Connector assembly for preventing intrusion of liquid substance and electronic device using the same

Abstract

The present application provides a connector assembly that can be easily manufactured and prevents the intrusion of a liquid substance, and an electronic device using the connector assembly. The connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of a liquid substance includes a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface and a first contact portion and a protrusion portion that are part of the first terminal on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface and a second contact portion that is part of the second terminal and a groove portion that receives the protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion electrically connected to the first contact portion, at least a portion of the surface of the protrusion portion in close contact with a portion of the surface of the groove portion, the first and second connectors each formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the first terminal or the second terminal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of a liquid substance and an electronic device using the connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an electrical connector assembly composed of two connectors (a receptacle and a plug), a technology that adds a waterproof function for preventing the intrusion of a liquid substance into the interiors of the receptacle and the plug is known. Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-157529) discloses an electrical connector that prevents the intrusion of water from a surface on which a sheet waterproof material 35 is arranged and prevents the intrusion of water that has passed through the surface of an insertion groove 13 of a first connector 2 in which the sheet waterproof material 35 is adhesively fixed by pressing an insertion protrusion 44 of a second connector 3 into the insertion groove 13 in which the contact 20 is arranged (FIG. 4).

[0003] An electrical connector assembly provides electrical connection to first and second circuits by connecting a first connector (a receptacle) in which a first circuit is connected to a bottom surface and a second connector (a plug) in which a second circuit is connected to a bottom surface with faces (upper surfaces of the first and second connectors) to which no circuit is connected. In the case where an electronic device using the electrical connector assembly is a wearable device such as a wireless earphone or a smartphone, miniaturization, improvement in waterproof performance, and the like of the electrical connector assembly are sought. The technology of Patent Literature 1 provides a connector assembly that is low in height and narrow in pitch between contacts and has a waterproof function.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-157529

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Literature 1, although providing a connector assembly that is miniaturized and has a waterproof function, has to adhesively fix a sheet waterproof material that is independent of a housing to the first connector after the contact insert is molded in the housing in the first connector, and the manufacturing process of the electrical connector is very complicated. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides a connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of a liquid substance and an electronic device using the connector assembly, which can be easily manufactured.

[0007] The connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, which prevents the invasion of a liquid substance, is provided with: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, a first contact portion that is a part of the first terminal, and a protruding portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, a second contact portion that is a part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protruding portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion being electrically connected to the first contact portion, at least a part of the surface of the protruding portion being in close contact with a part of the surface of the groove portion, the first and second connectors each being formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0008] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the first connector and the second connector can each not have a hole on the respective bottom surface.

[0009] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the protruding portion of the first connector can have a press-in portion, and the groove portion of the second connector can have a press-in groove that receives the press-in portion, or the groove portion of the second connector can have a press-in portion, and the protruding portion of the second connector can have a press-in groove that receives the press-in portion.

[0010] The connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, which prevents the invasion of a liquid substance, can be provided with: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, a first contact portion that is a part of the first terminal, and a protruding portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, a second contact portion that is a part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protruding portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion being electrically connected to the first contact portion, at least a part of the surface of the protruding portion being in close contact with a part of the surface of the groove portion, the first connector and / or the second connector including a reinforcing member.

[0011] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the first connector and / or the second connector including the reinforcing member are each formed by integral molding using the reinforcing member, an insulating member, and a conductive member that forms the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0012] The connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application that prevents the invasion of a liquid substance can be provided with: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, a first contact portion that is a part of the first terminal, and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, a second contact portion that is a part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion electrically connected to the first contact portion, at least a portion of the surface of the protrusion portion in close contact with a portion of the surface of the groove portion, the protrusion portion and / or the groove portion having an accumulation portion for accumulating a liquid substance.

[0013] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the first connector and the second connector are each formed by integrally molding an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0014] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, the first connector and / or the second connector can include a reinforcing member.

[0015] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, in a case where two or more of the first terminals exist, the first terminals are arranged in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or in a case where two or more of the second terminals exist, the second terminals are arranged in the first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

[0016] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, in a case where three or more of the first terminals exist, the first terminals are arranged in two rows in the first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or in a case where three or more of the second terminals exist, the second terminals are arranged in two rows in the first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

[0017] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, on the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one of the first terminals faces a second direction, and the other of the first terminals faces a direction different from the second direction, and on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one of the second terminals faces the second direction, and the other of the second terminals faces a direction different from the second direction.

