JP2006108115A - Terminal and electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assure a downsizing and electrical contact of a connector equipped with one or a plurality of integrated PCB assemblies. <P>SOLUTION: The PCB assembly is equipped with an insulation substrate, a cover plate and a selectable spacer, the insulation substrate 16 includes a conductive path 11 of a given pattern on a first surface, and the conductive path includes an end to connect to a first contact terminal 4 and the other end to connect to a second contact terminal 7. Recesses are provided between the substrate and a cover, a first recess 24 is arranged to store at least a part of the first contact terminal 4, and a second recess 25 of a second set is arranged to store at least a part of the second contact terminal 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to connectors, and more particularly to high speed shielded connectors having one or more integrated PCB assemblies.

  Conventionally, right angle connectors have been widely used, and many types of structures are available. Regarding the right angle connector structure, the normal manufacturing method includes a step of stitching the terminals in a suitable housing after the terminal tail portion is bent for each row. However, the method of bending the tail portion of each terminal is complicated because the folding is different in each row. Each row needs to be bent so that each of the substrate contact terminals extends at substantially the same distance from the connector body. In addition, each of the above-mentioned board terminals is accurately adjusted so that when the connector is assembled, the pattern of these board terminals closely corresponds to the pattern of the hole of the PCB (printed board) to which these terminals are inserted. It is necessary to arrange. Yet another difficulty relates to the tail EMI shield when used for high frequency applications. In this case in particular, it is preferable to provide a ground shield as an option on the tail part whose impedance is controlled. For this reason, it is known to divide the production of such a connector into a part that accommodates a contact terminal that meshes and comes into contact with a contact terminal of the counterpart connector, and another part for the tail end. If a right angle structure is required, a separate shield casing can be provided around each of the terminals in the connector. The operation of a connector manufactured in this way is satisfactory, but the manufacturing costs are high.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,014 discloses another method for manufacturing a right angle connector, in which case one or more PCB assemblies are used. Each PCB assembly comprises one insulating substrate, one spacer, and one cover plate, all of which are attached to one another. The insulating substrate is provided with a predetermined pattern of conductive paths, while a ground path is provided between the conductive paths. The conductive path has one end connected to the female contact terminal and the other end connected to the male contact terminal. Each of the cover plates is a conductive shield member.

  In the device according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,014, the insulating substrate is quite thick and can be plated to form a blind hole to form a female contact that mates and contacts a male pin such as a mating connector. The female contact is connected to the conductive path on the surface of the insulating substrate through a thin metal tail that is plated and extends from the blind hole through the material of the insulating substrate to the corresponding conductive path.

US Pat. No. 4,571,014

US Pat. No. 5,710,014

US Pat. No. 4,571,014

  However, in the device according to US Pat. No. 5,710,014 it is actually very difficult to manufacture such a structure with a thin metal tail in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Furthermore, it is very difficult to form a deep blind hole having a uniform thickness plating layer. By using plated holes in the insulating substrate, each printed circuit board must have a predetermined thickness, which reduces the possibility of miniaturization.

  Another disadvantage of the connector described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,014 is that the shield member, the insulating substrate, and the spacer need to be aligned with the small holes and are secured to each other through the aligned holes by conductive rivets or pins. In other words, the holes in the insulating substrate are plated through holes, and thus, in the assembled state, form electrical connections between each of the ground paths between the conductive path and the shield member. However, in practice, this is not a very reliable method for ensuring electrical contact between the shield member and the ground path on the insulating substrate.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

  This object is achieved by the present invention, wherein the terminals provide a connector that is fixed on the surface of the PCB that carries the conductive trace. The portion of the terminal extending on the surface of the PCB is accommodated in a recess formed in a cover or spacer provided on the PCB. The arrangement of the first set of one or more first recesses and the second set of one or more second recesses allows the first and second contact terminals to be either male or female. However, it can be easily connected to each conductive track. Complex plating to form female contact terminals so that the recess in the cover or spacer forms enough space to accommodate a molded contact terminal formed, for example, from a sheet material into a male or female terminal blank No blind holes are required.

  In order to provide a shield between adjacent conductive paths on the PCB, ground tracks may be provided between the conductive paths on the first surface, and a ground layer is provided on the second surface opposite to the first surface. It may be provided.

