Plug connector, socket connector and electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a plug connector with less uneven insertion and extraction force in the arrangement direction of the contacts. The plug connector (10) comprises a signal contact (120S) and a power contact (120P) that are in contact with a socket connector, and a block portion (100) for arranging and holding the signal contact (120S) and the power contact (120P), the block portion (100) having a main body portion (101) and a fitting portion (102), the fitting portion (102) protruding in a direction away from the main body portion (101) and entering into the fitting opening of the socket connector, the plug connector (10) having at least three signal contacts (120S) and at least two power contacts (120P), the signal contacts (120S) and the power contacts (120P) being arranged alternately in a row along the arrangement direction and symmetrically with respect to a line orthogonal to the center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from the fitting direction with the socket connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector, a socket connector and an electric connector having the same. Background Art

[0002] In the past, various electrical connectors were used in electrical and electronic equipment, communication equipment, and the like. The electrical connector is composed of a plug connector mounted on one substrate and a socket connector mounted on the other substrate. By fitting the plug connector and the socket connector, electrical connection between the substrates can be made. Each connector has: a signal contact having a contact portion that contacts the connector on the other side and a connection portion mounted on the substrate; a power contact having the same contact portion and connection portion; and an insulator that holds these contacts (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-12470

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-39129

[0005] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6167997

[0006] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 6662369

[0007] The above-mentioned patent documents disclose structures for improving the reliability of fitting between connectors and structures for achieving miniaturization. However, in recent years, improvement of uneven insertion and extraction force in the arrangement direction of contacts has been sought. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector, a socket connector and an electrical connector with less unevenness in insertion and extraction force in the arrangement direction of contacts.

[0009] (1) The present invention relates to a plug connector that can be freely assembled and detached with an object, namely, a socket connector, and comprises: a signal contact and a power contact, each having a contact portion that contacts the socket connector and a connection portion mounted on a substrate; and a block portion for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact, the block portion having a main body portion and a mating portion, the mating portion protruding in a direction away from the main body portion and entering into a mating opening of the socket connector, the plug connector having at least three signal contacts and at least two power contacts, the signal contacts and the power contacts being arranged to alternately form a row along an arrangement direction and symmetrically about a line orthogonal to a center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from a mating direction with the socket connector.

[0010] (2) It may also be configured such that the main body of the block portion is formed on the substrate side, the engaging portion is formed to protrude in a direction farther away from the substrate than the main body, and when the direction orthogonal to the engaging direction and the arrangement direction is referred to as the width direction, the side of the connecting portion of the signal contact protruding in the width direction and the side of the connecting portion of the power contact protruding in the width direction are staggered in the arrangement direction.

[0011] (3) Fixing members having connection portions attached to the substrate may be provided at both end sides in the arrangement direction, and the connection portions of the fixing members may protrude to both sides in the arrangement direction.

[0012] (4) The present invention relates to a socket connector that can be freely assembled and detached with an object, namely, a plug connector, and comprises: a signal contact and a power contact, each having a contact portion that contacts the plug connector and a connection portion that is mounted on a substrate; and a housing for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact, the housing comprising: a bottom wall; two side walls that protrude in a direction away from the bottom wall and extend along the arrangement direction; and two connecting walls that protrude in a direction away from the bottom wall and connect the two side walls, the bottom wall, the two side walls and the two connecting walls forming an engagement opening into which the engagement portion of the plug connector enters, The socket connector has at least three of the above-mentioned signal contacts and at least two of the above-mentioned power contacts. The above-mentioned signal contacts and the above-mentioned power contacts respectively have at least one bent elastic portion between the above-mentioned contact portion and the above-mentioned connecting portion, and the above-mentioned contact portion, the above-mentioned elastic portion, and the above-mentioned connecting portion are arranged in sequence in the direction in which each portion extends. On the above-mentioned connecting portion side, a retaining portion for being retained by the above-mentioned shell is also provided on a part of the above-mentioned elastic portion. The above-mentioned signal contacts and the above-mentioned power contacts are arranged to alternately form a row along the above-mentioned arrangement direction and to be symmetrical about a line orthogonal to the center position of the above-mentioned arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction with the above-mentioned plug connector.

[0013] (5) It can also be configured that the bottom wall of the housing is formed to be roughly parallel to the substrate, the two side walls and the two connecting walls are formed to protrude in a direction farther away from the substrate than the bottom wall, and when the direction orthogonal to the mating direction and the arrangement direction is referred to as the width direction, the side of the connecting portion of the signal contact protruding in the width direction and the side of the connecting portion of the power contact protruding in the width direction are staggered in the arrangement direction.

[0014] (6) The present invention relates to an electrical connector comprising any one of the plug connectors of (1) to (3) and the receptacle connector of (4) or (5), wherein the plug connector and the receptacle connector are detachably engageable.

