Connector device

Abstract

A connector maintains the connection state of a substrate connector connecting substrates to each other by fitting a male portion and a female portion of a metal member of each connector, so that the force applied when the connector is disassembled is concentrated on the male portion and the female portion of the metal member, which are deformed or worn, thereby raising the concern that the force maintaining the fitting state weakens. The connector of the present invention includes a plurality of terminals, an additional member for maintaining the fitting state with an object connector, and a housing, the additional member has a first locking portion and a second locking portion, the housing includes a first side wall portion holding the first locking portion and a second side wall portion holding the second locking portion, by configuring the first locking portion and the second locking portion in a manner that they become curved surfaces protruding from the surface of the first side wall portion and the surface of the second side wall portion, respectively, it is possible to prevent the force applied when the connector is disassembled from being concentrated on one point, thereby providing a connector having locking portions resistant to deformation and wear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector structure having a locking part, which facilitates easy mating and prevents disassembly of the connectors when connecting a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector. Specifically, it relates to a connector having a housing holding multiple terminals, which is a substrate connector for connecting substrates such as printed wiring boards and flexible flat cables to each other, and to a metal component structure that facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the substrate connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a substrate connector that connects substrates by means of embedding molding (integral molding) or the arrangement of multiple terminals in the housing, there is, for example, the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-031025 (Patent Document 1). This connector is a socket-side connector (socket-type connector) that connects to a plug-side connector (plug-type connector), and has a rectangular housing in which multiple terminals are arranged and held along the length direction.

[0003] Plug-type connectors and socket-type connectors can be respectively disposed on printed wiring substrates or flexible flat cables. For example, by interlocking a socket-type connector disposed on a printed wiring substrate by means of surface mounting or the like with a plug-type connector disposed at the end of a flexible flat cable, the substrates can be connected.

[0004] Conventionally, in order to maintain the connection between connectors, each connector has a mating structure. For example, in the aforementioned conventional plug-type connector and socket-type connector (Patent Document 1), in addition to multiple terminals, metal parts are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction such that the rows of multiple terminals are sandwiched in the middle. A portion of the metal part facing the inner side of the socket-type connector has a protruding additional part, and a portion of the metal part facing the outer side of the plug-type connector has a recess. When the connectors are mated, the protruding additional part fits into the recess, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between the metal parts of the plug-type connector and the metal parts of the socket-type connector.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-031025

[0006] However, the connection between connectors is maintained by the engagement of the protrusions (additional parts) and recesses of the metal parts of each connector. Therefore, the force applied during connector assembly and disassembly is concentrated on the protrusions and recesses of the metal parts, causing them to deform or wear. As a result, there is a concern that the force maintaining the engagement of the protrusions and recesses of the metal parts of each connector may weaken.

[0007] Furthermore, the existing plug-type and socket-type connectors that connect the substrates are installed in small electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile terminals. Therefore, these connectors are very small, not only as multiple terminals of their components, but also as metal parts. As a result, machining the metal parts without error, such as setting protrusions (additional parts) on one side of the metal part and recesses on the other side, can become a costly manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, the plug-type connector and socket-type connector of the present invention are connectors comprising multiple terminals, an additional component for maintaining an engagement state with a target connector, and a housing. The additional component includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion, and the housing includes a first sidewall portion for retaining the first locking portion and a second sidewall portion for retaining the second locking portion. By configuring the first locking portion and the second locking portion as curved surfaces that protrude from the surfaces of the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, respectively, the manufacturing process can be simplified by omitting the process of machining metal parts to form protrusions and recesses, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, it can prevent the force applied during connector assembly and disassembly from concentrating at one point, thereby providing a connector with a locking portion that is resistant to deformation and wear.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector comprising a plurality of terminals, additional components for maintaining an engagement state with a target connector, and a housing, characterized in that...

[0010] The aforementioned additional components include a first locking part and a second locking part.

[0011] The aforementioned housing includes a first sidewall portion for retaining the first locking portion and a second sidewall portion for retaining the second locking portion.

[0012] The first locking part and the second locking part are respectively curved surfaces that protrude from the surfaces of the first sidewall part and the second sidewall part.

[0013] The aforementioned first locking portion is divided in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned first sidewall portion.

[0014] The aforementioned additional component has a second locking portion on both sides of the first locking portion, extending in a direction orthogonal to the first locking portion.

[0015] In the plug-type connector and socket-type connector of the present invention, when connected with the target connector, the locking part provided in the housing is configured as a curved surface that protrudes from the surface of the side wall. As a result, the target locking part of the target connector engages with the target connector not at a point but at a surface, thereby maintaining the mating state of the connectors. Moreover, it can also disperse the force applied when the connector is assembled or disassembled, thereby preventing deformation and wear of the locking part.

