Connector and connector assembly

A first connector body includes a recess having a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view filled with a plurality of first connection units arranged in close contact in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body, wherein each first connection unit includes a first terminal and a first shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the first terminal and extending in the mating direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

A receptacle connector that can mate with a plug housing provided with an array of a plurality of plug modules connected to a terminal of each wire has been proposed previously (for example, see Patent Document 1).

FIG.33is a perspective view illustrating a conventional connector.

In the drawing,811is a housing of a receptacle connector, which is a connector mounted to the surface of a circuit board (not illustrated). A plurality (four in the example illustrated in the drawing) of conductive contacts861are attached to the bottom surface part of the housing811by press-fitting or insert molding. Each conductive contact861is a substantially cylindrical member and is provided so as to project upward from the bottom surface part of the housing811. In addition, a substantially cylindrical ground contact851is attached to the bottom surface of the housing811by insert molding or the like so as to concentrically surround each conductive contact861.

Further, a solder tail864of the conductive contact861and a solder tail854of the ground contact851project from the front edge of the bottom surface part of the housing811. Note that the solder tail854of each ground contact851is a left/right pair and respectively projects from both sides of the solder tail864of the corresponding conductive contact861. The solder tails864of the conductive contacts861and the solder tails854of the ground contacts851are connected by soldering to conductive wires and a ground wire exposed to the surface of the circuit board (not illustrated).

In addition, a shield member871made from a metal plate is attached to the housing811. A solder tail874of the shield member871projects from the front edge of the bottom surface part of the housing811, and the solder tail874is connected by soldering to a ground wire exposed to the surface of the circuit board (not illustrated).

When a plug housing (not illustrated) provided with an array of plug modules connected to the terminal of each wire and the receptacle connector are mated, the conductive contact and the ground contact of each plug module are connected to the corresponding conductive contact861and ground contact851of the receptacle connector. As a result, each wire becomes electrically conductive with the conductive wires and the ground wire of the circuit board, which makes it possible to transmit signals.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-092811

SUMMARY

However, this conventional connector cannot sufficiently handle decreases in member size or signal multipolarization in electronic devices of recent years. For electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, digital cameras, music players, game devices, and navigation devices, there has been a demand for a reduction in the size and profile of the case and for a corresponding reduction in the size and profile of each part, and there has also been a demand for increased signal speed and multipolarization in order to handle increasing amounts of communication data or higher communication speeds and data processing speeds. However, with the conventional connector described above, the dimensions of the housing811are large, and the conductive contacts861and the ground contacts851are large, so it is not possible to sufficiently meet the demands for a reduction in the size and profile of the connector. Further, in order for various signals to be increased in speed, the number of conductive contacts861and ground contacts851may be required to be greater than four (multipolar), however, in the conventional contact described above, because each conductive contact861and each ground contact851are large, it can be easily imagined that the conventional connector would become very large if the conductive contacts861and the ground contacts851were to be increased in number (multipolarized).

Here, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the problems of the conventional connector described above and to provide a reliable connector and connector assembly capable of filling connection units with high space efficiency, enabling a plurality of signal lines to be connected while maintaining a small size and low profile, and achieving a high terminal shielding effect.

Therefore, the first connector of the present disclosure is a first connector having a first connector body and a plurality of first connection units filling the first connector body, the first connector being mounted on a first substrate and mating with a second connector; wherein the first connector body includes a recess into which a second connector body of the second connector is inserted and which is filled with a plurality of the first connection units arranged in close contact in a longitudinal direction of the first connector body; each first connection unit includes a first terminal and a first shield positioned on at least three sides of a periphery of the first terminal and extending in a mating direction; the first shield is a first intermediate shield member which is shared with a mutually adjacent first shield in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body and extends in a width direction of the first connector body; and the first intermediate shield member includes a pair of tail parts positioned on both ends thereof and connected to a connection site to a ground line of the first substrate, and the first terminal of each first connection unit is positioned between the pair of tail parts in the width direction of the first connector body.

In another first connector, the first shield surrounds four sides of a periphery of the first terminal.

In yet another first terminal, the first connection units are disposed so as to form a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body.

In yet another first connector, a spacing between the first terminals of mutually adjacent first connection units in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body is shorter than a spacing between the first terminals of mutually adjacent first connection units in the width direction of the first connector.

A second connector of the present disclosure is a second connector having a second connector body and a plurality of second connection units filling the second connector body, the second connector mating with a first connector; wherein the second connector body is filled with a plurality of the second connection units arranged in close contact in a longitudinal direction of the second connector body and is inserted into a recess of the first connector; each second connection unit includes a second terminal and a second shield positioned on at least two sides of a periphery of the second terminal; and the second shield includes a second shield member including an opening and having a flat plate-like second cover part orthogonal to a mating direction and a side surface shield part connected to a side edge of the second cover part and extending in the mating direction, wherein mutually adjacent second shield members in the longitudinal direction of the second connector body do not come into contact with one another.

In another second connector, the second connection units are disposed so as to form a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second connector body.

In yet another second connector, each second connection unit includes a second terminal housing recess for housing the second terminal, and the side surface shield part is attached to a side of the second terminal housing recess.

In yet another second connector, the second terminal is disposed near the second cover part, and an impedance can be adjusted by adjusting a distance between the second terminal and the second cover part.

The connector assembly of the present disclosure includes: a first connector having a first connector body and a plurality of first connection units filling the first connector; and a second connector having a second connector body and a plurality of second connection units filling the second connector body, the second connector mating with the first connector; wherein the first connector body includes a recess into which the second connector body is inserted and which is filled with a plurality of the first connection units arranged in close contact in a longitudinal direction of the first connector body; each first connection unit includes a first terminal and a first shield positioned on at least three sides of a periphery of the first terminal and extending in a mating direction; the first shield is a first intermediate shield member which is shared with a mutually adjacent first shield in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body and extends in a width direction of the first connector body; the second connector body is filled with a plurality of the second connection units arranged in close contact in a longitudinal direction of the second connector body and is inserted into the recess of the first connector body; each second connection unit includes a second terminal and a second shield positioned on at least two sides of a periphery of the second terminal; and the second shield includes a second shield member including an opening into which the first terminal is inserted and having a flat plate-like second cover part orthogonal to a mating direction and a side surface shield part connected to a side edge of the second cover part and extending in the mating direction, wherein the first intermediate shield member is inserted between mutually adjacent shield members in the longitudinal direction of the second connector body.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to load connection units with high space efficiency, to enable a plurality of signal lines to be connected while maintaining a small size and low profile, and to achieve a high terminal shielding effect, which enhances reliability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a state in which a first connector and a second connector according to Embodiment 1 are mated.FIG.2is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector according to Embodiment 1 prior to mating.FIG.3is a perspective view of the first connector according to Embodiment 1.FIG.4is an exploded view of the first connector according to Embodiment 1.

In the figure,1is a connector of the present embodiment and is the first connector serving as one of a pair of board to board connectors serving as a connector assembly. The first connector1is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not illustrated) serving as a mounting member and is mated to a second connector101serving as a counterpart connector. Furthermore, the second connector101is the other of the pair of board to board connectors and is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not illustrated) serving as a mounting member.

Note that while the first connector1and the second connector101are ideally used for electrically connecting the first substrate and the second substrate serving as substrates, the connectors can also be used to electrically connect other members. Examples of the first substrate and the second substrate include printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFC), flexible printed circuit boards (FPC), etc. used in electronic equipment, etc., but may be any type of substrate.

Furthermore, expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back used to describe the operations and configurations of the parts of the first connector1and the second connector101in the present embodiment are not absolute but rather relative directions, and though appropriate when the parts of the first connector1and the second connector101are in the positions illustrated in the figures, these directions should be interpreted differently when these positions change in order to correspond to said change.

Furthermore, the first connector1has a first housing11as a first connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As illustrated in the drawings, the first housing11has a substantially rectangular thick plate shape, which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, wherein a first recess12that has a substantially rectangular shape with an enclosed perimeter and into which the second housing111of the second connector101is inserted is formed on the side with which the second connector101engages—that is, the mating surface11aside (Z-axis positive direction side).

In addition, first side wall parts14serving as side wall parts defining both sides of the first recess12are formed on both sides (Y-axis positive direction side and negative direction side) of the first recess12. Further, the first side wall parts project upward (Z-axis positive direction) from a bottom plate23defining the bottom surface of the first recess and extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis positive direction) of the first housing11. In addition, both longitudinal direction ends of the first side wall parts14are connected to both ends of the first end wall part21. The first end wall part21projects upward from the bottom plate23and extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first housing11. Further, in a state in which the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, a second housing111is inserted into the first recess12.

The bottom surface of the first recess12is roughly covered by the bottom plate23, but the bottom plate23is formed with first high-frequency terminal support parts24serving as terminal support parts projecting upward, bottom plate openings23apassing through the bottom plate23in the plate thickness direction thereof (Z-axis direction), and intermediate support parts23cextending in the width direction of the first housing11. The first high-frequency terminal support parts24are of a plurality of units (eight in the example illustrated in the drawings), which are disposed so as to be arranged in one row in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. In addition, the same number of bottom plate openings23aare formed as the first high-frequency terminal support parts, and each of the bottom plate openings23ais disposed adjacent to the corresponding first high-frequency terminal support part24in the width direction of the first housing11. Further, the intermediate support parts23care disposed between the mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminal support parts24. Moreover, two intermediate support openings23bpassing through the bottom plate23in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction) are formed in each intermediate support part23c. Note that the numbers of the first high-frequency terminal support parts24, the bottom plate openings23a, the intermediate support parts23c, and the intermediate support openings23bmay be changed appropriately as necessary.

