Connector

Abstract

To improve a shield effect, to certainly reduce a cross talk, and to improve reliability.SOLUTION: A connector has a connector body and a terminal attached to the connector body, and is fitted with a counterpart connector. The connector body includes a recessed groove portion, and a pair of side wall portions that extend in a longitudinal direction of the connector body, and are arranged in parallel so as to define both sides of the recessed groove portion. The plurality of terminals is arranged along each side wall portion, and forms a pair of terminal block in parallel. Ground terminals included in the respective terminal block are arranged at positions opposite to each other. At least one of the ground terminals included in the respective terminal block includes a substrate connecting portion located on the inner side in a width direction of the connector body, and a substrate connecting portion located on the outer side in the width direction of the connector body. The substrate connecting portion located on the inner side is longer than the substrate connecting portion located on the outer side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards, a connector such as a board-to-board connector has been used. Such a connector is attached to each of the mutually facing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards and is adapted to fit together and conduct electricity. In addition, in order to prevent crosstalk between signal terminals, a technique has been proposed in which a ground connection fitting is provided between the signal terminals (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional board-to-board connector before fitting.

[0004] In the figure, 811 is a receptacle housing of a receptacle connector 810 as a connector mounted on the surface of a circuit board P, and 851 is a receptacle reinforcing fitting attached to both longitudinal ends of the receptacle housing 811, and is connected to a connection pad connected to a ground trace of the circuit board P by soldering or the like.

[0005] In addition, a plurality of receptacle signal terminals 861 are arranged side by side in columns on each of the left and right side wall portions of the receptacle housing 811, and each receptacle signal terminal 861 is connected to a connection pad connected to a signal trace of the circuit board P by soldering or the like. Note that the outside of the left and right side wall portions of the receptacle housing 811 is covered by a connecting plate 852 that connects the receptacle reinforcing fittings 851 attached to both longitudinal ends to each other.

[0006] Furthermore, between the columns of the receptacle signal terminals 861 arranged on both the left and right sides, an elongated plate-shaped ground connection fitting 856 extending in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 811 is provided. The ground connection fitting 856 is connected to the connection pad connected to the ground trace of the circuit board P by soldering or the like, and is also mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle reinforcement fitting 851.

[0007] On the other hand, in the figure, 911 is the plug housing of the plug connector 910 as a connector mounted on the surface of a second circuit board (not shown), and 951 is the plug reinforcement fitting attached to both longitudinal ends of the plug housing 911, and is connected to the connection pad connected to the ground trace of the second circuit board by soldering or the like.

[0008] Also, a plurality of plug signal terminals 961 are mounted side by side on each of the left and right side wall portions of the plug housing 911 so as to form a column, and each plug signal terminal 961 is connected to the connection pad connected to the signal trace of the second circuit board by soldering or the like.

[0009] Then, the plug connector 910 is displaced as shown by the arrow Q in the figure and is fitted to the receptacle connector 810. In a state where the receptacle connector 810 and the plug connector 910 are fitted, the receptacle housing 811 and the plug housing 911 are fitted to each other, the corresponding receptacle signal terminal 861 and the plug signal terminal 961 are in contact and conduct, the receptacle reinforcement fitting 851 and the plug reinforcement fitting 951 are in contact and conduct, and further, the ground connection fitting 856 and the plug reinforcement fitting 951 are in contact and conduct. As a result, since the space between the receptacle signal terminals 861 and the plug signal terminals 961 on both sides facing each other is shielded by the plate-shaped ground connection fitting 856, even when signal transmission is performed between the corresponding receptacle signal terminal 861 and the plug signal terminal 961, crosstalk between the receptacle signal terminals 861 and the plug signal terminals 961 on both sides can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] However, in the conventional connector, since the ground connection fitting 856 is only disposed between the columns on the left and right sides of the receptacle signal terminal 861 and the plug signal terminal 961, it is difficult to prevent crosstalk between the receptacle signal terminals 861 or the plug signal terminals 961 within the same column. When the signals transmitted between the corresponding receptacle signal terminal 861 and the plug signal terminal 961 are high-frequency signals, it becomes particularly difficult to prevent crosstalk.

[0012] Here, an object is to solve the problems of the conventional connector, enhance the shielding effect, surely reduce crosstalk, and provide a highly reliable connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] Therefore, in the connector, which has a connector body and terminals attached to the connector body and is adapted to be mated with a mating connector, the connector body includes a concave groove portion and a pair of side wall portions that extend in the longitudinal direction of the connector body and are disposed in parallel to define both sides of the concave groove portion. The terminals are arranged in plural along each side wall portion to form a pair of parallel terminal group columns. The ground terminals included in each terminal group column are disposed at positions facing each other, and the ground terminals included in each terminal group column Terminals used only as include an inner substrate connection portion located inward in the width direction of the connector body and an outer substrate connection portion located outward in the width direction of the connector body. The inner substrate connection portion is longer than the outer substrate connection portion, and the ground terminalTerminals used only as extends from the tip of the outer substrate connection portion to the surface facing the outer side in the width direction of the connector body in the side wall portion, then bends approximately 90 degrees, and then extends toward the upper end of the side wall portion. After that, it bends approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, and then extends while facing the inner side in the width direction of the connector body. After that, it bends approximately 90 degrees, extends from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall portion, and then bends approximately 90 degrees at the lower end. Subsequently, it is bent to form the inner substrate connection portion and extends while facing the inner side in the width direction of the connector body and other terminals included in each terminal group row include outer substrate connection portions located outside in the width direction of the connector body, and extend from the tip of the outer substrate connection portion to the surface facing the inner side in the width direction of the connector body in the side wall portion, then bend approximately 90 degrees, and then extend toward the upper end of the side wall portion, then bend approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, and then extend facing the outer side in the width direction of the connector body, then bend approximately 90 degrees, and are bent so as to extend from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall portion, and further include a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the connector body, and the reinforcing metal fitting is located outside both ends of each terminal group row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the connector body and functions as a ground terminal, and the other terminals adjacent to the side of the reinforcing metal fitting of the terminals used only as the ground terminal in each terminal group row are used as ground terminals, and the terminals located between the other terminals used as the ground terminals and the reinforcing metal fitting are the other terminals and are used as high-frequency signal terminals is formed

[0015] In still another connector, further, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, the terminal has a wound shape that is wound after advancing from the outer side to the inner side in the width direction of the connector body, and the Used only as a ground terminal terminal has a winding direction of the wound shape that The is different from that of other terminals

[0016] In still another connector, further, the mating connector includes a mating connector body, mating terminals attached to the mating connector body, and a mating shield member. The mating connector body includes a pair of mating side wall portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body. The mating terminals are arranged in plural along each mating side wall portion to form a pair of parallel mating terminal rows. The mating shield member extends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body and is located between the mating terminal rows

[0017] In still another connector, further, in a state where the mating connector and the connector are fitted together, the mating shield member is located inward in the width direction of the connector bodies facing each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body and the connector body, and is located Inner between the substrate connection portions

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the connector can enhance the shielding effect, reliably reduce crosstalk, and improve reliability

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the present embodiment are mated, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector before mating in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a four-sided view of the first connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of the first connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the soldering portion of the first connector in the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, (a) is a perspective view of the second connector viewed from the mating surface side, (b) is a perspective view of the first connector viewed from the mating surface side. In FIG. 3, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, and (d) is a front view. In FIG. 4, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in (a).

[0022] In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a connector in the present embodiment, which is a second connector as one of a pair of connectors that are a connector assembly. The second connector 101 is a surface-mount type connector mounted on the surface of a second board, which is a board (not shown) serving as a mounting member, and is mated with a first connector 1 as a mating connector. The first connector 1 is the other of the pair of connectors and is a surface-mount type connector mounted on the surface of a first board, which is a board (not shown) serving as a mounting member.

[0023] Note that the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in the present embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate as substrates, but can also be used to electrically connect other members. The first substrate and the second substrate are, for example, printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFCs), flexible circuit boards (FPCs), etc. used in electronic devices and the like, but can be any type of substrate.

