A ground contact member 32 and a pair of signal contact members 33 are alternately attached to the housing 31 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30. The first shell member 34 described later abuts against the upper wall portion 31b of the housing 31.

[0071] The ground contact member 32 is formed of a conductive metal member. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the ground contact member 32 includes a base end portion 32a, an intermediate portion 32b, and a contact portion 32c.

[0072] The base end portion 32a is disposed on the main surface 70s of the circuit board 70 and is connected to the conductive path of the circuit board 70 by, for example, solder. The base end portion 32a protrudes forward (in the positive X-axis direction) from the front wall portion 31a of the housing 31 and extends upward from the connection portion of the circuit board 70.

[0073] The middle part 32b connects the base end part 32a and the contact part 32c. The middle part 32b extends from the front wall part 31a of the housing 31 into the recess V and is fixed to the housing 31.

[0074] The contact part 32c is a part that protrudes into the recess V. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the contact part 32c contacts the ground contact member 17 of the plug connector 10, which will be described later, in the mated state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30. The tip part of the contact part 32c is curved and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6(a) etc., the signal contact members 33 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30 as a pair of signal contact members 33. The pair of signal contact members 33 are two signal contact members 33 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle connector 30.

[0076] The pair of signal contact members 33 are arranged at positions corresponding to the pair of coaxial cables 90 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30. The pair of signal contact members 33 are arranged with a preset predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle connector 30, similar to the pair of coaxial cables 90.

[0077] The signal contact member 33 includes a base end part 33a, a middle part 33b, and a contact part 33c. Note that the specific shape of the signal contact member 33 is the same as that of the ground contact member 32, and the detailed description is omitted. The signal contact member 33 electrically contacts the signal contact member 12 (see FIG. 4(a)) of the plug connector 10 to form a signal transmission path.

[0078] The first shell member 34 is formed by, for example, pressing a thin plate-shaped conductive metal member. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the first shell member 34 has an upper wall part 34a and side wall parts 34b.

[0079] The upper wall portion 34a is formed along the upper wall portion 31b of the housing 31. On the upper wall portion 34a, projecting portions 34c are formed so as to project forward from both ends in the longitudinal direction (±Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30.

[0080] The side wall portions 34b are formed so as to extend downward from both ends of the upper wall portion 34a in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 30. At the lower ends of the side wall portions 34b, joint portions 34d are formed along the main surface of the substrate. The joint portion 34d is a portion that is connected to a conductive path for ground connection formed on the circuit board 70. The connection is made, for example, by soldering. Thereby, an electrical connection of the ground circuit is made and the receptacle connector 30 is fixed to the substrate.

[0081] The second shell member 35 is formed by, for example, pressing a thin plate-shaped conductive metal member. The front end of the second shell member 35 is arranged so as to overlap the lower wall portion 31c of the housing 31 as shown in FIGS. 6(b), 7(a), and 7(b). The second shell member 35 is supported by the lower wall portion 31c of the housing 31 from below and is formed along the lower wall portion 31c. The second shell member 35 is formed so as to extend rearward from the lower wall portion 31e of the housing 31. The second shell member 35 forms a fitting space together with the housing 31.

[0082] The first shell member 34 and the second shell member 35 are mounted as shield members that perform electromagnetic shielding by covering the signal transmission path formed inside the receptacle connector 30 from the outside.

[0083] [Fitting state] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the fitting state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30 will be described. When the plug connector 10 is fitted to the receptacle connector 30, as shown in FIG. 8, the convex portion W of the plug connector 10 is received in the concave portion V of the receptacle connector 30.

[0084] In the mated state, as shown in FIG. 8, the contact portion 13c of the signal contact member 33 of the receptacle connector 30 contacts the signal contact member 12 of the plug connector 10, whereby the signal contact members are electrically connected to each other. Further, the contact portion 32c of the ground contact member 32 of the receptacle connector 30 contacts the ground contact member 17 of the plug connector 10, whereby the ground contact members are electrically connected to each other.

[0085] Further, the lower wall portion 14a of the second shell member 14 of the plug connector 10 contacts the second shell member 35 of the receptacle connector 30. Thereby, a ground connection is made between the second shell member 14 of the plug connector 10 and the second shell member 35 of the receptacle connector 30. In the plug connector 10, since the second shell member 14 is electrically connected to the ground contact member 17, a ground connection is also made for the ground contact members of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 30.

