Connector and assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and an assembly. The connector has an insulator and a plurality of contacts. The insulator has a partition portion. A plurality of accommodating grooves are formed in the separation part; and the accommodating grooves are divided into two groups. And the positions of one group of accommodating grooves are different from those of the other group of accommodating grooves in the spacing direction. Each containing groove is provided with a containing part. In the width direction, the accommodating portion extends across the middle of the partition portion. The contacts are respectively corresponding to the accommodating grooves. Each contact is partially received in a respective receiving groove. Each contact has a distal end portion. When the connector is mated with a mating connector, the receiving portion of each receiving groove can at least partially receive the distal end portion of the corresponding contact. The size of the connector can be reduced in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a component having at least two contact rows and a partition. Background Art

[0002] JPB 7109303 (Patent Document 1) discloses this type of connector 900. Fig.34 As shown, the connector 900 of Patent Document 1 has a first housing 910, a fixed housing 920, and a plurality of first contacts 930 or a plurality of contacts 930. The first housing 910 has a partition wall 912 or a partition 912. All the contacts 930 form two contact rows. The partition 912 is positioned between the two contact rows along the Y direction or along the width direction.

[0003] A connector such as the connector 900 of Patent Document 1 needs to have a reduced size in the width direction. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of having a reduced size in a width direction.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention provides a connector that can be matched with a matching connector having matching contacts along a matching direction. The connector has an insulator and a plurality of contacts. The insulator holds each of the contacts. The insulator has a partition. The partition has opposing faces in a width direction perpendicular to the matching direction. The partition is formed with a plurality of receiving grooves. All of the receiving grooves are divided into two groups. The receiving grooves of each group are arranged along a pitch direction perpendicular to both the matching direction and the width direction. The receiving grooves of one of the two groups are located on one of the opposing faces of the partition. The receiving grooves of the other group of the two groups are located on the other of the opposing faces of the partition. The receiving grooves of one of the two groups are located at different positions from the receiving grooves of the other group in the pitch direction. Each of the receiving grooves has a receiving portion. In the width direction, the receiving portion extends across the middle of the partition. Each of the contacts corresponds to each of the receiving grooves. Each of the contacts is partially received in the corresponding receiving groove. All the contacts form two contact rows. Each contact has a contact point and a distal end portion. When the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other, the contact point contacts the mating contact. When the connector and the mating connector are mated, the receiving portion of each receiving groove can at least partially receive the distal end portion of the corresponding contact.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention (second aspect) provides a component, including the connector and the matching connector. The matching connector includes a matching insulator and a plurality of matching contacts. The matching insulator holds the matching contacts. The matching insulator has two outer walls. Each of the outer walls extends in the spacing direction. Each of the outer walls is formed with a plurality of matching accommodating portions. Each of the matching accommodating portions penetrates the outer wall along the width direction. The matching contacts form a matching contact row. The matching contact row includes an outermost contact row located at the outermost side of the matching contact row along the width direction. Each of the matching contacts has a matching distal end portion. The matching accommodating portion is capable of receiving the matching distal end portion of the matching contact of the outermost contact row when the connector is mated with the matching connector.

[0008] The connector of the present invention is configured as follows: the partition is formed with a plurality of receiving grooves; all the receiving grooves are divided into two groups; one group of receiving grooves is located at a different position from the other group of receiving grooves in the pitch direction; each receiving groove has a receiving portion; and, in the width direction, the receiving portion extends across the middle of the partition. This allows the partition of the connector of the present invention to have a reduced thickness in the width direction. Specifically, the connector of the present invention can have a reduced size in the width direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 1 is a front view of an assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the connector and the mating connector are in an unmated state where the connector and the mating connector do not mate with each other.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An AA cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another front view of the assembly shown. In this figure, the connector and the mating connector are in the middle stage of their mating process.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A BB cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another front view of the assembly shown. In this figure, the connector and the mating connector are in a mating state where the connector and the mating connector mate with each other.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A CC cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5A DD cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 is included in Figure 1 An upper perspective view of the connector in the assembly is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the connector is shown.

[0018] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A front view of the connector is shown.

[0019] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An EE cross-sectional view of the connector is shown.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A FF cross-sectional view of the connector is shown.

[0021] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 A side view of the connector is shown.

[0022] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of the connector is shown.

[0023] Fig.15 is included in Figure 8 A perspective view of contacts of a first contact row in a connector is shown.

[0024] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a variant of a contact is shown.

[0025] Fig.17 is included in Fig. 9 A top view of the movable housing in the connector is shown.

[0026] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A front view of the movable housing is shown.

[0027] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line GG of the movable housing is shown.

[0028] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along the HH line of the movable housing is shown.

[0029] Fig.21 is included in Figure 1 A lower perspective view of the mating connector in the assembly is shown.

[0030] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A bottom view of the mating connector is shown.

[0031] Fig.23 yes Fig.21 A front view of the mating connector is shown.

[0032] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 A cross-sectional view taken along line II of the mating connector is shown.

[0033] Fig.25 yes Fig.21 A top view of the mating connector is shown.

[0034] Fig.26 is included in Fig.21 A perspective view of mating contacts of a first mating contact row in a mating connector is shown.

[0035] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a connector included in an assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 A top view of the connector is shown.

[0037] Fig.29 yes Fig. 27 A front view of the connector is shown.

