Electrical connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector in which the strength of the outer sidewall of the connecting unit located at the end in the connection direction is not reduced. The outer casing (70A, 70B) has a plate receiving portion formed in the peripheral wall formed by two side walls (81A, 91A; 81B, 91B) and two end walls (82A, 92A; 82B, 92B) facing each other in the thickness direction of the plate. The multiple connecting units (10) have end connecting units (10B) located at both ends in the thickness direction of the plate and intermediate connecting units (10A) located between the end connecting units. The engaging groove (88A, 98A) in the intermediate connecting unit that engages with the object connector penetrates in the thickness direction of the plate, opens toward the object connector, and is formed between the end wall and the side wall of the outer casing. The end connecting unit (10B) does not have a groove formed between the outer side wall (81B-1, 91B-1) located on the outer side in the thickness direction of the plate and the end wall (82B, 92B) to a depth greater than the engaging groove of the intermediate connecting unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector in which a plate holding multiple terminals is held by a housing, and the plate is connected to an object connector. The electrical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms a connection unit by holding a plate holding multiple terminals extending along a connection direction connected to the object connector, which is the object connector, within a housing. This is achieved by arranging and connecting multiple connection units of the same shape along the thickness direction of the plate. The housing has a peripheral wall formed by two side walls opposing each other in the thickness direction of the plate and two end walls located outside the plate's width direction. The plate is inserted and held using a receiving groove formed within this peripheral wall.

[0003] On the other hand, similar to the electrical connectors mentioned above, object connectors are also formed by connecting multiple units (object units) through connecting members. The connecting members are made of metal plates that join the ends (ends in the width direction of the plates) of the multiple object units together.

[0004] The aforementioned electrical connector, which is connected to the target connector, has partial slit-like engaging grooves formed on two side walls of the housing of the entire connecting unit, facing the target connector, for receiving the connecting parts of the target connector. These engaging grooves are formed at locations constituting the boundary between the side walls and the end walls.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, all connecting units are manufactured with the same form. Therefore, in the connecting units (end connecting units) located at both ends of the connecting unit in the connecting direction (the same direction as the thickness direction of the plate) among the arranged multiple connecting units, engaging grooves are also formed on both side walls, that is, on the outer side wall located on the outer side and the inner side wall located on the inner side in the aforementioned connecting direction. However, in Patent Document 1, in the mating state between the electrical connector and the target connector, the connecting member of the target connector does not reach the position corresponding to the outer side wall of the end connecting unit of the electrical connector in the aforementioned connecting direction. Therefore, the connecting member does not enter the engaging groove formed on the outer side wall of the end connecting unit in the electrical connector. Because the outer side wall of the end connecting unit does not make surface contact with the connecting unit to be connected, that is, the connecting unit to be connected does not exist.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-102229

[0007] The housings of all connecting units in an electrical connector are manufactured using molded resin. Multiple connecting units are connected by surface contact between their sidewalls. Accordingly, to minimize the size of the electrical connector, the sidewalls are often made relatively thin. As a result, the sidewalls are sometimes longer than the end walls, which can easily reduce strength.

[0008] In Patent Document 1, a partial engagement groove for receiving the connector is formed at the boundary between the sidewall and the endwall, thus reducing the strength at the boundary location in the sidewall. Therefore, if the outer sidewall, which is located on the outside in the connection direction and is in a free state, is subjected to an external force, there is a concern that the connecting unit supporting the outer sidewall may deform or be damaged since it does not exist.

[0009] For example, in the mating state between the electrical connector and the target connector, a portion of the target connector's unit is inserted into the receiving portion of the electrical connector's connecting unit. As a result, the two sidewalls of the connecting unit are stretched apart by the target unit and subjected to external forces in directions away from each other. At the sidewalls where adjacent connecting units are in surface contact with each other, these external forces in directions away from each other act in opposite directions in the aforementioned connection direction as reaction forces from adjacent connecting units. Therefore, the external forces and reaction forces cancel each other out, and as a result, the sidewalls do not flex or deform. However, in the end connecting units located at both ends in the aforementioned connection direction among multiple connecting units, the outer sidewall of the two sidewalls of the end connecting unit located on the outer side in the aforementioned connection direction is not in surface contact with other connecting units and is not supported at all. Therefore, it is subjected to forces from the target unit and flexes or deforms outward, thus posing a risk of damage. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide an electrical connector in which the outer sidewall of the connecting unit located at the end in the connection direction does not suffer a reduction in strength.

[0011] The electrical connector of the present invention connects a connecting unit formed by holding a plurality of plate-shaped plates, which are arranged and held by a plurality of terminals extending along the connection direction of the object connecting body, with the thickness direction of the plate as the connection direction.

[0012] In the aforementioned electrical connector, the present invention is characterized in that the housing has a peripheral wall formed by two side walls opposing each other in the thickness direction of the plate and two end walls located outside the plate in the width direction of the plate, which is the width direction of the connector. A plate receiving portion for inserting a plate is formed in the peripheral wall. The plate is inserted and held in the plate receiving portion of the housing. A plurality of connecting units have end connecting units located at both ends in the thickness direction of the plate and intermediate connecting units located between the end connecting units at both ends. An engagement groove in the intermediate connecting unit that partially engages with the target connector extends through the thickness direction of the plate, opens toward the target connector, and is formed between the end wall and the side wall of the housing. The end connecting units do not have a groove that opens toward the target connector to a depth greater than the depth of the engagement groove of the intermediate connecting unit between the outer side wall and the end wall in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0013] According to the present invention with this structure, in the connection direction which is the thickness direction of the plate, an engagement groove for partial engagement with the target connector is formed between the sidewall and endwall of the intermediate connecting unit, but at least the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit does not have a groove opening toward the target connector to a depth greater than the engagement groove of the intermediate connecting unit. Therefore, the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit does not suffer from reduced strength, and high strength can be ensured compared to the inner sidewall of the end connecting unit or the sidewall of the intermediate connecting unit. Therefore, in the mating state between the electrical connector and the target connector, when the two sidewalls of the end connecting unit are stretched apart by the target unit and subjected to external forces in a direction moving away from each other, even if the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit is not in surface contact with the connecting unit and is not supported at all, it still has its own strength, and therefore is not easily bent or deformed and thus not easily damaged.

