Electrical connector and connector device

Abstract

An electrical connector according to the present invention comprises a plurality of signal contacts that correspond to center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables, a plate-shaped ground bar that is electrically connected to external conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables, and a ground contact that is provided between the plurality of signal contacts. Each of the plurality of signal contacts comprises a connection part, a contact part, and a linking part. The ground contact comprises a ground connection part, a ground contact part, and a ground linking part. As seen from the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact, a first region in which each of the connection parts are connected to the center conductors overlaps a second region in which the ground connection part is connected to the ground bar.

Description

Electrical connector and connector device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and connector arrangements.

[0002] A connector device for electrically connecting a coaxial cable to an electrical circuit on a wiring board is known. Such a connector device includes a plug connector attached to an end portion of the coaxial cable and a receptacle connector mounted on the wiring board.

[0003] The electrical connector of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of signal contact members and an isolation characteristic improving portion. The plurality of signal contact members are electrically connected to the center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables. The isolation characteristic improving portion is electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables via a conductive plate-shaped ground bar. The isolation characteristic improving portion is disposed between the plurality of signal contact members so as to block at least a portion of the area of ​​the plurality of signal contact members.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-37719

[0005] The isolation characteristic improving portion of Patent Document 1 is disposed between multiple signal contact members to prevent signal propagation. However, in the electrical connector of Patent Document 1, during assembly, the multiple signal contact members are press-fitted into the insulating housing in one direction, but the isolation characteristic improving portion is press-fitted into the insulating housing in the opposite direction. This makes manufacturing the electrical connector complicated.

[0006] The present disclosure describes an electrical connector that improves ease of assembly.

[0007] An electrical connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables; a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to a plurality of mating signal contacts of a mating connector; a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables; and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts. Each of the plurality of signal contacts includes a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion that contacts the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion that links the connection portion and the contact portion. The ground contact includes a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion that contacts the mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion that links the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion. When viewed in the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and ground contacts, a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar overlap.

[0008] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mating connector mounted on a substrate and an electrical connector mated with the mating connector. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating signal contacts for signal transmission and a mating ground contact for grounding. The electrical connector includes center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables, a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to the plurality of mating signal contacts of the mating connector, a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables, and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts. Each of the plurality of signal contacts includes a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion that contacts the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion that links the connection portion and the contact portion. The ground contact includes a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion that contacts the mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion that links the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion. When viewed in the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and ground contacts, a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar are located in overlapping positions.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an electrical connector that improves workability during assembly can be provided.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mating connector. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical connector. FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the electrical connector. FIG. 6 is a perspective view from another direction with part of the electrical connector omitted. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the connector device 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line IX-IX in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line XX in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of a comparison of crosstalk. FIG. 12 is a graph showing another example of a comparison of crosstalk.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device 1 according to an embodiment. The connector device 1 includes an electrical connector 2 (plug connector) and a mating connector 3 (receptacle connector). The mating connector 3 is mounted on a substrate (not shown). The electrical connector 2 is mated with the mating connector 3.

[0013] The electrical connector 2 is attached to one end of a plurality of coaxial cables 4. In this embodiment, the plurality of coaxial cables 4 will be described as coaxial cables 4A and 4B. Each of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B has a center conductor 41, an inner insulator 42 tightly surrounding the center conductor 41, an outer conductor 43 tightly surrounding the inner insulator 42, and an outer coating 44 tightly surrounding the outer conductor 43. At the one end of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B to which the electrical connector 2 is attached, the outer coating 44 is partially removed to expose the outer conductor 43. Furthermore, each of the outer conductor 43 and the inner insulator 42 is partially removed to expose the center conductor 41 (see FIG. 8 ).

[0014] In the following description, the "mating direction" refers to the direction in which the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 3 are mated. The "extension direction" refers to the direction in which the coaxial cables 4A and 4B extend. The "width direction" refers to the direction intersecting the mating direction and the extension direction. The connector device 1 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view. The direction along the long side of the rectangle corresponds to the extension direction, and the direction along the short side corresponds to the width direction.

[0015] 2 is a perspective view showing the mating connector 3. The mating connector 3 includes a plurality of mating signal contacts 31 (a plurality of mating signal terminals), a mating ground contact 32 (a mating ground terminal), a mating housing 33, and a ground member 34 (a mating shell). In this embodiment, the plurality of mating signal contacts 31 will be described as mating signal contacts 31A and 31B.

[0016] The mating signal contacts 31A and 31B are conductive members for signal transmission that are connected to a plurality of conductors (e.g., signal conductors) on the board, respectively. The mating signal contacts 31A and 31B protrude in a direction away from the board along the mating direction.

[0017] The mating ground contact 32 is a conductive grounding member that is connected to the ground conductor of the board. The mating ground contact 32 protrudes in the mating direction away from the board. The mating ground contact 32 is arranged between the mating signal contacts 31A and 31B in the width direction.

[0018] The mating housing 33 is an insulating member that holds the mating signal contacts 31A and 31B and the mating ground contact 32 in an insulated state. The mating housing 33 also holds each contact and the ground member 34 in an insulated state.

