High-frequency electrical connectors

Abstract

To improve electrical characteristics of a connector at high frequencies corresponding to 5G radio communication.SOLUTION: An electrical connector includes, as an electrical connector to be fit into a mating connector, a mold portion, a first outer shield 10-1 arranged to surround four faces of the mold portion, and a first inner shield 10-2 that is arranged in the mold portion and is further inside from a first outer signal terminal in a length direction of the electrical connector or further inside from the first outer signal terminal while at least partially overlapping the first outer signal terminal in the length direction of the electrical connector. When the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, the first outer shield 10-1 of the electrical connector is electrically connected to a second outer shield 20-1, which is an outer shield of the mating connector, and a second inner shield 20-2, which is an inner shield of the mating connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector for high frequencies. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrical connector for high frequencies that enhances the performance of electromagnetic wave shielding and reduces the possibility of physical damage to terminals.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, when each substrate is interconnected, two connectors that are connected to each substrate by a method such as soldering are used, and the two connectors can be connected to each other. Here, one of the two connectors is a plug connector, and the other one is a socket connector. The socket connector is also called a receptacle connector. Such a plug connector and a socket connector can be formed by arranging terminals in a mold part. The plug connector and the socket connector can form an electrical connector assembly by being fastened to each other.

[0003] The joint part of the socket terminal is easily deformed by repeated connection and disconnection, or by the persistence of a continuously connected state, which has an adverse effect on the strength of the connection force or the durability of the connector.

[0004] In exchanging signals through a connector, the structure of the connector can change depending on the high or low frequency of the signal. In particular, when a conventional connector is directly used for 5G wireless communication, it may not operate properly.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the electrical characteristics of a connector at high frequencies corresponding to 5G wireless communication. In particular, as an EMI characteristic, the complete shielding of electromagnetic waves is an issue. Also, preventing physical damage to the terminals is an issue.

[0006] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary person from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, As an electrical connector that is mated with the other connector, Molded part; A first outer shield is positioned to surround the four sides of the molded portion. A first external signal terminal positioned in the molded portion; A first inner shield, which is disposed in the molded portion and is located further inward from the first outer signal terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector, or at least a portion of which is located further inward from the first outer signal terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector while overlapping with the first outer signal terminal; and A first inner signal terminal located in the molded portion and further inside the first inner shield in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector; Includes, When the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, the first outer shield of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the second outer shield, which is the outer shield of the mating connector, and the second inner shield, which is the inner shield of the mating connector.

[0008] Preferably, the first external signal terminal is an RF signal terminal.

[0009] Preferably, the first internal signal terminal transmits or receives signals or power.

[0010] Preferably, when the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, (i) the first outer shield of the electrical connector is fastened to the second outer shield, which is the outer shield of the mating connector; (ii) the first outer signal terminal of the electrical connector is fastened to the second outer signal terminal, which is the outer signal terminal of the mating connector; (iii) the first inner shield of the electrical connector is fastened to the second inner shield, which is the inner shield of the mating connector; and (iv) the first inner signal terminal of the electrical connector is fastened to the second inner signal terminal, which is the inner signal terminal of the mating connector.

[0011] Preferably, the first inner shield is positioned on both sides of the first inner terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector.

[0012] Preferably, the first outer shield has a mounting portion for the substrate below the height of the electrical connector, and a bent portion extending upward from the mounting portion in the height of the electrical connector, such that when the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, at least a portion of the bent portion contacts at least a portion of the second outer shield of the mating connector.

[0013] Preferably, the first inner shield has a first mounting portion to the substrate below the height of the electrical connector, a bent portion extending upward from the mounting portion to the height of the electrical connector, and a second mounting portion to the substrate extending again downward from the bent portion to the height of the electrical connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Each embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention has at least the following effects.

[0015] The outer shield 10-1 and inner shield 10-2 of the plug connector 10 and the outer shield 20-1 and inner shield 20-2 of the socket connector 20 work together to shield electromagnetic waves by surrounding the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 and the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the socket connector 20.

