Connector and connector pair

Abstract

A connector and a connector pair wherein the connector is configured to mate with a mating connector, the connector comprising: a connector body comprising an upper surface, a side surface, and an end face, the upper surface and the end face intersecting at a first corner, the side surface and the end face intersecting at a second corner; a terminal attached to the connector body; and a reinforcing fitting attached to the connector body and including an upper face portion, an end face portion, a rear bending portion connecting the upper face portion to the end face portion, a side face portion, and a side bending portion connecting the end face portion to the side face portion, and wherein the rear bending portion covers the first corner and the side bending portion covers the second corner. The lateral bending portion covers the second corner. According to the present disclosure, the connector may be provided with a reinforcement fitting that is small in size and low in profile, still exhibiting high strength and correct dimensional accuracy to improve reliability.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with the applicant being "Moles Ltd.", the application date being September 18, 2021, the application number being 202111109815.X, and the invention title being "Connector and Connector Pair". Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector pair. Background Art

[0003] Connectors such as board-to-board connectors have been used to electrically connect pairs of parallel circuit boards to each other. These connectors are attached to respective opposing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards and are fitted together to achieve electrical conduction. In addition, a technique has been proposed for an enhancement fitting that is attached to both end portions and serves as a power terminal for transmitting the current of power between a connector and a mating connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Figure 11 FIG. is a perspective view showing a conventional connector.

[0005] In the figure, reference numeral 811 denotes a base of a plug connector as a connector mounted on the surface of a first circuit board (not shown), which has a pair of convex portions 812 into which a socket connector mounted on the surface of a second circuit board (not shown) is inserted. The convex portions 812 are rib portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the base 811, and a plurality of terminals 861 are arranged side by side at a predetermined pitch and are supported.

[0006] In addition, enhancement fittings 851 are attached to both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the base 811. The enhancement fittings 851 protect both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the base 811 and also serve as power terminals for transmitting the current of power to an enhancement fitting of a socket connector (not shown in the figure).

[0007] In addition, the enhancement fitting 851 includes: an upper surface portion 852 that covers a part of the upper surface of the base 811; an end surface portion 853 that has an upper end connected to the upper surface portion 852 via a bent portion and extends in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface portion 852 to cover a part of the end surface of the base 811; and a first side surface portion 854 and a second side surface portion 855 that are connected to the upper surface portion 852 and extend in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface portion 852 to cover a part of the left and right side surfaces of the base 811. The lower end of the first side surface portion 854 is connected to a power connection pad formed on the surface of a first circuit board (not shown in the figure) by means such as welding. In addition, when the plug connector is fitted with the socket connector, the second side surface portion 855 contacts and conducts with the enhancement fitting of the socket connector.

[0008] Prior Art Documents

[0009] Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

[0011] However, with the aforementioned conventional connector, it is difficult to correctly control the positions of the outer surfaces of the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 of the reinforcement fitting 851 in the connector width direction.

[0012] The reinforcement fitting 851 is formed by performing stamping on a metal plate to form a substantially flat plate-like member in which the upper surface portion 852, the end surface portion 853, the first side surface portion 854, and the second side surface portion 855 are integrally connected, and then bending the substantially flat plate-like member so that the end surface portion 853, the first side surface portion 854, and the second side surface portion 855 are orthogonal to the upper surface portion 852.

[0013] At this time, for example, in order to form the outer surfaces of the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 flush, the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 at the left and right sides of the upper surface portion 852 approach each other. Therefore, the bending process is performed simultaneously by the same die member. However, these members are independent of each other, and thus, the bending degrees are not strictly the same. As a result, it is difficult to make the outer surfaces of the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 strictly flush. In addition, for example, in order to deviate the position of the first side surface portion 854 from the position of the second side surface portion 855 in the connector width direction, it is necessary to perform processing with different bending degrees on the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855. However, the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 are close to each other, and thus, it is difficult to perform high-precision bending processing on the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 independently.

[0014] In particular, in recent years, as the connector has become smaller and lower-profile, each part of the reinforcement fitting 851 has also become finer, and it is extremely difficult to precisely control the positions of the outer surfaces of the first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 in the connector width direction by performing high-precision bending processing on the fine first side surface portion 854 and the second side surface portion 855 that are close to each other on the left and right sides of the upper surface portion 852. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Here, in order to solve the problems of the conventional connector, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable connector and a connector pair provided with a reinforcement fitting that has correct dimensional accuracy, exhibits high strength, achieves a high shielding effect, and has a small and low-profile shape.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present application, a connector is provided and configured to match a mating connector. The connector includes: a connector body including an upper surface, a side surface, and an end surface, where the upper surface and the end surface intersect at a first corner, and the side surface and the end surface intersect at a second corner; terminals attached to the connector body; and a reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and including an upper portion, an end portion, a rearward bent portion connecting the upper portion to the end portion, a side portion, a lateral bent portion connecting the end portion to the side portion, and wherein the rearward bent portion covers the first corner and the lateral bent portion covers the second corner.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the side portion further includes an upper end bent portion that contacts and conducts electricity with the reinforcement fitting of the mating connector.

[0018] According to one embodiment, side edges of the upper portion each include insertion recesses formed along its width direction, the side portion is connected to the upper end bent portion and includes a support member extending downward or obliquely downward, and the support member is inserted into one of the insertion recesses.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the end portion includes a lower protruding portion connected to its bottom end, and the bottom end of the lower protruding portion is configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the bottom end of the side portion is not configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

[0021] According to one embodiment, side edges of the upper portion include insertion recesses formed along its width direction; the side portion includes a first part and a second part; the upper end bent portion and a support member extending downward or obliquely downward therefrom are connected to the second part, and wherein the support member is inserted into one of the insertion recesses.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the connector body further includes a second end surface, where the upper surface and the second end surface intersect at a third corner, and the side surface and the second end surface intersect at a fourth corner; and a second reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and covering the third corner and the fourth corner.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present application, a connector pair is further provided, including: the connector as described above; and a mating connector.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present application, a connector is provided and configured to mate with a mating connector. The connector includes: a connector body including an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and an end surface, where the upper surface and the end surface intersect at a first corner, the first side surface and the end surface intersect at a second corner, and the second side surface and the end surface intersect at a third corner; terminals attached to the connector body; and a reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and including an upper portion, an end portion, a rearward bent portion connecting the upper portion to the end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, a first sideward bent portion connecting the end portion to the first side portion, and a second sideward bent portion connecting the end portion to the second side portion, and wherein the rearward bent portion covers the first corner, the first sideward bent portion covers the second corner, and the second sideward bent portion covers the third corner.