[0024] Also, in the present embodiment, the expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear used to explain the configuration and operation of each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are not absolute but relative. They are appropriate when each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is in the posture shown in the figure. However, when the posture changes, it should be interpreted according to the change in posture.

[0025] The first connector 1 has a first housing 11 as a mating connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the first housing 11 has a substantially rectangular thick plate shape that is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped. On the side where the second connector 101 is inserted, that is, on the mating surface 11a side (the positive Z-axis direction side), there is a substantially rectangular recess surrounded by the periphery, and a first recess 12 is formed as a recess that mates with the second housing 111 of the second connector 101. And a first protrusion 13 as a middle island that mates with the concave groove 113 formed on the mating surface 111a side of the second connector 101 is integrally formed with the first housing 11 in the first recess 12.

[0026] On both sides of the first convex portion 13 (the positive Y-axis side and the negative Y-axis side), a first side wall portion 14 serving as a mating side wall portion that extends parallel to the first convex portion 13 and defines both sides of the first concave portion 12 is integrally formed with the first housing 11. The first convex portion 13 and the first side wall portion 14 protrude upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from a bottom plate 18 that defines the bottom surface of the first concave portion 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. As a result, on both sides of the first convex portion 13, a concave groove portion 12a, which is an elongated concave portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, is formed as a part of the first concave portion 12.

[0027] Here, a first terminal accommodation cavity 15 is formed from the side surfaces on both sides of the first convex portion 13 to the bottom surface of the concave groove portion 12a. In the example shown in the figure, the first terminal accommodation cavity 15 is formed so as to penetrate the bottom plate 18 in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Among the first terminal accommodation cavities 15, the concave groove-shaped portions formed on the side surfaces on both sides of the first convex portion 13 are referred to as first terminal accommodation inner cavities 15a, and the concave groove-shaped portions formed on the side surfaces of the first side wall portion 14 facing the first convex portion 13 are referred to as first terminal accommodation outer cavities 15b.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the first terminal accommodation cavities 15 are formed in plural numbers (nine in the example shown in the figure) at a predetermined pitch on both sides of each first convex portion 13 so as to form two rows arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. Note that the pitch and the number of the first terminal accommodation cavities 15 can be changed as appropriate. The first terminals 61, which are mating terminals accommodated in each of the first terminal accommodation cavities 15 and loaded into the first housing 11, are also arranged in the same number at the same pitch on both sides of each first convex portion 13. The first terminals 61 are arranged in plural numbers along each first side wall portion 14 to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows (mating terminal group rows).

[0029] Although all the first terminals 61 included in each terminal group row are the same, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for convenience, distinguishable codes are assigned according to the arranged positions, and it should be noted that explanations using these codes can be made. Also, although all the second terminals 161 included in the second connector 101 are the same, corresponding to the first terminals 61, similarly, distinguishable codes are assigned according to the arranged positions for convenience, and it should be noted that explanations using these codes can be made.

[0030] In the example shown in the figure, the first terminal 61 located on the right side in the width direction (negative Y-axis direction) of the first housing 11 is generically referred to as the first terminal 61A. Further, within the group of the first terminals 61A, preferably, what is used as a normal signal terminal connected to a normal signal line that transmits a signal of a normal frequency (for example, less than a frequency of 10 [GHz]) or a ground terminal connected to a ground line is referred to as the first terminal 61A1. Preferably, what is used only as a ground terminal connected to a ground line is referred to as the first terminal 61A2. Preferably, what is used as a high-frequency signal terminal connected to a high-frequency signal line that transmits a signal of a high frequency such as an RF signal (for example, a frequency of 10 [GHz] or more) is referred to as the first terminal 61A3. Note that the first terminal 61A1 can also be used as a power supply terminal as needed. And in the example shown in the figure, in the row of the first terminals 61A extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, the first terminals 61A arranged at both ends of the row are the first terminals 61A3 used as high-frequency signal terminals, the first terminals 61A arranged third from both ends of the row are the first terminals 61A2 used only as ground terminals, and the other first terminals 61A are the first terminals 61A1 used as normal signal terminals or ground terminals.

[0031] Also, in the example shown in the figure, the first terminal 61 located on the left side (the positive Y-axis direction side) in the width direction of the first housing 11 is collectively referred to as the first terminal 61B. Further, within the group of the first terminals 61B, preferably, those connected to a normal signal line for transmitting a signal of a normal frequency (for example, less than a frequency of 10 [GHz]) or used as a ground terminal connected to a ground line are referred to as the first terminal 61B1. Preferably, those used only as a ground terminal connected to a ground line are referred to as the first terminal 61B2. Preferably, those used as a high-frequency signal terminal connected to a high-frequency signal line for transmitting a signal of a high frequency (for example, a frequency of 10 [GHz] or more) such as an RF signal are referred to as the first terminal 61B3. Note that the first terminal 61B1 can also be used as a power supply terminal as needed. And in the example shown in the figure, in the row of the first terminals 61B extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, the first terminals 61B disposed at both ends of the row are the first terminals 61B3 used as high-frequency signal terminals, the first terminals 61B disposed third from both ends of the row are the first terminals 61B2 used only as ground terminals, and the other first terminals 61B are the first terminals 61B1 used as normal signal terminals or ground terminals.

[0032] Thus, in the example shown in the figure, the first terminal 61A1, the first terminal 61A2, and the first terminal 61A3 in the row of the first terminals 61A located on the right side in the width direction of the first housing 11 and the first terminal 61B1, the first terminal 61B2, and the first terminal 61B3 in the row of the first terminals 61B located on the left side in the width direction of the first housing 11 are in positions facing each other, and the normal signal terminals, ground terminals, and high-frequency signal terminals in the left and right rows are arranged to be line-symmetrical with the center line in the width direction (Y-axis direction) extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1 (the first housing 11) as the axis of symmetry in a plan view.

[0033] The second terminal 161 is such that the groups corresponding to the first terminal 61A and the first terminal 61B are collectively referred to as the second terminal 161A and the second terminal 161B, respectively. Within the group of the second terminal 161A, those corresponding to the first terminal 61A1, the first terminal 61A2, and the first terminal 61A3 are individually referred to as the second terminal 161A1, the second terminal 161A2, and the second terminal 161A3, respectively. Within the group of the second terminal 161B, those corresponding to the first terminal 61B1, the first terminal 61B2, and the first terminal 61B3 are individually referred to as the second terminal 161B1, the second terminal 161B2, and the second terminal 161B3, respectively.

[0034] The first terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by performing punching, bending, and other processes on a conductive metal plate, and includes a held portion 63, a tail portion 62 as a substrate connection portion connected to the lower end of the held portion 63, an upper connection portion 67 connected to the upper end of the held portion 63, an outer contact portion 66 connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion 67 and facing the held portion 63, a lower connection portion 64 connected to the lower end of the outer contact portion 66, and an inner connection portion 65 connected to the end of the lower connection portion 64 on the side opposite to the outer contact portion 66.

[0035] The held portion 63 extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), that is, in the thickness direction of the first housing 11, and is a portion press-fitted and held in the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b. Note that the first terminal 61 does not necessarily have to be attached to the first housing 11 by press-fitting, and may be integrated with the first housing 11 by overmolding or insert molding. Here, for the sake of explanation, only the case where the held portion 63 is press-fitted and held in the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b will be described.

[0036] Further, the tail portion 62 is bent and connected to the held portion 63, extends outward in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, in the width direction of the first housing 11, and its lower surface (Z-axis negative direction side surface) is connected by soldering to a connection pad connected to the conductive trace of the first substrate. In the example shown in the figure, the tip of the tail portion 62 (the outer end in the width direction of the first housing 11) is flush with the side surface of the first housing 11 (the outer side surface of the first side wall portion 14), but it may be located outside or inside the side surface.

