Plug connector, plug connector housing and method for manufacturing a plug connector housing

Abstract

A plug connector, in a plug connector 200 that is inserted into a main connector 100, has a plurality of contact pins arranged in a prescribed direction, and a housing 210 that holds the plurality of contact pins, the contact pins extending in a direction that crosses the prescribed direction, that is, a cross direction, the housing 210 having a pin groove 212a provided on a surface, extending in the cross direction, and housing the contact pins, and a hole portion 212b arranged in the cross direction from the pin groove 212a, recessed deeper from the surface than the pin groove 212a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to plug-in connectors, housings for plug-in connectors, and methods for manufacturing housings for plug-in connectors. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-4720) discloses a plug-type connector that is inserted into a main connector. The plug-type connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of contact pins that contact contact pins provided on the main connector when inserted into the main connector, and a housing on which a plurality of contact pins are mounted.

[0003] In plug-in connectors, such as the plug-in connector described in Patent Document 1, which have a contact pin and a housing, a groove is sometimes formed on the surface of the housing, and the contact pin is mounted to the housing by placing it on the bottom surface of the groove. However, when the contact pin is only placed on the bottom surface of the groove, the contact area between the contact pin and the housing is large, and the insertion loss may increase.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a plug-in connector capable of reducing insertion loss, a housing for a plug-in connector, and a method for manufacturing a housing for a plug-in connector. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a plug-in connector that is inserted into a main connector, comprising: a plurality of contact pins arranged in a predetermined direction; and a housing holding the plurality of contact pins, the contact pins extending along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, i.e., an intersecting direction, the housing having: a groove provided on a surface, extending along the intersecting direction and receiving the contact pins; and a hole provided in the intersecting direction, which is recessed deeper from the surface than the groove.

[0006] In the above structure, the housing has a hole. This creates a space between the contact pin and the housing in the area where the hole is formed. In other words, the contact pin is separated from the housing. Therefore, compared to the case without the hole, the contact area between the contact pin and the housing is reduced, thus reducing insertion loss. It should be noted that the hole can be either a bottomed recess or a bottomless through hole.

[0007] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a plug-in connector, which is a plug-in connector of the first aspect, wherein the housing has: a base; and a protrusion that protrudes from the base in the intersecting direction and is inserted into the main connector, wherein a groove is provided on the surface of the protrusion and a hole is provided at the end of the protrusion on the base side.

[0008] In the above structure, the hole is located at the end of the protrusion on the base side. This allows the hole to be formed at a position relatively far from the main connector, thus enabling a more appropriate reduction in insertion loss.

[0009] The plug-in connector involved in the third aspect of the present invention is a plug-in connector in the first or second aspect, wherein a plurality of holes are provided, and the plurality of holes are arranged at a predetermined interval in a predetermined direction, wherein the predetermined interval is 0.5 mm or less.

[0010] In the above structure, multiple holes are arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less in a specified direction. Therefore, even if multiple contact pins are arranged closely in a specified direction at intervals of 0.5 mm or less, the contact area between each contact pin and the housing can be reduced, thereby reducing insertion loss.

[0011] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a plug-in connector housing, comprising: a base; and a protrusion that protrudes from the base in one direction and is inserted into a main connector. The base has a through hole for inserting contact pins, and the protrusion has a groove for receiving a plurality of contact pins. The groove is disposed on the surface of the protrusion, extends along the one direction, and corresponds to the through hole of the base. The end of the protrusion on the base side has a hole that is arranged with the groove in the one direction and is recessed deeper from the surface than the groove.

[0012] In the above structure, the housing has a hole. This creates a space between the contact pin and the housing in the area where the hole is formed. In other words, the contact pin is separated from the housing. Therefore, compared to the case without the hole, the contact area between the contact pin and the housing is reduced, thus reducing insertion loss. It should be noted that the hole can be either a bottomed recess or a bottomless through hole.