[0016] One of the main configurations for effectively shielding the RF signal terminals 10-3 and 20-3 is a structure in which the outer shield 10-1 of the plug electrically connects the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle and the inner shield 20-2 of the receptacle like a bridge. As a result, the combined structure of the outer shields 10-1 and 20-1 and the inner shields 10-2 and 20-2 generally surrounds the RF signal terminals 10-3 and 20-3 in the length and width directions of the connectors 10 and 20.

[0017] The combination of inner shield 10-2 and inner shield 20-2 can be considered to function as shielding electromagnetic waves from the combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3, while simultaneously protecting the combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3 from physical forces.

[0018] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1a] This figure shows a plug connector 10 according to the present invention. [Figure 1b] This figure shows the plug connector 10 according to the present invention, and is a diagram showing the bottom view of the plug connector 10 in Figure 1a. [Figure 2a] This figure shows the receptacle connector 20 according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] This figure shows the receptacle connector 20 according to the present invention, and is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figure 2a. [Figure 3]It is an enlarged view of the plug connector 10 in FIGS. 1a and 1b. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of the receptacle connector 20 in FIGS. 2a and 2b. [Figure 5] It is a view showing the AA cross section when the plug connector 10 in FIGS. 1a and 3 and the receptacle connector 20 in FIGS. 2a and 4 are fastened. [Figure 6] It is a view showing the BB cross section when the plug connector 10 in FIGS. 1a and 3 and the receptacle connector 20 in FIGS. 2a and 4 are fastened. [Figure 7] It is a view seen from above with the housing 10-5 virtually removed from the plug connector 10 in FIGS. 1a and 3. [Figure 8] It is a view seen from above with the housing 20-5 virtually removed from the receptacle connector 20 in FIGS. 2a and 4. [Figure 9] It is a view seen from below of the plug connector 10 in FIG. 7 turned upside down and connected to the receptacle connector 20 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a view showing the CC cross section in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a view showing the AA cross section in FIG. 4(a). [Figure 12] It is a view with the outer shield 10-1 removed from the plug connector 10 in FIGS. 1a and 3. [Figure 13] It is a view showing the state where the plug connector 10 is positioned downward (-Z direction) and the receptacle connector 20 is positioned upward (+Z direction) and they are fitted together. [Figure 14] It is a view showing the state where the plug connector 10 is positioned downward (-Z direction) and the receptacle connector 20 is positioned upward (+Z direction) and they are fitted together, and the viewing direction is slightly different from that of FIG. 13.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0021] Figure 1a shows a plug connector 10 according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1a shows the outer shield 10-1, inner shield 10-2, RF signal terminal 10-3, signal terminal 10-4, and housing 10-5 (molded part) of the plug connector 10.

[0023] RF signal terminal 10-3 is a terminal for exchanging high-frequency signals (for example, signals with a frequency of around 50 GHz). Signal terminal 10-4 is a terminal for exchanging signals with a relatively lower frequency than RF signal terminal 10-3. Signal terminal 10-4 may also be a terminal that handles the frequency range handled by existing connectors prior to the 5G-compatible connector. Its use in 5G wireless communication is an example, but not necessarily limited to that. If necessary, signal terminal 10-4 can also carry a current at the power terminal level. For example, signal terminal 10-4 may consist of six PINs that can handle a current of 0.3A, or it may be a terminal that can handle a current exceeding 0.3A, for example, up to 5A to function as a power terminal. However, the number of PINs being six is ​​just an example.

[0024] The outer shield 10-1 serves to shield the RF signal terminal 10-3, which transmits high-frequency signals. Similarly, the inner shield 10-2 also serves to shield the RF signal terminal 10-3, which transmits high-frequency signals.

[0025] The housing 10-5 has a base. The housing 10-5 has a wall portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the base portion, and the RF signal terminal 10-3, inner shield 10-2, signal terminal 10-4, etc. are formed on the wall portion.

[0026] The housing 10-5 (molded portion) of the plug connector 10 is preferably made of plastic, for example, LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). The housing 10-5 may also be formed of an insulator containing resin and epoxy, but is not limited to this. The RF signal terminals 10-3 and 10-4 of the plug connector 10 are preferably made of metal, but are not limited to this, for example, they may be made of copper, or a copper alloy with gold plating (nickel underlayer).

