Connector terminal, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A connector terminal according to the disclosed embodiment comprises: a body; a first arm portion extending forward from the body; the first contact part is arranged at one end of the first arm part; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and placed at a higher level than the first arm portion; the first contact part is formed at one end of the first arm part, the second contact part is formed at one end of the second arm part and located behind the first contact part, the first contact part comprises a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located behind the first inclined surface, and the angle between the first inclined surface and the horizontal line is larger than the angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector terminal, a connector, and a connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] When transmission of an electrical signal between two substrates is required, a flexible substrate such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) substrate or a flexible printed (FPC) substrate can be employed. One end of the flexible substrate is mounted on a plug housing and connected to a connector provided on the substrate. The flexible substrate includes a conductor extending in a longitudinal direction and an insulating layer formed of polyimide that surrounds the conductor. An end portion of the conductor provided on the flexible substrate is exposed to a surface to form a contact pad that contacts a connector terminal.

[0003] A terminal of a connector generally includes a lever extending from a body in one direction and a contact portion formed at one end of the lever. Since a surface of the contact portion of the terminal is subject to corrosion or contamination by gas, it is advantageous to have a multi-contact point structure to ensure electrical connection with a contact pad of a flexible substrate. For example, Chinese authorized utility model CN219779289U discloses a connector terminal including two contact portions.

[0004] However, as the number of contact points between the connector terminal and a counterpart increases, the frictional force between the terminal and the counterpart increases, whereby the insertion force required when a plug is inserted into the connector increases. In particular, when the connector includes many terminals, the insertion force increases in proportion to the number of terminals, and thus, when a multi-contact point structure is employed, there is a problem that the force required to secure the plug to the connector (hereinafter, the insertion force) increases. In addition, in a conventional connector assembly, there is a problem that separation is not easy because the force required to separate the plug from the connector is large.

[0005] In addition, in a conventional connector assembly, when the plug is combined with or separated from the connector, there is a problem that the connector terminal and its counterpart are damaged due to a large impact or a large frictional force applied to the connector terminal.

[0006] [Related Art Documents]

[0007] [Patent Documents]

[0008] (Patent Document 0001) Chinese authorized utility model CN219779289U SUMMARY

[0009] [Technical Problem]

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will solve the above-described problems of the related art.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to reduce the amount of force required to insert a plug into a connector. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure aim to reduce the amount of force required to separate a plug from a connector. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure aim to prevent damage to a connector terminal and a mating piece of the connector terminal during the coupling and decoupling of the connector and the plug.

[0012] [Technical Solution]

[0013] According to one embodiment, a connector terminal is provided, which includes a body, a first arm portion extending forward from the body, a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm portion, a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm portion, and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and located rearward of the first contact portion. The first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first contact portion can further include a horizontal surface located rearward of the second inclined surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first contact portion can further include a third inclined surface extending downward rearward of the second inclined surface, and an angle between the third inclined surface and the horizontal line can be less than or equal to the angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

[0016] In one embodiment, a highest point of the second contact portion can be located at a higher level than a highest point of the first contact portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first arm portion can include a first extension portion extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension portion extending toward the body from the first extension portion, and a bending point between the first extension portion and the second extension portion can be located forward of a front end of the second contact portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, a highest point of the second contact portion can be located at a lower or equal level than an upper end of a support point of the second arm portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the body can include a support extending forward of a support point of the first arm portion or a support point of the second arm portion and located on the second arm portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, according to one embodiment, a connector is provided, which includes a connector housing and a plurality of terminals provided on the connector housing, wherein at least some of the plurality of terminals can be one of the above-described connector terminals.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided, which includes a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, wherein the connector includes the connector terminal of the above-described embodiment, and the plug includes a plug housing including: a seating surface formed to seat a flexible substrate; and a front end portion provided at an end portion of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward beyond the seating surface. When the plug is fastened to the connector, a first contact portion and a second contact portion of the connector are below the seating surface, and the front end portion and the connector terminal are formed such that, when a front end of the second contact portion is pressed downward by the front end portion of the plug housing without the flexible substrate being installed, the front end of the second contact portion is pressed downward by the first arm portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the front end portion can include a first bottom surface at a level lower than the seating surface, the front end portion can include a protrusion extending from the front end portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion can be at a level higher than the first bottom surface.

[0023] In one embodiment, the front end portion can be formed such that, when the front end portion first contacts the second inclined surface while the plug is being inserted into the connector, the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the front end portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the front end portion can include a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface near the connector toward the connector, and the front end portion can be formed such that, when an intersection between the bottom surface and the inclined surface passes through the first contact portion, the front end portion is spaced apart from the second contact portion.

[0025] [Advantageous Effects]

[0026] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of force required to insert a plug into a connector can be reduced. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of force required to separate a plug from a connector can be reduced. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, damage to a connector terminal and a counterpart of the connector terminal during coupling and separation of a connector and a plug can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A connector assembly according to one embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cutaway perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4is a cutaway perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view of a connector assembly in an assembled state according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a connector terminal according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a contact portion of a connector terminal according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a plug housing placed in front of a connector terminal according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a plug housing placed in front of a connector terminal according to another embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 shows movement of a connector terminal when a plug is inserted into a connector.

[0037] Figure 11 shows a cutaway perspective view of a plug housing without a flexible substrate mounted thereon.

[0038] Figure 12 shows movement of a connector terminal when a plug is separated from a connector.

[0039] Figure 13 shows a plug housing with a flexible substrate thereon and a portion of a connector terminal inserted into the plug housing.

[0040] Figure 14 shows an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly.

[0041] Figure 15 shows Figure 14 simulation results of insertion force and separation force between a plug and a connector terminal in the model of

[0042] Figure 16 shows an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 17 shows Figure 16 simulation results of insertion force and separation force between a plug and a connector terminal in the model of

[0044] Figure 18 shows an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment.

[0045] Figure 19 shows Figure 18Simulation results of insertion force and separation force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of

[0046] Figure 20 Stress applied to the conventional connector terminal while the connector terminal passes through the gap of the plug is shown.

[0047] Figure 21 Stress applied to the conventional connector terminal while the connector terminal passes through the gap of the plug is shown. Figure 20 Simulation results of insertion force and separation force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of

[0048] Figure 22 Stress applied to the connector terminal according to one embodiment while the connector terminal passes through the gap of the plug is shown.

[0049] Figure 23 Stress applied to the connector terminal according to one embodiment while the connector terminal passes through the gap of the plug is shown. Figure 22 Simulation results of insertion force and separation force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of

[0050] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.

[0051] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a plug according to one embodiment.

[0052] Figure 26 is a plan view of a flexible substrate mounted on a plug housing.

[0053] Figure 27 A pre-assembly state of a fixing member and the plug housing is shown.

[0054] Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of a fixing member according to one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 29 is a sectional view of a locking member and the plug housing in a pre-assembly state of the fixing member and the plug housing.

[0056] Figure 30 is a sectional view of a locking member and the plug housing in a fully assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.

[0057] Figure 31 is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a pre-assembly state of the fixing member and the plug housing.

[0058] Figure 32 is a sectional view showing a coupling structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a fully assembled state of the fixing member and the plug housing.

[0059] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment.

[0060] Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 35 is a cutaway view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 36 shows a flexible substrate according to an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 37 is a cutaway view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 38 is a rear perspective view of a connector.

