Electric connector, electric connector pair and manufacturing method of electric connector

Abstract

An electrical connector (1A) is provided with a plurality of conductive plug terminals (10), an insulating plug housing (11), and a fitting holding part (12) which is provided around the housing (11) when viewed in the connector fitting direction and which maintains the fitting state of the electrical connector and a receptacle connector. The fitting maintaining part (12) is provided with: a fixing part (13) which is fixed to the plug housing (11); and an elastic arm part (14) which is an elastically deformable cantilever beam, has a fixed end (14d) connected to the fixed part (13) at a first position (P1) located in the connector width direction when viewed from the terminal holding region (11a), and extends from the fixed end (14d) to a third position (P3) across a second position (P2) corresponding to the end part of the terminal holding region (11a) in the connector length direction. The elastic arm part (14) is provided with a clamping part (14b) which is clamped on the socket connector at the third position (P3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical connectors, electrical connector pairs, and methods for manufacturing electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector having a locking mechanism (fitting and maintaining portion) for maintaining the engagement of the connector with a target connector. The locking mechanism has a support portion, a flat plate portion that can deform with the support portion as a fulcrum, and a protrusion that engages with the locking portion of the target connector by deformation of the flat plate portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181824 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the electrical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when it is fitted with the target connector, because the distance between the support portion and the protrusion of the fitting support portion is short, stress will concentrate on the support portion when the flat portion is displaced. Therefore, the support portion may be unable to withstand the stress and undergo plastic deformation.

[0008] The present invention was made under the above-described actual conditions, and its object is to provide an electrical connector, an electrical connector pair, and a method for manufacturing an electrical connector, wherein the fitting support portion for maintaining the fitting of the electrical connector and the target connector can achieve high durability.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the electrical connector of the first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0011] Multiple conductive terminals are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction, which indicates the direction in which the electrical connector mates with the object connector;

[0012] An insulating housing having a terminal holding region for holding the terminals; and

[0013] A mating support portion, which is provided around the housing when viewed along the mating direction of the connector, maintains the mating state of the electrical connector and the target connector.

[0014] The fitting support portion includes:

[0015] A fixing part, which is fixed to the housing; and

[0016] The elastic arm, which is a cantilever beam capable of elastic deformation, has a fixed end connected to the fixing part at at least one of a first position and a second position. The first position, when viewed from the terminal holding area, is located in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction and the terminal arrangement direction. The second position corresponds to the protruding area of ​​the end connected to the terminal holding area. The elastic arm extends from the fixed end across the protruding area along the arrangement direction to a third position.

[0017] In the elastic arm portion, a locking portion that locks onto the object connector is formed at the third position.

[0018] Alternatively, the fixing part may include a limiting part that restricts the movement of the locking part in the connector mating direction.

[0019] Alternatively, the elastic arm may be composed of a plate-shaped member configured such that its thickness direction is orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector.

[0020] Alternatively, the electrical connector may have a housing that is at least partially conductive surrounding the housing.

[0021] The fitting and maintaining part is integrated with the outer shell.

[0022] Alternatively, the electrical connector may have a housing that is at least partially conductive surrounding the housing.

[0023] The fitting and supporting part is separate from the outer shell.

[0024] Alternatively, a release tab may be provided on the elastic arm portion, which, when pressed from the outside, causes the locking portion to move in the direction of releasing the locking between the electrical connector and the object connector.

[0025] Alternatively, the locking part may have an inclined surface that is oblique to the engagement direction of the connector and abuts against the target connector during engagement. The locking part may be displaced in a direction orthogonal to the engagement direction of the connector by the force applied from the target connector.

[0026] Alternatively, the locking portion can be formed by partially bending the elastic arm into a convex shape.

[0027] The electrical connector pair of the second aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0028] The electrical connector of the first aspect of the present invention; and

[0029] An object connector that engages with the electrical connector has a locking portion for locking by a locking portion.

[0030] Alternatively, the object connector may have:

[0031] A conductive object terminal, which is in contact with the terminal;

[0032] A conductive object housing that surrounds at least a portion of the object terminals; and

[0033] An object housing that holds the object terminals and the object shell.

[0034] The locking part is located on the outer shell of the object.

[0035] Alternatively, the locking part may be located at the edge of the through hole in the outer shell of the object.

[0036] Alternatively, the outer shell of the object may have an inclined surface that is oblique to the mating direction of the connector and abuts against the locking part when mated, causing the locking part to shift in a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector.

[0037] Alternatively, the outer shell of the object may be composed of seamless plate-like components.

[0038] Alternatively, the object housing may include: an object terminal holding region extending along a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction to hold the object terminal; and a press-in region connected to both ends of the object terminal holding region.

[0039] The object's outer shell has an inner wall portion that forms a space for the pressing-in area to be pressed in.

[0040] With the pressing area pressed into the space formed by the inner wall portion, the object outer shell remains in the object housing.

[0041] The method for manufacturing an electrical connector according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0042] In the housing structure forming process, conductive terminals, an insulating housing that maintains the terminals, and a fitting and supporting portion are integrally formed. The fitting and supporting portion is disposed around the housing and has a cantilever beam-shaped elastic arm capable of elastic deformation.

[0043] The outer casing pressing process involves pressing a conductive outer casing, at least partially surrounding the casing, into the casing while the elastic arm is elastically deformed.

[0044] The effects of the invention

[0045] According to the present invention, the engagement maintenance part for maintaining the engagement state of the electrical connector and the target connector can achieve high durability. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 Viewed from the opposite side Figure 1 A 3D view of the plug connector.

[0048] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the structure of a plug connector.

[0049] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A top view of the appearance of the plug connector.

[0050] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view showing the partial structure of the fitting and supporting part.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view showing the side of the plug connector.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the socket connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the structure of a socket connector.

[0054] Figure 9A It is a three-dimensional view showing the side of the plug connector and socket connector just before they are about to be fitted together.

[0055] Figure 9B It is a three-dimensional view showing the side of the plug connector and socket connector after they are fitted together.

[0056] Figure 10A It is a cross-sectional view showing the action of the plug connector and the socket connector when they are engaged.

[0057] Figure 10B It is a cross-sectional view showing the situation after the plug connector and the socket connector are mated.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector and socket connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector and socket connector according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 14 It means Figure 13 A top view of the appearance of the plug connector.

[0062] Figure 15 It means Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of the structure of a socket connector.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector and socket connector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The first exploded view of the plug connector.

[0065] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 The second exploded view of the plug connector.

[0066] Figure 19 This is a top view of the fitting and supporting part.

[0067] Figure 20 This is the first perspective view showing the pulling action of the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0068] Figure 21 This is the second perspective view showing the pulling action of the plug connector and the socket connector. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the description will appropriately follow the XYZ three-axis Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings.

[0070] Implementation Method 1

[0071] First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, reference will be made to... Figures 1-6 Instructions for plug connector 1A, refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Instructions for socket connector 2, refer to Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 10A , Figure 10B Explanation of electrical connector pair 50. In this embodiment, plug connector 1A corresponds to the electrical connector, and socket connector 2 corresponds to the object connector.

[0072] The direction of the relative displacement change between the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 when they are engaged or disengaged will be described below as the "connector engagement direction". In each figure, the connector engagement direction is represented by the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are rectangular flat plate connectors with the connector engagement direction as their thickness direction and the X-axis direction as their length direction. Therefore, the X-axis direction will be described below as the "connector length direction" and the Y-axis direction as the "connector width direction". In this embodiment, the connector width direction corresponds to an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the connector engagement direction and the connector length direction.

[0073] [Plug Connector]

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, plug connector 1A is mounted on mounting surface 3a of substrate 3. Substrate 3 is a printed circuit board or flexible printed circuit board. The normal direction of substrate 3 is the Z-axis direction, which is consistent with the connector mating direction. Plug connector 1A connects substrate 3 and socket connector 2 (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 8 Electrical connection.

[0075] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the plug connector 1A includes multiple plug terminals 10, a plug housing 11, and a mating retaining portion 12.

