Receptacle connector

Abstract

A socket connector includes a socket housing, a plurality of contact members arranged in the housing, and a protective metal fitting provided to protect an island-shaped end portion. The protective metal fitting includes an upper surface protection portion covering an upper surface of the island-shaped end portion, two lateral surface protection portions extending downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion in a width direction and respectively facing two lateral sides of the island-shaped end portion toward the width direction, and two curling portions respectively extending from lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions in such a manner that the two curling portions are closer to each other in the extending state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a socket connector. Background Technology

[0002] As in the present invention Figure 20 As shown, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 6842359) discloses a connector 102, including: a housing 100 made of insulating material, and two inner auxiliary metal fittings 101. The housing 100 has a recess 103 into which an object connector is inserted, and a protrusion 104. The two inner auxiliary metal fittings 101 are attached to two island-shaped ends 105, which correspond in the length direction to the two ends of the protrusion 104. Each inner auxiliary metal fitting 101 covers the upper surface and three sides of the corresponding island-shaped end 105. Therefore, according to Patent Document 1, even when the object connector is inserted into the recess 103 of the housing 100 in a state where the object connector is improperly positioned relative to the housing 100 in the length direction, it is possible to prevent the object connector from contacting either of the two island-shaped ends 105 and damaging the island-shaped end 105. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the above-described structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the inner auxiliary metal fitting 101 is prone to deformation, and therefore there is a risk that the inner auxiliary metal fitting 101 may damage the corresponding island-shaped end 105.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a technique for effectively protecting the island-shaped ends.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a socket connector includes: a housing in which an island portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island portion project upward from a base plate; a plurality of contacts arranged in the housing; and a protective metal fitting configured to protect an island-shaped end portion, the island-shaped end portion being an end portion of the island portion in a spacing direction, the spacing direction being the direction in which the plurality of contacts are arranged, wherein the protective metal fitting includes: an upper surface protection portion covering an upper surface of the island-shaped end portion; two first side surface protection portions extending downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion in a width direction and facing two sides of the island-shaped end portion in the width direction, the width direction being orthogonal to the spacing direction; and two coiled portions extending from the lower ends of the two first side surface protection portions in such a manner that the two coiled portions are closer to each other when extended.

[0006] According to the present invention, the island-shaped ends can be effectively protected.

[0007] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the socket connector;

[0010] Figure 3 This is an oblique view of the socket connector from another angle;

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the socket housing;

[0013] Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B shown;

[0014] Figure 7 It is a slanted view protecting the metal fittings;

[0015] Figure 8 This is an oblique view of the protective metal fittings from another angle;

[0016] Figure 9 It is a bottom view of the protective metal fittings;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the auxiliary metal fittings of the socket;

[0018] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of multiple socket contacts;

[0019] Figure 12 Is it like this? Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A shown;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the socket connector when it is cut in the spacing direction.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the socket connector when it is cut in the width direction;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the plug connector;

[0023] Figure 16 This is an oblique view of the plug connector from another angle;

[0024] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the plug connector;

[0025] Figure 18 It is an explanatory diagram used to explain the movement of protective metal fittings;

[0026] Figure 19 It is an explanatory diagram used to explain the movement of protective metal fittings based on comparative examples; and

[0027] Figure 20 It is patent document 1 Figure 3 A rough sketch. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 19 This describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 A connector assembly 1 is disclosed, which is used for mechanical and electrical connection of two parallel substrates. The connector assembly 1 includes: a receptacle connector 2 (first connector) to be mounted on the receptacle-side substrate, i.e., on one of the two substrates; and a plug connector 3 (second connector) to be mounted on the plug-side substrate, i.e., on the other substrate. The receptacle connector 2 is a type of connector and is also referred to as a receptacle connector.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the socket connector 2 includes: a plurality of socket contacts 4, a socket housing 5 for holding the plurality of socket contacts 4, two protective metal fittings 6, and two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 (press fittings).

