Connector, connector module, and electronic device

Abstract

This connector 10 is connected to an object 50 to be connected, and is provided with: an insulator 20 that is fitted to the object 50 to be connected, and that has a first recess 27 that is recessed from the inner surface of a side wall 22b of an outer peripheral wall 22; a plurality of first contacts (30) each having a contact portion (32c) located on the inside of the side wall (22b); the first contact points 30 are integrally formed with the side wall 22b, the contact part 32c is arranged in the first recess 27, and the insulator 20 is cut out with respect to the contact part 32c on the side in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first contact points 30; the first contact (30) elastically deforms integrally with the side wall (22b) during fitting.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-098421 filed on June 17, 2022, and the entire disclosure of that application is incorporated herein for the purpose of reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connector module, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, connectors used in electronic devices including wearable devices have been required to be miniaturized and to have a stronger strength to compensate for the decrease in strength due to the miniaturization. For example, from a design point of view, the shape of the contacts mounted on the connector is changed to achieve the miniaturization of the connector, or the contacts and the insulator are integrally molded by insert molding to improve the strength.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector that can avoid a decrease in the locking strength between the connectors even if the thickness of the terminal is reduced to reduce the height of the connector, thereby effectively preventing the connectors from falling off.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5444283 Summary of the invention

[0009] A connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a connection object and comprises: an insulator that is engaged with the connection object and has a side wall of an outer peripheral wall and a first recessed portion recessed from the inner surface of the side wall; and a plurality of first contacts that have a contact portion located on the inner side of the side wall.

[0010] The first contact is integrally formed with the side wall, the contact portion is arranged in the first recess, and the insulator is cut out relative to the contact portion on the arrangement direction side of the plurality of first contacts; when the connector and the connection object are engaged with each other, the first contact is elastically deformed integrally with the side wall.

[0011] A connector module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above-mentioned connector and the connection object connected to the connector.

[0012] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above-mentioned connector or the above-mentioned connector module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of a connector module according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a first connector and a second connector are connected to each other, from a top view.

[0014] Figure 2 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector module according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other, as seen from above.

[0015] Figure 3 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 A three-dimensional appearance diagram of a first connector single piece.

[0016] Figure 4 From a bird's-eye view Figure 3 The first connector is exploded and represented in a perspective view.

[0017] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the V-V arrows.

[0018] Figure 6 Is magnification Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the dotted line frame portion VI.

[0019] Figure 7 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the appearance of a second connector single piece.

[0020] Figure 8 From a bird's-eye view Figure 7 The second connector is exploded and represented in a perspective view.

[0021] Fig. 9 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the Ⅸ-Ⅸ arrows.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first connector during insert molding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the first contact of the socket connector and the insulator are integrally formed with each other by insert molding. In this electrical connector, the U-shaped portion of the first contact is mounted on the side wall of the insulator by insert molding. However, since it is difficult for the first contact and the insulator to elastically deform together, when the plug connector and the socket connector as the connection object are mated with each other, the second contact of the plug connector and the first contact may contact each other and their contact portions may be ground. As a result, the contact reliability of the contacts is reduced.

[0024] According to the connector, the connector module, and the electronic device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, even when the contacts and the insulator are integrally formed, the reduction in the contact reliability of the contacts can be reduced.

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions in the following description are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. Figures 1 to 6 and Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 In the figure, the directions of the arrows are consistent between the different figures. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the drawings, the directions of the arrows are consistent with each other in different drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 described later are omitted.

[0026] Figure 1 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector module 1 according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are connected to each other in a plan view. Figure 2 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector module 1 according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are separated from each other, in a plan view.

[0027] For example, Figure 2 As shown, the connector module 1 includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 50 that can be connected to each other. The first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 50 as a connection object. The first connector 10 includes a first insulator 20 and a first contact 30 mounted on the first insulator 20. The first connector 10 includes a first metal member 40 mounted on the first insulator 20.

[0028] The second connector 50 can be connected to the first connector 10. The second connector 50 has a second insulator 60, and in a connected state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are connected, the second insulator 60 is engaged with the first insulator 20. The second connector 50 has a second contact 70 installed on the second insulator 60. In an engaged state where the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 60 are engaged with each other, the second contact 70 is in contact with the first contact 30. The second connector 50 has a second metal member 80 installed on the second insulator 60. In the engaged state, the second metal member 80 is in contact with the first metal member 40. At this time, the first metal member 40 is elastically deformed.

[0029] In the following, for example, the first connector 10 of one embodiment is described as a socket connector. For example, the second connector 50 is described as a plug connector. The first connector 10 in which the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are elastically deformed together in the mating state where the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 60 are mated with each other is described as a socket connector. The second connector 50 in which the second contact 70 does not elastically deform in the mating state is described as a plug connector. The types of the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are not limited to this. For example, the first connector 10 can also function as a plug connector. The second connector 50 can also function as a socket connector.

[0030] The object to be connected to the first connector 10 is not limited to the second connector 50. The object to be connected may be any object other than a plug connector and a socket connector. For example, the object to be connected may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), a flexible flat cable, a rigid board, or a card edge of any circuit board.

[0031] The following describes how the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mounted on the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, respectively. The first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are connected to each other, and electrically connect the circuit board CB1 and the circuit board CB2. The circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be rigid boards or any other circuit boards. For example, at least one of the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be an FPC.

[0032] The following describes the connection between the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 in a direction perpendicular to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. As an example, the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are connected to each other in the up-down direction. The connection method is not limited to this. The first connector 10 and the second connector 50 may also be connected to each other in a direction parallel to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The first connector 10 and the second connector 50 may also be connected to each other in a manner that one is perpendicular to the installed circuit board and the other is parallel to the installed circuit board.

[0033] In the present disclosure, the "mating direction" corresponds to the up-down direction as an example. The "long side direction" corresponds to the left-right direction as an example. The "arrangement direction of the plurality of first contacts 30" corresponds to the left-right direction as an example. The "short side direction" corresponds to the front-back direction as an example. The "mating side" corresponds to the lower side as an example. The "unplugging side" corresponds to the upper side as an example. The "circuit board CB1 side" corresponds to the lower side as an example. The "side opposite to the circuit board CB1" corresponds to the upper side as an example. The "inside" corresponds to the direction toward the center of the first connector 10. For example, the inside of the front-back direction corresponds to the direction toward the center of the front-back direction of the first connector 10. This is not limited to the fact that the inside may not correspond to the direction completely toward the center of the front-back direction, but may correspond to the direction slightly inclined toward the center. The same is true for other directions. The "outside" is opposite to the inside.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 As an example, the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally formed by insert molding, and the first metal member 40 is pressed into the first insulator 20 to obtain the first connector 10.

