EP4651308A1

EP4651308A1 - Connector terminal, connector and connector assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4651308A1
Application number: EP25176933.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: In Chull Yang
Original assignee: Molex LLC
Current assignee: Molex LLC
Priority date: 2024-05-16
Filing date: 2025-05-16
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: CN120978463A; JP2025174870A; KR20250164610A

Abstract

A connector terminal according to a disclosed embodiment includes a body, a first arm extending forward from the body, a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm, a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm, and a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion, wherein the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[Background Art]

When transmission of electrical signals between two boards is required, a flexible board, such as a flexible flat circuit (FFC) board or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board, can be used. One end of the flexible board is mounted on a plug housing and connected to a connector provided on the board. The flexible board includes electrical lines extending in a longitudinal direction and insulating layers formed of polyimide which surround the electrical lines. Ends of the electrical lines provided on the flexible board are exposed through a surface to form contact pads in contact with terminals of the connector.
The terminals of the connector generally include a lever extending from a body in one direction and a contact portion formed on an end of the lever. Since a surface of the contact portion of the terminal can be corroded or contaminated by gas, it is advantageous to have a multi-contact point structure to ensure electrical connection with the contact pads of the flexible board. For example, Chinese Registered Utility Model No. CN 219779289 U discloses a connector terminal including two contact portions.
However, as the number of contact points between the connector terminal and a counterpart increases, a frictional force between the terminal and the counterpart increases, thereby increasing an insertion force required when inserting a plug into a connector. In particular, when the connector includes dozens of terminals, the insertion force increases in proportion to the number of terminals, and thus, when a multi-contact point structure is adopted, there is a problem that a force required to fasten the plug to the connector (hereinafter, an insertion force) is increased. In addition, in conventional connector assemblies, there is a problem that separation is not easy because a large force is required to separate a plug from a connector
In addition, in the conventional connector assemblies, when the plug is coupled to or separated from the connector, there is a problem that the connector terminal and its counterpart are damaged due to a large impact or a large frictional force applied to the connector terminal.

[Related Art Document]

[Patent Document]

(Patent Document 0001) Chinese Registered Utility Model CN 219779289 U

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

Embodiments of the present disclosure are to solve the above problems of the related art.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to reducing the magnitude of a force required to insert a plug into a connector. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to reducing the magnitude of a force required to separate a plug from a connector. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to preventing a connector terminal and a counterpart of the connector terminal from being damaged during a process of coupling and separating a connector to and from a plug.

[Technical Solution]

According to one embodiment, there is provided a connector terminal including a body, a first arm extending forward from the body, a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm, a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm, and a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion. The first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.
In one embodiment, the first contact portion may further include a horizontal surface located behind the second inclined surface.
In one embodiment, the first contact portion may further include a third inclined surface located behind the second inclined surface and extending downward, and an angle between the third inclined surface and the horizontal line may be smaller than or equal to the angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.
In one embodiment, a highest point of the second contact portion may be located at a higher level than a highest point of the first contact portion.
In one embodiment, the first arm may include a first extension extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension extending from the first extension toward the body, and a bent point between the first extension and the second extension may be located forward of a front end of the second contact portion.
In one embodiment, a highest point of the second contact portion may be located to be lower than or equal to an upper end of a support point of the second arm.
In one embodiment, the body may include a support extending forward of a support point of the first arm or a support point of the second arm and located on the second arm.
In one embodiment, according to one embodiment, there is provided a connector including a connector housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the connector housing, wherein at least some of the plurality of terminals may be one of the above connector terminals.
According to one embodiment, there is provided a connector assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, wherein the connector includes the connector terminal of the above embodiment, and the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible board is seated and a front end portion disposed on an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward more than the seating surface. When the plug is fastened to the connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the connector are located below the seating surface, and the front end portion and the connector terminal are formed so that, when the front end portion of the plug housing on which the flexible board is not mounted presses the second contact portion downward, a front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward.
In one embodiment, the front end portion may include a first bottom surface located at a lower level than the seating surface, the front end portion may include a protrusion extending from the front end portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion may be located at a higher level than the first bottom surface.
In one embodiment, the front end portion may be formed so that, when the front end portion first comes into contact with the second inclined surface while the plug is inserted into the connector, the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the front end portion.
In one embodiment, the front end portion may include a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface near the connector toward the connector, and the front end portion may be formed so that, when a boundary point between the bottom surface and the inclined surface passes the first contact portion, the front end portion is spaced apart from the second contact portion.

[Advantageous Effects]

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of a force required to insert a plug into a connector. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of a force required to separate the plug from the connector. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent damage to a connector terminal and a counterpart of the connector terminal in a process of coupling and separating the connector and the plug.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is rear a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly in an assembled state according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a connector terminal according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates a contact portion of the connector terminal according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a plug housing disposed in front of the connector terminal according to one embodiment.
FIG. 9 illustrates a plug housing disposed in front of a connector terminal according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates movement of the connector terminal when a plug is inserted into a connector.
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the plug housing on which a flexible board is not mounted.
FIG. 12 illustrates movement of the connector terminal when the plug is separated from the connector.
FIG. 13 illustrates a plug housing on which a flexible board and a connector terminal of which a part is inserted into a plug housing.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly.
FIG. 15 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between a plug and a connector terminal in the model of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary model of the connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 17 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment.
FIG. 19 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 illustrates a stress being applied to the conventional connector terminal while the connector terminal passes through a gap of the plug.
FIG. 21 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 illustrates a stress being applied to the connector terminal while the connector terminal passes through the gap of the plug according to one embodiment.
FIG. 23 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a plug according to one embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a top view of a flexible board mounted on a plug housing.
FIG. 27 illustrates a pre-assembled state of a fixing member and the plug housing.
FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of a fixing member according to one embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a catch and a plug housing in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the catch and the plug housing in a completely assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a complete assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 36 illustrates a flexible board according to one embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of the connector.