[0013] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a housing for a plug-in connector, which is a method for manufacturing a housing for a plug-in connector using a mold. The mold forms an enclosed space inside by engaging a fixing member, a sliding member, and a movable member. The movable member has a plurality of pins for forming through holes for inserting the contact pins in the housing. The sliding member has: a plurality of groove forming portions for forming grooves for receiving the contact pins in the housing; a protrusion provided in the groove forming portions and protruding in the direction of the enclosed space compared to the groove forming portions; and a fitting recess formed on the surface of the protrusion facing the movable member. The method includes: a fitting step in which, when the sliding member engages with the movable member, the front end portion of the pins of the movable member engages with the fitting recess of the sliding member; a resin injection step in which liquid resin is injected into the enclosed space formed by engaging the fixing member, the sliding member, and the movable member; and a resin curing step in which the resin injected into the enclosed space is cooled and cured.

[0014] In the above structure, the sliding member has a protrusion. Therefore, a recessed hole is formed in the housing manufactured using a mold. Consequently, in the portion where the hole is formed, when a space is created between the contact pin and the housing, the contact area between the contact pin and the housing is reduced compared to the case where the hole is not formed, thus reducing insertion loss. Furthermore, the above structure includes a fitting process in which the front end of the core pin of the movable member engages with the fitting recess of the sliding member. Thus, when the fitting recess and the core pin are engaged, the movement of the core pin is restricted by the fitting recess. This suppresses deformation of the core pin. Therefore, the forming accuracy of the housing can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the module mounted on the mounting base plate. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cut line AA is shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the main connector viewed from the front and above. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the plug connector viewed from above the back. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the plug connector viewed from the front and above. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector viewed from the front and above. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a plug-in connector with a base plate inserted. Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view (through the contact pins) of the plug-in connector inserted into the main connector. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view (not through the contact pins) of the plug-in connector inserted into the main connector. Figure 10 This is a magnified 3D view of a portion of the casing viewed from above the back. Figure 11 This is a magnified 3D view of a portion of the casing viewed from the front and above. Figure 12 This is an enlarged 3D view of a portion of the plug connector, viewed from the front and above. Figure 13 This is a 3D diagram of part of the top pin assembly. Figure 14 This is a 3D view of part of the bottom pin assembly. Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mold, showing the unengaged state of the fixed parts, sliding parts, and movable parts. Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the mold, showing the engaged state of the fixed parts, sliding parts, and movable parts. Figure 17 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the mold, showing the state where the core pin is not inserted into the fitting recess. Figure 18 This is an enlarged view of the main part of the mold, showing the state in which the core pin is inserted into the fitting recess. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 18 This disclosure describes a plug-in connector, a housing for a plug-in connector, and a method for manufacturing a housing for a plug-in connector, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] The connector in this embodiment is a device that electrically connects the module 320 and the mounting substrate 310 (substrate). like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, module 320 includes a plug-in connector substrate 321 and a retainer 322 for housing the plug-in connector substrate 321. In addition, for efficient cooling, a heat sink 323 may be provided on the upper surface of the retainer 322. The plug-in connector substrate 321 is electrically connected to the mounting substrate 310 via a main connector 100 mounted on the mounting substrate 310 and a plug-in connector 200 connecting the main connector 100 and the plug-in connector substrate 321.

[0018] The connectors in this embodiment are the aforementioned main connector 100 and / or plug-in connector 200. These connectors are designed for ultra-high-speed transmission. It should be noted that the "ultra-high-speed transmission" mentioned here refers to high-speed transmission exceeding 100Gbps, for example, based on PAM4 modulation.

[0019] [Main Connector] The main connector 100 will be described below.

[0020] <Structural Overview of the Main Connector> The main connector 100 is a connector that is mounted on the mounting base plate 310 and into which the plug connector 200 is inserted. That is, it is a connector used to connect the mounting base plate 310 and the plug connector 200.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the main connector 100 includes a housing 110, a top pin assembly 120, a bottom pin assembly 130, etc.

