Connector and assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a connector and an assembly including a substrate, a connector, and a fixing mechanism, wherein: the substrate has a main surface; the main surface is provided with a conductive land; the connector is mountable on the main surface and is fixable to the main surface by the fixing mechanism; the connector is mateable with a mating connector having a mating terminal in an up-down direction crossing the main surface; the connector includes a holding member and a terminal; the holding member holds the terminal; the terminal has a first support portion, a main contact, a second support portion, and a pressed portion; the first support portion is elastically deformable; the main contact is supported by the first support portion and is movable in a width direction; when the connector is mated with the mating connector, the main contact is brought into contact with the mating terminal and is moved in the width direction; the second support portion extends from the main contact and is elastically deformable; the pressed portion is supported by the second support portion and is movable in the up-down direction and the width direction; and the pressed portion is pressed on the conductive land in the up-down direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector configured to be mounted on a substrate and an assembly comprising the connector. Background Technology

[0002] For example, this type of connector is disclosed in JP2019-46670A (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] refer to Figure 19 Patent Document 1 discloses a connector 90, which is a so-called onboard connector configured to be mounted on a substrate 98. The connector 90 includes a housing (retaining member) 92 and a plurality of terminals 94. The terminals 94 are arranged along a pitch direction (X direction) and held by the retaining member 92. Each terminal 94 has a fixing portion 942. When the connector 90 is mounted on the substrate 98, the fixing portions 942 are soldered to conductive pads (not shown) on the substrate 98, thereby fixing the connector 90 to the substrate 98.

[0004] When the distance between pads is short, two adjacent terminals 94 may short-circuit through the solder. Therefore, every two adjacent pads should be arranged such that they are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The distance (pitch) between two adjacent terminals 94 cannot be less than this predetermined distance. Therefore, according to existing onboard connectors, there are limitations to reducing the pitch between terminals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a component comprising a connector configured to be mounted on a substrate and having a structure suitable for reducing the spacing between terminals.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an assembly including a substrate, a connector, and a fixing mechanism. The substrate has a main surface. The main surface is provided with conductive pads. The connector is mountable on the main surface and can be fixed to the main surface by the fixing mechanism. The connector is capable of mating with a mating connector having mating terminals in a vertical direction intersecting the main surface. The connector includes a retaining member and terminals. The retaining member retains the terminals. The terminals have a first support portion, a main contact, a second support portion, and a pressing portion. The first support portion is elastically deformable. The main contact is supported by the first support portion and is movable in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the connector mates with the mating connector, the main contact contacts the mating terminal and moves in the width direction. The second support portion extends from the main contact and is elastically deformable. The pressing portion is supported by the second support portion and is movable in both the vertical and width directions. When the connector is in a mating state with the mating connector, the pressing portion is pressed against the conductive pads in the vertical direction.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a connector capable of mating with a mating connector having mating terminals in a vertical direction intersecting a substrate on which the connector can be mounted. The connector includes a retaining member and terminals. The retaining member retains the terminals. The terminals have a first support portion, a main contact, a second support portion, and a pressing portion. The first support portion is elastically deformable. The main contact is supported by the first support portion and is movable in a width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the connector mates with the mating connector, the main contact contacts the mating terminal and moves in the width direction. The second support portion extends from the main contact and is elastically deformable. The pressing portion is supported by the second support portion and is movable in both the vertical and width directions. When the connector is mounted on a substrate and is in a mating state with the mating connector, the pressing portion is pressed against the substrate in the vertical direction.

[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the connector can be fixed to a board using a fixing mechanism such as additional terminals, screws, and clamping members. The terminals can be connected to the conductive pads without soldering, but simply by pressing them against the conductive pads. According to this connection method, two adjacent conductive pads can be arranged in extremely close proximity, allowing the terminals to be arranged with a narrow pitch. Therefore, one aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising a connector configured to be mounted on a substrate and having a structure adapted to reduce the spacing between the terminals.

[0009] A more complete understanding of the object of the invention and its structure can be obtained by studying the following description of the preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a connection device including a component and a mating component according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector of the component is in a separated state where the connector is separated from the mating connector of the mating component, and the outline of the mating substrate on which the mating connector is mounted is shown by dashed lines.

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the connection device, in which the connector is in a mating state where the connector mates with the mating connector;

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Top view of the connecting device;

[0013] Figure 4 It is taken along line IV-IV. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connection device, in which the outline of the mating substrate, a portion of the outline of the terminal in the separated state, and a portion of the outline of the additional terminal in the separated state are shown in dashed lines.

[0014] Figure 5 It is taken along the VV line. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connection device, wherein a portion of the outline of the terminal in the separated state and a portion of the outline of the additional terminal in the separated state are shown in dashed lines;

[0015] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the mating components of the connecting device;

[0016] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A top view of the mating components, wherein a portion of the connector's outline in the mated state is shown in dashed lines;

[0017] Figure 8 This shows the section taken along line VIII-VIII. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the mating components;

[0018] Figure 9 This shows the section taken along line IX-IX. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the mating components;

[0019] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 6 A top view of the mating substrate of the mating assembly, wherein the outline of the mating terminals is shown in dashed lines;

[0020] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the components of the connection device, wherein a portion of the outline of the mating connector in the mating state is shown in dashed lines;

[0021] Figure 12 This shows the section taken along line XII-XII. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the component;

[0022] Figure 13 This shows the section taken along line XIII-XIII. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the component;

[0023] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the connector of the component;

[0024] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 14 A perspective view of the connector, in which one of the two terminal blocks is attached to the retaining part of the connector, while the other terminal block is not connected;

[0025] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 A side view of one terminal of the terminal block;

[0026] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A side view of an additional terminal of a terminal block, in which a portion of the terminal's outline is shown by chain-like dashed lines;

[0027] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 11 A top view of a portion of the main surface of the substrate of the component, in which the outlines of the terminals and additional terminals are shown in dashed lines;

[0028] Figure 19 This is a top view of the connector shown in Patent Document 1, in which the outline of the substrate on which the connector is mounted is shown in dashed lines.