[0025] According to one embodiment, both a first side edge and a second side edge of the upper portion include insertion recesses formed along their width directions, and each side portion includes a first part and a second part; and further includes: a first upper bent portion and a first support member extending downward or obliquely downward therefrom and connected to the second part of the first side portion, where the first support member is inserted into the insertion recess of the first side edge, and a second upper bent portion and a second support member extending downward or obliquely downward therefrom and connected to the second part of the second side portion, where the second support member is inserted into the insertion recess of the second side edge.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the end portion includes a downward protruding portion connected to its bottom end, and the bottom end of the downward protruding portion is configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the connector body further includes a second end surface, where the upper surface and the second end surface intersect at a third corner, the first side surface and the second end surface intersect at a fourth corner, and the second side surface and the second end surface intersect at a fifth corner; and a second reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and covering the third corner, the fourth corner, and the fifth corner.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present application, a connector pair is provided, including: the connector as described above; and a mating connector.

[0029] Therefore, the connector includes a connector body, terminals attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing fitting attached to the connector body. Among them, the connector body includes fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the fitting guide portions are fitted with mating fitting guide portions formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a mating connector body of a mating connector. The reinforcing fitting includes: an upper surface portion covering at least a part of the upper surface of the fitting guide portion; an end surface portion covering at least a part of the end surface of the fitting guide portion; a first side surface portion covering at least a part of each side surface of the fitting guide portion; and a second side surface portion covering at least a part of each side surface of the fitting guide portion, and the end surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion, the first side surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion, and the second side surface portion is located closer to the end surface of the fitting guide portion than the first side surface portion and is connected to the end surface portion.

[0030] In another connector, the upper end of the end surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion via a rearward bending portion, the upper end of the first side surface portion is connected to the upper surface portion via a forward bending portion, and the rear end of the second side surface portion is connected to the end surface portion via a lateral bending portion.

[0031] In addition, in another connector, the upper surface portion includes front connecting pieces connected to the left and right sides at its front end, the upper ends of the respective first side surface portions are connected to the ends of the respective front connecting pieces via the forward bending portions and extend in the vertical direction, the end surface portion includes side connecting pieces connected to the left and right ends, and the rear ends of the respective second side surface portions are connected to the ends of the respective side connecting pieces via the forward bending portions and extend in the vertical direction.

[0032] In addition, in another connector, the upper surface portion includes insertion recesses formed at both side edges in its width direction, the respective second side surface portions include upper end bending portions connected to their upper ends and auxiliary pieces connected to the ends of the upper end bending portions and extending downward or obliquely downward, and the auxiliary pieces are inserted into the insertion recesses.

[0033] In addition, in another connector, the second side surface portion includes an upper end bending portion connected to its upper end and an auxiliary piece connected to the end of the upper end bending portion and extending downward or obliquely downward, and at least a part of the auxiliary piece is inserted into a recess formed on the fitting guide portion.

[0034] In addition, in another connector, the tails of the connection pads connected to the substrate are connected to the lower ends of the first side surface portions, the lower protrusions of the connection pads connected to the substrate are connected to the lower ends of the end surface portions, and barrier portions for preventing solder climbing or flux climbing are formed on the side surfaces of the first side surface portions and the end surface portions.

[0035] In addition, in another connector, a gold plating layer is provided on a nickel base plating layer on the first side surface portion and a side surface of the end surface portion, and the barrier portion is a portion where nickel is exposed on the surface.

[0036] A connector pair includes a connector according to the present disclosure and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a connector may be provided with a reinforcing fitting that is small in size and low in profile, yet exhibits high strength and correct dimensional accuracy to improve reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first connector according to the present embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2a and Figure 2b are two-sided views showing a first connector according to the present embodiment, where Figure 2a is a plan view, and Figure 2b is a side view.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a first connector according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a second connector according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a state before a first connector and a second connector according to the present embodiment are mated.

[0043] Figures 6a to 6d are four-sided views of a first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment, where Figure 6a is a front view, Figure 6b is a side view, Figure 6c is a top view, and Figure 6d is a bottom view.

[0044] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are perspective views showing the outside of a first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment, where Figure 7a is a first perspective view and Figure 7b is a second perspective view.

[0045] Figure 8a and Figure 8b are perspective views showing the inside of a first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment, where Figure 8a is a first perspective view and Figure 8b is a second perspective view.

[0046] Figure 9a and Figure 9bis a cross-sectional view of a first reinforcing fitting attached to a first base according to this embodiment, where Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 2a arrow A-A of Figure 9b and Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view taken along the

[0047] Figure 10a and Figure 10b are perspective views showing a first protruding end of the first base for attaching the first reinforcing fitting according to this embodiment, where Figure 10a is an overall view and Figure 10b is Figure 10a an enlarged view of part C in

[0048] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a conventional connector.