[0065] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0066] 1: connector assembly, 10: connector, 20: connector terminal, 30: plug, 40: flexible substrate DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated for the purpose of explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure. The scope of the rights of the present disclosure is not limited to the following suggested or detailed description of the embodiments.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected to more clearly explain the present disclosure, not to limit the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0069] It should be understood that the terms "comprise", "include", "have" used in the present disclosure are open terms that can include other embodiments, unless the phrase or sentence includes a corresponding expression of the other embodiment.

[0070] The singular form used in the present disclosure also includes the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and this applies equally to the singular form described in the claims.

[0071] Such terms "first" and "second" used in the present disclosure are used to simply distinguish a plurality of components from each other, not to limit the components in order or importance.

[0072] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or can be connected or coupled to the other element through another element.

[0073] The directional terms such as "upward", "above", and the like used in the present disclosure are based on the direction in which the flexible substrate is positioned relative to the contact portion of the connector terminal in the drawings, and the directional terms such as "downward", "below", and the like refer to the opposite direction. The flexible substrate and the connector terminal shown in the drawings can be in different orientations, and the shown directional terms can be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] In the present disclosure, the "connector mating direction" includes the direction of movement of one of the two connectors when the one connector linearly approaches the other connector so that the conductive terminal maintained in the housing of the one connector and the other conductive terminal maintained in the housing of the other connector and corresponding to the conductive terminal are joined to each other. In addition, the "connector mating position" employed in the present disclosure includes the position occupied by the one of the two connectors when the one connector linearly approaches the other connector so that the conductive terminal maintained in the housing of the one connector and the other conductive terminal maintained in the housing of the other connector and corresponding to the conductive terminal are joined to each other.

[0075] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components. In explaining the following embodiments, repeated explanation of the same or corresponding components can be omitted. However, even if the explanation of the components is omitted, it does not mean that the components are not included in a certain embodiment.

[0076] Figure 1 A connector assembly 1 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 1. Figure 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a cutaway perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to an embodiment in an assembled state.

[0077] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , the connector assembly 1 includes a connector 10 and a plug 30 that mates with the connector 10. The connector 10 includes a connector housing 11 and a plurality of connector terminals 20 provided on the connector housing 11. The plug 30 includes a plug housing 31, and a flexible substrate 40 can be coupled to the plug housing 31. The flexible substrate 40 includes conductive wires and an insulating layer that insulates the conductive wires. The end portions of the conductive wires are connected to contact pads 41 exposed outside the flexible substrate 40. When the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, the connector terminals 20 contact the contact pads 41 of the flexible substrate 40.

[0078] Figure 6 A connector terminal 20 according to an embodiment is shown, Figure 7The contact portions 233, 253 of the connector terminal 20 are shown according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6 , the connector terminal 20 includes a body 21 and a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25 extending from the body 21. The first terminal portion 23 includes a first arm portion 231 extending forward from the body 21. The first terminal portion 23 includes a first contact portion 233 disposed at one end of the first arm portion 231. The second terminal portion 25 includes a second arm portion 251 extending forward from the body 21 and at a higher level than the first arm portion 231. The second terminal portion 25 includes a second contact portion 253 formed at one end of the second arm portion 251 and rearward of the first contact portion 233. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 together, when the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, both the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 contact the contact pads 41 of the flexible substrate 40 mounted on the plug 30.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first contact portion 233 can include a first bevel 233a and a second bevel 233b rearward of the first bevel 233a. An angle Al between the first bevel 233a and a horizontal line is greater than an angle A2 between the second bevel 233b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle Al of the first bevel 233a can be about 38 degrees, and the angle A2 of the second bevel 233b can be about 12 degrees.

[0081] The first contact portion 233 can further include a third bevel 233c rearward of the second bevel 233b and extending downward. An angle A3 between the third bevel 233c and the horizontal line is less than or equal to the angle A2 between the second bevel 233b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A2 of the second bevel 233b can be about 12 degrees, and the angle A3 of the third bevel 233c can be about 11.7 degrees.

[0082] The first contact portion 233 can further include a first horizontal surface 233d rearward of the second bevel 233b. The first horizontal surface 233d connects the second bevel 233b to the third bevel 233c. An area corresponding to the second bevel 233b, the first horizontal surface 233d, and the third bevel 233c can be referred to as a first curved portion 233e.

[0083] The second contact portion 253 can include a fourth bevel 253a and a fifth bevel 253b rearward of the fourth bevel 253a. An angle A4 between the fourth bevel 253a and a horizontal line is greater than an angle A5 between the fifth bevel 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A4 of the fourth bevel 253a can vary from about 40 degrees to 50 degrees, and the angle A5 of the fifth bevel 253b can be about 17 degrees.

[0084] The second contact portion 253 can further include a sixth inclined surface 253c extending downward behind the fifth inclined surface 253b. An angle A6 between the sixth inclined surface 253c and a horizontal line is less than or equal to an angle A5 between the fifth inclined surface 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A5 of the fifth inclined surface 253b can be about 17 degrees, and the angle A6 of the sixth inclined surface 253c can be about 12.7 degrees.

[0085] The second contact portion 253 can further include a second horizontal surface 253d behind the fifth inclined surface 253b. The second horizontal surface 253d connects the fifth inclined surface 253b to the sixth inclined surface 253c. An area corresponding to the fifth inclined surface 253b, the second horizontal surface 253d, and the sixth inclined surface 253c can be referred to as a second curved portion 253e.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the surface of the contact portion 233 and the surface of the contact portion 253 are each illustrated as being formed in a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the surface of the contact portion 233 and the surface of the contact portion 253 can each be formed in a combination of only a curved surface or only a flat surface. At least one of the first inclined surface 233a, the second inclined surface 233b, or the third inclined surface 233c can be replaced with a curved surface. For example, a curved surface replacing the second inclined surface 233b can be formed so that an average slope thereof (i.e., an angle of a line connecting a front end and a rear end) corresponds to the angle of the second inclined surface 233b (e.g., 12 degrees). As another example, a curved surface replacing the third inclined surface 233c can be formed so that an average slope thereof corresponds to the angle of the third inclined surface 233c (e.g., 11.7 degrees).

[0087] The first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e directly contact a mating member (the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 or the contact pad 41). Because the first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e are formed in a horizontal surface or a gently inclined surface, resistance generated when the first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e contact or pass through a surface of the mating member can be reduced. This can prevent the terminal portions 23, 25 of the connector terminal 20 from being damaged, such as buckling, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10. In addition, damage to the mating member, such as peeling of a plating film on a surface of the contact pad 41, can be minimized.

[0088] Because the contact portions 233, 253 of the present disclosure have inclined surfaces 233a, 253a extending from the front ends thereof and being steeper than the curved portions 233e, 253e, a distance from the front end to the highest point of the contact portions 233, 253 can be made short. This can increase a contact engagement length of the connector terminal 20.