[0029] While the invention is readily subject to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0030] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection device 10 includes a component 11 and a mating component 61. The component 11 and the mating component 61 are connectable to each other in a vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. In this embodiment, "upward" refers to the positive Z direction, and "downward" refers to the negative Z direction. For example, the component 11 and the mating component 61 are integrated into an electronic device (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be applied to various connection devices 10.

[0031] The mating component 61 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0032] like Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the mating assembly 61 of this embodiment includes a mating substrate 66 and a mating connector 62. The mating connector 62 is mounted and fixed on the mating substrate 66. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the components described above, the mating assembly 61 may also include other components.

[0033] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7The mating connector 62 of this embodiment includes a mating retaining member 70 made of an insulator and two or more mating terminals 80, each mating terminal 80 being made of a conductor. In this embodiment, the number of mating terminals 80 is 20. The mating connector 62 has a mating receiving portion 64. The mating receiving portion 64 is an upwardly recessed space. The mating receiving portion 64 is downwardly open. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating connector 62 may include only one mating terminal 80. In addition to the components described above, the mating connector 62 may also include other components.

[0034] The mating retaining member 70 of this embodiment has a base 72 and a peripheral wall 74. The base 72 is located at the upper end of the mating retaining member 70 in the vertical direction. The peripheral wall 74 extends downward from the base 72 and surrounds the mating receiving portion 64 in a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The peripheral wall 74 has two side walls 75 and two connecting walls 76. The two side walls 75 extend parallel to each other along a spacing direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the spacing direction is the X direction. The two connecting walls 76 extend parallel to each other along a width direction perpendicular to both the spacing direction and the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the Y direction. Each connecting wall 76 connects the two side walls 75 to each other in the width direction.

[0035] The mating retaining member 70 in this embodiment is an integral component having the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating retaining member 70 may be formed from multiple components combined together.

[0036] refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment, the mating terminal 80 includes two or more first terminals 80F and two or more second terminals 80S. In this embodiment, the number of first terminals 80F is 10, and the number of second terminals 80S is 10. As described above, the mating terminal 80 includes two types of mating terminals 80. The first terminals 80F and the second terminals 80S are slightly different in shape from each other, but have the same structure.

[0037] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, each mating terminal 80 is a single metal plate with a bend. Each mating terminal 80 has a mating retainer 82 and a mating contact 84. Each mating retainer 82 is located at the upper end of the mating terminal 80 and extends in the width direction. Each mating contact 84 extends downward from the mating retainer 82. Each mating contact 84 has a U-shaped shape in a vertical plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the pitch direction. This U-shaped shape has two opposing surfaces in the width direction, which serve as two contact surfaces 86 configured to electrically connect with the connector 12 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0038] Each mating terminal 80 in this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the first terminal 80F and the shape of the second terminal 80S may be identical to each other. In other words, the mating terminal 80 may include only one type of mating terminal 80. Conversely, the mating terminal 80 may include three or more types of mating terminals 80. Furthermore, the structure of each mating terminal 80 is not particularly limited. For example, each mating terminal 80 may have only one contact surface 86.

[0039] refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment, the mating terminals 80 are divided into two rows in the width direction. In other words, the mating connector 62 includes two mating terminal blocks. In each mating terminal block, five first terminals 80F and five second terminals 80S are arranged alternately along the spacing direction. The first terminals 80F and second terminals 80S of the two mating terminal blocks are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner about an axis parallel to the vertical direction. The first terminals 80F of one mating terminal block and the second terminals 80S of the other mating terminal block are arranged side by side in the width direction. The mating terminals 80 of this embodiment are arranged as described above. However, the arrangement of the mating terminals 80 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

[0040] Two mating terminal blocks are respectively attached to two sidewalls 75. In this embodiment, each mating contact 84 is inserted into the sidewall 75 and thereby held by the mating retaining member 70. (See reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9 For each mating contact 84, one of the two contact surfaces 86 protrudes outward from the sidewall 75 in the width direction, while the remaining one of the two contact surfaces 86 protrudes in the mating receiving portion 64. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each mating contact 84 may be press-fitted into the sidewall 75.

[0041] See Figure 7 The mating fixing portions 82 of the mating terminals 80 are divided into four rows in the width direction. Two of the four rows include only the mating fixing portions 82 of the first terminal 80F, and the remaining two rows include only the mating fixing portions 82 of the second terminal 80S. When viewed vertically, the two rows of mating fixing portions 82 of the first terminal 80F are located inside the peripheral wall 74, and the two rows of mating fixing portions 82 of the second terminal 80S are located on opposite outer sides of the peripheral wall 74 in the width direction. In each of the four rows, two or more mating fixing portions 82 are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. More specifically, in each of the four rows, five mating fixing portions 82 are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. The mating fixing portions 82 of this embodiment are arranged as described above. However, the arrangement of the mating fixing portions 82 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

[0042] refer to Figure 10 In this embodiment, the mating substrate 66 has a lower surface with two or more mating conductive pads 68 and a mating resist 69 made of an insulator, wherein each mating conductive pad 68 is made of a conductor. More specifically, the lower surface of the mating substrate 66 is provided with 20 mating conductive pads 68.