[0049] 1 First connector

[0050] 11 First base

[0051] 11a, 111a mating surface

[0052] 11b, 111b mounting surface

[0053] 12 First convex part

[0054] 13, 112a groove part

[0055] 21 First protruding end

[0056] 21a Upper surface

[0057] 21b, 112 recess

[0058] 21c End face

[0059] 21d Side face

[0060] 22a End face recess

[0061] 22b First side face recess

[0062] 22b1, 22c1 Front side inner wall

[0063] 22c Second side face recess

[0064] 51 First reinforcing fitting

[0065] 52, 152, 852 Upper face part

[0066] 52a Front connecting piece

[0067] 52a1 Front bending part

[0068] 52b Rearward bending portion

[0069] 52c Insertion recess

[0070] 53, 153, 853 End face portion

[0071] 53a Lower protruding portion

[0072] 53b Lateral connecting piece

[0073] 53b1 Lateral bending portion

[0074] 54, 854 First side face portion

[0075] 54a, 62, 162 Tail portion

[0076] 54a1 Lower end bending portion

[0077] 54b, 55c, 55f Joining protrusion

[0078] 55, 855 Second side face portion

[0079] 55a Upper side portion

[0080] 55b Lower side portion

[0081] 55d Upper end bending portion

[0082] 55d1 Top face

[0083] 55e Auxiliary piece

[0084] 61 First terminal

[0085] 64 Connecting portion

[0086] 65, 165a First contact portion

[0087] 66, 166 Second contact portion

[0088] 101 Second connector

[0089] 111 Second base

[0090] 113 Second convex portion

[0091] 113a Island end recess

[0092] 114 Side wall portion

[0093] 115 Second terminal receiving cavity

[0094] 115a Second terminal receiving inner cavity

[0095] 115b Second terminal receiving outer cavity

[0096] 121 Second protruding end

[0097] 122 Fitting recess

[0098] 151 Second reinforcing fitting

[0099] 152a Lateral connecting part

[0100] 152b Front connecting part

[0101] 155 Side face part

[0102] 155a Contact piece

[0103] 158 Bottom covering part

[0104] 158a Island end covering part

[0105] 161 Second terminal

[0106] 163 Held part

[0107] 164 Lower connecting part

[0108] 165 Inner connecting part

[0109] 167 Upper connecting part

[0110] 811 Base

[0111] 812 Protrusion

[0112] 851 Reinforcing fitting

[0113] 861 Terminal Detailed implementation mode

[0114] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0115] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first connector according to the present embodiment; Figure 2a and Figure 2b are two - side views showing the first connector according to the present embodiment; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the first connector according to the present embodiment; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the second connector according to the present embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the state before the first connector and the second connector according to the present embodiment are mated. It should be noted that in Figure 2a and Figure 2b , Figure 2a is a plan view, and Figure 2b is a side view.

[0116] In the figure, the first connector 1 is the connector of the first embodiment and is one of a pair of board-to-board connectors that form a connector pair. The first connector 1 is a surface-mount type connector mounted on the surface of a first board (not shown), which is a board serving as a mounting element, and the first connector 1 mates with a second connector 101, which is the mating connector of the connector pair. Further, the second connector 101 is the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors, is a surface-mount type connector mounted on the surface of a second board (not shown), which is a board serving as a mounting element, and the second connector 101 mates with the first connector 1.

[0117] The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 of the present embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first board and the second board and can also be used to electrically connect other components. For example, each of the first board and the second board is a printed circuit board, a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible circuit board (FPC), etc. used in an electronic device or the like, but can be any type of board.

[0118] Note that in the present embodiment, expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, which are used to describe the configuration and operation of each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, are relative and not absolute, and are appropriate when each part of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is in the posture shown in the figure. However, when their postures change, these directions should be interpreted as changing according to the change in posture.

[0119] The first connector 1 is of the so-called plug connector type and includes a first base 11 integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin as a connector body. As shown in the figure, the first base 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thick plate-like shape. An elongated groove portion 13 extending in the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first base 11 and a first convex portion 12, which is an elongated convex portion defining the outside of the groove portion 13 and extending in the length direction of the first base 11, are integrally formed on the side of the first base 11 into which the second connector 101 is inserted (i.e., the mating surface 11a side (Z-axis positive direction side)). The first convex portion 12 is formed along both sides of the groove portion 13 and along both sides of the first base 11. For example, the first connector 1 has dimensions of approximately 10.0 mm in length, approximately 1.1 mm in width, and approximately 0.5 mm in thickness. However, these dimensions can be appropriately changed.

[0120] First terminals 61 serving as terminals are attached to respective first convex portions 12. A plurality of (e.g., 25) first terminals 61 are formed at a predetermined pitch (e.g., approximately 0.35 mm) on both the left and right sides. The pitch and number of the first terminals 61 can be appropriately changed. In the groove portion 13, the side mounted on the first board (i.e., the mounting surface 11b side (Z-axis negative direction side)) is closed by a bottom plate.

[0121] The first terminal 61 can be held while being press-fitted into the first base 11. However, here, the first terminal 61 will be described as an element integrally formed with the first base 11 by insert molding. In other words, the first base 11 is formed by setting the first terminal 61 inside and then filling the cavity of the mold with resin. Therefore, it should be noted that although the first terminal 61 is not separated from the first base 11, for the sake of convenience, in Figure 3 , the first terminal 61 is shown as being separated from the first base 11.

[0122] The first terminal 61 is an element integrally formed by performing stamping, bending, etc. on a conductive metal plate, and includes a first contact portion 65, a connecting portion 64 connected to the upper end of the first contact portion 65, a second contact portion 66 connected to the outer end of the connecting portion 64, and a tail portion 62 connected to the lower end of the first contact portion 65. The tail portion 62 extends toward the outside of the first base 11 and is connected to a connection pad by welding or the like, and the connection pad is connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate. The conductive trace is typically a signal line. In addition, the surfaces of the first contact portion 65, the connecting portion 64, and the second contact portion 66 are exposed on the respective side surfaces and the fitting surface 11a of the first convex portion 12.

[0123] The first protruding end portions 21 as fitting guide portions are respectively arranged at both ends in the length direction of the first base 11. The first protruding end portions 21 are thick elements extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first base 11, both ends of the first protruding end portions 21 are connected to both ends in the length direction of the first convex portion 12, and the upper surface of the first protruding end portions 21 has a substantially rectangular shape. In a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together, the first protruding end portions 21 serve as insertion protrusions inserted into the fitting recesses 122 of the second protruding end portions 121 included in the second connector 101. A first reinforcing fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portions 21 as a reinforcing fitting.

[0124] The first reinforcing fitting 51 is an element integrally formed by performing stamping, bending, etc. on a metal plate, and includes: an upper surface portion 52 covering at least a part of the upper surface 21a of the first protruding end portion 21; an end surface portion 53 covering at least a part of the end surface 21c, which is the surface of the first protruding end portion 21 on the outer side in the length direction of the first base 11; and a first side surface portion 54 and a second side surface portion 55, as side surface portions, covering at least a part of the two side surfaces 21d, which are the two surfaces of the first protruding end portion 21 on the outer side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first base 11. It should be noted that a tail portion 54a extending toward the outside in the width direction of the first base 11 is connected to the lower end of the first side surface portion 54.

[0125] The upper face part 52 is a flat plate extending parallel to the fitting face 11a and the mounting face 11b. Further, the end face part 53 is a flat plate connected to the outer edge of the first base 11 at the outer end in the longitudinal direction of the upper face part 52 and extending toward the mounting face 11b (negative Z-axis direction). Further, the first side face part 54 is a flat plate connected to the outer edge of the first base 11 at the outer end in the width direction of the upper face part 52 and extending toward the mounting face 11b. Note that a second side face part 55, which is a flat plate extending substantially parallel to the first side face part 54 and toward the mounting face 11b, is connected to the outer edge of the first base 11 at the outer end in the width direction of the end face part 53.

