JP2012079567A - Board-to-board connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a board-to-board connector which enables a correct confirmation of the completion of engagement between first and second connectors by electrically detecting the completion of engagement between first and second connectors without depending on a mechanical touch even in the step of engagement of a compact and low-profile board-to-board connector, thereby surely preventing the occurrence of an incomplete engagement in the engagement step and achieving a high reliability.SOLUTION: The board-to-board connector comprises: a first connector 1 including a first terminal 61 and a first housing 11 with first engagement guide parts formed at opposing ends in its longer direction; a second connector 101 including a second terminal 161 which will be put in touch with the first terminal 61, and a second housing 111 with second engagement guide parts formed at opposing ends in its longer direction, which will be engaged with the first engagement guide parts; and a switch operable to detect the entire engagement between the first and second connectors 1 and 101 based on a change in electrostatic capacity.

Description

  The present invention relates to a board-to-board connector.

  Conventionally, a board-to-board connector has been used to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards. Such a board-to-board connector is attached to each of mutually facing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards, and is adapted to be fitted (contained) with each other to be conducted. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which reinforcing metal fittings attached to both ends are made to function as a lock member to maintain a fitting state with a counterpart connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state before the conventional board-to-board connector is fitted.

  In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a first connector as one of a pair of board-to-board connectors, which is mounted on the surface of the first board 891. Reference numeral 901 denotes a second connector as the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors, and is mounted on the surface of the second board 991. The first connector 801 includes a first housing 811 and a plurality of first terminals 861 attached to the first housing 811. The second connector 901 includes a second housing 911 and the first housing 911. 2 having a plurality of second terminals 961 mounted on the housing 911. When the first connector 801 and the second connector 901 are fitted, the corresponding first terminal 861 and second terminal 961 come into contact with each other, so that the first board 891 and the second board 991 are electrically connected. Connected to.

  Further, the first housing 811 is formed with a recess 812 for accommodating the second housing 911, and an engagement protrusion 813 is formed in the recess 812. On the other hand, the second housing 911 is formed with an engagement recess 913 that accommodates the engagement protrusion 813.

  Further, first metal fittings 851 are attached to both longitudinal ends of the first housing 811. The first metal fitting 851 includes a first tail portion 852 that is soldered to the surface of the first substrate 891, and a first lock protrusion 853 that protrudes. In addition, second metal fittings 951 are attached to both ends of the second housing 911 in the longitudinal direction. The second metal fitting 951 includes a second tail portion 952 that is soldered to the surface of the second substrate 991, and also includes a protruding second lock protrusion 953.

  When the first connector 801 and the second connector 901 are fitted, the engaging convex portion 813 and the engaging concave portion 913 engage with each other, and the first lock protrusion 853 of the first metal fitting 851 and the second metal fitting 951 are engaged. The second locking projections 953 engage with each other. Thereby, the 1st connector 801 and the 2nd connector 901 are locked, and the fitting state is maintained.

  At the time of fitting, either the first connector 801 or the second connector 901 is turned upside down from the posture shown in the figure and is fitted with the mating connector.

JP 2004-55306 A

  However, in the conventional board-to-board connector, it is difficult to confirm whether or not the first connector 801 and the second connector 901 are completely fitted. That is, when the first connector 801 and the second connector 901 are fitted, either one is turned upside down, and the second housing 911 is accommodated in the recess 812 of the first housing 811, so that the recess It is visually recognized from the outside whether or not the first lock protrusion 853 of the first metal fitting 851 located inside the 812 is engaged with the second lock protrusion 953 of the second metal fitting 951 attached to the second housing 911. I can't.

  However, when the degree of protrusion of the second housing 911 from the upper end of the first housing 811 is large, it can be determined by visual inspection that the fitting between the first connector 801 and the second connector 901 is incomplete. . However, since the first substrate 891 and the second substrate 991 having a larger area than the lower surfaces of the first housing 811 and the second housing 911 are attached to the lower surfaces of the first housing 811 and the second housing 911. It is difficult to visually confirm the degree of protrusion of the second housing 911 from the upper end of the first housing 811.

  In particular, in recent years, since the board-to-board connector has been reduced in size and height, the degree to which the second housing 911 protrudes from the upper end of the first housing 811 is accurately confirmed by visual inspection, and the first connector 801 It is extremely difficult to accurately determine whether or not the second connector 901 is completely fitted.

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional board-to-board connector and reduces the size by electrically detecting completion of fitting between the first connector and the second connector without relying on mechanical contact. In addition, even in the board-to-board connector mating process, which has been reduced in height, the completion of mating between the first connector and the second connector can be confirmed accurately, and the occurrence of incomplete mating in the mating process is ensured. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable board-to-board connector.