[0015] (7) The present invention relates to an electrical connector in which a plug connector and a socket connector can be freely assembled and detached, the plug connector comprising: a signal contact and a power contact, each having a contact portion for contacting the socket connector and a connection portion mounted on a substrate; and a block portion for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact, the block portion comprising a main body portion and an engaging portion, the engaging portion protruding in a direction away from the main body portion and entering into an engaging opening of the socket connector, the socket connector comprising: a signal contact and a power contact, each having a contact portion for contacting the plug connector and a connection portion mounted on a substrate; and a housing for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact, the housing comprising: a bottom wall; two side walls protruding in a direction away from the bottom wall and extending along the arrangement direction; and two connecting walls protruding in a direction away from the bottom wall and connecting the two side walls, the bottom wall, the two side walls and the two connecting walls forming a housing for the engaging portion of the plug connector to enter. The socket connector has a mating opening, the signal contact and the power contact of the socket connector respectively have at least one bent elastic portion between the contact portion and the connecting portion, and the contact portion, the elastic portion and the connecting portion are sequentially arranged in the extending direction of each portion, and on the connecting portion side, a retaining portion for being retained by the shell is further provided on a portion of the elastic portion, the plug connector has at least three signal contacts and at least two power contacts, the signal contacts and the power contacts are arranged to alternately form a row along the arrangement direction and be symmetrical about a line orthogonal to a center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction with the socket connector, the socket connector has at least three signal contacts and at least two power contacts, the signal contacts and the power contacts are arranged to alternately form a row along the arrangement direction and be symmetrical about a line orthogonal to a center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction with the plug connector.

[0016] (8) It can also be constructed as follows: the main body of the block portion is formed on the substrate side, the engaging portion is formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the main body, the bottom wall of the housing is formed to be substantially parallel to the substrate, the two side walls and the two connecting walls are formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the bottom wall, one of the signal contacts of the plug connector is arranged at the center position of the arrangement direction, and the other at least two of the signal contacts and at least two of the power contacts are respectively arranged to alternately form a row along the arrangement direction and symmetrically about a line orthogonal to the center position of the arrangement direction.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plug connector, a socket connector, and an electrical connector in which the insertion and extraction forces in the arrangement direction of the contacts are less uneven. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the plug connector 10 .

[0019] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the receptacle connector 20 .

[0020] Figure 2A It is from Figure 1A Perspective views of the plug connector 10 viewed from different directions.

[0021] Figure 2B It is from Figure 1B The socket connector 20 is shown in perspective views from different directions.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the board-to-board connector in a state where the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 are fitted together.

[0023] Figure 4 is a top view of the plug connector 10 .

[0024] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 AA section view.

[0025] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 BB cross-sectional view.

[0026] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view of the signal contact 120S.

[0027] Figure 6B It is a perspective view of the signal contact 120S.

[0028] Fig. 7A It is a perspective view of the power contact 120P.

[0029] Figure 7B It is a perspective view of the power contact 120P.

[0030] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the plug fixing member 130 .

[0031] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the plug fixing member 130 .

[0032] Fig. 9 is a top view of the receptacle connector 20 .

[0033] Fig. 10A yes Fig. 9 AA section view.

[0034] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 9 BB cross-sectional view.

[0035] Fig.11A is a perspective view of the signal contact 220S.

[0036] Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the signal contact 220S.

[0037] Fig. 12A It is a perspective view of the power contact 220P.

[0038] Fig. 12B It is a perspective view of the power contact 220P.

[0039] Fig.13A is a perspective view of the socket fixing member 230 .

[0040] Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the socket fixing member 230 .

[0041] Fig.14 yes Figure 3 A top view of a substrate-to-substrate connector is shown.

[0042] Fig.15A yes Fig.14 AA section view.

[0043] Fig. 15B yes Fig.14 BB cross-sectional view.

[0044] Fig.16 1 is a plan view of a plug connector 10A in a modified form.

[0045] Fig.17 1 is a plan view of a receptacle connector 20A in a modified form.

[0046] Description of Reference Numerals

[0047] 1...electrical connector; 10, 10A...plug connector; 20, 20A...socket connector; 100...plug block; 101...main body; 102...fitting part; 120...plug contact; 120P, 220P...power contact; 120S, 220S...signal contact; 121, 221, 233...connecting part; 121a...recessed end; 122, 224...first contact part; 123, 223...second contact part; 124...connecting part; 125...recessed part; 130...plug fixed part Fixed piece; 131... connecting part; 132... main body; 200... housing; 201... bottom wall; 202... peripheral wall; 202a... side wall; 202b... connecting wall; 203... recessed part; 204... insertion part; 204P... insertion part; 204S... insertion part; 204a... inclined surface; 204b... engaging groove; 220... socket contact; 222... holding part; 225... connecting part; 226... elastic part; 230... socket fixing piece; 231... main body; 232... protruding piece DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the plug connector, the socket connector, and the electrical connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The plug connector and the socket connector of the embodiments are matched with a connector of a counterpart to form a substrate-to-substrate connector. The substrate-to-substrate connector is an electrical connector that electrically connects two substrates by fitting a plug connector mounted on one substrate with a socket connector mounted on the other substrate.

