Connector and disk device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector and a disk device. Embodiments provide a connector capable of suppressing contamination. A connector according to one embodiment includes a housing and a plurality of conductive wires. The housing has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, and is provided with a through-hole that opens in the first surface and the second surface. Each of the plurality of conductive wires has a first terminal housed in the through hole.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-124355 (filing date: July 31, 2023) as a basic application. The present application incorporates the entire contents of the basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector and a disk device. Background Art

[0003] The connector electrically connects two components. For example, in a disk device such as a hard disk drive, a connector is mounted on a substrate such as a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects a controller and a magnetic head.

[0004] Substances such as flux may contaminate a device such as a disk device equipped with a connector. Therefore, substances that may contaminate the device are sometimes removed by cleaning. Substances that may contaminate the device may remain inside the connector or in the gap between the connector and the substrate. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector and a disk device capable of suppressing contamination.

[0006] A connector according to one embodiment includes a housing and a plurality of conductive wires. The housing has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, and is provided with through holes opened on the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of conductive wires each have a first terminal received in the through hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing an exploded view of the HDD according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 It is an exemplary plan view schematically showing the FPC according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an exemplary perspective view showing the relay connector according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is an exemplary plan view showing the relay connector according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The F5-F5 line shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the FPC and the relay connector according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an exemplary perspective view showing a relay connector according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 It is an illustrative plan view showing a relay connector according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The F8-F8 line shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the FPC and the relay connector according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing an FPC and a relay connector according to a third embodiment.

[0016] Fig.10 It is an illustrative plan view showing a relay connector according to a fourth embodiment.

[0017] Fig.11 This is an exemplary perspective view showing a relay connector according to a fifth embodiment.

[0018] Fig.12 This is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a relay connector according to a fifth embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of symbols

[0020] 10: Hard disk drive (HDD); 37: Flexible printed circuit board (FPC); 66: Relay connector; 71: Mounting surface; 73: Pad; 81, 201, 301, 401, 501: Housing; 82: Wire; 91: Lower surface; 92: Upper surface; 93: Side surface; 94: End surface; 95: Notch; 101, 411: Through hole; 111: External pin; 112: Internal pin; 113, 211: Press-in pin; 115b: Second connecting portion; 116: Joining portion; 117: Inclined portion; 205: First branch hole; 206: Second branch hole; 315: Lower end surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] (First embodiment)

[0022] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment is described. In addition, in this specification, the constituent elements of the embodiment and the description of the element are sometimes recorded by multiple expressions. The constituent elements and their description are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The constituent elements can also be identified by names different from the names in this specification. In addition, the constituent elements can also be described by expressions different from the expressions in this specification.

[0023] In the following description, “suppress” is defined as, for example, preventing a phenomenon, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the degree of a phenomenon, action, or influence.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exemplary perspective view showing an exploded hard disk drive (HDD) 10 according to the first embodiment. The HDD 10 is an example of a disk device and may also be referred to as an electronic device, a storage device, an external storage device, or a magnetic disk device. The disk device is not limited to the HDD 10 .

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, HDD 10 has housing 11, multiple magnetic disks 12, spindle motor 13, head suspension assembly (HSA) 14, voice coil motor (VCM) 15, ramp loading mechanism 16, and printed circuit board (PCB) 17. Magnetic disk 12 can also be called disk, medium or platter.

[0026] The housing 11 includes a base 21, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 23. The housing 11 is not limited to this example. The base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 are each made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The materials of the base 21, the inner cover 22, and the outer cover 23 may also be different from each other.

[0027] The base 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape with one direction open, and accommodates the plurality of magnetic disks 12 , the spindle motor 13 , the HSA 14 , the VCM 15 , and the ramp loading mechanism 16 .

[0028] The base 21 has a bottom wall 25 and a side wall 26. The bottom wall 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular (quadrilateral) plate shape. The side wall 26 protrudes from the edge of the bottom wall 25 and is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape.

[0029] The inner cover 22 is mounted to the end of the side wall 26 by, for example, screws, and blocks the base 21. The outer cover 23 covers the inner cover 22 and is mounted to the end of the side wall 26 by, for example, welding.

[0030] The inner cover 22 is provided with a vent 27. Furthermore, the outer cover 23 is provided with a vent 28. Components are installed inside the base 21. After the inner cover 22 and the outer cover 23 are installed on the base 21, the air inside the housing 11 is extracted from the vents 27 and 28. Then, the housing 11 is filled with a gas different from air.

[0031] The gas filled into the shell 11 is, for example, a low-density gas having a lower density than air, an inert gas with low reactivity, etc. For example, helium is filled into the shell 11. In addition, other fluids may be filled into the shell 11. In addition, the inside of the shell 11 may also be maintained at a vacuum, a low pressure close to a vacuum, or a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure.

[0032] The vent 28 of the cover 23 is blocked by a seal 29. The seal 29 seals the vent 28 airtightly, and prevents the fluid filled in the housing 11 from leaking from the vent 28 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0033] The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are formed in a disk shape and arranged substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are arranged at intervals. The HDD 10 of the present embodiment has, for example, ten or more magnetic disks 12. The number of magnetic disks 12 is not limited to this example.

[0034] The spindle motor 13 supports the plurality of magnetic disks 12. The plurality of magnetic disks 12 are held by bosses of the spindle motor 13, for example, by circlips. The spindle motor 13 rotates the plurality of magnetic disks 12.

[0035] The housing 11 is provided with a support shaft 31 separated from the magnetic disk 12. The support shaft 31 extends from, for example, the bottom wall 25 of the housing 11. The HSA 14 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 31.

[0036] The HSA 14 includes a carriage 35 , a plurality of head gimbal assemblies (HGA) 36 , and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 37 . The FPC is an example of a substrate. The carriage 35 includes an actuator block 41 and a plurality of arms 42 .

[0037] The actuator block 41 and the plurality of arms 42 are integrally formed of, for example, an aluminum alloy. In addition, the materials of the actuator block 41 and the arms 42 are not limited to this example.

[0038] The actuator block 41 is supported by the support shaft 31 via, for example, a bearing so as to be rotatable around the support shaft 31. A plurality of arms 42 protrude from the actuator block 41 in substantially parallel fashion.

