connector

Abstract

This invention discloses a connector. The connector includes an insertion molded body. The insertion molded body includes a housing and terminals partially embedded in the housing. The housing has a main body portion. The main body portion is formed with a track hole and a receiving space. The terminal has a retaining portion, a rearwardly curved portion extending forward from the retaining portion, a support portion extending rearward from the rearwardly curved portion, and a contact portion supported by the support portion. The retaining portion has a wide portion. When the insertion molded body is viewed from above, the wide portion is at least partially visible through the track hole. The dimensions of the support portion and the contact portion in the lateral direction are both smaller than the dimensions of the wide portion. When the insertion molded body is viewed from below, the wide portion is partially visible through the receiving space. This invention has a structure capable of improving the accuracy of the positional relationship between its terminals and the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector configured to press against an object to connect to the object. Background Technology

[0002] For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JPA 2001-307799 (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Reference Figure 16 Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device including a connector 90. The connector 90 includes a housing 92 made of resin and terminals 94. Terminals 94 partially engage with the inner wall of the housing 92 to attach to it. Terminals 94 have a connecting portion 942 and a contact portion 944. The connecting portion 942 is fixed to a lead 96. The contact portion 944 is located outside the housing 92 and is elastically deformable. When the connector 90 presses against a plate 98, the contact portion 944 contacts the pads 984 of the plate 98 and elastically deforms. Therefore, the connector 90 of Patent Document 1 is a connector configured to press against an object (plate 98) to connect to the object.

[0004] Connectors such as those in Patent Document 1 can be easily attached to objects such as boards. However, when this type of connector is used to transmit high-frequency signals, its terminals must be positioned very precisely relative to its housing. According to the terminal mounting method in Patent Document 1, the positional accuracy of the terminals relative to the housing may be reduced. When the positional relationship between the terminals and the housing is not precise enough, the high-frequency characteristics of the terminals may change, thus failing to achieve the designed characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector having a structure that improves the accuracy of the positional relationship between its terminals and the housing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a method for forming a connector configured to be pressed against an object for connection. The method includes a terminal forming step, an arrangement step, and a molding step. In the terminal forming step, a terminal is formed. The terminal has a retaining portion, a backward-bent portion, a supporting portion, and a contact portion. The retaining portion extends in a front-rear direction. The retaining portion has a wide portion. The backward-bent portion extends forward from the retaining portion. The supporting portion extends backward from the backward-bent portion and is elastically deformable. The contact portion is supported by the supporting portion. The supporting portion and the contact portion are located below the retaining portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The dimensions of the supporting portion and the contact portion in the transverse direction perpendicular to both the front-rear and vertical directions are smaller than the dimensions of the wide portion. When viewed from below, the wide portion has opposite sides in the transverse direction, each side protruding beyond the supporting portion in the transverse direction. In the arrangement step, the terminal is arranged in a mold. The mold includes an upper mold and a lower mold. The upper mold is pressed against the upper surface of the wide portion of the retaining portion. The lower mold is pressed against the lower surfaces of the opposite sides of the wide portion of the retaining portion. The mold forms an enclosed space within it. Supports and contact parts are arranged within this enclosed space. During the molding process, the housing is molded from resin placed in the mold, while terminals are inserted and molded into the housing. Resin is not placed within the enclosed space.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a connector configured to press against an object for connection. The connector includes an insertion molded body. The insertion molded body includes a housing made of resin and terminals. The terminals are partially embedded in the housing. The housing has a main body portion. The main body portion has an upper surface and a lower surface in a vertical direction. When the connector is connected to an object, the lower surface of the main body portion faces the object. The main body portion has a track hole and a receiving space. The track hole extends downward from the upper surface of the main body portion. The receiving space is recessed upward from the lower surface of the main body portion. The terminals have a retaining portion, a rear-bent portion, a support portion, and a contact portion. The retaining portion extends in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and is retained by the housing to at least partially face the receiving space. The retaining portion has a wide portion. When the insertion molded body is viewed from above, the wide portion is at least partially visible through the track hole. The rear-bent portion extends forward from the retaining portion. The support portion extends rearward from the rear-bent portion and is elastically deformable. The contact portion is supported by the support portion. The support portion and the contact portion are located below the retaining portion. The dimensions of the support portion and the contact portion in the transverse direction, perpendicular to both the front-to-back and vertical directions, are smaller than the dimensions of the width portion. The support portion is partially accommodated within the receiving space. The width portion has two opposing sides in the transverse direction, each side protruding beyond the support portion in the transverse direction. When the inserted molded body is viewed from below, the width portion can be partially seen through the receiving space.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the terminal is inserted into a molded and partially embedded in a housing made of resin. By fixing the terminal to the housing as described above, changes in the positional relationship between the housing and the terminal can be reduced.