[0049] As long as the substrate can be mounted with a plug connector and a socket connector, there is no particular limitation on its type and form, and it may be, for example, a rigid substrate, a flexible substrate (FPC), a rigid-flexible substrate (rigid FPC substrate), etc. In the following description, the bottom surface or lower surface of the plug connector and the socket connector refers to the surface mounted on one side of the substrate, and the upper surface refers to the surface on the opposite side of the bottom surface or the lower surface. In addition, the installation is not limited to the surface mounting type soldered on the surface of the substrate, for example, it may also be a plug-in type (dip type) inserted into the through hole of the substrate and soldered, or a press-fit based on press-in. The installation method is designed in consideration of the processability, the mounting density of the substrate, etc.

[0050] In this specification and the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is defined as follows. The XY plane is a plane that is substantially parallel to the substrate mounting surface. Figure 1BThe orientation of the socket connector 20 shown in FIG. 2 is used as a reference, and the Y direction is the direction in which the required number of contacts are arranged, also known as the long side direction. The X direction is a direction orthogonal to the Y direction, also known as the width direction or the short side direction. The X1 direction is the side from which the connecting portion 221 of the power contact 220P protrudes. The X2 direction is the side from which the connecting portion 221 of the signal contact 220S protrudes (refer to FIG. 2 ). Figure 2B ). Y1 direction is Figure 1B The Y direction is the right direction, and the Y2 direction is the left direction. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and is also called a fitting direction or a height direction. The Z1 side is the substrate mounting surface side, and the Z2 side is the side away from the substrate mounting surface. In this specification, the "- direction" is also referred to as the "- side". In addition, the XYZ coordinate system is used for the convenience of explaining the embodiments, and is not strictly interpreted as long as it does not violate the main purpose of the present invention.

[0051] exist Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B Plug connector 10 or socket connector 20 constituting electrical connector 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows the mating state of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. Figure 1A In order to show the arrangement of the plug contacts 120 (described later) of the plug connector 10, the upper side in the figure is the Z1 side. Figure 2A As shown, the plug connector 10 is oriented with the plug contact 120 facing the Z1 side (the lower side in the figure) and the receptacle connector 20 (see Figure 2B ) are integrated.

[0052] The plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 can be freely attached and detached from each other by approaching or separating in the Z direction. Figure 3 As shown, by Figure 1A ( Figure 2A ) shown in the plug connector 10 and Figure 1B ( Figure 2B ) is close to the socket connector 20 shown in the figure, so that the two can be mated. Figure 3 In the illustrated mating state, the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 can be released from the mating state by separating the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 .

[0053] (Plug connector 10)

[0054] First, the plug connector 10 constituting one of the electric connector 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0055] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the plug connector 10 . Figure 2A It is from Figure 1APerspective views of the plug connector 10 viewed from different directions. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the board-to-board connector in a state where the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 are fitted together. Figure 4 is a top view of the plug connector 10 . Figure 5A yes Figure 4 AA section view. Figure 5B yes Figure 4 BB cross-sectional view. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is a perspective view of the signal contact 120S. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It is a perspective view of the power contact 120P. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a perspective view of the plug fixing member 130 .

[0056] like Figure 1A , Figure 2A As shown, the plug connector 10 includes a plug block (block) 100 , plug contacts 120 , and a plug fixture 130 .

[0057] The plug block 100 is a housing that holds the plug contacts 120, and is formed in a generally quadrangular prism shape as a whole. The plug block 100 includes a main body 101 and a mating portion 102. The main body 101 is a base portion located on the substrate mounting surface side (Z2 side), and is formed in a generally plate-like shape. The mating portion 102 is a portion that protrudes further away from the substrate (Z1 side) than the main body 101 and enters the mating opening (recess 203) of the socket connector 20. Figure 2A In FIG. 1 , the fitting portion 102 is formed in a substantially U-shape in a cross section parallel to the XZ plane.

[0058] The plug block 100 is mainly formed of a synthetic resin having electrical insulation properties. Examples of materials for forming the plug block 100 include liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (66PA, 46PA), etc., but are not limited thereto. The material of the plug block 100 may also contain inorganic fillers, reinforcing fibers, etc. The plug block 100 has a shape suitable for a recess 203 (described later) of a housing 200 of the receptacle connector 20.

[0059] The plug contact 120 includes a signal contact (signal contact) 120S and a power contact (power contact) 120P as electrode terminals. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and all the plug contacts 120 may be signal contacts 120S. The plug contact 120 is made of conductive metal and is formed by a known stamping process. Examples of the material of the plug contact 120 include copper, copper alloy, Corson copper, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, etc., but are not limited to these materials.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, three signal contacts 120S are provided. In addition, two power contacts 120P are provided. In the plug contact 120, the signal contacts 120S and the power contacts 120P are arranged in a row alternately along the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 and symmetrically about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the socket connector 20. In the present embodiment, one signal contact 120S is arranged at the center position C in the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100, and the other two signal contacts 120S and two power contacts 120P are arranged in a row alternately along the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 and symmetrically about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction. Figure 4 In FIG. 2 , the mating direction (Z direction) with the receptacle connector 20 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0061] In the plug contact 120 of the present embodiment, the total value ΣW1 of the width dimensions W1 of the signal contacts 120S is 0.6 to 0.8 mm, and the total value ΣW2 of the width dimensions W2 of the power contacts 120P is 1.0 to 1.2 mm.

