Connector set

Abstract

This connector set comprises a first connector and a second connector. The first connector comprises: a first signal terminal; a support member that supports the first signal terminal; a first ground terminal that is electrically conductive, surrounds the first signal terminal and the support member, and is electrically connected to a ground potential; and a floating terminal that is electrically conductive, covers a part of the support member, is disposed away from the first ground terminal, and is electrically insulated from the first ground terminal. The second connector comprises: a second signal terminal that is electrically connected to the first signal terminal; and a second ground terminal that is electrically conductive, surrounds the second signal terminal, is electrically connected to the ground potential, is in contact with the first ground terminal in a fitted state, and is disposed spaced apart from the floating terminal. The floating terminal and the second ground terminal are disposed facing and close to each other in the fitted state.

Description

Connector set

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector set.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connector set including a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector. The first connector of Patent Document 1 includes a resin body member, signal terminals supported by the resin body member, ground terminals, and floating terminals. Patent Document 1 describes that the floating terminals protect by covering at least a part of the resin body member, and when the second connector is attached to the first connector, the second connector is prevented from contacting the resin body member, thereby suppressing damage to the resin body member.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023 - 111019

[0004] In the connector set described in Patent Document 1, the characteristic impedance may become larger than a desired characteristic impedance (for example, 50 Ω). However, Patent Document 1 does not describe reducing the characteristic impedance of the connector set.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the characteristic impedance in a connector set.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention comprises a first connector and a second connector that mates with the first connector, the first connector comprising: at least one conductive first signal terminal; a resin support member that supports the at least one first signal terminal; a conductive first ground terminal that surrounds the at least one first signal terminal and the support member and is electrically connected to ground potential; and a conductive floating terminal that covers a part of the support member, is positioned away from the first ground terminal and is electrically insulated from the first ground terminal, the second connector comprising: at least one conductive second signal terminal that is electrically connected to the at least one first signal terminal in a mated state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated; and a conductive second ground terminal that surrounds the at least one second signal terminal, is electrically connected to ground potential, is in contact with the first ground terminal in the mated state, and is positioned at a distance from the floating terminal, The present invention provides a connector set in which the floating terminal and the second ground terminal are positioned close together and facing each other in the mated state.

[0007] In this specification, "arranged in close proximity to each other" means that two elements are arranged without touching each other, with a distance of 1 mm or less between them. In other words, in this specification, "arranged in close proximity to each other" means that the distance between two elements is greater than 0 mm and 1 mm or less.

[0008] The connector set according to this disclosure can reduce the characteristic impedance of the connector set. Since there is a small potential difference between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal, both of which are conductive and are spaced apart from each other, a capacitor is formed between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal. As a result, the capacitance of the entire connector set increases by the capacitance of the capacitor. Since the characteristic impedance of the connector set is inversely proportional to the capacitance of the entire connector set, the characteristic impedance of the connector set can be reduced by increasing the capacitance of the entire connector set. In addition, since the floating terminal and the second ground terminal are placed close together in the mated state, the capacitance of the capacitor is larger compared to a configuration in which the floating terminal and the second ground terminal are not placed close together. As a result, the characteristic impedance of the connector set can be reduced even further compared to a configuration in which the floating terminal and the second ground terminal are not placed close together.

[0009] According to this disclosure, the characteristic impedance can be reduced in the connector set.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of the second connector shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the second connector shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a plan view of the connector set shown in Figure 1, in which the second housing shown in Figure 3 is omitted from the illustration. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part VII of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 6, in which the mated state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated together is shown. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part IX of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 8, in which the state in which the first connector and the second connector are not mated together is shown.

[0011] Hereinafter, a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of dimensions, etc., may differ from those of actual devices.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector set 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector set 1 is a multi-pole connector for transmitting signals between two substrates. In particular, the connector set 1 is used to transmit high-frequency signals, including signals having radio frequency (RF), between two substrates. Referring to Figure 1, the connector set 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

[0013] In the following description, the longitudinal direction along each side of the connector set 1 may be referred to as the X direction, the transverse direction as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction. In particular, in Figure 1, the front left side may be referred to as the +X side, the back right side as the -X side, the front right side as the +Y side, the back left side as the -Y side, the top side as the +Z side, and the bottom side as the -Z side. In this embodiment, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the side closer to the center of the connector set 1 in each direction may be referred to as the inside, and the side further from the center of the connector set 1 in each direction may be referred to as the outside. In this specification, the direction orthogonal to the Z direction may be referred to as the transverse direction. In this specification, the transverse direction includes the X direction, the Y direction, and the direction that intersects both the X and Y directions and is orthogonal to the Z direction. In other words, the transverse direction in this specification includes any direction in the XY plane.