[0010] When the spring length of the terminal support portion is increased to improve elasticity, the retained portion tends to become longer. When the terminal is inserted into the housing, this elongated retained portion is prone to plastic deformation. As a result of this plastic deformation, the positional relationship between the housing and the terminal changes. However, in one aspect of the present invention, the retained portion has a wide portion that protrudes beyond the support portion in the lateral direction. When the terminal is inserted into the housing, the plastic deformation of the retained portion can be reduced by vertically clamping and compressing the wide portion. Therefore, the present invention provides a connector having a structure capable of improving the accuracy of the positional relationship between its terminals and the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector is connected to a cable and to a circuit board, and the outline of the screws used to fix the connector to the circuit board is shown in dashed lines.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the circuit board is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the connector is shown, in which a portion of the connector surrounded by dashed lines is shown enlarged.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The flowchart shown is an example of a connector forming method, wherein the flowchart illustrates the steps performed up to the insertion molding body forming the connector.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the two terminals of the connector, with the outline of a portion of the mold shown in dashed lines.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a bottom view of one of the terminals, where the outline of a portion of the lower mold is shown in dashed lines.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The side view of one of the terminals is shown, wherein the outlines of a portion of the upper mold and a portion of the lower mold are shown by dashed lines, and the outline of the closed space formed in the mold is shown by dotted lines.

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 4A perspective view of the connector's insertion molded body is shown.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The front view of the inserted molded body is shown.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The XI-XI sectional view of the insert molding body is shown, in which the outlines of the elastically deformable support of the terminal, a portion of the circuit board, and the cable core are shown in dashed lines.

[0022] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows a top view of the insert molding body and cover, wherein the insert molding body is connected to a cable.

[0023] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of the connector is shown.

[0024] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Another perspective view of the connector is shown.

[0025] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows a bottom view of the connector, with a portion of the connector enlarged and surrounded by dashed lines.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Reference Figure 1 The connector 10 in this embodiment of the invention is a so-called one-piece connector. Compared with a so-called two-piece connector that includes a plug and a socket, the connector 10 can be formed from a small number of parts.

[0028] More specifically, the connector 10 of this embodiment is a so-called compression connector, which is configured to press against the object 70 to connect to the object 70. The connector 10 of this embodiment can be connected to a circuit board 70, which is the object 70. However, the object 70 of the connector 10 of the present invention is not limited to a circuit board 70.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the object (circuit board) 70 in this embodiment has an upper surface 72 in the vertical direction. The vertical direction in this embodiment is the Z direction. "Up" refers to the positive Z direction. "Down" refers to the negative Z direction. The upper surface 72 is the connector 10 (see...). Figure 1 The surface that is pressed and attached thereto. The upper surface 72 extends along a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0030] The upper surface 72 has a plurality of conductive pads 74 and a grounding pattern 75 formed thereon. Each conductive pad 74 is made of a conductor, and each grounding pattern 75 is made of a conductor. The conductive pads 74 are arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the transverse direction is the Y direction. Each conductive pad 74 is a component for electrically connecting the connector 10 thereto. The grounding pattern 75 seamlessly surrounds all the conductive pads 74 in the XY plane. The grounding pattern 75 is a component for grounding the connector 10.

[0031] The object 70 has two locating holes 78 and three threaded holes 76. The locating holes 78 are arranged in the transverse direction. Each threaded hole 76 has an internal thread (not shown). The threaded holes 76 are arranged in the transverse direction. Figure 1 Refer to together Figure 2 The positioning hole 78 is the part used to position the connector 10 onto the object 70. The threaded hole 76 is the part used to secure the connector 10 onto the object 70 by using a screw 79.

[0032] The object 70 in this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention does not impose any particular limitations on the structure of the object 70, as long as the connector 10 can be electrically connected to the object 70.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, connector 10 can be connected to multiple cables 60. Therefore, connector 10 is a so-called cable connector. Connector 10 and cables 60 together form a wire harness. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, connector 10 can be connected to a mating connector (not shown) instead of cables 60. The number of cables 60 connected to connector 10 can be one.

[0034] In this embodiment, the cables 60 are arranged in a transverse direction to form a cable array. Each cable 60 shown extends in a forward / backward direction, perpendicular to both the vertical and transverse directions. In this embodiment, the forward / backward direction is the X direction. "Forward" refers to the positive X direction. "Backward" refers to the negative X direction. For each cable 60, one opposite end is connected to the connector 10, and the other opposite end is connected to an electronic device (not shown). When the connector 10 is connected to the object 70, the electronic device is electrically connected to a matching electronic device (not shown) incorporated within the object 70.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the cable 60 includes multiple first cables 602 and multiple second cables 604. Each first cable 602 is a discrete cable, and each second cable 604 is a coaxial cable. The first cables 602 are arranged laterally on one side or the negative Y side of the cable bank. The second cables 604 are arranged laterally on the remaining side or the positive Y side of the cable bank.