[0014] In this invention, it is preferable that at least the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit is thicker than the sidewall of the intermediate connecting unit.

[0015] In this way, by making the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit thicker than the sidewall of the middle connecting unit, the strength of the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit is further improved, thereby effectively preventing the flexural deformation of the outer sidewall and thus effectively preventing damage.

[0016] In this invention, it is preferable that the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit is thicker than the inner sidewall located on the inner side in the thickness direction of the plate, and the end connecting unit has a through hole or recess on the side of the outer sidewall in the connection direction.

[0017] In either the intermediate connecting unit or the end connecting unit, the sidewalls are longer than the end walls. Therefore, molten resin material is typically injected into the molding die from the end wall side. As a result, the molten resin material splits from one end wall location to both side wall locations and reaches the other end wall location. In this case, in the end connecting unit, if the two sidewalls have different thicknesses, the molten resin material flowing in each sidewall will not reach the other end wall location simultaneously. To address this, through holes or recesses are provided on the thicker outer sidewall side, so that the flow resistance relative to the molten plastic at both sidewall locations is the same—in other words, the flow performance is identical—thereby the molten resin material splitting to both sidewalls simultaneously reaching the other end wall location.

[0018] In this invention, it is preferable that the end connecting unit has a notch formed on the outer surface of the end wall, and the notch is open at at least one end side in the connection direction and in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0019] Sometimes, when arranging multiple connecting units, in order to connect them without disrupting their correct arrangement, multiple connecting units or components of connecting units (here, for ease of explanation, they are collectively referred to as "connecting units") are arranged and supported within a fixture. However, in this case, it is necessary to properly position the end connecting units, that is, to properly position them at both ends of the multiple intermediate connecting units in the connection direction. In this invention, even if an intermediate connecting unit is to be positioned incorrectly, i.e., at its end position in the connection direction within the fixture, the intermediate connecting unit will collide with the protrusions provided at the inner corners of the fixture and interfere with each other, thus preventing it from being positioned within the fixture. Therefore, it is possible to immediately identify if it has been positioned incorrectly. On the other hand, when it is possible to position the end connecting units correctly, i.e., to position them at their ends within the fixture, the notches formed on the end connecting units can be used to avoid collisions with the protrusions at the corners of the fixture, thereby allowing for simple placement of the end connecting units. Furthermore, the same applies when the notch is formed in an asymmetrical shape in the aforementioned connection direction, and the end connecting unit is to be positioned in the aforementioned regular position within the fixture with the end connecting unit present in opposite orientations in the connection direction.

[0020] In this invention, as described above, in an electrical connector in which multiple connecting units are connected in the thickness direction of a plate, the multiple connecting units have end connecting units located at both ends in the thickness direction of the plate and intermediate connecting units located between the end connecting units at both ends. The intermediate connecting unit has an engagement groove that partially engages with the target connector, extending through the plate's thickness direction, opening towards the target connector, and formed between the end wall and side wall of the housing. In contrast, the end connecting units do not have a groove opening towards the target connector to a depth greater than the engagement groove of the intermediate connecting unit between their outer side wall and end wall in the plate's thickness direction, at least at the outermost side wall. Therefore, compared to intermediate connecting units with engagement grooves that reduce strength due to their presence, high strength is ensured. Thus, in the mating state between the electrical connector and the target connector, when the two side walls of the end connecting unit are stretched apart by the target unit and subjected to external forces in directions moving away from each other, even if the outer side wall of the end connecting unit is not in surface contact with the connecting unit and is not supported at all, it still possesses strength and is therefore less prone to bending deformation and damage. Furthermore, the engagement between the outer sidewall and the local part of the object being connected is not related, so there will be no adverse situations caused by the lack of engagement grooves. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and two object connectors connected to it from above and below, showing the state before mating.

[0022] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram showing the components of an electrical connector in their separate states.

[0023] Figure 3 express Figure 1 The middle connecting unit of the electrical connector, (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a side view.

[0024] Figure 4 express Figure 1 The end connection unit of the electrical connector, (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a side view.

[0025] Figure 5 Represented by singleton Figure 1 The electrical connector plate, (A) is a perspective view, and (B) is a side view viewed along the width direction of the connector.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connection unit of the electrical connector, (A) represents the intermediate connection unit, and (B) represents the end connection unit.

[0027] Figure 7The fixtures used for arranging the connecting units are shown in the following cases: (A) indicates that the end connecting unit is positioned correctly, and (B) indicates that the intermediate connecting unit is incorrectly positioned in the position of the end connecting unit.

