JP2020074338A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a reinforcing metal fitting from deforming during fitting work or during fitting-releasing work, so as to enhance reliability.SOLUTION: A first housing includes first protruding end parts formed at both ends in a longitudinal direction, which fit to second protruding end parts formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a second housing of a second connector. The first protruding end parts include end wall part extending in a width direction of the first housing and side wall extending parts connected to both ends of the end wall parts and extended in the longitudinal direction of the first housing. First reinforcing metal fittings include a first main body part extending in a width direction of the first housing, connected arm parts connected to both ends of the first main body, and side guide parts connected to the connected arm parts, which are attached to the first protruding end parts. The side guide parts include upper wall parts positioned above the side wall extending parts and inner wall parts positioned inside the side wall extending parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to connectors.

  Conventionally, a connector such as a board-to-board connector has been used to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards to each other. Such a connector is attached to each of the surfaces of the pair of circuit boards that face each other, and is fitted to and electrically connected to each other. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which the reinforcing metal fittings attached to both ends function as lock members to maintain the fitting state with the mating connector (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing metal member of a conventional connector. In addition, in the figure, (a) is a figure which shows a 2nd reinforcement metal fitting, (b) is a figure which shows a 1st reinforcement metal fitting.

  10B, reference numeral 851 denotes first reinforcing metal fittings attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing of the first connector mounted on the first circuit board (not shown), and in FIG. The second reinforcing metal fittings are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the housing of the second connector mounted on the second circuit board that is not mounted.

  The first reinforcing metal member 851 is a member integrally formed by stamping, bending, or the like on a metal plate, and has a plate-shaped main body portion 852 extending in the width direction of the first connector, and the main body portion. Side engaging pieces 858 extending from both ends of 852 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector, and a board connecting portion 856 for fixing to be soldered to the first circuit board connected to the lower ends of the side engaging pieces 858. A side engaging protrusion 858a formed on the inner surface of the side engaging piece 858 and a housing locking protrusion 854 formed at the tip of the side engaging piece 858.

  The second reinforcing metal member 951 is a member integrally formed by stamping, bending, or the like on a metal plate, and is a plate-shaped main body 952 disposed in the widthwise center of the second connector. A side engaging piece 958 extending from the left and right ends of the body portion 952 to the outside in the width direction of the second connector, a side engaging convex portion 958a formed at the tip of the side engaging piece 958, and the body. A board connecting portion 956 for fixing which is soldered to the second circuit board connected to the lower end (upper end in the posture shown in the drawing) of the portion 952, and a housing locking portion formed on one surface of the main body portion 952. The convex portion 952a is provided.

  Then, when the first connector and the second connector are fitted to each other, the side engaging convex portion 858a of the first reinforcing metal member 851 and the side engaging convex portion 958a of the second reinforcing metal member 951 are engaged with each other. As a result, the first connector and the second connector are locked and the fitted state is maintained.

JP, 2009-277365, A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional connector, the side engaging piece 958 of the second reinforcing metal fitting 951 is wound during the fitting releasing work, that is, when the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector is released. (Flipping) It may deform so that it rises. When releasing the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector, the side engaging convex portion 858a of the first reinforcing metal member 851 and the side engaging convex portion 958a of the second reinforcing metal member 951 are engaged. Although a releasing force is applied in the same manner, the side engaging protrusion 858a of the first reinforcing metal member 851 is relatively close to the board connecting portion 856 fixed to the first circuit board, whereas Since the side engaging convex portion 958a of the reinforcing metal member 951 is relatively distant from the main body portion 952 fixed to the housing and the second circuit board, the main body portion 952 and the side engaging convex portion 958a are connected. A large force is applied to the side engaging piece 958.

  It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the conventional connector and to provide a highly reliable connector in which the reinforcing metal fitting is not deformed during the fitting operation or the fitting releasing operation.

  Therefore, the connector is a connector including a connector main body, a terminal to be loaded in the connector main body, and a reinforcing metal member to be loaded in the connector main body, wherein the connector main body has both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body. A mating guide part extending in the width direction of the connector body, the mating guide parts being mating with mating mating guide parts formed at both longitudinal ends of the mating connector body of the mating connector. The reinforcing metal fitting includes a main body portion exposed on an inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to an upper end of the main body portion and exposed on an upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and a main body portion of the main body portion. And a pair of fixing portions connected to the lower ends.

  In another connector, each of the fixing portions further includes a first fixing portion that extends in a longitudinal direction of the connector body and extends in a direction of an outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion, and the connector body. A second fixing portion extending in the width direction and extending in the direction of the outer wall surface of the side wall portion of the fitting guide portion.

  In yet another connector, each of the fixing portions is substantially L-shaped in a side view.

  In still another connector, further, the reinforcing metal fitting is connected to an end of the upper wall portion opposite to the main body portion, and an outer wall portion exposed to an outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion and an upper wall portion of the upper wall portion. The connector body further includes an outer wall portion of the fitting guide portion connected to both widthwise ends of the connector body, and a sidewall cover portion exposed to the sidewall portion.