[0036] In this embodiment, both the first cable 602 and the second cable 604 include a core wire 62 made of a conductor and a wire insulator 64 made of an insulator. The wire insulator 64 covers the core wire 62. The core wire 62 at the front end of the cable 60 is exposed from the wire insulator 64. Each first cable 602 includes only the core wire 62 and the wire insulator 64. Each second cable 604, in addition to the core wire 62 and the wire insulator 64, includes a shield 66 made of a conductor and an outer insulator 68 made of an insulator. Each shield 66 has a portion located behind the exposed core wire 62 and exposed from the outer insulator 68.

[0037] The second cable 604 in this embodiment is suitable for transmitting high-frequency signals. Therefore, the connector 10 in this embodiment is a multi-core coaxial connector capable of transmitting high-frequency signals. However, the structure of each cable 60 in this invention is not specifically limited, as long as each cable 60 can be electrically connected to the connector 10. For example, all cables 60 may have the same structure as each other. A cable 60 may include only the first cable 602. Conversely, a cable 60 may include only the second cable 604.

[0038] The connector 10 of this embodiment includes an insertion molded body 12, a cover 50 made of metal, and two ground planes 18 made of metal. The insertion molded body 12 of this embodiment includes a housing 20 made of resin, a plurality of terminals 30 made of metal, and an insertion shell 40 made of metal. In other words, in addition to the cover 50 and the ground planes 18, the connector 10 also includes the housing 20, the terminals 30, and the insertion shell 40.

[0039] Reference Figure 6 Each terminal 30 has the same shape as the others. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The terminals 30 are arranged laterally and held by the housing 20. The cover 50 and the insert housing 40 clamp the housing 20 vertically. Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 4 Each terminal 30 is provided to correspond to a conductive pad 74 of the object 70, respectively. (See reference...) Figure 4 Each terminal 30 can be connected to cable 60.

[0040] The connector 10 of this embodiment includes the components described above. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the terminals 30 may have different shapes from each other. The number of terminals 30 may be one. A cover 50, a ground plane 18, and an insertion housing 40 may be provided as needed. Conversely, the connector 10 may further include another component in addition to the components described above.

[0041] The following describes the method for forming the connector 10 in this embodiment, particularly the method for forming the insertion molding body 12.

[0042] and Figure 4 Refer to together Figure 5 In this embodiment, the insert molding body 12 can be manufactured through three steps: a terminal forming step (step 1), an arrangement step (step 2), and a molding step (step 3). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the method of forming the insert molding body 12 can be changed as needed.

[0043] Reference Figure 6 In the terminal forming step of this embodiment (refer to...) Figure 5 In this process, terminal 30 is formed. Although Figure 6 Only two terminals 30 are shown, but according to the terminal forming steps of this embodiment, according to the connector 10 (see...) Figure 4 The required number of terminals 30, a large number of terminals 30 having the same shape as each other are formed.

[0044] Each terminal 30 in this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal sheet. In other words, each terminal 30 is a bent single metal sheet. Each terminal 30 in this embodiment has a holding portion 31, a bent portion 32, a supporting portion 33, a contact portion 34, an embedding portion 35, and a solderable portion 36. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the embedding portion 35 and the solderable portion 36 of each terminal 30 can be formed as needed. Each terminal 30 can be formed from multiple metal sheets bonded together.

[0045] The following will describe the terminal forming steps (see...). Figure 5 The following description applies to each terminal 30 formed in this embodiment.

[0046] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The held portion 31 of the terminal 30 extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the held portion 31 extends linearly in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the held portion 31 may be tilted at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the vertical direction while extending in the front-rear direction.

[0047] The held portion 31 has a wide portion 312. The wide portion 312 is a part of the held portion 31 and extends in the front-rear direction, while protruding in the opposite direction in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the wide portion 312 is located in the middle of the held portion 31 in the front-rear direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the wide portion 312 in the front-rear direction can be changed as needed.

[0048] The rear-bend portion 32 extends forward from the front end of the held portion 31. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rear-bend portion 32 has a forward-protruding semi-circular shape in a vertical plane perpendicular to the transverse direction. The rear-bend portion 32 extends forward and downward in an arc from the held portion 31, and then extends backward and downward in an arc. The rear-bend portion 32 thus formed has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the rear-bend portion 32 is connected to the front end of the held portion 31. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the rear-bend portion 32 can be modified as needed.

[0049] The support portion 33 extends rearward from the lower end of the rear-bent portion 32 and is elastically deformable. The contact portion 34 is supported by the support portion 33 and is movable in the vertical direction according to the elastic deformation of the support portion 33. In this embodiment, the support portion 33 extends rearward, then extends rearward while tilting downward, and then extends rearward while tilting upward. In this embodiment, the contact portion 34 is located at the lower end of the support portion 33. This structure allows for a long spring length in the support portion 33 and a large range of movement of the contact portion 34 in the vertical direction. The support portion 33 in this embodiment has an end portion 332. The end portion 332 of the support portion 33 is a free end. The support portion 33 formed in this embodiment is a cantilever beam and is easily bent. However, the structure of the support portion 33 of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be changed as needed.