  Therefore, in the board-to-board connector of the present invention, the first connector including the first terminal and the first housing having the first fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the first terminal are in contact with each other. A board-to-board connector comprising: a second terminal comprising: a second terminal having a second housing formed on both ends in the longitudinal direction and having a second fitting guide portion fitted to the first fitting guide portion. And a switch for detecting complete fitting of the first connector and the second connector based on a change in capacitance.

  In another board-to-board connector according to the present invention, the first connector further includes a first reinforcing metal member disposed in the first fitting guide portion, and the second connector has the second fitting. The switch includes a second reinforcing metal member disposed in the joint guide, and the switch includes counter electrodes adjacent to each other, one of the counter electrodes being a flat plate part of the first reinforcing metal member, and the other being the second electrode. It is a flat plate part of a reinforcement metal fitting.

  In still another board-to-board connector according to the present invention, the flat plate portion of the first reinforcing bracket includes a flat surface, the flat plate portion of the second reinforcing bracket includes a flat surface, and the first connector. When the second connector and the second connector are fitted, the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket face each other in close proximity and function as a counter electrode surface of the capacitor.

  In still another board-to-board connector of the present invention, the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket are orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector. When the first connector and the second connector are relatively displaced in the fitting direction, the distance between the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket changes, and the static The capacitance changes.

  In still another board-to-board connector of the present invention, the second fitting guide portion further includes a stopper disposed around a flat plate portion of the second reinforcing metal fitting, and the stopper is the first stopper. Contacting the flat surface of the reinforcing metal fitting prevents the flat plate portion of the first reinforcing metal fitting and the flat plate portion of the second reinforcing metal fitting from coming into contact with each other.

  In still another board-to-board connector of the present invention, the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket extend in the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector. When the first connector and the second connector are relatively displaced in the fitting direction, the area of the portion where the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket face each other changes, and the static The capacitance changes.

  According to the present invention, the board-to-board connector electrically detects the completion of fitting between the first connector and the second connector without depending on mechanical contact. Thereby, even in the mating process of the board-to-board connector, which has been reduced in size and height, the completion of the mating of the first connector and the second connector can be confirmed accurately, and the incomplete mating in the mating process. It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a failure and to increase the reliability.

It is the perspective view seen from the fitting surface side of the 1st connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd connector. It is the perspective view seen from the mounting surface side of the 1st connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd connector. It is the perspective view which shows the state which the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention fitted each other, and is the figure seen from the fitting surface side of the 1st connector. It is the exploded view of the 1st connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the 2nd connector, and is the figure seen from the fitting surface side of the 1st connector, and the mounting surface side of the 2nd connector. It is the exploded view of the 1st connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the 2nd connector, and is the figure seen from the mounting surface side of the 1st connector, and the fitting surface side of the 2nd connector. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the 1st terminal in the state which starts the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd terminal, and respond | corresponds to the AA arrow part in FIG. It is sectional drawing of a part. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting and the 2nd reinforcement metal fitting in the state which starts the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is the BB arrow part in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the part corresponding to. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the 1st terminal in the state which the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention completed, and a 2nd terminal, and is sectional drawing of the AA arrow part in FIG. It is. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting and the 2nd reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was completed, BB arrow part in FIG. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting and the 2nd reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was completed, CC arrow part in FIG. FIG. It is a figure explaining the method to detect the completion of the board-to-board connector fitting in the first embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a first reinforcing bracket and a second reinforcing bracket in a state where the fitting is completed Sectional drawing which shows the relationship of (b) is a figure which shows the relationship between the space | interval of a 1st reinforcement metal fitting and a 2nd reinforcement metal fitting, and an electrostatic capacitance. It is the perspective view which shows the state which the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention fitted mutually, and is the figure seen from the fitting surface side of the 1st connector. It is a perspective view which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting and the 2nd reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention mutually fitted. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was completed, and a 2nd reinforcement metal fitting, DD section in FIG. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state before the fitting of the conventional board | substrate to board connector.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first connector and the second connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the fitting surface side, and FIG. 2 is a first connector and a second connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view seen from the mounting surface side of a connector, FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows the state which the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention fitted each other, and the fitting of a 1st connector FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first connector from the mating surface side and the mounting surface side of the second connector. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the mounting surface side of the first connector and the fitting surface side of the second connector. .

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a first connector as one of a pair of board-to-board connectors in the present embodiment, which is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a first board (not shown). Reference numeral 101 denotes a second connector as the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors in the present embodiment, which is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a second board (not shown). The board-to-board connector in the present embodiment includes the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, and electrically connects the first board and the second board. The first substrate and the second substrate are, for example, a printed circuit board, a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), or the like used for an electronic device or the like. Any type of substrate may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the expressions indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, etc. used for explaining the configuration and operation of each part of the board-to-board connector are absolute. Relative and appropriate, when each part of the board-to-board connector is in the posture shown in the figure, but when that posture changes, it is interpreted according to the change in posture It should be.

