阅读说明：本技术 连接器、线束以及连接器组件 (Connector, wire harness, and connector assembly ) 是由 木村心哉 于 2021-03-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种连接器包括：多个信号端子；多个接地端子,配置为连接至电缆的外部导体；以及接地构件,配置为连接至外部导体。接地构件具有接地部。信号端子和接地端子沿间距方向(Y方向)交替布置,以形成一个端子排。各信号端子具有第一调整部。各接地端子具有第二调整部。信号端子包括位于端子排的端部的外部信号端子。外部信号端子的第一调整部朝向接地部突出。外部信号端子的第一调整部在垂直平面(XZ平面)中的位置与接地部在垂直平面中的位置相同或重叠。(A connector includes: a plurality of signal terminals; a plurality of ground terminals configured to be connected to an outer conductor of a cable; and a ground member configured to be connected to the outer conductor. The grounding member has a grounding portion. The signal terminals and the ground terminals are alternately arranged in the pitch direction (Y direction) to form one terminal row. Each signal terminal has a first adjustment section. Each of the ground terminals has a second adjustment portion. The signal terminals include external signal terminals at the ends of the terminal block. The first adjustment part of the external signal terminal protrudes toward the ground part. The position of the first adjusting portion of the external signal terminal in the vertical plane (XZ plane) is the same as or overlaps with the position of the ground portion in the vertical plane.)

1. A connector configured to be connected to a plurality of cables and capable of being mated with a mating connector mounted on a substrate from above in an up-down direction, wherein:

each of the cables having a core and an outer conductor;

the mating connector includes: a plurality of mating signal terminals, a plurality of ground terminals, and a compression member;

the connector includes: a plurality of terminals, a retaining member, and a grounding member configured to be connected to an outer conductor of the cable;

the terminal includes: a plurality of signal terminals respectively corresponding to the cables; and a plurality of ground terminals configured to be connected to an outer conductor of the cable;

the signal terminals and the ground terminals are held by the holding member and alternately arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to the up-down direction to form one terminal row;

the grounding member is attached to the holding member and has a grounding portion;

the grounding part is connected to the pressing part in a matching state that the connector is matched and connected with the matching connector;

each of the signal terminals has a first contact portion, a first adjustment portion, and a connection portion configured to be connected to a core wire of a corresponding one of the cables;

the first contact parts are respectively contacted with the matched signal terminals in the matched state;

the first contact portion and the connection portion of each of the signal terminals are spaced from each other in a front-rear direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the pitch direction;

each of the first adjusting portions extends in the front-rear direction from the first contact portion to the connecting portion;

each of the ground terminals has a second contact portion and a second adjustment portion;

the second contact portions are respectively in contact with the mating ground terminals in the mating state;

each of the second adjustment portions extends from the second contact portion in the front-rear direction;

a position of each of the first adjusting portions in a vertical plane defined by the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is the same as or overlaps a position of each of the second adjusting portions in the vertical plane;

the signal terminals include external signal terminals;

the external signal terminal is located at an end of the terminal block and between a ground portion of the ground member and one of the ground terminals in the pitch direction;

a first adjustment portion of the external signal terminal protrudes at least partially toward the ground portion in the pitch direction;

the position of the first adjusting part of the external signal terminal in the vertical plane is the same as or overlaps with the position of the grounding part in the vertical plane;

the first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged at regular intervals in the pitch direction; and is

The ground portion is spaced apart from the first contact portion of the external signal terminal in the pitch direction by a distance longer than the regular interval.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein:

the signal terminals include internal signal terminals;

the internal signal terminals are located between adjacent two of the ground terminals in the terminal row;

the first adjustment portion of the internal signal terminal and the second adjustment portion of each of the adjacent two ground terminals are spaced apart by an internal predetermined distance in the pitch direction;

the first adjusting portion of the external signal terminal and the second adjusting portion of an adjacent one of the ground terminals are spaced apart by an external predetermined distance in the pitch direction; and is

The inner predetermined distance is longer than the outer predetermined distance.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein:

first adjustment portions of the internal signal terminals are recessed inward in the pitch direction so as to be distant from second adjustment portions of each of adjacent two of the ground terminals in the pitch direction; and is

The second adjustment portions of each of the adjacent two of the ground terminals are recessed inward in the pitch direction so as to be distant from the first adjustment portions of the internal signal terminals in the pitch direction.

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein:

the first adjustment portions of the external signal terminals protrude toward the second adjustment portion of an adjacent one of the ground terminals in the pitch direction; and is

The second adjustment portion of the adjacent one of the ground terminals protrudes toward the first adjustment portion of the external signal terminal.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein:

the first contact portion and the first adjustment portion of each of the signal terminals form a first shape in the vertical plane;

the second contact portion and the second adjustment portion of each of the ground terminals form a second shape in the vertical plane; and is

The first shape and the second shape are identical to each other.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the grounding portion of the grounding member locks the mated state together with a hold down of the mating connector.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein:

the terminals are constituted by N signal terminals and (N-1) ground terminals, N being an odd number equal to or greater than three; and is

The terminal block has a symmetrical structure with respect to an imaginary line extending in the front-rear direction through a middle point of the terminal block in the pitch direction.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the signal and ground terminals are insert molded into the retention member.

9. A wire harness comprising the connector of claim 1 and a plurality of the cables.

10. A connector assembly comprising the connector of claim 1 and the mating connector.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cable connector capable of mating with an on-board connector.

Background

This type of cable connector is disclosed, for example, in JP2009-32517A (patent document 1), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 22 and 23, patent document 1 discloses a connector 90 that can be mated with an on-board connector 95. The connector 90 is connected to a plurality of cables 98 to form a wire harness. Each cable 98 has a core wire 982 and an outer conductor 984. The connector 90 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) 92 corresponding to the core wires 982, respectively, and a housing 94 connected to the outer conductor 984 to have a ground potential. The housing 94 has connection portions (ground portions) 942 configured to be connected to the pressing members 952 of the on-board connectors 95, respectively.

The terminals 92 of the connector 90 are arranged in the pitch direction (Y direction). Each terminal 92 has a connection portion 922 configured to be connected to a corresponding core wire 982, and a contact portion configured to be brought into contact with a mating terminal (not shown) of the on-board connector 95. The connection portion 922 and the contact portion are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (X direction). According to this structure, the size of the terminal 92 in the up-down direction (Z direction) can be reduced, so that the size of the connector 90 in the Z direction can be reduced. Therefore, the connector 90 is a cable connector that can be reduced in height.

