Connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector that is small, reliable, and can be easily manufactured, and that also achieves narrowing of the intervals between the protrusions with a plurality of terminals attached. Such a connector is therefore provided to include: a plurality of half-body parts, each half-body part including a connector body and a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body; and a body end part formed at each end of the connector body by abutting the connector bodies of the plurality of half-body parts. Each of the connector bodies is an element integrated with the plurality of terminals, and includes: a protrusion extending in the length direction and holding the plurality of terminals; and an embedded part connected to each end of the length direction of the protrusion. The body end part includes a covering part, which covers at least a portion of the embedded part of each of the connector bodies, so that the covering part is an element integrated with the embedded part.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of April 23, 2020, application number 2020800310251, and invention name “Connector”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to connectors. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, connectors such as board-to-board connectors have been used to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit substrates to each other. These types of connectors are attached to opposing surfaces of a pair of circuit substrates and fit together to ensure conduction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing a conventional connector.

[0005] In the figure, 811 is a connector base mounted on a circuit substrate (not shown), having a pair of protrusions 812 extending in its length direction. In addition, a plurality of terminals 861 are attached to the protrusions 812 side by side in the length direction of the connector.

[0006] In addition, when the connector is mated with a mating connector (not shown), the protrusion 812 is inserted into each of a pair of grooves formed in the mating base of the mating connector. This process makes the respective terminals 861 contact the mating terminals (not shown) attached side by side in the grooves and establish conduction.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent document 1: Japanese unexamined patent publication number JP2001-126789 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, in conventional connectors, the terminal 861 is integrated with the base 811. When the connector is miniaturized, the interval between the two protrusions 812 is reduced, thereby reducing the spacing between the terminals 861. As a result, the manufacture of the connector is more difficult. The terminal 861 is usually integrated with a pair of protrusions 812 of the base 811 using a molding method called overmolding or insert molding. This method causes the interval between the protrusions 812 and the spacing between the terminals 861 to become narrower, making it difficult to correctly and correspondingly configure a large number of terminals 861 at a pair of protrusions 812 in a molding mold for the base 811.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in conventional connectors, an object of this document is to provide a miniaturized and reliable connector that can be easily manufactured while achieving narrowing of the intervals between projections with attached terminals.

[0013] Means used to solve problems

[0014] From the above perspective, the connector includes: a plurality of half-body parts, each half-body part includes a connector body and a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body; and a body end part, which is formed at each end of the connector body by making the connector bodies of the plurality of half-body parts abut each other. Each of the connector bodies is an element integrated with the plurality of terminals, and includes: a convex part extending in the length direction and holding the plurality of terminals; and an embedded part connected to each end of the length direction of the convex part. The body end part includes a covering part, which covers at least a part of the embedded part of each of the connector bodies, so that the covering part is an element integrated with the embedded part.

[0015] In another connector, the embedded portion is entirely covered by the covering portion, so that an inner surface of an end wall facing a center side in a longitudinal direction of the connector body is formed on the covering portion.

[0016] In another connector, the embedded portion has: an inner side surface, which is a surface facing another embedded portion; an outer side surface, which is located on the opposite side of the inner side surface in the length direction of the connector body; an upper surface and a lower surface, which connect the inner side surface and the outer side surface; and an end surface located at an end of the length direction of the connector body. At least the inner side surface, the outer side surface, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the end surface are covered by the covering portion.

[0017] In another connector, the embedded portion includes an inclined inner side surface, which faces another inclined inner side surface so that the gap becomes larger toward the center side of the length direction of the connector body. The covering portion includes an end wall inner surface facing the center side of the length direction of the connector body. The end wall inner surface is formed by filling the gap between the inclined inner side surfaces with the molding material of the covering portion.

[0018] In still another connector, each end of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction is connected to an extended end portion, and the embedded portion extends from the extended end portion.

[0019] In still another connector, the extended end of the connector body is inclined inward in the width direction of the connector and extends from each end of the protrusion in the length direction. The width of the body end is smaller than the width of the connector.

[0020] The connector pair includes a connector according to the root disclosure and a mating connector mated with the connector.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, a connector which is miniaturized and reliable and can be easily manufactured is provided while achieving narrowing of the intervals between the projections having the terminals attached thereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the left half of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a process for manufacturing the left half of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 Two views showing a first process of manufacturing a first protruding end portion of a first connector according to a first embodiment are provided, wherein (a) is a top view and (b) is a bottom view.

[0028] Figure 6 Two side views showing a second process of manufacturing the first protruding end portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment are provided, wherein (a) is a top view and (b) is a bottom view.

[0029] Figure 7 Provided are enlarged views of the main parts showing the first and second processes of manufacturing the first protruding end portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment, wherein (a) is Figure 5 (b) is an enlarged view of the E part of Figure 6 Magnified view of part F.

[0030] Figure 8 Provided are cross-sectional views showing first and second processes of manufacturing a first protruding end portion of a first connector according to a first embodiment, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view along the arrow AA, (b) is Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of arrow BB, (c) is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of arrow CC, and (d) is along Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of arrow DD.

[0031] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing a state just before the first connector and the second connector are fitted together when viewed from the first connector side according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 It is an exploded view of the left half of a modified example of the first connector of the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a first connector according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Fig.12 is an exploded view showing a first connector according to a second embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 A first two-side view showing a first protruding end portion of a first connector according to a second embodiment is provided, wherein (a) is a bottom view and (b) is a cross-sectional view along arrow GG of (a).

[0036] Fig.14 A second two-sided view showing the first protruding end portion of the first connector according to the second embodiment is provided, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a cross-sectional view along arrow HH of (a).

[0037] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing a conventional connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first connector according to a first embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded view of a first connector according to a first embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the left half of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0040] In these figures, 1 is a first connector as one of a pair of substrate-to-substrate connectors, and is a connector in this embodiment. The first connector 1 is a surface-mounted connector, mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown) serving as a mounting element, and is fitted into a second connector 101 serving as a mating connector described later. In addition, the second connector 101 is the other of the pair of substrate-to-substrate connectors and is a surface-mounted connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not shown) serving as a mounting element.

[0041] The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 according to the present embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate, but can also be used to electrically connect other components. For example, the first substrate and the second substrate are each a printed circuit substrate, a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible circuit substrate (FPC), etc. used in electronic equipment, etc., but can be any type of substrate.

[0042] In addition, in the present embodiment, the expressions for indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front and rear, used to illustrate the actions and structures of the various parts of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are not absolute but relative, and these expressions are suitable when the various parts of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are in the postures shown in the figures, that is, when their postures change, these directions should be interpreted differently according to the changes in the postures.

[0043] In addition, the first connector 1 is configured by connecting a pair of left and right half parts (i.e., a left half part 10A and a right half part 10B) to each other using a first reinforcement part 51 as a reinforcement part and a cover part 16 integrally formed by a molding method called overmolding, outsert molding, or insert molding (hereinafter referred to as "insert molding"). Note that the left half part 10A and the right half part 10B are identical parts arranged to face each other on the left and right sides, and in the case of a unified description, the left half part 10A and the right half part 10B will be described as the half part 10. The left half part 10A and the right half part 10B each have a substantially gate-shaped shape in a plan view (shape projected onto the XY plane), and the space between the joined left half part 10A and the right half part 10B is an elongated groove part 13 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1. The groove portion 13 is a through hole opened on the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connector 1 .