[0043] The mating conductive pads 68 are configured to correspond to the mating fixing portions 82 of the mating terminals 80 respectively. The mating conductive pads 68 are divided into four mating pad rows 67 in the width direction. In each mating pad row 67, two or more mating conductive pads 68 are arranged along the spacing direction. According to this embodiment, the number of mating conductive pads 68 in each mating pad row 67 is 5. When the mating connector 62 ( Figure 7 When mounted on the mating substrate 66, the four rows of mating fixing parts 82 are respectively fixed to and connected to the mating conductive pads 68 of the four mating pad rows 67 by welding. Therefore, the mating connector 62 is fixed on the mating substrate 66 and electrically connected to the mating substrate 66.

[0044] The mating resist 69 surrounds the mating conductive pad 68 in the XY plane and prevents the mating fixed part 82 from short-circuiting during soldering.

[0045] The mating substrate 66 in this embodiment is a rigid circuit board with the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating substrate 66 may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is easily bent. In this case, the mating substrate 66 may be reinforced by a reinforcing plate (not shown).

[0046] Hereinafter, component 11 of this embodiment (see Figure 1 (This will be explained.)

[0047] See Figure 1 The component 11 of this embodiment includes a substrate 50, a connector 12, and a fixing mechanism 40. The connector 12 can be mounted on the substrate 50. Specifically, the substrate 50 has a main surface 52. The connector 12 can be mounted on the main surface 52. The connector 12 can be fixed to the main surface 52 by the fixing mechanism 40. The component 11 of this embodiment only includes the above-described components. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the above-described components, the component 11 may also include other components.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, the main surface 52 is the upper surface of the substrate 50 and is a flat surface extending along the XY plane. The connector 12 of this embodiment can mate with a mating connector 62 including mating terminals 80 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the main surface 52. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main surface 52 can be a flat surface inclined relative to the XY plane. Considering this arrangement, the connector 12 can mate with the mating connector 62 including mating terminals 80 in a vertical direction intersecting the substrate 50 on which the connector 12 is mounted. Therefore, the connector 12 can mate with the mating connector 62 including mating terminals 80 in a vertical direction intersecting the main surface 52.

[0049] As described above, each of the connector 12 and mating connector 62 in this embodiment is a so-called onboard connector. Connector 12 is a socket, while mating connector 62 is a plug. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be applied to various connectors.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The connector 12 of this embodiment includes a retaining member 20 made of an insulator, two or more terminals 30 each made of a conductor, and two or more additional terminals 40 each made of a conductor. In this embodiment, the number of terminals 30 is 10, and the number of additional terminals 40 is 10. The additional terminals 40 serve as a fixing mechanism 40. The connector 12 has a receiving portion 14. The receiving portion 14 is a space that is recessed downward and open upward. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector 12 may include only one terminal 30. Additional terminals 40 may be provided as needed. Optionally, in addition to the components described above, the connector 12 may also include other components.

[0051] See Figure 14 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the retaining member 20 has a bottom 22, an outer wall 24, and an island-shaped portion 28. The bottom 22 is located at the lower end of the retaining member 20. The outer wall 24 extends upward from the bottom 22 and surrounds the receiving portion 14 in the XY plane. The island-shaped portion 28 is located in the middle of the receiving portion 14 in the XY plane. The island-shaped portion 28 protrudes upward from the bottom 22 and extends along the spacing direction. The outer wall 24 has two side portions 25 and two end walls 26. The two side portions 25 extend parallel to each other along the spacing direction. The two end walls 26 extend parallel to each other along the width direction. Each end wall 26 joins the two side portions 25 together in the width direction.

[0052] The retaining member 20 in this embodiment is an integral component having the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retaining member 20 may be formed from multiple components combined together.

[0053] refer to Figure 15 In this embodiment, the terminals 30 have the same shape as each other. Each terminal 30 is a single metal plate with a bend. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the terminals 30 may have different shapes from each other. Each terminal 30 may be formed from multiple components connected together.

[0054] The structure of one of the terminals 30 in this embodiment will be described below. The explanations described below apply to each terminal 30.

[0055] See Figure 16 In this embodiment, the terminal 30 has a lower end portion 31, a holding portion 32, a connecting portion 33, an auxiliary contact 34, a first support portion 35, a main contact 36, a second support portion 37, and a pressing portion 38.

[0056] The lower end portion 31 is located at the lower end of the terminal 30 and extends in the width direction. The retaining portion 32 extends upward in the width direction from the end of the lower end portion 31. The retaining portion 32 has two press-in protrusions 322 (see...). Figure 15 The retaining portion 32 and the auxiliary contact 34 protrude outwards from opposite sides of the retaining portion 32 along the spacing direction. The connecting portion 33 extends from the upper end of the retaining portion 32 along the width direction and extends away from the lower end portion 31 in the width direction. The auxiliary contact 34 is provided at the end of the connecting portion 33 along the width direction. Therefore, the connecting portion 33 connects the retaining portion 32 and the auxiliary contact 34 to each other in the width direction. The auxiliary contact 34 protrudes away from the lower end portion 31 in the width direction.