[0022] The housing 110 is a part with a generally rectangular shape, which houses and retains the top pin assembly 120, the bottom pin assembly 130, etc. The housing 110 is a non-conductive component, for example, molded from resin.

[0023] The top pin assembly 120 has a plurality of contact pins arranged at predetermined intervals in a predetermined direction. Each contact pin is an elongated metal terminal used for conduction. The contact pins included in the top pin assembly 120 respectively contact the contact pins included in the top pin assembly 220 provided on the plug-in connector 200 described later.

[0024] The bottom pin assembly 130 has a plurality of contact pins arranged at predetermined intervals in a predetermined direction. Each contact pin is an elongated metal terminal used for conduction. The contact pins included in the bottom pin assembly 130 respectively contact the contact pins included in the bottom pin assembly 230 provided on the plug-in connector 200 described later.

[0025] [Plug-in connector] The plug-in connector 200 will be described below.

[0026] <Structural Overview of Plug-in Connectors> The plug-in connector 200 is a connector that is inserted into the main connector 100 and into which the plug-in connector substrate 321 is inserted. That is, it is a connector used to connect the main connector 100 and the plug-in connector substrate 321.

[0027] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the plug-in connector 200 includes a housing 210, a top pin assembly 220, and a bottom pin assembly 230.

[0028] With the plug connector 200 inserted into the main connector 100, the top pin group 220 contacts the top pin group 120 of the main connector 100, and the bottom pin group 230 contacts the bottom pin group 130 of the main connector 100.

[0029] The housing 210 is a part having a plate-shaped portion 211 and a protrusion 212 protruding from the back of the plate-shaped portion 211, which houses and retains the top pin assembly 120 and the bottom pin assembly 130. The housing 210 is a non-conductive component, for example, molded from resin.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, a substrate insertion space 213 is formed inside the housing 210. The substrate insertion space 213 is a space for inserting the substrate 321 of the plug-in connector. A front opening 214 communicating with the substrate insertion space 213 is provided on the front of the housing 210.

[0031] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 212 is the portion of the plug insertion space 112 into the main connector 100. The front end of the protrusion 212 is tapered. This allows for easy insertion into the main connector 100.

[0032] like Figure 10 As shown, on the upper surface of the protrusion 212, a plurality of pin grooves 212a are formed along the protrusion direction (crossing direction) of the protrusion 212 (i.e., the insertion direction toward the main connector 100). The pin grooves 212a are formed at equal intervals along the length direction (prescribed direction) of the housing 210. In addition, the same pin groove 212a is also formed on the lower surface of the protrusion 212.

[0033] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a through hole 211a is formed in the plate-shaped portion 211, connecting the front and back sides. Each contact pin is inserted into the through hole 211a from the front side of the plate-shaped portion 211. The positions of each through hole 211a along the length of the housing 210 correspond to the positions of each pin groove 212a formed in the protrusion 212. Therefore, each contact pin inserted into the through hole 211a is engaged by the pin groove 212a.

[0034] like Figure 11 As shown, a plurality of partitions 211b and inclined surfaces 211c are formed on the front side of the plate-shaped portion 211.

[0035] The partition 211b extends in the insertion direction (extension direction of the contact pin) and is a plate-shaped wall / rib erected in the height direction of the housing 210, and is formed at equal intervals in the length direction of the housing 210. The position of the gap formed between adjacent partitions 211b corresponds to the position of each through hole 211a. Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown, each contact pin inserted into the through hole 211a passes through gaps formed between adjacent partitions 211b. In other words, the partitions 211b separate adjacent contact pins.

[0036] like Figure 11 As shown, the inclined surface 211c protrudes from the front of the plate-shaped portion 211 in the direction of insertion of the contact pin, and is formed continuously throughout the length direction of the housing 210. At this time, the inclined surface 211c is located in the region at the root of the partition 211b. In other words, each partition 211b extends from the inclined surface 211c along the insertion direction of the contact pin.