[0038] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A JJ sectional view of the connector is shown.

[0039] Fig.31 yes Fig. 27 A bottom view of the connector is shown.

[0040] Fig.32 is included in Fig. 27 A perspective view of a first contact of a first contact row in a connector is shown.

[0041] Fig.33 is included in Fig. 27 A perspective view of a second row of second contacts in a connector is shown.

[0042] Fig.34 This is a perspective view of the connector of Patent Document 1. In this figure, a part of the connector is enlarged and shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] (First embodiment)

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 100 and a mating connector 700 .

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the mating connector 700 of this embodiment can be mated with the connector 100 along the mating direction. Fig.21 , the matching connector 700 of the present embodiment is a plug connector. In the present embodiment, the matching direction is the Z direction. In addition, the matching direction is also referred to as the up-down direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the upward direction is the positive Z direction, and the downward direction is the negative Z direction.

[0046] like Fig.24 As shown, the mating connector 700 of this embodiment includes a mating insulator 710 and a plurality of mating contacts 750 .

[0047] See also Fig.24 The matching insulator 710 of this embodiment is made of an insulator. The matching insulator 710 holds the matching contacts 750. The matching insulator 710 has two outer walls 720.

[0048] like Fig. 22 As shown, each outer wall 720 of the present embodiment extends in the pitch direction. Each outer wall 720 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the width direction. The two outer walls 720 respectively define the opposite ends of the matching insulator 710 in the width direction. Each outer wall 720 is formed with a plurality of matching accommodating portions 722. In the present embodiment, the pitch direction is the X direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width direction is the Y direction. The width direction is also referred to as the front-to-back direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the forward direction is the positive Y direction, and the backward direction is the negative Y direction.

[0049] like Fig.24 As shown, each matching accommodation portion 722 of the present embodiment penetrates the outer wall 720 in the width direction. Each matching accommodation portion 722 is located at the lower end of the matching insulator 710 in the up-down direction.

[0050] like Fig.24 As shown, the matching insulator 710 has a separator receiving portion 712 .

[0051] like Fig.24 As shown, the partition receiving portion 712 of this embodiment is a space extending along the matching direction or along the up-down direction. The partition receiving portion 712 opens downward along the up-down direction.

[0052] Reference Fig.26 In this embodiment, each matching contact 750 is made of metal. Each matching contact 750 is a spring contact. Fig. 22As shown, all the matching contacts 750 form a plurality of matching contact rows 770. Specifically, all the matching contacts 750 form two matching contact rows 770. Hereinafter, one of the two matching contact rows 770 located at the front of the matching connector 700 is referred to as the first matching contact row 771, and the other matching contact row 770 located at the rear of the matching connector 700 is referred to as the second matching contact row 772. The matching contacts 750 of the first matching contact row 771 and the matching contacts 750 of the second matching contact row 772 have the same shape as each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, all the matching contacts 750 may form three or more matching contact rows 770. Each matching contact 750 corresponds to each matching accommodation portion 722, respectively.

[0053] like Fig.26 As shown, each mating contact 750 has a mating distal end 752. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, each mating accommodation portion 722 can receive the mating distal end portion 752 of the corresponding mating contact 750. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mating connector 700 should be configured as follows: the mating contact row 770 includes an outermost contact row located at the outermost side of all the mating contact rows 770 in the width direction; and when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the mating accommodation portion 722 can receive the mating distal end portion 752 of the mating contact 750 of the outermost contact row.

[0054] like Fig.26 As shown, each mating contact 750 has a mating contact point 754 , a mating support portion 756 , a mating holding portion 757 and a mating fixing portion 758 .

[0055] like Fig.24 As shown, the mating contact point 754 of this embodiment faces inward along the width direction. The mating contact point 754 is located above the mating distal end portion 752 in the up-down direction.

[0056] like Fig.24 As shown, the matching support portion 756 of this embodiment is located above the matching contact point 754 in the up-down direction. The matching support portion 756 extends downward from the matching holding portion 757 in the up-down direction. The matching support portion 756 is elastically deformable. The matching contact point 754 is supported by the matching support portion 756. In other words, the matching support portion 756 elastically supports the matching contact point 754. Therefore, the matching contact point 754 is movable in the width direction.

[0057] Reference Fig.24When the mating connector 700 is mounted on a circuit board, the mating fixing portion 758 of this embodiment is fixed on the circuit board (not shown) by welding or the like. The mating fixing portion 758 extends outwardly from the mating holding portion 757 in the width direction. The mating fixing portion 758 defines the upper end of the mating contact 750 in the up-down direction. The mating fixing portion 758 defines the outer end of the mating contact 750 in the width direction.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the connector 100 of this embodiment can be matched with the matching connector 700 having the matching contact 750 along the matching direction. The connector 100 of this embodiment is a socket connector with a floating structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the connector 100 can be a common socket connector without a floating structure, or can be a plug connector.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the connector 100 includes an insulator 200 and a plurality of contacts 500 .

[0060] See also Fig.11 The insulator 200 of the present embodiment is composed of an insulator. The insulator 200 holds each contact 500. The insulator 200 has a movable housing 210, a fixed housing 250 and a receiving portion 202.

[0061] like Fig.11 As shown, the movable housing 210 of the present embodiment has the partition 300. In other words, the insulator 200 has the partition 300.

