Connector and connector set

Abstract

This connector comprises a first insulating main body member, a first signal terminal, and a contact terminal. When the connector and a second connector are connected, a direction from the connector toward the second connector is defined as a first direction. The first main body member includes a protrusion having an end surface facing the first direction and a side surface connected to the end surface. The contact terminal includes a frame part having an annular shape surrounding the periphery of the first signal terminal when viewed in the first direction. The first signal terminal includes a first support part extending in the first direction and having a shape along the side surface, the first support part being supported by the side surface. When the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support part contacts a second signal terminal of the second connector. The end surface is positioned in the first direction with respect to the first support part.

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 a connector set described in Patent Document 1. The connector set described in Patent Document 1 includes a first connector and a second connector mated with the first connector. The first connector includes a first connector body and a plurality of first connection units loaded into the first connector body. The first connection unit includes a first terminal and a first shield. The second connector includes a second connector body and a plurality of second connection units loaded into the second connector body. The second connection unit includes a second terminal and a second shield. When the first connector and the second connector are mated, a first contact portion of the first terminal contacts a second contact portion of the second terminal. At this time, a portion of the first terminal other than the first contact portion includes a first opposing surface facing the second terminal (see Figure 8 of Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a portion of the second terminal other than the second contact portion includes a second opposing surface facing the first opposing surface.

[0003] Patent No. 7267186

[0004] In the case of a connector set structure such as that described in Patent Document 1, a parasitic capacitance is formed between the first opposing surface of the first terminal and the second opposing surface of the second terminal. When an unexpected parasitic capacitance is formed between the first terminal and the second terminal, unexpected resonance occurs. This unexpected resonance is particularly likely to occur when a high-frequency signal is transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[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 the parasitic capacitance formed between signal terminals.

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is a connector connected to a second connector, comprising: a first body member having insulating properties; a first signal terminal; and a contact terminal connected to a ground potential or a power supply potential; wherein, when the connector and the second connector are connected, a direction from the connector toward the second connector is defined as a first direction, the first body member includes a protrusion having an end face facing the first direction and a side face connected to the end face; the contact terminal includes a frame portion having a ring shape that surrounds the first signal terminal when viewed in the first direction; the first signal terminal includes a first support portion that extends in the first direction and has a shape that follows the side face and is supported by the side face; when the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion contacts the second signal terminal of the second connector; and the end face is located in the first direction relative to the first support portion.

[0007] According to the connector and connector set of the present invention, the parasitic capacitance formed between signal terminals can be reduced.

[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 main body member 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first contact terminal 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second connector 110. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second main body member 111. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second contact terminal 112. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector set 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector set 1a. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the first connector 10b.

[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] As shown in Figure 1, the direction from the first connector 10 to the second connector 110 is defined as the upward direction. The opposite direction to the upward direction is defined as the downward direction. The upward direction corresponds to the "first direction" of the present invention. The downward direction corresponds 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. The first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 110. The first connector 10 corresponds to the "connector" of the present invention.

[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 main body member 11. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first contact terminals 12. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the direction in which the first signal terminals 13a, 13b 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 upward and downward directions. The direction perpendicular to the upward and forward directions, in which the first protrusion 11b1 of the first body member 11 and the first signal terminal 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 left-right direction corresponds to the "second direction" in this invention. The rightward direction corresponds to the "fourth direction" in this invention. However, the upward, downward, forward, rearward, rightward, and leftward directions in this specification are defined for convenience of explanation and may not coincide with the upward, downward, forward, rearward, rightward, and leftward directions when the connector set 1 is in use. Furthermore, in each drawing, the upward and downward directions may be interchanged, the forward and rearward directions may be interchanged, and the rightward and leftward directions may be interchanged.

[0014] 2, the first connector 10 includes a first body member 11, a first contact terminal 12, and first signal terminals 13a to 13d. The first contact terminal 12 corresponds to the "contact terminal" of the present invention. Note that the number of "first signal terminals" of the present invention may be one or more.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, the first main body member 11 includes a frame portion 11a and first protrusions 11b1 and 11b2. The first main body member 11 has insulating properties. In this embodiment, the material of the first main body member 11 is resin. However, the material of the first main body member 11 is not limited to resin. The first protrusions 11b1 and 11b2 each correspond to a "protrusion" of the present invention. However, the number of "protrusions" of the present invention may be one or more.