  And the said 1st connector 1 has the 1st housing 11 as a connector main body integrally formed with insulating materials, such as a synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the first housing 11 has a substantially rectangular thick plate shape that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and is the side on which the second connector 101 is inserted, that is, the fitting surface side (the upper side in FIG. 4). ) Is formed with a substantially rectangular recess 12 surrounded by the periphery. The first connector 1 has, for example, dimensions of about 10.0 [mm] in length, about 2.5 [mm] in width, and about 1.0 [mm] in thickness, but the dimensions are appropriately changed. be able to. A first convex portion 13 as an island portion is formed integrally with the first housing 11 in the concave portion 12, and parallel to the first convex portion 13 on both sides of the first convex portion 13. An extending side wall 14 is formed integrally with the first housing 11. In this case, the first convex portion 13 and the side wall portion 14 protrude upward from the bottom surface of the concave portion 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. As a result, both sides of the first convex portion 13, specifically, between the first convex portion 13 and the side wall portion 14, as a part of the concave portion 12 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. A concave groove portion 12a which is a concave portion is formed. In the example shown in the figure, the first convex portion 13 is singular, but may be plural, and the number may be any number. Moreover, although the said 1st convex part 13 is provided with the dimension of width about 0.6 [mm], for example, a dimension can be changed suitably.

  Here, on both side surfaces of the first convex portion 13, concave terminal-shaped first terminal accommodating inner cavities 15 a are formed. Further, a groove-shaped first terminal accommodating outer cavity 15 b is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 14. The first terminal housing inner cavity 15a and the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b are connected to each other at the bottom surface of the groove 12a and are integrated with each other. Therefore, the first terminal housing inner cavity 15a and the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b are integrated. In a case where 15b is described in an integrated manner, the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 will be described.

  For example, six first terminal accommodating cavities 15 are formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13 with a pitch of about 0.4 mm, for example. In addition, six first terminals 61 accommodated in each of the first terminal accommodating cavities 15 are also arranged on each side of the first convex portion 13 with a pitch of about 0.4 [mm], for example. The pitch and number of the first terminal accommodating cavities 15 can be changed as appropriate.

  The first terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by punching and bending a conductive metal plate, and is connected to the held portion 63 and the lower end of the held portion 63. A tail portion 62, an upper connection portion 67 connected to the upper end of the held portion 63, a second contact portion 66 as a second contact convex portion formed in the vicinity of the inner end of the upper connection portion 67, A lower connection portion 64 connected to the second contact portion 66 and a first contact portion 65 as a first contact convex portion formed in the vicinity of the free end of the lower connection portion 64 are provided.

  The held portion 63 is a portion that extends in the vertical direction, that is, the thickness direction of the first housing 11 and is fitted and held in the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b. The tail portion 62 is bent and connected to the held portion 63, extends outward in the left-right direction, that is, the width direction of the first housing 11, and is connected to the conductive trace on the first substrate. The terminal connection pads are connected by soldering or the like. Further, the upper connection portion 67 is bent and connected to the held portion 63 and extends inward in the width direction of the first housing 11.

  A curved second contact portion 66 that is bent downward and protrudes inward in the width direction of the first housing 11 is formed at the inner end of the upper connection portion 67. Further, the lower connection portion 64 is a portion having a U-shaped side surface shape connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 66. A curved first contact that is bent in a U-shape and protrudes outward in the width direction of the first housing 11 at the free end of the lower connection portion 64, that is, in the vicinity of the upper end of the inner side. A portion 65 is formed.

  The first terminal 61 is inserted into the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 from the mounting surface side (lower side in FIG. 4), and the held portion 63 is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 14. It is fixed to the first housing 11 by being sandwiched from both sides by the side wall of the outer cavity 15b. In this state, that is, in a state where the first terminal 61 is loaded in the first housing 11, the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 are located on both the left and right sides of the concave groove portion 12a and are mutually connected. Facing each other.

  In addition, since the 1st terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by processing a metal plate, it has a certain amount of elasticity. As apparent from the shape, the distance between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 facing each other can be changed elastically. That is, when the second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 is inserted between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66, the distance between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 is thereby increased. Elastically stretches.

  Further, first projecting end portions 21 as first fitting guide portions are respectively disposed at both longitudinal ends of the first housing 11. Each first projecting end portion 21 is formed with a projecting end recess 22 as a part of the recess 12. The projecting end recess 22 is a substantially rectangular recess and is connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of each recess 12a. The protruding end recess 22 functions as an insertion recess into which the second protruding end 122 provided in the second connector 101 is inserted in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted.