[0062] like Fig.17 As shown, the partition 300 of this embodiment has a relative surface 310 along the width direction. The relative surface 310 includes a front face 312 and a rear face 314. The front face 312 is located in front of the rear face 314 in the front-to-back direction. The front face 312 points forward in the front-to-back direction. The rear face 314 points backward in the front-to-back direction. The partition 300 is formed with a plurality of accommodating grooves 330.

[0063] like Fig.11 As shown, each receiving groove 330 of this embodiment is recessed inwardly along the width direction. Each receiving groove 330 opens upward in the up-down direction. Each receiving groove 330 opens outwardly along the width direction. Each receiving groove 330 is connected to the receiving portion 202 in the width direction. Fig.17 As shown, all the receiving grooves 330 are arranged in a staggered configuration. All the receiving grooves 330 are divided into two groups G1 and G2. In this embodiment, the number of receiving grooves 330 in group G1 is equal to the number of receiving grooves 330 in group G2. The receiving grooves 330 in each group G1 and G2 are arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to the matching direction.

[0064] like Fig.17As shown, the receiving grooves 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 correspond to the receiving grooves 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2, respectively. The receiving grooves 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 are located on one of the opposite surfaces 310 of the partition 300. The receiving grooves 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 are located on the other of the opposite surfaces 310 of the partition 300. The positions of the receiving grooves 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 in the pitch direction are different from those of the receiving grooves 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2. The receiving grooves 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 occupy a first area in the pitch direction. The receiving grooves 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 occupy a second area in the pitch direction. The first area of ​​each receiving groove 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 overlaps with the second area of ​​one of the receiving grooves 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 in the pitch direction. More specifically, a first region of each receiving groove 330 of one of the groups G1 , G2 overlaps a second region of a corresponding receiving groove 330 of the other of the groups G1 , G2 in the pitch direction.

[0065] like Fig.17 As shown, each receiving groove 330 of group G1 corresponds to each receiving groove 330 of group G2. Each receiving groove 330 of group G1 is located on the front 312 of the partition 300. Each receiving groove 330 of group G2 is located on the rear 314 of the partition 300. The positions of each receiving groove 330 of group G1 and each receiving groove 330 of group G2 in the pitch direction are different. Each receiving groove 330 of group G1 occupies one area in the pitch direction. Each receiving groove 330 of group G2 occupies another area in the pitch direction. The area of ​​each receiving groove 330 of group G1 overlaps with the area of ​​one of the receiving grooves 330 of group G2 in the pitch direction. More specifically, the area of ​​each receiving groove 330 of group G1 overlaps with the area of ​​the corresponding receiving groove 330 of group G2 in the pitch direction.

[0066] like Fig.17 As shown, each receiving groove 330 has a receiving portion 332 .

[0067] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the receiving portion 332 of this embodiment defines the upper end of the receiving groove 330 in the up-down direction. The receiving portion 332 opens upward in the up-down direction. The receiving portion 332 is recessed inwardly along the width direction. The receiving portion 332 opens outwardly along the width direction.

[0068] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the receiving portion 332 extends across the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 in the width direction.

[0069] As described above, the position of the receiving groove 330 of one of the groups G1 and G2 in the pitch direction is different from the receiving groove 330 of the other group of the groups G1 and G2, and the receiving portion 332 extends across the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 in the width direction. This allows the partition 300 of the connector 100 of the present embodiment to have a reduced thickness in the width direction. Specifically, the connector 100 of the present embodiment can have a reduced size in the width direction.

[0070] More specifically, see Fig.17 and Fig.19 The receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of group G1 located on the front face 312 of the partition 300 extends through the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 toward the rear face 314 of the partition 300. That is, the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of group G1 does not reach the rear face 314 of the partition 300.

[0071] Also, see Fig.17 and Fig. 20 , the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of group G2 located on the rear surface 314 of the partition 300 extends through the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 toward the front surface 312 of the partition 300. That is, the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of group G2 does not reach the front surface 312 of the partition 300.

[0072] like Fig.17 As shown, the receiving portion 332 has a narrow portion 3322 and a wide portion 3326 .

[0073] like Fig.17 As shown, the narrow portion 3322 of this embodiment is located inside the wide portion 3326 in the width direction. The narrow portion 3322 defines the inner end of the receiving portion 332 in the width direction. The narrow portion 3322 is connected to the wide portion 3326 in the width direction. The narrow portion 3322 has an inner surface 3323. In other words, each receiving portion 332 does not penetrate the partition 300 in the width direction.

[0074] As described above, the insulator 200 of the present embodiment is configured so that each receiving portion 332 does not penetrate the partition 300 in the width direction. Therefore, when the insulator 200 of the present embodiment is molded, the molten resin can flow easily. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the receiving portion 332 may penetrate the partition 300 in the width direction.

[0075] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the inner surface 3323 defines the inner end of the narrow portion 3322 in the width direction. The inner surface 3323 faces outward in the width direction. The inner surface 3323 is a plane perpendicular to the width direction. Fig.17 and Fig.19The inner surface 3323 of the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of the group G1 is located behind the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 along the front-to-back direction. Fig.17 and Fig. 20 , the inner surface 3323 of the accommodating portion 332 of each accommodating groove 330 of the group G2 is positioned in front of the middle portion 320 of the partition 300 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0076] like Fig.17 As shown, the wide portion 3326 of this embodiment is located outside the narrow portion 3322 in the width direction. The wide portion 3326 defines the outer end of the accommodating portion 332 in the width direction. The size of a portion of the wide portion 3326 in the pitch direction decreases as the portion approaches the narrow portion 3322. Fig.19 As shown, the wide portion 3326 connects the narrow portion 3322 and the additional receiving portion 334 to each other.