[0027] The outer shield 10-1 and inner shield 10-2 can be made of any electromagnetic wave shielding material, such as metals like aluminum, polymer composite materials, plastics coated or sprayed with metal, or carbon materials like graphene. They may also be made of the same or similar material as the RF signal terminals 10-3 and 10-4.

[0028] Specifically, the shielding structure involves the "outer shield 10-1 and inner shield 10-2 of the plug connector 10" and the "outer shield 20-1 and inner shield 20-2 of the socket connector 20" working together to surround the "RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10" and the "RF signal terminal 20-3 of the socket connector 20," thereby providing shielding.

[0029] Figure 1b shows a plug connector 10 according to the present invention, and is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the plug connector 10 shown in Figure 1a.

[0030] When viewed from the bottom, the largest visible area is the outer shield 10-1. The signal terminal 10-4 is located in the middle of the plug connector 10.

[0031] The inner shield 10-2 is located outside of signal terminal 10-4 (outside in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plug connector 10). RF signal terminal 10-3 is located between the outer shield 10-1 and the inner shield 10-2 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plug connector 10.

[0032] Figure 2a shows a receptacle connector 20 according to the present invention.

[0033] The receptacle connector 20 is also called a socket connector 20.

[0034] Figure 2a shows the outer shield 20-1, inner shield 20-2, RF signal terminal 20-3, signal terminal 20-4, and housing 20-5 (molded portion) of the socket connector 20.

[0035] RF signal terminal 20-3 is a terminal for exchanging high-frequency signals. Signal terminal 20-4 is a terminal for exchanging signals with a relatively lower frequency than RF signal terminal 20-3. If necessary, a current at the power terminal level can also be supplied to signal terminal 20-4.

[0036] The outer shield 20-1 serves to shield the RF signal terminal 20-3, which transmits high-frequency signals. Similarly, the inner shield 20-2 also serves to shield the RF signal terminal 20-3, which transmits high-frequency signals.

[0037] The housing 20-5 (molded portion) of the receptacle connector 20 is preferably made of plastic, for example, LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). The RF signal terminals 20-3 and 20-4 of the receptacle connector 20 are preferably made of metal, for example, a copper alloy with gold plating (nickel underlayer). The outer shield 20-1 and inner shield 20-2 can be made of any electromagnetic wave shielding material, for example, a metal such as aluminum, a polymer composite material, a plastic coated or sprayed with metal, or a carbon material such as graphene, and may be made of the same or similar material as the RF signal terminals 20-3 and 20-4.

[0038] Specifically, the shielding structure involves the "outer shield 10-1 and inner shield 10-2 of the plug connector 10" and the "outer shield 20-1 and inner shield 20-2 of the socket connector 20" working together to surround the "RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10" and the "RF signal terminal 20-3 of the socket connector 20" to provide shielding.

[0039] Figure 2b shows the receptacle connector 20 according to the present invention, and is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figure 2a.

[0040] When viewed from the bottom, the largest visible area is the outer shield 20-1. The signal terminal 20-4 is located in the middle of the receptacle connector 20.

[0041] The inner shield 20-2 is positioned outside of signal terminal 20-4 (outside in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the receptacle connector 20). RF signal terminal 20-3 is located between the outer shield 20-1 and the inner shield 20-2 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the receptacle connector 20.

[0042] Figure 3 is a further enlarged view of the plug connector 10 shown in Figures 1a and 1b.

[0043] Figure 3(a) shows the plug connector 10 shown in Figure 1a from a different angle. Although not limited to this, the housing 10-5 is preferably a single piece of plastic rather than a plastic assembly, and the outer shield 10-1 is preferably a single piece of metal rather than a metal assembly.

[0044] Figure 3(b) shows the configuration in Figure 3(a) with the outer shield 10-1 and housing 10-5 removed. It can be seen that along the length direction (X direction) of the plug connector 10, the RF signal terminal 10-3 is located on the outermost side, the inner shield 10-2 is located further inward, and the signal terminal 10-4 is located even further inward.