[0031] A plurality of socket contacts 4 are arranged in two rows in a direction parallel to the connector mounting surface of the socket side substrate. Two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 are used to fix the socket housing 5 to the connector mounting surface of the socket side substrate.

[0032] Here, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Define the "vertical direction", "spacing direction", and "width direction". The vertical direction, spacing direction, and width direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the vertical direction is the direction in which the plug connector 3 is inserted into and removed from the socket connector 2. Therefore, the vertical direction coincides with the height direction of both the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 3. The vertical direction includes an upward direction (removal direction) and a downward direction (engagement direction). The upward direction is the direction in which the plug connector 3 is removed from the socket connector 2. The downward direction is the direction in which the plug connector 3 engages with the socket connector 2. The terms "upward" and "downward" are used only for simplification and do not limit the actual orientation of the connector assembly 1 during use.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the spacing direction is the direction in which the plurality of socket contacts 4 are arranged (i.e., configured). In the case where the plurality of socket contacts 4 are arranged in two parallel columns as in this embodiment, the spacing direction can be defined as the direction of the arrangement (i.e., configuration) of the plurality of socket contacts 4 included in one of the two columns. The spacing direction includes: an inner spacing direction and an outer spacing direction. The inner spacing direction refers to the direction towards the center of the connector assembly 1 in the spacing direction. The outer spacing direction refers to the direction away from the center of the connector assembly 1 in the spacing direction.

[0035] The width direction is a direction orthogonal to both the vertical and spacing directions. The width direction includes: the inner side of the width direction and the outer side of the width direction. The inner side of the width direction refers to the direction towards the center of connector assembly 1 in the width direction. The outer side of the width direction refers to the direction away from the center of connector assembly 1 in the width direction.

[0036] (Socket Connector 2)

[0037] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 14 Detailed description of socket connector 2.

[0038] As per the above reference Figures 2 to 4 The socket connector 2 includes a plurality of socket contacts 4, a socket housing 5 for holding the plurality of socket contacts 4, two protective metal fittings 6, and two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the socket housing 5 is a plate-shaped component made of insulating resin, which has a rectangular shape when viewed from above and extends in the spacing direction. The socket housing 5 includes: a base plate 10, an island-shaped portion 11, and a peripheral wall 12.

[0040] The base plate 10 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0041] The island-shaped portion 11 protrudes upward from the center of the base plate 10 in both the spacing and width directions, and extends into an elongated shape in the spacing direction. The island-shaped portion 11 includes an island-shaped body portion 13 and two island-shaped end portions 14. The two island-shaped end portions 14 correspond to the two ends of the island-shaped portion 11 in the spacing direction. The island-shaped body portion 13 is the portion located between the two island-shaped end portions 14.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, each island-shaped end 14 has: an upward-facing upper surface 14A, two lateral side surfaces 14B (side surfaces) facing outward in the width direction, and a longitudinal side surface 14C (side surface) facing outward in the spacing direction. The upper surface 14A is orthogonal to the vertical direction. Each lateral side surface 14B is formed to face outward in the width direction and slightly upward. The longitudinal side surface 14C is orthogonal to the spacing direction.

[0043] See you again Figure 5 The peripheral wall 12 is formed in a ring shape to surround the island portion 11 and protrudes upward from the base plate 10. The peripheral wall 12 includes: two contact retaining walls 15 for retaining a plurality of socket contacts 4, and two auxiliary metal fitting retaining walls 16 for retaining two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 respectively. The island portion 11 and the two contact retaining walls 15 are disposed between the two auxiliary metal fitting retaining walls 16 in the spacing direction.

[0044] Each contact retaining wall 15 is positioned to face the island portion 11 in the width direction. A plurality of slots 15A for retaining a plurality of socket contacts 4 are formed in each contact retaining wall 15.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, in top view, each auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the spacing direction. Each auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16 has: a longitudinal pressing groove 16A that opens outward in the spacing direction and extends vertically, and two transverse pressing grooves 16B that open outward in the width direction and extend vertically. The longitudinal pressing groove 16A and the two transverse pressing grooves 16B are used to attach the corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 to the auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16.