[0014] Referring to Figure 1, the connector set 1 comprises a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 that mates with the first connector 2. The first connector 2 is a female connector, and the second connector 3 is a male connector that is received by the first connector 2. In other words, the first connector 2 is a receptacle, and the second connector 3 is a plug. The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated together by inserting the second connector 3 into the first connector 2 from the +Z side. That is, the Z direction is the insertion direction when inserting the second connector 3 into the first connector 2. The first connector 2 is mounted on the first substrate 4 (shown in Figure 8), and the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5 (shown in Figure 8).

[0015] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 2. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 3. Referring to Figure 2, the first connector 2 comprises two first signal terminals 10A and 10B, two support members 20A and 20B, a first housing 30, a first ground terminal 40, and two floating terminals 50A and 50B. Referring to Figure 3, the second connector 3 comprises two second signal terminals 60A and 60B, a second housing 70, and a second ground terminal 80.

[0016] In the following explanation, if there is no need to distinguish between the two first signal terminals 10A and 10B, one of the two first signal terminals 10A and 10B may simply be referred to as the first signal terminal 10. Similarly, in the following explanation, if there is no need to distinguish between the two support members 20A and 20B, one of the two support members 20A and 20B may simply be referred to as the support member 20. In the following explanation, if there is no need to distinguish between the two floating terminals 50A and 50B, one of the two floating terminals 50A and 50B may simply be referred to as the floating terminal 50. In the following explanation, if there is no need to distinguish between the two second signal terminals 60A and 60B, one of the two second signal terminals 60A and 60B may simply be referred to as the second signal terminal 60.

[0017] The first signal terminal 10 is conductive. The first signal terminal 10 is made of metal. Referring to Figure 2, the first signal terminal 10 is plate-shaped. The first signal terminal 10 has a flat first portion 11 with the Y direction as the thickness direction and a flat second portion 12 with the Z direction as the thickness direction. The second portion 12 extends in the Y direction from the -Z side end of the first portion 11 via a bend. That is, the first signal terminal 10 is L-shaped when viewed along the X direction. The first signal terminal 10 is manufactured by bending or other processing on a single metal plate.

[0018] The first signal terminals 10A and 10B are arranged spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The first signal terminal 10 is electrically connected to a signal transmission circuit (not shown) located within the first substrate 4 (shown in Figure 8) by having its second portion 12 soldered to the substrate 4. The first signal terminals 10A and 10B are each electrically connected to different signal transmission circuits.

[0019] Support members 20A and 20B are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first signal terminals 10A and 10B. Support members 20A and 20B are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. Support member 20 supports the corresponding first signal terminal 10.

[0020] The support member 20 has electrical insulation properties. The support member 20 is made of resin. The support member 20 is block-shaped and rises from the first substrate 4 (shown in Figure 8) toward the +Z side when the first connector 2 is mounted on the first substrate 4. In a plan view along the Z direction, the support member 20 has an L-shape. The support member 20 is integrally molded with the corresponding first signal terminal 10 by insert molding.

[0021] The support member 20 protects the corresponding first signal terminal 10 by partially covering it. That is, a portion of the first signal terminal 10 is not covered by the support member 20 and is exposed. Specifically, one of the two sides of the first portion 11 facing in the Y direction and the entire second portion 12 are exposed. At the first signal terminal 10A, the side of the first portion 11 facing in the Y direction that faces the +Y side is exposed, and at the first signal terminal 10B, the side of the first portion 11 facing in the Y direction that faces the -Y side is exposed. The first signal terminal 10 is electrically connected when the exposed side of the first portion 11 facing in the Y direction comes into contact with the corresponding second signal terminal 60 (shown in Figure 3).

[0022] The first housing 30 has electrical insulation properties. The first housing 30 is made of resin. In a plan view along the Z direction, the first housing 30 has a rectangular frame shape. The first housing 30 surrounds the first signal terminals 10A and 10B and the support members 20A and 20B from the outside in the lateral direction.