  The cover plate is made of an insulating material, and the cover plate can be provided with a cover plate conductive path and a cover plate ground path in a predetermined pattern on the first cover plate surface facing the insulating substrate. The cover plate conductive path may have one end connected to one first contact terminal and the other end connected to one second contact terminal. The cover plate may have a second cover plate surface covered with a cover plate ground layer on the side opposite to the first cover plate surface. Therefore, each of the first contact terminals can be connected to one second contact terminal via one conductive path on the insulating substrate and the conductive path of the cover plate. Thereby, the electrical resistance between the first contact terminal and each second contact terminal decreases. The pattern of conductive paths on the insulating substrate and the pattern of conductive paths on the cover plate can be mirror images of each other.

  The ground path on the insulating substrate and the cover plate ground path on the cover plate can be connected to the ground layer on the second surface of the insulating substrate and the cover plate ground layer, respectively, through plated through holes. This can be easily achieved by starting the manufacture of the connector according to the invention from an insulating substrate having metal layers on both sides. On one side of the substrate, suitable conductive paths and ground paths of a predetermined pattern are provided according to a known PCB manufacturing technique. The grounding path can be electrically connected to the metal layer on the opposite side by a plated through hole that can be formed by ordinary manufacturing techniques.

  The recess in the spacer or the cover plate can be formed so as to entirely accommodate one first contact terminal so that none of the first contact terminals extend outside the connector in the assembled state. . Such a structure is used with a shield ground layer and provides an improved shield because each of the contact terminals can be surrounded to a greater extent.

  The second contact terminal can include a press-fit pin for connecting the connector to a printed circuit board or the like, a surface mount terminal, and a solder contact pin.

  The connector can further comprise an insulated connector body that houses each of the one or more integrated PCB assemblies and has a plated shield layer disposed on an outer surface thereof. Yes. This further reduces electromagnetic interference to the surroundings due to such connectors. The connector body has a structure for receiving and fixing the PCB module in alignment.

  A simple structure is obtained when the connector according to the invention replaces each spacer and its adjacent cover plate with another cover plate provided with a first contact terminal and / or a second contact terminal.

  According to another feature of the present invention, the PCB module includes a flat insulating substrate having conductive traces, the terminals are fixed on the substrate, the insulating cover is disposed on the terminal mounting side of the substrate, and the cover attaches the terminals. It has a recess to accommodate it. The cover and the recesses provided on it cover the force required to press-fit the connector onto the circuit board in a manner that minimizes or eliminates stress on the circuit traces when connecting the terminals. Means for acting on the contact terminal. The terminal has a structure that engages with the cover and applies force to the terminal.

  The connector can be provided with a suitable filter member by placing in the connector at least one electrical element selected from a group of elements including, for example, resistors, capacitors and coils.

  Further, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

  Although the figure shows a right angle connector, it is obvious that the principle of the present invention can be applied to other connector structures as well.

  FIG. 1 shows an integrated PCB assembly having an insulating body 13. The insulating body 13 includes two or more layers described below, and a shield ground layer 9 is provided on both main outer surfaces. However, depending on the application, one or both of the shielding ground layers can be omitted.

  The body 13 is provided with a first series of openings or recesses 2 on the first side surface and accommodates a suitable contact terminal 4. On the second side, a similar opening or recess 3 is provided in the body 13 to accommodate a suitable substrate contact terminal 7. The opening or recess 2 or 3 has a conductive surface inside. The recesses 2 and 3 can be entirely or partially plated.

  Each of the illustrated contact terminals 4 includes a female contact portion 14, a tail connection portion 6, and a body connection portion 5. Each of the body connecting portions 5 is accommodated in the concave portion 1 and is electrically connected to the metal layer in the hole 2 by, for example, soldering or press fitting.

  If desired, each female contact portion 14 can be replaced with a male contact portion or a hermaphroditic asexual contact portion, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Each of the illustrated substrate contact terminals 7 includes a substrate contact portion 15 and a body connection portion 8. Each of the body connecting portions 8 is accommodated in one recess 3 and is coupled to the same by, for example, soldering. However, as shown, press-fit or press-fit coupling can be used instead. Further, the substrate contact portion 15 is suitably formed for surface mounting or insertion mounting coupling to the printed circuit board. The term “printed circuit board” is not used in a limiting sense, but includes any type of board to which a right angle connector can be coupled, as is known to those skilled in the art. Means.

  Each of the recesses 2 is electrically connected to the corresponding recess 3 in the body 13 by suitable conductive means. These suitable conductive means may be conductive traces 11 as described below with reference to FIGS. 2a and 3a.

  In the body 13, the grounding path 10 can be provided in the middle portion in order to form a shielding effect between the adjacent conductive means 11. Instead of providing a ground path 10 between two adjacent conducting means 11, other structures are possible. The grounding path 10 can be provided, for example, between adjacent groups of two conducting means 11 and thus has a twinax-type structure.