[0044] Note that, in this embodiment, for ease of description, the first connector 1 is described as having a pair of half-body parts 10, that is, having a configuration in which two half-body parts 10 are arranged in parallel, however, three or more half-body parts 10 may be arranged in parallel. In addition, the half-body parts 10 do not necessarily have a substantially door-shaped shape, but may have any shape as long as both ends in the length direction can be joined by the first reinforcing fitting 51 and the covering part 16.

[0045] The half body 10 has a first base 11 as a connector body, which is integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin and has a substantially door-shaped shape in a plan view. Each first base 11 includes: a slender strip-shaped bottom plate 17 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first base 11; and a first convex portion 12, which is an slender convex portion extending in the length direction of the first base 11 and is integrally formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 17. The first convex portion 12 is an element having a cross-sectional shape similar to an inverted U shape and having a curved mating surface 12a located on the upper side (Z-axis positive direction side) and an outer side surface 12b and an inner side surface 12c connected to the left and right sides of the mating surface 12a. The outer side surface 12b and the inner side surface 12c are a pair of mutually parallel opposing planes, and extend in the length direction of the first base 11. Note that the dimension of the first protrusion 12 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the dimension of the bottom plate 17 in the width direction, so that the bottom plate 17 protrudes outward in the width direction from the outer side surface 12b and the inner side surface 12c at the lower end (Z-axis negative direction side end) of the first protrusion 12. In addition, the lower surface of the bottom plate 17 is a mounting surface 17a of the first base 11 that faces the first substrate.

[0046] In addition, a first terminal 61 as a terminal is provided on each first protrusion 12. The first terminal 61 is arranged in a predetermined number (32 in the example shown in the figure) and at a predetermined pitch. The first terminal 61 is an element formed integrally by stamping, bending, etc. a conductive metal plate, and includes: a body portion 63 extending in the width direction of the first protrusion 12; a tail portion 62 connected to a first end of the body portion 63; a contact portion 65 connected to a second end of the body portion 63 at an angle of about 90 degrees and extending in the up-down direction; and an upper end portion 64 connected to an upper end of the contact portion 65 at an angle of about 90 degrees.

[0047] The body portion 63 is a portion embedded in and held in the bottom plate portion 17. In addition, the tail portion 62 extends outward in the width direction from the bottom plate portion 17 and is connected to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate by welding or the like. The conductive trace is typically a signal line. In addition, the contact portion 65 includes a contact recess 65a, which is a portion that contacts a second terminal 161 of the second connector 101 described later when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, and is preferably a portion recessed from the surface.

[0048] The first terminal 61 is integrated with the first base 11 by insert molding. That is, the first base 11 is molded by filling the insulating material in the cavity of the mold provided with the first terminal 61. Therefore, the first terminal 61 is integrally attached to the first base 11 in a state where the lower surface of the body portion 63 and the lower surface of the tail portion 62 are exposed to the mounting surface 17a of the bottom plate portion 17 and the surface of the contact portion 65 and the surface of the upper end portion 64 are exposed to the outer side surface 12b or the inner side surface 12c and the fitting surface 12a of the first protrusion 12.

[0049] In addition, the plurality of first terminals 61 attached to each first protrusion 12 are oriented so that the postures of the adjacent first terminals are opposite to each other in the width direction of the first protrusion 12. In the example shown in the figure, among the plurality of first terminals 61 attached to the first protrusion 12 of the left half body 10A, the first terminal 61 located at the front end (X-axis positive direction end) is oriented so that the tail 62 protrudes outward (Y-axis positive direction side), and the first terminal 61 located at the second position from the front end is oriented so that the tail 62 protrudes inward (Y-axis negative direction side). In this way, since the plurality of first terminals 61 are attached to the first protrusion 12 alternately and in parallel in opposite directions, the spacing of the tail 62 protruding from each side of the first protrusion 12 is twice the spacing of the first terminal 61. Therefore, this configuration makes it easy to carry out the operation of connecting the first terminal to the connection pad of the first substrate by welding or the like. The pitch of the contact portions 65 exposed on the outer side surface 12 b of the first protrusion 12 and the pitch of the contact portions 65 exposed on the inner side surface 12 c are also twice the pitch of the first terminals 61 .

[0050] Note that, since the first terminal 61 is an element integrated with the first base 11 by insert molding or the like, the first terminal 61 is not separated from the first base 11. However, note that, for ease of explanation, Figure 2 In the figure, the first terminal 61 is shown separately from the first base 11.

[0051] In addition, first protruding end portions 18, which are body ends and mating guide portions, are provided at both ends in the length direction of the first convex portion 12. The first protruding end portions 18 are elements connected to both ends in the length direction of each first convex portion 12, and are formed to connect the left half body portion 10A and the right half body portion 10B. In addition, in the state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, the first protruding end portions 18 function as insertion protrusions that are inserted into mating recesses 122 of second protruding end portions 121 of the second connector 101, which will be described later.

[0052] The first protruding end portion 18 is constituted by the extended end portions 14 and the embedded portion 15 of the left and right half body portions 10 , the covering portion 16 , and the first reinforcing fitting 51 .

[0053] The extended end portions 14 extending in the length direction are integrally connected to both ends in the length direction of the first convex portion 12 of each half body 10, and the embedded portion 15 further extending in the length direction of the first convex portion 12 is integrally connected to each extended end portion 14. Note that the extended end portions 14 extend obliquely inwardly, and the embedded portion 15 extends in the length direction from a position eccentric inwardly at the end of the extended end portion 14, and is located at a position inside the outer side surface 12b of the first convex portion 12. In other words, the extended end portion 14 of the left half body 10A extends obliquely in the right direction (negative direction of the Y axis), and the embedded portion 15 extends in the length direction from a position eccentric in the right direction at the end of the extended end portion 14. In addition, the extended end portion 14 of the right half body 10B extends obliquely in the left direction (positive direction of the Y axis), and the embedded portion 15 extends in the length direction from a position eccentric in the left direction at the end of the extended end portion 14. As described above, since the embedded portion 15 is eccentric with respect to the extended end portion 14, the embedded portion 15 can be formed in a form that protrudes toward the inner side of the extended end portion 14. This formation makes the inner side of the embedded portion 15 closer to the first convex portion 12 to be covered by the resin forming the end wall inner surface 16d of the covering portion 16. The strength of integration is thus further improved.

