Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector and a connector assembly, ensuring that the fitting guide portion of the connector body and the like are not damaged or broken during the fitting operation, and improving reliability. A connector includes a connector body, terminals attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing fitting attached to the connector body. The connector body includes a fitting guide portion having a fitting recess. The reinforcing fitting includes: a main body portion attached to the end wall portion of the fitting guide portion; a pair of left and right connecting arm portions connected to both ends of the main body portion, the connecting arm portions extending toward the center in the length direction of the connector body and attached to the side wall portion of the fitting guide portion. The connecting arm portion includes a side plate portion and a side wall upper covering portion connected to the upper end of the side plate portion. At least a part of the outside of the side plate portion is covered by the outside portion of the side wall portion, and the side wall upper covering portion is bent so that the end face faces into the fitting recess and covers at least a part of the upper surface of the inner portion of the side wall portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of April 20, 2020, an application number of 2020103115286, and an invention title of "Connector and Connector Assembly". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, connectors such as board-to-board connectors have been used to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards together. Such a connector is attached to the opposing corresponding surfaces on a pair of circuit boards and fitted together to conduct electricity. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which a reinforcing fitting that functions as a locking element for maintaining the fitted state between the mating connectors is attached to both ends (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Figure 10 FIG. is a perspective view showing a conventional connector.

[0005] In the figure, reference numeral 811 denotes the base of a connector mounted on a circuit board (not shown), and the connector is fitted and electrically connected to a mating connector (not shown). The base 811 includes a pair of side wall portions extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of fitting guide portions connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portions, and each fitting guide portion includes a fitting recess. A plurality of terminals 861 are attached to the side wall portions, and a reinforcing fitting 851 is attached to the fitting guide portion. The reinforcing fitting 851 has a lateral arm 853 extending along the side wall portion of the base 811 and a U-shaped arm 858 extending along the fitting recess, and the end of the U-shaped arm 858 can engage with recesses 817 formed at both ends of the middle island 813 of the base 811.

[0006] Then, when the connector is fitted to the mating connector, each terminal 861 comes into contact with the fitting terminals of the mating connector. As a result, the circuit board on which the connector is mounted is electrically connected to the mating circuit board on which the mating connector is mounted. In addition, the fitting convex portion of the mating base enters the fitting recess of the fitting guide portion of the base. The reinforcing fitting 851 attached to the fitting guide portion engages with a corresponding mating reinforcing fitting attached to the fitting convex portion of the mating base.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JP2015-207557 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical problem

[0009] However, in this conventional connector, during the fitting operation, the base 811 may be damaged or broken. When the connector attached to the circuit board is fitted with the mating connector attached to the mating circuit board, due to the working conditions, the operator cannot visually observe the fitting surfaces of the base 811 and the mating base, and thus has to perform the fitting operation by groping with the hands. In particular, in recent years, the miniaturization and low profile of the board-to-board connector have been continuously developed, making it difficult for the operator to visually see the fitting surfaces of the base 811 and the mating base.

[0010] In this case, the operator gropes with the hands to adjust the position of the mating base relative to the base 811, while sliding the fitting surfaces of the base 811 and the mating base, and inserts the fitting convex portion of the mating base into the fitting concave portion of the base 811.

[0011] Therefore, in a state where the alignment between the base 811 and the mating base is not completed, when a force is applied to the base 811 from the mating base in the fitting direction or the mating base is rotated relative to the base 811, the fitting surface of the mating base may scratch the fitting surface of the base 811. In this case, a part of the fitting surface of the base 811 may be subjected to a large pressing force and be damaged or broken. In particular, in recent years, due to the continuous development of the miniaturization and low profile of the board-to-board connector, when the thickness of each part of the base 811 is thin and a strong force is applied, the part is easily broken. In addition, the terminal 861 may come into contact with components of the mating connector such as the mating base and be damaged or broken.

[0012] In addition, by connecting the reinforcing fitting 851 and the mating reinforcing fitting to the power supply lines of the circuit board and the mating circuit board, etc., the reinforcing fitting 851 and the mating reinforcing fitting can be used as circuit connection components. However, since the reinforcing fitting 851 does not have sufficient elasticity, when vibrations or impacts generated by the dropping or external force of the electronic device with the circuit board installed are transmitted to the reinforcing fitting, the contact between the reinforcing fitting 851 and the mating reinforcing fitting cannot be maintained, thus failing to ensure sufficient conduction of the power supply line.

[0013] Here, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional connector and provide a highly reliable connector and a connector assembly that do not damage or break the fitting guide portion of the connector body during the fitting operation.

[0014] Means for solving the problem

[0015] The connector includes a connector body, terminals attached to the connector body, and a reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body. The connector body includes fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The fitting guide portions have fitting recesses, and fitting fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a mating connector body of a mating connector are inserted into the fitting recesses. The reinforcement fitting includes: a body portion extending in the width direction of the connector body, the body portion being attached to an end wall portion of the fitting guide portion; and a pair of left and right connecting arm portions extending from both ends of the body portion, the connecting arm portions being attached to side wall portions of the fitting guide portion, and the connecting arm portions include side plate portions and side wall covering portions connected to upper ends of the side plate portions, and at least a part of the outside of the side plate portions is covered by an outside portion of the side wall portions.

[0016] In another connector, the side plate portion includes a through hole, and an outside portion and an inside portion of the side wall portion are connected through the through hole.

[0017] In yet another connector, an upper surface of the outside portion of the side wall portion is located at a position lower than an upper end of the side wall covering portion.

[0018] In addition, in still another connector, a lower end surface of the side plate portion is exposed below the side wall portion and can come into contact with a surface of a circuit board on which the connector is mounted.