[0062] In addition, the power contact 120P allows a larger current to flow than the signal contact 120S, and thus the width dimension W2 is made wider than the width dimension W1 of the signal contact 120S. In the present embodiment, the width dimension W2 of the power contact 120P is made larger by about 0.4 to 0.6 mm than the width dimension W1 of the signal contact 120S. The extent to which the width dimension W2 of the power contact 120P is made larger can be appropriately set according to the amount of current flowing, etc. In addition, when the width dimension of the short side direction of the plug contact 120 is larger, the unevenness in the short side direction can be adjusted by adjusting the total value of the width dimension of the signal contact 120S and the total value of the width dimension of the power contact 120P.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the signal contact 120S and the power contact 120P include a connection portion 121, a first contact portion 122, a second contact portion 123, and a connecting portion 124, and are formed into a substantially P-shape as a whole when viewed from the side in the Y direction. The connection portion 121 is a portion mounted on a substrate (not shown) and is formed into a substantially plate-like shape. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, a substantially U-shaped concave end portion 121a is formed in the connection portion 121 of the power contact 120P. By forming the concave end portion 121a, when the power contact 120P is mounted on the substrate, the area (surface area) of the weld connecting the connection portion 121 and the substrate is increased, thereby improving the connection strength. The side of the connection portion 121 of the signal contact 120S protruding in the short side direction (X direction) of the plug block 100 and the side of the connection portion 121 of the power contact 120P protruding in the short side direction of the plug block 100 are staggered in the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ).

[0064] The first contact portion 122 is formed to extend from the end of the connecting portion 121 and protrude in the Z1 direction. The second contact portion 123 is formed to protrude in the Z2 direction. When mated with the receptacle connector 20, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 contact the signal contact 220S or the power contact 220P. The connecting portion 124 has a U-shaped cross section and connects the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123.

[0065] The first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 have recesses 125 formed on the surface of the side in contact with the socket connector 20. The recesses 125 are substantially rectangular depressions formed in each contact portion. As described later, when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are in a mating state, the first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223 of the socket contact 220 engage with the recesses 125 provided on the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 of the plug contact 120.

[0066] The signal contact 120S and the power contact 120P are fixed to the plug block 100 by integral molding. Alternatively, the signal contact 120S and the power contact 120P may be fixed to the plug block 100 by insertion (pressing) and / or bonding (welding) after the plug block 100 is formed. The connection portion 121 of the signal contact 120S and the connection portion 121 of the power contact 120P are surface mount (SMT) type. The installation of the signal contact 120S and the power contact 120P is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a plug-in type or a press fit by pressing.

[0067] Next, the plug fixing member 130 will be described. Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug fixture 130 is disposed at both ends of the plug block 100 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). The plug fixture 130 is made of conductive metal and is formed by a known stamping process. Examples of the material of the plug fixture 130 include copper, copper alloy, Corson copper, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, etc., but are not limited to these materials. The plug fixture 130 is made by a stamping process of known technology. Figure 1A , Figure 2A As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , by partially covering both ends of the plug block 100 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) with the plug fixture 130, both ends of the plug block 100 in the longitudinal direction can be reinforced. The plug fixture 130 also functions as a fixing metal member (fixing piece) for fixing the plug block 100 to the substrate.

[0068] The plug fixture 130 is integrated during the injection molding of the plug block 100. That is, the plug fixture 130 is held (set) as an embedded body in a metal mold (not shown), and the synthetic resin material of the plug block 100 is injected (filled) into the space forming the wall thickness of the plug block 100, thereby fixing (holding) the plug fixture 130 to the plug block 100. Alternatively, the plug fixture 130 may be fixed to the plug block 100 by insertion (pressing) and / or bonding (welding) after the plug block 100 is formed.

[0069] exist Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The plug fixing member 130 is shown as a single body. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug fixture 130 includes a connection portion 131 and a main body portion 132. The connection portion 131 is a portion mounted on a substrate (not shown) and is formed to be substantially L-shaped when viewed from the X direction. When the plug fixture 130 is fixed to the plug block 100, the connection portion 131 of the plug fixture 130 protrudes to both sides in the long side direction of the plug block 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ). The central portion of the main body 132 in the X direction is extended to the end of the connecting portion 131 on the Z1 side, and is formed into a substantially U-shape when viewed from the Y direction. The plug fixture 130 of this embodiment is a surface mount (SMT) type. In addition, the installation of the plug fixture 130 is not particularly limited, and it may be a plug-in type or a press-fit based on press-in, for example.