[0016] Furthermore, the locking portion of the plug-type connector and socket-type connector of the present invention is configured to protrude from the surface of the side wall portion, thereby eliminating the need for processing by forming protrusions and recesses on the surface of the additional component (metal component), thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0017] Furthermore, the plug-type connector and socket-type connector of the present invention have a first locking portion and a second locking portion, which respectively engage with the first and second locking portions of the target connector, thereby adequately maintaining the mating state of the connectors. Moreover, by dividing the first locking portion of a connector into two, when the connectors are mated, the first sidewall portion holding the first locking portion can be easily deformed together with the divided first locking portions, thereby releasing the force applied to the first locking portion and adjusting the force applied to the mating of the connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the plug side.

[0019] Figure 2 It only means Figure 1 The diagram shows the plug-type connector and the socket-type connector, respectively, including the plug attachment and the socket attachment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a side view of a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug and socket terminals obtained by cutting at the cut section AA.

[0022] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the power terminal obtained by cutting off the cut-off portion BB and the part in contact with the power terminal.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the socket side.

[0024] Figure 7 It only means Figure 6 The diagram shows the plug-type connector and the socket-type connector, respectively, including the plug attachment and the socket attachment.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a top view showing a socket-type connector.

[0026] Figure 9 Is Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the socket connector obtained by cutting off the CC portion shown.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a top view showing a plug-type connector.

[0028] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug connector obtained by cutting off the cut-off portion DD.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the state of the plug and socket attachments after they are engaged, viewed from the power terminal side.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a top view showing the plug and socket attachments after they are engaged, viewed from the plug side.

[0031] Figure 14 Is Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug attachment and socket attachment obtained by cutting off the cut-off portion EE.

[0032] Figure 15 Is Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug attachment and socket attachment obtained by cutting at the cut-off point FF.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 100… Socket connector; 110… Socket housing; 112… First side wall; 113… Peripheral wall; 114… Second side wall; 116… Fitting protrusion; 118… Reception part; 119… Bottom wall; 120… Socket terminal; 121… Mounting part; 122… Foot; 123… Top; 124… Fixed contact; 125… Fixed part; 126… Bottom; 127… Movable part; 128… Moving contact; 129…Contact side; 150…Socket attachment; 151A, 151B…Mounting part; 152A, 152B…Socket foot; 153A, 153B…Top; 154…First socket locking part; 155…Second socket locking part; 156A, 156B…Socket flat part; 157…Bottom; 158…T-shaped part; 159A, 159B…Socket locking side; 16 0…Power terminal; 161…Socket fixing part; 162…Bottom; 163…Modible part; 164…Modible contact; 165…Socket connection part; 200…Plug connector; 210…Plug housing; 212…First side wall part; 214…Second side wall part; 216…Matching recess; 220…Plug terminal; 221…Mounting part; 222…Inner foot part; 223…Top; 224…Protrusion part; 225…Outer foot part; 226…Contact side; 230…Plug attachment part; 231…Mounting part; 232…Plug foot part; 233A, 233B…Top; 234…First plug locking part; 235…Second plug locking part; 236A, 236B…Plug flat part; 237A, 237B…Plug locking side; 238…Plug connection part; 300…Substrate; 400…Substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in all the drawings used to describe the embodiments, the same reference numerals are generally used to label the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the structure and shape of the plug-type connector or socket-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are point-symmetric about the central axis of the mating direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, reference numerals are generally omitted for parts, components, members, etc., that are point-symmetric with respect to the parts, components, members, etc., labeled with reference numerals. Furthermore, while each embodiment is described independently, it does not preclude the possibility of combining mutually constitutive elements to form a plug-type connector or socket-type connector. The structure composed of a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector is also referred to as a connector device.

[0036] In this specification and claims, to distinguish between the two connectors, they are referred to as plug connectors and socket connectors. Their respective components or parts are referred to as plug housing and socket housing, plug terminal and socket terminal, first plug locking part and first socket locking part, second plug locking part and second socket locking part, plug flat part and socket flat part, etc. However, when not distinguished by the shape of the connector, the terms plug and socket are omitted and they are simply referred to as connector, housing, terminal, first locking part, second locking part, flat part, etc.

[0037] Furthermore, without distinguishing them by the shape of the connector, another connector that fits into a connector is called the object connector, and the first locking part and the second locking part of the object connector are called the first object locking part and the second object locking part.