[0077] like Fig.19 As shown, the receiving portion 332 has a first surface 3324 facing the matching direction. The first surface 3324 is inclined relative to the matching direction and the width direction. The first surface 3324 faces upward in the up-down direction and faces outward in the width direction. The first surface 3324 extends upward in the up-down direction and extends inward in the width direction.

[0078] like Fig.19 As shown, each receiving groove 330 further has an additional receiving portion 334 .

[0079] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the additional receiving portion 334 of this embodiment is positioned below the receiving portion 332 in the up-down direction. Figure 6 and Fig.11 The additional receiving portion 334 partially receives the support portion 540 when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700. Fig.19 As shown, the additional accommodation portion 334 has a second surface 3342 facing the matching direction. The second surface 3342 is inclined relative to the matching direction and the width direction. The second surface 3342 faces upward in the up-down direction and faces outward in the width direction. The second surface 3342 extends upward in the up-down direction and extends inward in the width direction. The first angle formed by the first surface 3324 and the matching direction is greater than the second angle formed by the second surface 3342 and the matching direction. The angle formed by the first surface 3324 and the width direction is smaller than the angle formed by the second surface 3342 and the width direction.

[0080] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20As shown, the movable housing 210 has a plurality of first holding portions 212. Each first holding portion 212 is positioned around the lower end of the movable housing 210 in the up-down direction. Each first holding portion 212 is located below the partition 300 in the up-down direction.

[0081] like Fig.19 As shown, the movable housing 210 has a base 214. The base 214 defines a lower end of the movable housing 210 in the up-down direction. The partition 300 extends upward from the base 214 in the up-down direction.

[0082] like Fig. 9 As shown, the fixed housing 250 defines the outer end of the insulator 200 in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The fixed housing 250 defines the opposite outer ends of the insulator 200 in a width direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The fixed housing 250 defines the opposite outer ends of the insulator 200 in a pitch direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the width direction. The partition 300 is surrounded by the fixed housing 250 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0083] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the fixed housing 250 has a plurality of second retaining portions 252. Each second retaining portion 252 is positioned around the lower end of the fixed housing 250 in the up-down direction. Each second retaining portion 252 is positioned around the outer end of the fixed housing 250 in the width direction.

[0084] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the receiving portion 202 of this embodiment opens upward along the up-down direction. The receiving portion 202 is surrounded by the fixed housing 250 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. Figure 6 As shown, when the connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated with each other, the receiving portion 202 receives a portion of the mating connector 700 .

[0085] refer to Fig.15 In this embodiment, each contact 500 is made of metal. Each contact 500 is a spring contact. Figure 6 As shown, when the connector 100 and the mating contact 750 are mated with each other, the contact 500 contacts the mating contact 750 at two points. When the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the mating contact point 754 contacts the contact 500. Fig. 9 As shown, the contacts 500 are arranged in a staggered configuration. All contacts 500 form two contact rows 600. Hereinafter, one of the contact rows 600 located at the front of the connector 100 is referred to as a first contact row 601, and the other contact row 600 located at the rear of the connector 100 is referred to as a second contact row 602. The contacts 500 of the first contact row 601 and the contacts 500 of the second contact row 602 have the same shape as each other.

[0086] like Fig. 9 As shown, each contact 500 corresponds to each receiving groove 330 . Each contact 500 is partially received in the corresponding receiving groove 330 .

[0087] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.17 , each contact 500 of the first contact row 601 corresponds to each receiving groove 330 of the group G1. Each contact 500 of the second contact row 602 corresponds to each receiving groove 330 of the group G2. Each contact 500 of the first contact row 601 is partially received in a corresponding receiving groove 330 of the group G1. Each contact 500 of the second contact row 602 is partially received in a corresponding receiving groove 330 of the group G2.

[0088] like Fig.15 As shown, each contact 500 has a contact point 510 and a distal end 530 .

[0089] like Fig. 9 As shown, the contact point 510 of this embodiment faces outward along the width direction. The contact point 510 is located in the receiving portion 202. The narrow portion 3322 of the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 is smaller than the contact point 510 of the corresponding contact 500. That is, in the pitch direction, the size of the narrow portion 3322 of the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 is smaller than the size of the contact point 510 of the corresponding contact 500. Figure 6 As shown, when the connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated with each other, the contact point 510 contacts the mating contact 750 .

[0090] like Fig.15 As shown, the distal end portion 530 of the present embodiment defines the free end of the contact 500. The distal end portion 530 is located at the upper end of the contact 500 in the up-down direction. In each contact 500, the distal end portion 530 is smaller than the contact point 510. More specifically, in each contact 500, the entire portion of the distal end portion 530 is smaller than the contact point 510. That is, in the pitch direction, the size of the distal end portion 530 is smaller than the size of the contact point 510.

[0091] like Figure 6As shown, when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 can receive the distal end portion 530 of the corresponding contact 500. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 should be able to at least partially receive the distal end portion 530 of the corresponding contact 500. When the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the narrow portion 3322 of the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 receives a portion of the distal end portion 530 of the corresponding contact 500. It is noted that when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the inner surface 3323 of the narrow portion 3322 of the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 does not contact the distal end portion 530 of the corresponding contact 500.