A first high-frequency terminal71serving as a first terminal is attached to each first high-frequency terminal support part24, and a first shield member51for electromagnetically shielding the periphery of the first high-frequency terminal71is attached to the first side wall part14and the first end wall part21.

The first high-frequency terminal71is a member integrally formed by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a conductive metal plate and includes a first connecting part75as well as a first tail part72connected to the first connecting part75. In addition, the first high-frequency terminal71is integrated with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding. That is, the first housing11is molded by filling the cavity of a mold, in which the first high-frequency terminal71has been set beforehand, with an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As a result, the first connecting part75is integrally attached to the first housing11, so that at least a portion is embedded in the first housing11. Furthermore, the first high-frequency terminal71is not necessarily integrated with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding and may be attached to the first housing11by press fitting, or the like. Herein, for convenience of description, a case of integration with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding will be described.

The first connecting part75is a substantially U-shaped member when viewed from the side, wherein the portion extending in the forward and backward direction (X-axis direction) is connected to both the upper and lower ends of the portion extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and at least a portion of the surface facing outward in the width direction of the first housing11in the portion extending in the vertical direction is exposed to the side surface facing outward in the width direction of the first housing11of the first high-frequency terminal support part24so as to function as a first contact part75aas a contact part. The first contact part75asits roughly along the same plane as a side surface of the first high-frequency terminal support part24, and is a portion that comes into contact with a second high-frequency terminal171(described below) provided on the second connector101. In addition, the first tail part72extends in the width direction of the first housing11from the tip of the portion extending in the forward and backward direction on the lower side of the first connecting part75and is exposed within the bottom plate opening23aadjacent to the first high-frequency terminal support part24, and is connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to a conductive trace of the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is typically a signal line, and conveys a high frequency signal.

In addition, the first shielding member51is a member integrally formed by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a conductive metal plate, and includes a first right shielding part51A and a first left shielding part51B corresponding respectively to the right and left halves of the first recess12. However, the first right shielding part51A and the first left shielding part51B have mutually symmetrical shapes relative to the X-Z plane passing through a center in the width direction of the first recess12. Herein, the first right shielding part51A and the first left shielding part51B are described as a first shielding member51.

In a planar view, the first shielding member51has a substantially U-shaped first side plate part52. The first side plate part52includes a first end wall shield part52aattached to the first end wall part21, and a first side wall shield part52battached to the first side wall part14. In addition, a first end wall cover part53aserving as a mating surface cover part is integrally connected to the top end of the first end wall shield part52a, and a first side wall cover part53bserving as a mating surface cover part is integrally connected to the top end of the first side wall shield part52b. The first end wall cover part53aand the first side wall cover part53bare bent to connect to the top ends of the first end wall shield part52aand the first side wall shield part52b, and are respectively made to cover at least a portion of the faces on the mating surface11asides of the first end wall part21and the first side wall part14.

In addition, the first shielding member51is integrated with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding. In other words, the first housing11is molded by filling the cavity of a mold, in which the first shielding member51has been set beforehand, with an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As a result, the first shielding member51is integrally attached to the first housing11, so that at least a portion is embedded in the first housing11. Note that the first shielding member51is not necessarily integrated with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding and may be attached to the first housing11by press fitting, or the like. Herein, for convenience of description, a case of integration with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding will be described.

In addition, a first end wall tail part54aand a first side wall tail part54bserving as tail parts are connected with a bend of approximately 90 degrees to the bottom ends of the first end wall shield part52aand the first side wall shield part52b. The first end wall tail part54aextends outward in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11and is connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to a conductive trace of the first substrate. In addition, the first side wall tail part54bextends outward in the width direction of the first housing11and is connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to the conductive trace of the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is a ground line, which is a ground line disposed alongside the signal line that conveys a high frequency signal functioning to electrically shield the signal line.

Further, the inner surfaces of the first end wall shield part52aand the first side wall shield part52bare formed so that a first end wall shield recess55aand a first end wall shield recess55bserving as engaging recesses are recessed therein. The first end wall shield recess55aand the first side wall shield recess55bare portions which, when the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, engage with a second intermediate wall shield protrusion155aand a second side wall shield protrusion155bserving as engaging protrusions formed on a second shielding member151(described below) of the second connector101.

In addition, a first intermediate shield member56serving as a shield plate extending in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) and the width direction of the first housing11formed by processing such as punching of a conductive metal plate is housed and held in the intermediate support part23c. The first intermediate shield member56is an elongated band-shaped plate material which forms a first high-frequency shield50in cooperation with the first shield member51, and includes a base part56aextending in the width direction of the first housing11, a pair of engaging protrusions56bprojecting upward from the upper end of the base part56a, and a first intermediate shield recess56cserving as an engaging recess formed on a side surface of the engaging protrusion56b.

When the first intermediate shield member56is then inserted or press-fitted into a groove (not illustrated) formed on the lower surface side of the intermediate support part23from the lower surface side of the bottom plate23—that is, from the mounting surface11bside—the engaging protrusion56bprojects upward from the upper surface of the intermediate support part23cthrough the intermediate support opening23b. As a result, the first intermediate shield member56is housed and held in the intermediate support part23c. Note that although the first intermediate shield member56is not necessarily attached to the first housing11by insertion or press fitting and may be integrated with the first housing11by overmolding or insert molding, a case in which the first intermediate shield member56is inserted or press-fitted into the intermediate support part23cand held will be described here for the sake of explanatory convenience. Moreover, in the example shown in the figures, the first intermediate shield member56does not directly contact the first shield member51. However, when the first connector1and the second connector101are mated together, the first intermediate member56and the first shield member51conduct electricity and reach the same electric potential through contact with the second shield member151of the second connector101. Note that the first intermediate shield member56and the first shield member51can make direct contact as necessary.

In this manner, the first intermediate shield member56extending in the width direction of the first housing11is disposed between mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminal support parts24disposed so as to be aligned in a row in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, so a first high-frequency shield50serving as a first shield to surround the periphery of one first high-frequency terminal71and to provide an electromagnetic shield in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the periphery of each first high-frequency terminal support part24. A first high-frequency connection unit70serving as a first connection unit is formed by one first high-frequency terminal71and first high-frequency shield50. The first high-frequency connection unit70can exhibit a shielding effect equivalent to a conventional coaxial type connector while having a small size and low profile, can transmit high-frequency signals, and has a substantially rectangular external shape in a planar view, so a plurality of the first high-frequency connection units70can be disposed without gaps in the first housing11having a substantially rectangular external shape in a planar view. Accordingly, a plurality (eight in the example illustrated in the drawings) of the first high-frequency connection units70can be disposed in close contact so as to be aligned in one row in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Note that in the example illustrated in the drawings, eight of the first high-frequency connection units70are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, but more or fewer than eight of the first high-frequency connection units70may be arranged as necessary.

Further, the first shield member51is a member formed integrally by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a metal plate, and in a state attached to the first housing11, the first end wall shield part52aand the first side wall shield52bpart cover more than half of the inside surface of the first end wall part21and the first side wall part14, while the first end wall cover part53aand the first side wall cover part53bcover at least a portion of the surfaces on the mating surface11aside of the first end wall part21and the first side wall part14, allowing the first shield member51to function as a reinforcing fitting for reinforcing the entire first connector1. In addition, since the first end wall tail part54aand the first side wall tail part54bconnected to the bottom ends of the first end wall shield part52aand the first side wall shield part52bare connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to the ground line of the first substrate, the first shield member51is difficult to deform, and the first connector1is effectively reinforced.

Next, the configuration of the second connector101will be described.

FIG.5is a perspective view of the second connector according to Embodiment 1.FIG.6is an exploded view of the second connector according to Embodiment 1.

The second connector101as a counterpart connector according to the present embodiment has the second housing111as a second connector body that is a counterpart connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As illustrated in the figure, this second housing111is a substantially rectangular body with the shape of a substantially rectangular thick plate.

Further, the second housing111includes a second side wall part114serving as a side wall part extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing (X-axis direction) defining both sides of a second projection122, and a second intermediate wall part121extending in the width direction of the second housing (Y-axis direction) and having both ends connected to the second side wall part114. In addition, a plurality (eight in the example illustrated in the drawings) of second projections122serving as second high-frequency connection unit support parts are disposed on the second housing111. In a state in which the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, the second projections122function as insertion protrusions to be inserted into the first recess12of the first connector1.

The second projections122are disposed so as to be aligned in one row in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111, and intermediate recesses125are formed between mutually adjacent projections122. Each intermediate recess125has a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view in which both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111are defined by the second intermediate wall part121and both sides in the width direction of the second housing111are defined by the second side wall part114, and serves as a through-hole passing through the second housing111from the mating surface111ato the mounting surface111bin the plate thickness direction thereof (Z-axis direction).

In addition, each second projection122includes one second high-frequency terminal housing recess serving as a second terminal housing recess. The second high-frequency terminal housing recess124has a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view in which both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111are defined by the second intermediate wall part121and both sides in the width direction of the second housing111are defined by the second side wall part114, and serves as a through-hole passing through the second housing111from the mating surface111ato the mounting surface111bin the plate thickness direction thereof (Z-axis direction). In addition, the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124and the intermediate recess125are partitioned by the second intermediate wall part121.