[0038] Figures 1 to 7 This refers to a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This shows the appearance of each connector when viewed from the plug side (Z2 side) as an embodiment of the present invention, including the plug-type connector and the socket-type connector. Figure 2 Only indicates Figure 1 The plug-type connector and the socket-type connector shown include plug attachments and socket attachments, respectively. Figure 3 This is a side view (Y1 side) of a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Indicates in Figure 3 The cross-section of the plug terminal and socket terminal obtained by cutting at the cut section AA shown. Figure 5 Indicates in Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-section of the power terminal obtained by cutting off section BB, and the portion in contact with the power terminal. Additionally, Figure 6 Indicates and Figure 1 Reversing the orientation, this shows the appearance of each connector when viewed from the socket connector side (Z1 side). Figure 7 Only indicates Figure 6 The plug-type connector and the socket-type connector shown include plug attachments and socket attachments, respectively.

[0039] The plug-type connector and socket-type connector of the present invention can be used as internal components in small electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, digital cameras, and laptops. The mating direction of the connector is the Z1-Z2 direction (Z-axis direction) in the figure. The plug-type connector 200 is mated with the target connector, i.e., the socket-type connector 100, located on the Z1 side of the Z-axis direction, and the socket-type connector 100 is mated with the target connector, i.e., the plug-type connector 200, located on the Z2 side of the Z-axis direction, thereby electrically connecting them respectively. In the present invention, the length direction of the rectangular connector is the X1-X2 direction (X-axis direction), and the width direction orthogonal to the length direction (X-axis direction) is the Y1-Y2 direction (Y-axis direction).

[0040] Furthermore, regarding the top and bottom of the socket connector 100 and socket terminal 120, the substrate side (the side mounted on the substrate) is designated as "bottom" or "back," and the side receiving the plug connector 200 and plug terminal 220 is designated as "top" or "front." Similarly, regarding the top and bottom of the plug connector 200 and plug terminal 220, the substrate side (the side mounted on the substrate) is designated as "bottom" or "back," and the side receiving the socket connector 100 and socket terminal 120 is designated as "top" or "front."

[0041] The socket-type connector 100 and the plug-type connector 200 are mounted to a printed wiring substrate or flexible flat cable, etc., by soldering. Here, the printed wiring substrate and the flexible flat cable, etc., used for connector mounting are simply referred to as the "substrate". Figure 1 As shown, the socket connector 100 is mounted on the substrate 300, as... Figure 6 As shown, the plug connector 200 is mounted on the substrate 400.

[0042] First, the main reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the receptacle connector 100 will be described below. The receptacle connector 100 includes a receptacle housing 110, receptacle terminals 120, and receptacle attachments 150 for maintaining a mating state with a counterpart connector, i.e., a plug connector 200. The receptacle terminals 120 are made of a metal such as phosphor bronze and are held in place by being embedded in a second sidewall portion 114 extending along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the receptacle housing 110, with the surface that contacts the counterpart terminal, i.e., the plug terminal 220, exposed from the second sidewall portion 114. The receptacle terminals 120 have mounting portions 121 at their ends for mounting to a substrate 300 by soldering or the like.

[0043] The socket housing 110 is made of an insulating resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and has a first sidewall portion 112 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a second sidewall portion 114 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction). A fitting protrusion 116 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) is provided in the central portion surrounded by the first sidewall portion 112 and the second sidewall portion 114. That is, the socket housing 110 includes the fitting protrusion 116 on the movable portion 127 side of the socket terminal 120, and the second sidewall portion 114 on the fixed portion 125 side of the socket terminal 120. Furthermore, the socket housing 110 has a storage portion 118 serving as a space between the fitting protrusion 116 and the first sidewall portion 112 and the second sidewall portion 114.

[0044] When the socket connector 100 is connected to the plug connector 200, the mating protrusion 116 is received in the mating recess 216 of the plug connector 200 (see reference). Figure 6 ), the first sidewall portion 212 and the second sidewall portion 214 of the fitting recess 216 (see reference) Figure 6 The receiving part 118 is housed in the socket connector 100.

[0045] Here, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on, if referring to Figure 4 The socket terminal 120 has a foot 122 via a portion that bends upward from the mounting portion 121 (Z2 side in the Z-axis direction). The foot 122 is positioned opposite the fixed contact 124 and the fixing portion 125 via the second side wall portion 114 of the socket housing 110, and the foot 122 is connected to the fixed contact 124 and the fixing portion 125 via a top 123 located at the upper end of the second side wall portion 114.

[0046] Except for the portion adjacent to the top 123, the entire periphery of the foot 122 is covered by resin (resin of the peripheral wall portion 113 and the second side wall portion 114) of the socket housing 110. That is, except for the portion adjacent to the top 123, the foot 122 is held in the socket housing 110 by the peripheral wall portion 113 surrounding the first side wall portion 112 and the second side wall portion 114 being embedded in the second side wall portion 114. The back surface (the side opposite to the surface that contacts the target terminal) of the foot 122, top 123, fixing contact 124, and fixing portion 125 is supported by the second side wall portion 114. In other words, the opposing surfaces of the foot 122 and fixing portion 125 of the socket terminal 120 are supported by the second side wall portion 114.