[0019] In yet another connector, the reinforcement fitting includes: a bottom covering portion covering a bottom surface of the fitting recess; and a pair of left and right contact arm portions connected to left and right sides of the bottom covering portion, the contact arm portions being able to come into contact with a mating reinforcement fitting attached to a mating fitting guide portion inserted into the fitting recess, and each of the contact arm portions includes: an elastic portion that can be elastically displaced in the width direction of the connector body; and a contact convex portion connected to a free end of the elastic portion, the contact convex portion protruding in the width direction of the connector body.

[0020] In still another connector, an upper half portion of the contact convex portion has its end inclined and extending outward and upward in the width direction of the connector body, and the ends approach each other and are located at a position below an end of the side wall covering portion.

[0021] A connector assembly includes the connector according to the present invention and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0022] Advantageous effects of the present invention

[0023] According to the present invention, fitting guide portions of the connector body and the like are not damaged or broken during the fitting operation, improving the reliability of the connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between a first connector and a second connector according to the present embodiment before fitting when viewed from the second connector side.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B is a two-sided view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment, where Figure 3A is a plan view, and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 3A A-A line in

[0027] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment, Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 3A B-B line in Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 3A C-C line in

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment before fitting when viewed from the first connector side.

[0029] Figure 6 is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the second connector according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the disengagement of the fitting between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment when viewed from the second connector side.

[0032] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the disengagement of the fitting between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment taken along the Figure 8 D-D line in

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a conventional connector.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals

[0035] 1 First connector

[0036] 11 First base

[0037] Chimeric surfaces 11a and 111a

[0038] Mounting surfaces 11b and 111b

[0039] Recesses 12 and 817

[0040] Groove portion 12a

[0041] First convex portion 13

[0042] Thin wall portion 13a

[0043] Side wall portion 14

[0044] First terminal receiving cavity 15

[0045] Inner first terminal receiving cavity 15a

[0046] Outer first terminal receiving cavity 15b

[0047] Island end portion 17

[0048] Island end recess 17a

[0049] Island recess 17b

[0050] Bottom plate 18

[0051] Bottom opening 18a

[0052] First protruding end portion 21

[0053] End wall portion 21b

[0054] Side wall extension portion 21c

[0055] Outer side wall extension portion 21c1

[0056] Inner side wall extension portion 21c2

[0057] Chimeric recess 22

[0058] Outer end recess 23a

[0059] Inner end recess 23b

[0060] Inner recess 23c

[0061] Middle recess 23d

[0062] First reinforcement fitting 51

[0063] Connecting arm portion 53

[0064] Side wall covering portion 53a

[0065] Side plate portion 53b

[0066] Lower end surface of 53c

[0067] Through hole of 53d

[0068] Ends of 53e and 54c

[0069] Inclined surfaces of 53f and 54d

[0070] Contact arm part of 54

[0071] Elastic part of 54a

[0072] Contact convex part of 54b

[0073] Island end covering part of 55

[0074] Outer surface covering part of island end of 55a

[0075] Upper surface covering part of island end of 55b

[0076] Island end immersed part of 55c

[0077] End wall covering part of 57

[0078] Upper covering part of end wall of 57a

[0079] Outer covering part of end wall of 57b

[0080] Tails of 57c, 62, 162, 157c

[0081] Bottom surface covering part of 58

[0082] Lower covering part of end wall of 58a

[0083] Bottom surface part of 58b

[0084] First terminal of 61

[0085] Held part of 63

[0086] Lower side connecting part of 64

[0087] Lower inner bent part of 64a

[0088] Lower outer bent part of 64b

[0089] Inner connecting part of 65

[0090] Second contact parts of 66 and 166

[0091] Upper side connecting part of 67

[0092] Inclined parts of 67a and 164a

[0093] Protruding parts of 67b and 164b

[0094] 101 Second Connector

[0095] 111 Second Base

[0096] 112 Second Protrusion

[0097] 113 Groove Portion

[0098] 122 Second Protruding End

[0099] 151 Second Reinforcing Fitting

[0100] 153 Side Cover

[0101] 153a, 157b Connection Cover

[0102] 153b Side Covering Portion

[0103] 157 Central Cover

[0104] 157a Cover on Protruding End

[0105] 161 Second Terminal

[0106] 164 Connection Portion

[0107] 165 First Contact Portion

[0108] 811 Base

[0109] 813 Nakajima

[0110] 851 Reinforcing Fitting

[0111] 853 Side Arm

[0112] 858 U - shaped Arm

[0113] 861 Terminal Detailed Embodiment

[0114] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0115] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first connector and the second connector before fitting as viewed from the second - connector side according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment, Figure 3A , Figure 3B is a two - dimensional view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment, while Figure 4A , Figure 4B is a cross - sectional view showing the first connector according to the present embodiment. In Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3A is a plan view, whileFigure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 3A . In Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 3A , and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 3A .

[0116] In the figure, 1 is a connector of the present embodiment and is a first connector of a pair of board-to-board connectors that are a connector assembly. The first connector 1 is a surface-mounted connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown) that is a mounting element, and is mutually engaged with a second connector 101 that is a mating connector. Further, the second connector 101 is the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors and is a surface-mounted connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not shown) that is a mounting element.

[0117] Note that although the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate that are substrates, they can also be used to electrically connect other elements. Examples of the first substrate and the second substrate include printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFCs), flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs), etc. used in electronic devices, etc., but can be any type of substrate.

[0118] In addition, expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back for explaining the operations and configurations of the respective parts of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in the present embodiment are not absolute but relative directions, and although these expressions are suitable when the respective parts of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are in the postures shown in the figure, when these postures change, these directions should be interpreted to change corresponding to the change.

