Connector, counterpart-side connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

The connector includes: a housing including a peripheral wall; a holding metal member disposed at an end of the peripheral wall; and a terminal held by the peripheral wall and electrically connected to a mating terminal of the mating connector. The holding fitting has: an end piece having an upper side portion and an inner side portion; a side sheet having an upper side portion and an inner side portion; connecting parts which are arranged at the corners of the peripheral wall and connect the end part sheets and the side part sheets; a bottom portion extending from a lower end of the end portion sheet or a lower end of the side portion sheet; and a leaf spring extending upward from the bottom. The connecting portion includes an inner connecting portion that connects the inner portion of the end sheet and the inner portion of the side sheet without a gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector, a mating connector, and a connector assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a connector that mates with a mating connector, a mating connector that mates with the connector, and a connector assembly including the connector and the mating connector. Background Art

[0002] A socket connector is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The socket connector of Patent Document 1 includes a socket insulator, a plurality of socket contactors, and a socket-side fixing metal member. The socket insulator is made of resin and has an annular outer peripheral wall that forms a fitting recess on the inner peripheral side. The plurality of socket contactors can be mounted on the circuit pattern of the socket-side circuit board and are supported by the socket insulator. The socket-side fixing metal member can be mounted on the socket-side circuit board and is supported by the socket insulator. In this socket connector, when the fitting convex portion of the plug insulator of the plug connector is fitted into the fitting recess, the plurality of plug contactors that can be mounted on the circuit pattern of the plug-side circuit board and are supported by the plug insulator come into contact with the socket contactors, and the plug connector comes into contact with the socket-side fixing metal member. The socket-side fixing metal member and the socket insulator are integrated by insert molding. The socket-side fixing metal member includes an elastic contact piece. The elastic contact piece separates inward from the surface on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall in the free state.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2015-99694 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a connector such as the socket connector of Patent Document 1, there are times when it is desired to be difficult to damage during fitting.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector, a mating connector, and a connector assembly that are difficult to damage during fitting.

[0008] A connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that is fitted to a mating connector, and includes: a housing including a peripheral wall having a first end wall and a second end wall facing each other on a first axis, a first side wall connecting one end of the first end wall and one end of the second end wall, and a second side wall connecting the other end of the first end wall and the other end of the second end wall; a holding metal member disposed at the first end of the first axis of the peripheral wall among the first end and a second end opposite to the first end; and terminals held by the peripheral wall and electrically connected to mating terminals of the mating connector. When the connector moves upward, the connector is fitted to the mating connector. The holding metal member has: an end piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first end wall and an inner side portion disposed inside the first end wall; a side piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first side wall and an inner side portion disposed inside the first side wall; a connecting portion disposed at a corner of the peripheral wall connecting the first end wall and the first side wall, connecting the end piece and the side piece; a bottom portion located between the first side wall and the second side wall and extending from a lower end of the end piece or a lower end of the side piece; and a spring piece extending upward from the bottom portion. The connecting portion includes: an inner connecting portion connecting the inner side portion of the end piece and the inner side portion of the side piece without a gap.

[0009] A mating connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a mating connector that is fitted to the above-described connector, and includes: a mating housing including a mating peripheral wall having a first mating end wall and a second mating end wall facing each other, a first mating side wall connecting one end of the first mating end wall and one end of the second mating end wall, and a second mating side wall connecting the other end of the first mating end wall and the other end of the second mating end wall; a mating holding metal member disposed at the first end of the first axis in the mating peripheral wall; and the mating terminals. The mating holding metal member has: a mating end piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first mating end wall and an outer side portion disposed outside the first mating end wall; a mating side piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first mating side wall and an outer side portion disposed outside the first mating side wall; and a mating connecting portion disposed at a corner of the mating peripheral wall formed by connecting the first mating end wall and the first mating side wall, connecting the mating end piece and the mating side piece. The mating connecting portion includes: an outer connecting portion connecting the outer side portion of the mating end piece and the outer side portion of the mating side piece without a gap.

[0010] A connector assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a connector assembly including a socket and a connector that engages with the socket. The socket is the connector of the above aspect, and the connector is the mating connector of the above aspect.

[0011] The connector, mating connector, and connector assembly of the present disclosure have the advantage of being difficult to damage during engagement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a connector assembly including the connector and the mating connector of the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the same connector.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the retaining metal member included in the same connector.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the same retaining metal member.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a top view of the same retaining metal member.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the main part of the same connector.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the same connector.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the connector and the mating connector are connected in the same connector assembly.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of the same connector assembly.

[0021] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the same mating connector.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the mating retaining metal member included in the same mating connector.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the same mating retaining metal member.

[0024] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the connector and the mating connector are connected in the same connector assembly.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the retaining metal member of the first modified example.

[0026] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the holding metal part of the second modification example. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] (Embodiment)

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The following embodiments are merely examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, as long as the following embodiments can achieve the object of the present disclosure, various changes can be made corresponding to the design and the like. In addition, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the respective constituent elements in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0029] (1) Outline

[0030] As Figure 1 shown, the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment includes: a connector 1 as a socket (female connector; receptacle); and a mating connector 5 as a plug (male connector; plug). The plug is fitted into the socket.

[0031] The connector assembly 100 is used, for example, to electrically connect between a plurality of substrates 9 mounted on an electronic device (refer to Figure 13 described later). The connector 1 is mounted, for example, on a substrate 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "first substrate 91") built into the electronic device. The mating connector 5 is mounted on another substrate 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "second substrate 92") built into the electronic device in the same way. The electronic device is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the connector 1 includes a housing 2, a holding metal part 3, and terminals 4.

[0033] As Figure 2 shown, the housing 2 includes a peripheral wall 22 and a bottom wall 21. The peripheral wall 22 has a pair of end walls 221 and a pair of side walls 222. The peripheral wall 22 is rectangular when viewed along the third axis A3. The pair of end walls 221 extend along the second axis A2 and face each other along the first axis A1. The second axis A2 intersects (here is orthogonal) the first axis A1. The pair of side walls 222 are located at both ends of the pair of end walls 221 of the second axis A2. Both ends of each of the pair of end walls 221 are connected to the pair of side walls 222. The pair of side walls 222 extend along the first axis A1 and face each other along the second axis A2. Each of the pair of side walls 222 connects the ends (ends of the second axis A2) of the pair of end walls 221 to each other. The portion where the end wall 221 and the side wall 222 are connected becomes a corner portion 223. In addition, each of the pair of side walls 222 may not connect the ends (ends of the second axis A2) of the pair of end walls 221 to each other.

[0034] The holding metal member 3 is disposed at the first end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22, and at the first end among the first end and the second end opposite to the first end. The "first end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22" mentioned here refers to one end of the peripheral wall 22 of the first axis A1, and the "second end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22" refers to the other end of the peripheral wall 22 of the first axis A1.

[0035] The terminal 4 is held by the peripheral wall 22. The terminal 4 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 8 of the mating connector 5.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, the connector 1 is fitted with the mating connector 5 by moving upward along the third axis A3 with respect to the mating connector 5. The third axis A3 intersects (here is orthogonal) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0037] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the holding metal member 3 includes an end piece 31, a side piece 32, a connecting portion 33, a bottom portion 341, and a spring piece 35.

[0038] The end piece 31 has an upper side portion 311 and an inner side portion 312. The upper side portion 311 is disposed above one of the pair of end walls 221, and the inner side portion 312 is disposed inside the one end wall 221.

[0039] The side piece 32 has an upper side portion 321 and an inner side portion 322. The upper side portion 321 is disposed above one of the pair of side walls 222, and the inner side portion 322 is disposed inside the one side wall 222.

[0040] The connecting portion 33 connects the end piece 31 and the side piece 32 at the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22. The connecting portion 33 includes an inner connecting portion 332. The inner connecting portion 332 connects the inner side portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner side portion 322 of the side piece 32 without a gap at the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0041] The spring piece 35 extends upward from the bottom portion 341 and is configured to be elastically deformable outward.

[0042] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the connecting portion 33 has an inner connecting portion 332. Therefore, compared with a comparative example connector (jack) that does not have the inner connecting portion 332 and has a slit between the inner side portion 312 and the inner side portion 322, the connector 1 has the advantage of improving strength. In addition, when the mating connector 5 is fitted into the fitting recess 24 (refer to Figure 1 ) inside the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2, the possibility that the inner surface of the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22 is damaged by the metal portion provided on the mating connector 5 is reduced. Thus, the connector 1 of the present embodiment has the advantage of being able to reduce the damage generated during fitting.

[0043] Furthermore, in the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the holding metal member 3 includes a spring piece 35. For this reason, the spring piece 35 has the effect of ensuring the reliability of the contact between the holding metal member 3 and the mating-side holding metal member 7. As a result, it is no longer necessary to firmly contact the portion of the holding metal member 3 other than the spring piece 35 with the mating-side holding metal member 7 in a surface-to-surface manner, and the insertion and extraction force when fitting the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 can be alleviated. The so-called "insertion and extraction force" as mentioned in the present disclosure is the force required to fit the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 and / or remove the mating connector 5 from the connector 1. Thus, the connector 1 of the present embodiment has the advantage of being difficult to be damaged during fitting. The so-called "during fitting" as mentioned in the present disclosure refers to at least one of the case of fitting the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 and the case of removing the mating connector 5 from the connector 1.

[0044] (2)Detailed structure

[0045] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As described above, the connector assembly 100 includes the connector 1 as a socket and the mating connector 5 as a plug.

[0046] (2-1)Socket

[0047] Refer to Figures 1 to 8 to describe the detailed structure of the connector 1 as a socket.

[0048] The connector 1 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, which has a length along the first axis A1, a width along the second axis A2 that intersects (here, is orthogonal to) the first axis A1, and a height along the third axis A3 that intersects (here, is orthogonal to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. In the connector 1, the mating connector 5 is fitted along the third axis A3.

[0049] In the column of this "(2-1) Socket", for the convenience of description, one side and the other side of the first axis A1 are respectively described as "left" and "right", one side and the other side of the second axis A2 are respectively described as "front" and "back", and one side and the other side of the third axis A3 are respectively described as "upper" and "lower". In particular, when the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 are fitted, on the third axis A3, the side where the connector 1 is located is set as "lower", and the side where the mating connector 5 is located is set as "upper". In addition, the above-mentioned direction regulations do not mean to limit the usage form of the connector 1.

[0050] In addition, in the column of the “(2-1) socket”, when observing the connector 1 from above, the side closer to the center of the connector 1 is defined as the “inner side”, and the side farther from the center of the connector 1 is defined as the “outer side”. That is, the so-called “outer side” refers to the side that is away from the center with the center of the connector 1 as the reference (inner side). In addition, in the present disclosure, “observing from above” means observing from “above”.

[0051] The length dimension (dimension of the first axis A1) of the connector 1 is, for example, several mm to several tens of mm. In addition, the width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2) of the connector 1 is, for example, several mm. In addition, the height dimension (dimension of the third axis A3) of the connector 1 is, for example, several tenths of mm.

[0052] As Figure 1 shown, the connector 1 includes a housing 2, a pair of holding metal members 3, and a plurality of terminals 4.

[0053] (2-1-1) Housing, terminals

[0054] The housing 2 is a resin molded body having insulation. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 is an insert molded product with a pair of holding metal members 3 as inserts.

