CN101632200B - Back panel connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a manager for a backplane connector and a backplane connector having the manager. The organizer can be electrically conductive and can be electrically connected to any conductive material in the leadframe assembly of the managed wires.

Description

backplane connector

technical field

The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to backplane connectors having connector modules or leadframe assemblies.

Background technique

US Patent Nos. 5,429,520 and 6,565,388 disclose electrical connector assemblies having various shroud and housing configurations. Electrical connectors provide signal, power and data connections between electronic components. These electronic components may be mounted on printed circuit boards (including, for example, motherboards, backplanes, and daughterboards) to form electronic systems such as, for example, computers.

Backplane connectors (also known as backplane connectors, right-angle connectors, and 90° connectors) provide high-speed signal path. Due to the need for miniaturized electronic devices capable of high speed electronic communication, connectors that are smaller and lighter while providing the same or better performance characteristics are desirable in the industry. Additionally, as the contacts within the connector become more closely spaced, the problem of undesired electromagnetic interference becomes more prevalent.

Accordingly, there is a need for a customizable electrical connector that provides high speed connections in a reduced size and weight configuration. Additionally, there is a consistent need to provide electromagnetic protection for the connector and surrounding components.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, an organizer for backplane connectors is disclosed. The organizer includes a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes a plurality of first openings. The plurality of first openings are configured to receive at least one first protruding element from the first side of the plurality of leadframe assemblies. The second extension is connected to the first extension. The second extension includes a plurality of second openings. The plurality of second openings are configured to receive at least one second protruding element from the second side of the leadframe assembly. The second extension portion includes at least one contact configured to be electrically connected to the electronic component.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a plurality of adjacently arranged leadframe assemblies and a retainer. Each of the leadframe assemblies includes a first side having at least one first protruding element. Each of the leadframe assemblies includes a second side having at least one second protruding element. The holder includes a first extension and a second extension. The first extension includes a plurality of first openings that receive the at least one first protruding element. The second extension includes a plurality of second openings that receive the at least one second protruding element.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a backplane connector is disclosed. The backplane connector includes a plurality of first leadframe assemblies, a plurality of second leadframe assemblies, and a leadframe assembly holder. Each of the first leadframe assemblies includes a recessed portion along the mating side of the leadframe assembly. Each of the second leadframe assemblies is disposed adjacent to one of the first leadframe assemblies. Each of the second leadframe assemblies includes a recessed portion along the mating side of the second leadframe assembly. A leadframe assembly holder is connected to the plurality of first leadframe assemblies and the plurality of second leadframe assemblies. The first leadframe assembly and the second leadframe assembly are fixedly arranged adjacent to each other. The recessed portions of the first leadframe assembly and the second leadframe assembly combine to form a plurality of recesses configured to receive a plurality of guide posts from a mating electrical connector. Each of the grooves has a width greater than that of the respective recessed portions of the first and second lead frame assemblies.

Description of drawings

The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a backplane connector;

Figure 2 is a side view of the backplane connector shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of a first connector module used in the connector shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first connector module shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view of a second connector module used in the connector shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second connector module shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a connector module holder used in the connector shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the adjacently arranged connector modules of Figures 4 and 6;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the adjacently arranged connector modules shown in Figure 8;

10 is a side view of the adjacently arranged connector modules shown in FIG. 8 with the connector module holder shown in FIG. 7 partially installed;

11 is a side view of the adjacently arranged connector modules shown in FIG. 8, with the connector module holder in a partially installed orientation, with the first protruding element partially engaged;

12 is a side view of the adjacently arranged connector modules shown in FIG. 8 with the connector module holders in a fully installed orientation;

13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the backplane connector of FIG. 1;

Figure 14 is a front view of the backplane connector of Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a mating electrical connector;

16 is a perspective view of the backplane connector of FIG. 1 partially engaged with the mating electrical connector of FIG. 15;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an alternative backplane connector partially engaged with a mating electrical connector;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 17 fully engaged with the mating electrical connector shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alternative lead frame assembly for use in the connector shown in Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an alternative retainer for use in the connector shown in Figure 17;

Figure 21 is a side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 17 with the alternative retainer shown in Figure 20 partially installed;

