KR102516015B1 - Electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector mounted on a board and coupled to a mating connector is provided.
The electrical connector 20 includes a mold portion 20-5 including a base portion, a plurality of wall portions, and a central island portion 20-5I protruding from an upper surface of the base portion and surrounded by the plurality of wall portions; A bracket (20-1) installed at least on the first wall; and a plurality of terminals 20-2 and 20-3 installed at least on the second and fourth walls.
The bracket 20-1 has an extension portion 20-1E extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector 20 and covering an end portion of the center island portion 20-5I in the longitudinal direction, and the extension portion ( 20-1E) has a tip bent portion 20-1EE buried in the mold portion 20-5 while being bent and additionally extending downward at an inner end in the longitudinal direction of 20-1E).

Description

Electrical connector {ELECTRIC CONNECTOR}

The present invention relates to electrical connectors. More specifically, the present invention relates to the structure of a metal body covering the center island end of a resin housing.

In general, when boards are connected to each other, two connectors connected to each board are used by a method such as soldering, and the two connectors may be connected to each other. Here, one of the two connectors is a plug connector, and the other is a socket connector. A socket connector is also called a receptacle connector. These plug connectors and socket connectors may be formed by arranging terminals in a mold unit. A plug connector and a socket connector may be mated to each other to form an electrical connector assembly.

According to the miniaturization trend of electronic devices, miniaturization and low profile of connectors are also required. However, there is a limit to some extent in reducing the size and miniaturization of the connector by reducing the pitch or reducing the parts.

On the other hand, as connectors are miniaturized, it is also more difficult to secure durability of connectors than before. This is because the member is small, so it is easy to break even with a smaller force than before.

A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent breakage of a resin housing of an electrical connector, in particular, breakage of a central island portion of the housing.

Further, in integral molding, when a housing is formed by filling a resin in the presence of a metal body (eg, a metal fitting on an edge), a surface capable of being supported is provided.

In addition, even in a molding method other than integral molding (eg, insert molding), to provide a structure that reduces the risk of breakage during coupling.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

According to the present invention, as an electrical connector mounted on a board and coupled to a mating connector,

A base portion, a first wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, a second wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the second wall portion, the first wall portion a third wall portion facing the base portion, a fourth wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, intersecting the first and third wall portions and facing the second wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion, the first to fourth walls a mold part including a center island part surrounded by parts;

A bracket installed at least on the first wall portion; and

A plurality of terminals installed at least on the second and fourth wall portions

Including,

the fitting has an extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector and covering an end portion of the central island in the longitudinal direction;

At an inner end of the extension portion in the longitudinal direction, an electric connector having a bent end portion buried in the mold portion while being bent and further extending downward is provided.

Preferably, the fitting is a piece of metal covering the first wall portion, the second wall portion, the fourth wall portion, and an end portion of the central island portion close to the first wall portion.

Preferably, in the width direction of the electrical connector, a size of the tip bent portion is smaller than a size of the extension portion.

Preferably, the plurality of terminals include a power terminal disposed closer to the first wall portion and a signal terminal disposed farther from the first wall portion than the power terminal;

The extension of the bracket extends further inward than the power supply terminal in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, in the width direction of the electrical connector, a size of the extension portion is larger than a size of the center island portion.

Preferably, a lower end of the bent end portion extending downward is bent and extended toward the first wall portion again.

According to the present invention, breakage of the resin housing of the electrical connector, particularly breakage of the central island portion of the housing, is prevented.

Further, in integral molding, when the housing is formed by filling the resin in the presence of metal bodies (eg, metal fittings on the edges), a surface capable of being supported is provided.

In addition, even in a molding method other than integral molding (eg, insert molding), a structure that reduces the risk of breakage during coupling is provided.