[0050] The support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 are located below the held portion 31. (See reference...) Figure 7 The support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 have dimensions in the lateral direction smaller than the width portion 312 of the held portion 31. When the terminal 30 is viewed from above, the support portion 33, including the contact portion 34, is covered by the held portion 31 and is not visible. Therefore, in this embodiment, the support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 are located directly below the held portion 31 and are completely covered by the held portion 31 from above. Furthermore, when the terminal 30 is viewed from below, the width portion 312 protrudes beyond the support portion 33 in the lateral direction.

[0051] Reference Figures 6 to 8 In this embodiment, the embedded portion 35 extends rearward from the rear end of the held portion 31. The weldable portion 36 also extends rearward from the rear end of the embedded portion 35. Therefore, the embedded portion 35 is located between the weldable portion 36 and the held portion 31 in the front-rear direction. The weldable portion 36 extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The embedded portion 35 has a curved portion 352. The curved portion 352 extends rearward while tilting downward. Both the embedded portion 35 and the weldable portion 36 in this embodiment have the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structures of the embedded portion 35 and the weldable portion 36 can be modified as needed.

[0052] In summary, the method for forming the connector 10 in this embodiment includes a terminal forming step (see above). Figure 5 Alternatively, a terminal 30 may be formed, which has a holding portion 31, a rear-bent portion 32, a support portion 33, and a contact portion 34. The holding portion 31 extends in the front-rear direction and has a wide portion 312. The rear-bent portion 32 extends forward from the holding portion 31. The support portion 33 extends rearward from the rear-bent portion 32 and is elastically deformable. The contact portion 34 is supported by the support portion 33. The support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 are located below the holding portion 31 in the vertical direction. The dimensions of the support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 in the horizontal direction are both smaller than the dimensions of the wide portion 312. The wide portion 312 has opposite sides in the horizontal direction. When the terminal 30 is viewed from below, each side protrudes beyond the support portion 33 in the horizontal direction.

[0053] Reference Figure 6 The arrangement steps in this embodiment (see...) Figure 5 In this process, terminals 30 are arranged in mold 80. Mold 80 includes an upper mold 82 and a lower mold 84. The upper mold 82 is located above the lower mold 84. After the terminals 30 are partially arranged in the lower mold 84, the lower surface of the upper mold 82 is pressed against the upper surface of the lower mold 84 to engage the upper mold 82 and the lower mold 84.

[0054] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 When the upper mold 82 and the lower mold 84 are combined, the mold 80 forms a cavity 86 and a closed space 88 located therein. Each closed space 88 is a space separated from the cavity 86. The support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 of each terminal 30 are accommodated in the closed space 88. For each terminal 30, the rearward-facing surface of the rearward-bent portion 32 is located in the closed space 88. Meanwhile, other portions of each terminal 30 are pressed against the mold 80 or located in the cavity 86.

[0055] Reference Figure 6 According to the arrangement steps in this embodiment (see...) Figure 5 Connector 10 (see) Figure 4 Two or more terminals 30 of the connector 10 are arranged laterally and placed in a mold 80 formed by combining an upper mold 82 and a lower mold 84. The mold 80 thus combined forms two or more enclosed spaces 88 corresponding to each terminal 30, and a single cavity 86 partially accommodating all the terminals 30. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the connector 10 has only one terminal 30, the mold 80 may form a single enclosed space 88 corresponding to each terminal 30, and a single cavity 86 partially accommodating the terminal 30.

[0056] The mold 80 in this embodiment includes only two molds, or an upper mold 82 and a lower mold 84. Each enclosed space 88 in this embodiment is enclosed only by the lower mold 84 and the corresponding terminal 30. Specifically, each enclosed space 88 is partially enclosed by the retaining portion 31 and the rear-bent portion 32 of the corresponding terminal 30, and is also partially enclosed by the lower mold 84. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the upper mold 82 and the lower mold 84, the mold 80 may also include an additional mold. Each enclosed space 88 may be partially enclosed by either the upper mold 82 or the additional mold.

[0057] Reference Figures 6 to 8 When the terminals 30 are arranged within the mold 80, the upper surface of the wide portion 312 of the holding portion 31 is pushed downward by the upper mold 82, and the lower surface of the wide portion 312 is pushed upward by the lower mold 84. Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper mold 82 has an upper pressing portion 822 corresponding to the terminal 30. The upper pressing portion 822 presses downward in the lateral direction onto a portion of the upper surface located in the middle of the wide portion 312. In this embodiment, the lower mold 84 has two lower pressing portions 842 corresponding to the terminal 30. The lower pressing portions 842 press upward in the lateral direction onto two portions of the lower surface located on opposite sides of the wide portion 312. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, there are no particular limitations on the structure of the mold 80, as long as the wide portion 312 is clamped and held so that it is immovable in the vertical direction.

[0058] In summary, the method for forming the connector 10 in this embodiment includes an arrangement step, or arranging the terminals 30 in the mold 80. The mold 80 includes an upper mold 82 and a lower mold 84. The upper mold 82 is pressed on the upper surface of the width portion 312 of the holding portion 31, and the lower mold 84 is pressed on the lower surfaces of the opposite sides of the width portion 312. The mold 80 forms a closed space 88 therein, and the support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 are both arranged in the closed space 88.