Figure 22 is a side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 17 with the alternative retainer shown in Figure 20 in a fully installed orientation;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of another alternative lead frame assembly for use in the connector shown in Figure 17;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of another alternative backplane connector;

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 24;

Figure 27 is a front view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 24;

28 is a side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in FIG. 24 with a partially installed connector module holder;

Figure 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 28;

Figure 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 24;

Figure 31 is an enlarged side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 24 with hidden wires visible;

Figure 32 is a perspective view of another alternative backplane connector engaged with a mating electrical connector;

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 32;

Figure 34 is a side view of a leadframe assembly used in the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 32;

Figure 35 is a partial perspective view of the alternative backplane connector shown in Figure 32; and

36 is a side view of the alternative backplane connector shown in FIG. 32 partially engaged with the mating electrical connector shown in FIG. 32 .

detailed description

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a backplane connector 10 incorporating features of the present invention is shown. Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternative forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

1 and 2 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a backplane connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The backplane connector 10 includes a plurality of connector modules 12 a , 12 b and a connector module holder 14 . The connector modules 12 a , 12 b are fixedly arranged adjacent to each other and are supported by the connector module holder 14 . Each of the connector modules 12a, 12b may be an Insert Molded Leadframe Assembly (IMLA) capable of electrically executing as a stand-alone unit. Additionally, each of the connector modules 12a, 12b may carry signals in differential pairs or single-ended.

Connector modules 12a, 12b (which may also be referred to as first connector module 12a and second connector module 12b, respectively) are further illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. Each of the connector modules 12a, 12b includes a leadframe assembly 16a, 16b, respectively, and a plurality of conductive contacts 18. As shown in FIG. Lead frame assemblies 16a, 16b (which may be made of an insulating material such as plastic, for example) support the contacts in a columnar configuration. Each contact has a terminal end 20 and a mating end 22 . Terminal end 20 extends from terminal side 24 and is configured to engage a printed circuit board or other electronic device (not shown). The mating end 22 extending from the mating side 26 is configured to engage a mating electrical connector 28 (shown in FIG. 15 ).

Each of the leadframe assemblies 16 a , 16 b also includes a first side 30 . The first side 30 is opposite the terminal side 24 . The first side 30 includes a plurality of first protruding elements 32 . It is to be understood that although the figures show that each connector module 12a, 12b has four first protruding elements 32, the connector modules 12a, 12b may include any number of first protruding elements 32. Additionally, while the figures show the first protruding element 32 as a cylindrical element, it is contemplated that any suitable shape may be used to provide alignment of the retainer.

Each of the leadframe assemblies 16 a , 16 b also includes a second side 34 . The second side 34 is opposite the mating side 26 . The second side 34 includes at least one second protruding element 36 . The second protruding element 36 may be a generally rectangular element. The second protruding element may also include a "ramp" or beveled edge 38 and an extended lip 40 (best shown in Figure 9). It should be understood that while the figures show the second protruding element 36 as a generally rectangular element, it is contemplated that any suitable shape may be used to provide the snap fit. Additionally, while the figures show the "ramp" or bevel 38 facing in a direction toward the first side 30, alternative embodiments may have the "ramp" or bevel 38 facing in other directions. Also, while the figures show the lip 40 extending in a direction toward the terminal side 24, it is contemplated that the lip 40 may extend in any direction.

The first leadframe assembly 16a also includes a first mating element 42a and a second mating element 44a. The first mating element 42a extends from the mating side 26 proximate the first side 30 . The second mating element 44 a extends from the mating side 26 in the vicinity of the terminal side 24 side. The mating elements 42a, 44a extend beyond and substantially parallel to the mating end 22 in a generally cantilevered manner. The first mating element 42a and the second mating element 44a each include a recessed portion 46a extending from the mating side 26 and along the length of the mating elements 42a, 44a. The recessed portion 46a of the leadframe assembly 16a is configured to face a similar recessed portion of the leadframe assembly 16b.