  The connector pair has the connector and a mating connector that fits with the connector.

  According to the present disclosure, the reinforcing metal fitting is not deformed during the fitting operation or the fitting releasing operation, and the reliability can be improved.

It is a perspective view of the 1st connector in this embodiment, (a) is a figure seen from the slanting top, and (b) is a figure seen from the slanting bottom. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the first connector according to the present embodiment as seen obliquely from above, showing a state in which only the first reinforcing metal member is removed. It is a perspective view of the 1st reinforcement metal fittings of the 1st connector in this embodiment, (a) is a figure seen from slanting top, and (b) is a figure seen from slanting bottom. It is a perspective view of the 2nd connector in this embodiment, when (a) is a figure seen from slanting upper, and (b) is a figure seen from slanting lower. FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the second connector according to the present embodiment as viewed obliquely from above, showing a state in which only the second reinforcing metal member is removed. It is a perspective view of the 2nd reinforcement metal fittings of the 2nd connector in this embodiment, (a) is a figure seen from the slanting top, and (b) is a figure seen from the slanting bottom. It is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship of the 1st connector and 2nd connector in the fitting process of the connector in this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the fitting process of the connector in this Embodiment was completed, (a) is the figure seen from the 2nd connector side, (b) is the figure seen from the 1st connector side. It is a two-sided view showing a state where the fitting process of the connector in the present embodiment is completed, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line AA in (a). It is a perspective view which shows the reinforcement metal fittings of the conventional connector, (a) is a figure which shows a 2nd reinforcement metal fitting, (b) is a figure which shows a 1st reinforcement metal fitting.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a perspective view of a first connector according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the first connector according to the present embodiment as seen from obliquely above, and shows a state in which only the first reinforcing metal fitting is removed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first reinforcing metal member of the first connector according to the present embodiment. 1 and 3, (a) is a diagram viewed from diagonally above, and (b) is a diagram viewed from diagonally below.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a connector in the present embodiment, which is a first connector as a counterpart connector of a pair of board-to-board connectors. The first connector 1 is a surface-mounting type connector that is mounted on the surface of a first board, which is a board (not shown) as a mounting member, and is fitted to a second connector 101, which will be described later, as a connector. .. The second connector 101 is the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors, and is a surface mount type connector that is mounted on the surface of the second board, which is a board (not shown) as a mounting member.

  The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in this embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate as substrates, but other members. Can also be used to electrically connect to. The first substrate and the second substrate are, for example, a printed circuit board used in an electronic device or the like, a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), etc. It may be any type of substrate.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the expressions used to describe the configuration and operation of each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 indicate directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear, It is not an absolute one but a relative one, which is suitable when each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 has the posture shown in the figure, but when the posture changes, the posture It should be changed and interpreted according to changes.

  The first connector 1 has a first housing 11 as a mating connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the drawing, the first housing 11 has a shape of a substantially rectangular thick plate that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the side on which the second connector 101 is fitted, that is, the fitting surface 11a side (in FIG. 2). On the upper side), a substantially rectangular recess 12 is formed, the periphery of which is surrounded. A first convex portion 13 as an island portion is integrally formed with the first housing 11 in the concave portion 12, and both sides of the first convex portion 13 are parallel to the first convex portion 13. The extending side wall portion 14 is formed integrally with the first housing 11.

  In this case, the first convex portion 13 and the side wall portion 14 project upward from the bottom surface of the concave portion 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. Accordingly, on both sides of the first convex portion 13, concave groove portions 12 a, which are elongated concave portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, are formed as a part of the concave portion 12.

  Here, on both sides of the first convex portion 13, a concave groove-shaped first terminal accommodating inner cavity 15a is formed. In addition, a concave groove-shaped first terminal accommodating outer cavity 15b is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 14. The first terminal-accommodating inner cavity 15a and the first terminal-accommodating outer cavity 15b are connected and integrated with each other at the bottom surface of the recessed groove portion 12a. In the case of integrally describing 15b, the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the first terminal accommodating cavities 15 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 on both sides in the width direction of the first housing 11. Specifically, a plurality of each is formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13 at a predetermined pitch. A plurality of first terminals 61 as counterpart terminals accommodated in each of the first terminal accommodating cavities 15 are also arranged on both sides of the first convex portion 13 at the same pitch.

  In addition, since there are two types of the first terminals 61A having a wide width and the first terminals 61B having a narrow width in the first terminals 61 accommodated in each of the first terminal accommodating cavities 15, Also, there are two types: a wide first terminal accommodating cavity 15A accommodating the wide first terminal 61A and a narrow first terminal accommodating cavity 15B accommodating the narrow first terminal 61B. The wide first terminal accommodating cavities 15A are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of each row on both sides in the width direction of the first housing 11, and the narrow first terminal accommodating cavities 15B are formed at both ends in each row. Is formed between the wide first terminal accommodating cavities 15A. In the example shown in the figure, for the sake of convenience of description, four narrow first terminal accommodating cavities 15B are formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13, but the number thereof is three or less. Alternatively, it may be five or more, and may be set arbitrarily.