Effects according to the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a view showing an example of a plug connector among electrical connectors according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the housing 10 - 5 in FIG. 1 being virtually removed.
3 is a view showing an example of a socket connector among electrical connectors according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing the housing 20-5 in FIG. 3 virtually removed.
5 is a front view of the socket connector of FIG. 3;
6 is a bottom view of the socket connector of FIG. 3;
7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 3 .
8 is a view showing Comparative Example 1 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
9 is a view showing Comparative Example 2 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
10 is a view showing Comparative Example 3 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line BB of FIG. 3 .
FIG. 12 is a view showing a cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 3 together with a mold during integral molding.
13 is a view showing Comparative Example 4 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .
14 is a view showing Comparative Example 5 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .
15 shows a further embodiment according to the invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in various different forms, only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the holder of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

1 is a view showing an example of a plug connector among electrical connectors according to the present invention.

1, as an example, a metal fitting 10-1, a power terminal 10-2, a signal terminal 10-3, and a housing 10-5 (molding part) of the plug connector 10 are shown.

The metal fitting 10 - 1 may be a metal structure for supplementing the strength of the connector 10 . The power terminal 10-2 may input and output power electrical signals. The signal terminal 10-3 can input/output data signals.

However, this is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the bracket 10-1 may also be made to serve as a power terminal.

Also, for example, the signal terminal 10-3 may be composed of four PINs that allow a current of 0.3A, or may be a terminal that allows a current of 5A to function as a power terminal in excess of 0.3A, for example. there is. However, it is an example that the number of PINs is four.

The housing 10-5 has a base. The housing 10-5 has a wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, and a metal fitting 10-1, a power terminal 10-2, a signal terminal 10-3, and the like are formed on the wall portion.

The housing 10 - 5 (mold part) of the plug connector 10 is preferably made of a plastic material, and may be, for example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP). In addition, the housing 10 - 5 may be formed of an insulator including resin and epoxy, but is not limited thereto. The power terminal 10-2 and the signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 are preferably made of metal, but are not limited thereto. layer) may be used.

The metal fitting 10-1 may be made of the same or similar material as the power terminal 10-2 and the signal terminal 10-3.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the housing 10 - 5 in FIG. 1 being virtually removed.

If the housing 10-5 is removed, the structure and arrangement of the metal fitting 10-1, the power terminal 10-2, and the signal terminal 10-3 can be further clarified.

3 is a view showing an example of a socket connector among electrical connectors according to the present invention.

The socket connector 20 is also called a receptacle connector 20.

It will be appreciated that the plug connector 10 of FIG. 1 is vertically inverted (inverted in the Z direction) to be coupled to the socket connector 20 of FIG. 3 .

3, as an example, a bracket 20-1, a power terminal 20-2, a signal terminal 20-3, and a housing 20-5 (molding part) of the socket connector 20 are shown.

The metal fitting 20 - 1 may be a metal structure for supplementing the strength of the connector 20 . The power terminal 20-2 may input/output a power electrical signal. The signal terminal 20-3 can input/output data signals. These are fastened to the bracket 10-1, the power terminal 10-2, and the signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 of FIG. 1, respectively.

However, the formation and arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the bracket 20-1 may also be made to serve as a power terminal.

Also, for example, the signal terminal 20-3 may be composed of 4 PINs that allow a current of 0.3A, or may be a terminal that allows a current of 5A to function as a power terminal in excess of 0.3A, for example. there is. However, it is an example that the number of PINs is four.

The housing 20-5 has a base. The housing 20-5 has a wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, and a metal fitting 20-1, a power terminal 20-2, a signal terminal 20-3, and the like are formed on the wall portion. Further, the housing 20-5 has a center island portion (20-5I) protruding from the upper surface of the base portion. A portion of the center island portion 20-5I, which is a part of the housing 20-5, is covered by the bracket 20-1, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 and the like.

The housing 20 - 5 (mold part) of the socket connector 20 is preferably made of a plastic material, and may be, for example, LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). In addition, the housing 20 - 5 may be formed of an insulator including resin and epoxy, but is not limited thereto. The power terminal 20-2 and the signal terminal 20-3 of the socket connector 20 are preferably made of metal, but are not limited thereto. layer) may be used.

The metal fitting 20-1 may be made of the same or similar material as the power terminal 20-2 and the signal terminal 20-3.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the housing 20-5 in FIG. 3 virtually removed.