[0016] 2 and 3, the frame 11a has a ring shape that surrounds the first signal terminals 13a to 13d when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame 11a has left and right sides that extend in the front-rear direction and front and rear sides that extend in the left-right direction.

[0017] The first protrusions 11b1 and 11b2 are aligned in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 11b2 has a shape that is bilaterally and front-rear symmetrical with the first protrusion 11b1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the first protrusion 11b2 does not necessarily have to have a shape that is bilaterally and front-rear symmetrical with the first protrusion 11b1.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 11b1 has connecting portions 11c1 to 11c3 and a protruding portion 11d. When viewed in the vertical direction, the connecting portions 11c1 to 11c3 each cover a portion of the lower surface of the area surrounded by the frame portion 11a. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portions 11c1 to 11c3 each connect the protruding portion 11d to the first contact terminal 12. Note that the first protrusion 11b1 does not necessarily have to have the connecting portions 11c1 to 11c3.

[0019] The protrusion 11d protrudes upward from the connecting portions 11c1 to 11c3. As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the protrusion 11d has a first portion P1 extending in the front-rear direction and a second portion P2 extending to the right from the front end of the first portion P1. The first portion P1 has an upper end surface SU facing upward, a lower end surface facing downward, a front side surface facing forward, a rear side surface facing rearward, a right side surface SR facing right, a left side surface SL facing left, and a sloped surface SSL. The sloped surface SSL is inclined upward. In this embodiment, the sloped surface SSL faces upward and to the right. The right side surface SR and the left side surface SL are each connected to the upper end surface SU. In this embodiment, the upper end surface SU is connected to the right side surface SR via the sloped surface SSL. In addition, two concave grooves are formed on the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. A part of the first signal terminal 13a or a part of the first signal terminal 13b is inserted into each of the two recessed grooves. Note that the protrusion 11d does not necessarily have to have the second portion P2. Also, the first portion P1 does not necessarily have to have the slope SSL. Also, the number of recessed grooves formed on the right side surface SR of the first portion P1 is not limited to two.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 12 is connected to a ground potential. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first contact terminal 12 includes a frame portion 12a, first terminal portions 12b1 and 12b2, and a connecting portion 12c. In the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 12 is fabricated by drawing a plate-shaped metal member. The material of the first contact terminal 12 is a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. The first contact terminal 12 may be connected to a power supply potential, not limited to the ground potential. The first contact terminal 12 may also be fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. The material of the first contact terminal 12 is not limited to the copper-based material such as copper phosphate. The first terminal portions 12b1 and 12b2 each correspond to a "terminal portion" in the present invention. The "terminal portion" in the present invention may be one or more.

[0021] 2 and 4, the frame portion 12a has a ring shape surrounding the first signal terminals 13a to 13d when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame portion 12a has left and right sides extending in the front-rear direction and front and rear sides extending in the left-right direction. The frame portion 12a is supported by the frame portion 11a of the first main body member 11. In this embodiment, the frame portion 12a covers most of the frame portion 11a of the first main body member 11. However, the frame portion 12a does not have to cover most of the frame portion 11a of the first main body member 11.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 4, the first terminals 12b1 and 12b2 are aligned in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first terminal 12b2 has a shape that is bilaterally and front-rear symmetrical with the first terminal 12b1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the first terminal 12b2 does not necessarily have to have a shape that is bilaterally and front-rear symmetrical with the first terminal 12b1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal portion 12b1 is supported by the protruding portion 11d of the first protruding portion 11b1 of the first main body member 11. More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal portion 12b1 has a side surface portion SIP and an end surface portion EP. The side surface portion SIP and the end surface portion EP are connected to each other. The side surface portion SIP has a first side surface portion SIP1 and a second side surface portion SIP2. The first side surface portion SIP1 and the second side surface portion SIP2 are connected to each other. Note that the side surface portion SIP does not necessarily have to have the second side surface portion SIP2.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the first side surface portion SIP1 has a shape that follows the left side surface SL of the first portion P1. The first side surface portion SIP1 is supported by the left side surface SL of the first portion P1. In this embodiment, the first side surface portion SIP1 covers the entire left side surface SL of the first portion P1. The second side surface portion SIP2 has a shape that follows the front surface of the second portion P2. The second side surface portion SIP2 is supported by the front surface of the second portion P2. In this embodiment, the second side surface portion SIP2 covers the entire front surface of the second portion P2. As a result, the side surface portion SIP is supported by the side of the first portion P1. The end surface portion EP has a shape that follows the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1. As a result, the end surface portion EP is supported by the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1. In this embodiment, the end surface portion EP covers the left end portion of the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1 and the entire upper surface of the second portion P2. The first side surface portion SIP1 may cover a portion of the left side surface SL. The second side surface portion SIP2 may cover a portion of the front surface of the second portion P2. The end surface portion EP does not have to cover the entire upper surface of the second portion P2, and may cover the entire upper end surface SU of the first portion P1.

