connector

Abstract

The connector includes an insert-molded body. The insert-molded body includes a holding member and a plurality of terminals. The terminals include at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal. The first terminal has a first mounting portion and a first main portion. The first mounting portion has a first carrier cut surface, which is an end surface of the first mounting portion. The end surface of the first mounting portion faces in a width direction. The second terminal has a second mounting portion, a second main portion, and an unmounted portion. The unmounted portion has a second carrier cut surface, which is an end surface of the unmounted portion. The end surface of the unmounted portion faces in the width direction. The first carrier cut surface and the second carrier cut surface face each other in the same orientation in the width direction. The connector of the present application is more suitable for insert molding, and is highly reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector including an insert molded body. Background Technology

[0002] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 JP-A 2020-181803 (Patent Document 1) discloses a connector 900 of this type. The connector 900 includes two halves 910 and two covers 920. Each half 910 has a housing 912 and a plurality of terminals 914. The terminals 914 are embedded in and held by the housing 912. The opposite ends 911 of the half 910 in the Y direction are respectively covered by the covers 920.

[0003] Reference Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The connector 900 of Patent Document 1 is manufactured as follows: each half 910 is formed by integrally molding a housing 912 having terminals 914, the terminals 914 being connected to a carrier 930 by insert molding; one of the carriers 930 located on one side of the half 910 is cut off, such that some terminals 914 form carrier cut-off surfaces 9142; two half 910s are arranged face-to-face along the X direction or along the width direction; a cover 920 is overmolded onto the opposite ends 911 of the two half 910s, such that the opposite ends 911 of one half 910 are respectively connected to the opposite ends 911 of the remaining half 910; and the remaining one of the carriers 930s is cut off. In other words, the manufacturing method of the connector 900 of Patent Document 1 requires two molding steps, namely, a first molding step in which the housing 912 and the terminals 914 are integrally molded, and a second molding step in which the cover 920 is formed by overmolding. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector with a structure more suitable for insert molding.

[0005] One possible manufacturing method for a connector with a single terminal block is to integrally mold the housing containing only terminals using insert-molding. These terminals are coupled to the carrier on the same side of the housing in the width direction. In this method, the size of the mold used for insert molding the housing can be reduced. However, if such a connector with closely spaced terminals is manufactured using this method, the terminals may short-circuit with each other.

[0006] The inventors of this application have conceived of a connector configured such that the unmounted portion of one of two adjacent terminals in the spacing direction is positioned above the mounted portion of the remaining one of the two adjacent terminals, whereby the unmounted portion of one of the two adjacent terminals and the mounted portion of the remaining one of the two adjacent terminals are positioned as far apart as possible from each other. The inventors have discovered that this connector has increased electrical reliability and also has a structure suitable for insert molding. This invention stems from this discovery.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector that is mounted on a circuit board during use. The connector is capable of mating with a mating connector having mating terminals in a vertical direction. The connector includes an insert molding body. The insert molding body includes a retaining member and a plurality of terminals. The terminals are at least partially embedded in and held by the retaining member. The terminals include at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged in a spacing direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first terminal has a first mounting portion and a first main portion. The first mounting portion extends in a width direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the spacing direction. In an installed state where the connector is mounted on the circuit board, the first mounting portion is connected to and fixed to the circuit board. The first mounting portion has a first carrier cut-off surface, which is an end surface of the first mounting portion. The end surface of the first mounting portion faces the width direction. The first main portion extends from the first mounting portion. The first main portion is provided with a first contact portion. The first contact portion contacts the mating terminal in a mating state where the connector and the mating connector are mated together. The first contact portion is located above the first mounting portion in the vertical direction. The second terminal has a second mounting portion, a second main portion, and an unmounted portion. The second mounting portion extends in the width direction. In the installed state, the second mounting part is connected and fixed to the circuit board. The second main part connects the second mounting part and the unmounted part to each other. The second main part is provided with a second contact part. The contact part contacts the mating terminal in the mating state. The unmounted part extends in the width direction. The unmounted part is positioned spaced apart from the second mounting part in the width direction. The unmounted part is positioned above the first mounting part in the vertical direction. The unmounted part is closer to the first mounting part than the second mounting part. The unmounted part has a second carrier cutting surface, which is the end surface of the unmounted part. The end surface of the unmounted part faces the width direction. The first carrier cutting surface and the second carrier cutting surface face the same orientation to each other in the width direction.