[0089] Referring to Figure 6 The body 21 includes a support 27. The support 27 is configured to prevent the connector terminal 20 from separating from the connector housing 11. The support 27 can include protrusions 271, 272 that protrude upward.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6 The support 27 protrudes forward of the support points 235 of the first arm portions 231 or the support points 255 of the second arm portions 251. The support 27 is at a higher level than the first arm portions 231 and the second arm portions 251. That is, the support points 235, 255 of the first arm portions 231 and the second arm portions 251 are behind the front end 273 of the support 27. A recess 26 extending from the position 261 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support 27 to the support point 255 of the second arm portion 251 is formed between the second arm portion 251 and the support 27. A recess 24 extending from the position 241 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support 27 to the support point 235 of the first arm portion 231 is formed between the second arm portion 251 and the first arm portion 231.

[0091] Because the support points 235, 255 of the first arm portions 231 and the second arm portions 251 are behind the front end 273 of the support 27, the length of the first arm portions 231 and the length of the second arm portions 251 increase. As a result, the slope from the support points 235, 255 of the terminal portions 23, 25 to the bent portions 233e, 253e becomes gentle. When the slope from the support points 235, 255 of the terminal portions 23, 25 to the bent portions 233e, 253e becomes gentle, the resistance acting on the bent portions 233e, 253e can be reduced when the bent portions 233e, 253e pass through the fitting member. This increases the durability of the terminal portions 23, 25 against buckling.

[0092] The highest point of the second contact portion 253 (e.g., the second horizontal surface 253d) can be at a level that is lower than or equal to the level of the upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm portion 251. The upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm portion 251 can refer to the starting point at which the second arm portion 251 starts to protrude forward from the body 21. Referring to Figure 6 The upper end 255a of the support point 255 can refer to the lowermost point of the recess 26 between the support 27 and the second arm portion 251. As a result, the slope from the upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm portion 251 to the highest point of the second contact portion 253 becomes gentle, thereby increasing the durability of the second terminal portion 25 against buckling.

[0093] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7The first arm portion 231 can include a first extension portion 231a extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion 233, and a second extension portion 231b extending from the first extension portion 231a toward the body 21. An angle A7 between the first extension portion 231a and a horizontal line is larger than an angle A8 between the second extension portion 231b and the horizontal line. The length of the first extension portion 231a can be set as small as possible. For example, a bend 231c between the first extension portion 231a and the second extension portion 231b can be located forward of the front end 253f of the second contact portion 253. This prevents a large rotational moment from occurring at the bend 231c between the first extension portion 231a and the second extension portion 231b when the first contact portion 233 passes through its counterpart, thereby preventing the first terminal portion 23 from buckling.

[0094] The highest point of the second contact portion 253 is at a higher level than the highest point of the first contact portion 233. For example, the second horizontal plane 253d is at a higher level than the first horizontal plane 233d. When the highest point of the second contact portion 253 is higher than the highest point of the first contact portion 233, the highest point of the second contact portion 253 is not covered by the first contact portion 233 when viewed in the insertion direction. Thus, the size (e.g., height) of the second contact portion 253 can be measured in the insertion direction.

[0095] Figure 8 It is shown that the plug housing 31 is placed in front of the connector terminal 20 in one embodiment. Figure 9 It is shown that the plug housing 31 is placed in front of the connector terminal 20 in another embodiment.

[0096] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The plug housing 31 includes a seating surface 33 on which the flexible substrate 40 is seated, and a front end portion 32 provided at one end of the seating surface 33. The front end portion 32 is formed to prevent the flexible substrate 40 seated on the seating surface 33 from coming out forward. The front end portion 32 protrudes downward beyond the seating surface 33. That is, a first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is located downward beyond the seating surface 33. The first bottom surface 321 can extend horizontally.

[0097] The front end portion 32 can be formed such that the first inclined surface 233a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32 when the front end portion 32 first contacts the second inclined surface 233b while the plug 30 is being inserted into the connector 10.

[0098] Referring to Figure 7The first contact portion 233 includes a relatively steep first slope 233a and a second slope 233b that extends gently from a rear end of the first slope 233a. The steep slope has a greater resistance when passing through the fitting member than the gentle slope. Thus, when the first contact portion 233 passes through the front end portion 32, it is advantageous to reduce the insertion force when the second slope 233b, rather than the first slope 233a, contacts the front end portion 32. In addition, it is advantageous to reduce the insertion force by reducing the portion in which the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 simultaneously contact the front end portion 32. The shape of the front end portion 32 can be designed in consideration of the above-described conditions.

[0099] With reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The front end portion 32 can be formed such that, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 first contacts the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. The front end portion 32 can be formed such that, when the front end portion 32 first contacts the first curved portion 233e, the first slope 233a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32.

[0100] The front end portion 32 can be formed such that, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 first contacts the second curved portion 253e of the second contact portion 253. The front end portion 32 can be formed such that, when the front end portion 32 first contacts the second curved portion 253e, the fourth slope 253a is spaced apart from the front end portion 32.

[0101] When passing through the first contact portion 233, the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 can contact the second slope 233b without contacting the first slope 233a. That is, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 passes through the first contact portion 233 while contacting the second slope 233b that is gentler than the first slope 233a, thereby reducing the frictional force between the front end portion 32 and the first contact portion 233. This can reduce the magnitude of the force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.

[0102] When passing through the second contact portion 253, the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 can contact the fifth slope 253b without contacting the fourth slope 253a. That is, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the front end portion 32 passes through the second contact portion 253 while contacting the fifth slope 253b that is gentler than the fourth slope 253a, thereby reducing the frictional force between the front end portion 32 and the second contact portion 253. This can reduce the magnitude of the force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.

[0103] With reference to Figure 8The front end 32 can include a protrusion 322 extending toward the connector 10. A step is present between a second floor 323 defining a lower surface of the protrusion 322 and a first floor 321 of the front end 32. The second floor 323 is at a higher level than the first floor 321. The second floor 323 can extend in a horizontal direction (or in a mating direction). The first floor 321 and the second floor 323 can be connected by a slope 324. An angle A9 between the slope 324 and a horizontal line can be formed to be smaller than the angles Al, A4 between the first slope 233a or the fourth slope 253a and the horizontal line. The protrusion 322 can include a chamfer 326 extending from the second floor 323 to a front end 325. Because the front end 32 includes the protrusion 322, when passing through the contact portion 233, 253, the front end 32 mainly passes through the curved portion 233e, 253e, and a portion in contact with the steep slope 233a, 253a is not present or can be minimized.

[0104] Referring to Figure 9 The front end 32 can include a chamfer (or slope) 327 extending from the first floor 321 to the front end 325. An angle A10 between the chamfer 327 and a horizontal line can be formed to be smaller than the angles Al, A4 between the first slope 233a or the fourth slope 253a and the horizontal line. Because the front end 32 includes the chamfer 327, when passing through the contact portion 233, 253, the front end 32 mainly passes through the curved portion 233e, 253e, and a portion in contact with the steep slope 233a, 253a is not present or can be minimized.

[0105] Figure 10 The movement of the connector terminal 20 is shown when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10.

[0106] Referring to Figure 10 A, the front end 32 of the plug 30 can include a first floor 321 defining a lowermost surface of the front end 32 and extending horizontally from a first end 321a to a second end 321b in a mating direction.