[0092] like Fig.15 As shown, each contact 500 also has a guide portion 520 .

[0093] like Fig.11 As shown, the guide portion 520 of this embodiment extends upward from the contact point 510 in the up-down direction and extends inward in the width direction. The guide portion 520 extends downward from the distal end portion 530 in the up-down direction and extends outward in the width direction. The guide portion 520 connects the contact point 510 and the distal end portion 530 to each other. The guide portion 520 intersects with the matching direction or the up-down direction. Fig.15 As shown, in each contact 500 , the distal portion 530 is smaller than the guide portion 520 . That is, in the pitch direction, the size of the distal portion 530 is smaller than the size of the guide portion 520 . The guide portion 520 has a main portion 5202 and a tapered portion 5204 .

[0094] like Fig.15 As shown, the main portion 5202 of this embodiment defines the outer end of the guide portion 520 in the width direction. The main portion 5202 connects the contact point 510 and the tapered portion 5204 to each other. The main portion 5202 has a constant size in the pitch direction. In the pitch direction, the size of the main portion 5202 is greater than the size of the distal end portion 530.

[0095] like Fig.15 As shown, the tapered portion 5204 of this embodiment defines the inner end of the guide portion 520 in the width direction. The tapered portion 5204 is connected to the distal portion 530. The tapered portion 5204 gradually tapers toward the distal portion 530.

[0096] like Fig.15 As shown, each contact 500 further has a supporting portion 540 .

[0097] like Fig.15As shown, the support portion 540 of this embodiment is located below the contact point 510 in the up-down direction. The support portion 540 is elastically deformable. The contact point 510 is supported by the support portion 540. In other words, the support portion 540 elastically supports the contact point 510. Therefore, the contact point 510 is movable in the width direction.

[0098] like Fig.15 As shown, each contact 500 further has a fixing portion 550 , a first held portion 560 , a connecting portion 570 and a second held portion 580 .

[0099] like Fig.11 and Fig.15 When the connector 100 is mounted on a circuit board, the fixing portion 550 of this embodiment is fixed on the circuit board (not shown) by welding or the like. The fixing portion 550 extends outward in the width direction. The fixing portion 550 defines the outer end of the contact 500 in the width direction. The fixing portion 550 defines the lower end of the contact 500 in the up-down direction.

[0100] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first held portion 560 of this embodiment extends upward from the connecting portion 570 in the vertical direction. Fig.11 As shown, the first held portion 560 is held by the first holding portion 212. More specifically, the first held portion 560 is press-fitted into the first holding portion 212.

[0101] like Fig.15 As shown, the connecting portion 570 of this embodiment connects the first held portion 560 and the second held portion 580 to each other. The connecting portion 570 is elastically deformable. Fig.11 Through the elastic deformation of each connecting portion 570, the movable housing 210 is movable relative to the fixed housing 250 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0102] like Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second holding portion 580 of this embodiment extends upward from the fixing portion 550 in the vertical direction. The second holding portion 580 extends downward from the connecting portion 570 in the vertical direction. Fig.11 As shown, the second held portion 580 is held by the second holding portion 252. More specifically, the second held portion 580 is press-fitted into the second holding portion 252.

[0103] The structure of the contact 500 is not limited thereto. For example, the contact 500 may be modified as described below.

[0104] like Fig.16As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact 500A of the modified embodiment of the present invention has a contact point 510, a guide portion 520A, a distal end portion 530A, a support portion 540, a fixing portion 550, a first held portion 560, a connecting portion 570, and a second held portion 580. The other components of the contact 500A except the guide portion 520A and the distal end portion 530A have the same structure as the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0105] like Fig.16 As shown, unlike the guide portion 520 of the contact 500 of the previous embodiment, the guide portion 520A of the present modification only includes a main portion 5202A having a constant dimension in the pitch direction. Unlike the distal end portion 530 of the contact 500 of the above embodiment, the distal end portion 530A of the present modification tapers from the guide portion 520A toward the free end of the contact 500A. It is noted that in the assembly 10 of the present modification, when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 700, the receiving portion 332 of each receiving groove 330 of the partition portion 300 of the insulator 200 can at least partially receive the distal end portion 530A of a corresponding one of the contacts 500A.

[0106] (Second embodiment)

[0107] Reference Fig. 27 , the assembly (not shown) of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a connector 100B and a mating connector (not shown).

[0108] Reference Fig. 27 , the connector 100B of this embodiment is matable with a mating connector having a mating contact (not shown) along the mating direction. Different from the connector 100 and the mating connector 700 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the connector 100B of this embodiment is a plug connector, and the mating connector of this embodiment is a socket connector. For the direction and orientation in this embodiment, the same expressions as those of the first embodiment will be used below.

[0109] like Fig. 27 As shown, the connector 100B includes an insulator 200B, a plurality of first contacts 500B and a plurality of second contacts 502B. The first contacts 500B are also referred to as contacts 500B.

[0110] See also Fig.28 , the insulator 200B of this embodiment is made of an insulator. The insulator 200B defines the outer end of the connector 100B in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The insulator 200B defines the opposite outer ends of the connector 100B in a width direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The insulator 200B defines the opposite outer ends of the connector 100B in a pitch direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the width direction. The insulator 200B holds each contact 500B.