[0035] Figure 4 From a bird's-eye view Figure 3 The first connector 10 is decomposed and shown in a perspective view. In fact, although the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally formed by insert molding, Figure 4 In order to facilitate understanding, the first insulator 20 and the first contact 30 are imaginarily separated and represented as separate parts. At the same time, for convenience, for example, the through portion 24a, the first recess 24b, the second recess 24c, and the third recess 24d of the first insulator 20 described later are given names in this way. However, it should be noted that among these structural parts, the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are actually integrally molded by insert molding, and the first insulator 20 does not have these structural parts as an original structure.

[0036] The first insulator 20 constituting the first connector 10 is formed of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The first insulator 20 extends in a plate-like shape in the left-right direction. The first insulator 20 has a bottom plate portion 21 constituting a lower portion. The first insulator 20 has an annular outer peripheral wall 22, and the outer peripheral wall 22 protrudes upward from the entire peripheral edge portion of the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 21. The outer peripheral wall 22 includes a pair of short side walls 22a extending in the front-to-back direction and a pair of long side walls 22b extending in the left-to-right direction. The first insulator 20 has a fitting recess 23, and the fitting recess 23 is formed by a space formed by the bottom plate portion 21 and the outer peripheral wall 22.

[0037] The first insulator 20 has a first contact holding groove 24, and the first contact holding groove 24 is formed from the inner surface of the recessed portion 27 described later in the long side wall 22b of the outer peripheral wall 22 in the front-back direction through the upper surface to the outer surface on the side opposite to the inner surface. A plurality of first contact holding grooves 24 are formed corresponding to the number of first contacts 30. The plurality of first contact holding grooves 24 are arranged along the arrangement direction of the first contacts 30. The first contact holding grooves 24 integrally hold the first contacts 30. Therefore, the surface shape of the portion of the first contact holding groove 24 that contacts the inner surface of the first contact 30 is the same as the surface shape of the inner surface of the first contact 30.

[0038] The first contact holding groove 24 has a through portion 24a, which passes through the portion of the bottom plate 21 adjacent to the inner surface of the recess 27 of the long side wall 22b toward the circuit board CB1 side. The first contact holding groove 24 has a first recess 24b, which is recessed linearly upward from the through portion 24a along the inner surface of the recess 27 of the long side wall 22b. The first contact holding groove 24 has a second recess 24c, which is formed in an inverted U shape on the upper surface side of the long side wall 22b and is recessed from the inner surface of the recess 27 to the outer surface of the long side wall 22b via the upper surface of the long side wall 22b. The second recess 24c is formed to be folded back from the upper end of the first recess 24b. The first contact holding groove 24 has a third recess 24d, which is recessed linearly downward from the second recess 24c along the outer surface of the long side wall 22b.

[0039] The first insulator 20 has a first metal fitting portion 25 formed across the left-right end portions of the long side wall 22 b and the short side wall 22 a . The first metal fitting 40 is fitted to the first metal fitting portion 25 .

[0040] The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a first wall portion 25a, which is formed below the central portion of the short side wall 22a in the front-to-back direction and protrudes outward in the left-to-right direction. The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a second wall portion 25b, which is formed from the short side wall 22a to the long side wall 22b at the corner of the first insulator 20. The second wall portion 25b protrudes outward in the front-to-back left-to-right direction. The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a third wall portion 25c, which is separated from the second wall portion 25b in the left-to-right direction and formed on the long side wall 22b. The first wall portion 25a, the second wall portion 25b, and the third wall portion 25c form the outermost shape of a rectangle in the front-to-back left-to-right direction in the first insulator 20.

[0041] The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a first assembly groove 25d formed between the first wall portion 25a and the second wall portion 25b. The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a second assembly groove 25e formed between the second wall portion 25b and the third wall portion 25c. The first metal fitting assembly 25 has a third assembly groove 25f recessed in the central portion of the inner surface of the short side wall 22a in the front-to-back direction.

[0042] The first insulator 20 has an outer wall 26, which extends from the third wall portion 25c of the first metal fitting assembly 25 located on one side in the left-right direction to the third wall portion 25c of the first metal fitting assembly 25 located on the other side, and connects the two third wall portions 25c. The outer wall 26 extends along the outer surface of the long side wall 22b of the outer peripheral wall 22, across the area where the first contact 30 is arranged. The outer wall 26 corresponds to the area located in the center of the long side wall 22b, and is formed in the center of the long side direction of the first insulator 20.

[0043] The first insulator 20 has a recessed portion 27, and the recessed portion 27 is recessed from the inner surface 28 of the long side wall 22b of the outer peripheral wall 22. The first contact holding groove 24 is recessed in the middle part of the recessed portion 27 in the left-right direction. The first insulator 20 has an inner surface 28 of the outer peripheral wall 22 adjacent to the recessed portion 27. The inner surface 28 is formed to be adjacent to the recessed portion 27 in the left-right direction. In the long side wall 22b, the recessed portion 27 and the inner surface 28 are alternately formed from one side toward the other side in the left-right direction.

[0044] In the first portion where the first contact holding groove 24 and the recess 27 are formed, the width of the first insulator 20 in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the width of the outer peripheral wall 22 in the front-to-back direction of the inner surface 28. In the second portion where the inner surface 28 is formed, the width of the first insulator 20 in the front-to-back direction is wider than the width of the first portion in the front-to-back direction. In the long side wall 22b, a narrow width portion formed by the first portion and a wide width portion formed by the second portion are alternately formed from one side toward the other side in the left-right direction.

[0045] The first contact 30 is formed by, for example, using a progressive die (pressing) to form a thin plate of a copper alloy or a Corson-based copper alloy having spring elasticity and containing phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper. Figure 4 The processing method of the first contact 30 includes a step of bending the first contact 30 in the plate thickness direction after punching. The surface of the first contact 30 is plated with nickel to form a base, and then gold plating or tin plating is performed. Gold plating or tin plating can be performed on the entire surface of the first contact 30 or only on the surface of the contact portion 32c described later.