[0054] In addition, at least a portion of the extended end portions 14 of the left and right half-body portions 10 and the entire embedded portion 15 are covered by a covering portion 16 formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. Specifically, the covering portion 16 is formed by insert molding the embedded portions 15 of the left and right half-body portions 10 close to each other and in a state where they are covered by the first reinforcing fitting 51. As a result, the extended end portions 14 and the embedded portion 15 of the left and right half-body portions 10, the covering portion 16 and the first reinforcing fitting 51 are integrated to form the first protruding end portion 18, and the left and right half-body portions 10 are combined. The covering portion 16 does not necessarily have to cover the entire embedded portion 15, but the embedded portion 15 may be covered to a degree sufficient to combine the left and right half-body portions 10. However, in order to maximize the bonding force, it is desirable to cover the entire embedded portion 15. The covering portion 16 is an element formed integrally with other components by insert molding and is not a separate element separated from other components. However, for ease of explanation, in Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the cover 16 is shown as a separate element.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the extended end portion 14 has an upper surface 14a located on the upper side, an outer side surface 14b and an inner side surface 14c connected to the left and right sides of the upper surface 14a, and a lower surface 14d located on the lower side. The lower surface 14d is located above the mounting surface 17a, and at least a portion of the lower surface 14d is covered by the cover portion 16. The upper surface 14a is substantially flush with the fitting surface 12a of the first protrusion 12. The inner side surface 14c is a surface that is inclined obliquely inward relative to the inner side surface 12c of the first protrusion 12. The outer side surface 14b includes: an inclined outer side surface 14b1 that is inclined obliquely inward relative to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12; and a parallel outer side surface 14b2 that is substantially parallel to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12. The parallel outer side surface 14b2 is substantially flush with the outer side surface of the cover portion 16 and becomes a part of the outer side surface of the first protruding end portion 18. The cover portion 16 includes an extended cover portion 16e that extends to be integrated with the lower surface 14d of the extended end portion 14. The extended cover 16e can increase the contact area between the cover 16 and the first base 11, further improving the strength of the integration. Although it is preferred, the lower surface of the extended cover 16e does not have to be flush with the mounting surface 17a. The formation of the lower surface of the extended cover 16e flush with the mounting surface 17a can increase the mounting surface of the first connector 1 for the first substrate, which is conducive to stabilizing the mounting state.

[0056] The embedded portion 15 is an element whose overall shape is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped and has five faces, including an upper surface 15a located on the upper side, an outer side surface 15b and an inner side surface 15c located on the left and right sides, a lower surface 15d located on the lower side, and end surfaces 15e at both ends in the length direction of the first connector 1. The upper surface 15a and the lower surface 15d are parallel planes to each other. The distance between the upper surface 15a and the lower surface 15d (i.e., the thickness of the embedded portion 15) is smaller than the thickness of the extended end portion 14 and the first protrusion 12. The upper surface 15a is located below the mating surface 12a, and the lower surface 15d is located above the mounting surface 17a. The outer side surface 15b is a plane roughly parallel to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12, and is located on the inner side relative to the outer side surface 12b, that is, close to the center in the width direction of the first base 11. The inner side surface 15c includes: a parallel inner side surface 15c1, which is a plane substantially parallel to the inner side surface 12c of the first protrusion 12; and an inclined inner side surface 15c2, which is substantially parallel to the inner side surface 14c of the extended end portion 14. The end surface 15e is a plane orthogonal to the length direction of the first connector 1. The embedded portion 15 is entirely covered by the covering portion 16, that is, embedded in the covering portion 16.

[0057] The above structure can increase the gap between the inner surface 16d of the end wall and the left and right inclined inner side surfaces 15c2, so that the filling amount of the insulating material is increased. Because the five surfaces are flat, the resin flows on these flat surfaces during the insert molding process, improving the moldability and facilitating integration. The five surfaces do not have to be parallel or flat. For example, the embedded portion 15, especially the portion close to the end thereof, can be a curved surface such as a cylinder rather than a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The portion corresponding to the inclined inner side surface 15c2 can have a shape similar to a sphere or a cone including an oval. As described above, forming a concave-convex shape, a curved surface, etc. can increase the contact area between the embedded portion 15 and the covering portion 16, thereby improving the strength of integration. Like the embedded portion 15, the planes of the outer shape of the covering portion 16 do not have to be parallel or flat. The gap between the opposite inner side surfaces 15c allows the resin to flow smoothly through the gap during the insert molding process, thereby allowing the resin to be easily distributed on the entire surface of the embedded portion 15. However, the gap is not necessarily formed. If the covering portion 16 and the embedded portion 15 can be smoothly integrated, there is no need for the gap.

[0058] In this manner, since the extended end portion 14 extends obliquely inwardly and the embedded portion 15 is located at an inner position relative to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12, the width of the first protrusion end portion 18 (the dimension in the Y-axis direction) can be smaller than the width of the first connector 1 (the distance between the outer side surfaces 12b of the left and right first protrusions 12). Note that, in the case where it is not necessary to make the width of the first protrusion end portion 18 smaller than the width of the first connector 1, the extended end portion 14 does not have to extend obliquely inwardly but can extend straightly. In addition, by directly extending the embedded portion 15 from both ends in the length direction of the first protrusion 12, the extended end portion 14 can be omitted. In this case, the dimension of the first connector 1 in the length direction can be shortened. In addition, when more than three half-body portions 10 are arranged in parallel, the extended end portion 14 can extend from both ends in the length direction of the first protrusion 12 to form a Y shape.

[0059] The structure in which the extended end portion 14 extends obliquely inward and the embedded portion 15 is located inward relative to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12 can make the embedded portion 15 of the left half body 10 and the embedded portion 15 of the half body 10 (i.e., the left and right embedded portions 15) approach each other. The two embedded portions 15 approaching each other are then integrated with the covering portion 16. Compared with the structure in which the interval between the two embedded portions 15 is large, the portion between the two embedded portions 16 has a stable shape without being distorted or warped. The connector 1 can be precisely formed thereby.

[0060] The first reinforcing fitting 51 is an integrally formed member by applying processing such as stamping and bending to a metal plate, and includes: a generally rectangular upper plate 54 extending in the width direction of the first base 11; a generally rectangular foot portion 55 connected to the left and right side edges of the upper plate 54 and extending downward; and an end wall outer surface covering portion 52 and an end wall inner surface covering portion 53 connected to the front and rear side edges of the upper plate 54 and extending downward. Note that the tail portion 52a is connected to the lower end of the end wall outer surface covering portion 52. The width of the end wall outer surface covering portion 52 is greater than the width of the end wall inner surface covering portion 53.

[0061] As described above, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is integrated with the cover 16 to form the first protruding end 18. The upper plate 54 is embedded in the upper surface of the first protruding end 18. In this state, the upper surface of the upper plate 54 is flush with the upper surface of the cover 16 to form more than half of the area of ​​the upper surface of the first protruding end 18. The left and right foot portions 55 are embedded in the left and right outer side surfaces of the first protruding end 18. The outer side surface of the foot portion 55 is flush with the outer side surface of the cover 16 to form more than half of the area of ​​the outer side surface of the first protruding end 18. In addition, the end wall outer surface covering portion 52 and the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 are respectively embedded in the end wall outer surface and the end wall inner surface of the first protruding end 18. The outer side surface of the end wall outer surface covering portion 52 and the outer side surface of the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 are respectively flush with the end wall outer surface and the end wall inner surface of the cover 16 to form more than half of the area of ​​the end wall outer surface and more than half of the area of ​​the end wall inner surface of the first protruding end 18.

[0062] The tail portion 52a is bent about 90 degrees and connected to the lower end of the end wall outer cover portion 52, extends outward in the length direction of the first base 11, and is connected to the connection pad by welding or the like, and the connection pad is connected to the conductive trace on the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace is typically a power line. If necessary, the lower end of the foot portion 55 can be close to or in contact with the surface of the first substrate. In this case, the lower end of the foot portion 55 is connected to the connection pad on the first substrate by welding or the like, thereby enhancing the connection strength between the first reinforcing accessory 51 and the first substrate.

[0063] Next, a method of manufacturing the first connector 1 constructed as described above will be described.