  The wide first terminal accommodating cavity 15A and the narrow first terminal accommodating cavity 15B have the same configuration except for the width dimension. explain. In addition, the wide first terminal 61A and the narrow first terminal 61B have the same configuration except for the width dimension, and therefore, in the case of an integrated description, the first terminal 61 will be described.

  The first terminal 61 is a member that is integrally formed by subjecting a conductive metal plate to punching, bending, or the like, and has one end connected to a held portion (not shown) and the lower end of the held portion. Tail portion 62, an upper connecting portion 67 connected to the upper end of the held portion, a second contact portion 66 formed near the inner end of the upper connecting portion 67, and the second contact portion 66. And a first contact portion 65 formed in the vicinity of the free end of the lower connection portion 64.

  The held portion is a portion that extends in the vertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the first housing 11, and is fitted and retained in the first terminal accommodating outer cavity 15b. The tail portion 62 is bent and connected to the held portion, extends outward in the left-right direction, that is, in the width direction of the first housing 11, and is connected to the conductive trace of the first substrate. It is connected to the connection pad by soldering or the like.

  A curved second contact portion 66 that is bent downward and projects inward in the width direction of the first housing 11 is formed at an inner end of the upper connection portion 67. The lower connecting 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 that projects outward in the width direction of the first housing 11 at the free end of the lower connecting portion 64, that is, near the upper end of the inner side. The part 65 is formed.

  The first terminal 61 is fitted into the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 from the mounting surface 11b side (the lower side in FIG. 2), and the held portion is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 14 to accommodate the first terminal. It is fixed to the first housing 11 by being sandwiched by the side walls of the outer cavity 15b from both sides. In this state, that is, in the 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 left and right sides of the concave groove portion 12a and face each other. There is.

  Since the first terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by processing a metal plate, it has some elasticity. As is clear from the shape, the distance between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 facing each other can be elastically changed. That is, when the later-described second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 is inserted between the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66, the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 are thereby inserted. The distance between and extends elastically.

  Further, all the first terminals 61, that is, both the wide first terminals 61A and the narrow first terminals 61B, have a longitudinal sectional shape, that is, from the free end of the tail portion 62 to the first contact portion 65. The cross-sectional shape along the axis extending to the free end is the same. Therefore, in all the first terminals 61, the electrical length from the tail portion 62 to the contact portion with the second terminal 161 is equal.

  Further, first projecting end portions 21 as mating fitting guide portions are provided at both longitudinal ends of the first housing 11, respectively. A fitting recess 22 is formed as a part of the recess 12 in each of the first protruding ends 21. The fitting concave portion 22 is a substantially rectangular concave portion, and is connected to both longitudinal ends of each concave groove portion 12a. Then, a second projecting end portion 122, which will be described later, included in the second connector 101 is inserted into the fitting concave portion 22 in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted.

  Further, the first projecting end portion 21 includes a side wall extension portion 21c extending from both longitudinal ends of the side wall portion 14 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, and an end wall portion extending in the width direction of the first housing 11. 21b. In each first projecting end portion 21, the end wall portion 21b and the side wall extension portion 21c form a substantially U-shaped side wall, and define three sides of the substantially rectangular fitting recess 22.

  Then, a first reinforcing metal fitting 51 as a counterpart reinforcing metal fitting is attached to the first projecting end portion 21. The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is housed and held in the first metal fitting holding recess 26 formed in the first projecting end portion 21. The first metal fitting holding recess 26 has a continuous U-shape when viewed from the fitting surface side, opens to the upper surface 21a of the first projecting end portion 21, and extends from the upper surface 21a in the thickness direction of the first housing 11. It is a slit-shaped space that extends downward.

  The substantially U-shaped side wall formed by the end wall portion 21b and the side wall extension portion 21c is divided into an inner wall portion 21f and an outer wall portion 21k by the first metal fitting holding recess 26. The inner wall portion 21f has a substantially U shape and is connected to both ends of the side wall portion 14 in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, each outer wall portion 21k is divided into three parts, a central portion 21g and left and right corner portions 21h, by the first arm portion accommodation opening portion 26f and the first fixed portion accommodation opening portion 26e provided in the first metal fitting holding recessed portion 26. ing. The first fixing portion accommodation opening 26e opens to the outer surface of the end wall portion 21b, and the first arm portion accommodation opening 26f opens to the outer surface around the connecting portion between the side wall extension portion 21c and the end wall portion 21b. .. The outer wall surface of the central portion 21g is the outermost surface in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11.

  A second fixing portion accommodating opening portion 26g is formed in a portion of the inner wall portion 21f adjacent to the end wall portion 21b of the side wall extension portion 21c. The second fixing portion accommodating opening 26g is formed so as to penetrate the bottom plate of the fitting recess 22.