  Further, the first projecting end portion 21 extends from both longitudinal ends of the side wall portion 14 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, and extends in the short direction of the first housing 11. Includes an end wall portion 21c connected to the side wall extension portion 21b. In each first projecting end portion 21, the end wall portion 21 c and the side wall extension 21 b connected to both ends thereof form a continuous U-shaped side wall, and define three sides of the substantially rectangular projecting end recess 22. .

  A first reinforcing metal fitting 51 as a reinforcing metal fitting is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is housed and held in a first metal fitting holding recess 26 formed in the first projecting end portion 21. In addition, a first metal fitting holding opening 26a extending in the thickness direction of the first housing 11 is formed in the side wall extension 21b.

  In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing bracket 51 is a member that is integrally formed by punching or bending a conductive metal plate, and extends in the width direction of the first housing 11 as a whole. A first detection part 58 as a main body part, which is an elongated strip-like flat plate part, is connected to the left and right ends of the first detection part 58 by bending upwards by approximately 90 degrees, and the thickness direction of the first housing 11 And a first substrate connecting portion 56 that is bent and connected to the first held portion 57 downward by approximately 180 degrees and extends in the thickness direction of the first housing 11. And have.

  In the first reinforcing bracket 51, the first held portion 57 is inserted into the first bracket holding opening 26a from the mounting surface side, and is sandwiched from both sides by the side wall of the first bracket holding opening 26a. Thus, the first housing 11 is fixed. The front end of the first substrate connecting portion 56 protrudes from the lower surface of the side wall extension portion 21b and is substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the first housing 11, and is fixed to the fixing pad on the first substrate. It is fixed by soldering. In other words, the first board connecting portion 56 functions as a solder tail portion of the first reinforcing bracket 51.

  The first detector 58 is accommodated in the first metal fitting holding recess 26 so as to be substantially parallel to the mounting surface, and the mounting surface side of the first metal fitting holding recess 26 is closed (blocked). The first housing 11 extends in the width direction. In addition, the width dimension of the first detection unit 58, that is, the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 is typically the width dimension of the second bracket holding recess 126 of the second housing 111, that is, the second housing. It is larger than the dimension of 111 in the longitudinal direction.

  Further, the upper surface 58a as a flat surface of the first detection unit 58 functions as a counter electrode surface in a state where the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, and the second reinforcing bracket 151 has a second surface. This is a portion that is capacitively coupled to face the upper surface 158 a as a flat surface of the detection unit 158. Therefore, the upper surface 58a is typically a flat surface with no unevenness and a large area.

  The second connector 101 has a second housing 111 as a connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the drawing, the second housing 111 has a substantially rectangular thick plate shape that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and has a length of about 8.0 [mm], a width of about 1.5 [mm], and a thickness, for example. Although it has a dimension of about 0.8 [mm], the dimension can be appropriately changed. Then, on the side of the second housing 111 to be fitted into the first connector 1, that is, on the fitting surface side (upper side in FIG. 5), an elongated groove 113 extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, A second convex portion 112 is integrally formed as an elongated convex portion that defines the outside of the concave groove portion 113 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111. The second convex portion 112 is formed along both sides of the concave groove portion 113 and along both sides of the second housing 111. In addition, each second protrusion 112 is provided with a second terminal 161 as a terminal.

  As shown in the drawing, the concave groove 113 is closed on the side mounted on the second substrate, that is, on the mounting surface (lower surface in FIG. 5) by the bottom. In the example shown in the figure, the number of the second convex portions 112 is two, but the number may be singular or any number. Moreover, although the said groove part 113 is provided with the dimension of width about 0.7 [mm], for example, a dimension can be changed suitably.

  The second terminal 161 is a member integrally formed by punching or bending a conductive metal plate, and a main body (not shown) and a tail portion connected to the lower end of the main body 162, a first contact part 165 connected to the upper end of the main body part, a connection part 164 connected to the upper end of the first contact part 165, and a second connected to the outer end of the connection part 164. A contact portion 166. A first contact recess 165a that engages with the first contact portion 65 of the first terminal 61 is formed on the surface of the first contact portion 165, and a first terminal is formed on the surface of the second contact portion 166. The second contact recesses 166 a that engage with the second contact portions 66 of 61 are formed.

  The main body portion is a portion that is surrounded and held by the second housing 111 and is not shown. The tail portion 162 is connected to a lower end extending in the left-right direction of the main body portion, that is, the width direction of the second housing 111, extends toward the outside of the second housing 111, and extends on the second substrate. It is connected to the terminal connection pad connected to the conductive trace by soldering or the like.

  Furthermore, the first contact portion 165 is a flat plate-like portion that is connected to the main body portion and extends in the vertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the second housing 111. The connection portion 164 is bent and connected to the first contact portion 165 and extends outward in the width direction of the second housing 111. The second contact portion 166 is a portion that is bent and connected downward to the outer end of the connection portion 164 and extends downward.