[0046] The first contact 30 has an L-shaped mounting portion 31 extending outward. The mounting portion 31 is located at one end of the first contact 30. The first contact 30 has an assembly portion 32 formed in an inverted U shape from the upper end of the mounting portion 31 toward the upper side. The assembly portion 32 is formed by folding back from the upper end of the mounting portion 31.

[0047] The first contact 30 has a wide portion 32a formed at a portion located outside in the front-to-back direction of the mounting portion 32. The first contact 30 has a bent portion 32b extending upward from the wide portion 32a in the mounting portion 32 in an inverted U-shape. The first contact 30 has a contact portion 32c configured to include an inner surface in the front-to-back direction inside the bent portion 32b in the front-to-back direction. The first contact 30 has a recess 32d formed continuously with the contact portion 32c in the mounting portion 32 just below the contact portion 32c. The first contact 30 has a free end 32e formed continuously with the recess 32d in the mounting portion 32 just below the recess 32d. The free end 32e is the other end on the opposite side to one end of the first contact 30. The free end 32e is located on the opposite side to the mounting portion 31 in the mounting portion 32.

[0048] In the first contact 30, the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e are located on the same side relative to the long side wall 22b in the front-back direction. In the fitting portion 32, the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e are located on the same side relative to the long side wall 22b in the front-back direction. In the first contact 30, the contact portion 32c is formed at a portion located on the inner side in the front-back direction of the free end 32e.

[0049] The recess 32d is located between the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e, and is formed in a state that is recessed than the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e. The recess 32d is formed in a state that is recessed toward the outside in the front-to-back direction in a portion located inside the front-to-back direction of the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e in the first contact 30. The front-to-back direction is a direction orthogonal to the mating direction and the arrangement direction in which the plurality of first contacts 30 are arranged.

[0050] The first contact 30 is formed in a state where the contact portion 32c protrudes inwardly in the front-rear direction and the recessed portion 32d is recessed in the front-rear direction by one step. The first contact 30 is formed so that the position of the inner surface of the free end 32e in the front-rear direction is substantially the same front-rear position as the end of the protruding direction of the contact portion 32c.

[0051] The first metal member 40 is formed by processing a thin plate of any metal material using a progressive die (stamping) Figure 4The first metal member 40 is a member of the shape shown in the figure. The processing method of the first metal member 40 includes a step of bending it in the plate thickness direction after punching. The first metal member 40 is pressed into the first metal member mounting portion 25 of the first insulator 20 and is arranged on both sides of the first insulator 20.

[0052] The first metal member 40 has a first base 41 extending in the front-to-back direction. The first metal member 40 has a second base 42 extending inward in the left-to-right direction from both ends of the first base 41 in the front-to-back direction. The first metal member 40 has a protruding piece 43 extending linearly downward at the front and rear of the first base 41. A recess is formed by the opposing edges of a pair of protruding pieces 43 separated from each other in the front-to-back direction and the lower edge of the first base 41.

[0053] The first metal member 40 has a first mounting portion 44, which is located at the lower end of the protruding piece 43. The first metal member 40 has a first locking portion 45, which includes a portion formed wider in the front-to-back direction than other portions of the protruding piece 43. The first metal member 40 has a contact portion 46, which extends from the center portion in the front-to-back direction of the first base portion 41 to the inside in the left-to-right direction. The contact portion 46 extends from the first base portion 41 toward obliquely downward in the left-to-right direction, and has spring elasticity.

[0054] The first metal member 40 has an inverted U-shaped protruding piece 47 formed at the inner end in the left-right direction of the second base 42. The first metal member 40 has an engaging portion 47a formed at a portion of the protruding piece 47 extending inward in the front-rear direction. The engaging portion 47a is formed as a convex portion.

[0055] The first metal member 40 has a second stopper 48, which is continuously formed downward from the lower end of the portion of the protruding piece 47 that extends outward in the front-rear direction. The second stopper 48 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the width of the portion of the protruding piece 47 that extends outward in the front-rear direction. The second stopper 48 protrudes symmetrically to both sides of the left-right direction compared to the portion. The first metal member 40 has a second mounting portion 49, which extends linearly downward from the lower end of the second stopper 48. The second mounting portion 49 is formed in the protruding piece 47 with a left-right width substantially the same as that of the portion that extends outward in the front-rear direction.

[0056] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first contacts 30 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first connector 10. The first contacts 30 are arranged at the center of the first insulator 20 in the left-right direction.

[0057] The entire portion of the first contact 30 except the mounting portion 31 is integrated with the first contact holding groove 24 by insert molding, so that the first contact 30 is integrally held in the first contact holding groove 24. More specifically, the fitting portion 32 of the first contact 30 is integrally held in the first contact holding groove 24. The first contact 30 is integrally molded with the outer peripheral wall 22.

[0058] The first contact 30 is integrally formed with the first contact holding groove 24 in the third recess 24d and the second recess 24c so as to be coplanar along the long side wall 22b. The first contact 30 is integrally formed with the first contact holding groove 24 in the first recess 24b so that the contact portion 32c and the recess 32d protrude one step inward of the outer peripheral wall 22 relative to the side surface in the front-rear direction of the recess 27 of the first insulator 20.

[0059] The contact portion 32c of the first contact 30 is arranged in the recess 27. More specifically, the contact portion 32c is located at the center of the recess 27 in the left-right direction. As the recesses 27 are formed on both sides of the contact portion 32c in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first contacts 30, the first insulator 20 is cut. The inner surface 28, a part of the recess 27, the contact portion 32c, another part of the recess 27, and the inner surface 28 are formed in sequence on the long side wall 22b from one side to the other side in the left-right direction. The recess 27, the contact portion 32c, the recess 32d, and the free end 32e overlap each other in the front-back direction.

[0060] Figure 5 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the V-V arrows. Figure 6 Is magnification Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the dotted line frame portion VI.

[0061] The wide portion 32a of the fitting portion 32 is integrally formed with the third recessed portion 24d of the first contact holding groove 24. The bent portion 32b of the fitting portion 32 is integrally formed with the second recessed portion 24c of the first contact holding groove 24. The contact portion 32c and the recessed portion 32d of the fitting portion 32 are integrally formed with the first recessed portion 24b of the first contact holding groove 24. The free end 32e of the fitting portion 32 is integrally formed with the through portion 24a of the first contact holding groove 24.