[0023] The first ground terminal 40 is conductive. The first ground terminal 40 is made of metal. For example, the first ground terminal 40 is made of phosphor bronze. The first ground terminal 40 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks external electromagnetic waves and reduces the influence of external electromagnetic waves on the first signal terminal 10. The first ground terminal 40 is bottomed cylindrical. The first ground terminal 40 is manufactured by bending and drawing a single metal plate. The first ground terminal 40 has an integral structure. The first ground terminal 40 surrounds the first signal terminal 10 and the support member 20 from the outside in the lateral direction. The first ground terminal 40 covers the first housing 30 at least partially. The first ground terminal 40 comprises a bottom wall 41, an inner wall 42, an outer wall 43, and a connecting wall 44.

[0024] The bottom wall 41 is plate-shaped with the Z direction as the thickness direction, the X direction as the length direction, and the Y direction as the width direction. In a plan view along the Z direction, the bottom wall 41 is rectangular. The bottom wall 41 is positioned facing the first substrate 4 (shown in Figure 8) when the first connector 2 is mounted on the first substrate 4. The bottom wall 41 has two openings 41a and 41b that correspond one-to-one to two support members 20A and 20B. The openings 41a and 41b are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The corresponding support members 20A and 20B are positioned within the openings 41a and 41b, respectively.

[0025] The inner wall 42 is a rectangular tube that rises from the outer edge of the bottom wall 41, that is, from the four sides of the bottom wall 41 toward the +Z direction. The inner wall 42 has a rectangular frame-like cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the Z direction. Together with the bottom wall 41, the inner wall 42 defines the space 45 into which the second connector 3 is inserted.

[0026] The outer wall 43 surrounds the inner wall 42 from the outside in the lateral direction and is a rectangular tube shape extending in the Z direction. The outer wall 43 has a rectangular frame-shaped cross-section in a cross section perpendicular to the Z direction. At the -Z end of the outer wall 43, there is a mounting portion 43a which is soldered to the ground electrode (not shown) of the first substrate 4 (shown in Figure 8) when the first connector 2 is mounted on the first substrate 4. The first ground terminal 40 is electrically connected to the ground potential when the mounting portion 43a is soldered to the ground electrode of the first substrate 4.

[0027] The connecting wall 44 physically and electrically connects the +Z-side end of the inner wall 42 and the +Z-side end of the outer wall 43 to each other. The connecting wall 44 is plate-shaped with the Z direction as its thickness direction. In a plan view along the Z direction, the connecting wall 44 is rectangular in shape. The connecting wall 44 has a guide surface 44a that extends inclined toward the -Z side toward the inside in the lateral direction. Specifically, the guide surface 44a is connected to the +Z-side end of the inner wall 42 and extends inclined toward the -Z side as it approaches the inner wall 42. The guide surface 44a extends continuously from the inner wall 42. The guide surface 44a guides the second connector 3 into the space 45 when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2.

[0028] The floating terminal 50 is conductive. The floating terminal 50 is made of metal. For example, the floating terminal 50 is made of phosphor bronze. The floating terminals 50A and 50B are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the support members 20A and 20B. The floating terminal 50 is electrically isolated from other terminals such as the first signal terminal 10, the first ground terminal 40, the second signal terminal 60, and the second ground terminal 80. The potential of the floating terminal 50 is the floating potential. Furthermore, the floating terminal 50 is spaced apart from the other terminals and electrically insulated. The floating terminal 50 is manufactured by bending a single metal plate and is integrally formed with the corresponding support member 20 by insert molding.

[0029] The floating terminal 50 covers a portion of the support member 20. This prevents the second connector 3 from contacting the support member 20 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are fitted together, thereby preventing wear or damage to the support member 20. In other words, the floating terminal 50 has the function of protecting the support member 20.

[0030] The floating terminal 50 and the support member 20 constitute a protective assembly that protects the corresponding first signal terminal 10. The protective assembly as a whole has an L-shape that is curved in the curved portion when viewed in a plan view along the Z direction. The floating terminal 50 is positioned in the curved portion of the corresponding protective assembly.

[0031] The second signal terminal 60 is conductive. The second signal terminal 60 is made of metal. Referring to Figure 3, the second signal terminal 60 is plate-shaped with the Y direction as the thickness direction. The second signal terminals 60A and 60B are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first signal terminals 10A and 10B. The second signal terminals 60A and 60B are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. When the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated together, the second signal terminal 60 contacts the corresponding first signal terminal 10 and is electrically connected. As a result, the second signal terminal 60 can transmit signals to the corresponding first signal terminal 10. When the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5 (shown in Figure 8), the second signal terminal 60 is electrically connected to a signal transmission circuit (not shown) located within the second substrate 5. The second signal terminals 60A and 60B are each electrically connected to different signal transmission circuits.