[0037] Furthermore, the upper connection portion 67 is a portion bent approximately 180 degrees so as to protrude upward (Z-axis positive direction). An outer contact portion 66 extending downward (Z-axis negative direction) is connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion 67 on the side opposite to the held portion 63. It is desirable that a part of the outer contact portion 66 protrudes inward in the width direction of the first housing 11.

[0038] Also, the lower connection portion 64 is a portion having a substantially U-shaped side surface shape connected to the lower end of the outer contact portion 66. Further, an inner contact portion 65a bent approximately 180 degrees so as to protrude upward and toward the outer contact portion 66 is connected to the upper end of the inner connection portion 65.

[0039] The first terminal 61 is press-fitted into the first terminal accommodation cavity 15 from the mounting surface 11b which is the lower surface (Z-axis negative direction surface) of the first housing 11, and the held portion 63 is clamped from both sides by the side walls of the first terminal accommodation outer cavity 15b formed on the inner side surface of the first side wall portion 14, thereby being fixed to the first housing 11. In this state, that is, in the state where the first terminal 61 is loaded into the first housing 11, the inner contact portion 65a and the outer contact portion 66 are located on both left and right sides of the concave groove portion 12a and face each other. Also, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, most of the held portion 63 is accommodated in the first terminal accommodation outer cavity 15b, and most of the inner contact portion 65a is accommodated in the first terminal accommodation inner cavity 15a. Furthermore, the lower surface of the tail portion 62 is located below the mounting surface 11b (the lower surface of the bottom plate 18).

[0040] Note that since the first terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, etc. on a metal plate, it has a certain degree of elasticity. And as is clear from its shape, the distance between the inner contact portion 65a and the outer contact portion 66 facing each other is elastically changeable. That is, when the second terminal 161 provided in the second connector 101 is inserted between the inner contact portion 65a and the outer contact portion 66, thereby, the distance between the inner contact portion 65a and the outer contact portion 66 elastically extends.

[0041] Also, first protruding end portions 21 as mating fitting guide portions are respectively disposed at both longitudinal ends of the first housing 11. A fitting recess 22 is formed in each first protruding end portion 21 as a part of the first recess 12. The fitting recess 22 is a substantially rectangular recess and is connected to both longitudinal ends of each concave groove portion 12a. And in the fitting recess 22 and the concave groove portion 12a, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are in a fitted state, the second protruding end portion 122 and the second side wall portion 112 of the second housing 111 of the second connector 101 are inserted.

[0042] Furthermore, a shield plate accommodating slit 13a, which is a slit-shaped concave groove extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), is formed at the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first convex portion 13. The shield plate accommodating slit 13a continuously opens to the lower surface of the bottom plate 18 and discretely opens to the upper surface of the first convex portion 13. Note that, on the upper surface of the first convex portion 13 of the shield plate accommodating slit 13a, recesses 13b recessing downward are formed at positions corresponding to the first terminal 61A2 and the first terminal 61B2 in the longitudinal direction, and the shield plate accommodating slit 13a also opens to the bottom surface of the recess 13b. Also, the shield plate accommodating slit 13a is connected to a horizontal arm accommodating slit 22a formed in the bottom plate 18 of the fitting recess 22. The horizontal arm accommodating slit 22a is formed so as to penetrate the bottom plate 18 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the horizontal arm accommodating slit 22a is connected to a vertical arm accommodating slit 23c formed in the first end wall portion 21b of the first protruding end portion 21.

[0043] And in the shield plate housing slit 13a, the horizontal arm housing slit 22a, and the vertical arm housing slit 23c, a shield plate 56 as a mating shield member, which is a strip-shaped plate material extending in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) and the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 formed by processing a conductive metal plate such as punching, is accommodated and held. The shield plate 56 includes an elongated main body portion 56a extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 (first housing 11), a held portion 56b protruding upward from the upper end edge of the main body portion 56a, a plurality of connection foot portions 56c protruding downward from the lower end edge of the main body portion 56a, a pair of elongated horizontal arms 56d extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 from both longitudinal ends of the main body portion 56a, a vertical arm 56e extending upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the distal end of each elongated horizontal arm 56d, and an engagement convex portion 56f protruding from the vicinity of the upper end of each vertical arm 56e toward the main body portion 56a. The elongated horizontal arms 56d and the vertical arms 56e are elastically deformable and function as spring members, so the engagement convex portion 56f is elastically displaceable in a direction away from the main body portion 56a. When the shield plate 56 is inserted or press-fitted into the shield plate housing slit 13a from the lower surface side of the bottom plate 18, the held portion 56b enters and engages with a portion of the shield plate housing slit 13a that is located below the location where the shield plate housing slit 13a opens on the upper surface of the first convex portion 13. Thereby, the shield plate 56 is accommodated and held in the shield plate housing slit 13a. Further, the elongated horizontal arms 56d and the vertical arms 56e are respectively accommodated in the horizontal arm housing slit 22a and the vertical arm housing slit 23c.

[0044] Note that the shield plate 56 does not necessarily need to be attached to the first housing 11 by insertion or press-fitting, and it may be integrated with the first housing 11 by overmolding or insert molding. However, here, for the sake of explanation, only the case where the shield plate 56 is accommodated in the shield plate housing slit 13a by insertion or press-fitting and attached to the first housing 11 will be described.

[0045] In this way, when the shield plate 56 is attached to the first housing 11, between the two rows of the first terminals 61 arranged along the left and right concave groove portions 12a, more specifically, in a plan view, along the center line in the width direction extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1 (first housing 11), the shield plate 56 is positioned, so that crosstalk between the two rows of the first terminals 61 is effectively prevented. Note that, in a state where the shield plate 56 is attached to the first housing 11, on the fitting surface 11a side, the main body portion 56a is positioned below the upper surface of the first convex portion 13, and the elongated horizontal arm 56d and the vertical arm 56e do not project into the fitting recess 22 from the bottom plate 18 and the first end wall portion 21b, respectively, but the engaging convex portion 56f projects at least its tip into the fitting recess 22 from the first end wall portion 21b. Also, on the mounting surface 11b side, the elongated horizontal arm 56d does not project below the mounting surface 11b (lower surface of the bottom plate 18), but the lower surface of the connection foot portion 56c is positioned below the mounting surface 11b (lower surface of the bottom plate 18).

[0046] Further, the first protruding end portion 21 includes a first side wall extension portion 21c as a mating fitting guide side wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 from both longitudinal ends of the first side wall portion 14, and a first end wall portion 21b extending in the width direction of the first housing 11 and having both ends connected to the first side wall extension portion 21c. In each first protruding end portion 21, the first end wall portion 21b and the first side wall extension portion 21c connected to both ends thereof form a continuous substantially U-shaped side wall, defining three sides of a substantially rectangular fitting recess 22. And, in the first end wall portion 21b, an outer end recess 23a recessed in the outer surface is formed, and an inner end recess 23b recessed in the inner surface is formed. Also, in the first side wall extension portion 21c, an outer side recess 23e recessed in the outer surface is formed, and an inner side recess 23d recessed in the inner surface is formed.

[0047] And, a first reinforcing fitting 51 as a mating reinforcing fitting to be loaded therein is attached to the first housing 11. In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is a member integrally formed by performing processes such as punching and bending on a metal plate, and is located at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first housing 11, and includes a first end wall covering portion 52 that covers the outside of the first end wall portion 21b of the first protruding end portion 21 and a first side wall covering portion 53 that covers the outside of the first side wall extension portion 21c, and has a substantially L-shaped configuration in a plan view.

[0048] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first reinforcing fitting 51 includes a large-sized first reinforcing fitting 51L in which the first end wall covering portion 52 covers a range of more than half of the first end wall portion 21b, and a small-sized first reinforcing fitting 51S in which the first end wall covering portion 52 covers a range of less than half of the first end wall portion 21b. Note that, with respect to the first side wall covering portion 53, the dimensions and configuration are the same in the large-sized first reinforcing fitting 51L and the small-sized first reinforcing fitting 51S, and with respect to the first end wall covering portion 52 as well, except for the dimension in the width direction of the first housing 11, the dimensions and configuration are substantially the same in the large-sized first reinforcing fitting 51L and the small-sized first reinforcing fitting 51S. Therefore, when integrally explaining the large-sized first reinforcing fitting 51L and the small-sized first reinforcing fitting 51S, it will be described as the first reinforcing fitting 51.