[0025] When viewed from the top to bottom, the connecting portion 12c covers a part of the lower surface of the area surrounded by the frame portion 12a. The connecting portion 12c connects the frame portion 12a to each of the first terminals 12b1 and 12b2. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 12c connects the first terminals 12b1 and 12b2.

[0026] High-frequency signals are input to and output from each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first signal terminals 13a and 13b are arranged at intervals along the front-rear direction. The first signal terminals 13c and 13d are also arranged at intervals along the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first signal terminals 13a to 13d are each fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. The material of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d is a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. In this embodiment, the first signal terminal 13b has the same shape as the first signal terminal 13a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The first signal terminals 13c and 13d each have a shape symmetrical to the first signal terminal 13a in both the left-right and front-rear directions, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The material of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d is not limited to a copper-based material such as copper phosphate. Furthermore, the first signal terminal 13b does not have to have the same shape as the first signal terminal 13a. Furthermore, the first signal terminals 13c and 13d do not have to have shapes that are symmetrical in the left-right and front-back directions with the first signal terminal 13a.

[0027] The first signal terminal 13a has an L-shape when viewed from the front. More specifically, the first signal terminal 13a has a first mounting portion MP1 and a first support portion SP1. The first mounting portion MP1 extends in the left-right 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 electrode of the first circuit board. The lower surface of the first mounting portion MP1 is fixed to the electrode of the first circuit board by, for example, solder (not shown). Note that the first mounting portion MP1 does not have to extend in the left-right direction.

[0028] The first support portion SP1 extends upward from the left end of the first mounting portion MP1 and has a shape that follows the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. That is, the first support portion SP1 extends upward and follows the shape of the first main body member 11. The first support portion SP1 is embedded in a concave groove formed in the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. As a result, the first support portion SP1 is supported by the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. That is, the first support portion SP1 is supported by the first main body member 11. Therefore, the first signal terminal 13a is supported by the first main body member 11. A concave portion G that is recessed toward the left is formed on the right surface of the first support portion SP1. Note that the first support portion SP1 may be supported by the first main body member 11 by being press-fitted into the concave groove formed in the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. Alternatively, the concave portion G may not be formed on the right surface of the first support portion SP1.

[0029] [Structure of Second Connector 110] The structure of the second connector 110 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the second connector 110. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the second main body member 111. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the second contact terminals 112. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the second connector 110 includes a second body member 111, second contact terminals 112, and second signal terminals 113a to 113d.

[0031] 7, the second main body member 111 includes a frame portion 111a, a bottom portion 111b, and second protrusions 111c1 and 111c2. The second main body member 111 has insulating properties. In this embodiment, the material of the second main body member 111 is resin. However, the material of the second main body member 111 is not limited to resin.

[0032] 6 and 7, the frame 111a has a ring shape that surrounds the second signal terminals 113a to 113d when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame 111a has left and right sides that extend in the front-rear direction and front and rear sides that extend in the left-right direction.

[0033] When viewed in the vertical direction, the bottom portion 111b covers a part of the upper surface of the area surrounded by the frame portion 111a.

[0034] The second protrusion 111c1 is provided at the rear of the right side of the frame 111a. In this embodiment, two recessed grooves are formed on the left surface of the second protrusion 111c1. A portion of the second signal terminal 113a or a portion of the second signal terminal 113b is inserted into each of the two recessed grooves. Note that the number of recessed grooves is not limited to two.