  The second terminal 161 is integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding. That is, the second housing 111 is molded by filling a resin into a mold cavity in which the second terminals 161 are set in advance. Thereby, the main body of the second terminal 161 is buried in the second housing 111, and the surfaces of the first contact portion 165, the connection portion 164, and the second contact portion 166 are fitted to the side surfaces of the second convex portion 112. It is integrally attached to the second housing 111 with the surface exposed. In this case, for example, six second terminals 161 are arranged on the left and right sides at a pitch of about 0.4 [mm]. Note that the pitch and number of the second terminals 161 can be changed as appropriate.

  Second projecting end portions 122 as second fitting guide portions are disposed at both ends of the second housing 111 in the longitudinal direction. The second projecting end portion 122 is a thick member that extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 and that has both ends connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of each second convex portion 112, and its upper surface is substantially rectangular. It has a shape. And the said 2nd protrusion end part 122 is inserted in the protrusion end recessed part 22 of the 1st protrusion end part 21 with which the said 1st connector 1 is provided in the state in which the 1st connector 1 and the 2nd connector 101 were fitted. It functions as an insertion convex part.

  Further, a second metal fitting holding recess 126 is formed on the fitting surface side surface of the second protruding end portion 122, that is, the upper surface 122 a, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is accommodated in the second metal fitting holding recess 126. Being held. The second metal fitting holding recess 126 is a groove-like recessed portion extending in the width direction of the second housing 111, and a slot-like second metal holding opening 126a is formed in the vicinity of both ends thereof. . The second metal fitting holding opening 126a is a through-hole that penetrates the second housing 111 in the thickness direction, and is a surface on the fitting surface side of the second metal fitting holding recess 126, that is, a bottom surface 126b, and The second projecting end portion 122 opens on the mounting surface side surface, that is, the lower surface.

  In the present embodiment, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is a member that is integrally formed by punching or bending a conductive metal plate, and extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 as a whole. A second detection unit 158 as a main body, which is an elongated strip-shaped flat plate portion, is connected to the left and right ends of the second detection unit 158 by bending substantially 90 degrees downward, and the thickness direction of the second housing 111 A second held portion 157 extending to the second holding portion 157, and a second substrate connecting portion 156 connected to the tip of the second held portion 157.

  In the second reinforcing metal fitting 151, the second held portion 157 is fitted into the second metal fitting holding opening 126a from the fitting surface side and is sandwiched from both sides by the side wall of the second metal fitting holding opening 126a. Thus, the second housing 111 is fixed. The second substrate connecting portion 156 connected to the tip of the second held portion 157 is formed so as to protrude from the lower surface of the second protruding end portion 122 and substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the second housing 111. Then, it is fixed to a fixing pad on the second substrate by soldering or the like. In other words, the second board connecting portion 156 functions as a solder tail portion of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151.

  The second detection portion 158 extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 and is accommodated in the second metal fitting holding recess 126 so as to be substantially parallel to the mounting surface, and the lower surface 158b is held by the second metal fitting holding portion. The bottom surface 126b of the recess 126 is contacted, and the top surface 158a thereof is substantially parallel to the top surface 122a of the second protruding end portion 122. Note that typically, the thickness dimension of the second detection unit 158 is shorter than the depth dimension of the second metal fitting holding recess 126, and accordingly, the second detection unit 158 accommodated in the second metal fitting holding recess 126. The upper surface 158a of the second protrusion 122 is drawn downward from the upper surface 122a of the second projecting end portion 122, that is, is recessed from the upper surface 122a.

  In addition, the upper surface 158a of the second detection unit 158 functions as a counter electrode surface in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 have been fitted, and the first detection unit 58 of the first reinforcing bracket 51 has the upper surface 158a. This is a portion that is capacitively coupled opposite the upper surface 58a. Therefore, the upper surface 158a is typically a flat surface having no unevenness and a large area. The lower surface 158b is a surface that contacts the bottom surface 126b of the second metal fitting holding recess 126 and serves as a reference for positioning the second reinforcing metal piece 151 in the fitting direction. And the 2nd detection part 158 is arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the range in which the 1st detection part 58 in the 1st connector 1 as a counterpart connector is located.

  Next, an operation for fitting the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between the first terminal and the second terminal in a state in which the board-to-board connector is started to be fitted in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first reinforcing bracket and the second reinforcing bracket in a state in which the board-to-board connector fitting is started in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the portion corresponding to the BB arrow in FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 shows the first terminal and the first terminal when the board-to-board connector fitting is completed in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship of 2 terminals, FIG. 9 is sectional drawing of the AA arrow part in FIG. 3, FIG. 9 is the state in the state which the fitting of the board-to-board connector in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was completed. It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between 1 reinforcement bracket and 2nd reinforcement bracket, and is the BB arrow part in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first reinforcing bracket and the second reinforcing bracket when the board-to-board connector fitting is completed in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for detecting completion of the board-to-board connector fitting according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the first reinforcing bracket and the second reinforcing bracket when the fitting is completed, and (b) is the distance between the first reinforcing bracket and the second reinforcing bracket. It is a figure which shows the relationship with an electrostatic capacitance.