[0111] like Fig.30As shown, the insulator 200B has a partition 300B.

[0112] like Fig.30 As shown, the partition 300B of this embodiment has an opposite surface 310B along the width direction. The opposite surface 310B includes a front surface 312B and a rear surface 314B. The front surface 312B is located in front of the rear surface 314B in the front-to-back direction. The front surface 312B faces forward in the front-to-back direction. The rear surface 314B faces backward in the front-to-back direction. Fig.28 As shown, the partition portion 300B is formed with a plurality of accommodating grooves 330B.

[0113] like Fig.30 As shown, each receiving groove 330B of this embodiment is recessed inwardly in the width direction. Each receiving groove 330B opens upward in the up-down direction. Each receiving groove 330B opens outwardly in the width direction. Fig.28 As shown, each receiving groove 330B is arranged in a staggered structure. All receiving grooves 330B are divided into two groups G1 and G2. In this embodiment, the number of receiving grooves 330B in group G1 is equal to the number of receiving grooves 330B in group G2. Each receiving groove 330B in groups G1 and G2 is arranged in a pitch direction perpendicular to the matching direction.

[0114] like Fig.28 As shown, each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 corresponds to each receiving groove 330B of the other group of the groups G1 and G2. Each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 is located on one of the opposite surfaces 310B of the partition 300B. Each receiving groove 330B of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 is located on the other of the opposite surfaces 310B of the partition 300B. The position of each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 in the pitch direction is different from that of each receiving groove 330B of the other group of the groups G1 and G2. Each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 occupies a first area in the pitch direction. Each receiving groove 330B of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 occupies a second area in the pitch direction. The first area of ​​each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 overlaps with the second area of ​​one of the receiving grooves 330B of the other group in the pitch direction. More specifically, the first area of ​​each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 overlaps with the second area of ​​the corresponding receiving groove 330B of the other group in the pitch direction.

[0115] like Fig.28As shown, each receiving groove 330B of group G1 corresponds to each receiving groove 330B of group G2. Each receiving groove 330B of group G1 is located on the front 312B of the partition 300B. Each receiving groove 330B of group G2 is located on the back 314B of the partition 300B. The positions of each receiving groove 330B of group G1 and each receiving groove 330B of group G2 in the pitch direction are different. Each receiving groove 330B of group G1 occupies an area in the pitch direction. Each receiving groove 330B of group G2 occupies another area in the pitch direction. The area of ​​each receiving groove 330B of group G1 overlaps with the area of ​​one of the receiving grooves 330B of group G2 in the pitch direction. More specifically, the area of ​​each receiving groove 330B of group G1 overlaps with the area of ​​the corresponding receiving groove 330 of group G2 in the pitch direction.

[0116] like Fig.30 As shown, each receiving groove 330B has a receiving portion 332B.

[0117] like Fig.30 As shown, the receiving portion 332B of this embodiment defines the upper end of the receiving groove 330B in the up-down direction. The receiving portion 332B opens upward in the up-down direction. The receiving portion 332B is recessed inwardly along the width direction. The receiving portion 332B opens outwardly along the width direction. In the width direction, the receiving portion 332B extends across the middle portion 320B of the partition 300B.

[0118] As described above, each receiving groove 330B of one of the groups G1 and G2 is located at a different position from each receiving groove 330B of the other group of the groups G1 and G2 in the pitch direction, and the receiving portion 332B extends across the middle portion 320B of the partition 300B in the width direction. This allows the partition 300B of the connector 100B of the present embodiment to have a reduced thickness in the width direction. Specifically, the connector 100B of the present embodiment can have a reduced size in the width direction.

[0119] like Fig.30 As shown, the accommodation portion 332B has a narrow portion 3322B and a wide portion 3326B. The narrow portion 3322B and the wide portion 3326B of this embodiment have the same structure as the narrow portion 3322 and the wide portion 3326 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0120] like Fig.30 As shown, each receiving groove 330B further has an additional receiving portion 334B. The additional receiving portion 334B of this embodiment has the same structure as the additional receiving portion 334 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0121] like Fig.30 As shown, the insulator 200B has a plurality of first holding portions 212B, two outer walls 420 and a receiving portion 202B.

[0122] like Fig.30 As shown, each first holding portion 212B of the present embodiment is positioned around the lower end of the insulator 200B in the up-down direction. Each first holding portion 212B is located below the partition portion 300B in the up-down direction.

[0123] like Fig.28 As shown, each outer wall 420 of the present embodiment extends in the pitch direction. Each outer wall 420 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the width direction. The two outer walls 420 respectively define the opposite ends of the insulator 200B in the width direction. The partition 300B is located between the two outer walls 420 in the width direction. Each outer wall 420 is formed with a plurality of outer wall side accommodating portions 422.

[0124] like Fig.30 As shown, each outer wall side accommodation portion 422 of the present embodiment penetrates the outer wall 420 in the width direction. Each outer wall side accommodation portion 422 is positioned at the upper end of the insulator 200B in the up-down direction.

[0125] like Fig.30 As shown, each outer wall 420 has a plurality of second retaining portions 252B.

[0126] like Fig.30 As shown, each second retaining portion 252B of the present embodiment is positioned in the up-down direction around the lower end of the outer wall 420. Each second retaining portion 252B is located outside the partition portion 300B in the width direction.