[0057] The first support portion 35 extends from the auxiliary contact 34 and extends away from the lower end portion 31 in the width direction. The main contact 36 is disposed at the end of the first support portion 35 in the width direction. The first support portion 35 is elastically deformable. The main contact 36 is supported by the first support portion 35 and can move mainly in the YZ plane according to the elastic deformation of the first support portion 35. In this embodiment, the first support portion 35 has a U-shaped shape and is easily elastically deformable.

[0058] In detail, the first support portion 35 has an outer arm 352, a bottom arm 358, and an inner arm 354. The bottom arm 358 is located at the lower end of the first support portion 35 and extends in the width direction. The outer arm 352 extends downward from the auxiliary contact 34 to one of the opposite ends of the bottom arm 358 in the width direction. The inner arm 354 extends upward from the remaining one of the opposite ends of the bottom arm 358 in the width direction to the main contact 36. The main contact 36 is located at the upper end of the inner arm 354 and protrudes towards the auxiliary contact 34 in the width direction. In other words, the auxiliary contact 34 faces the main contact 36 in the width direction.

[0059] The first support portion 35 of this embodiment has a flexible structure, such as the length of a long spring. The main contact 36 of this embodiment can move in both the vertical and width directions. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The structure of the first support portion 35 can be changed as needed. The main contact 36 can move only in the width direction. For example, each of the outer arm 352, the bottom arm 358, and the inner arm 354 can have an arcuate shape in the YZ plane. In this case, the outer arm 352, the bottom arm 358, and the inner arm 354 can be smoothly connected to each other, thereby forming an arcuate shape in the YZ plane.

[0060] The second support portion 37 extends from the main contact 36 and extends away from the auxiliary contact 34 in the width direction. A pressed portion 38 is disposed at the end of the second support portion 37 in the width direction. The second support portion 37 is elastically deformable. The pressed portion 38 is supported by the second support portion 37 and can move primarily within the YZ plane according to the elastic deformation of the second support portion 37. In this embodiment, the second support portion 37 has an L-shaped form and is easily elastically deformable.

[0061] In detail, the second support portion 37 of this embodiment has an upper end portion 371, a vertical arm 372, and a horizontal arm 374. The upper end portion 371 extends from the main contact 36 in the width direction and extends away from the auxiliary contact 34 in the width direction. The vertical arm 372 extends downward from the end of the upper end portion 371 in the width direction. The horizontal arm 374 extends from the lower end of the vertical arm 372 in the width direction and extends away from the main contact 36 in the width direction. A pressing portion 38 is provided on the horizontal arm 374 and protrudes downward. The lower end of the pressing portion 38 is located at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower end of the lower end portion 31.

[0062] In this embodiment, the vertical arm 372 has a vertical dimension HV greater than its width dimension WV. Similarly, the horizontal arm 374 has a width dimension WH greater than its vertical dimension HH. By using the vertical arm 372 and horizontal arm 374 as described above, the spring length of the second support portion 37 can be increased while maintaining the same width distance between the main contact 36 and the pressed portion 38. Therefore, the width dimension of the terminal 30 can be reduced, and the spring characteristics of the second support portion 37 can be improved.

[0063] The second support portion 37 of this embodiment has a flexible structure, such as a long spring length. The pressed portion 38 of this embodiment can move in the vertical and width directions. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure of the second support portion 37 can be changed as needed. For example, the second support portion 37 may only have a vertical arm 372. In this case, the pressed portion 38 may be provided on the lower end of the vertical arm 372.

[0064] Each terminal 30 in this embodiment has the structure described above. The auxiliary contact 34 and main contact 36 of each terminal 30 are components configured to be electrically connected to the mating connector 62 (see [link]). Figure 1 However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The structure of each terminal 30 can be modified as needed, as long as each terminal 30 has: a first support portion 35 that is elastically deformable, a main contact 36 supported by the first support portion 35, a second support portion 37 that is elastically deformable, and a pressed portion 38 supported by the second support portion 37. For example, an auxiliary contact 34 can be provided as needed.

[0065] refer to Figure 15 In this embodiment, the additional terminals 40 have the same shape as each other. Each additional terminal 40 is a single metal plate with a bend. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the additional terminals 40 may have different shapes from each other. Each additional terminal 40 may be formed from multiple components connected together.

[0066] The structure of one of the additional terminals 40 in this embodiment will now be described. The explanations described below apply to each additional terminal 40.

[0067] refer to Figure 17 The additional terminal 40 in this embodiment has a fixed part 41, a holding part 42, a connecting part 43, an auxiliary contact 44, a first support part 45, a main contact 46 and an upper part 471.

[0068] The fixed portion 41 is located at the lower end of the additional terminal 40 and extends in the width direction. The retaining portion 42 extends upward in the width direction from the end of the fixed portion 41. The retaining portion 42 has two press-in protrusions 422 (see...). Figure 15 These components protrude outward from both sides of the held portion 42 along the spacing direction. The connecting portion 43 extends from the upper end of the held portion 42 along the width direction and extends away from the fixed portion 41 in the width direction. An auxiliary contact 44 is provided at the end of the connecting portion 43 along the width direction. Therefore, the connecting portion 43 connects the held portion 42 and the auxiliary contact 44 to each other in the width direction. The auxiliary contact 44 protrudes away from the fixed portion 41 in the width direction.

[0069] The first support portion 45 extends from the auxiliary contact 44 and extends away from the fixed portion 41 in the width direction. The main contact 46 is disposed at the end of the first support portion 45 in the width direction. The upper end portion 471 extends from the main contact 46 and extends away from the auxiliary contact 44 in the width direction. The first support portion 45 is elastically deformable. The main contact 46 is supported by the first support portion 45 and can move mainly in the YZ plane according to the elastic deformation of the first support portion 45. In this embodiment, the first support portion 45 has a U-shaped shape and is easily elastically deformable.

