Connector and connector set

Abstract

This connector comprises a first signal terminal that includes: a mounting part at least a portion of which extends in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction; a back surface part that is continuous with the mounting part and extends in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction; a top surface part that is continuous with the back surface part and has a first portion extending in the second direction; and a contact part that is continuous with the top surface part, is located at a position different from the back surface part in the second direction, and overlaps the back surface part when viewed in the second direction. The back surface part has a widened portion having a width in the first direction that is wider than the width of the first portion in the first direction. At least a portion of the contact part has a width in the first direction that is wider than the width of the first portion in the first direction, or at least a portion of the contact part has a length in the second direction that is longer than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction.

Description

Connectors and connector sets

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector set.

[0002] A known example of a conventional connector-related invention is the female connector described in Patent Document 1. The female connector described in Patent Document 1 is used for transmitting high-frequency signals. The female connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of internal terminals. The plurality of internal terminals are arranged along the longitudinal direction. The internal terminals face each other in the longitudinal direction. A protrusion is formed on a portion of the internal terminal. The longitudinal length of the protrusion is longer than the longitudinal length of the portion of the internal terminal other than the protrusion (see Figure 4).

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 220930

[0004] In the case of the above-described internal terminal structure, in the portion where the longitudinal length is long, the distance between the facing portions of adjacent internal terminals is short, and the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the facing portions of adjacent internal terminals is large. On the other hand, in the portion where the longitudinal length is short, the distance between the facing portions of adjacent internal terminals is long, and the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the facing portions of adjacent internal terminals is small. If the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the facing portions of adjacent internal terminals changes depending on the location of the internal terminal, this can lead to impedance mismatch and may result in large return loss, particularly in fields that handle high-frequency signals.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector and a connector set that can reduce return loss by leveling out the parasitic capacitance formed between terminals.

[0006] a first main body member; and a plurality of first connection terminals supported by the first main body member and arranged at predetermined intervals on a first straight line parallel to a first direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of first connection terminals is a first signal terminal, wherein the first signal terminal includes: a mounting portion having at least a portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a back surface portion connected to the mounting portion and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; a top surface portion connected to the back surface portion and having a first portion extending in the second direction; and a contact portion connected to the top surface portion and located at a position different from the back surface portion in the second direction, the contact portion overlapping with the back surface portion when viewed in the second direction, wherein the mounting portion is electrically connected to an electrode of another member different from the connector, and the contact portion contacts a second signal terminal of a second connector different from the connector, The rear portion has a wide portion whose width in the first direction is wider than the width of the first portion, and the width in the first direction of at least a part of the contact portion is wider than the width in the first direction of the first portion, or the length in the second direction of at least a part of the contact portion is longer than the thickness in the third direction of the first portion.

[0007] According to the connector and connector set of the present invention, the parasitic capacitance formed between terminals can be leveled out, thereby reducing return loss.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector set 1 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are not connected. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first connector 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first body member 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first contact terminal 12, the first signal terminals 13a to 13d, and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first signal terminal 13a. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first signal terminal 13a. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second connector 110. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second body member 111. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second contact terminal 112, the second signal terminals 113a to 113d, and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second signal terminal 113a. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the connection between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first connector 10a. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the second connector 110a. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the first connector 10b. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the second connector 110b. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the first connector 10c. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the second connector 110c. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a first signal terminal 13a according to a fourth modified example.

[0009] [First embodiment] A connector set 1 including a first connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the connector set 1 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are not connected.

[0010] 1, the direction from the second connector 110 to the first connector 10 is defined as the downward direction. The opposite direction to the downward direction is defined as the upward direction. The upward and downward directions (vertical directions) correspond to the "third direction" of the present invention.

[0011] The connector set 1 is used to connect two components, such as a circuit board. As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector set 1 includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 110.