[0047] The fixed contact 124 of the socket terminal 120 protrudes towards the mating protrusion 116 from the surface of the second side wall portion 114, and the contact side 129 of the fixed contact 124 protrudes from the second side wall portion 114. When the fixed contact 124 is engaged with the target terminal, i.e., the plug terminal 220, it abuts against the outer pin 225 for electrical connection (see reference). Figure 4 The fixed contact 124 and the fixed part 125 support and fix the side opposite to the side that contacts the target terminal by the first sidewall part 112 so that it will not move when engaged with the target terminal.

[0048] according to Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the socket terminal 120 is integrally molded with the socket housing 110, except for the portion on the movable part 127 side. In addition, the space surrounded by the foot 122, top 123, fixed contact 124 and fixed part 125 of the socket terminal 120 is filled with resin (housing).

[0049] The receptacle terminal 120 includes a bottom 126 connected to the fixed portion 125 and the movable portion 127. The bottom 126 extends along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the receptacle connector 100 and is connected to the fixed portion 125 and the movable portion 127 via a portion bent at a right angle. The thickness direction of the bottom 126 is along the mating direction (Z-axis direction), and the side of the bottom 126 on the receiving portion 118 side (Z2 side side) protrudes from the bottom wall 119 of the receptacle housing 110. A portion of the substrate side (the side opposite to the receiving terminal side (Z2 side side) (Z1 side)) of the bottom 126 (i.e., the back side) protrudes from the back side of the bottom wall 119 of the receptacle housing 110, and the portion other than the exposed portion is supported by resin near the second sidewall portion 114 and the mating protrusion 116 (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, the movable part 127 cannot be seen from the back side of the bottom wall.

[0050] The movable part 127 is free end and does not contact the side wall of the mating protrusion 116, and includes a movable contact 128 formed by protruding the periphery of the end towards the fixed contact 124. When the movable part 127 receives the target terminal, i.e. the plug terminal 220 and engages with it, it is elastically pressed and deformed towards the mating protrusion 116. In the engaged state, the movable contact 128 abuts against the inner leg 222 of the plug terminal 220 and is electrically connected.

[0051] The socket attachment 150 is disposed on both sides of the socket connector 100 such that it sandwiches the central portion of the second sidewall portion 114 that holds the socket terminal 120. That is, the socket attachment 150 is respectively provided at the ends of both sides of the socket connector 100 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The socket attachment 150 includes a first socket locking portion 154 and a pair of second socket locking portions 155. The socket housing 110 holds the first socket locking portion 154 by the first sidewall portion 112 and holds the second socket locking portions 155 by the second sidewall portion 114. The socket attachment 150 has second socket locking portions 155 extending in a direction orthogonal to the first socket locking portion 154 (X-axis direction) on both sides (Y1 and Y2 sides) of the first socket locking portion 154 held in the first sidewall portion 112. That is, the first socket locking portion 154 is located between the pair of second socket locking portions 155 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The portion having the first socket locking part 154 and the portion having the second socket locking part 155 are connected via a socket connecting part 165. The socket connecting part 165 is embedded in the socket housing 110.

[0052] Here, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 On this basis, it also refers to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of a socket-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 This is a top view of a socket-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 9 Is Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the socket connector obtained by cutting off the CC portion shown.

[0053] The socket attachment 150 includes mounting portions 151A and 151B for mounting to the substrate 300 by soldering or the like, and socket feet 152A and 152B are provided via portions bent upward (to the Z2 side in the Z-axis direction) from the mounting portions 151A and 151B. A first socket locking portion 154 and socket feet 152A face each other across a first sidewall portion 112, and are connected via a top 153A located at the end of the first sidewall portion 112. Similarly, a second socket locking portion 155 and socket feet 152B face each other across a second sidewall portion 114, and are connected via a top 153B located at the end of the second sidewall portion 114.

[0054] The first socket locking part 154 is connected to the mounting part 151A via the socket foot 152A, and the mounting part 151A is mounted to the substrate 300 by soldering or the like, thereby enabling it to withstand the force applied to the socket attachment part 150 when the connectors are connected to each other. Similarly, the second socket locking part 155 is connected to the mounting part 151B via the socket foot 152B, and the mounting part 151B is mounted to the substrate 300 by soldering or the like, thereby enabling it to withstand the force applied to the socket attachment part 150 when the connectors are connected to each other.

[0055] Except for the portions adjacent to the tops 153A and 153B, the socket feet 152A and 152B are entirely covered by resin from the socket housing 110. That is, except for the portions adjacent to the tops 153A and 153B, the socket feet 152A and 152B are held in place by the peripheral wall portions 113 surrounding the first sidewall portion 112 and the second sidewall portion 114, which are embedded in the first sidewall portion 112 and the second sidewall portion 114. The backs of the socket feet 152A, the top 153A, and the first socket locking portion 154 are supported by the first sidewall portion 112, and the backs of the socket feet 152B, the top 153B, and the second socket locking portion 155 are supported by the second sidewall portion 114.