[0049] Note that a pair of large-sized first reinforcing fittings 51L and a pair of small-sized first reinforcing fittings 51S are disposed at positions facing each other on the diagonal line of the substantially rectangular first housing 11 in a plan view. Also, each of the large-sized first reinforcing fittings 51L is the same, and each of the small-sized first reinforcing fittings 51S is the same. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for convenience, distinguishable symbols are assigned according to the disposed positions, and it should be noted that explanations using these symbols can be made. Also, it should be noted that the second reinforcing fitting 151 included in the second connector 101 can similarly be assigned distinguishable symbols according to the disposed positions for convenience, and explanations using these symbols can be made.

[0050] In the example shown in the figure, the first reinforcing fitting 51 located on the right side (negative Y-axis direction side) in the width direction of the first housing 11, the one located at the corner on the front side (negative X-axis direction side) in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is the large first reinforcing fitting 51L and is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting 51LA, and the one located at the corner on the rear side (positive X-axis direction side) in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is the small first reinforcing fitting 51S and is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting 51SA. Also, for the first reinforcing fitting 51 located on the left side (positive Y-axis direction side) in the width direction of the first housing 11, the one located at the corner on the front side in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is the small first reinforcing fitting 51S and is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting 51SB, and the one located at the corner on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is the large first reinforcing fitting 51L and is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting 51LB. And for the second reinforcing fitting 151, the ones corresponding to the first reinforcing fitting 51LA, the first reinforcing fitting 51SA, the first reinforcing fitting 51SB, and the first reinforcing fitting 51LB are respectively referred to as the second reinforcing fitting 151LA, the second reinforcing fitting 151SA, the second reinforcing fitting 151SB, and the second reinforcing fitting 151LB.

[0051] The first end wall covering portion 52 includes an upper surface portion 52a that extends in the width direction of the first housing 11 and covers the upper surface of the first end wall portion 21b, an inclined inner cover portion 52b as an inducing portion that extends obliquely downward from the inner edge of the first end wall portion 21b on the upper surface portion 52a, a vertical inner cover portion 52c that extends downward from the lower end of the inclined inner cover portion 52b, an outer cover portion 52e that extends downward from the outer edge of the first end wall portion 21b on the upper surface portion 52a, and a connecting foot portion 52g at the lower end of the outer cover portion 52e.

[0052] Further, the first side wall covering portion 53 includes an upper surface portion 53a that extends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and covers the upper surface of the first side wall extension portion 21c, an inclined elastic arm portion 53b that extends obliquely downward from the inner edge of the first side wall extension portion 21c on the upper surface portion 53a and serves as a mating reinforcing metal fitting terminal, a contact convex portion 53c that bulges toward the center of the fitting recess 22 near the lower end of the inclined elastic arm portion 53b, an outer cover portion 53d that extends downward from the outer edge of the first side wall extension portion 21c on the upper surface portion 53a, and a connecting foot portion 53f at the lower end of the outer cover portion 53d.

[0053] The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first housing 11 by inserting or press-fitting the inclined inner cover portion 52b, the vertical inner cover portion 52c, the outer cover portion 52e, the outer cover portion 53d, etc. into the inner end recess 23b, the outer end recess 23a of the first end wall portion 21b, the outer recess 23e of the first side wall extension portion 21c, etc. from the fitting surface 11a side which is the upper surface (Z-axis positive direction surface) of the first housing 11. Note that the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 does not necessarily have to be attached to the first housing 11 by insertion or press-fitting, and it may be integrated with the first housing 11 by overmolding or insert molding. Here, for convenience of explanation, only the case where it is attached to the first housing 11 by insertion or press-fitting will be described.

[0054] And in a state where the first reinforcing fitting 51 is attached to the first housing 11, the upper surface portion 52a of the first end wall covering portion 52 covers the majority of the upper surface of the first end wall portion 21b. The inclined inner cover portion 52b and the vertical inner cover portion 52c have at least a part of them accommodated in the inner end recess 23b, and the engaging protrusion bites into and engages with a part of the side surface of the inner end recess 23b. The outer cover portion 52e has at least a part of it accommodated in the outer end recess 23a, and the engaging protrusion bites into and engages with a part of the side surface of the outer end recess 23a. The connecting foot portion 52g has its lower surface located below the mounting surface 11b (the lower surface of the bottom plate 18) and is substantially flush with the lower surface of the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61. Also, the upper surface portion 53a of the first side wall covering portion 53 covers the majority of the upper surface of the first side wall extension portion 21c. The inclined elastic arm portion 53b has at least a part of it accommodated in the inner recess 23d while being spaced from the bottom surface of the inner recess 23d. The contact convex portion 53c is elastically displaceable in the direction of the first side wall extension portion 21c. The outer cover portion 53d has at least a part of it accommodated in the outer recess 23e, and the engaging protrusion bites into and engages with a part of the side surface of the outer recess 23e. The connecting foot portion 53f has its lower surface located below the mounting surface 11b and is substantially flush with the lower surface of the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61.

[0055] In this way, since the majority of the surface of the first protruding end portion 21 is covered by the first reinforcing fitting 51, the strength of the first protruding end portion 21 is increased, and in the fitting operation between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, even if a force or impact is applied to the first protruding end portion 21, breakage or deformation of the first protruding end portion 21 can be surely prevented.

[0056] In addition, the upper surface portion 52a of the first end wall covering portion 52 of the large first reinforcing fitting 51L extends toward the opposite first side wall extension portion 21c, and its distal end reaches a position beyond the center in the width direction of the first housing 11. Therefore, the vertical arm 56e of the shield plate 56 disposed at the center in the width direction of the first housing 11 is located below the upper surface portion 52a of the first end wall covering portion 52 of the large first reinforcing fitting 51L. However, the vertical arm 56e of the shield plate 56 does not contact or interfere with any part of the first reinforcing fitting 51. Thus, since the first reinforcing fitting 51 attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and the shield plate 56 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and reaching the first end wall portions 21b at both ends thereof are independent of each other, the first housing 11 can be deformed somewhat flexibly as a whole, and damage and deformation can be prevented even when force or impact is applied.

[0057] Further, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b is elastically deformable, and the contact convex portion 53c formed near its tip can also function as a terminal that contacts and conducts with the outer cover portion 153d of the second reinforcing fitting 151. That is, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b can have the same function as the first terminal 61. Therefore, it should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b can be assigned distinguishable codes according to the disposed positions, similar to the first terminal 61, and descriptions using these codes can be made.

[0058] In the example shown in the figure, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b located on the right side in the width direction of the first housing 11 is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53A, and the inclined elastic arm portion 53b located on the left side in the width direction of the first housing 11 is referred to as the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53B. And in the example shown in FIG. 2, the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53A and the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53B are preferably used as ground terminals connected to the ground line. Also, the outer cover portion 153d of the second reinforcing fitting 151, which corresponds to the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53A and the first reinforcing fitting terminal 53B, is respectively referred to as the second reinforcing fitting terminal 153A and the second reinforcing fitting terminal 153B. And in the example shown in FIG. 2, the second reinforcing fitting terminals 153A and 153B are also preferably used as ground terminals connected to the ground line.