[0019] The grounding member 34 is a conductive member connected to the ground conductor of the board. The grounding member 34 surrounds the plurality of mating signal contacts 31 and mating ground contacts 32 via the mating housing 33. The grounding member 34 includes a wall-like side portion 341 that surrounds the mating housing 33 and a ground connection portion 342 that is a flange portion. The side portion 341 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the mating direction. The ground connection portion 342 is provided seamlessly and continuously at the end of the side portion 341 that faces the board. The ground connection portion 342 extends outward from the side portion 341 and is connected to the board.

[0020] The electrical connector 2 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector 2 before bending the shell 6, which will be described later. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the electrical connector 2. Figure 5 is a bottom view showing the electrical connector 2. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the electrical connector 2, seen from another direction, with the shell 6 and housing 9, which will be described later, omitted. The electrical connector 2 includes a cable fixing portion 5, the shell 6, a plurality of signal contacts 7 (a plurality of signal terminals), ground contacts 8 (ground terminals), a housing 9, and a conductive member 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of signal contacts 7 will be described as signal contacts 7A and 7B.

[0021] 4 and 6 , the cable fixing portion 5 fixes the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. For example, the cable fixing portion 5 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cable fixing portion 5 includes a ground bar 51 (first ground bar) and a sub-ground bar 52 (second ground bar).

[0022] The ground bar 51 and the sub-ground bar 52 are plate-shaped members extending in the width direction. The ground bar 51 and the sub-ground bar 52 are made of a conductive material. The ground bar 51 and the sub-ground bar 52 are arranged on either side of the outer conductor 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B in the mating direction. The ground bar 51 and the sub-ground bar 52 are electrically connected to the outer conductor 43.

[0023] The cable fixing portion 5 and the coaxial cables 4A and 4B are fixed by solder portions 53 (see FIG. 6 ). For example, the solder portions 53 are formed by melting and filling solder between the ground bar 51, the sub-ground bar 52, and the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. In one example, the solder portions 53 are filled so as to cover the outer conductors 43 and are formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The ground bar 51 contacts the upper surface of the outer conductor 43. The sub-ground bar 52 contacts the lower surface of the outer conductor 43. Filling the gaps between the ground bar 51, the outer conductor 43, and the sub-ground bar 52 with solder electrically connects them to each other.

[0024] 3 , the shell 6 is electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B via the cable fixing portion 5. The shell 6 is formed of, for example, an elastic conductive material. A ground potential is applied to the shell 6. The shell 6 has a fitting portion 61, a pair of arm portions 62, 62, a shell portion 63, and a bending portion 64.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 , the mating portion 61 is a wall-like portion surrounding three sides. The mating portion 61 has a pair of side surfaces 611, 611 formed like a wall along the extension direction of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B, and a connecting surface 612 formed like a wall that connects the ends of the pair of side surfaces 611, 611 in the width direction in a direction away from the multiple coaxial cables 4. Furthermore, a pair of wall portions 613, 613 of a predetermined length extend from each end of the pair of side surfaces 611, 611 in a direction approaching the multiple coaxial cables 4. The pair of wall portions 613, 613 are provided diagonally across from the corner where the pair of side surfaces 611, 611 and the connecting surface 612 connect. The mating portion 61 is mated and connected to the ground member 34 of the mating connector 3. The mating portion 61 is mated and connected to the side portion 341 of the ground member 34 so as to surround three sides of the side surface 341.

[0026] The pair of arms 62, 62 are plate-shaped portions extending continuously from the pair of side surfaces 611, 611 of the fitting portion 61. The pair of arms 62, 62 extend opposite each other in the width direction along the extension direction of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B.

[0027] The shell portion 63 is a plate-like member that extends continuously to the coupling surface 612 of the fitting portion 61 via a bent portion 64. The shell portion 63 has a base plate 631, a pair of first fixing portions 632, 632, and a pair of second fixing portions 633, 633 that are continuous with the pair of first fixing portions 632, 632. The base plate 631 is formed continuous with the bent portion 64. The pair of first fixing portions 632, 632 are formed continuous with the base plate 631 in the width direction. The pair of second fixing portions 633, 633 are formed continuous with the pair of first fixing portions 632, 632.

[0028] The bending portion 64 connects the coupling surface 612 of the fitting portion 61 and the base plate 631 of the shell portion 63, and changes the angle of the base plate 631 by bending. For example, the bending portion 64 changes the base plate 631 from an upright position to a bent position by bending 90 degrees. The upright position is a position where the base plate 631 is aligned with the fitting direction (see FIG. 3 ). The bent position is a position where the base plate 631 is aligned with the extension direction of the multiple coaxial cables 4. In the bent position, the base plate 631 comes into contact with the ground bar 51 of the cable fixing portion 5.