[0126] Further, an end face recess 22a is formed on the end face 21c of the first protruding end part 21, and a first side face recess 22b and a second side face recess 22c are formed on the side face 21d of the first protruding end part 21. Further, when the first reinforcing fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end part 21, the first reinforcing fitting 51 descends from Figure 3 the position shown relative to the first base 11, the end face part 53 is inserted into and housed in the end face recess 22a, and the first side face part 54 and the second side face part 55 are inserted into and housed in the first side face recess 22b and the second side face recess 22c. Note that a recess 21b is formed on the upper face 21a of the first protruding end part 21, and at least the lower end of an auxiliary piece 55e, which will be described later and is provided by the second side face part 55, is inserted into and housed in the recess 21b.

[0127] The tail part 54a of the first side face part 54 is connected to a connection pad by welding or the like, and the connection pad is connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate. The conductive trace is typically a power line or a ground line. Similarly, the lower end of the end face part 53 is connected to a connection pad of the first substrate by welding or the like.

[0128] The second connector 101 is of the so-called socket connector type and includes a second base 111 integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin as a mating connector body. As shown in the figure, the second base 111 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of a substantially rectangular thick plate, and a substantially rectangular recess 112 for embedding the first base 11 of the first connector 1 is formed on the side where the first connector 1 is embedded (i.e., the fitting face 111a side (negative Z-axis direction side)), and the periphery of the recess 112 is surrounded. For example, the second connector 101 has dimensions of approximately 11.0 mm in length (dimension in the X-axis direction), approximately 1.9 mm in width (dimension in the Y-axis direction), and approximately 0.6 mm in thickness (dimension in the Z-axis direction). However, these dimensions can be appropriately changed.

[0129] The second convex portion 113, which is inserted into the groove portion 13 of the first connector 1 as a Nakajima, is integrally formed in the recess 112 of the second base 111, and side wall portions 114 that extend parallel to the second convex portion 113 are integrally formed with the second base 111 on both sides of the second convex portion 113 (the positive Y-axis side and the negative Y-axis side). The second convex portion 113 and the side wall portions 114 project upward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the bottom plate that defines the bottom surface of the recess 112 and extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second base 111. As a result, groove portions 112a are formed as elongated recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111 on both sides of the second convex portion 113 as a part of the recess 112.

[0130] Second terminal receiving inner cavities 115a having a groove-like shape are formed on the side surfaces on both sides of the second convex portion 113. Second terminal receiving outer cavities 115b having a groove-like shape are formed on the inner side surfaces of the side wall portions 114. The second terminal receiving inner cavities 115a and the second terminal receiving outer cavities 115b are connected to each other and integrated at the bottom surface of the groove portion 112a, so that the second terminal receiving inner cavities 115a and the second terminal receiving outer cavities 115b are described as second terminal receiving cavities 115 when described together. The second terminal receiving cavities 115 are formed to penetrate the bottom plate in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction).

[0131] In the first embodiment, the second terminal receiving cavities 115 are formed on both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second base 111 and are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111. Specifically, only the same number of terminals are formed on both sides of the second convex portion 113 at the same pitch as the pitch of the first terminals 61 of the first connector 1. The pitch and the number of the second terminal receiving cavities 115 can be appropriately changed. In addition, only the same number of second terminals 161, which are terminals received in their respective second terminal receiving cavities 115 and attached to the second base 111, are also arranged on both sides of the second convex portion 113 at the same pitch.

[0132] The second terminal 161 is an element integrally formed by subjecting a conductive metal plate to processing such as stamping and bending, and includes a held portion 163, a tail portion 162 connected to the lower end of the held portion 163, an upper side connection portion 167 connected to the upper end of the held portion 163, a second contact portion 166 connected to the lower end of the upper side connection portion 167 and opposed to the held portion 163, a lower side connection portion 164 connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 166, and an inner side connection portion 165 connected to the end on the side opposite to the second contact portion 166 of the lower side connection portion 164.

[0133] The held portion 163 is a portion that is embedded and held in the second terminal housing outer cavity 115b and extends in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction) (i.e., in the thickness direction of the second base 111). The tail portion 162 is bent and connected to the held portion 163, extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) (i.e., outward in the width direction of the second base 111), and is connected to the connection pad by welding or the like. The connection pad is connected to the conductive trace of the second substrate. The conductive trace is typically a signal line. The upper connection portion 167 is a portion bent to protrude upward (negative Z-axis direction).

[0134] The second contact portion 166 extending downward (positive Z-axis direction) is connected to the lower end of the upper connection portion 167 on the opposite side of the held portion 163. The lower connection portion 164 is a portion having a substantially U-shaped side surface shape and connected to the lower end of the second contact portion 166. The first contact portion 165a bent by approximately 180 degrees is connected to the upper end of the inner connection portion 165 and protrudes upward and toward the second contact portion 166.

[0135] The second terminal 161 is inserted into the second terminal housing cavity 115 from the mounting surface 111b side, which is the lower surface (positive Z-axis direction surface) of the second base 111. The held portion 163 is clamped from both sides by the side walls of the second terminal housing outer cavity 115b formed on the inner side surfaces of the side wall portions 114. Thus, the second terminal 161 is fixed to the second base 111. In this state (i.e., the state where the second terminal 161 is loaded in the second base 111), the first contact portion 165a and the second contact portion 166 are located on the left and right sides of the groove portion 112a and face each other. The second terminal 161 is an element integrally formed by processing a metal plate and thus has a certain degree of elasticity. It can be clearly seen from the shape that the interval between the first contact portion 165a and the second contact portion 166 facing each other can elastically change. That is, when the first terminal 61 included in the first connector 1 is inserted between the first contact portion 165a and the second contact portion 166, the interval between the first contact portion 165a and the second contact portion 166 elastically elongates.

[0136] In addition, the second protruding end portions 121 are arranged as fitting guiding portions for fitting at both ends in the length direction of the second base 111. The fitting recess portions 122 are formed as a part of the recess portions 112 in each of the second protruding end portions 121. The fitting recess portions 122 are substantially rectangular recesses and are connected to both ends in the length direction of each groove portion 112a. In addition, in the state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted, the first protruding end portion 21 provided on the first connector 1 is inserted into the fitting recess portion 122.