[0059] and Figure 11 Refer to together Figure 6 In the molding steps of this embodiment (see...) Figure 5 In the process, thermosetting resin is injected into the cavity 86 of the mold 80 through an injection hole (not shown) formed within the mold 80, and then the resin is allowed to harden. The hardened resin forms a housing 20. Once the housing 20 is formed, each terminal 30 is partially embedded within the housing 20. Specifically, a portion of each terminal 30 located in the cavity 86 is embedded in the hardened resin, i.e., the housing 20. Figure 11 Refer to together Figure 8 The injected resin was not placed in the enclosed space 88 that is separated from the cavity 86. Therefore, the support portion 33 and the contact portion 34 of each terminal 30 are exposed from the housing 20.

[0060] In summary, the method for forming the connector 10 in this embodiment includes a molding step, or molding a resin housing 20, wherein the resin is placed into a mold 80 (see...). Figure 6 In this process, the terminal 30 is inserted into the housing 20, and the resin is not placed in the enclosed space 88.

[0061] Reference Figure 11 The connector 10 can be easily connected to the object 70 simply by pressing it against the object 70. However, when the connector 10 is used to transmit high-frequency signals, the terminals 30 should be positioned very precisely relative to the housing 20. If the terminals 30 are attached to the housing 20 by methods such as press-fitting or joining, the positioning accuracy of the terminals 30 relative to the housing 20 may be reduced. When the positional relationship between the housing 20 and the terminals 30 is not accurate enough, the high-frequency characteristics of the terminals 30 may deviate, thus failing to achieve the designed characteristics.

[0062] In contrast, in this embodiment, each terminal 30 is inserted into and partially embedded in the housing 20 made of resin. By fixing each terminal 30 to the housing 20 as described above, changes in the positional relationship between the housing 20 and each terminal 30 can be reduced.

[0063] Combination Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 For reference Figure 11 Each terminal 30 has its retaining portion 31 and solderable portion 36 fixed to the housing 20 so that they are in close contact with the housing 20 on opposite sides in the lateral direction. This structure prevents the terminals 30 from shifting relative to the housing 20. Furthermore, the embedding portion 35 of each terminal 30 is in close contact with the housing 20 and is fixed to the housing 20 in a predetermined plane (YZ plane) defined by the vertical and lateral directions. This structure further reliably prevents the terminals 30 from shifting relative to the housing 20.

[0064] Reference Figure 11 When the spring length of the support portion 33 of the terminal 30 is increased to improve its elasticity, the retaining portion 31 tends to become longer. When the terminal 30 is inserted into the housing 20 during molding, this longer retaining portion 31 is easily plastically deformed. For example, in the molding process (see...) Figure 5 During the resin injection process, the long holding portion 31 is pushed by the resin, and therefore, while being embedded in the housing 20, it may plastically deform into a wavy shape. As a result, the positional relationship between the housing 20 and each terminal 30 will change.

[0065] However, with Figure 7 Refer to together Figure 11In this embodiment, the retained portion 31 has a wide portion 312 that protrudes beyond the support portion 33 in the opposite direction in the lateral direction. Even though the support portion 33 is located directly below the retained portion 31, this wide portion 312 allows the lower mold 84 to easily push the retained portion 31 from below. When the terminal 30 is inserted into the housing 20 during molding, the plastic deformation of the retained portion 31 can be reduced by vertically clamping and pressing the wide portion 312. Therefore, this embodiment provides a connector 10 with a structure that can improve the accuracy of the positional relationship between the housing 20 and each terminal 30 (see...). Figure 4 As described above, the connector 10 of this embodiment is suitable for transmitting high-frequency signals. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connector 10 may transmit only low-frequency signals.

[0066] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 8 The arrangement steps in this embodiment (see...) Figure 5 In this design, not only the holding portion 31 of each terminal 30, but also the back-bent portion 32, are vertically clamped and fixed by the upper mold 82 and the lower mold 84. As a result, displacement and plastic deformation that may occur to each terminal 30 during resin injection can be prevented more reliably. Furthermore, the solderable portion 36 is pressed against the upper mold 82 located above the solderable portion 36. Accordingly, displacement and plastic deformation that may occur to each terminal 30 during resin injection can be further reliably prevented. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the back-bent portion 32 can be fixed as needed. Conversely, other portions of the terminal 30, except for the back-bent portion 32, can be vertically fixed.

[0067] and Figure 6 Refer to together Figure 11 The arrangement steps in this embodiment (see...) Figure 5 In this embodiment, not only the terminals 30, but also the insert housing 40 can be partially accommodated in the cavity 86. Therefore, in this embodiment, the insert housing 40 is partially embedded in the molded housing 20. According to this embodiment, the housing 20, the terminals 30, and the insert housing 40 can be positioned very precisely relative to each other. Furthermore, the housing 20 can be securely reinforced by the insert housing 40. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, after molding the housing 20, the insert housing 40 can be press-fitted into the housing 20.