[0012] [Structure of First Connector 10] The structure of the first connector 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first connector 10. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first body member 11. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first contact terminal 12, the first signal terminals 13a to 13d, and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first signal terminal 13a. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first signal terminal 13a.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the direction in which the first signal terminals 13a to 13d are arranged in this order is defined as the forward direction. The opposite direction to the forward direction is defined as the rearward direction. The forward and rearward directions are perpendicular to the downward and upward directions. The forward and rearward directions (front-to-back directions) correspond to the "first direction" of the present invention. The direction in which the protrusion 11c and the first signal terminals 13a are arranged in this order is defined as the rightward direction. The opposite direction to the rightward direction is defined as the leftward direction. The rightward and leftward directions are perpendicular to the downward and forward directions. The leftward and rightward directions (left-to-right directions) correspond to the "second direction" of the present invention. However, the downward, upward, forward, rearward, rightward, and leftward directions in this specification are defined for the convenience of explanation and may not coincide with the downward, upward, forward, rearward, rightward, and leftward directions when the first connector 10 is in use. In addition, in each drawing, the downward direction and the upward direction may be interchanged, the forward direction and the backward direction may be interchanged, and the right direction and the left direction may be interchanged.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the first connector 10 includes a first body member 11, a first contact terminal 12, first signal terminals 13a-13d, and first ground terminals 14a-14c. The first signal terminals 13a-13d may be ground terminals connected to a ground potential or power terminals connected to a power supply potential, and the first ground terminals 14a-14c may be signal terminals or power terminals connected to a power supply potential. The first signal terminals 13a-13d and the first ground terminals 14a-14c correspond to the "plurality of first connection terminals" of the present invention. The "plurality of first connection terminals" of the present invention may include at least one first signal terminal. If the first ground terminals 14a-14c are power terminals, the first ground terminals 14a-14c correspond to the "first power terminal" of the present invention.

[0015] 3, the first main body member 11 includes a frame portion 11a, a bottom portion 11b, and a protrusion portion 11c. In this embodiment, the first main body member 11 is made of a resin. However, the material of the first main body member 11 is not limited to a resin.

[0016] The frame 11a has a ring shape surrounding the first signal terminals 13a to 13d, the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, and the protrusion 11c when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame 11a has left and right sides extending in the front-rear direction and front and rear sides extending in the left-right direction.

[0017] When viewed in the vertical direction, the bottom portion 11b covers a part of the lower surface of the area surrounded by the frame portion 11a.

[0018] The protrusion 11c is provided on the bottom 11b. The protrusion 11c protrudes upward from the bottom 11b. The protrusion 11c has a shape that extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, both ends of the protrusion 11c in the front-rear direction are connected to the front and rear edges of the frame 11a, respectively. A plurality of recessed grooves are formed across the right surface of the protrusion 11c and the bottom 11b. A portion of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c is inserted into each of the plurality of recessed grooves. Note that both ends of the protrusion 11c in the front-rear direction do not have to be connected to the front and rear edges of the frame 11a, respectively.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first contact terminal 12 is connected to a ground potential. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first contact terminal 12 has a ring shape surrounding the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c when viewed in the vertical direction. The first contact terminal 12 is supported by the frame portion 11a of the first body member 11. The first contact terminal 12 covers a portion of the frame portion 11a of the first body member 11. The first contact terminal 12 is fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. In this embodiment, the first contact terminal 12 is made of a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. The first contact terminal 12 may not be connected to a ground potential but may also be connected to a power source. The material of the first contact terminal 12 is not limited to a copper-based material such as copper phosphate.

[0020] High frequency signals are input to and output from each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. The first signal terminals 13a to 13d are arranged at predetermined intervals on a first straight line L1 that is parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first ground terminals 14a to 14c are connected to the ground potential and are arranged on a first straight line L1 at predetermined intervals.

[0022] The first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c are arranged at predetermined intervals on the first straight line L1. In this embodiment, a first ground terminal is located between adjacent first signal terminals on the first straight line L1. Also, a first signal terminal is located between adjacent first ground terminals on the first straight line L1. Note that a first ground terminal does not have to be located between adjacent first signal terminals on the first straight line L1. Also, a first signal terminal does not have to be located between adjacent first ground terminals on the first straight line L1.

[0023] The structures of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c will be described in detail using the first signal terminal 13a as an example. Note that the first signal terminals 13b to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c have the same shape as the first signal terminal 13a, so their description will be omitted.

[0024] The first signal terminal 13 a is fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. In this embodiment, the first signal terminal 13 a is made of a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. However, the material of the first signal terminal 13 a is not limited to copper-based materials such as copper phosphate.

[0025] 5, in this embodiment, the first signal terminal 13a includes a first mounting portion MP1, a back surface portion BP, a top surface portion TP, and a first contact portion CP1. In this embodiment, the first signal terminal 13a has a uniform thickness T1. However, the thickness T1 of the first signal terminal 13a may be non-uniform.

[0026] The first mounting portion MP1 extends in the left-right direction. More specifically, the first mounting portion MP1 has an upper surface and a lower surface aligned in the vertical direction. When the first connector 10 is mounted on a first circuit board (not shown) disposed below the first connector 10, the lower surface of the first mounting portion MP1 is electrically connected to an external electrode of the first circuit board. The lower surface of the first mounting portion MP1 is fixed to the external electrode of the first circuit board, for example, by solder (not shown). Note that it is sufficient for at least a portion of the first mounting portion MP1 to extend in the left-right direction. Note that the first connector 10 is not limited to being mounted on the first circuit board. The first circuit board corresponds to the "other component" of this invention.

