Connector and connector pair

Abstract

It exhibits high strength with a small and thin profile, achieves a high shielding effect, and increases reliability. As a first connector that matches a second connector, the first connector comprises: a first connector body; a first terminal attached to the first connector body; a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body; and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; and further comprises a first inner shield attached to the first connector body and extending in the width direction of the first connector between the first terminal and the first high-frequency terminal; wherein the substrate connection portion of the first terminal is visible on the matching surface side of the first connector, and the substrate connection portion of the first inner shield is not visible on the matching surface side.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-132508 filed on August 4, 2020 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-082928 filed on May 17, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a pair of connectors. Background Technology

[0005] Connectors such as board-to-board connectors have been used to electrically connect pairs of parallel circuit boards to each other. Such connectors are attached to each of the opposing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards and fitted together to ensure electrical conductivity. In addition, a technique has been proposed to provide a shielding member to reduce the influence of external noise and radio waves and to suppress the emission of noise and radio waves to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional connector.

[0007] In the drawing, 811 represents a housing of a receptacle connector that serves as a connector mounted on the surface of a first circuit board (not shown) and has a matching recess (812) into which a plug connector mounted on the surface of a second circuit board (not shown) is inserted and matched. In the plan view, the four sides of the matching recess (812), which has a rectangular shape, are bounded by side walls (814). Additionally, a pair of protrusions (813) are formed in the matching recess (812) protruding from its base plate (818). Note that an opening (818a) is formed in the base plate (818) between the protrusions (813).

[0008] Additionally, a plurality of terminals (861) are each attached to each of the protrusions (813) that are aligned longitudinally with the protrusions (813). Each terminal (861) has a contact portion (865) protruding from the inner wall surface of the side wall portion (814) and a tail portion (862) protruding from the protrusion (813) into the opening (818a). The tail portion (862) is soldered to a connection pad formed on the surface of the first circuit board. Additionally, when the receptacle connector is matched with the plug connector, the contact portion (865) contacts the terminal of the plug connector to conduct electricity.

[0009] Additionally, a conductive shell (851) is attached to the housing (811) so as to completely cover the outer wall surface of the sidewall portion (814). The conductive shell (851) has a plurality of substrate connection portions (851a), and the substrate connection portions (851a) are soldered to connection pads formed on the surface of the first circuit board. Thus, the outer surface of the housing (811) is covered by the conductive shell (851). Thus, electromagnetic shielding by the conductive shell (851) is achieved for the receptacle connector and for the plug connector inserted into the matching recess (812) and matched therewith.

[0010] Prior Art Literature : Patent Literature : Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application 2016-177884 The problem to be solved

[0011] However, this type of conventional connector cannot accommodate the reduction in size and increase in signal speed of recent electronic devices. In electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, music players, game consoles, and navigation devices, small and thin housings and associated small and thin components are required, as well as high-speed signals capable of handling increased communication data volumes and higher communication and data processing speeds. However, the aforementioned conventional connector cannot adequately respond to the demand for small and thin connectors because the dimensions of each part of the housing (811) are large, and the strength becomes insufficient when the dimensions of each part are reduced. Furthermore, while the speeds of various types of signals are increasing and it is sometimes necessary to transmit high-frequency signals, the aforementioned conventional connector cannot transmit high-frequency signals because its electromagnetic shielding function is not sufficiently high.

[0012] In this specification, to solve the problems of conventional connectors, the object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable connector and connector pair that have a small and thin profile while exhibiting high strength and achieving a high shielding effect. means of solving the problem

[0013] Accordingly, the first connector is a first connector that mates with the second connector, and the first connector comprises: a first connector body; a first terminal attached to the first connector body; a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body; and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; and further comprises a first inner shield attached to the first connector body and extending in the width direction of the first connector between the first terminal and the first high-frequency terminal; and the substrate connection portion of the first terminal is visible on the mates surface side of the first connector, and the substrate connection portion of the first inner shield is not visible on the mates surface side.

[0014] In another first connector, the first shield comprises: an outer wall; an inner wall located on the inner side of the outer wall and essentially parallel to the outer wall; a connection portion connecting the top of the outer wall and the top of the inner wall; an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the bottom of the outer wall; and a receiving portion surrounded by the inner wall and including a second connector, wherein the inner wall comprises a straight portion and a curved portion, and the straight portion is deformable in a direction approaching or separating from the outer wall.

[0015] In addition, in the other first connector, the outer wall and flange portion are connected around the entire circumference of the first connector body.

[0016] In addition, in the other first connector, the straight and curved portions of the inner wall are separated by a slit portion, and the first connector body is connected to the straight portion.

[0017] Additionally, in the other first connector, the upper surface of the substrate connection portion of the first inner shield is covered by the first connector body, and the lower surface of the substrate connection portion of the first inner shield is exposed.

[0018] In addition, in the other first connector, the first inner shield has the same shape as the first terminal.

[0019] The second connector is a second connector that matches the first connector, and the second connector comprises: a second connector body; a second terminal attached to the second connector body; a second high-frequency terminal attached to the second connector body; and a second shield surrounding the entire periphery of the second connector body; additionally comprises a second inner shield attached to the second connector body and extending in the width direction of the second connector between the second terminal and the second high-frequency terminal; and the substrate connection portion of the second inner shield is positioned at a location that overlaps with the substrate connection portion of the second terminal when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second connector.

[0020] In another second connector, the second shield comprises: an outer wall; an upper wall; and an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the lower end of the outer wall, and the second connector body comprises protruding ends disposed at both longitudinal ends of the second connector, and the upper wall covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the protruding ends.

[0021] Additionally, in the other second connector, the outer wall and flange portion are connected around the entire circumference of the second connector body.

[0022] Additionally, in the other second connector, the second inner shield is connected to the upper wall, the second high-frequency terminal is attached to the protruding end, and the entire periphery of the second high-frequency terminal is surrounded by the outer wall and the second inner shield.

[0023] In addition, in the other second connector, the second inner shield has the same shape as the second terminal.

[0024] As a connector pair, the connector pair comprises: a first connector - the first connector comprises: a first connector body; a first terminal attached to the first connector body; a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body; and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; and a second connector mating with the first connector - the second connector comprises: a second connector body; a second terminal attached to the second connector body; and a second high-frequency terminal attached to the second connector body; and a second shield surrounding the entire periphery of the second connector body - comprising, wherein the first connector further comprises a first inner shield attached to the first connector body and extending in the width direction of the first connector between the first terminal and the first high-frequency terminal, and the second connector further comprises a second inner shield attached to the second connector body and extending in the width direction of the second connector between the second terminal and the second high-frequency terminal, and when the first connector and the second connector are mated, the first shield and the second shield come into contact and are electrically conductive, and the first inner shield and the second inner shield come into contact and are electrically conductive. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, the connector and connector pair can have a small and thin profile while exhibiting high strength, achieving a high shielding effect, and having improved reliability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector according to Example 1 before alignment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating a first connector according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a top surface view illustrating a first connector according to Example 1. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the portion visible along arrow AA of the first connector according to Example 1, (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along arrow AA of FIG. 3, (b) is a perspective view showing the cross-section of the portion visible along arrow AA of FIG. 3, and (c) is a perspective view showing the periphery of the portion visible along arrow AA of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a lower surface view illustrating a first connector according to Example 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second shield according to Example 1. FIG. 9 is a top surface view illustrating a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the portion visible along the arrow BB of the second connector according to Example 1, (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along the arrow BB of FIG. 9, and (b) is a perspective view showing the cross-sectional view of the portion visible along the arrow BB of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a lower surface view illustrating a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in a mated state according to Example 1. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector in a mated state according to Example 1, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow CC in FIG. 12, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow DD in FIG. 12, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow EE in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector before alignment according to Example 2. FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating a first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 16 is a two-dimensional view of a first connector according to Example 2, (a) is a top surface view, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along the arrows FF of (a). FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the portion visible along the arrow FF of the first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 18 is a lower surface view illustrating a first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a solder sheet provided on each substrate connection portion of the first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 21 is an exploded view illustrating a second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second shield according to Example 2. FIG. 23 is a two-dimensional view of a second connector according to Example 2, (a) is a top surface view, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along the arrows in (a). FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the portion visible along arrow GG of the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 25 is a lower surface view illustrating a second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating solder sheets provided on each substrate connection portion of the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 27 is a four-dimensional view of the first connector and the second connector in a state of being aligned according to Example 2, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow HH of (a), (c) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow II of (a), and (d) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow JJ of (a). FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional connector. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Example 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector before mating according to Example 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first connector according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is an upper surface view of the first connector according to Example 1. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the portion visible along arrow AA of the first connector according to Example 1; FIG. 5 is a lower surface view of the first connector according to Example 1. Note that in FIG. 4, (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along arrow AA in FIG. 3, (b) is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional view of the portion visible along arrow AA in FIG. 3, and (c) is a perspective view showing the periphery of the portion visible along arrow AA in FIG. 3.

[0029] In the drawings, 1 represents a first connector as one of a pair of substrate-to-substrate connectors, which are the connectors of the present embodiment. The first connector (1) is a surface-mounted receptacle connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown) which serves as a mounting member, and is coupled with a second connector (101) which serves as a matching connector. Additionally, the second connector (101) is the other of the pair of substrate-to-substrate connectors and is a surface-mounted plug connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not shown) which serves as a mounting member.

[0030] It should be noted that the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) of the connector pair according to the present embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate to the second substrate, but can also be used to electrically connect to other components. For example, the first substrate and the second substrate are each printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFC), flexible circuit boards (FPC), etc., as used in electronic devices, but can be any type of substrate.

[0031] Additionally, in this embodiment, expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., used to describe the configuration and operation of each part of the connector pair, the first connector (1) and the second connector (101), are relative rather than absolute and are appropriate when each part of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) is in the position shown in the drawings. However, these directions should be interpreted as changing according to the change in position when their position changes.