Note that a beam-shaped second high-frequency terminal support part126serving as a second terminal support part extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111and having both ends connected to the second intermediate wall part121is disposed in each second high-frequency terminal housing recess124. In addition, the inside of each second high-frequency terminal housing recess124is divided by the second high-frequency terminal support part126into a contact part side recess124aand a tail part side recess124b. Note that in the example illustrated in the drawings, the portion of the second side wall part114corresponding to the tail part side recess124bis partially missing, and the tail part side recess124bis opened at the end in the width direction of the second housing111. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the second side wall part114may be continuous so that the tail part side recess124bis closed at the end in the width direction of the second housing111.

In addition, a second high-frequency terminal171serving as a second terminal is attached to each of the second high-frequency terminal support parts126, and a second shield member151forming a second high-frequency shield150as a second shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the second high-frequency terminal171and extending in the mating direction around is attached to the periphery of each of the second high-frequency terminal housing recesses124.

Each of the second high-frequency terminals171is a member integrally formed by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a conductive metal plate, and includes a second held part173being held by the second high-frequency terminal supporting part126, a second tail part172connected to one end of the second held part173, a second connecting part174connected to the other end of the second held part173, a second contact arm175connected to the end of the second connecting part174, and a second contact part175athat is formed on the end of the second contact part175, or in other words on the free end, and is a contact part.

In addition, the second high-frequency terminal171is integrated with the second housing111through overmolding or insert molding. In other words, the second housing111is molded by filling the cavity of a mold, in which the second high-frequency terminal171has been set beforehand, with an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As a result, the second high-frequency terminal171is integrally attached to the second high-frequency terminal supporting part126, so that at least the second held part173is embedded in the second high-frequency terminal supporting part126. Furthermore, the second high-frequency terminal171is not necessarily integrated with the second housing111by overmolding or insert molding and may be attached to the second housing111by press fitting, or the like, wherein, for convenience of description, the case of the integration with the second housing111by overmolding or insert molding will be described.

The second held part173is a member generally extending in the width direction of the second housing111, and is bent so as to expand upward (Z-axis negative direction), thereby being embedded and held in the second high-frequency terminal support part126. In addition, the second tail part172extends outward in the width direction of the second housing111from one end of the second held part173so as to be exposed inside the tail part side recess124b, and is connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to a conductive trace of the second substrate. Note that the conductive trace is typically a signal line, and conveys a high frequency signal.

Further, the second connection part174extends outward in the width direction of the second housing111from the other end of the second held part173so as to be exposed inside the contact part side recess124a. In addition, the second contact arm175extends upward from the end of the second connection part174inside the contact part side recess124a, and is bent at approximately 180 degrees to form a U-shape near the top end thereof, forming a second contact part175athat bulges inward in the width direction of the second housing111.

Furthermore, the second high-frequency terminal171is integrally formed by forming a metal plate and therefore has a certain degree of elasticity. In addition, as is clear from the shape, the second connecting part174, the second contact arm175, and the second contact part175acan be elastically deformed. Accordingly, when the first high-frequency terminal support part24of the first connector1to which the first high-frequency terminal71is inserted into the contact part side recess124a, the second contact part175ain contact with the first contact part75aof the first high-frequency terminal71is elastically displaced outward in the width direction of the second housing111.

In addition, the second shield member151a member that is integrally formed by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a conductive metal plate, and has a second cover part152having a substantially square shape in a planar view. The second cover part152is a flat plate shaped member having a substantially rectangular profile in a planar view, and a cover opening152awith a substantially rectangular shape is formed in the center thereof. In addition, a second intermediate wall shield part153aattached to the second intermediate wall part121and a second side wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114are integrally connected to the four side edges of the second cover part152as a side surface shield part153attached to the side of the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124. The second cover part152covers over half of the surfaces on the mating surface111aside of the second side wall part114and the second intermediate wall part121, and the second intermediate wall shield part153aand the second side wall shield part153bare connected with a bend of approximately 90 degrees at each side edge of the second cover part152so as to cover over half of the outside surfaces of the second intermediate wall part121and the second side wall part114.

In addition, the second shield member151is attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like. Note that although the second shield member151is not necessarily attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like and may be integrated with the second housing111by overmolding or insert molding, a case in which the second shield member151is attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like will be described here for the sake of explanatory convenience.

In addition, a second side wall tail part154serving as a tail part is connected with a bend of approximately 90 degrees to the bottom end of the second side wall shield part153b. In addition, the second side wall tail part154extends outward in the width direction of the second housing111and is connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to the conductive trace of the second substrate. In addition, the bottom end of the second intermediate wall shield part153ais also connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate. Note that the conductive trace is a ground line, which is a ground line disposed alongside the signal line that conveys a high frequency signal functioning to electrically shield the signal line. In this manner, when the second shield member151is grounded near the second high-frequency terminal171so as to surround the second high-frequency terminal171, the shield properties are enhanced, and even better SI (signal-to-interference) characteristics can be achieved. In addition, in the example illustrated in the drawings, a tail part is not connected to the bottom end of the second intermediate wall shield part153b, but a tail part similar to the second side wall tail part154may be connected as necessary.

Further, the outer surfaces of the second intermediate wall shield part153aand the second side wall shield part153bare formed so that a second intermediate wall shield protrusion155aand a second side wall shield protrusion155bbulge as engaging protrusions. When the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, the second side wall shield protrusion155bfits into and engages with the first side wall shield recess55bserving as an engaging recess formed in the first shield member51of the first connector1. In addition, one of the second intermediate wall shield protrusions155apositioned on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111fits into and engages with the first end wall shield recess55aof the first shield member51, and the other second intermediate shield protrusion155afits into and engages with the first intermediate shield recess56cof the first intermediate shield member56inserted between opposing second intermediate wall shield parts153a. Note that mutually adjacent shield members151in the longitudinal direction of the second housing do not come into contact with one another.

In this manner, the second shield member151is attached to the periphery of each second high-frequency terminal housing recess124housing a second high-frequency terminal171, so a second high-frequency connection unit serving as a second connection unit provided with one second high-frequency terminal171and a second high-frequency shield150providing an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery thereof and extending in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on each projection122. The second high-frequency connection unit170can exhibit a shielding effect equivalent to a conventional coaxial type connector while having a small size and low profile, can transmit high-frequency signals, and has a substantially rectangular external shape in a planar view, so a plurality of the second high-frequency connection units170can be disposed without gaps in the second housing111having a substantially rectangular external shape in a planar view. Accordingly, as in the example illustrated in the drawings, a plurality (eight in the example illustrated in the drawings) of the second high-frequency connection units170can be disposed in close contact so as to be aligned in one row in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111. Note that in the example illustrated in the drawings, eight of the second high-frequency connection units170are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111, but more or fewer than eight of the second high-frequency connection units170may be arranged as necessary.

Further, the second shield member151is a member formed integrally by carrying out processes such as punching and bending a metal plate, and in a state attached to the second housing111, the second cover part152covers more than half of the surfaces on the mating surface111aside of the second side wall part114and the second intermediate wall part121, while the second intermediate shield part153aand the second side wall shield part153bcover more than half of the outside surfaces of the second intermediate wall part121and the second side wall part114, allowing the second shield member151to function as a reinforcing fitting for reinforcing the entire second projection122and the second connector101. In addition, since the second end wall tail part154connected to the bottom end of the second side wall shield part153bis connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad coupled to the ground line of the second substrate, the second shield member151is difficult to deform, and the second projection122and the second connector122are effectively reinforced.

The operation for mating the first connector1and the second connector101having the abovementioned configuration will be described next.

FIG.7is a top view of a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to Embodiment 1 are mated.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to Embodiment 1 are mated, and is a cross-sectional view along along arrow A-A inFIG.7.

Here, the first connector1is surface-mounted to the first substrate by connecting the first tail part72of the first high-frequency terminal71as well as the first end wall tail part54aand the first side wall tail part54bof the first shield member51by soldering or the like to a connection pads coupled to a conductive trace of the first substrate (not illustrated). In addition, the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad to which the first tail part72of the first high-frequency terminal71is connected is a signal line such as an antenna line connected to an antenna, which transmits high-frequency signals. The conductive trace coupled to the connection pad to which the first end wall tail part54aand the first side wall tail part54bof the first shield member51are connected is a ground line disposed along the signal line transmitting high-frequency signals, and is a ground line functioning as an electromagnetic shield for the signal line.

Similarly, the second connector101is surface-mounted to the second substrate by connecting the second tail part172of the second high-frequency terminal171and the second side wall tail part154of the second shield member151by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to a conductive trace of the second substrate (not illustrated). In addition, the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad to which the second tail part172of the second high-frequency terminal171is connected is a signal line such as an antenna line connected to an antenna, which transmits high-frequency signals. The conductive trace coupled to the connection pad to which the second side wall tail part154of the second shield member151is connected is a ground line disposed along the signal line transmitting high-frequency signals, and is a ground line functioning as an electromagnetic shield for the signal line.

First, as illustrated inFIG.2, an operator places the mating surface11aof the first housing11of the first connector in a state facing the mating surface111aof the second housing111of the second connector101, and aligns the positions of the second projections122of the second connector101with the position of the corresponding first recess12of the first connector1, thereby completing the alignment of the first connector1and the second connector101.

In this state, when the first connector1and/or the second connector101are moved in a direction approaching one another—that is, in the mating direction—the second projections122of the second connector101are inserted into the first recess12of the first connector1. As a result, as illustrated inFIGS.1and7, the first high-frequency terminal71and the second high-frequency terminal171reach a conductive state upon completion of the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101.