[0062] When the first contact 30 is held in the first contact holding groove 24 of the first insulator 20, the mounting portion 31 of the first contact 30 is formed in an L shape and extends outward from the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 22. More specifically, the tip of the mounting portion 31 is located outward in the front-rear direction from the outer wall 26. The assembly portion 32 of the first contact 30 extends from the mounting portion 31 in an inverted U shape to the side opposite to the circuit board CB1, and is assembled to the outer peripheral wall 22 from the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 22 to the inner surface of the recess 27 of the outer peripheral wall 22.

[0063] At this time, the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30 is located inside the outer peripheral wall 22. The contact portion 32c is located inside the long side wall 22b in the front-to-back direction. The pair of contact portions 32c of the first contact 30, which are respectively held at the same left and right positions on the pair of long side walls 22b, face each other in the front-to-back direction. Between the pair of contact portions 32c, only a space serving as the fitting recess 23 is formed, and no structure portion related to the first contact 30 is formed.

[0064] The contact portion 32c is located on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 22 relative to the inner surface 28 of the first insulator 20. The contact portion 32c is arranged on the inner side in the front-rear direction relative to the inner surface 28. The interval in the front-rear direction of each structural portion formed at the same left-right position in the pair of long side walls 22b is narrowed at the pair of contact portions 32c of the pair of first contacts 30 each held at the same left-right position in the pair of long side walls 22b.

[0065] The free end 32e of the first contact 30 is exposed from the bottom surface of the first insulator 20 opposite to the circuit board CB1 toward the circuit board CB1 side. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The left-right direction orthogonal to the paper plane is coplanar with the lower surface of the bottom plate portion 21 of the first insulator 20. The free end 32e is located on the opposite side of the circuit board CB1 compared to the mounting portion 31. The free end 32e is separated from the circuit board CB1 in the vertical direction. A space is formed between the free end 32e and the circuit board CB1.

[0066] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first metal member 40 is pressed in from above the first insulator 20. The first metal member 40 is assembled to the outer peripheral wall 22 in such a manner that the first wall portion 25a is sandwiched in a recess formed by the opposite edge portions of a pair of protruding pieces 43 separated from each other in the front-rear direction and the lower edge portion of the first base portion 41b.

[0067] The first stopper 45 is stopped at the first wall portion 25a of the first metal fitting assembly portion 25 on the outside of the short side wall 22a in the left-right direction. The pair of protruding pieces 43 separated from each other in the front-to-back direction and the first stopper 45 are assembled in the first assembly groove 25d. Similarly, the second stopper 48 is stopped at the second wall portion 25b and the third wall portion 25c of the first metal fitting assembly portion 25 on the outside of the long side wall 22b in the front-to-back direction. The second stopper 48 is assembled in the second assembly groove 25e. Thus, the first metal fitting 40 is retained in the first metal fitting assembly portion 25.

[0068] When the first metal member 40 is held in the first metal member fitting portion 25 of the first insulator 20, the first metal member 40 covers the entire short side wall 22a and the left-right ends of the long side wall 22b. At this time, the contact portion 46 is disposed in the third fitting groove 25f of the first insulator 20 in a manner that allows elastic deformation in the left-right direction.

[0069] The first mounting portion 44 is disposed along the outer surface of the short side wall 22a in the left-right direction. Figure 5 As shown, the first mounting portion 44 extends downwardly compared to the lower end of the short side wall 22a. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first mounting portions 44 are arranged on both sides of the first wall portion 25a of the first insulator 20 in the short-side direction of the first connector 10. The pair of first mounting portions 44 are located at positions sandwiching the first wall portion 25a from both sides in the front-to-back direction. For example, the pair of first mounting portions 44 are respectively arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the first wall portion 25a in the front-to-back direction.

[0070] The second mounting portion 49 is arranged along the outer surface of the long side wall 22b in the front-to-back direction. The second mounting portion 49 extends downwardly compared to the lower end of the long side wall 22b. The second mounting portion 49 is arranged on both sides of the short side direction of the first connector 10. A pair of second mounting portions 49 is located at a position sandwiching the fitting recess 23 from both sides in the front-to-back direction. For example, a pair of second mounting portions 49 are respectively arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the fitting recess 23 in the front-to-back direction. A pair of second mounting portions 49 are arranged at substantially the same left and right positions.

[0071] In the first connector 10 of the above structure, the mounting portion 31 of the first contact 30 is welded to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1. The first mounting portion 44 and the second mounting portion 49 of the first metal member 40 are welded to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. Thus, the first connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1. Electronic components other than the first connector 10, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a controller, and a memory, are mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1.

[0072] Main reference Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The structure of the second connector 50 will be described.

[0073] Figure 7 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the appearance of a single piece of the second connector 50. As an example, the second connector 50 is obtained by integrally molding the second contacts 70 and the second metal member 80 with the second insulator 60 by insert molding.

[0074] Figure 8 From a bird's-eye view Figure 7 The second connector 50 is decomposed and shown in a perspective view. In fact, the second contact 70 and the second metal member 80 and the second insulator 60 are integrally formed by insert molding. Figure 8 For easy understanding, the second insulator 60, the second contact 70, and the second metal member 80 are virtually separated and represented as separate pieces.

[0075] The second insulator 60 is a plate-shaped member formed by injection molding an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material and extending in the left-right direction. The second insulator 60 has a main body 61 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 61 is formed as a fitting portion.

[0076] The second insulator 60 has a second contact holding groove 62, which is formed to cover both side surfaces in the front-back direction and the upper surface of the main body 61. The second contact 70 is mounted in the second contact holding groove 62. The second insulator 60 has a second metal member holding groove 63 formed at both ends in the left-right direction of the main body 61. The second metal member holding groove 63 is formed to cover both side surfaces in the front-back direction, the side surfaces in the left-right direction, and the upper surface of the main body 61. The second metal member 80 is mounted in the second metal member holding groove 63.

[0077] The second contact 70 is formed by, for example, using a progressive die (pressing) to form a thin plate of a copper alloy including phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, or a Corson copper alloy into the shape shown in the figure. The surface of the second contact 70 is nickel-plated to form a base, and then gold-plated or tin-plated.

[0078] The second contact 70 has a mounting portion 71, which extends outward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction. The second contact 70 has a base 72, which extends upward in a U-shape from one mounting portion 71 and is connected to the other mounting portion 71. The second contact 70 has a contact portion 73, which is recessed on the outer surface of the base 72 in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 73 is formed as a recessed portion.

[0079] The second metal member 80 is a member formed by processing a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in the figure using a progressive die (pressing). The processing method of the second metal member 80 includes a step of bending the plate in the plate thickness direction after punching.

[0080] The second metal member 80 has a first mounting portion 81, which extends outward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction. The second metal member 80 has a base 82, which extends upward in a U-shape from one side of the first mounting portion 81 and is connected to the other side of the first mounting portion 81. The second metal member 80 has a snap-fit ​​portion 83, which is recessed on the outer surface of the base 82 in the front-rear direction. The snap-fit ​​portion 83 is formed as a recessed portion.

[0081] The second metal member 80 has an extension portion 84 extending in an L-shape from the outer end portion in the left-right direction of the base portion 82 toward the outer side in the left-right direction. The second metal member 80 has a wide portion 85 formed wide in the front-rear direction in the extension portion 84. The second metal member 80 has a second mounting portion 86 located at the lower end of the extension portion 84.

[0082] The second contact 70 is integrally formed with the second contact holding groove 62 of the second insulator 60 by insert molding. At this time, substantially the entire base 72 of the second contact 70 is integrally formed with the second contact holding groove 62. A pair of contact portions 73 are respectively arranged along both outer surfaces in the front-to-back direction of the main body 61. The mounting portion 71 extends from the outer surface in the front-to-back direction of the main body 61 to the outer side in the front-to-back direction.

[0083] The second metal member 80 is formed integrally with the second metal member holding groove 63 of the second insulator 60 by insert molding. At this time, the base 82 and the extension 84 of the second metal member 80 are substantially integrally formed with the second metal member holding groove 63. The pair of engaging portions 83 are respectively arranged along the two outer surfaces in the front-to-back direction of the main body 61. The first mounting portion 81 extends outward from the outer surface in the front-to-back direction of the main body 61. The second mounting portion 86 is arranged along the outer surface in the left-right direction of the main body 61.

[0084] In the second connector 50 of the above structure, the mounting portion 71 of the second contact 70 is welded to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2. The first mounting portion 81 and the second mounting portion 86 of the second metal member 80 are welded to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. Thus, the second connector 50 is mounted on the circuit board CB2. Electronic components such as a communication module and other electronic components different from the second connector 50 are mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2.

[0085] Reference Fig. 9 , the structure of the connector module 1 in a mating state in which the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 50 as a connection object and the first insulator 20 is mated with the second connector 50 as a connection object will be mainly described. Fig. 9 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the Ⅸ-Ⅸ arrows.

[0086] For example, in using Figure 7 In the state where the second connector 50 shown in the figure is oriented in the opposite direction in the vertical direction, the front and rear positions and the left and right positions of the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are roughly consistent and are opposite to each other in the vertical direction. The second connector 50 is moved downward. Thus, the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are connected to each other, and the connection state of the connector module 1 is obtained. At this time, the fitting recess 23 of the first insulator 20 and the main body 61 of the second insulator 60 are fitted with each other.

[0087] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30 and the contact portion 73 of the second contact 70 contact each other, and the spring-elastic fitting portion 32 is elastically deformed outward in the front-rear direction. The first contact 30 and the second contact 70 contact each other at two locations on the front and rear sides formed by the group of the contact portion 32c and the contact portion 73.

[0088] When the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, one second contact 70 of the second connector 50 is located between the pair of first contacts 30 whose contact portions 32c are arranged to face each other. One second contact 70 contacts both of the pair of first contacts 30. More specifically, substantially the entire base 72 of one second contact 70 is located between the pair of first contacts 30. One base 72 of one second contact 70 contacts both of the pair of first contacts 30.

[0089] At this time, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the first contact 30 and the outer peripheral wall 22 of the first insulator 20 are elastically deformed integrally. More specifically, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the fitting portion 32 of the first contact 30 and the long side wall 22b are elastically deformed integrally. When the fitting state is maintained, the fitting portion 32 and the long side wall 22b are inclined from bottom to top and toward the outside in the front-rear direction and maintain their posture.

[0090] In the mating state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the first metal member 40 contacts the second metal member 80. In the mating state, the contact portion 46 of the first metal member 40 contacts the protruding portion 84 of the second metal member 80. At this time, the contact portion 46 having spring elasticity is elastically deformed to the outside in the left-right direction in the third fitting groove 25f of the first insulator 20. In addition, in the mating state, the engaging portion 47a of the first metal member 40 and the engaging portion 83 of the second metal member 80 are engaged with each other.

[0091] According to the first connector 10 and the connector module 1 of one embodiment described above, even when the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally formed, the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30 can be reduced. For example, in a state where the contact portion 32c is arranged in the recess 27 of the first insulator 20 and the first insulator 20 is notched on both sides of the contact portion 32c, the first connector 10 and the peripheral wall 22 are integrally formed. Thus, the first insulator 20 is formed to be narrow around the first contact 30. Therefore, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are fitted with each other and the first contact 30 and the peripheral wall 22 are elastically deformed integrally, the elastic deformation becomes easy.

[0092] As a result, when the second connector 50 as the connection object is fitted into the first connector 10, it is possible to reduce the excessive load applied to these structural parts compared to the prior art in which the insulator and the contact are difficult to elastically deform. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the damage of the first insulator 20 and the first contact 30. For example, the first connector 10 can reduce the damage of the first contact 30 caused by grinding or the like accompanying the contact between the first contact 30 and the second contact 70.

[0093] Furthermore, when the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally molded by insert molding, mold members are disposed in the cutout portions on the left and right sides of the contact portion 32c of the recess 27. Thus, the resin used to form the first insulator 20 does not easily enter the exposed surface of the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30.

[0094] By achieving the above effects in a complementary manner, the first connector 10 can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contacts 30 .

[0095] Since the first contacts 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally formed, even when the first connector 10 and the connector module 1 are miniaturized, their strengths can be improved.

[0096] The first contact 30 has a mounting portion 31 at one end thereof and a free end 32e at the other end opposite to the one end, and the contact portion 32c is located on the same side as the free end 32e in the front-rear direction relative to the long side wall 22b in the first contact 30. As a result, the distance between the mounting portion 31 and the contact portion 32c is increased. As a result, the distance between the portion of the first contact 30 fixed to the circuit board CB1 and the portion subjected to the external force generated by contact with the second contact 70 is increased. Therefore, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the first contact 30 is more likely to be elastically deformed.

[0097] As a result, when the second connector 50 as the connection object is fitted into the first connector 10, it is possible to reduce the excessive load applied to these structural parts compared to the prior art in which the insulator and the contact are difficult to elastically deform. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the damage of the first insulator 20 and the first contact 30. For example, the first connector 10 can reduce the damage of the first contact 30 caused by grinding or the like accompanying the contact between the first contact 30 and the second contact 70. Therefore, the first connector 10 can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30.

[0098] The first contact 30 has a mounting portion 31 formed in an L shape and extending outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 22. The first contact 30 has a mounting portion 32 extending in an inverted U shape from the mounting portion 31 to the side opposite to the circuit board CB1 and mounted to the peripheral wall 22 from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 22 to the inner surface of the recess 27. The first contact 30 has a free end 32e and a contact portion 32c, the free end 32e being located on the side opposite to the mounting portion 31 in the mounting portion 32, and the contact portion 32c being located on the same side as the free end 32e relative to the long side wall 22b in the front-back direction in the mounting portion 32. By forming the first contact 30 in such a shape, the distance between the mounting portion 31 and the contact portion 32c becomes larger. Therefore, the first connector 10 has the same effect as described above.

[0099] The free end 32e is exposed from the bottom surface opposite to the circuit board CB1 in the first insulator 20 toward the circuit board CB1 side. Therefore, when the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally molded by insert molding, the free end 32e can be pressed by the mold member. Therefore, when the resin for forming the first insulator 20 flows into the mold, the shaking of the free end 32e of the first contact 30 can be reduced. Therefore, in the insert molding, the first contact 30 is stably integrated with the first insulator 20.

[0100] In addition, the free end 32e of the first contact 30 is integrally formed with the through portion 24a of the first contact holding groove 24. Thus, compared with a conventional contact having an elastic contact piece extending inward in the front-rear direction and having a free end located inside the outer peripheral wall, the first connector 10 can be miniaturized in the front-rear direction.

[0101] By positioning the free end 32e on the opposite side of the circuit board CB1 from the mounting portion 31, a space is formed between the free end 32e and the circuit board CB1. This can reduce damage to the circuit board CB1 caused by contact between the free end 32e and the circuit board CB1.

[0102] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first connector 10 during insert molding. Fig.10 is with Figure 6 The enlarged cross-sectional view corresponds to FIG.

[0103] The first contact 30 has a recessed portion 32d that is recessed relative to the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e. Thus, when the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally molded by insert molding, the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e can be surrounded from three directions by the mold 100. For example, the mold 100 can surround the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e from the inner side in the front-back direction and from both sides in the left-right direction.

[0104] Therefore, during insert molding, when the resin for forming the first insulator 20 flows into the mold 100, the resin is difficult to enter the exposed surface of the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30. If the resin is formed on the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30, the contact reliability of the first contact 30 will be reduced. The first connector 10 can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30.

[0105] The first insulator 20 has an outer wall 26, and the outer wall 26 extends along the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 22 across the area where the first contact 30 is arranged. Therefore, even when the first connector 10 is miniaturized, it is possible to reduce the climbing of the flux to the contact portion 32c. Therefore, the first connector 10 can reduce the formation of solder to the contact portion 32c, and can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30.

[0106] By performing gold plating or tin plating only on the surface of the contact portion 32 c and performing low-wettability plating on the other surfaces of the first contact 30 , the effect on the flux creep becomes more significant.

[0107] Since the first insulator 20 has the inner surface 28 adjacent to the recess 27, the first insulator 20 is formed to be wide except in the vicinity of the exposed surface of the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30. Therefore, even when the second connector 50 as the connection object deviates from the normal mating posture and enters the first connector 10 at an angle, a part of the second connector 50 contacts the inner surface 28, thereby reducing the misalignment of the contact point between the first connector 10 and the second connector 50. If the inner surface 28 is not formed, even in such an oblique mating, only the first contact 30 contacts the second connector 50, and it is difficult to reduce the above-mentioned misalignment.

[0108] By positioning the contact portion 32c on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 22 relative to the inner surface 28, the contact portion 73 of the second connector 70 can more reliably contact the contact portion 32c located further inward when the second connector 50 is mated with the first connector 10. By making the contact between the contact portion 32c of the first contact 30 and the contact portion 73 of the second contact 70 more reliable, the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30 can be reduced.

[0109] In the connector module 1, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, one second contact 70 is located between the pair of first contacts 30 and contacts both of the pair of first contacts 30. Thus, compared with the prior art in which a pair of second contacts 70 are arranged in the front-rear direction, the overall miniaturization of the connector module 1 becomes easy.

[0110] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific ways than the above-described embodiments without departing from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the foregoing description is exemplary and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the scope of their equivalents are included therein.

[0111] For example, the shape, size, arrangement, orientation and number of the above-mentioned structural parts are not limited to the above-mentioned description and the contents shown in the drawings. The shape, size, arrangement, orientation and number of each structural part can be arbitrarily configured as long as its function can be achieved.