[0076] [Plug Terminals]

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of plug terminals 10 are arranged along the connector length direction in a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction. That is, the connector length direction corresponds to the arrangement direction of the plug terminals 10. The plug terminals 10 are conductive and elastic components.

[0078] The plug terminal 10 is formed by stamping a metal sheet into a rectangular shape and then bending it. Specifically, the plug terminal 10 has a shape formed by bending a rectangular metal sheet into a letter L shape and folding it back from one end of the letter L towards the other end. The plug terminals 10 are arranged in two columns, with both columns arranged in a letter L shape when viewed along the length of the connector and facing away from each other along the width of the connector.

[0079] Furthermore, the plug terminals 10 can be arranged in one row or in three or more rows. The plug terminals 10 are arranged in such a way that the portions facing the mounting surface 3a of the substrate 3 are aligned on the same plane, and in this portion they are connected to the electrode pattern (not shown) formed on the substrate 3.

[0080] The plug connector 1A includes multiple signal terminals 10a and a pair of power terminals 10b as plug terminals 10. In each column of the plug terminals 10, the signal terminals 10a are arranged along the length of the connector. The pair of power terminals 10b are arranged in a manner that separates them from the signal terminals 10a along the length of the connector. The signal terminals 10a are terminals for transmitting signals. The power terminals 10b are terminals for supplying power. The width of the power terminals 10b along the length of the connector is greater than the width of the signal terminals 10a along the length of the connector to supply power.

[0081] [Plug housing]

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the plug housing 11, for example, is molded from resin, has insulating properties, and is a component extending along the length direction of the connector. The plug housing 11 forms the body of the plug connector 1A. Other components of the plug connector 1A are held in the plug housing 11.

[0083] The plug housing 11 has a terminal holding region 11a and a pair of protruding regions 11b connected to the end of the terminal holding region 11a. The terminal holding region 11a extends along the length direction of the connector and holds the plug terminal 10. The pair of protruding regions 11b extend from the terminal holding region 11a toward the length direction of the connector. One protruding region 11b is connected to the +X end of the terminal holding region 11a, and the other protruding region 11b is connected to the -X end of the terminal holding region 11a.

[0084] Viewed from the connector mating direction, the terminal holding region 11a is a rectangular portion with the connector's length direction as its longer side. The plug housing 11 is formed such that the plug terminals 10 are embedded in the portion corresponding to the terminal holding region 11a. Alternatively, through holes arranged at certain intervals along the connector's length direction can be provided in the terminal holding region 11a, and the plug terminals 10 can be pressed into the through holes.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, two rows of protrusions 11c protruding in the -Z direction and extending along the length of the connector are formed in the terminal holding region 11a. The plug terminal 10 is held in each row of protrusions 11c by press-fitting or embedding. The portion of the plug terminal 10 exposed on the outer surface of the protrusions 11c contacts the socket terminal 20 of the socket connector 2, which will be described later.

[0086] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, three positions surrounding the terminal holding region 11a are described when viewed along the connector mating direction. The first position of the three positions is position P1, which is located in the connector width direction when viewed from the terminal holding region 11a. The second position is position P2, which corresponds to the protruding region 11b, which connects to both ends of the terminal holding region 11a in the connector length direction. The third position is position P3, which is located in the connector length direction when viewed from the terminal holding region 11a.

[0087] Viewed from the connector mating direction, the protruding region 11b is a rectangular portion with the connector's length direction as its shorter side. The width of the protruding region 11b in the connector width direction is greater than the width of the terminal holding region 11a in the connector width direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when viewed along the connector mating direction, the plug housing 11 is symmetrical about the center line CL1 along the connector length direction of the plug connector 1A, and about the center line CL2 along the connector width direction of the plug connector 1A.

[0088] Two through holes 11d are provided in each of the protruding areas 11b, extending along the connector mating direction. As will be explained later, the through holes 11d are holes used to hold the mating support part 12.

[0089] [Matching and Maintenance Section]

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the connector mating direction, the mating support portion 12 is provided around the plug housing 11. The mating support portion 12 is provided to maintain the mating state of the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2. The mating support portion 12 is, for example, a conductive and elastic component formed by bending a metal plate that has been punched into a frame shape.

[0091] In fact, the fitting and holding part 12 is composed of a pair of components. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a pair of components are arranged such that they are spaced apart from the plug housing 11 in the connector width direction and are axially symmetrical about the center line CL1 of the plug connector 1A along the connector length direction. However, when viewed along the connector mating direction, the mating support 12 may also be composed of a component surrounding the plug housing 11.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the fitting and holding part 12 includes a fixing part 13 and an elastic arm part 14. The fixing part 13 is fixed to the plug housing 11. The elastic arm part 14 is a cantilever beam-shaped member in which the portion fixed to the fixing part 13 serves as the fixing end 14d.

[0093] [Fixed Part]

[0094] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fixing part 13 includes a main body part 13a, an inner wall part 13b, and an insertion piece 13c. When viewed along the connector mating direction, the main body part 13a is provided at the four corners of the rectangle of the plug housing 11 and extends along the XY plane.

[0095] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall portions 13b, when viewed from the terminal holding region 11a, are located in the connector width direction and are formed in pairs, separated by the terminal holding region 11a. Two main body portions 13a arranged in the connector length direction are connected to the two end portions of the inner wall portions 13b in the connector length direction. The inner wall portions 13b are configured to face the terminal holding region 11a in a bent state relative to the main body portions 13a. The inner wall portions 13b cover the terminal holding region 11a in the connector length direction. The inner wall portions 13b are grounded and function as an electromagnetic shielding element, i.e., a plug housing, for the plug connector 1A.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, insertion pieces 13c are connected to the main body 13a. The insertion pieces 13c are bent relative to the main body 13a. The insertion pieces 13c are pressed into the through holes 11d of the plug housing 11. Thus, the fitting and holding part 12 is fixed to the plug housing 11. In addition, the fitting and holding part 12 can also be fixed by inserting it into the plug housing 11.

[0097] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fixing part 13 includes an outer wall portion 13d. The outer wall portion 13d is a portion extending from the outer edge of the main body portion 13a, and is formed by bending to form the outer wall of the plug connector 1A. When viewed along the connector mating direction, the outer wall portion 13d is formed with reference to the plug housing 11, corresponding to the four corners of the plug housing 11, at a position closer to the outer periphery of the plug housing 11 than the inner wall portion 13b. When viewed along the connector mating direction, the outer wall portion 13d and the inner wall portion 13b together surround the plug housing 11. The thickness direction of the outer wall portion 13d is orthogonal to the connector mating direction. The outer wall portion 13d extends from the main body portion 13a to the first position P1.

[0098] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the fixing part 13 includes a support part 13e. The support part 13e is located at a first position P1, visible from the terminal holding region 11a along the connector width direction. The support part 13e is such that it connects to the outer edge of the outer wall part 13d on the +Z side at the first position P1, bends towards the inner periphery of the plug connector 1A when viewed along the connector mating direction, and forms a U-shape together with the outer wall part 13d when viewed along the connector length direction. The support part 13e is provided to support the elastic arm part 14.

[0099] The main body 13a, inner wall 13b, insertion piece 13c, outer wall 13d, and support 13e are components whose positions do not change relative to the plug housing 11. Therefore, these components correspond to the fixing part 13 fixed to the plug housing 11.

[0100] [Elastic Arm]

[0101] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the terminal holding region 11a, the elastic arm 14 is connected to the fixing part 13 at a first position P1 in the connector width direction. The elastic arm 14 extends along the connector length direction past a second position P2 corresponding to the protruding region 11b at the end connected to the terminal holding region 11a to a third position P3.

[0102] The flexible arm 14 includes a beam 14a, a locking part 14b, and a release piece 14c. For example... Figure 5 As shown, beam 14a is a cantilever beam capable of elastic deformation, extending elastically from support 13e located at position 1 P1 across position 2 P2 along the connector length direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the beam portion 14a bends inward relative to the outer wall portion 13d near the end of the plug connector 1A in the connector length direction to reach the third position P3.