[0032] The second housing 70 is electrically insulating. The second housing 70 is made of resin. The second housing 70 supports the second signal terminal 60. The second housing 70 is bottomed cylindrical. The second housing 70 surrounds the second signal terminal 60 from the outside in the lateral direction. The second housing 70 has a bottom portion 71 and a side portion 72. The second housing 70 may be a single-piece structure or a segmented structure.

[0033] The bottom surface 71 is plate-shaped with the Z direction as the thickness direction, the X direction as the length direction, and the Y direction as the width direction. In a plan view along the Z direction, the bottom surface 71 is rectangular. When the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5 (shown in Figure 8), the bottom surface 71 is positioned facing the second substrate 5 and extends along the second substrate 5. As shown in Figure 1, three openings 71a to 71c are formed in the bottom surface 71. The openings 71a and 71b are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second signal terminals 60A and 60B. The second signal terminals 60A and 60B are exposed to the -Z side from the respective openings 71a and 71b.

[0034] The side portion 72 is a rectangular tube shape that rises from the outer edge of the bottom portion 71, i.e., from all four sides toward the +Z direction. The side portion 72 has a rectangular frame-like cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0035] The second ground terminal 80 is conductive. The second ground terminal 80 is made of metal. For example, the second ground terminal 80 is made of phosphor bronze. The second ground terminal 80 comprises a pair of first side walls 81A, 81B, a pair of second side walls 82A, 82B, and a partition wall 83. The second ground terminal 80 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks external electromagnetic waves and reduces the influence of external electromagnetic waves on the second signal terminal 60. The second ground terminal 80 also functions as a mating part that fits into the inner wall 42 of the first ground terminal 40 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are physically and electrically connected.

[0036] The pair of first side walls 81A and 81B are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction and extend in the X direction. The second side walls 82A and 82B are spaced apart from each other in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. The second side wall 82A connects the +X ends of the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B to each other. The second side wall 82B connects the -Y ends of the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B to each other. In a plan view from the +Z side, the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B and the pair of second side walls 82A and 82B form a rectangular frame as a whole.

[0037] The partition wall 83 extends in the Y direction and physically and electrically connects the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B to each other. The partition wall 83 divides the space surrounded by the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B and the pair of second side walls 82A and 82B into two spaces. The two spaces separated by the partition wall 83 each have corresponding second signal terminals 60A and 60B. The two second signal terminals 60A and 60B are separated by the partition wall 83.

[0038] The partition wall 83 has a plate-shaped shield 83a with the X direction as the thickness direction and extending in the Y and Z directions. The shield 83a is positioned between the second signal terminals 60A and 60B in the X direction. The shield 83a functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks electromagnetic waves between the second signal terminals 60A and 60B. As shown in Figure 1, a mounting portion 83b is positioned at the -Z end of the shield 83a, which is soldered to the ground electrode (not shown) of the second substrate 5 (shown in Figure 8). The mounting portion 83b is exposed on the -Z side of the second housing 70 through an opening 71c formed in the bottom portion 71. When the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5, the mounting portion 83b of the shield 83a is electrically connected to the ground potential by soldering it to the ground electrode of the second substrate 5.

[0039] The second ground terminal 80 comprises two mounting portions 84A and 84B. Mounting portion 84A spans the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side wall 82A, and extends in a flange shape laterally outward from the +Z side ends of the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side wall 82A. Mounting portion 84B spans the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side wall 82B, and extends in a flange shape laterally outward from the +Z side ends of the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side wall 82B. When the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5, the mounting portions 84A and 84B are soldered to the ground electrode (not shown) of the second substrate 5 (shown in Figure 8). As a result, the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side walls 82A, 82B are electrically connected to the ground potential when the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5.

[0040] Figure 4 is a plan view of the second connector 3 as seen from the -Z side. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the second connector 3 as seen from the -Z side. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the second connector 3 comprises two first spacers 90A and 90B and a second spacer 91. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two first spacers 90A and 90B, one of the two first spacers 90A and 90B may simply be referred to as the first spacer 90.

[0041] The first spacer 90 has electrical insulating properties. The first spacer 90 is made of resin. The first spacer 90 is integrally formed with the second housing 70. The first spacer 90 is plate-shaped with the X direction as the thickness direction. The first spacer 90 extends along the shield 83a so as to rise from the bottom surface 71 to the -Z side. The thickness of the first spacer 90, i.e., the dimension in the X direction, may be 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The first spacer 90A is positioned on the +X side of the shield 83a, and the first spacer 90B is positioned on the -X side of the shield 83a. The first spacer 90 is positioned in contact with the shield 83a.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the first spacer 90 terminates between the position of the shield 83a furthest from the bottom surface 71 in the Z direction, i.e., the position of the -Z end of the shield 83a and the bottom surface 71. In other words, the -Z end of the first spacer 90 is located between the -Z end of the shield 83a and the bottom surface 71 in the Z direction. To put it another way, the -Z end of the first spacer 90 is located on the +Z side of the -Z end of the shield 83a.