[0068] The insert molding body 12 formed by the above manufacturing steps will be described below.

[0069] Reference Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the housing 20 of the insert-molded body 12 in this embodiment has a main body portion 22. According to this embodiment, the majority of the housing 20 is the main body portion 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 20 may have variations other than the main body portion 22.

[0070] The main body 22 has a flat plate shape that is thinner in the vertical direction and extends laterally through all terminals 30. The main body 22 has an upper surface 222 and a lower surface 224 in the vertical direction. Both the upper surface 222 and the lower surface 224 extend along the XY plane. Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 11 When the connector 10 is pressed against the object 70 to connect with it, the lower surface 224 of the main body 22 is located on the upper surface 72 of the object 70. Therefore, when the connector 10 is connected to the object 70, the lower surface 224 of the main body 22 faces the object 70.

[0071] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 15 The main body 22 of the housing 20 has a plurality of through holes 226 corresponding to each terminal 30, a plurality of track holes 227 corresponding to each terminal 30, and a plurality of receiving spaces 228 corresponding to each terminal 30.

[0072] and Figure 8 Refer to together Figure 11 Each track hole 227 is the track of the upper pressing portion 822 of the upper mold 82 pulled out from the molded housing 20. Each track hole 227 extends downward from the upper surface 222 of the main body portion 22 to the width portion 312 of the corresponding terminal 30. Each receiving space 228 is the track of the closed space 88 formed in the mold 80 (see...). Figure 6 Each receiving space 228 is recessed upward from the lower surface 224 of the main body 22 to the holding portion 31 of the corresponding terminal 30.

[0073] Reference Figure 11 Each terminal 30's support portion 33 is partially accommodated in a corresponding receiving space 228. Specifically, except for a portion located near the contact portion 34, the support portion 33 of each terminal 30 is located in the corresponding receiving space 228. In particular, the end portion 332 of each support portion 33 is located in the corresponding receiving space 228. This arrangement prevents damage to the terminal 30 that might occur when the end portion 332 abuts against another portion or component.

[0074] The contact portion 34 of each terminal 30 is exposed downward from the receiving space 228 and protrudes downward from the insertion molding body 12. When the connector 10 is pressed against the upper surface 72 of the object 70, each contact portion 34 arranged in this way is pressed against the corresponding conductive pad 74. In detail, based on the connector 10 being pressed against the upper surface 72, each contact portion 34 contacts the corresponding conductive pad 74 with sufficient contact force, while the support portion 33 elastically deforms.

[0075] The holding portion 31 of each terminal 30 is held by the housing 20 so as to be at least partially oriented toward the corresponding receiving space 228. (See reference) Figure 11 and Figure 12 When viewed from above, the width 312 of each held portion 31 is at least partially visible through the corresponding track hole 227. (See reference...) Figure 15 Each width portion 312 has two opposite sides in the lateral direction, each side protruding beyond the support portion 33 in the lateral direction. Each width portion 312 is partially visible through the receiving space 228 when the inserted molded body 12 is viewed from below.

[0076] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 8 Each through-hole 226 follows the trajectory of the upper mold 82 and lower mold 84 pulled from the molded housing 20. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 15 Each through-hole 226 passes through the insertion molding body 12 in the vertical direction. The rear bend 32 of each terminal 30 is located in the corresponding through-hole 226.

[0077] For details, refer to Figure 11 Each through-hole 226 extends from the upper surface 222 through the main body 22 to the lower surface 224 and communicates with the receiving space 228 in the front-to-back direction. The rear-bent portion 32 of each terminal 30 is located at the center of the corresponding through-hole 226 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, each rear-bent portion 32 is not embedded within the housing 20 and is elastically deformable. According to this embodiment, the spring length of the terminal 30 can be further extended. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each rear-bent portion 32 can be embedded and fixed to the housing 20.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the insert housing 40 is a bent single metal plate, partially embedded in the housing 20 to secure it to the housing 20. The insert housing 40 has a lower plate 42, a front plate 44, two side plates 46, and two rear plates 48. The lower plate 42, front plate 44, side plates 46, and rear plates 48 are interconnected. The lower plate 42, front plate 44, side plates 46, and rear plates 48 are all partially embedded in the housing 20 to reinforce the housing 20.

[0079] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 15 The lower plate 42 covers the housing 20 from below, while the through hole 226 and the receiving space 228 open downwards. In this embodiment, the lower plate 42 has a lower surface flush with the lower surface 224 of the main body 22 of the housing 20. The insert housing 40, thus embedded in this embodiment, is partially exposed from the lower surface 224 of the main body 22.