[0046] And, as Figure 5 As shown, the peripheral wall 12 is formed in an annular shape and is spaced apart from the island portion 11 in the spacing direction and the width direction, thereby forming an annular fitting recess 17 between the island portion 11 and the peripheral wall 12.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, two protective metal fittings 6 are used to protect the two island-shaped ends 14 of the island-shaped portion 11, respectively. Figure 4As shown, each protective metal fitting 6 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. Since the two protective metal fittings 6 have the same shape, only one of the protective metal fittings 6 will be described below, and the description of the other protective metal fitting 6 will be omitted.

[0048] Figures 7 to 9 The protective metal fitting 6 is disclosed. The protective metal fitting 6 includes: a C-shaped protective part 20, a longitudinal protective part 21 (second side protective part), and a connecting part 22. The C-shaped protective part 20, the longitudinal protective part 21, and the connecting part 22 extend outward in a continuous manner in the spacing direction.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the C-shaped protective portion 20 is formed into a C-shape that opens downward when viewed along the spacing direction. The C-shaped protective portion 20 includes: an upper surface protective portion 23, two transverse surface protective portions 24 (first side surface protective portions), and two curled portions 25.

[0050] The upper surface protective portion 23 is the portion whose thickness direction is orthogonal to the vertical direction. The upper surface protective portions 23 are arranged in the vertical direction as shown in the diagram. Figure 6 The upper surfaces 14A of the island-shaped end 14 shown face each other. The upper surface protection portion 23 covers and protects the upper surface 14A of the island-shaped end 14.

[0051] See you again Figure 8 Two transverse surface protection portions 24 extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion 23 in the width direction. The thickness direction of each transverse surface protection portion 24 is substantially orthogonal to the width direction, or more precisely, slightly upward. The two transverse surface protection portions 24 are configured to be perpendicular to each other in the width direction, as shown below. Figure 6 The two lateral sides 14B of the island-shaped end 14 shown face each other. The two lateral side protection portions 24 respectively cover and protect the two lateral sides 14B of the island-shaped end 14.

[0052] See you again Figure 8 The two curled portions 25 extend from the lower ends of the two transverse surface protection portions 24 in such a way that the curled portions 25 are closer to each other as they extend. That is, the two curled portions 25 extend inward in the width direction from the lower ends of the two transverse surface protection portions 24. The thickness direction of each curled portion 25 is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0053] Figure 9 A bottom view revealing the protective metal fitting 6. (As shown) Figure 9As shown, the two curled portions 25 are formed asymmetrically with respect to the first bisector C1, which bisectes the C-shaped protective portion 20 in the width direction. Furthermore, each curled portion 25 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the second bisector C2 (bisector), which bisectes the C-shaped protective portion 20 in the spacing direction. Specifically, each curled portion 25 includes a first curled portion 25A and a second curled portion 25B. The first curled portion 25A and the second curled portion 25B are adjacent to each other (i.e., side-by-side) in the spacing direction. The first curled portion 25A is longer than the second curled portion 25B in the width direction. Furthermore, the first curled portion 25A of one curled portion 25 and the second curled portion 25B of the other curled portion 25 face each other in the width direction, and the second curled portion 25B of one curled portion 25 and the first curled portion 25A of the other curled portion 25 also face each other in the width direction. In other words, the shapes of the tips of the two curled portions 25 are complementary to each other. In this way, the maximum size of each curled portion 25 in the width direction can be ensured, and the backlash problem that occurs when forming the C-shaped protective portion 20 can be solved.

[0054] In other words, in order to form a curved portion between the upper surface protection portion 23 and each transverse surface protection portion 24, so that each transverse surface protection portion 24 becomes orthogonal to... Figure 8 Considering the back gap, the upper surface protection portion 23 must temporarily tilt the two transverse surface protection portions 24 inward in the width direction, bringing them closer together. However, the tilt angle when tilting the two transverse surface protection portions 24 inward in the width direction is a trade-off between the maximum dimension of each curled portion 25 in the width direction. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, this trade-off is resolved by making the two curled portions 25 asymmetrical with respect to the second bisector C2 as described above, and by forming the two curled portions 25 in such a way that the shapes of the tops of the two curled portions 25 become complementary to each other.