[0107] The protrusion 322 of the plug 30 first passes through the first contact portion 233. The protrusion 322 can be formed as a first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233 having a small inclination angle. For example, a horizontal extension line of the second floor 323 defining a lowermost surface of the protrusion 322 can meet the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. When passing through the first contact portion 233, the plug 30 first contacts the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby reducing the frictional force between the plug 30 and the first contact portion 233. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the first curved portion 233e can be formed as a first curved surface having a first curvature radius Rl. Figure 10 A large chamfer 327 (see FIG. 7) can be formed at the front end 32 of the plug 30. The chamfer 327 can be formed to be larger than the chamfer 326 of the protrusion 322. The chamfer 327 can be formed to be larger than the first curvature radius Rl of the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. Figure 9) can be provided on the front end portion 32 instead of the protrusion 322. The chamfer 327 can be formed so that, when the plug 30 passes through the first contact portion 233, the chamfer 327 first contacts the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby reducing the friction with the protrusion 322 in the same manner.

[0108] Referring to Figure 10 B, the front end portion 32 can include a bevel 324 extending from the first bottom surface 321 toward the connector 10. The front end portion 32 can be formed so that, when passing through the first contact portion 233, the junction 329 between the first bottom surface 321 and the front end portion 32 of the bevel 324 is spaced apart from the second contact portion 253. The junction 329 can correspond to the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321. It is found that, when the inclined start point of the front end portion 32, i.e., the junction 329, passes through the first contact portion 233, the insertion force is the greatest. This is presumed because the friction force acting between the front end portion 32 and the first contact portion 233 increases when the junction 329 passes through the first contact portion 233. By forming the front end portion 32 to be spaced apart from the second contact portion 253 in a portion in which the friction force between the first contact portion 233 and the front end portion 32 is great, the magnitude of the force required to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10 can be reduced.

[0109] Referring to Figure 10 C, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be formed so that, when the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes through the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the protrusion 322 of the front end portion 32 begins to contact the second contact portion 253.

[0110] Figure 10 D shows a state just before the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 separates from the first contact portion 233.

[0111] Referring to Figure 10 B and Figure 10 D, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be formed so that, when the first bottom surface 321 passes through the first contact portion 233, the first bottom surface 321 does not contact the second contact portion 253 until the first end 321a passes through the apex of the first contact portion 233. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be formed so that, when the first end 321a separates from the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b contacts the second contact portion 253. Thus, the portion in which the first bottom surface 321 simultaneously presses against the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 can be minimized and eliminated, which allows the plug 30 to be more easily inserted into the connector 10.

[0112] Referring to Figure 10In one embodiment, the connector mating process can include a first action of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passing through the apex of the first contact portion 233 and a second action of the first bottom surface 321 passing through the apex of the second contact portion 253. In the first action, the first bottom surface 321 can not contact the second contact portion 253 until the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 passes through the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the second action, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 can be in contact with the second contact portion 253 when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 is separated from the first contact portion 233.

[0113] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector 10 and a plug housing 31 without a flexible substrate 40 mounted thereon. Figure 12 FIG. 2 shows movement of the connector terminals when the plug 30 is separated from the connector 10.

[0114] The plug housing 31 without the flexible substrate 40 mounted thereon can be combined with the connector 10 as needed. The front end portion 32 and the connector terminals 20 can be formed such that, when the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 without the flexible substrate 40 mounted thereon presses down the second contact portion 253, the front end of the second contact portion 253 presses down the first arm portion 231.

[0115] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 Because the flexible substrate 40 is not mounted on the plug housing 31, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 is positioned close to the seating surface 33. In this state, the front end portion 32 frequently gets caught on the first contact portion 233 during separation of the plug 30 from the connector terminal 20, which increases the force of separation from the connector terminal 20 or damages the connector terminal 20.

[0116] Referring to Figure 12 A to Figure 12 D, the front end portion 32 presses down the second arm portion 251 and the second contact portion 253 of the second terminal portion 25 while the plug 30 is moved rearward from the connector 10. The second contact portion 253 contacts the first arm portion 231 of the first terminal portion 23 positioned thereunder and presses down the first terminal portion 23. As a result, the first contact portion 233 of the first terminal portion 23 is moved downward. Because the first contact portion 233 is positioned at a lower level than the initial position, the front end portion 32 can more easily pass through the first contact portion 233. That is, the resistance generated when the front end portion 32 gets caught on the first contact portion 233 can be reduced as the plug 30 is moved rearward. This can prevent the connector terminal 20 from being damaged and allow the plug 30 to be smoothly separated from the connector 10.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12C, the plug housing 31 can be formed such that the first bottom surface 321 presses against the second contact portion 253 until the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 contacts the first contact portion 233.

[0118] Referring to Figure 12 C, only considering that the second contact portion 253 presses against the first contact portion 233, the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is preferably set to be greater than or equal to a predetermined length to maintain the pressed state of the first contact portion 233. However, because the length of the front end portion 32 is too long and the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 simultaneously contact the front end portion 32, there is a problem in that the insertion force increases, and thus the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 is preferably limited to a length capable of preventing this problem.

[0119] Referring to Figure 12 C and Figure 12 D, the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be formed such that the front end portion 32 does not contact the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be formed such that when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 first contacts the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 is in a state of contacting the second contact portion 253. Thus, the portion of the first bottom surface 321 that simultaneously presses against the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 can be minimized and eliminated, which allows the plug 30 to be more easily separated from the connector 10.

[0120] Referring to Figure 12 D, when the first bottom surface 321 enters the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the inclined surface 324, not the first bottom surface 321, can contact the second contact portion 253.

[0121] Referring to Figure 12 In one embodiment, the connector separation process can include a first action in which the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253 and a second action in which the first bottom surface 321 of the front end portion 32 passes the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the first action, the first bottom surface 321 can not contact the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253. In the second action, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 first contacts the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 can be in a state of contacting the second contact portion 253.

[0122] Figure 13 It is shown that the flexible substrate 40 is mounted to the plug housing 31 and a portion of the connector terminal 20 is inserted into the plug housing 31.

[0123] Referring toFigure 13 When the flexible substrate 40 is mounted on the plug housing 31, a gap g can exist between the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 and the flexible substrate 40. Because there is a clearance between the flexible substrate 40 and the plug housing 31 in the front-rear direction, the flexible substrate 40 can swing in the plug housing 31 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the first contact portion 233 pushes the flexible substrate 40 in a direction away from the front end portion 32 while passing through the contact pad 41, and the gap can become large.

[0124] Referring to Figure 7 Together, the length dl of the first curved portion 233e in the front-rear direction and / or the length d2 of the second curved portion 253e in the front-rear direction can be set to be greater than or equal to the gap g between the flexible substrate 40 and the front end portion 32.

[0125] When the plug 30 is combined with the connector 10, the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 pass through the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31 and then sit on the contact pad 41 of the flexible substrate 40. Because of the assembly clearance, the gap g exists between the flexible substrate 40 and the plug housing 31, but because the contact portions 233, 235 have the curved portions 233e, 253e, the contact portions 233, 235 can smoothly pass through the front end portion 32 and then can be settled on the contact pad 41.

[0126] The contact portions 233, 235 can contact the edge of the flexible substrate 40, but because the curved portions 233e, 235e, not the steep slopes 233a, 235a of the contact portions 233, 235, contact the edge, a large impact can be prevented from being applied to the contact portions 233, 235. This can prevent the contact portions 233, 235 and the contact pad 41 from being damaged. When such damage is not prevented, a plated layer of the contact portion or the contact pad can be peeled off, thereby causing a chemical / electric corrosion problem due to contamination in the peeled portion, which can rapidly increase a contact resistance. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, because the contact pad 41 can be minimized or prevented from being damaged when the first contact portion 233 passes through the contact pad 41, the above-described problem can be prevented, and thus the second contact portion 253 can be seated on the contact pad 41 without a large resistance.