[0064] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a process for manufacturing the left half of the first connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 Two-side views showing a first process of manufacturing a first protruding end portion of a first connector according to a first embodiment are provided. Figure 6 Two-side views showing a second process of manufacturing the first protruding end portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment are provided. Figure 7 Enlarged views of essential parts showing first and second processes of manufacturing the first protruding end portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment are provided. Figure 8A cross-sectional view showing first and second processes of manufacturing a first protruding end portion of a first connector according to a first embodiment is provided. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the figure, (a) is a top view, and (b) is a bottom view. Figure 7 In (a), Figure 5 (b) is an enlarged view of the E part of Figure 6 The enlarged view of the F part. Figure 8 In the figure, (a) is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view along the arrow AA, (b) is Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of arrow BB, (c) is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of arrow CC, and (d) is along Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of arrow DD.

[0065] The first terminal 61 is a member formed by bending a metal plate in the plate thickness direction and is manufactured by subjecting the metal plate to processing such as stamping and bending. Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first terminals 61 are provided in a state of being connected to a flat terminal strip 68 . Figure 2 Such an element shown is obtained by connecting the ends of the tail portions 62 of a plurality of first terminals 61 to a terminal strip 68 via elongated connecting arms 68a and subsequently severing the tail portions 62 from the connecting arms 68a at a cut-off portion 68b.

[0066] For the process of integration with the first base 11 by insert molding, such as Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first terminals 61 are provided in a state of being connected to a material strip 68 . Figure 4 An example of manufacturing the left half body 10A is shown. In this example, a plurality of first terminals 61 whose tails 62 protrude outward (toward the positive direction of the Y axis) are connected to Figure 4 The terminal strip 68 on the right side of the middle portion is connected to the plurality of first terminals 61 whose tail portions 62 protrude inward (toward the negative direction of the Y axis). Figure 4 The terminal strip 68 on the left side of the mold is arranged in the first forming mold. In this state, the terminals 61 are arranged in a first forming mold not shown. By holding and operating the terminal strip 68 connected with a plurality of first terminals 61, the plurality of first terminals 61 are positioned and arranged in the forming mold at the same time.

[0067] Subsequently, the cavity of the molding die is filled with an insulating material such as molten synthetic resin. In this way, the first insert molding is performed. The insulating material can be any kind of material. In this example, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is used. In the first insert molding, it is desirable to select a material that emphasizes fluidity. When the filled insulating material cools and solidifies to form the first base 11, the molding die is opened and the first base 11 is taken out. Figure 4The left half 10A is shown with the terminal strip 68 connected to the first terminal 61. The right half 10B with the terminal strip 68 connected to the first terminal 61 is manufactured in the same manner.

[0068] Then, if Figure 4 As shown, the terminal strip 68 ( Figure 4 The terminal strip 68 on the left side of the first terminal 61 is cut off from the left half of the body 10A with the terminal strip 68 connected to the first terminal 61, and the terminal strip 68 ( Figure 4 Similarly, the terminal strip 68 connected to the tail 62 protruding inwardly is cut off from the right half body 10B with the terminal strip 68 connected to the first terminal 61, while the terminal strip 68 connected to the tail 62 protruding outwardly is kept as it is.

[0069] Then, if Figure 5 As shown, the left half body 10A and the right half body 10B having the terminal strip 68 connected only to the tail 62 protruding outward are arranged in a second forming mold (not shown) in a mutually opposite state. Specifically, the inner sides of the left and right half bodies 10 face each other, and the first bases 11 of the left and right half bodies 10 are parallel to each other, the mounting surfaces 17a of the first bases 11 of the left and right half bodies 10 are flush with each other, the end surfaces 15e at both ends in the length direction are flush with each other, and the embedded portions 15 of the left and right half bodies 10 are close to each other but not in contact. In addition, as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the opposing left and right half-body parts 10 are positioned so that the interval between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 of the opposing embedded parts 15 is a predetermined distance L2, and are set in a secondary molding die.

[0070] Subsequently, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is set in the second molding die so as to cover at least a portion of the extended end portions 14 of the left and right half-body portions 10 and the entire embedded portion 15. In this case, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is set in a state where the end of the tail portion 52a is connected to the accessory tape 58 as a tape. The tail portion 52a is cut off from the accessory tape 58 at the cutting portion 58b to obtain a Figure 2 The first reinforcing accessory 51 shown. Specifically, as Figure 7 (a) Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8As shown in (b), the first reinforcing accessory 51 is arranged so that there is a gap between the upper plate 54 and the upper surface 15a of the embedded portion 15, a gap between the foot 55 and the outer side surface 15b of the embedded portion 15, a gap between the end wall outer covering portion 52 and the end surface 15e of the embedded portion 15, a gap between the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 and the inclined inner side surface 15c2 of the embedded portion 15, and the lower end of the foot 55 is located below the lower surface 15d of the embedded portion 15 and the height is substantially the same as the mounting surface 17a.

[0071] Subsequently, a molten insulating material such as a synthetic resin is filled in the molding die. In this way, the second insert molding is performed. The insulating material can be any kind of material. In this example, LCP is used, which emphasizes fluidity, as in the first insert molding. The insulating material used for the second insert molding can be selected based on the emphasis on strength and melt bonding with the insulating material of the first insert molding. When the filled insulating material cools and solidifies to form the covering portion 16, the molding die is opened. Take out the insulating material such as Figure 6 The left and right half body parts 10 are shown with both ends in the longitudinal direction connected to each other via the first protruding end parts 18 .

[0072] In this structure, the left and right half parts 10 are integrated with the covering part 16 in a state where at least a part of the extended end part 14 and the entire embedded part 15 are covered by the covering part 16. The first reinforcing fitting 51 is integrated with the covering part 16 to cover at least a part of the outer side surface of the covering part 16. Specifically, as Figure 7 (b) Figure 8 (c) and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B , the gaps between the upper plate 54, the leg portion 55, the end wall outer covering portion 52 and the end wall inner covering portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 and the upper surface 15a, the outer side surface 15b, the end surface 15e and the inclined inner side surface 15c2 of the embedded portion 15 are respectively filled with the insulating material of the covering portion 16. Similarly, the gaps between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 of the embedded portion 15 facing each other are also filled with the insulating material of the covering portion 16. The lower surface 15d of the embedded portion 15 is also filled with the insulating material of the covering portion 16, and the lower surface of the covering portion 16 is substantially flush with the mounting surface 17a. The parallel outer side surface 14b2 of the extended end portion 14 is substantially flush with the outer side surface of the covering portion 16 and forms a part of the outer side surface of the first protruding end portion 18.

[0073] like Figure 7As shown in (a), there is a gap between the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 and the inclined inner side surface 15c2 of the embedded portion 15. Since the inclined inner side surface 15c2 is inclined, this structure allows the molten insulating material filled into the cavity of the molding die in the second insert molding to flow between the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 and the left and right inclined inner side surfaces 15c2 and between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 of the opposite embedded portion 15. The cavity is thus filled without leaving any gap. In addition, the large space formed between the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 and the left and right inclined inner side surfaces 15c2 increases the filling amount of the insulating material.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), it is desirable that the width L1 of the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51, which represents the dimension in the width direction of the first connector 1 opposite to the gap between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 of the embedded portion 15, is set to be larger than the distance L2 representing the interval between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1. In other words, it is desirable that L1 is larger than L2. The width of the end wall outer surface covering portion 52 is larger than the width of the end wall inner surface covering portion 53. When viewed from the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), the boundary between the parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 of the embedded portion 15 formed by the first insert molding and the covering portion 16 formed by the second insert molding is covered by the end wall outer surface covering portion 52 and the end wall inner surface covering portion 53, and thus is difficult to separate and the strength of the first protruding end portion 18 is increased.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), it is desirable that the dimension or length L3 of the foot portion 55 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 is set to be greater than the length L4 of the outer side surface 15b of the embedded portion 15. In other words, it is desirable that L3 is greater than L4. It is further desirable that the end of the outer side surface 15b close to the center in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 is closer to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 than the end of the foot portion 55 close to the center in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1. This structure allows the boundary between the outer side surface 15b of the embedded portion 15 formed by the first insert molding and the covering portion 16 formed by the second insert molding to be covered by the foot portion 55 when viewed from the width direction (Y-axis direction), and thus is difficult to separate and improves the strength of the first protruding end portion 18.