[0137] In addition, the second protruding end portion 121 has side walls on three sides defining the fitting recess 122 which is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the fitting direction. In addition, the recessed island end recess 113a is formed at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second convex portion 113.

[0138] The second reinforcing fitting 151 is attached to the second protruding end portion 121 as a reinforcing fitting attached to the second base 111. The second reinforcing fitting 151 is an element integrally formed by subjecting a metal plate to processing such as stamping and bending, and includes: an upper surface portion 152 covering at least a part of the upper surface of the end wall portion of the second protruding end portion 121; an end surface portion 153 covering at least a part of the end surface of the surface of the second protruding end portion 121 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111; side surface portions 155 covering at least a part of both side surfaces on the outer sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the second protruding end portion 121 of the second base 111; and a bottom surface covering portion 158 covering at least a part of the bottom surface of the fitting recess 122. Note that the upper surface portion 152 includes a side connection portion 152a and a front connection portion 152b. The side surface portions 155 are connected to the ends of the side connection portion 152a, and the bottom surface covering portion 158 is connected to the end of the front connection portion 152b. In addition, a contact piece 155a extending obliquely downward toward the bottom surface of the fitting recess 122 is connected to the upper end of the side surface portion 155, and an island end covering portion 158a is connected to the end of the bottom surface covering portion 158. The end of the island end covering portion 158a is inserted into the island end recess 113a. In addition, the vicinity of the lower end of the contact piece 155a is a portion that elastically contacts and conducts the second side surface portion 55 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted.

[0139] The lower end of the side surface portion 155 is connected to a connection pad by welding or the like, and the connection pad is connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate. The conductive trace is typically a power supply line or a ground line. Similarly, the lower end of the end surface portion 153 is connected to a connection pad of the second substrate by welding or the like.

[0140] Next, the configuration of the aforementioned first reinforcing fitting 51 will be described in detail.

[0141] Figures 6a to 6d is a four-sided view of the first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment; Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a perspective view showing the outside of the first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment; Figure 8a and Figure 8b is a perspective view showing the inside of the first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment; Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a cross-sectional view of the first reinforcing fitting attached to the first base according to the present embodiment; and Figure 10a and Figure 10bIt is a perspective view showing the first protruding end of the first base for attaching the first reinforcing fitting according to the present embodiment. Note that in Figures 6a to 6d is the front view, Figure 6a is the front view, Figure 6b is the side view, Figure 6c is the top view, and Figure 6d is the bottom view. In Figure 7a and Figure 7b and Figure 8a and Figure 8b is the front view, Figure 7a and Figure 8a is the first perspective view and Figure 7b and Figure 8b is the second perspective view. In Figure 9a and Figure 9b is the front view, Figure 9a is the cross-sectional view taken along the arrow A-A of Figure 2a and Figure 9b is the cross-sectional view taken along the arrow B-B of Figure 2a is the front view. In Figure 10a and Figure 10b is the front view, Figure 10a is the overall view and Figure 10b is Figure 10a is the enlarged view of part C in

[0142] In the present embodiment, the upper surface portion 52 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 includes front connecting pieces 52a on each side of the front end (which is the inner end in the longitudinal direction of the first base 11). As Figure 6c shown, the front connecting piece 52a is a strip-shaped plate having a substantially crank shape when viewed from the up-down direction (the fitting direction), and as Figure 7b shown, at its end is a front bending portion 52a1 that bends approximately 90 degrees when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first base 11 to face downward. When the front connecting piece 52a is not formed, the upper ends of the front bending portion 52a1 can be connected to the left and right sides near the front end of the upper surface portion 52 of the first reinforcing fitting 51.

[0143] In addition, the end (i.e., the tip) of the front bending portion 52a1 is connected to the upper end of the first side surface portion 54 and extends toward the mounting surface 11b (i.e., in the downward direction). Note that as Figure 6aAs shown, the end (i.e., the lower end) of the first side surface portion 54 has a lower end bent portion 54a1 which bends approximately 90 degrees to face the outside in the width direction of the first base 11 when viewed in the length direction of the first base 11. In addition, a tail portion 54 extending to the outside in the width direction of the first base 11 is connected to the end of the lower end bent portion 54a1. The tail portion 54a is connected to a connection pad by welding or the like, and the connection pad is connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate. In addition, in the first side surface portion 54, an engagement protrusion 54b is formed at the inner end (i.e., the front end) in the length direction of the first base 11. When the first side surface portion 54 is inserted into the first side concave portion 22b of the first base 11, the engagement protrusion 54b engages with the front inner side wall 22b1 of the first side concave portion 22b, as Figure 10a shown, whereby the first side surface portion 54 is stably held within the first side concave portion 22b.

[0144] In addition, the aforementioned upper surface portion 52 is connected at the rear end (which is the outer end in the length direction of the first base 11) and includes a rear bent portion 52b which bends approximately 90 degrees to face downward when viewed in the width direction of the first base 11, as Figure 6b shown. In addition, the upper end of the end surface portion 53 is connected to the end (i.e., the lower end) of the rear bent portion 52b.

[0145] The end surface portion 53 includes a lower protrusion 53a which is connected to its lower end and protrudes downward at the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The lower end of the lower protrusion 53a is connected to a connection pad of the first substrate by welding or the like. The end surface portion 53 includes side connection pieces 53b connected to the left and right side ends. The side connection pieces 53b are strip-shaped plates extending to the outside in the width direction and have side bent portions 53b1 formed at their ends, and the side bent portions 53b1 bend approximately 90 degrees to face forward, as Figure 6c and Figure 6d shown.

[0146] In addition, the end (i.e., the front end) of the side bent portion 53b1 is connected to the outer end (i.e., the rear end) in the length direction of the first base 11 at the second side surface portion 55. The second side surface portion 55 includes a flat upper side portion 55a and a lower side portion 55b extending in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction (i.e., in the X-Z direction). As Figure 6b shown, the upper side portion 55a is formed wider than the lower side portion 55b. Specifically, the upper side portion 55a has a larger dimension in the front-rear direction. It should be noted that the rear ends of the upper side portion 55a and the lower side portion 55b are in the same position with respect to the length direction of the first base 11, and thus, the front end of the upper side portion 55a is located closer to the inside (i.e., in the front) in the length direction of the first base 11 than the front end of the lower side portion 55b.