If the housing 20-5 is removed, the structure and arrangement relationship of the metal fitting 20-1, the power terminal 20-2, and the signal terminal 20-3 can be further clarified.

Particularly, in the bracket 20-1, an extension portion 20-1E, a portion of which extends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the connector 20, covers a portion of the center island portion 20-5I (see FIG. 3). there is.

5 is a front view of the socket connector of FIG. 3;

This is a perspective view of FIG. 3 viewed from the top, and arrangement relationships between the terminals can be seen.

6 is a bottom view of the socket connector of FIG. 3;

This is a perspective view of FIG. 3 viewed from the bottom, and arrangement relationships between the terminals can be seen.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 3 .

As can be seen in FIG. 4 and also shown in FIG. 7, the bracket 20-1 has an extension portion 20-1E and a downward direction in the inner direction of the extension portion 20-1E (inside in the X direction, which is the longitudinal direction). There is a tip bend 20-1EE bent to . Since the bracket 20-1 having such a structure is formed at the end of the center island portion 20-5I of the housing 20-5, the metal portion (extension portion 20-IE) and tip bent portion 20-5 1EE)) is firmly fixed to the housing 20-5 while preventing it from rolling up.

Due to the presence of the front bent portion 20-IEE having a shape as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 as an example, the center of the housing 20-5 while improving adhesion to the resin housing 20-5. The island portion 20-5I (particularly, the end portion of the central island portion 20-5I) can be adequately protected.

Although not limited thereto, the housing 20-5 may be integrally formed. It will also be possible to form the housing 20-5 in a different way (for example, insert molding), but in that case, as shown in FIG. 7, a slightly arc-shaped portion of the tip bent portion 20-1EE It may be somewhat difficult to realize 'the housing part immediately above the covering the arc-shaped curved part'. That is, in the case of insert molding, somewhat different from FIG. 7 , the housing does not cover all of the curved portion directly above the arc-shaped curved portion of the tip bent portion 20-1EE, and, for example, the housing of the portion There may be minor differences, such as being formed vertically.

On the other hand, although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a weight is extended from the lower end of the tip bent portion 20-1EE that extends downward to the main body of the bracket 20-1 (curved to the left in FIG. 7). An additional extension of the tip bent portion 20-1EE may exist, which is shown as an additional embodiment in Fig. 15. In this case, the connection between the center island portion 20-5I and the fitting 20-1 becomes more robust. .

On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 4 and 7, in the width direction of the connector 20, the size of the tip bent portion 20-1EE is smaller than the size of the extension portion 20-1E. With this configuration, the tip bent portion 20-1EE can be easily embedded in the center island portion 20-5I. If the width (Y direction length) of the tip bent portion 20-1EE and the width (Y direction length) of the extension portion 20-1E are the same, it is not impossible to manufacture the connector 20, but the tip bend portion 20-1E 1EE) and other elements (eg, the signal terminal 20-3), so additional considerations such as adjusting the distance are required, so it is preferable to configure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.

8 is a view showing Comparative Example 1 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

Referring to Comparative Example 1 of FIG. 8, it is shown that the center island end of the housing is protected by the metal part. However, Comparative Example 1 covers only a very small area at the end of the central island and covers the metal part, and does not have the tip bent part shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 .

Comparative Example 1 of FIG. 8 is limited only to protection of the center island end, and if the relative positions of the plug connector and the socket connector are displaced to the extreme in the longitudinal direction, and they are forcibly fitted (fitted), the center island is not protected by metal. There is a risk of cracking in the resin exposed portion of the

9 is a view showing Comparative Example 2 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

If, in order to compensate for the disadvantages of Comparative Example 1, it is also possible to consider extending the metal part not only to the end of the central island but also to the inner side (in the longitudinal direction of the connector), which is shown as Comparative Example 2 in FIG. 9 .

In Comparative Example 2 of FIG. 9 , the metal portion extends further to the inner side in the longitudinal direction, but does not have the tip bent portion shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 of the present application.