[0008] The connector of the present invention is configured as follows: the terminals include at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal; a first mounting portion has a first carrier cutting surface, which is an end surface of the first mounting portion; the end surface of the first mounting portion faces the width direction; an unmounted portion of the second terminal is located above the first mounting portion of the first terminal in the vertical direction; the unmounted portion has a second carrier cutting surface, which is an end surface of the unmounted portion; the end surface of the unmounted portion faces the width direction; and the first carrier cutting surface and the second carrier cutting surface have the same orientation toward each other in the width direction. Therefore, the connector of the present invention can be manufactured by integrally molding a retaining member or housing having terminals, with the terminals being inserted and connected to a carrier in the width direction on the same side of the retaining member. In other words, the connector of the present invention has a structure more suitable for insert molding.

[0009] According to the present invention, a connector having two terminal blocks can be manufactured as follows: a retaining member is integrally formed by insert molding with a terminal connected to a carrier on one side of the opposite side of the retaining member in the width direction and a terminal connected to the other carrier on the remaining side of the opposite side of the retaining member in the width direction. That is, if the present invention is applied to a connector having two terminal blocks, the connector can be manufactured in a single molding step, without the need for the secondary molding steps required by the manufacturing method of connector 900 in Patent Document 1.

[0010] The purpose of the invention and its structure can be understood more fully by studying the following description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating components according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, connectors and mating connectors are mated together.

[0012] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The bottom view of the component.

[0013] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The side view of the component.

[0014] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 The component is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0015] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 The component is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0016] Figure 6 It is shown that it includes Figure 1A perspective view of the connector in the components. In the figure, the connector is mounted on a circuit board, which is shown by dashed lines.

[0017] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A top view of the connector. A portion of the insert molding is magnified and shown in the figure. Also, regarding the circuit board, the illustration does not show all components, only the solder pads.

[0018] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A side view of the connector. A portion of the insert molding is enlarged and shown in the figure. Also, regarding the circuit board, this illustration does not show all components, only the solder pads.

[0019] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line CC. Regarding the circuit board, this diagram does not show all components, only the solder pads.

[0020] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line DD. Regarding the circuit board, this diagram does not show all components, only the solder pads.

[0021] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 6 A bottom view of the connector.

[0022] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 7 The figure shows a top view of the connector. In the figure, the first terminal blank is connected to the first carrier, and the second terminal blank is connected to the second carrier.

[0023] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The intermediate component is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE.

[0024] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 12 The middleware is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF.

[0025] Figure 15 It is shown that it includes Figure 12 A perspective view of the second terminal intermediate component in the intermediate component.

[0026] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 Another perspective view of the terminal intermediate component.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the connector described in Patent Document 1.

[0028] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 Exploded perspective view of the connector.

[0029] Figure 19 It is shown that it includes Figure 17 A top view of the middle part of the connector half.

[0030] While the invention is open to various modifications and alternatives, 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 their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed; rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, component 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes connector 100 and mating connector 500.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the mating connector 500 is mounted on a circuit board (not shown) during use. The mating connector 500 can mate with the connector 100 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Specifically, upward is the positive Z direction, and downward is the negative Z direction.

[0033] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mating connector 500 includes a mating retaining member 600 and a plurality of mating terminals 700.

[0034] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the docking retaining member 600 is made of an insulating body. The docking retaining member 600 has a surrounding wall portion 610. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The surrounding wall portion 610 defines an outer end in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. The horizontal width direction is also called the front-to-back direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the front is the positive X direction and the rear is the negative X direction. The surrounding wall portion 610 defines an outer end in the spacing direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions. In this embodiment, the spacing direction is the Y direction.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The mating connector 500 has two mating terminal blocks 650 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. In other words, the two mating terminal blocks 650 are positioned apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the number of mating terminal blocks 650 may be one.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 Each terminal block 650 consists of terminal blocks 700 arranged along a spacing direction perpendicular to both the vertical and width directions.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, each mating terminal 700 is made of metal. The mating terminal 700 is held in place by a mating retaining member 600. The mating terminal 700 comprises a plurality of first mating terminals 710 and a plurality of second mating terminals 720. Each first mating terminal 710 has a first mating contact portion 712. Each second mating terminal 720 has a second mating contact portion 722.