[0035] The second protrusion 111c2 is provided at the front of the left side of the frame 111a. In this embodiment, two recessed grooves are formed on the right surface of the second protrusion 111c2. A portion of the second signal terminal 113c or a portion of the second signal terminal 113d is inserted into each of the two recessed grooves. Note that the number of recessed grooves is not limited to two.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the second contact terminal 112 is connected to a ground potential. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second contact terminal 112 includes a frame portion 112a, second terminal portions 112b1 and 112b2, and a connecting portion 112c. In the present embodiment, the second contact terminal 112 is fabricated by drawing a plate-shaped metal member. 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 the ground potential, and may also be connected to a power supply potential. Also, the second contact terminal 112 may be fabricated by bending a plate-shaped metal member. Also, the material of the second contact terminal 112 is not limited to being a copper-based material such as copper phosphate.

[0037] 6 and 8, the frame portion 112a has a ring shape surrounding the second signal terminals 113a to 113d when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame portion 112a has left and right sides extending in the front-rear direction and front and rear sides extending in the left-right direction. The frame portion 112a is supported by the frame portion 111a of the second main body member 111. In this embodiment, the frame portion 112a covers most of the frame portion 111a of the second main body member 111.

[0038] 8, the second terminal 112b1 is provided at the rear of the left side of the frame 112a, and the second terminal 112b2 is provided at the front of the right side of the frame 112a.

[0039] The connecting portion 112c has a plate shape that extends in the left-right direction and connects the front end of the second terminal portion 112b1 to the rear end of the second terminal portion 112b2.

[0040] High-frequency signals are input to and output from each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d. As shown in FIG. 9 , the second signal terminals 113a and 113b are arranged at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The second signal terminals 113c and 113d are also arranged at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second signal terminal 113b has the same shape as the second signal terminal 113a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The second signal terminals 113c and 113d each have a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical and front-rear to the second signal terminal 113a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The second signal terminal 113b does not have to have the same shape as the second signal terminal 113a. The second signal terminals 113c and 113d do not have to have a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical and front-rear to the second signal terminal 113a.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second signal terminal 113a has a second mounting portion MP2 and a second support portion SP2. When the second connector 110 is mounted on a second circuit board (not shown) disposed on the second connector 110, the upper surface of the second mounting portion MP2 is electrically connected to an electrode of the second circuit board. The upper surface of the second mounting portion MP2 is fixed to the electrode of the second circuit board by, for example, solder (not shown). Note that the second mounting portion MP2 does not have to extend in the vertical direction. The second circuit board corresponds to the "member" of the present invention.

[0042] The second support portion SP2 extends downward from the lower end of the second mounting portion MP2. In this embodiment, the width of a portion of the second support portion SP2 in the front-rear direction is wider than the width of the remaining portion of the second support portion SP2 of the second signal terminal 113a in the front-rear direction. The second support portion SP2 is press-fitted into a concave groove formed on the left surface of the second protrusion 111c1. This allows the second support portion SP2 to be supported by the second body member 111. Therefore, the second signal terminal 113a is supported by the second body member 111. Note that the width of the portion of the second support portion SP2 in the front-rear direction does not have to be wider than the width of the remaining portion of the second support portion SP2 of the second signal terminal 113a in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the second support portion SP2 may be supported by the second body member 111 by being embedded in a concave groove formed on the left surface of the second protrusion 111c1. The second support portion SP2 has a curved portion CP.

[0043] [Structure of Connector Set 1] The structure of the connector set 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector set 1. The cross-section of the connector set 1 in Fig. 10 is a plane that passes through the first signal terminal 13a and is perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1 , the second main body member 111 of the second connector 110 is inserted into an area surrounded by the frame portion 11a of the first connector 10 when the first connector 10 is viewed in the vertical direction. The first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 110 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the direction from the first connector 10 to the second connector 110 is the upward direction. 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 protrusions 11d of the first protrusions 11b1 and 11b2 of the first connector 10 do not overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1 supports the first contact terminal 12 and the first signal terminal 13a. The first protrusion 11b1 is sandwiched between the first signal terminal 13a and the first terminal portion 12b1 of the first contact terminal 12 in the left-right direction. The first side surface portion SIP1 of the first contact terminal 12 covers the entire left side surface SL of the first portion P1 of the protrusion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1. The end surface portion EP of the first contact terminal 12 covers the left end of the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1 of the protrusion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1. The first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a covers a portion of the right side surface SR of the first portion P1 of the protrusion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1. The upper end surface SU of the first portion P1 of the protruding portion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1 is located above the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a. Therefore, the first signal terminal 13a is not exposed from the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1 of the protruding portion 11d of the first protrusion 11b1. The upper end of the first contact terminal 12 is located above the first signal terminal 13a.