The second leadframe assembly 16b also includes a first mating element 42b and a second mating element 44b. The first mating element 42b extends from the mating side 26 proximate the first side 30 . The second mating element 44b extends from the mating side 26 adjacent the terminal side 24 . The mating elements 42b, 44b extend beyond and substantially parallel to the mating end 22 in a generally cantilevered manner. The first mating element 42b and the second mating element 44b each include a recessed portion 46b extending from the mating side 26 and along the length of the mating elements 42b, 44b. The recessed portion 46b of the leadframe assembly 16b is configured to face the similar recessed portion 46a of the leadframe assembly 16a.

The recessed portions 46a, 46b may be formed by the molding process used to manufacture the leadframe assemblies 16a, 16b or any other suitable method.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the connector module holder (or leadframe assembly holder) 14 includes a first extension 48 and a second extension 50 . The first extension 48 includes a plurality of first openings 52 configured to receive the first protruding elements 32 . The second extension 50 is substantially perpendicular to the first extension 48 . The second extension portion 50 includes a plurality of second openings 54 configured to receive the second protruding elements 36 . The connector module holder 14 serves as an organizer for the connector modules 12a, 12b and may be formed from metal by a stamping process. The retainer can be made of thin material, or can be made thick enough to withstand flat rock insertion.

It will be appreciated that while the figures show the first opening 52 as cylindrical and the second opening 54 as generally rectangular, it is contemplated that any suitable shape may be used to provide a press fit or snap fit, respectively.

The connector module holder 14 may also include one or more contact portions 56 . A contact portion 56 may extend from the second extension portion 50 and be configured to connect to an electrical component such as, for example, a printed circuit board ground plane. Attaching the connector module holder 14 in this manner allows the connector module holder 14 to act as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. It should be understood that while the figures show the connector module holder 14 having three contacts 56 , alternative embodiments may have any number of contacts 56 .

The connector module holder is attached to the first side 30 and the second side 34 of the adjacently arranged connector modules 12a, 12b shown in FIG. 8 . The first protruding element 32 and the second protruding element 36 (best shown in FIG. 9 ) are complementary aligned with the arrangement of openings 52 , 54 in the connector module holder 14 . To attach the connector module holder 14, the free end of the first extension 48 of the connector module holder can be inserted into the recessed edge 58 of the first side 30 as shown in FIG. 10 (best in FIGS. 3-6 ). show). The recessed edge 58 helps hold the retainer 14 in alignment with the protruding elements 32, 36 when the retainer 14 is mated over the connector module 12a, 12b. As shown in FIG. 11 , the retainer 14 is then lowered or rotated into position in a direction towards the terminal side 24 . The first protruding element 32 and the second protruding element 36 serve as a retention structure for the connector module holder 14 . When the first extension portion 48 is in contact with the first side 30, the first protruding element 32 fits into the first opening 52 (see FIG. 12). The second opening snaps onto the lip 40 of the second protruding element 36 when the second extension 50 is in contact with the second side 34 (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). As shown in Figure 12, the leadframe assemblies 16a, 16b may have cutouts in the corners. This provides clearance for the retainer 14 to deflect so that the retainer 14 can snap onto the retention structure.

The connector module holder 14 secures the connector modules 12 a , 12 b adjacent each other to form the backplane connector 10 . The connector modules 12a, 12b are aligned such that the first connector module 12a is adjacent to the second connector module 12b and the recessed portions 46a, 46b face each other. The pairs of facing recessed portions 46a, 46b together form a plurality of grooves 60 (see FIG. 14 ) configured to receive a plurality of guide posts 62 of the mating electrical connector 28 (see FIGS. 15 and 16 ). . Guide posts 62 may be configured to fit between adjacent posts of contacts 18 . The width of each groove 60 is greater than the width of each recessed portion 46a, 46b. And preferably, the width of each groove 60 is approximately twice the width of each recessed portion 46a, 46b. The connector module holder 14 fixedly arranges the connector modules 12a, 12b adjacent to each other. The connector module holder 14 ensures that the modules 12a, 12b are substantially parallel to each other without requiring a separate housing. This reduces cost by eliminating the need for a separate housing.