[0018] In the connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application, at least one of the terminals of the first terminals of the first connector faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, the other terminals of the first terminals face a direction opposite to the second direction, and / or at least one of the terminals of the second terminals of the second connector faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector, the other terminals of the first terminals face a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0019] The connector assembly of the embodiment of the present application can be used in an electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1a A perspective view of a connector assembly in which a plug is disposed on the upper side and a socket is disposed on the lower side is shown.

[0021] Figure 1b A perspective view of a connector assembly in which a plug is disposed on the lower side and a socket is disposed on the upper side is shown.

[0022] Figure 2a is a view showing the plug from above in the disposition of the plug of Figure 1b .

[0023] Figure 2b is a view showing the plug from above in the disposition of the plug of Figure 1a .

[0024] Figure 3a is a view showing the socket from above in the disposition of the socket of Figure 1a .

[0025] Figure 3b is a view showing the socket from above in the disposition of the socket of Figure 1b .

[0026] Figure 4a is a view showing the long side portions of the plug and the socket before fitting from the lateral direction.

[0027] Figure 4b A view showing the plug and the socket before fitting is a cross-sectional view of a line connected by the letter "A" shown in Figure 4a , and is a view showing the observation from the arrow direction shown in Figure 4a .

[0028] Figure 4c A view showing the plug and the socket before fitting is a cross-sectional view of a line connected by the letter "B" shown in Figure 4b , and is a view showing the observation from the arrow direction shown in Figure 4b .

[0029] Figure 5aA view showing the long side portions of the plug and the socket viewed from the lateral direction after fitting.

[0030] Figure 5b A view showing the plug and the socket after fitting, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "D" shown in Figure 5a , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 5a .

[0031] Figure 5c A view showing the plug and the socket after fitting, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "D" shown in Figure 5b , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 5b .

[0032] Figure 6a A view showing the long side portions of the plug and the socket of Example 2 viewed from the lateral direction.

[0033] Figure 6b A view showing the plug and the socket of Example 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "A" shown in Figure 6a , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 6a .

[0034] Figure 6c A view showing the plug and the socket of Example 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "B" shown in Figure 6b , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 6b .

[0035] Figure 7a A view showing the long side portions of the plug and the socket of Example 3 viewed from the lateral direction.

[0036] Figure 7b A view showing the plug and the socket of Example 3, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "A" shown in Figure 7a , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 7a .

[0037] Figure 7c A view showing the plug and the socket of Example 3, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "B" shown in Figure 7b , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown in Figure 7b .

[0038] Figure 8a A view showing the long side portions of the plug and the socket of Example 4 viewed from the lateral direction.

[0039] Figure 8b A view showing the plug and the socket of Example 4, and is a cross-sectional view of the line connected by the letter "A" shown in Figure 8a , and shows a view viewed from the arrow direction shown inFigure 8a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0040] Figure 8c The plug and socket shown in Embodiment 4 are made of Figure 8b The cross-sectional view shown is along the line connecting the letter "B", and it shows the... Figure 8b The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0041] Figure 9a A diagram showing the long side portion of the plug and socket in Example 4 as viewed from the side.

[0042] Figure 9b The plug and socket shown in Embodiment 4 are made of Figure 9a The cross-sectional view shown is along the line connecting the letter "A", and it shows the... Figure 9a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0043] Figure 9c The plug and socket shown in Embodiment 4 are made of Figure 9b The cross-sectional view shown is along the line connecting the letter "B", and it shows the... Figure 9b The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0044] Figure 10a A diagram showing the long side portion of the plug and socket of Embodiment 5 viewed from the side.

[0045] Figure 10b The plug and socket shown in Embodiment 5 are made of Figure 10a The cross-sectional view shown is along the line connecting the letter "A", and it shows the line from... Figure 10a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0046] Figure 10c The plug and socket shown in Embodiment 5 are made of Figure 10b The cross-sectional view shown is along the line connecting the letter "B", and it shows the... Figure 10b The diagram shows the direction of the arrows. Detailed Implementation

[0047] [Example 1]