[0056] The first socket locking portion 154 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the first sidewall portion 112, and extends along the width direction (Y-axis direction) with the same curved surface as the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the width direction (Y-axis direction). The second socket locking portion 155 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the second sidewall portion 114, and extends along the length direction (X-axis direction) with the same curved surface as the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the length direction (X-axis direction). The first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 are formed such that the socket locking sides 159A and 159B are exposed from the first sidewall portion 112 and the second sidewall portion 114, respectively. The socket attachment 150 has socket flat portions 156A and 156B located on the bottom side (Z1 side) of the socket housing 110, which is closer to the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 than the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155. These portions are located on the side closer to the first side wall portion 112 and the second side wall portion 114 than the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155.

[0057] The socket attachment 150 includes a T-shaped portion 158 opposite to the first socket locking portion 154. The T-shaped portion 158 is connected to the first socket locking portion 154 via a bottom 157 and a socket flat portion 156A. The T-shaped portion 158 is held by a socket fixing portion 161 extending in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) to cover the sidewall of the end of the mating protrusion 116 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), thereby enabling the socket attachment 150 to be fixed to the socket housing 110. The bottom 157, the socket flat portion 156A, and the socket fixing portion 161 face the storage portion 118 in a state exposed from the socket housing 110. In addition, the socket attachment 150 has a power terminal 160 on the side adjacent to the socket terminal 120 (X2 side of the X1 side of the socket attachment 150, and X1 side of the X2 side of the socket attachment 150). The power terminal 160 is a terminal for supplying power of about a few amperes. The power terminals 160 of the socket accessory 150 are arranged at equal intervals on both sides (X1 side and X2 side) of the socket terminal 120.

[0058] Here, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on, if referring to Figure 5 The socket foot 152B of the socket attachment 150 is positioned opposite the second socket locking part 155 and the socket flat part 156B via the second side wall part 114 of the socket housing 110. The socket foot 152B is connected to the second socket locking part 155 and the socket flat part 156B via the top 153B located at the upper end of the second side wall part 114.

[0059] Except for the portion adjacent to the top 153B, the entire periphery of the socket foot 152B is covered by resin (resin of the peripheral wall portion 113 and the second side wall portion 114) of the socket housing 110. That is, except for the portion adjacent to the top 153B, the socket foot 152B is held in place of the socket housing 110 by the peripheral wall portion 113 surrounding the first side wall portion 112 and the second side wall portion 114 being embedded in the second side wall portion 114. The back surfaces of the socket foot 152B, the top 153B, the second socket locking portion 155, and the socket flat portion 156B (the side opposite to the surface contacting the second plug locking portion 235) are supported by the second side wall portion 114. In other words, the opposing surfaces of the socket foot 152B and the socket flat portion 156B on the second socket locking portion 155 side of the socket accessory 150 are supported by the second side wall portion 114.

[0060] The power terminal 160 includes a bottom 162 that extends and protrudes from the socket plane portion 156B toward the mating protrusion 116 and connects to the socket plane portion 156B and the movable portion 163. The bottom 162 extends along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the socket connector 100 and connects to the socket plane portion 156B and the movable portion 163 via a portion bent at a right angle. A portion of the substrate side (the side opposite to the face of the receiving terminal (Z2 side) - i.e., the back side) of the bottom 162 is exposed from the back side of the socket housing 110, and the portion other than the exposed portion is supported by resin near the second sidewall portion 114 and the mating protrusion 116 (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0061] according to Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the socket attachment 150 is integrally molded with the socket housing 110, except for the portion on the movable part 163 side of the power terminal 160. Furthermore, the space surrounded by the socket feet 152B, top 153B, second socket locking part 155, and socket flat part 156B of the socket attachment 150 is filled with resin (housing).

[0062] The movable part 163 is free end and does not contact the side wall of the fitting protrusion 116, and includes a movable contact 164 formed so that the periphery of the end protrudes toward the second socket locking part 155. When the movable part 163 receives and fits into the object attachment part, namely the plug attachment part 230, it is elastically pressed toward the fitting protrusion 116 and deformed. In the fitted state, the movable contact 164 abuts against the plug pin 232 of the plug attachment part 230 and is electrically connected.

[0063] Next, the main references are... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of the plug connector 200 will be described below. The plug connector 200 includes a plug housing 210, plug terminals 220, and plug attachments 230 for maintaining a mating state with the target connector, i.e., the receptacle connector 100. The plug terminals 220 are made of a metal such as phosphor bronze and are held in the plug housing 210 by being embedded in a second sidewall portion 214 extending along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the plug housing 210, with the surface that contacts the receptacle terminal 120 exposed from the second sidewall portion 214. The plug terminals 220 have mounting portions 221 at their ends for mounting to the substrate 400 by soldering or the like.