[0055] The housing 2 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length along the first axis A1. As Figure 2 shown, the housing 2 has a bottom wall 21, a peripheral wall 22, and an intermediate step portion 23. The bottom wall 21, the peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate step portion 23 are integrally formed. The bottom wall 21 is a plate shape that is long along the first axis A1 and forms the bottom of the housing 2. The peripheral wall 22 protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 21 and is in a rectangular frame shape when observed from above. That is, the peripheral wall 22 is formed to surround the center along the periphery of the bottom wall 21.

[0056] The peripheral wall 22 is composed of a pair of end walls 221 and a pair of side walls 222. The peripheral wall 22 has a total of 4 corner portions 223 at the positions where the end walls 221 and the side walls 222 are connected.

[0057] In each of the pair of side walls 222, a plurality of terminals 4 are held in a state of being arranged along the first axis A1 by accommodating the respective plurality of terminals 4 in a plurality of terminal accommodating portions 27 described later. In the present embodiment, each of the pair of side walls 222 holds 5 terminals 4, for a total of 10 terminals.

[0058] The arrangement interval, that is, the pitch, of the plurality of terminals 4 is, for example, several tenths of mm. In the present embodiment, the plurality of terminals 4 are arranged at equal intervals, but they may also be arranged at irregular intervals.

[0059] The intermediate table portion 23 is located between a pair of side walls 222 on the second axis A2 and extends along the first axis A1. The intermediate table portion 23 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a length along the first axis A1. The intermediate table portion 23 protrudes upward from the center of the bottom wall 21. The portion surrounded by the bottom wall 21, the peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate table portion 23 forms a fitting recess (hereinafter also referred to as "first fitting recess") 24 into which the other-side connector 5 is fitted. Specifically, the other-side peripheral wall 62 of the other-side connector 5 described later is fitted into the first fitting recess 24. Thereby, the connector 1 is connected to the other-side connector 5.

[0060] The plurality of terminals 4 are terminals for signal transmission. In a state where the other-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the terminals 4 are connected to the corresponding other-side terminals 8 (described in detail later) of the other-side connector 5.

[0061] The terminal 4 is, for example, a metal formed body containing a metal material such as a copper alloy. Gold plating is applied to the terminal 4, but it is not limited thereto, and gold plating may not be applied.

[0062] As Figure 13 shown, the terminal 4 has a bent piece 44, a rising piece 45, a descending piece 46, and a terminal piece 47, which are integrally formed.

[0063] The bent piece 44 is configured such that the front end is bent in a horseshoe shape and elastically deforms along the second axis A2. The bent piece 44 is pushed toward the corresponding other-side terminal 8 in a state where the other-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1. Thereby, the bent piece 44 generates an elastic force facing the corresponding other-side terminal 8 (outward).

[0064] The rising piece 45 is plate-shaped. The first end (lower end) of the rising piece 45 is integrated with the bent piece 44. The rising piece 45 contacts the corresponding other-side terminal 8 in a state where the other-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1. In addition, the rising piece 45 is integrated with a protrusion 451 that protrudes toward the bent piece 44. In the terminal 4, in a state where the other-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, as Figure 13 shown, the protrusion 451 and the protrusion 821 of the corresponding other-side terminal 8 are arranged along the third axis A3 (up and down), and are located closer to the bottom side of the other-side terminal 8 than the protrusion 821. That is, the protrusion 451 forms a locking mechanism by hanging on the protrusion 821 of the corresponding other-side terminal 8.

[0065] The descending piece 46 is plate-shaped. As Figure 13 shown, the first end (upper end) of the descending piece 46 is bent in an inverted U shape and is integrated with the second end (upper end) of the rising piece 45.

[0066] The terminal piece 47 is plate-shaped. The terminal piece 47 is integral with the second end (lower end) of the descending piece 46. The terminal piece 47 projects outward from the second end of the descending piece 46 along the second axis A2. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 is exposed from the housing 2. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 becomes, for example, a joint surface that is joined to the second substrate 92 by welding.

[0067] As Figure 2 shown, the housing 2 has a plurality (here, ten) of terminal receiving portions 27 that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of terminals 4. The plurality of terminal receiving portions 27 are each formed across the side wall 222, the bottom wall 21, and the intermediate table portion 23. The plurality of terminal receiving portions 27 each penetrate the bottom wall 21 along the third axis A3. The plurality of terminals 4 are each received in the terminal receiving portion 27 by being pressed in from below. In this way, the plurality of terminals 4 are held by being press-fitted into the housing 2. In addition, the plurality of terminals 4 can be integrally formed with the housing 2 by insert molding.

[0068] The plurality of terminal receiving portions 27 are provided bisecting on both sides of the second axis A2 with the intermediate table portion 23 interposed therebetween. The plurality of terminal receiving portions 27 located on both sides of the intermediate table portion 23 are each arranged at substantially equal intervals along the first axis A1.

[0069] A part of each of the plurality of terminals 4 is exposed in the first fitting recess 24 in a state of being received in the terminal receiving portion 27. Specifically, a part of the bent piece 44 of each of the plurality of terminals 4 is exposed from the side portion of the intermediate table portion 23 in the first fitting recess 24. In addition, a part of the rising piece 45 of each of the plurality of terminals 4 is exposed from the inside of the side wall 222 in the first fitting recess 24. When the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, in each of the plurality of terminals 4, the portion exposed in the first fitting recess 24 comes into contact with the plurality of mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5.

[0070] As Figure 1 shown, in the housing 2, each of the pair of side walls 222 has a spring receiving portion 28 that receives the corresponding spring piece 35. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, in the housing 2, in each of the pair of side walls 222, two (a total of four) spring receiving portions 28 are provided. The two spring receiving portions 28 are provided on both sides of the first axis A1 with the plurality of terminal receiving portions 27 interposed therebetween in each of the pair of side walls 222. The spring receiving portion 28 is a groove-shaped recess formed in the side wall 222. By each of the pair of side walls 222 having the spring receiving portion 28, compared with the case where the housing 2 does not have the spring receiving portion 28, the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2 can be reduced to the space required to accommodate the spring piece 35. That is, there is an advantage of being able to miniaturize the size of the connector 1. In addition, it is also possible that one of the pair of side walls 222 has the spring receiving portion 28. That is, as long as at least one of the pair of side walls 222 has the spring receiving portion 28.

[0071] (2-1-2) Holding metal part

[0072] The holding metal part 3 is, for example, a metal formed body containing a metal material such as a copper alloy. The holding metal part 3 is used to enhance the strength of the connector 1.

[0073] As Figure 1 shown, on the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2, one holding metal part 3 (a total of two) is provided at each of the two ends (the left end and the right end) of the first axis A1. Hereinafter, in principle, the holding metal part 3 installed at the first end (the right end) of the housing 2 will be taken as an example for explanation, and the holding metal part 3 installed at the second end (the left end) of the housing 2 has the same structure.

[0074] The holding metal part 3 is integrally formed seamlessly (without seams) by, for example, deep drawing.

[0075] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the holding metal part 3 includes an end piece 31, side pieces 32, connecting parts 33, an intermediate extension part 34, spring pieces 35, side extension pieces 36, and a bottom extension part 37. Specifically, the holding metal part 3 includes one end piece 31, two side pieces 32, two connecting parts 33, one intermediate extension part 34, two spring pieces 35, two side extension pieces 36, and two bottom extension parts 37.

[0076] (End piece)

[0077] The end piece 31 protects one (right side) end wall 221 of the housing 2. As Figure 3 or Figure 4 shown, the end piece 31 has an upper side part 311, an inner side part 312, and an outer side part 313.

[0078] The upper side part 311 is disposed above the end wall 221 and covers at least a part of the upper surface of the end wall 221. The upper side part 311 covers substantially the entire upper surface of the end wall 221 (the part other than the corner 223).

[0079] The inner side part 312 is disposed inside (left side) the end wall 221 and covers at least a part of the inner surface (left side surface) of the end wall 221. The inner side part 312 covers at least the part near the upper end among the inner surfaces of the end wall 221. The inner side surface (left side surface) of the inner side part 312 is exposed in the first fitting recess 24. The inner side surface of the inner side part 312 is connected to the exposed surface of the inner side surface of the end wall 221 that is not covered by the inner side part 312 without a height difference (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0080] As Figure 3As shown, the inner part 312 has a first part in the shape of a rectangular plate with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2) at its upper end. Further, the inner part 312 has a second part in the shape of a rectangular plate with a width dimension smaller than that of the first part and fixed, below the first part.

[0081] The upper end of the inner part 312 is connected to the inner end (left end) of the upper part 311. The corner part connecting the upper end of the inner part 312 and the inner end of the upper part 311 becomes the bent part 315.

[0082] The outer part 313 is disposed outside (right side) of the end wall 221 and covers at least a part of the outer surface (right side surface) of the end wall 221. The outer part 313 covers at least the part near the upper end among the outer surfaces of the end wall 221. The outer part 313 covers substantially the whole of the outer surface of the end wall 221.

[0083] As Figure 4 shown, the outer part 313 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2).

[0084] The upper end of the outer part 313 is connected to the outer end (right end) of the upper part 311. The corner part connecting the upper end of the outer part 313 and the outer end of the upper part 311 becomes the bent part 316.

[0085] The bent part 316 between the outer part 313 and the upper part 311 bends in the same way as the bent part 315 between the inner part 312 and the upper part 311. For example, the bent part 316 and the bent part 315 have substantially the same radius of curvature. The end piece 31 is formed in an inverted U shape protruding upward.

[0086] As Figure 6 shown, the outer part 313 of the present embodiment has an embedding part 317 embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22. Specifically, the embedding part 317 is a part from the central part to the lower end in the outer part 313 along the direction of the third axis A3. According to the above structure, the fixing strength between the housing 2 and the holding metal part 3 is improved. Further, the upper end of the outer part 313 is not embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0087] As Figure 4As shown, the buried portion 317 of the outer portion 313 has a through-hole 318. The through-hole 318 is provided at approximately the center of the outer portion 313. The through-hole 318 of the present embodiment is elliptical. Additionally, the through-hole 318 can be circular. When the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 are integrally insert-molded, the resin material of the housing 2 is filled inside the through-hole 318, and the portion of the end wall 221 located inside the outer portion 313 and the portion of the end wall 221 located outside the outer portion 313 are connected via the resin material inside the through-hole 318. Thereby, the adhesiveness between the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 is improved.

[0088] The end piece 31 further has a terminal portion 314. The terminal portion 314 is a rectangular plate shape with the same width dimension as the width dimension of the outer portion 313, and extends outward along the first axis A1 from the lower end of the outer portion 313. The lower surface of the terminal portion 314 becomes, for example, a joint surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by welding. In this way, the end piece 31 further has an end-side fixing portion (terminal portion 314; hereinafter also referred to as the "first end-side fixing portion") fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). Since the front end of the terminal portion 314 protrudes more outward than the outer portion 313, there is an advantage that it is easy to confirm whether the terminal portion 314 is welded to the first substrate 91.

[0089] (Side piece)

[0090] Two side pieces 32 are respectively provided at both ends (front end and rear end) of the end piece 31 along the second axis A2. As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the end piece 31 and the two side pieces 32 are connected in an inverted C shape in a top view.