Specifically, each first high-frequency terminal support part24is inserted into the contact part side recess124aof the corresponding second high-frequency terminal housing recess124, and the first contact part75aof the first high-frequency terminal71and the second contact part175aof the second high-frequency terminal171come into contact, resulting in conduction between the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad on the first substrate to which the first tail part72of the first high-frequency terminal71is connected and the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad on the second substrate to which the second tail part172of the second high-frequency terminal171is connected. Consequently, the first high-frequency terminal71and the second high-frequency terminal171which correspond to each other come into contact only at a single location, or a so-called state of a single contact point, rather than contacting at multiple locations, or a so-called state of multiple contact points, resulting in no unintentional stub or divided circuit being formed in a signal transmission line from the first tail part72of the first high-frequency terminal71to the second tail part172of the second high-frequency terminal171, thereby stabilizing the impedance of the transmission line. Accordingly, good SI characteristics can be achieved even when using the transmission line to transmit high-frequency signals.

Further, the second projections122are inserted in the first recess12, and the second side wall shield protrusions155bof the first shield member151engage with and come into contact with the first side wall shield recesses55bof the first shield member51. In addition, one of the second intermediate wall shield protrusions155apositioned on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111engages and comes into contact with the first end wall shield recess55aof the first shield member51, and the other second intermediate shield protrusion155aengages and comes into contact with the first intermediate shield recess56cof the first intermediate shield member56inserted between opposing second intermediate wall shield parts153a. As a result, the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad on the first substrate to which the first end wall tail part54aand the first side wall tail part54bof the first shield member51are connected becomes conductive with the conductive trace coupled to the connection pad on the second substrate to which the second side wall tail part154of the second shield member151is connected. Accordingly, the ground line of the first substrate, the ground line of the second substrate, the first shield member51, the first intermediate shield member56, and the second shield member151are equipotential, and the shield properties are enhanced. Note that when used for the transmission of high-frequency signals (for example, a frequency of 6 GHz or higher), it is most preferable for the second side wall shield protrusion155bto come into contact with the first side wall shield recess55band for the second intermediate wall shield protrusion155ato come into contact with the first end wall shield recess55aand the first intermediate shield recess56c, however, it is not absolutely necessary for the second side wall shield protrusion155band the first side wall shield recess55bto come into contact.

Further, the second side wall shield protrusion155bof the second shield member151engages with the first side wall shield protrusion55bof the first shield member51, and the second intermediate shield protrusion155aof the second shield member151engages with the first end wall shield recess55aof the first shield member51and the first intermediate shield recess56cof the first intermediate shield member56. This results in a state in which the first shield member51is locked with the second shield member151and the first intermediate shield member56is locked with the second shield member151, which prevents the disconnection of the mated state of the first connector1and the second connector101.

Further, the second contact part175aof the second high-frequency terminal171is formed so as to bulge inward in the width direction of the second housing111from the top end of the second contact arm175. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG.8, the distance between the second contact arm175and the second cover part152of the second shield member151is reduced. The impedance of the signal transmission line in the second connector101can be adjusted based on the length of this distance. Accordingly, the impedance of the signal transmission line in the second connector101can be adjusted by adjusting the shape—that is, the degree of bulging—of the second contact part175a.

In this manner, once the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, a state in which each second high-frequency connection unit170is inserted into the corresponding first high-frequency connection unit70is achieved, and the first high-frequency terminal71of each first high-frequency connection unit70makes contact and becomes conductive with the second high-frequency terminal171of the corresponding second high-frequency connection unit170at a single contact point. In addition, the second high-frequency shield150having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section consisting of the second shielding member151of the second high-frequency connection unit170is inserted into the first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section consisting of the first side plate part52of the first shielding member51of the first high-frequency connection unit70and the first center shielding member56. Therefore, the first high-frequency terminals71and the second high-frequency terminals171connected to each other are in a state of redundancy based on an electromagnetic shield with the periphery thereof extending in the mating direction and having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section, and good SI characteristics can be obtained even when using the transmission line for transmitting high frequency signals.

Note that, herein, the first high-frequency terminal71and the second high-frequency terminal171were described as being connected to a signal line for transmitting a high frequency signal. However, this signal line is not absolutely limited thereto, and may be used for transmitting a signal of any sort of frequency.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the description of elements having the same structures as those of Embodiment 1 will be omitted by being denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, a description of operations and effects that are the same as those of Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

FIG.9is a perspective view of a first connector and a second connector according to Embodiment 2 prior to mating.FIG.10is a perspective view of the first connector according to Embodiment 2.FIG.11is an exploded view of the first connector according to Embodiment 2.FIG.12includes four views of the first connector according to Embodiment 2. Note that inFIG.12,FIG.12Ais a top view,FIG.12Bis a side view,FIG.12Cis a bottom view, andFIG.12Dis a rear view.

In Embodiment 1 described above, a plurality of first high-frequency connection units70provided in the first connector1are disposed so as to be aligned in one row in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first housing11, and a plurality of second high-frequency connection units170provided in the second connector101are also disposed so as to be aligned in one row in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second housing111. However, in this embodiment, a plurality of first high-frequency connection units70are disposed so as to be arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, two rows) in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the second high-frequency connection units170are also disposed so as to be arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, two rows) in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111. Note that the number of rows of the first high-frequency connection units70and the number of rows of the second high-frequency connection units170are not limited to two rows, and any number of rows may be used as long as there are a plurality of rows, but a case of two rows will be described here for the sake of explanatory convenience.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first recess12of the first housing11is divided in two in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first housing11by a central partition13serving as a partition extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Further, the central partition13is a member such as a wall which projects upward (Z-axis positive direction) from a bottom plate23in the center of the width direction of the first recess12and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Note that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the central partition13are separated from the first wall part without being connected to the first end wall part21.

In addition, a plurality (eight in the example illustrated in the drawings) of first high-frequency terminal support parts24serving as first terminal support parts are disposed so as to be aligned in one row each in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11in the first recess12on both sides of the central partition13. That is, in the example illustrated in the drawings, two rows of four first high-frequency terminal support parts24are formed. Each bottom plate opening23ais disposed adjacent to the corresponding first high-frequency terminal support part24on the opposite side of the central partition13. In addition, the intermediate support parts23care disposed between the mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminal support parts in each row of the first high-frequency terminal support parts24. The intermediate support part23cin this embodiment is formed so that the dimension in the width direction of the first housing11is smaller but the dimension in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the first housing11is larger than the intermediate support part23cin Embodiment 1. In addition, the intermediate support opening23bin this embodiment is larger than the intermediate support opening23bin Embodiment 1 and is formed so as to extend from both side surfaces in the width direction of the first housing11in the intermediate support part23cto the bottom plate23on the outside.

In this embodiment, the first intermediate shield member56includes a base part56aextending in the width direction of the first housing11, a pair of engaging protrusions56bextending upward from the top end of the base part56a, and a pair of tail parts56dextending in the width direction of the first housing from both ends of the base part56a. In addition, the bottom ends of the tail parts56dare connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to a conductive trace of the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is a ground line, which is a ground line disposed alongside the signal line that conveys a high frequency signal functioning to electrically shield the signal line.

Whereas the first connection part75of the first high-frequency terminal71in Embodiment 1 has a substantially U-shaped side surface shape, the first connection part75of the first high-frequency terminal71in Embodiment 2 has a substantially square shape. That is, the first connection part75in this embodiment includes a curved part75bthat curves approximately 180 degrees and is connected to the top end of the portion extending in the vertical direction, and a support reinforcing part75cextending downward (Z-axis negative direction) from the curved part75b. As illustrated inFIG.10, in a state in which the first high-frequency terminal71is attached to the first high-frequency terminal support part24, the support reinforcing part75cis embedded in the first high-frequency terminal support part24in on the opposite side of the first contact part75anear the lower end75dthereof. As a result, the strengths of the first connection part75and the first high-frequency terminal support part24are enhanced. Note that the lower end75dof the support reinforcing part75cis near the first tail part72but separated from the first tail part72. As a result, a divided circuit is not formed on the signal transmission line from the first tail part72to the first contact part75a, so the impedance of the transmission line is stable.

Note that in comparison to the first connector1in Embodiment 1 described above, the first connector1in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, but it has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the first connector1of this embodiment, the first intermediate shield member56extending in the width direction of the first housing11is disposed between mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminal support parts24disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, so a first high-frequency shield50serving as a first shield to surround the periphery of one first high-frequency terminal71and to provide an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section extending in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the periphery of each first high-frequency terminal support part24. Note that since no member functioning as a shield member is disposed on the central partition13, the first high-frequency shield50has a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section with exactly one surface missing, but when the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, the second high-frequency shield150having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section is in a state inserted into the first high-frequency shield50, so the four sides on the periphery of each first high-frequency terminal support part24are substantially surrounded by the electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Accordingly, good SI characteristics can be achieved even when using the transmission line to transmit high-frequency signals.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG.12A, the spacing (pitch) between mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminals71in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11is set to be shorter than the spacing between mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminals71in the width direction of the first housing11because the first intermediate shield member56serving as a shield plate is disposed therebetween. Further, since the pair of tail parts56dpositioned at both ends of the first intermediate shield member56extending in the width direction of the first housing11are connected by soldering or the like to a connection pad connected to a ground line, the position of the first high-frequency terminal71is between the pair of tail parts56at the connection to the ground line in the width direction of the first housing.

Accordingly, the first high-frequency terminal71is effectively shielded by the first intermediate shield member56.

Note that the pitch between mutually adjacent first high-frequency terminals71in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11is preferably shorter than ¼ the wavelength of a transmitted high-frequency signal. For example, when the frequency of the high-frequency signal is from 40 to 70 GHz, the pitch is preferably approximately 1.1 mm. In addition, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of the first housing11are approximately 5.0 mm, 4.0 mm, and 0.6 mm, for example, but may be changed as necessary.

Next, the configuration of the second connector101will be described.

FIG.13is a perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 2.FIG.14is an exploded view of the second connector according to Embodiment 2.FIG.15includes four views of the first connector according to Embodiment 2. Note that inFIG.15,FIG.15Ais a top view,FIG.15Bis a side view,FIG.15Cis a bottom view, andFIG.15Dis a rear view.

In this embodiment, the second projections122are disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111, and a central partition recess113is formed between the rows, while a central bottom plate123connecting the rows is formed on the bottom of the central partition recess113. When the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, the central partition13of the first housing11is inserted into the central partition recess113. In addition, in each row, as in Embodiment 1 described above, an intermediate recess125is formed between mutually adjacent second projections122, and the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124and the intermediate recess125of each second projection are separated by a second intermediate wall part121. Note that the second intermediate wall parts121positioned on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111in each row are connected by an intermediate wall connection part121ato the second intermediate wall part121positioned on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111in the other row.

Further, in the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124, the contact part side recess124ais positioned near the central partition13, and the tail part side recess124bis disposed so as to be positioned on the opposite side of the central partition13.

In addition, the second shield member151includes a second cover part152having a substantially rectangular cover opening152aformed in the center thereof. A second wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114is integrally connected to the second cover part152of all of the second shield members151. However, the second intermediate wall shield part153aattached to the second intermediate wall part is connected only to the second cover part152of the second shield member151positioned at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111in each row of the second projections122, and is also attached only to the side edges on both end sides of the second cover part152in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111and attached only to the second intermediate wall part121positioned at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111. Accordingly, the second intermediate wall shield part153ais not attached to the second intermediate wall part121between mutually adjacent second projects in each row, and there is no second intermediate wall shield part153apresent in each intermediate recess125. Note that in the second cover part152of each second shield member151, a canopy part152bprojecting toward the other second shield member151is formed on a side edge on the side of the other second shield member151adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111.

In this embodiment, a second intermediate shield member156serving as a shield member is disposed in each intermediate recess125. The second intermediate shield member156is a plate member formed by performing processing such as punching on a conductive metal plate, and includes a strip-like base part156aextending in the width direction of the second housing111, a pair of engaging arms156bextending upward from the side edges of the base part156a, a pair of mounting parts156cextending upward from both ends of the base part156a, and soldering parts156dbulging downward from the lower surface of the base part156a. The mounting parts156care attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like, and the base part156acovers over half of the lower surface of the intermediate recess125. In addition, the bottom ends of the soldering parts156dare connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to a conductive trace of the second substrate. Note that the conductive trace is a ground line, which is a ground line disposed alongside the signal line that conveys a high frequency signal functioning to electrically shield the signal line.

Further, the engaging arm156bis an elastic member bent so that the shape is substantially Z-shaped in a side view, and the base end is connected to one of the side edges of the base part156a. A contact protrusion156b1projecting toward the other side edge of the base part156ais formed near the free end, and a tip156b2serving as the free end faces diagonally upward on the one side edge side. In addition, one of the engaging arms156bis connected to one side edge of the base part156anear one end in the width direction of the second housing111, and the other engaging arm156bis connected to the other side edge of the base part156anear the other end in the width direction of the second housing111. Further, each engaging arm156bis connected to the base part156asuch that the tip156b2is directly below the canopy part152bof the second shield member151in a state in which the second shield member151and the second intermediate shield member156are attached to the second housing111. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.15A, when viewed from the mating surface111aside, the tip156b2is covered by the canopy part152band becomes invisible.

Note that although the second intermediate shield member156is not necessarily attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like and may be integrated with the second housing111by overmolding or insert molding, a case in which the second shield member151is attached to the second housing111by press fitting or the like will be described here for the sake of explanatory convenience.

Note that in comparison to the second connector101in Embodiment 1 described above, the second connector101in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the second connector101of this embodiment, the second intermediate shield member156extending in the width direction of the second housing111is disposed between mutually adjacent second high-frequency terminal housing recesses124disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111, so a second high-frequency shield150configured to surround the periphery of one second high-frequency terminal171and to provide an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section extending in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the periphery of each second high-frequency terminal housing recesses124. Note that since the second intermediate shield member156is not a flat plate-shaped member extending in the Y-Z direction, the second high-frequency shield150has a precisely rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section with one or two surfaces missing, however, when the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, the plate-shaped first intermediate shield member156is in a state inserted between the pair of mounting parts156cof the second intermediate shield member156, and therefore the periphery of each second high-frequency terminal171is substantially surrounded by the electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Accordingly, good SI characteristics can be achieved even when using the transmission line to transmit high-frequency signals.

Note that when the frequency of the high-frequency signal is from 40 to 70 GHz, for example, the pitch of the second high-frequency terminal171is preferably approximately 1.1 mm. In addition, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of the second housing111are approximately 4.3 mm, 3.5 mm, and 0.5 mm, for example, but may be changed as necessary.

The operation for mating the first connector1and the second connector101having the abovementioned configuration will be described next.

As illustrated inFIG.9, in a state in which the alignment of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, when an operator moves the first connector1and/or the second connector101in a direction approaching one another—that is, in the mating direction—the second projections of the second connector101are inserted into the first recess12of the first connector1to complete the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101.

Incidentally, since both the first connector1and the second connector101are small, low-profile connectors with very small dimensions and are surface-mounted to the much larger first substrate and second substrate, it is difficult for the operator to view the orientations and positional relationships of the first connector1and the second connector101. Therefore, the first connector1and the second connector101could be mated while the mating surface11aof the first connector1and the mating surface111aof the second connector111are in contact and slide in a state in which the first connector1and the second connector101are misaligned with one another in the X- or Y-axis direction or are inclined with respect to one another. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, the first connector1and the second connector101can be mated smoothly without causing any damage or breakage.

For example, when the mating surface111aof the second connector101is misaligned in the X-axis direction and makes contact in an inclined state with the mating surface11aof the first connector1, one end in the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction) of the second housing111slides while in contact with the mating surface11aof the first connector1. Specifically, the upper surface of the intermediate wall connection part121aof the second housing111slides while in contact with the upper surface of the central partition13of the first housing11. Accordingly, the shield member, which is a metal member, does not make contact with the first high-frequency terminal support part24or the first high-frequency terminal71attached to the first high-frequency terminal support part24, or the intermediate support part23cor the first intermediate shield member56attached to the intermediate support part23c, so the second shield member151does not cause damage.

When the mating of the first connector and the second connector101is complete, the central partition13of the first housing11is inserted into and housed in the central partition recess113of the second housing111. In addition, the first intermediate shield member56attached to the first housing11is inserted into the central recess125of the second housing111and is connected to the second intermediate shield member156inside the intermediate recess125. Specifically, the engaging protrusion56bof the first intermediate shield member56is pressed into the contact protrusion156b1of the engaging arm156bof the second intermediate shield member156, and the contact protrusion156b1is elastically displaced, so the engaging protrusion56band the contact protrusion156b1reliably maintain contact due to the elastic repulsive force thereof. In addition, since the tip156b2of the engaging arm156bis covered by the canopy part152bof the second shield member151, when the engaging protrusion56bis inserted into the intermediate recess125, it never comes into contact with the tip156b2, and the engaging arm156bdoes not buckle.

In this manner, when the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, one of the second side wall shield parts153bof the second shield member151is inserted into the missing surface of the first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section formed by the first side plate part52of the first shield member51and the first intermediate shield member56. Therefore, the periphery of each first high-frequency terminal support part24is substantially surrounded by an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Further, the second side wall tail part154is bent approximately 90 degrees to the lower end of the second side wall shield part153bon the outside in the width direction of the second connector101and extends outward in the width direction of the second connector101, and the second side wall tail part154and the lower end of the second side wall shield153bon the inside in the width direction of the second connector101are connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to the conductive trace of the second substrate. In addition, the first intermediate shield member56is inserted to the missing one or two surfaces of the second intermediate wall shield part153aand the second side wall shield part153bof the second shield member151, and comes into contact with the second intermediate shield member156. As a result, the first intermediate shield member56is grounded with respect to the second substrate by the soldering part156aof the second intermediate shield member156. This yields a state in which the periphery of each second high-frequency terminal171is substantially surrounded by an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Accordingly, the perimeters of the first high-frequency terminals71and the second high-frequency terminals171connected to one another are in state surrounded by an electromagnetic shield having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section extending in the mating direction, so good SI characteristics can be achieved even when the transmission line is used to transmit high-frequency signals.

Note that since the configurations, operations, and effects of the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment are in other respects the same as in Embodiment 1, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first connector1includes the first housing11and the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70filling the first housing11, and the first connector1is mounted on the first substrate and mated with the second connector101. The first housing11includes a first recess12into which the second housing111of the second connector101is inserted, which is a first recess12having a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view filled with the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70in a closely aligned state in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Each first high-frequency connection unit70includes a first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the first high-frequency terminal71and extending in the mating direction. The first high-frequency shield50includes a first intermediate shield member56that is shared with a mutually adjacent first high-frequency shield50in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the first intermediate shield member56extends in the width direction of the first housing111. The first intermediate shield member56includes a pair of tail parts56dpositioned at both ends thereof, and the tail parts56dare connected to the connections to the ground line of the first substrate. The first high-frequency terminal71of each first high-frequency connection unit70is positioned between the pair of tail parts56din the width direction of the first housing11.

As a result, it is possible to load the first high-frequency connection units70with high space efficiency, to enable a plurality of signal lines to be connected while maintaining a small size and low profile, and to achieve a high shielding effect for the first high-frequency terminal71, which enhances reliability.

In addition, the first high-frequency shield50surrounds the four sides of the periphery of the first high-frequency terminal71. Further, the first high-frequency connection units70are disposed so as to form a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. In addition, the spacing between the first high-frequency terminals71of mutually adjacent first high-frequency connection units70in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11is shorter than the spacing between the first high-frequency terminals71of mutually adjacent first high-frequency connection units70in the width direction of the first housing11.

Further, in this embodiment, the second connector101includes the second housing111and the plurality of second high-frequency connection units170filling the second housing111, and the second connector101is mated with the first connector1. The second housing111has a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view, and the plurality of second high-frequency connection units170are loaded in a closely aligned state in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111and inserted into the first recess12of the first connector1. Each second high-frequency connection unit170includes a second high-frequency terminal171and a second high-frequency shield150having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the second high-frequency terminal171and extending in the mating direction. The second high-frequency shield150includes a second shield member151having a flat plate-shaped second cover part152which includes a substantially rectangular cover opening152aand is orthogonal to the mating direction with a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view, and a side surface shield part153connected to the side edge of the second cover part152and extending in the mating direction. Mutually adjacent shield members151in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111do not come into contact with one another.

Further, the second high-frequency connection units170are disposed so as to form a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111. Further, each second high-frequency connection unit170includes a second high-frequency terminal housing recess124for housing the second high-frequency terminal171, and the side surface shield part153is attached to the side of the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124. In addition, the second high-frequency terminal171is disposed near the second cover part152, and the impedance can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the second high-frequency terminal171and the second cover part152.

Further, in this embodiment, the connector assembly includes: the first connector1having the first housing11and the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70loaded into the first housing11, and the second connector101which has the second housing111and the plurality of second high-frequency connection units170loaded into the housing111and mates with the first connector1. The first housing11includes a first recess12into which the second housing111is inserted, which is a first recess12having a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view filled with the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70in a closely aligned state in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Each first high-frequency connection unit70includes a first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the first high-frequency terminal71and extending in the mating direction. The first high-frequency shield50includes a first intermediate shield member56that is shared with a mutually adjacent first high-frequency shield50in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the first intermediate shield member56extends in the width direction of the first housing111. The second housing111has a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view, and the plurality of second high-frequency connection units170are loaded in a closely aligned state in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111and inserted into the first recess12of the first housing11. Each second high-frequency connection unit170includes a second high-frequency terminal171and a second high-frequency shield150having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the second high-frequency terminal71and extending in the mating direction. The second high-frequency shield150includes a second shield member151having a flat plate-shaped second cover part152which includes a substantially rectangular cover opening152ainto which the first high-frequency terminal71is inserted and is orthogonal to the mating direction with a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view, and a side surface shield part153connected to the side edge of the second cover part152and extending in the mating direction. The first intermediate shield member56is inserted between mutually adjacent shield members151in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the description of elements having the same structure as the first and second embodiments will be omitted by denoting these elements using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, descriptions of operations and effects that are the same as those of the first and second embodiments will also be omitted.

FIG.16is a perspective view of a first connector according to Embodiment 3.FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a first intermediate shield member according to Embodiment 3.FIG.18is a perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 3.FIG.19is a perspective view of a second shield member according to Embodiment 3. Note that inFIG.17,FIG.17Ais a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the first intermediate shield member in the longitudinal direction, andFIG.17Bis a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the first intermediate shield member in the width direction.

In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 2, a plurality of first high-frequency connection units70are disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the second high-frequency connection units170are also disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first recess12of the first housing11does not include the central partition13of Embodiment 2 described above, and is divided in two in the width direction of the first housing11by a longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2serving as an intermediate support part formed on the bottom plate23and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Further, each portion resulting from dividing the first recess12in two is divided for each first high-frequency connection unit70in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11by a width direction intermediate support part23c1serving as an intermediate support part formed on the bottom plate23and extending in the width direction of the first housing11. That is, in each row of the first high-frequency connection units70, the width direction intermediate support part23c1is disposed between the first high-frequency terminal support parts24of mutually adjacent first high-frequency connection units70. Further, a longitudinal direction intermediate support opening23b2and a width direction intermediate support opening23b2passing through the plate thickness direction of the bottom plate23are respectively formed in the longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2and the width direction intermediate support part23c1. Note that when the longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2and the width direction intermediate support part23c1are described collectively along with the longitudinal direction intermediate support opening23b2and the width direction intermediate support opening23b1, they are respectively described as the intermediate support part23cand the intermediate support opening23b.

In addition, a first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562and a first width direction intermediate shield member561, which serve as shield plates formed by processing such as punching or bending conductive metal plates and extending in the thickness direction and the width direction of the first housing11, are housed and held in the longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2and the width direction intermediate support part23c1, respectively. The first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562is a plate member which forms the first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section in cooperation with the firs shield member51, and includes a base part562aextending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, a pair of engaging protrusions562bextending upward from the upper end of the base part562a, and a pair of tail parts562dextending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11from both ends of the base part562a. In addition, the first width direction intermediate shield member561is a plate member which forms the first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section in cooperation with the first shield member51, and includes a base part561aextending in the width direction of the first housing11, a pair of engaging protrusions561bextending upward from the upper end of the base part561a, and a pair of tail parts561dextending in the width direction of the first housing11from both ends of the base part561a. Further, the lower ends of the tail part562dof the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562and the tail part561dof the first width direction intermediate shield member561are connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to a conductive trace of the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is a ground line, which is a ground line disposed alongside the signal line that conveys a high frequency signal functioning to electrically shield the signal line. In addition, when the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562and the first width direction intermediate shield member561are described collectively, they are described as the first intermediate shield member56.

Note that in comparison to the first connector1in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the first connector1in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, but it has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, in the second shield member151of the second connector101, as in Embodiment 1 described above, the second intermediate wall shield part153aattached to the second intermediate wall part121and the second side wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114are connected integrally to the four side edges of the second cover part152. Further, the second side wall tail part154is bent approximately 90 degrees to the lower end of the second side wall shield part153bon the outside in the width direction of the second connector101and extends outward in the width direction of the second connector101, and the second side wall tail part154and the lower end of the second side wall shield153bon the inside in the width direction of the second connector101are connected by soldering or the like to connection pads coupled to the conductive trace of the second substrate. In addition, the bottom end of the second intermediate wall shield part153ais also connected by soldering or the like to connection pad coupled to a conductive trace of the second substrate. In this manner, when the second shield member151is grounded near the second high-frequency terminal171so as to surround the second high-frequency terminal171, the shield properties are enhanced, and even better SI characteristics can be achieved.

Note that in comparison to the second connector101in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the second connector101in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition, when the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, the engaging protrusion562bof the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562is inserted between the second side wall shield parts153of mutually adjacent second cover parts152in the width direction of the second housing111so as to come into contact and become conductive with the second side wall shield parts153b, and the engaging protrusion561bof the first width direction intermediate shield member561are inserted between the second intermediate wall shield parts153aof mutually adjacent second cover parts152in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111so as to come into contact and become conductive with the second intermediate wall shield parts153a. Therefore, the first high-frequency terminals71and the second high-frequency terminals171connected to each other are in a state of redundancy based on an electromagnetic shield with the periphery thereof extending in the mating direction and having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section, and good SI characteristics can be obtained even when using the transmission line for transmitting high frequency signals.

Note that since the configurations, operations, and effects of the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment are in other respects the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. It should be noted that elements having the same structure as those of the first through third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. Furthermore, likewise, descriptions will be omitted for operations and effects that are the same as those of the aforementioned first through third embodiments.

FIG.20is a perspective view of a first connector according to Embodiment 3.FIG.21includes four views of the first connector according to Embodiment 3.FIG.22is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a first intermediate shield member according to Embodiment 4.FIG.23is a perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 4.FIG.24includes four views of the second connector according to Embodiment 4.FIG.25is a perspective view of a second shield member according to Embodiment 4. Note that inFIG.21,FIG.21Ais a top view,FIG.21Bis a side view,FIG.21Cis a bottom view, andFIG.21Dis a rear view. InFIG.22,FIG.22Ais a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member, andFIG.22Bis a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a first width direction intermediate shield member. InFIG.24,FIG.24Ais a top view,FIG.24Bis a side view,FIG.24Cis a bottom view, andFIG.24Dis a rear view.

In this embodiment, as in Embodiments 2 and 3, a plurality of first high-frequency connection units70are disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the second high-frequency connection units170are also disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111.

In addition, as in Embodiment 3, the first recess12of the first housing11does not include the central partition13of Embodiment 2 described above, and is divided in two in the width direction of the first housing11by a longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2serving as an intermediate support part formed on the bottom plate23and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Each portion resulting from dividing the first recess12in two is divided for each first high-frequency connection unit70in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11by a width direction intermediate support part23c1serving as an intermediate support part formed on the bottom plate23and extending in the width direction of the first housing11. A longitudinal direction intermediate support opening23b2and a width direction intermediate support opening23b1passing through the plate thickness direction of the bottom plate23are respectively formed in the longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2and the width direction intermediate support part23c1.