[0043] The second spacer 91 has electrical insulation properties. The second spacer 91 is made of resin. The second spacer 91 is integrally formed with the second housing 70. The second spacer 91 is columnar in shape, extending upward from the bottom portion 71 towards the -Z side along the shield 83a. The side surface of the second spacer 91 that faces the floating terminal 50 (shown in Figure 2) when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are fitted together is curved to be recessed in accordance with the shape of the floating terminal 50. The second spacer 91 is positioned in the corner formed by the shield 83a and the wall of the side portion 72 extending in the X direction.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the connector set 1 viewed from the +Z side. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the second housing 70 is omitted. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. In FIG. 8, a mated state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated is shown. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8. In FIG. 10, a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are not mated is shown.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, corresponding floating terminals 50 are arranged between the shield 83a and the second signal terminal 60. In other words, the shield 83a and the second signal terminal 60 are arranged with the corresponding floating terminals 50 interposed therebetween. More specifically, the shield 83a and the second signal terminal 60 are separated by the corresponding floating terminals 50.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, in the mated state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated, the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 are arranged close to each other. Specifically, the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a, which is the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50, are arranged close to each other. The floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a are arranged with a predetermined interval D in the X direction without direct contact. A dielectric including air is interposed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a. In the present embodiment, an air layer is arranged in the space between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a. The interval D in the X direction between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is preferably, for example, larger than 1 μm and smaller than 100 μm. The shield 83a of the present embodiment is an example of the portion of the second ground terminal according to the present disclosure that faces the floating terminal.

[0047] Since there is a minute potential difference between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80, as shown in FIG. 7, the floating terminals 50A and 50B respectively form capacitors C1 and C2 with the shield 83a. In the following description, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of the capacitors C1 and C2, one of the capacitors C1 and C2 may be simply referred to as capacitor C.

[0048] As clearly shown in FIG. 9, in the mated state, a first spacer 90 is disposed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a. The floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a face each other in the X direction with the first spacer 90 interposed therebetween. The first spacer 90 is in contact with both the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a in the mated state. By disposing the first spacer 90 between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a, contact between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed. As a result, electrical connection between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed. Further, the thickness t of the first spacer 90, that is, the dimension in the X direction, defines the interval D in the X direction between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a. Therefore, change in the interval D in the X direction between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a can be suppressed, and variation in the capacitance of the capacitor C formed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a can be suppressed.

[0049] Although not shown, a second spacer 91 is disposed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a in the mated state. The second spacer 91 is not in direct contact with the floating terminal 50 in the mated state. By disposing the second spacer 91 between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a, contact between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed. As a result, electrical connection between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed.

[0050] As shown in Figure 10, the sum of the distance D1 in the Z direction from the +Z end of the first connector 2 to the +Z end of the floating terminal 50 and the distance D2 in the Z direction from the -Z end of the second connector 3 to the -Z end of the first spacer 90 is greater than the dimension H of the guide surface 44a in the Z direction. In a configuration where the distances D1, D2 and dimension H satisfy the above relationship, when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the shield 83a contacts the first spacer 90, preventing damage or wear to the first spacer 90. When the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the second ground terminal 80 is guided by the guide surface 44a and inserted into the inner wall 42. Here, while the second ground terminal 80 is guided by the guide surface 44a, the second ground terminal 80 can move laterally relative to the first ground terminal 40, whereas after the second ground terminal 80 begins to be inserted into the inner wall 42, the lateral movement of the second ground terminal 80 is restricted by the inner wall 42. In a configuration where the distances D1, D2 and dimension H satisfy the above-described relationship, when the second ground terminal 80 begins to be inserted into the inner wall 42, the +Z side end of the floating terminal 50 and the -Z side end of the first spacer 90 are separated in the Z direction. Therefore, when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the first spacer 90 and the floating terminal do not unintentionally come into contact, which prevents damage or wear to the first spacer 90.