[0045] Figure 4 is a further enlarged view of the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0046] Figure 4(a) shows the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figure 2a from a different angle. Although not limited thereto, the housing 20-5 is preferably a single piece of plastic rather than a plastic assembly, and the outer shield 20-1 is preferably a single piece of metal rather than a metal assembly.

[0047] Figure 4(b) shows the configuration of Figure 4(a) with the outer shield 20-1 and housing 20-5 removed. It can be seen that along the length direction (X direction) of the receptacle connector 20, the RF signal terminal 20-3 is located on the outermost side, the inner shield 20-2 is located inside of it, and the signal terminal 20-4 is located further inside. Although it is stated that the inner shield 20-2 is located inside (in the X direction) of the RF signal terminal 20-3, as can be seen in the drawing, it may overlap in a portion of the X direction.

[0048] Figure 5 shows the AA cross-section when the plug connector 10 shown in Figures 1a and 3 is fastened to the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figures 2a and 4.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a cross-section obtained by inverting the plug connector 10 from Figures 1a and 3 and fastening it to the receptacle connector 20 from Figures 2a and 4, and cutting it along the AA line.

[0050] Figure 5 shows that the outer shield 10-1 of the plug connector 10 and the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle connector 20 are coupled, and that the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 and the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 are coupled.

[0051] When viewed from the cross-section shown in Figure 5 (i.e., the YZ plane), the combined structure of outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1 surrounds the combined structure of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3 in the Y direction (the width direction of connectors 10 and 20).

[0052] For reference, when outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1 are coupled, elastic deformation occurs, but in Figure 5, this elastic deformation is somewhat ignored, and the coupling is shown conceptually only. Similarly, when RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3 are coupled, elastic deformation occurs, but in Figure 5, this elastic deformation is somewhat ignored, and the coupling is shown conceptually only. As a result, in some parts, areas that should undergo elastic deformation are simply shown as superimposed.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the BB when the plug connector 10 shown in Figures 1a and 3 is fastened to the receptacle connector 20 shown in Figures 2a and 4.

[0054] Figure 6 shows a cross-section obtained by inverting the plug connector 10 from Figures 1a and 3 and fastening it to the receptacle connector 20 from Figures 2a and 4, and cutting it along the BB line.

[0055] Figure 6 shows that the outer shield 10-1 of the plug connector 10 and the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle connector 20 are coupled, and that the signal terminal 10-4 of the plug connector 10 and the signal terminal 20-4 of the receptacle connector 20 are coupled.

[0056] When viewed from the cross-section shown in Figure 6 (i.e., the YZ plane), the combined structure of outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1 surrounds the combined structure of signal terminal 10-4 and signal terminal 20-4 in the Y direction (the width direction of connectors 10 and 20).

[0057] For reference, when outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1 are coupled, elastic deformation occurs. However, in Figure 6, this elastic deformation is somewhat ignored, and the coupling is shown conceptually only. Similarly, when signal terminal 10-4 and signal terminal 20-4 are coupled, elastic deformation occurs. However, in Figure 6, this elastic deformation is somewhat ignored, and the coupling is shown conceptually only. As a result, in some parts, areas that should undergo elastic deformation are simply shown as superimposed.

[0058] Figure 7 is a view from above, with the housing 10-5 virtually removed from the plug connector 10 in Figures 1a and 3.

[0059] Without housing 10-5, it would be impossible for the inner shield 10-2, RF signal terminal 10-3, and signal terminal 10-4 to be in their original positions. However, Figure 7 shows the diagram assuming that housing 10-5 has been virtually removed and the remaining components are in their original positions. This makes it easier to verify the connections between components (especially the connections with the mating connector, receptacle connector 20).

[0060] Figure 8 is a top view of the receptacle connector 20 from Figures 2a and 4, with the housing 20-5 virtually removed.