[0037] The inclined face 211c tapers at the front end by tilting the two sides facing outward relative to the horizontal direction. The inclined surface of the inclined face 211c faces the inner surface of the contact pin. In addition, the inclination angle (slope) of the inclined face roughly corresponds to the inclination angle of the inclined portions 221b, 222b, 231b, 232b (described later) of each contact pin inserted into the through hole 211a in an unloaded state (e.g., the state in which the plug-type connector substrate 321 is not inserted). Therefore, by tilting the face 211c, the tilted portions 221b, 222b, 231b, and 232b of each contact pin inserted into the housing 210 can be supported, or the contact pins can be prevented from bending inward due to external loads.

[0038] It should be noted that other functions of the partition 211b and the inclined face 211c will be described later.

[0039] like Figure 13 As shown, the top pin group 220 is a group of contact pins consisting of multiple top grounding pins 221 and multiple top signal pins 222 arranged in a specified direction. In the top pin group 220, a plurality of top grounding pins 221 and a plurality of top signal pins 222 are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the contact pins of the top pin group 120 of the main connector 100. That is, the top pin group 220 is a double grounding structure corresponding to the top pin group 120 of the main connector 100. like Figure 6 As shown, the arrangement direction of each contact pin in the top pin group 120 is consistent with the length direction of the housing 210.

[0040] like Figure 13 As shown, the top grounding pin 221 is an elongated metal terminal for conducting, having a base portion 221a and an inclined portion 221b.

[0041] The base portion 221a is the portion of the main connector 100 that contacts each of the top grounding pins, and extends in a generally horizontal direction. When the top grounding pin 221 is held in the housing 210, the base portion 221a passes through the insertion hole 211a and the pin groove 212a.

[0042] The inclined portion 221b is the portion that is inclined relative to the base portion 221a. An insertion space 213 facing the substrate is formed on the front end side of the inclined portion 221b (reference). Figure 7 The contact portion 221c is bent into a convex shape. The contact portion 221c becomes the contact with the substrate 321 for the plug-in connector. When the top grounding pin 221 is inserted and held in the housing 210, the inclined portion 221b extends from the back of the plate-shaped portion 211 through the gaps formed between adjacent partition portions 211b.

[0043] The top signal pin 222 is a slender metal terminal for conducting, having a base portion 222a and an inclined portion 222b. The structure of the base portion 222a, the inclined portion 222b, and the contact portion 222c is the same as that of the base portion 221a, the inclined portion 221b, and the contact portion 221c of the top grounding pin 221. It should be noted that the base portion 222a contacts the top signal pins of the main connector 100.

[0044] like Figure 14 As shown, the bottom pin group 230 is a group of contact pins consisting of multiple bottom grounding pins 231 and multiple bottom signal pins 232 arranged in a specified direction. In the bottom pin group 230, a plurality of bottom grounding pins 231 and a plurality of bottom signal pins 232 are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the contact pins of the bottom pin group 130 of the main connector 100. like Figure 6 As shown, the arrangement direction of each contact pin in the bottom pin group 230 is consistent with the length direction of the housing 210.

[0045] like Figure 14 As shown, the bottom grounding pin 231 is a slender metal terminal for conducting electricity, having a base portion 231a and an inclined portion 231b.

[0046] The base portion 231a is the portion of the main connector 100 that contacts each of the bottom grounding pins, and extends in a generally horizontal direction. When the bottom grounding pin 231 is held in the housing 210, the base portion 231a passes through the insertion hole 211a and the pin groove 212a.

[0047] The inclined portion 231b is the portion that is inclined relative to the base portion 231a. An insertion space 213 facing the substrate is formed on the front end side of the inclined portion 231b (reference). Figure 7 The contact portion 231c is bent into a convex shape. The contact portion 231c becomes the contact with the substrate 321 for the plug-in connector. When the bottom grounding pin 231 is inserted and held in the housing 210, the inclined portion 231b extends from the back of the plate-shaped portion 211 through the gaps formed between adjacent partition portions 211b.