[0039] The arms 42 are arranged at intervals. Each of the arms 42 can enter a gap between two adjacent magnetic disks 12 among the magnetic disks 12 .

[0040] The VCM 15 includes a voice coil attached to the carriage 35 , a pair of yokes, and a magnet attached to the yokes. The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 around the support shaft 31 .

[0041] The HGA 36 includes a base plate 45, a load beam 46, a flexure 47, and a magnetic head 48. The base plate 45 is attached to the front end of the arm 42. The load beam 46 is formed thinner than the base plate 45 and extends from the base plate 45.

[0042] The flexible member 47 is formed in a long and narrow strip shape. In addition, the shape of the flexible member 47 is not limited to this example. The flexible member 47 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) having a metal plate (lining layer) such as stainless steel, an insulating layer (base layer) formed on the metal plate, a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer to form a plurality of wirings (wiring patterns), and an insulating layer (cover layer) covering the conductive layer.

[0043] A gimbal portion (elastic support portion) that is located on the load beam 46 and can be displaced is provided at one end of the flexure 47. The magnetic head 48 is mounted on the gimbal portion of the flexure 47. The magnetic head 48 records and reproduces information on the recording layer of the magnetic disk 12. In other words, the magnetic head 48 reads and writes information on the magnetic disk 12.

[0044] The VCM 15 rotates the carriage 35 to place the magnetic head 48 at a desired position on the magnetic disk 12. When the magnetic head 48 moves to the outermost periphery of the magnetic disk 12, the ramp load mechanism 16 holds the magnetic head 48 at an unload position separated from the magnetic disk 12.

[0045] The FPC 37 is connected to the other end of the flexure 47. For example, a plurality of flexures 47 are connected to the FPC 37. Thus, the FPC 37 is electrically connected to the plurality of magnetic heads 48 via the wirings of the plurality of flexures 47.

[0046] The PCB 17 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate, and is a multi-layer substrate or a build-up substrate. The PCB 17 is disposed outside the housing 11 and mounted on the bottom wall 25 of the base 21. The PCB 17 is mounted on the bottom wall 25, for example, by a plurality of screws.

[0047] The HDD 10 further includes, for example, an interface (I / F) connector 51, a controller 52, and a relay connector 53. The I / F connector 51, the controller 52, and the relay connector 53 are mounted on the PCB 17. In addition, other components may be mounted on the PCB 17.

[0048] The I / F connector 51 is a connector conforming to an interface standard such as Serial ATA (SATA), and is connected to an I / F connector of a host computer. The controller 52 is, for example, a system on chip (SoC), and has a read / write channel (RWC), a hard disk controller (HDC), and a processor.

[0049] The relay connector 53 is electrically connected to various components arranged inside the housing 11 through a connector provided on the bottom wall 25, for example. Thus, the PCB 17 is electrically connected to the spindle motor 13, the VCM 15, the FPC 37, and the magnetic head 48 arranged inside the housing 11.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an exemplary FPC 37 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the FPC 37 is formed into a substantially L-shaped strip in a natural state when it is removed from other components and no external force is applied. The shape of the FPC 37 is not limited to this example. The FPC 37 includes a first connection portion 61 , a second connection portion 62 , and an intermediate portion 63 .

[0051] The first connection portion 61 is provided, for example, at one end portion of the FPC 37 in the direction in which the FPC 37 extends. The first connection portion 61 is attached to the actuator block 41 by, for example, screws. The first connection portion 61 is electrically connected to the flexure 47 .

[0052] The second connection portion 62 is provided at the other end of the FPC 37 in the direction in which the FPC 37 extends. The second connection portion 62 is attached to the bottom wall 25 by screws, for example. The second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53 via a connector provided on the bottom wall 25, for example.

[0053] The intermediate portion 63 is provided between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The intermediate portion 63 extends in a belt shape, and is bent between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 in accordance with the rotation of the actuator block 41.

[0054] As shown in the figures, in this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are defined for convenience. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is set along the width of the middle part 63 in the natural state. The Y-axis is set along the length of the middle part 63 in the natural state. The Z-axis is set along the thickness of the FPC 18 in the natural state.

[0055] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis, including the +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X axis, and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the X axis. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis, including the +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y axis, and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the Y axis. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis, including the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z axis, and the -Z direction which is the opposite direction of the arrow of the Z axis.

[0056] The first connection portion 61 is connected to the end of the middle portion 63 in the +Y direction and extends from the end toward the +Y direction. The second connection portion 62 is connected to the end of the middle portion 63 in the -Y direction and extends from the end toward the +X direction. The first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62 are not limited to this example.

[0057] The HDD 10 further includes a plurality of preamplifiers 65 , a relay connector 66 , and a plurality of reinforcing plates 67 . The relay connector 66 is an example of a connector. The preamplifier 65 and the relay connector 66 are mounted on the FPC 37 .

[0058] The preamplifier 65 is mounted on the first connection portion 61. The preamplifier 65 is electrically connected to the flexure 47 via, for example, wiring and pads of the FPC 37. The preamplifier 65 amplifies a write signal and sends it to the magnetic head 48, and amplifies a read signal received from the magnetic head 48.

[0059] The relay connector 66 is mounted on the second connection portion 62. The relay connector 66 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53 via a connector provided on the bottom wall 25, for example. Thus, the second connection portion 62 is electrically connected to the PCB 17. Alternatively, the relay connector 66 may be directly connected to the relay connector 53.

[0060] The reinforcing plate 67 is made of metal such as aluminum or synthetic resin, and is formed in a plate shape. The reinforcing plate 67 is not limited to this example. A plurality of reinforcing plates 67 are attached to the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62 .

[0061] The rigidity of the reinforcing plate 67 is higher than the rigidity of the FPC 37. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 67 improves the rigidity of the first connecting portion 61 and the second connecting portion 62. The intermediate portion 63 is not attached to the reinforcing plate 67 and is flexible.