[0028] Figure 8 The fixtures used for arranging the connecting units are shown in the following cases: (A) indicates that the intermediate connecting unit is positioned correctly, and (B) indicates that the end connecting unit is incorrectly positioned in the position of the intermediate connecting unit.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1… Electrical connector (relay connector); 2, 3… Object connector (object connector); 10… Connecting unit; 10A… Intermediate connecting unit; 10B… End connecting unit; 20… Plate; 30… Terminal; 70A, 70B… Housing; 81A, 91A; 81B, 91B… Side wall; 82A, 92A; 82B, 92B… End wall; 81B-1; 91B-1… Outer side wall; 81B-2; 91B-2… Inner side wall; 82B-1; 92B-1… Notch; 85X1B, 85X2B; 95X1B, 95X2B… Through hole; 86B-1, 96B-1… Through hole; 88A, 98A; 88B, 98B… Engaging groove. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electrical connector, i.e., the relay connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention, together with the object connector, which is the object connector body, and shown in the state before the connectors are connected to each other. Furthermore, Figure 2 Therefore, Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the components of the relay connector in a separated state. The relay connector 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "relay connector 1") of this embodiment is connected to the target connector 2 and other target connectors 3, relaying data between the target connector 2 and other target connectors 3, which are respectively mounted on different parallel circuit boards (not shown).

[0033] In this embodiment, for ease of understanding of directionality, the connector width direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board is set as X (one direction is set as X1, and the other direction is set as X2), the direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board and perpendicular to the connector width direction X, i.e. the connection direction of the connection unit described later, is set as Y (one direction is set as Y1, and the other direction is set as Y2), and the up-down direction perpendicular to both the connector width direction X and the connection direction Y, i.e. the connection direction of the connector, is set as Z (the top is set as Z1, and the bottom is set as Z2).

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, with the connection direction Z as the connector insertion / removal direction, the target connector 2 is engaged and connected to the relay connector 1 from the upper Z1 side, i.e., from the lower Z2 side. In addition, the relay connector 1 is engaged and connected to other target connectors 3 from the upper Z1 side.

[0035] Figure 1 The relay connector 1 shown has multiple connection units 10 that are respectively connected to multiple connection units (object units) of object connectors 2 and 3, and two connecting parts 100 made of metal plates that connect the multiple connection units 10 arranged along the connection direction Y (see reference). Figure 2 In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, 12 connection units 10 are provided corresponding to the multiple object connectors 2 and 3 respectively.

[0036] The connecting unit 10 has two end connecting units 10B located at both ends in the connecting direction Y, and ten intermediate connecting units 10A located between the end connecting units 10B. The end connecting units 10B and the intermediate connecting units 10A have different appearances and dimensions, but the slotted plate receiving portions 10A-1 for accommodating the plates 20 described later are formed in the same shape, and a plate 20 can be selectively inserted into either the end connecting unit 10B or the intermediate connecting unit 10A.

[0037] In this embodiment, since there are two end connecting units 10B located at both ends in the connection direction Y, and ten intermediate connecting units 10A located in the middle, the description will begin with the intermediate connecting units 10A. Here, the feature of the present invention is that the end connecting units 10B and the intermediate connecting units 10A have different external shapes and dimensions, thus allowing for a simplified description of the internal structure of the plate receiving portion, etc.

[0038] Each intermediate connecting unit 10A has two plates 20 that are identical in shape and are paired together. The two plates 20 are arranged symmetrically opposite each other in the connection direction Y of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, and are inserted into and held in the slot-shaped plate receiving portion 10A-1 (see reference 10A-1) formed in the housing 70A described later. Figure 6 (A)). In the upper part of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, the space between the plates 20 opening upwards is formed as an upper receiving portion 11A for receiving the object connector 2 from above (see reference). Figure 6 (A)). On the other hand, in the lower part of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, the space between the plates 20 opening downwards serves as a lower receiving portion 12A for receiving the object connector 3 from below (see reference). Figure 6 (A)) plays its function.

[0039] Figure 5 (A) is represented by a monomer. Figure 1 A perspective view of the board 20 of the relay connector 1. Figure 5 (B) is a side view of the plate 20 as viewed along the connector width direction X. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the plate 20 has: a plurality of terminals 30 arranged at equal intervals in the connector width direction X; a resin plate-shaped substrate 40 that holds the plurality of terminals 30 together by integral molding; and a plate side mounted on the substrate 40 (for... Figure 5 The inner floor plate 50 at the Y2 side of (A) and (B), corresponding to the "inner side" described later, and the plate mounted on the other side of the panel (for Figure 5 The outer grounding plate 60 at the Y1 side of (A) and (B), corresponding to the "outer side" described later (also refer to...). Figure 5 (B)). Hereinafter, in each pair of plates 20, the opposite side of each other will be called the "inner side" and the side opposite to the "inner side" will be called the "outer side".

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown in (A) and (B), a terminal 30 is manufactured by partially bending a sheet-like metal component extending in the vertical direction (Z) of the connection direction. The terminal 30 has an upper elastic arm 31 extending upward from the upper end of the substrate 40, a lower elastic arm 32 extending downward from the lower end of the substrate 40, and a connecting portion 33 extending in the vertical direction and connecting the upper elastic arm 31 and the lower elastic arm 32 (see Figure 33). Figure 6 (A)).

[0041] The upper elastic arm 31 and the lower elastic arm 32 can be elastically displaced along the plate thickness direction (connection direction Y), respectively. For example... Figure 5As shown in (A) and (B), an upper contact portion 31A and a lower contact portion 32A are formed at the upper end of the upper elastic arm portion 31 and the lower end of the lower elastic arm portion 32, respectively, so as to be bent inward (Y2 side) in the connection direction Y which is the plate thickness direction. The upper contact portion 31A and the lower contact portion 32A are in elastic contact with the terminals 120 (hereinafter referred to as "target terminals 120") of the target connectors 2 and 3.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown in (A) and (B), the substrate 40 is formed to extend in the connector width direction X and within the range including the terminal arrangement range, and to cover the connecting portion 33 in the connection direction (vertical direction) Z (see reference). Figure 6 The range of (A) extends into a quadrilateral plate.