[0064] The plug housing 210 is made of an insulating resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and has a first sidewall portion 212 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a second sidewall portion 214 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction). The central portion surrounded by the first sidewall portion 212 and the second sidewall portion 214 has a fitting recess 216 as a space for accommodating the fitting protrusion 116.

[0065] When the plug connector 200 is connected to the socket connector 100, the mating recess 216 receives the mating protrusion 116 of the socket connector 100, and the first sidewall portion 212 and the second sidewall portion 214 of the mating recess 216 are received in the receiving portion 118 of the socket connector 100.

[0066] Here, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 Based on, if referring to Figure 4 The plug terminal 220 has a mounting portion 221 at its end on the substrate side (Z2 side), and an inner leg 222 is provided via a portion bent upwards (Z1 side) from the mounting portion 221 at a right angle. The inner leg 222 faces the outer leg 225 across the second sidewall portion 214 of the plug housing 210, and the inner leg 222 and the outer leg 225 are connected by a top 223 located at the end of the second sidewall portion 214. The back surface of the inner leg 222, the top 223, the protrusion 224, and the outer leg 225 (the side opposite to the surface that contacts the target terminal) is supported by the second sidewall portion 214.

[0067] The protrusion 224 is formed by causing a portion of the outer foot 225 adjacent to the top 223 to protrude outward. The contact side 226 of the protrusion 224 protrudes from the second sidewall portion 214. When engaged with the target terminal, i.e., the socket terminal 120, the protrusion 224 can maintain a locked state (locked state) with the second socket locking portion 155. The inner foot 222, top 223, protrusion 224, and outer foot 225 are fixed by the second sidewall portion 214 so that they do not move when engaged with the target terminal.

[0068] according to Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the plug terminal 220 is tightly attached to the plug housing 210 through an embedded molding (integral molding). In addition, the space surrounded by the inner foot 222, top 223, protrusion 224 and outer foot 225 of the plug terminal 220 is filled with resin (housing).

[0069] The plug attachment 230 is disposed on both sides of the plug connector 200 such that it sandwiches the central portion of the second sidewall portion 214 that holds the plug terminal 220. That is, the plug attachment 230 is respectively provided at the ends of both sides of the plug connector 200 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The plug attachment 230 includes two first plug locking portions 234 and a pair of second plug locking portions 235. The plug housing 210 holds the first plug locking portions 234 by the first sidewall portion 212 and holds the second plug locking portions 235 by the second sidewall portion 214. The plug attachment 230 has second plug locking portions 235 extending in a direction orthogonal to the first plug locking portions 234 (X-axis direction) on both sides (Y1 and Y2 sides) of the first plug locking portions 234 held in the first sidewall portion 212. That is, the two first plug locking portions 234 are located between a pair of second socket locking portions 155 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The portion having the first plug locking part 234 and the portion having the second plug locking part 235 are connected via the plug connecting part 238. The plug connecting part 238 protrudes from the plug housing 210.

[0070] If reference Figure 5 The plug attachment 230 has a mounting portion 231 for mounting to the substrate 400 by soldering or the like, and a plug pin 232 is provided via a portion bent upward (Z1 side in the Z-axis direction) from the mounting portion 231. The second plug locking portion 235 and the plug pin 232 are opposite each other across the second sidewall portion 214, and the second plug locking portion 235 and the plug pin 232 are connected via a top 233B located at the end of the second sidewall portion 214.

[0071] according to Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the plug attachment 230 is tightly attached to the plug housing 210 through an embedded molding (integral molding). In addition, the space surrounded by the plug feet 232, top 233B, second plug locking part 235, and plug flat part 236B of the plug attachment 230 is filled with resin (housing).

[0072] The plug pin 232 protrudes from the second sidewall portion 214. The portion between the plug pin 232 and the mounting portion 231 is covered by resin of the plug housing 210 and held in place by the plug housing 210. The back of the first plug locking portion 234 and the top 233A are supported by the first sidewall portion 212, and the back of the second plug locking portion 235, the top 233A, and the plug pin 232 are supported by the second sidewall portion 214.

[0073] Here, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 On this basis, it also refers to Figure 10 and Figure 11The structure of a plug-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 This is a top view of a plug-type connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 11 Is Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug connector obtained by cutting off the cut-off portion DD. The plug pins 232 of the plug attachment 230 are held at equal intervals on both sides (X1 side and X2 side) of the plug pins 232 of the plug terminal 220 in the second sidewall portion 214.