[0038] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, the connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board 800 during use. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The connector 100 can mate with the mating connector 500 having mating terminals 700 in the vertical direction.

[0039] like Figure 7 As shown, connector 100 includes insert molding 150.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 150 of this embodiment includes a retaining member 200 and a plurality of terminals 300.

[0041] Reference Figure 8 In this embodiment, the retaining member 200 is made of an insulating body. The retaining member 200 has a plurality of insulating protective portions 220 and a plurality of cover portions 230.

[0042] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the isolation protection portion 220 defines the outer end of the retaining member 200 in the width direction. The isolation protection portion 220 defines the lower end of the retaining member 200 in the vertical direction.

[0043] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the cover portion 230 defines the outer end of the retaining member 200 in the width direction. In the width direction, the outer end of the cover portion 230 is located at the same position as the outer end of the insulating protective portion 220. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the cover portion 230 is adjacent to the insulating protective portion 220 in the spacing direction. The insulating protective portion 220 and the cover portion 230 are arranged alternately in the spacing direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when connector 100 and mating connector 500 are mated together, each cover portion 230 faces the surrounding wall portion 610 in the vertical direction. Figure 9 As shown, each cover 230 has an upper end 232 in the vertical direction.

[0044] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, each terminal 300 is made of metal. The terminal 300 is partially embedded in and held by the retaining member 200. However, the invention is not limited thereto; the terminal 300 should at least be partially embedded in and held by the retaining member 200. Figure 7 As shown, terminals 300 are formed in two terminal rows 250 positioned separately from each other in the width direction. In other words, connector 100 has two terminal rows 250 positioned separately from each other in the width direction, and each terminal row 250 consists of terminals 300 arranged in the spacing direction. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 Terminal 300 corresponds to docking terminal 700.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, terminal 300 includes a plurality of first terminals 310 and a plurality of second terminals 320. Specifically, terminal 300 includes a plurality of first terminals 310 and a plurality of second terminals 320. Each terminal block 250 includes a plurality of first terminals 310 and a plurality of second terminals 320. First terminals 310 are adjacent to second terminals 320 in a spacing direction. First terminals 310 and second terminals 320 are arranged along a spacing direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. More specifically, first terminals 310 and second terminals 320 are arranged alternately in a spacing direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In each terminal block 250, first terminals 310 and second terminals 320 are arranged alternately along the spacing direction. In this embodiment, the number of first terminals 310 and the number of second terminals 320 are equal to each other. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and terminal 300 should include at least one of the first terminals 310 and at least one of the second terminals 320.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the first terminals 310 correspond to the cover portion 230. The first terminals 310 of the two terminal blocks 250 are arranged in an alternating configuration. Figure 10 As shown, each first terminal 310 has a first mounting portion 312 and a first main portion 318.

[0047] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the first mounting portion 312 extends in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the spacing direction. More specifically, the first mounting portion 312 does not have a curved portion and extends linearly outward in the width direction. The first mounting portion 312 extends linearly outward in the width direction from the first main portion 318. Figure 6 and Figure 10As shown, in the installation state where the connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board 800, the first mounting portion 312 is connected to and fixed on the circuit board 800. More specifically, in the installation state, the first mounting portion 312 is connected to and fixed on the pad 810 of the circuit board 800.

[0048] like Figure 10 As shown, the cover portion 230 is positioned above the first mounting portion 312 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each cover portion 230 is positioned precisely above the corresponding first mounting portion 312 in the vertical direction. The cover portion 230 partially covers the first mounting portion 312 from above. Specifically, each cover portion 230 partially covers the corresponding first mounting portion 312 from above.