  FIGS. 2a to 2c show the subsequent manufacturing steps of the right angle connector according to the invention, in which a standard method for manufacturing a printed circuit board is used.

  FIG. 2a shows an insulating substrate 16, which is formed, for example, on a normal flat PCB having a plurality of parallel conductive paths 11. FIG. The conductive ground path 10 can be provided between adjacent conductive paths 11. The outermost conductive grounding path 10 is provided with a ground contact terminal 7 'through a printed circuit board to which a connector is connected. The method of manufacturing the insulating substrate 16 having the parallel conductive paths 10 and 11 is widely known in the printed circuit board manufacturing field, and need not be described here.

  Each of the conductive paths 11 is connected to the substrate contact terminal 7, and the substrate contact portion 15 extends beyond the insulating substrate 16. The substrate contact portion 15 is shown as a press-fit or press-fit terminal, but can be replaced with a suitable solder tail terminal or surface mount terminal as described above.

  The other end of the conductive path 11 is coupled to a suitable contact terminal 4, which does not extend beyond the insulating substrate 16 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c.

  The body contact portions 5 and 8 of the terminals 4 and 7 are preferably fixed to suitable solder pads respectively formed at the end portions of the conductive paths 11. This can be done by conventional surface mount soldering techniques.

  An insulating spacer 17 is provided and has a first series of openings 24 for accommodating the contact terminals 4 and a second series of openings 25 for accommodating at least a part of the substrate contact terminals 7. The recesses 2 and 3 in the insulating body 13 are formed in adjacent layers or lamination interfaces. That is, the recess 2 is defined by the insulating layer 16, the edge of the opening 24 or 25, and the cover 18, for example. This allows it to be secured to layer 16 by conventional surface mounting techniques or other bonding techniques.

  An insulating cover plate 18 is provided, and this cover plate may be provided with a fully metallized ground layer 9 depending on the selection.

  In order to reduce the electrical resistance between the contact terminal 4 and the substrate contact terminal 7, a suitable conductive path 11 can be provided in each of the insulating cover plates 18, one end of which is electrically connected to the contact terminal 4. The other end is electrically connected to the substrate contact terminal 7. These conductive paths can be provided in a mirror image relationship with respect to the conductive path 11 of the insulating substrate 16. The cover plate 18 can also be provided with a ground path 10 between these conductive paths 11 (not shown). These ground paths 10 are preferably connected to the ground layer 9 by plated through holes 26. The production of plated through holes is known to those skilled in the art and need not be described further. Of course, it is also possible to provide a similar plated through hole 26 in the substrate 16 and connect the grounding path 10 to the grounding layer 9 on the outer surface of the substrate 16.

  FIG. 2b shows one integrated PCB assembly manufactured from the components shown in FIG. 2a, i.e., the insulating substrate 16 is attached to the insulating spacer 17, and the insulating cover plate 18 is attached to the insulating spacer 17. FIG. It has been. The first series of openings 24 in the insulating spacer 17 form a recess 2 in which the female contact terminal 4 is arranged to receive a contact terminal of a mating connector (not shown). The female contact terminal 4 shown in FIG. 2a can be replaced with a male or asexual type terminal.

  Instead of providing both the spacer and the cover plate 18, only the cover plate is provided, and a contact for forming a suitable recess for accommodating the contact terminal 4 and the substrate contact terminal 7 can be formed in the cover plate. Such recesses serve the same purpose as the openings 24, 25 in the spacer 17 shown in FIG. 2a. Instead, although not desirable from the viewpoint of cost, such a recess can be provided in the substrate 16.

  FIG. 2c shows a plurality of integrated PCB assemblies that are inserted into the connector body 19 parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 2b. The connector body 19 can be formed from a suitable insulating material and can be provided with a metallized outer surface to increase the shielding effect. The connector body 19 is provided with a suitable guide protrusion 23 and one or more guide extensions 22 so that the assembled connector can be properly connected to a mating connector (not shown).

  As usual, positioning and fixing posts 21 that can be accommodated in the holes of the printed circuit board to which the connectors are connected are provided on the bottom side of the connector body 19. Each of the integrated PCB assemblies preferably has at least one ground layer 9 on one of its major outer surfaces to shield parallel integrated PCB assemblies from each other. Both outer surfaces of each of the outer integrated PCB assemblies shown in FIG. 2c have a ground layer 9 to increase shielding.