[0059] And the connection foot portion 52g of the first end wall covering portion 52 and the connection foot portion 53f of the first side wall covering portion 53 are connected to the connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the first substrate by soldering, similarly to the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61. Thereby, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b of the first reinforcing fitting 51 can also function as a terminal for transmitting current or an electrical signal, similarly to the first terminal 61, and is preferably used as a ground terminal connected to the ground line. Therefore, without increasing the number of the first terminals 61, the number of poles of the first connector 1 can be increased, and the first connector 1 can be miniaturized. Also, since the shield plate 56 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is disposed between the two rows of the first terminals 61 and at the center in the width direction of the first housing 11, crosstalk between the two rows of the first terminals 61 is effectively prevented.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a four-sided view of the second connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of the second connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the soldering portion of the second connector in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, and (d) is a front view. In FIG. 7, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the C-C arrow in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the D-D arrow in (a).

[0062] The second connector 101 as the connector in the present embodiment has a second housing 111 as a connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the second housing 111 has a substantially rectangular thick plate shape that is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped. And on the side of the second housing 111 that is fitted into the first connector 1, that is, on the fitting surface 111a side (Z-axis negative direction side), there is a concave groove portion 113 extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second housing 111, and side wall portions as elongated convex portions that define both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the concave groove portion 113 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111. The second side wall portion 112 and the second protruding end portion 122 as a fitting guide portion that defines both sides in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the concave groove portion 113 and extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second housing 111 to connect both longitudinal ends of the second side wall portion 112 are integrally formed.

[0063] The second side wall portions 112 are formed in parallel along both sides of the concave groove portion 113 and along both sides of the second housing 111. Also, second terminals 161 as terminals are disposed on each of the second side wall portions 112. The second terminals 161 are disposed at a pitch corresponding to the first terminals 61 and in a corresponding number. The second terminals 161 are disposed in plural along each of the second side wall portions 112 to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows. Further, the concave groove portion 113 is closed by a bottom plate 118 on the side to be mounted on the second substrate, that is, on the mounting surface 111b side (Z-axis positive direction side).

[0064] Although the second terminals 161 included in each terminal group row are substantially the same, in the present embodiment, as described above, the second terminals 161 are collectively referred to as second terminals 161A and second terminals 161B corresponding to the first terminals 61A and 61B, respectively. Within the group of second terminals 161A, those corresponding to the first terminals 61A1, 61A2, and 61A3 are individually referred to as second terminals 161A1, second terminals 161A2, and second terminals 161A3, respectively. Within the group of second terminals 161B, those corresponding to the first terminals 61B1, 61B2, and 61B3 are individually referred to as second terminals 161B1, second terminals 161B2, and second terminals 161B3, respectively.

[0065] And in the example shown in the figure, in the row of second terminals 161A extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, the second terminals 161A disposed at both ends of the row are the second terminals 161A3 used as high-frequency signal terminals, the second terminals 161A disposed third from both ends of the row are the second terminals 161A2 used only as ground terminals, and the other second terminals 161A are the second terminals 161A1 used as normal signal terminals or ground terminals. Note that the second terminal 161A1 can also be used as a power supply terminal as needed. Also, in the row of second terminals 161B extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, the second terminals 161B disposed at both ends of the row are the second terminals 161B3 used as high-frequency signal terminals, the second terminals 161B disposed third from both ends of the row are the second terminals 161B2 used only as ground terminals, and the other second terminals 161B are the second terminals 161B1 used as normal signal terminals or ground terminals. Note that the second terminal 161B1 can also be used as a power supply terminal as needed. And in the example shown in the figure, the normal signal terminals, ground terminals, and high-frequency signal terminals in the left and right rows are arranged to be line-symmetrical with the center line in the width direction (Y-axis direction) extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101 (second housing 111) as the axis of symmetry in a plan view.

[0066] Each of the second terminals 161 is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, or other processing of a conductive metal plate. The second terminal 161 is integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding or insert molding. That is, the second housing 111 is formed by filling an insulating material such as synthetic resin into the cavity of a mold in which the second terminal 161 is previously set inside. Thereby, the second terminal 161 is integrally attached to the second housing 111 such that at least a part thereof is buried in the second housing 111. Note that the second terminal 161 is not necessarily integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding or insert molding, and may be attached to the second housing 111 by press fitting or the like. Here, for the sake of explanation, only the case where it is integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding or insert molding will be described.

[0067] Also, among the plurality of second terminals 161 arranged along each second side wall portion 112, the second terminals 161A1 and 161B1 used as normal signal terminals, and the second terminals 161A3 and 161B3 used as high-frequency signal terminals are all the same, but the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 used as ground terminals are slightly different from the second terminals 161A1 and 161B1, and the second terminals 161A3 and 161B3.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, each of the second terminals 161A1, 161B1, 161A3, and 161B3 includes an outer contact portion 165, an upper connection portion 164 connected to the upper end (the negative Z-axis end) of the outer contact portion 165, an inner contact portion 166 having an upper end connected to the upper connection portion 164 and extending in parallel with the outer contact portion 165, and a tail portion 162 as a board connection portion connected to the lower end (the positive Z-axis end) of the inner contact portion 166.

[0069] At least a part of the outer contact portion 165 is exposed on the surface of the second side wall portion 112 facing the outer side in the width direction of the second housing 111. Further, the upper connection portion 164 is exposed on the upper surface (in the negative Z-axis direction) of the second side wall portion 112 and is substantially flush with the surface. Furthermore, the inner contact portion 166 is exposed on the surface of the second housing 111 facing the inner side in the width direction and is substantially flush with the surface. Note that the tail portion 162 extends outward in the width direction of the second housing 111 from the lower end of the surface of the second side wall portion 112 facing the outer side in the width direction of the second housing 111, and its lower surface (the side surface in the positive Z-axis direction) is connected by soldering to the connection pad connected to the conductive trace of the second substrate. Then, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the elongated strip material constituting the second terminal 161 extends from the tip of the tail portion 162 (the outer end in the width direction of the second housing 111) to the surface of the second side wall portion 112 facing the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111, then bends approximately 90 degrees, and then extends from the lower end to the upper end of the inner contact portion 166. After that, it bends approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, then extends as the upper connection portion 164 facing the outer side in the width direction of the second housing 111, and then bends approximately 90 degrees and extends from the upper end to the lower end of the outer contact portion 165. That is, the second terminals 161A1 and 161B1, and the second terminals 161A3 and 161B3 have a wound shape that, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, is wound after advancing from the outer side to the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111, and has a wound shape that is wound upward and then unwound.

[0070] In contrast, the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2 include, in addition to the outer contact portion 165, the upper connection portion 164, the inner contact portion 166, and the tail portion 162, an inner extension portion 167 that functions as a substrate connection portion, and an upward protruding piece 168. That is, the second terminal 161A3 and the second terminal 161B3 include two substrate connection portions, namely, the tail portion 162 and the inner extension portion 167. The lower surfaces (Z-axis positive direction sides) of the tail portion 162 and the inner extension portion 167 are connected by soldering to connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the second substrate. When the tail portion 162 and the inner extension portion 167 as substrate connection portions are to be distinguished from each other, they are respectively referred to as the outer substrate connection portion and the inner substrate connection portion.

[0071] The outer contact portion 165 extends such that its lower end reaches near the lower end of the second side wall portion 112, and the tail portion 162 is connected to the lower end of the outer contact portion 165. The inner extension portion 167 is connected to the lower end of the inner contact portion 166, extends inward in the width direction of the second housing 111 from the lower end, and the upward protruding piece 168 is connected to the tip thereof. The upward protruding piece 168 is a member that extends upward, and its upper end is located above the upper surface of the concave groove portion 113 and below the upper surface of the second side wall portion 112.

[0072] On the upper surface of the concave groove portion 113, a convex portion 114 protruding upward is formed at a position corresponding to the upward protruding pieces 168 of the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2. Near the upper end of the upward protruding piece 168 is housed within the convex portion 114, and the upper end surface of the upward protruding piece 168 is substantially flush with the upper end surface of the convex portion 114. Further, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the convex portion 114 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section in the Y-axis direction. This enables the insulating material such as synthetic resin constituting the second housing 111 to flow smoothly even during overmolding or insert molding. Furthermore, the convex portion 114 is housed within a concave portion 13b formed in the first convex portion 13 of the first housing 11 when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are in a fitted state. On the upper surface of the concave groove portion 113, above the inner extension portion 167 between the second side wall portion 112 and the convex portion 114, an elongated opening 113a with an open upper end is formed, and the upper surface of the inner extension portion 167 is exposed.