[0048] Figure 1a A perspective view of a connector assembly with the plug positioned on the upper side and the socket positioned on the lower side is shown. Figure 1b This is a perspective view of a connector assembly with the plug positioned on the lower side and the socket positioned on the upper side. The connector assembly 100 includes a plug 105 and a socket 150. The plug 105 has a protrusion 115 and one or more plug terminals 110, and the socket 150 has a slot 165 and one or more socket terminals 155. Figure 1aIn the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 and the upper surface of the socket 150, Figure 1b In the bottom surface 180 of the socket 150 and the upper surface of the plug 105. Figure 1a The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 extend to the upper surface of the plug 105 via the body of the plug 105 as shown in Figure 1b The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 extend to the upper surface of the plug 105 via the body of the plug 105 as shown in Figure 1b The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 extend to the upper surface of the plug 105 via the body of the plug 105 as shown in Figure 1a The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 extend to the upper surface of the plug 105 via the body of the plug 105 as shown in

[0049] In the socket 150, the surface opposite to the surface that receives the plug 105, that is, the bottom surface 180 has a rectangular-shaped recess 185. The rectangular-shaped recess 185 has a protrusion 190 inside the recess 185.

[0050] Figure 2a A view showing the plug 105 from above in the configuration of Figure 1b A view showing the plug 105 from above in the configuration of Figure 2b A view showing the plug 105 from above in the configuration of Figure 1a A view showing the plug 105 from above in the configuration of Figure 2b The plug terminals 110-n at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 shown in the configuration correspond to the plug terminals 110-n at the upper surface of the plug 105 shown in Figure 2a The plug terminals 110-n at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 shown in the configuration correspond to the plug terminals 110-n at the upper surface of the plug 105 shown in Figure 1a The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 shown in the configuration correspond to the plug terminals 110 at the upper surface of the plug 105 shown in Figure 1b The plug terminals 110 at the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 shown in the configuration correspond to the plug terminals 110 at the upper surface of the plug 105 shown in

[0051] In the bottom surface, the plug terminals 110-2 to 110-8 are arranged as a first column in a first direction 205 (a direction from the plug terminal 110-2 to 110-8), and similarly, the plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 are arranged as a second column in the first direction 205. Also, in the bottom surface, the plug terminals 110-2 to 110-8 arranged as the first column extend in a second direction 210 (a direction from the plug terminal 110-16 to 110-2) orthogonal to the first direction 205, and the plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 arranged as the second column extend in a direction opposite to the second direction 210. The plug terminals 110-n are covered continuously by the protrusion 115 as can be understood from Figure 2a The plug 105 is covered continuously by the protrusion 115 as can be understood from

[0052] Figure 3a A view showing the socket 150 from above in the configuration of Figure 1a A view showing the socket 150 from above in the configuration of Figure 3b A view showing the socket 150 from above in the configuration ofFigure 1b The diagram shows the socket 150 as viewed from above. Figure 3a The socket terminals 155-n, which are arranged on the upper surface of the socket 150 as shown, are respectively connected to... Figure 3b The socket terminal 155-n is arranged on the bottom surface 180 of the socket 150. A rectangular recess 185 exists on the bottom surface 180 of the socket 150, in which the socket terminal 155-n has an exposed portion (355-n). The socket terminal 155-n is connected to other circuit boards, etc., on the bottom surface 180 of the socket 150. The socket terminal 155-n and... Figure 1a and Figure 1b The socket terminal 155 corresponds to.

[0053] On the bottom surface, socket terminals 155-2 to 155-8 are arranged as a first row in the first direction 305 (from socket terminals 155-2 to 155-8), and similarly, socket terminals 155-10 to 155-16 are arranged as a second row in the first direction 305. Furthermore, on the bottom surface, socket terminals 155-2 to 110-8, arranged as a first row, extend in a second direction 310 (from socket terminals 155-16 to 155-2) orthogonal to the first direction 305, while socket terminals 155-10 to 155-16, arranged as a second row, extend in a direction opposite to the second direction 310. Figure 3a As can be seen, socket 150 is continuously covered by slot 165.

[0054] The plug and socket of the present invention are formed by integral molding (insert molding) using conductive components forming terminals and insulating components (e.g., resin) forming the main body (housing). In integral molding, after the terminals are arranged in the mold, resin, which becomes liquid at high temperature, flows into the mold, thereby forming the plug and socket. Therefore, the parts in contact with the mold and the terminals are not covered by the resin forming the main body of the plug and socket. In this embodiment, the contact portions (415 and 455 in FIG. 4 described later) that contact the substrate circuit and the exposed portions of the socket terminals 155-n ( Figure 3b 355-n) is the part that contacts the mold.