[0062] Figure 3 It is an exemplary perspective view showing the relay connector 66 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 It is an illustrative plan view showing the relay connector 66 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The F5-F5 line shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the FPC 37 has a mounting surface 71, a back surface 72, and a plurality of pads 73. The pads 73 may also be referred to as connection pads or electrodes. The mounting surface 71 is a surface of one side of the FPC 37, facing approximately in the +Z direction. The back surface 72 is located on the opposite side of the mounting surface 71 and is mounted on the reinforcing plate 67.

[0064] The plurality of pads 73 are provided on the mounting surface 71. The mounting surface 71 is formed, for example, by a portion of a conductive layer forming the plurality of pads 73 and an insulating cover layer partially covering the conductive layer. The mounting surface 71 is not limited to this example. The plurality of pads 73 are arranged in two rows in the Y direction, for example.

[0065] At least one of the plurality of pads 73 is electrically connected to the preamplifier 65 via wiring of the conductive layer. The pads 73 are not limited to this example. For example, at least one of the plurality of pads 73 may be electrically connected to the VCM 15 or the ground plane.

[0066] The FPC 37 is provided with a hole 75. The hole 75 is located between the plurality of pads 73 forming one row and the plurality of pads 73 forming another row in the X direction. The hole 75 passes through the FPC 37 and opens on the mounting surface 71 and the back surface 72. The reinforcing plate 67 is also provided with a hole 76. The hole 76 passes through the reinforcing plate 67 and communicates with the hole 75 of the FPC 37.

[0067] The relay connector 66 includes a housing 81 and a plurality of conductive wires 82 and 83. The conductive wires 82 and 83 may also be referred to as terminals. In the present embodiment, the conductive wire 82 is a specific example of a conductive wire. In addition, the conductive wire 83 may also be a specific example of a conductive wire.

[0068] The housing 81 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing 81 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped extending in the Y direction. That is, the Y direction is the longitudinal direction of the housing 81. In addition, the shape of the housing 81 is not limited to this example.

[0069] The housing 81 has Figure 5 The lower surface 91, the upper surface 92, the two side surfaces 93, and Figure 4 The two end surfaces 94 are shown. The lower surface 91 is an example of the first surface. The upper surface 92 is an example of the second surface. The side surface 93 is an example of the third surface and the fourth surface. The end surface 94 is an example of the fifth surface.

[0070] The lower surface 91 , the upper surface 92 , and the two side surfaces 93 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending along the longitudinal direction, that is, the direction Y. The shapes of the lower surface 91 , the upper surface 92 , and the side surfaces 93 are not limited to this example.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower surface 91 is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the -Z direction. In addition, the lower surface 91 may be provided with projections and depressions. The lower surface 91 of the housing 81 and the mounting surface 71 of the FPC 37 face each other with a gap G therebetween. Furthermore, the lower surface 91 faces the hole 75 of the FPC 37.

[0072] The upper surface 92 is located on the opposite side of the lower surface 91. The upper surface 92 is farther from the FPC 37 than the lower surface 91. The upper surface 92 is formed substantially flat and faces substantially the +Z direction. In the X direction, the length (width) of the upper surface 92 is longer than the length (width) of the lower surface 91. In addition, the widths of the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 are not limited to this example.

[0073] The two side surfaces 93 are provided at both ends of the housing 81 in the X direction. The two side surfaces 93 extend from both ends of the upper surface 92 in the X direction toward the substantially −Z direction. The two side surfaces 93 are formed substantially flat.

[0074] One side surface 93 faces approximately in the +X direction. The other side surface 93 faces approximately in the -X direction. That is, the side surface 93 faces a direction different from the -Z direction that the lower surface 91 faces. In addition, the side surface 93 may face a direction different from the X direction.

[0075] A cutout 95 is provided at a corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93. In other words, the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93 are connected via the cutout 95. Therefore, the side surface 93 is provided between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. In the present embodiment, the cutout 95 is provided at substantially the entire area of ​​the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93, and extends along the Y direction. In addition, the cutout 95 may also be provided at a portion of the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93.

[0076] The cutout 95 is concave in an arc shape toward the inside of the housing 81. By providing the cutout 95, a concave surface 96, which is a substantially cylindrical curved surface concave toward the inside of the housing 81, is provided between the end of the lower surface 91 in the X direction and the end of the side surface 93 in the -Z direction. The concave surface 96 forms (defines, divides) the cutout 95.

[0077] The cutout 95 and the concave surface 96 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the concave surface 96 may be a surface (chamfer) extending obliquely with respect to the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93 , or may be a substantially cylindrical curved surface protruding toward the outside of the housing 81 .

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, two end surfaces 94 are provided at both ends of the housing 81 in the Y direction. The two end surfaces 94 are formed substantially flat. One end surface 94 faces substantially in the +Y direction. The other end surface 94 faces substantially in the -Y direction.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, two through holes 101 and 102 and a plurality of fixing holes 103 are provided in the housing 81. In this embodiment, the through hole 101 is a specific example of a through hole. In addition, the through hole 102 can also be a specific example of a through hole.

[0080] The two through holes 101 and 102 are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are formed in mirror symmetry with each other. The two through holes 101 and 102 have a pin insertion portion 105 and a connector insertion portion 106, respectively.

[0081] The pin insertion portion 105 opens on the lower surface 91. The pin insertion portion 105 extends, for example, substantially in the +Z direction from the lower surface 91. The connector insertion portion 106 opens on the upper surface 92. The connector insertion portion 106 extends, for example, substantially in the -Z direction from the upper surface 92.

[0082] The end of the pin insertion portion 105 in the +Z direction and the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Z direction are connected to each other. Thus, the through holes 101 and 102 penetrate the housing 81 so as to open in the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92, respectively.

[0083] The pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106 extend in the Y direction. In other words, the length of the pin insertion portion 105 in the X direction and the Z direction is shorter than the length of the pin insertion portion 105 in the Y direction. In addition, the length of the connector insertion portion 106 in the X direction and the Z direction is shorter than the length of the connector insertion portion 106 in the Y direction.

[0084] The housing 81 further includes a bottom surface 106a, two inner side surfaces 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d. The bottom surface 106a, two inner side surfaces 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and the protrusion 106d form (define, partition) a connector insertion portion 106 for two through holes 101 and 102.