  The connector body 19 is provided with a suitable lead-in hole 20 corresponding to each of the contact terminals 4. Each of the drawing holes 20 is suitable for receiving a mating male contact terminal of a mating connector (not shown). The lead-in holes 20 are arranged in rows and columns as indicated by arrows c and r.

  The main difference between FIGS. 2a to 2c and FIGS. 3a to 3c is that the contact terminals 4 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3a to 3c extend beyond the outer dimensions of the integrated PCB assembly. It is.

  In FIG. 3a, a plurality of contact terminals 4 are shown as one punched portion on the carrier. Additional connecting metal between adjacent contact terminals is stamped in the final manufacturing stage. The function of the carrier is to form a stitch process.

  Further, a substrate contact member 7 is shown coupled to the carrier as one punching member. The additional connecting metal between adjacent contact terminals is stamped in the final manufacturing stage.

  Further, here, the cover plate 18 is provided with a plurality of suitable conductive paths, one side of which is electrically connected to one contact terminal, and the other side is connected to one substrate contact terminal 7 to provide an electric resistance. Reduce.

  A suitable ground layer 9 can be provided on one or both of the insulating substrate 16 and the insulating cover plate 18.

  The insulating substrate, insulating spacer and insulating cover plate are bonded together, such as by the use of widely known adhesives, conductive adhesives and / or pressures in the conductive path region, and integrated into one as shown in FIG. 3b A PCB assembly can be formed.

  As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2a to 2c, the spacer 17 is omitted, and thereafter, a suitable recess is provided in the cover plate 18, so that the contact terminals and those of the substrate contact terminals 4 that do not extend from the substrate 16 are provided. Can accommodate a portion of Alternatively, although not desirable, such a recess can be provided in the substrate 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3b, a plurality of parallel integrated PCB assemblies are introduced from the rear of the connector body 19, which is provided with a suitable opening in the rear and accommodates the extending contact terminals 4 (first 3c). When a shield between adjacent contact terminals 4 is necessary, a shield means may be provided in the connector body 19. However, when a shield between contact terminals is desired, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c is preferred because it is easier to form a shield between adjacent contact terminals 4. FIG.

  It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures. In particular, the present invention is not limited to providing an integrated PCB assembly having one insulating substrate 16, one spacer 17 and one cover plate 18. Other quantities of substrates, spacers, and cover plates can be provided and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, the substrate 16, the spacer 17, and the cover plate 18 may have required dimensions. Since the connector can be manufactured using a separate substrate, spacer, cover plate, and the like according to the present invention, filter members such as resistors, capacitors, and coils are easily introduced into the connector using known PCB manufacturing techniques. be able to. For example, you may manufacture with a well-known thin film technique.

  Any insulating substrate 16 may be provided with suitable connecting pins, for example, to be accommodated in suitable holes in the insulating cover plate 18 to more easily align the parallel integrated PCB assemblies and to connect the plurality of parallel integrated PCB assemblies to the connector body. The movement of the integrated PCB assembly can be prevented when inserted into the rear of 19.

  The connector according to the present invention can be manufactured using a standard and inexpensive PCB manufacturing method without performing a relatively widely used and relatively expensive stamping / molding / bending process. Furthermore, impedance matching can be easily performed because manufacturing tolerances can be easily controlled. The connector according to the present invention can be formed for a small-sized coaxial or twinax.

  In the above description, the connector according to the present invention is provided with a set of contact terminals 4 on one side and a set of substrate contact terminals 7 on the other side. It should be understood that the present invention also applies to a connector that can be replaced with a suitable contact terminal for connection to a mating connector or the like. Furthermore, the set of contact terminals 4 can be formed as substrate contact terminals suitable for connection to a printed circuit board or the like.

  FIGS. 4 to 14c show a second embodiment of the integrated terminal PCB module. In this embodiment, the separate spacer member 17 in the above-described embodiment is omitted, and its predetermined function is provided in a single cover / spacer member. The cover and the provided PCB terminal assembly form a terminal module, the plurality of which form an electrical connector in a side-by-side relationship within the housing.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the PCB assembly 30 includes an insulating substrate 31 formed of a material commonly used for the manufacture of PCBs. This insulating substrate 31 may be a resin-impregnated fiber assembly sold under the name FR4, for example, and has a thickness of 0.4 mm, for example. A plurality of circuit traces 32 can be formed on the first surface of the substrate 31 by a normal PCB technique. Each trace 32 extends, for example, from a first portion near the front edge shown in FIG. 4 to a second region or part such as the bottom edge shown in FIG. The trace 32 is provided with a contact pad at each end, and a metal terminal can be fixed to this using solder by a normal surface mounting technique. A plurality of ground shield traces 33 may be provided on the substrate 31. The shield traces 33 can be placed between each of the circuit traces 32 or between groups of such traces. Terminals such as contact terminals 34 are attached to the first end of each trace 32, and connector attachment side terminals 35 are attached to the second end of each circuit trace 32. An additional shield or ground layer 36 may be provided on the remainder of the substrate 31. The ground terminal 37 is fixed to the ground layer 36 in alignment with the terminal 35.