It is desirable not only to reduce the height of the cable connector but also to reduce the size of the cable connector in the pitch direction.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cable connector capable of reducing a dimension in a pitch direction and a dimension in a vertical direction.

Generally, a cable connector is required to improve signal transmission characteristics. In order to meet this requirement, cable connectors are generally provided with a plurality of ground terminals for preventing deterioration of transmission characteristics, in addition to a plurality of signal terminals (i.e., terminals for transmitting signals of a cable). Each signal terminal is disposed between two ground terminals. Thus, the signal terminals and the ground terminals are alternately arranged in the pitch direction to form a terminal block. Two ground terminals are respectively arranged at both ends of the terminal block.

According to the above-described exemplary cable connector, the size of the cable connector in the pitch direction can be reduced by removing the ground terminals located at both ends of the terminal block. However, when the ground terminals located at both ends of the terminal block are removed, two signal terminals (i.e., external signal terminals) are respectively arranged at both ends of the terminal block. According to this arrangement, each external signal terminal tends to have a higher impedance than an internal signal terminal (a signal terminal located between adjacent two ground terminals in the terminal row). Therefore, the overall transmission characteristics of the cable connector may deteriorate.

The inventors of the present application have studied the above-mentioned problems and have found a new structure of a cable connector capable of solving the above-mentioned problems. According to the new structure, the external signal terminals are arranged at the end of the terminal block in the pitch direction, so that the size of the cable connector in the pitch direction can be reduced. Meanwhile, a predetermined portion having the ground potential but different from the ground terminal is arranged outside the external signal terminal in the pitch direction. For example, the predetermined portion is a ground portion configured to be connected to a pressing piece of the on-board connector. The external signal terminal is formed to protrude toward the ground portion, so that the impedance of the external signal terminal can be reduced. Therefore, the impedance of the external signal terminal can be balanced with the impedance of the internal signal terminal. In particular, the cable connector according to the present invention has the features described below.

An aspect of the present invention provides a connector configured to be connected to a plurality of cables and capable of being mated with a mating connector mounted on a substrate from above in an up-down direction. Each cable has a core and an outer conductor. The mating connector includes: a plurality of adapted signal terminals, a plurality of ground terminals, and a compression member. The connector includes: the cable includes a plurality of terminals, a retaining member, and a grounding member configured to connect to an outer conductor of the cable. The terminal includes: a plurality of signal terminals respectively corresponding to the cables; and a plurality of ground terminals configured to be connected to an outer conductor of the cable. The signal terminals and the ground terminals are held by the holding member and alternately arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to the up-down direction to form one terminal row. The grounding member is attached to the holding member and has a grounding portion. The grounding part is connected to the pressing piece in a mating state where the connector is mated with the mating connector. Each signal terminal has a first contact portion, a first adjustment portion, and a connection portion configured to be connected to a core wire of a corresponding one of the cables. The first contact portions are respectively contacted with the matched signal terminals in a matched state. The first contact portion and the connection portion of each signal terminal are spaced from each other in a front-rear direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the pitch direction. Each first adjustment portion extends from the first contact portion to the connection portion in the front-rear direction. Each of the ground terminals has a second contact portion and a second adjustment portion. The second contact portions are respectively contacted with the matching grounding terminals in a matching state. Each second adjustment portion extends from the second contact portion in the front-rear direction. The position of each first adjusting portion in a vertical plane defined by the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is the same as or overlaps the position of each second adjusting portion in the vertical plane. The signal terminals include external signal terminals. The external signal terminal is located at an end of the terminal block and between the ground portion of the ground member and one of the ground terminals in the pitch direction. The first adjustment portion of the external signal terminal protrudes at least partially toward the ground portion in the pitch direction. The position of the first adjusting portion of the external signal terminal in the vertical plane is the same as or overlaps with the position of the ground portion in the vertical plane. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged at regular intervals in the pitch direction. The ground portion is spaced apart from the first contact portion of the external signal terminal in the pitch direction by a distance longer than the regular interval.

A connector according to an aspect of the present invention is a cable connector configured to be connected to a plurality of cables. According to an aspect of the present invention, the first contact portion and the connection portion of each signal terminal are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. This structure enables reduction in the size of the connector in the up-down direction. Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the ground terminal is removed from an end portion of the terminal block arranged in the pitch direction. This structure enables the size of the cable connector in the pitch direction to be reduced.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the ground portion as a part of the ground member is arranged outside the external signal terminal in the pitch direction. The grounding member is connected to the outer conductor of the cable so that the ground has a ground potential. The first adjustment part of the external signal terminal protrudes toward the ground part. In addition, the position of the first adjusting portion of the external signal terminal in the vertical plane is the same as or overlaps with the position of the ground portion in the vertical plane. This structure enables the impedance of the external signal terminal to approach the impedance of the signal terminal located between the two ground terminals, so that the overall degradation of the transmission characteristics of the connector can be avoided. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a cable connector capable of reducing a dimension in a pitch direction and a dimension in an up-down direction while avoiding deterioration of transmission characteristics.

The objectives of the invention, and the structure thereof, will be understood more fully by a study of the following description of the preferred embodiments and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a connector and a mating connector of the connector assembly are separated from each other, the connector is connected to a plurality of cables, and a hidden outline of one cable and a partial outline of a substrate on which the mating connector is mounted are shown by dotted lines.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of fig. 1, in which the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other.

Fig. 3 is a side view illustrating the connector assembly of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the mating connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the mating connector of fig. 4, in which the outline of the grounding member of the connector in a mated state is shown in a dotted line, and a part of the mating connector surrounded by a dot-dash line is enlarged and shown.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a front view showing the connector of fig. 6, in which the positions of the mating terminals of the mating connector in a mated state are partially shown by broken lines.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the connector of fig. 1, with a cover case of the connector removed.

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the connector of fig. 8, in which the outline of the cover case is partially shown by a broken line.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a base structure of the connector of fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is another perspective view illustrating the base structure of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a conductor structure of the base structure of fig. 10, in which the outline of the connection portion of the ground member is shown by a broken line.

