JP6937400B2 - connector - Google Patents

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 connectors are attached to each of the opposing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards so that they engage with each other to conduct electricity. Further, a technique has been proposed in which reinforcing metal fittings attached to both ends function as lock members to maintain a mated state with a mating connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing metal fitting of a conventional connector. In the figure, (a) is a diagram showing a second reinforcing metal fitting, and (b) is a diagram showing a first reinforcing metal fitting.

In FIG. 10B, 851 is a first reinforcing metal fitting attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction in the housing of the first connector mounted on a first circuit board (not shown), and in FIG. 10A, 951 is shown. It is a second reinforcing metal fitting attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction in the housing of the second connector mounted on the second circuit board which is not used.

The first reinforcing metal fitting 851 is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, or the like on a metal plate, and is a plate-shaped main body portion 852 extending in the width direction of the first connector, and the main body portion. A side engaging piece 858 extending from both ends of the 852 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector, and a fixing board connecting portion 856 soldered to the first circuit board connected to the lower end of the side engaging piece 858. A lateral engaging convex portion 858a formed on the inner surface of the lateral engaging piece 858, and a housing locking convex portion 854 formed on the tip of the lateral engaging piece 858 are provided.

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

Then, when the first connector and the second connector are fitted, the lateral engaging convex portion 858a of the first reinforcing metal fitting 851 and the lateral engaging convex portion 958a of the second reinforcing metal fitting 951 engage with each other. As a result, the first connector and the second connector are locked, and the mated state is maintained.

JP-A-2009-277365

However, in the conventional connector, the side engaging piece 958 of the second reinforcing metal fitting 951 is wound when the fitting release work is performed, that is, when the fitting state between the first connector and the second connector is released. It may be deformed so that it can be turned up. When releasing the mating state between the first connector and the second connector, the lateral engaging convex portion 858a of the first reinforcing metal fitting 851 and the lateral engaging convex portion 958a of the second reinforcing metal fitting 951 are engaged. The releasing force is similarly applied, but the lateral engaging convex portion 858a of the first reinforcing metal fitting 851 is relatively close to the board connecting portion 856 fixed to the first circuit board, whereas the second reinforcing metal fitting 851 is relatively close to the board connecting portion 856. Since the lateral engaging convex portion 958a of the reinforcing metal fitting 951 is relatively separated from the main body portion 952 fixed to the housing and the second circuit board, the main body portion 952 and the lateral engaging convex portion 958a are connected. A large force is applied to the side engaging piece 958.

Here, it is an object of the present invention to solve the problem 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 release operation.

Therefore, the connector is a connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body, and the connector main body is both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body. A fitting guide portion that is formed in the above and extends in the width direction of the connector body, and that fits with the mating guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body of the mating connector. Including, the reinforcing metal fitting includes a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the main body portion. look including a pair of fixing portions connected to the lower end, each of the fixed portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, the first fixing portion extending in the direction of the outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion When the connector extending in the width direction of the main body, said fitting guide portion and the second fixing portion and the including extending toward the outer wall surface of the side wall portion of the.

The other connector is a connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body, and the connector main body is located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body. A fitting guide portion formed and extending in the width direction of the connector main body, including a fitting guide portion that fits with the mating guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector main body of the mating connector. The reinforcing metal fittings are connected to a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and a lower end portion of the main body portion. Each of the fixing portions is substantially L-shaped in side view, including a pair of fixing portions connected to .

Further, the other connector is a connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body, and the connector main body is both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body. A fitting guide portion that is formed in the above and extends in the width direction of the connector body, and that fits with the mating guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector body of the mating connector. Including, the reinforcing metal fitting includes a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the main body portion. The reinforcing metal fitting includes an outer wall portion that is connected to the opposite end of the main body portion of the upper wall portion and is exposed to the outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion, including a pair of fixing portions connected to the lower ends, and the above. It further includes an outer wall portion of the fitting guide portion and a side wall covering portion exposed to the side wall portion, which is connected to both ends of the connector body in the upper wall portion in the width direction .

