JP2001230004A - Electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate insertion, and confirmation of insertion, of a terminal, with a high-density rectangular electric connector. SOLUTION: The electric rectangular connector 10, which can be mounted on a printed circuit board, is composed of a dielectric housing 12 having a plurality of rows of terminal containing paths 30 between a front-side combining face 16 and a rear-side end face 18 of the housing 12. A plurality of rectangular terminals are inserted into passages 36. Each terminal is equipped with a shoestring main body to be inserted into each passage from the end face of the housing. A tail part extends almost vertically toward the main body from the bent part at the rear end of the body. A slot 24 extends itself into the bent part and sets a butting surface on the main body for insertion of each terminal after engaging it by a suitable insertion tool.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal used in an electric connector and a technique of an electric connector using the terminal, and more particularly to a terminal and an electric connector having an improved terminal structure.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional electrical connectors have several shapes of housings for mounting one or more terminals.
The housing may be formed of a dielectric material such as molded plastic, and the terminals may be formed of a conductive material such as a stamped and formed metal plate material. The housing has a plurality of terminal receiving passages to which the terminals are attached. Terminals may be inserted individually into each passage, or multiple terminals may be inserted "gang" into multiple passages simultaneously. The housing and terminals
It can be configured to be connectable to a complementary mating connector or another connection device, and the terminals can be configured to be connected to various conductors such as electric wires and circuit wiring on a printed circuit board.

[0003]

Various problems continue to arise in the manufacture of electrical connectors having the characteristics described above. Some particularly significant problems arise when high density connectors, i.e., terminals are very closely spaced. For example, the terminals may be configured to be inserted into closely spaced rows of terminal receiving passages of the connector housing,
The row of terminal receiving passages may be arranged in closely spaced columns. In such a high-density connector, there is a problem of preventing heat radiation from the connector due to terminals that are close and separated. In addition, high-density terminals
It is difficult to insert "lump" into the housing and the terminals must be inserted individually. This is time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, it is difficult to confirm when the terminal is completely inserted, especially when inserting the terminal into the rows of terminal receiving passages of the housing. A row of terminals may prevent visual or mechanical access to the lower row. This is especially true for right angle connectors which have mating surfaces substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board with suitable right angle terminals. Another problem involves properly locking the terminals within each passage of the housing.

[0004] The present invention solves these various problems by providing the terminal with a unique shape and characteristics that perform multiple functions. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector of the above character having a new and improved terminal structure.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, terminals are used on right angle electrical connectors mounted on a printed circuit board. However, it should be understood that some features of the present invention are equally applicable to other types of electrical connectors. The right-angle connector according to the present invention includes a dielectric housing having a lower board mounting surface, a front joining surface, a rear terminal surface, and a plurality of rows (rows) of terminal receiving passages extending between the surfaces. At least some of the passages in the row are aligned in columns that are substantially perpendicular to the row and the printed circuit board.

[0006] A plurality of right-angle terminals are inserted into the terminal accommodating passage. Each terminal has an elongated body that is inserted into each passage from the terminal surface of the housing. The tail is connected to the appropriate circuit wiring on the printed circuit board,
It extends substantially perpendicularly to the main body from the bent portion at the rear end of the main body. The slot extends within the fold and defines an abutment surface on the body for engagement by a suitable insertion tool to insert the terminal into each terminal receiving passage.

As mentioned above, the abutment surface of the body of the terminal is defined by one end of the slot. The slot then extends within the tail of the terminal and defines an alignment surface at the opposite end of the slot. The alignment surface at the opposite end of the slot in the terminal of the predetermined column is aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving passage. The slots perform a dual function of allowing air to be dissipated to pass between rows of terminals.

Furthermore, the slots extend a sufficient distance within the tails of the terminals of a given column so that one or more terminals can be inserted into each column using a single insertion tool. Therefore, at least part of the insertion tool
It can extend through the slot of one terminal in the direction of engagement of the at least one other terminal in the column of terminals with the abutment surface.

Another feature of the present invention is that the terminal body is proximate to the fold (or proximate to the tool engagement surface) for locking engagement with the housing within each passage of the housing.
At least one locking jaw is provided. This arrangement of the locking jaws prevents buckling of the terminal during insertion. Further, by placing the locking jaw at the bent portion of the terminal, the locking jaw is disposed substantially directly above the narrow tail portion of the terminal to mount the connector on a printed circuit board or other mounting board. At times, it is possible to prevent the tail portion of the terminal from lifting. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is first shown in FIGS. 1-3 an electrical connector according to the present invention designated by reference numeral 10 having a dielectric housing designated by reference numeral 12. FIG. I have. The connector is a right angle connector mounted on a printed circuit board. The housing has an integral structure integrally formed of a plastic material or the like. The housing 12 includes a lower substrate mounting surface 14, a front joining surface 16, and a rear terminal surface 18. A pair of blind-mating posts 20
Protrudes forward to facilitate joining of the connector 10 with a complementary mating connector (not shown) in the direction of arrow "A" (FIG. 1).