Fig. 13 is a front view illustrating the conductor structure of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a base case and a terminal of the conductor structure of fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is another perspective view illustrating the base case and the terminal of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a bottom view showing the base case and the terminal of fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a side view illustrating the base housing and the terminal of fig. 14, in which the outline of the ground part of the ground member and the outline of the cable are shown by dotted lines.

Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the connector of fig. 9, in which the holding member of the connector is not shown, and the outline of the hidden portion of the cable and the outline of the hidden portion of the terminal are shown by broken lines.

Fig. 19 is a front view showing the connector of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the connector of fig. 19 taken along line XX-XX.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI showing the connector of fig. 19.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the cable connector and the on-board connector of patent document 1.

Fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the cable connector of fig. 22.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the connector assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 30 and a mating connector 70. The connector 30 is a cable connector configured to connect to a plurality of cables 22. The connector 30 and the cable 22 together form a wiring harness 20. Thus, the wiring harness 20 includes the connector 30 and the plurality of cables 22. The mating connector 70 is an on-board connector mounted on the substrate 80.

Each of the cables 22 of the present embodiment is a coaxial cable. Each of the cables 22 is connected to an antenna (not shown) and transmits a signal of the antenna. The substrate 80 of the present embodiment is mounted in an electronic device (not shown) that transmits and receives signals through an antenna. The connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment transmits signals between the antenna and the electronic device. However, the use of the cable 22 and connector assembly 10 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

Referring to fig. 1, each of the electric cables 22 of the present embodiment has a core wire 222 made of a conductor, an inner insulator 224 made of an insulator, an outer conductor 226 made of a conductor, and an outer insulator 228 made of an insulator. Each of the core lines 222 transmits a signal. Each of the inner insulators 224 covers the core wire 222 and insulates the core wire 222. Each of the core wires 222 is partially exposed from the inner insulator 224 and connected to the connector 30. Each of the outer conductors 226 covers the inner insulator 224 and electromagnetically shields the core wire 222. Each of the outer insulators 228 covers the outer conductor 226 and insulates the outer conductor 226. Each of the outer conductors 226 is partially exposed from the outer insulator 228 and connected to the connector 30.

Each of the cables 22 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of each of the cables 22 is not limited to the present embodiment as long as each of the cables 22 has a core 222 for transmitting a signal and an outer conductor 226 having a ground potential.

Hereinafter, the mating structure of the connector 30 and the mating connector 70 according to the present embodiment will be described.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the connector 30 of the present embodiment includes a fitting portion 30M and a receiving portion 30R. The fitting portion 30M is located near the front end (+ X-side end) of the connector 30 in the front-rear direction (X direction) perpendicular to the Z direction, and extends in the pitch direction (Y direction) perpendicular to both the X direction and the Z direction. The accommodating portion 30R is located rearward of the fitting portion 30M and faces the-X side of the fitting portion 30M. The accommodating portion 30R extends in the Y direction, and is open outward on both sides in the Y direction. The accommodating portion 30R is a space recessed upward (i.e., in the + Z direction) so that the fitting portion 30M protrudes downward (i.e., in the-Z direction).

The mating connector 70 of the present embodiment includes a mating accommodating portion 70R that is mateable with the fitting portion 30M. The mating accommodating portion 70R is a space that is recessed downward and opened upward. The mating accommodating portion 70R is located in the middle of the mating connector 70 in a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The mating accommodating portion 70R extends in the Y direction.

The connector 30 can be mated with the mating connector 70 mounted on the substrate 80 from above in the up-down direction (Z direction). In detail, the fitting portion 30M may be inserted into the mating accommodating portion 70R in the Z direction. When the fitting portion 30M is inserted into the mating accommodating portion 70R, the rear portion (-X side portion) of the mating connector 70 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 30R. At this time, the connector 30 is in a mated state where the connector 30 is mated with the mating connector 70. In the mated state, each cable 22 is electrically connected to the substrate 80. The connector 30 mated with the mating connector 70 can be removed from the mating connector 70 by upwardly removing the fitting portion 30M from the mating receiving portion 70R.

Referring to fig. 3, due to the above-described mating structure of the connector 30 and the mating connector 70 according to the present embodiment, the dimension of the connector assembly 10 in the Z direction in the mated state is substantially equal to the dimension of the connector 30 in the Z direction. Referring to fig. 2, the dimension of the connector assembly 10 in the Y direction in the mated state is substantially equal to the dimension of the connector 30 in the Y direction. However, the mating structure for the connector 30 and the mating connector 70 is not particularly limited as long as the connector 30 and the mating connector 70 can be mated with each other in the Z direction.

Hereinafter, the structure of the mating connector 70 of the present embodiment will be explained.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, the mating connector 70 of the present embodiment includes: a plurality of mating terminals 72, each mating terminal 72 being made of a conductor such as metal; a mating holding member 74 made of an insulator; and two pressing members 76, each pressing member 76 being made of a conductor such as metal. Referring to fig. 1, the mate accommodating portion 70R is formed in the mate holding member 74.

Referring to fig. 1 and 4, the mating terminals 72 are held by the mating holding member 74 and arranged in a row along the mating receptacle 70R. The mating terminals 72 have the same shape as each other. Each of the mating terminals 72 is partially exposed to the mating accommodating portion 70R and partially exposed downward. Referring to fig. 3, when the mating connector 70 is mounted on the substrate 80, the lower end (-Z side end) of each mating terminal 72 is fixed and connected to a conductive pad (not shown) of the substrate 80 by soldering or the like.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the mating terminals 72 are composed of a plurality of mating signal terminals 722 and a plurality of mating ground terminals 728. Thus, the mating connector 70 includes a plurality of mating signal terminals 722 and a plurality of mating ground terminals 728. The mating signal terminals 722 and the mating ground terminals 728 are alternately arranged in the Y direction. Referring to fig. 1, the adaptor signal terminals 722 are disposed to correspond to the cables 22, respectively. Each mating signal terminal 722 transmits a signal between the core 222 of the corresponding cable 22 and the substrate 80 in the mated state (see fig. 2). Each mating ground terminal 728 grounds the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22 to the substrate 80 in the mated state.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 4, and 5, two pressing pieces 76 are respectively arranged on both sides of the mating accommodating portion 70R in the Y direction, and are held by the mating holding member 74. The two hold-down members 76 have mirror-image shapes to each other with respect to a vertical plane defined by the X-direction and the Z-direction. Each pressing piece 76 is partially exposed to the mating accommodating portion 70R and partially extends downward to be exposed downward. Referring to fig. 3, when the mating connector 70 is mounted on the substrate 80, the lower end of each hold-down piece 76 is fixed and connected to a conductive pad (not shown) of the substrate 80 by soldering or the like. Each hold down 76 grounds an outer conductor 226 (see fig. 1) of the cable 22 to the substrate 80 in the mated state.