[0080] and Figure 11 Refer to together Figure 15 When the connector 10 is connected to the object 70, the insertion housing 40 of this embodiment surrounds the contact portions 34 of each terminal 30 in the XY plane. Specifically, the lower plate 42 of this embodiment is embedded in the lower surface 224 of the main body 22 to seamlessly surround all receiving spaces 228 and all through holes 226 in the XY plane. When the connector 10 is pressed against and connected to the object 70, the lower plate 42, arranged in this way, surrounds the contact portions 34 of all terminals 30 in the XY plane, thus electromagnetically shielding each terminal 30 in the XY plane. Therefore, the connector 10 of this embodiment can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0081] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The front panel 44 covers the housing 20 from the front with virtually no gap. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 9 The two side plates 46 cover the opposite sides of the housing 20 with virtually no gap in the lateral direction. (Refer to...) Figure 9 Two rear plates 48 are located on opposite sides of the insertion molding body 12 in the lateral direction. Each rear plate 48 covers the housing 20 from the rear. The connector 10 of this embodiment has an insertion housing 40 with the above-described structure, which can more reliably reduce EMI. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the insertion housing 40 can be changed as needed.

[0082] The connector 10, which includes the insertion molding body 12, will be described below.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 Cable 60 is connected to the insertion molding body 12. See details in [reference needed]. Figure 11 Each terminal 30 has a solderable portion 36 configured to be soldered to the cable 60. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 11 The core wire 62 of each cable 60 is welded and fixed to the weldable part 36.

[0084] If a portion of the terminal 30 is coiled and secured to the cable 60, each terminal 30 should have a coiled portion with a large size in the lateral direction. Terminals 30 formed in this way will have a large size in the lateral direction. In contrast, according to this embodiment, since the terminal 30 does not need to have such a coiled portion, each terminal 30 can have a smaller size in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the distance (spacing) between two adjacent terminals 30 in the lateral direction can be reduced. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, each terminal 30 may have a coiled portion instead of a solderable portion 36, or it may have a connecting portion configured to connect with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown).

[0085] Reference Figure 11 Each terminal 30 has an embedded portion 35 completely surrounded by the housing 20 in the YZ plane. This structure prevents flux from moving towards the held portion 31 when soldering the core wire 62 of the cable 60. Furthermore, the bent portion 352 of each terminal 30 is bent in the vertical direction. Therefore, the solderable portion 36 and the held portion 31 of each terminal 30 are separated from each other in the vertical direction. More specifically, in each terminal 30 of this embodiment, the held portion 31 is located above the solderable portion 36. This structure further reliably prevents flux from moving towards the held portion 31. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bent portion 352 can be provided as needed.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 When cable 60 is attached to the insertion molding body 12, the exposed shield 66 of the second cable 604 is fixed to the two ground planes 18 by means of welding or the like. With the shield 66 vertically clamped and held between the two ground planes 18, the core wire 62 of the second cable 604 is welded to the solderable portion 36 (see...). Figure 11 The lower ground plane 18 is fixed to the insertion housing 40 by welding or other means, thereby grounding the shield 66 of the second cable 604 to the insertion housing 40. In this embodiment, the second cable 604 is installed on the insertion molding body 12 as described above. However, the present invention does not impose specific limitations on the attachment method for attaching the second cable 604 to the insertion molding body 12.

[0087] Reference Figure 12 In this embodiment, the cover 50 is mounted on the insert molding body 12 on which the cable 60 is fixed. (Refer to...) Figures 12 to 14 In this embodiment, the cover 50 is a curved single metal plate, fixed to the insert housing 40 by welding or other methods. The cover 50 has an upper plate 52, a front plate 54, two side plates 56, and two rear plates 58. The upper plate 52, front plate 54, side plates 56, and rear plates 58 are interconnected. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 13 When the cover 50 is attached to the insert molding body 12, the upper plate 52 contacts the upper ground plate 18.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 12 The cover 50 at least partially covers the upper surface 222 of the inserted molded body 12. Specifically, the upper plate 52 of the cover 50 covers the upper surface 222 of the body portion 22 of the housing 20 from above with substantially no gap. (See reference...) Figure 13 and Figure 14 The housing 20 is vertically covered by the inserted outer shell 40 and the cover 50 for electromagnetic shielding.

[0089] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The front panel 54 covers the front panel 44 inserted into the housing 40 from the front with substantially no gap. The two side panels 56 cover the side surfaces of the two side panels 46 inserted into the housing 40 respectively in the lateral direction with substantially no gap. (Refer to...) Figure 13 The two rear plates 58 cover the two rear plates 48 inserted into the outer casing 40 from the rear with virtually no gap. Figure 11 Refer to together Figure 1 When the connector 10 presses against the object 70 to connect the object 70, the contact portion 34 is located inside the insertion housing 40 and the cover 50 in the XY plane.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cover 50, together with the insert housing 40, reinforces the housing 20. Furthermore, the cover 50 and the insert housing 40 together electromagnetically shield the terminals 30 in the XY plane. Therefore, the connector 10 of this embodiment can more effectively reduce electromagnetic interference. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the cover 50 can be modified as needed.

[0091] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the connector 10 is fixed to the object 70 as follows.