[0029] During assembly of the electrical connector 2, the base plate 631 is initially in an upright position. In the upright position, the electrical connector 2 is attached to one ends of multiple coaxial cables 4. The bending portion 64 then changes the base plate 631 to a bent position. In the bent position, the pair of first fixing portions 632, 632 and the pair of second fixing portions 633, 633 are bent. The pair of first fixing portions 632, 632 cover the pair of arm portions 62, 62 from the outside in the width direction. The pair of second fixing portions 633, 633 cover the conductive member 10, which will be described later, from below (at a position closer to the board in the mating direction) (see FIG. 8 ).

[0030] 6, the signal contacts 7A and 7B are components corresponding to the center conductors 41 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B and the mating signal contacts 31A and 31B of the mating connector 3. The signal contacts 7A and 7B are formed from an elastic conductive material. For example, the signal contact 7A may be formed by punching a single plate material from a metal plate and then bending the same. Similarly, the signal contact 7B may be formed by punching a single plate material from a metal plate and then bending the same.

[0031] Each of the signal contacts 7A and 7B has a connection portion 71 electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor 41, a contact portion 72 that contacts the corresponding mating signal contact 31, and a connecting portion 73 that connects the connection portion 71 and the contact portion 72.

[0032] The connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A extends in the extension direction of the coaxial cable 4A and is formed in a plate shape. The connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A is electrically connected to the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A. The connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A and the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A may be electrically connected via a first soldering portion 11A described later.

[0033] The contact portion 72 of the signal contact 7A has a pair of protrusions that protrude in the mating direction toward the mating connector 3. The contact portion 72 of the signal contact 7A elastically deforms to sandwich the mating signal contact 31A of the mating connector 3 and make contact therewith.

[0034] The linking portion 73 of the signal contact 7A is a plate-shaped portion extending in the extension direction of the coaxial cable 4A. The linking portion 73 is continuous with the connecting portion 71 at one end and with the contacting portion 72 at the other end, thereby linking the connecting portion 71 and the contacting portion 72. For example, the linking portion 73 extends at one end toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction and is continuous with the connecting portion 71. In other words, the linking portion 73 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 in the mating direction than the connecting portion 71. The linking portion 73 extends at the other end toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction and is continuous with the contacting portion 72. In other words, the linking portion 73 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 in the mating direction than the contacting portion 72.

[0035] The connection portion 71 of the signal contact 7B extends in the extension direction of the coaxial cable 4B and is formed in a plate shape. The connection portion 71 of the signal contact 7B is electrically connected to the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4B. The connection portion 71 of the signal contact 7B and the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4B may be electrically connected via a first soldering portion 11B described later.

[0036] The contact portion 72 of the signal contact 7B has a pair of protrusions that protrude in the mating direction toward the mating connector 3. The contact portion 72 of the signal contact 7B elastically deforms to sandwich the mating signal contact 31B of the mating connector 3 and make contact therewith.

[0037] The linking portion 73 of the signal contact 7B is a plate-shaped portion extending in the extension direction of the coaxial cable 4B. The linking portion 73 is continuous with the connecting portion 71 at one end and with the contacting portion 72 at the other end, thereby linking the connecting portion 71 and the contacting portion 72. For example, the linking portion 73 extends toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction at one end and is continuous with the connecting portion 71. In other words, the linking portion 73 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 than the connecting portion 71 is in the mating direction. The linking portion 73 extends toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction at the other end and is continuous with the contacting portion 72. In other words, the linking portion 73 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 than the contacting portion 72 is in the mating direction.

[0038] 6, the ground contact 8 is a conductive member disposed between the signal contacts 7A and 7B in the width direction. The ground contact 8 includes a ground connection portion 81 electrically connected to the ground bar 51, a ground contact portion 82 that contacts the mating ground contact 32 of the mating connector 3, and a ground coupling portion 83 that couples the ground connection portion 81 and the ground contact portion 82.

[0039] The ground connection portion 81 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the extension direction of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. The ground connection portion 81 is electrically connected to the ground bar 51. The ground connection portion 81 and the ground bar 51 may be electrically connected via a second soldering portion 12 (soldering portion) described later.

[0040] The ground contact portion 82 has a pair of protrusions that protrude in the mating direction toward the mating connector 3. The ground contact portion 82 elastically deforms to sandwich the mating ground contact 32 of the mating connector 3 and make contact therewith.

[0041] The ground connection portion 83 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the extension direction of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. The ground connection portion 83 is continuous with the ground connection portion 81 at one end and with the ground contact portion 82 at the other end, thereby connecting the ground connection portion 81 and the ground contact portion 82. For example, the ground connection portion 83 extends at one end toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction and is continuous with the ground connection portion 81. In other words, the ground connection portion 83 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 in the mating direction than the ground connection portion 81. The ground connection portion 83 extends at the other end toward the mating connector 3 in the mating direction and is continuous with the ground contact portion 82. In other words, the ground connection portion 83 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 in the mating direction than the ground contact portion 82.

[0042] The signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 may be partially or entirely of the same shape. For example, the connecting portions 71 and the ground connecting portion 81 may be of the same shape. The contact portions 72 and the ground contact portion 82 may be of the same shape. The linking portions 73 and the ground linking portion 83 may be of the same shape. The signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 may be of the same shape.