[0070] Specifically, the first support portion 45 has an outer arm 452, a bottom arm 458, and an inner arm 454. The bottom arm 458 is located at the lower end of the first support portion 45 and extends in the width direction. The outer arm 452 extends downward from the auxiliary contact 44 to one of the opposite ends of the bottom arm 458 in the width direction. The inner arm 454 extends upward from the remaining end of the opposite ends of the bottom arm 458 in the width direction to the main contact 46. The main contact 46 is located at the upper end of the inner arm 454 and protrudes towards the auxiliary contact 44 in the width direction. In other words, the auxiliary contact 44 faces the main contact 46 in the width direction.

[0071] The first support portion 45 in this embodiment has a flexible structure, such as a long spring length. The main contact 46 in this embodiment can move in both the vertical and width directions. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first support portion 45 can have a relatively deformation-resistant structure.

[0072] Will Figure 17 and Figure 16 In comparison, the structure of the additional terminal 40 in this embodiment is similar to that of the terminal 30, except that the additional terminal 40 has an upper end portion 471 instead of a second support portion 37. Furthermore, the thickness TC of the first support portion 35 of the terminal 30 is smaller than the thickness TA of the first support portion 45 of the additional terminal 40. This makes the first support portion 35 easier to bend than the first support portion 45. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the additional terminal 40 may have the same shape as the terminal 30, except that it has an upper end portion 471 instead of a second support portion 37.

[0073] refer to Figure 17 Each additional terminal 40 in this embodiment has the structure described above. The auxiliary contact 44 and main contact 46 of each additional terminal 40 are components configured to be electrically connected to the mating connector 62. Figure 1 However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, auxiliary contacts 44 can be provided as needed. As mentioned above, additional terminals 40 can be provided as needed.

[0074] The arrangement of the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 in this embodiment will now be described.

[0075] refer to Figure 14 and 15In this embodiment, the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 are divided into two terminal blocks 16 in the width direction. In other words, the connector 12 includes two terminal blocks 16. In each terminal block 16, five terminals 30 and five additional terminals 40 are arranged alternately in the spacing direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector 12 may include only one terminal block 16, or it may include three or more terminal blocks 16. Each terminal block 16 may include only one terminal 30 and only one additional terminal 40. Therefore, in each terminal block 16, one or more terminals 30 and one or more additional terminals 40 may be arranged alternately in the spacing direction.

[0076] refer to Figure 11 In this embodiment, the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 of the two terminal blocks 16 are arranged to extend about an axis parallel to or along the vertical direction. Figure 18 The axis of center 18 shown is rotationally symmetrical about 180 degrees. Terminals 30 of one terminal block 16 and additional terminals 40 of another terminal block 16 are arranged side-by-side in the width direction. See also... Figure 3 Terminals 30 are located in the XY plane at positions corresponding to the first terminal 80F of the mating connector 62. Additional terminals 40 are located at positions corresponding to the second terminal 80S of the mating connector 62 in the XY plane.

[0077] In this embodiment, the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 are arranged as described above. However, the arrangement of the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 in this invention is not particularly limited. For example, the connector 12 and the mating connector 62 may each include only one terminal 30 and only one first terminal 80F, which are located at corresponding positions in the XY plane.

[0078] refer to Figure 14 and 15 In this embodiment, the two terminal blocks 16 are respectively attached to the two sides 25, as described below.

[0079] In this embodiment, each side portion 25 has 10 retaining grooves 252. Therefore, the retaining member 20 has two rows of retaining grooves 252. Each row of retaining grooves 252 is arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. Five of the retaining grooves 252 in each row are for retaining terminals 30, and the remaining five retaining grooves 252 in each row are for retaining additional terminals 40. Each retaining groove 252 passes through the side portion 25 in the vertical direction and opens downward.

[0080] In this embodiment, the retaining member 20 has 10 terminal receiving portions 29. The terminal receiving portions 29 are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. Each terminal receiving portion 29 extends through the bottom 22 in the vertical direction and opens downward. Each terminal receiving portion 29 extends between two retaining grooves 252 in the width direction. Each terminal receiving portion 29 is partially located in the island portion 28 and partially located below the receiving portion 14.

[0081] Each of the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 29 from below. Each terminal 30 is partially received in the terminal receiving portion 29 and is adjacent to an additional terminal 40 in the width direction. In other words, each terminal receiving portion 29 receives one of the terminals 30 and one of the additional terminals 40. The holding portion 32 of each terminal 30 is press-fitted into and held by a corresponding holding groove 252. Similarly, the holding portion 42 of each additional terminal 40 is press-fitted into and held by a corresponding holding groove 252. Thus, the holding member 20 holds the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40.

[0082] In this embodiment, the island-shaped portion 28 is provided with 10 intermediate walls 284, each corresponding to the terminal receiving portion 29. The intermediate walls 284 are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. (See reference) Figure 12 and 13 Each intermediate wall 284 is located at the middle of the corresponding terminal receiving portion 29 in the width direction. In each terminal receiving portion 29, the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 are located on opposite sides of the intermediate wall 284 in the width direction. In each terminal receiving portion 29, the pressed portion 38 of the terminal 30 is located below the intermediate wall 284.