[0055] Now, see you again. Figure 7 The longitudinal protective portion 21 extends downward from the outer end of the upper surface protective portion 23 of the C-shaped protective portion 20 in the spacing direction. The thickness direction of the longitudinal protective portion 21 is orthogonal to the spacing direction. The longitudinal protective portion 21 is perpendicular to the spacing direction. Figure 6 The longitudinal sides 14C of the island-shaped end 14 shown face each other. The longitudinal protective part 21 covers and protects the longitudinal sides 14C of the island-shaped end 14.

[0056] like Figure 7As shown, the connecting portion 22 extends outward in the spacing direction from the lower end of the longitudinal protective portion 21. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 22 is parallel to the vertical direction. The connecting portion 22 is formed in a Y-shape when viewed from above. That is, the connecting portion 22 branches in the width direction and extends outward in the spacing direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective metal fitting 6 is installed in the socket housing 5 by insert-molding. The connecting portion 22 is used to hold the protective metal fitting 6 in the mold during insert-molding. That is, the connecting portion 22 has two branches 22A protruding outward in the spacing direction, and these two branches 22A are connected to the common carrier during insert-molding. After insert-molding, the two branches 22A are separated (or removed) from the carrier.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 are used to fix the socket housing 5 to the socket side base plate. Figure 4 As shown, each socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 is formed by stamping and bending a piece of metal. Since the shapes of the two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 are identical, only one socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 will be described below, and the description of the other socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 will be omitted.

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 includes: an upper surface protection part 30, three solder feet 31, and two spring pieces 32.

[0059] The upper surface protective portion 30 has a U-shape that opens inward in the spacing direction when viewed from above, and covers and protects such as Figure 6 The upper surface of the auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16 shown. The thickness direction of the upper surface protection part 30 coincides with the vertical direction.

[0060] Three welding feet 31 are formed to extend downward from the upper surface protection portion 30. The three welding feet 31 include: two transverse welding feet 33 and one longitudinal welding foot 34.

[0061] Two transverse welding feet 33 are formed to protrude outwards in the width direction from the upper surface protection portion 30. Each transverse welding foot 33 includes a pressing portion 33A and a welding portion 33B formed at the lower end of the pressing portion 33A. The pressing portion 33A presses into the... Figure 6 The corresponding transverse pressing groove 16B is shown. The welding part 33B is welded to the electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0062] The longitudinal welding leg 34 is formed to protrude outward from the upper surface protection portion 30 in the spacing direction. The longitudinal welding leg 34 includes an extension portion 34A and a welding portion 34B formed at the lower end of the extension portion 34A. The extension portion 34A is inserted into... Figure 6The longitudinal pressing groove 16A is shown. The welding part 34B is welded to the electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0063] Each spring sheet 32 ​​is a cantilever beam supported by the upper surface protection portion 30 and extends in the spacing direction. Each spring sheet 32 ​​is configured to be elastically displaceable in the width direction and has a raised portion 32A that protrudes (i.e., protrudes) inward in the width direction.

[0064] Figure 11 A plurality of socket contacts 4 are disclosed. The plurality of socket contacts 4, included in one of two columns, comprises: three signal contacts 4A, relatively small in the spacing direction; and two power supply contacts 4B, relatively large in the spacing direction. The three signal contacts 4A are disposed between the two power supply contacts 4B. Each socket contact 4 is formed by stamping and bending a single sheet of metal.