[0076] Furthermore, the embedded portion 15 is arranged so that at least a portion overlaps (i.e., is superimposed on) any one of the upper plate 54, the end wall outer surface covering portion 52, the end wall inner surface covering portion 53, and the leg portion 55 of the first reinforcing member 51, whether viewed from the up-down direction and the front-back direction (length direction) or viewed from the left-right direction (width direction). This structure increases the strength of the first protruding end portion 18.

[0077] Finally, in a state where the left and right half bodies 10 are connected at both ends in the longitudinal direction by the first protruding end portions 18, Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 The remaining terminal strip 68 and accessory strip 58 shown in (b) are cut away from the left and right half parts 10. Figure 1 The first connector 1 is shown.

[0078] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 forming a connector pair with the first connector 1 and the operation of fitting the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 will be described.

[0079] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing a state just before the first connector and the second connector are fitted together when viewed from the first connector side according to the first embodiment.

[0080] According to the present embodiment, the second connector 101 as a mating connector has a second base 111, and the second base 111 is integrally formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin as a mating connector body. As shown in the figure, the second base 111 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped having a thick plate shape that is roughly rectangular. In addition, a roughly rectangular closed recess 112 that engages with the first base 11 is formed on the side of the second base 111 where the first connector 1 is embedded (i.e., the mating surface 111a side (Z-axis negative direction side)). The second convex portion 113 as an island portion that engages with the groove portion 13 is formed integrally with the second base 111 in the recess 112, and in addition, the side wall portion 114 extending parallel to the second convex portion 113 is formed integrally with the second base 111 on both sides of the second convex portion 113.

[0081] The second convex portion 113 and the side wall portion 114 protrude upward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) from the bottom surface of the concave portion 112 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101. Therefore, the groove portion 112a, which is an elongated concave portion extending in the longitudinal direction (in the X axis direction) of the second connector 101, is formed on both sides of the second convex portion 113 as a part of the concave portion 112.

[0082] A groove-shaped second terminal receiving groove cavity 115a for receiving the corresponding second terminal 161 is formed on the side surfaces on both sides of the second protrusion 113 and the side surfaces on the inner side of the side wall portion 114. A hole-shaped second terminal receiving hole cavity 115b for receiving the corresponding second terminal 161 is formed on the second protrusion 113 and the side wall portion 114. The second terminal receiving groove cavity 115a and the second terminal receiving hole cavity 115b are connected to each other and integrated on the bottom surface of the groove portion 112a. Therefore, when the second terminal receiving groove cavity 115a and the second terminal receiving hole cavity 115b are collectively described, they are described as the second terminal receiving cavity 115. The number of second terminal receiving cavities 115 corresponding to the first terminals 61 is arranged at a pitch corresponding to the first terminals 61.

[0083] The second terminal 161 is an integrally formed element by applying a process such as stamping to a conductive metal plate, and includes: a body portion (not shown); a tail portion 162 connected to the lower end of the body portion; a connecting portion extending from the vicinity of the lower end of the body portion in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second connector 101; and a contact portion 165 extending upward (Z-axis negative direction) from the connecting portion. Note that the contact convex portion 165a protruding toward the body portion is preferably formed near the end of the contact portion 165.

[0084] The body portion is a portion that is pressed into and held in the second terminal receiving cavity 115b. In addition, the tail portion 162 is bent and connected to the lower end of the body portion, extends in the width direction of the second base 111, and is connected to the connection pad (the connection pad is connected to the conductive trace on the second substrate) by welding or the like. The conductive trace is typically a signal line. The contact portion 165 is a portion that contacts the first terminal 61 provided on the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is mated with the second connector 101. Preferably, the contact protrusion 165a engages with the contact recess 65a formed on the contact portion 65 of the first terminal 61.

[0085] The second terminal 161 is inserted into the second terminal receiving cavity 115 from below the second base 111 and attached to the second base 111. In this way, the body of the second terminal 161 is pressed into and held in the second terminal receiving cavity 115b, and the contact portion 165 is received in the second terminal receiving groove cavity 115a and exposed to the groove portion 112a. And the bottom of the tail portion 162 is exposed to the mounting surface 111b as the bottom of the second base 111.

[0086] Furthermore, like the first terminals 61, the second terminals 161 attached to each groove portion 112a are oriented so that the postures of the adjacent second terminals 161 are opposite to each other in the width direction of the groove portion 112a. Fig. 9 In the example shown, among the plurality of second terminals 161 in the groove portion 112a attached to the positive direction side of the Y axis, the second terminal 161 located at the front end (the positive direction end of the X axis) is oriented so that the tail portion 162 protrudes in the negative direction of the Y axis, and the second terminal 161 located at the second position from the front end is oriented so that the tail portion 162 protrudes in the positive direction of the Y axis. In this way, since the plurality of second terminals 161 are alternately oriented and attached to the groove portion 112a in opposite directions, the spacing of the tail portions 162 exposed on the mounting surface 111b on both sides of the groove portion 112a is set to twice the spacing of the second terminals 161. This structure facilitates the operation of connecting the second terminal 161 to the connection pad of the second substrate by welding or the like. In addition, the spacing of the contact portion 165 exposed in the groove portion 112a is also set to twice the spacing of the second terminals 161.

[0087] In addition, the second protruding end 121 as the fitting guide is provided at both ends in the length direction of the second base 111. The fitting recess 122 as a part of the recess 112 is formed on each second protruding end 121. The fitting recess 122 is a substantially rectangular recess connected to both ends in the length direction of each recessed groove 112a. In addition, in the state where the first connector 1 is fitted with the second connector 101, the first protruding end 18 of the first connector 1 is inserted into the fitting recess 122. The second reinforcing accessory 151 as a mating accessory is attached to the second protruding end 121. The second reinforcing accessory 151 is integrated with the second base 111 by insert molding.

[0088] The second reinforcing fitting 151 is an integrally formed element by applying stamping, bending, etc. to a metal plate, and includes: a second body portion 152 extending in the width direction of the second base 111; a side cover portion 153 connected to the left and right ends of the second body portion 152; a contact side portion 154 provided on the left and right inner walls of the fitting recess 122; and a tail portion 156 connected to the lower end of the second body portion 152. The tail portion 156 extends outward in the length direction of the second connector 101, and is connected and fixed to a connection pad (not shown) exposed on the surface of the second substrate by welding or the like. Note that, for example, the connection pad is preferably connected to a conductive trace as a power line.

[0089] Next, the fitting operation of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0090] The first connector 1 is mounted on the surface of the first substrate by connecting the tail 62 of the first terminal 61 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace on the first substrate (not shown) via welding or the like, and connecting the tail 52a of the first reinforcing fitting 51 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace on the first substrate via welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail 52a of the first reinforcing fitting 51 is connected is a power line.