[0091] One (front side) side piece 32 protects the end of one (front side) side wall 222 of the housing 2 on one side (right side) of the first axis A1. The other (rear side) side piece 32 protects the end of the other (rear side) side wall 222 of the housing 2 on one side (right side) of the first axis A1.

[0092] Each of the two side pieces 32 has an upper side portion 321, an inner side portion 322, and an outer side portion 323.

[0093] The upper side portion 321 is disposed above the end of one side (right side) of the side wall 222, and covers at least a part of the upper surface of one side (right side) of the side wall 222. The upper side portion 321 covers substantially the entire upper surface (portion other than the corner portion 223) of one side (right side) of the side wall 222.

[0094] The inner part 322 is disposed inside the end of one side (right side) of the side wall 222, covering at least a part of the inner surface of one side (right side) of the side wall 222. The inner part 322 covers at least the part near the upper end among the inner surfaces of one side (right side) of the side wall 222. The inner surface of the inner part 322 is exposed at the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner part 322 is connected to the exposed surface of the inner surface of the side wall 222 that is not covered by the inner part 322 without a height difference.

[0095] As Figure 3 shown, the inner part 322 has a rectangular plate-like part with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1).

[0096] The upper end of the inner part 322 is connected to the inner end of the upper part 321. The corner part connecting the upper end of the inner part 322 and the inner end of the upper part 321 becomes the bending part 325.

[0097] As Figure 3 shown, the side piece 32 further has a notch 329. The notch 329 is formed in the whole of the inner part 322 along the direction of the third axis A3 (vertical direction). More specifically, the notch 329 is formed at the left end of the inner part 322. The notch 329 of the present embodiment is formed across the upper part 321, the bending part 325, and the inner part 322.

[0098] The outer part 323 is disposed outside the end of one side (right side) of the side wall 222, covering at least a part of the outer surface of one side (right side) of the side wall 222. The outer part 323 covers at least the part near the upper end among the outer surfaces of one side (right side) of the side wall 222.

[0099] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the outer part 323 is formed into a rectangular plate shape with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1).

[0100] The upper end of the outer part 323 is connected to the outer end of the upper part 321. The corner part connecting the upper end of the outer part 323 and the outer end of the upper part 321 becomes the bending part 326.

[0101] The bending part 326 between the outer part 323 and the upper part 321 bends in the same way as the bending part 325 between the inner part 322 and the upper part 321. For example, the bending part 326 and the bending part 325 have substantially the same radius of curvature. The side piece 32 is formed in an inverted U shape protruding upward.

[0102] As Figure 6As shown, the outer portion 323 of the present embodiment has an embedded portion 327 embedded in the side wall 222 of the peripheral wall 22. Specifically, the embedded portion 327 in the outer portion 323 is the portion from the central portion to the lower end in the direction along the third axis A3. According to the above structure, the fixing strength between the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 is improved. In addition, the upper end of the outer portion 323 is not embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0103] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the embedded portion 327 of the outer portion 323 has a through hole 328. The through hole 328 is provided at approximately the center of the outer portion 323. The through hole 328 of the present embodiment is elliptical. In addition, the through hole 328 may be circular. When integrally insert molding the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3, the resin material of the housing 2 is filled inside the through hole 328, and the portion of the side wall 222 located inside the outer portion 323 and the portion of the side wall 222 located outside the outer portion 323 are connected via the resin material inside the through hole 328. Thereby, the adhesiveness between the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 is improved.

[0104] The side piece 32 further has a terminal portion 324. The terminal portion 324 is a rectangular plate shape having the same width dimension as the width dimension of the outer portion 323, and extends outward from the lower end of the outer portion 323 along the second axis A2. The lower surface of the terminal portion 324 becomes, for example, a joint surface joined to the first substrate 91 by welding. In this way, the side piece 32 has a side portion side fixing portion (terminal portion 324; hereinafter, also referred to as "first side portion side fixing portion") fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). Since the front end of the terminal portion 324 protrudes more outward than the outer portion 323, there is an advantage that it is easy to confirm whether the terminal portion 324 is welded to the first substrate 91.

[0105] (Connecting portion)

[0106] The connecting portion 33 connects the end piece 31 and the side piece 32. One (front side) of the two connecting portions 33 connects the front end of the end piece 31 and the right end of the front side side piece 32. The other (rear side) of the two connecting portions 33 connects the rear end of the end piece 31 and the right end of the rear side side piece 32.

[0107] The connecting portion 33 has an upper connecting portion 331 and an inner connecting portion 332. The upper connecting portion 331 connects the upper portion 311 of the end piece 31 and the upper portion 321 of the side piece 32 without a gap at the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22. The inner connecting portion 332 connects the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 without a gap at the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22. For this reason, the connecting portion 33 connects the bent portion 315 of the end piece 31 and the bent portion 325 of the side piece 32 without a gap. In addition, in the present disclosure, the so-called "connected without a gap" preferably means continuously without a gap, but is not limited to being strictly without a gap between the two connected portions. For example, there may be holes inevitably generated during manufacturing or minute holes formed after manufacturing at the joint portion.

[0108] The upper connecting portion 331 has a lower surface adjacent to the peripheral wall 22 and an upper surface separated from the peripheral wall 22 in a cross-section along the third axis A3. The upper surface of the upper connecting portion 331 connects the upper surface of the upper portion 311 of the end piece 31 and the upper surface of the upper portion 321 of the side piece 32. The lower surface of the upper connecting portion 331 connects the lower surface of the upper portion 311 of the end piece 31 and the lower surface of the upper portion 321 of the side piece 32.

[0109] As Figure 7 shown, the inner connecting portion 332 has an outer surface 3321 adjacent to the peripheral wall 22 and an inner surface 3322 separated from the peripheral wall 22 with respect to the outer surface 3321 in a cross-section orthogonal to the third axis A3. The outer surface 3321 and the inner surface 3322 of the inner connecting portion 332 are curved convex outward with respect to the center of the connector 1. In the present disclosure, the so-called "the outer surface (or inner surface) of the connecting portion is curved convex outward" means that in a cross-section orthogonal to the third axis A3, the outer surface (or inner surface) of the connecting portion is continuously connected without interruption, and the portion between any two points on the outer surface (or inner surface) of the connecting portion is located outside the line connecting the two points. In a specific example where the outer surface 3321 (or inner surface 3322) of the inner connecting portion 332 is arc-shaped in a cross-section orthogonal to the third axis A3, the center of the arc is located inside the inner connecting portion 332.

[0110] The inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 are connected without a gap along the third axis A3 through the inner connecting portion 332. In addition, the inner connecting portion 332 connects the lower end of one end (front end or rear end) of the second axis A2 of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the lower end of one end (right end) of the first axis A1 of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 without a height difference.

[0111] In the present embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the holding metal member 3 has a slit 333 formed between the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32. The slit 333 extends along the third axis A3. For this purpose, in the holding metal member 3, the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 are not connected, and the bent portion 316 of the end piece 31 and the bent portion 326 of the side piece 32 are not connected.

[0112] The portion of the slit 333 of the holding metal member 3 is buried by the portion of the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22 (see Figure 6 ).

[0113] (Intermediate extension)

[0114] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the intermediate extension 34 has a bottom 341, a rising portion 342, an upper end portion 343, and two descending portions 344.

[0115] The bottom 341 is a substantially rectangular plate shape extending along the first axis A1. In the present embodiment, the first end (right end) of the bottom 341 is connected to the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31. In other words, the bottom 341 of the present embodiment extends from the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31. Thereby, there is an advantage that the bottom 341 is easily formed. The corner connecting the first end of the bottom 341 and the lower end of the inner portion 312 is bent. The bottom 341 is located between a pair of side walls 222 of the housing 2 on the second axis A2. In addition, the bottom 341 is along the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2. As Figure 9 shown, a part of the bottom 341 is exposed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 21 (the surface facing the first substrate 91).

[0116] In the present embodiment, the width dimension (dimension in the second axis A2) of the bottom 341 is the same as the width dimension of the second part of the inner portion 312. Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, the shape of the bottom 341 is a rectangular plate shape provided with two notches 3411 at the second end (left end). The notches 3411 are substantially triangular in shape when the holding metal member 3 is viewed from above.

[0117] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the rising portion 342 is a rectangular plate shape extending upward from the second end (left end) of the bottom 341. The lower end of the rising portion 342 is connected to the portion between the second end of the bottom 341 and the two notches 3411. The corner connecting the lower end of the rising portion 342 and the second end of the bottom 341 is bent.

[0118] By having the holding metal member 3 with the bottom 341, the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2 can be protected, and there is an advantage that the bottom wall 21 is difficult to be damaged during fitting.

[0119] As Figure 6 shown, the rising portion 342 is along the side surface of the end portion (right end portion) of the intermediate table portion 23. The rising portion 342 extends along the side surface of the end portion of the intermediate table portion 23, covering at least a part of the side surface of the end portion of the intermediate table portion 23. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 (the surface connected to the upper surface of the bottom portion 341) is exposed in the first fitting recess 24. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 is connected to the exposed surface of the side surface of the end portion of the intermediate table portion 23 that is not covered by the rising portion 342 without a height difference.

[0120] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the upper end portion 343 is a rectangular plate shape extending leftward along the upper end of the rising portion 342 along the first axis A1. The first end (right end) of the upper end portion 343 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 342. The corner portion connecting the first end of the upper end portion 343 and the upper end of the rising portion 342 is bent.

[0121] As Figure 6 shown, the upper end portion 343 is along the upper part of the end portion of the intermediate table portion 23. The upper end portion 343 is disposed above the intermediate table portion 23 of the housing 2, covering at least a part of the upper surface of the end portion (right end portion) of the intermediate table portion 23. The upper surface of the upper end portion 343 is connected to the exposed surface of the upper surface of the end portion of the intermediate table portion 23 that is not covered by the upper end portion 343 without a height difference.

[0122] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, each of the two descending portions 344 is a rectangular plate shape extending downward from the upper end portion 343. One of the two descending portions 344 (front side) extends downward from the front end of the upper end portion 343. The upper end of the front side descending portion 344 is connected to the front end of the upper end portion 343. Similarly, the other of the two descending portions 344 (rear side) extends downward from the rear end of the upper end portion 343. The upper end of the rear side descending portion 344 is connected to the rear end of the upper end portion 343. The corner portion connecting the upper end of the front side descending portion 344 and the front end of the upper end portion 343 is bent, and the corner portion connecting the upper end of the rear side descending portion 344 and the rear end of the upper end portion 343 is also bent.

[0123] As Figure 6As shown, each of the two descending portions 344 is along the side surfaces of the ends (front end and rear end) of the intermediate table portion 23. Each of the two descending portions 344 extends along the side surfaces of the ends of the intermediate table portion 23, covering at least a part of the side surfaces of the ends of the intermediate table portion 23. The outer surfaces of each of the two descending portions 344 are exposed in the first fitting recess 24. The outer surfaces of each of the two descending portions 344 are connected to the exposed surfaces of the side surfaces of the ends of the intermediate table portion 23 that are not covered by the two descending portions 344 without a height difference. The lower end of the descending portion 344 is received in the bottom wall 21. As Figure 9 shown, the lower end of the descending portion 344 is exposed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 21.

[0124] By the holding metal member 3 having the rising portion 342, the upper end portion 343, and the two descending portions 344, the intermediate table portion 23 of the housing 2 can be protected, and there is an advantage that the intermediate table portion 23 is difficult to be damaged during fitting.