[0043] As already described, the inner floor 50 is positioned on the inner side of the substrate 40 (for...). Figure 5 (A) and (B) of the panel on the Y2 side). As already described, the outer ground plate 60 is positioned on the outer side of the substrate 40 (for Figure 5 (The Y1 side of (A) and (B)). The inner floor plate 50 and the outer floor plate 60 are ultrasonically welded to maintain surface contact with the corresponding surfaces of the substrate 40. Figure 5 As shown in (B), an upper locking piece 61 is formed by cutting out from the upper end of the outer ground plane 60 towards the Y1 side, and a lower locking piece 62 is formed by cutting out from the lower end of the outer ground plane 60 towards the Y1 side. The upper locking piece 61 is locked to the upper outer shell half 80A described later, and the lower locking piece 62 is locked to the lower outer shell half 90A (see reference). Figure 3 (A)).

[0044] The housing 70A of the intermediate connection unit 10A is made of electrically insulating materials such as resin, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing has an upper outer shell half 80A and a lower outer shell half 90A, which are divided in the connection direction Z. The upper outer shell half 80A and the lower outer shell half 90A have the same shape and exist in a flipped-over manner relative to the other. The outer shell 70A houses and holds the upper half of the two plates 20 at the upper outer shell half 80A with the inner surfaces of the two plates 20 facing each other, and houses and holds the lower half of the two plates 20 at the lower outer shell half 90A (see reference). Figure 6 (A)).

[0045] The following is based on Figures 1-3 as well as Figure 6(A) describes the structure of the lower outer shell half 90A. For the upper outer shell half 80A, the "90" series reference numerals of the various parts of the lower outer shell half 90A are subtracted from the "10" to obtain the "80" series reference numerals, and the explanations are omitted. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the lower outer shell half 90A has a peripheral wall formed by two side walls 91A extending along the connector width direction X and two end walls 92A extending along the connection direction Y of the intermediate connecting unit 10A and connecting the ends of the side walls 91A to each other, and is generally formed into a prism-shaped cylindrical shape with a cuboid shape. A space for receiving the object connector 3, etc., is formed inside the peripheral wall (see also...). Figure 6 (A)). Additionally, such as Figure 6 As shown in (A), a partition wall 94A is formed at the center of the lower outer casing half 90A in the connection direction Y within the internal space. The partition wall 94A extends between the two side walls 91A along the connector width direction X and connects the inner wall surfaces of the two end walls 92A to each other. Two spaces enclosed by the side walls 91A, end walls 92A, and partition wall 94A, extending vertically and located on the side of side wall 91A in the connection direction Y, respectively house the plates 20. Figure 3 As shown in (A), locking windows 95A are formed through multiple locations on the lower outer shell half 90A for locking the locking piece 62 provided on the outer ground plane 60 of the plate 20.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, a slot-shaped connecting member receiving portion 97A, opening upwards and extending at a right angle to the connector width direction X, is formed on the upper part of end wall 92A and within the wall thickness of end wall 92A. The connecting member receiving portion 97A is formed to open upwards and penetrate along the connecting direction Y, receiving the lower part of the connecting member 100 (described later) and being engaged by the claw-shaped locking protrusion 102 of the connecting member 100 (described later). Additionally, an end groove 99A (also see) is formed on the upper part of end wall 92A, at a position on the connector width direction X that is further outward than the connecting member receiving portion 97A, opening upwards and penetrating along the connector width direction X. Figure 3 (A)).

[0047] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown in (A), a slit-shaped engaging groove 98A is formed in the lower part of the lower housing half 90A, located between the side wall 91A and the end wall 92B in the connector width direction X. This groove extends through the connection direction Y and opens downwards. The engaging groove 98A is located in the connector width direction X, at a position greater than the connecting component housing portion 97A (see reference 97A). Figure 2(On the inner side.) In the connector engagement state, the engagement groove 98A receives the upper part of the connecting member 130 of the target connector 3 (described later) from below and engages with the upper part. Here, "engagement" means that the upper part of the connecting member 130 is received within the engagement groove 98A.

[0048] Similar to the intermediate connecting unit 10A, the housing 70B of the end connecting unit 10B is made of an electrically insulating material such as resin, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the housing has an upper outer shell half 80B and a lower outer shell half 90B, which are divided in the connection direction Z. The upper outer shell half 80B and the lower outer shell half 90B are formed with the same shape. The outer shell 70B houses and holds the upper half of the two plates 20 at the upper outer shell half 80B with the inner surfaces of the two plates 20 facing each other, and houses and holds the lower half of the two plates 20 at the lower outer shell half 90B (see reference). Figure 6 (B)

[0049] The outer casing 70B of the end connecting unit 10B differs from the outer casing 70A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A in appearance, i.e., external shape and dimensions. Hereinafter, the description of casing 70B will follow the same principle as casing 70A, based on... Figures 1-2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 (B) describes the structure of the lower outer shell half 90B. For the upper outer shell half 80B, the "90" series reference numerals of each part of the lower outer shell half 90B are subtracted from the "10" series reference numerals to obtain the "80" series reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), when viewed along the connection direction Z, which is the vertical direction, the lower outer shell half 90B has a peripheral wall formed by two side walls 91B extending along the connector width direction X (hereinafter referred to as "outer side wall 91B-1" and "inner side wall 91B-2") and two end walls 92B extending along the direction Y of the intermediate connection unit 10A and connecting the ends of the side walls 91B to each other, and is integrally formed into a roughly rectangular cuboid shape. A space for receiving the object connector 3, etc., is formed inside this peripheral wall (see also...). Figure 6 (B)). Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown in (B), the internal structure of the end connection unit 10B is exactly the same as that of the intermediate connection unit 10A. Therefore, the description of its structure is omitted by replacing "A" with "B" in the reference numerals in the case of the intermediate connection unit 10A.