[0147] The outer surface of the upper side portion 55a is a portion near the lower end of the contact piece 155a of the second reinforcing fitting 151 that contacts the second connector 101. As Figure 6b shown, the upper side portion 55a is formed with a dimension in the front-rear direction that is larger than that of the first side surface portion 54 and also larger than that of the lower side portion 55b. Therefore, even when there is a slight misalignment during the fitting of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, the contact near the lower end of the contact piece 155a of the second reinforcing fitting 151 can be reliably maintained. In addition, the engaging projection 55c is formed at the front end of the lower side portion 55b. When the second side surface portion 55 is inserted into the second side surface recess 22c of the first base 11, the engaging projection 55c engages the front inner side wall 22c1 of the second side surface recess 22c, as Figure 10a shown, whereby the second side surface portion 55 is stably held within the second side surface recess 22c.

[0148] In addition, as Figure 9a shown, the upper end of the upper side portion 55a is connected to the upper end bent portion 55d, and the upper end of the auxiliary piece 55e that bends the end downward or obliquely downward and extends downward or obliquely downward is connected to the end of the upper end bent portion 55d. Note that in Figures 7a to 9b etc., for the convenience of illustration, only an example of the auxiliary piece 55e that extends only generally vertically downward rather than obliquely downward is drawn. In addition, the engaging projection 55f is formed on the front end of the auxiliary piece 55e. When at least a part of the auxiliary piece 55e including at least the lower end is inserted into the recess 21b of the first base 11, the engaging projection 55f engages the front inner side wall of the recess 21b, whereby the auxiliary piece 55e is stably held within the recess 21b.

[0149] Note that the recess 52c is formed by recessing inward in the width direction at both side edges in the width direction of the upper surface portion 52. In addition, at least a part of the vicinity of the upper end of the second side surface portion 55, specifically the vicinity of the end of the upper end bent portion 55d and the auxiliary piece 55e, is inserted into the insertion recess 52c, and the part including at least the lower end of the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted and held within the recess 21b. Note that the vicinity of the end of the upper end bent portion 55d and the auxiliary piece 55e do not contact the insertion recess 52c, and thus, the second side surface portion 55 and the upper surface portion 52 do not contact.

[0150] Thus, by inserting at least a part of the vicinity of the upper end of the second side surface portion 55 into the insertion recess 52c, the position of the top surface 55d1 of the upper end bent portion 55d (which is the upper end surface of the second side surface portion 55) can be precisely controlled. Specifically, the position of the top surface 55d1 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the first base 11 can be controlled to be not higher than the position of the upper surface portion 52. In other words, as Figure 9aAs shown, the position of the top surface 55d1 can be controlled to be the same as or lower than the position of the upper surface portion 52 in the thickness direction of the first base 11. If the position of the top surface 55d1 is higher than the position of the upper surface portion 52 in the thickness direction of the first base 11, then, during the fitting operation between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, when the first connector 1 slides back and forth or left and right (in the X-axis or Y-axis direction) relative to the second connector 101, the top surface 55d1 and its vicinity may catch the second reinforcing fitting 151 of the second connector 101 and the like and the second side surface portion 55 may turn upward. However, in the present embodiment, the vicinity of the end of the upper end bent portion 55d and the auxiliary piece 55e are inserted into the insertion recess 52c, and thus, the position of the top surface 55d1 can be controlled not to be higher than the position of the upper surface portion 52. Further, if at least the portion including the lower end of the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted and held in the recess 21b of the first base 11, the position of the top surface 55d1 can be more reliably controlled not to be higher than the position of the upper surface portion 52.

[0151] Further, although the present embodiment describes the first reinforcing fitting 51 formed with the insertion recess 52c, the upper end bent portion 55d, and the auxiliary piece 55e, the first reinforcing fitting 51 not formed with these members may also be employed. Specifically, the recess portion of the insertion recess 52c has a plate piece as the upper surface, and the shape of the second side surface portion 55 does not have the upper end bent portion 55d and the auxiliary piece 55e. Even in such a case, the upper end of the second side surface portion 55 can still be controlled not to be higher than the position of the upper surface portion 52.

[0152] Further, in the first reinforcing fitting 51 of the present embodiment, the end surface portion 53 is connected to the upper surface portion 52 via the rear bent portion 52b, the first side surface portion 54 is connected to the upper surface portion 52 via the front connecting piece 52a including the front bent portion 52a1, and the second side surface portion 55 is connected to the end surface portion 53 via the side connecting piece 53b including the side bent portion 53b1. Generally, in manufacturing fittings such as the first reinforcing fitting 51, a metal plate is stamped to form a substantially flat plate-like element in which each part is integrally connected, and then the substantially flat plate-like element is bent to obtain the final three-dimensional shape. In the case of the aforementioned first reinforcing fitting 51, the metal plate is stamped to form a substantially flat plate-like element in which the portions corresponding to each part including the upper surface portion 52, the end surface portion 53, the first side surface portion 54, and the second side surface portion 55 are integrally connected, and then the substantially flat plate-like element is bent to form bent portions such as the rear bent portion 52b, the front bent portion 52a1, and the side bent portion 53b1. Thus, the final product can have a shape as Figures 6a to 8bThe first reinforcing fitting 51 of the product having the three-dimensional shape shown, etc. Thus, it can be subsequently seen that each of the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 covering both sides in the width direction of the first base 11 is a portion obtained by independent bending, although these portions are close to each other in the first reinforcing fitting 51 of the final product.