  Further, an inner end convex portion 25 protruding toward the first convex portion 13 is formed on the inner side surface of the end wall portion 21b. The facing flat surface 25a of the inner end convex portion 25 that faces the first convex portion 13 is a plane that functions as a reference surface when positioning each portion of the first connector 1 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11.

  In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is a member integrally formed by subjecting a metal plate to punching, bending, or the like, and has a long and narrow strip shape extending in the width direction of the first housing 11. A first body portion 52 as a body portion, elongated strip-shaped connection arm portions 53 connected to the left and right ends of the first body portion 52, and a side guide portion 55 connected to the tip of the connection arm portion 53. , A central guide part 57 connected to the upper end of the first main body part 52.

  The first main body portion 52 is fixed to the central portion 21g of the outer wall portion 21k. The connecting arm portion 53 is a portion that is bent so as to be substantially L-shaped when viewed from above, that is, in a plan view, and is a portion that is elastically displaceable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The connection arm portion 53 is accommodated in the first arm portion accommodation opening portion 26f in a state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 as shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the first projecting end portion 21.

  The side guide portion 55 is a substantially rectangular tubular portion extending from the tip of the connecting arm portion 53 in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, and includes an upper wall portion 55a, an inner wall portion 55b and an outer wall portion 55d. There is. The upper wall portion 55a is substantially parallel to the fitting surface 11a of the first housing 11, and covers the side wall extension portion 21c when the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. There is. Further, the inner wall portion 55b is a flat plate-shaped portion extending downward from the inner end of the upper wall portion 55a, and in the state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first projecting end portion 21, It covers the inner surface of the fitting recess 22. Further, the outer wall portion 55d is a flat plate-shaped portion that extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion 55a, is substantially parallel to the inner wall portion 55b, and is flush with the connecting arm portion 53. The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 covers the outer side surface of the side wall extension 21c in a state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end 21.

  An engaging recess 55c as a mating engaging portion is formed at the front end of the inner wall 55b (the end opposite to the first main body 52). In the example shown in the figure, the engagement recess 55c is an opening that penetrates the inner wall 55b in the plate thickness direction, but when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted, the second connector 101 The tip end portion 158a of the engaging protrusion 158 included in the second reinforcing metal fitting 151, which will be described later, may have any shape as long as the tip portion 158a can be engaged with the tip portion 158a, and does not necessarily need to penetrate the inner wall portion 55b. Further, the mating engaging portion does not necessarily have to be a concave portion such as the engaging concave portion 55c, and may be a protruding portion that can be engaged with the tip portion 158a of the engaging protruding portion 158, but here, The case of the engaging recess 55c will be described.

  Further, from the lower end of the rear end of the connection arm 53 (the connection with the first main body 52) and the lower end of the rear end of the inner wall 55b (the end on the first main body 52 side). A first fixing portion 56a and a second fixing portion 56b which are connected and fixed to the surface of the first substrate by means such as soldering extend. Therefore, in the state where the first connector 1 is mounted on the surface of the first substrate, the side guide portion 55 is a cantilever-shaped spring member having a rear end portion fixed and a front end portion free, and is elastic in the vertical direction. Can be displaced. Moreover, since it is fixed at two positions on the rear end, that is, at the first fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b, it is not peeled off from the surface of the first substrate.

  Further, from the first fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b to the engaging concave portion 55c located at the front end portion of the connecting arm portion 53, the length along the members such as the connecting arm portion 53 and the side guide portion 55 is The length of the portion that functions as a spring is long, that is, the spring length is long. As a result, the engagement recess 55c can be elastically displaced over a wide range in the vertical direction.

  The central guide portion 57 is a member that covers a part of the upper surface 21a of the inner wall portion 21f and the inner side surface of the end wall portion 21b when the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. The central guide portion 57 has a base end connected to an upper end of the first main body portion 52, and an upper cover portion 57a having a curved shape so that a tip end thereof is directed obliquely downward, and a base end portion of the upper cover portion 57a. An inner cover 57b having ends connected to each other and a tip extending downward.

  A convex portion accommodation opening 57c for accommodating the inner end convex portion 25 is formed at the center of the lower end of the inner cover portion 57b, whereby the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. Even in the state, the facing flat surface 25 a is exposed in the fitting recess 22. Further, by fitting the convex portion accommodation opening 57c with the inner end convex portion 25, the positioning of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 with respect to the first projecting end portion 21 is performed.

  Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

  4 is a perspective view of the second connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the second connector in the present embodiment as seen from diagonally above, and is a view showing a state in which only the second reinforcing metal fitting is removed, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second reinforcing metal member of the second connector according to the present embodiment. 4 and 6, (a) is a diagram viewed from diagonally above, and (b) is a diagram viewed from diagonally below.