[0073] And, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the elongated strip material constituting the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2 extends from the tip of the tail portion 162 (the outer end in the width direction of the second housing 111) to the surface of the second side wall portion 112 facing the outer side in the width direction of the second housing 111, then bends approximately 90 degrees, and then extends from the lower end to the upper end of the outer contact portion 165. After that, it bends approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, and then becomes the upper connection portion 164 and extends facing the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111. After that, it bends approximately 90 degrees, extends from the upper end to the lower end of the inner contact portion 166, and then bends approximately 90 degrees at the upper end. Subsequently, it is bent so as to extend as the inner extension portion 167 facing the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111. That is, the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2 are in a wound shape that is wound after advancing from the outer side to the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, and have a wound shape that is wound upward and advances. That is, the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2 are different from the second terminal 161A1 and the second terminal 161B1, and the second terminal 161A3 and the second terminal 161B3 in the winding direction of the wound shape.

[0074] In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the tip of the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2 is located outside the side surface (the outer surface of the second side wall portion 112) of the second housing 111, but it may be flush with the side surface and the tip may be soldered, or it may be bent inward.

[0075] Also, at the second protruding end portion 122 of the second housing 111, a recessed outer end recess 123a is formed in the end side surface 122b facing the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, and a recessed outer recess 123e is formed in the side surface 122c facing the outer side in the width direction of the second housing 111.

[0076] And, a second reinforcing fitting 151 as a reinforcing fitting to be loaded therein is attached to the second housing 111. In the present embodiment, the second reinforcing fitting 151 is a member integrally formed by performing processes such as punching and bending on a metal plate, and is located at both longitudinal ends of the second housing 111, and covers more than half of the upper surface and the end side surface 122b of the second protruding end portion 122. And a second side wall covering portion 153 that is connected to a side end of the second end wall covering portion 152 and covers more than half of the side surface 122c.

[0077] Further, the second reinforcing fitting 151 includes a large second reinforcing fitting 151L in which the second end wall covering portion 152 covers more than half of the range of the second protruding end portion 122, and a small second reinforcing fitting 151S in which the second end wall covering portion 152 covers less than half of the range of the second protruding end portion 122. Note that, for the second side wall covering portion 153, in the large second reinforcing fitting 151L and the small second reinforcing fitting 151S, its dimensions and configuration are the same, and for the second end wall covering portion 152 as well, except for the dimension in the width direction of the second housing 111, in the large second reinforcing fitting 151L and the small second reinforcing fitting 151S, its dimensions and configuration are substantially the same. Therefore, when the large second reinforcing fitting 151L and the small second reinforcing fitting 151S are integrally described, they will be described as the second reinforcing fitting 151.

[0078] Note that a pair of large second reinforcing fittings 151L and a pair of small second reinforcing fittings 151S are disposed at positions facing each other on the diagonal line of the second housing 111 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Also, each of the large second reinforcing fittings 151L is the same, and each of the small second reinforcing fittings 151S is the same. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for convenience, distinguishable symbols are assigned according to the disposed positions, and it should be noted that descriptions using these symbols can be made. As shown in FIG. 2, the large second reinforcing fitting 151L and the small second reinforcing fitting 151S are arranged so as to face the large first reinforcing fitting 51L and the small first reinforcing fitting 51S of the first connector 1, respectively, in a state where the fitting surface 111a of the second connector 101 faces the fitting surface 11a of the first connector 1.

[0079] The second end wall covering portion 152 includes an upper surface portion 152a that extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 and covers the upper surface of the second protruding end portion 122, an outer cover portion 152e that extends downward from the outer edge of the second protruding end portion 122 on the upper surface portion 152a, and a connecting foot portion 152g at the lower end of the outer cover portion 152e.

[0080] Also, the second side wall covering portion 153 includes an upper surface portion 153a that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 and covers the vicinity of the side edge of the upper surface of the second protruding end portion 122, an outer cover portion 153d that extends downward from the side edge of the second side wall covering portion 153 on the upper surface portion 153a, and a connecting foot portion 153f at the lower end of the outer cover portion 153d.

[0081] The second reinforcing fitting 151 is attached to the second housing 111 by inserting or press-fitting the outer cover portion 152e, the outer cover portion 153d, etc. from the fitting surface 111a side which is the upper surface (Z-axis negative direction surface) of the second housing 111 into the outer end recess 123a, the outer recess 123e, etc. of the second protruding end portion 122. Note that the second reinforcing fitting 151 does not necessarily have to be attached to the second housing 111 by insertion or press-fitting, and it may be integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding or insert molding. Here, for the sake of explanation, only the case where it is attached to the second housing 111 by insertion or press-fitting will be described.

[0082] And in a state where the second reinforcing fitting 151 is attached to the second housing 111, the upper surface portion 152a of the second end wall covering portion 152 covers more than half of the upper surface of the second protruding end portion 122, and at least a part of the outer cover portion 152e is housed in the outer end recess 123a, and the engaging protrusion bites into and engages with a part of the side surface of the outer end recess 123a. The lower surface of the connection leg portion 152g is located on the same plane as or below the mounting surface 111b, that is, the lower surface (Z-axis positive direction surface) of the bottom plate 118, and is substantially flush with the lower surface of the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161. Also, the upper surface portion 153a of the second side wall covering portion 153 covers the vicinity of the side end of the upper surface of the second protruding end portion 122. At least a part of the outer cover portion 153d is housed in the outer recess 123e, and the engaging protrusion bites into and engages with a part of the side surface of the outer recess 123e. The lower surface of the connection leg portion 153f is located on the same plane as or below the mounting surface 111b, and is substantially flush with the lower surface of the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161.

[0083] In this way, since more than half of the surface of the second protruding end portion 122 is covered by the second reinforcing fitting 151, the strength of the second protruding end portion 122 is increased, and even if force or impact is applied to the second protruding end portion 122 during the fitting operation between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, etc., breakage or deformation of the second protruding end portion 122 can be surely prevented.

[0084] Note that the upper surface portion 152a and the outer cover portion 152e of the second end wall covering portion 152 of the large second reinforcing fitting 151L extend toward the opposite second side wall portion 112, and the distal end thereof is at a position beyond the center in the width direction of the second housing 111 and reaches the same position as the distal end of the upper surface portion 52a of the first end wall covering portion 52 in the large first reinforcing fitting 51L of the first connector 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the second connector 101 is fitted to the first connector 1, the outer cover portion 152e of the large second reinforcing fitting 151L faces the vertical arm 56e of the shield plate 56 disposed at the center in the width direction of the first housing 11 and engages with and contacts the engaging convex portion 56f of the vertical arm 56e.

[0085] Then, the connection foot 152g of the second end wall covering portion 152 and the connection foot 153f of the second side wall covering portion 153 are connected to the connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the second substrate by soldering, similar to the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161. Thereby, the outer cover portion 153d of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 can also function as a terminal for transmitting current or an electrical signal, similar to the second terminal 161, and preferably, it is used as a ground terminal connected to the ground line. Therefore, without increasing the number of the second terminals 161, the number of poles of the second connector 101 can be increased, and the second connector 101 can be miniaturized.

[0086] Next, the operation of fitting the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 having the above configuration will be described.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a state where the first connector and the second connector are fitted in the present embodiment, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a state where the first connector and the second connector are fitted in the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a view in which the first housing and the second housing are omitted from the top view of the state where the first connector and the second connector are fitted in the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in (a), in FIG. 10, (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG. 9(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G in FIG. 9(a).

