Metal fitting, terminal, additional component, connector, socket connector, plug connector, and connector manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides metal accessories, terminals, additional components, connectors, socket connectors, plug connectors, and connector manufacturing methods. In the past, very small connectors sometimes could not fully cover the part of the terminal or metal component to be exposed from the shell without gaps using a mold or a fixing fixture, and could not prevent the resin from flowing to the part. According to the present invention, in a plurality of metal accessories such as terminals or metal components held by the side wall of the shell, a shoulder having an inclination configured to increase the width of the fixing portion is provided on the side of the fixing portion held by the side wall of the shell. Thus, when the side of the metal accessory is supported by a mold or a fixing fixture, the shoulder that increases the width of the fixing portion becomes a protrusion suitable for support by the mold or the fixing fixture, and can fully support the metal accessory without gaps, making it suitable for forming the shell by insert molding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to metal fittings, terminals, additional components, connectors, socket connectors, plug connectors, and methods for manufacturing connectors. The metal fittings are suitable for insert molding (integral molding) of various metal fittings and housings when manufacturing a connector having a housing that holds the metal fittings. The metal fittings are metal fittings such as metal parts having multiple terminals and locking mechanisms. Specifically, the present invention relates to the structure of metal fittings such as metal parts suitable for the following situations: when manufacturing the connector, various metal fittings are fixed in a mold so that when the insulator of the molded housing, i.e., the resin, flows into the mold, the resin covers a portion of the metal fitting as designed, preventing it from flowing into unintended locations. Background Art

[0002] An example of a substrate connector that connects substrates by arranging and retaining multiple terminals in a housing through insert molding (integral molding) or the like is the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-031025 (Patent Document 1). This connector is a receptacle connector (receptacle connector) that connects to a plug-side connector (plug connector), and includes a rectangular housing in which multiple terminals are arranged and retained along the length.

[0003] The plug connector and the receptacle connector can be provided on a printed wiring board or a flexible flat cable, etc. For example, a receptacle connector provided on a printed wiring board by surface mounting or the like and a plug connector provided on the end of a flexible flat cable can be mated with each other to connect the boards.

[0004] Conventionally, connectors have been designed to fit together to maintain their connection. For example, in the aforementioned conventional plug connector and receptacle connector (Patent Document 1), in addition to having multiple terminals, metal components are provided on both sides, separating the rows of terminals in the longitudinal direction. A convex additional component is provided on an inwardly facing portion of the receptacle connector's metal component, while a concave portion is provided on an outwardly facing portion of the plug connector's metal component. When the connectors are mated, the convex additional component fits into the concave portion, thereby maintaining electrical connection between the metal components of the plug connector and the receptacle connector.

[0005] The housings of such plug and receptacle connectors are formed by insert molding to embed multiple terminals and other metal components. During insert molding, the terminals are typically arranged along the length of the housing using a mold, a fixture, or the like. Metal components (additional components) equipped with locking mechanisms are then positioned at both ends of the length. Next, an insulating resin is poured into the space defined by the mold, partially covering the terminals and other metal components with the resin. Finally, the resin is cured, forming a housing that embeds and retains the multiple terminals and other metal components.

[0006] For the portions of the metal fittings, such as the terminals and additional components, that are exposed from the resin of the housing, molds, fixtures, etc. are used to prevent the resin from flowing over them, preventing these portions from being covered by the resin. In this way, by using molds, fixtures, etc. manufactured based on the housing design to control the flow of resin over the surfaces of the metal fittings, such as the terminals and additional components, the portions of the housing where the metal fittings are covered by the resin and the portions exposed from the resin can be formed separately.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-031025

[0008] However, conventional plug and receptacle connectors for connecting substrates are extremely small because they are mounted on substrates within small electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile terminals. The multiple terminals and other metal fittings that form their components are also very small. Therefore, insert molding the housing to fit the design using molds, fixtures, and other tools to hold and secure these terminals is generally more difficult as the connector size decreases. For example, if the metal fittings, such as the metal parts other than the multiple terminals to be embedded in the housing, are relatively small, insert molding the metal fittings into the housing may not fully cover the exposed portion of the metal fitting with a mold or fixture, preventing resin from flowing into that portion.

[0009] For example, in the conventional receptacle connector described in Patent Document 1, each of the multiple terminals embedded in the housing has flat side surfaces on both sides of the portion of the terminal exposed inward from the resin of the housing (and the opposing portion facing the spring portion having the contact portion that contacts the mating terminal). Therefore, when the terminal is supported by a mold or a fixture, the flat side surfaces of the terminal lack suitable hooks such as protrusions for support. This can cause the following problem: the terminal cannot be fully supported without a gap between the terminal and the mold or fixture, and resin flows into the gap during insert molding, covering the surface of the terminal that should be exposed from the housing. The gap between the flat side surfaces of the terminal and the mold or fixture can occur, for example, when the flat side surfaces of the terminal are deformed due to various factors such as manufacturing errors of the terminal. The same problem can also occur with metal accessories such as other metal parts. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the above-mentioned issues, the present invention provides a metal fitting, a terminal, an additional component, a connector, a receptacle connector, a plug connector, and a connector manufacturing method. The metal fitting is a metal fitting such as a plurality of terminals or metal components that are retained by the side walls of a plug connector or receptacle connector housing. The side surfaces of the fixing portions retained by the housing side walls are provided with inclined shoulders configured to increase the width of the fixing portions. Consequently, when the side surfaces of the metal fitting are supported by a mold or a fixture, the shoulders that increase the width of the fixing portions serve as protrusions suitable for support by the mold or fixture. This allows the metal fitting to be fully supported without gaps, making it suitable for forming the housing by insert molding.

[0011] A metal fitting for a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that:

[0012] The metal fittings include:

[0013] a fixing portion provided on a side wall of the housing of the connector; and

[0014] a protrusion provided on a side wall of the housing and protruding further from the side wall than the fixing portion,

[0015] The width of the fixing portion is greater than the width of the protruding portion,

[0016] The fixing portion has a pair of shoulders on both sides of the fixing portion.

[0017] The shoulder portion is provided on a side surface between the fixing portion and the protruding portion.

[0018] For metal accessories such as multiple terminals or metal parts held by the side wall of the shell of a plug connector or a socket connector, a shoulder portion with an inclination configured to increase the width of the fixing portion is provided on the side surface of the fixing portion held by the side wall of the shell. Therefore, when the side surface of the metal accessory is supported by a mold or a fixing fixture, the shoulder portion that increases the width of the fixing portion becomes a protrusion suitable for support by the mold or the fixing fixture, which can fully support the metal accessory without any gaps and prevent the resin of the insulator from flowing into unintended parts during insert molding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a plug connector and a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the plug side.

[0020] Figure 2 Only the Figure 1 The diagrams show the plug-type connector and the receptacle connector, respectively, including the plug-attached components and the receptacle-attached components.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the plug connector and the receptacle connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side.

[0022] Figure 4 The plug terminal and the socket terminal are Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the cutting line A-A.

[0023] Figure 5 The power terminal and the part where the power terminal contacts Figure 3 The cross-sectional view is taken along the cutting line BB.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a plug connector and a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the receptacle side.

[0025] Figure 7 Only the Figure 6 The diagrams show the plug-type connector and the receptacle connector, respectively, including the plug-attached components and the receptacle-attached components.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a top view showing the receptacle connector.

[0027] Figure 9 The socket connector is Figure 8 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the line C-C.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a top view showing a plug connector.

[0029] Figure 11Is the plug connector in Figure 10 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the line D-D.

[0030] Figure 12 This is an external view of a mold for insert molding a portion of an additional component to form a housing, the portion being cut out from Figure 8 The portion of the additional components included in the socket connector is shown as being enclosed by the dotted line EE.

[0031] Figure 13 It means in Figure 12 The diagram shows the lower mold after a part of the additional component is placed.

[0032] Figure 14 It means Figure 13 A perspective view showing a state in which an additional component placed on a lower mold is covered with an upper mold.

[0033] Figure 15 It means in Figure 14 The cutaway portion GG shown is a perspective view of a cross section obtained by cutting the upper mold.

[0034] Figure 16 It means in Figure 14 The cutaway portion GG shown is a side view of a cross section obtained by cutting the upper mold.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the inside of the upper mold.

[0036] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 The figure shows a side view of a state where an additional component placed on a lower mold is covered with an upper mold, as seen from the side.

[0037] Figure 19 It means in Figure 18 The cutout portion HH shown is a cross-sectional view of a section obtained by cutting the mold and the additional components.

[0038] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing a portion of an additional component held by a housing of a receptacle connector after the mold is removed after insert molding.

[0039] Figure 21 It means from Figure 20 A partial view of the housing after removing additional components as metal fittings.

[0040] Figure 22 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a plug connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 23 It means in Figure 22 The diagram shows a perspective view of a section through an additional component of the plug connector, taken along the section II.

[0042] Figure 24 It means in Figure 22 The figure shows a side view of a section through an additional component of the plug connector, taken along the section II.

[0043] Description of Reference Numerals

[0044] 100…receptacle connector; 110…receptacle housing; 111…shoulder contact surface; 112…first side wall; 113…peripheral wall; 114…second side wall; 116…engaging projection; 118…receiving portion; 119…bottom wall; 120…receptacle terminal; 121…mounting portion; 122…leg; 123…top portion; 124…fixed contact; 125…terminal fixing portion; 126…bottom portion; 127…movable portion; 128…movable contact; 129…contact side; 150…receptacle attachment; 151A, 151B…mounting portion; 151Z…carrier connecting piece; 152A, 152 B…Socket leg; 153A, 153B…Top; 154…1st socket locking portion (protrusion); 155…2nd socket locking portion (protrusion); 156A…1st socket fixing portion; 156B…2nd socket fixing portion; 157…Bottom; 158…T-shaped portion; 159A, 159B…Socket locking side; 160…Power terminal; 161…Mating portion fixing piece; 162…Bottom; 163…Movable portion; 164…Movable contact; 165…Socket connecting portion; 166…Shoulder; 200, 200…Plug connector; 210…Plug housing; 212…1st side wall; 2 14…Second side wall; 215…Bottom wall; 216…Engaging recess (receiving portion); 220, 220…Plug terminal; 221…Mounting portion; 222…Inner leg; 223…Top; 224…Protrusion; 225…Outer leg; 226…Contact side; 227…Protrusion; 228…Protrusion side; 229…Shoulder; 230, 230…Plug attachment; 231…Mounting portion; 232…Plug fixing portion; 233A, 233B…Top; 234…First plug locking portion; 235…Second plug locking portion; 236A, 236B…Plug flat portion; 237A , 237B…plug locking side; 238…plug connecting portion; 239…plug fixing portion; 300…substrate; 400…substrate; 500…upper mold; 501…third resin filling space; 502…T-section abutting surface; 503…non-filling space; 504…top abutting surface; 505…bottom fixing wall; 506…side abutting surface; 507…shoulder abutting surface; 600…lower mold; 601…first resin filling space; 602…T-section supporting column; 603…second resin filling space; 604…bottom supporting surface; 606…socket leg supporting column; 608…connecting portion supporting surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In principle, in all the drawings used to illustrate the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to mark the same components, and the corresponding repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the structure and shape of the plug connector or socket connector of one embodiment of the present invention are point-symmetrical with the stop axis of the mating direction (Z-axis direction) as the symmetry point, so the marking of the same reference numerals is basically omitted for the parts, components, parts, etc. that are point-symmetrical with the parts, components, parts, etc. marked with reference numerals. In addition, each embodiment is described independently, but it does not exclude the combination of each other's constituent elements to form a plug connector or a socket connector. In addition, the structure composed of a plug connector and a socket connector is also referred to as a connector device.

[0046] In this specification and claims, to distinguish between the two connectors, the two connectors are referred to as a plug connector and a receptacle connector. Various components or parts are referred to as the plug housing and receptacle housing, the plug terminal and receptacle terminal, the first plug locking portion and the first receptacle locking portion, the second plug locking portion and the second receptacle locking portion, the plug fixing portion and the receptacle fixing portion, etc. However, when no distinction is made based on the connector's shape, the terms "plug" and "receptacle" are omitted and referred to simply as the connector, housing, terminal, first locking portion, second locking portion, fixing portion, etc. Furthermore, when no distinction is made based on the connector's shape, the first plug locking portion and the first receptacle locking portion are also referred to as the first protrusion, and the second plug locking portion and the second receptacle locking portion are also referred to as the second protrusion. Furthermore, the first locking portion and the second locking portion are also referred to simply as the protrusions.

[0047] In addition, when the connectors are not distinguished by their shapes, the connector that mates with one connector is referred to as the mating connector, and the first locking portion and second locking portion of the mating connector are referred to as the first mating locking portion and the second mating locking portion. Furthermore, metal components such as plug terminals, receptacle terminals, plug attachments, and receptacle attachments are also referred to simply as metal fittings.

[0048] Figures 1 to 7 A plug connector and a receptacle connector according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 The following shows the appearance of the plug connector and the receptacle connector according to one embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the plug side (Z2 side). Figure 2 Only shown Figure 1 The plug connector and the socket shown respectively include the plug additional parts and the socket additional parts. Figure 3 1 is a side view of the plug connector and the receptacle connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side (Y1 side). Figure 4 Shows the plug terminals and socket terminals in Figure 3 The cross section of the cutting part AA shown is Figure 5 Shows the power terminal and the part where the power terminal contacts Figure 3 The cross section shown is a cross section taken from the cut point BB. Figure 6 Shown with Figure 1 The appearance of each connector when viewed from the receptacle connector side (Z1 side) in an upside-down manner. Figure 7 Only shown Figure 6 The plug connector and the socket shown respectively include the plug additional parts and the socket additional parts.

[0049] The plug connector and socket of the present invention can be used as internal components of small electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, digital cameras, and laptop computers. The mating direction of the connector is the Z1-Z2 direction (Z-axis direction) in the figure. The length of the connector in the mating direction (Z-axis direction) in the mating state is about 0.3mm to 1mm, and in the case of the connector device of this embodiment, it is about 0.5mm. The plug connector 200 is mated with the mating connector located on the Z1 side of the Z-axis direction, that is, the socket connector 100, and the socket connector 100 is mated with the mating connector located on the Z2 side of the Z-axis direction, that is, the plug connector 200, and they are electrically connected to each other. 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).

[0050] Furthermore, with respect to the top and bottom of the receptacle connector 100 and receptacle terminals 120, the substrate side (the side to be mounted on the substrate) is referred to as the "bottom" or "back," and the side that receives the plug connector 200 and plug terminals 220 is referred to as the "top" or "front." Similarly, with respect to the top and bottom of the plug connector 200 and plug terminals 220, the substrate side (the side to be mounted on the substrate) is referred to as the "bottom" or "back," and the side that receives the receptacle connector 100 and receptacle terminals 120 is referred to as the "top" or "front."

[0051] The receptacle connector 100 and the plug connector 200 are mounted on a printed wiring board or a flexible flat cable by soldering. Here, the printed wiring board and the flexible flat cable, etc., on which the connector is mounted, are referred to as "substrates". Figure 1 As shown, the socket connector 100 is mounted on the substrate 300. Figure 6 As shown, the plug connector 200 is mounted on a substrate 400 .

[0052] First, the main reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The structure of the receptacle connector 100 will be described. The receptacle connector 100 includes a receptacle housing 110, receptacle terminals 120, and a receptacle attachment member 150 for maintaining the mated state with the plug connector 200, serving as a mating connector. The receptacle terminals 120 are made of a metal such as phosphor bronze and are embedded in a second side wall portion 114 extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the receptacle housing 110. The receptacle terminals 120 are retained by the receptacle housing 110 such that their surfaces, which come into contact with the plug terminals 220, serving as mating terminals, are exposed from the second side wall portion 114. The receptacle terminals 120 have mounting portions 121 at their ends for mounting to the substrate 300 by soldering or other means.

[0053] The receptacle housing 110 is made of an insulating resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and includes a pair of first side walls 112 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a pair of second side walls 114 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction). A mating protrusion 116 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) is provided in the central portion surrounded by the first and second side walls 112, 114. Specifically, the receptacle housing 110 includes the mating protrusion 116 on the movable portion 127 side of the receptacle terminal 120 and the second side wall 114 on the terminal fixing portion 125 side of the receptacle terminal 120. Furthermore, the receptacle housing 110 includes a receiving portion 118, which serves as a space between the mating protrusion 116 and the first and second side walls 112, 114. The substrate-side (Z1-side) of the receiving portion 118 is closed by a bottom wall 119. That is, the receiving portion 118 is formed as a space defined by the first and second side walls 112 , 114 and the bottom wall 119 and open toward the mating side ( Z2 side) with the mating connector. The mating protrusion 116 is disposed inside the receiving portion 118 .

[0054] When the receptacle connector 100 and the plug connector 200 are connected, the mating protrusion 116 of the receptacle connector 100 is received in the mating recess 216 of the plug connector 200 (see FIG. Figure 6 ), the first side wall portion 212 and the second side wall portion 214 of the plug connector 200 (see Figure 6 ) is received in the receiving portion 118 of the socket connector 100 .

[0055] Here, except for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, refer to Figure 4 The socket terminal 120 includes a leg portion 122 via a portion bent upward (toward the Z2 side in the Z-axis direction) from the mounting portion 121. The leg portion 122 faces the fixed contact 124 and the terminal fixing portion 125 across the second side wall portion 114 of the socket housing 110. The leg portion 122, the fixed contact 124, and the terminal fixing portion 125 are connected via a top portion 123 located at the upper end of the second side wall portion 114.

[0056] The entire perimeter of leg 122, except for the portion adjacent to top 123, is covered by the resin of receptacle housing 110 (resin of peripheral wall 113 and second side wall 114). Specifically, except for the portion adjacent to top 123, leg 122 is embedded in second side wall 114 by peripheral wall 113, which surrounds first and second side walls 112 and 114, and is thus retained by receptacle housing 110. The back surfaces (opposite to the surface that contacts the mating terminal) of leg 122, top 123, fixed contact 124, and terminal fixing portion 125 are supported by second side wall 114. In other words, the opposing surfaces of leg 122 and terminal fixing portion 125 of receptacle terminal 120 are supported by second side wall 114.

[0057] The fixed contact 124 of the socket terminal 120 protrudes toward the mating protrusion 116 from the surface of the second side wall portion 114, and the contact side surface 129 of the fixed contact 124 is exposed from the second side wall portion 114. When mated with the plug terminal 220 as a mating terminal, the fixed contact 124 abuts against the outer leg portion 225 and is electrically connected (see Figure 4 The surfaces of the fixed contacts 124 and the terminal fixing portion 125 opposite to the surfaces in contact with the mating terminal are supported and fixed by the first side wall portion 112 so as not to move when mated with the mating terminal.

[0058] from Figure 4 As can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the receptacle terminal 120 is closely attached to the receptacle housing 110 by insert molding (integral molding) with the receptacle housing 110, except for the portion near the movable portion 127. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the leg portion 122, top portion 123, fixed contact 124, and terminal fixing portion 125 of the receptacle terminal 120 is filled with resin (housing).

[0059] The socket terminal 120 includes a bottom portion 126 connecting the terminal fixing portion 125 and the movable portion 127 between the terminal fixing portion 125 and the movable portion 127. The bottom portion 126 extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the socket connector 100 and is connected to the terminal fixing portion 125 and the movable portion 127 via a portion bent at a right angle. The plate thickness direction of the bottom portion 126 is along the mating direction (Z-axis direction), and the surface of the bottom portion 126 on the side of the receiving portion 118 (the surface on the Z2 side) is exposed from the bottom wall 119 of the socket housing 110. A portion of the surface (i.e., the back surface) of the bottom portion 126 on the substrate side (the side opposite (Z1 side) to the surface (Z2 side surface) that receives the mating terminal) is exposed from the back surface of the bottom wall 119 of the socket housing 110, and the portion other than the exposed portion is supported by the second side wall portion 114 and the resin near the mating protrusion 116 (see Figure 6 ). Therefore, the movable portion 127 cannot be seen from the back side of the bottom wall.

[0060] Movable portion 127 is a free end that does not contact the sidewalls of mating projection 116. It includes movable contact 128 formed by projecting the periphery of the end portion toward fixed contact 124. When plug terminal 220, serving as a mating terminal, is received and mated therewith, movable portion 127 is elastically pushed toward mating projection 116 and deformed. In the mated state, movable contact 128 abuts against inner leg 222 of plug terminal 220, forming an electrical connection.

[0061] The receptacle attachment members 150 are positioned on either side of the receptacle connector 100, sandwiching the central portion of the second side wall 114 that holds the receptacle terminals 120. Specifically, the receptacle attachment members 150 are located at either end of the receptacle connector 100 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The receptacle attachment members 150 include a first receptacle locking portion 154, which serves as a protruding portion, and a pair of second receptacle locking portions 155, which serve as protruding portions. The receptacle housing 110 retains the first receptacle locking portion 154 by the first side wall 112, and the second receptacle locking portions 155 by the second side wall 114. The receptacle attachment members 150 include second receptacle locking portions 155 on either side (Y1 and Y2) of the first receptacle locking portion 154, which is retained by the first side wall 112. These second receptacle locking portions 155 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first receptacle locking portion 154 (X-axis direction). Specifically, the first receptacle locking portion 154 is positioned between the pair of second receptacle locking portions 155 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The portion including the first socket locking portion 154 and the portion including the second socket locking portion 155 are connected via a socket connecting portion 165. The socket connecting portion 165 is embedded in the socket housing 110.

[0062] Here, in addition to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, we also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the receptacle connector according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 8 1 is a top view of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. Figure 9 The socket connector is Figure 8 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the line C-C.

[0063] The socket attachment component 150 includes mounting portions 151A and 151B for mounting on the substrate 300 by soldering or the like, and includes socket legs 152A and 152B via portions bent upward (toward the Z2 side in the Z-axis direction) from the mounting portions 151A and 151B. A first socket locking portion 154 and the socket leg 152A face each other across the first side wall 112, and are connected to each other via a top portion 153A located at the end of the first side wall 112. Similarly, a second socket locking portion 155 and the socket leg 152B face each other across the second side wall 114, and are connected to each other via a top portion 153B located at the end of the second side wall 114.

[0064] First socket locking portion 154 is connected to mounting portion 151A via socket leg portion 152A, and mounting portion 151A is attached to substrate 300 by soldering or the like. This allows the socket attachment component 150 to withstand forces applied when the connectors are connected. Similarly, second socket locking portion 155 is connected to mounting portion 151B via socket leg portion 152B, and mounting portion 151B is attached to substrate 300 by soldering or the like. This allows the socket attachment component 150 to withstand forces applied when the connectors are connected.

[0065] The entire perimeter of receptacle legs 152A and 152B, except for the portions adjacent to tops 153A and 153B, is covered by the resin of receptacle housing 110. Specifically, except for the portions adjacent to tops 153A and 153B, receptacle legs 152A and 152B are embedded in first and second side walls 112 and 114 by peripheral wall 113, which surrounds first and second side walls 114, and are thus retained by receptacle housing 110. The back surfaces of receptacle legs 152A, tops 153A, and first receptacle locking portions 154 are supported by first side walls 112, while the back surfaces of receptacle legs 152B, tops 153B, and second receptacle locking portions 155 are supported by second side walls 114.

[0066] First socket lock portion 154 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of first side wall portion 112 and extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) so that a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the width direction (Y-axis direction) is the same curved surface. Second socket lock portion 155 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of second side wall portion 114 and extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) so that a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) is the same curved surface. First socket lock portion 154 and second socket lock portion 155 expose socket lock side surfaces 159A and 159B from first side wall portion 112 and second side wall portion 114, respectively. The socket attachment member 150 includes socket fixing portions 156A and 156B (first socket fixing portion and second socket fixing portion) located closer to the bottom side (Z1 side) of the socket housing 110 than the first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 are located. The first socket locking portion 154 and the second socket locking portion 155 are located closer to the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114, respectively. A shoulder portion 166 (see FIG. 1 ) described later is formed on the bottom wall 119 side (Z1 side) of the socket locking side surface 159A. Figure 20 ), the socket locking side surface 159A and the shoulder 166 are continuous surfaces. As for the socket locking side surface 159B, it is also the same structure as the socket locking side surface 159A.

[0067] The socket attachment 150 includes a T-shaped portion 158 that faces the first socket locking portion 154. The T-shaped portion 158 is connected to the first socket locking portion 154 via a bottom portion 157 and a first socket fixing portion 156A. The T-shaped portion 158 is held by a fitting portion fixing piece 161 extending in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction) so as to cover the sidewall of the longitudinal end portion of the fitting protrusion 116, thereby securing the socket attachment 150 to the socket housing 110. The bottom portion 157, the first socket fixing portion 156A, and the fitting portion fixing piece 161 are exposed from the socket housing 110 and face the receiving portion 118. The socket attachment 150 also includes a power supply terminal 160 on the side adjacent to the socket terminal 120 (the X2 side of the socket attachment 150 on the X1 side, and the X1 side of the socket attachment 150 on the X2 side). The power supply terminal 160 is a terminal for supplying approximately several amperes of power. The power terminals 160 of the socket attachment 150 are arranged at equal intervals on both sides (the X1 side and the X2 side) of the socket terminal 120 .

[0068] Here, in addition to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, refer to Figure 5The socket leg 152B of the socket additional component 150 is opposite to the second socket locking portion 155 and the second socket fixing portion 156B via the second side wall portion 114 of the socket housing 110, and the socket leg 152B is connected to the second socket locking portion 155 and the second socket fixing portion 156B via the top portion 153B located at the upper end of the second side wall portion 114.

[0069] The entire perimeter of socket leg 152B, except for the portion adjacent to top 153B, is covered by the resin of socket housing 110 (resin of peripheral wall 113 and second side wall 114). Specifically, except for the portion adjacent to top 153B, socket leg 152B is embedded in second side wall 114 by peripheral wall 113, which surrounds first and second side walls 112 and 114, and is thus retained by socket housing 110. The back surfaces (the surface opposite the surface contacting second plug locking portion 235) of socket leg 152B, top 153B, second socket locking portion 155, and second socket fixing portion 156B are supported by second side wall 114. Specifically, the opposing surfaces of socket leg 152B and second socket fixing portion 156B on the side of second socket locking portion 155 of socket attachment member 150 are supported by second side wall 114.

[0070] The power terminal 160 extends from the second socket fixing portion 156B toward the mating protrusion 116 and includes a bottom portion 162 between the second socket fixing portion 156B and the movable portion 163, which connects the second socket fixing portion 156B and the movable portion 163. The bottom portion 162 extends along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the socket connector 100 and is connected to the second socket fixing portion 156B and the movable portion 163 via a portion bent at a right angle. A portion of the surface (i.e., the back surface) of the bottom portion 162 on the substrate side (the side opposite (Z1 side) to the surface (Z2 side) that receives the mating terminal) is exposed from the back surface of the socket housing 110, and the portion other than the exposed portion is supported by the second side wall portion 114 and the resin near the mating protrusion 116 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0071] from Figure 5 As can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the socket attachment member 150 is insert-molded (integrally molded) with the socket housing 110, so that all but the portion of the power terminal 160 on the movable portion 163 side is in close contact with the socket housing 110. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the socket leg portion 152B, top portion 153B, second socket locking portion 155, and second socket fixing portion 156B of the socket attachment member 150 is filled with resin (shell).

[0072] Movable portion 163 is a free end that does not contact the sidewall of mating projection 116. It includes a movable contact 164 formed by projecting the periphery of the end portion toward second socket locking portion 155. When plug attachment component 230, a mating attachment component, is received and mated therewith, movable portion 163 is elastically urged toward mating projection 116 and deformed. In the mated state, movable contact 164 abuts against plug securing portion 232 of plug attachment component 230, establishing an electrical connection.

[0073] Next, the main reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The structure of plug connector 200 will be described. Plug connector 200 includes a plug housing 210, plug terminals 220, and a plug attachment member 230 for maintaining the mating state with receptacle connector 100, serving as a mating connector. Plug terminals 220 are made of a metal such as phosphor bronze and are embedded in a second side wall portion 214 extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of plug housing 210. Plug terminals 220 are retained in plug housing 210 such that their surfaces, which come into contact with receptacle terminals 120, are exposed from the second side wall portion 214. Plug terminals 220 have mounting portions 221 at their ends for mounting to substrate 400 by soldering or other means.

[0074] The plug housing 210 is made of an insulating resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and has a first side wall portion 212 extending along the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a second side wall portion 214 extending along the length direction (X-axis direction). In addition, a mating recess 216 is provided in the central portion surrounded by the first side wall portion 212 and the second side wall portion 214. The mating recess 216 is a space for accommodating the mating protrusion 116.

[0075] When the plug connector 200 is connected to the socket connector 100 , the mating recess 216 of the plug connector 200 functions as a receiving portion for accommodating the mating protrusion 116 of the socket connector 100 , and the first side wall portion 212 and the second side wall portion 214 of the plug connector 200 are accommodated in the receiving portion 118 of the socket connector 100 .

[0076] Here, in addition to reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In addition, refer to Figure 4The plug terminal 220 has a mounting portion 221 at its end on the substrate side (Z2 side), and an inner leg 222 formed by a portion bent upward (Z1 side) at a right angle from the mounting portion 221. The inner leg 222 and the outer leg 225 face each other across the second side wall 214 of the plug housing 210. The inner leg 222 and the outer leg 225 are connected via a top portion 223 located at the end of the second side wall 214. The inner leg 222, top portion 223, protrusion 224, and the back surface (the surface opposite the surface that contacts the mating terminal) of the outer leg 225 are supported by the second side wall 214.

[0077] The protrusion 224 is formed by protruding the portion of the outer leg 225 adjacent to the top 223 outward. The contact side surface 226 of the protrusion 224 is exposed from the second side wall 214. When mated with the receptacle terminal 120, the protrusion 224 can maintain its engagement and mating state (locked state) with the second receptacle locking portion 155. The inner leg 222, top 223, protrusion 224, and outer leg 225 are secured by the second side wall 214 so as not to move when mated with the mating terminal.

[0078] from Figure 4 As can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the plug terminal 220 is closely attached to the plug housing 210 by insert molding (integral molding) with the plug housing 210. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the inner leg 222, top 223, protrusion 224, and outer leg 225 of the plug terminal 220 is filled with resin (housing).

[0079] The plug attachment components 230 are arranged on either side of the plug connector 200, separated by the central portion of the second side wall portion 214 that holds the plug terminals 220. Specifically, the plug attachment components 230 are provided at both ends of the plug connector 200 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The plug attachment components 230 include two first plug locking portions 234, which serve as protruding portions, and a pair of second plug locking portions 235, which serve as protruding portions. The plug housing 210 retains the first plug locking portions 234 by the first side wall portion 212, and the second plug locking portions 235 by the second side wall portion 214. The plug attachment component 230 includes second plug locking portions 235 on either side (Y1 and Y2) of the first plug locking portion 234 retained by the first side wall portion 212, extending in a direction perpendicular to the first plug locking portion 234 (X-axis direction). Specifically, the two first plug locking portions 234 are positioned between the pair of second receptacle locking portions 155 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The portion including the first plug locking portion 234 and the portion including the second plug locking portion 235 are connected via a plug coupling portion 238 . The plug coupling portion 238 is exposed from the plug housing 210 .

[0080] Reference Figure 5 The plug attachment component 230 includes a mounting portion 231 for mounting on the substrate 400 by soldering or the like, and includes a plug fixing portion 232 formed by a portion bent upward (toward the Z1 side in the Z-axis direction) from the mounting portion 231. A second plug locking portion 235 faces the plug fixing portion 232 across the second side wall 214. The second plug locking portion 235 and the plug fixing portion 232 are connected via a top portion 233B located at the end of the second side wall 214.

[0081] from Figure 5 As can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view shown, the plug attachment component 230 is closely attached to the plug housing 210 by insert molding (integral molding) therebetween. Furthermore, the space enclosed by the plug fixing portion 232, top portion 233B, second plug locking portion 235, and plug flat surface portion 236B of the plug attachment component 230 is filled with resin (housing).

[0082] The plug fixing portion 232 is exposed from the second side wall portion 214. The portion between the plug fixing portion 232 and the mounting portion 231 is covered with the resin of the plug housing 210 and is retained by the plug housing 210. The first plug locking portion 234 and the back surface of the top portion 233A are supported by the first side wall portion 212, while the second plug locking portion 235, the top portion 233A, and the back surface of the plug fixing portion 232 are supported by the second side wall portion 214.

[0083] Here, in addition to reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In addition, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of a plug connector according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a top view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. Figure 11 Is the plug connector in Figure 10 The plug fixing portion 232 of the plug attachment member 230 is held by the second side wall portion 214 at equal intervals from both sides (X1 side and X2 side) of the plug fixing portion 232 of the plug terminal 220 .

[0084] The first plug locking portion 234 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the first side wall portion 212, extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) so that a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the width direction (Y-axis direction) is a uniformly curved surface. The second plug locking portion 235 is configured as a curved surface protruding from the surface of the second side wall portion 214, extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) so that a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length direction (X-axis direction) is a uniformly curved surface. The first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235 expose plug locking side surfaces 237 from the first side wall portion 212 and the second side wall portion 214, respectively. The plug attachment component 230 includes plug flat surfaces 236A and 236B located closer to the bottom side (Z1 side) of the plug housing 210 than the respective locations of the first plug locking portion 234 and the second plug locking portion 235.

[0085] The first plug locking portion 234 is divided in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first side wall portion 212 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The ends of the divided first plug locking portion 234 and plug flat portion 236A are not provided with mounting portions for attaching the substrate 400 by soldering or the like. In other words, the ends of the divided first plug locking portion 234 and plug flat portion 236A are free ends. Meanwhile, the first and second socket fixing portions 156A, 156B of the first and second socket locking portions 154, 155 of the socket attachment component 150 are fixed to the substrate 300 by mounting portions 151A and 151B, respectively.

[0086] In this manner, the first receptacle locking portion 154 and the second receptacle locking portion 155 are securely fixed to the receptacle housing 110, and the amount of interference with the plug attachment component 230 is adjusted using the receptacle attachment component 150 as a reference. This allows for fine-tuning of the force (herein referred to as "locking force") applied when and during the connection between the plug connector 200 and the receptacle connector 100. Specifically, by configuring the bifurcated first plug locking portion 234 and the plug flat surface 236A to be independent of the substrate 400, the bifurcated first plug locking portion 234 and the first side wall portion 212 retaining the first plug locking portion 234 are easily deformed when the connectors are mated, thereby relieving the force exerted by the first plug locking portion 234 and adjusting the locking force.

[0087] Furthermore, the first and second socket locking portions 154 and 155 of the socket attachment component 150 and the first and second plug locking portions 234 and 235 of the plug attachment component 230 are each configured as curved surfaces that protrude beyond the surfaces of the first and second side walls 112 and 212 and 114 and 214, respectively. This allows the omission of the step of machining the metal components (the socket attachment component 150 and the plug attachment component 230) to form protrusions and recesses during the manufacturing process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the first and second socket locking portions 154 and 155 of the socket attachment component 150 and the first and second plug locking portions 234 and 235 of the plug attachment component 230 are each configured as curved surfaces supported by the side walls, thereby preventing the concentration of force on a single point during connector attachment and detachment, and providing a structure that resists deformation and wear.

[0088] In addition, the structure of dividing the first plug locking portion 234 of the plug attachment component 230 into two parts can also be applied to the first socket locking portion 154 of the socket attachment component 150, that is: the first socket locking portion 154 of the socket attachment component 150 is divided into two parts, and the end of the socket leg 152A connected to the first socket locking portion 154 via the top 153A is not fixed to the substrate 300.

[0089] Figure 12 This is an external view of a mold for insert molding a portion of an additional component to form a housing, the portion being cut out from Figure 8 The dotted line EE shown here is a portion of the additional components included in the socket connector. The mold includes a lower mold 600 for placing the socket additional component 150 and an upper mold 500 for covering the socket additional component 150 placed on the lower mold 600. The state where the socket additional component 150 is placed on the lower mold 600 is shown in FIG. Figure 13 .

[0090] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The lower mold 600 includes, in order from the X2 side to the X1 side in the X-axis direction, a T-shaped support column 602, a bottom support surface 604, a stepped socket leg support column 606, and a connecting portion support surface 608. When the socket attachment component 150 is placed in the lower mold 600, the T-shaped support column 602 supports the T-shaped portion 158 of the socket attachment component 150, the bottom support surface 604 supports the bottom 157 of the socket attachment component 150, and the socket leg support column 606 supports the socket leg 150A of the socket attachment component 150. Furthermore, the connecting portion 151Z of the socket attachment component 150, which connects the mounting portion 151A to the carrier (not shown) before insert molding, extends in the X-axis direction. The connecting portion support surface 608 supports the connecting portion 151Z of the socket attachment component 150.

[0091] In addition, the state where the socket additional component 150 placed on the lower mold 600 is covered with the upper mold 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 14 .exist Figure 14 The cross section obtained by cutting the upper mold 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 15 and Figure 16 In addition to reference Figure 14 In addition, refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The upper mold 500 includes, in order from the X2 side to the X1 side in the X-axis direction, a concave T-shaped abutting surface 502 and a concave top abutting surface 504. The upper mold 500 also includes a bottom fixing wall 505 that separates the T-shaped abutting surface 502 from the top abutting surface 504. The T-shaped abutting surface 502 is in close contact with the surfaces of the T-shaped portion 158 and the fitting portion fixing piece 161 of the socket attachment component 150. The top abutting surface 504 is in close contact with the surfaces of the first socket locking portion 154 and the top portion 153A, which are the protruding portions of the socket attachment component 150. Furthermore, the bottom fixing wall 505 is in close contact with the surfaces of the bottom 157 and the fitting portion fixing piece 161 of the socket attachment component 150.

[0092] A first resin-filled space 601 is defined between the T-portion 158, the T-portion support column 602, and the mating portion fixing piece 161. A second resin-filled space 603 is defined behind the first socket locking portion 154 and the top portion 153A of the socket attachment component 150. During insert molding, an insulating resin, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), flows into the first and second resin-filled spaces 601 and 603, and the resin solidifies, thereby forming the mating protrusion 116 and the first side wall portion 112.

[0093] A non-filled space 503 is provided below (on the Z1 side) the first socket locking portion 154, which is a protruding portion of the socket attachment member 150. The non-filled space 503 is a gap between the first socket fixing portion 156A and the bottom fixing wall 505. During insert molding, the periphery of the non-filled space 503 is in close contact with the inner surface of the upper mold 500 to prevent resin from flowing into the non-filled space 503. The inner surface of the upper mold 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 17 .

[0094] Inside the upper mold 500 , the bottom fixing wall 505 includes a side abutment surface 506 and a shoulder abutment surface 507 on the top abutment surface 504 side ( X1 side). Figure 14 The side view of the state where the socket additional component 150 placed on the lower mold 600 is covered with the upper mold 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 18The side surfaces of the first socket locking portion 154 and the first socket fixing portion 156A are in close contact with the side contact surface 506 and the shoulder contact surface 507 on the inner side of the upper mold 500. This close contact state is shown in FIG. Figure 19 .

[0095] Figure 19 Shown in Figure 18 The cutaway portion H-H shown is a cross-section of the mold and the additional component. The shoulder abutment surface 507 abuts the shoulder 166 with no gap, pressing and securing the socket additional component 150 from the bottom support surface 604 side (Z1 side). The shoulder 166 is formed on the side surface between the first socket locking portion (protruding portion) and the socket fixing portion of the socket additional component 150.

[0096] Figure 20 A portion of the additional component of the housing of the retained receptacle connector is shown after the mold has been removed after insert molding. Insert molding forms the mating protrusion 116 on the inner side of the T-shaped portion 158 and the mating portion fixing piece of the receptacle additional component 150, and the bottom wall 119 is formed on the side and back sides of the bottom 157 of the receptacle additional component 150. Furthermore, insert molding forms the first side wall 112 on the back side of the first receptacle locking portion 154 and the top 153A of the receptacle additional component 150, and forms the peripheral wall 113 on the outer side (X1 side). At least a portion of the shoulder 166, which is pressed and abutted by the shoulder abutment surface 507 of the upper mold 500 toward the lower mold 600 side (Z1 side) in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction) during insert molding, can be seen from the fitting direction (Z-axis direction) after insert molding (after the upper mold 500 is removed) and is exposed from the first side wall portion 112 toward the receiving portion 118.

[0097] The first socket fixing portion 156A of the socket attachment component 150 is retained by being embedded in the first side wall portion 112 of the socket connector 100 on its back and side surfaces. Similarly, the first socket locking portion 154 is retained by being embedded in the first side wall portion 112 on its back and side surfaces. The first socket locking portion 154 is a protrusion that protrudes beyond the first socket fixing portion 156A. The lateral width (width in the Y-axis direction) of the first socket fixing portion 156A is greater than the lateral width (width in the Y-axis direction) of the first socket locking portion 154. The first socket fixing portion 156A is provided with a pair of shoulders 166 between the first socket fixing portion 156A and the first socket locking portion 154. The shoulders 166 are provided on both side surfaces of the first socket fixing portion 156A. The shoulders 166 are shaped so that the width of the first socket fixing portion 156A is greater than the width of the first socket locking portion 154. For example, they are formed in an inclined shape so that the width of the first socket fixing portion 156A is greater. Shoulder 166 is formed on the same surface that is continuous with socket locking side 159A. Figure 20 The first socket locking portion 154 and its surrounding structure shown are the same structure.

[0098] Figure 21 Shown from Figure 20 A portion of the housing after removing the additional components serving as metal fittings. A shoulder contact surface 111 is formed on the first side wall portion 112 to correspond to the shape of the shoulder 166 provided on the side surface between the first socket locking portion 154 (which serves as a protruding portion) and the first socket fixing portion 156A. The shoulder contact surface 111 is in close contact with the surface of the shoulder 166.

[0099] Figures 12 to 21 The embodiment shown is an example of the construction of the first socket locking portion 154 of the socket additional component 150, but is not limited to this. The second socket locking portion 155 of the socket additional component 150, the metal accessories such as the socket terminal 120 can also be similarly constructed to have a shoulder and similarly perform insert molding.

[0100] Figures 12 to 21 In the insert molding manufacturing process shown, the socket attachment component 150, serving as a metal fitting, is first placed on the lower mold 600 using a fixing jig. Next, the lower mold 600, with the attached socket attachment component 150, is covered with the upper mold 500, which is configured to accommodate the socket attachment component 150. This allows the socket attachment component 150 to enter the upper mold 500, with the shoulders 166 of the socket attachment component 150 pressed against the shoulder abutment surfaces 507 of the upper mold 500. Then, insulating resin, which forms the housing, is injected into the space between the lower and upper molds 600. After injection, the resin is cured to form the housing. Finally, the upper and lower molds 500 and 600 are removed, and the socket housing 110, which has been formed by the cured resin and holds the socket attachment component 150, is removed.

[0101] This manufacturing process is not only applicable to the receptacle connector, but also to the plug connector, where a shoulder portion is provided on the plug attachment component and the same insert molding manufacturing process is performed.

[0102] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a plug connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure of the plug connector 200' according to the other embodiment is the same as that of the plug connector 200 according to the above embodiment. The components that are substantially different in shape are the plug terminal 220' and the plug additional component 230'. The plug connector 200 includes a plug housing 210, a plug terminal 220', and a plug additional component 230'. The plug additional component 230' has the same structure as the shoulder 166 of the socket additional component 150. Figure 22 The line II shown shows a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of the plug attachment component 230'. Figure 23 and Figure 24 .

[0103] The plug housing 210 includes a mating recess 216, formed as a space between a pair of first side walls 212 and a pair of second side walls 214. The substrate-side (Z2-side) of the mating recess 216 is blocked by a bottom wall 215. Specifically, the mating recess 216 (receiving portion) is defined by the first and second side walls 212, 214, and bottom wall, and is open toward the mating side (Z1-side) with the mating connector. The plug terminals 220' and the plug attachment components 230' are insert-molded (integrally molded) with the plug housing.

[0104] The basic structure of the plug attachment component 230' is similar to that of the receptacle attachment component 150. The plug attachment component 230', a metal fitting to be insert-molded, includes a plug fixing portion 239 provided on the second side wall 214 of the plug connector 200' and a protrusion 227 similarly provided on the second side wall 214. The lateral width (width in the Y-axis direction) of the plug fixing portion 239 is greater than the lateral width (width in the Y-axis direction) of the protrusion 227. The plug fixing portion 239 has a pair of shoulders 229 between them, and the shoulders 229 are provided on either side of the plug fixing portion 239. The shoulders 229 are shaped to make the width of the plug fixing portion 239 greater than the width of the protrusion 227. For example, they are formed in an inclined shape so that the width of the plug fixing portion 239 increases. The protrusion 227 exposes its side faces 228 from the second side wall 214. Furthermore, a shoulder portion 229 is formed on the bottom wall 215 side (Z2 side) of the protruding portion side surface 228. The protruding portion side surface 228 and the shoulder portion 229 are continuous surfaces. In other words, the shoulders 229 are formed on the same surface that is continuous with the protruding portion side surface 228. Furthermore, the shoulder portion 229 has the same structure as the shoulder portion 166. At least a portion of the shoulder portion 229 is visible from the mating direction (Z-axis direction) and is exposed from the second side wall portion 214 toward the mating recess 216 (receiving portion).

[0105] Figures 22 to 24 The embodiment shown is an example of the construction of the portion of the plug attachment component 230' held by the second side wall portion 214, but is not limited to this. The portion of the plug attachment component 230' held by the first side wall portion 212, the plug terminal 220' and other metal accessories can also be similarly constructed to have a shoulder and similarly perform insert molding.

[0106] Specifically, a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention is manufactured using insert molding by providing a shoulder portion on metal fittings such as terminals and additional components. The shoulder portion is pressed against the upper mold to secure the metal fitting to the lower mold. During insert molding, the shoulder portion functions as a protrusion suitable for supporting the mold, fixture, etc., effectively supporting the metal fitting without gaps and preventing the insulator resin from flowing into unintended areas.

[0107] As described above, in the present invention, each embodiment of the present invention is not independent and can be combined with each other and implemented appropriately.

[0108] The connector of the present invention can be used for applications such as connecting substrates with a flat cable in electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile phones that transmit electrical signals at high speed.

Claims

1. An additional component for a connector, characterized in that: This additional component includes: a fixing portion provided on a side wall of the housing of the connector; a protrusion provided on a side wall of the housing and protruding further from the side wall than the fixing portion; a bottom portion connected to the lower end of the fixing portion; and A fitting portion fixing piece connected to the bottom portion at a position different from the fixing portion and arranged on a side surface of the fitting protrusion of the connector. The width of the fixing portion is greater than the width of the protruding portion, The fixing portion has a pair of shoulders on both sides of the fixing portion. The shoulder portion is formed in an inclined shape so as to increase the width of the fixing portion and is provided on a side surface between the fixing portion and the protruding portion. The additional component includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion, The protrusion is at least one of the first locking portion and the second locking portion. The first locking portion includes the second locking portion on both sides thereof, the second locking portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first locking portion. The housing has a side wall portion, a bottom wall, and a receiving portion formed by the side wall portion and the bottom wall. The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, The first fixing portion includes a T-shaped portion connected via the bottom portion, The T-shaped portion is connected to the first locking portion via the bottom portion. The bottom portion, the fixing portion, and the fitting portion fixing piece are exposed from the housing and face the receiving portion. The fitting portion fixing piece is located at a position facing the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion respectively via the receiving portion.

2. An additional component for a connector, characterized in that: This additional component includes: a fixing portion embedded in a side wall of the housing of the connector; a protrusion embedded in the side wall of the housing and protruding from the side wall further than the fixing portion; a bottom portion connected to the lower end of the fixing portion; and A fitting portion fixing piece connected to the bottom portion at a position different from the fixing portion and arranged on a side surface of the fitting protrusion of the connector. The width of the fixing portion is greater than the width of the protruding portion, The fixing portion has at least one shoulder on a side of the fixing portion, The shoulder portion is formed in an inclined shape so as to increase the width of the fixing portion and is provided on a side surface between the fixing portion and the protruding portion. The additional component includes a first locking portion, The protruding portion is the first locking portion, The housing has a side wall portion, a bottom wall, and a receiving portion formed by the side wall portion and the bottom wall. The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, The first fixing portion includes a T-shaped portion connected via the bottom portion, The T-shaped portion is connected to the first locking portion via the bottom portion. The bottom portion, the first fixing portion, and the fitting portion fixing piece are exposed from the housing and face the receiving portion. The fitting portion fixing piece is located at a position facing the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion respectively via the receiving portion.

3. A connector, characterized in that: The connector includes: The additional component according to claim 1 or 2; terminals; and case, The housing has a side wall portion, a bottom wall, and a receiving portion formed by the side wall portion and the bottom wall. A portion of the additional component is embedded in the side wall portion, and at least a portion of a side surface of the additional component is exposed from the side wall portion toward the receiving portion.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the shoulder is visible from the mating direction.

5. A socket connector comprising a plurality of socket terminals, a socket attachment component for maintaining a mating state with a mating connector, and a socket housing, wherein: The socket housing includes a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion, The socket attachment component includes: a first socket fixing portion, which is provided on the first side wall portion; a first socket locking portion, which is provided on the first side wall portion and protrudes from the first side wall portion more than the first socket fixing portion; a second socket fixing portion, which is provided on the second side wall portion; and a second socket locking portion, which is provided on the second side wall portion and protrudes from the second side wall portion more than the second socket fixing portion. The width of the first socket fixing portion is greater than the width of the first socket locking portion. The width of the second socket fixing portion is greater than the width of the second socket locking portion. The first socket fixing portion has a pair of shoulders formed in an inclined shape on both side surfaces between the first socket fixing portion and the first socket locking portion so as to increase the width of the first socket fixing portion. The second socket fixing portion has a pair of shoulders formed in an inclined shape on both side surfaces between the second socket fixing portion and the second socket locking portion so as to increase the width of the second socket fixing portion. The socket additional component includes the second socket locking portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first socket locking portion on both sides of the first socket locking portion. The first socket fixing portion includes a bottom portion connected to the lower end of the first socket fixing portion and a T-shaped portion connected via the bottom portion. The socket housing has a bottom wall and a receiving portion formed by the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion and the bottom wall, and includes a fitting portion fixing piece, which is connected to the bottom at a position different from the first socket fixing portion and is arranged on the side of the fitting protrusion of the socket connector. The T-shaped portion is connected to the first socket locking portion via the bottom portion. The bottom portion, the first socket fixing portion, and the fitting portion fixing piece are exposed from the socket housing and face the receiving portion. The fitting portion fixing piece is located at a position facing the first socket fixing portion and the second socket fixing portion via the receiving portion.

6. A connector manufacturing method, which is a connector manufacturing method for manufacturing the connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: placing the additional component and the terminal on the lower mold using a fixing fixture; The lower mold on which the additional component and the terminal are placed is covered with an upper mold configured to accommodate the additional component and the terminal therein, so that the additional component and the terminal enter the interior of the upper mold, and the shoulder portions of the additional component are pressed by the upper mold respectively; injecting an insulating resin for forming a housing into a space between the lower mold and the upper mold; curing the resin; as well as The upper mold and the lower mold are removed, and the housing that holds the additional component and the terminal and is formed by curing the resin is taken out.

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