[0112] The assembly method of the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 is not limited to the above-described contents. The assembly method of the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 may be any method as long as they can be assembled in a manner that each performs its function. For example, in the first connector 10, the first metal member 40 may be integrally formed with the first insulator 20 by insert molding instead of by press-fitting. For example, in the second connector 50, at least one of the second contact 70 and the second metal member 80 may also be assembled to the second insulator 60 by press-fitting instead of insert molding.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the first contact 30 is described as being integrally formed with the long side wall 22b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first contact 30 may also be integrally formed with the short side wall 22a. In this case, the contact portion 32c may be arranged along the short side wall 22a instead of along the long side wall 22b, and may be located on the inner side of the short side wall 22a. The recess 27 may also be recessed from the inner surface of the short side wall 22a instead of from the long side wall 22b.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e are located on the same side relative to the long side wall 22b in the front-rear direction in the first contact 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the first insulator 20 is cut out as the recesses 27 are formed on both sides of the contact portion 32c in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first contacts 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first insulator 20 may be cut out on at least one side of the contact portion 32c in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first contacts 30.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the first contact 30 has a mounting portion 31 formed in an L shape and extending outward from the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall 22. The first contact 30 has a mounting portion 32 extending in an inverted U shape from the mounting portion 31 to the side opposite to the circuit board CB1 and mounted to the outer peripheral wall 22 from the outer surface to the inner surface of the recess 27. The first contact 30 has a free end 32e and a contact portion 32c, the free end 32e being located on the side opposite to the mounting portion 31 in the mounting portion 32, and the contact portion 32c being located on the same side with the free end 32e relative to the long side wall 22b in the front-back direction in the mounting portion 32. As described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first contact 30 may have any shape as long as the first contact 30 is integrally formed with the outer peripheral wall 22 in a state where the contact portion 32c is arranged in the recess 27 and the first insulator 20 is notched on both sides of the contact portion 32c.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the free end 32 e is described as being exposed from the bottom surface of the first insulator 20 opposite to the circuit board CB1 toward the circuit board CB1 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the free end 32e is described as being located on the opposite side of the circuit board CB1 from the mounting portion 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The free end 32e may be arranged at substantially the same vertical position as the circuit board CB1, similarly to the mounting portion 31.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the position of the inner surface of the free end 32e in the front-to-back direction is described as being approximately the same front-to-back position as the end of the contact portion 32c in the protruding direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The position of the inner surface of the free end 32e in the front-to-back direction may also be located on the inner side of the contact portion 32c in the protruding direction.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the first contact 30 is described as having the recess 32d, which is recessed relative to the contact portion 32c and the free end 32e, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first contact 30 may not have such a recess 32d.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first insulator 20 is described as having an outer wall 26, and the outer wall 26 extends across the region where the first contact 30 is arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first insulator 20 may not have such an outer wall 26. The outer wall 26 is described as being arranged along the outer surface of the long side wall 22b, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where the first contact 30 is arranged on the short side wall 22a, the outer wall 26 may also be arranged along the outer surface of the short side wall 22a.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the first insulator 20 is described as being formed wide in the front-to-back direction on the inner surface 28 adjacent to the recess 27, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first insulator 20 may not be formed wide in the front-to-back direction on the inner surface 28. For example, the outer peripheral wall 22 may be formed with a substantially uniform width.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 32c is described as being located inside the outer peripheral wall 22 relative to the inner surface 28 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The contact portion 32c may be formed inside the outer peripheral wall 22 closer to the outer peripheral wall 22 than the inner surface 28 .

[0124] In the above embodiment, the recess 27 is described as being recessed one level toward the outside in the front-rear direction relative to the inner surface 28, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The recess 27 may be recessed two or more levels.

[0125] In the above embodiment, it is described that when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, one second contact 70 is located between the pair of first contacts 30 and contacts both of the pair of first contacts 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second connector 50 may also have a pair of second contacts 70, and when the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 are mated with each other, the pair of second contacts 70 are located between the pair of first contacts 30 and contact the pair of first contacts 30 respectively.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the fitting portion 32 and the long side wall 22b are described as being tilted from bottom to top and outward in the front-rear direction to maintain their posture when maintaining the mating state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The fitting portion 32 and the long side wall 22b may not be elastically deformed in the mating state.

[0127] In the above embodiment, three first contacts 30 are arranged along one long side wall 22 b and the first connector 10 has a total of six first contacts 30 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first connector 10 may also have any number of first contacts 30 .

[0128] In the above embodiment, the first widths in the front-to-back direction of the plurality of inner surfaces 28 arranged along the long side wall 22b are constant. Similarly, the second widths in the front-to-back direction of the long side wall 22b at the plurality of recesses 27 arranged along the long side wall 22b are constant. The first width is greater than the second width. Not limited to the above structure, in the long side wall 22b, the first width may be different in the plurality of inner surfaces 28, the second width may be different in the plurality of recesses 27, or both.

[0129] For example, the long side wall 22b may be formed so that at least one of the first width and the second width increases toward the center portion thereof in the left-right direction. Thus, even if the first connector 10 has more first contacts 30 and further has a multi-polarization structure, the reduction in contact reliability of the first contacts 30 can be reduced.

[0130] By forming the long side wall 22b so that at least one of the first width and the second width increases toward the central portion of the long side wall 22b, the elastic deformation amount at the central portion of the first insulator 20 can be reduced, so that a substantially uniform elastic deformation amount can be obtained along the long side wall 22b. As a result, the first connector 10 can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30. In addition, by reducing the elastic deformation amount of the central portion of the long side wall 22b, the first connector 10 can reduce the plastic deformation of the central portion of the first insulator 20 in the left-right direction.

[0131] In the above description, it is explained that the long side wall 22b can be formed so that at least one of the first width and the second width becomes larger as it moves toward the central part in the left-right direction, but it is not limited thereto. The long side wall 22b can also be formed so that, in addition to the first width and the second width or instead of the first width and the second width, the width of the inner surface 28 in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the long side wall 22b in the left-right direction at the recess 27. Further, the long side wall 22b can also be formed in the following shape, that is, the part of the peripheral wall 22 formed at the same left-right position as the inner surface 28 has a shape with higher strength as it moves toward the central part in the left-right direction. For example, the part can also be formed to be a trapezoid in a top view. More specifically, the part can also be formed in an inverted cone shape as the width in the left-right direction becomes larger as it moves from the inner side in the front-back direction toward the outer side.

[0132] The first connector 10 and the connector module 1 are mounted on electronic devices including circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The electronic devices include, for example, wearable devices such as smart watches, wireless headphones, and smart glasses, communication terminal devices such as smart phones, and information processing devices such as personal computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and multifunction machines. In addition, the electronic devices include any industrial equipment.

[0133] In the first connector 10, even when the first contact 30 and the first insulator 20 are integrally formed, the electronic device can reduce the reduction in the contact reliability of the first contact 30. The electronic device has good contact reliability in the contacts including the first contact 30 and the second contact 70. Therefore, the reliability of the electronic device as a product is improved.