[0119] In addition, the first connector 1 has a first base 11 which serves as a connector body and is integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the first base 11 is generally rectangular and has a thick plate shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped. On one side where the second connector 101 is embedded (i.e., the fitting surface 11a side (the positive Z-axis direction side)), a recess 12 is formed. The recess 12 is a generally rectangular recess surrounded by a periphery and fits with the second base 111 of the second connector 101. The first connector 1 has dimensions such as a length (dimension in the X-axis direction) of approximately 6.0 [mm], a width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of approximately 2.0 [mm], and a thickness (dimension in the Z-axis direction) of approximately 0.6 [mm], but these dimensions can be appropriately changed. In addition, the first convex portion 13 is integrally formed with the first base 11 in the first recess 12 as a middle island that fits with a later-described groove portion 113, and side wall portions 14 extending parallel to the first convex portion 13 are integrally formed with the first base 11 on both sides (the positive Y-axis direction side and the negative direction side) of the first convex portion 13.

[0120] In this case, the first convex portion 13 and the first side wall portion 14 project upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from a bottom plate 18 that defines the bottom surface of the recess 12 and extend along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first base 11. Therefore, a groove portion 12a, which is an elongated recess extending along the length direction of the first base 11, is formed as a part of the first recess 12 on both sides of the first convex portion 13.

[0121] Here, first terminal receiving inner cavities 15a having a groove shape are formed on the side surfaces on both sides of the first convex portion 13. In addition, first terminal receiving outer cavities 15b having a groove shape are formed on the inner side surfaces of the side wall portions 14. In addition, the first terminal receiving inner cavities 15a and the first terminal receiving outer cavities 15b are connected to and integrated with each other on the bottom surface of the groove portion 12a, so that when the first terminal receiving inner cavities 15a and the first terminal receiving outer cavities 15b are described together, they are described as the first terminal receiving cavity 15. Note that the first terminal receiving cavity 15 is formed to penetrate the bottom plate 18 in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction).

[0122] In the present embodiment, a plurality of first terminal receiving cavities 15 are formed side by side along the length direction of the first base 11 on both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first base 11. Specifically, a plurality of (for example, 10) first terminal receiving cavities 15 are formed at a predetermined pitch (for example, approximately 0.35 [mm]) on both sides of the first convex portion 13. Note that the pitch and the number of the first terminal receiving cavities 15 can be appropriately changed. In addition, a plurality of first terminals 61 serving as terminals and received in the respective first terminal receiving cavities 15 and mounted on the first base 11 are arranged at the same pitch on both sides of the first convex portion 13.

[0123] The first terminal 61 is an element integrally formed by processing a conductive metal plate such as stamping and bending, and includes: a held portion 63; a tail portion 62 connected to the lower end of the held portion 63; an upper connection portion 67 connected to the upper end of the held portion 63; a second contact portion 66 connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion 67 and facing the held portion 63; a lower connection portion 64 connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 66; and an inner connection portion 65 connected to one end of the lower connection portion 64 on the side opposite to the second contact portion 66.

[0124] In addition, the held portion 63 is a portion extending in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction) (i.e., the thickness direction of the first base 11) and is embedded and held in the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b. In addition, the tail portion 62 is bent and connected to the held portion 63, extends outward in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) (i.e., the width direction of the first base 11), and is connected to a pad connected to the conductive trace of the first substrate by welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace is typically a signal line. In addition, the upper connection portion 67 is a portion bent to protrude upward (positive Z-axis direction).

[0125] The second contact portion 66 extending downward (negative Z-axis direction) is connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion 67 on the side opposite to the held portion 63. In addition, the upper connection portion 67 includes: an inclined portion 67a that descends linearly or with a gentle curved surface from the upper end obliquely downward; and a protruding portion 67b that protrudes inward in the width direction of the first base 11 at the lower end of the inclined portion 67a.

[0126] In addition, the lower connection portion 64 is a portion having a substantially U-shaped side surface shape and connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 66. In the lower connection portion 64, the portion connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 66 is a lower outer bent portion 64b, and the portion connected to the lower end of the inner connection portion 65 is a lower inner bent portion 64a. In addition, a first contact portion 65a bent approximately 180 degrees to protrude upward and toward the second contact portion 66 is connected to the upper end of the inner connection portion 65.

[0127] The first terminal 61 is inserted into the first terminal housing cavity 15 from the mounting surface 11b which is the lower surface (negative Z-axis direction surface) of the first base 11, and the held portion 63 is clamped from both sides by the side walls of the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b formed on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 14 to be fixed to the first base 11. In this state, that is, in the state where the first terminal 61 is mounted on the first base 11, the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 are located on the left and right sides of the groove portion 12a and face each other.

[0128] In addition, as Figure 4BAs shown, when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first base 11, most of the held portion 63 is housed in the first terminal housing outer cavity 15b, and most of the first contact portion 65a is housed in the first terminal housing inner cavity 15a. In addition, the upper surface of the upper connection portion 67 is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the side wall portion 14 (i.e., the fitting surface 11a of the first base 11), and the upper surface of the first contact portion 65a is also located at a position lower than the upper surface of the first convex portion 13. In other words, the first terminal 61 does not protrude from the fitting surface 11a.

[0129] Note that the first terminal 61 is an element integrally formed by processing a metal plate and thus has a certain degree of elasticity. It is clear from the shape that the interval between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 facing each other can be elastically changed. That is, when the second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 is inserted between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66, the interval between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 will be elastically elongated.

[0130] The portion of the first convex portion 13 corresponding to the first terminal housing inner cavity 15a is a thin-walled portion 13a with a small width dimension in the width direction. Correspondingly, even if the second terminal 161 is inserted between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 and the interval between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 is elastically elongated, the first terminal 61 (more specifically, the inner connection portion 65 or the lower inner bent portion 64a) will not contact the thin-walled portion 13a of the first convex portion 13. Note that the portion of the first convex portion 13 not corresponding to the first terminal housing inner cavity 15a does not have a reduced width dimension in the width direction, and its lower end is connected to the bottom plate 18 defining the bottom surface of the groove portion 12a.