[0027] The back surface portion BP is connected to the first mounting portion MP1 and the top surface portion TP. In this embodiment, the back surface portion BP extends in the vertical direction from the left end of the first mounting portion MP1. The back surface portion BP has a wide portion WP. The wide portion WP is press-fitted into a concave groove formed across the right surface of the protrusion portion 11c and the bottom portion 11b. This allows the wide portion WP to be supported by the first main body member 11. Therefore, the first signal terminal 13a is supported by the first main body member 11. Note that the back surface portion BP may also extend in the vertical direction from the right end of the first mounting portion MP1.

[0028] The top surface portion TP has a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 of the top surface portion TP is connected to the upper end of the back surface portion BP. The second end E2 of the top surface portion TP is connected to the first contact portion CP1. The top surface portion TP also has a first portion P1 extending in the left-right direction. The front-to-rear width WP1 of the first portion P1 is narrower than the front-to-rear width WWP of the wide portion WP. In other words, the front-to-rear width WWP of the wide portion WP is wider than the front-to-rear width WP1 of the first portion P1.

[0029] The first contact portion CP1 is connected to the second end E2 of the top surface portion TP. The first contact portion CP1 is located at a different position from the rear surface portion BP in the left-right direction. The first contact portion CP1 overlaps with the rear surface portion BP when viewed in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the first contact portion CP1 has a first protrusion portion PP1 and a second protrusion portion PP2. The second protrusion portion PP2 has a shape that is symmetrical in the front-to-back direction to the first protrusion portion PP1.

[0030] The first protrusion PP1 has a second portion P2 extending forward and a third portion P3 extending leftward from the front end of the second portion P2. The third portion P3 corresponds to the "fourth portion" of the present invention.

[0031] The second protrusion PP2 has a fourth portion P4 extending rearward and a fifth portion P5 extending leftward from the rear end of the fourth portion P4. The fourth portion P4 corresponds to the "third portion" of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, since the first protrusion PP1 has the second portion P2 and the second protrusion PP2 has the fourth portion P4, the front-to-rear width WCP of at least a portion of the first contact portion CP1 is wider than the front-to-rear width WP1 of the first portion P1.

[0033] 6, the left-right length LP32 of the third portion P3 is longer than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Also, the left-right length LP52 of the fifth portion P5 is longer than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Therefore, the left-right length of at least a part of the first contact portion CP1 is longer than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vertical length LP33 of the third portion P3 is longer than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Furthermore, the vertical length LP53 of the fifth portion P5 is longer than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Note that the vertical length LP33 of the third portion P3 may be equal to or shorter than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Furthermore, the vertical length LP53 of the fifth portion P5 may be equal to or shorter than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1.

[0035] [Structure of Second Connector 110] The structure of the second connector 110 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second connector 110. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second main body member 111. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second contact terminal 112, the second signal terminals 113a to 113d, and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second signal terminal 113a. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the second connector 110 has a shape that is approximately symmetrical from left to right and approximately symmetrical from top to bottom to the first connector 10. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first connector 10 will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second connector 110 includes a second body member 111, a second contact terminal 112, second signal terminals 113a-113d, and second ground terminals 114a-114c. The second signal terminals 113a-113d may be ground terminals connected to a ground potential or power terminals connected to a power supply potential, and the second ground terminals 114a-114c may be signal terminals or power terminals connected to a power supply potential. It is sufficient that at least one of the second signal terminals 113a-113d and the second ground terminals 114a-114c is a signal terminal. When the second ground terminals 114a-114c are power terminals, the second ground terminals 114a-114c correspond to the "second power terminals" of the present invention.

[0037] 8, the second main body member 111 includes a frame portion 111a, a bottom portion 111b, and a protrusion portion 111c. In this embodiment, the second main body member 111 is made of resin. Note that both ends of the protrusion portion 111c in the front-rear direction do not have to be connected to the front and rear edges of the frame portion 111a. The material of the second main body member 111 is not limited to resin.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second contact terminal 112 is connected to a ground potential. The second contact terminal 112 is fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. In this embodiment, the material of the second contact terminal 112 is a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. Note that the second contact terminal 112 is not limited to being connected to a ground potential, and may be connected to a power source. Furthermore, the material of the second contact terminal 112 is not limited to being a copper-based material such as copper phosphate.