Referring to fig. 1 and 5, each pressing piece 76 is provided with two locking protrusions 762. Two locking protrusions 762 are located in the mating accommodating portion 70R and protrude toward each other in the X direction. Referring to fig. 5, when the fitting portion 30M is accommodated in the fitting accommodation portion 70R, the two locking projections 762 of each pressing piece 76 sandwich and hold the fitting portion 30M in the X direction to lock the fitted state.

The mating connector 70 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The structure of the mating connector 70 may be variously modified as long as the structure of the mating connector 70 corresponds to the structure of the connector 30 (see fig. 1). For example, the mating signal terminals 722 and the mating ground terminals 728 may have different shapes from each other. The two hold-down members 76 may have shapes that are not mirror images of each other. The locking protrusion 762 may be provided as needed. The mating connector 70 may also include other components in addition to those described above.

Hereinafter, the structure of the connector 30 of the present embodiment will be explained.

Referring to fig. 6 and 8, the connector 30 of the present embodiment includes a base structure 32, a cable retention structure 36, and a cover shell 38 made of a conductor. The connector 30 of the present embodiment is formed only of the above-described structures and members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector 30 may include other structures or members in addition to those described above.

Referring to fig. 10, the base structure 32 of the present embodiment includes a holding member 33 made of an insulator and a conductor structure 34. The holding member 33 is an integrally molded member. The conductor structure 34 is an assembly formed of a plurality of members, each of which is made of a conductor. The conductor structure 34 is insert-molded into the holding member 33, and is held by the holding member 33. Thus, the connector 30 of the present embodiment includes a single retention member 33 embedded with a conductor structure 34. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the holding member 33 may be formed by a plurality of members combined with each other. The conductor structure 34 may be partially press-fitted into the holding member 33 to be held by the holding member 33.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the holding member 33 of the present embodiment includes two accommodating walls 332 and two holding portions 336. As shown in fig. 10, the accommodating wall 332 is a rear portion of the holding member 33, and is located on both sides of the holding member 33 in the Y direction, respectively. Each of the accommodation walls 332 is formed with a recess 333 and an engagement protrusion 334. Each of the recesses 333 is a recess that is located inside the accommodation wall 332 and is recessed outward from the holding member 33 in the Y direction. The two recesses 333 face each other in the Y direction. Each of the engaging protrusions 334 is provided on the outer wall surface of the accommodating wall 332 in the Y direction, and protrudes outward in the Y direction. The holding portion 336 is a front portion (+ X side portion) of the holding member 33, and extends in the Y direction on the holding member 33. The holding portion 336 serves as a fitting portion 30M (see fig. 1) of the connector 30.

The holding member 33 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of the holding member 33 is not particularly limited as long as the conductor structure 34 can be held by the holding member 33.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the conductor structure 34 of the present embodiment includes: a plurality of terminals 40, each terminal 40 being made of a conductor; a base shell 50 made of a conductor; and two grounding members 60, each grounding member 60 being made of a conductor. Therefore, the connector 30 of the present embodiment includes the plurality of terminals 40, the base housing 50, and the two ground members 60. The conductor structure 34 of the present embodiment includes only the terminal 40, the base shell 50, and the ground member 60. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the base housing 50 may be provided as desired. On the other hand, the conductor structure 34 may also include other members than the above-described members.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the base case 50 of the present embodiment is a portion of a single metal plate having a bend. The base housing 50 has a flat plate portion 52 and a coupling portion 54. The flat plate portion 52 extends parallel to a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The coupling portion 54 is connected to the front end of the flat plate portion 52, and extends upward and forward (i.e., in the + X direction) in an arc shape. The flat plate portion 52 is formed with two engagement holes 522. Each engaging hole 522 is a hole that penetrates the flat plate portion 52 in the Z direction.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the base housing 50 is embedded in the holding member 33 except for the engaging portion of the flat plate portion 52 where a part of the engaging hole 522 is formed. The engaging portion of the flat plate portion 52 is completely exposed from the holding member 33, and is arranged such that the lower ends of the two accommodation walls 332 of the holding member 33 are joined to each other.

Referring to fig. 11, the terminals 40 of the present embodiment are arranged in a row in the Y direction to form a terminal row 40R. Each terminal 40 is embedded in the holding member 33. Referring to fig. 11 and 1, the terminals 40 are disposed to correspond to the mating terminals 72 of the mating connector 70, respectively. Each terminal 40 is exposed from the holding portion 336 as the mounting portion 30M. Referring to fig. 7, each of the terminals 40 thus arranged is in contact with the corresponding mating terminal 72 in the mated state to be electrically connected with the corresponding mating terminal 72.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the terminals 40 include a plurality of signal terminals 42 and a plurality of ground terminals 48. Each signal terminal 42 is a member separate from the base housing 50. More specifically, each signal terminal 42 is a single metal plate having a bend and a constant thickness. In contrast, each ground terminal 48 is a member integrated with the base housing 50. More specifically, each ground terminal 48 is a single metal sheet having a curvature and a constant thickness, and is bonded to the base shell 50. In detail, each ground terminal 48 has a coupling portion 484. Each of the coupling portions 484 is connected to a front end of the coupling portion 54 of the base housing 50 and extends forward therefrom. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each ground terminal 48 may be a member separable from the base housing 50, and may be in contact with the base housing 50.

Referring to fig. 11, the signal terminals 42 and the ground terminals 48 are held by the holding member 33. The signal terminals 42 and the ground terminals 48 of the present embodiment are insert-molded into the holding member 33, and are embedded in the holding member 33. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the signal terminals 42 and the ground terminals 48 may be press-fitted into the holding member 33 to be held by the holding member 33.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the grounding member 60 is attached to the holding member 33. The grounding member 60 of the present embodiment is insert-molded into the holding member 33. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the grounding member 60 may be fitted into the holding part 33.