[0049] like Figure 10 As shown, the first mounting portion 312 has a first carrier cutting surface 314, which serves as the end surface 3122 of the first mounting portion 312, and the end surface 3122 of the first mounting portion 312 faces the width direction.

[0050] As from Figure 7 and Figure 10 As understood, in any terminal block 250, the first carrier cut surface 314 extends outward in the width direction. The first carrier cut surface 314 is located outside the cover portion 230 in the width direction. More specifically, the first carrier cut surface 314 of each first terminal 310 is located outside the corresponding cover portion 230 in the width direction.

[0051] like Figure 10 As shown, the first mounting part 312 has an upper surface 3124.

[0052] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper surface 3124 faces upwards along the vertical direction. The upper surface 3124 intersects with the vertical direction. Specifically, the upper surface 3124 is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0053] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the first main portion 318 extends from the first mounting portion 312. More specifically, the first main portion 318 extends upward in the vertical direction from the inner end of the first mounting portion 312 in the width direction, and is bent so that it extends inward in the width direction, and is further bent so that it extends downward in the vertical direction. The first main portion 318 has an inverted U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the spacing direction. The first main portion 318 is provided with a first contact portion 316.

[0054] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, each first contact portion 316 contacts the mating terminal 700 in a mating state where the connector 100 and the mating connector 500 are mated together. More specifically, in the mating state, the first contact portion 316 contacts the first mating contact portion 712 of the first mating terminal 710. Figure 10 As shown, each first contact portion 316 is located above the first mounting portion 312 in the vertical direction.

[0055] like Figure 10 As shown, the first contact portion 316 is composed of an external first contact portion 3162 and an internal first contact portion 3164.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the external first contact portion 3162 extends outward along the width direction. The external first contact portion 3162 is located outside the internal first contact portion 3164 in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 The outer first contact portion 3162 of each first terminal 310 of the terminal block 250 located on the front side of the connector 100 moves forward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 10 The external first contact portion 3162 of each first terminal 310 of the terminal block 250 located on the rear side of the connector 100 is rearward in the front-back direction.

[0057] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the internal first contact portion 3164 extends inward in the width direction. The internal first contact portion 3164 is located inside the external first contact portion 3162 in the width direction. The internal first contact portion 3164 defines the inner end of the first terminal 310 in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 The first contact portion 3164 inside each first terminal 310 of the terminal block 250 located on the front side of the connector 100 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 10 The first contact portion 3164 inside each first terminal 310 of the terminal block 250 located on the rear side of the connector 100 moves forward in the front-back direction.

[0058] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the second terminal 320 corresponds to the isolation protection part 220. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 The second terminals 320 of the two terminal blocks 250 are arranged in an alternating configuration. Each second terminal 320 has a second mounting portion 322, a second main portion 328, and an unmounted portion 324.

[0059] like Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the second mounting portion 322 extends in the width direction. More specifically, the second mounting portion 322 does not have a curved portion and extends linearly inward in the width direction. Specifically, the second mounting portion 322 extends linearly inward in the width direction from the second main portion 328. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, in the installed state, the second mounting part 322 is connected to and fixed on the circuit board 800. More specifically, in the installed state, the second mounting part 322 is connected to and fixed on the pad 810 of the circuit board 800.

[0060] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the second mounting portion 328 extends from the second mounting portion 322. More specifically, the second main portion 328 extends upward in the vertical direction from the outer end of the second mounting portion 322 in the width direction, and is bent to extend outward in the width direction, and further bent to extend downward in the vertical direction. The second main portion 328 extends from the unmounted portion 324. The second main portion 328 has an inverted U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the spacing direction. The second main portion 328 connects the second mounting portion 322 and the unmounted portion 324 to each other. The second main portion 328 is provided with a second contact portion 326.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, each second contact portion 326 contacts the docking terminal 700 in the docking state. More specifically, in the docking state, the second contact portion 326 contacts the second docking contact portion 722 of the second docking terminal 720. Figure 9 As shown, each second contact portion 326 is located above the second mounting portion 322 in the vertical direction. Each second contact portion 326 is located above the unmounted portion 324 in the vertical direction.