[0127] Figure 14 is an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly. Figure 15 shows Figure 14 a result of simulation of insertion force and separation force between the plug 150 and the connector terminal 160 in the model of Figure 16 shows an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 17 shows Figure 16The results of simulations of the insertion and separation forces between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model. Figure 18 An exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 19 Show Figure 18 The results of simulations of the insertion and separation forces between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model.

[0128] Figure 14 A model of a conventional plug 150 and a conventional connector terminal 160 is shown. The plug 150 includes a plug housing 151 on which a flexible substrate 40 is mounted, and a gap g exists between a portion of the flexible substrate 40 and a front portion of the plug housing 151. The connector terminal 160 includes a first terminal 161 and a second terminal 162, and the two terminals 161 and 162 include a first contact portion 1611 and a second contact portion 1621 that project sharply upwards. Figure 14 In the model, the insertion force when plug 150 is inserted into the connector is shown by dashed lines. Figure 15 In the curve graph. Figure 15 In the middle, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 1621 passes through the gap g.

[0129] Figure 16 A model of a plug 30 and connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 16 The plug 30 includes a plug housing 31 and a flexible substrate 40 mounted on the plug housing 31, with a gap g existing between an end of the flexible substrate 40 and a front end of the plug housing 31. The front end 32 of the plug housing 31 includes a forward (or mating direction) portion (see...). Figure 8 A protruding protrusion 322. The connector terminal 20 includes a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25, and the two terminal portions 23 and 25 include a first contact portion 233 and a second contact portion 253 that protrude gently upwards. Figure 16 In the model, the insertion force when plug 30 is inserted into the connector is shown by a dashed line. Figure 17 In the curve graph. Figure 17 In the middle, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes through the gap g. (Compared to...) Figure 15 Compared to the peak value, Figure 17 The peak value of the insertion force is about 1 / 3 times that of the peak value of the insertion force in a conventional connector assembly. This technical effect is due to the fact that the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 are configured with gentle curves and the protrusion 322 is provided on the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31.

[0130] Figure 18 A model of a plug 30 and connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 19, the plug 30 includes a plug housing 31 and the flexible substrate 40 is mounted on the plug housing 31, and a gap g exists between an end of the flexible substrate 40 and a front end 32 of the plug housing 31. The front end 32 of the plug housing 31 includes a chamfer 327 that extends forward (or in a mating direction) (see Figure 9 ). The connector terminal 20 includes a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25, and both terminal portions 23, 25 include a first contact portion 233 and a second contact portion 253 that protrude upward gently. In Figure 18 , an insertion force when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector is shown in a curve in Figure 19 . In Figure 19 , a peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes through the gap g. In comparison with the peak of Figure 15 , the peak of the insertion force in Figure 19 is about 1 / 3 of the size of the peak of the insertion force in the conventional connector assembly. Such a technical effect is due to the fact that the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 are provided to have a gentle curve and the chamfer 327 is provided on the front end 32.

[0131] Figure 20 shows stresses acting on the conventional connector terminal 160 while the connector terminal 160 passes through the gap g of the plug 150. Figure 21 shows results of simulation of the insertion force between the plug 150 and the connector terminal 160 in the model of Figure 20 . Figure 22 shows stresses acting on the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment while the connector terminal 20 passes through the gap g of the plug 30. Figure 23 shows results of simulation of the insertion force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of Figure 22 .

[0132] Referring to Figure 20 , the plug 150 includes a plug housing 151 and the flexible substrate 40 is mounted on the plug housing 151. The plug housing 151 includes a front end 152, and a gap g exists between the front end 152 and the flexible substrate 40. The connector terminal 160 includes a contact portion 1611 that electrically contacts the flexible substrate 40, and the contact portion 1611 is provided at an end of an arm portion 1612 that extends forward from a body of the terminal. The arm portion 1612 includes a neck portion 1612a that is bent toward the terminal. Referring to Figure 20 , a large stress occurs at the neck portion 1612a of the connector terminal 160 while the contact portion 1611 of the connector terminal 160 passes through the gap g and an edge of the flexible substrate 40. Referring to Figure 21, the peak insertion force occurs in the above-mentioned portion. The large stress acting on the neck portion 1612a of the connector terminal 160 can cause the connector terminal 160 to be damaged, such as the connector terminal 160 to be buckled.

[0133] In Figure 22 the model, the connector terminal 20 is simplified to include only the first terminal portion 23 of the connector terminal 20 as shown in Figure 6 Referring to Figure 22 , it is confirmed that the stress generated in the neck portion (i.e., the first extension portion 231a) of the connector terminal 20 while the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 passes the gap g and the edge of the flexible substrate 40 is significantly reduced. Referring to Figure 23 , the size of the peak insertion force in the above-mentioned portion is Figure 20 about 1 / 10 times the size of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly of , which can prevent the connector terminal 20 from being damaged. These effects are due to the fact that in the embodiment of the present application, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 is provided to have a gentle bend, the slope from the support point 235 of the arm portion 231 to the first contact portion 233 is gentler than the slope in the conventional connector terminal 160, and the neck portion of the first terminal portion 23 is provided to be shorter than the neck portion of the conventional connector terminal 160.

[0134] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a plug 50 according to an embodiment. Figure 26 is a plan view of a flexible substrate 52 mounted on a plug housing 51.

[0135] Referring to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , a connector assembly according to an embodiment includes a plug 50 and a connector 60. The plug 50 can include a plug housing 51, a flexible substrate 52, and a fixing member 53 coupled to the plug housing 51.

[0136] Referring to Figure 25 and Figure 26 , the fixing member 53 can include a first support member 532 protruding from a body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The first support member 532 can be at a central portion of the body 531. The plug housing 51 can include a first hole 511 into which the first support member 532 is inserted. The flexible substrate 52 can include a first substrate hole 521 into which the first support member 532 is inserted. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the first support member 532 passes through the first hole 511 and is in the first substrate hole 521.

[0137] The fixing member 53 can include a second support 533 protruding from the body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The second support 533 can include two protrusions at both sides of the body 531. The plug housing 51 can include a second hole 512 into which the second support 533 is inserted. The flexible substrate 52 can include a second substrate hole 522 into which the second support 533 is inserted. In Figure 25 The second substrate hole 522 is provided in the form of a hole open at one side, but this is merely an example, and the second substrate hole 522 can be provided in the form of a closed hole like the first substrate hole 521. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the second support 533 passes through the second hole 512 and is seated in the second substrate hole 522.

[0138] Referring to Figure 26 When the plug 50 is inserted into the connector 60, the connector terminals contact the contact pads 52a of the flexible substrate 52 to push the flexible substrate 52. The flexible substrate 52 is supported by the first support 532 at its central portion and by the second support 533 at both sides thereof, which can prevent or minimize the flexible substrate 52 from being pushed into the interior of the plug housing 51. This can minimize or eliminate the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the front end portion of the plug housing 51 and also prevent or minimize the increase in the insertion force and damage to the connector terminals and the pads 52a of the connector terminals and the flexible substrate 52. In addition, the extent to which the flexible substrate 52 is pushed into the interior of the plug housing 51 can be minimized, thereby stably maintaining the contact engagement length between the flexible substrate 52 and the connector terminals, which can contribute to reducing the overall size of the connector assembly.