[Mode for Invention]

Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated for the purpose of explaining the technical concept of the present disclosure. The right scope of the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments suggested hereinbelow or detailed descriptions of these embodiments.
All technical terms and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have meanings normally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs unless otherwise defined. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure more clearly and are not selected to limit the right scope of the present disclosure.
It should be understood that the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" used in the present disclosure are open-ended terms that have possibility of including other embodiments unless phrases or sentences including corresponding expressions indicate otherwise.
The singular forms used in the present disclosure may include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and this is equally applied to the singular forms described in the claims.
The terms "first" and "second" used in the present disclosure are used to simply distinguish a plurality of components from one another, and do not limit the components in the aspect of order or importance.
It should be understood that, when an element is referred to as "connected" or "is coupled" to another element, it means that the element may be directly connected or coupled to another element or may be connected or coupled to another element via still another element.
Directional terms such as "upward" and "above" used in the present disclosure are based on a direction in which a flexible board is located with respect to a contact portion of a connector terminal in the accompanying drawings, and directional terms such as "downward" and "below" mean an opposite direction. A flexible board and a connector terminal illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be oriented differently, and the directional terms may be interpreted accordingly.
In the present disclosure, a "connector matching direction" includes a direction in which one of two connectors move when the one connector is made to linearly approach the other one to couple an electrical terminal maintained in a housing of the one connector and another electrical terminal maintained in a housing of the other connector and corresponding to the electrical terminal with each other. In addition, a "connector matching position" used in the present disclosure includes a location that is occupied by one of two connectors when the one connector is made to linearly approach the other one to couple an electrical terminal maintained in a housing of the one connector and another electrical terminal maintained in a housing of the other connector and corresponding to the electrical terminal with each other.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components. In explaining the following embodiments, a redundant explanation of the same or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even when description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that the component is not included in a certain embodiment.
FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly 1 in an assembled state according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector assembly 1 includes a connector 10 and a plug 30 that matches the connector 10. The connector 10 includes a connector housing 11 and a plurality of connector terminals 20 provided on the connector housing 11. The plug 30 includes a plug housing 31, and a flexible board 40 may be coupled to the plug housing 31. The flexible board 40 includes electrical lines and an insulating layer that insulates the electrical lines. Ends of the electrical lines are connected to a contact pad 41 exposed to the outside of the flexible board 40. When the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, the connector terminal 20 is in contact with the contact pad 41 of the flexible board 40.
FIG. 6 illustrates the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment FIG. 7 illustrates contact portions 233 and 253 of the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 6, the connector terminal 20 includes a body 21 and a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25 that extend from the body 21. The first terminal portion 23 includes a first arm 231 extending forward from the body 21. The first terminal portion 23 includes a first contact portion 233 provided on one end of the first arm 231. The second terminal portion 25 includes a second arm 251 extending forward from the body 21 and located at a higher level than the first arm 231. The second terminal portion 25 includes a second contact portion 253 formed at one end of the second arm 251 and located rearward of the first contact portion 233. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, when the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, both the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 are in contact with the contact pad 41 of the flexible board 40 mounted on the plug 30.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first contact portion 233 may include a first inclined surface 233a and a second inclined surface 233b located rearward of the first inclined surface 233a. An angle A1 between the first inclined surface 233a and a horizontal line is greater than an angle A2 between the second inclined surface 233b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A1 of the first inclined surface 233a may be about 38 degrees, and the angle A2 of the second inclined surface 233b may be about 12 degrees.
The first contact portion 233 may further include a third inclined surface 233c located behind the second inclined surface 233b and extending downward. An angle A3 between the third inclined surface 233c and the horizontal line is smaller than or equal to the angle A2 between the second inclined surface 233b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A2 of the second inclined surface 233b may be about 12 degrees, and the angle A3 of the third inclined surface 233c may be about 11.7 degrees.
The first contact portion 233 may further include a first horizontal surface 233d located behind the second inclined surface 233b. The first horizontal surface 233d connects the second inclined surface 233b to the third inclined surface 233c. An area corresponding to the second inclined surface 233b, the first horizontal surface 233d, and the third inclined surface 233c may be referred to as a first curved portion 233e.
The second contact portion 253 may include a fourth inclined surface 253a and a fifth inclined surface 253b located rearward of the fourth inclined surface 253a. An angle A4 between the fourth inclined surface 253a and the horizontal line is greater than an angle A5 between the fifth inclined surface 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A4 of the fourth inclined surface 253a may range from about 40 to 50 degrees, and the angle A5 of the fifth inclined surface 253b may be about 17 degrees.
The second contact portion 253 may further include a sixth inclined surface 253c located behind the fifth inclined surface 253b and extending downward. An angle A6 between the sixth inclined surface 253c and the horizontal line is smaller than or equal to the angle A5 between the fifth inclined surface 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A5 of the fifth inclined surface 253b may be about 17 degrees, and the angle A6 of the sixth inclined surface 253c may be about 12.7 degrees.
The second contact portion 253 may further include a second horizontal surface 253d located behind the fifth inclined surface 253b. The second horizontal surface 253d connects the fifth inclined surface 253b to the sixth inclined surface 253c. An area corresponding to the fifth inclined surface 253b, the second horizontal surface 253d, and the sixth inclined surface 253c may be referred to as a second curved portion 253e.
In the present disclosure, surfaces of the contact portions 233 and 253 are illustrated as being formed in a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the surfaces of the contact portions 233 and 253 may be formed in a combination of only curved surfaces or only flat surfaces. At least one of the first inclined surface 233a, the second inclined surface 233b, or the third inclined surface 233c may be replaced with a curved surface. For example, a curved surface replacing the second inclined surface 233b may be formed so that its average slope (i.e., an angle of a line connecting front and rear ends) corresponds to an angle (e.g., 12 degrees) of the second inclined surface 233b. As another example, a curved surface replacing the third inclined surface 233c may be formed so that its average slope corresponds to an angle (e.g., 11.7 degrees) of the third inclined surface 233c.
The first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e come into direct contact with a counterpart (front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 or the contact pad 41). Since the first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e are formed as horizontal surfaces or gently inclined surfaces, a resistance force generated when the first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e come into contact with their counterparts or pass surfaces of the counterparts can be reduced. This can prevent the terminal portions 23 and 25 of the connector terminal 20 from being damaged, such as buckling, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10. In addition, it is possible to minimize damage to the counterpart, such as a plated film on the surface of the contact pad 41 being peeled off.
Since the contact portions 233 and 253 of the present disclosure have the inclined surfaces 233a and 253a that extend from the front ends thereof and are steeper than the curved portions 233e and 253e, it is possible to make a short distance from the front ends to the highest point of the contact portions 233 and 253. This can increase a contact engagement length of the connector terminal 20.
Referring to FIG. 6, the body 21 includes a support 27. The support 27 is configured to prevent the connector terminal 20 from being separated from the connector housing 11. The support 27 may include protrusions 271 and 272 protruding upward.