[0062] like Figure 9 As shown, the second contact portion 326 is composed of an outer second contact portion 3262 and an inner second contact portion 3264.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 3262 extends outward along the width direction. The outer second contact portion 3262 is located outside the inner second contact portion 3264 in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 10 The external second contact portion 3262 of each second terminal 320 of the terminal block 250 located on the front side of the connector 100 faces forward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 The external second contact portion 3262 of each second terminal 320 of the terminal block 250 located on the rear side of the connector 100 is rearward in the front-back direction.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 3264 extends inward along the width direction. The inner second contact portion 3264 is located inside the outer second contact portion 3262 in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 10 The second contact portion 3264 inside each second terminal 320 of the terminal block 250 located on the front side of connector 100 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 The second contact portion 3264 inside each second terminal 320 of the terminal block 250 located on the rear side of the connector 100 moves forward in the front-back direction.

[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, the unmounted portion 324 in this embodiment extends along the width direction. More specifically, the unmounted portion 324 has no bends and extends linearly outward along the width direction. The unmounted portion 324 is positioned away from the second mounting portion 322 in the width direction. The unmounted portion 324 is closer to the first mounting portion 312 than the second mounting portion 322. In other words, the distance between the first mounting portion 312 and the unmounted portion 324 is less than the distance between the first mounting portion 312 and the second mounting portion 322. The insulating protection portion 220 is positioned below the unmounted portion 324 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each insulating protection portion 220 is located exactly below the unmounted portion 324 of the corresponding second terminal 320 in the vertical direction. Figure 7 As shown, in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the unattached portion 324 is partially surrounded by the cover portion 230. Each of the two cover portions 230 is positioned on a corresponding side of the opposite side of the unattached portion 324 in the spacing direction.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the unmounted portion 324 is located above the first mounting portion 312 in the vertical direction. In other words, the connector 100 can have a large isolation distance from the first mounting portion 312 of the first terminal 310 to the unmounted portion 324 of the adjacent second terminal 320. This prevents the first terminal 310 and the second terminal 320 from short-circuiting through the solder joint connecting the first mounting portion 312 and the solder pad 810 when the first mounting portion 312 is soldered to the pad 810 of the circuit board 800 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0067] like Figure 9 As shown, the unmounted part 324 has an upper surface 3244 and a lower end 3246.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper surface 3244 faces upwards in the vertical direction. Figure 8As shown, the upper end 232 of the cover 230 is located at the same position in the vertical direction as the upper surface 3244 of the unattached portion 324. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; the upper end 232 of the cover 230 may be positioned vertically below the upper surface 3244 of the unattached portion 324. Figure 7 As shown, the upper surface 3244 is exposed to the outside of the retaining member 200. Therefore, compared to the case where the upper surface 3244 of the unmounted portion 324 is assumed to be covered by the retaining member 200, the connector 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the portion of the connector 100 near the first mounting portion 312 and the unmounted portion 324 has a reduced size in the vertical direction.

[0069] See Figure 4 and Figure 9 In the mating state, the surrounding wall portion 610 of the mating connector 500 faces the upper surface 3244 in the vertical direction. If the connector 100 is modified such that the upper surface 3244 of the unmounted portion 324 is partially covered by the retaining member 200, the surrounding wall portion 610 faces a portion of the retaining member 200 of the modified connector 100 in the vertical direction in the mating state. Specifically, compared to the assembly 10 of this embodiment, the assembly including the mating connector 500 and the modified connector 100 has an increased dimension in the vertical direction in the mating state, wherein the upper surface 3244 of the unmounted portion 324 is partially covered by the retaining member 200. In other words, compared to the assumption that the upper surface 3244 of the unmounted portion 324 is covered by the retaining member 200, the assembly 10 of this embodiment has a decreased dimension in the vertical direction in the mating state. When the connector 100 mounted on the circuit board 800 mates with the mating connector 500 mounted on the circuit board, this can reduce the distance between the circuit board 800 with the connector 100 mounted and the circuit board with the mating connector 500 mounted. Therefore, the size of the device including component 10 can be reduced.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper surface 3124 of the first mounting portion 312 and the lower end 3246 of the unmounted portion 324 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The lower end 3246 of the unmounted portion 324 is partially covered by the insulating protection portion 220. This reliably prevents short circuits between adjacent terminals 300 in the connector 100 of this embodiment. However, the invention is not limited thereto; the lower end 3246 of the unmounted portion 324 should be at least partially covered by the insulating protection portion 220. This more reliably prevents short circuits between adjacent terminals 300.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, the unmounted portion 324 has a second carrier cutting surface 325, which serves as the end surface 3242 of the unmounted portion 324, and the end surface 3242 of the unmounted portion 324 faces the width direction.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the second carrier cut surface 325 is located outside the insulating protection portion 220 in the width direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 9 In each terminal block 250, the second carrier cut surface 325 faces outward in the width direction. The first carrier cut surface 314 and the second carrier cut surface 325 are oriented in the same direction as each other. The unmounted portion 324 is exposed to the outside of the retaining member 200 in and around the second carrier cut surface 325.