[0061] Without housing 20-5, it would be impossible for the inner shield 20-2, RF signal terminal 20-3, and signal terminal 20-4 to be in their original positions. However, Figure 8 shows the diagram assuming that housing 20-5 has been virtually removed and the remaining components are in their original positions. This makes it easier to verify the connections between components (especially the connections with the mating connector, plug connector 10).

[0062] Figure 9 is a view from below of the plug connector 10 from Figure 7, inverted vertically and connected to the receptacle connector 20 from Figure 8.

[0063] Figure 9, like Figures 7 and 8, shows the plug connector 10 and receptacle connector 20 connected with the housings 10-5 and 20-5 virtually removed. In Figure 9, the plug connector 10 is located in the +Z direction, and the receptacle connector 20 is located in the -Z direction.

[0064] In Figure 9, it can be seen that the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 and the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 are coupled (fastened) to each other. Furthermore, the inner shield 10-2 and the inner shield 20-2 are coupled to each other, and the outer shield 10-1 and the outer shield 20-1 are coupled to each other.

[0065] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of connectors 10 and 20, it can be seen that the "combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3" is located between the "combination of outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1" and the "combination of inner shield 10-2 and inner shield 20-2".

[0066] Furthermore, in the width direction (Y direction) of connectors 10 and 20, it can be seen that the "combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3" is located between the "combination of outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1". And, in the width direction (Y direction) of connectors 10 and 20, it can be seen that at least a portion of the "combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3" is located between the "combination of inner shield 10-2 and inner shield 20-2".

[0067] With this structure, the "combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3" can be electrically shielded (electromagnetic wave shielded) by the "combination of outer shield 10-1 and outer shield 20-1" and the "combination of inner shield 10-2 and inner shield 20-2".

[0068] Figure 10 shows the CC cross-section shown in Figure 9.

[0069] In the CC cross-section of Figure 10, it is shown that, upon mating and fastening, the outer shield 10-1 of the plug connector 10 (the outer shield of the plug) comes into contact with the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle connector 20 (the outer shield of the receptacle) and the inner shield 20-2 of the receptacle connector 20 (the inner shield of the receptacle). Therefore, these shields 20-1, 10-1, and 20-2 are electrically connected. Furthermore, the inner shield 20-2 of the receptacle is also in contact with the inner shield 10-2 of the plug. However, as shown in Figures 10 and 7, the inner ends 10-2IE of the inner shield 10-2 of the plug are not in contact with each other.

[0070] In short, one of the main configurations for effectively shielding the RF signal terminals 10-3 and 20-3 is a structure in which the outer shield 10-1 of the plug electrically connects the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle and the inner shield 20-2 of the receptacle in a bridge-like manner.

[0071] In general, the combined structure of the outer shields 10-1, 20-1 and the inner shields 10-2, 20-2 surrounds the RF signal terminals 10-3, 20-3 in both the length and width directions of the connectors 10, 20.

[0072] In the example shown in the drawing, the outer shield 10-1 of the plug electrically connects the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle and the inner shield 20-2 of the receptacle. However, this is just one example, and generally, it is sufficient for the outer shield of the electrical connector to electrically connect the outer shield and inner shield of the mating connector. If the electrical connector is a plug connector 10, the mating connector will be a receptacle connector 20, and conversely, if the electrical connector is a receptacle connector 20, the mating connector can be a plug connector 10.

[0073] Furthermore, in the example shown in the drawing, the outer shield 10-1 of the plug is a single piece, and the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle is also a single piece. However, it is sufficient for the outer shield 10-1 or 20-1 to be arranged to cover all four sides of the connector 10 or 20, and it may be a single piece as shown in the drawing, or it may be multiple pieces (for example, two pieces).

[0074] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the plug connector 10, the inner shield 10-2 is located between RF signal terminal 10-3 and signal terminal 10-4. Of course, if necessary, there may be some overlapping sections in the longitudinal direction. In fact, overlapping may further enclose the RF signal terminals 10-3 and 20-3, potentially increasing the electromagnetic wave shielding effect.