[0083] refer to Figure 15 As described above, in this embodiment, each of the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 is press-fitted into the retaining member 20 from below and held by the retaining member 20. When the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 are held by the retaining member 20, the bottom arm 358 of the terminal 30 and the bottom arm 458 of the additional terminal 40 protrude downwards. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 may be inserted and molded into the retaining member 20 such that the retaining member 20 holds them. In this case, the retaining groove 252 is not required. Furthermore, the terminal receiving portion 29 does not need to open downwards. The intermediate wall 284 may be provided as needed.

[0084] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 8When terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 are held by the retaining member 20, the distance DT in the width direction between the auxiliary contact 34 and the main contact 36 of each terminal 30 is less than the width dimension TT of the mating contact portion 84 of each first terminal 80F of the mating connector 62. The distance DT in the width direction between the auxiliary contact 44 and the main contact 46 of each additional terminal 40 is less than the width dimension TT of the mating contact portion 84 of each second terminal 80S of the mating connector 62.

[0085] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 11 When the terminal 30 is held by the holding member 20, the pressed portions 38 of all terminals 30 are located close to each other in the width direction. In other words, the pressed portions 38 are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction. When the additional terminal 40 is held by the holding member 20, the fixed portions 41 of the additional terminal 40 are divided into two rows in the width direction. The fixed portions 41 in each row are arranged in a straight line in the spacing direction.

[0086] refer to Figure 18 In this embodiment, the main surface 52 of the substrate 50 is provided with two or more conductive pads 58 made of conductors and a photoresist 59 made of insulator. In this embodiment, the number of conductive pads 58 is 20. The substrate 50 includes a central pad row 54 and two side pad rows 56 corresponding to two terminal blocks 16, respectively. In the central pad row 54, two or more conductive pads 58 are arranged along a spacing direction. In this embodiment, the number of conductive pads 58 in the central pad row 54 is 10. In each side pad row 56, one or more conductive pads 58 are arranged along a spacing direction. In this embodiment, the number of conductive pads 58 in each side pad row 56 is 5. The central pad row 54 is located between the two side pad rows 56 in the width direction.

[0087] When connector 12 (see Figure 11 When mounted on the main surface 52, the additional terminals 40 of each terminal block 16 are respectively fixed to the conductive pads 58 of the corresponding side pad blocks 56. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 41 of each additional terminal 40 is fixed to and connected to the conductive pad 58 by soldering. Therefore, the connector 12 is fixed to the substrate 50. The resist 59 surrounds the conductive pads 58 in the XY plane and prevents the fixed portion 41 from short-circuiting during soldering.

[0088] The substrate 50 in this embodiment is a rigid circuit board with the structure described above. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 50 may be a flexible FPC. In this case, the substrate 50 may be reinforced by a reinforcing plate (not shown).

[0089] refer to Figure 14According to this embodiment, when terminal 30 and additional terminal 40 are held by holding member 20, the lower end of lower end portion 31 of terminal 30 and the lower end of pressed portion 38 are located at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower end of fixed portion 41 of additional terminal 40. (See reference) Figure 12 and 13 as well as Figure 18 With this arrangement, even though no part of the terminal 30 is fixed to the substrate 50 when the additional terminal 40 is fixed to the substrate 50, the lower end 31 of the terminal 30 is in contact with the resist 59 of the substrate 50, and the pressed portion 38 is in contact with the conductive pads 58 of the intermediate pad row 54. Therefore, the connector 12 is electrically connected to the substrate 50.

[0090] refer to Figure 11 According to this embodiment, when the connector 12 is mounted on the main surface 52, the additional terminal 40 is fixed on the main surface 52, thereby serving as a fixing mechanism 40 for fixing the connector 12 to the substrate 50.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the fixed portions 41 of the additional terminal 40 are located on opposite sides of the retaining member 20 in the width direction, and are arranged at regular intervals between the opposite sides of the retaining member 20 in the spacing direction. With this arrangement, the connector 12 can be stably fixed to the substrate 50. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the connector 12 has a small size, the connector 12 may include only one additional terminal 40. The connector 12 may include a clamping member serving as the fixing mechanism 40 instead of the additional terminal 40, or may include a clamping member in addition to the additional terminal 40. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism 40 does not need to be a component held by the retaining member 20. For example, the connector 12 can be fixed to the substrate 50 by other fixing mechanisms 40 such as screws.

[0092] refer to Figure 12 In this embodiment, the pressing portion 38 of each terminal 30 is arranged such that when the connector 12 is fixed to the substrate 50, the pressing portion 38 contacts the conductive pad 58 without being pressed against the conductive pad 58. From the viewpoint that the fixed portion 41 can be easily soldered to the conductive pad 58 and the pressing portion 38 contacts the conductive pad 58, this embodiment is preferred. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the fixing mechanism 40 is a screw, the pressing portion 38 can be pressed against the conductive pad 58 when the connector 12 is fixed to the substrate 50.

[0093] The mating operation of connector 12 and mating connector 62 will be described below (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0094] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2With connector 12 fixed to substrate 50, connector 12 of this embodiment can mate with mating connector 62 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if connector 12 does not include additional terminal 40, connector 12 can be fixed to substrate 50 after mating with mating connector 62. In this case, substrate 50 and mating substrate 66 can be fixed to each other, for example, by using screws. As can be seen from the above description, connector 12 of this embodiment can be fixed to substrate 50 by various fixing mechanisms 40 such as additional terminal 40, screws, and clamping members.

[0095] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 11 During the mating process between connector 12 and mating connector 62, the island-shaped portion 28 of connector 12 is received in the mating receiving portion 64 of mating connector 62, and the peripheral wall 74 of mating connector 62 is received in the receiving portion 14 of connector 12. (See reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 At this time, the mating contact 84 of each first terminal 80F is received between the auxiliary contact 34 and the main contact 36 of the terminal 30, while pressing the main contact 36 and the auxiliary contact 34 downward and outward in the width direction. Similarly, the mating contact 84 of each second terminal 80S is received between the auxiliary contact 44 and the main contact 46 of the additional terminal 40, while pressing the main contact 46 and the auxiliary contact 44 downward and outward in the width direction.

[0096] The auxiliary contact 44 of each additional terminal 40 is located close to the held portion 42, which is fixed to the holding member 20. The auxiliary contacts 44 arranged in this way hardly move even when pressed. Conversely, each main contact 46 is supported by a first support portion 45 having high spring characteristics. The main contacts 46 supported in this way move downward and inward in the width direction. Therefore, the bottom arm 458 of the first support portion 45 is pressed against the main surface 52 of the substrate 50.

[0097] Similarly, the auxiliary contact 34 of each terminal 30 is located close to the held portion 32, which is fixed to the holding member 20. The auxiliary contacts 34 arranged in this way hardly move even when pressed. Conversely, each main contact 36 is supported by the inner arm 354 of the first support portion 35, which has high spring characteristics. The main contacts 36 supported in this way receive a force similar to the force applied to the main contacts 46, directed downward and inward in the width direction, and thus move in the rotational direction. Therefore, the pressed portion 38 is pressed against the conductive pad 58, and the main contacts 36 move essentially only inward in the width direction.

[0098] As described above, when connector 12 mates with mating connector 62, the main contact 36 of each terminal 30 contacts mating terminal 80 and moves in the width direction. Simultaneously, the second support portion 37 of each terminal 30 elastically deforms, causing each pressed portion 38 to move inward in the width direction while pressing against the conductive pad 58. Therefore, when connector 12 is mounted on substrate 50 and in the mating state with mating connector 62, the pressed portion 38 presses against the conductive pad 58 in the vertical direction. If substrate 50 is separated in the mating state, each pressed portion 38 is moved to a position below another location where the conductive pad 58 is located.

[0099] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 11 According to this embodiment, when the connector 12 is in the mating state, the pressed portions 38 of the terminals 30 of the two terminal blocks 16 press against the conductive pads 58 of the intermediate pad block 54 in the vertical direction. As described above, in this embodiment, each terminal 30 is connected to the conductive pad 58 by simply pressing it against the conductive pad 58, rather than by soldering. According to this connection method, two adjacent conductive pads 58 can be located very close to each other, thereby allowing the terminals 30 to be arranged with a narrow pitch.

[0100] This embodiment provides a component 11, which includes a connector 12 configured to be mounted on a substrate 50 and has a structure adapted to reduce the spacing between terminals 30. By reducing the spacing between terminals 30, the dimension of the connector 12 in the spacing direction can be reduced. Furthermore, since the process of soldering the terminals 30 is not required, the manufacturing cost of component 11 can be reduced.

[0101] refer to Figure 11 Because the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 are arranged alternately in the spacing direction in this embodiment, the pressed portion 38 of the terminal 30 can be firmly pressed against the conductive pad 58. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the arrangement of the terminals 30 and additional terminals 40 in the spacing direction can be modified as needed.

[0102] Will Figure 11 and Figure 18 and Figure 7 and Figure 10In comparison, the mating conductive pads 68 of the mating assembly 61 are arranged in four rows. While this arrangement effectively prevents short circuits during soldering, the mating connector 62 is too large in the width direction. Conversely, according to this embodiment, since the spacing between the pressed portions 38 can be made extremely small, the conductive pads 58 in contact with the pressed portions 38 can be arranged in a row along the spacing direction. Therefore, not only can the size of the connector 12 in the spacing direction be reduced, but also its size in the width direction. Thus, according to this embodiment, the area occupied by the connector 12 on the main surface 52 of the substrate 50 can be reduced.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to this embodiment, when the connector 12 is in the mating state, the main contact 36 and auxiliary contact 34 of each terminal 30 sandwich the mating terminal 80 in the width direction and contact it. Therefore, each terminal 30 has two-point contact with the mating terminal 80. With this structure, even if the position of the mating connector 62 shifts in the width direction, each terminal 30 can stably contact the mating terminal 80 with a designed contact force. Furthermore, since the pressure-bearing portion 38 is not fixed but can move in the width direction, a more stable contact force can be obtained. Similarly, each additional terminal 40 can stably contact two-point with the mating terminal 80.

[0104] In this embodiment, each main contact 36 is pressed in the width direction by a mating contact portion 84 sandwiched between the main contact 36 and the auxiliary contact 34. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the terminal 30 is not provided with an auxiliary contact 34, the distance between the mating contact portion 84 of the first terminal 80F and the mating contact portion 84 of the second terminal 80S arranged in the width direction may be smaller than the distance between the main contact 36 of the terminal 30 and the main contact 46 of the additional terminal 40 arranged in the width direction. Furthermore, the mating contact portion 84 may be sandwiched between the main contact 36 and a portion of the retaining member 20. Similar modifications can be applied to the case where the additional terminal 40 is not provided with an auxiliary contact 44.