[0043] 3 and 4 , the housing 9 is an insulating member that holds the signal contacts 7A and 7B and the ground contact 8 in an insulated state. The housing 9 also holds each contact and the shell 6 in an insulated state. The housing 9 is formed in a block shape from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 9 has first holding portions 91A and 91B, a second holding portion 92, and a base portion 93.

[0044] The first retaining portion 91A is a groove that holds the signal contact 7A. The first retaining portion 91B is a groove that holds the signal contact 7B. The second retaining portion 92 is a groove that holds the ground contact 8. The base portion 93 separates each contact in an insulating state. The outer periphery of the base portion 93 is partially surrounded by the shell 6. For example, three sides of the base portion 93 are surrounded by the fitting portion 61 of the shell 6. The second retaining portion 92 is formed between the first retaining portion 91A and the first retaining portion 91B in the width direction.

[0045] The housing 9 is formed with through holes 94, 94 through which cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011, which will be described later, are inserted. The cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are inserted into the through holes 94, 94 from the underside of the housing 9 along the fitting direction. The through holes 94, 94 may be formed at both ends of the second holding portion 92 in the width direction.

[0046] The conductive member 10 is a conductive member that is arranged on the opposite side of the ground bar 51 across the multiple coaxial cables 4 in the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The conductive member 10 is electrically connected to the sub-ground bar 52. The conductive member 10 has a base portion 101, an end portion 102, and an extension portion 103.

[0047] The base 101 is a plate-like portion electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the multiple coaxial cables 4 and the ground connection portion 81. The base 101 has raised portions 1011, 1011 formed thereon, which extend toward the ground connection portion 81 along the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The raised portions 1011, 1011 are electrically connected to the ground connection portion 81. Specifically, the raised portions 1011, 1011 are inserted through the through holes 94, 94, and disposed on the side surfaces of the ground connection portion 81, and then connected by soldering as described below. Although the present embodiment describes an example in which a pair of raised portions 1011, 1011 are provided, the number and shape are not limited thereto. For example, the base 101 may have a single raised portion 1011 formed thereon.

[0048] The end 102 is a plate-shaped portion that contacts the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3. The end 102 extends in a direction away from the coaxial cables 4A and 4B relative to the base 101 in the extension direction of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. The end 102 is inclined toward its tip in the mating direction toward the mating connector 3. The tip of the end 102 contacts the grounding member 34.

[0049] The extension portion 103 is a portion that connects the base portion 101 and the end portion 102. The extension portion 103 is inclined from the base portion 101 toward the end portion 102 in a direction away from the mating connector 3 in the mating direction.

[0050] 5 , the fitting portion 61 of the shell 6 surrounds three sides when viewed from the bottom. That is, an opening is formed in the fitting portion 61 when viewed from the bottom. The end portion 102 is provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the fitting portion 61. In the fitted state, the fitting portion 61 is electrically connected to the side portion 341 of the grounding member 34 so as to surround three sides of the side portion 341. The end portion 102 is electrically connected to the end portion of one side of the side portion 341 that faces away from the board.

[0051] 6 , the ground bar 51 includes a plate-shaped portion 511 and ground fingers 512. The plate-shaped portion 511 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the width direction and contacts the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. The ground fingers 512 are plate-shaped portions that extend from the center of the plate-shaped portion 511 in the width direction toward the ground connection portion 81. The ground fingers 512 are disposed directly above the ground connection portion 81.

[0052] The sub-ground bar 52 includes a plate-shaped portion 521 and a pair of side walls 522. The plate-shaped portion 521 extends in the width direction and is a plate-shaped portion that contacts the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B. The side walls 522 extend from both widthwise ends of the plate-shaped portion 521 in a direction away from the mating connector 3 along the mating direction. The pair of side walls 522 sandwich the coaxial cables 4A and 4B in the width direction.

[0053] After the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A is placed directly above the connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A, a first soldering portion 11A may be formed by soldering. The first soldering portion 11A is a solder contact that electrically connects the connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A and the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A.

[0054] After the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4B is placed directly above the connection portion 71 of the signal contact 7B, a first soldering portion 11B may be formed by soldering. The first soldering portion 11B is a solder contact that electrically connects the connection portion 71 of the signal contact 7B and the central conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4B.

[0055] The ground contacts 8 are electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B via the ground bar 51 and the sub-ground bar 52. For example, the ground connection portions 81 face the ground fingers 512 in the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The ground connection portions 81 are electrically connected to the ground fingers 512.

[0056] After the ground finger 512 is disposed directly above the ground connection portion 81 of the ground contact 8, the second solder portion 12 may be formed by soldering. The second solder portion is a solder contact that electrically connects the ground connection portion 81 to at least one of the ground finger 512 and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011. That is, the ground connection portion 81 and the ground finger 512 may be electrically connected via the second solder portion 12, which is a solder contact. The ground connection portion 81 and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 may be electrically connected via the second solder portion 12. The ground connection portion 81, the ground finger 512, and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 may be electrically connected via the second solder portion 12.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the connector device 1. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 3 are mechanically and electrically connected.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows an example of a cross section of the connector device 1 as seen from the direction in which the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 are arranged.