[0039] The second signal terminals 113a-113d and the second ground terminals 114a-114c each have the same shape as the first signal terminal 13a. The second signal terminals 113a-113d and the second ground terminals 114a-114c are arranged so as to be symmetrical left-right and top-bottom with the first signal terminals 13a-13d and the first ground terminals 14a-14c when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected. High-frequency signals are input to and output from each of the second signal terminals 113a-113d. As shown in FIG. 9 , the second signal terminals 113a-113d are arranged at a predetermined interval on a third straight line L3 that is parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second ground terminals 114a to 114c are connected to the ground potential and are arranged on the third straight line L3 at predetermined intervals.

[0041] In this embodiment, a second ground terminal is located between adjacent second signal terminals on the third line L3. Also, a second signal terminal is located between adjacent second ground terminals on the third line L3. Note that a second ground terminal does not have to be located between adjacent second signal terminals on the third line L3. Also, a first signal terminal does not have to be located between adjacent second ground terminals on the third line L3.

[0042] The second signal terminal 113a is fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. In this embodiment, the second signal terminal 113a is made of a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. However, the material of the second signal terminal 113a is not limited to copper-based materials such as copper phosphate.

[0043] 10 , in this embodiment, the second signal terminal 113a includes a second mounting portion MP2, a back surface portion BP, a top surface portion TP, and a second contact portion CP2. In this embodiment, the second signal terminal 113a has a uniform thickness T2. However, the thickness T2 of the second signal terminal 113a may be non-uniform.

[0044] The upper surface of the second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a is electrically connected to an external electrode of a second circuit board (not shown) when the second connector 110 is mounted on the second circuit board arranged on the second connector 110. The upper surface of the second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a is fixed to the external electrode of the second circuit board by, for example, solder (not shown).

[0045] [Structure of Connector Set 1] The structure of the connector set 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the state of connection between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first main body member 11 of the first connector 10 is inserted into an area surrounded by the frame portion 111a of the second connector 110 when the second connector 110 is viewed in the vertical direction. The first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 110 in the vertical direction. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the second connector 110 is positioned above the first connector 10. At this time, the frame portion 11a of the first connector 10 and the frame portion 111a of the second connector 110 do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the protrusion portion 11c of the first connector 10 and the protrusion portion 111c of the second connector 110 do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0047] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the first signal terminals 13a-13d and the first ground terminals 14a-14c of the first connector 10 are connected to the second signal terminals 113a-113d and the second ground terminals 114a-114c of the second connector 110, respectively. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, for example, the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a contacts the second contact portion CP2 of the second signal terminal 113a, as shown in FIG. 11 . At this time, the first contact portion CP1 contacts the second contact portion CP2 of the second signal terminal 113a at one point on the right surface of the first contact portion CP1. Furthermore, the first contact portion CP1 is pushed leftward by the second contact portion CP2, thereby elastically deforming leftward relative to the second contact portion CP2. The leftward force from the second contact portion CP2 and the rightward elastic force of the first contact portion CP1 are balanced, so that the first contact portion CP1 is supported by the second contact portion CP2. As a result, the first signal terminal 13a is connected to the second signal terminal 113a. Similarly, the first signal terminals 13b to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c are connected to the second signal terminals 113b to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c, respectively.

[0048] [Effect] The first connector 10 can reduce return loss by leveling out the parasitic capacitance formed between terminals. The first signal terminal 13a and the first ground terminal 14a will be described as an example. The first signal terminal 13a is located adjacent to the first ground terminal 14a on a first straight line L1 parallel to the front-rear direction. The first signal terminal 13a includes a first mounting portion MP1, a rear portion BP, a top surface TP, and a first contact portion CP1. The first contact portion CP1 is located at a different position from the rear portion BP in the left-right direction. The rear portion BP has a wide portion WP for press-fitting into a recessed groove formed in the first main body member 11. The top surface TP has a first portion P1 extending in the left-right direction. The width WWP of the wide portion WP in the front-rear direction is greater than the width WP1 of the first portion P1 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the distance in the front-rear direction between the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a and the first ground terminal 14a is shorter than the distance between the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a and the first portion P1 of the first signal terminal 13a. Therefore, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a and the part of the first ground terminal 14a that faces the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction is large. On the other hand, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the top surface TP of the first signal terminal 13a and the part of the first ground terminal 14a that faces the top surface TP of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction is small. If the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a were to exist only on an imaginary extension line of the top surface TP of the first signal terminal 13a, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and a part of the first ground terminal 14a that faces the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-to-rear direction would also be small. In this case, due to the first signal terminal 13a having the wide portion WP, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and the part of the first ground terminal 14a changes significantly depending on the position of the first signal terminal 13a in the left-to-right direction.

[0049] However, in the present embodiment, in the first connector 10, the width WCP of at least a portion of the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction is wider than the width WP1 of the first portion P1 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the distance in the front-rear direction between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the first ground terminal 14a is shorter than the distance in the front-rear direction between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the first portion P1 of the first signal terminal 13a. Therefore, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the portion of the first ground terminal 14a facing the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction is increased. As a result, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the portion of the first ground terminal 14a facing the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction can be made closer to the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a and the portion of the first ground terminal 14a facing the wide portion WP of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction. Therefore, compared to when the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a exists only on an imaginary extension line of the top surface TP of the first signal terminal 13a, the change in the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and a part of the first ground terminal 14a due to a change in the left-right position of the first signal terminal 13a can be reduced. Therefore, the first connector 10 can level out the parasitic capacitance formed between the terminals. As a result, impedance mismatch can be suppressed and return loss can be reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first connector 10, the horizontal length of at least a portion of the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a is greater than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1. Parasitic capacitance increases not only when the opposing distance between the terminals decreases but also when the opposing area between the terminals increases. Therefore, even in this case, the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the portion of the first ground terminal 14a that faces the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-to-rear direction increases. Therefore, according to the first connector 10, the horizontal length of at least a portion of the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a is greater than the vertical thickness TP1 of the first portion P1, thereby leveling the parasitic capacitance formed between the terminals.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first connector 10, the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a overlaps the back surface portion BP when viewed in the left-right direction. This allows the vertical length of the first signal terminal 13a to be shortened, and therefore the vertical length of the first connector 10 to be shortened.

[0052] Furthermore, the first connector 10 can further reduce return loss. More specifically, when first signal terminals through which high-frequency signals are input and output are adjacent on the first straight line L1, mutual induction between the adjacent first signal terminals causes the influence of the high-frequency signal flowing through the adjacent first signal terminal, resulting in return loss. Therefore, in the first connector 10, the first signal terminal is located between adjacent first ground terminals or first power terminals on the first straight line L1. This allows the first ground terminal or first power terminal to suppress the influence of the high-frequency signal flowing through the first signal terminal, thereby further reducing return loss.

[0053] Furthermore, the first connector 10 allows the first signal terminals to contact the second signal terminals of the second connector 110 more reliably. More specifically, the first protrusion PP1 of the first contact portion CP1 has a second portion P2 extending forward from the top surface TP. The second protrusion PP2 of the first contact portion CP1 has a fourth portion P4 extending rearward from the top surface TP. In the connector set 1, the first signal terminals contact the second signal terminals on the right surface of the first contact portion CP1. Because the first protrusion PP1 of the first contact portion CP1 has the second portion P2 and the second protrusion PP2 of the first contact portion CP1 has the fourth portion P4, the area of ​​the right surface of the first contact portion CP1 is increased. As a result, the first connector 10 allows the first signal terminals to contact the second signal terminals of the second connector 110 more reliably.

[0054] Furthermore, the first connector 10 can more reliably equalize the parasitic capacitance formed between the terminals. More specifically, the first protrusion PP1 of the first contact portion CP1 has a third portion P3 extending leftward from the second portion P2. The second protrusion PP2 of the first contact portion CP1 has a fifth portion P5 extending leftward from the fourth portion P4. This increases the area over which the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and a portion of the first ground terminal 14a face each other in the front-rear direction. This increases the value of the parasitic capacitance formed between the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a and the portion of the first ground terminal 14a facing the first contact portion CP1 of the first signal terminal 13a in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first connector 10 can more reliably equalize the parasitic capacitance formed between the terminals.

[0055] The first protrusion PP1 and the second protrusion PP2 of the first contact portion CP1 may be press-fitted into the first body member 11. In this case, the first signal terminal is reliably supported by the first body member 11.

[0056] [First Modification] A first connector 10a and a second connector 110a according to a first modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first connector 10a. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the second connector 110a. Note that for the first connector 10a and the second connector 110a according to the first modification, only the differences from the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0057] The first connector 10a according to the first modification differs from the first connector 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes third signal terminals 13e to 13h and third ground terminals 14d to 14f. The second connector 110a according to the first modification differs from the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h and fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f. The connector set 1a according to the first modification includes the first connector 10a and the second connector 110a.

[0058] The third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h may be ground terminals connected to a ground potential or power terminals connected to a power supply potential, and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f and the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f may be signal terminals or power terminals connected to a power supply potential. The third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f correspond to the "plurality of third connection terminals" of the present invention. The third ground terminals 14d to 14f correspond to the "second ground terminals" of the present invention. The "plurality of third connection terminals" of the present invention may include at least one of the third signal terminals 13e to 13h and at least one of the third ground terminals 14d to 14f.

[0059] In this modification, the third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f have the same shapes as the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.Furthermore, the fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h and the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f have the same shapes as the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0060] In this modification, the third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f are arranged symmetrically with the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, respectively. The third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f are supported by the first body member 11 in the same manner as the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, respectively. Note that any of the third ground terminals 14d to 14f may be arranged in the front-rear position where the first signal terminals 13a to 13d are arranged, and any of the third signal terminals 13e to 13h may be arranged in the front-rear position where the first ground terminals 14a to 14c are arranged.

[0061] 12, the third signal terminals 13e to 13h are arranged at predetermined intervals on a second straight line L2 that is parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0062] In this modification, the third ground terminals 14d to 14f are connected to the ground potential and are arranged on the second straight line L2 at predetermined intervals.

[0063] The third signal terminals 13e to 13h and the third ground terminals 14d to 14f are arranged at predetermined intervals on the second straight line L2. In this modification, a third ground terminal is located between adjacent third signal terminals on the second straight line L2. Also, a third signal terminal is located between adjacent third ground terminals on the second straight line L2. Note that a third ground terminal does not have to be located between adjacent third signal terminals on the second straight line L2. Also, a third signal terminal does not have to be located between adjacent third ground terminals on the second straight line L2.

[0064] In this modification, the fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h and the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f are arranged symmetrically with the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c, respectively. The fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h and the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f are supported by the second body member 111 in the same manner as the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c, respectively. Note that any of the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f may be arranged at the same front-rear position as the second signal terminals 113a to 113d, and any of the fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h may be arranged at the same front-rear position as the second ground terminals 114a to 114c.

[0065] 13, the fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h are arranged at predetermined intervals on a fourth straight line L4 that is parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0066] In this modification, the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f are connected to the ground potential and are arranged on a fourth straight line L4 at predetermined intervals.

[0067] The fourth signal terminals 113e to 113h and the fourth ground terminals 114d to 114f are arranged at predetermined intervals on the fourth straight line L4. In this modification, a fourth ground terminal is located between adjacent fourth signal terminals on the fourth straight line L4. Also, a fourth signal terminal is located between adjacent fourth ground terminals on the fourth straight line L4. Note that a fourth ground terminal does not have to be located between adjacent fourth signal terminals on the fourth straight line L4. Also, a fourth signal terminal does not have to be located between adjacent fourth ground terminals on the fourth straight line L4.

[0068] The first connector 10a as described above also has the same effects as the first connector 10.

[0069] [Second Modification] A first connector 10b and a second connector 110b according to a second modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the first connector 10b. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the second connector 110b. Note that for the first connector 10b and the second connector 110b according to the second modification, only the differences from the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0070] A first connector 10b according to the second modification differs from the first connector 10 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of its first ground terminals 14a to 14c. A second connector 110b according to the second modification differs from the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of its second ground terminals 114a to 114c. A connector set 1b according to the second modification includes a first connector 10b and a second connector 110b.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, in this modification, the first ground terminals 14a to 14c each have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, in this modification, the second ground terminals 114a to 114c each have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0073] The first connector 10b as described above also achieves the same effects as the first connector 10. Furthermore, according to the first connector 10b, the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal has a plate shape extending in the left-right direction, so that the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal can more reliably suppress the influence of the high-frequency signal flowing through the first signal terminal.

[0074] [Third Modification] A first connector 10c and a second connector 110c according to a third modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the first connector 10c. Note that in FIG. 16, reference numerals are assigned only to representative first contact portions CP1, first protrusions PP1, second protrusions PP2, second portions P2, and fourth portions P4 among the plurality of first contact portions CP1, first protrusions PP1, second protrusions PP2, second portions P2, and fourth portions P4. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second connector 110c. Note that in FIG. 17, reference numerals are assigned only to representative second contact portions CP2, first protrusions PP1, second protrusions PP2, second portions P2, and fourth portions P4 among the plurality of second contact portions CP2, first protrusions PP1, second protrusions PP2, second portions P2, and fourth portions P4. Regarding the first connector 10c and the second connector 110c according to the third modified example, only the differences from the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0075] A first connector 10c according to the third modification differs from the first connector 10 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c. A second connector 110c according to the third modification differs from the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c. A connector set 1c according to the third modification includes a first connector 10c and a second connector 110c.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c have shapes that are symmetrical in the left-right and top-bottom directions to the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, respectively.