[0065] Each socket contact 4 includes: a contact portion 40 with an upwardly opening U-shape, and a soldering leg 41 extending downward from the outer end of the contact portion 40 in the width direction. The soldering leg 41 includes: a crimping portion 41A and a soldering portion 41B. The crimping portion 41A crimps into... Figure 5 The corresponding groove 15A is shown. The welding part 41B is welded to the electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0066] Figures 12 to 14 The protective metal fitting 6 is revealed to be integrated with the socket housing 5 through embedded molding.

[0067] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the two curled portions 25 of the C-shaped protective portion 20 of the protective metal fitting 6 protrude downwards from the socket housing 5. Similarly, the connecting portion 22 of the protective metal fitting 6 protrudes downwards from the socket housing 5.

[0068] like Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the two branches 22A of the connecting portion 22 of the protective metal fitting 6 protrude outward from the socket housing 5 in the spacing direction. That is, the end faces 22B of the two branches 22A of the connecting portion 22 of the protective metal fitting 6 facing outward in the spacing direction are on the same plane as the end face 5A of the socket housing 5, which also faces outward in the spacing direction. The end face 22B is a cross-section formed when the connecting portion 22 of the protective metal fitting 6 is separated from the carrier (i.e., cut off).

[0069] like Figure 12 As shown, the connecting portion 22 branches in the width direction to bypass (i.e., extend in a roundabout way to avoid) the welding portion 34B of the longitudinal welding foot 34 of the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7. Therefore, the gap between the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 can be adequately ensured.

[0070] (Plug Connector 3)

[0071] Next, refer to Figures 15 to 17 This describes plug connector 3. It should be noted that since the position of plug connector 3 relative to socket connector 2 is already determined when plug connector 3 is engaged with socket connector 2, therefore, refer to... Figures 1 to 4 The three directions that have been defined will also be followed in the following description for plug connector 3.

[0072] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the plug connector 3 includes: a plurality of plug contacts 50, a plug housing 51 that holds the plurality of plug contacts 50, and two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52. The plurality of plug contacts 50 and the two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are integrally formed with the plug housing 51 by insert molding.

[0073] like Figure 17 As shown, the plug housing 51 is a plate-shaped component made of insulating resin, which has a rectangular shape when viewed from above and is elongated in the spacing direction.

[0074] The plug housing 51 includes a base plate 53 and a peripheral wall 54.

[0075] The base plate 53 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0076] The peripheral wall 54 is formed in a ring shape and protrudes downward from the base plate 53. The peripheral wall 54 includes: two contact retaining walls 55 for retaining a plurality of plug contacts 50, and two auxiliary metal fitting retaining walls 56 for retaining two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 respectively.

[0077] When viewed from above, the retaining walls 56 of each auxiliary metal fitting are formed into a U-shape that opens inward toward the spacing direction.

[0078] Each plug contact 50 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet.

[0079] Two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are used to fix the plug housing 51 to the plug side base plate. Each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. Since the two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are identical in shape, only one plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 will be described below, and the description of the other plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 will be omitted.

[0080] Just like Figure 17 As shown, each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 includes: a lower surface protection part 57, a longitudinal protection part 58, two transverse protection parts 59, and two flange parts 60.

[0081] Viewed from above, the lower surface protection portion 57 has a U-shape that opens inward in the spacing direction and covers and protects the lower surface of the auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 56. The thickness direction of the lower surface protection portion 57 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0082] The longitudinal protective portion 58 is a portion that covers and protects the longitudinal end face 56A of the auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 56, and faces outward in the spacing direction. The longitudinal protective portion 58 extends upward from the outer end of the lower surface protective portion 57 in the spacing direction.

[0083] Two transverse protective portions 59 respectively cover and protect the two transverse end faces 56B of the auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 56 facing outward in the width direction. The two transverse protective portions 59 extend upward from both ends of the lower surface protective portion 57 outward in the width direction.

[0084] The two flange portions 60 are welded to the plug-side substrate. The two flange portions 60 extend outward in the width direction from the upper ends of the two transverse protective portions 59. The two flange portions 60 can also be connected to each other.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is formed by a drawing process. Therefore, the longitudinal protective portion 58 is directly connected to the two transverse protective portions 59, without a lower surface protective portion 57 embedded therebetween. As a result, the strength of the plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 in the vertical direction is ensured, and the plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is less likely to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0086] (Manufacturing method)

[0087] Next, the method for manufacturing the socket connector 2 will be described.