[0125] (Side extension piece)

[0126] As Figure 3 shown, each of the two side extension pieces 36 is provided on the opposite side (left side) of the end piece 31 on the first axis A1 with respect to the two side pieces 32.

[0127] More specifically, one (front side) side extension piece 36 is provided on the opposite side (left side) of the end piece 31 on the first axis A1 with respect to one (front side) side piece 32, and is arranged along the first axis A1 with one (front side) side piece 32. Similarly, the other (rear side) side extension piece 36 is provided on the opposite side (left side) of the end piece 31 on the first axis A1 with respect to the other (rear side) side piece 32, and is arranged along the first axis A1 with the other (rear side) side piece 32.

[0128] Hereinafter, in principle, the front side side extension piece 36 will be taken as an example for description, but the rear side side extension piece 36 has the same structure.

[0129] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the side extension piece 36 has an upper side portion 361, an inner side portion 362, and an outer side portion 363. The upper side portion 361, the inner side portion 362, and the outer side portion 363 are each formed into a rectangular plate shape with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1). The width dimensions of the upper side portion 361, the inner side portion 362, and the outer side portion 363 are the same. The side extension piece 36 is formed into an inverted U shape protruding upward.

[0130] The upper side portion 361 is disposed above the side wall 222 on one (front) side, and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 with respect to the upper side portion 321 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side. The upper side portion 361 covers at least a part of the upper surface of the first end side (right side) in the side wall 222 on one (front) side. The upper side portion 361 covers the portion of the upper surface of the first end side (right side) in the side wall 222 that is located on the second end side (left side) more than the portion covered by the upper side portion 321 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side.

[0131] The inner side portion 362 is disposed inside the side wall 222 on one (front) side, and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 with respect to the inner side portion 322 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side. The inner side portion 362 covers at least a part of the inner surface of the first end side (right side) in the side wall 222 on one (front) side. The inner side portion 362 covers the portion of the inner surface of the first end side (right side) in the side wall 222 on one (front) side that is located on the second end side (left side) more than the portion covered by the inner side portion 322 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side.

[0132] The inner surface of the inner side portion 362 is exposed in the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner side portion 362 is located more inward than the exposed surface of the inner side of the side wall 222 that is not covered by the inner side portion. The side surface of the first end side (right side) of the inner side portion 362 is substantially flush with the side surface of the second end side (left side) of the spring storage portion 28 of the housing 2.

[0133] The upper end of the inner side portion 362 is connected to the inner end of the upper side portion 361. The corner portion connecting the upper end of the inner side portion 362 and the inner end of the upper side portion 361 becomes the bent portion 365.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the lower end of the inner side portion 362 is connected to the bottom portion 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 via the bottom extension portion 37. In other words, the bottom extension portion 37 connects the bottom portion 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 and the inner side portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. In addition, in the present embodiment, the right end of the side extension piece 36 is not connected to the left end of the side piece 32.

[0135] The bottom extension portion 37 is a plate shape extending along the first axis A1. The bottom extension portion 37 is along the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2.

[0136] As Figure 5 shown, the bottom extension portion 37 can be regarded as the portion where the second end (left end) of the bottom portion 341 extends toward the lower end of the inner side portion 362. The bottom extension portion 37 of the present embodiment can be regarded as the portion where the portion closer to one end (front end) than the notch 3411 on one (front) side at the second end (left end) of the bottom portion 341 extends toward the lower end of the inner side portion 362.

[0137] The outer portion 363 is disposed outside the side wall 222 on one (front) side, and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 with respect to the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side. The outer portion 363 covers at least a part of the outer surface on the first end side (right side) of the side wall 222 on one (front) side. The outer portion 363 covers the portion of the outer surface on the first end side (right side) of the side wall 222 on one (front) side that is located on the second end side (left side) more than the portion covered by the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 on one (front) side.

[0138] The upper end of the outer portion 363 is connected to the outer end of the upper portion 361. The corner portion connecting the upper end of the outer portion 363 and the outer end of the upper portion 361 becomes the bent portion 366.

[0139] The bent portion 366 between the outer portion 363 and the upper portion 361 is bent more steeply than the bent portion 365 between the inner portion 362 and the upper portion 361. For example, in terms of the radius of curvature, the bent portion 366 is smaller than the bent portion 365.

[0140] Based on the above, the side extension piece 36 on one (front) side can be regarded as a part that extends the side piece 32 on one (front) side along the first axis A1 to the side opposite to the end piece 31 (left side).

[0141] (Spring piece)

[0142] As Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the two spring pieces 35 are configured to extend upward from the bottom 341 and can be elastically deformed outward along the second axis A2. The two spring pieces 35 are each pressed against the corresponding opposite-side holding metal member 7 (described later) of the opposite-side connector 5 in a state where the opposite-side connector 5 and the connector 1 are connected. Accordingly, each of the two spring pieces 35 generates an elastic force (inward) toward the corresponding opposite-side holding metal member 7. The "elastic force" mentioned here functions as the contact pressure applied by the connector 1 to the opposite-side connector 5 in a state where the opposite-side connector 5 and the connector 1 are connected.

[0143] As Figure 8 shown, each of the two spring pieces 35 has a rising portion 351 and a front end portion 352.

[0144] As Figure 3As shown, the rising portion 351 is a plate member extending upward from both ends (front end and rear end) of the second axis A2 of the bottom portion 341. The rising portion 351 of the front spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 extends upward from the front end of the bottom portion 341, and the lower end of the rising portion 351 is connected to the front end of the bottom portion 341. The corner portion connecting the lower end of the rising portion 351 of the front spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 and the front end of the bottom portion 341 is bent.

[0145] Similarly, the rising portion 351 of the rear spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 extends upward from the rear end of the second axis A2 of the bottom portion 341, and the lower end of the rising portion 351 is connected to the rear end of the bottom portion 341. The corner portion connecting the lower end of the rising portion 351 of the rear spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 and the rear end of the bottom portion 341 is bent.

[0146] As Figure 8 shown, the front end portion 352 is a plate member bent to form a convex portion 353 protruding inward. The lower end of the front end portion 352 of the front spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 351 of the spring piece 35. Similarly, the lower end of the front end portion 352 of the rear spring piece 35 among the two spring pieces 35 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 351 of the spring piece 35.

[0147] As Figure 7 shown, the inner front end of the convex portion 353 in the front spring piece 35 is located more inward than the inner surface 3221 of the inner portion 322 of the front side portion piece 32. Similarly, the inner front end of the convex portion 353 in the rear spring piece 35 is located more inward than the inner surface 3221 of the inner portion 322 of the rear side portion piece 32. According to this structure, the two spring pieces 35 of the holding metal member 3 are pushed outward along the second axis A2 by the other-side holding metal member 7 in a state where the other-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, and are elastically deformed. As a result, the two spring pieces 35 of the holding metal member 3 generate an elastic force facing the other-side holding metal member 7 (inward) and contact the other-side holding metal member 7.

[0148] The convex portion 353 is located near the upper end in the inner portion 312 of the end portion piece 31 and the inner portion 362 of the side portion extension piece 36 on the third axis A3. In addition, the convex portion 353 is located at substantially the same position as the inner portion 322 of the side portion piece 32 on the third axis A3. The upper end of the front end portion 352 is located at substantially the same position as the bent portion 315 of the end portion piece 31, the bent portion 325 of the side portion piece 32, and the bent portion 365 of the side portion extension piece 36 on the third axis A3. That is, the convex portions 353 and the front end portions 352 of the two spring pieces 35 are provided in the fitting concave portion 24 (refer to Figure 1) above. For this reason, there is an advantage that the two spring pieces 35 can ensure an elastic force (contact pressure) in a state where the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0149] As Figure 7 shown, the two spring pieces 35 are respectively arranged between the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36 on the first axis A1. More specifically, the two spring pieces 35 are respectively arranged to be received in the notch 329 located between the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36 on the first axis A1. According to this structure, the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36 can protect the spring pieces 35, and there is an advantage that the spring pieces 35 are not easily damaged.

[0150] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the first end side fixing portion and the first side portion side fixing portion of the holding metal member 3 on the first side (right side) of the first axis A1 are connected to the conductor provided on the first substrate 91. Similarly, the first end side fixing portion and the first side portion side fixing portion of the holding metal member 3 on the second side (left side) of the first axis A1 are connected to the conductor provided on the first substrate 91. The two spring pieces 35 of the holding metal member 3 function as power supply terminals for transmitting electric power to the mating connector 5 (mating holding metal member) in a state where the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0151] (2-2) Connector

[0152] Next, the mating connector 5 as a connector will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12 the following.

[0153] The mating connector 5 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, which has a length along the first axis A1, a width along the second axis A2 that intersects (here is orthogonal) with the second axis A2, and a height along the third axis A3 that intersects (here is orthogonal) with both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The connector 1 is fitted into the mating connector 5 along the third axis A3.

[0154] In the column of this “(2-2) connector”, for the sake of convenience in explanation, one side and the other side of the first axis A1 are respectively described as “left” and “right”, one side and the other side of the second axis A2 are respectively described as “front” and “rear”, and one side and the other side of the third axis A3 are respectively described as “upper” and “lower”. In particular, when the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 are engaged, on the third axis A3, the side where the mating connector 5 is located is set as “lower”, and the side where the connector 1 is located is set as “upper”. That is, in the column of this “(2-2) connector”, it is upside down compared with the column of the “(2-1) socket”. In addition, the above stipulation of directions does not mean to limit the usage form of the mating connector 5.

[0155] In addition, in the column of the “(2-2) connector”, when observing the mating connector 5 from above, the side closer to the center of the mating connector 5 is set as “inner side”, and the side farther from the center of the mating connector 5 is set as “outer side”. That is, the so-called “outer side” refers to the side that is far from the center with the center of the mating connector 5 as the reference (inner side).

[0156] The length dimension (the dimension of the first axis A1) of the mating connector 5 is, for example, several mm to several tens of mm. In addition, the width dimension (the dimension of the second axis A2) of the mating connector 5 is, for example, several mm. In addition, the height dimension (the dimension on the third axis A3) of the mating connector 5 is, for example, several tenths of mm.

[0157] As Figure 9 shown, the mating connector 5 includes a mating housing 6, a pair of mating holding metal parts 7, and a plurality of mating terminals 8.

[0158] (2-2-1) Housing, Terminal

[0159] The mating housing 6 is a resin molded body with insulation. In the present embodiment, the mating housing 6 is an insert molded product with a pair of mating holding metal parts 7 and a plurality of mating terminals 8 as inserts.

[0160] The mating housing 6 is a flat cuboid shape having a length along the first axis A1. As Figure 10 shown, the mating housing 6 has a mating bottom wall 61 and a mating peripheral wall 62. The mating bottom wall 61 and the mating peripheral wall 62 are integrally formed. The mating bottom wall 61 is a long plate shape along the first axis A1 and constitutes the bottom of the mating housing 6. The mating peripheral wall 62 protrudes upward from the periphery of the mating bottom wall 61 and is in a rectangular frame shape when observed from above. That is, the mating peripheral wall 62 is formed to surround the center along the periphery of the mating bottom wall 61.