[0059] The extension portion 103 of the conductive member 10 is inclined in the mating direction away from the mating connector 3. By inclining the extension portion 103, the end portion 102 of the conductive member 10 is positioned so as to be able to come into contact with the end portion of the side portion 341 of the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3. The end portion 102 is located at a position farther away from the mating connector 3 than the base portion 101 is in the mating direction.

[0060] The connecting portion 71 and the linking portion 73 of the signal contact 7A are linked in a crank shape when viewed from the arrangement direction. The linking portion 73 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 relative to the connecting portion 71 and the contact portion 72 in the mating direction. The linking portion 73 is also provided in a direction away from the end portion 102 and the extension portion 103 of the conductive member 10 in the mating direction. In the mating direction, the distance between the linking portion 73 and the base plate 631 of the shell portion 63 may be approximately the same as the distance between the linking portion 73 and the connection portion of the end portion 102 and the extension portion 103. In other words, the linking portion 73 may be located approximately in the center between the base plate 631 and the connection portion of the end portion 102 and the extension portion 103 in the mating direction. A constant distance is maintained between the linking portion 73 and the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3.

[0061] In the mated state, the contact portion 72 of the signal contact 7A contacts and sandwiches the mating signal contact 31A of the mating connector 3. As a result, the center conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A is electrically connected to the mating signal contact 31A via the signal contact 7A.

[0062] The base plate 631 of the shell portion 63 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 43 of the coaxial cable 4A via the ground bar 51. The second fixing portion 633 of the shell portion 63 is electrically connected to the base portion 101 of the conductive member 10. The base portion 101 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 43 of the coaxial cable 4A via the sub-ground bar 52. In other words, the second fixing portion 633 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 43 via the base portion 101 and the sub-ground bar 52.

[0063] In the mated state, the mating portion 61 of the shell 6 is electrically connected to the side portion 341 of the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3. The end portion 102 of the conductive member 10 is electrically connected to the side portion 341 of the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3. As a result, the outer conductors 43 of the coaxial cables 4A and 4B are electrically connected to the ground conductor provided on the board through the shell 6 and conductive member 10 of the electrical connector 2 and the grounding member 34 of the mating connector 3.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 shows another example of a cross section of the connector device 1 as seen from the direction in which the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 are arranged.

[0065] The ground connection portion 81 and the ground coupling portion 83 of the ground contact are connected in a crank shape when viewed from the arrangement direction. The ground coupling portion 83 is provided in a direction away from the mating connector 3 relative to the ground connection portion 81 and the ground contact portion 82 in the mating direction. The ground coupling portion 83 is also provided in a direction away from the end portion 102 and the extension portion 103 of the conductive member 10 in the mating direction. In the mating direction, the distance between the ground coupling portion 83 and the base plate 631 of the shell portion 63 may be approximately the same as the distance between the ground coupling portion 83 and the end portion 102. In other words, the ground coupling portion 83 may be located approximately in the center between the base plate 631 and the end portion 102 in the mating direction. A constant distance is maintained between the ground coupling portion 83 and the ground member 34 of the mating connector 3.

[0066] In the mated state, the ground contact portion 82 of the ground contact 8 contacts the mating ground contact 32 of the mating connector 3 so as to sandwich the mating ground contact 32. As a result, the outer conductor 43 of the coaxial cable 4A is electrically connected to the mating ground contact 32 via the ground bar 51 and the ground contact 8.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 shows an example of a cross section of the connector device 1 as seen from the extending direction of the multiple coaxial cables 4. Fig. 10 shows the first regions 13A and 13B and the second region 14.

[0068] The first region 13A is a region where the connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7A is connected to the center conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4A. The first region 13A may include the first soldering portion 11A. The first region 13A may be located approximately in the center between the base plate 631 and the second fixing portion 633 of the shell 6 in the mating direction.

[0069] The first region 13B is a region where the connecting portion 71 of the signal contact 7B is connected to the center conductor 41 of the coaxial cable 4B. The first region 13B may include the first soldering portion 11B. The first region 13B may be located approximately in the center between the base plate 631 and the second fixing portion 633 of the shell 6 in the mating direction.

[0070] The second region 14 is a region where the ground connection portion 81 of the ground contact 8 is connected to the ground finger 512 of the ground bar 51. The second region 14 may include the second soldering portion 12. The second region 14 may be located approximately in the center between the base plate 631 and the second fixing portion 633 of the shell 6 in the mating direction.

[0071] That is, the first regions 13A, 13B and the second region 14 may be located at approximately the same height in the mating direction. The first regions 13A, 13B and the second region 14 can also be said to be aligned side by side in the arrangement direction of the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8. Therefore, when viewed from the arrangement direction of the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8, the first regions 13A, 13B in which the connection portions 71 are connected to the center conductor 41 and the second region 14 in which the ground connection portion 81 is connected to the ground bar 51 may be positioned to overlap. "When viewed from the arrangement direction of the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8" means that an observer located far away along the width direction, which is the direction in which the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 are arranged in parallel, visually recognizes the first regions 13A, 13B and the second region 14 along the width direction.