[0055] In other embodiments, it is also possible to make only the contact portions 415 and 455 that contact the substrate circuitry become the portions that contact the mold. Figure 3bThe exposed portion 355-n of the terminal 355 is covered by the resin of the main body of the socket by being integrally formed. In this case, it is also possible that the recess 185 of the socket 150 is filled with the resin based on the integral formation, and the portion of the bottom surface 180 of the socket other than the terminal is formed as one surface by the integral formation. Thus, the thickness of the bottom surface portion of the socket 150 is increased, and the socket 150 can be more durable. Also, it is possible that the recess (250) of the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 is filled with the resin based on the integral formation. Figure 2b

[0056] Figure 4a A drawing showing a long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 before fitting, as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 5a A drawing showing a long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as viewed from the lateral direction. The plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 are respectively connected to the socket terminals 155-10 to 155-16 in correspondence. Figure 4a The plug terminals 110-1 and 110-9 not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are respectively connected to the socket terminals 155-1 and 155-9 in correspondence. Thus, an electrical connection is provided between the plug 105 and the socket 150.

[0057] Figure 4b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 before fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "A" shown in FIG. 2A, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2B. Figure 4a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "C" shown in FIG. 2C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2D. Figure 4a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "C" shown in FIG. 2C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2D. Figure 5b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "C" shown in FIG. 2C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2D. Figure 5a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "C" shown in FIG. 2C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2D. Figure 5a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "C" shown in FIG. 2C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 2D.

[0058] Figure 4c A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 before fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "B" shown in FIG. 3A, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 3B. Figure 4b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "D" shown in FIG. 3C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 3D. Figure 4b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "D" shown in FIG. 3C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 3D. Figure 5c A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 after fitting, as a cross-sectional view on a line connected by the letters "D" shown in FIG. 3C, and showing a drawing as viewed from the arrow direction shown in FIG. 3D. Figure 5b Figure 5b The plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed of a main body (housing) which is an insulating member such as a resin such as plastic, liquid crystal polymer, etc., and a terminal which is a conductive member such as copper, etc. In the plug 105 and the socket 150, the main body and the terminal are integrally formed.

[0059] The plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed of a main body (housing) which is an insulating member such as a resin such as plastic, liquid crystal polymer, etc., and a terminal which is a conductive member such as copper, etc. In the plug 105 and the socket 150, the main body and the terminal are integrally formed. Figure 4b Figure 4c The plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed of a main body (housing) which is an insulating member such as a resin such as plastic, liquid crystal polymer, etc., and a terminal which is a conductive member such as copper, etc. In the plug 105 and the socket 150, the main body and the terminal are integrally formed. Figure 5b Figure 5c ​​​​In the connector assembly, the main bodies 440 and 490 are shown by thick slant lines, and the terminals 110 and 155 are shown by thin slant lines. The plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed as the main bodies and the terminals, respectively, using insulating members and conductive members and by integral molding (insert molding). Thus, the main bodies of the plug 105 and the socket 150 are in close contact with their terminals, and therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid such as water, a resin that becomes liquid at high temperatures, a liquid substance containing a paste-like substance, and the like from intruding into the inside of the connector assembly from the holes or gaps formed by fitting the plug 105 and the socket 150. In addition, since the connector assembly is manufactured by integral molding, no materials other than the main bodies of the plug 105 and the socket 150 and their terminals are used, and therefore, the connector assembly can be manufactured more simply.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4b and Figure 4c , the plug 105 has the plug terminal 110 having the plug-side substrate circuit contact portion 415 and the socket contact portion 420. The main body 440 of the plug 105 formed of an insulating member has a plug terminal protrusion 430 for forming the socket contact portion 420 that can be electrically connected to the socket 150. A part or all of the wall of the plug terminal protrusion 430 can also be in contact with the inner side wall of the socket contact portion 420. The main body 440 of the plug 105 also has the protrusion portion 115.

[0061] The socket 150 has the socket terminal 155 having the socket-side substrate circuit contact portion 455 and the plug contact portion 460. The main body 490 of the socket 150 has a socket terminal recess 465 for forming the plug contact portion 460 that can be electrically connected to the plug 105. A part or all of the wall of the socket terminal recess 465 can also be in contact with the inner side wall of the plug contact portion 460. The main body 490 of the socket 150 also has the groove 165 corresponding to the protrusion portion 115 of the plug 105. As shown in Figure 5b and c, by connecting the plug 105 and the socket 150, the wall of the plug contact portion 460 of the socket 150 is in contact with the wall of the socket contact portion 420 of the plug 105, and thus, the plug 105 and the socket 150 are provided with electrical connection.