[0075] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the receptacle connector 20, the inner shield 20-2 is located between the RF signal terminal 20-3 and the signal terminal 20-4. Of course, as illustrated, there may be some overlapping sections in the longitudinal direction; for example, the RF signal terminal 20-3 and the inner shield 20-2 may overlap in a portion of the longitudinal direction (X direction).

[0076] In other words, the inner shields 10-2 and 20-2 can be said to be positioned on both sides of the signal terminals 10-4 and 20-4 in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

[0077] On the other hand, Figure 10 shows the mounting sections 10-1M, 10-2MI, 10-2MO, 20-1M, 20-2MO, and 20-2MI. These mounting sections are where the respective components 10-1 and 10-2 of the plug connector 10 are mounted (for example, by soldering) to the substrate, and where the respective components 20-1 and 20-2 of the receptacle connector 20 are mounted to the substrate (another substrate).

[0078] Specifically, the outer shield 10-1 (for example, the first outer shield) has a mounting portion 10-1M on the substrate located below the plug connector 10 (for example, an electrical connector) in the height direction (in the -Z direction in Figures 3 and 7, and in the +Z direction in Figure 10 where the plug connector 10 is inverted and connected), and has a bent portion extending from the mounting portion 10-1M above the plug connector 10 (for example, an electrical connector) in the height direction (in the +Z direction in Figures 3 and 7, and in the -Z direction in Figure 10 where the plug connector 10 is inverted and connected), and when the plug connector 10 (e.g., an electrical connector) and the receptacle connector 20 (e.g., a mating connector) are fitted together, at least a part of the bent portion contacts at least a part of the outer shield 20-1 of the receptacle connector 20 (e.g., a mating connector).

[0079] As mentioned above, if we consider a plug connector as an electrical connector, then a receptacle connector becomes the mating connector. Of course, this is not the only way; if we consider a receptacle connector as an electrical connector, then a plug connector becomes the mating connector.

[0080] Furthermore, the inner shield 10-2 (e.g., the first inner shield) of the plug connector 10 has a mounting portion 10-2MO (e.g., the first mounting portion) on the substrate located below the plug connector 10 (e.g., the electrical connector) in the height direction (-Z direction in Figures 3 and 7, and +Z direction in Figure 10 where the plug connector 10 is inverted and coupled), a bent portion extending from the mounting portion 10-2MO upward in the height direction of the plug connector (e.g., the electrical connector) (+Z direction in Figures 3 and 7, and -Z direction in Figure 10 where the plug connector 10 is inverted and coupled), and a mounting portion 10-2MI (e.g., the second mounting portion) extending from the bent portion downward again in the height direction of the plug connector 10 (e.g., the electrical connector) (-Z direction in Figures 3 and 7, and +Z direction in Figure 10 where the plug connector 10 is inverted and coupled).

[0081] Similarly, as mentioned above, if we consider the plug connector as an electrical connector, then the receptacle connector becomes the mating connector. Of course, this is not the only way; if we consider the receptacle connector as an electrical connector, then the plug connector becomes the mating connector.

[0082] Figure 11 shows the AA section of Figure 4(a).

[0083] In the receptacle connector 20, the height of the uppermost edge of the inner shield 20-2 is higher than the height of the uppermost edge of the RF signal terminal 20-3. In Figure 11, the height direction refers to the Z direction, with the upper part of the height direction being the +Z direction and the lower part of the height direction being the -Z direction.

[0084] With this structure, when the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 are connected, even if force (pressure) is applied, the inner shield 20-2 receives most of the force, and the pressurizing force is not transmitted to the RF signal terminal 20-3, thus preventing damage to the RF signal terminal 20-3.

[0085] In other words, the inner shield 20-2 functions to shield electromagnetic waves from the RF signal terminal 20-3, while simultaneously protecting the RF signal terminal 20-3 from physical forces.

[0086] Although Figure 11 was explained only for the receptacle connector 20, Figure 3 shows that, similarly for the plug connector, the height of the uppermost part of the inner shield 10-2 is higher than the height of the uppermost part of the RF signal terminal 10-3. In Figure 4, the height direction refers to the Z direction, with the upper part of the height direction being the +Z direction and the lower part of the height direction being the -Z direction.