Referring to FIG. 6, the support 27 protrudes forward of a support point 235 of the first arm 231 or a support point 255 of the second arm 251. The support 27 is located at a higher level than the first arm 231 and the second arm 251. That is, the support points 235 and 255 of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 are located rearward of the front end 273 of the support 27. A recess 26, which extends from a location 261 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support 27 to the support point 255 of the second arm 251, is formed between the second arm 251 and the support 27. A recess 24, which extends from a location 241 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support 27 to the support point 235 of the first arm 231, is formed between the second arm 251 and the first arm 231.
Since the support points 235 and 255 of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 are located rearward of the front end 273 of the support 27, lengths of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 are increased. Accordingly, slopes from the support points 235 and 255 of the terminal portions 23 and 25 to the curved portions 233e and 253e become gentle. When the slopes from the support points 235 and 255 of the terminal portions 23 and 25 to the curved portions 233e and 253e become gentle, it is possible to reduce a resistance force acting on the curved portions 233e and 253e when the curved portions 233e and 253e pass the counterparts. This increases durability against buckling of the terminal portions 23 and 25.
The highest point (e.g., the second horizontal surface 253d) of the second contact portion 253 may be located at a level lower than or equal to that of an upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm 251. The upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm 251 may refer to a starting point at which the second arm 251 starts to protrude forward from the body 21. Referring to FIG. 5, the upper end 255a of the support point 255 may refer to the lowest point of the recess 26 between the support 27 and the second arm 251. Accordingly, the slope from the upper end of the support point of the second arm 251 to the highest point of the second contact portion 253 becomes gentle, thereby increasing durability against buckling of the second terminal portion 25.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first arm 231 may include a first extension 231a extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion 233, and a second extension 231b extending toward the body 21 from the first extension 231a. An angle A7 between the first extension 231a and the horizontal line is greater than an angle A8 between the second extension 231b and the horizontal line. A length of the first extension 231a may be provided as small as possible. For example, a bent portion 231c between the first extension 231a and the second extension 231b may be located forward of the front end 253f of the second contact portion 253. This prevents a large rotational moment from occurring at the bent portion 231c between the first extension 231a and the second extension 231b when the first contact portion 233 passes its counterpart, thereby preventing the first terminal portion 23 from buckling.
The highest point of the second contact portion 253 is located at a higher level than the highest point of the first contact portion 233. For example, the second horizontal surface 253d is located at a higher level than the first horizontal surface 233d. When the highest point of the second contact portion 253 is relatively higher than the highest point of the first contact portion 233, the highest point of the second contact portion 253 is not covered by the first contact portion 233 when viewed in an insertion direction. Accordingly, dimensions (e.g., a height) of the second contact portion 253 may be measured in the insertion direction.
FIG. 8 illustrates the plug housing 31 disposed in front of the connector terminal 20 in one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates the plug housing 31 disposed in front of the connector terminal 20 in another embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the plug housing 31 includes a seating surface 33 formed so that a flexible board 40 is seated, and the front end portion 32 disposed at an end of the seating surface 33. The front end portion 32 is formed to prevent the flexible board 40 disposed on the seating surface 33 from being separated forward. The front end portion 32 protrudes downward more than the seating surface 33. That is, a first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is located downward more than the seating surface 33. The first bottom surface 321 may extend horizontally.
The front end portion 32 may be formed so that the first inclined surface 233a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32 when the front end portion 32 first comes into contact with the second inclined surface 233b while the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 7, the first contact portion 233 includes the relatively steep first inclined surface 233a and the second inclined surface 233b that gently extends from a rear end of the first inclined surface 233a. The steep inclined surface has a greater resistance force when passing a counterpart compared to the gentle inclined surface. Accordingly, when the first contact portion 233 passes the front end portion 32, it is advantageous in reducing the insertion force when the second inclined surface 233b rather than the first inclined surface 233a comes into contact with the front end portion 32. In addition, it is advantageous in reducing the insertion force to reduce a section in which the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 simultaneously comes into contact with the front end portion 32. The shape of the front end portion 32 may be designed in consideration of the above circumstances.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the front end portion 32 may be formed so that, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 first comes into contact with the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. The front end portion 32 may be formed so that, when the front end portion 32 first comes into contact with the first curved portion 233e, the first inclined surface 233a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32.
The front end portion 32 may be formed so that, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 first comes into contact with the second curved portion 253e of the second contact portion 253. The front end portion 32 may be formed so that, when the front end portion 32 first comes into contact with the second curved portion 253e, the fourth inclined surface 253a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32.
The front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 may be in contact with the second inclined surface 233b without being in contact with the first inclined surface 233a when passing the first contact portion 233. That is, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 passes the first contact portion 233 while being in contact with the second inclined surface 233b that is more gentle than the first inclined surface 233a, thereby reducing a frictional force between the front end portion 32 and the first contact portion 233. This can reduce the magnitude of a force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.
The front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 may be in contact with the fifth inclined surface 253b without being in contact with the fourth inclined surface 253a when passing the second contact portion 253. That is, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 passes the second contact portion 253 while being in contact with the fifth inclined surface 253b that is more gentle than the fourth inclined surface 253a, thereby reducing a frictional force between the front end portion 32 and the second contact portion 253. This can reduce the magnitude of a force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 8, the front end portion 32 may include a protrusion 322 extending toward the connector 10. A step is present between a second bottom surface 323 defining a lower surface of the protrusion 322 and the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32. The second bottom surface 323 is located at a higher level than the first bottom surface 321. The second bottom surface 323 may extend in a horizontal direction (or in a matching direction). The first bottom surface 321 and the second bottom surface 323 may be connected by an inclined surface 324. An angle A9 between the inclined surface 324 and the horizontal line may be formed to be smaller than the angles A1 and A4 between the first inclined surface 233a or the fourth inclined surface 253a and the horizontal line. The protrusion 322 may include a chamfer 326 extending from the second bottom surface 323 to the front end 325. Since the front end portion 32 includes the protrusion 322, when passing the contact portions 233 and 253, the front end portion 32 mainly passes the curved portions 233e and 253e, and a contact portion with the steep inclined surfaces 233a and 253a cannot exist or can be minimized.
Referring to FIG. 9, the front end portion 32 may include a chamfer (or an inclined surface) 327 extending from the first bottom surface 321 to the front end 325. An angle A10 between the chamfer 327 and the horizontal line may be formed to be smaller than the angles A1 and A4 between the first inclined surface 233a or the fourth inclined surface 253a and the horizontal line. Since the front end portion 32 includes the chamfer 327, when passing the contact portions 233 and 253, the front end portion 32 mainly passes the curved portions 233e and 253e, and a contact portion with the steep inclined surfaces 233a and 253a cannot exist or can be minimized.
FIG. 10 illustrates movement of the connector terminal 20 when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 10A, the front end portion 32 of the plug 30 may include the first bottom surface 321 that defines the lowermost surface of the front end portion 32 and extends horizontally in the matching direction from a first end 321a to a second end 321b.
The protrusion 322 of the the plug 30 first passes the first contact portion 233. The protrusion 322 may be formed to pass the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, which has a small inclination angle. For example, a horizontal extension line of the second bottom surface 323 that defines the lowermost surface of the protrusion 322 may reach the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. When passing the first contact portion 233, the plug 30 first comes into contact with the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby reducing the frictional force between the plug 30 and the first contact portion 233. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the large chamfer 327 (see FIG. 9) may be provided on the front end portion 32 instead of the protrusion 322. The chamfer 327 may be formed so that, when the plug 30 passes the first contact portion 233, the chamfer 327 first comes into contact with the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby reducing the frictional force with the protrusion 322 in the same manner.