[0091] Likewise, the second connector 101 is mounted on the surface of the second substrate by connecting the tail 162 of the second terminal 161 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace on a second substrate (not shown) via welding or the like, and connecting the tail 156 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace on the second substrate via welding or the like. Note that the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail 156 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 is connected is a power line.

[0092] First, the operator aligns the mating surface 12a of the first protrusion 12 (the mating surface 12a is the mating surface of the first base 11 of the first connector 1) with the mating surface 111a of the second base 111 of the second connector 101, thereby when the position of the first protrusion 12 of the first connector 1 coincides with the position of the corresponding groove portion 112a of the second connector 101 and the position of the first protruding end portion 18 of the first connector 1 coincides with the position of the corresponding mating recess 122 of the second connector 101, the alignment between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed.

[0093] In this state, when the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 moves in a direction approaching the mating side (i.e., the mating direction), the first convex portion 12 and the first protruding end portion 18 of the first connector 1 are inserted into the groove portion 112a and the mating recess 122 of the second connector 101. Through this process, the mating of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed. In addition, the first terminal 61 is conducted with the second terminal 161.

[0094] Next, a modified example of the first connector 1 will be described.

[0095] Fig.10 1 is an exploded view showing a left half of a modification of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0096] In the illustrated modification, the first terminal 61 does not include the body portion 63, but includes: a contact portion 65 extending in the up-down direction; a tail portion 62 bent approximately 90 degrees and connected to the lower end of the contact portion 65; and an upper end portion 64 bent approximately 90 degrees and connected to the upper end of the contact portion 65. Note that an embedded portion 64a bent approximately 90 degrees and extending downward is connected to the distal end of the upper end portion 64. The embedded portion 64a is a portion embedded downward in the first protrusion 12 from the fitting surface 12a.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the first terminal 61 shown in FIG. 1 , the tail portion 62 extends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the contact portion 65 faces, but Fig.10 In the first terminal 61 of the modified example shown, the tail portion 62 extends in the same direction as the direction facing the contact portion 65. This structure makes it easy to hold the terminal strip 68 connected to the end of the tail portion 62 via the elongated connecting arm 68a and set the plurality of first terminals 61 in the first forming die from both sides so that the plurality of first terminals are alternately oriented in opposite directions.

[0098] Because in Fig.10 The other structures, operations and effects of the first terminal 61 of the modified example are similar to those of Figure 2 The first terminal 61 shown in the figure is the same as that in the figure, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the first connector 1 includes: a plurality of half bodies 10, each of which includes a first base 11 and a plurality of first terminals 61 attached to the first base 11; a first protruding end 18 formed at both ends of the first base 11 by making the first bases 11 of the plurality of half bodies 10 abut; and a first reinforcing fitting 51 attached to the first protruding end 18. Each first base 11 is an element integrated with the first terminal 61 by the first insert molding. The first base 11 includes: a first convex portion 12 extending in the length direction and holding the first terminal 61; an extended end 14 connected to both ends of the length direction of the first convex portion 12; and an embedded portion 15 extending from the extended end 14. The first protruding end 18 includes a covering portion 16 covering at least a portion of the extended end 14 of each first base 11 and the entire embedded portion 15. The covering portion 16 is an element integrated with the extended end 14, the embedded portion 15 and the first reinforcing fitting 51 by the second insert molding.

[0100] This configuration achieves narrowing of the intervals between the first protrusions 12 of the first base 11 to which the plurality of first terminals 61 are attached, thereby miniaturizing the first connector 1. Furthermore, this configuration makes the first connector 1 easy to manufacture while improving the reliability of the first connector 1.

[0101] The first reinforcing fitting 51 includes: an upper plate 54 extending in the width direction of the first base 11; a pair of left and right legs 55 connected to the left and right side edges of the upper plate 54 and extending downward; and an end wall outer covering portion 52 and an end wall inner covering portion 53 connected to the front and rear side edges of the upper plate 54 and extending downward. The embedded portion 15 is provided so as to overlap at least partially with the upper plate 54, the legs 55, the end wall outer covering portion 52 and the end wall inner covering portion 53 when viewed from the top and bottom, front and back, and left and right directions. This structure allows the embedded portion 15 of the half body 10A and the embedded portion 15 of the right half body 10B to be firmly integrated with the first reinforcing fitting 51 through the covering portion 16, thereby reliably forming the first protruding end portion 18 and tightly combining the left half body 10A and the right half body 10B.

[0102] Furthermore, the embedded portion 15 of each first base 11 includes a parallel inner side surface 15c1 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11 and facing the embedded portion 15 of the other first base 11. The distance L2 between the opposing parallel inner side surfaces 15c1 is smaller than the width L1 of the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 arranged to face the gap between the opposing parallel inner side surfaces 15c1. With this structure, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the boundary between the parallel inner side surface 15c1 of the embedded portion 15 formed by the first insert molding and the covering portion 16 formed by the second insert molding overlaps with the end wall inner surface covering portion 53, so that it is difficult to separate and the strength of the first protruding end portion 18 is increased.

[0103] The end wall inner surface covering portion 53 is disposed opposite to the inclined inner surface 15c2, the inclined inner surface 15c2 is connected to each of the opposite parallel inner surfaces 15c1, and the inclined inner surface 15c2 of the embedded portion 15 is inclined relative to the length direction of the first base 11. In addition, there is a gap between the end wall inner surface covering portion 53 and the inclined inner surface 15c2.

[0104] The embedded portion 15 of each first base 11 includes an outer side surface 15b extending in the length direction of the first base 11 and facing the leg portion 55 of the first reinforcing fitting 51. The length L4 of the outer side surface 15b is smaller than the length L3 of the leg portion 55. This structure makes it difficult to separate the boundary between the outer side surface 15b of the embedded portion 15 formed by the first insert molding and the covering portion 16 formed by the second insert molding when viewed from the left and right directions, and increases the strength of the first protruding end portion 18.

[0105] The extended end portion 14 of each first base 11 is inclined toward the inside in the width direction of the first connector 1, and extends from both ends in the length direction of the first protrusion 12. The width of the first protruding end portion 18 is smaller than the width of the first connector 1. Since the width of the first protruding end portion 18 can be smaller than the width of the first connector 1, when the first connector 1 is mated with the second connector 101, even when the contact side portion 154 is provided on the left and right inner walls of the mating recess 122 of the second base 111 and the width of the mating recess 122 is substantially reduced, this structure enables the first protruding end portion 18 to be inserted into the mating recess 122.

[0106] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that for parts having the same configuration as the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted by giving them the same reference numerals. In addition, description of the same actions and effects as the first embodiment will also be omitted.

[0107] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a first connector according to a second embodiment. Fig.12 is an exploded view showing a first connector according to a second embodiment. Fig.13 A first two-sided view showing a first protruding end of a first connector according to a second embodiment is provided. Fig.14 A second two-sided view showing the first protruding end of the first connector according to the second embodiment is provided. Fig.13 In FIG. 1 , (a) is a bottom view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along arrow GG of (a). Fig.14 , (a) is a side view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along arrow HH of (a).

[0108] In the present embodiment, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is omitted. The covering portion 16 of the present embodiment is not covered with the first reinforcing fitting 51 , whereas the covering portion 16 of the first embodiment is covered with the first reinforcing fitting 51 .