[0051] The two sidewalls 91B have an outer position in the connection direction Y ( Figure 4 (A), (B) and Figure 6(B) is the outer sidewall 91B-1 on the Y2 side and the inner side on the connecting direction Y (in Figure 4 (A), (B) and Figure 6 (B) is the inner sidewall 91B-2 at the Y1 side. Figure 1 As shown, the outer sidewall 91B-1 does not face the intermediate connecting unit 10A and is located at the outermost end in the connection direction Y. On the other hand, the inner sidewall 91B-2 exists facing the sidewall 91A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A adjacent in the connection direction Y. In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 is greater than that of the inner sidewall 91B-2. In addition, the inner sidewall 91B-2 and the sidewall 91A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A are formed to have the same wall thickness. That is, the wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 is greater than that of the sidewall 91A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A.

[0052] The wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 does not need to be greater than that of the inner sidewall 91B-2 over the entire region in the connecting direction Z; the wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 may also be greater than that of the inner sidewall 91B-2 in a local region in the same direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown in (A) and (B), the wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 is larger in the lower part, that is, in the area on the connection direction side between it and the object connector 3.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), similar to the case of the side wall 91A of the lower outer shell half 90A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, locking windows 95B-1 are formed through multiple locations on the outer side wall 91B-1 for locking the lower locking piece 62 of the outer ground plate 60 of the plate 20. A portion of the locking windows 95B-1 on the outer side wall 91B-1 is provided with an enlarged portion 95B-1A of the space for the enlarged window. Furthermore, through holes 95X1B and 95X2B are formed on the outer side wall 91B-1 at the same position as the locking window 95B-1 in the connector width direction X and away from the locking window 95B-1 in the connection direction Z. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown in (A), the lower housing half 90B is located outward of the locking window 95B-1 in the connector width direction X, that is, at the position of the end wall 92B or between the outer side wall 91B-1 and the end wall 92B. A through hole 96B-1 with an opening extending in the vertical direction is formed through it along the connection direction Y. The locking window 95B-1, through holes 95X1B, 95X2B, and 96B-1 are not formed on the inner side wall 91B-2 side of the lower housing half 90B, but only on the outer side wall 91B-1 side.

[0054] The enlarged portion 95B-1A and through holes 95X1B, 95X2B, and 96B-1 of the locking window 95B-1 serve the following purpose: when molten resin material is injected into the molding die from one end wall position to form the lower outer shell half 90B, the flow properties of the molten resin material are made as similar as possible between the outer sidewall 91B-1 side and the inner sidewall 91B-2 side, which have different wall thicknesses. Specifically, by providing the enlarged portion 95B-1A and through holes 95X1B, 95X2B, and 96B-1 only on the outer sidewall 91B-1 side, which has a larger wall thickness, the flow resistance at the outer sidewall 91B-1 side is increased. As a result, the flow properties at the outer sidewall 91B-1 side become approximately the same as those at the inner sidewall 91B-2 side. Therefore, the molten resin material flowing to the outer sidewall 91B-1 side and the inner sidewall 91B-2 side reaches the other end wall position approximately simultaneously.

[0055] The shape, position, and number of through holes used to ensure that the flow properties of the molten resin material are as uniform as possible can be appropriately set according to the shape of the lower outer shell half 90B. Figure 4 The enlarged portion 95B-1A of the locking window 95B-1 shown in (A) and the through holes 95X1B, 95X2B, and 96B-1 are merely one example. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the through hole to penetrate along the connection direction Y; it can also be formed as a non-penetrating recess.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), the end wall 92B in the lower housing half 90B of the end connection unit 10B has a side wall 91B-1 located on its outer surface in the connection direction Y. Figure 4 The notch 92B-1 is located on the Y2 side of (A) and (B) and opens outward and downward in the Z2 direction of connection. As will be described later, the notch 92B-1 is formed to cooperate with the assembly jig when connecting the intermediate connecting unit 10A and the end connecting unit 10B, which have different external shapes and dimensions, so that each connecting unit 10A, 10B is in the correct position and in the correct orientation and works in coordination with the assembly jig.

[0057] Additionally, at the lower part of the lower housing half 90B, between the inner side wall 91B-2 and the end wall 92B in the connector width direction X, a engaging groove 98A for the intermediate connecting unit 10A is formed (see reference). Figure 3 (A) has the same shape, that is, a slit-shaped engaging groove (not shown) that runs through the connection direction Y and opens downwards. Figure 4 As shown in (A), the engaging groove is formed such that the engaging groove 88B formed on the upper part of the upper housing half 80B is reversed vertically. The engaging groove is located in the connector width direction X, at a position greater than the connecting component housing portion 97B (see reference). Figure 2 (On the inner side.) In the connector engagement state, the engaging groove receives the upper part of the connecting member 130 of the target connector 3 (described later) from below and engages with the upper part.

[0058] On the other hand, no groove is formed in the lower part of the lower housing half 90B, at the position between the outer sidewall 91B-1 and the end wall 92B in the connector width direction X. That is, the lower end surface of the lower housing half 90B is formed as a flat surface within the range from the outer sidewall 91B-1 to the end wall 92B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower housing half 90B has a relatively large solid portion formed in the connection direction (vertical direction) Z at the position between the outer sidewall 91B-1 and the end wall 92B. Therefore, the strength of the outer sidewall 91B-1 is not reduced accordingly, and thus, it is not easy for flexural deformation to occur in its wall thickness direction, in other words, in the connection direction Y.