[0153] Therefore, in the first reinforcing fitting 51 of the present embodiment, the positions of the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 can be independently and precisely controlled with respect to the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first base 11. For example, the outer surfaces of the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 can be correctly flush with respect to the width direction of the first base 11. Further, considering that the connection strength between the first reinforcing fitting 51 and the first substrate is more stable when the distance between the left and right tails 54a is wide, with respect to the width direction of the first base 11, the position of the first side surface portion 54 can be more on the outer side than the position of the second side surface portion 55. In addition, with respect to the width direction of the first base 11, the position of the outer surface of the second side surface portion 55 can be strictly adjusted according to the position near the lower end of the contact piece 155a of the second reinforcing fitting 151 of the second connector 101 with which it contacts.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first reinforcing fitting 51 is connected to the first substrate by welding, the climbing of solder or flux does not cause the solder or flux to adhere to the second side surface portion 55 near the lower end of the contact piece 155a that contacts the second reinforcing fitting 151. In the first reinforcing fitting 51, welding is performed at the lower end of the tail 54a connected to the lower end of the first side surface portion 54 and the lower end of the lower protrusion 53a of the end surface portion 53. However, even though the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 on both sides in the width direction of the first base 11 are close to each other, the solder or flux does not effectively reach the second side surface portion 55 because it has to travel a long path from the tail 54a, through the first side surface portion 54, the front connecting piece 52a, the upper surface portion 52, the end surface portion 53, the side connecting piece 53b, etc. to reach the second side surface portion 55. In addition, the solder or flux applied to the lower end of the lower protrusion 53a of the end surface portion 53 also needs to travel a long path (this long path travels along the end surface portion 53 through a distance in the width direction of about 1 / 2 of the width of the first connector 1 (this distance is much larger than the pitch of the first terminals 61)) and further through the side connecting piece 53b, and thus does not reach the second side surface portion 55.

[0155] Note that, if it is necessary to more reliably prevent the attachment of solder or flux, a barrier portion for preventing the climbing of solder or flux may be formed near the lower end of the first side surface portion 54 and near the upper end of the lower protruding portion 53a. For example, when the first reinforcing fitting 51 is a nickel (Ni) plating provided as an undercoat on the surface of the metal plate and a gold (Au) plating is further applied to the side surfaces such as the front side and the rear side of the first side surface portion 54 including the tail portion 54a and the lower end bent portion 54a1 and to the side surfaces such as the front side and the rear side of the end surface portion 53 including the lower protruding portion 53a, a laser beam is irradiated to melt the gold and expose the nickel on the surface in the portion irradiated with the laser beam to form a barrier portion. If the barrier portion is formed in a long and narrow strip shape extending in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the side surfaces such as the front side and the rear side near the lower end of the first side surface portion 54 and on the side surfaces such as the front side and the rear side near the lower end or the upper end of the lower protruding portion 53a of the end surface portion 53, the climbing of solder or flux over the barrier portion can be prevented. Therefore, the attachment of solder or flux to the second side surface portion 55 can be more reliably prevented.

[0156] Subsequently, the operation of fitting together the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0157] Here, the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace (not shown) of the first substrate, the tail portion 54a of the first side surface portion 54 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the first substrate, and the lower end of the lower protruding portion 53a of the end surface portion 53 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad of the first substrate, whereby the first connector 1 is surface-mounted on the first substrate. Note that the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 54a of the first side surface portion 54 of the first reinforcing fitting 51 is connected is a power line. In addition, the connection pad to which the lower end of the lower protruding portion 53a of the end surface portion 53 is connected may or may not be connected to the power line.

[0158] Similarly, the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace (not shown) of the second substrate, the lower end of the side surface portion 155 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad connected to a conductive trace of the second substrate, and the lower end of the end surface portion 153 is connected by welding or the like to a connection pad of the second substrate, whereby the second connector 101 is surface-mounted on the second substrate. Note that the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161 is connected is a signal line, and the conductive trace connected to the connection pad to which the side surface portion 155 of the second reinforcing fitting 151 is connected is a power line. In addition, the connection pad to which the lower end of the end surface portion 153 is connected may or may not be connected to the power line.

[0159] First, as Figure 5 shown, the operator positions the mating surface 11a of the first base 11 of the first connector 1 and the mating surface 111a of the second base 111 of the second connector 101 to face each other, and aligns the position of the first protrusion 12 of the first connector 1 with the position of the corresponding groove portion 112a of the second connector 101. When the position of the first protruding end portion 21 of the first connector 1 aligns with the position of the corresponding mating recess 122 of the second connector 101, the positioning of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed.

[0160] In this state, when the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 moves in the direction approaching the opposite side (i.e., in the mating direction), the first protrusion 12 and the first protruding end portion 21 of the first connector 1 are inserted into the groove portion 112a and the mating recess 122 of the second connector 101. As a result, when the mating between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 enter the conducting state.

[0161] Incidentally, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are respectively mounted on the first substrate and the second substrate having a large area. Therefore, the operator cannot see the mating surface 11a of the first connector 1 and the mating surface 111a of the second connector 101 and must perform the mating operation by feel. As a result, since correct alignment cannot be performed by feel, the positions of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 may not be aligned.

[0162] In this state, if the operator moves the first connector 1 and / or the second connector 101 in the mating direction, one first protruding end portion 21 of the first connector 1 contacts one second protruding end portion 121 of the second connector 101, and the first protruding end portion 21 receives a large pressure in the mating direction (i.e., from top to bottom in Figure 1 this).

[0163] However, in the present embodiment, the first reinforcing fitting 51 is attached to the first protruding end portion 21, most of the upper surface 21a of the first protruding end portion 21 is covered by the upper surface portion 52 of the first reinforcing fitting 51, most of the end surface portion 21c of the first protruding end portion 21 is covered by the end surface portion 53 of the first reinforcing fitting 51, and most of the side surface 21d of the first protruding end portion 21 is covered by the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 of the first reinforcing fitting 51. Therefore, even when receiving a large pressure from the second protruding end portion 121, the pressure is transmitted from the first reinforcing fitting 51 to the first substrate. Thus, almost no pressure is transmitted to the first protruding end portion 21. Therefore, the first protruding end portion 21 is not damaged or broken and can exhibit high strength.

[0164] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first connector 1 has a first base 11, first terminals 61 attached to the first base 11, and a first reinforcing fitting 51 attached to the first base 11. Further, the first base 11 includes first protruding ends 21 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the first protruding ends 21 are fitted with second protruding ends 121 formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a second base 111 of the second connector 101. The first reinforcing fitting 51 includes: an upper surface portion 52 covering at least a part of the upper surface 21a of the first protruding end 21; an end surface portion 53 covering at least a part of the end surface 21c of the first protruding end 21; a first side surface portion 54 covering at least a part of each side surface 21d of the first protruding end 21; and a second side surface portion 55 covering at least a part of each side surface 21d of the first protruding end 21. The end surface portion 53 is connected to the upper surface portion 52, the first side surface portion 54 is connected to the upper surface portion 52, and the second side surface portion 55 is located closer to the end surface 21c of the first protruding end 21 than the first side surface portion 54 and is connected to the end surface portion 53.

[0165] As a result, the first connector 1 can be provided with the first reinforcing fitting 51 having a small low profile, still presenting high strength and correct dimensional accuracy, and thereby the reliability is improved.