[0088] First, by embedding molding, such as Figure 4 The socket housing 5 and two protective metal fittings 6 shown are integrally molded.

[0089] Next, a plurality of socket contacts 4 and two socket auxiliary metal fittings 7 are attached to the socket housing 5. Specifically, as follows: Figure 11 The press-fit portion 41A of the welding pin 41 of each socket contact 4 shown is from, as... Figure 4 The socket housing 5 shown is press-fitted into the lower part of the corresponding groove 15A as shown. Figure 4 The corresponding slot 15A of the socket housing 5 shown. And, as shown... Figure 10 The two transverse welding pins 33A of the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 shown are respectively from, as Figure 6 The corresponding auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16 of the socket housing 5 shown is press-fitted into the two transverse press-fit grooves 16B above the socket housing 5. Figure 6The socket housing 5 shown has two transverse press-fit grooves 16B in the corresponding auxiliary metal fitting retaining wall 16.

[0090] Next, the method for manufacturing the plug connector 3 will be described. For example... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, a plurality of plug contacts 50, plug housing 51, and two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are integrally formed by embedding molding.

[0091] (use)

[0092] Next, we will explain how to use connector assembly 1.

[0093] In order to make such Figure 3 The socket connector 2 shown is mounted on the socket side substrate. The soldering part 41B of each socket contact 4 and the two soldering parts 33B and 34B of each socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 are respectively soldered to the corresponding electrode pads that are set on the socket side substrate by reflow soldering.

[0094] Similarly, in order to make such Figure 15 The plug connector 3 shown is mounted on the plug-side substrate, and each plug contact 50 and each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 are respectively soldered to the corresponding electrode pads that are set on the plug-side substrate by reflow soldering.

[0095] To make the plug connector 3 engage with the socket connector 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, with the plug connector 3 facing the socket connector 2 in the vertical direction, the plug connector 3 is lowered (i.e., moved downwards) towards the socket connector 2 so that the annular peripheral wall 54 of the plug connector 3 is inserted into the annular fitting recess 17 of the socket connector 2. As a result, when the contact portions 40 are pushed outwards, thereby increasing the gap between them in the width direction, each plug contact 50 is inserted into the U-shaped contact portion 40 of the corresponding socket contact 4. In this way, a mechanical and electrical connection is achieved between each plug contact 50 and the corresponding socket contact 4. At the same time, when the two spring pieces 32 are pushed to the side and outwards in the width direction, each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is inserted between the two spring pieces 32 of the corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7. As a result, a mechanical and electrical connection is achieved between each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 and the corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7. The raised portion 32A of each spring piece 32 contacts the corresponding lateral protection portion 59. The electrical contact between each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 and a corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 can be used to provide power.