[0087] With this structure, when the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 are connected, even if force (pressure) is applied, the inner shield 10-2 receives most of the force, and the pressurizing force is not transmitted to the RF signal terminal 10-3, thus preventing damage to the RF signal terminal 10-3.

[0088] In other words, the inner shield 10-2 functions to shield electromagnetic waves from the RF signal terminal 10-3, while simultaneously protecting the RF signal terminal 10-3 from physical forces.

[0089] More precisely, the combination of inner shield 10-2 and inner shield 20-2 can be considered to function as shielding electromagnetic waves from the combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3, while simultaneously protecting the combination of RF signal terminal 10-3 and RF signal terminal 20-3 from physical forces.

[0090] Figure 12 shows the plug connector 10 from Figures 1a and 3 with the outer shield 10-1 removed.

[0091] Three holes 10-H1, 10-H2, and 10-H3 are shown, which are structures for impedance matching, and will be explained in detail in Figures 13 and 14.

[0092] Figure 13 shows the plug connector 10 positioned downwards (-Z direction) and the receptacle connector 20 positioned upwards (+Z direction) when the two are fitted together.

[0093] Figure 14 also shows the plug connector 10 positioned downwards (-Z direction) and the receptacle connector 20 positioned upwards (+Z direction) when the two are fitted together, and the viewing direction is slightly different from that of Figure 13.

[0094] First, the first hole 10-H1 is a hole formed in the housing 10-5 between two contact points created by the contact between the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 and the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20, in the width direction (Y direction) of the plug connector 10. This hole 10-H1 is for impedance matching.

[0095] Furthermore, the second hole 10-H2 and the third hole 10-H3 are holes formed in the lower part of the housing 10-5 of the two contact points created when the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 and the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 come into contact in the mating direction (height direction, Z direction) of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20. These holes 10-H2 and 10-H3 are also for impedance matching.

[0096] For example, when exchanging signals of approximately 50 GHz via RF signal terminals 10-3 and 20-3, if these holes 10-H1, 10-H2, and 10-H3 are absent, reflection losses may occur during the circuit connection between the signal source and the load. By appropriately selecting the location of such holes, reflection losses can be reduced, thereby improving the sensitivity of components during operation (e.g., improving the signal-to-noise ratio, linearizing the frequency response, etc.).

[0097] The positions of the second hole 10-H2 and the third hole 10-H3 shown in Figure 14 are preferred examples and are not necessarily limited thereto. Since the purpose is to reduce reflection loss, their positions can be appropriately changed to match the impedance according to the conditions of each element. For example, in Figure 14, only the second hole 10-H2 may be present and the third hole 10-H3 may not be present. Or, in Figure 14, only the third hole 10-H3 may be present and the second hole 10-H2 may not be present. Furthermore, while Figures 13 and 14 show only one side of the connector in the longitudinal direction, as can be seen from Figure 1a, etc., there may be an RF signal terminal 10-3 on one side of the plug connector 10 in the longitudinal direction (for example, the -X direction, the left side in Figure 1a), and another RF signal terminal 10-3 on the other side of the plug connector 10 in the longitudinal direction (for example, the +X direction, the right side in Figure 1a). However, the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the left RF signal terminal 10-3 may have only one hole (one of the second and third holes), while the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the right RF signal terminal 10-3 may have two holes. Conversely, the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the right RF signal terminal 10-3 may have only one hole (one of the second and third holes), while the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the left RF signal terminal 10-3 may have two holes. The housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the left RF signal terminal 10-3 may have only one hole (one of the second and third holes), and the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the right RF signal terminal 10-3 may have only one hole (one of the second and third holes). In this case, the holes may be arranged point-symmetrically opposite each other with respect to the center of the plug connector 10, or they may be arranged line-symmetrically opposite each other with respect to the center line in the length or width direction. Such arrangements may be any combination that matches the impedance.However, according to a typical example shown in Figures 13 and 14, the second hole 10-H2 and the third hole 10-H3 are also present in the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the RF signal terminal 10-3 on the left side (in Figure 1a), and the second hole 10-H2 and the third hole 10-H3 are also present in the housing 10-5 on the bottom surface near the RF signal terminal 10-3 on the right side.