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

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

It is a perspective view of the 1st connector in this embodiment, (a) is a view seen from diagonally above, and (b) is a view seen from diagonally below. It is a partially exploded view seen from diagonally above of the 1st connector in this embodiment, and is the figure which shows the state which only the 1st reinforcing metal fitting is removed. It is a perspective view of the 1st reinforcing metal fitting of the 1st connector in this embodiment, (a) is a view seen from diagonally above, and (b) is a view seen from diagonally below. It is a perspective view of the 2nd connector in this embodiment, (a) is a view seen from diagonally above, and (b) is a view seen from diagonally below. It is a partially exploded view seen from diagonally above of the 2nd connector in this embodiment, and is the figure which shows the state which only the 2nd reinforcing metal fitting was removed. It is a perspective view of the 2nd reinforcing metal fitting of the 2nd connector in this embodiment, (a) is a view seen from diagonally above, and (b) is a view seen from diagonally below. It is a perspective view which shows the positional relationship between the 1st connector and the 2nd connector in the connector fitting process in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the mating process of the connector in this Embodiment is completed, (a) is the view which was seen from the 2nd connector side, (b) is the figure which was seen from the 1st connector side. It is a two-view view which shows the state which the mating process of the connector in this embodiment is completed, (a) is a side view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in (a). It is a perspective view which shows the reinforcing metal fitting of the conventional connector, (a) is the figure which shows the 2nd reinforcing metal fitting, (b) is the figure which shows the 1st reinforcing metal fitting.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the first connector in the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above, showing a state in which only the first reinforcing metal fitting is removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first reinforcing metal fitting of the first connector in the present embodiment. In FIGS. 1 and 3, (a) is a view viewed from diagonally above, and (b) is a view viewed from diagonally below.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a connector according to the present embodiment, which is a first connector as a counterparty connector of a pair of board-to-board connectors. The first connector 1 is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate, which is a substrate (not shown) as a mounting member, and is fitted to each other with a second connector 101 as a connector described later. .. Further, the second connector 101 is the other of a pair of board-to-board connectors, and is a surface mount type connector mounted on the surface of a second board which is a board (not shown) as a mounting member.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, expressions indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front, and rear, which are used to explain the configuration and operation of each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, are used. It is not absolute but relative, and is appropriate when each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is in the posture shown in the figure, but when the posture is changed, the posture is changed. It should be changed and interpreted as it changes.

The first connector 1 has a first housing 11 as a mating connector body integrally formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the first housing 11 has a substantially rectangular plank-like shape which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the side into 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 surrounded by a periphery is formed. 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 integrally formed 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. As a result, recessed groove portions 12a, which are elongated recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11, are formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13 as a part of the recess 12.

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

In the present embodiment, the first terminal accommodating cavities 15 are formed on both sides of the first housing 11 in the width direction so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. Specifically, a plurality of them are formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13 at a predetermined pitch. A plurality of first terminals 61 as mating 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.

Further, since there are two types of the first terminal 61 accommodated in each of the first terminal accommodating cavities 15, a wide first terminal 61A and a narrow first terminal 61B, the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 has two types. There are also 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 cavity 15A is formed on both ends in the longitudinal direction in each row on both sides of the width direction of the first housing 11, and the narrow first terminal accommodating cavity 15B is formed on both ends in each row. It is formed between the wide first terminal accommodating cavities 15A. In the example shown in the figure, for convenience of explanation, four narrow first terminal accommodating cavities 15B are formed on both sides of the first convex portion 13, but the number is three or less. However, the number may be 5 or more, and can 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. Therefore, in the case of integrated explanation, the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 is used. explain. Further, since the wide first terminal 61A and the narrow first terminal 61B have the same configuration except for the width dimension, they will be described as the first terminal 61 when they are described in an integrated manner.

The first terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, or the like on a conductive metal plate, and one end is connected to a held portion (not shown) and a lower end of the held portion. The tail portion 62, the upper connecting portion 67 connected to the upper end of the held portion, the second contact portion 66 formed near the inner end of the upper connecting portion 67, and the second contact portion 66. A lower connecting portion 64 connected to the lower connecting portion 64 and a first contact portion 65 formed in the vicinity of the free end of the lower connecting portion 64 are provided.

The held portion extends in the vertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the first housing 11, and is a portion that is fitted and held in the first terminal accommodating outer cavity 15b. Further, 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 the inner end of the upper connecting portion 67. Further, 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 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. A portion 65 is formed.

The first terminal 61 is fitted into the first terminal accommodating cavity 15 from the mounting surface 11b side (lower side in FIG. 2), and the held portion 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 walls of the outer cavity 15b. 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 the 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 a certain degree of 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 second terminal 161 provided in the second connector 101, which will be described later, 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 is elastically extended.

Further, all the first terminals 61, that is, both the wide first terminal 61A and the narrow first terminal 61B, have a vertical cross-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 electric lengths from the tail portion 62 to the contact portion with the second terminal 161 are equal.

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

Further, the first protruding end portion 21 includes a side wall extension portion 21c extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion 14, and an end wall portion extending in the width direction of the first housing 11. 21b and the like. In each first protruding 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 a substantially rectangular fitting recess 22.

Then, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 as the counterparty reinforcing metal fitting is attached to the first protruding 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 protruding 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 protruding end portion 21, and extends from the upper surface 21a to the thickness direction of the first housing 11. It is a slit-shaped space that extends downward.

Further, 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 accommodating opening 26f and the first fixing portion accommodating opening 26e provided in the first metal fitting holding recess 26. ing. The first fixed portion accommodating opening 26e opens to the outer surface of the end wall portion 21b, and the first arm accommodating 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 21 g is the outermost surface of the first housing 11 in the longitudinal direction.

A second fixed portion accommodating opening 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 projecting toward the first convex portion 13 is formed on the inner side surface of the end wall portion 21b. The facing plane 25a of the inner end convex portion 25 facing the first convex portion 13 is a plane that functions as a reference plane when positioning the first housing 11 of each portion of the first connector 1 in the longitudinal direction.

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

The first main body portion 52 is fixed to the central portion 21g of the outer wall portion 21k. Further, 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 can be elastically displaced in the vertical direction and the lateral direction. The connecting arm portion 53 is accommodated in the first arm portion accommodating opening 26f in a state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 as shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21.

The side guide portion 55 is a substantially square cylindrical portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 from the tip of the connecting arm portion 53, 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 in a state where 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 a state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. It covers the inner surface of the fitting recess 22. Further, the outer wall portion 55d extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion 55a, is substantially parallel to the inner wall portion 55b, and is a flat plate-shaped portion flush with the connecting arm portion 53. 1 In a state where the reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21, it covers the outer surface of the side wall extension portion 21c.

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

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

Further, from the first fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b to the engaging recess 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 long. It is long and the length of the part that functions as a spring, that is, the spring length is long. As a result, the engaging 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 and the end wall portion 21b of the inner wall portion 21f in a state where the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. The central guide portion 57 is based on the upper cover portion 57a having a shape in which the base end is connected to the upper end of the first main body portion 52 and the tip is curved so as to face diagonally downward, and the tip of the upper cover portion 57a. It is provided with an inner covering portion 57b to which the ends are connected and the tips extend downward.

A convex portion accommodating opening 57c for accommodating the inner end convex portion 25 was formed in the lower center portion of the inner covering portion 57b, whereby the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 was attached to the first protruding end portion 21. Even in the state, the facing plane 25a is exposed in the fitting recess 22. Further, by fitting the convex portion accommodating opening 57c with the inner end convex portion 25, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is positioned with respect to the first protruding end portion 21.

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the second connector in the present embodiment as viewed from diagonally above, showing a state in which only the second reinforcing metal fitting is removed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second reinforcing metal fitting of the second connector according to the present embodiment. In FIGS. 4 and 6, (a) is a view viewed from diagonally above, and (b) is a view 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 a synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the second housing 111 has a substantially rectangular plank-like shape which is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Then, on the side of the second housing 111 to be fitted into the first connector 1, that is, the fitting surface 111a side (upper side in FIG. 5), an elongated concave groove portion 113 extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 is provided. The outside of the concave groove portion 113 is defined, and the 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.