[0096] Incidentally, until the plug connector 3 and socket connector 2 are properly engaged, it is difficult to visually confirm their relative positional relationship. Therefore, in practice, the operator needs to press the plug connector 3 against the socket connector 2 while simultaneously rocking the plug connector 3 in the pitch and width directions (e.g., moving it left and right and back and forth) until the plug connector 3 is engaged in the engagement recess 17 of the socket connector 2. Regarding this process, even if the plug connector 3 shifts from the correct position, the operator may still mistakenly believe that the plug connector 3 is in the correct position relative to the socket connector 2 in the pitch direction, and thus press the plug connector 3 forcefully against the socket connector 2. In this case, as... Figure 17 The lower surface protection portion 57 of one of the plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 of the plug connector 3 shown contacts, as Figure 2 The upper surface protection part 23 of the C-shaped protection part 20 of the protective metal fitting 6 of the socket connector 2 shown is pushed downward to the upper surface protection part 23. Figure 18 This illustrates the state in which the upper surface protection portion 23 is pushed downwards by the plug connector 3. When the plug connector 3 pushes the upper surface protection portion 23 downwards, a distributed load distributed in the width direction acts downwards on the upper surface protection portion 23. Figure 18 To simplify the explanation, this distributed load is represented by the resultant force F1. When the resultant force F1 acts on the upper surface protective part 23, this resultant force F1 is received by the two curled parts 25, and the distributed load distributed in the width direction acts upward on each curled part 25. Figure 18 In this embodiment, for simplicity, these distributed loads are represented by a resultant force F2. Each resultant force F2 acts on the center of the corresponding curled portion 25 in the width direction. In this embodiment, since the distance D1 from the bisector C3 to each curled portion 25 is short, the deviation D2 between the resultant force F1 and each resultant force F2 in the width direction is small, and the bisector C3 bisects the C-shaped protective portion 20 in the width direction. Therefore, the torque caused by the resultant forces F1 and F2 acting on each transverse protective portion 24 is small, and in principle, only the compressive force in the vertical direction acts on each transverse protective portion 24. As a result, the transverse protective portion 24 itself does not tilt, but only deforms slightly outward in the width direction and bulges. Therefore, even when the resultant force F1 acts on the upper surface protective portion 23, the C-shaped protective portion 20 is less likely to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0097] In comparison, such as Figure 19As shown, if the two curled portions 25 protrude outwards in the width direction from the lower ends of the two transverse surface protection portions 24, the deviation D2 between the resultant forces F1 and F2 in the width direction is large, so that the torque caused by the resultant forces F1 and F2 acting on each transverse surface protection portion 24 is large. As a result, each curled portion 25 moves outwards in the width direction as shown by the double-pointed chain. Therefore, in the case of... Figure 19 In the comparative example shown, it can be said that when the resultant force F1 acts on the upper surface protective part 23, the protective metal fitting 6 is easily crushed in the vertical direction.

[0098] Based on the above discussion, such as Figure 18 As shown, by employing a structure in which two curled portions 25 protrude from the lower ends of the two transverse protective portions 24 inward in the width direction, excellent technical effects can be provided: when the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 2 are engaged, the protective metal fitting 6 is less likely to be broken (or damaged).

[0099] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and they have the following features.

[0100] That is, the socket connector 2 includes a socket housing 5 (shell), in which an island-shaped portion 11 and a peripheral wall 12 surrounding the island-shaped portion 11 protrude upward from a base plate 10; a plurality of contacts 4 (contacts) are arranged in the housing 5; and a protective metal fitting 6 is configured to protect the island-shaped end 14, the island-shaped end 14 being the end of the island-shaped portion 11 in the spacing direction, the spacing direction being the direction in which the plurality of contacts 4 are arranged. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the protective metal fitting 6 includes: an upper surface protection portion 23 covering the upper surface 14A of the island-shaped end 14; two lateral surface protection portions 24 (first side surface protection portions) extending downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion 23 in the width direction, and facing the two lateral side surfaces 14B (side surfaces) of the island-shaped end 14 in the width direction; and two curled portions 25 extending from the lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions 24 in such a way that the two curled portions 25 are closer to each other when extended. According to the above structure, the protective metal fitting 6 is less likely to be crushed in the vertical direction, thereby effectively protecting the island-shaped end 14.

[0101] It should be noted that although the socket connector 2 in this embodiment includes two protective metal fittings 6, it is also conceivable that the socket connector 2 may include only one protective metal fitting 6.

[0102] Furthermore, the thickness direction of the two curled portions 25 is parallel to the vertical direction. According to the above structure, when the upper surface protective portion 23 is subjected to a downward load, the two curled portions 25 can reliably bear this load.

[0103] Furthermore, the two curled portions 25 are exposed downwards. Based on the above structure, it is possible to achieve a configuration where the two curled portions 25 directly face the socket-side substrate.