[0085] The bottom surface 106a is provided at the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Z direction. The bottom surface 106a is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. The bottom surface 106a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the +Z direction.

[0086] The two inner side surfaces 106b extend from both ends of the bottom surface 106a in the X direction toward the approximately +Z direction. One inner side surface 106b is provided at the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the +X direction and faces the approximately -X direction. The other inner side surface 106b is provided at the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -X direction and faces the approximately +X direction. The two inner side surfaces 106b face each other.

[0087] The two inner end faces 106c extend from both ends of the bottom face 106a in the Y direction in the approximate +Z direction. One inner end face 106c is provided at the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the +Y direction and faces the approximate -Y direction. The other inner end face 106c is provided at the end of the connector insertion portion 106 in the -Y direction and faces the approximate +Y direction. The two inner end faces 106c face each other.

[0088] The protrusion 106d protrudes from the bottom surface 106a in the approximate +Z direction at a position separated from the two inner side surfaces 106b and the two inner end surfaces 106c. The end of the protrusion 106d in the +Z direction is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. In addition, the end of the protrusion 106d in the +Z direction may be located at the same position as the upper surface 92 in the Z direction, or may be further away from the lower surface 91 than the upper surface 92.

[0089] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 101 is formed (defined, divided) by a bottom surface 106a, one inner side surface 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d. The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 102 is formed by a bottom surface 106a, another inner side surface 106b, two inner end surfaces 106c, and a protrusion 106d.

[0090] The connector insertion portions 106 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are connected to each other between the inner end surface 106c and the protrusion 106d. In addition, the connector insertion portions 106 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are also connected to each other between the upper surface 92 and the protrusion 106d. In addition, the two through holes 101 and 102 may be separated from each other.

[0091] The pin insertion portion 105 opens on the bottom surface 106a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the pin insertion portion 105 opened on the bottom surface 106a is smaller than the bottom surface 106a. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pin insertion portion 105 and the size of the bottom surface 106a can be set to be the same, and the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106 can also be integrated.

[0092] The plurality of fixing holes 103 penetrate the housing 81 substantially along the Z direction in a manner of opening on the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. The plurality of fixing holes 103 are arranged in two rows in the Y direction. The two through holes 101 and 102 are located between the plurality of fixing holes 103 forming one row and the plurality of fixing holes 103 forming another row in the X direction.

[0093] The cross section of each of the plurality of fixing holes 103 is smaller than the cross section of the pin insertion portion 105 and smaller than the cross section of the connector insertion portion 106. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the fixing hole 103 is formed into a square or a perfect circle. In addition, the cross section of the fixing hole 103 is not limited to this example.

[0094] The plurality of wires 82 and 83 are made of a conductor such as metal. The plurality of wires 82 and 83 are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are formed to be mirror-symmetrical with each other. The plurality of wires 82 and 83 each have an external pin 111, an internal pin 112, and a press-in pin 113. The external pin 111 is an example of a second terminal and an external terminal. The internal pin 112 is an example of a first terminal and an internal terminal. The press-in pin 113 is an example of a fixing portion.

[0095] The external pin 111 is located outside the housing 81. Specifically, the external pin 111 is located outside the through holes 101 and 102, and is at least partially located between the housing 81 and the FPC 37. Therefore, the lower surface 91 of the housing 81 faces the external pin 111. In addition, a part of the external pin 111 may be located inside the housing 81.

[0096] The external pin 111 includes a base 115, a joint 116, and an inclined portion 117. The joint 116 is an example of a second portion. The inclined portion 117 is an example of a third portion. The entire base 115 is located between the housing 81 and the FPC 37. The base 115 is not limited to this example.

[0097] The base 115 includes a first connection portion 115a, a second connection portion 115b, and an intermediate portion 115c. The second connection portion 115b is an example of the first portion. The first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend substantially along the X direction. That is, the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend along the lower surface 91 of the housing 81.

[0098] The first connection portion 115a is closer to the pin insertion portion 105 than the second connection portion 115b. The second connection portion 115b is closer to the notch 95 and the fixing hole 103 than the first connection portion 115a. Furthermore, the first connection portion 115a is farther from the lower surface 91 of the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b. That is, the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b extend substantially parallel to each other. The intermediate portion 115c extends obliquely with respect to the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b between one end portion of the first connection portion 115a and one end portion of the second connection portion 115b.

[0099] The joint portion 116 is farther from the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b of the base portion 115. Specifically, the joint portion 116 is farther from the center of the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b in the X direction. Furthermore, the joint portion 116 is farther from the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b in the Z direction. Furthermore, in the Z direction, the joint portion 116 is farther from the housing 81 than the first connection portion 115a. The joint portion 116 is located at the end of the relay connector 66 in the -Z direction.

[0100] The joint portion 116 extends substantially in the X direction. Therefore, the joint portion 116 extends substantially parallel to the first connection portion 115a and the second connection portion 115b of the base portion 115. The inclined portion 117 is provided between the other end of the second connection portion 115b and one end of the joint portion 116, and extends obliquely relative to the second connection portion 115b and the joint portion 116.

[0101] like Figure 4 In this way, in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface 92 (in Figure 4 In the projection diagram observed in the -Z direction (in the center), the external pin 111 extends across the cutout 95. In this projection diagram, the cutout 95 is located between at least a portion of the base 115 and at least a portion of the engagement portion 116.

[0102] Furthermore, in the projection viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 92, the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 are separated from the lower surface 91. In other words, the lower surface 91 does not overlap with the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117. In the present embodiment, the base 115 overlaps with the lower surface 91. Alternatively, the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 may overlap with the lower surface 91.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner pin 112 protrudes from the other end of the first connection portion 115a substantially in the +Z direction. In other words, the inner pin 112 and the first connection portion 115a are connected to each other.

[0104] The inner pin 112 of the lead wire 82 is received in the through hole 101 of the housing 81. The inner pin 112 of the lead wire 83 is received in the through hole 102. The inner pin 112 passes through the pin insertion portion 105. The inner pin 112 extends along the protrusion 106d in the connector insertion portion 106. In addition, the inner pin 112 is not limited to this example.