[0046] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the first signal terminals 13a to 13d of the first connector 10 are connected to the second signal terminals 113a to 113d of the second connector 110, respectively. At this time, the tip of the second support portion SP2 of each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d comes into contact with the recess G formed on the right surface of the first support portion SP1 of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. In other words, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the second support portion SP2 of each of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d comes into contact with the first support portion SP1 of each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. Furthermore, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the first support portions SP1 of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d do not overlap with the second signal terminals 113a to 113d, respectively, when viewed in the vertical direction. As a result, the first signal terminals 13a to 13d are electrically connected to the second signal terminals 113a to 113d, respectively. Furthermore, the tips of the second support portions SP2 of the second signal terminals 113a to 113d are hooked into recesses G formed on the right surfaces of the first support portions SP1 of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d, respectively, making it difficult for the first signal terminals 13a to 13d and the second signal terminals 113a to 113d to become detached from each other. Furthermore, the first contact terminals 12 of the first connector 10 are connected to the second contact terminals 112 of the second connector 110.

[0047] The inclined surface SSL of the first portion P1 overlaps with the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d when viewed from above. The first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a, the second support portion SP2 of the second signal terminal 113a, and the second body member 111 are aligned in this order along the rightward direction. The curved portion CP of the second signal terminal 113a curves to protrude along the rightward direction. The curved portion CP is supported by the second body member 111. The second support portion SP2 of the second signal terminal 113a is supported by the second body member 111 by being sandwiched between the second body member 111 in the vicinity of the second mounting portion MP2. The second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a does not overlap with the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a when viewed from above.

[0048] [Effect] The first connector 10 can reduce the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. More specifically, high-frequency signals are input and output to and from each of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. The first connector 10 includes first contact terminals 12, each of which includes a ring-shaped frame 12a that surrounds the first signal terminals 13a to 13d when viewed from above and below. The frame 12a prevents noise generated by the first signal terminals 13a to 13d from being transmitted outside the area surrounded by the frame 12a. The frame 12a also prevents noise from being transmitted from outside the area surrounded by the frame 12a to the first signal terminals 13a to 13d. In this way, in an electromagnetically shielded environment, the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a can cause unexpected resonance, which is a major cause of noise interference. Therefore, in the first connector 10, the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a extends upward and has a shape that conforms to the right side surface SR of the first portion P1 of the first body member 11. The first support portion SP1 is embedded in a concave groove formed in the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. This allows the first support portion SP1 to be supported by the right side surface SR of the first portion P1. The first support portion SP1 is located below the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1. Therefore, the area of ​​the portion where the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a face each other can be reduced compared to when the upper end of the first support portion SP1 is located above the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1. This reduces the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. As a result, the first connector 10 reduces the parasitic capacitance formed between the signal terminals. This suppresses the occurrence of unexpected resonance and noise interference.

[0049] Furthermore, the first connector 10 can suppress damage to the first connector 10. More specifically, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the second signal terminal 113a is located above the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a. This could cause the second signal terminal 113a to come into contact with the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1 and damage the first body member 11. In the first connector 10, the upper end surface SU is connected to the right side surface SR via the sloped surface SSL. When viewed from above, the sloped surface SSL overlaps with the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a. Therefore, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the second signal terminal 113a can be prevented from coming into contact with the upper end surface SU of the first portion P1. As a result, according to the first connector 10, damage to the first connector 10 can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, the connector set 1 enables a strong connection between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. More specifically, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 are connected, the second signal terminal 113a receives a force in the rightward direction from the first signal terminal 13a. This rightward force causes the second signal terminal 113a to move away from the first signal terminal 13a. Meanwhile, the curved portion CP of the second signal terminal 113a is curved to protrude in the rightward direction and is supported by the second body member 111. This improves the elasticity of the curved portion CP. Furthermore, when the second signal terminal 113a receives a force in the rightward direction from the first signal terminal 13a, the curved portion CP repels in the leftward direction, allowing the second signal terminal 113a to receive a large force in the leftward direction from the second body member 111. This leftward force causes the second signal terminal 113a to firmly contact the first signal terminal 13a. Therefore, compared to when the second signal terminal 113a does not have the curved portion CP, the second signal terminal 113a receives a larger force in the left direction, resulting in a strong connection between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. As a result, the connector set 1 can firmly connect the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a.