[0104] And, as Figure 9 As shown, each curled portion 25 is formed asymmetrically with respect to the second bisector C2 (bisector), which extends in the width direction and bisectes each curled portion 25 in the spacing direction. The shapes of the tips of the two curled portions 25 are complementary to each other. According to the above configuration, the maximum size of each curled portion 25 in the width direction can be ensured, and the back gap problem that occurs when forming the C-shaped protective portion 20 can be solved. It should be noted that the maximum size of each curled portion 25 in the width direction helps to shorten the gap... Figure 18 The distance D1 shown makes it more difficult for the protective metal fitting 6 to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0105] And, as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the protective metal fitting 6 further includes: a longitudinal protective portion 21 (second side protective portion) extending downward from the end of the upper surface protective portion 23 in the spacing direction and facing the longitudinal side 14C (side) of the island-shaped end 14 in the spacing direction; and a connecting portion 22 extending outward from the lower end of the longitudinal protective portion 21 in the spacing direction, and as shown... Figure 12 As shown, it protrudes outward from the socket housing 5 in the spacing direction. Furthermore, the connecting portion 22 is formed to branch in the width direction and extend outward in the spacing direction. According to the above configuration, the gap between the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0106] It should be noted that the above embodiments may also be modified as described below.

[0107] In other words, although the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 are separate components in the above embodiments, the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 can also replace the terrain and become a single component.

[0108] As will be apparent from the invention described herein, embodiments of the invention can be modified in various ways. Such modifications should not be considered contrary to the spirit and scope of the invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A receptacle connector characterized by comprising: Include: A housing in which an island-shaped portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island-shaped portion protrude upward from a bottom plate; A plurality of contact elements are arranged in the housing; as well as The metal fittings are protected by island-shaped ends, where the island-shaped ends are the ends of the island-shaped portions in the spacing direction, and the spacing direction is the direction in which the plurality of contact elements are arranged. The protective metal fitting includes: Upper surface protection portion, covering the upper surface of the island-shaped end; Two first side protection portions extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion in the width direction and face the two sides of the island-shaped end facing the width direction, respectively, and the width direction is orthogonal to the spacing direction; as well as Two curled portions extend linearly along the width direction from the lower ends of the two first side protection portions, such that the two curled portions move closer to each other as they extend. The two curled portions extend in a straight line along the width direction, and the thickness direction of the two curled portions is parallel to the vertical direction.

2. The receptacle connector of claim 1, wherein, The two curled sections are exposed downwards.

3. The socket connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the curled portions is asymmetrical with respect to the bisector, which extends in the width direction and bisects each of the curled portions in the spacing direction. The shapes of the tips of the two curled portions are complementary to each other.

4. The socket connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protective metal fitting further includes: The second side protection portion extends downward from the end of the upper surface protection portion in the spacing direction and faces the side of the island-shaped end toward the spacing direction; as well as The connecting portion extends outward from the lower end of the second side protection portion in the spacing direction and protrudes outward from the housing in the spacing direction.

5. The receptacle connector of claim 4, wherein, The connecting portion branches in the width direction and extends outward in the spacing direction.

6. A receptacle connector characterized by comprising: Include: A housing in which an island-shaped portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island-shaped portion protrude upward from a bottom plate; A plurality of contact elements are arranged in the housing; as well as The metal fittings are protected by island-shaped ends, where the island-shaped ends are the ends of the island-shaped portions in the spacing direction, and the spacing direction is the direction in which the plurality of contact elements are arranged. The protective metal fitting includes: Upper surface protection portion, covering the upper surface of the island-shaped end; Two first side protection portions extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protection portion in the width direction and face the two sides of the island-shaped end facing the width direction, respectively, and the width direction is orthogonal to the spacing direction; as well as Two curled portions extend from the lower ends of the two first side protection portions in a manner that brings the two curled portions closer to each other as they extend. Each of the curled portions is asymmetrical with respect to the bisector, which extends in the width direction and bisects each of the curled portions in the spacing direction. The shapes of the tips of the two curled portions are complementary to each other.

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