[0161] The opposing-side peripheral wall 62 has a pair of opposing-side end walls 621 and a pair of opposing-side side walls 622. The pair of opposing-side end walls 621 extend along the second axis A2 and face each other along the first axis A1. The pair of opposing-side side walls 622 are located at both ends of the pair of opposing-side end walls 621 of the second axis A2. The pair of opposing-side side walls 622 extend along the first axis A1 and face each other along the second axis A2.

[0162] The opposing-side peripheral wall 62 has a total of four corner portions 623 at the positions where the opposing-side end walls 621 and the opposing-side side walls 622 are connected. Protrusion portions 6231 protruding outward are provided at the lower ends of the four corner portions 623.

[0163] The portion surrounded by the opposing-side bottom wall 61 and the opposing-side peripheral wall 62 forms a fitting recess (hereinafter also referred to as "second fitting recess") 64 into which the connector 1 is fitted. Specifically, the intermediate table portion 23 of the connector 1 is fitted into the second fitting recess 64. Thereby, the opposing-side connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0164] A height difference portion 63 is formed between the opposing-side bottom wall 61 and the opposing-side end wall 621 of the opposing-side peripheral wall 62.

[0165] Half of each of a plurality of opposing-side terminals 8 is provided on each of the pair of opposing-side side walls 622 of the opposing-side peripheral wall 62. Specifically, each of the pair of opposing-side side walls 622 holds five opposing-side terminals 8, for a total of ten.

[0166] The arrangement interval, i.e., the pitch, of the plurality of opposing-side terminals 8 is, for example, a fraction of a millimeter. The pitch of the plurality of opposing-side terminals 8 is substantially equal to the pitch of the plurality of terminals 4. In the present embodiment, the plurality of opposing-side terminals 8 are arranged at equal intervals, but they may also be arranged at irregular intervals.

[0167] The opposing-side terminals 8 (terminals of the opposing-side connector 5) are, for example, metal formed bodies containing a metal material such as a copper alloy. Gold plating is applied to the opposing-side terminals 8, but this is not limiting, and gold plating may not be applied.

[0168] As Figure 13 shown, the opposing-side terminal 8 has a contact piece 81, a hanging piece 82, and a terminal piece 83, which are integrally formed.

[0169] The contact piece 81 is plate-shaped. The contact piece 81 is provided on the opposing-side side wall 622 at the opposing surface of the second fitting recess 64. The contact piece 81 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64. The contact piece 81 contacts the corresponding terminal 4 in the state where the connector 1 is connected to the opposing-side connector 5.

[0170] The contact piece 81 is provided with a recess 811 that is recessed in a direction away from the second fitting recess 64. The recess 811 is configured to receive a part (bent piece 44) of the corresponding terminal 4 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5. That is, the recess 811 of the contact piece 81 and the corresponding terminal 4 constitute a locking mechanism that prevents the mating connector 5 from detaching from the connector 1 and can release the connection state between the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 by applying a force greater than a given value.

[0171] The hanging piece 82 is plate-shaped. The hanging piece 82 is provided along the outer surface of the mating side wall 622. The first end (upper end) of the hanging piece 82 is bent in an inverted U shape and is integral with the first end (upper end) of the contact piece 81.

[0172] The hanging piece 82 is integral with a protrusion 821 that protrudes along the thickness axis of the hanging piece 82. The protrusion 821 is arranged along the third axis A3 with the protrusion 451 of the corresponding terminal 4 of the connector 1 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5, and is located at a position closer to the bottom side of the terminal 4 than the protrusion 451. For this reason, as long as a force greater than a given value is not used to pull the mating connector 5 off the connector 1, the connection state between the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 will not be released because the protrusion 451 of the terminal 4 catches on the protrusion 821 of the mating side terminal 8. That is, the protrusion 821 of the mating side terminal 8 and the protrusion 451 of the terminal 4 constitute a locking mechanism that prevents the mating connector 5 from detaching from the connector 1 and can release the connection state between the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 by applying a force greater than a given value.

[0173] The terminal piece 83 is plate-shaped. The first end (inner end) of the terminal piece 83 is integral with the second end (lower end) of the contact piece 81. In addition, the second end of the terminal piece 83 is exposed from the mating side housing 6 on one end side (lower side) of the third axis A3. The lower surface of the terminal piece 83 becomes a joint surface that is joined to the second substrate 92 by welding, for example.

[0174] All of the plurality of (ten) mating side terminals 8 are signal terminals. Five mating side terminals 8 (signal terminals) are respectively provided on a pair of mating side walls 622 in a state of being arranged along the first axis A1.

[0175] A part of each of the plurality of mating side terminals 8 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64 while being held by the mating side wall 622. Specifically, a part of the contact piece 81 of each of the plurality of mating side terminals 8 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64. In addition, a part of the hanging piece 82 is exposed on the outer side surface side of the mating side wall 622 in each of the plurality of mating side terminals 8.

[0176] When the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, in each of the plurality of mating terminals 8, the portion (contact piece 81) exposed in the second fitting recess 64 contacts the bent piece 44 of the terminal 4 of the connector 1. Further, in each of the plurality of mating terminals 8, the hanging piece 82 contacts the rising piece 45 of the terminal 4 (terminal 4) of the connector 1. Thus, each of the plurality of mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5 is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal 4 of the connector 1.

[0177] (2-2-2) Retaining metal

[0178] The mating retaining metal 7 is, for example, a metal formed body containing a metal material such as a copper alloy. The mating retaining metal 7 is used to enhance the strength of the mating connector 5.

[0179] In the mating peripheral wall 62 of the present embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, one mating retaining metal 7 (a total of two) is disposed at each of both ends (left end and right end) of the first axis A1. Alternatively, the mating retaining metal 7 may be disposed at one end (left end or right end) of the first axis A1 in the mating peripheral wall 62.

[0180] Hereinafter, in principle, the mating retaining metal 7 mounted on the right end of the mating housing 6 will be described as an example, but the mating retaining metal 7 mounted on the left end of the mating housing 6 has the same structure.

[0181] The mating retaining metal 7 is integrally formed seamlessly (without seams) by, for example, deep drawing.

[0182] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the mating retaining metal 7 has a mating end piece 71, mating side pieces 72, and a mating connecting portion 73. Specifically, the mating retaining metal 7 has one mating end piece 71, two mating side pieces 72, and two mating connecting portions 73.

[0183] (End piece)

[0184] The mating end piece 71 protects one (right side) mating end wall 621 of the mating housing 6. The mating end piece 71 has an upper side portion 711, an outer side portion 712, and an inner side portion 713.

[0185] The upper side portion 711 is disposed above the mating end wall 621 and covers at least a part of the upper surface of the mating end wall 621. The upper side portion 711 covers at least the portion of the upper surface of the mating end wall 621 that is outside (right side) of the first axis A1.

[0186] The inner part 713 is disposed inside (left side) of the opposite-side end wall 621, covering at least a part of the inner surface (left side surface) of the opposite-side end wall 621. The inner part 713 covers the central part of the second axis A2 among the inner surfaces of the opposite-side end wall 621.

[0187] The upper end of the inner part 713 is connected to the inner end (left end) of the upper part 711. The corner part connecting the upper end of the inner part 713 and the inner end of the upper part 711 becomes the bent part 716.

[0188] As Figure 11 shown, the inner part 713 has a rectangular plate-like part with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2). The width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2) of the inner part 713 is smaller than the width dimension of the upper part 711. The inner surface (left side surface) of the inner part 713 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64. The inner surface of the inner part 713 and the part of the inner surface of the opposite-side end wall 621 adjacent to the inner part 713 on the second axis A2 are connected without a height difference.

[0189] The inner part 713 contacts the intermediate extension part 34 (specifically, the rising part 342) of the holding metal part 3 of the connector 1 in a state where the connector 1 is connected to the opposite-side connector 5.

[0190] The outer part 712 is disposed outside (right side) of the opposite-side end wall 621, covering at least a part of the outer surface (right side surface) of the opposite-side end wall 621. The outer part 712 covers at least the part near the upper end among the outer surfaces of the opposite-side end wall 621. The outer part 712 covers substantially the whole of the outer surface of the opposite-side end wall 621.

[0191] As Figure 11 shown, the outer part 712 is formed into a rectangular plate shape with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2). At the lower end of the outer part 712, both sides of the second axis A2 become recesses 7121 recessed upward.

[0192] The lower surface of the outer part 712 becomes, for example, a joint surface joined to the second substrate 92 by welding. In this way, the opposite-side end piece 71 has an end-side fixing part (the lower end part of the outer part 712; hereinafter, also referred to as the "second end-side fixing part") fixed to the second substrate 92 (circuit board).

[0193] In addition, the lower end part of the outer part 712 of the opposite-side end piece 71 is formed to be inclined toward the inner surface side so as to be tapered such that it becomes thinner toward the lower end side.

[0194] The upper end of the outer part 712 is connected to the outer end (right end) of the upper part 711. The corner part connecting the upper end of the outer part 712 and the outer end of the upper part 711 becomes the bent part 715.

[0195] The bent portion 715 between the outer portion 712 and the upper portion 711 and the bent portion 716 between the inner portion 713 and the upper portion 711 are bent in the same manner. For example, the radii of curvature of the bent portion 715 and the bent portion 716 are substantially the same.

[0196] (Side piece)

[0197] As Figure 11 As shown, two opposing side pieces 72 are respectively provided at both ends (front end and rear end) of the second axis A2 of the opposing end piece 71. The opposing end piece 71 and the two opposing side pieces 72 are connected in an inverted C shape in a top view.

[0198] One (front side) of the opposing side pieces 72 protects the end of the opposing side wall 622 of the opposing side housing 6 on one (right side) of the first axis A1. The other (rear side) of the opposing side pieces 72 protects the end of the opposing side wall 622 of the opposing side housing 6 on one (right side) of the first axis A1.

[0199] Each of the two opposing side pieces 72 has an upper portion 721, an outer portion 722, and an inner portion 723.

[0200] The upper portion 721 is disposed above the end of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622 and covers at least a part of the upper surface of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622. The upper portion 721 covers at least the outer part of the upper surface of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622.

[0201] The inner portion 723 is disposed inside the end of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622 and covers at least a part of the inner surface of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622. The inner portion 723 covers at least a part near the upper end of the inner surface of one (right side) of the opposing side wall 622.

[0202] The upper end of the inner portion 723 is connected to the inner end of the upper portion 721. The corner portion connecting the upper end of the inner portion 723 and the inner end of the upper portion 721 becomes the bent portion 726.

[0203] As Figure 11 As shown, the inner portion 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped portion with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1). The width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1) of the inner portion 723 is smaller than the width dimension of the upper portion 721. The inner surface of the inner portion 723 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64. The inner surface of the inner portion 723 and the inner surface of the opposing side wall 622 that is adjacent to the inner portion 723 on the first axis A1 are connected without a height difference.

[0204] As Figure 11 shown, the inner part 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped first part with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the first axis A1) at its upper end. In addition, the inner part 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped second part with the same width dimension as the first part below the first part. The second part of the inner part 723 extends obliquely outward from the lower end of the first part.

[0205] The outer part 722 is disposed outside one end (right side) of the opposing side side wall 622 and covers at least a part of the outer surface of one side (right side) of the opposing side side wall 622. The outer part 722 covers at least a part near the upper end among the outer surfaces of one side (right side) of the opposing side side wall 622. The outer part 722 covers substantially the entire outer surface of the opposing side side wall 622.