The guide posts 62 and grooves 60 allow mating alignment by the mating end 22 prior to electrical connection. The connector module holder 14 is also provided for connection to electrical components such as, for example, a printed circuit board (not shown). The connector module holder aligns the terminal ends 20 for press fit to a printed circuit board. In addition, the first protruding element 32 is deformable (similar to a conventional rivet) during press-fit application to the printed circuit board, which further increases the rigidity of the backplane connector 10 . It should be understood that while the figures show six recessed portions 46a, 46b forming three recesses (per side) 60, alternative embodiments having any number of recessed portions 46a, 46b or recesses 60 may be provided. Also, while the figures show a pair of guide posts 62 insertable between two posts of the contact 18, other configurations are contemplated.

Additionally, it should be understood that while the figures show nine contacts 18 per connector module 12a, 12b and six connector modules 12a, 12b per connector 10, any number of contacts may be provided. 18 or connector modules 12a, 12b.

Referring now to Figures 17 and 18, perspective views of a backplane connector 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention are shown. The backplane connector 110 is similar to the backplane connector 10 . The backplane connector 110 is configured to connect with a mating electrical connector 128 .

Backplane connector 110 , which may be, for example, a daughter card socket connector, includes a connector module unit (or housing) 112 , a holder 114 , and a plurality of leadframe assemblies 116 . The lead frame assemblies 116 are fixedly arranged adjacent to each other and are supported by the holder 114 . The connector module unit 112 receives a plurality of leadframe assemblies 116 and provides for electrical connection between the leadframe assemblies 116 and mating electrical connectors 128 (which may be, for example, vertical headers).

Each of the leadframe assemblies 116 may be an insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) that can be electrically implemented as a single unit. In addition, each of the leadframe assemblies 116 may carry signals of a differential pair or single-ended. It should also be understood that backplane connectors 110 may include, for example, high-speed, unshielded electrical connectors at sub-1 Gb/s, 1 Gb/s, and above 1 Gb/s (1 Gb/s to 20+ Gb/sec) operation with less than 6% worst case, multi-source crosstalk (worstcase, active crosstalk). The backplane connector 110 is unshielded at 40 ps rise time/10 Gb/s data transfer speed. The rise time can be 1000 to 35 picoseconds. In the absence of shielding, the impedance is matched to the system impedance, say 85 to 100 ohms, plus or minus 10%.

Referring also to FIG. 19 , each of the leadframe assemblies 116 supports a plurality of conductive contacts 118 as described above for the first embodiment. Each of the contacts 118 has a terminal end 120 and a mating end 122 . Terminal end 120 extends from terminal side 124 (opposite first side 130 ) and is configured to engage a printed circuit board or other electronic device (not shown). The mating end 122 extends from the mating side 126 (opposite the second side 134 ) and is configured to engage the connector module unit 112 (shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 ). The mating ends 122 of the electrical contacts jog in alternating opposite directions. This helps to assemble and balance normal forces and helps with crosstalk. The contacts 118 may have a material thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm (preferably 0.2 mm), with a height of approximately 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. The column spacing between adjacent leadframe assemblies or IMLAs/modules 116 is about 1.0 mm to 2 mm or more, preferably 1.6 mm. Figure 19 shows the contacts (or contact blades) 129 of the mating electrical connector 128, only shown connected to the mating end 122 for purposes of explanation.

The first side 130 of each of the leadframe assemblies 116 includes a plurality of first protruding elements. One difference between leadframe assembly 116 and leadframes 16a, 16b is that one of the plurality of first protruding elements of leadframe assembly 116 may be first hook 131 and the plurality of first protruding elements of leadframe assembly 116 The other may be the first alignment structure 133 . The first hook 131 is arranged proximate to the mating side 126 . The first alignment structure 133 is arranged close to the second side 134 .

The second side 134 of each of the leadframe assemblies 116 includes a plurality of second protruding elements. Similar to the first protruding element on the first side 130 , the second protruding element on the second side 134 may be a second hook 135 and a second alignment structure 137 . The second hook 135 and the second alignment structure 137 are arranged in a generally opposite orientation to the direction of the first hook 131 and the second alignment structure 133 . The second hook 135 is arranged close to the terminal side 124 . The second alignment structure 137 is arranged close to the first side 130 .

The first hook 131 and the second hook 135 engage opposite ends of the retainer 114 . The first alignment structure 133 and the second alignment structure 137 help keep the leadframe assembly 116 straight and aligned between the first hook member 131 and the second hook member 135 . The alignment features 133 , 137 also serve to ease assembly during mounting of the holder 114 to the leadframe assembly 116 .