[0077] 16, the first protrusion PP1 of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c does not have the third portion P3. Furthermore, the second protrusion PP2 of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c does not have the fifth portion P5. Even in this case, the width WCP in the front-to-rear direction of at least a portion of the first contact portion CP1 of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c is greater than the thickness TP1 in the up-down direction of the first portion P1.

[0078] 17, the second protrusion PP2 of each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c does not have the third portion P3. Furthermore, the second protrusion PP2 of each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c does not have the fifth portion P5. Even in this case, the width WCP in the front-to-rear direction of at least a portion of the second contact portion CP2 of each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c is greater than the thickness TP1 in the up-down direction of the first portion P1.

[0079] The first connector 10c as described above also has the same effects as the first connector 10.

[0080] [Fourth Modification] A first connector 10d and a second connector 110d according to a fourth modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a first signal terminal 13a according to the fourth modification. Note that for the first connector 10d and the second connector 110d according to the fourth modification, only the differences from the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0081] 18 , a first connector 10d according to the fourth modification differs from the first connector 10 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c. A second connector 110d according to the fourth modification differs from the second connector 110 according to the first embodiment in the shapes of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c. A connector set 1d according to the fourth modification includes a first connector 10d and a second connector 110d.

[0082] The second signal terminals 113a to 113d and the second ground terminals 114a to 114c have shapes that are symmetrical left to right and top to bottom to the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The structures of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the first ground terminals 14a to 14c will be described using the first signal terminal 13a as an example.

[0084] The first contact portion CP1 does not have a first protrusion PP1 or a second protrusion PP2. The thickness T1 of the first signal terminal 13a is non-uniform. More specifically, the thickness TCP1 of the first contact portion CP1 in the left-right direction is greater than the thickness TP1 of the first portion P1 in the up-down direction.

[0085] The first connector 10d as described above also has the same effects as the first connector 10.

[0086] Other Embodiments The connector according to the present invention is not limited to the first connectors 10 to 10d, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. In addition, the structures of the first connectors 10 to 10d may be combined in any manner.

[0087] The connector according to the present invention is not limited to the second connectors 110 to 110d, and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the structures of the second connectors 110 to 110d may be combined in any manner.

[0088] The present invention has the following configuration.

[0089] (1) A connector comprising: a first body member; and a plurality of first connection terminals supported by the first body member and arranged at predetermined intervals on a first straight line parallel to a first direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of first connection terminals is a first signal terminal, wherein the first signal terminal includes: a mounting portion having at least a portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a back portion connected to the mounting portion, the back portion extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a top surface portion connected to the back surface portion and having a first portion extending in the second direction; and a contact portion connected to the top surface portion and located at a position different from the back surface portion in the second direction, the contact portion overlapping with the back surface portion when viewed in the second direction, wherein the mounting portion is electrically connected to an electrode of another member different from the connector, and the contact portion is in contact with a second signal terminal of a second connector different from the connector, A connector, wherein the rear portion has a wide portion whose width in the first direction is wider than the width of the first portion in the first direction, and the width in the first direction of at least a portion of the contact portion is wider than the width in the first direction of the first portion, or the length in the second direction of at least a portion of the contact portion is longer than the thickness in the third direction of the first portion.

[0090] (2) The connector according to (1), wherein at least two of the plurality of first connection terminals are first ground terminals or first power supply terminals, and the first signal terminal is located between the first ground terminals or the first power supply terminals adjacent to each other on the first straight line.

[0091] (3) The connector according to (1), wherein at least two of the plurality of first connection terminals are the first signal terminals, at least one of the plurality of first connection terminals is a first ground terminal or a first power supply terminal, and the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal is located between the first signal terminals adjacent to each other on the first straight line.

[0092] (4) The connector according to (2) or (3), wherein the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal has the same shape as the first signal terminal.

[0093] (5) The connector according to (2) or (3), wherein the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal has a plate shape extending in the second direction.

[0094] (6) The connector according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the contact portion has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion has a second portion extending in the first direction, and the second protrusion has a third portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second portion extends.

[0095] (7) The connector according to (6), wherein the first protrusion has a fourth portion extending from the second portion in the second direction, and the second protrusion has a fifth portion extending from the third portion in the same direction as the fourth portion.

[0096] (8) The connector according to (7), wherein the length of the fourth portion in the third direction is longer than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction, and the length of the fifth portion in the third direction is longer than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction.

[0097] (9) The connector according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the thickness of the contact portion in the second direction is greater than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction.