[0131] In addition, the first protruding ends 21 are each disposed as fitting guide portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11. The fitting recesses 22 are formed on each of the first protruding ends 21 as a part of the recess 12. The fitting recesses 22 are substantially rectangular recesses connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of each groove portion 12a. In addition, in the state where the first connector 1 is fitted with the second connector 101, the second protruding ends 122 included in the second connector 101 are inserted into the fitting recesses 22.

[0132] In addition, the first protruding end portion 21 includes: a side wall extension portion 21c, which is a side wall portion of the first protruding end portion 21 and extends along the length direction of the first base 11 from both ends in the length direction of the side wall portion 14; and an end wall portion 21b, which extends along the width direction of the first base 11 and is connected to the side wall extension portion 21c at both ends. In the first protruding end portion 21, the end wall portion 21b and the side wall extension portions 21c connected to both ends of the end wall portion 21b form a continuous substantially U-shaped side wall and define three sides of a substantially rectangular fitting recess 22. In addition, in the end wall portion 21b, a recessed outer end recess 23a is formed on the outer side surface, and a recessed inner end recess 23b is formed on the inner side surface. In addition, a recessed inner side recess 23c is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall extension portion 21c. In addition, a slit-shaped intermediate recess 23d penetrating in the vertical direction is formed between the inner side surface and the outer side surface.

[0133] In addition, a recessed island end recess 17a is formed on the end surface in the length direction of the island end portion 17 (the surface opposite to the end wall portion 21b), and the island end portion 17 is a part of the end portion of the first convex portion 13 in the length direction of the first base 11. In addition, a slit-shaped island recess 17b penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the boundary portion between the upper surface of the island end portion 17 and the island end recess 17a. In addition, the bottom plate 18 defining the bottom surface of the fitting recess 22 has a bottom opening 18a formed to penetrate the bottom plate 18 in the plate thickness direction.

[0134] A first reinforcing fitting 51 serving as a reinforcing fitting mounted on the first base 11 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21. In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is an element integrally formed by performing processing such as stamping and bending on a metal plate, and includes: an end wall covering portion 57, which covers the outside of the end wall portion 21b of the first protruding end portion 21 as a main body portion; connecting arm portions 53, which are connected to the left and right ends of the end wall covering portion 57; a bottom surface covering portion 58, which is connected to the end wall covering portion 57 and covers the bottom surface of the fitting recess 22; an island end covering portion 55, which is connected to the bottom surface covering portion 58; and a pair of left and right contact arm portions 54.

[0135] The first reinforcing fitting 51 and the first base 11 are integrated with each other by insert molding. Thus, portions of the first base 11 to which the first reinforcing fitting 51 is attached, for example, the outer end recess 23a, the inner end recess 23b, the intermediate recess 23d, the island end recess 17a, and the island recess 17b, etc. do not have to exist in the shapes shown and in a state separated from the first reinforcing fitting 51, and Figure 2 are only drawn for the convenience of explanation. Figure 2

[0136] The end wall covering portion 57 includes: an upper end wall covering portion 57a that extends in the width direction of the first base 11 and covers most of the upper surface of the end wall portion 21b; an outer end wall covering portion 57b that extends downward from the upper end wall covering portion 57a at the outer edge of the end wall portion 21b; and a tail portion 57c that is bent and connected to the lower end of the outer end wall covering portion 57b and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) (i.e., outward in the length direction of the first base 11).

[0137] The upper end wall covering portion 57a is an inclined portion that extends obliquely downward from the upper end of the end wall portion 21b into the fitting recess 22, and is housed near the upper end within the inner end recess 23b in a state where the outer surface of the inclined portion is exposed. Thus, as Figure 3B shown, the upper end vicinity of the inner surface of the fitting recess 22 at the lengthwise end side of the first base 11 is an inclined surface covered by the upper end wall covering portion 57a. The outer end recess 23a of the end wall portion 21b is almost completely covered by the outer end wall covering portion 57b. In addition, the tail portion 57c is connected by welding or the like to a pad connected to the conductive trace of the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is usually a power supply line or a ground line.

[0138] In addition, the connecting arm portion 53 is an element that is bent and connected to both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the end wall covering portion 57 and extends toward the center in the length direction of the first base 11. In addition, a substantially rectangular flat plate-shaped side plate portion 53b is formed at the end of each connecting arm portion 53, and a side wall upper covering portion 53a is connected to the upper end of the side plate portion 53b.

[0139] When the first reinforcing fitting 51 is integrated with the first base 11, most of the connecting arm portion 53 is buried in the first protruding end portion 21, and most of the side plate portion 53b is buried in the side wall extension portion 21c to be housed in the intermediate recess 23d formed in the side wall extension portion 21c, as Figure 4A shown. Correspondingly, the outer and inner sides of the side plate portion 53b are covered by an insulating material such as synthetic resin that forms the first base 11. That is, at least a part, preferably most of the outer side of the side plate portion 53b is covered by the side wall extension outer portion 21c1 that defines the outer side of the intermediate recess 23d, and at least a part, preferably most of the inner side of the side plate portion 53b is covered by the side wall extension inner portion 21c2 that defines the inner side of the intermediate recess 23d. Note that a through hole 53d that penetrates the side plate portion 53b in the plate thickness direction is formed in the side plate portion 53b, and the side wall extension outer portion 21c1 that is the outer part of the side wall extension portion 21c and the side wall extension inner portion 21c2 that is the inner part of the side wall extension portion 21c are connected to each other through the through hole 53d. Thereby, the side wall extension portion 21c and the side plate portion 53b are firmly integrated, and high strength can be exhibited even if the size in the width direction is small and thin.

[0140] Note that the side plate portion 53b has a dimension in the fitting direction (i.e., the vertical direction (Z-axis direction)) greater than that of the side wall extension portion 21c, and the upper and lower ends of the side plate portion 53b are exposed above and below the side wall extension portion 21c. In addition, the lower end surface 53c of the side plate portion 53b is flush with the lower surface of the tail portion 57c, abuts against the surface of the first substrate, and is preferably connected to a pad connected to a power line or a ground line by welding or the like. Thereby, the strength of the integrated side wall extension portion 21c and side plate portion 53b is further improved.