[0074] The first plug locking portion 234 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the first sidewall portion 212, and extends along the width direction (Y-axis direction) with the same curved surface as the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the width direction (Y-axis direction). The second plug locking portion 235 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the second sidewall portion 214, and extends along the length direction (X-axis direction) with the same curved surface as the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the length direction (X-axis direction). The first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235 are respectively formed by exposing the plug locking side surface 237 from the first sidewall portion 212 and the second sidewall portion 214. The plug attachment 230 has plug flat portions 236A and 236B respectively on the bottom side (Z1 side) of the plug housing 210 at a position closer to the first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235.

[0075] The first plug locking portion 234 is divided in a direction orthogonal to the first sidewall portion 212 extending along the width direction (Y-axis direction) (X-axis direction). No mounting portions for mounting to the substrate 400 by soldering or the like are provided at the ends of the divided first plug locking portion 234 and plug plane portion 236A. That is, the ends of the divided first plug locking portion 234 and plug plane portion 236A are free ends. On the other hand, the socket plane portions 156A and 156B of the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 of the socket attachment 150 are fixed to the substrate 300 by mounting portions 151A and 151B.

[0076] In this way, the first socket locking part 154 and the second socket locking part 155 are firmly fixed to the socket housing 110. Using the socket attachment 150 as a reference, the force (here referred to as "locking force") applied during the connection of the plug connector 200 and the socket connector 100 can be finely adjusted by adjusting the amount of interference with the plug attachment 230. Specifically, by not fixing the two separate first plug locking parts 234 and plug flat parts 236A to the base plate 400, when the connectors are mated together, the first sidewall portion 212 holding the two separate first plug locking parts 234 can be easily deformed, thereby releasing the force applied to the first plug locking parts 234 and adjusting the locking force.

[0077] Furthermore, the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 of the socket attachment 150 and the first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235 of the plug attachment 230 are configured as curved surfaces that protrude from the surfaces of the first sidewall portions 112 and 212 and the second sidewall portions 114 and 214, respectively. This eliminates the need for machining the metal parts (socket attachment 150 and plug attachment 230) to create protrusions and recesses during the manufacturing process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, since the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 of the socket attachment 150 and the first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235 of the plug attachment 230 are curved surfaces supported by sidewall portions, it prevents the force applied during connector assembly and disassembly from concentrating at a single point, resulting in a deformation-resistant and wear-resistant structure.

[0078] Furthermore, the structure of dividing the first plug locking portion 234 of the plug attachment 230 into two parts can also be applied to the first socket locking portion 154 of the socket attachment 150. It can also be configured such that the first socket locking portion 154 of the socket attachment 150 is divided into two parts, without fixing the end of the socket foot portion 152A connected to the first socket locking portion 154 via the top 153A to the base plate 300.

[0079] Figure 12This diagram shows the plug attachment and socket attachment in their engaged state, viewed from the power terminal side. The power terminal 160 includes a movable portion 163, which is formed by bending upwards (to the Z2 side) from the bottom 162 of the socket plane portion 156B, which extends vertically from below (Z1 side) of the second socket locking portion 155 along the width direction (Y-axis direction). The movable portion 163 is a free end not fixed by resin or the like in the socket housing 110, and a movable contact 164 is included at its end. When the movable portion 163 receives the inner leg 222 of the plug attachment 230 between itself and the second socket locking portion 155, it is elastically pressed towards the engaging protrusion 116 and deformed. In the fully engaged state, the movable contact 164 abuts against the surface of the inner leg 222 of the plug attachment 230, thus establishing an electrical connection.

[0080] Figure 13 This is a top view showing the engaged state of the plug and socket attachments from the plug side. Figure 14 Is Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug and socket attachments obtained by cutting off the cut-off portion EE. Additionally, Figure 15 Is Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the plug attachment and socket attachment obtained by cutting at the cut-off point FF.

[0081] Figure 14 This indicates the engagement state of the first socket locking portion 154 and the first plug locking portion 234. The configuration is such that when the socket connector 100 is connected to the counterpart connector, i.e., the plug connector 200, the first socket locking portion 154 engages with the first counterpart locking portion, i.e., the first plug locking portion 234, and the socket plane portion 156A of the first socket locking portion 154 receives the first plug locking portion 234. Similarly, the configuration is such that when the plug connector 200 is connected to the counterpart connector, i.e., the socket connector 100, the first plug locking portion 234 engages with the first counterpart locking portion, i.e., the first socket locking portion 154, and the plug plane portion 234 receives the first socket locking portion 154. Thus, the curved surfaces of the socket plane portion 156A and the first plug locking portion 234 correspond and are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and the curved surfaces of the plug plane portion 236A and the first socket locking portion 154 correspond and are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0082] With this structure, the first socket locking part 154 engages with the first plug locking part 234, thereby maintaining the mating state of the socket connector 100 and the plug connector 200. As described above, by not fixing the first plug locking part 234 and the plug flat part 236A to the substrate 300, when the connectors are mated together, the first sidewall part 212 holding the first plug locking part 234 can be easily deformed together with the first plug locking part 234, thereby releasing the force applied to the first plug locking part 234 and adjusting the locking force.