  The positioning hole 39 can be suitably arranged in the substrate 31. The arrangement hole 39 includes a plated through hole, and is electrically connected to an installation layer 38 (FIG. 5) extending along the entire back surface of the substrate 31. As described above, via holes that form plated through holes are disposed in each ground trace 33, and the ground path 33, shield layer 36, and back shield layer 38 form a shield structure for the signal path 33 and corresponding terminals.

  As schematically shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contact terminal 34 is formed as an integral stamping member and includes a dual beam contact in which a base portion 40 is provided with a pair of upstanding portions 41. The spring portion 42 cantilevered from each of the upright portions 41 and forms an insertion shaft for the mating terminal as a pin from the pin header. Such a pin engages a contact portion 43 disposed at the end of each cantilevered arm 42. The contact terminal further includes a mounting portion such as a flat member 44, and this mounting portion is typically fixed to the end of the circuit trace 32 by soldering. This soldering can be done by conventional surface mounting or other bonding techniques. As can be seen from the above description, the cantilevered arm 42 and the contact portion 43 form a contact engagement or pin insertion axis that is substantially parallel to the plane of the substrate 31 but is offset from the surface supporting the conductive path 32.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a preferred form of the connector mounting terminal 35 includes a press-fit portion 48 and a board mounting portion 49. The board mounting portion 49 includes a substantially flat base 50, and an upright top tongue portion 52 is disposed along the top edge. A pair of opposed side tongue pieces 53 also stand upright from the base 50. The mounting portion 49 is held on the circuit trace 32 by a solder fillet 54, which is also formed by a normal surface mount soldering technique. As shown in FIG. 7, the top tongue piece 52 is preferably separated from or placed on the top surface of the side tongue piece 53 in a close proximity.

  FIGS. 8, 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d show an insulating cover / spacer member 56 which is preferably molded from a suitable polymeric insulating material. The cover includes a plurality of contact recesses 57 formed along one edge. Each of the recesses 38 includes a preload rib 58 that applies a preload to the contact. A large central recess 59 may be formed in the cover. A second plurality of terminal recesses 60 are formed along the second edge of the cover. Further, the arrangement boss 62 is formed integrally with the cover, and is formed in a size and shape that is accommodated in a limited gap in the arrangement hole 39 of the substrate 31. These covers further comprise an upper rim 63 extending from the rear of the cover to a position proximate to the recess 57. A bottom rim or support member 64 is formed on a portion of the bottom surface of the cover. The cover 56 further comprises a top arrangement and mounting ribs 65, which are preferably as shown or in the form of dovetail ribs. A similar but short mounting and placement rib 66 is located at the bottom edge of the cover. The surfaces 67a and 67b form a substrate mounting surface on which the substrate 31 is disposed. An adhesive or a film (not shown) coated with an adhesive on both surfaces can be attached to the surfaces 67a and 67b and can extend from the surface 67a to the surface 67b.

  The terminal module 69 (FIG. 9) is formed by combining with the PCB terminal assembly 30 having the cover 56. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover 56 is substantially transmitted in order to simply show the arrangement of the members on the substrate 31 with respect to the cover. The PCB assembly 30 is positioned in the vertical direction by the upper and lower rims or mounting members 63 and 64, and is positioned in the longitudinal direction by the placement boss 62. The contact terminal 34 is disposed in the contact recess 57, and the connector mounting terminal 35 is disposed in the recess 60. The adhesive or adhesive-coated surfaces 67a, 67b described above maintain the PCB assembly and cover 56 together.

  9a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 9, and shows the contact terminal 34 disposed in the contact recess 57. FIG. The terminal 34 is arranged so that the contact portion 43 supports the preload rib 58 and applies a required preload to the cantilevered spring arm or the spring arm 42.