[0092] and Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 14 The housing 20 has two positioning portions 28 corresponding to the two positioning holes 78 of the object 70, respectively. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 14 First, each positioning part 28 is inserted into the positioning hole 78 to position the connector 10 onto the object 70. Then, the connector 10 is pressed against the object 70 to connect the object 70.

[0093] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, the main body 22 of the housing 20 has three fixing holes 225. The fixing holes 225 are arranged in the transverse direction and pass through the main body 22 in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 14 In this embodiment, the lower plate 42 of the insert housing 40 has three fixing holes 422 corresponding to the three fixing holes 225 of the housing 20. Each fixing hole 422 is located below the corresponding fixing hole 225 and penetrates the lower plate 42 in the vertical direction. Each fixing hole 225 and the corresponding fixing hole 422 together form a first hole 122. Therefore, the insert molding body 12 of this embodiment has three first holes 122. Each first hole 122 passes through the insert molding body 12 in the vertical direction.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the cover 50 has three second holes 522 that correspond to the three first holes 122 inserted into the molding body 12. Each second hole 522 is located above the corresponding first hole 122 and passes through the cover 50 in the vertical direction. Therefore, each second hole 522 corresponds to each first hole 122 in the XY plane.

[0095] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Three screws 79 correspond to each of the first holes 122 and each of the second holes 522. The three screws 79 also correspond to the threaded holes 76 of the object 70. After the connector 10 is pressed against the object 70 to connect with it, each screw 79 is inserted into the corresponding threaded hole 76 of the object 70 through the corresponding first hole 122 and the corresponding second hole 522. Thus, the connector 10 is securely fixed to the object 70.

[0096] As described above, when using the connector 10 of this embodiment, the connector 10 passes through the positioning part 28 (see above). Figure 14 The connector 10 is positioned using the positioning holes 78 and then screwed onto the object 70 using screws 79 inserted into the first holes 122 and the second holes 522. However, the present invention does not specifically limit the method of fixing the connector 10 to the object 70.

[0097] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 15 When connector 10 is fixed to object 70, the lower plate 42 of insert housing 40 presses against the grounding pattern 75 of object 70 and grounds it. At this time, the lower plate 42 and grounding pattern 75 seamlessly surround the contacts 34 of all terminals 30 and all conductive pads 74 in the XY plane. Furthermore, with... Figure 2 Refer to together Figure 4 Each shield 66 of the second cable 604 is grounded to the object 70 via a ground plane 18, an insert housing 40, and a cover 50. According to the above structure, the connector 10 can more reliably reduce EMI. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a grounding pattern 75 for the object 70 can be provided as needed.

[0098] The above description describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles applied thereto. For those skilled in the art, any obvious changes such as equivalent transformations or simple substitutions based on the technical solutions of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector configured to press against an object to connect with the object, characterized in that: The connector includes an insert-molded body; The insert molding body includes a housing and terminals made of resin; The terminal is partially embedded in the housing; The housing has a main body; The main body has an upper surface and a lower surface in the vertical direction; When the connector is connected to the object, the lower surface of the main body faces the object; The main body has a track hole and a receiving space; The track hole extends downward from the upper surface of the main body; The accommodating space is recessed upward from the lower surface of the main body; The terminal has a holding portion, a bending portion, a supporting portion, and a contact portion; The retained portion extends in a front-back direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and is held by the housing to at least partially face the receiving space; The retained portion has a wide portion; When viewed from above, the width of the insert-molded body is at least partially visible through the track hole; The rear-bending portion extends forward from the retained portion; The support portion extends rearward from the rear-bent portion and is elastically deformable; The contact portion is supported by the support portion; The support portion and the contact portion are located below the held portion; The dimensions of the support portion and the contact portion in the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the up-down direction are both smaller than the dimensions of the width portion; The support portion is partially accommodated within the accommodating space; The wide portion has opposite sides in the lateral direction, each side protruding beyond the support portion in the lateral direction; as well as When viewed from below, the width of the insert-molded body is partially visible through the receiving space.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connector can be connected to a cable; The terminal has a solderable portion and an embedded portion; The weldable portion is configured to be welded to the cable; as well as The embedded portion is located between the weldable portion and the retaining portion, and is completely surrounded by the housing in a plane defined by the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The embedded portion has a curved portion; The curved portion bends in the vertical direction; and The weldable portion and the retained portion are separated from each other in the vertical direction.

4. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support has an end, which is a free end and is located in the receiving space.

5. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The shell has through holes; The through hole extends from the upper surface to the lower surface through the main body and communicates with the receiving space; and The rear curved portion is located in the through hole.

6. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insert molding body includes an insert housing made of metal; and The insert housing is partially embedded within the housing and partially exposed from the lower surface of the main body.

7. The connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: When the connector is connected to the object, the insertion housing surrounds the contact portion in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

8. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The connector includes a cover made of metal; and The cover at least partially covers the upper surface of the inserted molded body.

9. The connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The insertion molding body has a first hole; The cover has a second hole; The second hole corresponds to the first hole in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; and When using the connector, it is screwed onto the object by inserting screws into the first hole and the second hole.

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