Connector having lock mechanism for keeping socket and a header coupled, and method for manufacturing the connector

Abstract

A connector includes a socket having a generally rectangular shape, the socket including socket contacts, lock mechanisms and retainer mechanisms; and a header having a generally rectangular shape, the header including header contacts and lock mechanisms and being couplable with the socket. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are respectively formed from the socket contacts and the header contacts, the lock mechanisms of the socket being formed by cutting away a portion of the socket contacts. The lock mechanisms of the header also serve as retainer mechanisms thereof. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are arranged substantially in the same row as the socket contacts and the header contacts and positioned near four corners of the socket and the header, respectively. The lock mechanisms of the socket and the header are configured to keep the socket and the header in a coupled state.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a connector provided with a locking mechanism for keeping a socket and a head in a combined state, wherein they are combined and electrically connected to each other. Background technique [0002] Portable devices, which are experiencing rapid miniaturization, must reduce the height of connectors and contacts (or signal terminals), which is called profile reduction. However, this reduction in profile comes with a reduction in forces acting on the receptacle and header engagement. For this reason, portable devices are prone to shocks caused by dropping or other factors, and need to have a configuration that makes it difficult to separate the socket and the head. A connector having a locking mechanism that keeps a receptacle and a head in an engaged state is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-234150. [0003] In addition to the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 200...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Since the head contact 47 is made of an easily bendable material, the flatness of the head contact 47 may be damaged by an inadvertent force applied thereto.

[0008] In addition, the manufacturing process also has the problem of increasing the number of steps involved due to the complicated structure of the head 42 (connector provided with the locking mechanism).

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