[0059] In this embodiment, no groove is formed between the outer sidewall 91B-1 and the end wall 92B. However, as long as sufficient strength of the outer sidewall 91B-1 can be ensured, a slightly deeper groove can also be formed. Specifically, a groove smaller (shallower) than the engagement groove 98A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A can be formed in the connection direction (vertical direction) Z. The outer sidewall 91B-1 is located outside the connecting member 130 of the target connector 3 in the connection direction Y, and is not related to the engagement with the connecting member 130. Therefore, no adverse conditions caused by the absence of an engagement groove on the outer sidewall 91B-1 will occur.

[0060] The connecting component 100 is manufactured by punching and partially bending the sheet metal component to maintain its flatness. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 100 is formed as a strip-shaped member extending in the connecting direction Y as its length direction and in the connecting direction Z (which is vertical) as its width direction. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 100 extends throughout the arrangement range of the connecting units 10A and 10B in the connecting direction Y and extends throughout the range of the outer shell halves 80A, 90A and 80B, 90B spanning both sides in the connecting direction Z. It is housed within the connecting member housing portions 87A, 87B, 97A, 97B in the end walls 82A, 82B, 92A, 92B of the connecting units 10A and 10B. In this way, the connecting member 100 is located within the connecting member housing portions 87A, 87B, 97A, 97B of the connecting units 10A and 10B, thereby achieving a good shielding effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting member 100 is manufactured as a plate-shaped member having a plate surface perpendicular to the connector width direction X. The dimension in the connector width direction X is approximately equal to the plate thickness of the connecting member 100, therefore the repeater connector 1 does not become large in the connector width direction X.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting member 100 has claw-shaped upper locking protrusions 101 and lower locking protrusions 102 (hereinafter referred to as "locking protrusions 101 and 102" when there is no need to distinguish between them) at positions corresponding to each connecting unit 10A and 10B in the connecting direction Y. The locking protrusions 101 and 102 are respectively locked to the locked portions (not shown) of the corresponding outer shell halves 80A, 90A, 80B, and 90B in the connecting direction Z and connecting direction Y. As will be described later, after the multiple connecting units 10 are connected by the connecting member 100, the locking protrusions 101 and 102 are bent by a clamp and locked to the outer shell halves 80A, 90A, 80B, and 90B.

[0062] Next, the assembly steps for the repeater connector 1 will be explained. First, align the inner surfaces of the two plates 20 with each other (refer to...). Figure 6 (A) and (B) respectively house the lower half of each plate 20 in the lower outer shell half 90A of the middle connecting unit 10A and the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B. Furthermore, the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B housing two plates 20 are arranged along the connection direction Y. At this time, one lower outer shell half 90B is positioned at each end of the connection direction Y, and multiple lower outer shell halves 90A are arranged between the lower outer shell halves 90B at both ends.

[0063] Next, the upper outer shell half 80A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A and the upper outer shell half 80B of the end connecting unit 10B are brought from above to the corresponding plates 20 in a position where they are flipped up and down relative to the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B, and the upper halves of each plate 20 are housed from below into the upper outer shell halves 80B and 90B. After this, with the plates 20 housed in the upper outer shell halves 80A and 80B and the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B, the connecting member 100 is inserted into the slit-like space formed by the connecting member housing portions 87A and 87B of the upper outer shell halves 80A and 80B and the connecting member housing portions 97A and 97B of the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B, which are connected vertically. At this time, the locking protrusions 101 and 102 of the connecting component 100 before bending are located in a narrow space formed by working together with the end grooves 89A and 89B of the upper outer shell halves 80A and 80B and the end grooves 99A and 99B of the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B to communicate vertically (see reference). Figure 3 (A), (B) and Figure 4 The corresponding positions of (A) and (B).

[0064] Next, a clamp (not shown) is inserted into the space formed by the end slots 89A and 89B from the outside in the connector width direction X, and locking tabs 101 and 102 of the connecting component 100 are formed by bending. As a result, the locking tabs 101 and 102 are locked onto the upper housing halves 80A and 80B and the lower housing halves 90A and 90B, and the upper housing halves 80A and 80B and the lower housing halves 90A and 90B are completely connected in the connection direction Y and the connection direction Z, thereby obtaining a relay connector 1.

[0065] In order to efficiently and reliably assemble the relay connector 1 in the above steps, it is necessary to initially and reliably position the lower housing halves 90A of the plurality of intermediate connection units 10A and the lower housing halves 90B of the end connection units 10B in the correct positions. In this embodiment, a clamp J is used to position the lower housing halves 90A, 90B correctly and maintain their posture.

[0066] exist Figure 7 (A), (B) and Figure 8 Fixture J is shown in parts of (A) and (B).

[0067] exist Figure 7 (A), (B) and Figure 8 (A) and (B) show the state in which a completed connecting unit 10A, 10B is configured in the fixture J or the state in which a completed connecting unit 10A, 10B is to be configured in the fixture J. However, in reality, before the connecting units 10A, 10B are completed, they are arranged one by one in the fixture J in the state in which the lower outer shell halves 90A, 90B house two plates 20, that is, in the state in which the upper outer shell halves 80A, 80B are not installed.

[0068] The clamp J, when viewed along the connector width direction X, is U-shaped and has a horizontal portion J1 extending along the connection direction Y and a vertical portion J2 rising vertically upwards Z1 at both ends of the horizontal portion J1. Figure 7 (A), (B) and Figure 8 (A) and (B) only illustrate the longitudinal portion J2 located on the Y2 side in the connection direction Y and its adjacent transverse portion J1. At both ends of the transverse portion J1 in the connector width direction X, protrusions J1-1 are arranged at equal intervals along the connection direction Y to define the correct positions of each lower housing half 90A, 90B in the connection direction Y. All protrusions J1-1 are formed with the same shape, such as... Figure 7As shown in (B), it has an end protrusion J1-1B located at the end in the connection direction Y and an intermediate protrusion J1-1A located in the middle. The protrusion J1-1 is inserted from below into the space (not shown) formed near both ends of the lower housing halves 90A and 90B in the connector width direction X, thereby supporting the lower housing halves 90A and 90B. The intermediate protrusion J1-1A supports the lower housing half 90A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, and the end protrusion J1-1B supports the lower housing half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B.

