Electrical Connector

Abstract

An electrical connector includes a housing, first and second rows of terminals arranged in the housing, and a ground shield assembly. The first and second rows of terminals are separated from each other and adapted to electrically connect with corresponding terminals of a mated electrical connector. The first and second rows of terminals each include a ground terminal connected to a ground layer of a circuit board and a signal terminal connected to a signal lead wire of the circuit board. The ground shield assembly is positioned between the signal terminal of the first row of terminals and the signal terminal of the second row of terminals and is electrically connected to the ground layer. The ground shield assembly is in electrical contact with a corresponding ground terminal at least one position of each of at least one ground terminal of the first and / or second row of terminals.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to electrical connectors. [Previous Technology]

[0002] For current electrical connectors suitable for mating with card-type electrical connectors, there is severe signal interference between the signal terminals of the two rows of terminals, especially severe near-end crosstalk, and there are also problems such as high-frequency resonance, crosstalk, and return loss, resulting in poor signal integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrical connector that reduces signal interference and improves signal integrity, and this electrical connector especially needs to improve the high-frequency resonance problem. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] This application is made in order to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned and other problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide an electrical connector adapted to be mounted on a circuit board and connected to a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: a housing; a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals being spaced apart and housed within the housing and adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals respectively including a ground terminal adapted to be connected to a ground plane of the circuit board and a signal terminal adapted to be connected to a signal lead of the circuit board; and a ground shielding assembly, the ground shielding assembly being at least partially positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals and configured to be electrically connected to the ground plane, wherein the ground shielding assembly contacts the ground terminal at at least one location of each ground terminal in at least one of the first row of terminals and / or the second row of terminals.

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide an electrical connector adapted to be mounted on a circuit board and connected to a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: a housing; a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals being spaced apart and housed within the housing and adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals respectively including a ground terminal adapted to be connected to a ground layer of the circuit board and a signal terminal adapted to be connected to a signal lead of the circuit board; and at least one common grounding element, the at least one common grounding element being positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals, and contacting the ground terminal at at least one location of each first ground terminal in the first row of terminals and each second ground terminal in the second row of terminals.

[0006] The electrical connectors provided in various embodiments of this application separate the signal terminals of the first row of terminals from the signal terminals of the second row of terminals through a grounding shielding component, thereby eliminating mutual interference between the two rows of signal terminals and improving near-end crosstalk. Furthermore, the grounding terminals of the electrical connector can form multiple grounding contacts at multiple locations between their two ends by contacting the grounding shielding component. These grounding contacts form a boundary similar to the total reflection boundary of the grounding points at both ends of the grounding terminal, thereby increasing the resonant frequency due to the shortened distance of the electrical boundary, thus changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal, pushing the resonant frequency point to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector. In addition, the potential or noise generated in the two rows of grounding terminals can flow into the grounding shielding component or common grounding component with lower impedance, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0007] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of the application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application.

Implementation Method

[0034] Embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals and symbols shown in the drawings refer to elements or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0035] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this application. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. In this application, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and similar terms are used to enumerate features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of said features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes multiple combinations of associated projects or any one of multiple associated projects.

[0037] Embodiments of this application provide an electrical connector. The electrical connector is adapted to be mounted on a circuit board and mates with a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: a housing; a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals being spaced apart and housed within the housing and adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector, the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals respectively including a ground terminal adapted to be connected to a ground plane of the circuit board and a signal terminal adapted to be connected to a signal lead of the circuit board; and a ground shielding assembly, the ground shielding assembly being at least partially positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals and configured to be electrically connected to the ground plane, wherein the ground shielding assembly contacts the ground terminal at at least one location of each ground terminal in at least one of the first row of terminals and / or the second row of terminals.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector, mating electrical connector, and circuit board according to the present application. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector, mating electrical connector, and circuit board connected together according to the present application.

[0039] The electrical connector 1 according to this application is suitable for mounting on a circuit board 3. The signal terminals of the electrical connector can be connected to signal leads of the circuit board 3, and the ground terminal of the electrical connector can be connected to the ground plane or ground wire of the circuit board 3. The electrical connector also has a mating end through which it can be electrically connected to a mating electrical connector 2, such as a card-type electrical connector. The signal terminals and ground terminals of the electrical connector 1 can be electrically connected to the corresponding signal terminals and ground terminals of the mating electrical connector 2, respectively, so that the mating electrical connector 2 is connected to the circuit board 3 via the electrical connector 1.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with a common grounding component. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with a common grounding component. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector with the housing removed. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. Figures 3 to 7 will be discussed together.

[0041] The electrical connector includes a housing 10, a first row of terminals 20, and a second row of terminals 30. The first row of terminals and the second row of terminals are spaced apart and housed in the housing 10, and are adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector 2. The first row of terminals 20 includes a first ground terminal 201 adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3 and a first signal terminal 202 adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board 3; and the second row of terminals 30 includes a second ground terminal 301 adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3 and a second signal terminal 302 adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board 3.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the first row of terminals 20 includes a first ground terminal 201 disposed between its signal terminals 202. In other words, the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminals 202 of the first row of terminals 20 are arranged alternately. As preferably shown in Figures 4 and 6, a first ground terminal 201 is disposed between every two first signal terminals 202. Similarly, the second row of terminals 30 includes a second ground terminal 301 disposed between its signal terminals 302, that is, the second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminals 302 of the second row of terminals 30 are arranged alternately. As preferably shown in Figures 5 and 6, a second ground terminal 301 is disposed between every two second signal terminals 302. It should be understood that the arrangement of the ground terminals and signal terminals of the two rows of terminals is not limited to this. For example, a ground terminal may be disposed between one or more signal terminals, or even only one ground terminal in each row of terminals, with the other terminals being signal terminals, and vice versa.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical connector 1 further includes a first terminal fixing member 21 and a second terminal fixing member 31, wherein the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminal 202 of the first row of terminals 20 extend through the first terminal fixing member 21 and are fixed by the first terminal fixing member, and the second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminal 302 of the second row of terminals 30 extend through the second terminal fixing member 31 and are fixed by the second terminal fixing member. Thus, the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminal 202 of the first row of terminals 20 are fixed by the first terminal fixing member 21 and arranged alternately with each other, and are divided by the first terminal fixing member 21 into a first part suitable for contacting the corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector and a second part led out from the housing 10 of the electrical connector to be connected to the circuit board. The second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminal 302 of the second row of terminals 30 are fixed by the second terminal fixing member 31 and arranged alternately with each other, and are divided by the second terminal fixing member 31 into a first part suitable for contacting the corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector and a second part led out from the housing 10 of the electrical connector to be connected to the circuit board.