  FIG. 9b is a sectional view taken along line BB. As shown in FIG. 9b, the substrate 31 is substantially positioned in the vertical direction by the rims 63 and 64. The overall thickness of module 69 is approximately similar to the required contact pitch of the finished connector. For example, when a contact pitch of 2.0 mm is desirable and the thickness of the substrate is 0.4 mm, the thickness of the cover 56 is approximately 1.6 mm. Therefore, when the modules 69 are stacked side by side, the required pitch is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 9c, each connector mounting portion 35 has a mounting portion accommodated in a corresponding recess 60. When the board mounting terminal is of a type that receives a relatively large axial force such as a press-fit terminal, the surface 68 (FIG. 8d) of the recess 60 is disposed so as to contact the upper tongue piece 52 of the terminal. Is beneficial. FIG. 9c and FIG. 11 are views along the line CC in FIG.

  FIG. 9d is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 9, and shows the positioning of the ground terminal 37 in the same manner as the terminal 11 in FIGS. 9c and 11.

  FIG. 9e is a view of the rear end portion of the module 69 and shows an imaginary view of the arrangement hole 62 of the terminal 35 and the mounting portion.

  10 and 10a show an enlarged view of the connector contact 34 disposed in the recess 57 of the cover 56. FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG. 10, and shows the arrangement of the preload ribs 58 with respect to the contact portion 43. FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover 56 having the substrate coupling terminal 35 when a downward force F acts on the top edge of the module 69. This force is transmitted to the pressing surface 68 formed on the top surface of the recess 60 by the cover. As a result, the vertical insertion force used to press the press-fit portion 48 into the hole T directly acts on the upper tongue portion 52 and the side tongue portion 53. In this way, the shear stress generated between the terminal base 50 and the circuit trace 32 is minimized. In this manner, loosening or separation of the terminal 35 is prevented. This is achieved at least in part by positioning this surface 68 so that the surface 68 engages the tongue 52 before the rim 63 exerts a vertical force on the upper edge of the substrate 31. Is done. One way to achieve this is to initially provide a slight gap between the rim 63 and the adjacent edge of the substrate 31. In addition, the cover is formed so that a significant portion of the insertion force acts directly on the terminal 35 to minimize stress at the terminal / conducting path interface. The disclosed structure is configured to withstand the required press-fit pin insertion force of 35-50 Newtons per pin.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH of FIG. 12a and shows a connector housing 70 having a top wall 72, a bottom wall 76, and a front wall 78. The top wall 72 includes a plurality of placement slots, for example dovetail slots 73. One or more guide ridges 74 are formed on the top surface of the top 72. The bottom 76 also comprises a slot, for example a dovetail slot 76. The front wall 78 includes a plurality of openings 79.

  FIG. 13a is a front elevational view of a retractable face plate 80 having a plurality of tapered retractors arranged in a grid. Each of the retracting portions 84 extends into the pin insertion hole 85. A plurality of sleeves or hollow bosses 86 extend from the rear surface of the face plate 80 and are sized to be disposed in the opening 79 in the front wall 78 of the housing 70.

  FIG. 14 shows an assembly forming a complete right angle connector from the contact module 69, the housing 70 and the face plate 80. The plurality of pins 90, 90a are shown in a state where the counterpart contact terminal 34 is received. The pin denoted by reference numeral 90a in both FIG. 14 and FIG. 14c is shown in a deviated state to some extent as occurs when the pin is bent. As shown in FIG. 14b, to form a finished connector, a plurality of contact modules 69 align the dovetail ribs 65, 66 of each module with the respective dovetail slots 73, 77 of the housing. It is assembled by pressing in the direction of the front wall 78. The mounting contact 33 and the ground contact 37 are positioned so as to be inserted into the hole of the circuit board on which the connector is mounted. This is typically done by applying a downward force to the top of the housing 70 that extends over the area of the substrate contact.

  An additional shield can be provided by metallizing a suitable surface of the housing 70.

  With the above-described structure, a connector having excellent high-speed characteristics can be manufactured at a low cost. Although the preferred embodiment illustrates the concept of a right angle press-fit connector, the present invention is not so limited, and the techniques described herein provide many forms in which signal contacts are arranged in columns and rows. It is possible to use it for a high-density connector system.