[0086] Note that in the mated state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the lock member 50 rotates along the axis extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the plug connector 10, and the receptacle connector 30 in the mated state fitted to the plug connector 10 is disposed between the arm portion 51 and the plug connector 10.

[0087] [Operation] In the above-described plug connector 10, a wall portion 20 is formed between a pair of adjacent signal contact members 12 by an electrically connected ground contact and a shell, specifically, by the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b of the second shell member 14. In this way, since the ground contact member 17 itself is used as the wall portion 20 for suppressing crosstalk, the wall portion 20 can be easily arranged between the plurality of arranged signal contact members 12. Further, since the wall portion 20 is formed by the ground contact member 17 connected to the outer conductor 93 of the coaxial cable 90 via the first ground bar 15 and the second shell member 14 having the same potential by connection to the ground contact member 17, the potential of the wall portion 20 is set to the ground potential. Since the pair of signal contact members 12 are separated by such a wall portion 20, crosstalk is suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0088] The length L2 of the wall portion 20 along the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90 may be equal to or greater than the length L1 of the signal contact member 12. Further, when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contact members 12, the wall portion 20 may be arranged so as to overlap the entire signal contact member 12. With such a configuration, at any position along the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90, the signal contact members 12 forming different pairs are separated from each other by the wall portion 20. Therefore, crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0089] Further, when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contact members 12, the wall portion 20 may be larger than the signal contact member 12 in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90. With such a configuration, at any position along the direction intersecting the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90, the signal contact members 12 forming different pairs are separated from each other by the wall portion 20. Therefore, crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0090] The ground contact and the shell constituting the wall portion 20, that is, the ground contact support portion 14b of the ground contact member 17 and the second shell member 14 may be electrically connected by surface contact on a surface extending along the extending direction of the coaxial cable 90. With such a configuration, since the connection between the ground contact and the shell is configured in a planar manner, the potentials of both can be made equal. Further, as the wall portion 20, by forming the contact surfaces of both, the region where the wall portion 20 is not formed between the signal contact members 12 constituting different pairs can be reduced. Therefore, crosstalk is further suppressed, and a decrease in the signal transmission quality can be suppressed.

[0091] When viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contact members 12, the ground contact member 17 is provided at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with the signal contact members 12, and the width of the ground contact support portion 14b of the second shell member 14 constituting the wall portion 20 along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pairs of signal contact members 12 may be larger than the width of the ground contact member 17 constituting the wall portion 20. With such a configuration, the signal contact members 12 constituting different pairs are separated by the ground contact member 17. Further, by forming the ground contact support portion 14b having a width larger than that of the ground contact member 17 to constitute the wall portion 20, the signal crosstalk is effectively prevented. As a result, the occurrence of crosstalk is further suppressed.

[0092] Note that the second shell member 14 including the ground contact support portion 14b may be electrically connected to the second shell member 35 which is the shell of the mating connector on the surface facing the surface electrically connected to the ground contact member 17 among the pair of main surfaces, that is, the lower wall portion 14a. With such a configuration, since the second shell member 14 is also electrically connected to the shell of the mating connector (here, the second shell member 35), both can be set to the ground potential. With such a configuration, a decrease in the signal transmission quality due to the formation of an unexpected potential difference around the conductor for transmitting the signal is prevented.

[0093] In the plug connector 10, the ground contact members 17, the shell (second shell member 14), and the signal contact members 12 may be integrally provided by the housing 11. In such a configuration, the positional relationship between the ground contact members 17, the second shell member 14, and the signal contact members 12 can be appropriately maintained by the housing 11.

[0094] [Variations] The configuration and shape of each part of the connector device 1 including the plug connector 10 described in the above embodiment are not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above plug connector 10 and receptacle connector 30, the shells are each formed of two shell members (a first shell member and a second shell member), but the shells may be formed of one member or may be formed by combining a plurality of members as described above.

[0095] The shape of the wall 20 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the relationship between the length (L1, L2) and the height (H1, H2) of the wall 20 and the signal contact member 12 is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the relationship between the width (W1, W1) of the ground contact member 17 and the ground contact support portion 14b is not limited to the above.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the ground contacts constituting the wall portion 20 are the ground contact members 17, and the shell is the ground contact support portion 14b of the second shell member 14. However, the shell may also perform part of the function of the ground contacts. In such a case, the ground contacts constituting the wall portion 20 may be constituted by the shell.