[0069] Protrusions J2-1 are provided at both ends of the connector in the width direction X at the base of the longitudinal portion J2. The protrusions J2-1 are located at the corners formed by the longitudinal portion J2 and the transverse portion J1. The protrusions J2-1 protrude inward in the connection direction Y and are received in the notch 92B-1 of the end wall 92B of the lower housing half 90B of the end connection unit 10B (see reference). Figure 7 (A)). In other words, in this embodiment, a notch 92B-1 is formed in the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B. Therefore, when the lower outer shell half 90B is positioned at the end of the fixture J from above, that is, in the normal position, the end wall 92B and the protrusion J2-1 will not collide and interfere with each other, thereby making it easy to position the lower outer shell half 90B.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the connection direction Y, tapered portions J2-A and J2-1A are formed on the upper inner side of the longitudinal portion J2 and the upper inner side of the protrusion J2-1, respectively. When the lower outer shell half 90B is arranged from above, it can be guided by the tapered portions J2-A and J2-1A.

[0071] On the other hand, unlike the lower housing half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B, the lower housing half 90A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A does not have a notch in the end wall 92A (see reference). Figure 7 (B) Therefore, assuming that the lower outer shell half 90A is incorrectly positioned at the end of the clamp J, that is, incorrectly positioned at the position where the end connecting unit 10B should be positioned, the lower outer shell half 90A collides with and interferes with the protrusion J2-1, thus preventing it from being positioned at the aforementioned position (see reference). Figure 7 (B) Therefore, it is immediately identified that the lower housing half 90A is intended to be configured in the wrong position.

[0072] Furthermore, the notch 92B-1 extends only towards the outer sidewall 91B-1 in the connecting direction Y (in... Figure 7The opening in (A) is on the Y2 side, and is formed in an asymmetrical shape in the connection direction Y. Therefore, even for the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B, it is assumed that the orientation in the connection direction Y is incorrect, that is, the outer sidewall 91B-1 does not face the longitudinal part J2 but faces inward on the opposite side of the longitudinal part J2. Figure 7 When the lower outer shell half 90B is positioned on the Y1 side in (A), it collides with and interferes with the protrusion J2-1, making it impossible to position the lower outer shell half 90B in the aforementioned position. Therefore, it is immediately recognized that the lower outer shell half 90B is intended to be positioned in the wrong orientation.

[0073] In this embodiment, the intermediate protrusion J1-1A and the end protrusion J1-1B are formed with the same shape. Therefore, the intermediate protrusion J1-1A can be embedded not only into the lower outer shell half 90A of the intermediate connecting unit 10A, but also into the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B. However, as Figure 8 As in (B), if the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B is incorrectly positioned at the location of the intermediate protrusion J1-1A, the gap between the lower outer shell half 90B and the longitudinal portion J2 becomes narrower due to the larger wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B of the lower outer shell half 90B. This makes it impossible to further position other lower outer shell half 90Bs of the end connecting unit 10B within this gap, in other words, at the location of the end protrusion J1-1B. Therefore, when other lower outer shell half 90Bs cannot be positioned at the end protrusion J1-1B, it can be identified that the lower outer shell half 90B of the end connecting unit 10B is incorrectly positioned at the location of the intermediate protrusion J1-1A adjacent to the end protrusion J1-1B.

[0074] Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to identify as early as possible whether the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B are configured in the wrong position or are intended to be configured in the wrong position, thereby enabling the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B to be efficiently arranged in the correct position.

[0075] Next, following the previously described procedure, the upper outer shell halves 80A and 80B are assembled via the plate 20 onto the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B supported by the clamp J. Furthermore, as described, after inserting the connecting member 100 into the slit-like space formed by the connecting member receiving portions 87A and 87B of the upper outer shell halves 80A and 80B and the connecting member receiving portions 97A and 97B of the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B in the connection direction Y, the upper locking protrusion 101 and the lower locking protrusion 102 of the connecting member 100 are bent, thereby obtaining a relay connector. After this, the clamp J for the lower outer shell halves 90A and 90B is removed.

[0076] Next, the structure of object connectors 2 and 3 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the object connectors 2 and 3, which have the same number of connection units 10 as the relay connector 1, are arranged at equal intervals in the same direction as the connection direction Y of the connection unit 10, and all object connectors 2 and 3 are connected by the connection member 130 described later. Since all object connectors 2 and 3 have the same structure, the structure of object connector 3 will be described below. In the description of object connector 2, the same reference numerals as those for object connector 3 will be used, and the description will be omitted.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the object connector 3 has a housing 110 made of an electrically insulating material such as resin that extends in the connector width direction X as the length direction, a plurality of terminals 120 (hereinafter referred to as "object terminals 120") arranged and held by the housing 110 along the connector width direction X, and an object ground plate (not shown) held by the housing 110.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 110 extends along the connector width direction X and is formed in the same direction with approximately the same dimensions as the repeater connector 1. On the two side walls of the housing 110 extending along the connector width direction X (the surfaces perpendicular to the connection direction Y), a plurality of terminal receiving portions 111 are formed at equal intervals along the connector width direction X. The terminal receiving portions 111 are concealed from the aforementioned wall surfaces and are formed in the shape of grooves extending along the connection direction Z, which is the vertical direction, and are used to receive and hold the target terminals 120.