Referring to FIG. 10B, the front end portion 32 may include an inclined surface 324 extending from the first bottom surface 321 toward the connector 10. The front end portion 32 may be formed so that, when passing the first contact portion 233, a boundary point 329 between the first bottom surface 321 and the inclined surface 324 of the front end portion 32 is spaced apart from the second contact portion 253. The boundary point 329 may correspond to the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321. It was found that the insertion force was the greatest when an inclination start point (i.e., the boundary point 329) of the front end portion 32 passes the first contact portion 233. This is presumed to increase the frictional force acting between the front end portion 32 and the first contact portion 233 when the boundary point 329 passes the first contact portion 233. By forming the front end portion 32 to be spaced apart from the second contact portion 253 in a section in which the frictional force between the first contact portion 233 and the front end portion 32 is large, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of the force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 10C, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be formed so that, when the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the protrusion 322 of the front end portion 32 start to be in contact with the second contact portion 253.
FIG. 10D illustrates a state just before the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 is separated from the first contact portion 233.
Referring to FIGS. 10B and 10D, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be formed so that, when the first bottom surface 321 passes the first contact portion 233, the first bottom surface 321 does not come into contact with the second contact portion 253 before the first end 321a passes an apex of the first contact portion 233. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be formed so that, when the first end 321a is separated from the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b comes into contact with the second contact portion 253. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize and eliminate a section in which the first bottom surface 321 simultaneously presses the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253, which allows the plug 30 to be more easily inserted into the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a connector matching process may include a first operation in which the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the apex of the first contact portion 233 and a second operation in which the first bottom surface 321 passes an apex of the second contact portion 253. In the first operation, the first bottom surface 321 may not come into contact with the second contact portion 253 before the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the second operation, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 is separated from the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 may be in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion 253.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the plug housing 31 on which the flexible board 40 is not mounted. FIG. 12 illustrates movement of the connector terminal when the plug 30 is separated from the connector 10.
As needed, the plug housing 31 on which the flexible board 40 is not mounted may be coupled to the connector 10. The front end portion 32 and the connector terminal 20 may be formed so that, when the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 on which the flexible board 40 is not mounted presses the second contact portion 253 downward, the front end of the second contact portion 253 presses the first arm 231 downward.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, since the flexible board 40 is not mounted on the plug housing 31, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 is located close to the seating surface 33. In this state, during the process in which the plug 30 is separated from the connector terminal 20, the front end portion 32 frequently gets caught on the first contact portion 233, which can increase a separation force from or damage to the connector terminal 20.
Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12D, while the plug 30 moves rearward from the connector 10, the front end portion 32 presses the second arm 251 and the second contact portion 253 of the second terminal portion 25 downward. The second contact portion 253 comes into contact with the first arm 231 of the first terminal portion 23 located thereunder and presses the first terminal portion 23 downward. Accordingly, the first contact portion 233 of the first terminal portion 23 moves downward. Since the first contact portion 233 is located at a lower level than an initial location, the front end portion 32 can more easily pass the first contact portion 233. That is, it is possible to reduce a resistance force generated when the front end portion 32 gets caught on the first contact portion 233 when the plug 30 moves rearward. This can prevent the connector terminal 20 from being damaged and allow the plug 30 to be smoothly separated from the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 12C, the plug housing 31 may be formed so that the first bottom surface 321 presses the second contact portion 253 until the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 comes into contact with the first contact portion 233.
Referring to FIG. 12C, considering only that the second contact portion 253 presses the first contact portion 233, the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to a predetermined length to maintain the pressed state of the first contact portion 233. However, since the length of the front end portion 32 is too long and the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 come into contact with the front end portion 32 at the same time, there is a problem that the insertion force increases, and thus the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is preferably limited to a length capable of preventing this.
Referring to FIGS. 12C and 12D, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be formed so that the front end portion 32 does not come into contact with the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be formed so that, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 first comes into contact with the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion 253. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize and eliminate a section in which the first bottom surface 321 simultaneously presses the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253, which allows the plug 30 to be more easily separated from the connector 10.
Referring to FIG. 12D, when the first bottom surface 321 enters the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the inclined surface 324 rather than the first bottom surface 321 may come into contact with the second contact portion 253.
Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a connector separation process may include a first operation in which the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253 and a second operation in which the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the first operation, the first bottom surface 321 may not come into contact with the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253. In the second operation, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 first comes into contact with the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 may be in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion 253.
FIG. 13 illustrates the plug housing 31 on which the flexible board 40 is mounted and the connector terminal 20 of which a part is inserted into the plug housing 31.
Referring to FIG. 13, when the flexible board 40 is mounted on the plug housing 31, a gap g may be present between the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 and the flexible board 40. Since a clearance in a front-rear direction is present between the flexible board 40 and the plug housing 31, the flexible board 40 may swing in the front-rear direction in the plug housing 31. In this case, the first contact portion 233 pushes the flexible board 40 in a direction away from the front end portion 32 while passing the contact pad 41, and the gap g may be wider.
Referring to FIG. 7 together, a length d1 of the first curved portion 233e in the front-rear direction and/or a length d2 of the second curved portion 253e in the front-rear direction may be set to be greater than or equal to the gap g between the flexible board 40 and the front end portion 32.
When the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 pass the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 and are then seated on the contact pad 41 of the flexible board 40. The gap g is present between the flexible board 40 and the plug housing 31 due to an assembly clearance, but since the contact portions 233 and 235 have the curved portions 233e and 253e, the contact portions 233 and 235 can smoothly pass the front end portion 32 and then may be settled on the contact pad 41.
The contact portions 233 and 235 may come into contact with an edge of the flexible board 40, but since the curved portions 233e and 235e come into contact with the edge instead of the steep inclined surfaces 233a and 235a of the contact portions 233 and 235, it is possible to prevent a large impact applied to the contact portions 233 and 235. This can prevent the contact portions 233 and 235 and the contact pad 41 from being damaged. When such damage is not prevented, the plated layer of the contact portion or the contact pad may be peeled, thereby causing chemical/electrical corrosion problems due to contamination in the peeled portion, which can rapidly increase contact resistance. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, since damage to the contact pad 41 can be minimized or prevented when the first contact portion 233 passes the contact pad 41, it is possible to prevent the above problems, and thus the second contact portion 253 may be seated on the contact pad 41 without a great resistance force.