[0141] In addition, the side wall upper covering portion 53a connected to the upper end of the side plate portion 53b is bent by more than 90 degrees, and the end 53e of the side wall upper covering portion 53a extends obliquely downward into the fitting recess 22 so that the upper surface near the end 53e becomes an inclined surface 53f. As Figure 4A shown, the side wall upper covering portion 53a is bent to have a small radius of curvature and covers at least a part, preferably most of the upper surface of the inner side portion 21c2 of the side wall extension, and is exposed. Note that the upper surface of the outer side portion 21c1 of the side wall extension is not covered by the side wall upper covering portion 53a and is exposed, but is located at a position lower than the upper end of the side wall upper covering portion 53a. The position of the upper end of the side wall upper covering portion 53a is the same as the position of the upper end of the end wall upper covering portion 57a.

[0142] The bottom surface covering portion 58 includes: an end wall lower covering portion 58a that extends in the vertical direction, bends and is connected to the end of the end wall upper covering portion 57a of the end wall covering portion 57; and a bottom surface portion 58b that is bent approximately 90 degrees and is connected to the lower end of the end wall lower covering portion 58a and extends toward the center in the length direction of the first base 11 substantially parallel to the X-Y plane. The end wall lower covering portion 58a covers most of the lower half of the inner end recess 23b formed in the end wall portion 21b. In addition, the bottom surface portion 58b covers most of the bottom opening 18a that penetrates the bottom plate 18 in the plate thickness direction, and the upper surface of the bottom surface portion 58b is substantially the bottom surface of the fitting recess 22.

[0143] The island end covering portion 55 is bent approximately 90 degrees and connected to the end of the bottom surface portion 58b of the bottom surface covering portion 58, and includes: an island end outer surface covering portion 55a that extends in the vertical direction; an island end upper surface covering portion 55b that is connected to the upper end of the island end outer surface covering portion 55a and is bent approximately 180 degrees; and an island end recessed portion 55c that extends downward from the end of the island end upper surface covering portion 55b. Note that the dimension of the island end covering portion 55 in the width direction is narrower than the dimension of the bottom surface covering portion 58 in the width direction, and is set to be slightly narrower than the width of the first convex portion 13.

[0144] When the first reinforcing fitting 51 is integrated with the first base 11, as Figure 3BAs shown, the entire island end insertion part 55c and a part of the island end upper covering part 55b are buried in the first convex part 13 to be received in the island concave part 17b. In addition, most of the island end outer covering part 55a and the island end upper covering part 55b cover the entire island end concave part 17a and are exposed at the end of the first convex part 13. Thus, the end of the first convex part 13 is covered by the integrated island end covering part 55 and is reliably protected thereby. In addition, at both ends in the length direction of the first reinforcing fitting 51, the end wall covering part 57 is integrated with the end wall part 21b and the island end covering part 55 is integrated with the first convex part 13, improving the strength.

[0145] Each of the pair of left and right contact arm parts 54 has: an elastic part 54a, the base end of which is connected to the side end of the bottom surface part 58b of the bottom surface covering part 58; and a contact convex part 54b, which is connected to the end (free end) of the elastic part 54a. As Figure 4A shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the contact arm part 54 is a plate element bent into a substantially S-shaped form. The elastic part 54a is a part bent to protrude outward in the width direction of the first base 11, and the elastic part 54a functions as a spring capable of elastically displacing at the end in the width direction of the first base 11. In addition, the contact convex part 54b is a part bent to protrude toward the center in the width direction of the first base 11 and comes into contact with the second reinforcing fitting 151 of the second connector 101 when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are engaged and the second protruding end part 122 is inserted into the engagement recess 22. Note that when the contact convex part 54b comes into contact with the second reinforcing fitting 151 of the second connector 101, the elastic part 54a elastically displaces outward in the width direction of the first base 11 but is received in the inner concave part 23c formed on the inner side surface of the side wall extension part 21c and thus does not abut against the side wall extension part 21c.

[0146] In addition, the end 54c of the upper half part of the contact convex part 54b extends obliquely outward and upward in the width direction of the first base 11, and the upper surface of the contact convex part 54b near the end 54c becomes an inclined surface 54d. As Figure 4AAs shown, the end 54c of the contact projection 54b approaches the end 53e of the side wall upper covering portion 53a in an opposing manner, and the inclined surface 54d of the contact projection 54b is substantially parallel to the inclined surface 53f of the side wall upper covering portion 53a, but is offset below the inclined plane where the inclined surface 53f is located. Thus, when the second protruding end portion 122 is inserted into the fitting recess 22, the second reinforcing fitting 151 first abuts against the inclined surface 53f of the side wall upper covering portion 53a and slides along the inclined surface 53f, and then slides and abuts against the inclined surface 54d of the contact projection 54b, preventing a large downward force from acting on the contact arm portion 54 to prevent buckling of the elastic portion 54a. In addition, since the side wall upper covering portion 53a and the contact arm portion 54 are independently connected to the connecting arm portion 53 and the bottom surface covering portion 58, respectively, even if the connecting arm portion 53 is deformed when the second reinforcing fitting 151 collides with the side wall upper covering portion 53a, displacement of the contact arm portion 54 can be prevented.

[0147] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0148] Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment before fitting when viewed from the first connector side. Figure 6 FIG. is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the present embodiment. Figure 7 FIG. is a plan view showing the second connector according to the present embodiment.