[0073] like Figure 9 As shown, the first carrier cut surface 314 is further away from the second mounting portion 322 in the width direction than the second carrier cut surface 325. In other words, the first mounting portion 312 extends outward beyond the unmounted portion 324 in the width direction. Therefore, the connector 100 of this embodiment is configured such that when the first mounting portion 312 is soldered to the pad 810 of the circuit board 800, the manufacturer can easily inspect the condition of the solder joint between the first mounting portion 312 and the pad 810.

[0074] (Connector manufacturing method)

[0075] Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing the connector 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0076] First, refer to Figure 16 The manufacturer prepares two first terminal intermediates 410 by stamping blanks from a sheet metal and then bending the blanks. Each first terminal intermediate 410 includes a plurality of first terminal blanks 411 and a first carrier 412. Each first terminal blank 411 has a portion 4112 that is linearly extended outward in the width direction without bending. The outer end of this portion 4112 in the width direction is connected to the first carrier 412 via a first connecting portion 4122.

[0077] Similarly, refer to Figure 16 The manufacturer prepares two second terminal intermediates 420 by stamping blanks from a sheet metal and then bending the blanks. Each second terminal intermediate 420 includes a plurality of second terminal blanks 421 and a second carrier 422. Each second terminal blank 421 has a portion 4212 that is not bent and extends linearly outward in the width direction. The outer end of this portion 4212 in the width direction is connected to the second carrier 422 via a second connecting portion 4222. The first terminal intermediate 410 and the second terminal intermediate 420 form two terminal intermediates 400, each terminal intermediate 400 consisting of the first terminal intermediate 410 and the second terminal intermediate 420.

[0078] Next, in each terminal intermediate 400, the second carrier 422 is placed directly on the first carrier 412, such that each first terminal blank 411 is positioned in the width direction at the same position as the corresponding one of the second terminal blanks 421. Therefore, the terminal intermediate 400 changes its state to... Figure 15 The state is shown. In each terminal intermediate piece 400, the first terminal blank 411 and the second terminal blank 421 are arranged alternately in the spacing direction.

[0079] Subsequently, the first terminal blank 411 and the second terminal blank 421 are placed in a mold (not shown), while the two terminal intermediate pieces 400 are arranged in a front-to-back relationship along the width direction. Then, liquid resin is poured into the mold and cured. Thus, the retaining member 200 is formed while the first terminal blank 411 and the second terminal blank 421 are held by the second retaining member 200. In other words, referring to… Figure 12 The manufacturer produces intermediate part 100A, which includes insert-molded intermediate part 150A.

[0080] Finally, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 Each of the first connecting portion 4122 and the second connecting portion 4222 is divided into two parts, such that each of the first terminal blanks 411 is separated from the first carrier 412, and each of the second terminal blanks 421 is separated from the second carrier 422. Therefore, the first terminal blanks 411 become the first terminal 310, the cut surface of the first connecting portion 4122 becomes the first carrier cut surface 314, and the portion 4112 becomes the first mounting portion 312. Similarly, the second terminal blanks 421 become the second terminal 320, the cut surface of the second connecting portion 4222 becomes the second carrier cut surface 325, and the portion 4212 becomes the unmounted portion 324. In other words, the insert-molded intermediate 150A becomes the insert-molded body 150, and the connector 100 of this embodiment is manufactured.