[0097] FIG. 9 shows an example of the plug connector 10A according to the above-described modification. In the plug connector 10A, among the second shell members 14x, the ground contact support portion 14b formed so as to extend from the lower wall portion 14a in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 has a folded-back portion 14d that is folded back at its tip. The folded-back portion 14d extends along the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the plug connector 10 in a state of being overlapped with the ground contact support portion 14b and extends toward the lower wall portion 14a. This folded-back portion 14d has substantially the same shape as the ground contact member 17 shown in FIG. 4(b) and can be joined to the ground fingers 15b of the first ground bar 15 at its end. Therefore, the folded-back portion 14d functions as the ground contact member 17. Further, in a state of being fitted with the receptacle connector 30, the contact portion 32c of the ground contact member 32 of the receptacle connector 30 can contact the folded-back portion 14d. Thus, in the plug connector 10A, the first ground bar 15 and the folded-back portion 14d can function as ground contacts.

[0098] Also, in the plug connector 10A, the wall portion 20A is constituted by the folded-back portion 14d that functions as a part of the ground contact and the ground contact support portion 14b. Thus, the wall portion 20A only needs to be constituted by a combination of at least a member that functions as a ground contact and a member that functions as a shell, and its configuration can be appropriately changed. For example, as described above, the wall portion 20A may be constituted by one member (the second shell member 14x).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1... Connector device, 10, 10A... Plug connector, 11... Housing, 12... Signal contact member (signal contact), 13... First shell member (shell), 14, 14x... Second shell member (shell), 14b... Ground contact support portion, 14c... Support portion, 14d... Folded-back portion, 15... First ground bar (ground contact), 15b... Ground finger, 16... Second ground bar, 17... Ground contact member (ground contact), 20, 20A... Wall portion, 30... Receptacle connector (mating connector), 31... Housing, 32... Ground contact member, 33... Signal contact member, 34... First shell member, 35... Second shell member, 50... Lock member, 70... Circuit board, 90... Coaxial cable, 91... Inner conductor, 93... Outer conductor.

Claims

1. Connected to the signal conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables extending in the same direction respectively, a plurality of conductive signal contacts arranged in an array direction perpendicular to the same direction, A conductive ground contact, An insulating housing that holds the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact, A conductive shell that covers at least a part of the insulating housing, Comprising, Each of the plurality of signal contacts, A contact connection part connected to the signal conductor of any one of the plurality of coaxial cables, A contact contact part extending from the contact connection part in the direction towards which the end of the signal conductor faces and contacting the signal contact of the mating connector, Having, The ground contact, A ground connection part connected to the outer conductor of the plurality of coaxial cables, A ground contact part extending from the ground connection part in the direction towards which the end of the signal conductor faces and contacting the ground contact of the mating connector, Having, The shell has a shell plate facing the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact from the opposite sides of the signal contact of the mating connector and the ground contact of the mating connector, A wall part is formed by the ground contact and the shell plate between two adjacent signal contacts in the array direction, and the ground contact and the shell plate are in contact with each other in the wall part, a connector.

2. The ground connection part is located between the contact connection parts of the two signal contacts along the array direction, The ground contact part is located between the contact connection parts of the two signal contacts along the array direction, The shell plate contacts the ground contact at both the ground connection part and the ground contact part, the connector according to claim 1.

3. In the same direction, the length of the ground contact is equal to or greater than the length of the two signal contacts, the connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the same direction and the array direction, the height of the ground contact is higher than the height of the two signal contacts, the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The insulating housing is located between the plurality of signal contacts and the shell plate, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ground contact penetrates the insulating housing and contacts the shell plate.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ground contact and the shell are in surface contact on a surface along the same direction and the arrangement direction.

7. The shell plate has a base plate extending along the arrangement direction, and an overhanging portion protruding from the base plate toward the direction in which the end of the signal conductor faces, and the ground contact is in surface contact with both the base plate and the overhanging portion. The connector according to claim 6.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein in the arrangement direction, the width of the overhanging portion is larger than the width of the ground contact.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shell plate has a shell contact surface that contacts the shell of the mating connector toward the opposite side of the side facing the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ground contact, the shell, and the plurality of signal contacts are integrally provided by the insulating housing.

Images