In addition, as in Embodiment 3 described above, a first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562and a first width direction intermediate shield member561, which serve as shield plates formed by processing such as punching or bending conductive metal plates and extending in the thickness direction and the width direction of the first housing11, are housed and held in the longitudinal direction intermediate support part23c2and the width direction intermediate support part23c1, respectively.

Further, as in Embodiment 3 described above, the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562includes a base part562bextending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, an engaging protrusion562bprojecting upward from the upper end of the base part562a, and a pair of tail parts562dextending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11from both ends of the base part562a, however, the engaging protrusion562bin this embodiment is a single unit rather than a pair. In addition, as in Embodiment 3 described above, the first width direction intermediate shield member561also includes a base part561aextending in the width direction of the first housing11, an engaging protrusion561bprojecting upward from the upper end of the base part561a, and a pair of tail parts561dextending in the width direction from the first housing11from both ends of the base part561a, however, the engaging protrusion561bin this embodiment is a single unit rather than a pair.

Note that in comparison to the first connector1in Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the first connector1in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, in the second shield member151of the second connector101, as in Embodiments 1 and 3 described above, the second intermediate wall shield part153aattached to the second intermediate wall part121and the second side wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114are connected integrally to the four side edges of the second cover part152.

However, in this embodiment, the second intermediate wall shield protrusion155ais not formed on the second intermediate wall shield part153a, and a second intermediate wall contact arm153a1having a cantilevered shape is formed. The second intermediate wall contact arm153a1is an elongated elastic piece extending downward from a side edge of the second cover part152and is a member in which the vicinity of the free end (tip) can be elastically displaced in the X-direction, and both sides thereof are defined by a slit-shaped second intermediate wall notch153a2. Note that in the example illustrated in the drawings, two second intermediate wall contact arms153a1are formed on each of the second intermediate wall shield parts153a, however, the number may also be one or three or more. Note that when used for the transmission of high-frequency signals, it is most preferable for the second side wall shield protrusion155bto come into contact with the first side wall shield recess55band for the second intermediate wall contact arm153a1to come into contact with the first end wall shield recess55aand the first intermediate shield recess56c, however, it is not absolutely necessary for the second side wall shield protrusion155band the first side wall shield recess55bto come into contact.

In addition, in this embodiment, of the pair of second side wall shield parts153b, the second side wall shield protrusion155bis not formed on the second side wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114on the central partition recess113side, and a second side wall contact arm153b1having a cantilevered shape is formed. The second side wall contact arm153b1is a member similar to the second intermediate wall contact arm153a1, and both sides thereof are defined by a slit-shaped second side wall notch153b2. Note that in the example illustrated in the drawings, one second side wall contact arm153b1is formed on each of the second side wall shield parts153b, however, the number may also be two or more. In addition, of the pair of second side wall shield parts153b, the second side wall shield part153battached to the second side wall part114on the opposite side of the central partition recess113is the same as the second side wall shield part153bin Embodiment 3.

Note that in comparison to the second connector101in Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the second connector101in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition, when the first connector1and the second connector101are mated, the engaging protrusion562bof the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562is inserted between the second side wall shield parts153of mutually adjacent second cover parts152in the width direction of the second housing111so as to come into contact and become conductive with the second side wall shield parts153b, and the engaging protrusion561bof the first width direction intermediate shield member561are inserted between the second intermediate wall shield parts153aof mutually adjacent second cover parts152in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111so as to come into contact and become conductive with the second intermediate wall shield parts153a. The second side wall contact arm153b1elastically abuts both sides of the engaging protrusion562bof the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562, and the second intermediate wall contact arm153a1elastically abuts both sides of the engaging protrusion561bof the first width direction intermediate shield member561, and the conduction between the first longitudinal direction intermediate shield member562and the first width direction intermediate shield member562and the second cover part152is reliably maintained thereby. Therefore, the first high-frequency terminals71and the second high-frequency terminals171connected to each other are in a state of redundancy based on an electromagnetic shield with the periphery thereof extending in the mating direction and having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section, and good SI characteristics can be obtained even when using the transmission line for transmitting high frequency signals.

Note that since the configurations, operations, and effects of the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment are in other respects the same as in Embodiments 1 to 3, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Note that elements having the same structure as those of Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference symbols, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, descriptions will also be omitted for operations and effects that are the same as those of Embodiments 1 to 4 described above.

FIG.26is a perspective view of a first connector and a second connector according to Embodiment 5 prior to mating.FIG.27is a perspective view of the first connector according to Embodiment 5.FIG.28is an exploded view of the first connector according to Embodiment 5.FIG.29includes four views of the first connector according to Embodiment 5. Note that inFIG.29,FIG.29Ais a top view,FIG.29Bis a side view,FIG.29Cis a bottom view, andFIG.29Dis a rear view.

In this embodiment, as in Embodiments 2 to 4, a plurality of first high-frequency connection units70are disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the second high-frequency connection units170are also disposed so as to be arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111. Note that a first shield right member51A and a first shield left member51B are not symmetrical with respect to the X-Z plane passing through the center in the width direction of the first recess12, and each includes a first end wall shield part52aand a first side wall shield part52band has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a center point of the first recess12in the X-Y plane. In addition, a first side wall protrusion55cserving as an engaging protrusion is formed so as to project from the inner surface of the first side wall shield part52b.

In addition, as in Embodiment 2 described above, the first recess12of the first housing11is divided in two in the width direction of the first housing11by a central partition13extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. In addition, a plurality of first high-frequency terminal support parts24serving as first terminal support parts are disposed so as to be aligned in one row each in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11in the first recess12on both sides of the central partition13. Each bottom plate opening23ais disposed adjacent to the corresponding first high-frequency terminal support part24on the opposite side of the central partition13.

Note that in this embodiment, the first recess12of the first housing11does not include the intermediate support part23c. In addition, the intermediate support opening23bin this embodiment is larger than the intermediate support opening23bin Embodiment 2 and is formed to extend continuously in the width direction of the first housing11so as to traverse the central partition13and connect the first recesses12on both sides of the central partition13. As a result, both ends of each intermediate support opening23bare closer to the first side wall part14than the first high-frequency terminal support part24. That is, when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first housing11, the first high-frequency terminal support parts24on both sides of the central partition13are positioned within a range from one end to the other end of the intermediate support opening23bextending in the width direction of the first housing11.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first intermediate shield member56is a conductive metal plate configured to be present across the first recesses12on both sides of the central partition13, and includes a base part56aextending in the width direction of the first housing11, a pair of wall plate parts57projecting upward from the upper end of the base part56a, a first intermediate shield protrusion56fserving as a locking protrusion for the first housing11formed on the side surface of the wall plate part57, and a tail part56don the lower end of the wall plate part57. The first intermediate shield member56is inserted into the intermediate support opening23bfrom the mounting surface11bside, and each of the pair of wall plate parts57projects upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate23of the central partition13through the intermediate support opening23bon both sides of the central partition13. In addition, an engaging recess56eformed between the wall plate parts57on both sides engages with the central partition13such that the first intermediate shield member56is reliably held in the first housing11. Further, in comparison to the first connector1in Embodiment 2, it is unnecessary to provide space for housing the pair of tail parts56din each of the first recesses12on both sides of the central partition13, and therefore, the dimensions in the width direction of the first housing11can be made smaller.

Each wall plate part57includes an upper edge57aextending from the engaging recess56etoward the distal end, and a side edge57bwhich extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and is connected to the upper edge57a. The upper edge57aincludes a horizontal part57fwhich is adjacent to the engaging recess56eand extends substantially parallel to the X-Y plane, an inclined part57swhich is connected to the horizontal part57fand extends diagonally downward toward the distal end of the wall plate part57, and a curved part57rwhich couples the inclined part57sand the side edge57b. In addition, a chamfered part57cis formed on both ends in the plate thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the upper edge57aand the side edge57b. The chamfered part57cmay be an inclined surface or a curved surface.

Each wall plate part57extends from the side surface of the central partition13to a position beyond the first high-frequency terminal71in the width direction of the first housing11in a state in which the first intermediate shield member56is attached to the first housing11. The upper edge57aextends from a position on both side surfaces of the central partition13toward the outside in the width direction of the first housing11, and the upper surface of the horizontal part57fis substantially flush with the upper surface of the central partition13. That is, the height of the upper end of the upper edge57ais substantially the same as the height of the upper end of the central partition13. In addition, the side edge57bis positioned at both ends of the intermediate support opening23bextending in the width direction of the first housing11, and therefore is closer to the first side wall part14than the first high-frequency terminal support part24. Further, when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first housing11, the height of the upper part of the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the height of the upper part of the first high-frequency terminal71attached to the first high-frequency terminal support part71are equal to or less than the height of the upper part of the inclined part57s.

Note that in comparison to the first connector1in Embodiment 2 described above, the first connector1in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, since the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Next, the configuration of the second connector101will be described.

FIG.30is a perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 5.

In this embodiment, the second shield member151of the second connector101includes a second normal shield member151A and a second armor shield member151B.

The second normal shield member151A is a member that is substantially the same as the second shield member151in Embodiment 3, and differs from the second shield member151in Embodiment 3 only in that a second side wall shield recess155cserving as an engaging recess is recessed in the outer surface of the second side wall shield part153binstead of the second side wall shield protrusion155b.