Referring now to FIG. 20 , the retainer (or shroud) 114 includes a first extension 148 and a second extension 150 . The first extension 148 includes a plurality of first openings 152 configured to receive the first hook 131 and the first alignment structure 133 . The second extension 150 is substantially perpendicular to the first extension 148 . The second extension 150 includes a plurality of second openings 154 configured to receive the second hook 135 and the second alignment structure 137 . The holder 114 serves as an organizer for the lead frame assembly 116 and may be formed of metal through a stamping process. The holder 114 may also act as an EMI shield. In an alternate embodiment, the retainer 114 may have split fingers that retain the first and second protruding elements or tabs on the leadframe assembly 116 . Retainer 114 may be conductive along first and second protruding elements or tabs on lead frame assembly or IMLA 116 . This will provide contacts for connecting to electrical components such as, for example, a printed circuit board ground plane. Alternatively, the retainer 114 and the first and second protruding elements or tabs can be plastic, or any combination thereof. If the first and second protruding elements or tabs and holder 114 are electrically conductive, the entire structure can be grounded. Additionally, the leadframe assembly or IMLA 116 can have polarization features that cooperate with the polarization holes in the holder 114 . This helps ensure proper IMLA assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the retainer 114 is attached to the first side 130 and the second side 134 of the adjacently disposed leadframe assembly 116 . The first hook 131 and first alignment feature 133 and the second hook 135 and second alignment feature 137 are complementary aligned with the arrangement of openings 152 , 154 in the retainer 114 . To attach the holder 114 , the first hooks 131 are inserted into corresponding first openings (or grooves 152 ) on the first extension 148 of the holder 114 (as shown in FIG. 21 ). The first and second alignment features 133 , 137 help hold the retainer 114 in alignment with the first and second hooks 131 , 135 when the retainer 114 is mated over the leadframe assembly 116 . As shown in FIG. 22 , the retainer 114 is then lowered (or rotated clockwise) into place in a direction toward the terminal side 124 . The corner region of the holder 114 (between the first extension 148 and the second extension 150 ) can be deflected by providing a downward force so as to align the second hook 135 with the corresponding second hook on the second extension 150 . The opening 154 engages. After the force is removed, the retainer 114 will spring back upward and will remain to the leadframe assembly 116 . The first hook 131 and the second hook 135 serve as a retaining structure for the holder 114 . It will be appreciated that the retainer 114 may alternatively be assembled by first attaching to the hook 135 and then attaching to the hook 131 .

The retainers 114 secure the leadframe assemblies 116 adjacent to each other when the leadframe assemblies 116 are received within the connector module unit 112 (see FIGS. 17 and 18 ) to form the backplane connector 110 . The ends of the connector module unit 112 include receptacles of suitable size and shape to receive contacts 129 from mating connectors 128 .

The contacts 129 of the mating electrical connector or endblock 128 have a material thickness/height in the same range as the contacts 118 of the leadframe assembly 116 . In one example, the row pitch of the contacts 129 is about 1 mm to 1.8 mm (preferably 1.2 mm), and the column pitch is about 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 1.6 mm.

It should be appreciated that while the contacts 118, 129 are arranged in an edge-to-edge arrangement along the centerline of the posts in the end blocks and receptacles, the two electrical contacts 118, 129 can be positioned on the posts wide-to-broad. on the opposite side of the centerline. It should also be understood that while the figures show twelve contacts 118 per leadframe assembly 116 and four leadframe assemblies 116 per connector 110, any number of contacts 118 or leadframe assemblies may be provided. 116.

Additionally, end blocks 128 may include pins or socket contacts, with socket 110 including contacts of the opposite nature. Furthermore, the receptacle 110 may also include guide pins to minimize the height of the connector system by keeping the height of the guide pins consistent with the height of the header housing.

Referring now to FIG. 23 , there is shown a perspective view of a leadframe assembly 116 ′ in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 shows contacts (or contact blades) 129 of the mating electrical connector 128 shown connected to the mating end 122 for illustrative purposes only. Leadframe assembly 116' is similar to leadframe assembly 116 and like structures are labeled with like numbers. For clarity, leadframe assembly 116' is shown without surrounding insulating material.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a perspective view of a backplane connector 210 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The backplane connector 210 is similar to the backplane connectors 10 , 110 . The backplane connector 210 includes a connector module unit (or housing) 212 , a holder 214 , and a plurality of leadframe assemblies 216 . Lead frame assemblies 216 are fixedly arranged adjacent to each other and are supported by holder 214 . In one embodiment, the retainer 214 may be a single unitary element having a scored region 215 at a middle portion of the retainer. The score area 215 provides a notch or groove that facilitates separation of the retainer 214 at the score area 215 . In another embodiment, the backplane connector may include two retainers 214 (where line 215 represents adjacent edges of adjacently disposed retainers 214). Each of the holders 214 organizes a subassembly of the leadframe assembly 216 for insertion into the connector module unit 212 . The connector module unit 212 receives a plurality of leadframe assemblies 216 and provides electrical connections between the leadframe assemblies 216 and mating electrical connectors.

Referring also to FIGS. 25-27 , each leadframe assembly 216 supports a plurality of conductive contacts 218 as described in previous embodiments above. Each of the contacts 218 has a terminal end 220 and a mating end 222 . Terminal end 220 extends from terminal side 224 (opposite first side 230 ) and is configured to engage a printed circuit board or other electronic device (not shown). The mating end 222 extends from a mating side 226 (opposite the second side 234 ) and is configured to engage the connector module unit 212 .

The first side 230 of each leadframe assembly 216 includes a first protruding element. The difference between the leadframe assembly 216 and the leadframe assemblies 16a, 16b is that the first protruding element of the leadframe assembly 216 may be a first latch 231 . The first latch 231 is disposed proximate to the mating side 226 .

The second side 234 of each leadframe assembly 216 includes a second protruding element. The second protruding element on the second side 234 may be a second latch 235 . The second latch 235 is arranged in an orientation substantially opposite to that of the first latch 231 . The second latch 235 is arranged close to the terminal side 224 . The leadframe assemblies 216 each also include an undercut region 229 that allows deflection of the shroud during assembly.

The holder (or shroud) 214 includes a first extension 248 and a second extension 250 . The first extension 248 includes a plurality of first openings 252 configured to receive the first latch 231 . The second extension 250 is substantially perpendicular to the first extension. The second extension 250 includes a plurality of second openings 254 configured to receive the second latch 235 . The holder 214 serves as an organizer for the lead frame assembly 216 and may be formed of metal through a stamping process. Retainer 214 may also act as an EMI shield. For example, an electrical connector according to the present invention may include a leadframe assembly 216 having a conductive material and a conductive leadframe assembly holder 214 positioned adjacent to the leadframe assembly 216, wherein the conductive material is electrically connected to ground and to ground. to the conductive lead frame assembly holder 214 . The conductive material can be one of the conductive contacts 218 or any other conductive portion of the leadframe assembly 216, including metal portions that are normally discarded after stamping.

Referring also to FIGS. 28-31 , the retainer 214 is attached to the first side 230 and the second side 234 of the adjacently disposed lead frame assembly 216 . The first and second latches 231 , 235 are complementary aligned with the arrangement of openings 252 , 254 in the holder 214 . This allows the first and second latches 231 , 231 to engage opposite ends of the retainer 214 . The first latch 231 and the second latch 235 serve as a retaining structure for the holder 214 . To attach the holder 214, the second (or rear) latch 235 is inserted into a corresponding second opening (or groove) 254 (as shown in FIGS. 28-30 ) on the second extension 250 of the holder 214 . Retainer 214 is then lowered (or rotated counterclockwise) into place in a direction toward first side 230 (as indicated by arrow 255 ). The corner region of the retainer 214 (between the first extension 248 and the second extension 250 ) can be deflected into the undercut region 229 by providing a force to align the first (or top) latch 231 with the first extension. A corresponding first opening 252 on portion 248 engages. After the force is removed, the retainer 214 will spring back and will retain to the leadframe assembly 216 (see FIG. 31 , showing hidden lines for clarity). The top latch 231 is offset by the material thickness of the manager 214 to ensure electrical contact to the ground plane of the PCB. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the holder 214 may instead be assembled by first attaching the holder 214 to the top latch 231 and then to the rear latch 235 .