[0088] Here, the first connector 1 is surface-mounted on the first substrate by soldering the lower surface of the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of a first substrate (not shown), soldering the lower surfaces of the connection foot portions 52g of the first end wall covering portion 52 and the connection foot portions 53f of the first side wall covering portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 to connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the first substrate, and soldering the lower surface of the connection foot portion 56c of the shield plate 56 to a connection pad connected to the conductive trace of the first substrate. Similarly, the second connector 101 is surface-mounted on the second substrate by soldering the lower surface of the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of a second substrate (not shown), soldering the lower surfaces of the connection foot portions 152g of the second end wall covering portion 152 and the connection foot portions 153f of the second side wall covering portion 153 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 to connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the second substrate, and soldering the lower surfaces of the inner extension portions 167 of the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 among the second terminals 161 to connection pads connected to the conductive traces of the second substrate.

[0089] First, the operator places the mating surface 11a of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1 and the mating surface 111a of the second housing 111 of the second connector 101 to face each other. When the position of the second side wall portion 112 of the second connector 101 coincides with the position of the corresponding concave groove portion 12a of the first connector 1 and the position of the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 coincides with the position of the corresponding mating recess 22 of the first connector 1, the alignment of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed.

[0090] In this state, when the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 is moved in the direction approaching the mating side, that is, in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction), the second side wall portion 112 and the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 are inserted into the concave groove portion 12a and the fitting recess 22 of the first connector 1. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, when the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 are electrically connected, and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 are electrically connected.

[0091] Specifically, the second terminal 161 corresponding to between the inner contact portion 65a and the outer contact portion 66 of each first terminal 61 is inserted, the inner contact portion 65a of the first terminal 61 contacts the inner contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161, and the outer contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 contacts the outer contact portion 165 of the second terminal 161. As a result, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 corresponding to each other are in a state of so-called multiple contacts where they contact at two locations. Therefore, even if one contact point separates when receiving an impact or vibration, the conduction state can be maintained.

[0092] Also, the contact convex portion 53c of the inclined elastic arm portion 53b of each first reinforcing metal fitting 51 engages and contacts the outer cover portion 153d of the corresponding second reinforcing metal fitting 151. As a result, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 corresponding to each other can maintain the conduction state because the contact convex portion 53c that can be elastically displaced maintains contact with the outer cover portion 153d even when receiving an impact or vibration.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), at least a part of the shield plate 56 is accommodated in the shield plate accommodation slit 13a, and the engaging convex portion 56f of its vertical arm 56e engages and contacts the outer cover portion 152e of the large second reinforcing metal fitting 151L. As a result, the shield plate 56 and the large second reinforcing metal fitting 151L are electrically connected to be at the same potential, and also the large first reinforcing metal fitting 51L where the outer cover portion 153d of the large second reinforcing metal fitting 151L contacts the contact convex portion 53c of the inclined elastic arm portion 53b is at the same potential as the shield plate 56. Therefore, the shielding performance is improved.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 can be used as a connector assembly for connecting conductive traces that transmit various currents or electrical signals. Here, the first terminal 61, the second terminal 161, the inclined elastic arm portion 53b of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51, and the outer cover portion 153d of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 are each used as a normal signal terminal (S) connected to a normal signal line, a high-frequency signal terminal (RF) connected to a high-frequency signal line, and a ground terminal (G) connected to a ground line, as indicated by the symbols S, RF, and G in FIG. 11. Note that the shapes of the tips of the tail portions 62 of the first terminals 61 and the tail portions 162 of the second terminals 161 can be appropriately selected according to the high-frequency signal to be used.

[0095] In this case, on both sides of the first terminals 61A3 and 61B3, which are high-frequency signal terminals (RF), the first reinforcing metal fitting terminals 53A and 53B, which are ground terminals (G), and the first terminals 61A1 and 61B1 are located. On both sides of the second terminals 161A3 and 161B3, which are high-frequency signal terminals (RF), the second reinforcing metal fitting terminals 153A and 153B, which are ground terminals (G), and the second terminals 161A1 and 161B1 are located. Thus, a state is formed in which a pseudo-waveguide centered on the first terminal 61A3 and the second terminal 161A3 and a pseudo-waveguide centered on the first terminal 61B3 and the second terminal 161B3 are formed. Therefore, the high-frequency signal is transmitted without being affected by external noise and without affecting the outside with noise.

[0096] Also, in a plan view, the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) located on the right and left sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are arranged to be line-symmetrical with the center line in the width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 as the axis of symmetry, and face each other with a shield plate 56 extending along the center line interposed therebetween. As a result, the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) facing each other are less likely to interfere with each other and crosstalk is reduced because the shield plate 56 connected to the ground line is interposed therebetween.

[0097] Furthermore, each of the rows of the second terminals 161 disposed on the second side wall portion 112 of the second connector 101 includes two second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 that are disposed closer to the longitudinal center side of the second connector 101 than the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) and are used only as ground terminals. Each of the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 extends from the lower end of the inner contact portion 166 toward the inner side in the width direction of the second housing 111 and includes an inner extension portion 167 whose tip is close to the center line in the width direction of the second connector 101. The lower surface of the inner extension portion 167 is connected by soldering to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace as a ground line of the second substrate. As a result, the two high-frequency signal terminals (RF) in each of the rows of the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 on the right and left sides in the width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are less likely to interfere with each other and crosstalk is reduced because two inner extension portions 167 connected to the ground line and extending over a wide range in the width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are interposed therebetween.

[0098] Furthermore, in a row on one side in the width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, high-frequency signal terminals (RF) located near one end of the row, and high-frequency signal terminals (RF) located near the other end of the row on the other side, that is, in a plan view, the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) located near the diagonal of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, there are a shielding plate 56 and two inner extension parts 167 on a pseudo diagonal line as a straight line connecting them to each other. Thereby, the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) located near the diagonal of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are less likely to interfere with each other because the shielding plate 56 and the two inner extension parts 167 are interposed therebetween, and crosstalk is reduced.

[0099] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the shielding plate 56 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower surfaces of a plurality of connection foot parts 56c discretely existing over a wide range in the longitudinal direction thereof are connected by soldering to connection pads connected to a conductive trace as a ground line of the first substrate, and the engaging convex parts 56f of the vertical arms 56e at both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof are in contact with and electrically connected to an outer cover part 152e of a second reinforcing metal fitting 151 connected to a conductive trace as a ground line of the second substrate. Therefore, in all parts of the shielding plate 56, the conduction path length to the ground line is shortened. Thereby, since the shielding plate 56 can exhibit high shielding performance, the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) are less likely to interfere with each other, and crosstalk is reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2, which are used only as ground terminals, are elongated members that extend in the width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 while being bent, as shown in FIG. 10(a). However, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower surfaces of the inner extension portion 167 and the tail portion 162, which exist over a wide range in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101), are connected by soldering to connection pads connected to conductive traces as ground lines of the second substrate. And, in the range between the inner extension portion 167 and the tail portion 162, at two locations, the inner contact portion 166 and the outer contact portion 165, they are in contact with and electrically connected to the first terminal 61 connected to the conductive trace as the ground line of the first substrate. Therefore, in all parts of the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2, the length of the current conduction path to the ground line is shortened. Also, the length of the current conduction path from the locations where the inner contact portion 166 and the outer contact portion 165 are in contact with the first terminal 61 to the ground line is also shortened. As a result, the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 can exhibit high shielding performance, so the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) are less likely to interfere with each other and crosstalk is reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, since the inner extension portion 167 has larger dimensions in the width direction of the second connector 101 than the tail portion 162, the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2, which are used only as ground terminals, can increase the area connected by soldering to the connection pads connected to the conductive traces as the ground lines of the second substrate without changing the overall dimensions in the width direction of the second connector 101 (the distance between the outer ends of the tail portion 162), and can shorten the length of the current conduction path to the ground line in each part. As a result, the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 can improve the shielding performance without increasing the dimensions in the width direction of the second connector 101, so the high-frequency signal terminals (RF) are made less likely to interfere with each other and crosstalk can be further reduced.