In this way, if the metal part is made longer, the disadvantage of Comparative Example 1 that is limited to the end protection of the center island can be compensated to some extent, but as the metal part becomes longer, there is a possibility that the arrow at the end of the metal part (right end in FIG. 9) will be rolled up. there is. This may be due to, for example, being caught on a certain part of the mating connector.

10 is a view showing Comparative Example 3 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 7 .

In Comparative Example 3 of FIG. 10 , in order to compensate for the disadvantages of Comparative Example 1 of FIG. 8 and Comparative Example 2 of FIG. 9 , the entire center island (in the longitudinal direction) is covered with a metal part.

In the case of Comparative Example 3, it is possible to prevent cracking of the center island by protecting the entire center island with metal. However, since metal bodies protecting each end of the central island are connected at the center and integrally formed, manufacturing of metal bodies (manufacturing molds) is required in accordance with the increase or decrease in the number of signals, resulting in inefficient production.

That is, in the case of Comparative Example 1 (FIG. 8) and Comparative Example 2 (FIG. 9), it is sufficient to form a metal part (metal fitting) 'regardless of the number of signal terminals' to cover the end of the central island, but in Comparative Example 3 (FIG. In the case of 10), the length of the metal part (metal fitting) should be different 'according to the number of signal terminals'. Accordingly, a separate mold for the metal part is required for the case of 4 signal terminals, a separate mold for the metal part for the case of 6 signal terminals, and a separate mold for the metal terminal for the case of 8 signal terminals. etc., resulting in an increase in production cost.

However, in the case of FIG. 7 (the present invention), it can be seen that it does not have all the disadvantages of Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line BB of FIG. 3 .

Extension 20-IE covers the end of center island 20-5I. At this time, the width (size in the Y direction) of the extension portion 20-IE is larger than the width of the center island portion 20-5I.

In this way, if the width of the extension portion 20-IE is greater than the width of the central island portion 20-5I,

(i) When manufacturing the housing 20-5 by integral molding, it serves to provide a support surface S for properly supporting the mold (see FIG. 12 to be described later),

(ii) Regardless of the molding method (eg, integral molding or insert molding), the manufactured connector 20 covers the center island 20-5I in a wider area, thereby protecting the center island 20-5I. function better.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 3 together with a mold during integral molding.

12 further shows a 'mold', which is not a component of the connector 20, and represents a metal frame used in the process of manufacturing the connector 20 by an integral molding method.

That is, it is important to position the metal body, which is the terminal (20-2, 20-3, etc.) or metal fitting (20-1, etc.) in the integrally molded mold (placed in an accurate position). If the posture of the metal body (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, etc.) is not correct, a phenomenon (resin covering) occurs in which the resin flows into the gap between the mold and the metal body, and the appearance or connector It has a big impact on performance. The metal body (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, etc.) is put into the mold and filled with resin (which becomes the housing 20-5) in a state in which the posture is properly determined. It is good to form a support surface (S) for this. 11, 12, etc., this support surface S is the lower part of the extension 20-1E extending further outward than the center island 20-5I in the width direction (Y direction) of the connector 20. You will see that it is part of it.

11 shows that the support surface S is exposed, and FIG. 12 shows that the mold is in contact with the support surface S. Resin is filled while the mold is in contact with it, and the filled resin forms the housing 20-5 including the central island 20-5I.

13 is a view showing Comparative Example 4 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .

In FIG. 13, the width (Y direction) of the metal part covering the center island is equal to the width of the center island. In this case, since the 'support surface S for properly supporting the mold when manufacturing the housing 20-5 by integral molding' shown in Fig. 11 (the present invention) is not provided, integral molding becomes difficult. , or, even if it is possible, it will be a very difficult task for reasons such as the additional use of a separate member.

Also, in the role of the metal part to protect the central island, a lower effect will be exhibited than in FIG. 11 (the present invention).

14 is a view showing Comparative Example 5 compared to the embodiment of FIG. 11 .