[0051] The connector set 1 according to this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0052] (1) The connector set 1 comprises a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 that fits with the first connector 2, the first connector 2 comprises a first conductive signal terminal 10, a resin support member 20 that supports the first signal terminal 10, a first ground terminal 40 that is conductive, surrounds the first signal terminal 10 and the support member 20 and is electrically connected to the ground potential, and a floating terminal 50 that is conductive, covers a part of the support member 20, is positioned away from the first ground terminal 40 and is electrically insulated from the first ground terminal 40, the second connector 3 comprises a second conductive signal terminal 60 that is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 10 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mated together, and a second ground terminal 80 that is conductive, contacts the first ground terminal 40 when mated, while being positioned away from the floating terminal 50, The floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 are positioned close to each other and facing each other when mated.

[0053] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be reduced. Since there is a small potential difference between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80, which are both conductive and spaced apart from each other, a capacitor C is formed between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80. As a result, the capacitance of the entire connector set 1 increases by the capacitance of capacitor C. Since the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 is inversely proportional to the capacitance of the entire connector set 1, the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be reduced by increasing the capacitance of the entire connector set 1. In addition, since the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 are placed close together in the mated state, the capacitance of capacitor C is larger compared to a configuration in which the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 are not placed close together. As a result, the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be reduced even further compared to a configuration in which the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 are not placed close together.

[0054] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector set 1 can be suppressed. In a configuration in which the floating terminal 50 is electrically connected to the first ground terminal 40, an inductance is generated corresponding to the length from the position where the first ground terminal 40 is connected to the ground electrode of the first substrate 4 to the floating terminal 50. As a result, the floating terminal 50 may not be sufficiently grounded, and the potential of the floating terminal 50 may become higher than the ground potential. Consequently, the transmission characteristics of the connector set 1 may deteriorate due to the influence of electromagnetic fields and noise currents generated around the floating terminal 50. In contrast, according to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, the floating terminal 50 is positioned away from the first ground terminal 40 and is electrically insulated from the first ground terminal 40, so the electromagnetic fields and noise currents generated around the floating terminal 50 are reduced, and deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector set 1 can be suppressed.

[0055] (2) The second connector 3 has electrical insulation properties and includes a first spacer 90 and a second spacer 91 which are positioned between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 when mated.

[0056] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed. When the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 come into contact and are electrically connected to each other, a capacitor C is not formed between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80, and the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 increases. In contrast, according to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, the first spacer 90 and the second spacer 91 are placed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a, thereby suppressing contact between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a. As a result, the electrical connection between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed, and the formation of a capacitor C between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 is suppressed. As a result, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed.

[0057] (3) In the mated state, the first spacer 90 is sandwiched between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80.

[0058] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, fluctuations in characteristic impedance can be suppressed. When the first spacer 90 is mated, it is sandwiched between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80, so the distance D between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is defined by the dimension t of the first spacer 90 (in this embodiment, the dimension in the X direction). As a result, changes in the distance D between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a are suppressed, and therefore fluctuations in the capacitance of the capacitor C formed between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a can be suppressed.

[0059] (4) The portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 (shield 83a in this embodiment) extends upward from the second substrate 5 when the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5. The second connector 3 comprises a second housing 70 having a bottom surface portion 71 on which the first spacer 90 is arranged and which faces the second substrate 5 when the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5. The first spacer 90 extends upward from the bottom surface portion 71 along the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50, and terminates between the end of the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 that is opposite to the second substrate 5 (in this embodiment, the -Z side end) and the bottom surface portion 71.

[0060] The connector set 1 according to this embodiment can suppress damage or wear of the first spacer 90. For example, in a configuration where the first spacer 90 extends to the same position as the -Z end of the shield 83a, when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the floating terminal 50 may come into contact with the first spacer 90, causing damage or wear to the first spacer 90. In contrast, since the first spacer 90 terminates on the +Z side rather than the -Z end of the shield 83a, it is possible to suppress contact between the floating terminal 50 and the first spacer 90 when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2. As a result, damage or wear of the first spacer 90 can be suppressed.

[0061] (5) The first ground terminal 40 has a guide surface 44a for guiding the second connector 3 into the first connector 2 when the second connector 3 is moved in the insertion direction (Z direction in this embodiment) relative to the first connector 2. The sum of the distance D1 in the Z direction from the end of the first connector 2 opposite to the first substrate 4 (the +Z side end in this embodiment) to the end of the floating terminal 50 opposite to the first substrate 4 (the +Z side end in this embodiment) and the distance D2 in the Z direction from the end of the second connector 3 opposite to the second substrate 5 (the -Z side end in this embodiment) to the end of the first spacer 90 opposite to the second substrate 5 (the -Z side end in this embodiment) is greater than the dimension H in the Z direction of the guide surface 44a.

[0062] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, when the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the shield 83a contacts the first spacer 90, thereby preventing damage or wear to the first spacer 90. When the second connector 3 is inserted into the first connector 2, the second connector 3 is guided by the guide surface 44a and inserted into the first connector 2. Here, while the second connector 3 is guided by the guide surface 44a, the second connector 3 can move laterally relative to the first connector 2, whereas after the second connector 3 begins to be inserted into the first connector 2, the lateral movement of the second connector 3 is restricted by the first connector 2. In a configuration where the distances D1, D2 and dimension H satisfy the above-described relationship, when the second connector 3 begins to be inserted into the first connector 2, the +Z side end of the floating terminal 50 and the -Z side end of the first spacer 90 are separated in the Z direction. Therefore, while the second connector 3 is being inserted into the first connector 2, the first spacer 90 and the floating terminal may come into unintentional contact, which can prevent damage or wear to the first spacer 90.

[0063] (6) The second connector 3 has electrical insulation and extends from the bottom surface 71 along the portion of the second ground terminal 80 that faces the floating terminal 50 (shield 83a in this embodiment), and in the mated state, it includes a second spacer 91 that is spaced apart from the floating terminal 50 and positioned between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80.

[0064] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed. Because the second spacer 91 is positioned between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a, contact between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed. As a result, electrical connection between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed, and the formation of a capacitor C between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 is suppressed. Consequently, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed.

[0065] (7) The second housing 70 has a wall that extends intersecting with the portion of the second ground terminal 80 that faces the floating terminal 50 (shield 83a in this embodiment), and the second spacer 91 is positioned in the corner formed by the portion of the second ground terminal 80 that faces the floating terminal 50 and the wall of the second housing 70.

[0066] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed. Since the second spacer 91 is positioned in the corner formed by the shield 83a and the wall of the second housing 70, even if the floating terminal 50 is displaced toward the corner, contact between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed. As a result, electrical connection between the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a is suppressed, and the formation of a capacitor C between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 is suppressed. Consequently, an increase in characteristic impedance can be suppressed.

[0067] (8) The portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 (shield 83a in this embodiment) extends upward from the second substrate 5 when the second connector 3 is mounted on the second substrate 5, and the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 has a mounting portion 83b at the end facing the second substrate 5 that is physically and electrically connected to the ground electrode of the second substrate 5.

[0068] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, fluctuations in characteristic impedance can be suppressed. When the current path from the position where the second ground terminal 80 is electrically connected to the ground electrode of the second substrate 5 to the shield 83a becomes longer, an inductance corresponding to the length of the current path is generated in the second ground terminal 80. As a result, the shield 83a is not sufficiently grounded, the potential of the shield 83a becomes excessively high compared to the ground potential, and the capacitance of the capacitor C formed by the floating terminal 50 and the shield 83a may fluctuate. As a result, the characteristic impedance may fluctuate. In contrast, according to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, since the shield 83a has a mounting portion 83b that is physically and electrically connected to the ground electrode of the second substrate 5, it is possible to suppress the potential of the shield 83a from becoming higher than the ground potential compared to a configuration in which the shield 83a is not directly electrically connected to the ground potential. As a result, fluctuations in the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be suppressed.

[0069] (9) The second connector 3 includes two second signal terminals 60A and 60B, and the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 is a shield 83a positioned between the two second signal terminals 60A and 60B.

[0070] According to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be reduced without adding any additional configurations for reducing the characteristic impedance. Specifically, in this embodiment, the characteristic impedance of the connector set 1 can be reduced by utilizing a shield 83a that functions as an electromagnetic shield to block electromagnetic waves between the two second signal terminals 60A and 60B, and a floating terminal 50 that has the function of protecting the support member 20.

[0071] [Modification] The connector set relating to this disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the first connector 2 was a receptacle and the second connector 3 was a plug, but the first connector 2 may be a plug and the second connector 3 may be a receptacle.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the support member 20 had the function of supporting and protecting the first signal terminal 10, but the support member according to the present disclosure does not have to have the function of protecting the first signal terminal.

[0074] The shape, arrangement, and structure of the floating terminals relating to this disclosure are not limited to the floating terminal 50 according to the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate, as long as they have the function of forming a capacitor with the second ground terminal and reducing the characteristic impedance of the connector set.