[0166] Further, the upper end of the end surface portion 53 is connected to the upper surface portion 52 via a rearward bending portion 52b, the upper end of the first side surface portion 54 is connected to the upper surface portion 52 via a forward bending portion 52a1, and the rear end of the second side surface portion 55 is connected to the end surface portion 53 via a lateral bending portion 53b1. Accordingly, bending processing can be independently applied to the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55, and thereby, with respect to the width direction of the first base 11, the positions of the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 can be independently and precisely controlled.

[0167] Further, the upper surface portion 52 includes front connecting pieces 52a connected to the left and right sides at its front end, the upper ends of the respective first side surface portions 54 are connected to the ends of the respective front connecting pieces 52a via forward bending portions 52a1 and extend in the vertical direction, the end surface portion 53 includes side connecting pieces 53b connected to the left and right ends, and the rear ends of the respective second side surface portions 55 are connected to the ends of the respective side connecting pieces 53b via forward bending portions 53b1 and extend in the vertical direction. As a result, the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 can be obtained by independent processing, and thereby the positions of the first side surface portion 54 and the second side surface portion 55 can be easily controlled.

[0168] In addition, the upper portion 52 includes insertion recesses 52c formed at both side edges in its width direction, each second side surface portion 55 includes an upper end bent portion 55d connected to its upper end and an auxiliary piece 55e connected to the end of the upper end bent portion 55d and extending downward or obliquely downward, and the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted into the insertion recess 52c. Thus, the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted into the insertion recess 52c, and accordingly, the position of the top surface 55d1 of the upper end bent portion 55d (which is the upper end surface of the second side surface portion 55) can be controlled not to be higher than the position of the upper portion 52.

[0169] In addition, a recess 21b is formed in the upper surface 21a of the first protruding end portion 21, and at least the lower end of the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted into the recess 21b. Therefore, the state where the auxiliary piece 55e is inserted into the insertion recess 52c is stably maintained.

[0170] In addition, the tail portion 54a connected to the connection pad on the substrate is also connected to the lower end of the first side surface portion 54, the lower protruding portion 53a of the connection pad connected to the substrate is connected to the lower end of the end surface portion 53, and a barrier portion for preventing solder or flux from climbing is formed on the side surfaces of the first side surface portion 54 and the end surface portion 53. Therefore, solder or flux can be reliably prevented from adhering to the second side surface portion 55.

[0171] In addition, a gold plating layer is provided on the nickel bottom plating layer on the side surfaces of the first side surface portion 54 and the end surface portion 53, and the barrier portion is a portion where nickel is exposed on the surface. Therefore, the barrier portion for preventing solder or flux from climbing can be easily formed by irradiating a laser beam.

[0172] Note that the disclosure herein describes features related to suitable exemplary embodiments. After reading the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will naturally think of various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended patent claims. For example, the staggered arrangement of the terminals does not have to be regular. Additionally, the arrangement of the terminals on the left and right half portions does not need to be the same. Furthermore, the left and right half portions do not have to be axisymmetric.

[0173] Industrial Applicability

[0174] The present disclosure can be applied to connectors and connector pairs.

Claims

1. A connector configured to mate with a mating connector, the connector comprising: a connector body including an upper surface, a side surface, and an end surface, the upper surface and the end surface intersecting at a first corner, and the side surface and the end surface intersecting at a second corner; terminals attached to the connector body; and a reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and including an upper portion, an end portion, a rearward bent portion connecting the upper portion to the end portion, a side portion, a lateral bent portion connecting the end portion to the side portion, and wherein the rearward bent portion covers the first corner and the lateral bent portion covers the second corner.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the side portion further includes an upper end bent portion that contacts and conducts electricity with a reinforcement fitting of the mating connector.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein side edges of the upper portion each include an insertion recess formed along its width direction, the side portion is connected to the upper end bent portion and includes a support member extending downwardly or obliquely downwardly, and the support member is inserted into one of the insertion recesses.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the end portion includes a downward protruding portion connected to its bottom end, and the bottom end of the downward protruding portion is configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the side portion is not configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

6. The connector according to claim 2, wherein side edges of the upper portion include insertion recesses formed along its width direction; the side portion includes a first part and a second part; the upper end bent portion and a support member extending downwardly or obliquely downwardly therefrom are connected to the second part, and wherein the support member is inserted into one of the insertion recesses.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector body further includes a second end surface, the upper surface and the second end surface intersecting at a third corner, and the side surface and the second end surface intersecting at a fourth corner; and a second reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and covering the third corner and the fourth corner.

8. A connector pair comprising: a connector according to any one of claims 1-7; and a mating connector.

9. A connector configured to mate with a mating connector, the connector comprising: a connector body including an upper surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and an end surface, the upper surface and the end surface intersecting at a first corner, the first side surface and the end surface intersecting at a second corner, and the second side surface intersecting with the end surface at a third corner; terminals attached to the connector body; and a reinforcement fitting attached to the connector body and including an upper portion, an end portion, a rearward bent portion connecting the upper portion to the end portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, a first lateral bent portion connecting the end portion to the first side portion and a second lateral bent portion connecting the end portion to the second side portion, and Wherein, the rear bending portion covers the first corner, the first side bending portion covers the second corner, and the second side bending portion covers the third corner.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, both the first side edge and the second side edge of the upper surface portion include insertion recesses formed along their width directions, and each side surface portion includes a first part and a second part; and further includes: a first upper end bending portion and a first support member extending downward or obliquely downward therefrom are connected to the second part of the first side surface portion, wherein the first support member is inserted into the insertion recess of the first side edge, and a second upper end bending portion and a second support member extending downward or obliquely downward therefrom are connected to the second part of the second side surface portion, wherein the second support member is inserted into the insertion recess of the second side edge.

11. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, the end surface portion includes a lower protruding portion connected to its bottom end, and the bottom end of the lower protruding portion is configured to be connected to a connection pad of a substrate.

12. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, the connector body further includes a second end surface, the upper surface and the second end surface intersect at a third corner, the first side surface and the second end surface intersect at a fourth corner, and the second side surface and the second end surface intersect at a fifth corner; and a second reinforcing fitting, attached to the connector body and covering the third corner, the fourth corner, and the fifth corner.

13. A connector pair, comprising: the connector according to any one of claims 9-12; and a mating connector.

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