Further, each second convex portion 112 is provided with a second terminal 161 as a terminal. The concave groove portion 113 is closed by a bottom plate on the side to be mounted on the second substrate, that is, 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 terminal 161A is formed on both ends in the longitudinal direction in each row on both sides of the second housing 111 in the width direction, and the narrow second terminal 161B is formed 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 narrow second terminals 161B are arranged on the second convex portions 112 on both sides, but the number is three or less. The number may be 5 or more, and can be set arbitrarily.

Since the wide second terminal 161A and the narrow second terminal 161B have the same configuration except for the width dimension, they will be described as the second terminal 161 when they are described in an integrated manner.

The second terminal 161 is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, or the like on a conductive metal plate, and is connected to a held portion (not shown) and a 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 connection portion 164 connected to the upper end of the second contact portion 166, and the inner end of the connection portion 164 are connected. It also includes 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 a portion that is not shown in the drawing. Further, the tail portion 162 is connected to the lower end extending in the left-right direction of the main body portion, that is, in the width direction of the second housing 111, extends outward of the second housing 111, and conducts the second substrate. It is connected to the connection pad connected to the trace by soldering or the like.

The second terminal 161 is integrated with the second housing 111 by a molding method called overmold molding or insert molding. That is, the second housing 111 is formed by filling the cavity of the mold in which the second terminal 161 is set in advance with an insulating material. As a result, the held portion 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 each side surface of the second convex portion 112. It is integrally attached to the second housing 111 in a state of being exposed to the mating surface 111a.

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

Second protruding end portions 122 as fitting guide portions are arranged at both ends of the second housing 111 in the longitudinal direction. The second protruding end portion 122 is a thick member extending in the width direction of the second housing 111 and having both ends connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second convex portion 112, and the upper surface thereof is substantially rectangular. It has a shape. Then, the second protruding end portion 122 is inserted into the fitting recess 22 of the first protruding end portion 21 included in the first connector 1 in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted. Functions as an insertion protrusion.

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

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

The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 in the present embodiment is a member integrally formed by punching, bending, or the like on a metal plate, and is an elongated strip-shaped main body extending in the width direction of the second housing 111. A second main body portion 152 as a portion, a central covering portion 157 connected to the upper end of the second main body portion 152, and an engaging protrusion portion extending outward from both 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 are provided.

The second main body portion 152 is exposed on the inner wall surface of the end wall portion 122a of the second protruding end portion 122. Further, the central covering portion 157 includes an upper wall portion 157a that covers the upper surface of the end wall portion 122a and an outer wall that extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion 157a and is exposed to the outer wall surface of the end wall portion 122a. The portion 157b is provided with a side wall covering portion 157c that extends downward from both left and right ends of the upper wall portion 157a and is exposed on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b of the second protruding end portion 122. Further, the fixing portion 156 is bent so as to have a substantially L shape in a side view, and the tip portion thereof is parallel to the fitting surface 111a of the second housing 111. Then, the tip portion is branched 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 protrusion 158 excluding the portion protruding outward from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b is covered with the resin forming the side wall portion 122b. More specifically, at least a part of the outer surface of the engaging protrusion 158 on the fitting surface 111a side is covered with an insulating material forming the side wall portion 122b. In addition, on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b, a recessed portion 122c recessed inward from the periphery of the portion is formed at least in a part around the engaging protrusion portion 158. As a result, even if the insulating material protrudes around the engaging protrusion 158, that is, a burr occurs, the amount of protrusion from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b to the tip portion 158a can be secured.

Therefore, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 that are fitted to each other are released from the fitting, they are fitted 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 in the direction of the surface 111a is received, the applied force is supported by a part of the side wall portion 122b, so that the engaging protrusion 158 is not deformed 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 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 the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a state in which the connector fitting process of the present embodiment is completed. The perspective view and FIG. 9 are two views showing a state in which the connector fitting step in the present embodiment is completed. In FIG. 8, (a) is a view seen from the second connector side, (b) is a view seen from the first connector side, and in FIG. 9, (a) is a side view and (b) is (b). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in a).