[0075] The shape, arrangement, and structure of the spacer relating to this disclosure can be modified as appropriate, insofar as it has the function of preventing contact between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first spacer 90 was placed on the second connector 3, but the spacer according to this disclosure may be placed on the first connector. Furthermore, the spacer according to this disclosure may not be provided at all.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first spacer 90 was sandwiched between the floating terminal 50 and the second ground terminal 80 in the fitted state. However, the spacer according to this disclosure may be positioned with a gap between it and the floating terminal, or with a gap between it and the second ground terminal, in the fitted state.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first spacer 90 extended along the shield 83a, rising from the bottom portion 71, and terminated between the end of the shield 83a opposite to the second substrate 5 and the bottom portion 71. However, the shape, arrangement, and structure of the spacer according to this disclosure are not limited to the first spacer 90 according to the above embodiment.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 had a mounting portion 83b that was physically and electrically connected to the ground electrode of the second substrate 5. However, the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal according to this disclosure does not need to have a mounting portion.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the portion of the second ground terminal 80 facing the floating terminal 50 was the shield 83a, but the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal according to this disclosure may be any other portion of the second ground terminal.

[0081] 1 Connector set 2 First connector 2 3 Second connector 3 4 First circuit board 5 Second circuit board 10 First signal terminal 11 First part 12 Second part 20 Support member 30 First housing 40 First ground terminal 41 Bottom wall 41a Opening 41b Opening 42 Inner wall 43 Outer wall 43a Mounting section 44 Connection wall 45 Space 50 Floating terminal 60 Second signal terminal 70 Second housing 71 Bottom section 71a Opening 71b Opening 71c Opening 72 Side section 80 Second ground terminal 81 First side wall 82 Second side wall 83 Partition wall 83a Shield 83b Mounting section 84 Mounting section 90 First spacer 91 Second spacer

Claims

1. A first connector and a second connector that mates with the first connector, the first connector comprising: at least one conductive first signal terminal; a resin support member that supports the at least one first signal terminal; a conductive first ground terminal that surrounds the at least one first signal terminal and the support member and is electrically connected to ground potential; a conductive floating terminal that covers a part of the support member, is positioned away from the first ground terminal and is electrically insulated from the first ground terminal; the second connector comprising: at least one conductive second signal terminal that is electrically connected to the at least one first signal terminal in a mated state when the first connector and the second connector are mated; a conductive second ground terminal that surrounds the at least one second signal terminal, is electrically connected to ground potential, contacts the first ground terminal in the mated state, and is positioned at a distance from the floating terminal; A connector set in which the floating terminal and the second ground terminal are positioned close to each other and facing each other in the mated state.

2. The connector set according to claim 1, wherein the first connector or the second connector has electrical insulation and includes a first spacer positioned between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal in the mated state.

3. The connector set according to claim 2, wherein the first spacer is sandwiched between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal in the mated state.

4. The connector set according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal extends so as to rise from the substrate when the second connector is mounted on the substrate, the second connector comprises a housing having a bottom surface on which the first spacer is arranged and which faces the substrate when the second connector is mounted on the substrate, the first spacer extends along the portion so as to rise from the bottom surface and terminates between the end of the portion opposite to the substrate and the bottom surface.

5. The connector set according to claim 4, wherein the first ground terminal has a guide surface for guiding the second connector into the first connector when the second connector is moved in the insertion direction relative to the first connector and inserted, and the sum of the distance in the insertion direction from the end of the first connector opposite to the first substrate on which the first connector is mounted to the end of the floating terminal opposite to the first substrate, and the distance in the insertion direction from the end of the second connector opposite to the second substrate on which the second connector is mounted to the end of the first spacer opposite to the second substrate, is greater than the dimension of the guide surface in the insertion direction.

6. The connector set according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second connector has electrical insulation and extends upward from the bottom surface along the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal, and in the mated state, comprises a second spacer positioned between the floating terminal and the second ground terminal at a distance from the floating terminal.

7. The connector set according to claim 6, wherein the housing has a wall that extends intersecting with the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal, and the second spacer is positioned in the corner formed by the portion and the wall.

8. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal extends so as to rise from the substrate when the second connector is mounted on the substrate, and the portion has a mounting portion at the end facing the substrate that is physically and electrically connected to the ground electrode of the substrate.

9. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one second signal terminal includes two second signal terminals, and the portion of the second ground terminal facing the floating terminal is a shield positioned between the two second signal terminals.

10. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, in the mated state, the floating terminal is arranged to separate the at least one second signal terminal from the portion of the second ground terminal that faces the floating terminal.

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