[0083] Figure 15 This indicates the engagement state of the second socket locking portion 155 and the second plug locking portion 235. The configuration is such that when the socket connector 100 is connected to the counterpart connector, i.e., the plug connector 200, the second socket locking portion 155 engages with the second counterpart locking portion, i.e., the second plug locking portion 235, and the socket plane portion 156B of the second socket locking portion 155 receives the second plug locking portion 235. Similarly, the configuration is such that when the plug connector 200 is connected to the counterpart connector, i.e., the socket connector 100, the second plug locking portion 235 engages with the second counterpart locking portion, i.e., the second socket locking portion 155, and the plug plane portion 236B of the second plug locking portion 235 receives the second socket locking portion 155. Thus, the curved surfaces of the socket plane portion 156B and the second plug locking portion 235 correspond to each other and are opposite each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and the curved surfaces of the plug plane portion 236B and the second socket locking portion 155 correspond to each other and are opposite each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0084] With this structure, the second socket locking part 155 engages with the second plug locking part 235, thereby maintaining the engagement state of the socket connector 100 and the plug connector 200. In addition, the socket fixing part 161 of the socket attachment 150, which extends downward in the engagement direction from the T-shaped part 158 ​​(Z1 side in the Z-axis direction), is opposite to the plug pin 232 of the plug attachment 230 when the connectors are engaged.

[0085] As described above, the various embodiments of the present invention are not independent, and the present invention can be combined and implemented appropriately.

[0086] [Potential for industrial applications]

[0087] The connectors involved in this invention can be used in electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile phones that transmit electrical signals at high speeds, for example, to connect substrates between them via flat cables.

Claims

1. A connector device, characterized in that, Includes two connectors (100, 200), The connectors (100, 200) include multiple terminals (120, 220), additional components (150, 230) for maintaining a mating state with the target connector, and a housing (110, 210). The additional components (150, 230) include a first locking part (154, 234) and a second locking part (155, 235). The housing (110, 210) includes a first sidewall portion (112, 212) for retaining the first locking portion (154, 234) and a second sidewall portion (114, 214) for retaining the second locking portion (155, 235). The first locking portion (154, 234) and the second locking portion (155, 235) are curved surfaces that protrude from the surfaces of the first sidewall portion (112, 212) and the second sidewall portion (114, 214), respectively. The first locking portion (154, 234) is divided in a direction orthogonal to the first sidewall portion (112, 212). The additional components (150, 230) have second locking portions (155, 235) on both sides of the first locking portion (154, 234) extending in a direction orthogonal to the first locking portion (154, 234). The additional components (150, 230) each have a flat portion (156A, 156B, 236A, 236B) on the bottom side of the housing (110, 210) at a position relative to where the first locking portion (154, 234) and the second locking portion (155, 235) are provided. One of the two connectors (100, 200) is a plug connector (200), and the other is a socket connector (100). The additional components (150, 230), the first locking portion (154, 234), and the flat portion (156A, 156B, 236A, 236B) in the plug connector (200) are respectively the plug additional component (230), the first plug locking portion (234), and the plug flat portion (236A). The additional components (150, 230), the first locking part (154, 234), and the flat parts (156A, 156B, 236A, 236B) in the socket connector (100) are respectively the socket additional component (150), the first socket locking part (154), and the socket flat part (156A). The first plug locking portion (234) is divided in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first plug locking portion (234) extends. The end of the plug plane portion (236A) of the first plug locking portion (234) that has been divided is a free end without a mounting portion for mounting on the substrate (400). A mounting portion (151A) for mounting on the substrate (300) is provided at the end of the socket plane portion (156A) of the first socket locking portion (154). The housings (110, 210) are made of insulating resin.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket attachment (150) includes a plurality of power terminals (160) that serve as contacts for power supply to the plug connector (200). The plurality of power terminals (160) are arranged side by side with the terminals (120) of the plug connector (200) on the second sidewall portion (114).

3. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking part (154, 234) and the second locking part (155, 235) are configured to engage with the first object locking part (234, 154) and the second object locking part (235, 155) of the object connector when connected to the object connector. The planar portions (156A, 156B, 236A, 236B) of the first locking part (154, 234) and the second locking part (155, 235) respectively receive the first object locking part (234, 154) and the second object locking part (235, 155).

4. The connector device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of terminals (120, 220) are held in the central portion of the second sidewall portion (114, 214). The additional components (150, 230) are arranged on both sides of the housing (110, 210) in such a way that the central portion is sandwiched in the middle.

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