  The second connector 101 as a connector in the present embodiment 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. Then, on the side of the second housing 111 that is fitted into the first connector 1, that is, on the side of the fitting surface 111a (the upper side in FIG. 5), an elongated groove portion 113 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, The outer side of the concave groove portion 113 is defined, and a second convex portion 112 as an elongated convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 is integrally formed. 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, a second terminal 161 as a terminal is provided on each second convex portion 112. The groove 113 is closed by a bottom plate on the side mounted on the second substrate, that is, on the mounting surface 111b side (lower side in FIG. 5).

  There are two types of the second terminal 161, a wide second terminal 161A and a narrow second terminal 161B. The wide second terminals 161A are respectively formed on both ends in the longitudinal direction of each row on both sides in the width direction of the second housing 111, and the narrow second terminals 161B are the wide terminals on both ends in each row. It is formed between two terminals 161A. In the example shown in the figure, for convenience of explanation, four second terminals 161B each having a narrow width are provided on each of the second convex portions 112 on both sides, but the number thereof is three or less. Also, the number may be five or more, and can be set arbitrarily.

  Note that the wide second terminal 161A and the narrow second terminal 161B have the same configuration except for the width dimension, and therefore will be described as the second terminal 161 in the case of an integrated description.

  The second terminal 161 is a member integrally formed by subjecting a conductive metal plate to punching, bending, or the like, and is connected to a held portion (not shown) and the lower end of the held portion. The tail portion 162, the second contact portion 166 connected to the upper end of the held portion, the connecting portion 164 connected to the upper end of the second contact portion 166, and the inner end of the connecting portion 164. And a first contact portion 165. A second contact recess 166a is formed on the surface of the second contact portion 166.

  The held portion is a portion that is surrounded and held by the second housing 111 and is not shown in the drawing. In addition, the tail portion 162 is connected to the left and right direction of the main body portion, that is, the lower end extending in the width direction of the second housing 111, extends outward of the second housing 111, and is electrically connected to the second substrate. The connection pads connected to the traces are connected by soldering or the like.

  The second terminal 161 is integrated with the second housing 111 by a molding method called overmolding or insert molding. That is, the second housing 111 is molded by filling the insulating material into the cavity of the mold in which the second terminal 161 is set in advance. Accordingly, in the second terminal 161, the held portion is embedded in the second housing 111, and the surfaces of the first contact portion 165, the connecting portion 164, and the second contact portion 166 are fitted to the side surfaces of the second convex portion 112 and the fitting portion. It is integrally attached to the second housing 111 while being exposed to the mating surface 111a.

  Furthermore, all of the second terminals 161 are in the longitudinal sectional shape, that is, from the free end of the tail portion 162 to the first contact portion 165, that is, both the wide second terminal 161A and the narrow second terminal 161B. The cross-sectional shape along the axis extending to the tip is the same. Therefore, in all the second terminals 161, the electrical length from the tail portion 162 to the contact portion with the first terminal 61 is equal.

  Then, second projecting end portions 122 as fitting guide portions are arranged at both longitudinal ends of the second housing 111. The second projecting end portion 122 is a thick member that extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 and has both ends connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of each second projecting portion 112, and its upper surface has a substantially rectangular shape. With shape. Then, the second projecting end portion 122 is inserted into the fitting recess 22 of the first projecting end portion 21 included in the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together. Functions as an insertion protrusion.

  Further, a second reinforcing metal member 151 as a reinforcing metal member is attached to the second protruding end 122. Similar to the second terminal 161, the second reinforcing metal member 151 is integrated with the second housing 111 by a molding method called overmolding or insert molding. That is, the second housing 111 is formed by filling the second terminal 161 together with the insulating material into the cavity of the mold in which the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is set in advance.

  Note that, in FIG. 5, the second reinforcing metal member 151 and the second housing 111 are members formed separately, and are drawn as if they were combined with each other, but such drawing is for convenience. However, it is not always accurate. As described above, the second housing 111 according to the present embodiment covers at least a part of the periphery of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 with an insulating material by the molding method called overmolding or insert molding. It is obtained by molding so as to be integrated with each other.

  The second reinforcing metal member 151 in the present embodiment is a member that is integrally formed by subjecting a metal plate to stamping, bending, or the like, and is an elongated strip-shaped main body that extends in the width direction of the second housing 111. A second main body portion 152 as a portion, a central cover portion 157 connected to the upper end of the second main body portion 152, and an engaging projection portion that extends outward from the left and right ends of the second main body portion 152. 158 and a fixing portion 156 extending from the lower end of the connecting portion between the engaging protrusion 158 and the second main body portion 152.

  The second body portion 152 is exposed on the inner wall surface of the end wall portion 122a of the second protruding end portion 122. The center cover 157 includes an upper wall 157a that covers an upper surface of the end wall 122a, and an outer wall that extends downward from an outer end of the upper wall 157a and is exposed to an outer wall surface of the end wall 122a. A portion 157b and a sidewall cover portion 157c that extends downward from the left and right ends of the upper wall portion 157a and is exposed at the outer wall surface of the sidewall portion 122b of the second projecting end 122. Further, the fixing portion 156 is bent so as to have a substantially L shape in a side view, and a tip portion thereof is parallel to the fitting surface 111 a of the second housing 111. The tip portion branches into a first fixing portion 156a extending in the direction of the outer wall surface of the end wall portion 122a and a second fixing portion 156b extending in the direction of the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b. ing. The first fixing portion 156a and the second fixing portion 156b are connected and fixed to the surface of the second substrate by means such as soldering.

