Substrate case, card edge substrate unit, and card edge connection structure

Abstract

The invention provides a substrate housing capable of easily accommodating a card edge substrate. A substrate housing for housing a card edge substrate having a contact portion at an end portion of a substrate main body includes: a housing main body forming a housing space of the substrate main body; and a fitting cylinder capable of accommodating the contact portion and forming a fitting space of the card edge connector, the housing main body being formed so as to be divided into a first divided housing and a second divided housing, the fitting cylinder being formed so as to be divided into a first divided cylinder portion and a second divided cylinder portion, a first split housing supports a substrate main body passing through a substrate passing opening in a posture parallel to one surface, a second split housing closes the substrate passing opening, and a first split cylinder portion supports a contact portion passing through a contact passing opening as the substrate main body passes through the substrate passing opening. The second split cylinder portion closes the contact passage opening.

Description

Substrate housing, card edge substrate unit and card edge connection structure Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a substrate housing, a card edge substrate unit, and a card edge connection structure for accommodating a card edge substrate having contact portions at the ends of a substrate body. Background Technology

[0002] A housing for housing a substrate having a contact portion at its end is known (Patent Document 1). The housing includes: a first housing portion open on its upper surface, a cylindrical second housing portion open on its side surface, and a cylindrical connecting portion connecting the two housing portions. When the substrate is housed in the housing, an elastic member is mounted on the substrate, causing the substrate to tilt and the end (contact portion) of the substrate to enter the connecting portion. At this time, the elastic member contacts an abutment portion provided in the connecting portion while the contact portion enters the second housing portion. Then, the substrate is oriented to a horizontal position, thereby housing the substrate in the first housing portion.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-117914

[0004] However, in the aforementioned housing, after the substrate is tilted into the connecting portion and the second receiving portion, it is necessary to deform its posture, which makes it difficult to receive the substrate in the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides a substrate housing, a card edge substrate unit, and a card edge connection structure that can easily accommodate a card edge substrate.

[0006] The invention described in technical solution 1 is a substrate housing for accommodating a card edge substrate having contact portions at the ends of a substrate body. It comprises: a housing body forming a receiving space capable of accommodating the substrate body; and a fitting cylinder formed as a cylinder that opens in a direction parallel to the main surface of the card edge substrate and extends from the inside of the receiving space outwards, capable of accommodating the contact portions and forming a fitting space for fitting a card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate. The housing body is divisible into a first divided housing and a second divided housing, and the fitting cylinder is divisible into a first divided cylinder portion integrally formed with the first divided housing and a second divided cylinder portion integrally formed with the second divided housing. The first segmented housing is formed as a box shape with a substrate passage opening on one side, supporting the substrate body that passes through the substrate passage opening in an orientation where the main surface is parallel to the main surface or orthogonal to the main surface. The second segmented housing is disposed between the first segmented housing and the substrate body, and closes the substrate passage opening. The first segmented cylindrical portion is formed as a box shape with a contact passage opening continuous with the substrate passage opening, supporting the contact portion that passes through the contact passage opening as the substrate body passes through the substrate passage opening. The second segmented cylindrical portion is disposed between the first segmented cylindrical portion and the contact portion, and closes the contact passage opening.