[0109] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, at least a portion of the extended end portions 14 of the left and right half-body portions 10 and the entire embedded portion 15 are covered by a cover portion 16 formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The cover portion 16 is formed by performing a second insert molding process in a state where the embedded portions 15 of the left and right half-body portions 10 are close to each other. Through this process, the extended end portions 14 and the embedded portion 15 of the left and right half-body portions 10 are integrated with the cover portion 16 to form a first protruding end portion 18, thereby combining the left and right half-body portions 10.

[0110] The cover portion 16 includes an upper surface 16a located on the upper side, a lower surface 16b located on the lower side, side surfaces 16s on the left and right sides, outer end surfaces 16c facing the outer sides of both ends in the length direction of the first connector 1, and an end wall inner surface 16d facing the center side in the length direction of the first connector 1. In addition, the embedded portion 15 is provided so as to overlap with any one of the upper surface 16a, the lower surface 16b, the side surface 16s, the outer end surface 16c, and the end wall inner surface 16d of the cover portion 16 when viewed in the up-down direction, the front-back direction (length direction), and the left-right direction (width direction). This structure improves the strength of the first protruding end portion 18.

[0111] The extended end portion 14 of this embodiment has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface 14d is covered by the covering portion 16. The embedded portion 15 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, and has five surfaces, including the upper surface 15a covered by the covering portion 16, the outer side surfaces 15b and the inner side surfaces 15c on the left and right sides, the lower surface 15d located on the lower side, and the end surfaces 15e at both ends in the length direction of the first connector 1. In other words, the embedded portion 15 is embedded in the covering portion 16. The gap between the inclined inner side surfaces 15c2 of the opposite inner side surfaces 15c becomes larger toward the center side in the length direction of the first connector 1. The above structure can increase the gap between the inner surface 16d of the end wall and the inclined inner side surfaces 15c2 on the left and right sides, so that the filling amount of the insulating material is increased. In addition, because the five surfaces are flat, the resin flows on these flat surfaces during the insert molding process, improving the moldability and facilitating integration. The five surfaces are not necessarily parallel or flat. For example, the embedded portion 15, especially the portion near the end thereof, can be a curved surface such as a cylinder rather than a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The portion corresponding to the inclined inner side surface 15c2 may have a shape similar to a sphere or a cone including an oval shape. As described above, forming a concave-convex shape, a curved surface, etc. can increase the contact area between the embedded portion 15 and the covering portion 16, thereby improving the strength of integration. As with the embedded portion 15, the planes of the outer shape of the covering portion 16 do not necessarily have to be parallel or flat.

[0112] The gap between the opposing inner side surfaces 15c allows the resin to flow smoothly through the gap during the insert molding process, thereby allowing the resin to be easily distributed over the entire surface of the embedded portion 15. However, the gap is not necessarily formed. If the covering portion 16 and the embedded portion 15 can be smoothly integrated, the gap may be absent.

[0113] The cover 16 includes an extended cover 16e extending to be integrated with the lower surface 14d of the extended end 14. The extended cover 16e can increase the contact area between the cover 16 and the first base 11, which further improves the strength of integration. Although it is preferred, the lower surface of the extended cover 16e does not have to be flush with the mounting surface 17a. The lower surface of the extended cover 16e flush with the mounting surface 17a forms an increase in the mounting surface of the first connector 1 for the first substrate, which is conducive to stabilizing the mounting state.

[0114] The structure in which the extended end portion 14 extends obliquely inward and the embedded portion 15 is located at the inner side relative to the outer side surface 12b of the first protrusion 12 can make the embedded portion 15 of the left half body 10 and the embedded portion 15 of the half body 10 (i.e., the left and right embedded portions 15) approach each other. The two embedded portions 15 approaching each other are then integrated with the covering portion 16. Compared with the structure in which the interval between the two embedded portions 15 is large, the portion between the two embedded portions 16 has a stable shape without being distorted or warped. The connector 1 can be formed accurately thereby. Because the embedded portion 15 is eccentric relative to the extended end portion 14, the embedded portion 15 can be formed in a form that protrudes toward the inner side of the extended end portion 14. This formation method makes the inner side of the embedded portion 15 closer to the first protrusion 12 so as to be covered by the resin forming the inner surface 16d of the end wall of the covering portion 16. The strength of integration is thus further improved.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, the covering portion 16 does not necessarily cover the entire embedded portion 15, but may cover the embedded portion 15 to a sufficient extent to couple the left and right half portions 10. However, in order to maximize the bonding force, it is preferable to cover the entire embedded portion 15.

[0116] The cover portion 16 is an element formed integrally with other components by insert molding and is not a separate element separated from other components. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the cover 16 is shown as a separate element.

[0117] Since the other aspects of the structure and manufacturing method of the first connector 1, the structure of the second connector 101, and the method of fitting the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, their description is omitted.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the first connector 1 includes: a plurality of half-body parts 10, each half-body part 10 includes a first base 11 and a plurality of first terminals 61 attached to the first base 11; and a first protruding end part 18 formed at each end of the first base 11 by making the first bases 11 of the plurality of half-body parts 10 abut. Each first base 11 is an element integrated with the first terminal 61 by the first insert molding. The first base 11 includes: a first convex part 12 extending in the length direction and holding the first terminal 61; and an embedded part 15 connected to each end in the length direction of the first convex part 12. The first protruding end part 18 includes a covering part 16, and the covering part 16 covers the entire embedded part 15 of each first base 11. The covering part 16 is an element integrated with the embedded part 15 by the second insert molding.

[0119] This configuration achieves narrowing of the intervals between the first protrusions 12 of the first base 11 to which the plurality of first terminals 61 are attached, thereby miniaturizing the first connector 1. Furthermore, this configuration makes the first connector 1 easy to manufacture while improving the reliability of the first connector 1.

[0120] The extended end portion 14 is connected to each end of the first protrusion 12 in the longitudinal direction, and the embedded portion 15 extends from the extended end portion 14. The embedded portion 15 of the first base 11 includes an inner side surface 15c extending in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11 and relative to the embedded portion 15 of the other first base 11. The gap between the inner side surfaces 15c facing each other is filled with the molding material of the covering portion 16. The covering portion 16 also includes an end wall inner surface 16d facing the center side in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11. The end wall inner surface 16d is opposite to the inclined inner side surface 15c2 of the embedded portion 15 included in the opposite inner side surface 15c and inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the first base 11. The inclined inner side surface 15c2 is covered by the molding material of the covering portion 16. The covering portion 16 also includes side surfaces 16s on the left and right sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11. The embedded portion 15 of the first base 11 includes an outer side surface 15b extending outside the inner side surface 15c in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11. The outer side surface 15b is covered by the molding material of the covering portion 16. The embedded portion 15 has five surfaces covered by the covering portion 16. This structure allows the embedded portion 15 of the left half body portion 10A and the embedded portion 15 of the right half body portion 10B to be firmly combined together through the covering portion 16, thereby achieving reliable formation of the first protruding end portion 18 and tight combination between the left half body portion 10A and the right half body portion 10B.

[0121] It is noted that the disclosure of this specification describes features related to preferred and exemplary embodiments. By summarizing the disclosure of this specification, those skilled in the art can naturally think of various other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the staggered arrangement of multiple terminals does not have to be regular. In addition, the configuration of the terminals on the left and right half bodies does not have to be the same. In addition, the left and right half bodies do not have to be axisymmetric.