[0134] According to the present disclosure, the following concepts can be extracted. (1)

[0136] A connector connected to a connection object, comprising: an insulator, which is engaged with the connection object and has a side wall of an outer peripheral wall and a first recessed portion recessed from the inner surface of the side wall; a plurality of first contacts, which have contact portions located on the inner side of the side wall;

[0137] The first contact is integrally formed with the side wall, the contact portion is arranged in the first recess, and the insulator is cut out relative to the contact portion on the arrangement direction side of the plurality of first contacts; when the connector and the connection object are engaged with each other, the first contact is elastically deformed integrally with the side wall. (2)

[0139] According to the connector described in (1) above,

[0140] The first contact has a mounting portion and a free end. The mounting portion is mounted on the circuit board and is located at one end of the first contact. The free end is the other end on the opposite side of the one end. The contact portion is located on the same side as the free end in the first contact. (3)

[0142] According to the connector described in (2) above,

[0143] The first contact has:

[0144] The L-shaped mounting portion extends outwardly compared to the outer surface of the side wall; the assembly portion extends in an inverted U shape from the mounting portion toward the side opposite to the circuit board, and is assembled to the side wall from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first recess; the free end is located on the side opposite to the mounting portion in the assembly portion; and the contact portion is located on the same side as the free end in the assembly portion. (4)

[0146] According to the connector described in (2) or (3) above,

[0147] The free end is exposed from a bottom surface of the insulator opposite to the circuit board toward one side of the circuit board. (5)

[0149] A connector according to any one of (2) to (4) above,

[0150] The free end is located on a side opposite to the circuit board compared to the mounting portion. (6)

[0152] A connector according to any one of (2) to (5) above,

[0153] The first contact has a second recessed portion, which is located between the contact portion and the free end and is recessed compared to the contact portion and the free end. (7)

[0155] A connector according to any one of (1) to (6) above,

[0156] The insulator has an outer wall extending along an outer surface of the side wall to a region where the first contact is arranged. (8)

[0158] A connector according to any one of (1) to (7) above,

[0159] The contact portion is located on an inner side of the side wall than the inner surface of the side wall. (9)

[0161] Connector module having:

[0162] The connector according to any one of (1) to (8) above;

[0163] The connection object connected to the connector. (10)

[0165] According to the connector module described in (9) above,

[0166] The connector has a pair of first contacts, and the pair of first contacts are configured so that the contact parts are opposite to each other; the connection object has a second contact, and when the connector and the connection object are engaged with each other, the second contact is located between the pair of first contacts and contacts both of the pair of first contacts. (11)

[0168] An electronic device comprises the connector described in any one of (1) to (8) above, or the connector module described in (9) or (10) above.

[0169] Explanation of symbols

[0170] 1 Connector module

[0171] 10First connector (connector)

[0172] 20First Insulator (Insulator)

[0173] 21 Bottom plate

[0174] 22 Outer wall

[0175] 22a Short side wall

[0176] 22b Long side wall (side wall)

[0177] 23 fitting recess

[0178] 24First contact holding groove

[0179] 24a through part

[0180] 24b first recess

[0181] 24c second recess

[0182] 24d third recess

[0183] 25First metal parts assembly part

[0184] 25a First wall portion

[0185] 25b Second wall portion

[0186] 25c Third wall portion

[0187] 25d first assembly slot

[0188] 25e Second mounting slot

[0189] 25f Third mounting slot

[0190] 26 outer wall

[0191] 27 concave portion (first concave portion)

[0192] 28 Inner surface

[0193] 30 First contact

[0194] 31 Installation

[0195] 32Assembly Department

[0196] 32a Wide section

[0197] 32b Bend

[0198] 32c contact part

[0199] 32d concave part (second concave part)

[0200] 32e free end

[0201] 40First Metal Parts

[0202] 41 First base

[0203] 42 Second base

[0204] 43 protruding piece

[0205] 44 first installation part

[0206] 45 first stopper

[0207] 46 Contact Department

[0208] 47 protruding piece

[0209] 47a Engagement portion

[0210] 48 second stopper

[0211] 49 Second installation part

[0212] 50 Second connector (connection object)

[0213] 60 Second Insulator

[0214] 61 Main body

[0215] 62 Second contact holding groove

[0216] 63 second metal member retaining groove

[0217] 70 Second contact

[0218] 71 Installation Department

[0219] 72 base

[0220] 73 Contact Department

[0221] 80 Second Metal Parts

[0222] 81 First installation part

[0223] 82 base

[0224] 83 snap-fit ​​part

[0225] 84 extension

[0226] 85 wide section

[0227] 86 Second installation part

[0228] 100 molds

[0229] CB1 Circuit Board

[0230] CB2 circuit board.

Claims

1. A connector is connected to an object and has: an insulator, which is engaged with the connection object and has a side wall of an outer peripheral wall and a first recessed portion recessed from the inner surface of the side wall; a plurality of first contacts having contact portions located on the inner side of the side wall; The first contact is integrally formed with the side wall, the contact portion is arranged in the first recess, and the insulator is cut out relative to the contact portion on the side in which the plurality of first contacts are arranged; When the connector and the connection object are mated with each other, the first contact is elastically deformed integrally with the side wall.

2. The connector according to claim 1, The first contact has a mounting portion and a free end, the mounting portion is mounted on the circuit board and is located at one end of the first contact, and the free end is the other end on the side opposite to the one end; The contact portion is located on the same side as the free end in the first contact point.

3. The connector according to claim 2, The first contact has: The L-shaped mounting portion extends outwardly compared to the outer surface of the side wall; an assembly portion extending in an inverted U shape from the mounting portion toward a side opposite to the circuit board and assembled to the side wall from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first recess; The free end is located at a side of the assembly portion opposite to the mounting portion; The contact portion is located at the same side as the free end in the assembly portion.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, The free end is exposed from a bottom surface of the insulator opposite to the circuit board toward one side of the circuit board.

5. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, The free end is located on a side opposite to the circuit board compared to the mounting portion.

6. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, The first contact has a second recessed portion, which is located between the contact portion and the free end and is recessed compared to the contact portion and the free end.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The insulator has an outer wall extending along an outer surface of the side wall to a region where the first contact is arranged.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The contact portion is located on an inner side of the side wall than the inner surface of the side wall.

9. Connector module, having: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The connection object connected to the connector.

10. The connector module according to claim 9, The connector has a pair of the first contacts, and the pair of the first contacts are configured such that the contact portions are opposite to each other; The connection object has one second contact, and when the connector and the connection object are fitted with each other, the one second contact is located between the pair of first contacts and contacts both of the pair of first contacts.

11. An electronic device comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. An electronic device comprising the connector module according to claim 9.

Images