[0103] The locking part 14b is formed by partially bending the elastic arm part 14 into a convex shape at the top end of the beam part 14a, i.e., the third position P3. The locking part 14b has an outward (in the connector length direction of the main body part 13a) when no external force is applied. Figure 5 The portion extending out in the -X direction. The locking part 14b locks the socket connector 2 in this extended portion as described later.

[0104] In the elastic arm portion 14, a release piece 14c is provided following the beam portion 14a and the locking portion 14b. When the release piece 14c is subjected to a force applied by a predetermined fixture from the outside of the plug connector 1A toward the inside, it moves together with the locking portion 14b in the direction of releasing the locking with the socket connector 2, i.e., toward the protrusion area 11b. Considering the case where the release piece 14c is pressed from the outside, the width of the release piece 14c in the connector engagement direction is larger than the width of the beam portion 14a and the locking portion 14b in the connector engagement direction. When the locking portion 14b or the release piece 14c is pressed in the aforementioned direction, stress is generated throughout the elastic arm portion 14. The elastic arm portion 14 extends from the first position P1 through the second position P2 to the third position P3, thereby... Figure 5 As shown by the double-dotted line, the relatively long beam portion 14a can flex and elastically deform towards the inner wall portion 13b, thereby dispersing stress. Therefore, stress concentration at the support portion 13e can be prevented, and plastic deformation of the support portion 13e can be prevented. If the force applied to the locking portion 14b or the release piece 14c is removed, the elastic deformation of the beam portion 14a is released, and the locking portion 14b and the release piece 14c return to their original positions. Figure 5 The position indicated by the solid line.

[0105] [Other constituent elements of the fixing part]

[0106] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing part 13 includes limiting parts 13f and 13g. The limiting part 13f extends from one end of the outer wall part 13d corresponding to the end of the plug connector 1A in the connector length direction, along the outer edge of the main body part 13a to a position opposite to the locking part 14b. The limiting part 13g extends from the main body part 13a to a position opposite to the locking part 14b. The limiting parts 13f and 13g are configured to clamp the locking part 14b in the connector mating direction, limiting the movement of the locking part 14b in the connector mating direction.

[0107] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing part 13 includes a cover part 13h. The cover part 13h is formed to partially overlap with the release piece 14c when viewed along the length direction of the connector. The cover part 13h is used to prevent the release piece 14c from being accidentally pressed from the outside, which would cause the locking part 14b to be released.

[0108] Furthermore, the engagement support portion 12 is grounded by being welded to the substrate 3. When viewed along the connector engagement direction, it functions as an electromagnetic shield surrounding the plug terminal 10, consisting of the inner wall portion 13b, outer wall portion 13d, restriction portion 13f, locking portion 14b, and release piece 14c. The engagement support portion 12 functions as an electromagnetic shield for the plug connector 1A. In other words, the engagement support portion 12 forms an integrated plug housing, which is an electromagnetic shield. In addition, because the restriction portion 13f and the cover portion 13h in particular are fixed to the substrate 3 in the engagement support portion 12, the restriction portion 13f and the cover portion 13h are not easily deformed even when the locking portion 14b abuts against the restriction portion 13f or the release piece 14c abuts against the main body portion 13a and they are subjected to force.

[0109] [Socket Connector]

[0110] Next, the socket connector 2 will be described. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the socket connector 2 is mounted on the mounting surface 4a of the substrate 4. The normal direction of the substrate 4 is consistent with the connector mating direction. The socket connector 2 connects the substrate 4 and the plug connector 1A (see reference). Figures 1-6 Electrical connection.

[0111] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the socket connector 2 has multiple conductive socket terminals 20, an insulating socket housing 21, and a conductive socket outer shell 22.

[0112] [Socket Terminal]

[0113] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the socket terminals 20 are arranged along the length of the connector. The socket connector 2 has a signal terminal 20a for signal transmission and a power terminal 20b for power supply as socket terminals 20. When the socket connector 2 is engaged with the plug connector 1A, the signal terminal 20a contacts the signal terminal 10a of the plug connector 1A, and the power terminal 20b contacts the power terminal 10b of the plug connector 1A.

[0114] [Socket housing]

[0115] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the socket housing 21 holds the socket terminal 20 and is a rectangular component when viewed along the connector mating direction. The socket housing 21 has a recess 21a that engages with the protrusion 11c of the plug housing 11. A pad portion 21b surrounded by the recess 21a is provided in the central portion of the socket housing 21. The socket terminal 20 is disposed between the recess 21a and the pad portion 21b and is held in the socket housing 21 by press-fitting or embedding. The plug terminal 10 and the socket terminal 20 come into contact through the engagement of the protrusion 11c and the recess 21a.

[0116] [Socket housing]

[0117] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the socket housing 22 is a conductive component fixed to and held in place by the socket housing 21. The socket housing 22 is constructed from a seamless plate-like component through a deep drawing process, and is grounded by contacting the substrate 4, functioning as an electromagnetic shielding component for the socket connector 2. The socket housing 22 includes an inner wall portion 22a, a receiving portion 22b, an outer wall portion 22c, a through hole 22d, and a locking portion 22e.

[0118] Viewed along the connector mating direction, the inner wall portion 22a is formed at the center of the socket housing 22, surrounding the socket housing 21. The inner wall portion 22a is formed by deep drawing a metal plate. Thus, the inner wall portion 22a becomes a seamless plate-like member. Four protruding tabs 22f are formed on the inner edge of the inner wall portion 22a, and the socket housing 22 is fixed to the socket housing 21 by pressing the protruding tabs 22f into the socket housing 21.

[0119] The receiving portion 22b is continuous with both ends of the inner wall portion 22a in the connector length direction and is located at both ends of the socket housing 21 in the connector length direction. The receiving portion 22b extends from the -Z end of the inner wall portion 22a along a surface parallel to the XY plane. When viewed along the connector mating direction, the receiving portion 22b is formed in a U-shape to surround the ends of the socket housing 21 in the connector length direction.

[0120] The outer wall portion 22c is formed at both ends of the connector length direction of the socket housing 22. The outer wall portion 22c rises from the outer edge of the letter U-shaped receiving portion 22b along the +Z direction and is formed by deep drawing along the end of the inner wall portion 22a in the connector length direction. The space for receiving the mating and holding portion 12 of the plug connector 1A is formed by the inner wall portion 22a, the receiving portion 22b and the outer wall portion 22c.

[0121] A through hole 22d is formed on the surface of the outer wall portion 22c facing the length direction of the connector. A locking portion 14b of the plug connector 1A is embedded in the through hole 22d. The locking portion 14b is locked to the edge portion between the through hole 22d and the outer wall portion 22c. This edge portion between the through hole 22d and the outer wall portion 22c becomes the locked portion 22e.

[0122] [Interlocking action]

[0123] Next, the engagement operation of the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 will be explained. For example... Figure 9A As shown, the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are aligned and fitted together in such a way that the outer edge of the fitting and holding part 12 of the plug connector 1A is accommodated in the space enclosed by the inner wall part 22a, the receiving part 22b and the outer wall part 22c of the socket connector 2.

[0124] like Figure 6 As shown, in the plug connector 1A, an inclined surface 13i, which is oblique to the connector mating direction, is formed between the main body portion 13a and the outer wall portion 13d. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the outer edge of the outer wall portion 22c of the socket connector 2 in the +Z direction is integrally provided with a beveled surface 22g that is obliquely perpendicular to the connector mating direction and abuts against the beveled surface 13i and the locking portion 14b when mated. When the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are mated, the beveled surface 22g and the beveled surface 13i slide against each other, acting as guides to guide each other. This allows for the alignment of the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2.