[0206] As Figure 11 、 Figure 12 shown, the outer part 722 is formed into a rectangular plate shape with a fixed width dimension (dimension of the second axis A2). At the lower end of the outer part 722, the left end part of the first axis A1 becomes a recess 7221 concave upward. The recess 7221 of the opposing side end piece 71 is connected to the recess 7121 of the opposing side end piece 71, and the protrusion 6231 of the opposing side housing 6 is disposed.

[0207] The upper end of the outer part 722 is connected to the outer end of the upper part 721. The corner part connecting the upper end of the outer part 722 and the outer end of the upper part 721 becomes a bent part 725.

[0208] The bent part 725 between the outer part 722 and the upper part 721 and the bent part 726 between the inner part 723 and the upper part 721 are bent in the same way. For example, the radius of curvature of the bent part 725 and the bent part 726 is substantially the same. In the present embodiment, the bent part 725 and the bent part 726 are continuously and bently connected.

[0209] As Figure 8 shown, the outer part 722 contacts the spring piece 35 of the holding metal piece 3 of the connector 1 in a state where the connector 1 is connected to the opposing side connector 5.

[0210] The other - side side piece 72 also has a terminal portion 724. The terminal portion 724 is a rectangular plate - like shape with the same width dimension as the width dimension of the outer side portion 722, and extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the outer side portion 722. The lower surface of the terminal portion 724 becomes, for example, a joint surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by welding. In this way, the other - side side piece 72 has a side - portion side fixing portion (the lower - end portion of the outer side portion 722; hereinafter also referred to as the "second side - portion side fixing portion") fixed to the second substrate 92 (circuit board). Since the front end of the terminal portion 724 protrudes more outward than the outer side portion 722, there is an advantage that it is easy to confirm whether the terminal portion 724 is welded to the second substrate 92.

[0211] (Connecting portion)

[0212] The other - side connecting portion 73 connects the other - side end piece 71 and the other - side side piece 72 at the corner portion 623 of the other - side peripheral wall 62. One of the two other - side connecting portions 73 (the front - side one) connects the front end of the other - side end piece 71 and the right - hand end of the front - side other - side side piece 72. The other of the two other - side connecting portions 73 (the rear - side one) connects the rear end of the other - side end piece 71 and the right - hand end of the rear - side other - side side piece 72.

[0213] The other - side connecting portion 73 has an upper - side connecting portion 731 and an outer - side connecting portion 732. The upper - side connecting portion 731 connects the upper - side portion 711 of the other - side end piece 71 and the upper - side portion 721 of the other - side side piece 72 without a gap at the corner portion 623 of the other - side peripheral wall 62. The outer - side connecting portion 732 connects the outer - side portion 712 of the other - side end piece 71 and the outer - side portion 722 of the other - side side piece 72 without a gap at the corner portion 623 of the other - side peripheral wall 62. Therefore, the other - side connecting portion 73 connects the bent portion 715 of the other - side end piece 71 and the bent portion 725 of the other - side side piece 72 without a gap.

[0214] The upper - side connecting portion 731 has a lower surface adjacent to the other - side peripheral wall 62 and an upper surface separated from the other - side peripheral wall 62 in a cross - section along the third axis A3. The upper surface of the upper - side connecting portion 731 connects the upper surface of the upper - side portion 711 of the other - side end piece 71 and the upper surface of the upper - side portion 721 of the other - side side piece 72. The lower surface of the upper - side connecting portion 731 connects the lower surface of the upper - side portion 711 of the other - side end piece 71 and the lower surface of the upper - side portion 721 of the other - side side piece 72.

[0215] The outer - side connecting portion 732 has an inner surface adjacent to the other - side peripheral wall 62 and an outer surface separated from the inner surface with respect to the other - side peripheral wall 62 in a cross - section orthogonal to the third axis A3. The inner surface and the outer surface of the outer - side connecting portion 732 are curved to protrude outward with respect to the center of the other - side connector 5.

[0216] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 , Figure 12 , in the mating-side holding metal member 7, the inner portion 713 of the mating-side end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the mating-side side piece 72 are not connected. Further, the bent portion 716 of the mating-side end piece 71 and the bent portion 726 of the mating-side side piece 72 are not connected. That is, the mating-side connecting portion 73 has a void 79 between the inner portion 713 of the mating-side end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the mating-side side piece 72. On the mating-side peripheral wall 62 of the mating-side housing 6, the entire inner surface and a part of the upper surface of the corner portion 623 connecting the mating-side end wall 621 and the mating-side side wall 622 are exposed through this void 79 (refer to Figure 9 ).

[0217] In the mating-side connector 5 of this embodiment, the mating-side holding metal member 7 is connected to the spring piece 35 of the holding metal member 3 of the connector 1. Specifically, the outer portion 722 of the mating-side side piece 72 in the mating-side holding metal member 7 of the mating-side connector 5 is connected to the spring piece 35 in the holding metal member 3 of the connector 1. That is, the mating-side holding metal member 7 functions as a power supply terminal for receiving power transmitted from the connector 1 in a state where the mating-side connector 5 and the connector 1 are connected.

[0218] (2-3) Connector assembly

[0219] The connector assembly 100 includes a socket as the connector 1 and a plug as the mating-side connector 5.

[0220] As described above, the connector 1 is mounted, for example, on a substrate 9 (first substrate 91) built into an electronic device such as a smartphone (refer to Figure 13 ). Further, the mating-side connector 5 is similarly mounted on another substrate 9 (second substrate 92) built into the electronic device (refer to Figure 13 ).

[0221] And, for example, as shown in Figure 13 , by moving the mating-side connector 5 toward the connector 1, the connector 1 and the mating-side connector 5 are connected to electrically connect the first conductor provided on the first substrate 91 and the second conductor provided on the second substrate 92. Specifically, a plurality (here, 10) of terminals 4 of the connector 1 are respectively electrically connected to a corresponding plurality (here, 10) of mating-side terminals 8 of the mating-side connector 5. The bent piece 44 of the terminal 4 is inserted into the recess 811 of the mating-side terminal 8. Further, the protrusion 451 of the terminal 4 contacts the hanging piece 82 after passing over the protrusion 821 of the mating-side terminal 8.

[0222] Further, the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5 by electrically connecting the spring piece 35 of the holding metal piece 3 of the connector 1 to the outer portion 722 of the mating side portion piece 72 of the mating side holding metal piece 7 of the mating connector 5. At this time, the outer portion 712 of the mating side end piece 71 of the mating side holding metal piece 7 is located more inward than the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 of the holding metal piece 3, and the inner portion 312 and the outer portion 712 face each other with a gap therebetween. Alternatively, the inner portion 312 and the outer portion 712 may face each other in contact. Further, the outer portion 722 of the mating side side piece 72 of the mating side holding metal piece 7 is located more inward than the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 of the holding metal piece 3, and the inner portion 322 and the outer portion 722 face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0223] Further, two of each of the plurality (here, four) of spring pieces 35 of the connector 1 are electrically connected to the corresponding plurality (here, two) of mating side holding metal pieces 7 of the mating connector 5. The spring piece 35 of the holding metal piece 3 of the connector 1 contacts the outer portion 722 of the mating side side piece 72 of the mating side holding metal piece 7 of the mating connector 5 in a state where the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 are engaged. According to this structure, there is an effect that the reliability of the contact between the spring piece 35 of the holding metal piece 3 and the outer portion 722 of the mating side side piece 72 of the mating side holding metal piece 7 of the mating connector 5 can be ensured by the elastic force of the spring piece 35 generated in the direction facing the mating side holding metal piece 7. As a result, it is no longer necessary for portions of the holding metal piece 3 other than the spring piece 35 (for example, the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31, the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32, the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36) to firmly contact the mating side holding metal piece 7 (for example, the outer portion 712 of the mating side end piece 71, the outer portion 722 of the mating side side piece 72) in a surface-to-surface manner, and the insertion and extraction force when the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 are engaged can be alleviated. Thus, the connector 1 of the present embodiment has an advantage of being able to suppress at least one of the occurrence of damage and the degree of the damage when the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 are engaged or detached.

[0224] When connecting the connector 1 and the mating connector 5, the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating connector 5 is fitted into the first fitting recess 24 of the connector 1. At this time, there is a possibility that the corner portions 623 at the four corners of the mating peripheral wall 62 come into contact with the inner surfaces of the corner portions 223 at the four corners of the peripheral wall 22 constituting the first fitting recess 24. Also, depending on the material of the contacting portions, there is a possibility of scratching the contacting portions during contact. For this reason, in the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment, an inner connecting portion 332 for connecting the holding metal member 3 is provided at the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22 of the connector 1, and an outer connecting portion 732 for connecting the mating holding metal member 7 is provided at the corner portion 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating connector 5. Both the inner connecting portion 332 and the outer connecting portion 732 are made of metal and are difficult to scratch. For this reason, in the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment, when connecting the connector 1 and the mating connector 5, it is difficult to scratch the connector 1 and difficult to scratch the mating connector 5. In other words, there is an advantage that damage generated when fitting the mating connector 5 to the connector 1 can be reduced. In addition, there is also an advantage that a decrease in the strength of the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 can be suppressed, and further, the strength of the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 can be improved.

[0225] (3) Variation

[0226] The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. As long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved, the above-described embodiment can be variously modified according to design and the like. Hereinafter, variations of the embodiment will be listed. Hereinafter, the above-described embodiment may also be referred to as the "basic example". The above basic example and the variations described below can be appropriately combined and used.

[0227] (3-1) Variation of the holding metal member

[0228] A variation of the holding metal member provided in the connector 1 (jack) will be described. The holding metal member 3A of the first variation and the holding metal member 3B of the second variation described below can be provided in the housing 2 in place of the holding metal member 3 of the basic example. At this time, the shape of the housing 2 can be appropriately deformed corresponding to the shapes of the holding metal members 3A and 3B. Hereinafter, regarding the same structures as those of the holding metal members of the basic example or other variations, the same reference numerals will be given, and the description may be appropriately omitted. In addition, hereinafter, the holding metal members 3A and 3B mounted on the right end of the housing 2 will be described as an example.

[0229] (3-1-1) First variation of the holding metal member

[0230] Reference Figure 14 will be used to describe the holding metal member 3A of the first variation.

[0231] The holding metal member 3A includes an end piece 31, side pieces 32, connecting parts 33, an intermediate extension part 34, spring pieces 35, side extension pieces 36, an upper side extension part 381, an outer side extension part 382, and a terminal extension part 383. Specifically, the holding metal member 3A includes 1 end piece 31, 2 side pieces 32, 2 connecting parts 33, 1 intermediate extension part 34, 2 spring pieces 35, 2 side extension pieces 36, 2 upper side extension parts 381, 2 outer side extension parts 382, and 2 terminal extension parts 383.

[0232] In the first modification example, the positions where the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to other parts of the holding metal member 3 are different from those in the basic example. More specifically, in the first modification example, the difference is that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the left end of the side piece 32 via the upper side extension part 381, the outer side extension part 382, and the terminal extension part 383, as compared with the basic example.

[0233] In the first modification example, the side extension piece 36 has a terminal part 364 in addition to an upper side part 361, an inner side part 362, and an outer side part 363. The terminal part 364 is a rectangular plate shape the same as the outer side part 363 and extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the outer side part 323. The lower surface of the terminal part 324 becomes, for example, a joint surface joined to the first substrate 91 by welding.