[0081] According to the manufacturing method described above, the connector 100 of this embodiment, which includes two terminal blocks 250, can be manufactured in a single molding step. In the connector 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method, the first carrier cut surface 314 and the second carrier cut surface 325 of each terminal block 250 both face outward in the width direction.

[0082] In the above manufacturing method, the portion 4112 that becomes the first mounting portion 312 has no bends and extends linearly outward in the width direction, while the portion 4212 that becomes the unmounted portion 324 also has no bends and extends linearly outward in the width direction. In the above manufacturing method, the second carrier 422, which is connected to the portion 4212 that becomes the unmounted portion 324, is directly placed on the first carrier 412 that is connected to the portion 4112 that becomes the first mounting portion 312. Therefore, in the connector 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method, the upper surface 3124 of the first mounting portion 312 and the lower end 3246 of the unmounted portion 324 are located at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0083] In the above manufacturing method, the terminal intermediate member 400 is composed of a first terminal intermediate member 410 and a second terminal intermediate member 420, and the first terminal blanks 411 of the first terminal intermediate member 410 and the second terminal blanks 421 of the second terminal intermediate member 420 are arranged alternately along the spacing direction. Therefore, in the above manufacturing method, the distance between two adjacent first terminal blanks 411 is greater than the distance between the first terminal blanks 411 and the second terminal blanks 421. Furthermore, in the above manufacturing method, the distance between two adjacent second terminal blanks 421 is greater than the distance between the first terminal blanks 411 and the second terminal blanks 421. That is, in the above manufacturing method, even when the distance between the first terminal blanks 411 and the second terminal blanks 421 is reduced, the terminal intermediate member 400 can still have a certain distance between adjacent first terminal blanks 411. Similarly, in the above manufacturing method, even in this case, the terminal intermediate member 400 can still have a certain distance between adjacent second terminal blanks 421. Therefore, even when the manufacturer produces a connector 100 with terminals 300 arranged at small intervals, the manufacturer can easily perform the stamping and bending of the first terminal blank 411, which becomes the first terminal 310, and the separation of the first terminal blank 411 from the first carrier 412. Similarly, even in this case, the manufacturer can easily perform the stamping and bending of the second terminal blank 421, which becomes the second terminal 320, and the separation of the second terminal blank 421 from the second carrier 422. In other words, even if the terminals 300 are arranged at small intervals, the connector 100 of this embodiment can be easily manufactured.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described in detail above through embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto and various changes and substitutions are possible.

[0085] Although the connector 100 of this embodiment has two terminal blocks 250 positioned separately from each other in the width direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the connector 100 may have a single terminal block 250. Such a connector 100 with a single terminal block 250 can be manufactured as follows: a first terminal blank 411 and a second terminal blank 421 are placed in a mold, the first terminal blank 411 is connected to a first carrier 412 in the width direction at one side of the terminal intermediate 400, and the second terminal blank 421 is connected to a second carrier 422 in the width direction at one side of the terminal intermediate 400; subsequent manufacturing processes, including insert molding processes, are the same as those described above for the connector 100 of this embodiment. According to this manufacturing method, both the first carrier 412 and the second carrier 422 can be arranged on the same side of the mold in the width direction. Compared to the assumption that the first carrier 412 and the second carrier 422 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the mold in the width direction, this can reduce the size of the mold used in the insert molding process. In other words, the connector 100 with a single terminal block 250 also has a structure more suitable for insert molding. Similar to the connector 100 of this embodiment, the connector 100 having a single terminal block 250 is also configured such that the first carrier cut surface 314 of the first terminal 310 and the second carrier cut surface 325 of the second terminal 320 face each other with the same orientation in the width direction. Furthermore, similar to the connector 100 of this embodiment, the connector 100 having a single terminal block 250 is also configured such that the unmounted portion 324 of the second terminal 320 is positioned vertically above the first mounting portion 312 of the first terminal 310. Therefore, the connector 100 having a single terminal block 250 can have a large isolation distance from the first mounting portion 312 of the first terminal 310 to the unmounted portion 324 of the adjacent second terminal 320. Therefore, in the connector 100 having a single terminal block 250, when the first mounting portion 312 is soldered to the pad 810 of the circuit board 800, the solder joint connecting the first mounting portion 312 and the pad 810 prevents the first terminal 310 and the second terminal 320 from short-circuiting each other.