[0125] like Figure 6 As shown, the outer edge of the locking part 14b in the -Z direction is provided with an inclined surface 15 that is oblique to the connector mating direction and abuts against the socket connector 2 when mated. Figure 10AAs shown, when the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are engaged, the inclined surface 15 abuts against the inclined surface 22g. Consequently, the locking portion 14b is subjected to a force in the left direction (-X direction) and a force in the upward direction (+Z direction) of the paper. At this time, the limiting portion 13f restricts movement in the upward direction (+Z direction) of the paper. Therefore, the force applied from the socket connector 2 to the inclined surface 15 causes the locking portion 14b to shift in the left direction of the paper and slide on the surface of the locked portion 22e. Besides restricting the movement of the locking portion 14b in the upward direction of the paper using the inclined surface 15, the limiting portion 13f, and the inclined surface 22g, the force applied to the locking portion 14b causes elastic deformation of the beam portion 14a of the elastic arm portion 14, so the beam portion 14a does not shift in the upward direction of the paper and does not undergo plastic deformation. During the engagement operation, the locking portion 14b is inserted into the through hole 22d and locked onto the locked portion 22e. Thus, the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are interlocked. Furthermore, the bevels 13i, 15, and 22g include curved, rounded corner surfaces.

[0126] When the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are engaged, it becomes Figure 10B The state shown is as follows. In this state, the locking part 14b is inserted into the through hole 22d, locking the locked part 22e. This maintains the engagement between the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2. Furthermore, when the plug connector 1A is subjected to a force in the direction of being pulled out from the socket connector 2 (+Z direction), the locking part 14b abuts against the edge of the through hole 22d near the locked part 22e. In this case, the locking part 14b abuts against the limiting part 13g, thereby limiting its displacement in the -Z direction. This prevents plastic deformation of the beam part 14a of the elastic arm part 14. Moreover, since no bevels are provided on the edge of the locking part 14b above the paper surface and the edge of the through hole 22d, their engagement is not easily released.

[0127] In this state, the plug terminal 10 of the plug connector 1A contacts the socket terminal 20 of the socket connector 2, and the elastic arm 14 contacts the socket housing 22, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the substrate 3 and the substrate 4, enabling signal transmission and power supply.

[0128] [Pull-out action]

[0129] Next, the removal operation of the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 will be explained. When the release piece 14c is removed... Figure 9B When the jig presses the plug connector 1A from the outside to the inside in the state shown, the beam portion 14a of the elastic arm portion 14 undergoes elastic deformation. Thus, as... Figure 5As shown by the double-dotted line, the locking part 14b moves in the direction of releasing the locking with the socket connector 2. In this state, when the plug connector 1A and the socket connector 2 are pulled apart in the connector mating direction, the plug connector 1A can be pulled out from the socket connector 2.

[0130] Implementation Method 2

[0131] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, reference will be made to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 This describes an electrical connector pair 51 that includes a plug connector 1B and a socket connector 2.

[0132] like Figure 11 As shown, plug connector 1B is the same as plug connector 1A in embodiment 1 described above, having multiple plug terminals 10 and a plug housing 11. However, plug connector 1B differs from plug connector 1A in that it has a mating retaining portion 32 instead of a mating retaining portion 12.

[0133] The fitting and holding part 32 includes a fixing part 33 and an elastic arm part 34. The fixing part 33 is fixed to the plug housing 11. The elastic arm part 34 is a cantilever beam-shaped member that is connected to the fixing part 33 at a first position P1 and extends beyond a second position P2. The second position P2 corresponds to the protruding area 11b of the connector end connected to the terminal holding area 11a in the length direction.

[0134] The fixing part 33 includes an inner wall part 33a and a support part 33b. When viewed along the connector mating direction, the inner wall part 33a surrounds the plug housing 11. The inner wall part 33a is formed by deep drawing and has a seamless shape. The support part 33b is connected to the inner wall part 33a at the first position P1.

[0135] [Elastic Arm]

[0136] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the elastic arm 34 includes a beam 34a, a locking part 34b, and a release piece 34c.

[0137] The beam 34a is a cantilever beam that extends from the support 33b along the connector length direction past the second position P2. The beam 34a bends at the end of the plug connector 1B along the connector length direction to reach the third position P3.

[0138] The locking portion 34b is formed at the third position P3. The locking portion 34b is formed by partially bending the elastic arm portion 34 into a convex shape. The locking portion 34b has a portion that extends outward from the main body portion 13a in the connector length direction when no force from the outside is applied. The locking portion 34b locks the socket connector 2 in this extended portion in the same way as the plug connector 1A of the above embodiment.

[0139] Release tab 34c is connected to locking part 34b. Release tab 34c is provided to move locking part 34b in the direction of releasing the locking between plug connector 1B and socket connector 2 when pressed from the outside. When release tab 34c is pressed from the outside, although beam part 34a undergoes elastic deformation, the increased length of beam part 34a allows the stress generated in support part 33b and beam part 34a to be dispersed, preventing plastic deformation of support part 33b and beam part 34a.

[0140] Furthermore, the fixing part 33 includes a limiting part 33c. The limiting part 33c extends from one end of the inner wall part 33a along the length direction of the connector. The limiting part 33c is clamped by the release piece 34c and the locking part 34b in the connector mating direction. The limiting part 33c is used to limit the displacement of the locking part 34b along the connector mating direction. Figure 12 As shown, a bevel 35 is provided at the edge of the locking part 34b and the release piece 34c in the -Z direction, and a bevel 22g is provided on the socket connector 2. Therefore, the locking part 34b can be moved in the depth direction of the plug connector 1B, so that the plug connector 1B and the socket connector 2 can be smoothly engaged.

[0141] Implementation Method 3

[0142] The third embodiment of the present invention will then be described. (Refer to...) Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 This embodiment describes the electrical connector pair 52. (For example...) Figure 13 As shown, the electrical connector pair 52 includes a plug connector 1C and a socket connector 2A. Furthermore, descriptions of structures common to the electrical connector pair 51 of Embodiment 1 described above are appropriately omitted.

[0143] [Plug Connector]

[0144] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the plug connector 1C includes a plug housing 41 and a pair of mating retaining portions 42. The plug housing 41 includes a terminal holding region 41a and a pair of protruding regions 41b. The terminal holding region 41a holds the plug terminal 10 in the same manner as the terminal holding region 11a. The protruding regions 41b are located at both ends of the connector in the length direction relative to the terminal holding region 41a, just as the protruding regions 11b are located at both ends of the connector in the length direction relative to the terminal holding region 11a (see reference). Figure 2 The same applies. Insertion portions 41d are provided in the protruding areas 41b for inserting the insertion piece 43c described later.

[0145] A pair of mating retainers 42 are arranged such that they are spaced apart from the plug housing 41 in the connector length direction, with the center line CL2 of the plug connector 1C along the connector width direction (see reference). Figure 14 It is axially symmetrical around the center. The fitting and maintaining part 42 is provided with a fixing part 43 and an elastic arm part 44.

[0146] The fixing part 43 includes a main body part 43a, an inner wall part 43b, and an insertion piece 43c. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the main body 43a is connected in a continuous series throughout the entire connector width direction of the plug connector 1C without any seams or gaps. This allows the width of the plug connector 1C in the connector width direction to be smaller than the width of the plug connector 1A in the connector width direction. The inner wall portion 43b is positioned so that its plate thickness surfaces are opposite each other across the center line CL2. One insertion piece 43c is disposed at each end of the connector length direction. The insertion piece 43c is inserted into the insertion portion 41d of the plug housing 41, thereby fixing the fitting retaining portion 42 to the plug housing 41.

[0147] The structure of the elastic arm 44 is the same as that of the elastic arm 14, and the elastic arm 44 has the same beam 44a as the beam 14a of the elastic arm 14. The protruding area 41b of the plug housing 41 has a pair of inclined walls 41b, which are inclined relative to the connector length direction in such a way that their width gradually decreases towards the connector length direction when viewed from the connector mating direction. By having inclined walls 41b, it is possible to prevent the deformed beam 44a from contacting the protruding area 41b when the plug connector 1C and the socket connector 2A are mated, thus allowing the beam 44a to deform smoothly and elastically.

[0148] [Socket Connector]

[0149] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the socket connector 2A includes socket terminals 60, a socket housing 61, and a conductive socket outer shell 62. The socket terminals 60, like the socket terminals 20, are configured with an arrangement of signal terminals 60a and power terminals 60b.