[0234] Hereinafter, in principle, the upper side extension part 381, the outer side extension part 382, and the terminal extension part 383 provided on one side (front side) will be taken as examples for explanation, but the upper side extension part 381, the outer side extension part 382, and the terminal extension part 383 provided on the other side (rear side) have the same structure.

[0235] The upper side extension part 381 connects the upper side part 321 of the side piece 32 on one side (front side) and the upper side part 361 of the side extension piece 36 on one side (front side). Specifically, the upper side extension part 381 connects the left end of the upper side part 321 in the side piece 32 on one side and the right end of the upper side part 361 in the side extension piece 36 on one side.

[0236] The upper side extension part 381 is a plate shape extending along the upper side surface of the side wall 222 of the housing 2. That is, the upper side extension part 381 can be regarded as a part where the left end of the upper side part 321 of the side piece 32 extends to the right end of the upper side part 361 of the side extension piece 36.

[0237] Similarly, the outer side extension part 382 connects the outer side part 323 of the side piece 32 on one side (front side) and the outer side part 363 of the side extension piece 36 on one side (front side). Specifically, the outer side extension part 382 connects the left end of the outer side part 323 in the side piece 32 on one side and the right end of the outer side part 363 in the side extension piece 36 on one side.

[0238] The outer extension portion 382 is plate-shaped and extends along the outer surface of the side wall 222 of the housing 2. That is, the outer extension portion 382 can be regarded as the portion where the left end of the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 extends to the right end of the outer portion 363 of the side extension piece 36.

[0239] The upper end of the outer extension portion 382 is connected to the outer end of the upper extension portion 381. The corner portion connecting the upper end of the outer extension portion 382 and the outer end of the upper extension portion 381 is bent.

[0240] The terminal extension portion 383 connects the terminal portion 324 of one (front side) side piece 32 and the terminal portion 364 of one (front side) side extension piece 36. Specifically, the terminal extension portion 383 connects the left end of the terminal portion 324 in one side piece 32 and the right end of the terminal portion 364 in one side extension piece 36.

[0241] The terminal extension portion 383 is plate-shaped and extends outward from the lower end of the outer extension portion 382 along the second axis A2. That is, the terminal extension portion 383 can be regarded as the portion where the left end of the terminal portion 324 of the side piece 32 extends to the right end of the terminal portion 364 of the side extension piece 36.

[0242] In addition, in the first modification example, the holding metal member 3A includes the upper extension portion 381, the outer extension portion 382, and the terminal extension portion 383, but it is sufficient to include at least one of the upper extension portion 381, the outer extension portion 382, and the terminal extension portion 383. As an example, the holding metal member 3A may only include the upper extension portion 381. In other words, the two side extension pieces 36 may be connected to the left end of the side piece 32 only via the upper extension portion 381.

[0243] (3-1-2)The second modification example of the holding metal member

[0244] Reference Figure 15 will be used to describe the holding metal member 3B of the second modification example.

[0245] The holding metal member 3B includes an end piece 31, side pieces 32, connecting portions 33, an intermediate extension portion 34, spring pieces 35, side extension pieces 36, and inner extension portions 39. Specifically, the holding metal member 3B includes one end piece 31, two side pieces 32, two connecting portions 33, one intermediate extension portion 34, two spring pieces 35, two side extension pieces 36, and two inner extension portions 39.

[0246] In the second modification example, the portions where the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the other parts of the holding metal member 3 are different from those in the basic example. More specifically, the second modification example is different from the basic example in that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the left end of the side piece 32 via the inner extension portions 39.

[0247] Hereinafter, in principle, taking the inner extension portion 39 provided on one side (front side) as an example for explanation, the inner extension portion 39 provided on the other side (rear side) has the same structure.

[0248] The inner extension portion 39 connects the descending portion 344 on one side (front side) and the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36 on one side (front side). Specifically, the inner extension portion 39 connects the lower end of the descending portion 344 on one side and the lower end of the inner portion 362 in the side extension piece 36 on one side (front side).

[0249] The inner extension portion 39 is a substantially rectangular plate shape extending outward from the lower end of the descending portion 344 along the second axis A2. That is, the inner extension portion 39 can be regarded as a part where the lower end of the descending portion 344 extends to the lower end of the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. The upper surface of the inner extension portion 39 is connected to the upper surface of the bottom wall 21 of the housing without a height difference.

[0250] (3-1-3) Other modification examples of the holding metal member

[0251] In a modification example, the holding metal member 3 may also be disposed only at one end (left end or right end) of the first axis A1 in the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2.

[0252] In a modification example, the intermediate extension portion 34 may also extend from the side piece 32 to the intermediate table portion 23. In other words, the bottom 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 may also extend from the lower end of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32. Alternatively, the intermediate extension portion 34 may also extend from the end piece 31 and the side piece 32 integrally to the intermediate table portion 23. The bottom 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 may also extend from the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the lower end of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32.

[0253] In the basic example, the outer portions 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portions 323 of the side piece 32 each have the embedding portions 317, 327, but in a modification example, either the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 or the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 may have the embedding portions 317, 327. That is, at least one of the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 may have the embedding portions 317, 327.

[0254] In addition, in the basic example, the embedding portions 317 and 327 have through holes 318, but in a modified example, they may have notches. That is, the embedding portions 317 and 327 may have at least one of the through holes 318 and the notches. For example, the notch of the embedding portion 317 is provided at at least one end (at least one of the front end and the rear end) of the second axis A2 of the outer side portion 313. In addition, the notch of the embedding portion 317 may also be provided at the end (lower end) on the side of the terminal portion 314 of the outer side portion 313. Similarly, the notch of the embedding portion 327 is provided at at least one end (at least one of the left end and the right end) of the first axis A1 of the outer side portion 323. In addition, the notch of the embedding portion 327 may also be provided at the end (lower end) on the side of the terminal portion 324 of the outer side portion 323. In addition, the notches of the embedding portions 317 and 327 may be rectangular, semi-elliptical or semi-circular. That is, the shape of the notches of the embedding portions 317 and 327 is not limited.

[0255] In a modified example, the holding metal members 3 (3A, 3B) may not have the intermediate extension portion 34.

[0256] In a modified example, the holding metal members 3 (3A, 3B) may not have the outer side portions 313 of the end pieces 31 and the outer side portions 323 of the side pieces 32.

[0257] In a modified example, regarding the holding metal members 3 (3A, 3B), in a state where the connector 1 is engaged with the counter connector 5, portions other than the spring pieces 35 may contact the counter holding metal members 7. As an example, in a state where the connector 1 is engaged with the counter connector 5, the bottom portion 341 of the holding metal members 3 (3A, 3B) may contact the upper side portion 711 of the counter end piece 71, the upper side portion 721 of the counter side piece 72, and the upper connecting portion 731 of the counter connecting portion 73 in the counter connector 5.

[0258] In a modified example, the structures of the holding metal members 3, 3A, and 3B of the basic example and each modified example may be partially combined. For example, in addition to having the bottom extension portion 37, the holding metal member 3 of the basic example may also have an upper side extension portion 381, an outer side extension portion 382, and a terminal extension portion 383. That is, in the holding metal member 3 of the basic example, the two side extension pieces 36 may be connected to the bottom portion 341 via the bottom extension portion 37, and further, connected to the side piece 32 via the upper side extension portion 381, the outer side extension portion 382, and the terminal extension portion 383.

[0259] In addition, the holding metal member 3A of Modification 1 may further include an inner extension portion 39 in addition to the upper extension portion 381, the outer extension portion 382, and the terminal extension portion 383. That is, in the holding metal member 3A of Modification 1, the two side extension pieces 36 may also be connected to the side piece 32 via the upper extension portion 381, the outer extension portion 382, and the terminal extension portion 383, and further connected to the descending portion 344 via the inner extension portion 39.

[0260] (3-2)Other Modifications

[0261] In a modification, the mating-side holding metal member 7 may also not have the inner portion 713 of the mating-side end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the mating-side side piece 72.

[0262] In a modification, the connector assembly 100 can be used, for example, in electronic devices other than wearable terminals such as camera modules, wireless earphones, or smart watches, etc., and portable terminals. In addition, the connector assembly 100 is not limited to the use of electrically connecting between multiple substrates 9. For example, as long as it is for electrically connecting between multiple components such as between the substrate 9 and a display, or between the substrate 9 and a storage battery.

[0263] In a modification, the number of cores (the number of terminals 4 included in the connector 1; the number of mating-side terminals 8 included in the mating-side connector 5) can be appropriately changed.

[0264] In a modification, the connector of the connecting connector 1 is not limited to the mating-side connector 5 described in the basic example.

[0265] (Summary)

[0266] The connector 1 of the first mode according to the embodiment is a connector that mates with the mating connector 5, and includes: a housing 2 including a peripheral wall 22 having end walls 221 and 221 opposed to each other on the first axis A1, side walls 222 connecting one end of the end wall 221 and one end of the end wall 221, and side walls 222 connecting the other end of the end wall 221 and the other end of the end wall 221; a holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) disposed at the first end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22 and the second end opposite to the first end; and terminals 4 held by the peripheral wall 22 and electrically connected to the mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5. When the connector 1 moves upward, the connector 1 mates with the mating connector 5. The holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) has: an end piece 31 having an upper side portion 311 disposed above the end wall 221 and an inner side portion 312 disposed inside the end wall 221; a side piece 32 having an upper side portion 311 disposed above the side wall 222 and an inner side portion 322 disposed inside the side wall 222; a connecting portion 33 disposed at a corner of the peripheral wall 22 connecting the end wall 221 and the side wall 222 for connecting the end piece 31 and the side piece 32; a bottom 341 located between the side walls 222 and extending from the lower end of the end piece 31 or the lower end of the side piece 32; and a spring piece 35 extending upward from the bottom 341. The connecting portion 33 includes: an inner connecting portion 332 that connects the inner side portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner side portion 322 of the side piece 32 without a gap.

[0267] According to this mode, there is an advantage that the connector 1 is difficult to be damaged during mating.

[0268] In the connector 1 of the second mode according to the embodiment, the bottom 341 extends from the lower end of the inner side portion 312 of the end piece 31.

[0269] According to this mode, there is an advantage that the bottom 341 is easily formed.

[0270] In the connector 1 of the third mode according to the embodiment, the inner connecting portion 332 of the connecting portion 33 has: an outer surface 3321 opposed to the peripheral wall 22; and an inner surface 3322 as a surface opposite to the outer surface 3321. The outer surface 3321 of the inner connecting portion 332 and the inner surface 3322 of the inner connecting portion 332 are each bent to protrude outward with respect to the center of the connector 1.

[0271] According to this mode, there is an advantage that the strength of the connector 1 is improved.

[0272] In the connector 1 of the fourth mode according to the embodiment, the side wall 222 has: a spring receiving portion 28 that receives the spring piece 35.

[0273] According to this method, there is an advantage that the size of the connector 1 can be miniaturized.

[0274] In the connector 1 of the fifth embodiment, the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) further includes: a side extension piece 36, which is located between the end piece 31 of the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) and the second end wall of the peripheral wall 22. The side extension piece 36 has: an inner part 362, which is arranged inside the side wall 222, and a spring piece 35 is arranged between the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36.

[0275] According to this method, there is an advantage that the spring piece 35 is difficult to be damaged.