  Further, at least the tip portion 158a of the engaging protrusion 158 projects outward from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b. Then, at least a part of the outer surface of the engaging projection 158 excluding the portion protruding outward from the outer wall surface of the side wall 122b is covered with the resin forming the side wall 122b. More specifically, at least a part of the outer surface of the engaging protrusion 158 on the side of the fitting surface 111a is covered with an insulating material forming the side wall 122b. In addition, on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b, a recessed portion 122c that is recessed inward from the periphery of the engaging projection 158 is formed on at least a part of the periphery of the engaging projection 158. Accordingly, even if the insulating material squeezes out around the engagement protrusion 158, that is, even if a burr occurs, the amount of protrusion from the outer wall surface of the side wall 122b to the tip 158a can be secured.

  Therefore, when the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 that are fitted to each other is released, the fitting is performed from the engaging recess 55c of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 with which the tip portion 158a is engaged. Even if a force directed toward the surface 111a is received, a part of the side wall portion 122b supports this force, so that the engagement protrusion 158 does not deform in the direction of the fitting surface 111a.

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

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first connector and the second connector in the connector fitting process of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the connector fitting process of this embodiment is completed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view, and FIG. 9 is a two-sided view showing a state in which the connector fitting process in the present embodiment is completed. 8A is a view as seen from the second connector side, FIG. 8B is a view as seen from the first connector side, and FIG. 9A is a side view and FIG. It is an AA arrow sectional view in a).

  In the present embodiment, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 may be connected to the signal line or may be connected to the power line.

  For example, all of the first terminals 61 and all of the second terminals 161 can be connected to the power line as a parallel circuit. In this case, the wide first terminal 61A and the narrow first terminal 61B have the same vertical cross-sectional shape and the same electrical length, and differ only in the width dimension. Similarly, the wide second terminal 161A and the wide terminal 161A The narrow second terminal 161B has the same vertical cross-sectional shape, the same electrical length, and the different width dimension. Therefore, the resistance value depends only on the width dimension, and the shunt calculation can be easily performed. Becomes In addition, since the first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A, which have a large amount of current and a large amount of heat generation, are present at both ends of the first housing 11 and the second housing 111 in the longitudinal direction, heat is emitted to the outside. It is easily dissipated, and heat is not trapped inside the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

  Further, for example, the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A can be connected to the power line, and the narrow first terminal 61B and the second terminal 161B can be connected to the signal line. In this case, for example, a power line from a battery mounted on an electronic device or the like is connected to the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A to carry a signal indicating the identification number, the remaining amount, the temperature, etc. of the battery. The signal line can be connected to the narrow first terminal 61B and second terminal 161B. Also in this case, since the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A to which the power line is connected are present at both longitudinal ends of the first housing 11 and the second housing 111, heat is dissipated to the outside. It is easy and heat is not trapped inside the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

  Here, the first connector 1 is connected by soldering or the like to the connection pad where the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected to the conductive trace of the first board (not shown), and It is assumed that the fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b are surface-mounted on the first board by being connected and fixed to the reinforcing connection pads of the first board by soldering or the like. The conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 62 of the narrow first terminal 61B is connected is a signal line and connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 62 of the wide first terminal 61A is connected. Conducted traces shall be power lines. Further, the connection pads to which the tail portions 62 are connected are separate and separate from each other. Therefore, it is assumed that each of the four wide first terminals 61A included in the first connector 1 is connected to each of the four power lines.

  Similarly, in the second connector 101, the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected to the connection pad connected to the conductive trace of the second substrate (not shown) by soldering or the like, and the first reinforcing metal member 151 of It is assumed that the fixing portion 156a and the second fixing portion 156b are surface-mounted on the second substrate by being connected and fixed to the reinforcing connection pads of the second substrate by soldering or the like. The conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 162 of the narrow second terminal 161B is connected is a signal line and is connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 162 of the wide second terminal 161A is connected. Conducted traces shall be power lines. Further, the connection pads to which the tail portions 162 are connected are separate and separate from each other. Therefore, it is assumed that each of the four wide second terminals 161A included in the second connector 101 is connected to each of the four power lines.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator makes the fitting surface 11a of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1 and the fitting surface 111a of the second housing 111 of the second connector 101 face each other, The position of the second convex portion 112 of the second connector 101 matches the position of the corresponding concave groove portion 12a of the first connector 1, and the position of the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 corresponds to the first connector 1. When the position of the fitting recess 22 is matched, the alignment of 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 toward the mating side, that is, in the fitting direction, the second convex portion 112 and the second projecting end portion 122 of the second connector 101 are moved. Is inserted into the concave groove portion 12 a and the fitting concave portion 22 of the first connector 1. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 are brought into conduction.