In FIG. 14, the width (Y direction) of the metal part covering the center island is narrower than the width of the center island. In this case, since the 'support surface S for properly supporting the mold when manufacturing the housing 20-5 by integral molding' shown in Fig. 11 (the present invention) is not provided, integral molding becomes difficult. , or, even if it is possible, it will be a very difficult task for reasons such as the additional use of a separate member.

Also, in the role of the metal part to protect the central island, a lower effect will be exhibited than in FIG. 11 (the present invention).

15 shows a further embodiment according to the invention.

Although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 , looking at FIG. 15 , a weight is extended from the lower end of the tip bent portion 20-1EE extending downward to the main body of the bracket 20-1 (left side in FIG. 7). An additional extension portion 20-1EEE of the bent tip portion 20-1EE may be present.

In this case, the connection between the center island portion 20-5I and the bracket 20-1 becomes more robust.

However, although this embodiment can be used for manufacturing a connector by integral molding, it may be somewhat difficult to apply when manufacturing a connector by insert molding.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be manufactured in a variety of different forms, and those skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs A person will understand that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting.

10: plug connector
10-1: Bracket
10-2: power terminal
10-3: signal terminal
10-5: housing (mold part)
20: receptacle connector (socket connector)
20-1: Metal
20-1E: Extension
20-1EE: tip bend
20-1EEE: additional extension
20-2: power terminal
20-3: signal terminal
20-5: housing (mold part)
20-5I: central island

Claims (6)

An electrical connector mounted on a board and coupled with a counterpart connector,
A base portion, a first wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, a second wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the second wall portion, the first wall portion a third wall portion facing the base portion, a fourth wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, intersecting the first and third wall portions and facing the second wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion, the first to fourth walls a mold part including a center island part surrounded by parts;
A bracket installed at least on the first wall portion; and
A plurality of terminals installed at least on the second and fourth wall portions
Including,
the fitting has an extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector and covering an end portion of the central island in the longitudinal direction;
At the inner end of the extension part in the longitudinal direction, there is a tip bent part buried in the mold part while being bent and further extending downward,
The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein in the width direction of the electrical connector, a size of the tip bent portion is smaller than a size of the extension portion. According to claim 1,
The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the fitting is a piece of metal covering a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a fourth wall portion, and an end portion of the central island portion close to the first wall portion. delete According to claim 1,
The plurality of terminals include a power terminal disposed closer to the first wall portion and a signal terminal disposed farther from the first wall portion than the power terminal;
The electrical connector characterized in that the extension part of the metal fitting extends further inward than the power supply terminal in the longitudinal direction. An electrical connector mounted on a board and coupled with a counterpart connector,
A base portion, a first wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, a second wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the second wall portion, the first wall portion a third wall portion facing the base portion, a fourth wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, intersecting the first and third wall portions and facing the second wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion, the first to fourth walls a mold part including a center island part surrounded by parts;
A bracket installed at least on the first wall portion; and
A plurality of terminals installed at least on the second and fourth wall portions
Including,
the metal fitting has an extension portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector and covering an end portion of the center island portion in the longitudinal direction;
At the inner end of the extension part in the longitudinal direction, there is a tip bent part buried in the mold part while being bent and further extending downward,
The electric connector according to claim 1 , wherein, in the width direction of the electric connector, a size of the extension portion is larger than a size of the center island portion. An electrical connector mounted on a board and coupled with a counterpart connector,
A base portion, a first wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, a second wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion and intersecting the second wall portion, the first wall portion a third wall portion facing the base portion, a fourth wall portion protruding from the top surface of the base portion, intersecting the first and third wall portions and facing the second wall portion, and protruding from the top surface of the base portion, the first to fourth walls a mold part including a center island part surrounded by parts;
A bracket installed at least on the first wall portion; and
A plurality of terminals installed at least on the second and fourth wall portions
Including,
the fitting has an extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector and covering an end portion of the central island in the longitudinal direction;
At the inner end of the extension part in the longitudinal direction, there is a tip bent part buried in the mold part while being bent and further extending downward,
An electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein an additional extension portion bent and extended toward the first wall portion is present at a lower end of the tip bent portion extending downward.

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