[0007] In the invention described in technical solution 1, the main body of the housing is configured to be divisible into a first segmented housing and a second segmented housing, and the fitting cylinder is configured to be divisible into a first segmented cylindrical portion and a second segmented cylindrical portion. The first segmented housing and the first segmented cylindrical portion are integrally formed, and the second segmented housing and the second segmented cylindrical portion are integrally formed. Furthermore, a substrate passage opening is provided on one side of the first segmented housing, and the substrate body is configured to pass through the substrate passage opening in an orientation parallel or orthogonal to one side of the first segmented housing. Additionally, a contact passage opening is provided on the first segmented cylindrical portion, continuous with the substrate passage opening. The substrate body passes through the substrate passage opening, and the contact portion passes through the contact passage opening and is thus positioned in the fitting space. According to this structure, the edge substrate (substrate body and contact portion) can be housed in the first segmented housing and the first segmented cylindrical portion while maintaining an orientation parallel or orthogonal to one side of the first segmented housing. Therefore, when housing the edge substrate in the substrate housing, it is not necessary to tilt or change the orientation of the edge substrate, and the edge substrate can be easily housed in the substrate housing. Furthermore, although various electronic components are mounted on the main surface of the substrate body, the edge substrate (substrate body) is housed within the first partition housing while being maintained in an orientation parallel or orthogonal to one side of the first partition housing. This prevents interference between the electronic components and the first partition housing during the housing process. As described above, the process of assembling the edge substrate into the substrate housing can be mechanized (automated), thereby reducing the cost of housing the edge substrate within the substrate housing.

[0008] In the case of the substrate housing described in technical solution 2, it is preferable that the fitting cylinder is provided with a separation structure, the separation structure is in contact with both the front and back sides of the substrate body, and separates the receiving space and the fitting space.

[0009] In the case of the substrate housing described in technical solution 3, it is preferable that the fitting cylinder is provided with a separation structure, which contacts a main surface of the substrate body that becomes the first dividing cylinder side and an end surface of the substrate body that faces the opening of the fitting cylinder, thereby separating the receiving space and the fitting space.

[0010] According to the substrate housing described in technical solutions 2 and 3, the receiving space and the fitting space can be separated by a partition structure, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving space (the interior of the housing body) from the fitting space. Therefore, the card edge substrate (electronic components already mounted on the substrate body) can be protected from the influence of foreign objects.

[0011] The card edge substrate unit described in technical solution 4 includes: a substrate housing as described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 3; and the card edge substrate housed in the substrate housing.

[0012] The card edge connection structure described in technical solution 5 includes: the card edge substrate unit described in technical solution 4; and the card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate.

[0013] According to the card edge substrate unit described in technical solution 4 and the card edge connection structure described in technical solution 5, the same effect as the invention of technical solution 1 can be obtained, such as being able to easily accommodate the card edge substrate in the substrate housing.

[0014] However, in the manufacture of electronic substrate units such as edge-mounted substrate units, the object-side housing for edge-mounted connector mating is sometimes disposed on the substrate body in a manner surrounding the contact portion and fixed to the substrate body by soldering or the like. In this case, it is necessary to prepare the object-side housing and perform soldering, resulting in unnecessary manufacturing time and increased manufacturing costs for the electronic substrate unit. In contrast, in the edge-mounted substrate unit described in technical solution 7 and the edge-mounted connection structure described in technical solution 8, the first segmented cylindrical portion and the second segmented cylindrical portion are combined to form a mating cylinder, which functions as a pseudo object-side housing for accommodating the contact portion. According to this structure, the operation of fixing the object-side housing to the substrate body can be omitted, thus enabling simple and low-cost manufacture of the edge-mounted substrate unit.

[0015] In the case of the edge connection structure described in technical solution 6, preferably, the edge substrate has the contact portion at the ends on both sides, and the edge connector has: a housing, including a pair of contact receiving portions facing each other across the substrate entry groove, the substrate entry groove being for the end of the substrate body to enter when the housing is fitted with the fitting cylinder; and a plurality of terminals, received in the housing, clamping the end that has entered the substrate entry groove, and contacting the two sides of the contact portion, the housing having ribs disposed between the pair of contact receiving portions, and a cutout portion formed at the end of the substrate body, the cutout portion being for the ribs to engage when the edge connector is fitted with the fitting cylinder.