[0032] Additionally, the first connector (1) has: a first shield (50) as a first outer shield, which is a receptacle shield formed by punching, drawing, etc. on a conductive metal plate; and a first housing (11) as a first connector body integrally formed by an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The first housing (11) has: a flat bottom plate (18); and first protrusions (13) that serve as a pair of protrusions protruding upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate (18). The first protrusions (13) are located further inward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector (1) than the two ends of the bottom plate (18).

[0033] Each of the first protrusions (13) is an essentially rectangular member extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector (1), and a plurality of first terminal receiving cavities (15) (three in the example shown in the drawings) are formed from the inner surfaces facing each other to the upper surface at a longitudinally predetermined pitch (e.g., 0.35 [mm]). It should be noted that the pitch and number of the first terminal receiving cavities (15) can be appropriately changed. Additionally, a plurality of first terminals (61), which serve as terminals housed in each of the first terminal housing cavities (15) and installed on the first housing (11), are arranged at the same pitch on both sides of each first protrusion (13). In other words, a plurality of first terminals (61) are arranged along each first protrusion (13) to form a pair of parallel rows of terminal groups. Note that the first terminal receiving cavity (15) is formed to penetrate the base plate (18) in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction).

[0034] Additionally, shielding plate receiving slits (13b) serving as slits are formed longitudinally along the first protrusions (13) near each end. The shielding plate receiving slits (13b) receive a shielding plate (56) serving as a first inner shield. In the example illustrated in the drawings, the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) extend continuously from the upper surface of the first protrusions (13) to the inner surface and the outer surface, and are further formed to penetrate the base plate (18) from the inner surface and the outer surface in the plate thickness direction. Note that the base plate (18) between the first protrusions (13) is a thick wall (18b) that is thicker than other locations (dimensions in the Z-axis direction), and as shown in FIG. 4(c), the shielding plate receiving opening (18a), which serves as an opening penetrating in the plate thickness direction, is formed at a location corresponding to the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) and in the vicinity of it relative to the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1).

[0035] Additionally, on the outer side in the width direction of the first connector (1) within the first protrusion (13), an inwardly recessed outer recess (13a) is formed in a range closer to the center in the longitudinal direction than the shielding plate receiving slits (13b). The outer recess (13a) is formed to extend vertically (Z-axis direction) from the upper surface of the first protrusions (13) to the lower surface of the base plate (18), so that the base plate (18) does not exist on the outer side in the width direction of the first connector (1) from the outer recess (13a).

[0036] Additionally, first high-frequency terminal supports (16), which serve as a pair of supports protruding upward from the upper surface of the base plate (18), are further formed on the outer side of the shielding plate receiving opening (18a) relative to the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). The first high-frequency terminal supports (16) have a shape that is essentially a U-shaped column member as shown in FIG. 3 when viewed from above, and have a first high-frequency terminal receiving opening (16a) that serves as a high-frequency terminal receiving opening extending in the vertical direction. The first high-frequency terminal supports (16) are arranged so that the openings of each first high-frequency terminal receiving opening (16a) face in opposite directions, and as shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from above—that is, in the plan view—they are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the first connector (1) and separated from the center of the first connector (1) in the width direction and deflected outward in the width direction. Additionally, a first high-frequency terminal (71) serving as a high-frequency terminal is received in the first high-frequency terminal receiving holes (16a). Additionally, a first high-frequency terminal receiving opening (16b) serving as an opening penetrating the base plate (18) in the plate thickness direction is formed below and in front of the first high-frequency terminal receiving holes (16a).

[0037] Additionally, the connection end (18c) connected to the first shield (50) is located at the outermost end of the base plate (18) with respect to the longitudinal and width directions of the first connector (1). The first shield (50) is integrated with the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding. In other words, the first housing (11) is formed by filling a pre-set mold cavity inside the first shield (50) with an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and is integrally connected to the first shield (50) at the connection end (18c).

[0038] The first shield (50) is a member formed integrally by punching, drawing, etc. on a conductive metal plate, and as shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from above, that is, in a plan view, it is an essentially rectangular frame-shaped member that surrounds the entire periphery of the first housing (11). Additionally, the first shield (50) includes: a pair of long side portions (50a) extending linearly in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1); a pair of short side portions (50b) extending linearly in the width direction of the first connector (1); and four corner portions (50c) bent approximately 90 degrees to connect one end of the long side portion (50a) and one end of the short side portion (50b).

[0039] Additionally, the first shield (50) comprises: an outer wall (52); an inner wall (51) on the inner side of the outer wall (52) and essentially parallel to the outer wall (52); and a connecting portion (53) that integrates the top of the outer wall (52) with the top of the inner wall (51). The outer wall (52) is a continuous wall extending around the entire circumference, but the inner wall (51) is separated into a straight portion (51a) and a curved portion (51b) by slit portions (53a) formed at both ends of each corner portion (50c). The straight portion (51a) is a straight portion in the plan view and corresponds to the long side portion (50a) and the short side portion (50b). Additionally, the curved portion (51b) is a curved portion in the plan view and corresponds to the corner portion (50c). Note that the slit portion (53a) is a notch that starts at the top of the connecting portion (53), extends downward through the inner wall (51), and opens at the bottom of the inner wall (51). Thus, in the connecting portion (53), the portion adjacent to the outer wall (52) is continuous over the entire periphery, but the portion adjacent to the inner wall (51) is separated by the slit portion (53a) into portions corresponding to the long side portion (50a) and the short side portion (50b) and the corner portion (50c). Note that the enclosed space surrounded by the portions corresponding to the long side portion (50a), the short side portion (50b), and the corner portion (50c) of the inner wall (51) is a receiving portion (50d) into which the second connector (101), which is a plug connector, is inserted and received.

[0040] Additionally, the straight portion (51a) of the inner wall (51) has: a curved end (51d) connected to its lower end; and an interlocking recess (51c) formed on the curved end (51d). The curved end (51d) is a portion where its tip is bent obliquely inward and downward toward the receiving portion (50d), and the connecting end (18c) of the base plate (18) is connected to a part thereof. In other words, the straight portion (51a) is connected to the first housing (11). In contrast, the curved portion (51b) does not have a curved end (51d) and is not connected to the first housing (11). Additionally, the interlocking recess (51c) is a portion that engages with an interlocking protrusion (152c) formed on the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150) provided by the second connector (101) when the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) are aligned with each other and extend linearly in the longitudinal or width direction of the first connector (1). As described above, each straight portion (51a) is relatively flexible and can be elastically deformed in a direction approaching or separating from the outer wall (52) because both ends are separated from other portions by the slit portion (53a).

[0041] A flange portion (54) that serves as a planar portion extending outward is connected to the bottom of the outer wall (52) through a curved portion (52a) bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The curved portion (52a) and the flange portion (54) are connected to the bottom of the outer wall (52) in a continuous manner around the entire perimeter. It should be noted that in the example illustrated in the drawings, small notches (54a) are formed at multiple locations on the flange portion (54), but the notches (54a) can be appropriately omitted.

[0042] The flange portion (54) functions as a substrate connection portion, and its lower surface is parallel to the surface of the first substrate and is connected to a connection pad on the surface by soldering or the like. The connection pad is typically connected to a ground line. Additionally, the outer wall (52) is connected to a portion that is continuous over its entire circumference, in addition to a wall that is continuous over its entire circumference, and its upper end is connected to a portion that is continuous at the connection portion (53) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer wall (52) in the cross-section as shown in FIG. 4(a), and its lower end is connected to a member that is continuous like the flange portion (54) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer wall (52) in the cross-section as shown in FIG. 4(a). Thus, the outer wall (52) is relatively rigid and resistant to deformation. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the flange portion (54) is continuously connected to the lower end of the outer wall (52) over its entire circumference, but the flange portion (54) may be connected only to a portion when relatively high rigidity is not required.

[0043] Additionally, when the first housing (11) is connected to the first shield (50) within the receiving portion (50d), a first recess (12) that aligns with the second connector (101) is formed within the receiving portion (50d). This recess is surrounded by an inner wall (51) and its lower portion is bounded by a base plate (18). Furthermore, an inner recessed bend (12a), which is a long recessed portion extending longitudinally of the first connector (1), is formed between a pair of first protrusions (13) as part of the first recess (12). Additionally, an outer recessed bend (12c), which is a long recessed portion extending longitudinally of the first connector (1), is formed between the first protrusions (13) and the inner wall (51) as part of the first recess (12). Additionally, the matching recesses (12b) are formed as part of the first recess (12) on the outer sides of both ends of the first protrusion (13) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1).

[0044] The first terminal (61) is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc. on a conductive metal plate and has a retained portion (63); a tail portion (62) that serves as a substrate connection portion connected to the lower end of the retained portion (63); an upper connection portion (65) connected to the upper end of the retained portion (63); and a lower connection portion (64) connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion (65).

[0045] The retained portion (63) extends in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and is a portion that is pressed into and retained within the first terminal receiving cavity (15). It should be noted that the first terminal (61) is not necessarily attached to the first housing (11) by press-fitting, but can be integrated with the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the case in which the retained portion (63) is pressed into and retained within the first terminal receiving cavity (15) will be described.

[0046] The tail portion (62) is bent and connected to the retained portion (63), extends outward in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, in the width direction of the first connector (1), and is connected to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate by soldering or the like. Note that the conductive trace may be a power line that supplies power, but is typically a signal line. Also, the signal line is described assuming that the signal line does not transmit a high-frequency signal, but rather transmits a signal of a normal frequency (e.g., less than 10 GHz) which is lower in frequency than high-frequency signals. Note that the tail portion (62) is visible when viewed from the alignment direction of the first connector (1), that is, from the alignment surface (1a) side.

[0047] The upper connection portion (65) is a portion bent approximately 180 degrees so as to protrude upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The lower connection portion (64), extending downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis), is connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion (65) from the opposite side from the retained portion (63). Note that the lower portion of the lower connection portion (64) is preferably bent so that its tip faces inward in the width direction of the first connector (1). Additionally, a curved contact portion (65a) is formed near the lower end of the upper connection portion (65) so as to bulge inward in the width direction of the first connector (1). The contact portion (65a) is a portion that contacts the second terminal (161) provided by the second connector (101).

[0048] The first terminal (61) is pressed into the first terminal receiving cavity (15) from the mounting surface (1b), which is the lower surface (Z-axis negative direction surface) of the first connector (1), and is fixed to the first housing (11) based on the retained portion (63) being sandwiched from both sides by the inner surfaces of the first terminal receiving cavity (15). In this state, that is, with the first terminal (61) installed in the first housing (11), the contact portions (65a) protrude from the inner surface of each first protrusion (13) into the inner recessed portion (12a) and face each other.

[0049] The first high-frequency terminal (71) is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc. on a conductive metal plate, and has a retained portion (73), a tail portion (72) that serves as a substrate connection portion connected to the lower end of the retained portion (73), and an upper connection portion (75) connected to the upper end of the retained portion (73).

[0050] Additionally, the retained portion (73) extends in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and is a portion that is pressed into and retained within the first high-frequency terminal receiving portion (16a). As described above, the first high-frequency terminal support portions (16) are positioned so that the openings of each first high-frequency terminal receiving portion (16a) face in opposite directions, and thus the first high-frequency terminals (71) retained within the first high-frequency terminal receiving portion (16a) by the retained portion (73) are also positioned so that they face in opposite directions. It should be noted that the first high-frequency terminal (71) is not necessarily attached to the first housing (11) by pressing, but can be integrated with the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the case in which the retained portion (73) is pressed into and retained within the first high-frequency terminal receiving portion (16a) will be described.

[0051] The tail portion (72) is bent and connected to the portion to be held (73), extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, toward the center, in the width direction of the first connector (1), and is connected to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate by soldering, etc. It should be noted that the aforementioned conductive traces are signal lines, and are typically described as transmitting high-frequency signals of high frequency (e.g., a frequency of 10 GHz or higher), such as RF signals.

[0052] Additionally, the upper connection portion (75) is bent in an approximately S-shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1), and the portion bent to bulge toward the center in the width direction of the first connector (1) functions as a contact portion (75a). The contact portion (75a) is a portion that contacts the second high-frequency terminal (171) provided by the second connector (101).

[0053] The first high-frequency terminal (71) is pressed into the first high-frequency terminal receiving hole (16a) of the first high-frequency terminal support (16) located in the matching recess (12b) from the mounting surface (1b) side, and is fixed to the first housing (11) based on the retaining portion (73) being sandwiched from both sides by the inner surfaces of the first high-frequency terminal receiving hole (16a). In this state, that is, with the first high-frequency terminals (71) installed in the first housing (11), the contact portions (75a) of a pair of first high-frequency terminals (71) face in opposite directions.

[0054] The shielding plate (56) is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc. on a conductive metal plate and has a central part (58); and a pair of lateral parts (57) connected to both sides of the central part (58).

[0055] Additionally, the central portion (58) has an essentially inverted Y shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). However, when viewed from the width direction of the first connector (1), the central portion (58) is not upright in the vertical direction but is in a position inclined outward from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). Additionally, the central portion (58) includes one curved portion (58b) and two inclined portions (58a) extending to branch out from the bottom of the curved portion (58b). The bottom of each inclined portion (58a) is connected to an adjacent lateral portion (57). The curved portion (58b) is curved so as to extend outward from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1), and its tip is curved so as to face inward from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). Additionally, the outer surface of the curved portion (58b) that bulges outward from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1) functions as a contact portion (58c) and contacts the inner wall (151) of the second shield (150) provided by the second connector (101).

[0056] Additionally, the lateral portion (57) has an upright position in the vertical direction when viewed from the width direction of the first connector (1). Additionally, each of the lateral portions (57) has: an outer portion (57a) that extends linearly in the vertical direction; an inner portion (57b) that is essentially L-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1); and an upper portion (57c) that connects the upper end of the outer portion (57a) to the upper end of the inner portion (57b). Additionally, the inner portion (57b) includes a connecting portion (57d) that extends inward in the width direction of the first connector (1), and the upper end of the connecting portion (57d), which is upright in the vertical direction, is connected to the lower end of the inclined portion (58a) in an outwardly inclined position in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). It should be noted that the space where the surroundings are bordered by the outer part (57a), the inner part (57b), and the upper part (57c) functions as a retained recess (57f). Additionally, the lower ends of the outer part (57a) and the inner part (57b) function as a tail part (57e) which is a substrate connection part, and is a part that is connected to the connection pad of the first substrate by soldering, etc. The connection pad is typically connected to a ground line. It should be noted that the tail part (57e) is not visible when viewed from the alignment direction of the first connector (1), that is, from the alignment surface (1a) side.

[0057] The shielding plate (56) is pressed into the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) from the side of the matching surface (1a), which is the upper surface (Z-axis positive surface) of the first connector (1), and is fixed to the first housing (11) based on the retaining recess (57f) sandwiching the side surfaces of the first protrusion (13) within the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) from both sides. In this state, that is, with the shielding plate (56) installed in the first housing (11), the contact portion (58c) protrudes into the matching recess (12b) from both longitudinal ends of the first protrusion (13). Additionally, the lower end of the outer portion (57a) is sandwiched between the outer recessed portions (12c) and is close to the curved portion (51b) within the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50b). It should be noted that the shielding plate (56) is not necessarily attached to the first housing (11) by press-fitting, but can be integrated with the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the case where the shielding plate (56) is retained by press-fitting into the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) will be described.

[0058] Additionally, the first connector (1) is placed on the surface of a first substrate that acts as a solder sheet applied to the mounting surface (1b) side, and is fixed and mounted on the surface of the first substrate by heating and melting the first solder sheet using a heating furnace or the like. It should be noted that the means for connecting the first shield (50), the first terminal (61), the first high-frequency terminal (71), the shielding plate (56), etc. to the connection pads of the first substrate are not necessarily limited to soldering, and may be, for example, a conductive adhesive. Furthermore, even if soldering is used, the soldering may be performed by solder paste, transfer cream solder, hot-dip galvanizing, jet soldering, etc., without applying a solder sheet. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, cases where a solder sheet is used will be described.

[0059] The first solder sheet comprises: a pair of elongated strip-shaped long side portions extending linearly and continuously in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1); a plurality of elongated strip-shaped short side portions extending linearly and continuously in the width direction of the first connector (1); and a plurality of rectangular short length portions, the long side of which extends in the width direction of the first connector (1) and the short side of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). It should be noted that both ends of each short side portion are preferably connected to the long side portions. Additionally, the long side portions and short side portions do not necessarily have to be extended continuously and may be intermittent, but they will be described herein as being extended continuously.

[0060] Additionally, a pair of long side portions are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (54) corresponding to the long side portions (50a) of the first shield (50), a pair of short side portions are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (54) corresponding to the short side portion (50b) of the first shield (50), and another pair of short side portions are provided on the lower surface of the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56). Additionally, each short length portion is provided on the lower surface of the tail portion (62) of each first terminal (61) and on the lower surface of the tail portion (72) of each first high frequency terminal (71).

[0061] When the first solder sheet provided by this method is heated and melted and the first connector (1) is mounted on the surface of the first substrate, the curved portion (52a) and the flange portion (54), which are continuously connected to the bottom of the continuous outer wall (52) along the entire periphery of the first shield (50), are connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate without gaps. Accordingly, the strength of the first shield (50) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate is high, and consequently, the strength of the entire first connector (1) surrounded by the outer periphery of the first shield (50) is high. Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding effect achieved by the first shield (50) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate without gaps is very high, and the first connector (1) surrounded by the outer periphery of the first shield (50) is very effectively electromagnetically shielded. In particular, the smoothness of the lower surface of the flange portion (54) is high. Therefore, the strength of the first shield (50) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate can be made very high. In addition, since no gap is created between the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate, the electromagnetic shielding effect can also be made very high.

[0062] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4(b), the alignment recess (12b), which essentially has a rectangular planar shape, has three sides of the perimeter that are bounded by the long side (50a) and the short side (50b) of the first shield (50), and the remaining side is bounded by the shielding plate (56) so that the entire perimeter is shielded. Thus, the first high-frequency terminal (71) located in the alignment recess (12b) is very effectively electromagnetically shielded. Therefore, the shielding effect is equivalent to that of a conventional coaxial connector, and high-frequency signals can be effectively transmitted. Note that the shielding plate (56) is not a continuous plate-shaped member and has multiple gaps when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). Therefore, the electromagnetic shielding effect is lower than that of the long side (50a) and the short side (50b) of the first shield (50). Since the dimensions of each gap are small and the spacing between the multiple tail portions (57e) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate by soldering is narrow, a sufficient electromagnetic shielding effect can actually be achieved. In addition, the area near the bottom of the outer portion (57a) is close to the bottom of the curved portion (51b) within the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50), and thus, the shielding plate (56) can achieve a sufficient electromagnetic shielding effect in cooperation with the first shield (50).

[0063] Therefore, the first connector (1) can transmit high-frequency signals even when using a small and thin profile, because the strength and electromagnetic shielding effect are high. For example, even if the dimensions in the length, width, and height directions of the first connector (1) are set to 3.3 [mm] or less, 2.3 [mm] or less, and 0.6 [mm] or less, the first high-frequency terminal (71) can transmit high-frequency signals of approximately 60 [GHz].

[0064] Next, the configuration of the second connector (101) will be described.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second shield according to Example 1. FIG. 9 is an upper surface view of a second connector according to Example 1. FIG. 10 is a portion visible along arrow BB of the second connector according to Example 1; FIG. 11 is a lower surface view of the second connector according to Example 1. Note that in FIG. 10, (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the portion visible along arrow BB of FIG. 9, and (b) is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the portion visible along arrow BB of FIG. 9.

[0066] The second connector (101) according to the present embodiment has: a second shield (150) as a second outer shield formed by punching, drawing, etc. on a conductive metal plate as a plug shield; and a second housing (111) as a second connector body integrally formed by an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The second housing (111) has: a flat bottom plate (118); a second protrusion (112) acting as a protrusion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate (118) at the center in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101); and a pair of protruding ends (122) that protrude upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate (118) at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector (101). The second protrusion (112) is narrower than the protruding end (122) and is located further inward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second connector (101) than both ends of the protruding end (122).

[0067] The second protrusion (112) is an essentially rectangular member extending in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). A long groove-shaped central slit (112b) recessed downward from the upper surface is formed in the center in the width direction, and the portions on both sides on the left and right of the central slit (112b) are terminal support walls (112a) that support the second terminal (161) which serves as a matching terminal. The second terminal (161) is disposed on the outer surface of the terminal support wall (112a) with a pitch and number corresponding to the first terminal (61). In other words, a plurality of second terminals (161) are disposed along each terminal support wall (112a) to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows (matching terminal group rows).

[0068] Each protruding end (122) comprises: an outer wall surface (122a) facing outward in the longitudinal direction and facing both sides in the width direction of the second connector (101); an upper surface (122b) facing the side of the mating surface (101a) of the second connector (101); and an inner wall surface (122c) facing inward in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). It should be noted that each of the protruding ends (122) is separated from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second protrusion (112). Additionally, a second high-frequency terminal support (116) serving as a support is formed on each protruding end (122). The second high-frequency terminal support (116) has second high-frequency terminal receiving holes (116a) that serve as high-frequency terminal receiving holes extending in the vertical direction, and has an essentially U-shape when viewed from above. The second high-frequency terminal support members (116) are arranged such that the openings of each second high-frequency terminal receiving member (116a) face in opposite directions, and as shown in FIG. 9, when viewed from above—that is, in a plan view—they are arranged to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the second connector (101) and to be separated from the center of the second connector (101) in the width direction and deflected outward in the width direction. Additionally, a second high-frequency terminal (171) serving as a high-frequency terminal is received in the second high-frequency terminal receiving member (116a). Additionally, a second high-frequency terminal receiving opening (116b) serving as an opening penetrating the base plate (118) in the plate thickness direction is formed below and in front of the second high-frequency terminal receiving member (116a). Additionally, on each of the protruding ends (122), a first high-frequency terminal receiving recess (116c) is formed in front of the second high-frequency terminal receiving openings (116a), serving as a matching terminal receiving recess open to the upper surface (122b) from the second high-frequency terminal receiving opening (116b) to the upper surface (122b).

[0069] The second shield (150) is a member formed integrally by punching, drawing, etc. on a conductive metal plate, and is essentially a rectangular frame-shaped member in a plan view that surrounds the entire periphery of the second housing (111). Additionally, the second shield (150) includes: a pair of long side portions (150a) that extend linearly in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101); a pair of short side portions (150b) that extend linearly in the width direction of the second connector (101); and four corner portions (150c) that are bent approximately 90 degrees to connect one end of the long side portion (150a) and one end of the short side portion (150b).

[0070] Additionally, the second shield (150) comprises: an outer wall (152); an inner wall (151) serving as a second inner shield; and an upper wall (153). Additionally, the outer wall (152) is a continuous wall extending around the entire circumference. Additionally, the upper wall (153) is connected to the top of the outer wall (152) near each of the short sides (150b), the corners (150c) at both ends of the short sides (150b), and each of the ends of the long sides (150a), and is formed to cover at least a portion, preferably most, of the upper surface (122b) of the protruding end (122). Note that the first high-frequency terminal receiving opening (153a) is formed in the upper wall (153), which serves as an opening corresponding to the first high-frequency terminal receiving recess (116c). Additionally, the inner wall (151) extends downward so that its upper end is connected to the inner end of the second connector (101) in the longitudinal direction on the upper wall (153), and is formed to cover at least a portion, preferably essentially the entire, of the inner wall surface (122c) of the protruding end (122). Note that the upper end of the inner wall (151) has a curved upper wall connection portion (151a) connected to the upper wall (153), and the lower end of the inner wall (151) has a tail portion (151b) that serves as a substrate connection portion, with the tip portion facing inward in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). The tail portion (151b) is parallel to the surface of the second substrate and is a portion connected to a connection pad on the surface by soldering, etc. The connection pad is typically connected to a ground line. Additionally, the space surrounded by an outer wall (152) corresponding to a pair of long side portions (150a) and a pair of inner walls (151) is a second recess (113) into which the first protrusion (13) of the first connector (1) is inserted and received.

[0071] The flange portion (154), which serves as a flat portion, is connected to the bottom of the outer wall (152) through a curved portion (152a) bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The curved portion (152a) and the flange portion (154) are connected to the bottom of the outer wall (152) in a continuous manner around the entire perimeter. It should be noted that in the example illustrated in the drawings, small notches (154a) are formed at multiple locations on the flange portion (154), but the notches (154a) can be appropriately omitted.

[0072] The flange portion (154) functions as a substrate connection portion, and its lower surface is parallel to the surface of the second substrate and is a portion connected to a connection pad on the surface by soldering or the like. The connection pad is typically connected to a ground line. In addition, the outer wall (152) is a continuous wall that extends over its entire periphery, and its lower end is connected to a continuous member such as the flange portion (154), which is a member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer wall (152) in cross-section as shown in FIG. 10(a). Thus, the outer wall (152) is relatively rigid and resistant to deformation. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the flange portion (154) is continuously connected to the lower end of the outer wall (152) over its entire periphery, but the flange portion (154) may be connected only to a part when relatively high rigidity is not required.

[0073] Additionally, the outer wall (152) corresponding to the long side (150a) and the short side (150b) has an outwardly protruding interlocking protrusion (152c). The interlocking protrusion (152c) is a portion that engages with an interlocking recess (51c) formed on the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50) provided by the first connector (1) when the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) are aligned with each other and extend linearly in the length or width direction of the second connector (101).

[0074] Note that the second shield (150) is integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding. In other words, the second housing (111) is formed by filling a mold cavity, in which the second shield (150) is pre-set, with an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and is integrally connected to the second shield (150) at the protruding end (122).

[0075] The second terminal (161) is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc., on a conductive metal plate and has a retaining portion (163); a tail portion (162) that serves as a substrate connection portion connected to the first end of the retaining portion (163); a lower connection portion (165) that is connected to the second end of the retaining portion (163) and extends in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction); and an upper connection portion (164) connected to the upper end of the lower connection portion (165). The second terminals (161) can be integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding. That is, the second housing (111) is formed by filling the cavity of a pre-set mold with an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0076] As a result, the second terminal (161) is integrally attached to the terminal support wall (112a), and at least a portion thereof is embedded in the terminal support wall (112a) of the second protrusion (112) of the second housing (111), and a portion of the upper connection part (164) and the surface of the lower connection part (165) are exposed on the upper surface and the outer surface of the terminal support wall (112a). Note that the surface of the lower connection part (165) functions as a contact part (165a) and contacts the first terminal (61) provided by the first connector (1). Additionally, the tail part (162) extends outward from the terminal support wall (112a) in the width direction of the second housing (111) and is connected to a connection pad that is connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate by soldering, etc. The tail portion (162) is positioned so that it overlaps with the tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector (101). It should be noted that the conductive trace may be a power line that supplies power, but is typically a signal line. Furthermore, the signal line is described assuming that it does not transmit a high-frequency signal, but rather transmits a signal of a conventional frequency (e.g., less than 10 GHz) which is lower in frequency than high-frequency signals.

[0077] Additionally, the second terminal (161) is not necessarily integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding, but may be attached to the second housing (111) by press-fitting, etc. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, cases in which it is integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding will be described.

[0078] The second high-frequency terminal (171) is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc. on a conductive metal plate, and has a retained portion (173); a tail portion (172) that serves as a substrate connection portion connected to the lower end of the retained portion (173); and an upper connection portion (175) connected to the upper end of the retained portion (173).

[0079] Additionally, the retained portion (173) is a portion that extends in a vertical direction and is retained by being pressed into the second high-frequency terminal receiving portions (116a). As described above, the second high-frequency terminal support portions (116) are arranged so that the openings of each second high-frequency terminal receiving portion (116a) face in opposite directions, and thus the second high-frequency terminals (171) retained within the second high-frequency terminal receiving portions (116a) by the retained portion (173) are also positioned to face in opposite directions. It should be noted that the second high-frequency terminals (171) are not necessarily attached to the second housing (111) by pressing, but can be integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the case in which the retained portion (173) is pressed into and retained in the second high-frequency terminal receiving portions (116a) will be described.

[0080] The tail portion (172) is bent and connected to the retained portion (173), extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, toward the center, in the width direction of the second connector (101), and is connected to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate by soldering, etc. It should be noted that the aforementioned conductive traces are signal lines, and are typically described as transmitting high-frequency signals of high frequency (e.g., a frequency of 10 GHz or higher), such as RF signals.

[0081] Additionally, the upper connection portion (175) is bent in an approximately S-shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101), and the portion bent to bulge toward the center in the width direction of the second connector (101) functions as a contact portion (175a). The contact portion (175a) is a portion that contacts the first high-frequency terminal (71) provided by the first connector (1).

[0082] The second high-frequency terminal (171) is pressed into the second high-frequency terminal receiving portions (116a) of the second high-frequency terminal support portion (116) located on the protruding end portion (122) from the mounting surface (101b) side, and is fixed to the second housing (111) based on the retaining portion (173) which is sandwiched from both sides by the inner surfaces of the second high-frequency terminal receiving portions (116a). In this state, that is, with the second high-frequency terminals (171) installed in the second housing (111), the contact portions (175a) of a pair of second high-frequency terminals (171) face in opposite directions.

[0083] It should be noted that in the example illustrated in the drawings, the second high-frequency terminal (171) is formed to have the same dimensions and shape as the first high-frequency terminal (71). Thus, the first high-frequency terminal (71) can be used as the second high-frequency terminal (171).

[0084] Additionally, the second connector (101) is placed on the surface of a second substrate that acts as a solder sheet applied to the mounting surface (101b) side, and is fixed and mounted on the surface of the second substrate by heating and melting the second solder sheet using a heating furnace or the like. It should be noted that the means for connecting the second shield (150), the second terminal (161), the second high-frequency terminal (171), etc., to the connection pads of the second substrate are not necessarily limited to soldering, and may be, for example, a conductive adhesive. Furthermore, even if soldering is used, the soldering may be performed without applying a solder sheet, using solder paste, transfer cream solder, hot-dip galvanizing, jet soldering, etc. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, cases in which the second solder sheet is used will be described.

[0085] The second solder sheet comprises: a pair of elongated strip-shaped long side portions extending linearly and continuously in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101); a plurality of elongated strip-shaped short side portions extending linearly and continuously in the width direction of the second connector (101); and a plurality of rectangular short length portions, the long side of which extends in the width direction of the second connector (101) and the short side of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). It should be noted that both ends of each short side portion are preferably connected to the long side portions. Additionally, the long side portions and short side portions do not necessarily have to be extended continuously and may be intermittent, but they will be described herein as being extended continuously.

[0086] Additionally, a pair of long side portions are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (154) corresponding to the long side portions (150a) of the second shield (150), a pair of short side portions are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (154) corresponding to the short side portion (150b) of the second shield (150), and another pair of short side portions are provided on the lower surface of the tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151). Additionally, each short length portion is provided on the lower surface of the tail portion (162) of each second terminal (161) and on the lower surface of the tail portion (172) of each second high frequency terminal (171).

[0087] When the second solder sheet provided by this method is heated and melted and the second connector (101) is mounted on the surface of the second substrate, the curved portion (152a) and the flange portion (154), which are continuously connected to the bottom of the continuous outer wall (152) along the entire periphery of the second shield (150), are connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate without gap. Accordingly, the strength of the second shield (150) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate is high, and consequently, the strength of the entire second connector (101) surrounded by the outer periphery of the second shield (150) is high. Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding effect exerted by the second shield (150) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate without gap is very high, and the second connector (101) surrounded by the outer periphery of the second shield (150) is very effectively electromagnetically shielded. In particular, the smoothness of the lower surface of the flange portion (154) is high. Therefore, the strength of the second shield (150) connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate can be made very high. In addition, since no gap is created between the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate, the electromagnetic shielding effect can also be made very high.

[0088] Additionally, each of the protruding ends (122) of both ends of the second connector (101) in the longitudinal direction is covered by the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150) on the outer wall surface (122a) facing outward in the longitudinal direction and by two surfaces in the width direction of the second connector (101), the upper surface (122b) facing the matching surface (101a) of the second connector (101) is covered by the upper wall (153) of the second shield (150), and the inner wall surface (122c) facing inward in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101) is covered by the inner wall (151) of the second shield (150). Thus, the entire periphery is shielded, and the second high-frequency terminal (171), which is supported by the second high-frequency terminal support (116) formed on the protruding end (122), is very effectively shielded electromagnetically.

[0089] Therefore, the second connector (101) can transmit high-frequency signals even when using a small and thin profile, because of its high strength and electromagnetic shielding effect. For example, even if the dimensions of the length, width, and height of the second connector (101) are set to 2.9 [mm] or less, 1.9 [mm] or less, and 0.6 [mm] or less, the second high-frequency terminal (171) can transmit high-frequency signals of approximately 60 [GHz].

[0090] Sequentially, the operation of matching the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) having the above configuration will be described.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in a mated state according to Example 1, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector in a mated state according to Example 1. Note that in FIG. 13, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow CC in FIG. 12, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow DD in FIG. 12, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow EE in FIG. 12.

[0092] In this specification, the first connector (1) is surface-mounted on the first substrate by connecting the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61), the tail portion (72) of the first high-frequency terminal (71), the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56), and the curved portion (52a) and flange portion (54) that are continuously connected to the bottom of the outer wall (52) that is continuous around the entire periphery of the first shield (50) to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace (not shown) of the first substrate by soldering. Additionally, the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion (72) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) is connected is a signal line and transmits a high-frequency signal, such as an antenna line connected to an antenna. The conductive trace to which the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56) and the curved portion (52a) and flange portion (54) of the first shield (50) are connected to the connection pad is a ground line. Additionally, the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) is connected is a signal line, and this transmits a signal of a frequency lower than a high frequency signal.

[0093] Similarly, the second connector (101) is surface-mounted on the second substrate by connecting the tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161), the tail portion (172) of the second high-frequency terminal (171), the tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151) on the second shield (150), and the curved portion (152a) and flange portion (154) connected continuously around the entire circumference of the outer wall (152) connected over the entire circumference of the second shield (150) to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace (not shown) of the second substrate by soldering. Additionally, the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion (172) of the second high-frequency terminal (171) is connected is a signal line and transmits a high-frequency signal, such as an antenna line connected to an antenna. The conductive trace to which the tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151) of the second shield (150), the curved portion (152a) and the flange portion (154) of the second shield (150) are connected to the connection pad is a ground line. Additionally, the conductive trace to which the tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161) is connected to the connection pad is a signal line, which transmits a signal of a frequency lower than a high-frequency signal.

[0094] First, the operator arranges the matching surface (1a) of the first connector (1) and the matching surface (101a) of the second connector (101) so as to face each other as shown in FIG. 1, and when the position of the first protrusion (13) of the first connector (1) matches the position of the second recess (113) of the second connector (101) and the position of the protruding end (122) of the second connector (101) matches the position of the matching recess (12b) corresponding to the first connector (1), the positioning of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) is completed.

[0095] In this state, when the first connector (1) and / or the second connector (101) are moved in a direction approaching the mating surface, that is, in the mating direction, the second shield (150) of the second connector (101) is inserted into the receiving portion (50d) of the first shield (50) of the first connector (1), the first protrusion (13) of the first connector (1) is inserted into the second recess (113) of the second connector (101), and the protruding end (122) of the second connector (101) is inserted into the mating recess (12b) of the first connector (1). It is important to note that the connection portion (53) of the first shield (50) is located on the matching surface (1a) of the first connector (1) and surrounds it, and the outer wall (152) and upper wall (153) of the second shield (150) are located on the matching surface (101a) of the second connector (101). Therefore, the matching surface (1a) of the first connector (1) and the matching surface (101a) of the second connector (101) will not be damaged or destroyed even when they come into contact with each other. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, when the matching of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) is completed, the first terminal (61) and the second terminal (161) conduct electricity, and the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the second high-frequency terminal (171) achieve an electrically conductive state.

[0096] Specifically, the second protrusion (112) of the second housing (111) is inserted into the inner recessed bend (12a) of the first housing (11), and as shown in FIG. 13(b), the contact portion (65a) of the first terminal (61) protruding from the inner surface of the first protrusion (13) into the inner recessed bend (12a) contacts the contact portion (165a) of the second terminal (161) exposed on the outer surface of the terminal support wall (112a) of the second protrusion (112). At this time, the contact portion (65a) of the first terminal (61) is elastically displaceable in the width direction of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101), because the curved upper connection portion (65) itself is elastically deformable. Additionally, the contact portion (165a) of the second terminal (161) is elastically displaceable toward the center in the width direction of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101), because the gap between the pair of terminal support walls (112a) integrated with the lower connection portion (165) is elastically contractible due to the presence of a central slit (112b) formed between them. As a result, the contact portion (65a) of the first terminal (61) and the contact portion (165a) of the second terminal (161) corresponding to each other maintain contact and do not separate even when subjected to shock or vibration, thereby maintaining a stable state of electrical conduction. It is important to note that the first terminal (61) and the second terminal (161) corresponding to each other are in contact with each other at only one point, the so-called single contact point, so that unintended stubs or divided circuits are not formed in the signal transmission line from the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) to the tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161). Thus, the impedance of the transmission line can be stabilized, and favorable SI (signal-to-interference) characteristics can be achieved.

[0097] Additionally, the first high-frequency terminal support (16) located in the matching recess (12b) is inserted into the first high-frequency terminal receiving recess (116c) of the protruding end (122), and the contact portion (75a) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the contact portion (175a) of the second high-frequency terminal (171) come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 13(c). At this time, the contact portions (75a, 175a) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the second high-frequency terminal (171) are elastically displaceable in the width direction of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101), because the curved upper connection portions (75, 175) are elastically deformable on their own. As a result, the contact portion (75a) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the contact portion (175a) of the second high-frequency terminal (171), which correspond to each other, maintain contact and do not separate even when subjected to shock or vibration, thereby maintaining a stable state of electrical conduction. It should be noted that the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the second high-frequency terminal (171), which correspond to each other, contact each other at only one point, the so-called single contact point, so that unintended stubs or divided circuits are not formed in the signal transmission line from the tail portion (72) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) to the tail portion (172) of the second high-frequency terminal (171). Thus, the impedance of the transmission line can be stabilized and favorable SI characteristics can be achieved.

[0098] Additionally, when the protruding end (122) is inserted into the alignment recess (12b), as illustrated in FIG. 13(a), the contact portion (58c) of the central portion (58) of the shielding plate (56) protrudes into the alignment recess (12b) and contacts the inner wall (151) of the second shield (150) that covers the inner wall surface (122c) of the protruding end (122). The central portion (58) includes one curved portion (58b) and two inclined portions (58a) extending to branch out from the bottom of the curved portion (58b), and the outer surface of the curved portion (58b) is the contact portion (58c). Accordingly, the distance from the contact portion (58c) functioning as a spring to the bottom of the inclined angle portion (58a), that is, the spring length, is long, and thus the contact portion (58c) can be flexibly and elastically displaced in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101). As a result, the contact portion (58c) of the shielding plate (56) and the inner wall (151) of the second shield (150) maintain contact and do not separate even when subjected to shock or vibration, thus maintaining a stable equipotential state and demonstrating a high shielding effect.

[0099] Additionally, the spring length of the central portion (58) is long, and therefore, even if the contact portion (58c) is displaced, no force is applied to the tail portion (57e), and thus the connection between the tail portion (57e) and the connection pad is safely maintained. Therefore, the shielding effect of the shielding plate (56) is not reduced. Note that although a narrow gap exists between the outer portion (57a) of the shielding plate (56) and the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50), when the second shield (150) is inserted into the receiving portion (50d) of the first shield (50), the outer wall (152) of the long side portion (150a) of the second shield (150) enters the gap, the gap becomes substantially narrower, and the electromagnetic shielding effect exerted by the shielding plate (56) is improved.

[0100] In this manner, the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the second high-frequency terminal (171) in contact with each other are continuously surrounded by an inner wall (51), an outer wall (52), and a shielding plate (56) of the first shield (50) and an inner wall (151) and an outer wall (152) of the second shield (150), and are also double-surrounded, having a very effectively shielded entire periphery. Accordingly, the impedance of the signal transmission line from the tail portion (72) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) to the tail portion (172) of the second high-frequency terminal (171) is stabilized, and favorable SI characteristics can be achieved.

[0101] Additionally, when the second shield (150) of the second connector (101) is inserted into the receiving portion (50d) of the first shield (50) of the first connector (1), the outer surface of the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150) comes into contact with or approaches the inner surface of the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50), and as illustrated in FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b), the interlocking protrusion (152c) formed on the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150) and the interlocking recess (51c) formed on the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50) are interlocked. Note that the straight portion (51a) of the inner wall (51) where the interlocking recess (51c) is formed is separated from other parts by slit portions (53a) at both ends thereof and is relatively flexible; The state of engagement with the engagement protrusion (152c) of the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150) can be reliably maintained. As a result, the first shield (50) and the second shield (150) are locked, and the release of the mating state between the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) is prevented. Additionally, the first shield (50) and the second shield (150) are in contact with each other, are electrically conductive, and are at equipotential, thereby improving electromagnetic shielding.

[0102] Additionally, before the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) are aligned, the curved end (51d) of the first shield (50) is connected to the connecting end (18c) of the base plate (18) formed in the first housing (11), but during alignment, the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50) is pressed outward by the outer wall (152) of the second shield (150). As a result, the curved end (51d) formed on the inner wall (51) can be separated from the connecting end (18c) of the base plate (18). This separation allows the inner wall (51) of the first shield (50) to maintain a stable contact state along the second shield (150).

[0103] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the connector pair comprises: a first connector (1) - the first connector (1) is provided with a first housing (11), a first terminal (61) attached to the first housing (11), a first high-frequency terminal (71) attached to the first housing (11), and a first shield (50) surrounding the entire periphery of the first housing (11) -; and a second connector (101) that matches the first connector (1) - the second connector (101) is provided with a second housing (111), a second terminal (161) attached to the second housing (111), a second high-frequency terminal (171) attached to the second housing (111), and a second shield (150) surrounding the entire periphery of the second housing (111) -. The first connector (1) is additionally provided with a shielding plate (56) that is attached to the first housing (11) and extends in the width direction of the first connector (1) between the first terminal (61) and the first high-frequency terminal (71), and the second connector (101) is additionally provided with an inner wall (151) that is attached to the second housing (111) and extends in the width direction of the second connector (101) between the second terminal (161) and the second high-frequency terminal (171). When the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) are mated, the first shield (50) and the second shield (150) come into contact with each other and conduct electricity, and the shielding plate (56) and the inner wall (151) come into contact with each other and conduct electricity.

[0104] As a result, the first terminal (61), the first high-frequency terminal (71), the second terminal (161), and the second high-frequency terminal (171) can be attached to the small and thin first connector (1) and the second connector (101), and these are mounted on the first substrate and the second substrate. Thus, even with a small and thin profile, high strength can be achieved, a high shielding effect can be achieved, and reliability is improved.

[0105] Additionally, in this embodiment, the first connector (1) is provided with a first housing (11), a first terminal (61) attached to the first housing (11), a first high-frequency terminal (71) attached to the first housing (11), and a first shield (50) surrounding the entire periphery of the first housing (11). A shielding plate (56) is additionally provided that is aligned with the second connector (101), is attached to the first housing (11), and extends in the width direction of the first connector (1) between the first terminal (61) and the first high-frequency terminal (71). The tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) is visible on the side of the alignment surface (1a) of the first connector (1), and the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56) is not visible on the side of the alignment surface (1a).

[0106] Accordingly, the first connector (1) is additionally provided with a shielding plate (56) attached to the first housing (11), and the shielding plate (56) extends in the width direction of the first connector (1) between the first terminal (61) and the first high-frequency terminal (71) so that the first high-frequency terminal (71) can be effectively shielded.

[0107] Additionally, the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56) is not visible from the side of the matching surface (1a), but the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) is visible from the side of the side of the matching surface (1a) of the first connector (1). First, the tail portion (57e) of the shielding plate (56) is a part connected to a connection pad connected to a ground line together with the first shield (50). Therefore, even if a connecting member such as solder for connecting the tail portion (57e) to the connection pad comes into contact with or fuses with a connecting member for connecting the adjacent first shield (50) to the connection pad, no interference occurs. Meanwhile, the tail portions (62) of the first terminals (61) arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch such as 0.35 [mm] are parts connected to connection pads connected to signal lines that transmit separate signals. Therefore, if a connecting member, such as solder, for connecting the tail portions (62) to the connection pads comes into contact or fuses with a connecting member for connecting the tail portions (62) of another adjacent first terminal (61), a serious impediment will occur. Therefore, by making the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) visible on the side of the matching surface (1a) of the first connector (1), it is possible to check whether a connecting member, such as solder, for connecting the tail portion (62) comes into contact or fuses with a connecting member for connecting the tail portion (62) of another first terminal (61) adjacent to the first terminal (61). Thus, the occurrence of a situation in which a serious impediment occurs can be prevented.

[0108] Additionally, the first shield (50) comprises an outer wall (52), an inner wall (51) that is essentially parallel to the outer wall (52) within the outer wall (52), a connection portion (53) that connects the top of the outer wall (52) to the top of the inner wall (51), an outwardly extending flange portion (54) connected to the bottom of the outer wall (52), and a receiving portion (50d) that accommodates the second connector (101) and is surrounded by the inner wall (51). The inner wall (51) comprises a straight portion (51a) and a curved portion (51b), and the straight portion (51a) is deformable in a direction that approaches or separates from the outer wall (52). Thus, the first shield (50) can reliably maintain contact with the second shield (150) of the second connector (101) and will not be damaged or destroyed.

[0109] Additionally, the outer wall (52) and the flange portion (54) are continuous over the entire circumference of the first housing (11). Thus, the strength and shielding effect of the first shield (50) are improved, and consequently, the strength and shielding effect of the first connector (1) are improved.

[0110] Additionally, the straight section (51a) and the curved section (51b) of the inner wall (51) are separated by a slit section (53a), and the first housing (11) is connected to the straight section (51a). Accordingly, the external force received by the first shield (50) is prevented from being transmitted to the first housing (11), and the first housing (11) will not be damaged or destroyed.

[0111] Additionally, in this embodiment, the second connector (101) is provided with a second housing (111), a second terminal (161) attached to the second housing (111), a second high-frequency terminal (171) attached to the second housing (111), and a second shield (150) surrounding the entire periphery of the second housing (111). Additionally, an inner wall (151) is provided that is matched with the first connector (1), is attached to the second housing (111), and extends in the width direction of the second connector (101) between the second terminal (161) and the second high-frequency terminal (171). The tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151) is positioned to overlap with the tail portion (162) of the second housing (161) when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101).

[0112] Accordingly, the second connector (101) is additionally provided with an inner wall (151) attached to the second housing (111), and the inner wall (151) extends in the width direction of the second connector (101) between the second terminal (161) and the second high-frequency terminal (171) so that the second high-frequency terminal (171) can be effectively shielded.

[0113] Additionally, the tail portion (151b) of the inner wall (151) is positioned to overlap with the tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161) when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). Accordingly, the entire signal transmission path from the second terminal (161) to the signal line connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion (162) is connected is shielded from the second high-frequency terminal (171) by the entire ground potential transmission path from the inner wall (151) to the ground line connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion (151b) is connected. Therefore, the second high-frequency terminal (171) can be effectively shielded from the influence of the signal transmitted by the second terminal (161).

[0114] Additionally, the second shield (150) includes an outer wall (152), an upper wall (153), and an outwardly extending flange portion (154) connected to the lower end of the outer wall (152). The second housing (111) includes protruding ends (122) positioned at both longitudinal ends of the second connector (101), and the upper wall (153) covers at least a portion of the upper surface (122b) of the protruding ends (122). Thus, external forces received by the second shield (150) are prevented from being transmitted to the second housing (111), and the second housing (111) will not be damaged or destroyed.

[0115] Additionally, the outer wall (152) and the flange portion (154) are continuous over the entire circumference of the second housing (111). Thus, the strength and shielding effect of the second shield (150) are improved, and consequently, the strength and shielding effect of the second connector (101) are improved.

[0116] Additionally, the inner wall (151) is connected to the upper wall (153), the second high frequency terminal (171) is attached to the protruding end (122), and the entire periphery of the second high frequency terminal (171) is surrounded by the outer wall (152) and the inner wall (151). Thus, the second high frequency terminal (171) can be effectively shielded.

[0117] Next, Example 2 will be described below. It should be noted that for parts having the same structure as in Example 1, the description thereof is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to them. Furthermore, the description of the same operation and effect as in Example 1 will be omitted.

[0118] FIG. 14 is a perspective view prior to mating the first connector and the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 16 is a two-dimensional view of the first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the portion visible along the arrow FF of the first connector according to Example 2. FIG. 18 is a bottom surface view of the first connector according to Example 2; FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the solder sheet provided at each substrate connection portion of the first connector according to Example 2. In FIG. 16, (a) is a top surface view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the portion visible along the arrow FF of (a).

[0119] In the aforementioned embodiment 1, a case was described in which the first terminal (61) of the first connector (1) is not integrated with the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding, but is retained by pressing the retained part (63) into the first terminal receiving cavity (15) formed in the first protrusion (13). In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first terminal (61) of the first connector (1) is integrated with the first protrusion (13) of the first housing (11) by overmolding or injection molding.

[0120] Additionally, the shape of the first housing (11) is partially modified accordingly. In the previously described embodiment 1, the portion between the first protrusions (13) on the base plate (18) is a thick wall portion (18b) that is thicker than other portions, but in this embodiment, the portion between the first protrusions (13) on the base plate (18) is an intermediate protrusion (18d). The intermediate protrusion (18d) has a height slightly higher than the first protrusion (13), and its upper surface is coplanar with and connected to the upper surface of the first high-frequency terminal support portion (16). Additionally, a plurality of first terminal receiving cavities (15) are formed longitudinally side by side on both sides of the intermediate protrusion (18d), and a portion of each first terminal (61) is received in each first terminal receiving cavity (15). Additionally, an inwardly recessed bend (12a) is formed between each side of the intermediate protrusion (18d) and the first protrusions (13). In this embodiment as well, a plurality of first terminals (61) are arranged along each first protrusion (13) to form a pair of parallel terminal group rows.

[0121] Additionally, the first terminal (61) according to the present embodiment is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc., on a conductive metal plate, and similar to the first terminal (61) according to Embodiment 1 described above, a retaining portion (63), a tail portion (62) acting as a substrate connection portion connected to the lower end of the retaining portion (63), an upper connection portion (65) connected to the upper end of the retaining portion (63), and a lower connection portion (64) connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion (65) are provided. A contact portion (65a) is formed near the lower end of the upper connection portion (65). Additionally, the first terminal (61) is further provided with an inner connection portion (66) connected to the tip of the lower connection portion (64). The inner connection portion (66) is bent and connected to the lower connection portion (64) and extends upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). A contact portion (66a) bent to bulge outward in the width direction of the first connector (1) is formed near the upper end of the inner connection portion (66). The contact portion (66a) is a part that contacts the second terminal (161) provided by the second connector (101). In other words, the first terminal (61) of the present embodiment is provided with a contact portion (65a) of the upper connection portion (65) and a contact portion (66a) of the inner connection portion (66) that face each other, and is configured to make a two-point contact with the second terminal (161).

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the shielding plate (56) provided on the first connector (1) of the aforementioned embodiment 1 is omitted. Accordingly, the shielding plate receiving slits (13b) formed on the first protrusion (13) and the shielding plate receiving opening (18a) formed on the base plate (18) in the embodiment 1 described above are also omitted.

[0123] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the first terminals (61) located at both ends of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row are connected to a ground line and function as first ground terminals (61G) that serve as first inner shields. In the example illustrated in the drawings, five first terminals (61) are arranged along each of the first protrusions (13) to form each terminal group row. Two first terminals (61) located at both ends of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row function as first ground terminals (61G), and three first terminals (61) located near the center of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row are used to transmit signals of a normal frequency. It should be noted that the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) that transmits a signal of a normal frequency is visible when viewed from the matching direction of the first connector (1), that is, from the matching surface (1a) side, whereas the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) that functions as the first ground terminal (61G) is not visible when viewed from the matching direction of the first connector (1). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, in the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) that functions as the first ground terminal (61G), the lower surface is exposed but the upper surface is covered by the base plate (18), which is part of the first housing (11) and is not visible when viewed from the matching surface (1a) side.

[0124] In addition, the present embodiment will be described as using the first solder sheet (91) as a means for connecting the first shield (50), the first terminal (61), the first high-frequency terminal (71), etc., to the connection pads of the first substrate, as shown in FIG. 19. The first solder sheet (91) comprises: a pair of elongated strip-shaped long-side sheets (91a) that extend linearly and continuously in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1); two pairs of elongated strip-shaped short-side sheets (91b) that extend linearly and continuously in the width direction of the first connector (1); and a plurality of rectangular short-length sheets (91c) in which the long side extends in the width direction of the first connector (1) and the short side extends in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). Additionally, each short-side sheet (91b) is connected to the long-side sheet (91a) at both ends thereof. Additionally, the long side sheet (91a) and the short side sheets (91b) do not necessarily have to be extended continuously and may be intermittent, but in this specification they will be described as being extended continuously.

[0125] Additionally, a pair of long side sheets (91a) are provided on the lower surface of a flange portion (54) corresponding to the long side portions (50a) of the first shield (50), a pair of short side sheets (91b) are provided on the lower surface of a flange portion (54) corresponding to the short side portion (50b) of the first shield (50), and another pair of short side sheets (91b) are provided on the lower surface of a tail portion (62) of a first terminal (61) that functions as a first ground terminal (61G). Additionally, each short length sheet (91c) is provided on the lower surface of a tail portion (62) of another first terminal (61) and on the lower surface of a tail portion (72) of each first high frequency terminal (71).

[0126] When the first solder sheet (91) provided by this method is heated and melted and the first connector (1) is mounted on the surface of the first substrate, the curved portion (52a) and the flange portion (54), which are continuously connected to the bottom of the continuous outer wall (52) over the entire circumference of the first shield (50), are connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate without gaps. Additionally, the tail portion (62) of the first terminal (61) is also connected to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate without gaps as a first ground terminal (61G). Thus, the first terminal (61) functioning as the first ground terminal (61G) is not a continuous plate-shaped member and has multiple gaps when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first connector (1). Therefore, even though the electromagnetic shielding effect is lower than that of the long side (50a) and short side (50b) of the first shield (50), the first terminals (61) are connected continuously to the connection pads on the surface of the first substrate without gaps using solder. Thus, a sufficient electromagnetic shielding effect can actually be achieved.

[0127] It should be noted that the configuration of other points of the first connector (1) of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

[0128] Next, the configuration of the second connector (101) will be described.

[0129] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second shield according to Example 2. FIG. 23 is a two-dimensional view of the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the portion visible along arrow GG of the second connector according to Example 2. FIG. 25 is a bottom surface view of the second connector according to Example 2; FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a solder sheet provided at each substrate connection portion of the second connector according to Example 2. In FIG. 23, (a) is a top surface view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the portion visible along arrow GG of (a).

[0130] As described above, the first terminal (61) of the present embodiment is provided with a contact portion (65a) of an upper connecting portion (65) and a contact portion (66a) of an inner connecting portion (66) facing each other, and is configured to make a two-point contact with the second terminal (161). Accordingly, the second terminal (161) according to the present embodiment is also configured to make a two-point contact with the first terminal (61).

[0131] Specifically, the second terminal (161) according to the present embodiment is a member formed integrally by punching, bending, etc., on an electrically conductive metal plate, and is integrated with the second housing (111) by overmolding or injection molding, similar to the second terminal (161) in the embodiment 1 described above. In addition, similar to the second terminal (161) of the embodiment 1 described above, the second terminal (161) is provided with: a retained portion (163); a tail portion (162) as a substrate connection portion connected to the first end of the retained portion (163); a lower connection portion (165) connected to the second end of the retained portion (163) and extending in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction); and an upper connection portion (164) connected to the upper end of the lower connection portion (165). The surface of the lower connection portion (165) functions as a contact portion (165a). The second terminal (161) is additionally provided with an inner connection portion (166) that is connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion (164) and faces the lower connection portion (165). The inner connection portion (166) includes an inner tail portion (166b), which extends in a vertical direction and is bent toward its lower end to connect, and serves as a substrate connection portion that extends inwardly in the width direction of the second connector (101). Additionally, the surface of the inner connection portion (166) functions as a contact portion (166a) that contacts the first terminal (61). Accordingly, the second terminal (161) of the present embodiment is provided with a contact portion (165a) of the lower connection portion (165) and a contact portion (166a) of the inner connection portion (166), and is configured to make a two-point contact with the first terminal (61).

[0132] Additionally, the shape of the second housing (111) is also partially modified. In Example 1 described above, the central slit (112b) of the second protrusion (112) is narrow. However, in this embodiment, the central slit (112b) is wider, and the spacing between the terminal support walls (112a) on both the left and right sides of the central slit (112b) is wider. Also, in Example 1 described above, the second terminal (161) is placed only on the outer surface of each terminal support wall (112a), but in this embodiment, the second terminal (161) is placed on both the outer surface and the inner surface of each terminal support wall (112a). Specifically, at each second terminal (161), the contact portion (165a), which is the surface of the lower connection portion (165), is exposed on the outer surface of each terminal support wall (112a), and the contact portion (166a), which is the surface of the inner connection portion (166), is exposed at the central slit (112b) on the inner surface of each terminal support wall (112a).

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, the inner wall (151) included on the second shield (150) of the second connector (101) of the embodiment 1 described above is omitted. Accordingly, the first high-frequency terminal receiving opening (153a) formed on the upper wall (153) of the second shield (150) is essentially a rectangular opening, with three sides bounded by the upper wall (153) but one side facing inward in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101) being open.

[0134] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the second terminals (161) located at both ends of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row are connected to a ground line and function as second ground terminals (161G) that serve as second inner shields. In the example illustrated in the drawings, five second terminals (161) are arranged along each of the terminal support walls (112a) to form each terminal group row. Two second terminals (161) located at both ends of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row function as second ground terminals (161G), and three second terminals (161) located near the center of the longitudinal direction of each terminal group row are used to transmit signals of a normal frequency.

[0135] Additionally, the present embodiment will be described as using the second solder sheet (191) as a means for connecting the second shield (150), the second terminal (161), the second high-frequency terminal (171), etc., to the connection pads of the second substrate, as shown in FIG. 26. The second solder sheet (191) comprises: a pair of elongated strip-shaped long-side sheets (191a) that extend linearly and continuously in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101); two pairs of elongated strip-shaped short-side sheets (191b) that extend linearly and continuously in the width direction of the second connector (101); and a plurality of rectangular short-length sheets (191c) in which the long side extends in the width direction of the second connector (101) and the short side extends in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). Additionally, each short-side sheet (191b) is connected to the long-side sheet (191a) at both ends thereof. Additionally, the long side sheet (191a) and the short side sheets (191b) are not necessarily to be extended continuously and may be intermittent, but will be described herein as being extended continuously.

[0136] Additionally, a pair of long side sheets (191a) are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (154) corresponding to the long side portions (150a) of the second shield (150), a pair of short side sheets (191b) are provided on the lower surface of the flange portion (154) corresponding to the short side portion (150b) of the second shield (150), and another pair of short side sheets (191b) are provided on the lower surface of the inner tail portion (166b) and tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161) which functions as the second ground terminal (161G). Additionally, each short length sheet (191c) is provided on the lower surface of the tail portion (162) of the other second terminal (161) and on the lower surface of the tail portion (172) of each second high frequency terminal (171).

[0137] When the second solder sheet (191) provided by this method is heated and melted and the second connector (101) is mounted on the surface of the second substrate, the curved portion (152a) and the flange portion (154), which are continuously connected to the bottom of the continuous outer wall (152) over the entire circumference of the second shield (150), are connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate without gaps. Additionally, the inner tail portion (166b) and the tail portion (162) of the second terminal (161) are also connected to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate without gaps as a second ground terminal (161G). Thus, the second terminal (161) functioning as the second ground terminal (161G) is not a continuous plate-shaped member and has multiple gaps when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second connector (101). Therefore, even though the electromagnetic shielding effect is lower than that of the long side (150a) and short side (150b) of the second shield (150), the second terminals (161) are connected continuously to the connection pads on the surface of the second substrate without gaps using solder. Thus, a sufficient electromagnetic shielding effect can actually be achieved.

[0138] It should be noted that the configuration of other points of the second connector (101) of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1 described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

[0139] Sequentially, the operation of matching the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) having the above configuration will be described.

[0140] FIG. 27 is a four-dimensional view of the first connector and the second connector in a mated state according to Example 2. Note that in the drawings, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow HH of (a), (c) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow II of (a), and (d) is a cross-sectional view of the part visible along arrow JJ of (a).

[0141] In this embodiment, as illustrated in the drawings, when the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) are aligned, the first terminal (61) and the second terminal (161) conduct electricity, and the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the second high-frequency terminal (171) achieve an electrically conductive state. Specifically, each of the terminal support walls (112a) on both sides on the left and right of the second protrusion (112) of the second housing (111) is inserted into each of the inner recessed bends (12a) on both sides on the left and right of the first housing (11). The contact portion (65a) of the first terminal (61) protruding from the inner surface of the first protrusion (13) into the inner recessed bend (12a) contacts the contact portion (165a) of the second terminal (161) exposed on the outer surface of the terminal support walls (112a) of the second protrusion (112). The contact portion (66a), which is curved to bulge outward in the width direction of the first connector (1) from both sides of the middle protrusion (18d), contacts the contact portion (166a) of the second terminal (161) exposed on the inner surface of the terminal support wall (112a) of the second protrusion (112).

[0142] At this time, the lower connection portion (64) of the first terminal (61) and its vicinity have an essentially U-shaped form visible from the first connector (1) and are elastically deformable, so that the gap between the mutually opposing contact portions (65a) and contact portion (66a) can be elastically expanded. Accordingly, the gap between the contact portions (65a) and contact portion (66a) is stretched elastically as the second terminal (161) is inserted between them and pushed by the reaction, and the second terminal (161) is elastically sandwiched from both sides by the contact portions (65a) and contact portion (66a). As a result, the contact portions (65a) of the first terminal (61) and the contact portion (165a) of the second terminal (161), and the contact portions (66a) of the first terminal (61) and the contact portion (166a) of the second terminal (161) that correspond to each other, maintain contact and do not separate even when subjected to shock or vibration, thereby maintaining a stable state of electrical conduction. In addition, the mutually corresponding first terminal (61) and second terminal (161) are in a state of contact at two points, so-called two-point contact, and even if contact at one point is released, contact at the other point is maintained, and thus the contact state can be safely maintained.

[0143] Additionally, when the protruding end (122) is inserted into the matching recess (12b), the first high-frequency terminal support (16) located in the matching recess (12b) is inserted into the first high-frequency terminal receiving recess (116c) of the protruding end (122), and the contact portion (75a) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) and the contact portion (175a) of the second high-frequency terminal (171) come into contact with each other. Furthermore, the first ground terminal (61G) located adjacent to the matching recess (12b) and the second ground terminal (161G) located adjacent to the protruding end (122) come into contact with each other and conduct electricity. Accordingly, the mutually contacting first high-frequency terminal (71) and second high-frequency terminal (171) are continuously surrounded by the inner wall (51) and outer wall (52) of the first shield (50), and the first ground terminal (61G) and the outer wall (152) and second ground terminal (161G) of the second shield (150), and also have the entire surroundings that are double-surrounded and very effectively shielded. Accordingly, the impedance of the signal transmission line from the tail portion (72) of the first high-frequency terminal (71) to the tail portion (172) of the second high-frequency terminal (171) is stabilized, and favorable SI characteristics can be achieved.

[0144] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the tail portion (62) of the first ground terminal (61G) is covered by the first housing (11), and the lower surface of the tail portion (62) of the first ground terminal (61G) is exposed. Accordingly, the first ground terminal (61G) approaches the first high-frequency terminal (71) to such an extent that the upper surface of the tail portion (62) is covered by a part of the first housing (11), such as the base plate (18), and thus, the first high-frequency terminal (71) can be effectively shielded.

[0145] Additionally, the first ground terminal (61G) has the same shape as the first terminal (61). Therefore, the cost of the first ground terminal (61G) can be reduced, and thus the cost of the first connector (1) can be reduced.

[0146] In addition, in this embodiment, the second ground terminal (161G) has the same shape as the second terminal (161). Therefore, the cost of the second ground terminal (161G) can be reduced, and thus the cost of the second connector (101) can be reduced.

[0147] It should be noted that the operation of matching the first connector (1) and the second connector (101) of this embodiment, and the configuration and effects of other points of the first connector (1) and the second connector (101), are identical to those of Embodiment 1 described above, and therefore, their description is omitted.

[0148] Furthermore, the disclosure of this specification describes features relating to suitable exemplary embodiments. Various other embodiments, variations, and modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims attached to this specification will naturally be conceived by those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure of this specification. For example, the staggered arrangement of terminals does not need to be regular. Also, the arrangement of terminals on the left half-body portion and the right half-body portion does not need to be identical. Also, the left half-body portion and the right half-body portion do not need to be axially symmetric.

[0149] [Industrial Applicability]

[0150] The present disclosure may be applied to connectors and connector pairs.

Claims

Claim 1 (a) a first connector body, a first terminal attached to the first connector body, a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body, and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; (b) the first shield comprises an outer wall, an inner wall located on the inner side of the outer wall and essentially parallel to the outer wall, a connecting portion connecting the top of the outer wall and the top of the inner wall, an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the bottom of the outer wall, and a receiving portion surrounded by the inner wall and including a second connector; (c) the outer wall and the flange portion are continuous over the entire periphery of the first connector body, and the straight portion and the curved portion of the inner wall are separated by a slit portion, a first connector. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 (a) a first connector body, a first terminal attached to the first connector body, a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body, and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; (b) the first shield comprises an outer wall, an inner wall located on the inner side of the outer wall and essentially parallel to the outer wall, a connecting portion connecting the top of the outer wall and the top of the inner wall, an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the bottom of the outer wall, and a receiving portion surrounded by the inner wall and including a second connector; (c) the outer wall and the flange portion are continuous over the entire periphery of the first connector body and further comprises a shielding plate attached to the first connector body, wherein the shielding plate extends in the width direction of the first connector between the first terminal and the first high-frequency terminal. Claim 4 A second connector that matches a first connector, wherein (a) the second connector comprises a second connector body, a second terminal attached to the second connector body, a second high-frequency terminal attached to the second connector body, and a second shield surrounding the entire periphery of the second connector body; (b) the second shield comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper wall connecting the upper end of the outer wall and the upper end of the inner wall, and an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the lower end of the outer wall; and (c) the second connector body comprises protruding ends arranged longitudinally at both ends of the second connector, wherein the upper wall covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the protruding ends and the inner wall covers at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the protruding ends. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the second connector, wherein the outer wall and the flange portion are continuous over the entire circumference of the second connector body. Claim 6 A second connector, wherein, in paragraph 4 or 5, the protruding end is connected to a part of the outer wall, the inner wall and the upper wall. Claim 7 A second connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second high-frequency terminal is attached to the protruding end and the entire periphery of the second high-frequency terminal is surrounded by the outer wall and the inner wall. Claim 8 (a) A first connector comprising a first connector body, a first terminal attached to the first connector body, a first high-frequency terminal attached to the first connector body, and a first shield surrounding the entire periphery of the first connector body; and (b) a second connector that mates with a first connector, comprising a second connector body, a second terminal attached to the second connector body, a second high-frequency terminal attached to the second connector body, and a second shield surrounding the entire periphery of the second connector body; wherein the connector pair comprises: (c) the first shield including an outer wall, an inner wall located on the inner side of the outer wall and essentially parallel to the outer wall, a connecting portion connecting the top of the outer wall and the top of the inner wall, an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the bottom of the outer wall, and a receiving portion surrounded by the inner wall, wherein the inner wall includes a straight portion of a straight shape and a curved portion of a curved shape; (d) the second shield including an outer wall, an inner wall, an upper wall connecting the top of the outer wall and the top of the inner wall, and an outwardly extending flange portion connected to the bottom of the outer wall, wherein the second shield is received within the receiving portion of the first shield; and (e) the second connector body is of the second connector A pair of connectors comprising: a protruding end arranged longitudinally at both ends, wherein the upper wall covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the protruding end, and the inner wall covers at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the protruding end; wherein the first connector further comprises a shielding plate attached to the first connector body, wherein the shielding plate extends in the width direction of the first connector between the first terminal and the first high-frequency terminal, and the first connector contacts the inner wall of the second shield. Claim 9 delete

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