[0105] The press-in pin 113 protrudes from the second connection portion 115b in the substantially +Z direction. That is, the press-in pin 113 protrudes from the base 115 at a position separated from the inner pin 112. In other words, the press-in pin 113 is connected to the base 115 at a position separated from the inner pin 112.

[0106] The inner pin 112 and the press-in pin 113 protrude substantially in parallel from the base 115. In the Z direction, the length of the inner pin 112 protruding from the base 115 is longer than the length of the press-in pin 113 protruding from the base 115. The lengths of the inner pin 112 and the press-in pin 113 are not limited to this example.

[0107] The press-fit pins 113 of the plurality of wires 82 and 83 are press-fitted into the plurality of fixing holes 103. Thus, the press-fit pins 113 are fixed to the housing 81. The wires 82 and 83 are attached to the housing 81 with the base 115 separated from the housing 81. Alternatively, the base 115 may be in contact with the housing 81.

[0108] The plurality of conductive wires 82 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The Y direction is a direction along the upper surface 92 and is an example of a first direction. The press-fit pins 113 of the plurality of conductive wires 82 are press-fitted into the fixing holes 103 forming one row.

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner pins 112 of the plurality of conductive wires 82 are accommodated in one through hole 101. Therefore, the inner pins 112 of the plurality of conductive wires 82 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction inside the one through hole 101.

[0110] The inner pins 112 of the plurality of wires 82 are surrounded by the edge 105a of the pin insertion portion 105 provided on the lower surface 91. The edge 105a is an annular edge. That is, the pin insertion portion 105 is an undivided hole near the lower surface 91. The inner pins 112 of the plurality of wires 82 extend through the undivided pin insertion portion 105.

[0111] The plurality of conductive wires 83 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The press-fit pins 113 of the plurality of conductive wires 83 are press-fitted into the fixing holes 103 forming another row. The inner pins 112 of the plurality of conductive wires 83 are accommodated in one through hole 102 .

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown, the external pins 111 of the plurality of wires 82 and 83 are joined to the plurality of pads 73, for example, by solder S. Thus, the relay connector 66 is mounted on the FPC 37. The external pins 111 are electrically connected to, for example, the preamplifier 65 via wiring of the FPC 37.

[0113] The connector provided on the bottom wall 25 is connected to the relay connector 66, thereby bringing the terminal into contact with the inner pin 112. Thus, the relay connector 66 is electrically connected to the relay connector 53 mounted on the PCB 17 via the connector provided on the bottom wall 25.

[0114] The following is a part of the method for mounting the relay connector 66 on the FPC 37. The method for mounting the relay connector 66 on the FPC 37 is not limited to the following method, and other methods may be used. First, solder paste (solder S) is supplied to the pad 73, for example, by printing or coating. Then, the relay connector 66 is mounted on the pad 73.

[0115] Next, the FPC 37 is heated in a reflow furnace to melt the solder paste, thereby bonding the joint portion 116 of the relay connector 66 to the pad 73. At this time, the flux mixed in the solder S or supplied separately may flow out of the solder S.

[0116] Next, the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 are cleaned, for example, by ultrasonic cleaning. For example, the FPC 37 is placed in a tank filled with a cleaning liquid C. Figure 5 As shown by the middle arrow, the cleaning liquid C flows into the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81 , for example.

[0117] The external pin 111 is located outside the housing 81 and is interposed between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. Therefore, the external pin 111 expands the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. The cleaning liquid C can flow smoothly in the gap G.

[0118] The cutout 95 allows the outer pin 111 to be more exposed. Therefore, a larger portion of the outer pin 111 is exposed to the cleaning liquid C. Furthermore, the cutout 95 promotes the cleaning liquid C to flow into the gap G.

[0119] In addition, the cutout 95 suppresses the formation of a narrow wedge-shaped gap between the housing 81 and the inclined portion 117. Generally, the flux approaches the housing 81 along the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 by, for example, surface tension. In other words, the flux rises along the inclined portion 117. The flux that has penetrated into the wedge-shaped gap is difficult to remove. However, in this embodiment, since the formation of the wedge-shaped gap is suppressed, the flux residue can be suppressed.

[0120] The cleaning liquid C flows into the through holes 101 and 102 from the pin insertion portion 105. The pin insertion portion 105 is formed large so as to accommodate the inner pin 112 of the plurality of wires 82 or 83. Therefore, the cleaning liquid C can flow into the through holes 101 and 102 smoothly.

[0121] Substances that may contaminate the HDD 10, such as flux, may exist inside the through holes 101, 102 or adhere to the internal pins 112. However, the cleaning liquid C that flows smoothly through the through holes 101, 102 can more reliably remove the substances. The cleaning liquid C that has cleaned the inside of the housing 81 is discharged to the outside of the housing 81 from, for example, the connector insertion portion 106.

[0122] The cleaning liquid C may also be discharged from the gap G through the holes 75 and 76 of the FPC 37 and the reinforcing plate 67. The flow of the cleaning liquid C is not limited to the above description. Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 For example, the cleaning liquid C may flow from the connector insertion portion 106 into the through holes 101 and 102 , or may flow from the holes 75 and 76 into the gap G.

[0123] When the ultrasonic cleaning is completed, the FPC 37 is removed from the cleaning liquid C. At this time, the cleaning liquid C is discharged through at least one of the gap G, the through holes 101 and 102 , and the holes 75 and 76 .

[0124] For example, the cleaning liquid C transmits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves float the flux attached to the wires 82 and 83 or present inside the housing 81. After that, the cleaning liquid C is discharged together with the flux as described above. In the above, the attachment of the relay connector 66 to the FPC 37 is completed.