  Specifically, 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 of the first terminal 61 is The first contact portion 165 of the second terminal 161 makes contact, and the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 makes contact with the second contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161. As a result, the conductive trace connected to the connection pad on the first substrate to which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected and the connection pad on the second substrate to which the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected are connected. The connected conductive trace is electrically connected.

  Then, due to the function of the first terminal 61 as a spring portion, the first contact portion 65 and the second contact portion 66 hold the second terminal 161 from both sides. Further, the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 engages with the second contact recess 166a formed on the surface of the second contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161. As a result, the second terminal 161 is firmly held by the first terminal 61, so that the second terminal 161 is prevented from coming off the first terminal 61, and the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together. Is reliably maintained.

  By the way, since the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mounted on the first substrate and the second substrate having a large area, the operator can fit the fitting surface 11a of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 together. Since the surface 111a cannot be visually observed, the fitting work is performed by feeling. Then, since it is a groping, accurate alignment cannot be performed, and the position of the first connector 1 may deviate from the position of the second connector 101. For example, in a state where the second connector 101 is displaced with respect to the first connector 1 and the fitting surface 111a of the second connector 101 is inclined with respect to the fitting surface 11a of the first connector 1. May be.

  In such a state, when the operator moves the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 in the fitting direction, one of the first connector 1 has the first protruding end portion 21 with which the second connector 101 One of the second projecting end portions 122 comes into contact with the first projecting end portion 21, and the first projecting end portion 21 is pushed by a large amount from the second projecting end portion 122 in the fitting direction, that is, from top to bottom in FIG. You will be under pressure.

  However, in the present embodiment, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21, and the first protruding metal end portion 21 is attached by the central guide portion 57 and the side guide portion 55 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51. Since it is covered, even if a large pressing force is applied from the second projecting end portion 122, the pressing force is applied to the first substrate via the first fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51. Since it is transmitted, it is hardly transmitted to the first protruding end portion 21. Therefore, the first protruding end portion 21 is not damaged or damaged.

  Further, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is attached to the second projecting end portion 122, and the second projecting end portion 122 is covered by the central covering portion 157 and the side wall covering portion 157c of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151. Even if a large pressing force is applied from the projecting end portion 21, the pressing force is transmitted to the second substrate via the first fixing portion 156a and the second fixing portion 156b of the second reinforcing metal member 151, so that the second It is hardly transmitted to the projecting end 122. Therefore, the second protruding end 122 is not damaged or damaged.

  Then, when the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 are brought into conduction, and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the first The second reinforcing metal member 151 of the two-connector 101 is engaged with each other. As a result, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are locked and the fitted state is maintained.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is inserted inside the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and is formed on the left and right side guide portions 55 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51. The tip portions 158a of the left and right engaging protrusions 158 of the second reinforcing metal member 151 enter and engage with the engaging recesses 55c. The distance between the inner side surfaces of the inner wall portion 55b of the left and right side guide portions 55 is set to be shorter than the distance between the tip portions 158a of the left and right engaging protrusions 158 in the initial state. Therefore, when the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is inserted inside the first reinforcing metal fitting 51, the distance between the inner side surfaces of the inner wall portions 55b of the left and right side guide portions 55 depends on the left and right engaging protrusions 158. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the tip portions 158a of the left and right engaging protrusions 158 enter the engaging concave portions 55c, the spring properties of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 cause the springs to be in the initial state. Return to the distance. As a result, the engagement state between the engagement concave portion 55c of the side guide portion 55 and the tip end portion 158a of the engagement projection portion 158 is reliably maintained, and as a result, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are reliably made. Locked in.

  Here, since the engagement concave portion 55c located at the front end portion of the connecting arm portion 53 has a long spring length, the elastic displacement amount is extremely large. As a result, vibrations and shocks generated when the electronic device or the like on which the first board and the second board are mounted drop or receive an external force are transmitted, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 51 is connected to the second reinforcing metal fitting 51. Even when 151 is relatively displaced, the engagement concave portion 55c can keep the engaged state by following the displacement of the tip end portion 158a of the engagement protrusion 158, so that the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 can be maintained. The engagement state between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is reliably held, and the lock between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is not released.

  Further, in order to release the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 is moved in the direction away from the mating side, that is, in the anti-fitting direction. A force in the direction of withdrawing from the second housing 111 (a downward force in FIG. 9B) acts on the engagement protrusion 158 whose tip 158a is engaged with the engagement recess 55c. However, a part of the engagement protrusion 158 including at least the tip portion 158a projects outward from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b. The periphery of the engaging protrusion 158 is covered with an insulating material forming the side wall 122b. More specifically, at least a part of the periphery of the engagement protrusion 158 on the side of the fitting surface 111a is covered with an insulating material forming the side wall 122b. Therefore, the displacement of the engagement protrusion 158 in the direction of pulling out from the second housing 111 is prevented, and the engagement protrusion 158 is prevented from rolling up.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second connector 101 includes the second housing 111, the second terminals 161 loaded in the second housing 111, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 loaded in the second housing 111. Equipped with. The second housing 111 is fitted with the second projecting end portions 122 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction and the first projecting end portions 21 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1. The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 includes the second projecting end portion 122 to be fitted, and the engaging concave portion 55c of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 loaded in the first housing 11 and the engaging projection portion 158 with which the tip end portion 158a is engaged. A part of the engaging protrusion 158, including at least the tip portion 158a, protrudes from the wall surface of the second protrusion end portion 122.