[0062] In Figure 5b and Figure 5c , the groove 165 of the socket 150 receives the protrusion portion 115 of the plug 105, and thus, the groove 165 and the protrusion portion 115 are fitted. The protrusion portion 115 has a press-in portion 405 at the front end on the fitting side, and the groove 165 also has a press-in groove 450 at the bottom side. Figure 5bIn this case, if the groove 165 of the socket 150 receives the protruding portion 115 of the plug 105, the wall of the groove 165 abuts against the wall of the protruding portion 115, and the wall of the press-in groove 450 abuts against the wall of the press-in portion 405, whereby the groove 165 of the socket 150 and the protruding portion 115 of the plug 105 are fitted. By this fitting, there is no gap between the groove 165 and the protruding portion 115, and the invasion of the liquid substance into the inside of the socket 150 and the plug 105 is prevented. Also, by making the size of the press-in portion 405 slightly larger than the size of the portion of the press-in groove 450 that receives the press-in portion 405, the fitting can be made more stable. If the height of the groove 165 of the socket 150 becomes larger, the distance from the outside of the connector assembly to the inside of the connector assembly (the distance along the surface of the groove 165 and the protruding portion 115) on the surface of the groove 165 of the socket 150 on the side that contacts the protruding portion 115 of the plug 105 becomes longer, and therefore, the function of preventing the invasion of the liquid substance into the inside of the connector is further improved. For example, it is preferable that the height of the groove 165 be more than one-third of the height of the socket 150. Also, in the case where the abutment of the wall of the groove 165 against the wall of the protruding portion 115 is insufficient, a gap is formed between the wall of the groove 165 and the wall of the protruding portion 115, and this gap becomes a path for the invasion of the liquid substance, and therefore, the liquid substance invades the inside of the connector assembly through the gap.

[0063] In the present embodiment, it is also possible that, in the plug 104, the press-in portion 405 is formed continuously around the plug 104, or is formed on a portion of the periphery of the plug 104. The press-in groove 165 is formed in correspondence with the press-in portion 405.

[0064] In other embodiments, it is also possible that the groove 165 of the socket 150 has a press-in portion, and the protruding portion 115 of the plug 105 has a press-in groove that receives the press-in portion.

[0065] The connector assembly formed by the connection of the plug 105 and the socket 150 is connected to the substrate circuit or the like (not shown) of another electronic component via the respective terminals 110 and 155 of the bottom surfaces 120 and 180 of the plug 105 and the socket 150. The plug 105 and the socket 150 are connected to the substrate circuit or the like, respectively, and, in order to prevent short circuit or the like caused by the contact of an unnecessary conductive member with the connector assembly and the substrate circuit due to the fixation of the connector assembly to the substrate circuit of another electronic component after the connection of the plug 105 and the socket 150, at least a portion of the surface of the substrate circuit is coated with a resin. In this case, the connector assembly of the present embodiment, by the fitting of the plug 105 and the socket 150, can prevent the invasion of the resin into the inside of the connector assembly. Thus, the electrical connection between the plug contact portion 460 of the socket 150 and the socket contact portion 420 of the plug 105 in the connector assembly can be prevented from being insulated due to the invasion of the resin. Therefore, in an electronic device that uses the connector assembly of the present embodiment, the reduction in the generation rate of defects is achieved.

[0066] [Embodiment 2: Connector assembly omitting the press-in portion of Embodiment 1]

[0067] Figure 6a A view showing the long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6b A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6a A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6a A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6c A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6b A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6b A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 6c the reference numerals of Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c correspond, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 4 in that it does not have the press-in portion 405 of the plug 105 and the press-in groove 450 of the socket 150. That is, this embodiment is the same as Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c except for the press-in portion 405 and the press-in groove 450.

[0068] In this embodiment, the protrusion portion 115 of the plug 105 does not have a press-in portion. Also, the groove 165 of the socket 150 does not have a press-in groove corresponding to the press-in portion. By connecting the plug 105 and the socket 150, the groove 165 can receive the protrusion portion 115. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 605 of the protrusion portion 115 can be in close contact with the bottom surface 650 of the groove 165 when the plug 105 and the socket 150 are connected. In this case, the length of the protrusion portion 115 in the height direction is the same as or longer than the length of the groove 165 in the height direction. The connector assembly of this embodiment does not have a press-in portion and a press-in groove, so the fitting is weaker than in Embodiment 1, but the protrusion portion 115 and the groove 165 can prevent liquid substances such as water and resin from intruding into the inside of the connector assembly.

[0069] [Embodiment 3: Connector assembly using reinforcing member]

[0070] Figure 7a A view showing the long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 3 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 7b A view showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 3 as viewed from the lateral direction. Figure 7aA cross-sectional view of the line connected with the letter "A" shown, and shows a view from the arrow direction shown in Figure 7a Figure 7c A cross-sectional view of the line connected with the letter "B" shown, and shows a view from the arrow direction shown in Figure 7b Figure 7b Figure 7a Figure 7b Figure 7c The reference numbers of Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c correspond to the reference numbers of Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c respectively. This embodiment has a reinforcing member, which is different from the plug 105 and the socket 150 of the embodiment 2 shown in Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c . That is, this embodiment is the same as the structure of the embodiment 2 shown in

[0071] In this embodiment, the plug 105 has a reinforcing member 705, and the socket 150 has a reinforcing member 750. The reinforcing member is configured to cover a part or all of the four sides of the long side portion of the plug or the socket. Thereby, the strength of the connector assembly is improved, and the plug or the socket which does not use the reinforcing member is more easily deformed than the plug or the socket which uses the reinforcing member. Therefore, the socket or the plug which does not use the reinforcing member corresponding to the plug or the socket which uses the reinforcing member is deformed based on the shape of the plug or the socket which uses the reinforcing member, and the protrusion portion and the groove are more closely contacted and fitted.

[0072] In other embodiments, the reinforcing member can also be configured to cover a part or all of the other four sides (for example, the four sides of the short side portion) of the plug or the socket. In other embodiments, the reinforcing member can also be configured to a place near a part or all of the long side direction of the center portion (for example, 710, 755 shown by the dotted line in Figure 7a ). In addition, the reinforcing member can also be configured to both the four sides of the plug or the socket and the center portion. In other embodiments, the protrusion portion 115 of the plug 105 and the groove 165 of the socket 150 can also have the press-in portion 405 and the press-in groove 450 shown in Figure 4a respectively.

[0073] [Embodiment 4: Connector assembly using accumulation portion]

[0074] Figure 8a A view of the long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 of the embodiment 4 is shown from the lateral direction. Figure 8b ​​​​​​​​​​​The plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 4 are shown in cross section along a line connected by the letters "A" and are shown in a view from the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 8a Figure 8a Figure 8c The plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 4 are shown in cross section along a line connected by the letters "B" and are shown in a view from the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 8b Figure 8b Figure 9a A view showing a long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 4 as viewed in the lateral direction. Figure 9b The plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 4 are shown in cross section along a line connected by the letters "A" and are shown in a view from the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 9a Figure 9a Figure 9c The plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 4 are shown in cross section along a line connected by the letters "B" and are shown in a view from the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 9b Figure 9b Figure 8a Figure 8b Figure 8c Figure 9a Figure 9b Figure 9c The reference numerals of Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c The storage portion for storing a liquid substance is different from the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c The structure of the storage portion is the same as that of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 6a Figure 6b Figure 6c

[0075] In this embodiment, the plug 105 and / or the socket 150 has a storage portion (850 in Fig. 8 and 915 in Fig. 9). The storage portion is capable of storing a liquid substance such as water or resin after the plug 105 and the socket 150 are fitted. Thus, the liquid substance can be prevented from invading the portion to which the terminals of the plug 105 and the socket 150 are connected (the periphery of the socket terminal recess 465). In the case where the liquid substance is a resin that becomes liquid at high temperature and solidifies at low temperature, the resin is stored in the storage portion in a liquid state, and if the resin solidifies, the connection of the connector assembly can be made more stable. In addition, the liquid substance solidifies in the storage portion and the path to the storage portion, and thus the invasion of the liquid substance such as water can be prevented again after solidification.

[0076] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the present embodiment, the storage portions are provided on the bottom surfaces of the portions in which the plug 105 and the socket 150 are fitted (the bottom surfaces of the protrusion portions 115 and the bottom surfaces of the grooves 165 in FIGS. 8 and 9), but this is an example, and the storage portions can be provided at other locations of the portions in which the plug 105 and the socket 150 are fitted (the bottom surfaces of the protrusion portions 115 and the outer walls of the grooves 165 in FIGS. 8 and 9). In the present embodiment, the storage portions are configured to cover all of the periphery of the plug 105 and the socket 150, but the storage portions can be configured to cover a part of the periphery.