[0125] In the HDD 10 of the first embodiment described above, the housing 81 has a lower surface 91 and an upper surface 92 located on the opposite side of the lower surface 91. The housing 81 is provided with a through hole 101 that opens on the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92. The plurality of wires 82 each have an internal pin 112 that is received in the through hole 101. That is, the internal pins 112 of the plurality of wires 82 are received in one through hole 101. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole 101 becomes larger than in a case where the internal pin 112 of one wire 82 is received in one through hole 101. Therefore, for example, when the relay connector 66 is mounted on the FPC 37 in such a manner that the lower surface 91 faces the FPC 37, and then the relay connector 66 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid C, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly in the through hole 101. Compared to the case where the flow of the cleaning liquid C in the through hole 101 is blocked, the cleaning liquid C can more reliably clean, for example, the inside of the through hole 101, the gap between the lead 82 and the housing 81, and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can suppress, for example, the inside of the relay connector 66 and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81 from being contaminated by substances such as residual flux.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the HDD 10 is a large-capacity HDD having more than ten magnetic disks 12. The interior of the housing 11 is hermetically sealed and filled with a gas different from air, such as helium. In such an HDD 10, when the interior of the housing 11 is contaminated by a substance such as flux, the movement of the magnetic head 48 may be hindered by the substance. However, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can suppress the movement of the magnetic head 48 from being hindered by suppressing contamination more reliably.

[0127] The plurality of wires 82 each have an external pin 111 located outside the through hole 101 and connected to the internal pin 112. The lower surface 91 faces the external pin 111. That is, the external pin 111 is sandwiched between the FPC 37 to which the relay connector 66 is mounted and the housing 81. Thus, the housing 81 is separated from the FPC 37 compared to the case where the external pin 111 is buried inside the housing 81. Therefore, the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 is enlarged, and the cleaning liquid C can more reliably clean the gap G. For example, even if there are irregularities on the lower surface 91, the cleaning liquid C can more reliably clean the irregularities on the lower surface 91.

[0128] The housing 81 has a side surface 93 facing the X direction which is different from the -Z direction facing the lower surface 91. A notch 95 is provided at the corner between the lower surface 91 and the side surface 93. In the projection diagram observed from the Z direction orthogonal to the upper surface 92, the external pin 111 extends across the notch 95. As a result, the external pin 111 is exposed to a greater extent than when the notch 95 is not provided in the housing 81. In other words, the gap between the external pin 111 and the housing 81 where a substance such as flux is likely to remain is reduced. Furthermore, the housing 81 can make it easier for the cleaning liquid C for cleaning the relay connector 66 to enter the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 than when the notch 95 is not provided. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0129] The external pin 111 includes a second connection portion 115b, a joint portion 116, and an inclined portion 117. The second connection portion 115b extends along the lower surface 91. The joint portion 116 is farther from the housing 81 than the second connection portion 115b. The inclined portion 117 is provided between the second connection portion 115b and the joint portion 116 and extends obliquely relative to the second connection portion 115b. In the projection diagram observed from the Z direction orthogonal to the upper surface 92, the joint portion 116 and the inclined portion 117 are away from the lower surface 91. For example, when the inclined portion 117 extending obliquely overlaps the lower surface 91, a gap with a narrowed tip in which a substance such as flux is easily retained may be generated between the inclined portion 117 and the lower surface 91. However, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment is that since the inclined portion 117 is separated from the lower surface 91, the generation of the gap can be suppressed, and the contamination caused by a substance such as flux can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, the flux generally rises along the inclined portion 117 extending obliquely. However, by providing the cutout 95, the housing 81 is separated from the inclined portion 117. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of this embodiment can suppress the flux from penetrating into the interior of the housing 81, and can more reliably suppress contamination caused by the flux.

[0130] The external pin 111 is separated from the housing 81. As a result, the gap between the external pin 111 and the housing 81 becomes larger, and the cleaning liquid C easily flows in the gap. In addition, when the external pin 111 is engaged with the FPC 37, the distance between the housing 81 and the FPC 37 becomes larger. Therefore, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly in the gap G between the housing 81 and the FPC 37, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably.

[0131] The FPC 37 has a mounting surface 71 facing the lower surface 91, and a plurality of pads 73 provided on the mounting surface 71 and connected to the plurality of wires 82. Therefore, when the relay connector 66 is mounted on the FPC 37 and then the relay connector 66 is cleaned by the cleaning liquid C, as described above, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly in the through hole 101. Therefore, the HDD 10 of the present embodiment can suppress contamination of the inside of the relay connector 66 and the gap G between the FPC 37 and the housing 81 by substances such as residual flux, for example.

[0132] (Second embodiment)

[0133] Below, refer to Figures 6 to 8 The second embodiment is described. In the following description of the embodiments, a component having the same function as a component already described is sometimes marked with the same symbol as the component already described, and further description is omitted. In addition, multiple components marked with the same symbol are not limited to having all the functions and properties in common, and may also have different functions and properties corresponding to each embodiment.

[0134] Figure 6 It is an exemplary perspective view showing the relay connector 66 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 It is an illustrative plan view showing the relay connector 66 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The F8-F8 line in FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 according to the second embodiment.

[0135] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay connector 66 of the second embodiment includes a housing 201 instead of the housing 81. The housing 201 is substantially the same as the housing 81 except for the following points.

[0136] Two first branch holes 205 and two second branch holes 206 are provided in the housing 201. Alternatively, only one of the first branch hole 205 and the second branch hole 206 may be provided in the housing 201. The number of the first branch hole 205 and the second branch hole 206 is not limited to this example.

[0137] The first branch hole 205 on one side opens on the side surface 93 on one side and the inner side surface 106b on one side, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 101. The first branch hole 205 on the other side opens on the side surface 93 on the other side and the inner side surface 106b on the other side, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 102. That is, the first branch hole 205 communicates with the outside of the housing 81 at a position farther from the FPC 37 than the lower surface 91.

[0138] The two first branch holes 205 extend in the Y direction, respectively. In the Y direction, the length of the first branch hole 205 is longer than the length of the row formed by the plurality of conductive wires 202. The size of the first branch hole 205 is not limited to this example.

[0139] The first branch hole 205 is separated from the lower surface 91, the upper surface 92, and the cutout 95. The first branch hole 205 communicates with the plurality of fixing holes 103. Alternatively, the first branch hole 205 may be separated from the fixing holes 103.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the second branch hole 206 on one side opens on one end surface 94 and one inner end surface 106c, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through holes 101, 102. The second branch hole 206 on the other side opens on the other end surface 94 and the other inner end surface 106c, and communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through holes 101, 102.