[0072] Fig. 11 is a graph showing an example of a comparison of crosstalk, showing near-end crosstalk (NEXT) between the connector device 1 of the present embodiment and a connector device according to a comparative example. In Fig. 11, the vertical axis represents dB and the horizontal axis represents frequency.

[0073] In the connector device 1, the ground contacts 8 of the electrical connector 2 are in electrical contact with the conductive member 10. More specifically, the ground connection portion 81 and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are electrically connected via the second soldering portion 12. In contrast, in the connector device according to the comparative example, the member corresponding to the ground contacts 8 is not in electrical contact with the member corresponding to the conductive member 10.

[0074] In the frequency range U1 of approximately 30 to 35 GHz, the envelope represented by the value V1 of the connector device 1 shows a gentle upward slope, and the value V1 is stable. In contrast, in the range U1, the envelope represented by the value W1 of the connector device according to the comparative example shows a protruding peak, and the value W1 is significantly worse. The worsening of the value W1 is due to crosstalk resonance.

[0075] 12 is a graph showing another example of a comparison of crosstalk, showing the far-end crosstalk (FEXT) of the connector device 1 of the present embodiment and a connector device according to a comparative example. In FIG. 12, the vertical axis represents dB and the horizontal axis represents frequency.

[0076] Figure 12 shows a similar trend to Figure 11. That is, in the frequency range U2 of approximately 30 to 35 GHz, the envelope represented by the value V2 of the connector device 1 shows a gentle upward slope, and the value V2 is stable. In contrast, in the range U2, the envelope represented by the value W2 of the connector device according to the comparative example shows a protruding peak and a concave valley, and the value W2 is significantly worse. The deterioration in the value W2 is due to crosstalk resonance.

[0077] As described above, the electrical connector 2 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of signal contacts 7 corresponding to the center conductors 41 of a plurality of coaxial cables 4 and the plurality of mating signal contacts 31 of the mating connector 3, a plate-shaped ground bar 51 electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the plurality of coaxial cables 4, and ground contacts 8 arranged between the plurality of signal contacts 7. Each of the plurality of signal contacts 7 includes a connection portion 71 electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor 41, a contact portion 72 in contact with the corresponding mating signal contact 31, and a linking portion 73 linking the connection portion 71 and the contact portion 72. The ground contact 8 includes a ground connection portion 81 electrically connected to the ground bar 51, a ground contact portion 82 in contact with the mating ground contact 32 of the mating connector 3, and a ground linking portion 83 linking the ground connection portion 81 and the ground contact portion 82. When viewed from the direction of arrangement of the multiple signal contacts 7 and ground contacts 8, the first regions 13A, 13B in which each of the connection portions 71 is connected to the central conductor 41, and the second region 14 in which the ground connection portion 81 is connected to the ground bar 51 are arranged in overlapping positions.

[0078] A connector device 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mating connector 3 mounted on a substrate and an electrical connector 2 mated with the mating connector 3. The mating connector 3 includes a plurality of mating signal contacts 31 for signal transmission and a mating ground contact 32 for grounding. The electrical connector 2 includes center conductors 41 of a plurality of coaxial cables 4 and a plurality of signal contacts 7 corresponding to the plurality of mating signal contacts 31 of the mating connector 3, a plate-shaped ground bar 51 electrically connected to outer conductors 43 of the plurality of coaxial cables 4, and ground contacts 8 arranged between the plurality of signal contacts 7. Each of the plurality of signal contacts 7 includes a connecting portion 71 electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor 41, a contact portion 72 in contact with the corresponding mating signal contact 31, and a linking portion 73 linking the connecting portion 71 and the contact portion 72. The ground contact 8 includes a ground connection portion 81 electrically connected to the ground bar 51, a ground contact portion 82 that contacts the mating ground contact 32 of the mating connector 3, and a ground linking portion 83 that links the ground connection portion 81 and the ground contact portion 82. When viewed from the direction in which the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 are arranged, the first regions 13A and 13B in which the connection portions 71 are connected to the center conductor 41 and the second region 14 in which the ground connection portion 81 is connected to the ground bar 51 are provided in overlapping positions.

[0079] In the electrical connector 2 and connector device 1 of the present disclosure, multiple signal contacts 7 are electrically connected to the center conductors 41 of multiple coaxial cables 4, and ground contacts 8 arranged between the multiple signal contacts 7 are electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the multiple coaxial cables 4 via ground bars 51. Furthermore, the first regions 13A, 13B and the second region 14 are located in overlapping positions when viewed from the arrangement direction of the multiple signal contacts 7 and ground contacts 8. In other words, the configuration allows multiple connection portions 71 and ground connection portions 81 to be arranged in a line. This allows the multiple connection portions 71 and ground connection portions 81 to be press-fit into the housing 9 in the same direction when assembling the electrical connector 2 and connector device 1. Therefore, the electrical connector 2 and connector device 1 of the present disclosure facilitate assembly, improving workability during assembly.