[0098] Furthermore, referring to the coupled state in Figures 13 and 14, or the standalone state of the receptacle connector 20 in Figure 4, the inner shield 20-2 covers at least a portion of the RF signal terminal 20-3 on both sides in the width direction (Y direction) of the receptacle connector 20. This not only serves to shield electromagnetic waves from the RF signal terminals 20-3 and 10-3, but also prevents physical damage to the RF signal terminals 20-3 and 10-3.

[0099] Generally, this can be described as the first inner shield 10-2 or 20-2 covering at least a portion of the outside of the first outer signal terminal 10-3 or 20-3 in the width direction of the electrical connector 10 or 20. Of course, in Figure 4 of the embodiment, the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 is surrounded by the inner shield 20-2 in the width direction, while in Figure 3, the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 is not surrounded by the inner shield 10-2 in the width direction, but this is just one example.

[0100] In other words, contrary to Figures 3 and 4, it is also possible that the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 is not surrounded by the inner shield 20-2 in the width direction, while the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 is surrounded by the inner shield 10-2 in the width direction. Alternatively, it is also possible that the RF signal terminal 20-3 of the receptacle connector 20 is surrounded by the inner shield 20-2 in the width direction, and the RF signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 is also surrounded by the inner shield 10-2 in the width direction.

[0101] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be manufactured in a variety of different forms. Anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that it can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not limiting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10 Plug Connectors 10-1 Outer shield 10-2 Inner Shield 10-3 RF signal terminal 10-4 Signal terminal 10-5 Housing (molded part) 20 Receptacle Connectors (Socket Connectors) 20-1 Outer shield 20-2 Inner Shield 20-3 RF signal terminal 20-4 Signal terminal 20-5 Housing (molded part)

Claims

1. As an electrical connector that is mated with the other connector, Molded part; A first outer shield arranged to surround the four sides of the molded portion; A first external signal terminal positioned in the molded portion; A first inner shield, disposed in the molded portion, which is located further inward from the first outer signal terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector, or which is located further inward from the first outer signal terminal while overlapping with the first outer signal terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector; and A first inner signal terminal located in the molded portion and further inside the first inner shield in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector; Includes, The first inner shield is positioned on both sides of the first outer signal terminal in the width direction of the electrical connector, When the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, the first outer shield of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the second outer shield, which is the outer shield of the mating connector, and the second inner shield, which is the inner shield of the mating connector. An electrical connector characterized in that, when the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, the first inner shield of the electrical connector contacts the second outer shield of the mating connector in the width direction of the electrical connector.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first inner shield of the electrical connector contacts the second outer shield of the mating connector in the width direction of the electrical connector, which includes the first inner shield contacting the second outer shield located outside the first inner shield in the width direction.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first external signal terminal is an RF signal terminal.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first internal signal terminal transmits and receives signals or power.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that when the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, (i) the first outer shield of the electrical connector is fastened to the second outer shield, which is the outer shield of the mating connector; (ii) the first outer signal terminal of the electrical connector is fastened to the second outer signal terminal, which is the outer signal terminal of the mating connector; (iii) the first inner shield of the electrical connector is fastened to the second inner shield, which is the inner shield of the mating connector; and (iv) the first inner signal terminal of the electrical connector is fastened to the second inner signal terminal, which is the inner signal terminal of the mating connector.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first inner shield is arranged on both sides of the first inner signal terminal in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector.

7. The first outer shield has a mounting portion for the substrate below the height of the electrical connector, and a bent portion that extends upward from the mounting portion in the height direction of the electrical connector. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that when the electrical connector and the mating connector are fitted together, at least a portion of the bent portion contacts at least a portion of the second outer shield of the mating connector.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first inner shield has a first mounting portion to the substrate below the height of the electrical connector, a bent portion extending upward from the first mounting portion to the height of the electrical connector, and a second mounting portion to the substrate extending again downward from the bent portion to the height of the electrical connector.

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