[0077] In other embodiments, the storage portions can be provided on both the protrusion portions 115 and the grooves 165. For example, the storage portions of the protrusion portions 115 and the grooves 165 can or can not be in contact with each other. As an example in which the storage portions are in contact with each other, the storage portions are provided on the bottom surfaces of the protrusion portions 115 and the grooves 165. As an example in which the storage portions are not in contact with each other, the storage portion of the protrusion portion 115 can be provided on the bottom surface of the protrusion portion 115, and the storage portion of the groove 165 can be provided on the bottom surface of the groove 165. In still other embodiments, the present embodiment can have the reinforcing member shown in Embodiment 3.

[0078] [Embodiment 5: Connector assembly in which the side wall of the connector assembly is realized by the outer wall of the plug]

[0079] Figure 10a A drawing showing a long side portion of the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10a A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10c A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10b A drawing showing the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 5 as viewed in the lateral direction is shown. Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 10c correspond to the reference numerals of Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c , respectively, and the present embodiment differs from the plug 105 and the socket 150 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c , etc. in that the side wall of the connector assembly is realized by the outer wall of the plug.

[0080] The receptacle 150 has a protrusion 1055 on the outermost side. The plug 105 has a groove 1005 surrounded by the outer side wall 1010 and the plug terminal projection 430. The groove 1005 is fitted by receiving the protrusion 105 of the receptacle 150, and at least a portion of the faces of the groove 1005 and the protrusion 1055 abut. Thus, it is possible to prevent liquid substances from intruding into the interior of the contact portion assembly. The present embodiment can make the main body of the receptacle 150 smaller than the structures of Embodiments 1 to 4, and thus contributes to the miniaturization of the connector assembly and the reduction in the amount of main body material used.

[0081] [Modified Example]

[0082] The connector assembly of the above-described embodiments has, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, a terminal array in which the terminals 110 and 155 of the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are arranged in the longitudinal direction as one group. However, this is an example, and the terminal array can be one column or three or more columns. Figure 2b Figure 3b As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the connector assembly of the above-described embodiments has a terminal array in which the terminals 110 and 155 of the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are arranged in the longitudinal direction as one group. However, this is an example, and the terminal array can be one column or three or more columns.

[0083] Also, in a case where a portion of the terminals of the terminal array arranged in one column is the terminals of the first group, or the entire terminal array arranged in a prescribed number of columns is the terminals of the first group, the terminals of the first group are arranged on the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 so as to face a prescribed direction, and the terminals of the groups other than the first group are arranged so as to face directions other than the prescribed direction.

[0084] [Other]

[0085] The "first connector" recited in the claims refers to one of the plug or the receptacle having a protrusion, and the "second connector" recited in the claims refers to the other of the plug or the receptacle having a groove that receives the protrusion.

[0086] The "first terminal" recited in the claims refers to a terminal in the "first connector" that connects to a terminal of a substrate circuit to which the connector assembly is to be connected. The "second terminal" recited in the claims refers to a terminal in the "second connector" that connects to a terminal of a substrate circuit to which the connector assembly is to be connected.

[0087] In the recitations in the claims, the "first contact portion" of the "first connector" connects to the "second contact portion" of the "second connector", and thus electrical connection is provided to the connector assembly.

[0088] In the above-described embodiments, the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are formed by integral molding using at least an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the terminals, but the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 can be integrally molded including other members as can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0089] ​In the above-described embodiments, the bottom surface of the plug 105 and the socket 150 is shown as being substantially rectangular, but this is an example, and the bottom surface can be substantially square, substantially triangular, or another shape. The connector assembly is formed in a shape that is suitable for the electronic device in which the connector assembly is used.

[0090] As for each of the above-described embodiments, a part or all of each of the embodiments can be combined and implemented as one embodiment.

[0091] The configuration and arrangement of the elements of each of the above-described embodiments are merely examples. For each of the embodiments, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. For example, the size, dimensions, configuration, shape, and ratio of each of the elements, the value of the parameter, the mounting arrangement, the use of the material, the color, the orientation, and the like are examples of the modifications.