[0141] In the second embodiment, the protrusion 106d is connected to the inner end surface 106c. Furthermore, the cross section of the second branch hole 206 is substantially equal to the cross section of the connector insertion portion 106 of the through holes 101 and 102. Therefore, the second branch hole 206 is integrated with the connector insertion portion 106. According to other descriptions, the through holes 101 and 102 of the second embodiment also open on the end surface 94. In addition, the cross section of the second branch hole 206 may also be different from the cross section of the connector insertion portion 106.

[0142] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the second embodiment, each of the plurality of conductive wires 82 and 83 includes a press-in pin 211 instead of the press-in pin 113. The press-in pin 211 is substantially the same as the press-in pin 113 except for the following aspects.

[0143] In the Z direction, the length of the press-fit pin 211 protruding from the base 115 is longer than the length of the inner pin 112 protruding from the base 115 . The front end of the press-fit pin 211 is located inside the fixing hole 103 .

[0144] The press-in pins 211 of the plurality of wires 82 and 83 penetrate the first branch hole 205 substantially in the Z direction. In other words, a part of the press-in pins 211 of the plurality of wires 82 is arranged in the Y direction at intervals in one first branch hole 205. Furthermore, a part of the press-in pins 211 of the plurality of wires 83 is arranged in the Y direction at intervals in the other first branch hole 205. In addition, when the wires 82 and 83 have the press-in pins 113, the press-in pins 113 may be separated from the first branch hole 205.

[0145] When the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 are ultrasonically cleaned, a portion of the cleaning liquid C is discharged from the through holes 101 and 102 through the first branch hole 205. Another portion of the cleaning liquid C is discharged from the through holes 101 and 102 through the second branch hole 206. The flow of the cleaning liquid C is not limited to this example.

[0146] In the HDD 10 of the second embodiment described above, the plurality of wires 82 are arranged in the Y direction along the upper surface 92. The housing 201 has a side surface 93 provided between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 and extending in the Y direction. The housing 201 is provided with a first branch hole 205 that opens on the side surface 93 and communicates with the through hole 101. Thus, the cleaning liquid C flows in the first branch hole 205 in addition to the through hole 101, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0147] The plurality of conductors 82 each have a press-in pin 211. The press-in pin 211 is connected to the external pin 111 at a position away from the internal pin 112 and is fixed to the housing 201. In the Z direction to which the upper surface 92 is directed, the press-in pin 211 is longer than the internal pin 112. Therefore, the housing 201 is easily fixed to the press-in pin 211 at a position farther away from the external pin 111 than when the press-in pin 211 is shorter. Thus, when the external pin 111 is engaged with the FPC 37, the distance between the housing 201 and the FPC 37 becomes larger. Through the above, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly in the gap G between the housing 201 and the FPC 37, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably.

[0148] The plurality of wires 82 are arranged in the Y direction along the upper surface 92. The housing 201 has an end surface 94 provided at the end of the housing 201 along the Y direction. The housing 201 is provided with a second branch hole 206 that opens on the end surface 94 and communicates with the through hole 101. Thus, the cleaning liquid C can flow in the second branch hole 206 in addition to the through hole 101, and the relay connector 66 can be cleaned more reliably. Therefore, the relay connector 66 of the present embodiment can be more reliably prevented from being contaminated.

[0149] (Third embodiment)

[0150] Below, refer to Fig. 9 A third embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the FPC 37 and the relay connector 66 of the third embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay connector 66 of the third embodiment includes a housing 301 instead of the housing 201. The housing 301 is substantially the same as the housing 201 except for the following points.

[0151] The housing 301 further includes a protrusion 311. The protrusion 311 protrudes substantially in the -Z direction from the lower surface 91. In the X direction, at least a portion of the protrusion 311 is located between the plurality of wires 82 and the plurality of wires 83.

[0152] The protrusion 311 has a lower end surface 315. The lower end surface 315 is an example of the sixth surface. The lower end surface 315 is provided at the end of the protrusion 311 in the -Z direction. In the present embodiment, the lower end surface 315 is located at the end of the housing 81 in the -Z direction.

[0153] The lower end surface 315 is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the −Z direction. The lower end surface 315 is at least partially in contact with the mounting surface 71 of the FPC 37. On the other hand, the lower surface 91 is farther from the FPC 37 than the lower end surface 315.

[0154] In the HDD 10 of the third embodiment described above, the housing 301 has the lower end surface 315 in contact with the FPC 37. The lower surface 91 is farther from the FPC 37 than the lower end surface 315. That is, the through hole 101 opened in the lower surface 91 is not blocked by the FPC 37. Therefore, the cleaning liquid C can flow more smoothly in the through hole 101.

[0155] (Fourth embodiment)

[0156] Below, refer to Fig.10 A fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.10 FIG. 2 is an illustrative plan view showing a relay connector 66 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the relay connector 66 of the fourth embodiment includes a housing 401 instead of the housing 201. The housing 401 is substantially the same as the housing 201 except for the following points.

[0157] The housing 401 is provided with four through holes 411, 412, 413, 414 instead of the two through holes 101, 102. The through hole 411 is an example of a through hole and is substantially the same as the through holes 101, 102 except for the following aspects.

[0158] The through holes 411 and 412 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The through holes 413 and 414 are also arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The through holes 411 and 412 are adjacent to the through holes 413 and 414 in the X direction and are formed in mirror symmetry with each other.

[0159] The housing 401 further has two ribs 421 and 422. The rib 421 is provided between the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 411 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 412. That is, the rib 421 separates the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 411 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 412 from each other.

[0160] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 411 communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 412. In addition, the rib 421 may separate the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 411 from the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 412.

[0161] The rib 422 is provided between the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 413 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 414. The rib 422 separates the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 413 and the pin insertion portion 105 of the through hole 414 from each other.

[0162] The connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 413 communicates with the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 414. In addition, the rib 422 may separate the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 413 from the connector insertion portion 106 of the through hole 414.

[0163] The through hole 411 accommodates half of the plurality of wires 82. The through hole 412 accommodates the remaining half of the plurality of wires 82. The through hole 413 accommodates half of the plurality of wires 83. The through hole 414 accommodates the remaining half of the plurality of wires 83. The number of wires 82 and 83 accommodated in the through holes 411, 412, 413, and 414 is not limited to this example.