[0139] Figure 27 A pre-assembly state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 is shown. Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of the fixing member 53 according to one embodiment. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the catch 534 and the plug housing 51 in a pre-assembly state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the catch 534 and the plug housing 51 in a fully assembled state of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51.

[0140] Referring to Figure 27 and Figure 28 The fixing member 53 can include catches 534 extending downward from both sides of the body 531. The plug housing 51 can include hooks 513 and 514 that catch the catches 534. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the catches 534 surround both sides of the plug housing 51. In the state in which the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 are coupled, the catches 534 are caught on the hooks 513 and 514, which prevents the fixing member 53 from being separated from the plug housing 51.

[0141] The card member 534 can include a first receiving portion 534a and a second receiving portion 534b at a higher level than the first receiving portion 534a. The card member 534 can include two arm portions 534e, 534f extending downward from the end of the body 531 and spaced apart from each other. The card member 534 can include a first bridge portion 534c and a second bridge portion 534d connecting the two arm portions 534e, 534f and spaced apart from each other.

[0142] The first receiving portion 534a can be defined as a space surrounded by the two arm portions 534e, 534f, the first bridge portion 534c, and the second bridge portion 534d. The second receiving portion 534b can be defined as a space surrounded by the two arm portions 534e, 534f, and the second bridge portion 534d.

[0143] The hooks 513 and 514 can include a first protrusion 513 and a second protrusion 514 at a higher level than the first protrusion 513. The first receiving portion 534a and the second receiving portion 534b are configured to receive the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514, respectively. The second protrusion 514 is also received in the first receiving portion 534a.

[0144] The fixing member 53 can be coupled to the plug housing 51 in two states. A first assembly state is a pre-assembly state in which the first receiving portion 534a of the card member 534 receives the second protrusion 514 of the housing of the plug 50. A second assembly state is a full assembly state in which the first receiving portion 534a and the second receiving portion 534b receive the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514, respectively.

[0145] The fixing member 53 is fully assembled to the plug housing 51 when the first bridge portion 534c and the second bridge portion 534d pass over the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514, respectively. Thus, in order to prevent the first bridge portion 534c and the second bridge portion 534d from easily passing over the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514, respectively, the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514 can be formed such that the angles of the inclined surfaces a11, a12 are less than 45 degrees.

[0146] When the pre-assembly state changes to the full assembly state, the second bridge portion 534d needs to pass over the second protrusion 514, and because the second bridge portion 534d is located close to the support point of the card member 534, when the second bridge portion 534d is lifted while passing over the second protrusion 514, a large moment is generated at the support point of the card member 534, which can damage the card member 534. In an embodiment of the disclosure, in order to prevent such a problem, the overlapping width of the second bridge portion 534d and the second protrusion 514 in the vertical direction (or the assembly direction of the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51) can be set to an appropriate degree.

[0147] For example, with reference to Figure 30As another example, the second bridge portion 534d can be provided at a height smaller than the first protrusion 513 by a predetermined length d3. As another example, the width of the second bridge portion 534d in the vertical direction overlapping the second protrusion 514 can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the second bridge portion 534d.

[0148] To change from the pre-assembled state to the fully assembled state, the first bridge portion 534c and the second bridge portion 534d need to pass over the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514, respectively, which requires a relatively large force to push the fixture 53. Referring to Figure 29 , a chamfer C1, C2 or a rounded portion can be provided at portions of the first bridge portion 534c and the second bridge portion 534d that respectively contact the first protrusion 513 and the second protrusion 514.

[0149] The plug 50 can be provided in the pre-assembled state of the fixture 53, and the situation in which the fixture 53 is unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51 can occur when the plug 50 is transported or held. In the embodiment of the disclosure, the interaction between the catch 534 and the hook 513 and the hook 514 assists the fixture 53 to well maintain the pre-assembled state with the plug housing 51, thereby minimizing or preventing the situation in which the fixture 53 is unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0150] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between the fixture 53 and the plug housing 51 in the pre-assembled state of the fixture 53 and the plug housing 51. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure between the fixture 53 and the plug housing 51 in the state in which the fixture 53 is fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0151] Referring to Figure 31 In the pre-assembled state, the lower portion of the second support 533 is inserted into the second hole 512. Since the second support 533 does not move downward to the position at which the flexible substrate 52 is placed in the pre-assembled state, the flexible substrate 52 can be inserted into the plug housing 51 without interference with the support 533.

[0152] The second support 533 can include a protrusion 533a protruding in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second hole 512 is opened (i.e., the vertical direction) (i.e., the horizontal direction). The width W1 of the second support 533 at the position of the protrusion 533a is greater than the width W2 of the second hole 512. The protrusion 533a prevents the second support 533 from being fully inserted into the second hole 512 in the pre-assembled state. When the fixture 53 is pressed with a strong force, the protrusion 533a is pressed down and is pressed by the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 so that the second support 533 can be fully inserted into the second hole 512. In Figure 31The protrusion 533a can be on the left side of the second support in another embodiment, but this is merely an example, and in another embodiment, the protrusion 533a can be on the right side of the second support.

[0153] The plug 50 can be provided in a pre-assembly state of the securing member 53, and a situation in which the securing member 53 is not intentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51 can occur when the plug 50 is transported or held. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the protrusion 533a of the second support 533 assists in maintaining the securing member 53 in a good pre-assembly state with the plug housing 51, thereby minimizing or preventing a situation in which the securing member 53 is not intentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0154] Referring to Figures 30 to 32 , the second support 533 can include a first protrusion 533b that is in the second substrate hole 522 of the flexible substrate 52 in the fully assembled state. The second support 533 can include a second protrusion 533c that is in the second hole 512 in the fully assembled state. The first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude in opposite directions from different portions of the second support 533. The first protrusion 533b protrudes in a direction (to the right of the drawing) from a central portion of the second support 533 toward the front end of the flexible substrate 52. The second protrusion 533c protrudes in a direction (to the left of the drawing) from an upper portion of the second support 533 toward the front end of the flexible substrate 52.

[0155] Referring to Figure 32 , the width W3 of the central portion in which the first protrusion 533b of the second support 533 is located and the width W4 of the upper portion in which the second protrusion 533c of the second support 533 is located are each smaller than the width W2 of the second hole 512 to smoothly pass through the second hole 512. The width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c can be greater than or equal to the width W2 of the second hole 512.

[0156] The flexible substrate 52 is supported by the first protrusion 533b of the second support 533, and the second support 533 is supported by the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 at the second protrusion 533c. Thus, in the flexible substrate 52, the position of the inner surface 522a of the second substrate hole 522 relative to the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 is not pushed to the left beyond the width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c from the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512.

[0157] When Figure 24 the connector 60 and the plug 50 are mated, the state of the plug 50 and the connector 60 is similar to that of Figure 13 . Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 26During the mating process of the plug 50 and the connector terminal, the connector terminal pushes the flexible substrate 52 in a direction opposite to the mating direction. When the flexible substrate 52 is pushed, the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the front end portion 51a of the plug housing 51 becomes large, which can cause an increase in the insertion force and damage to the connector terminal and the pads 52a of the flexible substrate 52 that are in contact.