[0080] Each of the connection portions 71 and the ground connection portion 81 have the same shape. Since the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 have partially the same shape, workability during assembly is further improved.

[0081] Each of the contact portions 72 and the ground contact portion 82 have the same shape. Since the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 have partially the same shape, workability during assembly is further improved.

[0082] Each of the connecting portions 73 and the ground connecting portion 83 have the same shape. Since the signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 have partially the same shape, workability during assembly is further improved.

[0083] The signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 have the same shape. The signal contacts 7 and the ground contacts 8 have the same shape, which improves workability during assembly, simplifies management, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0084] The electrical connector 2 includes a conductive member 10 that is disposed on the opposite side of the ground bar 51 across the multiple coaxial cables 4 in the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The conductive member 10 has a plate-shaped base 101 that is electrically connected to the outer conductors 43 of the multiple coaxial cables 4 and the ground connection portion 81, an end 102 that contacts the ground member 34 of the mating connector 3 and surrounds the multiple mating signal contacts 31 and mating ground contacts 32, and an extension 103 that connects the base 101 and the end 102. In this case, the stability of the ground is improved.

[0085] The base 101 is formed with raised portions 1011, 1011 that extend toward the ground connection portion 81 along the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The raised portions 1011, 1011 are electrically connected to the ground connection portion 81. In this case, the stability of the ground is improved.

[0086] The ground connection portion 81 and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are electrically connected via the second soldering portion 12 (soldering portion), which is a solder contact. The connection is stabilized by the solder contact, thereby improving the stability of the ground.

[0087] The ground bar 51 includes plate-shaped ground fingers 512 extending toward the ground connection portion 81. The ground connection portion 81 faces the ground fingers 512 in the mating direction with the mating connector 3. The ground connection portion 81, the ground fingers 512, and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are electrically connected via second soldering portions 12 (soldering portions). The solder contacts stabilize the connection, improving ground stability. Furthermore, the ground connection portion 81, the ground fingers 512, and the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 can be soldered together, improving workability during assembly.

[0088] In the mating direction with the mating connector 3, the end 102 of the conductive member 10 is located at a position farther away from the mating connector 3 than the base 101. In the mating direction with the mating connector 3, each of the linking portions 73 of the multiple signal contacts 7 is located in a direction farther away from the mating connector 3 than the connecting portion 71. In the mated state, maintaining a constant distance between the linking portion 73 and the ground member 34 of the mating connector 3 results in good impedance matching.

[0089] The electrical connector 2 includes a housing 9 that holds a plurality of signal contacts 7 and ground contacts 8 in an insulated state. The housing 9 is provided with through holes 94, 94 through which the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are inserted. The cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 are supported by the through holes, thereby improving the contact stability between the cut-and-raised portions 1011, 1011 and the ground connection portion 81.

[0090] The present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the cable fixing portion 5 includes the sub-ground bar 52, but the cable fixing portion 5 does not necessarily have to include the sub-ground bar 52. The conductive member 10 may be electrically connected to the outer conductors of the multiple coaxial cables 4 via the solder portions 53.

[0092] [Notes] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows: [1] An electrical connector comprising: a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables and a plurality of mating signal contacts of a mating connector; a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables; and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts, wherein each of the plurality of signal contacts comprises a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion contacting the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion linking the connection portion and the contact portion, and the ground contact comprises a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion contacting a mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion linking the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion, wherein a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar are located in overlapping positions when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact. [2] The electrical connector according to [1], wherein each of the connection portions and the ground connection portion have the same shape. [3] The electrical connector according to [1] or [2], wherein the contact portions and the ground contact portion have the same shape. [4] The electrical connector according to any of [1] to [3], wherein the coupling portions and the ground coupling portion have the same shape. [5] The electrical connector according to [1], wherein the signal contacts and the ground contacts have the same shape. [6] The electrical connector according to any of [1] to [5], further comprising: a conductive member arranged on the opposite side of the ground bar across the coaxial cables in a mating direction with the mating connector, the conductive member having a plate-shaped base portion electrically connected to the outer conductors of the coaxial cables and the ground connection portion, an end portion that surrounds the mating signal contacts and the mating ground contact and contacts a ground member of the mating connector, and an extension portion that connects the base portion and the end portion.[7] The electrical connector according to [6], wherein the base portion is formed with a raised portion extending toward the ground connection portion along the mating direction with the mating connector, and the raised portion is electrically connected to the ground connection portion. [8] The electrical connector according to [7], wherein the ground connection portion and the raised portion are electrically connected via a soldering portion that is a solder contact. [9] The electrical connector according to [8], wherein the ground bar includes a plate-shaped ground finger extending toward the ground connection portion, the ground connection portion faces the ground finger in the mating direction with the mating connector, and the ground connection portion, the ground finger, and the raised portion are electrically connected via the soldering portion.

[10] The electrical connector according to any of [6] to [9], wherein the end of the conductive member is located at a position farther away from the mating connector than the base portion is from the mating connector, and wherein each of the linking portions of the plurality of signal contacts is located at a position farther away from the mating connector than the connecting portion is from the mating connector, in the mating direction with the mating connector.