[0079] The housing 110 has a metal plate ground plane (not shown) embedded at the midpoint of the connection direction Y, which is its thickness direction. The ground plane has a plate surface perpendicular to the connection direction Y and extends across approximately the entire area of ​​the object connector 3 in the connector width direction X.

[0080] The target terminal 120 is manufactured by punching a metal plate component along the thickness direction. Its overall shape is a strip extending along the connection direction Z. It is pressed and held from below towards the terminal receiving portion 111 of the housing 110 and arranged along the connector width direction X. The target terminal 120 has a contact portion at its upper end for contacting the lower contact portion 32A of the terminal 30 of the repeater connector 1, and a connection portion at its lower end for soldering to a corresponding circuit portion (not shown) on the circuit board. This lower-end connection portion protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 110. Figure 1 The image shows the state in which solder ball B is installed at the connection.

[0081] The connecting member 130 has a plate surface perpendicular to the connector width direction X and extends throughout the entire area of ​​the target connector 3 in the connection direction Y. In this embodiment, the connecting member 130 does not extend to the outer sidewalls 81B-1 and 91B-1 of the end connecting units 10B located at both ends of the relay connector 1. The connecting member 130 is present in such a way that its plate surface is close to and opposite to the two sides of the target connector 3 in the connector width direction X (the surfaces perpendicular to the connector width direction X), and the upper edge of the connecting member 130 is connected to the ground plane (not shown).

[0082] Next, the connection procedure between relay connector 1 and target connectors 2 and 3 will be explained. First, multiple target connectors 2 and 3 are soldered and mounted on different circuit boards (not shown). Next, the target connector 3 is positioned such that the contact portion of the target terminal 120 is on the upper side. Figure 1 (as shown in the posture), the lower receiving portions 12A, 12B of each connecting unit 10 of the relay connector 1 (refer to the posture shown in ... Figure 6 (A) and (B) correspond to the corresponding object connector 3, so that the relay connector 1 is located above the object connector 3 (refer to...). Figure 1 ).

[0083] Next, move repeater connector 1 downwards Z2 (refer to...) Figure 1 (The arrows indicate that each connecting unit 10 is engaged with the corresponding object connector 3 from above. When the engagement between the relay connector 1 and the object connector 3 is completed, the lower contact portion 32A of the terminal 30 of the plate 20 of the connecting unit 10 contacts the contact portion of the object terminal 120 of the object connector 3 with contact pressure to achieve electrical conduction.)

[0084] Next, the object connector 2 is rotated vertically relative to the object connector 3. Figure 1 The shown posture) is fitted from above relative to repeater connector 1 (refer to...). Figure 1 (The arrow). The method of mating connection of object connector 2 is the same as that described for object connector 3.

[0085] In this way, object connector 2 and object connector 3 are fitted and connected to relay connector 1, thereby object connector 2 and object connector 3 corresponding to each other are electrically connected via each connection unit 10.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the target connector 3 is engaged with the relay connector 1 from below, and the outer sidewall 91B-1 and inner sidewall 91B-2 of the lower housing half 90B of the end connection unit 10B are pushed apart by the target connector 3 and subjected to an external force in the connection direction Y in a direction moving away from each other, the outer sidewall 91B-1 of the end connection unit 10B does not make surface contact with the sidewall 91A of the adjacent intermediate connection unit 10A and is not supported at all. However, in this embodiment, no groove is formed at the lower part of the lower housing half 90B between the outer sidewall 91B-1 and the end wall 92B in the connector width direction X, so the outer sidewall 91B-1 itself has strength. In addition, the local wall thickness of the outer sidewall 91B-1 is greater than that of the inner sidewall 91B-2, thereby achieving further strength improvement. Therefore, the outer sidewall 91B-1 is not easily flexed or deformed in its wall thickness direction (connection direction Y), and as a result, it is not easily damaged.

[0087] It can also be said that, similar to the outer sidewall 91B-1 of the lower housing half 90B described above, the outer sidewall 81B-1 of the upper housing half 80B of the end connection unit 10B in the state where the object connector 2 is engaged with the relay connector 1 from above also effectively prevents the outer sidewall 81B-1 from flexing and deforming, thereby effectively preventing damage.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising connecting units formed by holding a housing of a plurality of plate-shaped plates, each plate having a plurality of terminals extending along a connection direction for connection with a connecting body, in which the plate-shaped plates are arranged and held together with the thickness direction of the plates as the connection direction, wherein, The housing has a peripheral wall formed by two side walls facing each other in the thickness direction of the plate and two end walls located outside the plate in the width direction of the plate, which is the width direction of the connector. A plate receiving portion for inserting the plate is formed in the peripheral wall. The plate is inserted into the plate receiving part held in the housing. Multiple connecting units have end connecting units located at both ends in the thickness direction of the plate and intermediate connecting units located between the end connecting units at both ends. The engaging groove in the intermediate connecting unit, which partially engages with the object connector, extends along the thickness direction of the plate, opens toward the object connector, and is formed between the end wall and the side wall of the outer shell. The end connecting unit does not have a groove formed in the thickness direction of the plate, at least between the outer sidewall and the end wall at the outer side, that opens toward the object connector to a depth greater than the engagement groove of the intermediate connecting unit.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, At least the outer sidewall of the end connecting unit is thicker than the sidewall of the intermediate connecting unit.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer sidewall of the end connection unit is thicker than the inner sidewall located on the inner side in the thickness direction of the plate, and the end connection unit has a through hole or recess on the side of the outer sidewall in the connection direction.

4. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The end connection unit has a notch formed on the outer surface of the end wall, and the notch is open at at least one end side in the connection direction and in the thickness direction of the plate.

Images