[0150] The socket housing 61 has a terminal holding region 61a for holding the socket terminals 60 and a press-in region 61b connected to both ends of the connector in the longitudinal direction of the terminal holding region 61a. The press-in region 61b has a plurality of protrusions 61b1. The plurality of protrusions 61b1 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the connector at a gap S on the outer peripheral surface of the press-in region 61b in the connector width direction. Figure 15 In the example shown, three protrusions 61b1 are arranged along the connector length direction on both the +Y and -Y sides of the press-in region 61b1. However, the number of protrusions 61b1 is not limited to this. When viewed from the connector mating direction, the protrusions 61b1 are wedge-shaped, tapering towards the +Y and -Y directions respectively, and have inclined surfaces whose width gradually decreases towards the +Z direction when viewed from the connector length direction.

[0151] The socket housing 62 is bent by deep drawing a sheet of metal to achieve a seamless shape. The socket housing 62 includes a pair of inner wall portions 62a, a receiving portion 62b, and an outer wall portion 62c. The outer wall portion 62c has a side wall portion 62c1 extending along the connector length direction and opposite the terminal holding region 61a, and an end wall portion 62c2 connecting the ends of the side wall portions 62c1 along the connector length direction to each other. A through hole 62d for the locking portion 44b of the resilient arm portion 44 to be inserted is formed in the end wall portion 62c2. The pair of inner wall portions 62a protrude from the edge of the receiving portion 62b in the +Z direction, surrounding the space where the pressing region 61b is pressed in. The pair of inner wall portions 62a are configured opposite to the pressing region 61b of the socket housing 61, but not opposite to the terminal holding region 61a. The receiving portion 62b connects the two in such a way that the pair of inner wall portions 62a are surrounded by the outer wall portion 62c. The outer wall portion 62c is disposed opposite to the socket housing 61 over the entire area of ​​the socket housing 61 in the connector length direction.

[0152] In the socket connector 2A, the socket housing 62 is held in the socket housing 61 while the protrusion 61b1 in the press-in region 61b undergoes plastic deformation and is pressed into the inner wall portion 62a. During the pressing process into the inner wall portion 62a, the protrusion 61b1 slides on the inner surface 62a1 of the inner wall portion 62a. As a result, a portion of the protrusion 61b1 is partially flattened, deforming in a manner that expands towards the adjacent gap S. By utilizing the combination of the protrusion 61b1 and the inner wall portion 62a, the socket housing 62 is held in the socket housing 61. Therefore, the socket connector 2A does not require the aforementioned embodiment of the socket connector 2 (see reference 2). Figure 8The protruding piece 22f protrudes along the width direction of the connector. Therefore, the width of the socket connector 2A in the connector width direction can be smaller than the width of the socket connector 2 in the connector width direction. In addition, according to the combination of the protruding part 61b1 and the inner wall part 62a, the resonance point generated during the transmission of high-frequency signals can be reduced, thus further improving the signal transmission characteristics of the electrical connector 52.

[0153] Thus, in the electrical connector pair 52 of this embodiment 3, the socket housing 61 has a terminal holding region 61a extending along the X-axis and holding the socket terminal 60, and a press-in region 61b connecting both ends of the terminal holding region 61a. The socket housing 62 has an inner wall portion 62a that surrounds the space into which the press-in region 61b is pressed. With the press-in region 61b pressed into the space formed by the inner wall portion 62a, the socket housing 62 is held in the socket housing 61. As a result, the width in the connector width direction of the plug connector 1C and the socket connector 2A can be reduced, and their shapes can be miniaturized. As a result, the electrical connector pair 52 can be arranged in the limited space on the substrates 3 and 4.

[0154] Implementation Method 4

[0155] Then refer to Figures 16-21 Embodiment 4 of the present invention is described. The electrical connector pair 53 of Embodiment 4 of the present invention is as follows: Figure 16 As shown. The electrical connector pair 53 includes a plug connector 1D and a socket connector 2B. Furthermore, descriptions of structures common to the electrical connector pair 50 of Embodiment 1 described above are appropriately omitted.

[0156] [Plug Connector]

[0157] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the plug connector 1D includes a plug housing 71, an inner wall portion 73b, and a pair of engagement retaining portions 72. In the plug connector 1D, the inner wall portion 73b is also referred to as the housing 73b. The engagement retaining portions 72 and the housing 73b are separately constructed.

[0158] [Plug housing]

[0159] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, the plug housing 71 includes a terminal holding region 71a and a pair of protruding regions 71b. The terminal holding region 71a holds the plug terminals 10 (signal terminals 10a and power terminals 10b) in the same manner as the terminal holding region 11a. The protruding regions 71b are located at both ends of the connector length direction relative to the terminal holding region 71a, just as the protruding regions 11b are located at both ends of the connector length direction relative to the terminal holding region 11a (see reference). Figure 2 (Same as above.) Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the protruding regions 71b each have a through hole 71d and a retaining portion 71e. A press-fit piece 73b4 of the housing 73b is inserted into the through hole 71d (described later). The retaining portion 71e retains the held portion 73c of the fixing portion 73 of the fitting and maintaining portion 72 (described later).

[0160] [Matching and Maintenance Section]

[0161] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the engagement and holding portion 72 is positioned corresponding to the protrusion region 71b. The engagement and holding portion 72 includes a fixing portion 73 and an elastic arm portion 74. The fixing portion 73 and the elastic arm portion 74 are integrally formed.

[0162] [Fixed Part]

[0163] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the fixing part 73 includes a flat part 73a, a retaining part 73c, and a supporting part 73e. A jig insertion hole 73a1 is formed in the flat part 73a, which is a plate-like member. The retaining part 73c protrudes in the -Z direction from the inner end edge of the flat part 73a facing the plug connector 1D in the connector length direction. The supporting part 73e supports the elastic arm part 74.

[0164] [Plane Section]

[0165] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the planar portion 73a has a rectangular shape. The outer edge of the planar portion 73a facing the plug connector 1D in the connector length direction is designated as the end edge 73a2. In the planar portion 73a, a fixture insertion hole 73a1 is formed near the end edge 73a2, and a fitting hole 73a3 is formed at a position opposite to the protruding area 71b.

[0166] [The part that is kept]

[0167] like Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, as explained above, the retained portion 73c protrudes in the -Z direction from the end edge of the planar portion 73a opposite to the end edge 73a2 in the connector length direction. The retained portion 73c is held in the retaining portion 71e of the plug housing 71, for example, by insert molding or pressing.

[0168] [Support section]

[0169] The support portion 73e protrudes in the -Z direction from the connector width direction of the planar portion 73a near the end edge opposite to the end edge 73a2. When viewed along the connector length direction, the support portion 73e and the planar portion 73a together form a letter L shape and are located at the second position P2 visible from the protruding area 71b along the connector width direction.

[0170] [Elastic Arm]

[0171] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the elastic arm 74 has a first elastic arm 74A and a second elastic arm 74B with different shapes. Both the first elastic arm 74A and the second elastic arm 74B have a beam portion 74a, a locking portion 74b, a release tab 74c, a fixing end 74d, and a connecting portion 74e. Regarding the width of the first elastic arm 74A and the second elastic arm 74B along the Z-axis, the width of the release tab 74c and the connecting portion 74e may be wider than the width of the beam portion 74a and the locking portion 74b.

[0172] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, beam 74a is a cantilever beam capable of elastic deformation, connected to fixing part 73 and including locking part 74b, release piece 74c, and connecting part 74e. Fixing end 74d is connected to support part 73e of fixing part 73 at second position P2, thus fixing beam 74a. Beam 74a extends from fixing end 74d past second position P2 (see reference). Figure 16 (The position corresponding to the extended region 71b) extends to the 3rd position P3 (refer to...) Figure 16 The locking portion 74b is bent into a convex shape, continuously extending along the Y-axis direction through the protruding hole H of the housing 73b (described later). The connecting portion 74e extends continuously with the locking portion 74b toward the fixture insertion hole 73a1 along approximately the Y-axis direction. The release piece 74c is continuous with the connecting portion 74e and bent toward the X-axis direction, extending along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the fixing end 74d can also be in the first position P1 (see...). Figure 16 It is connected to the fixing part 73.