The housing 12 of the connector 10 has a pair of side wings 22 having slots 24 for mounting a pair of board locking members 26. The board locking member is formed of a metal material and is pressed into the slot 24 for mounting the connector on a printed circuit board.

The connector 10 has a pair of power terminals indicated by reference numeral 28 (FIG. 2) attached to a pair of terminal receiving passages 30 of the housing 12. Each power terminal has a contact portion 32 (FIG. 1) which engages the contact portion of the appropriate power terminal of the complementary mating connector. The power terminals have tails 34 (FIG. 2) that are inserted into appropriate holes in the printed circuit board and are electrically connected to appropriate power circuit wiring on and / or in the holes.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, dielectric housing 12 is designated by reference numeral 38 (FIGS. 2 and 3).
Have a plurality of terminal accommodating passages 36 for accommodating a plurality of right-angle signal terminals. The terminal receiving passages 36 are arranged in four rows in the housing. Referring to FIG. 1, four rows are a lower row or first row 40a and a second row 40a.
b, a third row 40c, and an upper row or a fourth row 40d. The passages are horizontally spaced so as to be vertically aligned in rows to define columns of passages designated by reference numeral 42. FIG. 3 shows four passages in one column 42, where one passage forms each row 40a-40d.

Referring now to FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, as best shown in FIG.
Four terminals indicated by 44d are shown inserted into one column 42 of the terminal receiving passage 36 of the housing 12. The terminals are stamped and formed of a conductive metal plate material. Terminals 44a can be considered lower or inner terminals and are inserted into the lower row of passageways or one of the passages in first row 40a. The terminal 44b is inserted into one of the passages of the second row 40b. The terminal 44c is inserted into one of the passages of the third row 40c. Terminal 44d can be considered the upper or outer terminal of column 42 and is inserted into the passage of the upper or fourth row 40d.

All right angle terminals 44a-44d (FIG. 4)
Are the same in shape except for the dimensions (length and the like) of the specific part of the member. Accordingly, reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows one of the upper or outer terminals 44d for the terminal receiving passages 36 in the upper or fourth row of passages 40d.
The members of terminals 44a-44c are given the same reference numerals, corresponding to the specific members described below for terminal 44d of FIG.

In particular, each right-angled terminal has an elongated body 46 inserted into one of the terminal receiving passages 36 of the housing 12 in the direction of arrow "B" (FIG. 5). The body 46 terminates in a bifurcated front contact end 48 which engages the appropriate contact of a complementary mating connector. A pair of guide bosses 50 are formed on the outside of the main body immediately after the contact end 48 for guiding the main body into the terminal receiving passage. The tail 52 is the main body 4
6, extending from the rearward bend 54 and inserted into a suitable hole in the printed circuit board and terminating in a narrow tail end 52a that is electrically connected to circuit wiring on and / or in the board. ing. Since the terminals are signal terminals, the circuit wiring on the substrate becomes a signal circuit. A slot 56 is formed in the terminal and extends from the bend 54 to the tail 52.
The slot has one end 56a that defines an abutment surface in the body 46 and an opposite end 56b that defines an alignment surface in the tail 52. Finally, the enlarged portion 46a of the main body 46 has a plurality of outwardly protruding locking jaws 58 for locking the terminals into the respective terminal receiving passages 36 of the housing 12. The locking jaws are pressed into the plastic material of the housing in the passage.

Returning to FIG. 4 together with the above description of the terminal 44d in FIG. 5, the contact end 48, the guide boss 50, and the lock jaw 58 are connected to all the terminals 44a-4.
It can be seen that 4d has substantially the same size and shape. Also, the end of the tail end 52a is on a common plane to be inserted into each hole of the printed circuit board on the same plane. However, as best seen from the cutaway view of FIG. 3, it can be seen that four rows of terminals can be inserted into four rows of holes in the printed circuit board. Therefore, the terminals 44a-4
The 4d elongated body portions 46 are of different lengths and gradually increase in length from lower or inner terminal 44a to upper or outer terminal 44d in each column 42 of terminals. This places the tail ends 52a in four different rows. Further, the terminal accommodating passage 36 (FIG. 3)
Since the distance from the printed circuit board in the upward direction in each column 42 is increased, the tail portion 5 of the terminal is similarly set.
The length of 2 has increased from the lower terminal 44a to the upper terminal 44d. Finally, FIG. 4 also shows terminals 44a-44d.
Are aligned in the vertical column 42, so that the slots 56 are substantially positioned so that air can flow in and out of the entire terminal group, and from the inside of the electrical connector to the outside, particularly to the printed circuit board. It is clearly shown that heat dissipation from the bottom surface of the adjacent connector to the outside thereof is promoted.