[0044] The first terminal fastener 21 and the second terminal fastener 31 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. For example, the terminal fasteners may be formed on each row of terminals by an overmolding process using plastic.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the positions of the plug end of the electrical connector 1, which is adapted to connect with the mating electrical connector 2, and the positions of the ends of the signal terminals and ground terminals that extend out of the housing to connect with the circuit board, are respectively located on two adjacent sides of the housing 10 of the electrical connector. The portions of the signal terminals 202, 302 and the ground terminals 201, 301 of the electrical connector that are away from the plug end extend toward the interior of the housing and then bend toward the side wall of the housing to extend out of the housing, thereby enabling them to be electrically connected to the signal leads and ground plane of the circuit board, respectively.

[0046] The electrical connector also includes a grounding shield assembly, which is at least partially located between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals 20 and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals 30, and is configured to be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the ground plane of the circuit board. The grounding shield assembly contacts the grounding terminal at at least one location of each grounding terminal 201, 301 in at least one of the grounding terminals in the first row of terminals 20 and / or the second row of terminals 30, such that the contacted grounding terminal is divided into at least two segments in its extension direction by the at least one location, for example, it may be divided into two, three, four, or more segments, thereby shortening the path of each segment relative to the total path of the contacted grounding terminal. As will be described in detail later, boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the contact locations of the contacted grounding terminals, thereby increasing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal due to the shortened distance of the electrical boundaries, thus changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal.

[0047] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the grounding shielding assembly of the electrical connector includes a conductive shielding member 41, which is at least partially positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals 20 and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals 30, and does not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals. The conductive shielding member is adapted to be directly electrically connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3, for example, directly electrically connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3 via pin 412. The conductive shielding member 41 is generally plate-shaped, and its extension direction is generally parallel to the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the plate-shaped conductive shielding member 41 spacees the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. Thus, the conductive shielding member 41 eliminates mutual interference between the signals of the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals, thereby improving near-end crosstalk.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding shielding assembly further includes a positioning member 42 disposed within the housing 10, which fixes the conductive shielding member 41 relative to the housing between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. The positioning member 42 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic overmolded onto the conductive shielding member 41. As shown in FIG3, the positioning member 42 is overmolded at the middle portion of the conductive shielding member 41, such that the plate-like portion 411 of the conductive shielding member 41 is exposed from one side of the positioning member 42, while the pins 412 of the conductive shielding member 41 are exposed from the other side of the positioning member 42.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding shield assembly further includes at least one common grounding element. Each common grounding element contacts the grounding terminal at at least two locations of each grounding terminal in at least one of the grounding terminals in the first row of terminals 20 and / or the second row of terminals 30, such that the contacted grounding terminal is divided into at least three segments in its extending direction by the at least two locations, and each common grounding element is electrically connected to the conductive shield 41. The at least one common grounding element does not electrically contact the signal terminals in the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the common grounding member has a main body 501 extending along a first direction X (a direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals 20 or the second row of terminals 30) and a plurality of contact portions 502 extending from two side edges of the main body 501 in a second direction Y (a direction perpendicular to the first direction X). The cross-section of the common grounding member passing through the main body 501 and the contact portions 502 is generally U-shaped or C-shaped.

[0051] Two contact portions 502 arranged opposite to each other in the second direction Y contact the same grounding terminal in the first row of terminals 20 or the same grounding terminal in the second row of terminals 30. Furthermore, the main body portion 501 of the common grounding member, located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base, is positioned spaced apart from the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. That is, the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30 are respectively away from and do not contact the main body portion 501. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion 501 of the first common grounding member 50a-1, located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base, is spaced apart from the first grounding terminal 201 by the first terminal fixing member 21; and the main body portion 501 of the second common grounding member 50b-1, located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base, is spaced apart from the second grounding terminal 301 by the second terminal fixing member 31. The main body portion 501 located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base has a large planar area and a low impedance, its potential being similar to a ground plane, which facilitates the entry of higher potential noise.

[0052] As preferably shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the at least one common grounding element includes a first common grounding element 50a-1 and a second common grounding element 50b-1. The first common grounding element 50a-1 and the second common grounding element 50b-1 have substantially the same structure, each having a main body portion 501 extending along a first direction X and a plurality of contact portions 502 extending from the side edge of the main body portion 501. As preferably shown in Figure 7, the cross-section of each of the first common grounding element 50a-1 and the second common grounding element 50b-1 through the main body portion 501 and the contact portions 502 is substantially U-shaped, such that the main body portion 501 is located at the bottom of the U-shape without contacting the corresponding grounding terminal, and the contact portion 502 can contact the grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of the corresponding grounding terminal. The first common grounding element 50a-1 and the second common grounding element 50b-1 do not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0053] A first common grounding member 50a-1 is disposed on the outer side of the first row of terminals 20 facing away from the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. A second common grounding member 50b-1 is disposed on the outer side of the second row of terminals 30 facing away from the first row of terminals 20, and contacts the second grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each second grounding terminal 301. In other words, the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30 are sandwiched between the first common grounding member 50a-1 and the second common grounding member 50b-1.

[0054] As preferably shown in Figures 3 and 6, the first common grounding member 50a-1 and the second common grounding member 50b-1 each include a connecting leg 503, which extends from the end of the main body portion 501 in the first direction X to the conductive shield 41 to make electrical contact with the conductive shield. For example, the connecting leg 503 of the first common grounding member 50a-1 can extend from its main body portion 501 across the first terminal fixing member 21 to one side of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the conductive shield 41 to make electrical contact with the conductive shield 41, and the connecting leg 503 of the second common grounding member 50b-1 can extend from its main body portion 501 across the second terminal fixing member 31 to the other side of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the conductive shield 41 to make electrical contact with the conductive shield 41.

[0055] By placing the first common grounding component 50a-1 and the second common grounding component 50b-1 on the outside of the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30, assembly will be simpler and it will be easier to control the gap tolerance of the terminals.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first common grounding member 50a-1 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 opposite to the conductive shielding member 41, such that the first common grounding member 50a-1 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. The first common grounding member 50a-1 can be positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 opposite to the conductive shielding member 41 by a positioning portion located on the first terminal fixing member 21. As shown in Figure 7, the first common grounding member 50a-1 contacts the first grounding terminal 201 at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 on both sides of the first terminal fixing member 21 through its contact portion 502, thereby dividing the first grounding terminal 201 into three segments, such that the path of each segment is shorter relative to the total path of the first grounding terminal.