[0173] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 19 As shown, the locking part 74b is located in position 2 P2 (refer to...) Figure 16 ).like Figure 19 As shown, the release piece 74c is exposed in a manner that allows it to be visually identified from the fixture insertion hole 73a1 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the locking portion 74b may also have the same bevel as the bevel 15 of the plug connector 1A. Additionally, as... Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the release piece 74c includes a guide surface 74c1, which is inclined on the +Z side toward the jig insertion hole 73a1 and toward the edge of the jig insertion hole 73a1.

[0174] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the connecting portion 74e of the first elastic arm 74A extends from the locking portion 74b toward the end edge 73a2. The release tab 74c of the first elastic arm 74A extends from the connecting portion 74e toward the held portion 73c. ​​On the other hand, the connecting portion 74e of the second elastic arm 74B extends from the locking portion 74b toward the held portion 73c. ​​The release tab 74c of the second elastic arm 74B extends from the connecting portion 74e toward the end edge 73a2. The release tabs 74c of the first elastic arm 74A and the release tabs 74c of the second elastic arm 74B are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The connecting portion 74e and the locking portion 74b of the first elastic arm 74A and the second elastic arm 74B are generally hook-shaped and are staggered when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0175] [shell]

[0176] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the outer casing 73b surrounds at least a portion of the plug housing 71. In this embodiment, the outer casing 73b surrounds the plug housing 71 and a pair of engaging and retaining portions 72. The outer casing 73b includes a pair of sidewall portions 73b1, a pair of endwall portions 73b2, a cover portion 73b3, a pair of press-fit pieces 73b4, and a mounting portion 73b5. In the outer casing 73b, the sidewall portions 73b1, endwall portions 73b2, cover portions 73b3, and press-fit pieces 73b4 are each integrally formed. The outer casing 73b is formed seamlessly by deep drawing, in a manner in which the sidewall portions 73b1, endwall portions 73b2, cover portions 73b3, press-fit pieces 73b4, and mounting portions 73b5 are integrally connected.

[0177] A pair of sidewall portions 73b1 are arranged parallel to the terminal holding region 71a, spaced apart from it. A pair of endwall portions 73b2 connect the two ends of the sidewall portions 73b1 respectively, and are opposite to the protruding region 71b in the X-axis direction. A cover portion 73b3 connects the sidewall portions 73b1 and the endwall portions 73b2, covering most of the elastic arm portion 74. A pair of press-fit tabs 73b4 protrude continuously toward the +Z direction from the terminal holding region 71a side of the cover portion 73b3. Mounting portions 73b5 are connected to the +Z direction ends of the sidewall portions 73b1 and the endwall portions 73b2 respectively via curved surfaces, extending outward from the outer surfaces of the sidewall portions 73b1 and the endwall portions 73b2. The curved surfaces may also be inclined surfaces. Mounting portions 75b5 are mounted to the mounting surface 3a of the substrate 3 (see reference) by means of solder. Figure 1 The circuit electrical connection on ).

[0178] like Figure 18 As shown, a protruding hole H is provided in the area spanning the side wall portion 73b1 and the cover portion 73b3, penetrating both the side wall portion 73b1 and the cover portion 73b3. On either side of the protruding hole H facing each other along the Z-axis are limiting portions 73b6 and 73b7. Alternatively, the protruding hole H may be provided only in the side wall portion 73b1.

[0179] [Manufacturing method of plug connectors]

[0180] The plug connector 1D is manufactured, for example, through a housing structure forming process, a position alignment process, and a housing mounting process.

[0181] In the housing structure forming process: the plug terminal 10 and the fitting retaining part 72 are held in the cavity of the pressing mold. The fitting retaining part 72 is composed of a fixing part 73 and an elastic arm part 74 integrally formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. Next, molten resin used to form the plug housing 71 flows into the cavity and solidifies. At this time, the held part 73c of the fixing part 73 is held in the holding part 71e of the plug housing 71 by insert molding. Thus, a semi-finished plug connector 1D, which is integrally formed by the plug housing 71, the plug terminal 10, and the fitting retaining part 72, is formed. That is, in the housing structure forming process, the plug terminal 10, the plug housing 71 that retains the insulation of the plug terminal 10, and the fitting retaining part 72, which is provided around the plug housing 71 and has a cantilever beam-shaped elastic arm part that can elastically deform, are integrally formed.

[0182] Position alignment process: The housing 73b, formed by deep drawing a metal sheet, is fixed to a fixture (not shown). The housing 73b and the semi-finished plug connector 1D are aligned such that the through hole 71d of the plug housing 71 of the semi-finished plug connector 1D corresponds to the press-in tab 73b4 of the housing 73b. Alternatively, the semi-finished plug connector 1D can be fixed to the fixture instead of the housing 73b, or the semi-finished plug connector 1D can be fixed to the fixture in addition to the housing 73b. Alternatively, either the housing 73b or the semi-finished plug connector 1D can be held in an assembly robot arm (not shown).

[0183] Housing Press-in Process: The semi-finished plug connector 1D and either the housing 73b are moved towards each other. As a result, the press-in tab 73b4 is inserted into the through hole 71d, and the locking portion 74b abuts against the curved surface between the sidewall portion 73b1 and the mounting portion 73b5. During the intermediate stage of the aforementioned movement, this curved surface faces the centerline CL1 (see reference). Figure 4 Press the locking part 74b. The beam part 74a then bends due to elastic deformation, and the locking part 74b shifts toward the center line CL1. At this time, the locking parts 74b are staggered by the connecting part 74e of the first elastic arm part 74A and the second elastic arm part 74B, thereby widening the gap between the opposing locking parts 74b compared to before the locking parts 74b were pressed. In the final stage of the movement, the pressing piece 73b4 is pressed into the through hole 71d while the beam part 74a of the elastic arm part 74 is elastically deformed, thereby installing the outer shell 73b into the plug housing 71. That is, in the outer shell pressing process, while the first elastic arm part 74A and the second elastic arm part 74B are elastically deformed, the outer shell 73b, which surrounds the plug housing 71 and is at least partially conductive, is pressed into the plug housing 71. In this state, after the locking part 74b abuts against the inner surface of the side wall part 73b1, it passes over the limiting part 73b6 and reaches the protruding hole H, and protrudes from the protruding hole H. This completes the plug connector 1D.

[0184] Furthermore, as a method for manufacturing the housing structure in the housing structure forming process, a press-fit method can be used instead of an insert molding method. In the case of press-fit, the plug housing 71 is first formed by injection molding. Then, for example, the plug terminal 10 and the engagement retaining portion 72 are installed on the plug housing 71 by press-fit. In this way, a semi-finished plug connector 1D in which the plug terminal 10 and the engagement retaining portion 72 are integrally formed can also be formed.

[0185] Additionally, during the housing assembly process, the locking portion 74b can be pre-positioned toward the centerline CL1. Specifically, the tip of a rod-shaped fixture (not shown) is inserted through the fixture insertion hole 73a1 into the gap between a pair of release tabs 74c, thus separating the pair of release tabs 74c. At this time, the tip of the fixture abuts against and slides on the guide surface 74c1 of the release tabs 74c, thereby smoothly inserting the tip of the fixture into the gap between the pair of release tabs 74c. As a result, the beam portion 74a elastically deforms toward the centerline CL1, and the locking portion 74b shifts toward the centerline CL1. While maintaining this state, the press-in tab 73b4 is pressed into the through hole 71d.

[0186] [Socket Connector]

[0187] Figure 16 The socket connector 2B shown has a socket housing 82 with an outer wall portion 82c. The outer wall portion 82c has a pair of side wall portions 82c1 extending along the length direction of the connector and an end wall portion 82c2 connecting the ends of the side wall portions 82c1 to each other. A through hole 82d is formed in the side wall portion 82c1. The socket connector 2B has the same structure as the socket connector 2A except that the through hole 82d is formed in the side wall portion 82c1.