[0158] However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude in different directions from different portions of the second support 533. With such a structure, the width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c can become large. This can minimize the degree to which the flexible substrate 52 is pushed during mating of the connector and the plug, thereby minimizing or canceling the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the front end portion of the plug housing 51 and also preventing or minimizing an increase in the insertion force and damage to the connector terminal and the contact pads 52a of the flexible substrate 52. In addition, the degree to which the flexible substrate 52 is pushed relative to the plug housing 51 can be minimized, thereby stably maintaining the contact engagement length between the flexible substrate 52 and the connector terminal, which can contribute to reducing the overall size of the connector assembly.

[0159] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 35 is a cutaway view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 36 shows a flexible substrate 52 in an embodiment. Figure 37 is a cutaway view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 38 is a rear perspective view of a connector 80.

[0160] Referring to Figures 33 to 35 , the connector assembly includes a connector 80 mounted on a housing 100 and a plug 70 coupled to the connector 80. After the plug 70 is coupled to the connector 80, a connector position assurance 90 (hereinafter referred to as CPA) is coupled to the plug 70, which prevents the plug 70 from being separated from the connector 80. In Figure 33 , the housing 100 is a component that encloses an electronic device, and only a portion of the housing 100 is shown for ease of explanation.

[0161] To prevent moisture from entering the housing 100 through the connector assembly, a sealing member can be placed between the gap between the connector assembly and the housing 100 and the internal components of the connector assembly.

[0162] Referring to Figure 35Because the flexible substrate 72 is very thin, having a thickness of about 0.05-0.3 mm, there is a high risk that external moisture enters a gap between the flexible substrate 72 and the plug housing 71 when the flexible substrate 72 is mounted on the plug housing 71. To prevent this, the first sealing member 73 can be provided between the flexible substrate 72 and the plug housing 71.

[0163] Referring to Figure 36 , the plug 70 can include a first cover 74 coupled to one side of the plug housing 71 and a second cover 75 coupled to the other side of the plug housing 71. The first sealing member 73 is interposed between the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71.

[0164] Referring to Figure 35 and Figure 37 , the first sealing member 73 can include a first inclined portion 731 and a second inclined portion 732 provided at the central portion 730 and on both sides of the central portion 730, respectively. In the first sealing member 73, the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 are sequentially arranged.

[0165] The first cover 74 circumferentially surrounds the central portion 730. The first cover 74 presses the central portion 730 inward, thereby maintaining an airtightness between the first sealing member 73 and the first cover 74.

[0166] The first sealing member 73 is coupled to the flexible substrate 72 so that the flexible substrate 72 passes through the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732. The first sealing member 73 can be provided on the flexible substrate 72 by integral injection molding. For example, a liquid material such as rubber, silicone, or the like can be directly injected onto the flexible substrate 72 to form the first sealing member 73.

[0167] Referring to Figure 36 , the flexible substrate 72 can include first wing portions 721 extending outward from both sides thereof. The first cover 74 can be moved along the flexible substrate 72 in a direction away from the first sealing member 73, and the first cover 74 can be caught on second wing portions 722 and cannot pass over the first wing portions 721. Due to the second wing portions 722, the first cover 74 can be positioned around the first sealing member 73, and thus, when the flexible substrate 72 is coupled to the plug housing 71, a worker can easily couple the first cover 74 to the plug housing 71. When the first sealing member 73 is formed on the flexible substrate 72 by integral injection molding, the first cover 74 can be pre-coupled between a position at which the first sealing member 73 is formed (e.g., the second wing portions 722) and the first wing portions 721.

[0168] The first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732 can be thickened toward the central portion 730. Referring to Figure 35, the height (length measured in the vertical direction VD from the flexible substrate 72) of the first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732 on the vertical cross section of the first sealing member 73 can increase toward the central portion 730. Referring to Figure 37 , the height (length measured in the horizontal direction HD from the center axis C to the upper surface of the first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732) of the first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732 on the horizontal cross section of the first sealing member 73 can increase toward the central portion 730.

[0169] Referring to Figure 35 and Figure 37 , the first cover 74 includes a first hole 741 that accommodates the first inclined portion 731 of the first sealing member 73. The first hole 741 can be provided in a shape corresponding to the first inclined portion 731. The first hole 741 can be provided in the shape of a hole whose cross-sectional area increases in the mating direction CD.

[0170] The plug housing 71 includes a second hole 715 that accommodates the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73. The second hole 715 can be provided in a shape corresponding to the second inclined portion 732. The second hole 715 can be provided in the shape of a hole whose cross-sectional area decreases in the mating direction CD.

[0171] When the first sealing member 73 is combined to the plug housing 71, the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71 press the first sealing member 73 in the horizontal direction HD from both sides. The inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 presses the first inclined portion 731 toward the central portion 730 (or in the mating direction CD), and the inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 presses the second inclined portion 732 toward the central portion 730 (or in the direction opposite to the mating direction CD).

[0172] Because the first inclined portion 731 is inclined in a shape that diverges toward the central portion 730, a part of the force with which the inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 pushes the first inclined portion 731 toward the central portion 730 travels toward the lower side of the first inclined portion 731. That is, the first inclined portion 731 presses the flexible substrate 72.

[0173] Because the second inclined portion 732 is inclined in a shape that diverges toward the central portion 730, a part of the force with which the inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 pushes the second inclined portion 732 toward the central portion 730 travels toward the lower side of the second inclined portion 732. That is, the second inclined portion 732 presses the flexible substrate 72.

[0174] The downward force acting on the first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732 presses the first inclined portion 731 and the second inclined portion 732 toward the flexible substrate 72, thereby improving the air tightness between the first sealing member 73 and the flexible substrate 72.

[0175] Referring to Figure 37 , the flexible substrate 72 can include a second wing portion 722. The second wing portion 722 protrudes outward in the horizontal direction HD. The second wing portion 722 can include a third inclined portion 722a extending in the upper right diagonal direction, a horizontal portion 722c extending rightward from the third inclined portion 722a, and a fourth inclined portion 722b extending in the lower right diagonal direction from the horizontal portion 722c. The second wing portion 722 is surrounded by the first sealing member 73. The third inclined portion 722a, the horizontal portion 722c, and the fourth inclined portion 722b are respectively surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73. The third and fourth inclined portions have inclinations corresponding to the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732, respectively.

[0176] The third inclined portion 722a having an inclination corresponding to the first inclined portion 731 is provided at a portion of the flexible substrate 72 surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, thereby improving the air tightness between the first inclined portion 731 and the third inclined portion 722a. The fourth inclined portion 722b having an inclination corresponding to the second inclined portion 732 is provided at a portion of the flexible substrate 72 surrounded by the second inclined portion 732, thereby improving the air tightness between the second inclined portion 732 and the fourth inclined portion 722b.

[0177] Referring to Figures 34 to 37 , the connector housing 81 can include a first protrusion 811. The plug housing 71, the flexible substrate 72, and the second cover 75 can include first, second, and third accommodation portions 712, 723, and 751 configured to accommodate the first protrusion 811. The first protrusion 811 and the first, second, and third accommodation portions 712, 723, and 751 are not on the central axis C. For example, referring to Figure 36 and Figure 37 , the first protrusion 811 and the first, second, and third accommodation portions 712, 723, and 751 can be higher in level than the central axis C of the connector assembly.