[0070] (Socket connector 20)

[0071] Next, the receptacle connector 20 constituting the other part of the electric connector 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0072] Figure 1B is a perspective view of the receptacle connector 20 . Figure 2B It is from Figure 1B The socket connector 20 is shown in perspective views from different directions. Fig. 9 is a top view of the receptacle connector 20 . Fig. 10A yes Fig. 9 AA section view. Fig. 10B yes Fig. 9 BB cross-sectional view. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the signal contact 220S. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is a perspective view of the power contact 220P. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the socket fixing member 230 .

[0073] like Figure 1B , Figure 2B As shown, the receptacle connector 20 includes a housing 200 , receptacle contacts 220 , and a receptacle fixture 230 .

[0074] The housing 200 is manufactured by injection molding or the like using an electrically insulating synthetic resin as a material. As the synthetic resin material, it is appropriately selected in consideration of dimensional stability, processability, cost, etc. For example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and synthetic materials thereof can be cited, but it is not limited to these. The material of the housing 200 may also contain inorganic fillers, reinforcing fibers, etc.

[0075] The housing 200 is a shell that holds the socket contacts 220 and is formed in a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 2 , a recess 203 is formed in the housing 200. The recess 203 has a mating portion 102 (see FIG. 2 ) for the plug connector 10 to engage with. Figure 1A ) into the size of the fitting opening. In detail, Figure 1B As shown, the housing 200 has a bottom wall 201 and a peripheral wall 202 rising from the periphery of the bottom wall 201 along the Z2 direction. The bottom wall 201 and the peripheral wall 202 define a recess 203. The recess 203 opens to the side (Z2 side) opposite to the mounting surface of the substrate, and accommodates the plug connector 10. The size of the recess 203 only needs to be able to accommodate the plug connector 10, and is appropriately designed in consideration of connection stability, dimensional stability, and processability. The peripheral wall 202 has two side walls 202a, 202a (on the short side direction (X direction)) located on both sides. Figure 1B Only the X1 side is shown in the figure) and two connecting walls 202b, 202b (on both sides of the long side direction (Y direction) Figure 1BOnly the Y1 side is shown in the figure). The two side walls 202a, 202a extend in the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 and face each other in the short side direction (X direction). The two connecting walls 202b, 202b connect the two side walls 202a, 202a at both ends in the long side direction of the housing 200.

[0076] The socket contact 220 held by the housing 200 includes a signal contact (signal contact) 220S and a power contact (power supply contact) 220P as electrode terminals. The socket contact 220 is made of conductive metal and is formed by a known stamping process. Examples of the material of the socket contact 220 include, but are not limited to, Corson copper such as copper and copper alloy, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, and the like.

[0077] like Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, an insertion portion 204S of a signal contact (signal contact) 220S and an insertion portion 204P of a power contact (power contact) 220P are formed on the inner side of the side wall 202a. The insertion portions 204S and 204P (hereinafter, also referred to as "insertion portions 204") penetrate the housing 200 in the height direction (Z direction). An inclined surface 204a is provided on the insertion portion 204. The inclined surface 204a is formed to prevent the signal contact 220S or the power contact 220P pressed against the plug contact 120 from being excessively deformed when mated with the plug connector 10. By forming the inclined surface 204a on the insertion portion 204, a stable contact pressure of the socket contact 220 relative to the plug contact 120 can be obtained. In addition, as Fig. 9 As shown, an engagement groove 204b is formed in the insertion portion 204. The engagement groove 204b is a groove-shaped depression that engages with a holding portion 222 (described later) of the signal contact 220S or the power contact 220P.

[0078] In the case of a structure in which the socket contact 220 is inserted (pressed) into the insertion portion 204 to be assembled, the insertion portion 204 is preferably formed to a size that is crimped to the socket contact 220 as a whole. Alternatively, the socket contact 220 may be integrated during the injection molding of the housing 200. That is, each socket contact 220 may be held (set) as an embedded body in a metal mold not shown, and an electrically insulating synthetic resin material forming the housing 200 may be injected (filled) into a space forming the wall thickness of the housing 200, thereby fixing (holding) the socket contact 220 to the housing 200. The socket contact 220 may be held in any manner as long as it can hold the socket contact 220, and may be hooked, welded, welded, or integrally formed. The holding manner is appropriately designed in consideration of connection stability, holding strength, processability, etc.

[0079] like Fig. 9As shown, the socket contact 220 has three signal contacts 220S. In addition, the socket contact 220 has two power contacts 220P. The signal contacts 220S and the power contacts 220P are arranged alternately in a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 and symmetrically about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the plug connector 10. Fig. 9 In FIG. 2 , the mating direction (Z direction) with the plug connector 10 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0080] In the socket contact 220 of the present embodiment, the total value ΣW1 of the width dimensions W1 of the signal contacts 220S is 0.3 to 0.5 mm, and the total value ΣW2 of the width dimensions W2 of the power contacts 220P is 0.8 to 1.0 mm.

[0081] In addition, the power contact 220P allows a larger current to flow than the signal contact 220S, and thus the width dimension W2 is made wider than the width dimension W1 of the signal contact 220S. In the present embodiment, the width dimension W2 of the power contact 220P is made larger by about 0.5 to 0.7 mm than the width dimension W1 of the signal contact 220S. The extent to which the width dimension W2 of the power contact 220P is made larger can be appropriately set according to the amount of current flowing, etc. In addition, in the case where the width dimension of the short side direction of the socket contact 220 is larger, the unevenness in the short side direction can be adjusted by adjusting the total value of the width dimension of the signal contact 220S and the total value of the width dimension of the power contact 220P.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the signal contact 220S and the power contact 220P include a connection portion 221, a retaining portion 222, a second contact portion 223, a first contact portion 224, a connecting portion 225, and an elastic portion 226. The connection portion 221 is a portion mounted on a substrate (not shown) and is formed in a substantially plate shape. The side of the connection portion 221 of the signal contact 220S protruding in the short side direction (X direction) of the housing 200 and the side of the connection portion 221 of the power contact 220P protruding in the short side direction of the housing 200 are arranged alternately in the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 (see FIG. 10 ). Fig. 9 ).

[0083] The holding portion 222 is a portion formed to extend from the end of the connecting portion 221 and protrude in the Z2 direction. The holding portion 222 is a portion engaged with the insertion portion 204S or 204P (engagement groove 204b) of the housing 200, and as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, protrudes in both sides of the Y direction. The second contact portion 223 is a portion that is bent to be convex toward the inner side (the first contact portion 224 side) in the X direction. The first contact portion 224 is a portion that is opposite to the second contact portion 223 and is bent to be convex toward the inner side (the second contact portion 223 side) in the X direction. The first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223 have a curved shape and both sides in the width direction (Y direction) are chamfered so that they can easily contact the signal contact 120S or the power contact 120P on the counterpart side when mating with the plug connector 10.

[0084] The connecting portion 225 is a portion that has a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side in the Y direction and connects the first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223. The elastic portion 226 is a bent portion provided between the connecting portion 221 and the second contact portion 223. When mated with the plug connector 10, the elastic portion 226 is pressed and deformed by the plug contact 120 on the counterpart side. As a result, the plug contact 120 is easily inserted, and a stable connection (contact) is obtained with the inserted plug contact 120. In addition, the structure of the socket contact 220 is not limited to the example shown in the figure as long as it can contact the plug contact 120 of the plug connector 10.

[0085] The signal contact 220S and the power contact 220P are fixed to the housing 200 by insertion (pressing). Alternatively, the signal contact 220S and the power contact 220P may be integrally formed at the same time as the housing 200 and / or fixed by bonding (welding) after the housing 200 is formed. The connection portion 221 of the signal contact 220S and the connection portion 221 of the power contact 220P are surface mount (SMT) type. The installation of the signal contact 220S and the power contact 220P is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a plug-in type or a press-fit based on press-fit.

[0086] Next, the socket fixing member 230 will be described. Figure 1B , Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the socket fixing parts 230 are respectively arranged at both ends of the housing 200 in the long side direction (Y direction). The socket fixing parts 230 are made of conductive metal and formed by a known stamping process. Examples of the material of the socket fixing parts 230 include copper, copper alloy, Corson copper, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, etc., but are not limited to these materials. The socket fixing parts 230 are made by a stamping process of known technology. Figure 1B , Figure 2BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the two ends of the housing 200 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) can be reinforced by partially covering the two ends of the housing 200 in the longitudinal direction with the socket fixture 230. The socket fixture 230 also functions as a fixing metal member (fixing piece) that fixes the housing 200 to the substrate.

[0087] The socket fixture 230 is integrated during the injection molding of the housing 200. That is, the socket fixture 230 is held (set) as an embedded body in a metal mold (not shown), and the synthetic resin material of the housing 200 is injected (filled) into the space forming the wall thickness of the housing 200, thereby fixing (holding) the socket fixture 230 to the housing 200. Alternatively, the socket fixture 230 may be fixed to the housing 200 by insertion (pressing) and / or bonding (welding) after the housing 200 is formed.

[0088] exist Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The socket fixing member 230 is shown as a single body. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown, the socket fixing part 230 includes a main body 231, a protruding piece 232, and a connecting part 233. The main body 231 is a portion that is roughly C-shaped when the socket fixing part 230 is viewed from the Z2 direction. The protruding piece 232 is a portion that protrudes from both ends in the Y direction toward the substrate side (Z1 side) at a roughly central portion in the X direction of the main body 231. The connecting part 233 is a portion that protrudes from both ends in the X direction of the main body 231 toward the substrate side (Z1 side). If the socket fixing part 230 is fixed to the housing 200, each connecting part 233 is located on both sides of the short side direction (X direction) of the housing 200. Therefore, if the socket fixing part 230 is fixed to the housing 200, the connecting wall 202b (refer to Figure 1B ) is sandwiched by two connecting parts 233. The socket fixture 230 of this embodiment is a surface mount (SMT) type. In addition, the installation of the socket fixture 230 is not particularly limited, for example, it can also be a plug-in type or a press-fit based on press-in.