  Here, the first connector 1 is connected to a terminal connection pad connected to a conductive trace on a first substrate (not shown) of the first terminal 61 by soldering or the like. It is assumed that the first substrate connecting portion 56 is surface-mounted on the first substrate by being connected to a fixing pad on the first substrate by soldering or the like.

  In addition, the second connector 101 is connected by soldering or the like to the terminal connection pad connected to the conductive trace on the second substrate (not shown) of the tail 162 of the second terminal 161, and the second connector 151 is connected to the second connector 101. It is assumed that the two-substrate connecting portion 156 is surface-mounted on the second substrate by being connected to a fixing pad on the second substrate by soldering or the like.

  First, the operator sets the fitting surface of the first connector 1 and the fitting surface of the second connector 101 to face each other as shown in FIGS. The positions of the left and right second convex portions 112 of the second connector 101 coincide with the positions of the left and right concave groove portions 12a of the first connector 1, and the positions of the second projecting end portions 122 at both longitudinal ends of the second connector 101 are first. When the positions of the protruding end recesses 22 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of one connector 1 are matched, the alignment between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed.

  In this state, when the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 is moved in the direction approaching the other side, that is, the fitting direction, the left and right second convex portions 112 of the second connector 101 are moved to the first connector 1. Are inserted into the left and right concave grooves 12a. The second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 is inserted between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 of each first terminal 61, and the first contact portion 65 and the second terminal of the first terminal 61 are inserted. 161 is in contact with the first contact portion 165, and the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 is in contact with the second contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161. Thereby, the space | interval of the 1st contact part 65 in the 1st terminal 61 and the 2nd contact part 66 is expanded by the 2nd terminal 161, and is extended elastically. Further, the positions of the second projecting end portions 122 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101 are inserted into the projecting end recesses 22 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1.

  Subsequently, when the operator further moves the second connector 101 relative to the first connector 1 in the fitting direction, and the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the fitting is complete. 8, the first contact portion 65 of the first terminal 61 is engaged with the first contact recess 165a of the second terminal 161, and the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 is engaged with the second terminal 161. The second contact recess 166a is engaged.

  As a result, the conductive trace connected to the terminal connection pad on the first substrate to which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected, and the terminal connection on the second substrate to which the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected. The conductive trace connected to the pad conducts.

  Further, when the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, that is, when the fitting is complete, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the flat plate-like second detection unit 158 of the second connector 101. 158a faces the upper surface 58a of the flat first detection unit 58 of the first connector 1 in close proximity. The first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 are arranged so as to be parallel to the mounting surface and the fitting surface, that is, to extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. The upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 also extend in a direction parallel to each other and perpendicular to the fitting direction. Therefore, when the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 are close to each other, the first detector 58 and the second detector 158 are capacitively coupled. That is, capacitive coupling occurs. In other words, the first detector 58 and the second detector 158 function as a counter electrode of the capacitor, and the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 are opposed to the capacitor. Functions as an electrode surface.

  Even if it is not completely fitted, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted, and the distance between the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 can be reduced to some extent. For example, capacitive coupling occurs, and the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 function as the counter electrode surface of the capacitor.

The capacitance C of the parallel plate type capacitor is expressed by the following equation (1).
C = εS / D (1)
Here, ε is a coefficient, S is the area of the opposing electrodes, and D is the interval between the opposing electrodes.

  That is, the relationship between C and D is as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, by measuring the capacitance C of the capacitor constituted by the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158, the interval between the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158, specifically, The distance between the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 can be measured, and the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed. It can be determined that the distance D between the upper surface 58a and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 has reached a predetermined value. That is, the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 function as a switch that detects complete fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 based on a change in the capacitance C.

  For example, one of a pair of terminals of a measuring instrument capable of measuring the capacitance of the circuit is electrically connected to a fixing pad on the first substrate to which the first substrate connecting portion 56 of the first reinforcing bracket 51 is connected, The other of the pair of terminals is constituted by the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 by making the other terminal conductive with the fixing pad on the second substrate to which the second substrate connection unit 156 of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is connected. The capacitance C of the capacitor to be measured can be measured. When the measured value of the capacitance C becomes equal to or greater than a preset threshold (threshold value) Th, the distance D between the upper surface 58a of the first detector 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detector 158 is a predetermined value. It can be determined that the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 has been completed.