[0098] (10) A connector according to any of (2) to (5), further comprising a plurality of third connection terminals supported by the first body member and arranged at the predetermined intervals on a second straight line parallel to the first direction, wherein the plurality of third connection terminals include a third signal terminal having the same shape as the first signal terminal, and a second ground terminal or a second power supply terminal having the same shape as the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal, wherein the second ground terminal or the second power supply terminal is arranged at a position in the first direction where the first signal terminal is arranged, and the third signal terminal is arranged at a position in the first direction where the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal is arranged.

[0099] (11) A connector set including the connector according to any one of (1) to (10) and the second connector, wherein the contact portion and the second signal terminal are in contact with each other at one point.

[0100] (12) The connector set according to (11), wherein the second signal terminal has the same shape as the first signal terminal.

[0101] (13) The connector set according to (11) or (12), wherein the contact portion elastically deforms when it comes into contact with the second signal terminal.

[0102] 1, 1a to 1d: Connector set 10, 10a to 10d: First connector 11: First main body member 11a, 111a: Frame portion 11b, 111b: Bottom portion 11c, 111c: Protrusion portion 12: First contact terminal 13a to 13d: First signal terminal 13e to 13h: Third signal terminal 14a to 14c: First ground terminal 14d to 14f: Third ground terminal 110, 110a to 110d: Second connector 111: Second main body member 112: Second contact terminal 113a to 113d: Second signal terminal 113e to 113h: Fourth signal terminal 114a to 114c: Second ground terminal 114d to 114f: Fourth ground terminal BP: Back portion CP1: First contact portion CP2: Second contact part E1: First end E2: Second end L1: First straight line L2: Second straight line L3: Third straight line L4: Fourth straight line MP1: First mounting part MP2: Second mounting part P1: First part P2: Second part P3: Third part P4: Fourth part P5: Fifth part PP1: First protruding part PP2: Second protruding part T1, T2, TCP1, TP1: Thickness TP: Top part WP: Wide part

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a first body member; and a plurality of first connection terminals supported by the first body member and arranged at predetermined intervals on a first straight line parallel to a first direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of first connection terminals is a first signal terminal, wherein the first signal terminal includes: a mounting portion, at least a portion of which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a back portion connected to the mounting portion, the back portion extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a top surface portion connected to the back portion and having a first portion extending in the second direction; and a contact portion connected to the top surface portion and located at a position different from the back portion in the second direction, the contact portion overlapping the back portion as viewed in the second direction, wherein the mounting portion is electrically connected to an electrode of another member different from the connector, and the contact portion contacts a second signal terminal of a second connector different from the connector, and the back portion has a wide portion whose width in the first direction is wider than the width of the first portion, A connector, wherein a width in the first direction of at least a portion of the contact portion is greater than a width in the first direction of the first portion, or a length in the second direction of at least a portion of the contact portion is greater than a thickness in the third direction of the first portion.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of first connection terminals are first ground terminals or first power terminals, and the first signal terminal is located between adjacent first ground terminals or first power terminals on the first straight line.

3. The connector as described in claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of first connection terminals are the first signal terminals, at least one of the plurality of first connection terminals is a first ground terminal or a first power supply terminal, and the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal is located between adjacent first signal terminals on the first straight line.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal has the same shape as the first signal terminal.

5. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal has a plate shape extending in the second direction.

6. A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the contact portion has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion has a second portion extending in the first direction, and the second protrusion has a third portion extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second portion extends.

7. The connector as described in claim 6, wherein the first protrusion has a fourth portion extending from the second portion in the second direction, and the second protrusion has a fifth portion extending from the third portion in the direction in which the fourth portion extends.

8. The connector as described in claim 7, wherein the length of the fourth portion in the third direction is longer than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction, and the length of the fifth portion in the third direction is longer than the thickness of the first portion in the third direction.

9. A connector as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of said contact portion in said second direction is greater than the thickness of said first portion in said third direction.

10. A connector as described in any of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a plurality of third connection terminals supported by the first body member and arranged at the specified intervals on a second straight line parallel to the first direction, the plurality of third connection terminals including a third signal terminal having the same shape as the first signal terminal, and a second ground terminal or a second power supply terminal having the same shape as the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal, the second ground terminal or the second power supply terminal being arranged at a position in the first direction where the first signal terminal is arranged, and the third signal terminal being arranged at a position in the first direction where the first ground terminal or the first power supply terminal is arranged.

11. A connector set comprising: a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and the second connector, wherein the contact portion and the second signal terminal are in contact with each other at one point.

12. The connector set according to claim 11, wherein the second signal terminal has the same shape as the first signal terminal.

13. The connector set according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the contact portion is elastically deformed by contact with the second signal terminal.

Images