[0086] Although the terminal intermediate member 400 in the foregoing embodiment is configured such that the first terminal blank 411 is connected to the first carrier 412, and the second terminal blank 421 is connected to the second carrier 422, the second carrier 422 being different from and separate from the first carrier 412, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the terminal intermediate member 400 can be modified such that the first terminal blank 411 and the second terminal blank 421 are connected to a common carrier. In this case, the connection portion between the second terminal blank 421 and the common carrier should be provided with a portion that, when viewed in the spacing direction, has a crank shape, such that the connection portion provides a height difference in the vertical direction between the second terminal blank 421 and the common carrier. The provision of this portion allows the first carrier cut-off surface 314 and the second carrier cut-off surface 325, which are modified from a portion of the terminal intermediate member 400, to be offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0087] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and all such embodiments falling within the true scope of the invention are intended to be claimed.

Claims

1. A connector that is mounted on a circuit board during use, characterized in that: A connector that can mate with a mating connector having mating terminals in the vertical direction; The connector includes an insert-shaped body; The insert molding body includes a retaining member and multiple terminals; The terminal is at least partially embedded in and held by the retaining member; The terminal includes at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal; The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged along a spacing direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; The first terminal has a first mounting portion and a first main portion; The first mounting portion extends along the width direction, which is perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the spacing direction; In the installed state where the connector is mounted on the circuit board, the first mounting part is connected to and fixed on the circuit board; The first mounting portion has a first carrier cutting surface, which is the end surface of the first mounting portion; The end surface of the first mounting portion faces the width direction; The first main part extends from the first mounting part; The first main part is provided with a first contact part; The first contact portion contacts the mating terminal when the connector and the mating connector are mated together. The first contact portion is located above the first mounting portion in the vertical direction; The second terminal has a second mounting portion, a second main portion, and an unmounted portion; The second mounting portion extends along the width direction; In the installed state, the second mounting part is connected and fixed to the circuit board; The second main part connects the second mounting part and the unmounted part to each other; The second main part is provided with a second contact part; The second contact portion contacts the docking terminal in the docking state; The uninstalled portion extends in the width direction; The unmounted portion is positioned apart from the second mounted portion in the width direction; The unmounted portion is positioned above the first mounting portion along the vertical direction; The unmounted portion is closer to the first mounting portion than the second mounting portion; The unmounted portion has a second carrier cutting surface, which is the end surface of the unmounted portion; The end surface of the unmounted portion faces the width direction; and The first carrier cutting surface and the second carrier cutting surface are oriented in the same direction as each other in the width direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining member has an isolation and protective portion; The isolation and protection part is located below the uninstalled part along the vertical direction; The uninstalled portion has a lower end along the vertical direction; and The lower end of the uninstalled portion is at least partially covered by the insulating protective portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one first terminal includes a plurality of first terminals; The at least one second terminal includes a plurality of second terminals; and The first terminal and the second terminal are arranged alternately along the spacing direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first carrier is further away from the second mounting portion in the width direction than the cut surface of the second carrier.

5. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The uninstalled portion has an upper surface in the vertical direction; and The upper surface of the unmounted portion is exposed to the outside of the retaining member.

6. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector has two terminal blocks positioned separately from each other in the width direction; Each of the terminal blocks is composed of terminals arranged along the spacing direction; In each of the terminal blocks, the first carrier cut surface extends outward along the width direction; as well as In each of the terminal blocks, the cut surface of the second carrier extends outward along the width direction; Within the same terminal block, the unmounted portion of the second terminal is closer to the first mounting portion of the first terminal than the second mounted portion.

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