The grounding member 60 of the present embodiment is fitted into both sides of the holding portion 336 of the holding member 33 in the Y direction, respectively. Each of the ground members 60 has a connection portion 62, a coupling portion 64, and a ground portion 66. Each connecting portion 62 is exposed from the upper surface (+ Z side surface) of the holding portion 336. Each coupling portion 64 couples the connection portion 62 and the ground portion 66 to each other. Each grounding portion 66 is exposed from the side surface and the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the holding portion 336.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11 and fig. 1, the ground members 60 are disposed to correspond to the pressing pieces 76 of the mating connector 70, respectively (see fig. 1). Referring to fig. 5, each grounding portion 66 is connected to the corresponding pressing member 76 in the mated state. In detail, each grounding portion 66 is in contact with the corresponding pressing piece 76 in the mated state to be electrically connected to the corresponding pressing piece 76.

Each of the ground portions 66 of the present embodiment is pressed against the locking projection 762 of the corresponding pressing piece 76 in the mated state, so that the mated state is locked by friction. Accordingly, the grounding portion 66 of the grounding member 60 locks the mated state together with the pressing piece 76 of the mating connector 70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the grounding portions 66 may be engaged with the pressing pieces 76, respectively, to lock the mated state. In addition, the mated state may be locked by a member other than the grounding portion 66. In this case, each of the ground connection portions 66 may be in contact with only the pressing piece 76.

Each of the terminal 40 and the ground member 60 of the present embodiment has substantially the above-described structure. The structure of each of the terminal 40 and the ground portion 66 of the ground member 60 will be described in detail later.

Referring to fig. 8, the cable retention structure 36 of the present embodiment retains a plurality of cables 22 together. The cable holding structure 36 includes: two ground rods 362, each made of a conductor; and a conductive member 364. Each ground rod 362 has a rectangular plate shape. The two ground rods 362 vertically sandwich the outer conductor 226 exposed from the outer insulator 228. The conductive member 364 of the present embodiment is solder that fills the space between the two ground bars 362. According to the above structure, each of the ground rods 362 is connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22 to have the same ground potential as the outer conductor 226.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the cable holding structure 36 holding the cable 22 is accommodated in a space formed between the two accommodating walls 332 of the holding member 33. Both ends of the cable holding structure 36 in the Y direction are respectively accommodated in the concave portions 333 of the accommodating wall 332.

Referring to fig. 11 and 8, the cable retention structure 36, which is received as described above, is secured to the flat plate portion 52 of the base housing 50. According to the present embodiment, the engagement hole 522 of the base housing 50 is filled with solder (not shown), so that the base housing 50 is fixed and connected to the ground rod 362 of the lower side (Z side) of the cable holding structure 36. Therefore, the base shell 50 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22 to have the same ground potential as the outer conductor 226. The base shell 50 of this embodiment is indirectly connected to the outer conductor 226 through the cable retention structure 36. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the base housing 50 may be directly connected to the outer conductor 226.

Referring to fig. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the cover case 38 of the present embodiment is a single metal plate having a bend, and has a flat plate portion 382 and two side plate portions 386. The flat plate portion 382 extends parallel to the XY plane. The side plate portions 386 are connected to both sides of the flat plate portion 382 in the Y direction, respectively. Each side plate portion 386 extends parallel to the XZ plane.

Referring to fig. 2, the flat plate portion 382 is formed with two front engagement holes 383 and two rear engagement holes 384. Each of the front and rear engagement holes 383 and 384 is a hole that penetrates the flat plate portion 382 in the Z direction. The front engagement hole 383 is located at the front of the flat plate portion 382. The rear engagement hole 384 is located at the rear of the flat plate portion 382. Referring to fig. 2, 3 and 6, each side plate portion 386 is formed with an engagement hole 388. Each engagement hole 388 is a hole that penetrates the side plate portion 386 in the Y direction.

The cover shell 38 is attached to the base structure 32 from above. The engaging projections 334 of the base structure 32 are engaged with the engaging holes 388 of the cover case 38, respectively, and the flat plate portion 382 of the cover case 38 almost completely covers the base structure 32 from above.

Referring to fig. 9, the cover shell 38 attached as described above is secured to the cable retention structure 36. According to the present embodiment, the rear engagement hole 384 of the cover case 38 is filled with solder (not shown), so that the cover case 38 is fixed and connected to the ground rod 362 of the upper side (+ Z side) of the cable holding structure 36. Therefore, the cover shell 38 is electrically connected with the outer conductor 226 (see fig. 8) of the cable 22 to have the same ground potential as the outer conductor 226. The cover shell 38 of the present embodiment is indirectly connected to the outer conductor 226 through the cable retention structure 36. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cover shell 38 may be directly connected to the outer conductor 226.

Referring to fig. 6, the upper portion of the holding member 33 and both sides of the holding member 33 in the Y direction are at least partially covered by the cover case 38. In addition, the lower portion of the holding member 33 is at least partially covered by the base shell 50. In other words, in the YZ plane, the holding member 33 of the present embodiment is at least partially covered by the cover case 38 and the base case 50 (i.e., two cases formed separately from each other). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cover housing 38 and the base housing 50 may be a unitary member. In addition, the structure of each of the cover case 38 and the base case 50 is not limited to the present embodiment.

Referring to fig. 9, in addition to the cable holding structure 36, the flat plate portion 382 of the cover case 38 is fixed to the two ground members 60. According to the present embodiment, the front engagement hole 383 of the cover case 38 is filled with solder (not shown), so that the cover case 38 is fixed and connected to the connection parts 62 of the two ground members 60. Accordingly, each of the grounding members 60 is electrically connected with the outer conductor 226 (see fig. 8) of the cable 22 to have the same ground potential as the outer conductor 226. Accordingly, the connector 30 includes a grounding member 60 configured to be connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22.

Each of the ground members 60 of the present embodiment is indirectly connected to the outer conductor 226 through the cover case 38 formed separately from the ground member 60 (see fig. 8). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the ground members 60 may be a member integral with the cover case 38. Each of the ground members 60 may be indirectly connected to the outer conductor 226 through the base housing 50, or may be directly connected to the outer conductor 226.

Next, the structure of each of the terminal 40 and the ground portion 66 of the ground member 60 will be further specifically described.

Referring to fig. 18, the signal terminals 42 are disposed to correspond to the cables 22, respectively. The ground terminal 48 is connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22 through the base shell 50. Thus, the terminal 40 includes: a plurality of signal terminals 42 respectively corresponding to the cables 22; and a plurality of ground terminals 48 configured to be connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22.