1 shows an outline of a connector for illustrating the principle of the present invention. 1 shows a right angle connector manufactured in accordance with the present invention. 1 shows a right angle connector manufactured in accordance with the present invention. 1 shows a right angle connector manufactured in accordance with the present invention. 6 illustrates a right angle connector according to another method in accordance with the present invention. 6 illustrates a right angle connector according to another method in accordance with the present invention. 6 illustrates a right angle connector according to another method in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a PCB assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Schematic which shows mounting | wearing of the terminal on PCB shown in FIG. Schematic which shows mounting | wearing of the terminal on PCB shown in FIG. Schematic which shows mounting | wearing of the terminal on PCB shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an insulating cover used with the PCB assembly of FIG. 4 to form a terminal array module. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an insulating cover used with the PCB assembly of FIG. 4 to form a terminal array module. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an insulating cover used with the PCB assembly of FIG. 4 to form a terminal array module. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an insulating cover used with the PCB assembly of FIG. 4 to form a terminal array module. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an insulating cover used with the PCB assembly of FIG. 4 to form a terminal array module. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the state which assembled the terminal module formed from the PCB assembly shown in FIG. 4 and a cover as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the integrated terminal module shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the integrated terminal module shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the integrated terminal module shown in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a view of a connector housing for receiving a plurality of modules as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a view of a connector housing for receiving a plurality of modules as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a view of a connector housing for receiving a plurality of modules as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a view of a connector housing for receiving a plurality of modules as shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows various views of the retracting plate of the housing shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows various views of the retracting plate of the housing shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows various views of the retracting plate of the housing shown in FIG. Diagram of completed connector assembly. Diagram of completed connector assembly. Diagram of completed connector assembly. Diagram of completed connector assembly.

Claims (41)