FIG. 6 shows a terminal 44 among terminals of each column.
An assembly or insertion tool 60 is shown that simultaneously accommodates three terminals 44b-44d in each terminal receiving passage 36 after a has been inserted. It can be seen that the abutment surfaces 56a at the upper ends of the slots 56 of the terminals 44b-44d are vertically aligned. Since the slots 56 are positioned, the insertion tools 60 are all connected to the three terminals 44b-44.
d can extend through all three slots. Accordingly, the insertion tool is adapted to engage the abutment surface 56a of the terminal 44b.
, An insertion shoulder portion 64 that engages with the abutment surface 56a of the terminal 44c, and an insertion shoulder portion 66 that engages with the abutment surface 56a of the terminal 44d. . Thereby, all three terminals can be simultaneously inserted into each passage of the connector housing with one insertion tool. Terminals 44b-44d
By increasing the length of the slot 56, the alignment surface 56b on the opposite end of the slot 56 can be aligned to engage one alignment edge 68 on the bottom surface of the insertion tool 60. Further, the insertion tool 60 allows the terminals 44b-44d to be temporarily fixed on the insertion tool before the terminals 44b-44d are inserted into the respective terminal accommodation passages 36, and at the same time, the terminal accommodation of the terminals 44b and 44c. The depth of insertion of the terminal 44d into the passage 36 can be accurately controlled with respect to the depth of insertion of the terminal 44d into the terminal receiving passage 36.

Finally, referring to FIG.
Because the insertion tool 60 is movable in the direction of arrow "C", the locking jaw 58, which is pressed into the plastic material of the connector housing in the terminal receiving passage, is in front of the insertion shoulder 62-66 of the insertion tool. It is arranged close to the bent part 54. Accordingly, the terminal body 46 can move more freely into the passage without buckling under the insertion force. Further, the lock jaw 58 is connected to the terminal 44a-
The narrow tail end 52a of the terminal can be prevented from being lifted when the connector 10 is mounted on a mounting board (not shown) such as a printed circuit board by arranging it at the bent portion 54d of 44d.

It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore,
This example is considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited by the following detailed description.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a joint surface of an electrical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a termination surface of the connector.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 cut to show the vertical columns of the terminal receiving passages, each showing one passage in four rows of columns;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of four terminals in one column of terminals, each showing one terminal in four rows of columns.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one terminal on the upper or outer row of the column.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the insertion tool in a position where three terminals can be simultaneously inserted in three different rows of columns.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A lower substrate mounting surface, a front joining surface, a rear termination surface, and a plurality of rows of terminal receiving passages extending between the surfaces, wherein at least some of the passages in the row are arranged in the row. And a dielectric housing aligned in a column substantially perpendicular to the printed circuit board; an elongated body each inserted into each passageway from the end surface of the housing; and a suitable one of the printed circuit boards. A tail portion extending perpendicularly to the body portion from a bent portion at a rear end of the body portion for connection to circuit wiring;
A right-angle electrical connector for mounting on a printed circuit board, comprising a plurality of right-angle terminals inserted into the terminal receiving passage and having a slot extending into the bent portion and defining an abutting surface of the main body. 2. The abutment surface of the body portion is adapted to be engaged by a suitable insertion tool for inserting the terminal into each of the terminal receiving passages of the housing. The electrical connector according to claim 1. 3. The insertion tool, wherein the slot extends a sufficient distance within the tail of the terminal of a given column such that one or more terminals can be inserted into each column using a single insertion tool. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the connector can extend through a slot of one terminal in a direction of engagement of the at least one other terminal in the column with the abutment surface. . 4. An elongated body portion, a tail portion extending from the bent portion at a rear end of the body portion substantially at right angles to the body portion, and extending in the bent portion, and having an abutment surface on the body portion. Right angle electrical terminal consisting of a defined slot. 5. An end of said slot defines said abutment surface of said body.
Right angle electrical terminal as described in. 6. The electrical terminal of claim 5, wherein the slot extends within the tail of the terminal and defines an alignment surface at an opposite end of the slot. 7. A right-angle electrical terminal comprising an elongated body, a tail extending from the bent portion at a rear end of the body at a substantially right angle to the body, and a slot extending in the bent portion.