FIG. 14 is an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly. FIG. 15 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between a plug 150 and a connector terminal 160 in the model of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary model of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 19 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force and a separation force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of FIG. 18.
FIG. 14 illustrates modeling of a conventional plug 150 and a conventional connector terminal 160. The plug 150 includes a plug housing 151 and the flexible board 40 mounted on the plug housing 151, and the gap g is present between an end portion of the flexible board 40 and a front end portion of the plug housing 151. The connector terminal 160 includes a first terminal 161 and a second terminal 162, and the two terminals 161 and 162 include a first contact portion 1611 and a second contact portion 1621 that protrude sharply upward. In the model of FIG. 14, the insertion force when the plug 150 is inserted into the connector is illustrated as a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 1621 passes the gap g.
FIG. 16 illustrates modeling of the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the plug 30 includes the plug housing 31 and the flexible board 40 mounted on the plug housing 31, and the gap g is present between the end portion of the flexible board 40 and the front end portion of the plug housing 31. The front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 includes a protrusion 322 protruding forward (or in the matching direction) (see FIG. 8). The connector terminal 20 includes the first terminal portion 23 and the second terminal portion 25, and the two terminal portions 23 and 25 include the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 that protrude gently upward. In the model of FIG. 16, the insertion force when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector is illustrated as a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 17. In FIG. 17, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes the gap g. Compared to the peak of FIG. 15, the magnitude of the peak of the insertion force in FIG. 17 is about 1/3 times the magnitude of the peak of the insertion force in the conventional connector assembly. Such a technical effect is due to the fact that the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 are provided to have a gentle curve and the protrusion 322 is provided on the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31.
FIG. 18 illustrates modeling of the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, the plug 30 includes the plug housing 31 and the flexible board 40 mounted on the plug housing 31, and the gap g is present between the end portion of the flexible board 40 and the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31. The front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 includes the chamfer 327 extending forward (or in the matching direction) (see FIG. 9). The connector terminal 20 includes the first terminal portion 23 and the second terminal portion 25, and the two terminal portions 23 and 25 include the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 that protrude gently upward. In the model of FIG. 18, the insertion force when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector is illustrated as a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes the gap g. Compared to the peak of FIG. 15, the magnitude of the peak insertion force in FIG. 19 is about 1/3 times the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly. Such a technical effect is due to the fact that the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 are provided to have a gentle curve and the chamfer 327 is provided on the front end portion 32.
FIG. 20 illustrates a stress acting on the conventional connector terminal 160 while the connector terminal 160 passes the gap g of the plug 150. FIG. 21 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force between the plug 150 and the connector terminal 160 in the model of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 illustrates stress acting on the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment while the connector terminal 20 passes the gap g of the plug 30. FIG. 23 illustrates a result of simulating an insertion force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of FIG. 22.
Referring to FIG. 20, the plug 150 includes the plug housing 151 and the flexible board 40 mounted on the plug housing 151. The plug housing 151 includes a front end portion 152, and a gap g is present between the front end portion 152 and the flexible board 40. The connector terminal 160 includes the contact portion 1611 being in an electrical contact with the flexible board 40, and the contact portion 1611 is provided at an end portion of an arm 1612 extending forward from a body of the terminal. The arm 1612 includes a neck portion 1612a bent toward the terminal. Referring to FIG. 20, a large stress occurs in the neck portion 1612a of the connector terminal 160 while the contact portion 1611 of the connector terminal 160 passes the gap g and the edge of the flexible board 40. Referring to FIG. 21, a peak insertion force occurs in the above section. The large stress acting on the neck portion 1612a of the connector terminal 160 may cause damage to the connector terminal 160, such as buckling of the connector terminal 160.
In the model of FIG. 22, the connector terminal 20 is simplified to include only the first terminal portion 23 of the connector terminal 20 as illustrated in FIG. 6, etc. Referring to FIG. 22, it is confirmed that the stress generated in the neck portion (i.e., the second extension 231a) of the connector terminal 20 is significantly mitigated while the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 passes the gap g and the edge of the flexible board 40. Referring to FIG. 23, the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the above section is about 1/10 times the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly of FIG. 20, which can prevent damage to the connector terminal 20. These effects are due to the fact that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 is provided to have a gentle curve, the slope from the support point of the arm 231 to the first contact portion 233 is more gentle than the slope in the conventional connector terminal 160, and the neck portion of the first terminal portion 23 is provided to be shorter than the neck portion of the conventional connector terminal 160.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the plug 50 according to one embodiment. FIG. 26 is a top view of a flexible board 52 mounted on the plug housing 51.
Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the connector assembly according to one embodiment includes the plug 50 and the connector 60. The plug 50 may include the plug housing 51, the flexible board 52 and a fixing member 53 coupled to the plug housing 51.
Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the fixing member 53 may include a first support 532 protruding from a body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The first support 532 may be located at a central portion of the body 531. The plug housing 51 may include a first hole 511 into which the first support 532 is inserted. The flexible board 52 may include a first board hole 521 into which the first support 532 is inserted. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the first support 532 passes through the first hole 511 and is located in the first board hole 521.
The fixing member 53 may include a second support 533 protruding from the body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The second support 533 may iclude two protrusions located at both sides of the body 531. The plug housing 51 may include a second hole 512 into which the second support 533 is inserted. The flexible board 52 may include a second board hole 522 into which the second support 533 is inserted. In FIG. 25, the second board hole 522 is provided in the form of a hole with an open one side, but this is only an example, and the second board hole 522 may be provided in the form of a closed hole like the first board hole 521. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the second support 533 passes through the second hole 512 and is located in the second board hole 522.
Referring to FIG. 26, when the plug 50 is inserted into the connector 60, the connector terminal comes into contact with a contact pad 52a of the flexible board 52 to push the flexible board 52. The flexible board 52 is supported by the first support 532 at the central portion thereof and supported by the second support 533 at both sides thereof, which can prevent or minimize the flexible board 52 from being pushed inside the plug housing 51. This can minimize or eliminate the gap g between the flexible board 52 and the front end portion of the plug housing 51 and further prevent or minimize the increase in insertion force and damage to the connector terminal and the pad 53a of the connector terminal and the flexible board 52. In addition, it is possible to minimize a degree to which the flexible board 52 is pushed inside the plug housing 51, thereby stably securing a contact engagement length between the flexible board 52 and the connector terminal, which can contribute to reducing the overall size of the connector assembly.
FIG. 27 illustrates a pre-assembled state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51. FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the fixing member 53 according to one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a catch 534 and the plug housing 51 in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the catch 534 and the plug housing 51 in a completely assembled state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51.
Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the fixing member 53 may include the catches 534 extending downward from both sides of the body 531. The plug housing 51 may include hooks 513 and 514 on which the catches 534 are caught. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the catches 534 surround both sides of the plug housing 51. In a state in which the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 are coupled, the catches 534 are caught on the hooks 513 and 514, which prevents the fixing member 53 from being separated from the plug housing 51.