[0048] The bottom signal pin 232 is a slender metal terminal for conducting, having a base portion 232a and an inclined portion 232b. The structure of the base portion 232a, the inclined portion 232b, and the contact portion 232c is the same as that of the base portion 231a, the inclined portion 231b, and the contact portion 231c of the bottom grounding pin 231. It should be noted that the base portion 232a makes contact with the bottom signal pins of the main connector 100.

[0049] With the top pin assembly 220 and bottom pin assembly 230 assembled in the housing 210, and the plug-in connector 200 inserted into the main connector 100 already mounted on the mounting base plate 310, as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the top pin assembly 220 (specifically, inclined portions 221b and 222b) is positioned above and opposite the bottom pin assembly 230 (specifically, inclined portions 231b and 232b). In other words, the bottom pin group 230 is positioned below and opposite the top pin group 220. That is, when the plug-in connector 200 is inserted into the main connector 100, the bottom pin group 230 is positioned closer to the mounting substrate 310 (on the mounting substrate 310 side) than the top pin group 220. With this configuration, similar to the main connector 100, there is extra space above the top pin group 220.

[0050] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a plug-in connector 200 is constructed by assembling the housing 210, top pin assembly 220, and bottom pin assembly 230 as described above.

[0051] <Regarding the partition and sloping face> like Figure 12 As shown, the aforementioned plurality of partitions 211b and inclined surfaces 211c are formed on the housing 210.

[0052] Here, each separator 211b separates two adjacent contact pins. This reduces crosstalk between the contact pins and allows for impedance adjustment. Furthermore, impedance adjustment can be performed by tilting the face 211c. Moreover, the tilted face 211c also functions as a part for reinforcing the root of each partition 211b.

[0053] As mentioned above, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing 210 integrally has a plate-shaped portion (base) 211 and a protrusion 212 that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion 211 in the insertion direction (cross direction) of the plug-in connector 200 and is inserted into the main connector 100. As described later, the housing 210 is formed by injecting liquid resin into the mold 400 and allowing the resin to cure within the mold 400.

[0054] In addition, as mentioned above, such as Figure 10 As shown, the housing 210 has a pin groove (groove) 212a that accommodates contact pins (top ground pin 221, top signal pin 222, bottom ground pin 231, and bottom signal pin 232) disposed on the surface of the protrusion 212, and an insertion hole 211a that penetrates the front and back sides of the plate-shaped portion 211. Additionally, the housing 210 has a hole 212b that is disposed parallel to the pin groove 212a in the insertion direction of the plug-in connector 200 and is recessed deeper from the surface than the pin groove 212a.

[0055] like Figure 10 As shown, the pin groove 212a is formed to be recessed from the surface of the protrusion 212. The pin groove 212a extends along the insertion direction of the plug connector 200. The length of the pin groove 212a in both the long and short directions is slightly longer than the length of the long and short directions of the received contact pin. The pin groove 212a receives the contact pin by placing the contact pin on its bottom surface.

[0056] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the through hole 211a extends along the insertion direction of the plug connector 200. A contact pin is inserted into the through hole 211a.

[0057] like Figure 10 As shown, a hole 212b is provided at the end of the protrusion 212 on the plate-like portion 211 side. The hole 212b is formed to be recessed from the surface of the protrusion 212. The hole 212b passes through the substrate insertion space 213 from the surface of the protrusion 212 (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 11It should be noted that the hole 212b may not be a through hole, but a recess with a bottom surface. When it is a recess, the depth of the hole 212b is greater than the depth of the pin groove 212a.

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of holes 212b are provided. The plurality of holes 212b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the length of the housing 210. In this embodiment, the plurality of holes 212b are arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less.

[0059] The positions of the holes 212b along the length of the housing 210 correspond to the positions of the through holes 211a and the pin slots 212a. The pin slots 212a, holes 212b, and through holes 211a are arranged sequentially from the front end of the protrusion 212 along the insertion direction of the plug-in connector 200. That is, each hole 212b is located between each pin slot 212a and each through hole 211a.