[0057] The second common grounding member 50b-1 is positioned on the side of the second terminal fixing member 31 opposite to the conductive shielding member 41, such that the second common grounding member 50b-1 crosses the second terminal fixing member 31 and makes electrical contact with the spaced-apart segments of each second grounding terminal 301. Also as shown in FIG7, the second common grounding member 50b-1 contacts the second grounding terminal 301 at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 on both sides of the second terminal fixing member 31 through its contact portion 502. Thus, the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 can divide the second grounding terminal 301 into three segments, so that the path of each segment is shorter than the total path of the first grounding terminal.

[0058] The first ground terminal 201 is connected to the ground plane of the circuit board through the first common grounding member 50a-1 and the conductive shielding member 41 of the grounding shielding assembly. The second ground terminal 301 is connected to the ground plane of the circuit board through the second common grounding member 50b-1 and the conductive shielding member 41 of the grounding shielding assembly. The potential or noise generated in the first ground terminal 201 can flow into the ground plane of the circuit board not only along the first ground terminal 201, but also through the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, respectively, through the first common grounding member 50a-1 and the conductive shielding member 41. More specifically, the potential or noise generated in the three segments of the first ground terminal 201 divided by the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 can flow into the contact portion 502 of the first common grounding member 50a-1 through the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, then into the conductive shielding member 41 through the connecting leg 503 of the common grounding member, and finally into the ground plane of the circuit board through the pin 412 of the conductive shielding member 41. Similarly, the potential or noise induced at the second ground terminal 301 can flow not only along the second ground terminal 301 into the ground layer of the circuit board, but also through the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 via the second common ground member 50b-1 and the conductive shield 41 into the ground layer of the circuit board. Furthermore, the main body 501 of the common ground member, which is spaced apart from the first ground terminal 201 and the second ground terminal 301, has a larger planar area and lower impedance, further facilitating the flow of potential or noise away from the signal terminals into the corresponding common ground member.

[0059] Because boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 of the second grounding terminal 301, the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal is increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal. In other words, the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal is pushed to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0060] FIG8 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application. FIG9 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with a common grounding member. FIG10 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. FIG8 to FIG10 will be discussed together with reference to FIG1 to FIG7.

[0061] In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10, the construction of the housing, the first row of terminals, and the second row of terminals (and the grounding terminals and signal terminals in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector is substantially similar to the construction of the housing 10, the first row of terminals 20, and the second row of terminals 30 (and the grounding terminals and signal terminals in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector shown in Figures 3 to 7. Identical or similar structures will not be described further here.

[0062] The electrical connectors of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10 differ from those shown in Figures 3 to 7 in that they have a grounding shield assembly. Although the grounding shield assembly of the electrical connectors shown in Figures 8 to 10 includes a conductive shield 41 and a positioning member 42 with a structure substantially the same as those of the conductive shield and positioning member of the grounding shield assemblies shown in Figures 3 to 7, the structure and arrangement of the common grounding member of the grounding shield assembly of the electrical connectors shown in Figures 8 to 10 are different from those of the common grounding member of the electrical connectors shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0063] Specifically, the first common grounding member 50a-2 has a main body portion 501 extending along a first direction X (a direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals 20) and a plurality of contact portions 502 extending from two side edges of the main body portion 501 in a second direction Y (a direction perpendicular to the first direction), and the second common grounding member 50b-2 has a main body portion 501 extending along the first direction X and a plurality of contact portions 502 extending from two side edges of the main body portion 501 in the second direction Y. The cross-sections of the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 passing through the main body portion 501 and the contact portions 502 are generally U-shaped or C-shaped. As shown in FIG10, the two contact portions 502 arranged opposite to each other in the extension direction of the grounding terminal contact the same grounding terminal in a row of terminals. Furthermore, the main body portion 501 located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base is positioned spaced apart from the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301 and does not contact the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 501 of the first common grounding member 50a-1, located at a generally U-shaped or C-shaped base, is spaced apart from the first grounding terminal 201 by a first terminal fixing member 21; and the main body 501 of the second common grounding member 50b-1, located at a generally U-shaped or C-shaped base, is spaced apart from the second grounding terminal 301 by a second terminal fixing member 31. Furthermore, the main body 501 has a large planar area and low impedance, its potential resembling that of a ground plane, which facilitates the entry of higher potential noise.

[0064] Furthermore, as preferably shown in Figures 8 and 10, the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 do not include the connecting leg 503 of the common grounding member in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0065] Accordingly, as preferably shown in FIG10, a first common grounding member 50a-2 is disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals 20 facing the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. The first common grounding member 50a-2 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the first common grounding member 50a-2 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. A second common grounding member 50b-2 is disposed on the inner side of the second row of terminals 30 facing the first row of terminals 20, and contacts the second grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each second grounding terminal 301. The second common grounding member 50b-2 is positioned on the side of the second terminal fixing member 31 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the second common grounding member 50b-2 crosses the second terminal fixing member 31 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second grounding terminal 301. Similarly, the common grounding component does not make electrical contact with the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0066] In other words, the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 are sandwiched between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. Specifically, the U-shaped base of the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the U-shaped base of the second common grounding member 50b-2 are sandwiched between the first terminal fixing member 21 and the second terminal fixing member 31, and the U-shaped bases of the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 respectively contact opposite sides of the conductive shielding member 41, specifically contacting opposite sides of the plate-shaped portion 411 of the conductive shielding member 41. As a result, the contact area between the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 and the conductive shielding member 41 is larger, resulting in greater improvement in resonance, crosstalk, and return loss.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the first common grounding member 50a-2 contacts the first grounding terminal 201 at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 on both sides of the first terminal fixing member 21 through its contact portion 502. Thus, the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 divide the first grounding terminal 201 into three segments, making each segment's path shorter relative to the total path of the first grounding terminal. Similarly, the second common grounding member 50b-2 contacts the second grounding terminal 301 at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 on both sides of the second terminal fixing member 31 through its contact portion 502. Thus, the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 divide the second grounding terminal 301 into three segments, making each segment's path shorter relative to the total path of the first grounding terminal.

[0068] The first grounding terminal 201 is connected to the ground plane of the circuit board through the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the conductive shielding member 41 of the grounding shielding assembly. The second grounding terminal 301 is connected to the ground plane of the circuit board through the second common grounding member 50b-2 and the conductive shielding member 41 of the grounding shielding assembly. The potential or noise induced in the first grounding terminal 201 can flow into the ground plane of the circuit board not only along the first grounding terminal 201, but also through the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 via the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the conductive shielding member 41, respectively. More specifically, the potential or noise generated in each of the three segments divided by the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 of the first ground terminal 201 can flow into the contact portion 502 of the first common ground member 50a-2 via the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, respectively. Then, it flows into the conductive shield 41 at the U-shaped base of the first common ground member 50a-2, and finally into the ground layer of the circuit board via the pins 412 of the conductive shield 41. Similarly, the potential or noise induced in the second ground terminal 301 can not only flow into the ground layer of the circuit board along the second ground terminal 301, but also flow into the ground layer of the circuit board via the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 through the second common ground member 50b-1 and the conductive shield 41, respectively.

[0069] Boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 of the second grounding terminal 301, respectively. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal. In other words, the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal is pushed to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0070] FIG11 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application. FIG12 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector with positioning members. FIG13 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. FIG11 to FIG13 will be discussed together.

[0071] In the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13, the construction of the housing, the first row of terminals, and the second row of terminals (and the grounding terminal and signal terminal in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector is substantially similar to the construction of the housing, the first row of terminals, and the second row of terminals (and the grounding terminal and signal terminal in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector in the foregoing embodiments. The same or similar structures will not be described again here.

[0072] The electrical connectors of the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13 differ from those of the electrical connectors of the aforementioned embodiments in that they have a grounding shield assembly. Specifically, the grounding shield assembly of the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13 includes a conductive shield 41 and only one common grounding element 50a-3. This common grounding element 50a-3 contacts one of the grounding terminals of the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301. In the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 13, it contacts the first grounding terminal 201. Furthermore, the conductive shield 41 makes electrical contact with the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301 respectively through shielding contact portions on both sides. Similarly, the conductive shield 41 and the common grounding element 50a-3 do not make electrical contact with the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0073] As preferably shown in FIG11, the structure of the common grounding member 50a-3 is similar to each of the first common grounding member 50a-2 and the second common grounding member 50b-2 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. As preferably shown in FIG13, the common grounding member 50a-3 is disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals 20 facing the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. Specifically, the common grounding member 50a-3 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the common grounding member 50a-3 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. In other words, the common grounding member 50a-3 is sandwiched between the conductive shield 41 and the first row of terminals 20. In particular, the U-shaped base of the common grounding component 50a-3 is sandwiched between the first terminal fixing component 21 and the plate-shaped portion 411 of the conductive shield 41, thereby increasing the contact area between the common grounding component 50a-3 and the conductive shield 41, which greatly improves resonance, crosstalk and return loss.

[0074] In addition, the common grounding member 50a-3 contacts the first grounding terminal 201 at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 on both sides of the first terminal fixing member 21 through its contact portion 502. Thus, the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 can divide the first grounding terminal 201 into three segments, so that the path of each segment is shorter relative to the total path of the first grounding terminal.

[0075] Further, the conductive shield 41 is also electrically contacted with a ground terminal at at least one location, such that the ground terminal is divided into at least four segments in its extending direction at the location where it contacts the conductive shield 41 and the common ground 50a-3. As preferably shown in FIG13, the conductive shield 41 is electrically contacted with the first ground terminal 201 at the third contact point A3 via the first shield contact portion 413, thereby dividing the first ground terminal 201 into four segments by the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3. Thus, the potential or noise induced in the first ground terminal 201 can not only flow into the ground layer of the circuit board along the first ground terminal 201, but also flow into the ground layer of the circuit board via the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3 through the common ground 50a-3 and the conductive shield 41, respectively. More specifically, the potential or noise generated by each of the four segments of the first grounding terminal 201 divided by the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2 and the third contact point A3 can flow not only into the common grounding member 50a-3 through the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, and then into the conductive shielding member 41 at the U-shaped base of the common grounding member 50a-3, but also into the conductive shielding member 41 through the first shielding member contact portion 413 via the third contact point A3, and finally into the ground layer of the circuit board through the pin 412 of the conductive shielding member 41.

[0076] As preferably shown in FIG12, the conductive shielding member 41 includes a shielding member body 410, a first shielding member contact portion 413, and a second shielding member contact portion 414. The shielding member contact portions 413 and 414 extend from opposite sides of the shielding member body 410 to electrically contact corresponding grounding terminals. As shown, the first shielding member contact portion 413 and the second shielding member contact portion 414 are located on opposite sides of the shielding member body 410 and are formed in the form of elastic arms so as to contact the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301 respectively.

[0077] Preferably, a positioning member 42 is formed on the conductive shield 41, and the positioning member 42 may be made of a non-conductive material. The positioning member 42 fixes the conductive shield 41 between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30 to isolate them. As shown in FIG12, the positioning member 42 is formed over the middle portion of the conductive shield 41. The positioning member 42 is formed with a corresponding opening, so that the first shield contact portion 413 can pass through the opening to contact the first ground terminal 201. A second shield contact portion 414 is formed extending from the plate-shaped portion 411 of the conductive shield 41 that is not covered by the positioning member 42.

[0078] The conductive shield 41 makes electrical contact with the second ground terminal 301 at at least one location in the extending direction of the second ground terminal, such that the contacted second ground terminal is divided into at least two segments in its extending direction at the location where it contacts the conductive shield 41. As preferably shown in FIG13, the second shield contact portion 414 of the conductive shield 41 makes electrical contact with the second ground terminal 301 at a fourth contact point B1. This fourth contact point B1 divides the second ground terminal 301 into two segments along the extending direction of the ground terminal. Thus, the potential or noise induced in the second ground terminal 301 can flow not only along the second ground terminal 301 into the ground layer of the circuit board, but also through the conductive shield 41 via the fourth contact point B1 into the ground layer of the circuit board. Furthermore, both the main body portion 501 of the common ground member, which is spaced apart from the first ground terminal 201 (e.g., by the first terminal fixing member 21), and the conductive shield 41 have a large planar area and low impedance, which further facilitates the flow of potential or noise away from the signal terminal into the corresponding common ground member.

[0079] Boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the fourth contact point B1 of the second grounding terminal 301, respectively. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal. In other words, the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal is pushed to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0080] In an embodiment not shown, the grounding shield assembly of the electrical connector includes a conductive shield 41 but does not include a common ground. In this case, the conductive shield 41 is generally similar to the conductive shield shown in Figures 11 to 13. A first shield contact 413 and a second shield contact 414 are located on opposite sides of the shield body 410 and are shaped as resilient arms to contact the first ground terminal 201 and the second ground terminal 301, respectively. In this case, the first ground terminal 201 divides the first shield contact 413 into two segments, and the second shield contact 414 divides the second ground terminal 301 into two segments. Similarly, the contact points of the first shielding contact 413 and the first grounding terminal 201, and the contact points of the second shielding contact 414 and the second grounding terminal 301, respectively form boundaries similar to the total reflection boundary. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundary, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal and pushing the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0081] Figure 14 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with a common ground member. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the third common ground member of the electrical connector. Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. Figures 14 to 17 will be discussed together.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17, the construction of the housing, the first row of terminals, and the second row of terminals (and the grounding terminal and signal terminal in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector is substantially similar to the construction of the housing 10, the first row of terminals 20, and the second row of terminals 30 (and the grounding terminal and signal terminal in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector in the foregoing embodiments. The same or similar structures will not be described again here.

[0083] The electrical connectors of the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17 differ from the electrical connectors of the aforementioned embodiments in that they have a grounding shield assembly. The structure of the conductive shield of the grounding shield assembly in the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17 is generally similar to the conductive shield 41 of the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0084] The grounding shielding assembly of the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17 includes a first common grounding member 50a-3 and a second common grounding member 50b-3. The contact portion 502 of each common grounding member is formed as a protrusion extending from the surface of the main body 501 facing the first row of terminals 20 or the second row of terminals 30. Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10, the first common grounding member 50a-3 is disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals 20 facing the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. The first common grounding member 50a-3 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the first common grounding member 50a-3 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. The second common grounding member 50b-3 is disposed on the inner side of the second row of terminals 30 facing the first row of terminals 20, and contacts the second grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each second grounding terminal 301. The second common grounding member 50b-3 is positioned on the side of the second terminal fixing member 31 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the second common grounding member 50b-3 spans the second terminal fixing member 31 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second grounding terminal 301. The first common grounding member 50a-3 and the second common grounding member 50b-3 are similarly sandwiched between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. Furthermore, as preferably shown in FIG17, the plate-like portion 411 of the conductive shield 41 is partially sandwiched between the first common grounding member 50a-3 and the second common grounding member 50b-3. The first common grounding member 50a-3 and the second common grounding member 50b-3 do not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0085] Additionally, the grounding shield assembly of the embodiments shown in Figures 14 to 17 further includes a third common grounding member 60. The length of the first grounding terminal 201 of the electrical connector shown in Figures 14 to 17 is greater than that of the second grounding terminal 301, and a gap exists between a portion of the first grounding terminal 201 and the conductive shield 41. The third common grounding member 60 is disposed in said gap to directly contact each of the first grounding terminals 201 in the first row of terminals 20 and the conductive shield 41, such that each first grounding terminal 201 is divided into four segments in its extending direction at the positions where it contacts the first common grounding members 50a-4 and the third common grounding member 60. Similarly, the third common grounding member 60 does not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0086] As preferably shown in FIG17, the first grounding terminal 201 is in contact with the first common grounding member 50a-4 not only at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, but also with the third common grounding member 60 at the third contact point A3. Therefore, the potential or noise generated by the first grounding terminal 201 will flow into the conductive shielding member 41 via the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3, and further into the ground layer of the circuit board. Additionally, the second grounding terminal 301 is in contact with the second common grounding member 50b-3 at the fourth contact point B1 and the fifth contact point B2. Therefore, the potential or noise generated by the second grounding terminal 301 will flow into the conductive shielding member 41 via the fourth contact point B1 and the fifth contact point B2, and further into the ground layer of the circuit board. The main body 501 of the common grounding component, which is positioned separately from the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301 by corresponding terminal fixing members 21 or 31, has a large planar area and low impedance, which further facilitates the flow of potential or noise away from the signal terminal and into the corresponding common grounding component.

[0087] Thus, boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the fourth contact point B1 and the fifth contact point B2 of the second grounding terminal 301, respectively. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal. In other words, the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal is pushed to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0088] As shown in FIG16, the third common grounding member 60 includes a body 601 extending in a first direction X parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals 20 and a plurality of protrusions 602 protruding from the surface of the body facing the first row of terminals 20, wherein the body 601 is adapted to contact the conductive shielding member 41, and each protrusion 602 is adapted to contact the first grounding terminal 201 respectively.

[0089] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector with positioning members. Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector. Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. Figures 19 to 21 will be discussed together.

[0090] The construction of the housing, first row of terminals, and second row of terminals (and ground terminals and signal terminals in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector of the embodiments shown in Figures 19 to 21 is substantially similar to the construction of the housing 10, first row of terminals 20, and second row of terminals 30 (and ground terminals and signal terminals in each row of terminals) of the electrical connector of the foregoing embodiments. The same or similar structures will not be described again here.

[0091] The electrical connector of the embodiment shown in Figures 19 to 21 differs from the electrical connector of the aforementioned embodiment in that it has a grounding shield assembly. The grounding shield assembly of the electrical connector shown in Figures 19 to 21 includes a conductive shield 41 and only one common grounding element 50a-5.

[0092] The conductive shield 41 is positioned between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the conductive shield 41 is not directly connected to the ground plane of the circuit board. Instead, it is indirectly connected to the ground plane of the circuit board via a first shield contact portion or a first shield contact arm 415 in the form of an elastic arm located at one end of the conductive shield, which contacts the first ground terminal 201. Therefore, in this case, the conductive shield 41 does not protrude from the housing 10 of the electrical connector. The conductive shield 41 also does not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0093] As preferably shown in Figures 19 and 20, the conductive shielding member 41 includes a shielding member body 410, a first shielding member contact portion or a first shielding member contact arm 415, and a second shielding member contact portion 414. The shielding member contact portions 415 and 414 extend from the shielding member body 410 to make electrical contact with corresponding grounding terminals. As shown, the first shielding member contact portion 415 and the second shielding member contact portion 414 are located at opposite ends of the shielding member body 410 and are formed in the form of elastic arms so as to contact the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301, respectively.

[0094] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, a positioning member 42 is formed on the conductive shield 41. The positioning member 42 may be made of a non-conductive material. The positioning member 42 fixes the conductive shield 41 between the first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30 to isolate them. As shown in Figure 19, the positioning member 42 includes a partition 421, which is configured to separate the first shield contact portions 415 from each other.

[0095] The grounding shielding assembly in the embodiments shown in Figures 18 to 21 includes a conductive shielding element 41 and only one common grounding element 50a-5. This common grounding element 50a-5 is in contact with one of the grounding terminals of the first grounding terminal 201 and the second grounding terminal 301; in the embodiments shown in Figures 18 to 21, it is in contact with the first grounding terminal 201. Similarly, this common grounding element 50a-5 does not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0096] As preferably shown in FIG18, the structure of the common grounding member 50a-5 is similar to each of the first and second common grounding members in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. As preferably shown in FIG21, the common grounding member 50a-5 is disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals 20 facing the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. Specifically, the common grounding member 50a-5 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 facing the conductive shield 41, such that the common grounding member 50a-5 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. In other words, the common grounding member 50a-5 is sandwiched between the conductive shield 41 and the first row of terminals 20.

[0097] As preferably shown in FIG21, the first grounding terminal 201 contacts the common grounding member 50a-5 at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 through the contact portion 502 of the common grounding member 50a-5, and contacts the conductive shielding member 41 at the third contact point A3 through the first shielding contact portion 415 of the conductive shielding member 41. Thus, the first grounding terminal 201 is divided into four segments by the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3. The second grounding terminal 301 contacts the conductive shielding member 41 at the fourth contact point B1 through the second shielding contact portion 414 of the conductive shielding member 41. Thus, the second grounding terminal 301 is divided into two segments by the fourth contact point B1.

[0098] The main body 501 of the common grounding member 50a-5, which is positioned spaced apart from the first grounding terminal 201 (e.g., by the first terminal fixing member 21), and the conductive shielding member 41 both have a large planar area and low impedance, which further facilitates the flow of potential or noise away from the signal terminal and into the corresponding common grounding member. Accordingly, boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1, the second contact point A2, and the third contact point A3 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the fourth contact point B1 of the second grounding terminal 301, respectively. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal. In other words, the resonant frequency point of the grounding terminal is pushed to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0099] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the assembled electrical connector. Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the common grounding member of the electrical connector. Figure 25 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0100] The electrical connector shown in Figures 22 to 25 is different from the electrical connector in the previous embodiment. This electrical connector is a vertical electrical connector 1'. The vertical electrical connector 1' has one end adapted to be mounted on the circuit board 3 and another end opposite to the first end adapted to be connected to the mating electrical connector 2.

[0101] Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the electrical connector 1' includes a housing 10, a first row of terminals 20, and a second row of terminals 30. The first row of terminals 20 and the second row of terminals 30 are spaced apart and housed in the housing 10 and are adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector 2. The first row of terminals 20 includes a first ground terminal 201 adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3 and a first signal terminal 202 adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board 3; and the second row of terminals 30 includes a second ground terminal 301 adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board 3 and a second signal terminal 302 adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board 3.

[0102] The first row of terminals 20 includes a first ground terminal 201 disposed between its signal terminals 202. In other words, the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminal 202 of the first row of terminals 20 are arranged alternately. Similarly, the second row of terminals 30 includes a second ground terminal 301 disposed between its signal terminals 302, that is, the second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminal 302 of the second row of terminals 30 are arranged alternately. It should be understood that the arrangement of the ground terminals and signal terminals of the two rows of terminals is not limited to this. For example, a ground terminal may be disposed between one or more signal terminals, or even each row of terminals may have only one ground terminal and the other terminals may be signal terminals, and vice versa.

[0103] As shown in FIG22, the electrical connector 1' further includes a first terminal fixing member 21 and a second terminal fixing member 31, wherein the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminal 202 of the first row of terminals 20 extend through the first terminal fixing member 21 and are fixed by the first terminal fixing member, and the second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminal 302 of the second row of terminals 30 extend through the second terminal fixing member 31 and are fixed by the second terminal fixing member. Thus, the first ground terminal 201 and the first signal terminal 202 of the first row of terminals 20 are fixed by the first terminal fixing member 21 and arranged alternately to each other, and are divided by the first terminal fixing member 21 into a first part suitable for contacting the corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector and a second part led out from the housing 10 of the electrical connector for connection to the circuit board. The second ground terminal 301 and the second signal terminal 302 of the second row of terminals 30 are fixed by the second terminal fixing member 31 and arranged alternately to each other, and are divided by the second terminal fixing member 31 into a first part suitable for contacting the corresponding terminal of the mating electrical connector and a second part led out from the housing 10 of the electrical connector to be connected to the circuit board.

[0104] The first terminal fastener 21 and the second terminal fastener 31 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. For example, the terminal fasteners may be formed on each row of terminals by an overmolding process using plastic.

[0105] As shown in Figures 22 to 25, the electrical connector 1' further includes at least one common grounding element 50a-6, 50b-6, which is positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals 20 and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the grounding terminal at at least one location of each first grounding terminal 201 in the first row of terminals 20 and each second grounding terminal 301 in the second row of terminals 30, such that the contacted grounding terminal is divided into at least two segments in its extension direction by the at least one location, for example, it may be divided into two, three, four or more segments, thereby shortening the path of each segment relative to the total path of the contacted grounding terminal. As will be described in detail later, a boundary similar to a total reflection boundary is formed at the contact location of the contacted grounding terminal, thereby increasing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundary, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one common grounding element includes a first common grounding element 50a-6 and a second common grounding element 50b-6. As shown in FIG25, the first common grounding element 50a-6 is disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals 20 facing the second row of terminals 30, and contacts the first grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each first grounding terminal 201. The second common grounding element 50b-6 is disposed on the inner side of the second row of terminals 30 facing the first row of terminals 20, and contacts the second grounding terminal at two positions in the extending direction of each second grounding terminal 301. Similarly, the first common grounding element 50a-6 and the second common grounding element 50b-6 do not electrically contact the signal terminals in the two rows of terminals.

[0107] As shown in FIG22, the first common grounding member 50a-6 and the second common grounding member 50b-6 have substantially the same structure. As preferably shown in FIG24, the common grounding members 50a-6 and 50b-6 have a main body portion 501 extending along a first direction X (a direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals 20 or the second row of terminals 30) and a plurality of contact portions 502 extending from two side edges of the main body portion 501 in a second direction Y (a direction perpendicular to the first direction X). The cross-section of the common grounding member passing through the main body portion 501 and the contact portions 502 is generally C-shaped or U-shaped.

[0108] As shown in FIG25, after the electrical connector 1 is assembled, the generally C-shaped base of the first common grounding member 50a-6 abuts against the generally C-shaped or U-shaped base of the second common grounding member 50b-6. The main body portion 501 located at the generally C-shaped or U-shaped base is positioned spaced apart from and does not contact the first row of terminals 20 or the second row of terminals 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion 501 of the first common grounding member 50a-6 located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base is spaced apart from the first grounding terminal 201 by the first terminal fixing member 21; and the main body portion 501 of the second common grounding member 50b-6 located at the generally U-shaped or C-shaped base is spaced apart from the second grounding terminal 301 by the second terminal fixing member 31. Two contact portions 502 arranged opposite to each other in the second direction Y contact the same grounding terminal in the first row of terminals 20 or the same grounding terminal in the second row of terminals 30.

[0109] The first common grounding member 50a-6 is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member 21 facing the second common grounding member 50b-6, such that the first common grounding member 50a-6 crosses the first terminal fixing member 21 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first grounding terminal 201. The second common grounding member 50b-6 is positioned on the side of the second terminal fixing member 31 facing the first common grounding member 50a-6, such that the second common grounding member 50b-6 crosses the second terminal fixing member 31 and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second grounding terminal 301.

[0110] As preferably shown in FIG25, the first grounding terminal 201 contacts the contact portion 502 of the first common grounding member 50a-6 at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2, thereby dividing the first grounding terminal 201 into three segments. The second grounding terminal 301 contacts the contact portion 502 of the second common grounding member 50b-6 at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2, thereby dividing the second grounding terminal 301 into three segments.

[0111] The main body 501 of the common grounding components 50a-6 and 50b-6, which is positioned spaced apart from the corresponding first row of terminals or second row of terminals, has a large planar area and low impedance, which facilitates the flow of potential or noise away from the signal terminals into the corresponding common grounding component via the contact portion 502 at the corresponding contact point. In other words, boundaries similar to total reflection boundaries are formed at the first contact point A1 and the second contact point A2 of the first grounding terminal 201, and at the third contact point B1 and the fourth contact point B2 of the second grounding terminal 301, respectively. This causes the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal to be increased due to the shortening of the distance of the electrical boundaries, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal.

[0112] In another embodiment, not shown, the at least one common grounding element comprises only one common grounding element having a generally H-shaped cross-section and being positioned between the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals to separate them. The generally H-shaped common grounding element has a main body extending along a first direction X and a plurality of contact portions extending in opposite directions from two side edges of the main body in a second direction Y (a direction perpendicular to the first direction X). The cross-section of the common grounding element through the main body and the contact portions is generally H-shaped. The centrally located main body of the generally H-shaped common grounding element is spaced apart from and does not contact the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals.

[0113] The electrical connector of the embodiment shown in Figures 22 to 25 further includes a housing 11, which can be fitted over the housing 10 to provide mechanical support for the mating electrical connector. In one embodiment, the housing 11 is made of metal.

[0114] The common grounding component in each of the foregoing embodiments may include a metal component or an electroplated plastic component. For example, the common grounding component may be formed from metal. Alternatively, the common grounding component may be formed from plastic, and a conductive material may be plated onto the surface of the plastic-formed common grounding component, thereby further reducing costs.

[0115] The electrical connectors provided in various embodiments of this application separate the signal terminals of the first row of terminals from the signal terminals of the second row of terminals through a grounding shielding component, thereby eliminating mutual interference between the two rows of signal terminals and improving near-end crosstalk. Furthermore, the grounding terminals of the electrical connector can form multiple grounding contacts at multiple locations between their two ends by contacting the grounding shielding component. These grounding contacts form a boundary similar to the total reflection boundary of the grounding points at both ends of the grounding terminal, thereby increasing the resonant frequency due to the shortened distance of the electrical boundary, thus changing the resonant frequency of the grounding terminal, pushing the resonant frequency point to a higher frequency point, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector. In addition, the potential or noise generated in the two rows of grounding terminals can flow into the grounding shielding component or common grounding component with lower impedance, thereby improving the high-frequency resonance problem of the electrical connector.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved thereon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing any conflict in structure or principle.

[0117] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and structure of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes and improvements made to this application without departing from the overall concept of this application are within the scope of this application. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims of this application. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector, mating electrical connector and circuit board according to the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector, mating electrical connector and circuit board connected together according to the present application.

[0011] FIG3 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with the common grounding component.

[0013] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with the common grounding component.

[0014] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the electrical connector with the housing removed.

[0015] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0016] FIG8 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with the common grounding component.

[0018] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0019] FIG11 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector with positioning members.

[0021] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0022] FIG14 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the second row of terminals of the electrical connector assembled with the common grounding component.

[0024] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the third common grounding component of the electrical connector.

[0025] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0026] FIG18 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector with positioning members.

[0028] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the conductive shield of the electrical connector.

[0029] Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

[0030] FIG22 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the assembled electrical connector.

[0032] Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the common grounding part of the electrical connector.

[0033] Figure 25 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector.

Claims

1. An electrical connector adapted for mounting on a circuit board and mating with a mating electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: case; A first row of terminals and a second row of terminals are spaced apart and housed in the housing and are adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector. The first row of terminals and the second row of terminals respectively include a ground terminal adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board and a signal terminal adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board. and a grounding shielding assembly, the grounding shielding assembly being at least partially located between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals, and configured to be electrically connected to the grounding layer, wherein the grounding shielding assembly contacts the grounding terminal at at least one location of each grounding terminal in at least one of the first row of terminals and / or the second row of terminals.

2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The grounding shielding assembly includes a conductive shield that is at least partially positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals, and is adapted to be electrically connected to the grounding layer.

3. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The grounding shielding assembly further includes at least one common grounding element, each of the common grounding elements contacting the grounding terminal at at least two locations of each grounding terminal in at least one of the first row of terminals and / or the second row of terminals, and each of the common grounding elements being electrically connected to the conductive shielding element.

4. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein, Each of the common grounding elements has a main body extending in a first direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals or the second row of terminals, and a plurality of contact portions extending from two side edges of the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The cross-section of the common grounding element through the main body and the contact portions is generally U-shaped, wherein two of the contact portions arranged opposite to each other in the second direction contact the same grounding terminal in the first row of terminals or the same grounding terminal in the second row of terminals.

5. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first row of terminals includes a first ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, the second row of terminals includes a second ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, and the at least one common grounding element includes: a first common grounding element disposed on the outer side of the first row of terminals opposite to the second row of terminals and contacting the first ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the first ground terminals; and a second common grounding element disposed on the outer side of the second row of terminals opposite to the first row of terminals and contacting the second ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the second ground terminals.

6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 5, wherein, At least one of the first common grounding member and the second common grounding member includes a connecting leg that extends from the end of the main body in the first direction to the conductive shield to make electrical contact with the conductive shield.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The electrical connector further includes a first terminal retainer and a second terminal retainer. A first ground terminal and a first signal terminal of the first row of terminals extend through and are secured by the first terminal retainer. A second ground terminal and a second signal terminal of the second row of terminals extend through and are secured by the second terminal retainer. A first common ground member is positioned on the side of the first terminal retainer opposite to the conductive shield, such that the first common ground member crosses the first terminal retainer and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first ground terminal, and the main body of the first common ground member at a generally U-shaped base is spaced apart from the first ground terminal by the first terminal retainer. A second common ground member is positioned on the side of the second terminal retainer opposite to the conductive shield, such that the second common ground member crosses the second terminal retainer and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second ground terminal, and the main body of the second common ground member at a generally U-shaped base is spaced apart from the second ground terminal by the second terminal retainer.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first row of terminals includes a first ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, the second row of terminals includes a second ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, and the at least one common grounding element includes: a first common grounding element disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals facing the second row of terminals and contacting the first ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the first ground terminals; and / or a second common grounding element disposed on the inner side of the second row of terminals facing the first row of terminals and contacting the second ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the second ground terminals.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface of the main body of the first common ground member facing the second row of terminals contacts the side of the conductive shield facing the first row of terminals; and / or the surface of the main body of the second common ground member facing the first row of terminals contacts the side of the conductive shield facing the second row of terminals.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The electrical connector further includes a first terminal fixing member and a second terminal fixing member. A first ground terminal and a first signal terminal of the first row of terminals extend through and are fixed by the first terminal fixing member. A second ground terminal and a second signal terminal of the second row of terminals extend through and are fixed by the second terminal fixing member. A first common ground member is positioned on the side of the first terminal fixing member facing the conductive shield, such that the first common ground member crosses the first terminal fixing member and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first ground terminal, and the main body of the first common ground member at its generally U-shaped base is spaced apart from the first ground terminal by the first terminal fixing member. A second common ground member is positioned on the side of the second terminal fixing member facing the conductive shield, such that the second common ground member crosses the second terminal fixing member and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second ground terminal, and the main body of the second common ground member at its generally U-shaped base is spaced apart from the second ground terminal by the second terminal fixing member.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first row of terminals includes a first ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, the second row of terminals includes a second ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, and the grounding shielding assembly includes a common grounding element that contacts one of the first and second grounding terminals, and the conductive shielding element is in electrical contact with the other of the first and second grounding terminals.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The conductive shielding element is also in electrical contact with the grounding terminal at at least one location, such that the grounding terminal is divided into at least four segments in its extension direction at the locations where it contacts the conductive shielding element and the common grounding element.

13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first row of terminals includes a first ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, the second row of terminals includes a second ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, and the conductive shield is electrically contacted with each of the first and second ground terminals at at least one location in the extension direction of the ground terminal, such that each contacted ground terminal is divided into at least two segments in its extension direction at the location in contact with the conductive shield.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 11-13, wherein, The conductive shielding component includes a shielding component body and a shielding component contact portion, wherein the shielding component contact portion extends from the shielding component body to make electrical contact with a grounding terminal.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The length of the first grounding terminal is greater than that of the second grounding terminal. There is a gap between a portion of the first grounding terminal and the conductive shield. The at least one common grounding component also includes a third common grounding component, which is disposed in the gap to directly contact each of the first grounding terminals in the first row of terminals and the conductive shield, respectively, such that each first grounding terminal is divided into four segments in its extension direction at the position where it contacts the first common grounding component and the third common grounding component.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The third common grounding element includes a body extending in a first direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface of the body facing the first row of terminals and contacting the first grounding terminal.

17. The electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 6, 9 and 15, wherein, The contact portion of each of the first common grounding member and the second common grounding member is formed as a protrusion protruding from the surface of the main body facing the first row of terminals or the second row of terminals.

18. The electrical connector as described in any one of claims 2-13, 15 and 16, wherein, The grounding shielding assembly further includes a positioning member disposed within the housing, the positioning member fixing the conductive shielding member relative to the housing between the first row of terminals and the second row of terminals.

19. The electrical connector as described in any one of claims 2-13, 15 and 16, wherein, The conductive shield is adapted to be directly electrically connected to the grounding layer, or indirectly electrically connected to the grounding layer via grounding terminals (201, 301).

20. The electrical connector as described in any one of claims 3-12, 15 and 16, wherein, The at least one common grounding component includes a metal component or an electroplated plastic component.

21. An electrical connector adapted for mounting on a circuit board and mating with a mating electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: case; A first row of terminals and a second row of terminals are spaced apart and housed in the housing and are adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding terminals of the mating electrical connector. The first row of terminals and the second row of terminals respectively include a ground terminal adapted to be connected to the ground plane of the circuit board and a signal terminal adapted to be connected to the signal lead of the circuit board. and at least one common grounding element, the at least one common grounding element being positioned between the signal terminals of the first row of terminals and the signal terminals of the second row of terminals, and contacting the grounding terminal at at least one location of each first grounding terminal in the first row of terminals and each second grounding terminal in the second row of terminals.

22. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The first row of terminals includes a first ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, the second row of terminals includes a second ground terminal disposed between its signal terminals, and the at least one common grounding element includes: a first common grounding element disposed on the inner side of the first row of terminals facing the second row of terminals and contacting the first ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the first ground terminals; and a second common grounding element disposed on the inner side of the second row of terminals facing the first row of terminals and contacting the second ground terminal at two positions in the extension direction of each of the second ground terminals.

23. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 22, wherein, Each of the common grounding elements has a main body extending in a first direction parallel to the terminal arrangement direction of the first row of terminals or the second row of terminals, and a plurality of contact portions extending from two side edges of the main body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The cross-section of the common grounding element through the main body and the contact portions is generally C-shaped, wherein the generally C-shaped base of the first common grounding element abuts against the generally C-shaped base of the second common grounding element, and the two contact portions arranged opposite to each other in the second direction contact the same grounding terminal in the first row of terminals or the same grounding terminal in the second row of terminals.

24. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 23, wherein, The electrical connector further includes a first terminal retainer and a second terminal retainer. A first ground terminal and a first signal terminal of the first row of terminals extend through and are secured by the first terminal retainer. A second ground terminal and a second signal terminal of the second row of terminals extend through and are secured by the second terminal retainer. A first common ground member is positioned on the side of the first terminal retainer facing the second common ground member, such that the first common ground member crosses the first terminal retainer and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each first ground terminal, and the main body of the first common ground member at its generally C-shaped base is spaced apart from the first ground terminal by the first terminal retainer. The second common ground member is positioned on the side of the second terminal retainer facing the first common ground member, such that the second common ground member crosses the second terminal retainer and electrically contacts the spaced-apart segments of each second ground terminal, and the main body of the second common ground member at its generally C-shaped base is spaced apart from the second ground terminal by the second terminal retainer.

25. The electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, The electrical connector is vertical, having one end adapted for mounting on the circuit board and another end opposite to the first end adapted for mating with a mating electrical connector; and / or the electrical connector further includes a housing fitted over the outside of the housing.

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