The retainer 214 secures the leadframe assemblies 216 adjacent to each other to form the backplane connector 210 when the leadframe assemblies 216 are received within the connector module unit 212 . One end of the connector module unit 212 includes a receptacle suitably sized and shaped to receive contacts from a mating connector.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a perspective view of a backplane connector 310 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The backplane connector 310 is similar to the backplane connectors 10 , 110 . The backplane connector 310 is configured to connect with a mating electrical connector 328 .

Backplane connector 310 , which may be a right-angle connector, for example, includes a connector module unit (or housing) 312 , a holder 314 , and a plurality of leadframe assemblies 316 . Leadframe assemblies 316 are fixedly arranged adjacent to each other and are supported by holder 314 . The connector module unit 312 receives a plurality of leadframe assemblies 316 and provides electrical connections between the leadframe assemblies 316 and mating electrical connectors 328 (which may be vertical headers, for example).

Referring also to Figures 33 and 34, each lead frame assembly 316 supports a plurality of conductive contacts 318 as described in the previous embodiments above. Each contact 318 has a terminal end 320 and a mating end 322 . Terminal end 320 extends from terminal side 324 (opposite first side 330 ) and is configured to engage a printed circuit board or other electronic device (not shown). The mating end 322 extends from a mating side 326 (opposite the second side 334 ) and is configured to engage the connector module unit 312 .

One difference between leadframe assembly 316 and leadframe assembly 116 is the orientation of the second protruding element. Similar to the second protruding element in the second embodiment, the second protruding element on the second side 334 may be a latch (or hook) 335 and an alignment structure 337 . The alignment structures 337 of the second side 334 of the leadframe assembly 316 are best seen in FIGS. 35 and 36 as being staggered relative to each other. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the alignment structure 337 may be configured as a latch. It should also be understood that while the figures show protruding elements 337 alone in a staggered orientation, protruding elements 335 (alone or in combination with protruding elements 337) could also be provided in a staggered orientation. Also, alternative embodiments may include protruding elements having a staggered configuration on the first side 330 of the leadframe assembly 316 .

Referring also to Figures 35 and 36, the retainer (or shroud) 314 includes a first extension 348 and a second extension 350 having a second opening 354 as described in the previous embodiments above. One difference between holder 314 and holder 114 is the orientation of second opening 354 . The second openings 354 are correspondingly staggered to receive the protruding elements on the second side 334 . It should be noted that while the figures show only the second extension with staggered openings, alternative embodiments are conceivable with staggered openings on the first extension.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and changes that come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An electrical connector comprising: a leadframe assembly comprising a first side having at least one first hook and a second side having at least one second hook; and a conductive leadframe assembly holder positioned adjacent to the leadframe assembly, wherein the first and second hooks engage opposite ends of the conductive lead frame assembly holder, the first and second hooks are electrically connected to the conductive lead frame assembly A holder, and the first hook and the second hook serve as a retaining structure for the holder of the conductive lead frame assembly. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one first hook and the conductive lead frame assembly holder are electrically connected to ground for electromagnetic shielding of the electrical connector. 3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein said conductive leadframe assembly retainer comprises: a first extension comprising a plurality of first openings, wherein the plurality of first openings are configured to receive the at least one first hook from the first side of the leadframe assembly; and a second extension connected to the first extension, wherein the second extension includes a plurality of second openings configured to receive the at least one first lead from the second side of the leadframe assembly. Two hooks. 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the conductive leadframe assembly holder is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding for the electrical connector. 5. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the first extension and the second extension are substantially perpendicular to each other. 6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the conductive leadframe assembly holder includes a scored region along a central portion of the conductive leadframe assembly holder. 7. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the plurality of second openings are staggered relative to each other. 8. The electrical connector according to claim 3, further comprising another leadframe assembly, wherein said at least one second hook of said leadframe assembly is connected to said at least one second hook of said another leadframe assembly. Hook pieces staggered. 9. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein each of said leadframe assemblies further includes an undercut region along the second side of the leadframe assembly. 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein a pair of said leadframe assemblies combine to form a recess configured to receive a guide post from a mating electrical connector.