The catch 534 may include a first accommodation portion 534a and a second accommodation portion 534b located at a higher level than the second accommodation portion 534b. The catch 534 may include two arms 534e and 534f extending downward from an end portion of the body 531 and spaced apart from each other. The catch 534 may include a first bridge 534c and a second bridge 534d that connect the two arms 534e and 534f and are spaced apart from each other.
The first accommodation portion 534a may be defined as a space surrounded by the two arms 534e and 534f, the first bridge 534c, and the second bridge 534d. The second accommodation portion 534b may be defined as a space surrounded by two arms 534e and 534f and the second bridge 534d.
The hooks 513 and 514 may include a first bump 513 and a second bump 514 located at a higher level than the first bump 513. The first accommodation portion 534a and the second accommodation portion 534b are configured to accommodate the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively. The second bump 514 is also accommodated in the first accommodation portion 534a.
The fixing member 53 may be coupled to the plug housing 51 in two states. A first assembly state is a pre-assembled state in which the first accommodation portion 534a of the catch 534 is inserted into the second bump 514 of the plug 50 housing. A second assembly state is a complete assembled state in which the first accommodation portion 534a and the second accommodation portion 534b are inserted into the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively.
When the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d pass the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively, the fixing member 53 is completely assembled to the plug housing 51. Accordingly, to prevent the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d from easily passing the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively, the first bump 513 and the second bump 514 may be formed so that angles of upper inclined surfaces a11 and a12 are less than 45 degrees.
When the pre-assembled state is changed to the completely assembled state, the second bridge 534d needs to pass the second bump 514, and since the second bridge 534d is located close to the support point of the catch 534, when the second bridge 534d is lifted while passing the second bump 514, a relatively large moment is generated at the support point of the catch 534, which can damage the catch 534. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, to prevent such a problem, an overlapping width of the second bridge 534d and the second bump 514 in a vertical direction (or an assembly direction of the fixing member 53 to the plug housing 51) may be provided at an appropriate level.
For example, referring to FIG. 30, the second bump 514 may be provided at a height that is a predetermined length d3 lower than the first bump 513. As another example, an overlapping width of the second bridge 534d and the second bump 514 in the vertical direction can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the second bridge 534d.
To change from the pre-assembled state to the completely assembled state, the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d need to pass the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively, which requires pushing the fixing member 53 with a relatively large force. Referring to FIG. 29, chamfers C1 and C2 or rounded portions may be applied to portions of the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d, which come into contact with the first bump 513 and the second bump 514.
The plug 50 may be provided in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member 53, and when the plug 50 is transported or held, a situation in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally completely assembled to the plug housing 51 may occur. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, interaction between the catch 534 and the hooks 513 and 514 assists the fixing member 53 to maintain the pre-assembled state with the plug housing 51 well, thereby minimizing or preventing the situation in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally completely assembled to the plug housing 51.
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure between the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure between the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 in a state in which the fixing member 53 is completely assembled to the plug housing 51.
Referring to FIG. 31, in the pre-assembled state, a lower portion of the second support 533 is inserted into the second hole 512. Since the second support 533 does not move downward to a location at which the flexible board 52 will be disposed in the pre-assembled state, the flexible board 52 may be inserted into the plug housing 51 without interference with the support 533.
The second support 533 may include a protrusion 533a protruding in a direction (i.e., a horizontal direction) perpendicular to a direction (i.e., a vertical direction) in which the second hole 512 is open at the bottom. A width W1 of the second support 533 at a location of the protrusion 533a is greater than a width W2 of the second hole 512. The protrusion 533a prevents the second support 533 from being completely inserted into the second hole 512 in the pre-assembled state. When the fixing member 53 is pressed with a relatively strong force, the protrusion 533a is pressed and crushed by an inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 so that the second support 533 may be completely inserted into the second hole 512. In FIG. 31, the protrusion 533a may be located on the left of the second support, but this is only an example, and in another embodiment, the protrusion 533a may be located at the right of the second support.
The plug 50 may be provided in a pre-assembled state of the fixing member 53, and when the plug 50 is transported or held, a situation in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally completely assembled to the plug housing 51 may occur. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion 533a of the second support 533 assists he fixing member 53 to maintain the pre-assembled state with the plug housing 51 well, thereby minimizing or preventing the situation in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally completely assembled to the plug housing 51.
Referring to FIGS. 30 to 32, the second support 533 may include a first protrusion 533b located inside the second board hole 522 of the flexible board 52 in the completely assembled state. The second support 533 may include a second protrusion 533c located inside the second hole 512 in the completely assembled state. The first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude from different portions of the second support 533 in opposite directions. The first protrusion 533b protrudes in a direction (to the right in the drawings) from a central portion of the second support 533 toward the front end of the flexible board 52. The second protrusion 533c protrudes in a direction (to the left in the drawings) from an upper portion of the second support 533 toward a front end of the flexible board 52.
Referring to FIG. 32, both a width W3 of the central portion of the second support 533 in which the first protrusion 533b is located and a width W4 of an upper portion of the second support 533 in which the second protrusion 533c is located are smaller than the width W2 of the second hole 512 to smoothly pass through the second hole 512. A width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c may be greater than or equal to the width W2 of the second hole 512.
The flexible board 52 is supported by the first protrusion 533b of the second support 533, and the second support 533 is supported by the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 at the second protrusion 533c. Accordingly, in the flexible board 52, a location of the inner surface 522a of the second board hole 522 with respect to the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 cannot be pushed to the left more than the width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c from the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512.
When the connector 60 and the plug 50 illustrated in FIG. 24 are matched, states of the plug 50 and the connector 60 are similar to those of FIG. 13. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 26, during the matching process of the plug 50 and the connector terminal, the connector terminal pushes the flexible board 52 in a direction opposite to the matching direction. When the flexible board 52 is pushed, the gap g between the flexible board 52 and the front end portion 51a of the plug housing 51 is wider, which may result in increased insertion force and damage to the connector terminal and the contact pad 52a of the flexible board 52.
However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude from different portions of the second support 533 in different directions. With such a structure, the width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c may become relatively large. This can minimize a degree to which the flexible board 52 is pushed during the matching of the connector and the plug, thereby minimizing or eliminating the gap g between the flexible board 52 and the front end portion of the plug housing 51 and further preventing or minimizing an increase in insertion force and damage to the contact pad 52a of the connector terminal and the flexible board 52. In addition, it is possible to minimize a degree to which the flexible board 52 is pushed with respect to the plug housing 51, thereby stably securing the contact engagement length between the flexible board 52 and the connector terminal, which can contribute to reducing the overall size of the connector assembly.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 36 illustrates the flexible board 52 in one embodiment. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 60 assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of the connector 60.
Referring to FIGS. 33 to 35, the connector assembly includes a connector 80 mounted on a case 100 and a plug 70 coupled to the connector 80. After the plug 70 is coupled to the connector 80, a connector position assurance 90 (hereinafter referred to as a CPA) is coupled to the plug 70, which prevents the plug 70 from being separated from the connector 80. In FIG. 33, the case 100 is a member that surrounds an electronic device, and only a part of the case 100 is illustrated for convenience of description.