[0060] As described above, a plurality of holes 212b are arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less along the length of the housing 210. That is, a plurality of through holes 211a and a plurality of pin grooves 212a are also arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less along the length of the housing 210. Similarly, a plurality of contact pins are also arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less along the length of the housing 210.

[0061] Next, the mold 400 used in manufacturing the plug connector 200 according to this embodiment will be described. The mold 400 is used in manufacturing the housing 210 of the plug connector 200.

[0062] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the mold 400 has a fixed member 410, a pair of sliding members 420, and a movable member 430. The mold 400 forms a closed space inside by the engagement of the fixed member 410, the sliding member 420, and the movable member 430. The shell 210 is formed by injecting liquid resin into the closed space formed inside the mold 400.

[0063] The fastener 410 is fixed and does not move. A fastener recess 411 is formed on the surface of the fastener 410 facing the enclosed space. The fastener recess 411 has a shape corresponding to the front end portion of the protrusion 212 of the housing 210. (Example) Figure 16 As shown, the resin filling the recess 411 of the fastener constitutes the front end portion of the protrusion 212 of the housing 210.

[0064] like Figure 15 As shown, it is assumed that a pair of sliding members 420 are in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the housing 210 and the insertion direction of the plug connector 200. Figure 15 The left and right directions on the paper. Hereinafter referred to as the "sliding direction". It can slide.

[0065] A pair of sliders 420 are separated in the sliding direction, forming a closed space between them. Each slider 420 has a slider protrusion (protrusion) 421 projecting from the surface facing the closed space. The slider protrusion 421 projects in the sliding direction. The slider protrusion 421 has a shape corresponding to the hole 212b of the housing 210. Figure 16 As shown, when resin is filled into the enclosed space, a hole 212b is formed by the sliding member protrusion 421. Multiple sliding member protrusions 421 are provided. The multiple sliding member protrusions 421 are located along the length of the housing 210 ( Figure 15 They are arranged at specified intervals along the depth direction of the paper.

[0066] like Figure 15 As shown, the slider 420 has a slider recess 422 that is recessed from the surface facing the enclosed space. The slider recess 422 is recessed in the sliding direction. The slider recess 422 has a shape corresponding to the plate-like portion 211 of the housing 210. Figure 16 As shown, the resin filling the recess 422 of the sliding member forms a plate-shaped portion 211.

[0067] like Figure 15 As shown, a fitting recess 423 is provided on the surface of the sliding member protrusion 421 and the sliding member recess 422 opposite to the movable member 430. For example... Figure 16 As shown, when the mold 400 forms a closed space, the fitting recess 423 engages with the front end portion of the core pin 432 of the movable member 430, which will be described later. The diameter of the fitting recess 423 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the core pin 432.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the fitting recess 423 is formed across the slider protrusion 421 and the slider recess 422, the location where the fitting recess 423 is provided is not limited to this. For example, it may be formed only in either the slider protrusion 421 or the slider recess 422.

[0069] like Figure 15 As shown, the slider 420 has a pin groove forming portion (groove forming portion) 424 protruding from the surface facing the enclosed space. The pin groove forming portion 424 is provided on the surface of the protrusion 212 forming the housing 210 when resin is filled into the enclosed space. The pin groove forming portion 424 protrudes in the sliding direction. The pin groove forming portion 424 has a shape corresponding to the pin groove 212a of the housing 210. Figure 16 As shown, when filling the enclosed space with resin, a pin groove 212a is formed by the pin groove forming portion 424. Multiple pin groove forming portions 424 are provided. The multiple pin groove forming portions 424 are located along the length direction of the housing 210 ( Figure 15 They are arranged at specified intervals along the depth direction of the paper. By setting the slider 420, the pin groove 212a can be appropriately formed.

[0070] It is assumed that the movable part 430 can move along the insertion direction of the plug connector 200. Figure 15 The movable part 430 moves in the vertical direction on the paper. The movable part 430 is opposite to the fixed part 410, forming a closed space between the movable part 430 and the fixed part 410.