[0188] [Interlocking and Pulling Actions]

[0189] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, plug connector 1D is mounted on mounting surface 3a of substrate 3. In this substrate 3, a through hole 3b is provided at a position corresponding to the fixture insertion hole 73a1 of plug connector 1D. The external dimensions of the through hole 3b are preferably larger than the external dimensions of the fixture insertion hole 73a1. Release tab 74c is exposed in a manner that allows visual identification through the through hole 3b and fixture insertion hole 73a1 in substrate 3. Socket connector 2B is mounted on mounting surface 4a of substrate 4. Plug connector 1D and socket connector 2B are engaged by the locking portion 74b entering the through hole 82d through the same action as the engagement action of plug connector 1A and socket connector 2. When plug connector 1D and socket connector 2B are engaged, the locking portion 74b is locked to the locked portion 82e located on the +Z side edge of the through hole 82d. This prevents accidental removal of plug connector 1D and socket connector 2B.

[0190] When unplugging the plug connector 1D from the socket connector 2B, as Figure 20As shown, a tweezer-shaped extraction jig 9 is used. The extraction jig 9 has a pair of arms 91, a connecting portion 92 that connects the base ends of the arms 91 to each other, and claws 93a that protrude from the tip portions 93 of the arms 91 in a direction opposite to each other. The tips of the arms 91 gradually taper towards the tip portions 93. The external dimensions of the tip portions 93, including the claws 93a, are smaller than the external dimensions of the through hole 3b and the jig insertion hole 73a1. By pressing the outer surface of the arms 91, for example, with a finger, the pair of claws 93a are moved toward each other with the connecting portion 92 as a fulcrum.

[0191] The top end 93 of the pull-out jig 9 passes through the through hole 3b and the jig insertion hole 73a1 and is inserted into the gap between a pair of release tabs 74c. As a result, the release tabs 74c of the first elastic arm 74A and the second elastic arm 74B are pressed apart by the top end 93, causing the pair of beams 74a to elastically deform towards each other, and the pair of locking portions 74b to shift towards each other. The relatively long beams 74a, formed by the elastic arm 74 extending from the second position P2 to the third position P3, disperse the stress generated by the elastic deformation. This prevents stress concentration in the support portion 73e and effectively prevents plastic deformation of the support portion 73e. The locking portions 74b, shifted due to the elastic deformation of the beams 74a, withdraw from the through hole 82d. Thus, the locking portions 74b are released from the locking portion 82e.

[0192] When the outer surface of the arm portion 91 is pressed, the tip portion 93 abuts against the edge of the protruding area 11b side of the fixture insertion hole 73a1, and the plug connector 1D and the substrate 3 on which the plug connector 1D is mounted are held by the pull-out fixture 9. Maintaining this state, the pull-out fixture 9 moves away from the substrate 4 in a direction (+Z direction). At this time, the claw 93a hooks onto the edge of the fixture insertion hole 73a1. Figure 20 As shown, the plug connector 1D and the substrate 3 are pulled apart from the socket connector 2B and the substrate 4 as the pull-out fixture 9 moves. As a result, the plug connector 1D is pulled out of the socket connector 2B. The electrical connector pair 53 can be pulled out by simply moving the pull-out fixture 9 after inserting it into the through hole 3b and the fixture insertion hole 72a1. Furthermore, since the pull-out fixture 9 is simply constructed in the shape of tweezers, it can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0193] Thus, the release piece 74c is positioned to be operated through the through hole 3b of the substrate 3. Therefore, it is unnecessary to insert a fixture for operating the release piece 74c from the connector length direction of the electrical connector pair 53. As a result, components can be arranged between the connector length direction end faces of the electrical connector pair 53 in the substrates 3 and 4. Furthermore, since the release piece 74c is exposed through the through hole 3b in the substrate 3, the operator can immediately recognize that the engagement / disengagement of the electrical connector pair 53 requires the use of the pull-out fixture 9. Consequently, the engagement / disengagement operation of the electrical connector pair 53 is not performed with the locking part 74b inserted into the through hole 82d, thus preventing damage to the electrical connector pair 53.

[0194] [Summarize]

[0195] As detailed above, in the plug connectors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D according to this embodiment, the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 are formed to extend around the plug housings 11, 41, and 71. The fixed end 14d of the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 is positioned at a first position P1 in the connector width direction when viewed from the terminal holding regions 11a, 41a, and 71a, or at a second position P2 corresponding to the protruding regions 11b, 41b, and 71b. This increases the length of the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74. Therefore, if the locking portions 14b and 34b are operated and displaced, the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 undergo elastic deformation, distributing stress throughout the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74. Therefore, stress concentration on the support portions 13e, 33b, and 73e can be avoided, and plastic deformation of the support portions 13e, 33b, and 73e can be prevented. Thus, the fitting support portions 12, 32, and 72 that maintain the mating of the plug connector and the socket connectors 2, 2A, and 2B can achieve high durability.

[0196] According to this embodiment, since the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 are formed to extend around the plug housing 11, even if the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 are increased, it is possible to prevent the plug connectors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D from becoming too large and to maintain a low height.

[0197] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C of this embodiment, even though locking portions 14b and 34b are formed in the elastic arm portions 14, 34, and 44, which are cantilever beams, the movement of the locking portions 14b and 34b in the connector mating direction can be restricted by the limiting portions 13f, 13g, and 33c. Therefore, the locking portions 14b and 34b can be moved only in the locking direction and the unlocking direction, thus enabling accurate locking or unlocking operations.

[0198] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D of this embodiment, the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 are composed of plate-shaped members arranged with their thickness direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction. Therefore, deformation of the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74 in the connector mating direction can be suppressed. As a result, the locking parts 14b, 34b, 44b, and 74b can move only in the locking direction and the unlocking direction, thus enabling accurate locking or unlocking operations.

[0199] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C of this embodiment, a portion of the fitting and holding portions 12, 32, and 42 serves as an electromagnetic shielding element for the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C, and the fitting and holding portions 12, 32, and 42 are integrated with the electromagnetic shielding element, i.e., the housing. Therefore, the number of components in the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C can be reduced, making it easier to manufacture the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C, reducing manufacturing time, and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0200] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D of this embodiment, release tabs 14c, 34c, and 74c are provided at the top ends of the elastic arms 14, 34, 44, and 74. When these release tabs 14c, 34c, and 74c are pressed from the outside, the locking portions 14b, 34b, and 74b move in the direction of releasing the locking between the plug connector and the socket connectors 2 and 2A. Therefore, the engagement of the two connectors can be maintained by the engagement holding portions 12, 32, and 42, and the engagement can be released by a simple operation.

[0201] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C of this embodiment, the locking portions 14b and 34b are provided with inclined surfaces 15 and 35 that are oblique to the connector mating direction and abut against the socket connector 2 when mated. Based on these inclined surfaces 15 and 35, the locking portions 14b and 34b can be displaced in a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction by the force applied from the socket connector 2. Therefore, the locking portions 14b and 34b can be easily deformed when the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C are mated with the socket connectors 2 and 2A.

[0202] According to the plug connectors 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D of this embodiment, the locking portions 14b, 34b, and 74b are protrusions formed by partially bending the elastic arms 14, 44, and 74, which are used to lock the socket connectors 2, 2A, and 2B. In this way, the length of the bent portion can be adjusted to set the protruding length of the locking portions 14b, 34b, and 74b to an appropriate length from the viewpoint of engagement force and ease of locking or releasing.

[0203] According to the socket connectors 2 and 2A of this embodiment, a bevel 22g is provided on the socket housing 22. This bevel 22g is obliquely perpendicular to the connector mating direction and abuts against the locking portions 14b and 34b during mating. When the plug connectors 1A and 1B are mated with the socket connector 2, if the bevel 22g abuts against the locking portions 14b and 34b, the locking portions 14b and 34b will shift inward toward the plug connectors 1A and 1B. This allows the locking portions 14b and 34b to be easily locked onto the locked portion 22e.

[0204] According to the socket connectors 2 and 2A of this embodiment, the inner wall portion 22a of the socket housing 22 is constructed of a seamless plate-like member. This improves the electromagnetic shielding effect of the inner wall portion 22a of the socket housing 22. The same applies to the inner wall portion 33a of the plug connector 1B.

[0205] In this embodiment, the fitting support portions 12 and 32 can be considered as integrated with the plug housing. However, this is not the only possibility. The fitting support portions 12 and 32 may also be separate from the plug housing, like the fitting support portion 42. That is, the fitting support portions 12 and 32 and the plug housing, which functions as an electromagnetic shield, may be separate components.

[0206] In this embodiment, the plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C are provided with engagement retaining portions 12, 32, and 42, and the socket connector 2 is provided with a locking portion 22e. However, this is not a limitation. The plug connectors 1A, 1B, and 1C may also have portions corresponding to the locking portion 22e, and the socket connectors 2 and 2A may have portions corresponding to the engagement retaining portions 12 and 42.

[0207] This invention can be implemented in various ways and with different modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit its scope. That is, the scope of the invention is not shown by the embodiments, but by the claims. Additionally, all modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

[0208] Furthermore, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-39720, filed on March 14, 2023, and the entire description, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-39720 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0209] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0210] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, Plug connector (electrical connector); 2, 2A, 2B, Socket connector (object connector); 3, 4, Substrate; 3a, 4a, Mounting surface; 3b, Through hole; 9, Pull-out jig; 10, Plug terminal (terminal); 10a, Signal terminal; 10b, Power terminal; 11, Plug housing (housing); 11a, Terminal holding area; 11b, Protrusion area; 11c, Protrusion; 11d, Through hole; 12, Fitting and holding part; 13, Fixing part; 13a, Main body part; 13b, Inner wall part (outer shell); 13c, Insertion piece; 13d, Outer wall part; 13e, Support part; 13f, 13g, Restriction part; 13h, Cover part; 13i, Bevel; 14, Flexible arm part; 4a. Beam; 14b. Locking part; 14c. Release tab; 14d. Fixing end; 15. Angled surface; 20. Socket terminal (object terminal); 20a. Signal terminal; 20b. Power terminal; 21. Socket housing (object housing); 21a. Recess; 21b. Solder pad; 22. Socket outer shell (object shell); 22a. Inner wall; 22b. Receiving part; 22c. Outer wall; 22d. Through hole; 22e. Locking part; 22f. Protruding tab; 22g. Angled surface; 32. Fitting and holding part; 33. Fixing part; 33a. Inner wall; 33b. Support part; 33c. Restricting part; 34. Elastic arm; 34a. Beam; 34b. Locking part; 34c. Release tab; 35. Angled surface; 41. Plug Housing; 41a, Terminal holding area; 41b, Protruding area; 41a, Inclined wall; 41d, Insertion part; 42, Fitting and maintaining part; 43, Fixing part; 43a, Main body part; 43b, Inner wall part; 43c, Insertion piece; 44, Flexible arm part; 44a, Beam part; 44b, Locking part; 50, 51, 52, 53, Electrical connector pair; 60, Socket terminal (object terminal); 60a, Signal terminal; 60b, Power terminal; 61, Socket housing (object housing); 61a, Terminal holding area (object terminal holding area); 61b, Press-in area; 61b1, Protrusion; 62, Socket outer shell (object shell); 62a, Inner wall part; 62a1, Inner surface; 62b, Receiving part; 62c, Outer 62c1, side wall; 62c2, end wall; 62d, through hole; 71, plug housing; 71a, terminal holding area; 71b, protruding area; 71d, through hole; 71e, holding part; 72, fitting and maintaining part; 73, fixing part; 73a, flat part; 73a1, jig insertion hole; 73a2, end edge; 73a3, fitting hole; 73b, inner wall (outer shell); 73b1, side wall; 73b2, end wall; 73b3, cover; 73b4, press-in piece; 73b5, mounting part; 73b6, 73b7, limiting part; 73c, held part; 73e, support part; 74, elastic arm part; 74A, first elastic arm part; 74B, second elastic arm part; 74a, beam part;74b, Locking part; 74c, Release piece; 74c1, Guide surface; 74d, Fixed end; 74e, Connecting part; 82, Socket housing (object housing); 82c, Outer wall part; 82c1, Side wall part; 82c2, End wall part; 82d, Through hole; 82e, Locked part; 91, Arm part; 92, Connecting part; 93, Top end part; 93a, Claw; CL1, CL2, Center line; H, Protruding hole; P1, First position; P2, Second position; P3, Third position; S, Gap.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, wherein, This electrical connector has the following features: Multiple conductive terminals are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction, which indicates the direction in which the electrical connector mates with the object connector; An insulating housing having a terminal holding region for holding the terminals; and A mating support portion, which is provided around the housing when viewed along the mating direction of the connector, maintains the mating state of the electrical connector and the target connector. The fitting support portion includes: A fixing part, which is fixed to the housing; as well as The elastic arm, which is a cantilever beam capable of elastic deformation, has a fixed end connected to the fixing part at at least one of a first position and a second position. The first position, when viewed from the terminal holding area, is located in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction and the terminal arrangement direction. The second position corresponds to the protruding area of ​​the end connected to the terminal holding area. The elastic arm extends from the fixed end across the protruding area along the arrangement direction to a third position. In the elastic arm portion, a locking portion that locks onto the object connector is formed at the third position.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing part includes a limiting part that restricts the movement of the locking part in the connector mating direction.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic arm is composed of a plate-shaped member configured such that its thickness direction is orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector has a housing that is at least partially conductive surrounding the housing. The fitting and maintaining part is integrated with the outer shell.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The electrical connector has a housing that is at least partially conductive surrounding the housing. The fitting and supporting part is separate from the outer shell.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic arm is provided with a release tab, which, when pressed from the outside, causes the locking part to move in the direction of releasing the locking between the electrical connector and the object connector.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The locking part is provided with an inclined surface that is oblique to the engagement direction of the connector and abuts against the target connector when engaged. The locking part is displaced in a direction orthogonal to the engagement direction of the connector by the force applied from the target connector.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein, The locking portion is formed by partially bending the elastic arm into a convex shape.

9. An electrical connector pair, wherein, This electrical connector has the following features: The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and An object connector that engages with the electrical connector has a locking portion that engages with a locking portion.

10. The electrical connector pair according to claim 9, wherein, The object connector has: A conductive object terminal, which is in contact with the terminal; A conductive object housing that surrounds at least a portion of the object terminals; and An object housing that holds the object terminals and the object shell. The locking part is located on the outer shell of the object.

11. The electrical connector pair according to claim 10, wherein, The locking part is located at the edge of the through hole in the outer shell of the object.

12. The electrical connector pair according to claim 10, wherein, The outer shell of the object has an inclined surface that is oblique to the mating direction of the connector and abuts against the locking part when mated, causing the locking part to shift in a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector.

13. The electrical connector pair according to claim 10, wherein, The outer shell of the object is constructed from seamless plate-like components.

14. The electrical connector pair according to claim 10, wherein, The object housing includes: an object terminal retaining region extending along a direction orthogonal to the connector mating direction to retain the object terminal; and a press-in region connected to both ends of the object terminal retaining region. The object's outer shell has an inner wall portion that surrounds a space for the pressing-in area to be pressed in. With the pressing area pressed into the space formed by the inner wall portion, the object outer shell remains in the object housing.

15. A method for manufacturing an electrical connector, wherein, The manufacturing method includes the following steps: In the housing structure forming process, conductive terminals, an insulating housing that maintains the terminals, and a fitting and supporting portion are integrally formed. The fitting and supporting portion is disposed around the housing and has a cantilever beam-shaped elastic arm capable of elastic deformation. The outer casing pressing process involves pressing a conductive outer casing, at least partially surrounding the casing, into the casing while the elastic arm is elastically deformed.

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