To prevent moisture from penetrating the case 100 through the connector assembly, a sealing member may be installed in a gap between the connector assembly and the case 100 and between internal components of the connector assembly.
Referring to FIG. 35, since the flexible board 72 is very thin with a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.3 mm, there is a high risk of external moisture penetrating the gap between the flexible board 72 and the plug housing 71 when the flexible board 72 is mounted on the plug housing 71. To prevent this, a first sealing member 73 may be disposed between the flexible board 72 and the plug housing 71.
Referring to FIG. 36, the plug 70 may include a first cover 74 coupled to one side of the plug housing 71 and a second cover 75 coupled to the other side of the plug housing 71. The first sealing member 73 is inserted between the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71.
Referring to FIGS. 35 and 37, the first sealing member 73 may include a first inclined portion 731 and a second inclined portion 732 respectively disposed at a central portion 730 and both sides of the central portion 730. In the first sealing member 73, the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 are sequentially arranged.
The first cover 74 surrounds the central portion 730 in a peripheral direction. The first cover 74 presses the central portion 730 inward, thereby securing airtightness between the first sealing member 73 and the first cover 74.
The first sealing member 73 is coupled to the flexible board 72 so that the flexible board 72 passes the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732. The first sealing member 73 may be provided on the flexible board 72 through integrated injection. For example, a liquid material, such as rubber, silicone, etc., may be directly injected into the flexible board 72 to form the first sealing member 73.
Referring to FIG. 36, the flexible board 72 may include first wings 721 extending outward from both sides thereof. The first cover 74 may move in a direction away from the first sealing member 73 along the flexible board 72, and the first cover 74 may be caught on a second wing 722 and cannot pass the first wing 721. Due to the second wing 722, the first cover 74 may be located around the first sealing member 73, and thus, when the flexible board 72 is coupled to the plug housing 71, the worker can easily couple the first cover 74 to the plug housing 71. When the first sealing member 73 is formed on the flexible board 72 through integrated injection, the first cover 74 may be pre-coupled between the position at which the first sealing member 73 is formed (e.g., the second wing 722) and the first wing 721.
The first and second inclined portions 731 and 732 may become thicker toward the central portion 730. Referring to FIG. 35, heights of the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732 (lengths measured from the flexible board 72 in the vertical direction VD) in a vertically cut cross section of the first sealing member 73 may increase toward the central portion 730. Referring to FIG. 37, in a horizontally cut cross-section of the first sealing member 73, the heights of the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732 (the lengths measured in a horizontal direction HD from a center axis C to upper surfaces of the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732) may increase toward the central portion 730.
Referring to FIGS. 35 and 37, the first cover 74 includes a first hole 741 that accommodates the first inclined portion 731 of the first sealing member 73. The first hole 741 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first inclined portion 731. The first hole 741 may be provided in a shape in which a cross-sectional area of the hole increases in a matching direction CD.
The plug housing 71 includes a second hole 715 that accommodates the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73. The second hole 715 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the second inclined portion 732. The second hole 715 may be provided in a shape in which the cross-sectional area of the hole decreases in the matching direction CD.
When the first sealing member 73 is coupled to the plug housing 71, the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71 press the first sealing member 73 in the horizontal direction HD from both sides. An inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 presses the first inclined portion 731 toward the central portion 730 (or in the matching direction CD), and an inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 presses the second inclined portion 732 toward the central portion 730 (or in a direction opposite to the matching direction CD).
Since the first inclined portion 731 is inclined in a shape that diverges toward the central portion 730, a part of the force that the inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 pushes the first inclined portion 731 toward the central portion 730 travels toward a lower side of the first inclined portion 731. That is, the first inclined portion 731 presses the flexible board 72.
Since the second inclined portion 732 is inclined in a shape that diverges toward the central portion 730, a part of the force that the inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 pushes the second inclined portion 732 toward the central portion 730 travels toward a lower side of the second inclined portion 732. That is, the second inclined portion 732 presses the flexible board 72.
The downward forces acting on the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732 press the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732 toward the flexible board 72, thereby improving airtightness between the first sealing member 73 and the flexible board 72.
Referring to FIG. 37, the flexible board 72 may include the second wing 722. The second wing 722 protrudes outward in the horizontal direction HD. The second wing 722 may include a third inclined portion 722a extending in an upper-right diagonal direction, a horizontal portion 722c extending rightward from the third inclined portion 722a, and a fourth inclined portion 722b extending from the horizontal portion 722c and the horizontal portion 722c in a lower-right diagonal direction. The second wing 722 is surrounded by the first sealing member 73. The third inclined portion 722a, the horizontal portion 722c, and the fourth inclined portion 722b are surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73, respectively. The third and fourth inclined portions have inclination corresponding to the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732, respectively.
The third inclined portion 722a having inclination corresponding to the first inclined portion 731 is disposed at a portion of the flexible board 72, which is surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, thereby improving airtightness between the first inclined portion 731 and the third inclined portion 722a. The fourth inclined portion 722b having inclination corresponding to the second inclined portion 732 is disposed at a portion of the flexible board 72, which is surrounded by the second inclined portion 732, thereby improving airtightness between the second inclined portion 732 and the fourth inclined portion 722b.
Referring to FIGS. 34 to 37, a connector housing 81 may include a first protrusion 811. The plug housing 71, the flexible board 72, and the second cover 75 may include a first accommodation portion 712, a second accommodation portion 723, and a third accommodation portion 751 that are configured to accommodate the first protrusion 811. The first protrusion 811 and the first, second and third accommodation portions 712, 723, and 751 are not located on the center axis C. For example, referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, the first protrusion 811 and the first, second and third accommodation portions 712, 723, and 751 may be located at a higher level than the center axis C of the connector assembly.
The second cover 75 may include a second protrusion 752 that protrudes in the matching direction CD. The connector housing 81 may include a fourth accommodation portion 814 configured to accommodate the second protrusion 752. The second protrusion 752 and the fourth accommodation portion 814 are not located on the center axis C. For example, referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, the second protrusion 752 and the fourth accommodation portion 814 may be located below the center axis C of the connector assembly.
When the plug 70 enters the connector 80 with a correct attitude, the protrusions 811 and 752 are accommodated in the accommodation portions 712, 723, 751, and 814, and the plug 70 is coupled to the connector 80. When the plug 70 enters the connector 80 with an incorrect attitude, the protrusions 811 and 752 and the accommodation portions 712, 723, 751, and 814 are not aligned, which can prevent incorrect insertion or reverse insertion of the plug 70.
Referring to FIGS. 35 to 38, a second sealing member 83 surrounding the connector terminal 82 coupled to the connector housing 81 may be provided. The connector housing 81 may include a slot 815 that opens downward. The connector terminal 82 passes through the slot 815. A liquid waterproof material, such as rubber, silicone, etc., may fill the hole to form the second sealing member 83. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent moisture from penetrating the gap between the connector housing 81 and the connector terminal 82.
Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, a third sealing member 84 is mounted between the connector housing 81 and the case 100. The connector housing 81 may include a flange 813 extending along the third sealing member 84. By bringing the flange 813 into contact with one side surface 84a of the third sealing member 84, it is possible to improve airtightness between the case 100 and the connector housing 81.
Referring to FIGS. 34 and 38, the connector housing 81 may include an extension 812 protruding in a direction toward the plug 70. A hook 812a may be provided at an end portion of the extension 812 and inserted into a catch groove 713 provided in the plug housing 71.
Although the technical concept of the present disclosure has been described through some embodiments described above and examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept and the scope of the present disclosure that can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. In addition, the substitutions, modification, and changes should be deemed to belong to the claims attached hereto.