[0089] Next, the mating state of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 will be described. Fig.14 yes Figure 3 A top view of a substrate-to-substrate connector is shown. Fig.15A yes Fig.14 AA section view. Fig. 15B yes Fig.14 BB cross-sectional view. Figure 3 , Figure 14 to Figure 15B As shown, by inserting the plug connector 10 into the recess 203 (housing 200) of the receptacle connector 20, the two are in a mating state. In this mating state, as shown in FIG. Fig.15AAs shown, the plug contact 120 (signal contact 120S) of the plug connector 10 contacts the receptacle contact 220 (signal contact 220S) of the receptacle connector 20 at two locations. In this way, the respective signal contacts of the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 contact each other, thereby enabling signal transmission and reception between the substrates on which the respective connectors are mounted. Fig.15A As shown, when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are in a mating state, the first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223 of the signal contact 220S (socket contact 220) engage with the recessed portion 125 provided on the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 of the signal contact 120S (plug contact 120).

[0090] In addition, if Fig. 15B As shown, the plug contact 120 (power contact 120P) of the plug connector 10 contacts the socket contact 220 (power contact 220P) of the socket connector 20 at two locations. In this way, the power contacts of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 contact each other, so that power can be supplied from the substrate on which one connector is mounted to the substrate on which the other connector is mounted. Fig. 15B As shown, when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are in a mating state, the first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223 of the power contact 220P (socket contact 220) engage with the recessed portion 125 provided on the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 of the power contact 120P (plug contact 120).

[0091] According to the plug connector 10 , the receptacle connector 20 , and the electric connector 1 of the present embodiment described above, for example, the following effects are achieved.

[0092] The plug contacts 120 (signal contacts 120S and power contacts 120P) of the plug connector 10 are arranged alternately in a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 and symmetrically about a line L orthogonal to a center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the receptacle connector 20 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ). Therefore, in the plug connector 10, the insertion and extraction forces from the center position C in the longitudinal direction of the plug block 100 to the end in the Y1 direction and from the center position C to the end in the Y2 direction are almost equal.

[0093] The socket contacts 220 (signal contacts 220S and power contacts 220P) of the socket connector 20 are arranged alternately in a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 and symmetrically about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the plug connector 10 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 ). Therefore, in the receptacle connector 20, the insertion and removal forces from the center position C in the longitudinal direction of the housing 200 to the end in the Y1 direction and from the center position C to the end in the Y2 direction are almost equal.

[0094] Therefore, in the plug connector 10 , the receptacle connector 20 , and the electric connector 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the unevenness of the insertion and extraction force in the arrangement direction of the contacts.

[0095] In the plug contact 120 (plug connector 10), the side of the connection portion 121 of the signal contact 120S protruding in the short-side direction (X direction) of the plug block 100 and the side of the connection portion 121 of the power contact 120P protruding in the short-side direction of the plug block 100 are arranged alternately in the long-side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100. In addition, in the receptacle contact 220 (receptacle connector 20), the side of the connection portion 221 of the signal contact 220S protruding in the short-side direction (X direction) of the housing 200 and the side of the connection portion 221 of the power contact 220P protruding in the short-side direction of the housing 200 are arranged alternately in the long-side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200. Therefore, the balance of the mounting strength between the plug contact 120 and the receptacle contact 220 and each substrate can be made more equal.

[0096] The connection portion 131 of the plug fixture 130 fixed to the plug block 100 (plug connector 10) protrudes to both sides of the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100. Therefore, the fixing strength of both ends of the long side direction of the plug block 100 mounted on the substrate can be increased. In addition, the connection portion 233 of the socket fixture 230 fixed to the housing 200 (socket connector 20) is located on both sides of the short side direction (X direction) of the housing 200. Therefore, when the socket fixture 230 is fixed to the housing 200, the connecting wall 202b (refer to Figure 1B ) is sandwiched by the two connection parts 233. Therefore, the fixing strength of both ends of the housing 200 mounted on the substrate in the long side direction and the short side direction can be increased.

[0097] The first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 of the plug contact 120 have recessed portions 125 formed on the surface on the side in contact with the receptacle connector 20. Thus, when the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 are in a mating state, the first contact portion 224 and the second contact portion 223 of the receptacle contact 220 engage with the recessed portions 125 provided in the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 123 of the plug contact 120. Therefore, the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 can be brought into contact in a more stable state.

[0098] (Deformation method)

[0099] Fig.16 1 is a plan view of a plug connector 10A in a modified form. Fig.17 1 is a top view of a socket connector 20A in a modified form. The number of signal contacts 120S and power contacts 120P of the plug connector 10A in a modified form is different from that of the embodiment. Similarly, the number of signal contacts 220S and power contacts 220P of the socket connector 20A in a modified form is different from that of the embodiment. In the plug connector 10A and the socket connector 20A in the modified form, other structures are the same as those in the embodiment. Therefore, in the description and drawings of the modified form, the same figure marks as in the embodiment are marked for the components equivalent to those in the embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0100] like Fig.16 As shown, in the plug connector 10A of the deformation form, four signal contacts 120S are provided. In addition, three power contacts 120P are provided. In the plug contact 120 of the deformation form, the signal contacts 120S and the power contacts 120P are arranged to alternately form a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 and to be symmetrical about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the socket connector 20. In the deformation form, one power contact 120P is arranged at the center position C in the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100, and the other two power contacts 120P and four signal contacts 120S are arranged to alternately form a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the plug block 100 and to be symmetrical about a line L orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction. Fig.16 In FIG. 2 , the mating direction (Z direction) with the receptacle connector 20 is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0101] On the other hand, Fig.17 As shown, in the deformed socket connector 20A, four signal contacts 220S are provided. In addition, three power contacts 220P are provided. The signal contacts 220S and the power contacts 220P are arranged to alternately form a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 and to be symmetrical about a line L that is orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction when viewed from the mating direction (Z direction) with the plug connector 10. In the deformed form, one power contact 220P is arranged at the center position C in the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200, and the other two power contacts 220P and four signal contacts 220S are arranged to alternately form a row along the long side direction (Y direction) of the housing 200 and to be symmetrical about a line L that is orthogonal to the center position C in the long side direction. Fig.17 In FIG. 2 , the mating direction (Z direction) with the plug connector 10A is a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0102] Even in a configuration where four signal contacts and three power contacts are provided in the plug connector 10A and the receptacle connector 20A, respectively, as in the above-described modification, the unevenness of the insertion and extraction force in the arrangement direction of the contacts can be reduced, similarly to the embodiment.

[0103] In the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, the plug connectors 10, 10A and the receptacle connectors 20, 20A are described as being mounted vertically on the substrate, but the directions in which the connectors are mounted on the substrate are not limited thereto. As long as the signal contacts 120S, 220S and the power contacts 120P, 220P are arranged alternately in a row along the arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction of the connectors and are symmetrical about a line orthogonal to the center position of the arrangement direction, for example, they may be mounted in parallel on the substrate.

Claims

1. A plug connector that can be detachably engaged with a receptacle connector as an object, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a signal contact and a power contact, each of which has a contact portion for contacting the socket connector and a connection portion mounted on a substrate; and a block portion for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact. The block portion has a main body portion and a fitting portion, the fitting portion protruding in a direction away from the main body portion and entering into the fitting opening of the socket connector, The plug connector has at least three signal contacts and at least two power contacts. The signal contacts and the power contacts are configured such that the width dimension of the power contacts in the arrangement direction is greater than the width dimension of the signal contacts, and are arranged to alternately form a row along the arrangement direction and to be symmetrical about a line orthogonal to the center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction with the socket connector.

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body of the block portion is formed on the substrate side, and the engaging portion is formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the main body. When a direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the arrangement direction is referred to as a width direction, the connecting portions of the signal contacts protrude in the width direction and the connecting portions of the power contacts protrude in the width direction in a staggered arrangement in the arrangement direction.

3. The plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Fixing members are provided at both end sides in the arrangement direction. The fixing members have connection portions attached to the substrate, and the connection portions of the fixing members protrude to both sides in the arrangement direction.

4. A socket connector that can be detachably engaged with a plug connector as an object, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a signal contact and a power contact, each of which has a contact portion for contacting the plug connector and a connection portion mounted on a substrate; and a housing for arranging and holding the signal contact and the power contact. The housing comprises: a bottom wall; two side walls protruding in a direction away from the bottom wall and extending along the arrangement direction; and two connecting walls protruding in a direction away from the bottom wall and connecting the two side walls, wherein the bottom wall, the two side walls and the two connecting walls form a fitting opening for the fitting portion of the plug connector to enter. The socket connector has at least three signal contacts and at least two power contacts. The signal contact and the power contact each have at least one bent elastic portion between the contact portion and the connecting portion, and the contact portion, the elastic portion, and the connecting portion are sequentially arranged in the direction in which each portion extends, and a holding portion for being held by the housing is further arranged on a part of the elastic portion on the connecting portion side. The signal contacts and the power contacts are configured such that the width dimension of the power contacts in the arrangement direction is larger than the width dimension of the signal contacts, and are arranged to alternately form a row along the arrangement direction and to be symmetrical about a line orthogonal to the center position of the arrangement direction when viewed from the mating direction with the plug connector.

5. The socket connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the housing is formed to be parallel to the substrate, and the two side walls and the two connecting walls are formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the bottom wall. When a direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the arrangement direction is referred to as a width direction, the connecting portions of the signal contacts protrude in the width direction and the connecting portions of the power contacts protrude in the width direction in a staggered arrangement in the arrangement direction.

6. An electrical connector, characterized in that: A device comprising the plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and the receptacle connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plug connector and the receptacle connector are detachably fitted together.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main body of the block portion is formed on the substrate side, and the engaging portion is formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the main body. The bottom wall of the housing is formed to be parallel to the substrate, and the two side walls and the two connecting walls are formed to protrude in a direction away from the substrate more than the bottom wall. One of the signal contacts of the plug connector is arranged at the center of the arrangement direction, and the other at least two signal contacts and at least two power contacts are arranged alternately in a row along the arrangement direction and symmetrically about a line orthogonal to the center of the arrangement direction.

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