[0149] The second connector 101 as a mating connector according to the present embodiment has a second base 111 as a mating connector body, and the second base 111 is integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown, the second base 111 is substantially rectangular and has a thick plate shape substantially like a rectangular parallelepiped. In addition, a slender groove portion 113 extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second base 111 and a second convex portion 112 that defines the outside of the groove portion 113 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111 are integrally formed on the insertion side (i.e., the fitting surface 111a side (Z-axis negative direction side)) of the second base 111 that is inserted into the first connector 1. The second convex portion 112 is formed along both sides of the groove portion 113 and along both sides of the second base 111. The second connector 1 has dimensions such as a length of approximately 5.2 [mm], a width of approximately 1.9 [mm], and a thickness of approximately 0.5 [mm], but these dimensions can be appropriately changed.

[0150] In addition, second terminals 161 as mating terminals are disposed on the respective second convex portions 112. The second terminals 161 are disposed at intervals and in numbers corresponding to the first terminals 61. On the side where the second substrate is mounted (i.e., the mounting surface 111b side (Z-axis positive direction side)), the groove portion 113 is closed by a bottom plate.

[0151] In addition, each of the second protruding end portions 122 is disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111 as a fitting and engaging guide portion. The second protruding end portions 122 are thick members that extend in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second base 111 and are connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the respective second convex portions 112, and the upper surface of the second protruding end portions 122 has a substantially rectangular shape. In addition, in a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are engaged, the second protruding end portions 122 function as insertion protrusions that are inserted into the fitting recesses 22 of the first protruding end portions 21 included in the first connector 1. In addition, a second reinforcing fitting 151 as a fitting and reinforcing fitting is attached to the second protruding end portions 122.

[0152] Note that the second terminals 161 and the second reinforcing fittings 151 are integrated with the second base 111 by overmolding (insert molding) and do not exist in a state separated from the second base 111. However, for the purpose of illustration, in Figure 6 these parts are drawn separately from the second base 111.

[0153] The second terminal 161 is an element integrally formed by processing a conductive metal plate such as stamping and bending, and includes: a first contact portion 165; a connecting portion 164 connected to the upper end of the first contact portion 165; a second contact portion 166 connected to the outer end of the connecting portion 164; and a tail portion 162 connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 166. The tail portion 162 extends outward from the second base 111 and is connected to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate by welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace is typically a signal line. In addition, the surfaces of the first contact portion 165, the connecting portion 164, and the second contact portion 166 are exposed on the respective side surfaces and fitting surfaces 111a of the second convex portions 112.

[0154] An inclined portion 164a is formed on the first contact portion 165 side of the connecting portion 164 so as to slope downward from the side end of the fitting surface 111a toward the mounting surface 111b, so as to depict a relatively long straight line or a gentle curved surface. In addition, on the second contact portion 166 side of the connecting portion 164, a protruding portion 164b protruding outward in the width direction of the second base 111 is formed at the boundary portion with the second contact portion 166.

[0155] The second reinforcing fitting 151 is an element integrally formed by processing a metal plate such as stamping and bending, and includes: a central covering portion 157 that serves as a main body portion and covers the outside of the second protruding end portions 122; and side covering portions 153 connected to the left and right ends of the central covering portion 157.

[0156] The central covering portion 157 includes: a protruding - end upper covering portion 157a that extends in the width direction of the second base 111 and covers most of the upper surface of the second protruding end portion 122; a connecting covering portion 157b that bends approximately 90 degrees and is connected to the protruding - end upper covering portion 157a at the outer edge of the second protruding end portion 122; and a tail portion 157c that bends and is connected to the lower end of the connecting covering portion 157b and extends outward in the front - rear direction (X - axis direction), that is, in the length direction of the second base 111. The tail portion 157c is connected to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate by welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace is usually a power supply line or a ground line.

[0157] In addition, the side covering portion 153 includes: a connecting covering portion 153a that bends approximately 90 degrees and is connected to the left and right ends of the protruding - end upper covering portion 157a; and a side covering portion 153b that extends downward from the lower end of the connecting covering portion 153a. The lower end of the side covering portion 153b is connected to a pad of the second substrate by welding or the like. The pad is preferably connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate that serves as a power supply line or a ground line.

[0158] Next, the operations of fitting and fitting - release between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 having the above - described configuration will be described.

[0159] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the fitting - release between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment as viewed from the second - connector side, and Figure 9 is a sectional view showing the fitting - release between the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment taken along the Figure 8 D - D line in

[0160] Here, the first connector 1 is mounted on the surface of the first substrate by connecting the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate (not shown) by welding or the like, connecting the lower - end surface 53c of the side - plate portion 53b of the first reinforcing fitting 51 to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate by welding or the like, and connecting the tail portion 57c of the end - wall covering portion 57 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 to a pad of the first substrate by welding or the like. It is assumed that the conductive trace connected to the pad to which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive traces connected to the pads to which the lower - end surface 53c of the side - plate portion 53b and the tail portion 57c of the end - wall covering portion 57 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 are connected are power supply lines.

[0161] Similarly, the second connector 101 is mounted on the surface of the second substrate by connecting the tail 162 of the second terminal 161 to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate (not shown) by welding or the like, connecting the lower end of the side covering portion 153b of the second reinforcing fitting 151 to a pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate by welding or the like, and connecting the tail 157c of the central covering portion 157 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 to a pad of the second substrate by welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace connected to the pad to which the tail 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive traces connected to the pads of the lower end of the side covering portion 153b and the tail 157c of the central covering portion 157 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 are power supply lines.

[0162] First, as Figure 1 or Figure 5 shown, the operator places the mating surface 11a of the first base 11 of the first connector 1 and the mating surface 111a of the second base 111 of the second connector 101 in a state facing each other, so that the second protrusion 112 of the second connector 101 is aligned with the corresponding groove portion 12a of the first connector 1, and the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 is aligned with the corresponding mating recess 22 of the first connector 1, thereby completing the alignment of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

[0163] In this state, if the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 is moved in the direction approaching the mating side (i.e., the mating direction (Z-axis direction)), then the second protrusion 112 and the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 are inserted into the groove portion 12a and the mating recess 22 of the first connector 1. As a result, when the first connector 1 is mated with the second connector 101, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 are in a conducting state.