[DESCRIPTIONS OF REFERENCE NUMERALS]

1: connector assembly, 10: connector, 20: connector terminal, 30: plug, 40: flexible board

Claims

A connector terminal comprising:
a body;

a first arm extending forward from the body;

a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm;

a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm; and

a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion,

wherein the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.
The connector terminal of claim 1, wherein the first contact portion further includes a horizontal surface located behind the second inclined surface.
The connector terminal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first contact portion further includes a third inclined surface located behind the second inclined surface and extending downward, and
an angle between the third inclined surface and the horizontal line is smaller than or equal to the angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.
The connector terminal of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a highest point of the second contact portion is located at a higher level than a highest point of the first contact portion.
The connector terminal of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm includes a first extension extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension extending from the first extension toward the body, and
a bent point between the first extension and the second extension is located forward of a front end of the second contact portion.
The connector terminal of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a highest point of the second contact portion is located at a level lower than or equal to that of an upper end of a support point of the second arm.
The connector terminal of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a support extending forward more than a support point of the first arm or a support point of the second arm and located at a higher level than the second arm.
A connector comprising:
a connector housing; and

a plurality of terminals provided on the connector housing, wherein at least some of the plurality of terminals are the same as the connector terminal of any one of the preceding claims.
A connector assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, wherein a connector terminal provided on the connector includes:
a body;

a first arm extending forward from the body;

a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm;

a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm; and

a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion,

the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible board is seated thereon and a front end portion disposed on an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward more than the seating surface,

when the plug is fastened to the connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the connector are located below the seating surface, and

the front end portion and the connector terminal are formed so that, when the front end portion of the plug housing on which the flexible board is not mounted presses the second contact portion downward, a front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward.
The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the front end portion includes a first bottom surface located at a lower level than the seating surface, and
the front end portion includes a protrusion extending from the front end portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion is located at a higher level than the first bottom surface.
The connector assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface, and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line, and
the front end portion is formed so that, when the front end portion first comes into contact with the second inclined surface while the plug is inserted into the connector, the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the front end portion.
The connector assembly of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the front end portion includes a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface near the connector, and
the front end portion is formed so that, when a boundary point between the bottom surface and the inclined surface comes into contact with the first contact portion, the front end portion is spaced apart from the second contact portion.
A connector assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, wherein a connector terminal provided on the connector includes:
a body;

a first arm extending forward from the body;

a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm;

a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm; and

a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion,

wherein the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible board is seated thereon and a front end portion disposed on an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward more than the seating surface,

the front end portion includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extends from a first end to a second end horizontally in a matching direction, and

during a process in which the plug is inserted into the connector, the connector terminal and the plug housing are formed so that:
when the bottom surface passes the first contact portion, the bottom surface does not come into contact with the second contact portion before the first end of the bottom surface passes an apex of the first contact portion; and

when the first end of the bottom surface is separated from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion, preferably the connector terminal and the plug housing are formed so that the front end portion does not come into contact with the first contact portion before the second end of the bottom surface passes an apex of the second contact portion during a process in which the plug is separated from the connector.
A connector matching process in which a plug is inserted into a connector, wherein a connector terminal provided on the connector includes:
a body;

a first arm extending forward from the body;

a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm;

a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm; and

a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion,

the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible board is seated thereon, and a front end portion disposed on an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward more than the seating surface,

the front end portion includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extends from a first end to a second end horizontally in a matching direction, and

the connector matching process includes:
an operation (a) in which the bottom surface passes an apex of the first contact portion; and

an operation (b) in which the bottom surface passes an apex of the second contact portion,

wherein, in the operation (a), before the first end of the bottom surface passes the apex of the first contact portion, the bottom surface does not come into contact with the second contact portion, and

in the operation (b), when the first end of the bottom surface is separated from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion.
A connector separating process of separating a plug inserted into a connector from a connector, wherein a connector terminal provided on the connector includes:
a body;

a first arm extending forward from the body;

a first contact portion provided on one end of the first arm;

a second arm extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm; and

a second contact portion formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion,

the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible board is seated thereon and a front end portion disposed on an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward more than the seating surface,

the front end portion includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extends from a first end to a second end horizontally in a matching direction, and

the connector separating process includes:
an operation (a) in which the bottom surface of the front end portion passes an apex of the second contact portion; and

an operation (b) in which the bottom surface of the front end portion passes an apex of the first contact portion,

wherein in the operation (a), before the second end of the bottom surface passes the apex of the second contact portion, the front end portion does not come into contact with the first contact portion, and

in the operation (b), when the first end of the bottom surface first comes into contact with the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion, preferably in the operation (a), a front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward and/or in the operation (a), until the first end of the bottom surface comes into contact with the first contact portion, the front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward.