Connector terminals, connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a terminal and connector that achieve miniaturization by eliminating or reducing the gap between the terminal and the housing. The connector terminal (150) includes: a mounting portion (305) having at least a plane in the width and depth directions; a retaining portion (310) continuous with the mounting portion (305) and having an inverted U-shape in the height direction and a length in the width direction; a base portion (320) continuous with the retaining portion (310) via a transition portion and having at least a plane in the width and depth directions; and an elastic arm portion (325) continuous with the base portion (320) via an upright transition portion (326) and extending in the height direction and having a length in the width direction, and also having a portion that contacts the terminal (105) of the target connector, wherein the length of the upright portion (325-2) in the width direction of the terminal (150) is approximately the largest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to terminals for connectors and connectors. Background Technology

[0002] In small electronic devices such as wireless headphones, smart glass and other wearable devices, laptops, smartphones, tablets and other portable devices, there is a continuous demand for miniaturization of the components used in these devices. Connectors, which are part of these components, also require further miniaturization.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-069133) discloses a connector that achieves miniaturization. Particularly showing the connector housing from above, Figure 8, which enlarges the terminal receiving portion within the housing, shows a housing 20 of a connector 10 in which multiple terminal receiving portions 290 arranged along the Y direction are formed in two rows in the X direction. The housing 20 is provided with terminal receiving portions 290, which are covered by three walls: two partition walls 284 having planes orthogonal to the Y and -Y directions, and an intermediate wall (opposing wall 280) having a plane orthogonal to the X or -X direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, which illustrates the connector from above, there is a gap between the terminal 30 and the two partition walls 284 in each terminal receiving portion 290.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-069133

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, since there is a gap between the terminal and the housing, the size of the connector increases in a specified direction (Y direction in Figure 8 of Patent Document 1) due to the gap, thus allowing for miniaturization of the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a terminal and connector that achieves miniaturization by eliminating or reducing the gap between the terminal and the housing.

[0007] The connector terminal of an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a mounting portion having at least a plane in a first axial direction (i.e., the width direction) and a second axial direction (i.e., the depth direction); a retaining portion continuous with the mounting portion and having an inverted U-shape in a third axial direction (i.e., the height direction) and a length in the width direction; a base portion continuous with the retaining portion via a transition portion and having at least a plane in the width direction and the depth direction; and an elastic arm portion continuous with the base portion via an upright transition portion and having an upright portion extending in the height direction and a length in the width direction, and also having a portion that contacts a terminal of a target connector, wherein the length of the upright portion in the width direction is approximately the largest among the lengths of the terminal in the width direction.

[0008] In the connector terminal of the embodiment of the present application invention, the length of the upright portion in the width direction is the same as a portion of the length of the portion of the terminal other than the upright portion in the width direction.

[0009] A connector that utilizes connector terminals according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] The connector according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of terminals; and a housing holding the plurality of terminals in a first axial direction, i.e., the width direction. The plurality of terminals comprises: a mounting portion having at least a planar surface in the width direction and the second axial direction, i.e., the depth direction; a holding portion continuous with the mounting portion and having an inverted U-shape in a third axial direction, i.e., the height direction, and having a length in the width direction; a base continuous with the holding portion via a transition portion and having at least a planar surface in the width direction and the depth direction; and an elastic arm portion continuous with the base via an upright transition portion and having an upright portion extending along the height direction, and having a length in the width direction. The housing has a length and a portion that contacts the terminal of the target connector. The housing has a terminal receiving portion that accommodates at least a portion of the terminal. The terminal receiving portion has a resilient arm receiving portion. The resilient arm receiving portion has: a first protruding sidewall parallel to the plane in the height direction and the depth direction; a second protruding sidewall facing the first protruding sidewall; and a protruding end wall connected to the first protruding sidewall and the second protruding sidewall and parallel to the plane in the height direction and the width direction. Before the connector is fitted with other connectors, at least a portion of the resilient arm is in close contact with at least one of the first protruding sidewall and the second protruding sidewall.

[0011] In the connector of the embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the elastic arm is not in close contact with at least one of the first protrusion sidewall and the second protrusion sidewall during engagement after the connector is engaged with other connectors.

[0012] In the connector of the embodiments of the present invention, the housing can have a bottom retaining portion that retains the base and the upright transition portion.

[0013] In the connector of the embodiments of the present invention, the housing may further include: a protrusion that forms the resilient arm receiving portion; and a wall that holds the held portion by a portion, wherein the terminal receiving portion and the resilient arm receiving portion are disposed between the protrusion and the wall.

[0014] In the connector of the embodiment of the present invention, the length of the upright portion in the width direction can be made approximately the largest among the lengths of the terminals in the width direction. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector assembly with a plug on the top and a socket on the bottom.

[0016] Figure 2a Indicates in Figure 1 The upper surface of the socket as viewed from the side where it is fitted with the plug in the configuration.

[0017] Figure 2b Indicates in Figure 1 The opposite side of the upper surface of the socket in the configuration, that is, the back side.

[0018] Figure 3a Indicates in Figure 1 The socket on the first side wall is viewed in the -Y direction in the configuration.

[0019] Figure 3b It is used in Figure 3a The cross-sectional view shown in the figure, along the line connecting the letter "A", indicates that from Figure 3a The socket is viewed in the direction of the arrow shown.

[0020] Figure 4a This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0021] Figure 4b This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0022] Figure 4c This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0023] Figure 4d This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0024] Figure 4e This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0025] Figure 4f This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0026] Figure 4g This refers to the terminal as viewed from a specified angle.

[0027] Figure 5a Indicates in Figure 2a The terminal portion of the socket viewed from above in the configuration.

[0028] Figure 5b The terminals shown are for use in Figure 5a The cross-sectional view shown in the image, along the line connecting the letter "B", indicates that from... Figure 5a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0029] Figure 6a This diagram illustrates the extraction of the terminal and the housing surrounding the terminal.

[0030] Figure 6b These are terminals and housings, used in... Figure 6a The cross-sectional view shown in the image, along the line connecting the letters "C", indicates that from... Figure 6a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0031] Figure 6c Indicates from Figure 6b The state of the terminals and housing after the terminals have been removed.

[0032] Figure 7a It is a three-dimensional view of the connector, showing the extracted terminals and the housing surrounding the terminals.

[0033] Figure 7b Indicates from Figure 7a The state after the terminals and housing have been removed.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 100…Connector assembly; 105…Plug; 110…Housing; 115…Terminal; 150…Socket; 155…Housing; 160…Terminal; 165…Receiving part; 166…Protrusion; 167…First sidewall; 167-1…Outer sidewall; 167-2…Inner sidewall; 168…Second sidewall; 169…First endwall; 170…Second endwall; 171…Reinforcing metal part; 172…Bottom wall; 305…Mounting part; 310…Retained part; 310-1…Outer retained part; 310-2…Bent retained part; 310-3…Inner… Side retaining part; 310-4…step part; 315…base transition part; 320…base; 321…bottom retaining part; 325…elastic arm part; 325-1…contact part; 325-2…upright part; 326…upright transition part; 330…terminal receiving part; 330-1…elastic arm receiving part; 405…shoulder part; 415…shoulder part; 425…shoulder part; 450…bottom surface of upright transition part; 460…side surface of upright transition part; 465…side surface of upright part; 505…side wall of first protrusion; 510…end wall of protrusion; 515…side wall of second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0036] summary

[0037] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a connector assembly 100 with a plug 105 positioned on the upper side and a socket 150 positioned on the lower side. The connector assembly 100 includes a plug 105 and a socket 150. The plug 105 includes a housing 110 and terminals 115. The socket 150 includes a housing 155 and terminals 160. The surfaces of the terminals 115 of the plug 105 (the portion of terminal 115 in the upper surface 120 of the plug 105) and the surfaces of the terminals 160 of the socket 150 (the portion of terminal 160 in the lower surface 180 of the socket 150) are mounting portions. The mounting portions are connected to a circuit board (not shown) by soldering or the like. Typically, after the terminals are connected to the circuit board by soldering or the like, the socket 150 is engaged with the target connector, i.e., the plug 105. Furthermore, Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z directions shown in the figures below indicate the directions of the corresponding axes. As needed, the X, Y, and Z directions are also referred to as the width direction, depth direction, and height direction, respectively.

[0038] The dimensions of a typical socket vary depending on the number of terminals, but are generally around 5mm in width, less than 2mm in depth, and less than 1mm in height. More preferably, they are approximately 4mm in width, approximately 1.2mm in depth, and approximately 1 to 0.4mm in height. Furthermore, the distance (spacing) between the multiple terminals 160 arranged along the width direction is 0.2 to 0.4mm, preferably around 0.3mm.

[0039] The housing 155 of the socket 150 has a receiving portion 165 and a protrusion 166. When the plug 105 is engaged with the socket 150, the receiving portion 165 receives at least a portion of the housing 110 of the plug and at least a portion of the terminal 115 of the plug, and at least a portion of the protrusion 166 is received within the housing 110. Through engagement, the terminal 115 of the plug 105 is connected to the terminal 160 of the socket 150. Furthermore, the terminal 115 of the plug 105 can be formed in a convex shape for insertion into the terminal 160 of the socket 150.

[0040] The protrusion 166 protrudes in the Z direction (height direction), has a thickness in the Y direction (depth direction) at its middle portion, and extends in the X direction (width direction). The protrusion 166 has a resilient arm receiving portion 330-1 for separating the terminals 160 of the socket 150 in the X and Y directions respectively. Furthermore, the terminal receiving portion 330 receives the resilient arm 325 (described later) in the resilient arm receiving portion 330-1, and at least receives the base 320 and the resilient arm 325 (described later) in the portion other than the resilient arm receiving portion 330-1. The housing 155 of the socket 150 may also have a through portion in the terminal receiving portion 330 instead of a bottom portion. During integral molding, a metal member for fixing the terminals 160 can be provided in the terminal receiving portion 330 via the through portion. Additionally, the protrusion 166 of the socket 150 can also be used to engage with the plug 105. In this case, the housing 110 of the plug 105 is formed to correspond to the protrusion 166 of the socket 150.

[0041] The receiving portion 165 is surrounded by a first sidewall 167 extending along the X direction of the housing, a second sidewall 168 extending parallel to the first sidewall 167, a first endwall 169 continuous in the X direction with the first sidewall 167 and the second sidewall 168, and a second endwall 170 continuous in the -X direction with the first sidewall 167 and the second sidewall 168 and extending parallel to the first endwall 169. In the socket 150, the receiving portion 165 is surrounded by the inner walls of the first sidewall 167, the second sidewall 168, the first endwall 169 and the second endwall 170, a protrusion 166 extending parallel to the aforementioned walls, and a bottom wall 172 (see reference). Figure 2a The plug 105 has a groove shape. The plug 105 can be shaped into a protruding shape to correspond to the groove shape. The shapes of the plug 105 and the socket 150 allow the plug 105 to fit into the socket 150.

[0042] The socket 150 may also have reinforcing metal parts 171 at its ends in the X and -X directions. The strength of the socket 150 can be improved by reinforcing metal parts 171.

[0043] Figure 2a Indicates in Figure 1 The upper surface of the socket 150 as viewed from the side fitted with the plug 105 in the configuration. Figure 2b Indicates in Figure 1 The opposite side of the upper surface of the socket 150, i.e., the back side, in the configuration. The socket 150, as shown with 160-n, has 14 terminals from 160-1 to 160-14.

[0044] Figure 3a Indicates in Figure 1 In the configuration, the socket 150 of the first sidewall 167 is viewed in the -Y direction. It can be seen that terminals 160-1 to 160-7 are arranged on the first sidewall 167. Figure 3b It is used in Figure 3a The cross-sectional view shown in the figure, along the line connecting the letter "A", indicates that from Figure 3a The arrow shown indicates the direction of view of socket 150.

[0045] exist Figure 3b The cross-sections of terminals 160-3 and 160-10 are shown in the diagram. Terminals other than terminals 160-3 and 160-10 can also be configured with the same or similar structures as terminals 160-3 and 160-10. Figure 1 The terminals 160 and terminal housings 330 arranged in two rows on the Y-axis are shown in the diagram, as per [reference to...]. Figure 1 As can be understood from Figures 2 and 3, the terminals 160 can also be formed symmetrically along the Y-axis centerline of the housing 155. Referring to Figure 3, the terminal 160 has a mounting portion 305, a retaining portion 310, a base transition portion 315, a base 320, an upright transition portion 326, and a flexible arm portion 325. (Refer to...) Figure 2a The terminal receiving portion 330 receives the elastic arm 325 within the elastic arm receiving portion 330-1, and at least the base 320 (surface) and the elastic arm 325 are received in the portion other than the elastic arm receiving portion 330-1. (Refer to...) Figure 2b Each terminal housing 330 has a base 320 (back side). Each terminal 160 is made of a series of conductive materials. Typically, the terminal 160 can be formed as a metal plate. For example, the terminal 160 is manufactured by cutting and stamping from the metal plate.

[0046] The mounting portion 305 is connected to the substrate circuit, etc., by soldering or the like. The mounting portions 305 of terminals 160-3 and 160-10 extend from the side of the substrate circuit in the -Y and Y directions, respectively; that is, they extend from the open end of the mounting portion 305 toward the portion connected to the held portion 310, toward the inside of the socket 150. Moreover, the mounting portion 305 is continuous with the held portion 310.

[0047] The retaining portion 310 is an inverted U-shaped portion that curves in the Z-direction. In the portion continuous with the mounting portion 305, it has an outer retaining portion 310-1 extending in the Z-direction. The retaining portion 310 has a curved retaining portion 310-2 that continues from the mounting portion 305 via the outer retaining portion 310-1 and corresponds to the bottom portion of the U-shape. The curved retaining portions 310-2 of terminals 160-3 and 160-10 extend in the -Y and Y directions, respectively. Furthermore, the curved retaining portion 310-2 is continuous with the inner retaining portion 310-3. The inner retaining portion 310-3 extends in the -Z direction and is continuous with the base transition portion 315. Due to the curvature of the curved retaining portion 310-2, the outer retaining portion 310-1 and the inner retaining portion 310-3 face each other approximately in the Z-direction (on the XY plane). The extension direction of the terminal is changed by the base transition portion 315, such that the inner side holding portion 310-3 extends in the Z-axis and extends in the Y-axis. The base transition portion 315 is continuous with the base 320 disposed in the XY plane. The base 320 is continuous with the elastic arm portion 325 via the upright transition portion 326, and the elastic arm portion 325 extends in the Z direction.

[0048] The held portion 310 is held in a state embedded in the housing 155 by a first sidewall 167 or a second sidewall 168. The first sidewall 167 or the second sidewall 168 has outer sidewalls 167-1 and 168-1 and inner sidewalls 167-2 and 168-2, respectively. The outer held portion 310-1 is held in the housing 155 by being tightly attached to the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall in the XZ plane, and the inner held portion 310-3 is also held in the housing 155 by being tightly attached to the inner sidewall in the XZ plane. The curved held portion 310-2 and part or all of the base transition portion 315 are three-dimensionally tightly attached to the inner sidewall by their curved shape, thereby being held in the housing 155. Therefore, the terminal 160 is held in the housing 155 by part or all of the held portion 310 and the base transition portion 315 being tightly attached to the outer sidewall and / or the inner sidewall.

[0049] like Figure 3bAs shown, the inner retaining portion 310-3 of the retaining portion 310 can also be formed such that after the stepped portion 310-4 bends outward toward the housing 155 (in the Y or -Y direction for terminals 160-3 and 160-10, respectively), it extends along the Z-axis. Due to the shape of the retaining portion 310, the length along the Y-axis of the inner sidewalls 167-2 and 168-2 of the housing 155 that the bent retaining portion 310-2 contacts becomes longer than the length along the Y-axis between the surface of the outer retaining portion 310-1 contacting the inner sidewall and the surface of the inner retaining portion 310-3 contacting the inner sidewall, thereby further preventing the terminal 160 from detaching from the housing 155. In other embodiments, the inner retaining portion 310-3 can also be formed so that it does not bend along the Y-axis but extends linearly along the Z-axis. In other embodiments, the inner retaining portion 310-3 of the retaining portion 310 may also be formed such that it bends toward the inside of the housing 155 (or in the Y or -Y direction for terminals 160-3 and 160-10, respectively) and then extends along the Z-axis.

[0050] The length of the base 320 on the Y-axis can correspond to the length of the terminal 115 of the plug 105 on the Y-axis. Although depending on the connector configuration, the length of the base 320 on the Y-axis can be the same as, slightly shorter than, or slightly longer than the length of the terminal 115 of the plug 105 on the Y-axis. Based on the relationship between the length of the base 320 on the Y-axis and the length of the terminal 115 of the plug 105 on the Y-axis, space in the Z-direction with the XY plane formed by the base 320 as its base is ensured in the terminal receiving portion 330, so that the terminal 160 of the socket 150 can accommodate the terminal 115 of the plug 105. The base 320 may or may not contact the terminal 115 of the plug 105. By engaging the plug 105 with the socket 150, at least one of the contact portion 325-1 of the bent retaining portion 310-2, the base 320, and the elastic arm portion 325 (described later) comes into contact with a portion of the terminal 115 of the plug 105, thereby electrically connecting the plug 105 with the socket 150.

[0051] The flexible arm portion 325 is continuous with the base 320 via an upright transition portion 326 (the portion transitioning from the base 320 to the upright portion 325-2 that is upright in the Z direction) that transitions the direction in which the terminal extends from the Y-axis to the Z-axis direction. The upright transition portion 326 contacts the bottom retaining portion 321, which is part of the protrusion 166. Figure 7b The bottom retaining portion 321 is also shown in the diagram. The bottom retaining portion 321 of the housing 155 holds the base portion 320 in the XY plane at the bottom, and further holds the elastic arm portion 325 in the XZ plane at the upright transition portion 326 (see also). Figure 7bTerminal 160 is held near the resilient arm 325 not only in the Z-axis direction but also in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the connectors are mated together, the displacement of the resilient arm 325 near the base 320 is controlled not only in the Z-axis direction but also in the Y-axis direction. This allows for more appropriate control of the elastic force (contact force in the plug-mating state) of the resilient arm 325 acting in the Y-axis direction. In other embodiments, the bottom retaining portion 321 may only retain the base 320. In this case, the bottom retaining portion 321 holds the base 320 in the XY plane (Z-axis direction) at the bottom. In other embodiments, the bottom retaining portion 321 may only retain the upright transition portion 326.

[0052] Furthermore, on the side opposite to the contact portion 325-1 that contacts the terminal 115 of the plug, the protrusion 166 has a portion of a terminal receiving portion 330 with a space, namely a resilient arm receiving portion 330-1. Through this space, the resilient arm 325 can be displaced in the Y-axis direction. Figure 2a In this configuration, since the resilient arm receiving portion 330-1 has space along the centerline of the Y-axis of the protrusion 166, it can be understood that the resilient arm 325 is capable of displacement in the Y-axis direction. The resilient arm 325 is fixed near the base 320 by the shape of the protrusion 166 and is capable of displacement near the open end of the terminal 160 (the portion into which the plug terminal 115 is inserted). Therefore, if the plug terminal 115 is inserted into the terminal 160 and force is applied in the Y-axis direction, the resilient arm 325 expands inward toward the housing 155 (towards the centerline of the Y-axis of the protrusion 166), generating a spring force on the plug terminal 115. Through this spring force, at least one of the resilient arm 325 and the retaining portion 310 clamps the plug terminal 115, providing an electrical connection to the socket terminal 160 and the plug terminal 115.

[0053] like Figure 3b As shown, the resilient arm 325 may also have a contact portion 325-1 that protrudes outward from the housing 155 (in the Y or -Y direction for terminals 160-3 and 160-10, respectively). Due to the shape of the contact portion 325-1, the length in the Y-axis from the contact portion 325-1 to the inner retaining portion 310-3 becomes shorter than the length in the Y-axis of the plug terminal 115, thus ensuring a more secure and tighter contact between the socket terminal 160 and the plug terminal 115. In other embodiments, the resilient arm 325 may not protrude in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] When the plug 105 and socket 150 are not engaged, the length of the contact portion 325-1 and the open end (the part for the plug terminal 115 to be inserted) formed by the bent retaining portion 310-2 at the height of the protruding portion of the contact portion 325-1 on the Z-axis can be the same as or shorter than the length of the plug terminal 115 on the Y-axis. By controlling the relationship between the length of the open end formed by the bent retaining portion 310-2 on the Y-axis and the length of the plug terminal 115 on the Y-axis, the contact between the plug 105 and the terminals of the socket 150 can be made more reliable.

[0055] like Figure 2b As shown, at least a portion of the base 320 is not covered by the housing 155. The socket of the present invention is manufactured by integral molding (insert molding) using conductive components forming terminals and insulating components (e.g., resin) forming the body (housing). In integral molding, after the terminals, etc., are placed in a metal mold, a high-temperature liquid resin is flowed into the metal mold, thereby molding the socket. Therefore, the portion of the metal mold that contacts the terminals is not covered by the resin forming the body of the socket. In this embodiment, the portion of the mounting portion 305 and / or the terminal 160 mounted on the substrate circuit that is exposed on the bottom surface of the socket (part or all of the base 320) is the portion that contacts the metal mold.

[0056] As can be understood from the above description, the flexible arm 325 bends due to the reception of the plug terminal 115. Furthermore, the connector assembly is repeatedly engaged. Therefore, the terminal 160 used in small electronic devices requires strength. From its construction, it can be understood that the terminal 160 has a width direction ( Figure 1 The longer the length (in the X-axis direction of section 3), the higher the strength. Therefore, by making the width direction of the most stressed part of the elastic arm 325 the longest, the strength of the terminal 160 can be increased. Furthermore, by making the overall width direction length of the terminal 160 shorter, slightly longer, or the same as the width direction length of the elastic arm 325, miniaturization of the terminal 160 in the width direction can be achieved. Moreover, when multiple such terminals 160 are arranged along the width direction in the connector, the terminals 160 also contribute to the miniaturization of the connector itself.

[0057] [Example 1]

[0058] Terminals for connectors

[0059] Figures 4a to 4g This refers to terminal 160 as viewed from various angles. In terminal 160, the elastic arm portion 325 has a shoulder 405 whose length in the width direction decreases from the upright portion 325-2 to the contact portion 325-1. Figure 4dBy utilizing the shoulder 405 of the elastic arm 325, the width dimension of the contact portion 325-1 can be miniaturized. This miniaturization of the contact portion 325-1 concentrates the force generated by the elasticity into a small area of ​​the contact portion 325-1, allowing proper contact between the contact portion 325-1 and the terminal 115 of the plug. As shown in FIG4, the shoulder 405 can also be formed in a tapered (or conical) shape, gradually shortening in width. In other embodiments, the shoulder 405 can also be formed as a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base 320. The continuous portion (410) of the mounting portion 305 and the retained portion 310, as well as the connecting portions (415, 425) of the curved retained portion 310-2 and the continuous outer retained portion 310-1 and inner retained portion 310-3, are also formed as shoulders with the same shape as the shoulder 405. In other embodiments, the shoulders 405, 415, and 425 may be omitted. That is, the length of the entire terminal 160 in the width direction is the same.

[0060] from Figure 3b As can be understood from Figure 4, the length of the terminal in the width direction is maximized because the upright portion 325-2 of the elastic arm 325 is subjected to force. Furthermore, it is known that part or all of the other parts of the terminal 160 (mounting portion 305, held portion 310, base transition portion 315, base 320, upright transition portion 326) have the same length in the width direction as the length of the upright portion 325-2. By maximizing the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction, the overall length of the terminal 160 in the width direction can be reduced while increasing the strength of the terminal 160. In other embodiments, the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction of the terminal 160 may also be slightly shorter than the length of the other parts of the terminal 160 in the width direction. In other embodiments, the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction of the terminal 160 may also be the largest in the width direction of the terminal 160 (in other words, the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction of the terminal 160 is the same as, or longer than, the length of the portion other than the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction). Therefore, the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction of the terminal 160 can be set to be approximately the largest. Here, approximately the largest means that even ignoring manufacturing errors, the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction is larger than, or the same as, the length of the portion other than the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction.

[0061] [Example 2]

[0062] Connector with terminals installed

[0063] Figure 5a Indicates in Figure 2aThe portion of terminals 160-13 in the socket 150 viewed from above in the configuration. Figure 5b Terminal 160-13 is shown and is used in Figure 5a The cross-sectional view shown on the line connecting the letter "B" indicates that from Figure 5a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows.

[0064] like Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 3b As shown, the protrusion 166 of the housing 155 has a resilient arm receiving portion 330-1. The resilient arm 325 can move primarily along the Y-axis via the resilient arm receiving portion 330-1. The resilient arm receiving portion 330-1 is formed by the housing component and is blocked by a first protrusion sidewall 505, a protrusion endwall 510, and a second protrusion sidewall 515, which are part of the housing 155. The XY plane in the Z direction and the XZ plane in the mounting portion 305 direction in the Y-axis are not blocked. The first protrusion sidewall 505, the protrusion endwall 510, and the second protrusion sidewall 515 respectively prevent short circuits with adjacent terminals. Specifically, regarding terminal 160-13, the first protrusion sidewall 505, the protrusion endwall 510, and the second protrusion sidewall 515 respectively prevent short circuits with terminals 160-12, 160-6, and 160-14.

[0065] from Figure 5b It is understood that the length of the upright portion 325-2 of terminal 160-13 in the width direction (X-axis direction) can be the same as or slightly shorter than the length in the width direction from the plane of the inner side of the first protrusion sidewall 505 (terminal 160-13 side) to the plane of the inner side of the second protrusion sidewall 515 (terminal 160-13 side). By considering the relationship between the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction and the length in the width direction formed by the first protrusion sidewall 505 and the second protrusion sidewall 515, the space between terminal 160 and the two sidewalls can be reduced, thereby reducing the length in the width direction of housing 155. In addition, the length in the width direction of the upright portion 325-2 can be approximately the same as the length in the width direction of the base 320. Here, approximately the same means the same considering manufacturing tolerances, etc. In other embodiments, the length in the width direction of the upright portion 325-2 can also be slightly shorter or slightly longer than the length in the width direction of the base 320.

[0066] In other embodiments, the length in the width direction of part or all of the portion of the elastic arm 325 other than the upright portion 325-2 may also be the same as the length in the width direction of the upright portion 325-2. The first protruding sidewall 505 side portion and the second protruding sidewall 515 side portion of the upright portion 325-2 may also contact the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515, respectively. For example, when resin flows into a metal mold through integral molding, the upright portion 325-2 may also be in close contact with at least one of the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515.

[0067] Figure 6a It refers to the extraction terminals 160-13 and the housing 155 surrounding the terminals 160. Figure 6b Terminal 160-13 and housing 155 are used in Figure 6a The cross-sectional view shown in the image, along the line connecting the letters "C", indicates that from... Figure 6a The diagram shows the direction of the arrows. Figure 6c Indicates from Figure 6b The state of terminal 160-13 and housing 155 after removing terminal 160-13. Figure 6b In the middle, the side portion of the second protrusion sidewall 515 of the upright portion 325-2 contacts the sidewall 515 of the second protrusion. Figure 6c As can be seen, if resin is injected into the metal mold through integral molding, the resin flows into the gap (part 605) between the upright part 325-2 and the side wall 515 of the second protrusion. (See also part 605) Figure 7b The resin flows in, causing the portion of the upright portion 325-2 to contact the side wall 515 of the second protrusion. In this embodiment, since the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is slightly shorter than the length in the width direction from the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the first protrusion side wall 505 to the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the second protrusion side wall 515, the resin flows into the gap. In other embodiments, the resin may also flow into the gap in the portion of the first protrusion side wall 505 or only in the portion of the first protrusion side wall 505. In other embodiments, when the length of the upright portion 325-2 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is the same as the length in the width direction from the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the first protrusion sidewall 505 to the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the second protrusion sidewall 515, the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the first protrusion sidewall 505 and the plane of the inner side (terminal side) of the second protrusion sidewall 515 are coplanar.

[0068] Even when the upright portion 325-2 is in close contact with the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515, the upright portion 325-2 can also detach from the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515 after the plug 105 is engaged with the socket 150 once. That is, if the plug 105 is pulled out of the socket 150, the upright portion 325-2 can become not in close contact with the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515, but in contact with the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515, or not in contact but facing the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515. For example, when the plug 105 is unplugged from the socket 150, i.e., when the plug 105 is not engaged with the socket 150, at least a portion of the upright portion 325-2 is no longer in close contact with the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515, i.e., it is in contact with or facing the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515. Furthermore, after the plug 105 is unplugged from the socket 150, and then the plug 105 is engaged again in the socket 150, during the period when they are engaged, i.e., when the plug 105 is engaged with the socket 150, the upright portion 325-2 is no longer in close contact with the first protruding sidewall 505 and the second protruding sidewall 515.

[0069] Figure 7a This is a perspective view of the connector, showing the extraction of terminals 160-6 and 160-13, and the housing 155 surrounding terminal 160. Figure 7b Indicates from Figure 7a The terminal 160 has been removed from the state of the terminal 160 and the housing 155. Figure 7a and Figure 7b also with Figure 6a , 6b Similarly, 6c indicates that the upright portion 325-2 is in close contact with, or facing the housing 155. From Figure 7a It is understood that the contact portion 325-1 of terminal 160-6 is displaced in the -Y direction if it accommodates the terminal 115 of the plug, and further, it is displaced in the Y direction if the plug 105 is removed from the socket 150. Therefore, if terminal 160 accommodates the terminal 115 of the plug, the contact portion 325-1 is displaced on the Y-axis, thereby displacing the upright portion 325-2 on the Y-axis as well. Due to the displacement of the upright portion 325-2, a portion of the upright portion 325-2 in terminal 160-6 becomes no longer in close contact (605 portion) with the first protrusion sidewall 505 and / or the second protrusion sidewall 515. In other embodiments, only one of the first protrusion sidewall 505 and the second protrusion sidewall 515 may have resin 605 flowing from the sidewall toward the terminal 160 side.

[0070] exist Figure 7b The bottom retaining portion 321 of the housing 155 is shown in the diagram. See also... Figure 7aIt is understood that the bottom retaining portion 321 retains the base portion 320 and / or the upright transition portion 326. If the base portion 320 is retained, when the socket 150 receives the plug 105, the bottom retaining portion 321 controls the terminal 160 to move in the Z-axis direction. If the upright transition portion 326 is retained, when the socket 150 receives the plug 105, although the contact portion 325-1 moves in the Y-axis direction, the bottom retaining portion 321 controls a portion of the upright portion 325-2 (the portion close to the upright transition portion 326) to move in both the Z-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0071] Reference Figures 4a to 4f The portion of the upright transition portion 326 that is in close contact with or facing the bottom retaining portion 321 of the housing 155, and the portion of the upright transition portion 326 and the upright portion 325-2 that are in close contact with or facing the first protruding sidewall 505 or the second protruding sidewall 515 of the housing 155 will be further described.

[0072] The upright transition portion 326 is located between the base portion 320 and the upright portion 325-2. The portion of the upright transition portion 326 that is in close contact with or faces the bottom retaining portion 321 is indicated by the bottom surface 450 of the upright transition portion, which is represented by a diagonal line. The portions of the upright transition portion 326 and the upright portion 325-2 that are in close contact with or face the side wall 505 of the first protrusion or the side wall 515 of the second protrusion are respectively indicated by the side surface 460 of the upright transition portion and the side surface 465 of the upright portion.

[0073] from Figure 4f It can be understood that the boundary between the upright transition portion 326 and the base portion 320 is formed by extending the YZ plane of the inner wall of the upright portion 325-2 (the wall on the side of the receiving plug) along the -Z direction to the bottom surface of the base portion 320, thereby creating a boundary between the upright transition portion 326 and the base portion 320 inside the terminal 160; in addition, the boundary between the upright transition portion 326 and the upright portion 325-2 is formed by extending the XY plane of the inner wall of the base portion 320 (the wall on the side of the receiving plug) along the Y-axis direction (for example, in the case of terminals 160-3 and 160-10, corresponding to the -Y direction and the Y direction respectively) to the outer wall of the upright portion 325-2 (the wall opposite to the wall on the side of the receiving plug), thereby creating a boundary between the upright transition portion 326 and the upright portion 325-2 inside the terminal 160.

[0074] The portion of the upright transition section 326 that is in close contact with the bottom retaining portion 321 of the housing 155, i.e., the bottom surface 450 of the upright transition section, includes: an XY plane parallel to the bottom surface of the housing 155, an XZ plane parallel to the first protrusion sidewall 505 and the second protrusion sidewall 515, and a curved surface that makes the XY plane and the XZ plane continuous. Therefore, since the bottom surface 450 of the upright transition section is in close contact with the bottom retaining portion 321, at least one of the upright transition section 326 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is retained by the bottom retaining portion 321.

[0075] The upright transition side 460 and the upright side 465 are portions that are in close contact with or face the first protruding sidewall 505 or the second protruding sidewall 515 of the housing 155. In one embodiment, when there is a gap between the first protruding sidewall 505 or the second protruding sidewall 515 and at least one of the upright transition side 460 and the upright side 465, resin, which is the material of the housing 155, can flow into the gap (e.g., in...). Figure 7b The image shows the flowing resin 605.

[0076] In other embodiments, the bottom retaining portion 321 may retain only one of the base portion 320 and the upright transition portion 326. In other embodiments, the bottom retaining portion 321 may not only be in close contact with or face the upright transition portion 326, but also retain a portion of the outer wall surface of the upright portion 325-2. The upright portion 325-2 is more securely held to the bottom retaining portion 321 in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] [Variation Example]

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly of the above embodiment has two rows of terminal arrays in which the terminals 115 and 160 on the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the socket 150 are arranged in a group along the long side. However, this is an example, and the terminal array may also be one row or three or more rows.

[0079] Alternatively, in the case where a portion of the terminals in a terminal array configured in one column is designated as the first group of terminals, or in the case where all terminal arrays configured in a specified number of columns are designated as the first group of terminals, the first group of terminals is arranged in the bottom surface of the plug 105 and the socket 150 in a manner oriented toward a specified direction, and the terminals of other groups besides the first group of terminals are arranged in a manner oriented toward a direction other than the specified direction.

[0080] [other]

[0081] The terms "first axis," "second axis," and "third axis" in the claims are equivalent to the "X" axis, "Y" axis, and "Z" axis as described in the specification. Furthermore, the terms "first axis direction," "second axis direction," and "third axis direction" in the claims are, for example, equivalent to the "width direction," "depth direction," and "height direction" as described in the specification.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed by integral molding using insulating components and conductive components forming terminals, but they can also be formed by other methods such as pressing.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the plug 105 and the socket 150 are formed integrally using at least insulating components and conductive components forming terminals. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the plug 105 and the socket 150 may also include other components for integral forming.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and socket 150 are shown to be generally rectangular, but this is just an example, and they could also be other shapes such as generally square or generally triangular. The connector assembly is formed in a shape suitable for an electronic device using the connector assembly.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the socket 150 has terminals 160, but as those skilled in the art will understand, the connector assembly can also be configured such that the plug 105 has terminals 160.

[0086] Regarding the embodiments described above, some or all of the embodiments can be combined to implement a single embodiment.

[0087] The construction and arrangement of the elements in the embodiments described above are merely illustrative. Many modifications can be made to each embodiment by those skilled in the art. For example, changes to the size, dimensions, construction, shape, ratio, parameter values, installation arrangement, material usage, color, orientation, etc., of various elements are one example.

[0088] The embodiments described above are illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. A connector terminal, wherein two or more terminals are provided in a connector housing having at least two protruding sidewalls and a bottom retaining portion along a first axial direction, i.e., the width direction, wherein, The connector terminals include: The mounting portion has at least a plane in the width direction and the second axial direction, i.e., the depth direction; The holding part is continuous with the mounting part and has an inverted U-shape in the third axial direction, i.e., the height direction, and has a length in the width direction. A base, which is continuous with the held portion via a transition portion, and has at least a plane in the width direction and the depth direction; and The flexible arm portion is continuous with the base portion via an upright transition portion that contacts the bottom retaining portion, and has an upright portion extending in the height direction and a length in the width direction, and also has a portion that contacts the terminals of the object connector. Of the lengths in the width direction of the terminal, the length in the width direction of the upright portion is approximately the largest. The elastic arm portion has a shoulder portion located between the upright portion and the contact portion. The shoulder portion makes the length in the width direction of the contact portion smaller than the length in the width direction of the upright portion. At least a portion of the upper surface of the protrusion sidewall forms the same plane as the upper surface of the shoulder portion.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the upright portion in the width direction is the same as a portion of the length of the portion of the terminal other than the upright portion in the width direction.

3. A connector, wherein, The connector terminal as described in claim 1 or 2 is used.

4. A connector, wherein, have: Multiple terminals; and The housing holds the plurality of terminals in the first axial direction, i.e., the width direction, and has a bottom retaining portion. The plurality of terminals have: The mounting portion has at least a plane in the width direction and the second axial direction, i.e., the depth direction; The retaining part is continuous with the mounting part and has an inverted U-shape in the third axial direction, i.e., the height direction, and has a length in the width direction; A base, which is continuous with the held portion via a transition portion, and has at least a plane in the width direction and the depth direction; and The flexible arm portion is continuous with the base portion via an upright transition portion that contacts the bottom retaining portion, and has an upright portion extending in the height direction and a length in the width direction, and also has a portion that contacts the terminals of the object connector. The housing has a terminal receiving portion that accommodates at least a portion of the terminal. The terminal receiving portion has an elastic arm receiving portion, the elastic arm receiving portion having: a first protruding sidewall parallel to the planes in the height direction and the depth direction; a second protruding sidewall facing the first protruding sidewall; and a protruding end wall connected to the first protruding sidewall and the second protruding sidewall, and parallel to the planes in the height direction and the width direction. Before the connector is engaged with other connectors, at least a portion of the resilient arm is in close contact with or against at least one of the first protrusion sidewall and the second protrusion sidewall. The elastic arm has a shoulder positioned between the upright portion and the contact portion, wherein the length of the contact portion in the width direction is less than the length of the upright portion in the width direction, and at least a portion of the upper surface of the protruding sidewall forms the same plane as the upper surface of the shoulder.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, When the connector is engaged with other connectors, at least a portion of the elastic arm is not in close contact with at least one of the first protrusion sidewall and the second protrusion sidewall.

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, When the other connectors are removed from the connector after they have been engaged with the connector, at least a portion of the elastic arm is in contact with or against at least one of the first protrusion sidewall and the second protrusion sidewall.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The housing also includes: The protrusion forms the resilient arm receiving portion; and The wall, which holds the held part by a portion, The terminal receiving portion and the elastic arm receiving portion are disposed between the protrusion and the wall. The terminal receiving portion has a bottom holding portion that holds at least one of the base portion and the upright transition portion.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, Of the lengths of the terminals in the width direction, the length of the upright portion in the width direction is approximately the largest.

9. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, Of the lengths of the terminals in the width direction, the length of the upright portion in the width direction is approximately the largest.

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