  A connector comprising at least one PCB assembly having an insulating substrate and a spacer layer mounted adjacent to the insulating substrate, the insulating substrate having at least one conductive path on a first surface, Each of the conductive paths has a first end, a first contact terminal attached to the first end, a second end, and a second contact terminal attached to the second end, The spacer has a first recess for receiving at least a part of the first contact terminal and a second recess for receiving at least a part of the second contact terminal.   The spacer includes a cover plate formed of an insulating material, the cover plate having at least one conductive path on the first cover plate facing the insulating substrate, and the conductive path on the cover plate is The connector according to claim 1, having one end connected to one contact terminal and the other end connected to a second contact terminal.   The ground path is provided on the surface of the insulating substrate that supports the conductive path, the ground layer is disposed on the second facing surface of the insulating substrate, and the ground path and the ground layer are electrically connected through at least one plated through hole. The connector according to claim 1.   The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second contact terminal has a structure for connecting the connector to a printed circuit board.   The connector of claim 1, further comprising an insulated connector body for receiving the PCB assembly.   The connector according to claim 1, further comprising at least one filter element provided in a conductive path on the insulating substrate. An insulating substrate having a first surface and at least one circuit trace disposed on the first surface and extending from the first region to the second region, the circuit trace having a circuit trace with electrical terminals on the substrate At least a first region for mounting in an electrically connected state, and
A first electrical terminal is provided, the first electrical terminal being mounted at a first location on the circuit trace, and a contact portion that is disposed offset from the first surface and is in electrical contact with the mating contact And an electrical connector.   The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the contact portion of the terminal extends in the vicinity of the first surface of the substrate.   The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the contact portion of the terminal extends beyond the edge of the substrate.   The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein the mounting portion can be surface-mounted at the first location. An insulating substrate having a first surface, the insulating substrate having at least one circuit trace disposed on the first surface and extending from a first region of the substrate to a second region of the substrate, the circuit trace comprising: Having at least a first location for mounting electrical terminals on the substrate in electrical connection with the circuit traces;
A first electrical terminal having a mounting portion for mounting the terminal at a first location on the circuit trace and a contact portion; the terminal can receive a force applied to the terminal; Has a strong force acting structure,
Electrical connector.   The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein the force acting portion includes a structure extending in a direction away from the first surface of the substrate.   The electrical connector of claim 12, wherein the structure comprises a tab upstanding from a first surface.   14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein the structure further comprises a member that stands upright near the tab.   The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein the terminal is a press-fit terminal.   The electrical connector according to claim 11, further comprising an insulating cover that covers the first surface of the substrate, wherein the cover and the substrate form a module.   The electrical connector of claim 16, further comprising a housing, the housing comprising means for holding a plurality of the modules.   Each module comprises a plurality of circuit traces, each trace having a first location, a contact terminal located at a first location of each circuit trace, a second location spaced from the first location, and a contact terminal The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein the electrical connector is disposed at each second location.   The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein the cover includes engagement means that engages with the force acting structure and applies the force thereto.   The electrical connector according to claim 19, wherein the engaging means includes a surface capable of supporting the structure portion.   21. The electrical connector according to claim 20, wherein the cover includes a recess for receiving a terminal, and the surface includes a wall of the recess.   The substrate has a second surface opposite the first surface, and the metal shield layer is disposed with at least a portion of the metal shield layer overlapping the shield layer on the first surface, and an opening extends through the substrate in the overlap region. The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein the cover has an arrangement member extending into the opening.   27. The electrical connector according to claim 26, wherein the opening is a plated through hole. An insulating substrate having a first surface and at least one circuit trace disposed on the first surface, the circuit trace extending from a first region of the substrate to a second region of the substrate, the circuit trace comprising: Having at least a first location for mounting the terminal on the substrate in electrical connection with the circuit trace; and
A first electrical terminal having a mounting portion for mounting the terminal at a first location of the circuit trace and a contact portion, the contact portion of the terminal having a spring biased contact member; ,
A cover that covers the substrate and forms a module with the substrate;
Means for supporting a preload on the contact member supported by the module;
Electrical connector comprising.   The cover includes a recess for receiving the contact portion of the terminal, and the means for applying the preload includes a rib disposed in the recess, and is arranged to bias the contact member to a position for applying the preload. Item 25. The electrical connector according to Item 24. An insulating substrate having a first surface and at least one circuit trace disposed on the first surface, the circuit trace extending from a first region of the substrate to a second region of the substrate, and electrical terminals on the substrate Having at least a first location for mounting in electrical contact with the circuit trace;
The first electrical terminal includes a mounting portion for mounting the terminal at a first location on the circuit trace and a contact portion, and further includes an insulating cover disposed on the substrate. Has an elongated edge, the elongated edge having a protrusion for securing the module to the kneading housing,
Electrical connector.   27. The electrical connector of claim 26, wherein the elongate edge of the cover forms the top edge of the module, and the terminals are disposed along the edge of the substrate opposite the top edge.   28. The electrical connector of claim 27, further comprising a connector housing, the housing having a slot, wherein the protrusion is shaped to be received in the slot. An insulating substrate having a first surface and a plurality of circuit traces disposed on the first surface, each circuit trace having a first portion of the substrate for mounting one of the first series of electrical terminals on the substrate And a second location for mounting one of the second series of electrical terminals, and
A series of first electrical terminals, each of the first electrical terminals having a mounting portion mounted at a first location on one of the circuit traces, and a contact portion disposed outside the substrate;
Comprising a series of second electrical terminals, each of the second terminals having a mounting portion mounted at a second location on one of the circuit traces and a contact portion disposed outside the substrate;
Electrical connector.   30. The connector according to claim 29, wherein the first and second terminals are surface-mounted on the substrate.   30. The electrical connector according to claim 29, wherein the mounting portion of each second terminal is surface-mounted on the substrate, and the contact portion of each second terminal is a press-fit portion.   32. The electrical connector according to claim 31, wherein at least one second terminal has a structure for receiving a force acting on the terminal in a direction substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the press-fit portion.   34. The electrical connector according to claim 33, further comprising a cover mounted on the substrate, the cover having a member that applies a force to the force receiving structure of the at least one second terminal.   35. The electricity of claim 34, wherein the member comprises a recessed surface formed in a cover for receiving the at least one second terminal, and the force receiving structure comprises a portion of a terminal upstanding from a substrate. connector.   31. The cover of claim 30, further comprising a cover mounted on the substrate and covering at least a portion of the second surface, the cover and the substrate forming a contact module, the cover comprising means for securing the module to the kneading housing. Electrical connector. An electrical terminal for mounting on a circuit board that supports a circuit,
A mounting portion for surface-mounting the terminal on the substrate, the mounting portion having a mounting surface that can be placed on the substrate,
A contact portion extending from the mounting portion;
An electric terminal comprising: a force acting surface that is separated from the mounting surface and receives a force acting on the terminal substantially parallel to the substrate.   38. The terminal according to claim 37, wherein the force acting surface is disposed on a member extending in a direction away from the mounting surface.   The terminal according to claim 38, wherein the member has a tongue piece bent upward from the terminal.   40. The terminal according to claim 39, wherein the tongue piece is disposed along an edge of the mounting portion.   41. The terminal according to claim 40, further comprising a second tongue piece portion along the other edge portion of the mounting portion in the vicinity of the tongue piece portion bent upward. An electrical terminal for mounting on a substrate,
A base and a pair of opposed contact arms extending from the base, the contact arms forming a contact engagement shaft therebetween, the engagement shaft being substantially parallel to and offset from the substrate. A contact portion to be disposed;
A mounting portion extending from the base, and the mounting portion has a surface-mountable portion on the substrate.

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