[0164] In the HDD 10 of the fourth embodiment described above, the two through holes 411 and 412 are arranged in the Y direction. The inner pins 112 of the plurality of wires 82 are accommodated in the through hole 411. The inner pins 112 of another plurality of wires 82 are accommodated in the through hole 412. The housing 401 has a rib 421 that separates the two through holes 411 and 412. Thus, the strength of the housing 401 is improved.

[0165] (Fifth embodiment)

[0166] Below, refer to Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 A fifth embodiment will be described. Fig.11 It is an illustrative perspective view showing a relay connector 66 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.12 It is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a relay connector 66 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0167] The relay connector 66 of the fifth embodiment includes a housing 501 instead of the housing 201. The housing 501 is substantially the same as the housing 201 except for the following points.

[0168] The through holes 101 and 102 provided in the housing 501 include a pin insertion portion 511 and a connector insertion portion 512 instead of the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106. The pin insertion portion 511 and the connector insertion portion 512 are substantially the same as the pin insertion portion 105 and the connector insertion portion 106 except for the following aspects.

[0169] The housing 501 has a bottom surface 511a, two inner side surfaces 511b, two inner end surfaces 511c, and a protrusion 511d instead of the bottom surface 106a, the inner side surface 106b, the inner end surface 106c, and the protrusion 106d. The bottom surface 511a, the inner side surface 511b, the inner end surface 511c, and the protrusion 511d are substantially the same as the bottom surface 106a, the inner side surface 106b, the inner end surface 106c, and the protrusion 106d except for the following aspects.

[0170] The bottom surface 511a is provided at the end of the pin insertion portion 511 in the +Z direction. The bottom surface 511a is located between the lower surface 91 and the upper surface 92 in the Z direction. The bottom surface 511a is formed substantially flat and faces substantially in the -Z direction.

[0171] The two inner side surfaces 511b extend from both ends of the bottom surface 511a in the X direction substantially in the -Z direction. The two inner end surfaces 511c extend from both ends of the bottom surface 511a in the Y direction substantially in the -Z direction.

[0172] The protrusion 511d protrudes from the bottom surface 511a in the substantially -Z direction at a position away from the two inner side surfaces 511b. The protrusion 511d is connected to the inner end surface 511c. The end of the protrusion 511d in the -Z direction forms a part of the lower surface 91.

[0173] The pin insertion portion 511 of the through hole 101 is formed (defined, divided) by a bottom surface 511a, one inner side surface 511b, and a protrusion 511d. The connector insertion portion 512 of the through hole 102 is formed by a bottom surface 511a, the other inner side surface 511b, and a protrusion 511d.

[0174] The pin insertion portions 511 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are separated from each other by the protrusion 511d. Furthermore, the connector insertion portions 512 of the two through holes 101 and 102 are separated from each other.

[0175] The connector insertion portion 512 opens on the bottom surface 512a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connector insertion portion 512 opened on the bottom surface 512a is substantially equal to that of the bottom surface 512a. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector insertion portion 512 and the bottom surface 512a may be different in size.

[0176] The first branch hole 205 opens on the inner side surface 511b and communicates with the pin insertion portion 511. The second branch hole 206 opens on the inner end surface 511c and communicates with the pin insertion portion 511. The cross section of the second branch hole 206 is substantially equal to the cross section of the pin insertion portion 511. Therefore, the second branch hole 206 and the pin insertion portion 511 are integrated.

[0177] The inner pin 112 is received in the pin insertion portion 511. The inner pin 112 extends along the protrusion 511d in the pin insertion portion 511. The terminal of the connector provided on the bottom wall 25 contacts the inner pin 112 of the pin insertion portion 511 through the connector insertion portion 512. In addition, the inner pin 112 may be partially received in the connector insertion portion 512.

[0178] In the housing 501 , the area of ​​the substantially flat upper surface 92 is larger than the area of ​​the substantially flat lower surface 91 . Therefore, when the relay connector 66 is mounted on the pad 73 , the mounter can easily suck and hold the upper surface 92 .

[0179] In the HDD 10 of the fifth embodiment described above, the area of ​​the flat upper surface 92 is larger than the area of ​​the flat lower surface 91. Thus, the relay connector 66 can be easily held when mounted on the FPC 37.

[0180] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of the patent claim and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. A connector having: A housing having a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, and having through holes opened on the first surface and the second surface; and The plurality of lead wires each have a first terminal received in the through hole.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of conductive wires are arranged in a first direction along the second surface. The housing includes a third surface provided between the first surface and the second surface and extending along the first direction, and includes a first branch hole opened on the third surface and communicating with the through hole.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of wires each have a second terminal located outside the through hole and connected to the first terminal. The first surface faces the second terminal.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The housing has a fourth surface facing a direction different from the direction facing the first surface, and a notch is provided at a corner between the first surface and the fourth surface. In a projection view seen from a direction perpendicular to the second surface, the second terminal extends across the cutout.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein: The second terminal includes a first portion extending along the first surface, a second portion farther from the housing than the first portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and extending obliquely relative to the first portion. In a projection diagram viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second surface, the second portion and the third portion are separated from the first surface.

6. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of wires each have a fixing portion connected to the second terminal at a position separated from the first terminal and fixed to the housing. The fixing portion is longer than the first terminal in the direction in which the second surface faces.

7. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The second terminal is separated from the housing.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of conductive wires are arranged in a first direction along the second surface. The housing has a fifth surface provided at an end portion of the housing in the first direction, and is provided with a second branch hole which opens on the fifth surface and communicates with the through hole.

9. A disk device comprising: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The substrate has a mounting surface facing the first surface and a plurality of pads provided on the mounting surface and to which the plurality of wires are bonded.

10. The disk device according to claim 9, wherein The housing has a sixth surface in contact with the substrate. The first surface is farther away from the substrate than the sixth surface.

11. A connector comprising: Housing; and A plurality of conductive wires each include an external terminal located outside the housing, an internal terminal protruding from the external terminal and housed in the housing, and a fixing portion protruding from the external terminal at a position separated from the internal terminal and fixed to the housing, wherein the length of the fixing portion protruding from the external terminal is longer than the length of the internal terminal protruding from the external terminal.

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