[0127] like Fig.30 As shown, the receiving portion 202B of this embodiment opens upward in the vertical direction. Each receiving groove 330B is connected to the receiving portion 202B in the width direction. Fig.30 When the connector 100B and the mating connector are mated with each other, the receiving portion 202B receives a portion of the mating connector.

[0128] refer to Fig.32 , each first contact 500B of this embodiment is made of metal. Each first contact 500B is a spring contact. Fig.30 When the connector 100B and the mating connector are mated with each other, the first contact 500B contacts the mating contact. Fig.28 As shown, all first contacts 500B are arranged in a staggered configuration. All first contacts 500B form two contact rows 600B. Hereinafter, one of the contact rows 600B located at the front of the connector 100B is referred to as the first contact row 601B, and the other contact row 600B located at the rear of the connector 100B is referred to as the second contact row 602B. The first contacts 500B of the first contact row 601B and the first contacts 500B of the second contact row 602B have the same shape as each other.

[0129] like Fig.30 As shown, each first contact point 500B corresponds to each receiving groove 330B. Each first contact 500B is partially received in the corresponding receiving groove 330B.

[0130] like Fig.28 As shown, each first contact 500B of the first contact row 601B corresponds to each receiving groove 330B of the group G1. Each first contact 500B of the second contact row 602B corresponds to each receiving groove 330B of the group G2. Each first contact 500B of the first contact row 601B is partially received in a corresponding receiving groove 330B of the group G1. Each first contact 500B of the second contact row 602B is partially received in a corresponding receiving groove 330B of the group G2.

[0131] like Fig.32 As shown, each first contact 500B has a contact point 510B and a distal end portion 530B. The contact point 510B and the distal end portion 530B of this embodiment have the same structure as the contact point 510 and the distal end portion 530 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0132] like Fig.32 As shown, each first contact 500B further has a guide portion 520B. The guide portion 520B has a main portion 5202B and a tapered portion 5204B. The main portion 5202B and the tapered portion 5204B of this embodiment have the same structure as the main portion 5202 and the tapered portion 5204 of the above embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0133] like Fig.32 As shown, each first contact 500B further has a support portion 540B. The support portion 540B of this embodiment has the same structure as the support portion 540 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0134] like Fig.32 As shown, each first contact 500B further has a fixing portion 550B and a held portion 560B.

[0135] Reference Fig.30 When the connector 100B is mounted on a circuit board, the fixing portion 550B of this embodiment is fixed on the circuit board (not shown) by welding, etc. The fixing portion 550B extends outward in the width direction.

[0136] like Fig.32 As shown in FIG. 1 , the held portion 560B of this embodiment extends upward from the fixing portion 550B in the vertical direction. The held portion 560B extends downward from the supporting portion 540B in the vertical direction. The held portion 560B connects the fixing portion 550B and the supporting portion 540B to each other. Fig.30 As shown, the held portion 560B is held by the first holding portion 212B. More specifically, the held portion 560B is press-fitted into the first holding portion 212B.

[0137] refer to Fig.33 In this embodiment, each second contact 502B is made of metal. Each second contact 502B is a spring contact. Fig.30 When the connector 100B and the mating connector are mated with each other, the second contact 502B contacts the mating contact. Fig.28 As shown, all the second contacts 502B form two contact rows 604B. Hereinafter, one of the contact rows 604B located at the front of the connector 100B is referred to as the first row, and the other contact row 604B located at the rear of the connector 100B is referred to as the second row. The second contacts 502B of the first row and the second contacts 502B of the second row have the same shape as each other. Each second contact 502B corresponds to each outer wall side accommodation portion 422, respectively.

[0138] like Fig.33 As shown, each second contact 502B has a contact point 512B and a distal end portion 532B.

[0139] like Fig.30 As shown, the contact point 512B of this embodiment faces inward along the width direction. The contact point 512B is located in the receiving portion 202B. When the connector 100B and the mating connector are mated with each other, the contact point 512B contacts the mating contact.

[0140] like Fig.33 As shown, the distal end portion 532B of the present embodiment defines the free end of the second contact 502B. The distal end portion 532B is positioned at the upper end of the second contact 502B in the up-down direction. In each second contact 502B, the distal end portion 532B is smaller than the contact point 512B. More specifically, in each second contact 502B, the entire portion of the distal end portion 532B is smaller than the contact point 512B. That is, in the pitch direction, the size of the distal end portion 532B is smaller than the size of the contact point 512B. Referring to Fig.30 When the connector 100B is mated with a mating connector, the outer wall side accommodation portion 422 can receive the distal end portion 532B of the corresponding second contact 502B.

[0141] like Fig.33 As shown, each second contact 502B further has a guide portion 522B.

[0142] like Fig.30As shown, the guide portion 522B of this embodiment extends upward from the contact point 512B in the up-down direction and extends outward in the width direction. The guide portion 522B extends upward, downward and downward from the distal end portion 532B and extends inward in the width direction. The guide portion 522B connects the contact point 512B and the distal end portion 532B to each other. The guide portion 522B intersects with the matching direction or the up-down direction. Fig.33 As shown, in each second contact 502B, the distal end portion 532B is smaller than the guide portion 522B. That is, in the pitch direction, the size of the distal end portion 532B is smaller than the size of the guide portion 522B. The guide portion 522B has a main portion 5222B and a tapered portion 5224B.