[0105] According to this embodiment, each horizontal arm 374 is located at the lower end of the second support portion 37. This positioning of the horizontal arm 374 acts as a spring, ensuring that the contact force between the pressed portion 38 and the conductive pad 58 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, while the contact force of the main contact 36 remains unaffected. Furthermore, the spring mechanism of the horizontal arm 374 reduces variations in the contact force between the pressed portion 38 and the conductive pad 58. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, each horizontal arm 374 does not need to be located at the lower end of the second support portion 37, but can be located between the main contact 36 and the pressed portion 38. Furthermore, the horizontal arms 374 can be configured as needed.

[0106] See Figure 15 Each terminal receiving portion 29 is provided with two limiting walls 286. Therefore, the retaining member 20 of this embodiment has limiting walls 286. Each limiting wall 286 of this embodiment is the inner wall surface of the terminal receiving portion 29 and is a flat surface extending parallel to the YZ plane. The two limiting walls 286 of each terminal receiving portion 29 clamp the terminal 30 and the additional terminal 40 between them in the spacing direction.

[0107] refer to Figure 12 and 13 Each limiting wall 286 extends between the two sides 25 along the width direction. When the first support portion 35 or the second support portion 37 of the terminal 30 moves in the pitch direction, it abuts against the limiting wall 286. Therefore, each limiting wall 286 in this embodiment restricts the movement of the first support portion 35 and the second support portion 37 in the pitch direction, allowing reliable movement of the main contact 36 and the pressed portion 38 in the width direction. Similarly, each limiting wall 286 restricts the movement of the first support portion 45 in the pitch direction, allowing reliable movement of the main contact 46 in the width direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, each limiting wall 286 may only restrict the movement of the second support portion 37 in the pitch direction.

[0108] Each terminal receiving portion 29 is provided with two upper walls 288. Therefore, the retaining member 20 in this embodiment has upper walls 288. Each upper wall 288 in this embodiment is the upper end of the island-shaped portion 28. (See reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 When each second support portion 37 elastically deforms, the upper end of the second support portion 37 presses against the upper wall 288. When the connector 12 is in the mating state, each upper wall 288 presses the second support portion 37 downwards. Therefore, the contact force between each pressed portion 38 and the conductive pad 58 can be sufficiently large. Furthermore, when the connector 12 is in the mating state, the upper wall 288 protects the end of the additional terminal 40 from above. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper wall 288 can be configured as needed.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a substrate, a connector, and a fixing mechanism, wherein: The substrate has a main surface; The main surface is provided with conductive pads; The connector can be mounted on the main surface and can be fixed on the main surface by the fixing mechanism; The connector is capable of mating with a mating connector having mating terminals in the vertical direction intersecting the main surface; The connector includes a retaining component and terminals; The retaining component holds the terminal; The terminal has a first support portion, a main contact, a second support portion, and a pressed portion; The first support portion is capable of elastic deformation; The main contact is supported by the first support portion and is movable in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; When the connector mates with the mating connector, the main contact contacts the mating terminal and moves in the width direction; The second support extends from the main contact and is elastically deformable; The pressed part is supported by the second support part and is movable in the vertical direction and the width direction; and When the connector is mounted on the substrate and is in a mating state where the connector mates with the mating connector, the pressed part is pressed onto the conductive pad in the vertical direction.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The second support has a vertical arm and a horizontal arm; The vertical arm has a larger dimension in the vertical direction than its other dimension in the width direction; and The dimension of the horizontal arm in the width direction is greater than its other dimension in the vertical direction.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining component has a limiting wall; and The limiting wall restricts the movement of the second support in directions perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining component has an upper wall; and When the connector is in the mating state, the upper wall presses down on the second support portion.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal has auxiliary contacts; The auxiliary contact faces the main contact in the width direction; and When the connector is in the mating state, the main contact and the auxiliary contact sandwich the mating terminal between them and make contact with the mating terminal.

6. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The connector includes additional terminals; The retaining component holds the additional terminal; and When the connector is mounted on the main surface, the additional terminal is fixed on the main surface and serves as the fixing mechanism.

7. The component according to claim 6, wherein: The connector includes two terminal blocks; In each terminal block, one or more of the terminals and one or more of the additional terminals are arranged alternately along a spacing direction that is perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the width direction; The terminals and the additional terminals of the two terminal blocks are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner about an axis parallel to the vertical direction. The substrate includes a central pad row and two side pad rows corresponding to the terminal blocks respectively; In the intermediate pad row, two or more of the conductive pads are arranged along the spacing direction; In each of the side pad rows, one or more of the conductive pads are arranged along the spacing direction; The intermediate pad row is located between the two side pad rows in the width direction; When the connector is mounted on the main surface, the additional terminals of each terminal block are respectively fixed to the conductive pads of the corresponding side pad blocks; and When the connector is in the mating state, the pressed portions of the terminals of the two terminal blocks are pressed onto the conductive pads of the intermediate pad block in the vertical direction.

8. A connector, wherein the connector is capable of mating with a mating connector having mating terminals in a vertical direction intersecting a substrate on which the connector can be mounted, wherein: The connector includes a retaining component and terminals; The retaining component holds the terminal; The terminal has a first support portion, a main contact, a second support portion, and a pressed portion; The first support portion is capable of elastic deformation; The main contact is supported by the first support portion and is movable in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; When the connector mates with the mating connector, the main contact contacts the mating terminal and moves in the width direction; The second support extends from the main contact and is elastically deformable; The pressed part is supported by the second support part and is movable in the vertical direction and the width direction; and When the connector is mounted on the substrate and is in a mating state where the connector mates with the mating connector, the pressed part is pressed onto the substrate in the vertical direction.

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