[11] The electrical connector according to any one of [7] to [9], further comprising a housing that holds the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact in an insulated state, the housing having a through hole through which the cut-and-raised portion is inserted.

[12] A connector device comprising a mating connector mounted on a substrate and an electrical connector fitted to the mating connector, wherein the mating connector comprises a plurality of mating signal contacts for signal transmission and a mating ground contact for grounding, and the electrical connector comprises: center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables and a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to the plurality of mating signal contacts of the mating connector, a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables, and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts, wherein each of the plurality of signal contacts comprises a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion in contact with the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion linking the connection portion and the contact portion, and the ground contact comprises a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion in contact with the mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion linking the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion, A connector device, wherein, when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contacts, a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar are arranged in overlapping positions.

[0093] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...connector device, 2...electrical connector, 3...mating connector, 4, 4A, 4B...coaxial cable, 5...cable fixing portion, 6...shell, 7, 7A, 7B...signal contact, 8...ground contact, 9...housing, 10...conductive member, 11A, 11B...first soldering portion, 12...second soldering portion, 13A, 13B...first region, 14...second region, 31, 31A, 31B...mating signal contact, 32...mating ground contact, 33...mating housing, 34...ground member, 41...center conductor, 42...inner insulator, 43...outer conductor, 44...outer coating, 51...ground bar, 52... Ground bar, 53...solder portion, 61...fitting portion, 62...arm portion, 63...shell portion, 64...bending portion, 71...connection portion, 72...contact portion, 73...connecting portion, 81...ground connection portion, 82...ground contact portion, 83...ground connecting portion, 91A, 91B...first holding portion, 92...second holding portion, 93...base portion, 94...through hole, 101...base portion, 102...end portion, 103...extension portion, 511...plate-shaped portion, 512...ground finger, 521...plate-shaped portion, 522...side wall portion, 611...side surface, 612...connecting surface, 613...wall portion, 631...base plate, 632...first fixing portion, 633...second fixing portion, 1011...cut-and-raised portion.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising: center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables and a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to a plurality of mating signal contacts of a mating connector; a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables; and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts, wherein each of the plurality of signal contacts has a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion in contact with the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion linking the connection portion and the contact portion, and the ground contact has a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion in contact with the mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion linking the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion, wherein, when viewed in the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact, a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar are arranged in overlapping positions.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein each of said connection portions and said ground connection portion have the same shape.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein each of said contact portions and said ground contact portion are identical in shape.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein each of said coupling portions and said ground coupling portion have the same shape.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of signal contacts and said ground contact are identical in shape.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a conductive member arranged on the opposite side of the ground bar across the plurality of coaxial cables in the mating direction with the mating connector, the conductive member having a plate-like base portion electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables and the ground connection portion, an end portion that contacts the ground member of the mating connector surrounding the plurality of mating signal contacts and the mating ground contact, and an extension portion that connects the base portion and the end portion.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein the base portion is formed with a bent portion extending toward the ground connection portion in the mating direction with the mating connector, and the bent portion is electrically connected to the ground connection portion.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein the ground connection portion and the cut-and-raised portion are electrically connected via a soldering portion that is a solder contact.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein the ground bar includes a plate-shaped ground finger extending toward the ground connection portion, the ground connection portion faces the ground finger in the mating direction with the mating connector, and the ground connection portion, the ground finger, and the cut-and-raised portion are electrically connected via the soldered portion.

10. An electrical connector as described in claim 6, wherein, in the mating direction with the mating connector, the end of the conductive member is located at a position farther away from the mating connector than the base, and, in the mating direction with the mating connector, each of the linking portions of the plurality of signal contacts is located in a direction farther away from the mating connector than the connecting portion.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 7, further comprising a housing that holds the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contact in an insulated state, the housing having a through hole through which the cut-and-raised portion is inserted.

12. A connector device comprising a mating connector mounted on a substrate and an electrical connector to be fitted into the mating connector, wherein the mating connector comprises a plurality of mating signal contacts for signal transmission and a mating ground contact for grounding, and the electrical connector comprises: center conductors of a plurality of coaxial cables and a plurality of signal contacts corresponding to the plurality of mating signal contacts of the mating connector, a plate-shaped ground bar electrically connected to the outer conductors of the plurality of coaxial cables, and ground contacts arranged between the plurality of signal contacts, wherein each of the plurality of signal contacts comprises a connection portion electrically connected to the corresponding center conductor, a contact portion in contact with the corresponding mating signal contact, and a linking portion linking the connection portion and the contact portion, and the ground contact comprises a ground connection portion electrically connected to the ground bar, a ground contact portion in contact with the mating ground contact of the mating connector, and a ground linking portion linking the ground connection portion and the ground contact portion, A connector device, wherein, when viewed from the arrangement direction of the plurality of signal contacts and the ground contacts, a first region in which each of the connection portions is connected to the center conductor and a second region in which the ground connection portion is connected to the ground bar are provided in overlapping positions.

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