[0143] like Fig.33 As shown, the main portion 5222B of this embodiment defines the inner end of the guide portion 522B in the width direction. The main portion 5222B connects the contact point 512B and the tapered portion 5224B to each other. The main portion 5222B has a constant size in the pitch direction. In the pitch direction, the size of the main portion 5222B is greater than the size of the distal end portion 532B.

[0144] like Fig.33 As shown, the tapered portion 5224B of this embodiment defines the outer end of the guide portion 522B in the width direction. The tapered portion 5224B is connected to the distal end portion 532B. The tapered portion 5224B tapers toward the distal end portion 532B.

[0145] like Fig.33 As shown, each second contact 502B further has a support portion 542B.

[0146] like Fig.33 As shown, the support portion 542B of this embodiment is located below the contact head 512B in the up-down direction. The support portion 542B is elastically deformable. The contact head 512B is supported by the support portion 542B. That is, the support portion 542B elastically supports the contact point 512B. Therefore, the contact point 512B is movable in the width direction.

[0147] like Fig.33 As shown, each second contact 502B further has a fixing portion 552B and a held portion 562B.

[0148] refer to Fig.30 When the connector 100B is mounted on a circuit board, the fixing portion 552B of this embodiment is fixed to the circuit board (not shown) by welding, etc. The fixing portion 552B extends inwardly in the width direction.

[0149] like Fig.33As shown in FIG. 1 , the retained portion 562B of this embodiment extends upward from the fixing portion 552B in the vertical direction. The retained portion 562B extends downward from the supporting portion 542B in the vertical direction. The retained portion 562B connects the fixing portion 552B and the supporting portion 542B to each other. Fig.30 As shown, the held portion 562B is held by the second holding portion 252B. More specifically, the held portion 562B is press-fitted into the second holding portion 252B.

[0150] Although the foregoing explanation of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings shows that the assembly, the connector and the mating connector have specific shapes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the assembly 10 and the connectors 100, 100B may have various shapes and structures.

[0151] Although the connector 100 of the first embodiment has two contact rows 600 , the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the connector 100 may have three or more contact rows 600 .

[0152] Although the connector 100B of the second embodiment has four contact rows 600B, 604B, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the connector 100B may have five or more contact rows 600B, 604B.

[0153] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles used therein. For those skilled in the art, any obvious changes such as equivalent transformations, simple replacements, etc. based on the technical solution of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector capable of mating with a mating connector having mating contacts along a mating direction, characterized in that: The connector has an insulator and a plurality of contacts; The insulator holds each of the contacts; The insulator has a partition; The partition has opposing faces in a width direction perpendicular to the matching direction; The partition is formed with a plurality of accommodating grooves; All of the accommodating grooves are divided into two groups; The receiving grooves of each group are arranged along a spacing direction perpendicular to both the matching direction and the width direction; The receiving groove of one of the two groups is located on one of the opposite surfaces of the partition; The receiving groove of another one of the two groups is located on the other one of the opposite surfaces of the partition; The receiving grooves of one of the two groups are located at different positions in the spacing direction from the receiving grooves of the other group; Each of the accommodating grooves has an accommodating portion; In the width direction, the receiving portion extends across the middle portion of the partition; Each of the contacts corresponds to each of the accommodating grooves; Each of the contacts is partially accommodated in the corresponding accommodation groove; All of the contacts form two contact rows; Each of said contacts has a contact point and a distal end; When the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other, the contact point contacts the mating contact; as well as When the connector is mated with the mating connector, the receiving portion of each receiving groove is capable of at least partially receiving the distal end portion of the corresponding contact.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In each of the contacts, the distal end portion is smaller than the contact point; The receiving portion has a narrow portion; The narrow portion of the receiving portion of each receiving groove is smaller than the contact point of the corresponding contact; Each of the receiving grooves in one of the two groups occupies a first area along the pitch direction; Each of the receiving grooves of the other of the two groups occupies a second area along the spacing direction; as well as The first region of each of the receiving grooves in one of the two groups overlaps with the second region of the receiving grooves in the other group in the pitch direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the contacts also has a guide portion; The guide portion connects the contact point and the distal end portion to each other; and The guide portion intersects the matching direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the contacts also has a support portion; The support portion elastically supports the contact point; Each of the accommodating grooves also has an additional accommodating portion; and The additional receiving portion partially receives the supporting portion when the connector is mated with the mating connector.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The receiving portion has a first surface facing the matching direction; The additional receiving portion has a second surface facing the matching direction; The first surface forms a first angle with the matching direction; The second surface forms a second angle with the matching direction; as well as The first angle is greater than the second angle.

6. An assembly, comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the matching connector, characterized in that: The matching connector comprises a matching insulator and a plurality of matching contacts; The matching insulator holds the matching contact; The matching insulator has two outer walls; Each of the outer walls extends in the pitch direction; Each of the outer walls is formed with a plurality of matching accommodation portions; Each of the matching accommodation portions penetrates the outer wall along the width direction; The matching contacts form a matching contact row; The matching contact row comprises an outermost contact row located at the outermost side of the matching contact row along the width direction; Each of said mating contacts has a mating distal end portion; and The mating receptacles are capable of receiving the mating distal ends of the mating contacts of the outermost contact row when the connector is mated with the mating connector.

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