[0092] Each of the above-described embodiments is an example for describing the present application, and the present application is not limited to these embodiments. The present application can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0093] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 100... connector assembly; 105... plug; 110... plug terminal; 115... protruding portion of plug; 120... bottom surface of plug; 150... socket; 155... socket terminal; 165... slot of socket; 180... bottom surface of socket; 185... recess of socket; 190... protruding portion in recess; 355... portion of socket terminal exposed; 405... press-in portion; 415... plug-side substrate circuit contact portion; 420... socket contact portion; 430... protruding portion of plug terminal; 450... press-in slot; 455... socket-side substrate circuit contact portion; 460... plug contact portion; 465... recessed portion of socket terminal; 705, 750... reinforcing member; 1005... slot; 1010... outer side wall; 1055... protruding portion.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for preventing the intrusion of liquid substances, characterized in that, have: The first connector has a first terminal on its bottom surface and a first contact portion and a protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface, which are part of the first terminal; and The second connector has a second terminal on its bottom surface and a second contact portion, which is part of the second terminal, and a groove portion for receiving the protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface. The second contact portion is electrically connected to the first contact portion. The first connector is formed integrally using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed integrally using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal. The protrusion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side near the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side away from the first contact portion. The first inner wall and the first outer wall extend along the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, respectively. The groove portion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the engagement direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side farther from the second contact portion. The second inner wall and the second outer wall extend along the fitting direction, respectively. When the protrusion is received by the groove along the fitting direction. No gaps are formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall. Within the range along the fitting direction received by the groove, the first inner wall and the second inner wall are fully in contact, and the first outer wall and the second outer wall are fully in contact.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector and the second connector do not have holes on their respective bottom surfaces.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion of the first connector has a press-in portion, and the groove of the second connector has a press-in groove for receiving the press-in portion, or the groove of the second connector has a press-in portion, and the protrusion of the second connector has a press-in groove for receiving the press-in portion.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion of the first connector has a press-in portion, and the groove of the second connector has a press-in groove for receiving the press-in portion, or the groove of the second connector has a press-in portion, and the protrusion of the second connector has a press-in groove for receiving the press-in portion.

5. A connector assembly for preventing the intrusion of liquid substances, characterized in that, have: The first connector has a first terminal on its bottom surface and a first contact portion and a protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface, which are part of the first terminal; and The second connector has a second terminal on its bottom surface and a second contact portion, which is part of the second terminal, and a groove portion for receiving the protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface. The second contact portion is electrically connected to the first contact portion. The first connector and / or the second connector include reinforcing members. The first connector is formed integrally using at least an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed integrally using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal. The protrusion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side near the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side away from the first contact portion. The first inner wall and the first outer wall extend along the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, respectively. The groove portion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the engagement direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side farther from the second contact portion. The second inner wall and the second outer wall extend along the fitting direction, respectively. When the protrusion is received by the groove along the fitting direction. No gaps are formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall. Within the range along the fitting direction received by the groove, the first inner wall and the second inner wall are fully in contact, and the first outer wall and the second outer wall are fully in contact.

6. A connector assembly for preventing the intrusion of liquid substances, characterized in that, have: The first connector has a first terminal on its bottom surface and a first contact portion and a protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface, which are part of the first terminal; and The second connector has a second terminal on its bottom surface and a second contact portion, which is part of the second terminal, and a groove portion for receiving the protrusion on the surface opposite to the bottom surface. The second contact portion is electrically connected to the first contact portion. The protrusion and / or the groove has a storage portion for storing liquid substances. The first connector is formed integrally using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed integrally using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal. The protrusion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side near the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on the side away from the first contact portion. The first inner wall and the first outer wall extend along the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, respectively. The groove portion includes, in a plane orthogonal to the engagement direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on the side farther from the second contact portion. The second inner wall and the second outer wall extend along the fitting direction, respectively. When the protrusion is received by the groove along the fitting direction. No gaps are formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall. Within the range along the fitting direction received by the groove, the first inner wall and the second inner wall are fully in contact, and the first outer wall and the second outer wall are fully in contact.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connector and / or the second connector include reinforcing members.

8. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When there are two or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged along a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are two or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged along a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

9. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When there are three or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged in two columns along the first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are three or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged in two columns along the first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal faces the second direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction different from the second direction. On the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal faces the second direction, and the other terminals of the second terminal face a direction different from the second direction.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal faces the second direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction different from the second direction. On the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal faces the second direction, and the other terminals of the second terminal face a direction different from the second direction.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction; and / or on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction; and / or on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, On the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction; and / or on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal faces a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the other terminals of the first terminal face a direction opposite to the second direction.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, Use the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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