[0164] Specifically, each second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 is inserted between the first contact portion 65a and the second contact portion 66 of the corresponding first terminal 61, so that the first contact portion 65a of the first terminal 61 comes into contact with the first contact portion 165 of the second terminal 161, and the second contact portion 66 of the first terminal 61 comes into contact with the second contact portion 166 of the second terminal 161. As a result, the conductive trace connected to the pad on the first substrate to which the tail 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected is conducted with the conductive trace connected to the pad on the second substrate to which the tail 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected. Since the protrusion 67b of the first terminal 61 is engaged with the protrusion 164b of the second terminal 161, the engagement between the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 is ensured, and the mating state between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is reliably maintained.

[0165] In addition, the second protruding end portion 122 is inserted into the fitting recess 22, so that the contact convex portion 54b of the contact arm portion 54 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 comes into contact with the side covering portion 153b of the second reinforcing fitting 151 attached to the second protruding end portion 122. As a result, the conductive traces connected to the pads on the first substrate of the lower end surface 53c of the side plate portion 53b and the tail portion 57c of the end wall covering portion 57 connected to the first reinforcing fitting 51 are electrically connected to the conductive traces connected to the pads on the second substrate of the lower end of the side covering portion 153b and the tail portion 157c of the central covering portion 157 connected to the second reinforcing fitting 151.

[0166] Incidentally, since the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are respectively mounted on the first and second substrates having a large area, the operator cannot visually observe the fitting surfaces 11a of the first connector and 111a of the second connector 101 and must perform the fitting operation by groping. As a result, precise alignment cannot be achieved due to groping, and the positions of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 may be misaligned. For example, the second connector 101 may be misaligned relative to the first connector 1 in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, which causes the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 to deviate from the position of the fitting recess 22 of the first connector 1.

[0167] In this state, when the operator moves the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 in the fitting direction, the upper covering portion 157a of the protruding end of the central covering portion 157 covering the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 abuts against the side wall extension portion 21c defining the side of the fitting recess 22, and the side wall extension portion 21c is subjected to a strong downward pressing force. However, as described above, the side plate portion 53b of the first reinforcing fitting 51 is embedded in the side wall extension portion 21c, most of the outside of the side plate portion 53b is covered by the side wall extension outer portion 21c1, most of the inside of the side plate portion 53b is covered by the side wall extension inner portion 21c2, and the side wall extension outer portion 21c1 and the side wall extension inner portion 21c2 are connected to each other through the through hole 53d formed in the side plate portion 53b. Thus, although the side wall extension portion 21c is thin, it has high strength and will not be damaged or broken. Note that the end wall portion 21b is also covered by the end wall covering portion 57 and integrated with the end wall covering portion 57, and thus the end wall portion 21b has high strength and will not be damaged or broken. In addition, the end portion of the first convex portion 13 is also covered by the island end covering portion 55 and integrated with the end wall covering portion 57, and thus has high strength and will not be damaged or broken.

[0168] In addition, since the side wall upper covering portion 53a connected to the upper end of the side plate portion 53b is bent to have a relatively small radius of curvature and exposed to cover the upper surface of the inner side portion 21c2 of the extended side wall, the upper surface of the inner side portion 21c2 of the extended side wall can be reliably protected and has high strength. Note that the upper surface of the outer side portion 21c1 of the extended side wall is exposed without being covered by the side wall upper covering portion 53a, but is located at a position lower than the upper end of the side wall upper covering portion 53a, so that it does not come into contact with the protruding end upper covering portion 157a of the second connector 101. In addition, the first terminal 61 does not protrude from the fitting surface 11a (i.e., the upper surface of the side wall portion 14), and the upper surface of the side wall portion 14 is located at a position lower than the upper end of the side wall upper covering portion 53a, so that it does not come into contact with the protruding end upper covering portion 157a of the second connector 101. Correspondingly, each part of the first terminal 61 and the first base 11 will not be damaged or broken by the protruding end upper covering portion 157a of the second connector 101.

[0169] In addition, since the end wall upper covering portion 57a of the end wall covering portion 57 is an inclined surface, and the side wall upper covering portion 53a includes an inclined surface 53f and functions as a guiding surface, even when the second protruding end portion 122 of the second connector 101 is misaligned with the fitting concave portion 22 of the first connector 1, the second protruding end portion 122 can be aligned with the fitting concave portion 22 of the first connector 1 through the so-called self-aligning function and smoothly inserted into the fitting concave portion 22. Correspondingly, the first connector 1 can be easily fitted with the second connector 101.

[0170] Next, since the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are reliably fitted by the reliable engagement of the first terminals 61 arranged in two columns along both sides of the first convex portion 13 and the second terminals 161 arranged in two columns along both sides of the groove portion 113. As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, in the case of releasing the engagement between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 that are engaged with each other, ideally, the second connector 101 can be rotated with the X-axis as the center and tilted relative to the first connector 1, and the engagement between the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 can be released column by column. Note that, Figure 8 and Figure 9 show the state of releasing the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in only one column ( Figure 9 the left column in

[0171] After the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in one column is released, when the second connector 101 is further rotated with the X-axis as the center relative to the first connector 1, each of the second terminals 161 in the other column ( Figure 9 the right column inFigure 9 rotates in the clockwise direction (the direction of the example shown). At this time, the second terminal 161 moves on an arc centered on the protruding portion 164b while pressing against the first contact portion 65a that protrudes toward the second contact portion 66 in the first terminal 61 at the portion where the first contact portion 165 is connected to the connection portion 164 (including the inclined portion 164a that forms a relatively long straight line or a gentle curve). Therefore, it can move smoothly without being subjected to a large resistance. Correspondingly, compared with releasing the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in the said one row, the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in the said other row can be released by applying only a weak force.

[0172] In other words, when releasing the engagement between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, there is a first peak when releasing the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in the said one row, and there is a second peak when releasing the engagement between the first terminals 61 and the second terminals 161 in the said other row. However, in the present embodiment, since the second terminal 161 includes the inclined portion 164a that forms a relatively long straight line or a gentle curve, the second peak is low. Correspondingly, the engagement between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 can be easily released.

[0173] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first connector 1 includes a first base 11, first terminals 61 attached to the first base 11, and a first reinforcing fitting 51 attached to the first base 11. The first base 11 includes: first protruding end portions 21 formed at both ends in the length direction and having fitting recesses 22 into which second protruding end portions 122 formed at both ends in the length direction of the second base 111 of the second connector 101 are inserted and fitted. The first reinforcing fitting 51 includes: an end wall covering portion 57 that extends in the width direction of the first base 11 and is attached to the end wall portion 21b of the first protruding end portion 21; and a pair of left and right connecting arm portions 53 that are connected to both ends of the end wall covering portion 57 and extend toward the center in the length direction of the first base 11, and the connecting arm portions 53 include side plate portions 53b that extend in the fitting direction and side wall upper covering portions 53a that are connected to the upper side walls of the side plate portions 53b. At least a part of the outside of the side plate portion 53b is covered by the side wall extension outer portion 21c1 of the side wall extension portion 21c, and the side wall upper covering portion 53a is bent so that the end 53e faces the inside of the fitting recess 22 and covers at least a part of the upper surface of the side wall extension inner portion 21c2 of the side wall extension portion 21c.

[0174] Thus, the side wall extension portion 21c and the side plate portion 53b are integrated and have high strength even with a thin thickness. Therefore, even when a large pressing force from the second connector 101 is applied during the fitting operation, the first protruding end portion 21 and the like are not damaged or broken. Thus, the protection state of the first base 11 is ensured and the reliability is improved.

[0175] In addition, the side plate portion 53b includes a through hole 53d, and the outer side portion 21c1 and the inner side portion 21c2 of the side wall extension of the side wall extension portion 21c are connected to each other through the through hole 53d. Thus, the side wall extension portion 21c and the side plate portion 53b are firmly integrated.

[0176] In addition, the upper surface of the outer side portion 21c1 of the side wall extension portion 21c is located at a position lower than the upper end of the side wall upper covering portion 53a. Correspondingly, the outer side portion 21c1 of the side wall extension will not be subjected to a large pressing force from the second connector 101 during the fitting operation, and will not be damaged or broken.

[0177] In addition, the lower end surface 53c of the side plate portion 53b is exposed below the side wall extension portion 21c and can come into contact with the surface of the first circuit board on which the mounting connector 1 is mounted. As a result, the strength of the integrated side wall extension portion 21c and side plate portion 53b is further improved.

[0178] In addition, the first reinforcing fitting 51 includes: a bottom surface covering portion 58 that covers the bottom surface of the fitting recess 22; and a pair of left and right contact arm portions 54 that are connected to the left and right sides of the bottom surface covering portion 58 and can come into contact with the second reinforcing fitting 151 attached to the second protruding end portion 122 inserted into the fitting recess 22. Each contact arm portion 54 includes: an elastic portion 54a that can be elastically displaced in the width direction of the first base 11; and a contact convex portion 54b that is connected to the free end of the elastic portion 54a and protrudes in the width direction of the first base 11. As a result, the conduction state between the first reinforcing fitting 51 and the second reinforcing fitting 151 can be reliably maintained.

[0179] In addition, the upper half of the contact convex portion 54b extends with its end 54c inclined outward and upward in the width direction of the first base 11, and the end 54c approaches the end 53e of the side wall upper covering portion 53a in a facing manner and is located below the end 53e of the side wall upper covering portion 53a. This prevents a large pressing force from the second connector 101 from acting on the contact arm portion 54, and further prevents buckling of the elastic portion 54a.

[0180] The disclosure of this specification describes features related to preferred embodiments and exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will naturally conceive of various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims by summarizing the disclosure of this specification.

[0181] Industrial applicability

[0182] The present invention is applicable to connectors and connector assemblies.

Claims

1. A connector, wherein, Comprising: A connector body, terminals attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing fitting attached to the connector body, wherein: The connector body includes fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the length direction of the connector body, the fitting guide portions having fitting recesses for receiving fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the length direction of a mating connector body of a mating connector, each of the fitting guide portions having side wall portions formed by an inner portion and an outer portion, and each of the side wall portions having a slit-shaped intermediate recess formed between the inner portion and the outer portion. The reinforcing fitting includes a pair of left and right connecting arm portions connected to each other, each of the connecting arm portions including a side plate portion, and each of the side plate portions being located within the corresponding slit-shaped intermediate recess. The side plate portion includes a through hole formed at the central portion of the side plate portion, and the outer portion and the inner portion of the side wall portion are connected to each other through the through hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the side plate portion is exposed below the corresponding side wall portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer portion and the inner portion of the side wall portion are connected to each other.

4. A connector, wherein, Comprising: A connector body, terminals attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing fitting attached to the connector body, wherein: The connector body includes fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the length direction of the connector body, the fitting guide portions having fitting recesses for receiving fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the length direction of a mating connector body of a mating connector, each of the fitting guide portions having side wall portions formed by an inner portion and an outer portion, and each of the side wall portions having a slit-shaped intermediate recess formed between the inner portion and the outer portion. The reinforcing fitting includes a pair of left and right connecting arm portions connected to each other, each of the connecting arm portions including a side plate portion and a side wall covering portion, the side wall covering portion being connected to the upper end of the side plate portion and exposed above the side wall portion. The side plate portion includes a through hole formed at the central portion of the side plate portion, and the outer portion and the inner portion of the side wall portion are connected to each other through the through hole.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The lower end of the side plate portion is exposed below the corresponding side wall portion.

6. The connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The outer portion and the inner portion of the side wall portion are connected to each other.

7. A connector assembly comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 - 6 and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

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