The second armor shield member151B differs from the second normal shield member151A in that it has an extension152cextending toward the adjacent second normal shield member151A. The extension152cis a portion in which the canopy part152bof the second cover part152and the second side wall shield part153bof the side surface shield part153are extended to a position near the adjacent second normal shield member151A together with a coupling portion between the canopy part152band the second side wall shield part153b. As a result, in a state in which the second shield member151is attached to the second housing111, from among the corner portions on the matting surface111aside of the second side wall part114on both sides in the width direction of the second housing111, at least a location between the second armor shield member151B and the second normal shield member151A is covered and protected by the extension152cmade of a metal plate.

Note that the configuration of other aspects of the second armor shield member151B is the same as the second normal shield member151A, and when the second armor shield member151B and the second normal shield member151A are described collectively, they will be described as the second shield member151.

Further, in this embodiment, in comparison to the second housing111in Embodiment 2, the second housing111has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, the connector has substantially the same shape, and differs in that the upper surface of the second high-frequency terminal support part126is substantially flush with the mating surface111a. As a result, in a state in which the second shield member151is attached to the second housing111, the upper surface of the second high-frequency terminal support part126can be made substantially flush with the upper surface of the canopy part152bof the second cover part152.

Note that in comparison to the second connector101in Embodiments 2 and 3 described above, the second connector101in this embodiment has different dimensional ratios in each direction and different shapes of each of the parts, however, since the connector has substantially the same structure in the other aspects described above, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The operation for mating the first connector1and the second connector101having the abovementioned configuration will be described next.

FIGS.31A through31Care cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of mating the first connector and the second connector according to Embodiment 5, andFIG.32Ais a cross-sectional view from the longitudinal direction of the first housing and the second housing.FIG.32Nis a cross-sectional view illustrating a case in which substantial misalignment occurs when the first connector and the second connector according to Embodiment 5 are mated. Note that inFIGS.31A through31Care views illustrating each stage of the operation of mating in a state in which the mating surfaces are not parallel due to misalignment occurring in the width direction of the first housing and the second housing. InFIG.32Ais a plan view andFIG.32Bis a cross-sectional view along arrow B-B inFIG.32A.

Note that the operation of mating the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiments 1 to 4. As described in Embodiment 2 above, the first connector1and the second connector101could be mated while the mating surface11aof the first connector1and the mating surface111aof the second connector111are in contact and slide in a state in which the first connector1and the second connector101are misaligned with one another in the X- or Y-axis direction or are inclined with respect to one another, but even in such a case, the first connector1and the second connector101can be mated smoothly while more reliably preventing damage or breakage in this embodiment.

In a state in which the first connector1and the second connector101illustrated inFIG.26are aligned, the mating surface11aof the first housing11and the mating surface111aof the second housing111may abut one another while not parallel and opposite one another; for example, in a state in which, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the mating surface111aof the second connector101is misaligned in the Y-axis with respect to the mating surface11aof the first connector1and inclined so as to rotate about the X-axis.

In such a case, as illustrated inFIG.33A, a corner portion of one end in the width direction (left end inFIG.33A) of the mating surface111aof the second housing111first enters the first recess12of the first housing11. However, in the first recess12, the height of the central partition13and the wall plate part57of the first intermediate shield member56is greater than that of the first high-frequency terminal support part24, and therefore the corner portion of the second housing111abuts against the upper end of the central partition13or the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57without abutting against the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71attached to the first high-frequency terminal support part24. Note that in the example illustrated inFIG.33A, the corner portion of the second housing111abuts the upper end of the inclined part57sat the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57, however, since the upper end of the inclined part57sis also taller than the upper end of the first high-frequency terminal support part24, the second housing111does not abut the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71. Accordingly, the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71are not damaged or broken.

On the other hand, since the second housing111is also covered by the second shield member151in most of the corner portion on both ends in the width direction of the mating surface111adue to the presence of the extension152c, the corner portion is not damaged or broken even if it abuts the central partition13or the wall plate part57.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.33B, the second housing111slides in the width direction (left direction inFIG.33) and is displaced in the mating direction (downward direction inFIG.33) relative to the first housing11while in contact with the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57. At this time, the mating surface111aof the second housing111slides along the upper end of the inclined part57s, and can thereby slide smoothly and be displaced in the mating direction. In addition, as described above, the upper end of the inclined part57sis also taller than the upper end of the first high-frequency terminal support part24, and the second housing111does not abut the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71. Therefore, the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71are not damaged or broken.

Further, when the sliding in the width direction ends, as illustrated inFIG.33B, the second side wall shield part153bof the second shield member151abuts the first side wall shield part53bof the first shield member51. Therefore, the second side wall part114of the second housing111and the first side wall part14of the first housing11are also not damaged or broken.

When the mating of the first connector1and the second connector101is complete, as illustrated inFIG.3C, the central partition13of the first housing11is inserted into and housed in the central partition recess113of the second housing111, resulting in a state in which the first high-frequency terminal71and the second high-frequency terminal171are in contact and conductive with one another. Note that when used for the transmission of high-frequency signals (for example, a frequency of 6 GHz or higher), it is most preferable for the second side wall shield recess155cto come into contact with the first side wall protrusion55cand for the second intermediate wall shield protrusion155ato come into contact with the side surface of the first end wall shield part52aand the side surface of the wall plate part57, however, it is not absolutely necessary for the second side wall shield recess155cand the first side wall protrusion55cto come into contact.

In addition, for example, as illustrated inFIG.34, the mating surface111aof the second connector101may come into contact with one another in a state in which they are misaligned in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with respect to the mating surface11aof the first connector1and are inclined so as to rotate about the X-axis.

In such a case, as illustrated inFIG.32B, a comer portion of one end in the longitudinal direction and one end in the width direction of the mating surface111aof the second housing111first enters the space between the mutually adjacent wall plate parts57in the first recess12of the first housing11. When the second housing111is displaced in the longitudinal direction (right direction inFIG.32A) relative to the first housing11, the comer portion abuts one (left inFIG.32A) side surface of the wall plate part57and then rides over the upper edge57a. At this time, since the chamfered part57cis formed at both ends in the plate thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the upper edge57a, the corner portion can smoothly ride over the upper edge57aand displaced in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11.

In addition, when the second housing111is displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the first housing11, the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57slides relatively over the top surface of the canopy part152bof the second cover part152of the second shield member151, and may therefore enter into the cover opening152a. However, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the second high-frequency terminal support part126present in the cover opening152ais substantially flush with the upper surface of the canopy part152b, and therefore the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57is prevented from entering too deeply into the cover opening152a. As a result, the second contact part175aof the second high-frequency terminal171present inside the cover opening152adoes not abut the upper edge57aof the wall plate part57and is not damaged or broken. In addition, since the wall plate part57is not subjected to excessive force from the cover opening152a, the wall plate part57is not damaged or broken. Moreover, the wall plate part57or the first high-frequency terminal support part24and the first high-frequency terminal71attached to the first high-frequency terminal support part24are damaged as a result of becoming caught on the step between the upper surface of the second high-frequency terminal support part126and the canopy part152b.

Note that other aspects of the operation of mating the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first connector1includes the first housing11and the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70filling the first housing11, and the first connector1is mounted on the first substrate and mated with the second connector101. The first housing11includes a first recess12into which the second housing111of the second connector101is inserted, which is a first recess12having a substantially rectangular shape in a planar view filled with the plurality of first high-frequency connection units70formed into closely aligned rows in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and a central partition13extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11between rows of the first high-frequency connection units70. Each first high-frequency connection unit70includes a first high-frequency shield50having a rectangular cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section surrounding the periphery of the first high-frequency terminal71and extending in the mating direction. The first high-frequency shield50includes a first intermediate shield member56that is shared with a mutually adjacent first high-frequency shield50in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11, and the first intermediate shield member56extends in the width direction of the first housing111. The first intermediate shield member56includes a wall plate part57extending from the side surface of the central partition13to a position beyond the first high-frequency terminal71in the width direction of the first housing11. The wall plate part57includes an inclined part57swhich inclines diagonally downward away from the central partition13.

As a result, it is possible to load the first high-frequency connection units70with high space efficiency, to enable a plurality of signal lines to be connected while maintaining a small size and low profile, and to achieve a high shielding effect for the first high-frequency connection unit70, which enhances reliability. Further, even if the first connector1and the second connector101are in contact and the first connector1and the second connector101are mated while being slid, the first connector1and the second connector101can be mated smoothly while more reliably preventing damage or breakage.

In addition, the upper end of the inclined part57sis higher than the upper part of the first high-frequency terminal71when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first housing11. Further, a chamfered part57cis formed at both ends in the plate thickness direction of the inclined part57s. In addition, a second high-frequency terminal support part126for supporting the second high-frequency terminal171is disposed in the second high-frequency terminal housing recess124of the second high-frequency connection unit170of the second connector101, and the upper surface of the second high-frequency terminal support part126is substantially flush with the upper surface of the second cover part152. Further, at least a portion of the second high-frequency shield150includes an extension152cextending a portion of the second cover part152and the side surface shield part153, and the extension152cextends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing111to a position near the second high-frequency shield1150of the adjacent second high-frequency connection unit170.

Note that since the configurations, operations, and effects of the first connector1and the second connector101in this embodiment are in other respects the same as in Embodiments 1 to 4, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present specification describes characteristics related to preferred and exemplary embodiments. Various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto could naturally be conceived of by persons skilled in the art by summarizing the disclosures of the present specification.

The present disclosure is applicable to a connector and a connector assembly.