[0122] Possibility of Industrial Application

[0123] The present disclosure may be applicable to connectors.

[0124] Description of Reference Numerals

[0125] 1First connector

[0126] 10A left half of body

[0127] 10B Right half of the body

[0128] 11 First Plinth

[0129] 12First convex part

[0130] 12a, 111a mating surface

[0131] 12b, 14b, 15b outer side

[0132] 12c, 14c, 15c inner side

[0133] 13, 112a groove portion

[0134] 14 Extended end

[0135] 14a, 15a, 16a above

[0136] 14b1 inclined outer side

[0137] 14b2 parallel outer side

[0138] 14d, 15d, 16b below

[0139] 15 Buried Department

[0140] 15c1 parallel to the inner side

[0141] 15c2 inclined inner side

[0142] 15e end face

[0143] 16 Covering

[0144] 16c outer end face

[0145] 16d end wall inner surface

[0146] 16e Extended Cover

[0147] 16s side

[0148] 17 Bottom plate

[0149] 17a, 111b mounting surface

[0150] 18 first protruding end

[0151] 51 First Strengthening Accessories

[0152] 52 end wall outer covering

[0153] 52a, 62, 156, 162 tail

[0154] 53 End wall inner covering part

[0155] 54 on board

[0156] 55 feet

[0157] 58 Accessories Strip

[0158] 58b, 68b cutting part

[0159] 61 First terminal

[0160] 63 body part

[0161] 64 upper end

[0162] 64a embedded part

[0163] 65, 165 contact part

[0164] 65a contact recess

[0165] 68-terminal strip

[0166] 68a Connecting arm

[0167] 101 Second Connector

[0168] 111 Second Plinth

[0169] 112 recess

[0170] 113 second convex part

[0171] 114 side wall

[0172] 115 second terminal receiving cavity

[0173] 115a Second terminal receiving groove cavity

[0174] 115b Second terminal receiving cavity

[0175] 121 second protruding end

[0176] 122 fitting recess

[0177] 151 Second reinforcement accessories

[0178] 152 Second body part

[0179] 153 side cover

[0180] 154 contact side

[0181] 161 Second terminal

[0182] 165a contact convex part

[0183] 811 Base

[0184] 812 convex part

[0185] 861 terminal

Claims

1. Connector, where include: The first half body and the second half body respectively include a connector body, a first body end portion and a second body end portion, wherein the first body end portion is formed at a first end of a connector body of the first half body portion and the second half body portion, and the second body end portion is formed at a second end of a connector body of the first half body portion and the second half body portion, and the first body end portion and the second body end portion hold the connector body of the first half body portion and the connector body of the second half body portion together in a manner that the first half body portion and the second half body portion are separated from each other, a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body, and a first reinforcement accessory and a second reinforcement accessory, wherein the first reinforcement accessory is installed at the first body end, and the second reinforcement accessory is installed at the second body end, Each of the connector bodies is an element integrated with the plurality of terminals by first insert molding, and includes: a convex portion extending in the length direction and holding the plurality of terminals; and an embedded portion connected to both ends of the convex portion in the length direction; and The first body end and the second body end include a covering portion, which covers the embedded portion of each connector body, and the covering portion is a component integrated with the embedded portion and the corresponding reinforcing fittings through a second insert molding.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: Extended end portions are connected to both ends of the convex portion in the longitudinal direction, and the embedded portion extends from the extended end portions.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The extended end of each connector body is inclined toward the inside in the width direction of the connector and extends from both ends in the length direction of the protrusion, and the width of the first body end and the second body end is smaller than the width of the connector.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first reinforcement accessory and the second reinforcement accessory respectively include: an upper plate extending in the width direction of the connector body; a pair of left and right legs connected to the left and right side edges of the upper plate and extending downward, The embedded portion is provided so that at least a portion overlaps with the upper plate and the leg portion.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The embedded portion of each connector body extends in the length direction of the connector body and includes an outer side surface facing the legs of the first reinforcement fitting and the second reinforcement fitting. The length (L4) of the outer side surface is smaller than the length (L3) of the foot portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first reinforcement fitting and the second reinforcement fitting respectively include: an upper plate extending in the width direction of the connector body; an end wall outer covering portion and an end wall inner covering portion connected to the front and rear side edges of the upper plate and extending downward, The embedded portion is provided so that at least a portion overlaps with the upper plate, the end wall outer surface covering portion, and the end wall inner surface covering portion.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The embedded portion of each connector body comprises: a parallel inner side surface extending in the length direction of the connector body and facing the embedded portion of another connector body, The distance (L2) between the mutually facing parallel inner side surfaces is smaller than the width (L1) of the inner surface covering portions of the end walls of the first reinforcing fitting and the second reinforcing fitting arranged to face the gap between the mutually facing parallel inner side surfaces.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: The end wall inner surface covering portion faces the inclined inner side surface of the embedded portion and has a gap between the inclined inner side surface. The inclined inner side surface is connected to the mutually facing parallel inner side surfaces and is inclined relative to the length direction of the connector body.

9. A connector pair, wherein: The invention comprises the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a docking connector mated with the connector.

10. Connector, where include: The left half body includes a first base, wherein the first base has a first protrusion, the first protrusion extends in the length direction and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, The right half body includes a second base, wherein the second base has a second protrusion, the second protrusion extends in the length direction and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, a first protruding end portion connected to the first end portions of the first convex portion and the second convex portion to connect the left half body portion and the right half body portion at the first end portions, the first protruding end portion having a first reinforcing fitting mounted thereon, a second protruding end connected to the second end of each of the first convex portion and the second convex portion to connect the left half body portion and the right half body portion at the second end, the second protruding end portion having a second reinforcing fitting mounted thereon, A plurality of first terminals are integrated with the first base by insert molding, and the plurality of first terminals are oriented so that adjacent first terminals are opposite to each other in the width direction of the first protrusion. A plurality of second terminals are integrated with the second base by insert molding, and the plurality of second terminals are oriented such that adjacent second terminals are opposite to each other in the width direction of the second protrusion.

11. A connector assembly, wherein: The invention comprises the connector according to claim 10 and a docking connector mated with the connector.

12. Connectors, wherein include: The left half body includes a first base, wherein the first base includes a first bottom plate portion and a first protrusion each extending in a length direction, wherein the first protrusion is integrally formed on the first bottom plate portion and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first bottom plate portion has a first mounting surface, The right half body includes a second base, wherein the second base includes a second bottom plate portion and a second protrusion each extending in a length direction, wherein the second protrusion is integrally formed on the second bottom plate portion and has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other, and the second bottom plate portion has a second mounting surface, a first protruding end portion connected to the first end portions of the first convex portion and the second convex portion to connect the left half body portion and the right half body portion at the first end portions, the first protruding end portion having a first reinforcing fitting mounted thereon, a second protruding end connected to the second end of each of the first convex portion and the second convex portion to connect the left half body portion and the right half body portion at the second end, the second protruding end portion having a second reinforcing fitting mounted thereon, A plurality of first terminals are integrated with the first base by insert molding, and the plurality of first terminals have tail portions exposed from the first mounting surface of the first bottom plate portion. A plurality of second terminals are integrated with the second base by insert molding, and the plurality of second terminals have tail portions exposed from the second mounting surface of the second bottom plate portion.

13. A connector assembly, wherein: The invention comprises the connector according to claim 12 and a docking connector mated with the connector.

Images