[0051] Furthermore, the connector set 1 can be made smaller. More specifically, the second support portion SP2 of the second signal terminal 113a is supported by the second body member 111 by being sandwiched between the second support portion SP2 and the second body member 111 in the vicinity of the second mounting portion MP2. Therefore, the left-right length of the second connector 110 can be made smaller than when there is a gap between the second support portion SP2 and the second body member 111 in the left-right direction. This allows the left-right length of the first connector 10 to be made smaller. Therefore, the left-right length of the connector set 1 can be made smaller. As a result, the connector set 1 can be made smaller.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the connector set 1, the second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a does not overlap the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a when viewed from above. If the second mounting portion MP2 overlapped the first support portion SP1 when viewed from above, the second mounting portion MP2 and the first support portion SP1 would face each other, increasing the area of ​​the portion where the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a face each other. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a does not overlap the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a when viewed from above, thereby further reducing the area of ​​the portion where the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a face each other. This further reduces the parasitic capacitance formed between the first signal terminal 13a and the second signal terminal 113a. As a result, the first connector 10 can further reduce the parasitic capacitance formed between the signal terminals.

[0053] [First Modification] A connector set 1a according to a first modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector set 1a. Regarding the connector set 1a according to the first modification, only the differences from the connector set 1a according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0054] The connector set 1a according to the first modification differs from the connector set 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the second signal terminal 113a.

[0055] In this modification, the second mounting portion MP2 of the second signal terminal 113a extends in the left-right direction and does not overlap with the first support portion SP1 of the first signal terminal 13a when viewed from above.

[0056] The connector set 1a as described above also has the same effects as the connector set 1.

[0057] [Second Modification] A first connector 10b according to a second modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the first connector 10b. Note that with regard to the first modification of the first connector 10b, only the differences from the first connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0058] In this modification, one of the first signal terminals 13a to 13d is supported by each first protrusion 11b. The first terminal portion 12b3 of the first contact terminal 12 is located between the first signal terminals 13b and 13c. The first terminal portion 12b3 of the first contact terminal 12 overlaps with the first signal terminals 13a to 13d when viewed in the left-right direction. The first connector 10b has a point-symmetric shape when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0059] The first connector 10b as described above also has the same effects as the first connector 10.

[0060] The connector according to the present invention is not limited to the first connectors 10 and 10b, and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the structures of the first connectors 10 and 10b may be combined arbitrarily.

[0061] Other Embodiments The connector set according to the present invention is not limited to the connector sets 1 and 1a, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. In addition, the structures of the connector sets 1 and 1a may be combined in any manner.

[0062] The present invention has the following configuration.

[0063] (1) A connector to be connected to a second connector, comprising: a first body member having insulating properties; a first signal terminal; and a contact terminal connected to a ground potential or a power supply potential, wherein, when the direction from the connector toward the second connector when the connector and the second connector are connected is defined as a first direction, the first body member includes a protrusion having an end face facing the first direction and a side face connected to the end face, the contact terminal includes a frame portion having a ring shape that surrounds the periphery of the first signal terminal when viewed in the first direction, the first signal terminal includes a first support portion that extends in the first direction and has a shape that follows the side face and is supported by the side face, when the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion contacts the second signal terminal of the second connector, and the end face is located in the first direction relative to the first support portion.

[0064] (2) The connector according to (1), wherein the protrusion has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction, the inclined surface overlaps the first support portion when viewed in the first direction, and the end surface is connected to the side surface via the inclined surface.

[0065] (3) The connector according to (1) or (2), wherein the contact terminal includes a terminal portion, and the protrusion portion is sandwiched between the first signal terminal and the terminal portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0066] (4) The connector according to (3), wherein the terminal portion has a side surface portion supported by the side surface, and an end surface portion connected to the side surface portion and supported by the end surface.

[0067] (5) The connector according to (3) or (4), wherein the contact terminal includes a connecting portion that connects the frame portion and the terminal portion.

[0068] (6) The connector according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a high-frequency signal is input to and output from the first signal terminal.

[0069] (7) A connector set comprising the connector according to any one of (1) to (6) and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal, wherein the second signal terminal includes a second support portion extending in a third direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, wherein when the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the second body member are aligned in this order along a fourth direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second support portion has a curved portion that curves so as to protrude along the fourth direction, and the curved portion is supported by the second body member.

[0070] (8) A connector set comprising: the connector according to any one of (1) to (6); and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal supported by the second body member, wherein the second signal terminal includes: a second mounting portion electrically connected to an electrode of a member different from the connector and the second connector; and a second support portion extending from the second mounting portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, wherein the second support portion is supported by the second body member by being sandwiched between the second body member in the vicinity of the second mounting portion.

[0071] (9) A connector set comprising the connector according to any one of (1) to (6) and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal supported by the second body member, wherein the second signal terminal includes: a second mounting portion electrically connected to an electrode of a member different from the connector and the second connector; and a second support portion extending from the second mounting portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, wherein the second mounting portion does not overlap the first support portion when viewed in the first direction.

[0072] 1, 1a: Connector set 10, 10b: First connector 11: First main body member 11a, 12a, 111a, 112a: Frame portion 11b, 11b1, 11b2: First protrusion portion 11c1, 12c, 112c: Linking portion 11d: Protrusion portion 12: First contact terminal 12b1, 12b2, 12b3: First terminal portion 13a to 13d: First signal terminal 110: Second connector 111: Second main body member 111b: Bottom portion 111c1, 111c2: Second protrusion portion 112: Second contact terminal 112b1, 112b2: Second terminal portion 113a to 113d: Second signal terminal CP: Curved portion EP: End face portion G: Recess MP1: First mounting portion MP2: Second mounting part P1: First part P2: Second part SIP: Side part SIP1: First side part SIP2: Second side part SL: Left side part SP1: First support part SP2: Second support part SR: Right side part SU: Top end surface

Claims

1. A connector to be connected to a second connector, comprising: a first body member having insulating properties; a first signal terminal; and a contact terminal to be connected to a ground potential or a power supply potential, wherein, when the direction from the connector toward the second connector when the connector and the second connector are connected is defined as a first direction, the first body member includes a protrusion having an end face facing the first direction and a side face connected to the end face, the contact terminal includes a frame portion having a ring shape that surrounds the first signal terminal when viewed in the first direction, the first signal terminal includes a first support portion that extends in the first direction and has a shape that follows the side face and is supported by the side face, when the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion contacts the second signal terminal of the second connector, and the end face is located in the first direction relative to the first support portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction, the inclined surface overlaps the first support portion when viewed in the first direction, and the end face is connected to the side surface via the inclined surface.

3. A connector as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the contact terminal includes a terminal portion, and the protrusion portion is sandwiched between the first signal terminal and the terminal portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. A connector as described in claim 3, wherein the terminal portion has: a side portion supported by the side surface; and an end surface portion connected to the side surface portion and supported by the end surface.

5. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the contact terminal includes a connecting portion that connects the frame portion and the terminal portion.

6. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a high frequency signal is input to and output from said first signal terminal.

7. A connector set comprising: a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal, wherein the second signal terminal includes a second support portion extending in a third direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, wherein when the connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion, the second support portion and the second body member are aligned in this order along a fourth direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second support portion has a curved portion curved so as to protrude along the fourth direction, and the curved portion is supported by the second body member.

8. A connector set comprising: a connector as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6; and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal supported by the second body member, and the second signal terminal includes: a second mounting portion electrically connected to an electrode of a member different from the connector and the second connector; and a second support portion extending from the second mounting portion in a third direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, and the second support portion is supported by the second body member by being sandwiched between the second body member in the vicinity of the second mounting portion.

9. A connector set comprising: a connector as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6; and the second connector, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body member having insulating properties; and the second signal terminal supported by the second body member, and the second signal terminal includes: a second mounting portion electrically connected to an electrode of a member different from the connector and the second connector; and a second support portion extending from the second mounting portion in a third direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction, the second support portion contacting the first support portion when the connector and the second connector are connected, and the second mounting portion does not overlap the first support portion when viewed in the first direction.

10. A connector set comprising: a first connector; and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the first connector includes an insulating body member and a first signal terminal, and the second connector includes a second signal terminal, wherein, when the first connector and the second connector are connected, a direction from the first connector toward the second connector is defined as a first direction, the first signal terminal has a first support portion that extends in the first direction and has a shape that follows the body member and is supported by the body member, and when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first support portion contacts the second signal terminal and does not overlap with the second signal terminal when viewed in the first direction.

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