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

For example, all of the first terminal 61 and all of the second terminal 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, the same electrical length, and differ only in the width dimension. Similarly, the wide second terminal 161A and the width are different. Since the narrow second terminal 161B has the same vertical cross-sectional shape, the same electrical length, and only the width dimension, the resistance value depends only on the width dimension, and the diversion calculation can be easily performed. It becomes. Further, since the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A having a large amount of current and a large amount of heat generation are present on both ends of the first housing 11 and the second housing 111 in the longitudinal direction, heat is generated to the outside. It easily dissipates, and heat does not stay 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, the power line from the battery mounted on the electronic device or the like is connected to the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A, and signals indicating the identification number, remaining amount, temperature, etc. of the battery are conveyed. The signal line can be connected to the narrow first terminal 61B and the second terminal 161B. Further, also in this case, since the wide first terminal 61A and the second terminal 161A to which the power line is connected are present on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 111, heat is dissipated to the outside. It is easy and heat does not stay inside the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

Here, the first connector 1 is connected to a connection pad in which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected to a conductive trace of a first substrate (not shown) by soldering or the like, and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is the first. It is assumed that the fixing portion 56a and the second fixing portion 56b are surface-mounted on the first substrate by being connected and fixed to the reinforcing connection pad of the first substrate 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 is connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 62 of the wide first terminal 61A is connected. The conducted conductive trace shall be a power line. Further, the connection pads to which the tail portions 62 are connected are separated from each other. Therefore, it is assumed that each of the four power lines is connected to each of the four wide first terminals 61A included in the first connector 1.

Similarly, the second connector 101 is connected to a connection pad in which the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected to a conductive trace of a second substrate (not shown) by soldering or the like, and the first of the second reinforcing metal fittings 151. 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 pad 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. The conducted conductive trace shall be a power line. Further, the connection pads to which the tail portions 162 are connected are separated from each other. Therefore, it is assumed that each of the four power lines is connected to each of the four wide second terminals 161A included in the second connector 101.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator sets 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 to 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 position of 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 in the direction approaching the mating side, that is, in the fitting direction, the second convex portion 112 and the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 are moved. Is inserted into the concave groove portion 12a and the fitting recess 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 in a conductive state.

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 inserted. The first contact portion 165 of the second terminal 161 comes into contact, and the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 and the second contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161 come into contact with each other. As a result, the conductive trace connected to the connection pad on the first board to which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected and the connection pad on the second board to which the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected are connected. Conducts with the connected conductive traces.

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 sandwich 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 being separated from 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 board and the second board having a large area, the operator can fit the fitting surface 11a of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. The surface 111a cannot be visually recognized, and the fitting work is performed by groping. Then, since it is a fumbling, accurate alignment cannot be performed, and the position of the first connector 1 and the position of the second connector 101 may deviate from each other. For example, a state in which the second connector 101 is displaced with respect to the first connector 1 and a state in which the fitting surface 111a of the second connector 101 is inclined with respect to the fitting surface 11a of the first connector 1. May become.

In such a state, when the operator moves the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 in the mating direction, the second connector 101 is connected to the first protruding end 21 of any one of the first connectors 1. One of the second protruding end portions 122 comes into contact with each other, and the first protruding end portion 21 is pushed from the second protruding end portion 122 in the fitting direction, that is, from the top to the 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 end portion 21 is provided 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 received from the second protruding 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, since the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is attached to the second protruding end portion 122 and the second protruding 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, the first Even if a large pressing force is received from the protruding 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 fitting 151, so that the second It is hardly transmitted to the protruding end portion 122. Therefore, the second protruding end portion 122 is not damaged or damaged.

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 in a conductive state, and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 included in the first connector 1 are provided. The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 included in the two connectors 101 is in a state of being engaged with each other. As a result, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are locked, and the mated 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 fitting 151 enter and engage with the engaging recess 55c. The distance between the inner side surfaces of the inner wall portions 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 in the left and right side guide portions 55 is determined by the left and right engaging protrusions 158. Although it is pushed open, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the tip portions 158a of the left and right engaging protrusions 158 enter the engaging recess 55c, the springiness of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 causes the initial state. Return to distance. As a result, the engaged state between the engaging recess 55c of the side guide portion 55 and the tip portion 158a of the engaging protrusion 158 is securely held, and as a result, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are reliably held. Locked to.