With the connector 30 of the present embodiment, only the terminals 40 are configured to be connected to the mating terminals 72 (see fig. 1) of the mating connector 70 (see fig. 1). The terminals 40 are constituted by signal terminals 42 and ground terminals 48. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the terminals 40 of the connector 30 may be terminals that transmit low-speed signals together with the mating terminals 72. The mating connector 70 may include additional mating terminals (not shown) for transmitting high-speed signals in addition to the mating terminals 72. In this case, the connector 30 may include an additional terminal configured to be connected to an additional mating terminal, in addition to the terminal 40.

Referring to fig. 14, the signal terminals 42 have the same basic structure as each other. More specifically, each signal terminal 42 has a first contact portion 422, a connection portion 424, and a first adjustment portion 426. Each first contact portion 422 extends rearward from the front end of the signal terminal 42 in the X direction, and has a J-shape in the XZ plane. Each connecting portion 424 extends linearly forward from the rear end (-X-side end) of the signal terminal 42. Each first adjustment portion 426 extends from the first contact portion 422 to the connection portion 424 in the X direction. In detail, each of the first adjusting parts 426 extends linearly rearward from the rear end of the first contact part 422 and then is inclined downward to the front end of the connection part 424.

Each signal terminal 42 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each signal terminal 42 may have other portions than the above-described portions.

Referring to fig. 11, each of the first contact portions 422 is exposed from the front surface (+ X side surface), the rear surface (-X side surface), and the lower surface of the holding portion 336. Referring to fig. 7, the first contact portions 422 correspond to the mating signal terminals 722, respectively. The first contact portions 422 are respectively in contact with the mating signal terminals 722 in the mating state. Referring to fig. 9, the core wires 222 exposed from the inner insulator 224 are respectively fixed and connected to the connection portions 424 by welding or the like. Thus, each signal terminal 42 has a connection portion 424 configured to be connected to the core wire 222 of the corresponding cable 22. Referring to fig. 7 and 1, the mating signal terminals 722 are electrically connected to the core wires 222 of the cables 22 through the signal terminals 42 in a mating state.

Referring to fig. 14, the ground terminals 48 have the same basic structure as each other. More specifically, each ground terminal 48 has a second contact portion 482 and a second adjustment portion 486 in addition to the coupling portion 484 described previously. Each second contact portion 482 extends rearward from the front end of the ground terminal 48 in the X direction, and has a J-shape in the XZ plane. Each second adjustment part 486 extends from the second contact part 482 to the joint part 484 in the X direction. In detail, each of the second adjusting parts 486 extends linearly from the rear end of the second contact part 482 and then inclines downward to the front end of the coupling part 484.

Each ground terminal 48 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as previously described, each of the ground terminals 48 may be a member formed separately from the base housing 50. In this case, each of the ground terminals 48 may be connected to the base case 50 by a member formed separately from the ground terminals 48. According to this modification, each of the second adjustment parts 486 need not be provided with the joint part 484, but may extend from the second contact part 482 to the rear end of the ground terminal 48 in the X direction. Alternatively, each ground terminal 48 may have other portions than the above-described portions.

Referring to fig. 11, each of the second contact portions 482 is exposed from the front, rear, and lower surfaces of the holding portion 336. Referring to fig. 7, the second contact portions 482 respectively correspond to the mating ground terminals 728. The second contact portions 482 are respectively in contact with the mating ground terminals 728 in the mated state. Referring to fig. 7 and 1, the mating ground terminal 728 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22 through the ground terminal 48 in a mated state.

Referring to fig. 14, the first contact portion 422 and the connection portion 424 of each signal terminal 42 are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. According to this structure, it is possible to reduce the size of each signal terminal 42 in the Z direction while increasing the size of the signal terminal 42 in the X direction. Therefore, this structure can reduce the dimension of the connector 30 (see fig. 6) in the Z direction.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, the signal terminals 42 and the ground terminals 48 are alternately arranged in the Y direction to form one terminal row 40R. Referring to fig. 15, the signal terminals 42 of the present embodiment include two external signal terminals 42A and two internal signal terminals 42B. Each external signal terminal 42A is located at an end of the terminal row 40R in the Y direction. Each of the internal signal terminals 42B is located between adjacent two of the ground terminals 48 in the terminal row 40R in the Y direction. In other words, each internal signal terminal 42B is located inside the terminal block 40R in the Y direction. The ground terminal 48 of the present embodiment includes two external ground terminals 48A and one internal ground terminal 48B. Each external ground terminal 48A is located between one of the external signal terminals 42A and one of the internal signal terminals 42B in the Y direction. The internal ground terminal 48B is located between the two internal signal terminals 42B in the Y direction.

The typical arrangement of the terminal block of the existing cable connector is different from the above-described arrangement of the present embodiment. Specifically, each signal terminal is disposed between two ground terminals. Therefore, two ground terminals are disposed at both ends of the terminal block, respectively, instead of two signal terminals. Referring to fig. 11 and 6, according to the present embodiment, the ground terminals 48 are removed from both ends of the terminal block 40R arranged in the Y direction. Therefore, the dimension of the connector 30 in the Y direction is smaller than that of the existing connector in which the ground terminals 48 are arranged at both ends of the terminal row 40R. Therefore, the present embodiment can reduce the size of the connector 30 in the Y direction.

Referring to fig. 12, the first contact portions 422 of all the signal terminals 42 and the second contact portions 482 of all the ground terminals 48 are arranged at regular intervals CI in the Y direction. In other words, the first and second contact portions 422 and 482 of all the terminals 40 are arranged at equal intervals. This arrangement allows the size of the connector 30 in the Y direction to be further reduced by minimizing the regular interval CI based on the structure of the connector 30 (see fig. 6).

Referring to fig. 15, the number of external signal terminals 42A of the present embodiment is two. The two external signal terminals 42A are respectively located at both ends of the terminal block 40R in the Y direction. The terminal 40 of the present embodiment is constituted by N signal terminals 42 and (N-1) ground terminals 48, where N is an odd number equal to or greater than three. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the external signal terminals 42A may be one. In this case, one of the external signal terminals 42A and one of the external ground terminals 48A may be respectively located at both ends of the terminal row 40R in the Y direction. However, in order to reduce the size of the connector 30 (see fig. 6) in the Y direction as much as possible, the arrangement of the present embodiment is preferable.