[0071] The movable member 430 has a movable member protrusion 431 formed on its surface facing the enclosed space. The movable member protrusion 431 has a shape corresponding to the substrate insertion space 213 of the housing 210. Figure 16 As shown, when filling the enclosed space with resin, the movable protrusion 431 forms the substrate insertion space 213.

[0072] The movable member 430 has a core pin 432 formed on its surface facing the enclosed space. The core pin 432 has a shape corresponding to the insertion hole 211a of the housing 210. Figure 16 As shown, when filling the enclosed space with resin, a through hole 211a is formed by the core pin 432. (As indicated...) Figure 16 As shown, when the mold 400 forms a closed space, the front end of the core pin 432 engages with the engagement recess 423 of the slider 420. With the engagement recess 423 engaged with the core pin 432, the sliding direction of the core pin 432 and the movement of the length direction of the housing 210 (in other words, the length direction of the mold 400) are restricted.

[0073] Multiple core pins 432 are provided. These core pins 432 are arranged to clamp the movable member protrusion 431, and are located along the length of the housing 210. Figure 15 They are arranged at specified intervals along the depth direction of the paper.

[0074] Next, the method for manufacturing the plug-in connector 200 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0075] First, the housing 210 is formed. like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a pair of sliding members 420 are moved relative to the fixed member 410 in the sliding direction to a predetermined position (sliding member moving process).

[0076] Next, the movable member 430 is moved to a predetermined position relative to the fixed member 410 and the sliding member 420 (movable member movement process). In the movable member movement process, such as... Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, the front ends of all the core pins 432 are inserted into their respective corresponding fitting recesses 423. By inserting the front ends of the core pins 432 into the fitting recesses 423, the fitting recesses 423 and the core pins 432 are engaged (fitting process). In the state where the fitting recesses 423 and the core pins 432 are engaged, the sliding direction of the core pins 432 and the movement of the length direction of the housing 210 (in other words, the length direction of the mold 400) are restricted.

[0077] like Figure 16 As shown, if the sliding member 420 and the movable member 430 move to a predetermined position, a closed space is formed inside the mold 400. This closed space has a shape corresponding to the molded shell 210. When the closed space is formed, liquid resin is injected into the closed space (resin injection process). In this way, the closed space is filled with liquid resin.

[0078] Next, the resin filling the enclosed space is cooled and cured (resin curing process). If the resin is cured, then... Figure 15 As shown, the movable member 430 is moved away from the fixed member 410 to open the closed space. Next, a pair of sliding members 420 are moved separately from each other. In this way, the cured resin is removed from the mold 400.

[0079] Thus, housing 210 is formed. Next, top pin assembly 220 and bottom pin assembly 230 are installed on the formed housing 210 (see reference). Figure 4 Various parts, such as plug connectors, are used to manufacture plug-in connectors 200.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In this embodiment, the housing 210 has a hole 212b. Thus, a space is formed between the contact pin and the housing 210 in the portion where the hole 212b is formed. In other words, the contact pin is separated from the housing 210. Therefore, compared to the case where the hole 212b is not formed, the contact area between the contact pin and the housing 210 is reduced, thereby reducing insertion loss.

[0081] In this embodiment, the plurality of holes 212b are arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm or less in a predetermined direction. Therefore, even if the plurality of contact pins are arranged closely in a predetermined direction at intervals of 0.5 mm or less, the contact area between each contact pin and the housing 210 can be reduced, thereby reducing insertion loss. Furthermore, as the narrowing of the contact pin arrangement is further developed, the hole 212b can be configured into the housing using the method described in this embodiment, thereby achieving good high-frequency characteristics.