  The threshold value Th can be set by experiment. Therefore, it may be set by an experiment performed in advance by a person who manufactures the board-to-board connector in the present embodiment, or a person who uses the board-to-board connector can set it by conducting an experiment himself / herself.

  By the way, since the areas of the first board and the second board are usually considerably larger than those of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, the operator can fit the fitting surface of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. The mating surface cannot be visually observed, and the fitting operation is performed by groping. Therefore, the operator cannot grasp the positional relationship between the fitting surface of the first connector 1 and the fitting surface of the second connector 101, and the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed. It is impossible to determine whether or not the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 are further moved in the fitting direction even after the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed. It may be.

  However, typically, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the upper surface 158 a of the second detection unit 158 is recessed from the upper surface 122 a of the second protruding end portion 122. In addition, the width dimension of the first detection unit 58 is larger than the width dimension of the second metal fitting holding recess 126. Therefore, even when the second connector 101 is further displaced from the fully-fitted position in the fitting direction with respect to the first connector 1, the upper surface 58 a of the first detection unit 58 is in contact with the second protruding end 122. By contacting the upper surface 122a, the upper surface 58a of the first detection unit 58 is prevented from contacting the upper surface 158a of the second detection unit 158. That is, the upper surface 122a of the second projecting end portion 122 functions as a stopper and stops the relative displacement of the upper surface 58a of the first detection unit 58 in the fitting direction, so that the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 does not contact and become conductive. Thereby, the measurement of the electrostatic capacitance C can be performed stably, and failure of the measuring device can be prevented.

  The lower surface 158 b of the second detection unit 158 is in contact with the bottom surface 126 b of the second metal fitting holding recess 126. Typically, the lower surface 158b and the bottom surface 126b are made with higher accuracy than other members. Therefore, when the lower surface 158b contacts the bottom surface 126b, the position and posture of the second detection unit 158 with respect to the second housing 111 are accurately maintained. Therefore, complete fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 can be accurately detected.

  Furthermore, the upper surface 58a of the first detection unit 58 and the upper surface 158a of the second detection unit 158 are typically flat surfaces having no unevenness and a large area. Therefore, the performance of the capacitor constituted by the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 is high and the capacitance C is large, so that the capacitance C can be measured with high accuracy. Also, typically, as in the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the length dimension of the upper surface 158 a of the second detection unit 158, that is, the dimension in the width direction of the second housing 111 is the first protrusion 13. The width dimension of the first housing 11 is set to be larger than the dimension in the width direction of the first housing 11. In other words, the distance is set to be greater than the distance between the surfaces of the first contact portions 165 of the second terminals 161 facing each other in the second connector 101. Therefore, the area S of the opposing electrodes in the capacitor constituted by the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 is large. As a result, the performance of the capacitor is high and the capacitance C is large. Capacitance C can be measured with high accuracy.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the complete fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is electrically detected without contact without depending on the mechanical contact, that is, the capacitance. Since the detection is based on the change in C, the operator can visually check the hand, feel the hand, listen to the click sound, etc., that is, without relying on the operator's five senses, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 Complete fitting can be confirmed accurately. Therefore, even when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are reduced in size and reduced in height and it is difficult to confirm the completion of fitting depending on the operator's visual observation, hand touch, listening to click sound, etc. The occurrence of incomplete fitting in the fitting process can be reliably prevented, and a highly reliable board-to-board connector can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket for improving the mounting strength of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 on the first board and the second board are inherently provided. 151 is used as a capacitor for detecting complete fitting 151. Therefore, since it is not necessary to separately attach a member for detecting complete fitting to the first connector 1 or the second connector 101, an increase in the size of the first connector 1 or the second connector 101 and an increase in the number of parts can be prevented. be able to. Further, since the first terminal 61 or the second terminal 161 is not used for the detection circuit, the number of terminals or the number of poles is not substantially reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operation and the same effect as those of the first embodiment is also omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector are fitted to each other in the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a view seen from the fitting surface side of the first connector. FIG. The perspective view which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting and the 2nd reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the 2nd Embodiment of the invention mutually fitted, FIG. 14: is the 2nd of this invention It is sectional drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st reinforcement metal fitting in the state which the fitting of the board | substrate to board connector in embodiment completed, and a 2nd reinforcement metal fitting, and is sectional drawing of the DD arrow part in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, members other than the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket 151 are not shown for the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

  In the first embodiment, the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158 extend so as to be parallel to the mounting surface and the fitting surface, that is, in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. It is arranged. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the first detector 58 and the second detector 158 extend in the fitting direction, that is, orthogonal to the mounting surface and the fitting surface. It is arranged to do.