[0178] The second cover 75 can include a second protrusion 752 protruding in the mating direction CD. The connector housing 81 can include a fourth accommodation portion 814 configured to accommodate the second protrusion 752. The second protrusion 752 and the fourth accommodation portion 814 are not on the central axis C. For example, referring to Figure 36 and Figure 37 , the second protrusion 752 and the fourth accommodation portion 814 can be below the central axis C of the connector assembly.

[0179] When the plug 70 is inserted into the connector 80 in the correct posture, the protrusions 811 and 752 are accommodated in the accommodation portions 712, 723, 751 and 814, and the plug 70 is combined with the connector 80. When the plug 70 is inserted into the connector 80 in the incorrect posture, the protrusions 811 and 752 are not aligned with the accommodation portions 712, 723, 751 and 814, which can prevent incorrect or reversed insertion of the plug 70.

[0180] Referring to Figures 35 to 38 A second sealing member 83 that surrounds the connector terminals 82 and is combined with the connector housing 81 can be provided. The connector housing 81 can include a downwardly open slot 815. The connector terminals 82 pass through the slot 815. A liquid sealing material such as rubber, silicone, or the like can be filled in the hole to form the second sealing member 83. Thus, moisture can be prevented from entering a gap between the connector housing 81 and the connector terminals 82.

[0181] Referring to Figure 34 And Figure 35 A third sealing member 84 is installed between the connector housing 81 and the case 100. The connector housing 81 can include a flange 813 extending along the third sealing member 84. By bringing the flange 813 into contact with one side surface 84a of the third sealing member 84, air tightness between the case 100 and the connector housing 81 can be improved.

[0182] Referring to Figure 34 And Figure 38 The connector housing 81 can include an extension 812 protruding in a direction toward the plug 70. A hook 812a can be provided at an end of the extension 812 and inserted into a catch groove 713 provided on the plug housing 71.

[0183] Although the technical idea of the present disclosure is explained through the examples shown in some embodiments and drawings described above, it should be noted that various alternatives, modifications and changes which can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can be made without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, these alternatives, modifications and changes should be considered to belong to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector terminal comprising: a body; a first arm portion extending forward from the body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm portion; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm portion; and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and behind the first contact portion, wherein the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface behind the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is larger than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

2. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first contact portion further includes a horizontal surface behind the second inclined surface.

3. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first contact portion further includes a third inclined surface behind the second inclined surface and extending downward, and an angle between the third inclined surface and the horizontal line is smaller than or equal to the angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.

4. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a highest point of the second contact portion is at a higher level than a highest point of the first contact portion.

5. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first arm portion includes a first extension portion extending backward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion toward the body, and a bending point between the first extension portion and the second extension portion is in front of a front end of the second contact portion.

6. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein a highest point of the second contact portion is at a level lower than or equal to a level of an upper end of a support point of the second arm portion.

7. The connector terminal according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a support portion extending forward beyond the support point of the first arm portion or the support point of the second arm portion and at a higher level than the second arm portion.

8. A connector comprising: a connector housing; and a plurality of terminals provided on the connector housing, wherein at least some of the plurality of terminals are identical to the connector terminal according to claim 1.

9. A connector assembly comprising a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, a connector terminal provided on the connector comprising: a body; wherein a first arm portion extending forward from the body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm portion; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm portion; and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and behind the first contact portion, the plug comprising a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible substrate is seated thereon, and a front end portion provided at an end portion of the seating surface in the vicinity of the connector and protruding downward beyond the seating surface, when the plug is fastened to the connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the connector are below the seating surface, and the front end portion of the plug housing is disposed in a position where the front end portion is not in contact with the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the connector. ​ The front end portion and the connector terminal are formed such that, when the front end portion of the plug housing in which the flexible substrate is not installed presses down the second contact portion, a front end of the second contact portion presses down the first arm portion.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, the front end portion includes a first bottom surface at a level lower than the seating surface, and the front end portion includes a protrusion extending from the front end portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion is at a level higher than the first bottom surface.

11. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface behind the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is larger than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line, and the front end portion is formed such that, when the front end portion first contacts the second inclined surface while the plug is inserted into the connector, the first inclined surface is spaced apart from the front end portion.

12. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, the front end portion includes a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward from an edge of the bottom surface near the connector, and the front end portion is formed such that, when an intersection between the bottom surface and the inclined surface contacts the first contact portion, the front end portion is spaced apart from the second contact portion.

13. A connector assembly comprising a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, wherein a connector terminal disposed on the connector includes: a body; a first arm portion extending forward from the body; a first contact portion disposed at one end of the first arm portion; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a level higher than the first arm portion; and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and disposed behind the first contact portion, wherein the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed such that a flexible substrate is seated thereon, and a front end portion disposed at an end of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward beyond the seating surface, the front end portion includes a bottom surface defining a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extending horizontally from a first end to a second end in a mating direction, and during insertion of the plug into the connector, the connector terminal and the plug housing are formed such that: when the bottom surface passes through the first contact portion, the bottom surface does not contact the second contact portion before the first end of the bottom surface passes through an apex of the first contact portion; and when the first end of the bottom surface is separated from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein, the connector terminal and the plug housing are formed such that, during separation of the plug from the connector, the front end portion does not contact the first contact portion before the second end of the bottom surface passes through an apex of the second contact portion.

15. A connector mating process of inserting a plug into a connector, wherein, a connector terminal disposed on the connector includes: a body; a first arm portion extending forward from the body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm portion; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm portion; and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and located behind the first contact portion, the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible substrate is seated thereon and a front end portion provided at an end of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward beyond the seating surface, the front end portion includes a bottom surface defining a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extending horizontally from a first end to a second end in a mating direction, and the connector mating process includes: the bottom surface passing through an apex of the first contact portion by action (a); and the bottom surface passing through an apex of the second contact portion by action (b), wherein, in the action (a), before the first end of the bottom surface passes through the apex of the first contact portion, the bottom surface does not contact the second contact portion, and in the action (b), when the first end of the bottom surface is separated from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion.

16. A connector separation process of separating a plug inserted into a connector from the connector, wherein, a connector terminal provided on the connector includes: a body; a first arm portion extending forward from the body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm portion; a second arm portion extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm portion; and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm portion and located behind the first contact portion, the plug includes a plug housing including a seating surface formed so that a flexible substrate is seated thereon and a front end portion provided at an end of the seating surface near the connector and protruding downward beyond the seating surface, the front end portion includes a bottom surface defining a lowermost surface of the front end portion and extending horizontally from a first end to a second end in a mating direction, and the connector separation process includes: the bottom surface of the front end portion passing through an apex of the second contact portion by action (a); and the bottom surface of the front end portion passing through an apex of the first contact portion by action (b), wherein, in the action (a), before the second end of the bottom surface passes through the apex of the second contact portion, the front end portion does not contact the first contact portion, and in the action (b), when the first end of the bottom surface first contacts the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in a state of being in contact with the second contact portion.

17. The connector separation process according to claim 16, wherein, in the action (a), a front end (253f) of the second contact portion presses the first arm portion downward.

18. The connector separation process according to claim 17, wherein, in the action (a), the front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm portion downward until the first end of the bottom surface contacts the first contact portion.

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