  Thereby, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is not deformed during the fitting operation or the fitting releasing operation, and the reliability can be improved.

  Further, at least a part of the periphery of the engagement protrusion 158 on the side of the fitting surface 111 a of the second housing 111 is covered with an insulating material forming the second protruding end 122. Therefore, the displacement of the engagement protrusion 158 in the direction of pulling out from the second housing 111 is prevented, and the engagement protrusion 158 is prevented from rolling up.

  Further, a recessed portion 122c is formed on at least a part of the wall surface of the second projecting end portion 122 around the engaging protrusion 158. Accordingly, even if the insulating material squeezes out around the engagement protrusion 158, the amount of protrusion from the outer wall surface of the side wall 122b to the tip 158a can be secured.

  Further, the second housing 111 is formed such that at least a part of the periphery of the second reinforcing metal member 151 is covered with an insulating material to be integrated. As a result, the second housing 111 and the second reinforcing metal member 151 are firmly coupled.

  Further, the wall surface of the second projecting end portion 122 is an outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b of the second projecting end portion 122, and the first projecting end portion 21 includes the fitting recess 22 into which the second projecting end portion 122 is inserted. The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 includes an inner wall portion 55b that covers the inner side surface of the fitting recessed portion 22, and the engagement recessed portion 55c is a recessed portion formed in the inner wall portion 55b. Therefore, the engagement state between the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is reliably maintained, and the lock between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is not released.

  It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified based on the spirit of the present disclosure, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present disclosure.

  The present disclosure can be applied to a connector.

1 1st connector 11 1st housing 11a, 111a Fitting surface 11b, 111b Mounting surface 12 Recessed part 12a, 113 Recessed groove part 13 1st convex part 14, 122b Side wall part 15a 1st terminal accommodation inner cavity 15A, 15B 1st terminal accommodation Cavity 15b First terminal accommodating outer cavity 21 First projecting end 21a Upper surface 21b, 122a End wall 21c Side wall extension 21f, 55b Inner wall 21g Center 21h Corner 21k, 55d, 157b Outer wall 22 Inside fitting recess 25 End convex part 25a Opposed flat surface 26 First metal fitting holding concave part 26e First fixed part housing opening 26f First arm part housing opening 26g Second fixed part housing opening 51, 851 First reinforcing metal fitting 52 First body part 53 Connection Arm 55 Side guide 55a, 157a Upper wall 55c Engagement recess 56a, 156a First fixing part 56b 156b 2nd fixing | fixed part 57 Central guide part 57a Upper side cover 57b Inner side cover 57c Convex part accommodation opening 61A, 61B 1st terminal 62, 162 Tail part 64 Lower side connection part 65, 165 1st contact part 66, 166 2nd Contact part 67 Upper side connection part 101 Second connector 111 Second housing 112 Second convex part 122 Second protruding end part 122c Recessed part 151, 951 Second reinforcing metal fitting 152 Second main body part 156 Fixed part 157 Center cover part 157c Side wall cover Part 158 Engagement protrusion 158a Tip part 161A, 161B Second terminal 164 Connection part 166a Second contact recess 852, 952 Body part 854, 952a Housing locking projection 856, 956 Board connection part 858, 958 Side engagement Pieces 858a, 958a Side engaging protrusions

Claims (5)

(A) A connector including a connector main body, a terminal loaded in the connector main body, and a reinforcing metal member loaded in the connector main body,
(B) The connector main body is a fitting guide portion formed at both longitudinal ends of the connector main body and extending in the width direction of the connector main body, and formed at both longitudinal ends of the counterpart connector main body of the counterpart connector. Including a mating guide part that mates with the mating mating guide part,
(C) The reinforcing metal fitting has a body portion exposed on an inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to an upper end of the body portion and exposed on an upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the body portion. A pair of fixing parts connected to the lower end of the connector. Each of the fixing portions extends in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, extends in the direction of the outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion, and extends in the width direction of the connector body. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing portion that extends in the direction of the outer wall surface of the side wall portion of the fitting guide portion. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the fixing portions has a substantially L shape in a side view. The reinforcing metal fitting is connected to an end of the upper wall portion opposite to the main body portion, and is connected to an outer wall portion exposed on an outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion and both widthwise ends of the connector main body in the upper wall portion. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an outer wall portion of the fitting guide portion and a side wall cover portion exposed to the side wall portion. A connector pair comprising the connector according to claim 1 and a mating connector that fits with the connector.

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