  Then, when the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, that is, when the fitting is complete, the second detection unit 158 is moved outwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. 1 detector 58 is located. That is, the inner side surface 58a, which is a flat surface facing the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 in the first detection unit 58, functions as a counter electrode surface, and the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101 in the second detection unit 158. The outer surface 158a which is a flat surface facing the surface functions as a counter electrode surface and is in a state of being close to each other. As a result, the first detector 58 and the second detector 158 are capacitively coupled. That is, capacitive coupling occurs.

  In the present embodiment, since the inner side surface 58a of the first detection unit 58 and the outer side surface 158a of the second detection unit 158 functioning as the counter electrode surfaces extend in the fitting direction, the first connector 1 and the second connector Even if 101 is relatively displaced in the fitting direction, the distance D between the opposing electrodes does not change, and the area S of the opposing electrodes changes. Therefore, after the fitting operation of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is started, the process until the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are relatively displaced in the fitting direction to be completely fitted. , The portion where the inner side surface 58a of the first detection unit 58 and the outer side surface 158a of the second detection unit 158 face each other increases, and as a result, the area S increases. The capacitance C of the capacitor increases. Therefore, by measuring the capacitance C of the capacitor formed by the first detection unit 58 and the second detection unit 158, the area S becomes a predetermined value, and the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted. Can be detected. That is, when the measured value of the capacitance C is equal to or greater than a preset threshold Th, it is determined that the area S is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed. Can do.

  Note that the configuration and operation of other points of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a board-to-board connector.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,801 1st connector 11,811 1st housing 12,812 Recessed part 12a, 113 Groove part 13 First convex part 14 Side wall part 15a First terminal accommodation inner cavity 15b First terminal accommodation outer cavity 21 First protrusion end part 21b Side wall extension portion 21c End wall portion 22 Projection end recess portion 26 First metal fitting holding recess portion 26a First metal fitting holding opening portion 51 First reinforcing metal fitting 56 First substrate connection portion 57 First held portion 58 First detection portions 58a, 122a, 158a Upper surface 61, 861 First terminal 62, 162 Tail part 63 Hold part 64 Lower connection part 65, 165 First contact part 66, 166 Second contact part 67 Upper connection part 101, 901 Second connector 111, 911 First 2 housing 112 2nd convex part 122 2nd protrusion end part 126 2nd metal fitting holding | maintenance recessed part 126a 2nd metal fitting holding opening 126b Bottom face 151 1st 2 Reinforcing metal fittings 156 Second substrate connection part 157 Second held part 158 Second detection part 158b Lower surface 161, 961 Second terminal 164 Connection part 165a First contact concave part 166a Second contact concave part 813 Engaging convex part 851 First metal fitting 852 First tail portion 853 First lock protrusion 891 First substrate 913 Engaging recess 951 Second metal fitting 952 Second tail portion 953 Second lock protrusion 991 Second substrate

Claims (6)

(A) a first connector comprising a first terminal and a first housing having first fitting guide portions formed at both longitudinal ends;
(B) a second connector comprising: a second terminal that contacts the first terminal; and a second housing that is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction and has a second fitting guide portion that fits the first fitting guide portion. A board-to-board connector comprising:
(C) A board-to-board connector, comprising a switch for detecting complete fitting of the first connector and the second connector based on a change in capacitance. The first connector has a first reinforcing bracket disposed in the first fitting guide portion,
The second connector has a second reinforcing bracket disposed on the second fitting guide portion,
2. The substrate-to-board according to claim 1, wherein the switch includes counter electrodes adjacent to each other, and one of the counter electrodes is a flat plate portion of the first reinforcing metal fitting, and the other is a flat plate portion of the second reinforcing metal fitting. connector. The flat plate portion of the first reinforcing bracket includes a flat surface, the flat plate portion of the second reinforcing bracket includes a flat surface,
The flat surface of the first reinforcing metal fitting and the flat surface of the second reinforcing metal fitting face each other close to each other and function as a counter electrode surface of the capacitor when the first connector and the second connector are fitted. The board-to-board connector according to 2. The flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket extend in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector,
When the first connector and the second connector are relatively displaced in the fitting direction, the interval between the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket changes, and the capacitance changes. The board-to-board connector according to claim 3. The second fitting guide portion includes a stopper disposed around the flat plate portion of the second reinforcing bracket,
5. The stopper according to claim 4, wherein the stopper abuts against a flat surface of the first reinforcing metal fitting and prevents the flat plate portion of the first reinforcing metal fitting and the flat plate portion of the second reinforcing metal fitting from coming into contact with each other. Board-to-board connector. The flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket extend in the fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector,
When the first connector and the second connector are relatively displaced in the fitting direction, the area of the portion where the flat surface of the first reinforcing bracket and the flat surface of the second reinforcing bracket face each other changes, and the electrostatic The board-to-board connector according to claim 3, wherein the capacitance is changed.

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