[0082] Furthermore, when resin is injected into the enclosed space formed inside the mold 400, the core pin 432 may move or deform due to the filling pressure. In particular, the core pin 432 is designed as a cantilever beam, so the front end portion of the core pin 432 is prone to deformation. If the core pin 432 deforms, the shape of the through hole 211a cannot become the desired shape, and therefore the wall thickness of adjacent through holes 211a is not uniform, which may lead to a deterioration in the molding accuracy of the housing 210. This problem is particularly significant in plug-type connectors where multiple through holes 211a are arranged at short intervals (e.g., intervals of less than 0.5 mm).

[0083] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the front ends of all the core pins 432 are inserted into their respective corresponding fitting recesses 423. With the fitting recesses 423 engaged with the core pins 432, the sliding direction of the core pins 432 and the movement in the longitudinal direction of the housing 210 (in other words, the longitudinal direction of the mold 400) are restricted. This suppresses deformation of the core pins 432. Therefore, the forming accuracy of the housing 210 can be improved. In particular, in plug-type connectors where multiple through holes 211a are arranged at short intervals (e.g., intervals of 0.5 mm or less), the forming accuracy of the housing 210 can be appropriately improved.

[0084] Furthermore, since the pin groove 212a and the through hole 211a need to be connected, the core pin 432 is located near the inner surface (the surface facing the closed space) of the slider 420 when the mold 400 forms a closed space. Therefore, it is difficult to form a recess on the slider 420 into which the core pin 432 can be inserted. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a slider protrusion 421 is provided on the slider 420. As a result, it is easy to provide a fitting recess 423 on the slider 420.

[0085] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. A plug-in connector, comprising: a plurality of contact pins arranged in a predetermined direction; and a housing holding the plurality of contact pins, the contact pins extending in a cross direction intersecting the predetermined direction, the housing having: a groove provided on a surface, extending in the cross direction and receiving the contact pins; and a hole provided in the cross direction, recessed deeper from the surface than the groove; the housing having: a base; and a protrusion protruding from the base in the cross direction for insertion into the main connector, the groove provided on the surface of the protrusion, the hole provided at an end of the protrusion near the base; the base having a through hole for inserting the contact pins, the position of the hole in the predetermined direction corresponding to the position of the through hole in the predetermined direction, the hole and the through hole being arranged side-by-side in the cross direction and in a non-overlapping positional relationship in the cross direction.

2. The plug-type connector according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of holes are provided, and the plurality of holes are arranged at a predetermined interval in a predetermined direction, wherein the predetermined interval is less than 0.5 mm.

3. A housing for a plug-in connector, comprising: a base; and a protrusion protruding from the base in a direction intersecting a predetermined direction, i.e., an intersecting direction, for insertion into a main connector, the base having a through hole for inserting a plurality of contact pins arranged in the predetermined direction, the protrusion having a groove for receiving the plurality of contact pins, the groove being disposed on the surface of the protrusion, extending along the intersecting direction and corresponding to the through hole of the base, the protrusion having a hole at an end near the base, the hole being arranged in the intersecting direction and recessed deeper from the surface than the groove, the position of the hole in the predetermined direction corresponding to the position of the through hole in the predetermined direction, the hole and the through hole being arranged side by side in the intersecting direction and in a non-overlapping positional relationship in the intersecting direction.

4. A method for manufacturing a housing for a plug-in connector as described in claim 3 using a mold, wherein the mold forms an enclosed space internally by engaging a fixing member, a sliding member, and a movable member, the movable member having a plurality of pins for forming through holes for inserting contact pins in the housing, the sliding member having: a plurality of groove forming portions for forming grooves for receiving the contact pins in the housing; a protrusion provided in the groove forming portions and protruding in the direction of the enclosed space to form the hole portions; and a fitting recess formed on the surface of the protrusion facing the movable member, comprising: an engaging step in which, when the sliding member engages with the movable member, the front end portion of the pins of the movable member engages with the fitting recess of the sliding member; a resin injection step in which liquid resin is injected into the enclosed space formed by engaging the fixing member, the sliding member, and the movable member; and a resin curing step in which the resin injected into the enclosed space is cooled and cured.

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