If one of the ground terminals located at the end of a typical terminal block of an existing cable connector is removed, similar to the present embodiment, one of the signal terminals is located at the end of the terminal block instead of the removed ground terminal. The external signal terminals (i.e., the signal terminals located at the ends of the terminal block) tend to have a higher impedance than the internal signal terminals located inside the terminal block (i.e., the signal terminals located between two ground terminals). When the impedance of the external signal terminal is higher than that of the internal signal terminal, the transmission characteristics of the connector may be degraded as a whole. It can thus be seen that the terminal block 40R of the present embodiment cannot be easily conceived from a typical terminal block of an existing cable connector.

Referring to fig. 12, the connector 30 of the present embodiment (see fig. 6) has an impedance adjusting mechanism that brings the impedance of the external signal terminal 42A and the impedance of the internal signal terminal 42B close to each other. The impedance adjustment mechanism includes a ground portion 66 of the ground member 60 in addition to the signal terminal 42 and the ground terminal 48. Next, the impedance adjusting mechanism of the present embodiment will be explained.

Referring to fig. 13, 18, and 19, the grounding portion 66 of each grounding member 60 of the present embodiment includes a side plate 662, a lower plate 664, a front plate 666, and a rear plate 668.

Referring to fig. 10, each side plate 662 extends downward in the Y direction from the outer end of the joint portion 64 and extends parallel to the XZ plane. Referring to fig. 11, each side plate 662 is fitted into a side surface of the holding portion 336 outside the outer portion in the Y direction and exposed outward in the Y direction. Each lower plate 664 is attached to the lower end of the side plate 662 and extends parallel to the XY plane. Each lower plate 664 is embedded in the lower surface of the outer portion of the holding portion 336 and exposed downward. Each front plate 666 extends upward from the front end of the lower plate 664 parallel to the YZ plane. Each front plate 666 is embedded in the front surface of the outside of the holding portion 336 and exposed forward. Each rear plate 668 extends upwardly from a rear end of the lower plate 664 parallel to the YZ plane. Each rear plate 668 is embedded in the outer rear surface of the holding portion 336 and is exposed rearward.

Each land portion 66 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of each ground portion 66 is not particularly limited as long as the ground portion 66 contributes to impedance adjustment of the signal terminal 42 described later.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, each external signal terminal 42A is located between the ground portion 66 of the ground member 60 and the external ground terminal 48A, which is one of the ground terminals 48, in the Y direction. Therefore, one of the ground portions 66 as a part of the ground member 60 is arranged outside each external signal terminal 42A in the Y direction. As described above, the grounding member 60 is connected to the outer conductor 226 of the cable 22, and each grounding portion 66 has a ground potential.

Referring to fig. 12, each ground portion 66 is spaced apart from the first contact portion 422 of the external signal terminal 42A by a distance GD in the Y direction longer than the regular interval CI. Meanwhile, the first adjustment portion 426 of each external signal terminal 42A protrudes toward the ground portion 66 in the Y direction. Referring to fig. 17 and 21, the position of the first adjustment section 426 of each external signal terminal 42A in the XZ plane is the same as the position of the ground section 66 in the XZ plane or overlaps the position of the ground section 66 in the XZ plane. This structure enables the impedance of each external signal terminal 42A to be reduced even when the distance GD is longer than the regular interval CI.

Referring to fig. 12, according to the present embodiment, the impedance of each external signal terminal 42A can be lowered to be close to the impedance of the internal signal terminal 42B (the signal terminal 42 located between the two ground terminals 48), so that the overall deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector 30 (see fig. 1) can be avoided. Therefore, the present embodiment provides a connector 30 capable of reducing the size in the Y direction and the size in the Z direction while avoiding deterioration of the transmission characteristics.

According to the present embodiment, the first adjustment portion 426 of each external signal terminal 42A protrudes toward the entire ground portion 66 in the Y direction. In detail, each external signal terminal 42A of the present embodiment has two first protrusions 429 composed of a first external protrusion 429A and a first internal protrusion 429B. Two first protrusions 429 are formed on both sides of the external signal terminal 42A in the Y direction, respectively, and protrude beyond the first contact portion 422 in directions opposite to each other in the Y direction. Each first protrusion 429 extends rearward from the rear end of the first contact portion 422 to the entire first adjustment portion 426. Specifically, the first outer protrusion 429A protrudes beyond the first contact portion 422 in the Y direction toward the ground connection portion 66.

Each external signal terminal 42A of the present embodiment has the above-described projection. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each first outer protrusion 429A may be partially provided in the first adjustment part 426 of the outer signal terminal 42A. Therefore, the first adjustment portion 426 of each external signal terminal 42A may protrude at least partially toward the ground portion 66 in the Y direction.

Referring to fig. 17 and 21, according to the present embodiment, the position of the first adjustment section 426 of each external signal terminal 42A in the XZ plane overlaps the position of the ground section 66 in the XZ plane. In detail, when the external signal terminal 42A and the ground portion 66 are viewed in the Y direction, the first adjustment portion 426 overlaps the rear plate 668 and the side plate 662 of the ground portion 66. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the external signal terminal 42A and the ground portion 66 are viewed in the Y direction, the first adjustment portion 426 may be entirely located in the ground portion 66. Therefore, the position of the first adjustment section 426 of each external signal terminal 42A in the XZ plane may be the same as the position of the ground section 66 in the XZ plane or may overlap the position of the ground section 66 in the XZ plane. In addition, each ground connection portion 66 may have an additional plate in addition to the side plate 662 or may have an additional plate instead of the side plate 662. The additional plate may be located inside the ground connection portion 66 in the Y direction.

Referring to fig. 16, the first adjustment part 426 of each internal signal terminal 42B of the present embodiment is spaced apart from the second adjustment part 486 of each of the adjacent two ground terminals 48 by an internal predetermined distance DI in the Y direction. The first adjustment portion 426 of each external signal terminal 42A is spaced apart from the second adjustment portion 486 of the external ground terminal 48A (i.e., the adjacent one of the ground terminals 48) by an external predetermined distance DE in the Y direction. The inner predetermined distance DI is longer than the outer predetermined distance DE.

According to the present embodiment, since the first adjustment section 426 of each internal signal terminal 42B is distant from each ground terminal 48, the impedance of the internal signal terminal 42B can be high. Therefore, the impedance of each internal signal terminal 42B can be made high to be close to the impedance of each external signal terminal 42A. Therefore, the entire deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector 30 (see fig. 1) can be avoided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the impedance of each external signal terminal 42A can be sufficiently reduced, it is not necessary to raise the impedance of each internal signal terminal 42B.