[0102] Note that it is not necessarily limited to this example, and the type of conductive trace connected to each of the first terminal 61, the first reinforcing fitting 51, the second terminal 161, and the second reinforcing fitting 151 can be appropriately changed. Also, the number of the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 can be changed. For example, the second terminal 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2, which are used only as ground terminals included in each row of the second terminals 161 disposed on the second side wall portion 112 of the second connector 101, may be one, or may be three or more. Note that the larger the number of the second terminals 161A2 and the second terminal 161B2, the more effectively crosstalk can be reduced.

[0103] As described above, in the present embodiment, the second connector 101 includes a second housing 111 and a second terminal 161 attached to the second housing 111, and is fitted with the first connector 1. The second housing 111 includes a concave groove portion 113 and second side wall portions 112 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 and define both sides of the concave groove portion 113. A plurality of the second terminals 161 are disposed along each of the second side wall portions 112 to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows. The second terminals 161A1 and 161B1 and the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 that function as ground terminals included in each terminal group row are disposed at positions facing each other. The second terminals 161A2 and 161B2, which are one of the ground terminals included in each terminal group row, include an inner extension portion 167 located inward in the width direction of the second housing 111 and a tail portion 162 located outward in the width direction of the second housing 111, and the inner extension portion 167 located inward is longer than the tail portion 162 located outward.

[0104] As a result, the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2, which are ground terminals, extend over a wide range in the width direction of the second housing 111, and moreover, the tail portion 162 and the inner extension portion 167 longer than the tail portion 162 are connected by soldering to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace as a ground line of the second substrate. Therefore, without increasing the dimensional size in the width direction of the second connector 101, the shielding effect can be enhanced, crosstalk can be reliably reduced, and the reliability is improved.

[0105] Further, the second connector 101 further includes a second reinforcing metal fitting 151 attached to the second housing 111. The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is located outside both ends of each terminal group row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 and functions as a ground terminal. The second terminals 161A3 and 161B3 located at both ends of each terminal group row are high-frequency signal terminals. Further, the second terminal 161 has a wound shape that is wound after advancing from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the second housing 111 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111. The winding directions of the second terminals 161A2 and 161B2 are different from those of the other second terminals 161 included in each terminal group row. Further, the first connector 1 includes a first housing 11, first terminals 61 attached to the first housing 11, and a shield plate 56. The first housing 11 includes a pair of first side wall portions 14 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. A plurality of the first terminals 61 are arranged along each of the first side wall portions 14 to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows. The shield plate 56 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and is located between the terminal group rows. Further, in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together, the shield plate 56 is located between the inner extension portions 167 facing each other and located inward in the width direction of the second housing 111 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 111.

[0106] It should be noted that the disclosure of this specification describes the features of a preferred and exemplary embodiment. Various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will be naturally conceivable by those skilled in the art by reviewing the disclosure of this specification.

Industrial Applicability

[0107] The present disclosure can be applied to connectors.

Explanation of Signs

[0108] 1 First connector 11 First housing 11a, 111a Fitting surface 11b, 111b Mounting surface 12 First recess 12a, 113 Grooved recess 13 First protrusion 13a Shield plate housing slit 13b Recess 14 First side wall portion 15 First terminal housing cavity 15a First inner terminal housing cavity 15b First outer terminal housing cavity 18, 118 Bottom plate 21 First protruding end 21b First end wall portion 21c First side wall extension 22 Fitting recess 22a Horizontal arm housing slit 23a, 123a Outer end recess 23b Inner end recess 23c Vertical arm housing slit 23d Inner recess 23e, 123e Outer recess 51, 51LA, 51LB, 51SA, 51SB First reinforcing metal fitting 51L Large-sized first reinforcing metal fitting 51S Small-sized first reinforcing metal fitting 52 First end wall covering portion 52a, 53a, 152a, 153a Upper surface portion 52b Inclined inner cover portion 52c Vertical inner cover portion 52e, 53d, 152e, 153d Outer cover portion 52g, 53f, 56c, 152g, 153f Connection foot portion 53 First side wall covering part 53A, 53B First reinforcing fitting terminals 53b Inclined elastic arm part 53c Contact convex part 56 Shield plate 56a Body part 56b, 63 Held parts 56d Elongated horizontal arm 56e Vertical arm 56f Engaging convex part 61, 61A, 61A1, 61A2, 61A3, 61B, 61B1, 61B2, 61B3 First terminals 62, 162 Tail part 64 Lower connection part 65 Inner connection part 65a, 166 Inner contact parts 66, 165 Outer contact parts 67, 164 Upper connection part 101 Second connector 111 Second housing 112 Second side wall part 113a Opening 114 Convex part 122 Second protruding end part 122b End side surface 122c Side surface 151, 151LA, 151LB, 151SA, 151SB Second reinforcing fittings 151L Large second reinforcing fitting 151S Small second reinforcing fitting 152 Second end wall covering part 153 Second side wall covering part 153A, 153B Second reinforcing fitting terminals 161, 161A, 161A1, 161A2, 161A3, 161B, 161B1, 161B2, 161B3 Second terminals 167 Inner extension part 168 Upward protruding piece 810 Receptacle connector 811 Receptacle housing 851 Receptacle reinforcing fitting 852 Connecting plate 856 Ground connection fitting 861 Receptacle signal terminal 910 Plug connector 911 Plug housing 951 Plug reinforcement fitting 961 Plug signal terminal

Claims

1. (a) A connector having a connector body and terminals attached to the connector body, the connector being adapted to mate with a mating connector, (b) The connector body includes a concave groove portion and a pair of side wall portions that extend in the longitudinal direction of the connector body and are arranged in parallel to define both sides of the concave groove portion, (c) A plurality of the terminals are arranged along each side wall portion to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows. The ground terminals included in each terminal group row are arranged at positions facing each other. The terminals used only as the ground terminals in each terminal group row include an inner substrate connection portion located inward in the width direction of the connector body and an outer substrate connection portion located outward in the width direction of the connector body. The inner substrate connection portion is longer than the outer substrate connection portion. The terminals used only as the ground terminals are bent such that they extend from the tip of the outer substrate connection portion to the surface of the side wall portion facing outward in the width direction of the connector body, then bend approximately 90 degrees, then extend toward the upper end of the side wall portion, then bend approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, then extend inward in the width direction of the connector body, then bend approximately 90 degrees, then extend from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall portion, then bend approximately 90 degrees at the lower end, and then extend as the inner substrate connection portion inward in the width direction of the connector body. The other terminals included in each terminal group row include an outer substrate connection portion located outward in the width direction of the connector body. The outer substrate connection portion extends from the tip to the surface of the side wall portion facing inward in the width direction of the connector body, then bends approximately 90 degrees, then extends toward the upper end of the side wall portion, then bends approximately 90 degrees at the upper end, then extends outward in the width direction of the connector body, then bends approximately 90 degrees, and then extends from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall portion. (d) The connector further has a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the connector body, The reinforcing fitting is located outside both ends of each terminal group row with respect to the longitudinal direction of the connector body, functions as a ground terminal, and the other terminals adjacent to the reinforcing fitting side of the terminals used only as the ground terminals in each terminal group row are used as ground terminals. The terminals located between the other terminals used as the ground terminals and the reinforcing fitting are the other terminals and are used as high-frequency signal terminals. A connector characterized by this.

2. The terminal has a wound shape that is wound after advancing from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the connector body when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the connector body. The terminal used only as the ground terminal has a winding direction of the wound shape different from that of the other terminals. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The mating connector has a mating connector body, mating terminals attached to the mating connector body, and a mating shield member. The mating connector body includes a pair of mating side wall portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body. The mating terminals are arranged in plural along each mating side wall portion, forming a pair of parallel mating terminal group rows. The mating shield member extends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body and is located between the mating terminal group rows. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In a state where the mating connector and the connector are fitted, the mating shield member is located between the inner substrate connection portions located inside in the width direction of the connector bodies facing each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body and the connector body. The connector according to claim 3.

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