Here, since the engaging recess 55c located at the front end of the connecting arm 53 has a long spring length, the elastic displacement amount is extremely large. As a result, vibrations and shocks generated when the first board and the electronic device on which the second board is mounted are dropped or receive an external force are transmitted, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 51 is transmitted to the second reinforcing metal fitting 51. Even when 151 is relatively displaced, the engaging recess 55c can maintain the engaged state by following the displacement of the tip portion 158a of the engaging protrusion 158, so that the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 The engagement state between the first connector 1 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.

Further, in the case of moving the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 in the direction away from the mating side, that is, in the anti-fitting direction in order to release the fitting between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. A force in the direction of pulling out from the second housing 111 (a downward force in FIG. 9B) acts on the engaging protrusion 158 in which the tip portion 158a is engaged with the engaging recess 55c. However, a part of the engaging protrusion 158 including at least the tip portion 158a protrudes 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 portion 122b. More specifically, at least a part on the fitting surface 111a side around the engaging protrusion 158 is covered with an insulating material forming the side wall portion 122b. Therefore, the displacement of the engaging protrusion 158 in the direction of pulling out from the second housing 111 is prevented, and the engaging 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 terminal 161 loaded in the second housing 111, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 loaded in the second housing 111. To be equipped with. The second housing 111 is a second protruding end portion 122 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and is fitted with the first protruding end portion 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 matching second protruding end portion 122, and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 has an engaging protrusion 158 in which the engaging recess 55c of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 loaded in the first housing 11 and the tip portion 158a are engaged with each other. A part of the engaging protrusion 158 including at least the tip 158a protrudes from the wall surface of the second protruding end 122.

As a result, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is not deformed during the fitting operation or the fitting release operation, and the reliability can be improved.

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

Further, a recessed portion 122c is formed in at least a part around the engaging protrusion 158 on the wall surface of the second protruding end 122. As a result, even if the insulating material protrudes around the engaging protrusion 158, the amount of protrusion from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 122b to the tip portion 158a can be secured.

Further, the second housing 111 is formed so as to cover at least a part of the periphery of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 with an insulating material and integrate the second housing 111. As a result, the second housing 111 and the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 are firmly coupled.

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

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

The present disclosure can be applied to connectors.

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

Claims (4)

(A) A connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body.
(B) The connector main body is a fitting guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body and extending in the width direction of the connector main body, and is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector main body of the mating connector. Including the fitting guide part that fits with the mating guide part of the other party
(C) The reinforcing metal fitting has a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the main body portion. look including a pair of fixing portions connected to the lower end of,
(D) Each of the fixing portions extends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body, extends in the direction of the outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion, and extends in the width direction of the connector main body. and, a connector and a second fixing portion, characterized in including Mukoto extending in the direction of the outer wall surface of the side wall portion of the fitting guide portion. (A) A connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body.
(B) The connector main body is a fitting guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body and extending in the width direction of the connector main body, and is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector main body of the mating connector. Including the fitting guide part that fits with the mating guide part of the other party
(C) The reinforcing metal fitting has a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the main body portion. Including a pair of fixing parts connected to the lower end of
(D) A connector characterized in that each of the fixing portions has a substantially L-shape in a side view. (A) A connector including a connector main body, terminals loaded in the connector main body, and reinforcing metal fittings loaded in the connector main body.
(B) The connector main body is a fitting guide portion formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connector main body and extending in the width direction of the connector main body, and is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector main body of the mating connector. Including the fitting guide part that fits with the mating guide part of the other party
(C) The reinforcing metal fitting has a main body portion exposed on the inner wall surface of the fitting guide portion, an upper wall portion connected to the upper end of the main body portion and exposed on the upper surface of the fitting guide portion, and the main body portion. Including a pair of fixing parts connected to the lower end of
(D) The reinforcing metal fitting is connected to the opposite end of the main body portion of the upper wall portion and is exposed to the outer wall surface of the fitting guide portion, and the width direction of the connector main body on the upper wall portion. A connector connected to both ends and further including an outer wall portion of the fitting guide portion and a side wall covering portion exposed to the side wall portion . A connector pair having the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a mating connector that fits the connector.

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