[0276] In the connector 1 of the sixth embodiment, the holding metal member 3 further includes: a bottom extension part 37, which connects the bottom 341 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36.

[0277] According to this method, there is an advantage that the connector 1 is more difficult to be damaged during fitting.

[0278] In the connector 1 of the seventh embodiment, the side extension piece 36 further has: an upper side part 361, which is arranged above the end wall 221. The upper side part 361 of the side extension piece 36 is arranged between the upper side part 321 of the side piece 32 and the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22. The holding metal member 3A further has: an upper side extension part 381, which connects the upper side part 321 of the side piece 32 and the upper side part 361 of the side extension piece 36.

[0279] According to this method, there is an advantage that the connector 1 is more difficult to be damaged during fitting.

[0280] In the connector 1 of the eighth embodiment, the housing 2 further has: an intermediate table part 23, which is located between a pair of side walls 222 and protrudes upward. The holding metal member 3B further has: a rising part 342, which extends upward from the bottom 341; an upper end part 343, which extends from the rising part 342 and is arranged above the intermediate table part 23; a descending part 344, which extends downward from the upper end part 343; and an inner extension part 39, which connects the descending part 344 and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36.

[0281] According to this method, there is an advantage that the connector 1 is more difficult to be damaged during fitting.

[0282] In the connector 1 of the ninth embodiment, the housing further includes an intermediate table portion 23 that is located between a pair of side walls 222, protrudes upward, and holds the metal member 3 (3A). The metal member 3 (3A) further includes a rising portion 342 that extends upward from a bottom portion 341, an upper end portion 343 that extends from the rising portion 342 and is disposed above the intermediate table portion 23, and a descending portion 344 that extends downward from the upper end portion 343.

[0283] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the intermediate table portion 23 is less likely to be damaged during fitting.

[0284] In the connector 1 of the tenth embodiment, the side piece 32 of the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) further includes an outer side portion 313 that is disposed outside the side wall 222, and at least one of the outer side portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer side portion 323 of the side piece 32 has a buried portion 317 (327) buried in the peripheral wall 22.

[0285] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the fixing strength between the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) is improved.

[0286] In the connector 1 of the eleventh embodiment, the buried portion 317 (327) has at least one of a through hole 318 (328) and a notch.

[0287] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the adhesiveness between the housing 2 and the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) is improved.

[0288] In the connector 1 of the twelfth embodiment, the end piece 31 has a fixing portion (terminal portion 314) fixed to the substrate 9, and the side piece 32 has a fixing portion (terminal portion 324) fixed to the substrate 9.

[0289] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the holding metal member 3 (3A, 3B) can be firmly fixed to the substrate 9.

[0290] The connector 1 of the thirteenth embodiment is a connector 1 that is fitted to a mating connector 5. The mating connector 5 includes a mating terminal 8, a mating housing 6 that holds the mating terminal 8, and a mating holding metal member 7 disposed in the mating housing 6. The spring piece 35 contacts the mating holding metal member 7 when the connector 1 is in a fitted state with the mating connector 5.

[0291] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the connector 1 is less likely to be damaged during fitting.

[0292] The mating connector 5 of the 14th embodiment is a mating connector 5 that mates with the connector 1, and includes: a mating housing 6 that includes a mating peripheral wall 62 having a pair of mating end walls 621 facing each other, a mating side wall 622 that connects one end of one mating end wall 621 and one end of the other mating end wall 621, and a mating side wall 622 that connects the other end of one mating end wall 621 and the other end of the other mating end wall 621; a mating holding metal member 7 disposed at an end of the first axis A1 in the mating peripheral wall 62; and a mating terminal 8. The mating holding metal member 7 has: a mating end piece 71 having an upper side portion 711 disposed above the mating end wall 621 and an outer side portion 712 disposed outside the mating end wall 621; a mating side piece 72 having an upper side portion 721 disposed above the mating side wall 622 and an outer side portion 722 disposed outside the mating side wall 622; and a mating connecting portion 73 disposed at a corner portion 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62 adjacent to the mating end wall 621 and the mating side wall 622 for connecting the mating end piece 71 and the mating side piece 72. The mating connecting portion 73 includes an outer connecting portion 732 that connects the outer side portion 712 of the mating end piece 71 and the outer side portion 722 of the mating side piece 72 without a gap.

[0293] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the mating connector 5 is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0294] The connector assembly 100 of the 15th embodiment is a connector assembly 100 including a socket and a connector that mates with the socket. The socket is the connector 1 of any one of the 1st to 13th embodiments, and the connector is the mating connector 5 of the 14th embodiment.

[0295] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 are less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0296] Description of Reference Numerals

[0297] 100 Connector Assembly

[0298] 1 Connector

[0299] 2 Housing

[0300] 22 Peripheral Wall

[0301] 221 End Wall

[0302] 222 Side Wall

[0303] 223 Corner Portion

[0304] 23 Intermediate Table Portion

[0305] 28 Spring storage part

[0306] 3, 3A, 3B Retaining metal parts

[0307] 31 End piece

[0308] 311 Upper side part

[0309] 312 Inner side part

[0310] 313 Outer side part

[0311] 317 Embedded part

[0312] 318 Through hole

[0313] 32 Side piece

[0314] 321 Upper side part

[0315] 322 Inner side part

[0316] 3221 Inner surface

[0317] 323 Outer side part

[0318] 327 Embedded part

[0319] 328 Through hole

[0320] 33 Connecting part

[0321] 332 Inner connecting part

[0322] 3321 Outer surface

[0323] 3322 Inner surface

[0324] 333 Slit

[0325] 341 Bottom

[0326] 342 Rising part

[0327] 343 Upper end part

[0328] 344 Descending part

[0329] 35 Spring piece

[0330] 351 Rising part

[0331] 36 Side extension piece

[0332] 361 Upper side part

[0333] 362 Inner side part

[0334] 363 Outer side part

[0335] 37 Bottom extension part

[0336] 381 Upper extension part

[0337] 39 Inner extension part

[0338] 4 Terminal

[0339] 5 Counterpart connector

[0340] 6 Counterpart housing

[0341] 62 Counterpart peripheral wall

[0342] 621 Counterpart end wall

[0343] 622 Counterpart side wall

[0344] 623 Corner part

[0345] 7 Counterpart holding metal part

[0346] 71 Counterpart end piece

[0347] 711 Upper part

[0348] 712 Outer part

[0349] 713 Inner part

[0350] 72 Counterpart side piece

[0351] 721 Upper part

[0352] 722 Outer part

[0353] 723 Inner part

[0354] 73 Counterpart connecting part

[0355] 732 Outer connecting part

[0356] 8 Counterpart terminal

[0357] A1 First axis

[0358] A2 Second axis

[0359] A3 Third axis.

Claims

1. A connector that mates with a mating connector on the other side, The connector includes: A housing that includes a peripheral wall having a first end wall and a second end wall that face each other on a first axis, a first side wall that connects one end of the first end wall and one end of the second end wall, and a second side wall that connects the other end of the first end wall and the other end of the second end wall; A retaining metal member disposed at the first end of the first axis of the peripheral wall and at the first end among the first end and the second end on the opposite side of the first end; and Terminals held by the peripheral wall and electrically connected to mating terminals of the mating connector on the other side, When the connector moves upward, the connector mates with the mating connector on the other side, The retaining metal member has: An end piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first end wall and an inner side portion disposed inside the first end wall; A side piece having an upper side portion disposed above the first side wall and an inner side portion disposed inside the first side wall; A connecting portion disposed at a corner of the peripheral wall connecting the first end wall and the first side wall, connecting the end piece and the side piece; A bottom portion located between the first side wall and the second side wall and extending from the lower end of the end piece or the lower end of the side piece; and A spring piece extending upward from the bottom portion, The connecting portion includes: an inner connecting portion that connects the inner side portion of the end piece and the inner side portion of the side piece without a gap.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom portion extends from the lower end of the inner side portion of the end piece.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The inner connecting portion of the connecting portion has: an outer surface facing the peripheral wall; and an inner surface that is the surface opposite to the outer surface, The outer surface of the inner connecting portion and the inner surface of the inner connecting portion are each bent to protrude outward with respect to the center of the connector.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first side wall has: a spring receiving portion that receives the spring piece.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining metal member further includes: a side extension piece located between the end piece of the retaining metal member and the second end wall of the peripheral wall, The side extension piece has: an inner side portion disposed inside the first side wall, The spring piece is disposed between the inner side portion of the side piece and the inner side portion of the side extension piece.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The retaining metal member further includes: a bottom extension portion that connects the bottom portion and the inner side portion of the side extension piece.

7. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, The side extension piece further has: an upper side portion disposed above the first end wall, The upper side portion of the side extension piece is disposed between the upper side portion of the side piece and the second end wall of the peripheral wall, The holding metal member further has: an upper side extension portion that connects the upper side portion of the side piece and the upper side portion of the side extension piece.

8. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, the housing further has: an intermediate table portion that is located between the first side wall and the second side wall and protrudes upward, the holding metal member further has: a rising portion that extends upward from the bottom; an upper end portion that extends from the rising portion and is disposed above the intermediate table portion; a descending portion that extends downward from the upper end portion; and an inner side extension portion that connects the descending portion and the inner side portion of the side extension piece.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the housing further includes: an intermediate table portion that is located between the first side wall and the second side wall and protrudes upward, the holding metal member further has: a rising portion that extends upward from the bottom; an upper end portion that extends from the rising portion and is disposed above the intermediate table portion; and a descending portion that extends downward from the upper end portion.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, the side piece of the holding metal member further has: an outer side portion that is disposed outside the first side wall, at least one of the outer side portion of the end piece and the outer side portion of the side piece has: a buried portion that is buried in the peripheral wall.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein, the buried portion has at least one of a through hole and a notch.

12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, the end piece has a fixing portion fixed to the substrate, the side piece has a fixing portion fixed to the substrate.

13. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, the connector is fitted with the other side connector, the other side connector has: the other side terminal; an other side housing that holds the other side terminal; and an other side holding metal member that is disposed in the other side housing, the spring piece contacts the other side holding metal member in a state where the connector is fitted with the other side connector.

14. An other side connector that is fitted with the connector according to claim 1, the other side connector includes: an other side housing that includes an other side peripheral wall, and the other side peripheral wall has a first other side end wall and a second other side end wall that face each other, a first other side side wall that connects one end of the first other side end wall and one end of the second other side end wall, and a second other side side wall that connects the other end of the first other side end wall and the other end of the second other side end wall; an other side holding metal member that is disposed at the first end of the first axis in the other side peripheral wall; and the other side terminal, the other side holding metal member has: an other side end piece that has an upper side portion disposed above the first other side end wall and an outer side portion disposed outside the first other side end wall; an other side side piece that has an upper side portion disposed above the first other side side wall and an outer side portion disposed outside the first other side side wall; and The mating-side connecting portion is disposed at a corner of the mating-side peripheral wall formed by connecting the first mating-side end wall and the first mating-side side wall, and connects the mating-side end piece and the mating-side side piece. The mating-side connecting portion includes an outer connecting portion that seamlessly connects the outer portion of the mating-side end piece and the outer portion of the mating-side side piece.

15. A connector assembly, comprising: A socket; and A connector that fits into the socket, The socket is the connector according to claim 1, The connector is the mating-side connector according to claim 1.

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