The first adjustment part 426 of each internal signal terminal 42B of the present embodiment is recessed inward in the Y direction so as to be away from the second adjustment part 486 of each of the adjacent two ground terminals 48 in the Y direction. In addition, the second adjustment parts 486 of each of the adjacent two ground terminals 48 are recessed inward in the Y direction so as to be distant from the first adjustment parts 426 of the internal signal terminals 42B in the Y direction. More specifically, the second adjustment part 486 of each of the external ground terminals 48A is recessed inward in the Y direction so as to be distant from the first adjustment part 426 of the adjacent one of the internal signal terminals 42B in the Y direction. The second adjustment parts 486 of the internal ground terminals 48B are recessed inward in the Y direction so as to be distant from the first adjustment part 426 of each of the adjacent two internal signal terminals 42B in the Y direction.

In detail, each internal signal terminal 42B of the present embodiment has two first concave portions 428. Two first concave portions 428 are formed on both sides of the internal signal terminal 42B in the Y direction, respectively, and are recessed from the first contact portion 422 in directions opposite to each other in the Y direction. Each first concave portion 428 extends rearward from the rear end of the first contact portion 422 over the entire first adjustment portion 426.

Each ground terminal 48 has one or two second recesses 488. For each external ground terminal 48A, only one second concave portion 488 is formed on the inner side of the external ground terminal 48A in the Y direction, and this second concave portion 488 is recessed from the second contact portion 482 to the outer side of the terminal row 40R (see fig. 15) in the Y direction. For each internal ground terminal 48B, two second recesses 488 are formed on both sides of the Y direction of the internal ground terminal 48B, and are recessed from the second contact portion 482 in directions opposite to each other in the Y direction. Each second recess 488 extends rearward from a rear end of the second contact portion 482 throughout the second adjustment portion 486.

Each of the internal signal terminals 42B and the ground terminals 48 of the present embodiment has the above-described concave portion. These recesses of the present embodiment enable the inner predetermined distance DI to be longer than the outer predetermined distance DE. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the first recess 428 or only the second recess 488 may be provided.

Referring to fig. 12, the first adjustment part 426 of each external signal terminal 42A of the present embodiment protrudes in the Y direction toward the second adjustment part 486 of the external ground terminal 48A (i.e., the adjacent one of the ground terminals 48). The second adjustment parts 486 of the external ground terminals 48A, which are adjacent ground terminals 48, protrude in the Y direction toward the first adjustment parts 426 of the external signal terminals 42A.

In detail, the first inner protrusion 429B of each external signal terminal 42A of the present embodiment protrudes beyond the first contact portion 422 in the Y direction toward the external ground terminal 48A. In addition, each external ground terminal 48A has one second protrusion 489. For each external ground terminal 48A, a second protrusion 489 is formed outside the external ground terminal 48A in the Y direction, and protrudes outward beyond the second contact portion 482 in the Y direction. Each second protrusion 489 extends rearward from the rear end of the second contact portion 482 over the second adjustment portion 486.

Referring to fig. 16, each of the external signal terminal 42A and the external ground terminal 48A of the present embodiment has the above-described protrusion. These protrusions of the present embodiment enable the inner predetermined distance DI to be longer than the outer predetermined distance DE. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the first protrusion 429 or only the second protrusion 489 may be provided.

Referring to fig. 12, according to the present embodiment, the dimension (i.e., the amount of projection) of the first outer projection 429A in the Y direction is larger than the dimension (i.e., the other amount of projection) of the first inner projection 429B in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The amount of protrusion of each of the first outer protrusion 429A and the first inner protrusion 429B may be set according to the positional relationship to the other conductors (e.g., regular interval CI and distance GD).

Referring to fig. 12, each of the internal signal terminal 42B and the internal ground terminal 48B of the present embodiment has a symmetrical shape with respect to the XZ plane. Each of the external signal terminal 42A and the external ground terminal 48A has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the XZ plane. The terminal block 40R of the present embodiment has a symmetrical structure with respect to an imaginary line IL extending in the X direction through a midpoint of the terminal block 40R in the Y direction. In other words, the terminal block 40R has a plane-symmetrical structure with respect to a plane parallel to the XZ plane and including the imaginary line IL. In particular, when the terminal block 40R is viewed in the Z direction, the terminal block 40R has a line-symmetric structure with respect to the imaginary line IL. According to this symmetrical structure, the impedance of the signal terminal 42 can be easily adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal block 40R may have an asymmetrical structure with respect to the imaginary line IL.

Referring to fig. 14 and 17, the first contact portion 422 and the first adjustment portion 426 of each signal terminal 42 have a shape in the XZ plane, i.e., a first shape. The first shapes of the signal terminals 42 are identical to each other. The second contact portion 482 and the second adjustment portion 486 of each ground terminal 48 have a shape in the XZ plane, that is, a second shape. The second shapes 48 of the ground terminals are identical to each other. The first shape and the second shape are identical to each other. According to this structure, the impedance of the signal terminal 42 can be adjusted without making the size of the connector 30 (see fig. 6) in the XZ plane large. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first shape and the second shape may be different from each other.

Referring to fig. 17, according to the present embodiment, the positions of the first adjustment parts 426 of all the signal terminals 42 on the XZ plane completely overlap the positions of the second adjustment parts 486 of all the ground terminals 48 on the XZ plane. In addition, the positions of the first contact portions 422 of all the signal terminals 42 on the XZ plane completely overlap the positions of the second contact portions 482 of all the ground terminals 48 on the XZ plane. According to this arrangement, the impedance of the signal terminal 42 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the sizes of the first and second adjustment parts 426 and 486 in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position of each first adjusting part 426 in the XZ plane may be the same as the position of each second adjusting part 486 in the XZ plane or may overlap the position of each second adjusting part 486 in the XZ plane.

Various modifications may be made to the present embodiment in addition to those already described. For example, referring to fig. 12, the first contact portion 422, the second contact portion 482, the connection portion 424, and the coupling portion 484 of the present embodiment have the same size as each other in the Y direction and extend linearly in the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first contact portion 422, the second contact portion 482, the connection portion 424, and the coupling portion 484 may be bent in the Y direction.

While there have been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.