[0016] According to the edge connection structure described in technical solution 6, a pair of contact receiving portions are connected by ribs, thus preventing the pair of contact receiving portions from separating or approaching each other and maintaining a predetermined interval between them. Consequently, the interval between the multiple terminals housed in the pair of contact receiving portions is also constant, allowing the terminals to contact the contact portions on both sides of the edge substrate with appropriate pressure. Furthermore, when the edge connector is fitted into the fitting cylinder, the ribs engage with the cutout portions, thus suppressing vibration of the edge connector in a direction parallel to the main surface of the edge substrate. Moreover, by connecting the pair of contact receiving portions with ribs, the overall rigidity of the housing is increased, thus suppressing vibration of the edge connector in a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the edge substrate when the end (contact portion) of the edge substrate is clamped in the substrate entry groove.

[0017] According to the present invention, the card edge substrate can be easily housed in the substrate housing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate unit.

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 is an anatomical view showing the card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the second segmented shell and the second segmented cylindrical portion of the substrate shell according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a card edge connector with a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a card edge connector with a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the edge connection structure (before connection) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge connection structure (after connection) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a snap-edge connector with a snap-edge connection structure according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11B is a perspective view of the edge substrate of the edge substrate unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the edge connection structure (before connection) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a card edge substrate unit schematically illustrating the card edge connection structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 1, 2, 3… Edge connection structure; 5, 6, 7… Edge substrate unit; 10, 11, 12… Substrate housing; 15, 16… Separation structure; 20, 80… Housing body; 21, 81… First segmented housing; 22, 82… Second segmented housing; 30, 83… Fitting cylinder; 31, 84… First segmented cylinder; 32, 85… Second segmented cylinder; 40… Edge substrate; 41… Substrate body; 42… Contact part; 46… Cutout part; 50, 57… Edge connector; 51… Terminal; 52… Housing; 52A… Contact receiving part; 56… Rib; 71… Substrate entry groove; F… Main surface; M1… Substrate through opening; M3… Contact through opening; S1… Receiving space; S2, S3… Fitting space. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z2 in each figure represent left, right, front, back, up, and down. Additionally, the "front-back direction," "up-down direction," and "left-right direction" are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, terms indicating direction and position are used, but these terms are used for ease of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0035] [First Embodiment: Edge Connection Structure]

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the card edge connection structure 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the card edge connection structure 1.

[0037] The edge connection structure 1 includes an edge substrate unit 5 and an edge connector 50. The edge substrate unit 5 is, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted in an automobile. The edge substrate unit 5 includes a substrate housing 10 forming the outer casing and an edge substrate 40 housed in the substrate housing 10 (see FIG. 3 described later). The edge connector 50 is mounted on the end of a wiring harness 54 extending from a controlled object (not shown). The edge connector 50 engages with the fitting cylinder 30 of the substrate housing 10 and connects to the edge substrate 40 housed in the substrate housing 10.

[0038] [Substrate housing]

[0039] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the substrate housing 10 will be described. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the edge substrate unit 5. Figure 4 is an exploded anatomical view of the edge substrate unit 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 of the substrate housing 10. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the edge substrate unit 5.

[0040] The substrate housing 10 is a container for housing the edge substrate 40 (see Figures 3 and 4). The substrate housing 10 is made of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. The substrate housing 10 includes a housing body 20 and a fitting cylinder 30 (see Figures 1 and 2). The housing body 20 is formed into a low-height cuboid shape, and has a housing space S1 (see Figure 6) inside that can accommodate the edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41). The fitting cylinder 30 is narrower in the left-right direction than the housing body 20, and is formed into a square cylinder protruding from the front surface of the housing body 20. The fitting cylinder 30 has a fitting space S2 (see Figure 6) inside that allows the edge connector 50 to fit.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the substrate housing 10 (housing body 20 and fitting cylinder 30) is configured to be divisible in the vertical direction. Specifically, the housing body 20 is formed to be divisible into a first divided housing 21 and a second divided housing 22. The fitting cylinder 30 is formed to be divisible into a first divided cylinder portion 31 and a second divided cylinder portion 32. The first divided cylinder portion 31 is integrally formed with the first divided housing 21, and the second divided cylinder portion 32 is integrally formed with the second divided housing 22.

[0042] <First Segment Shell>

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first segmented housing 21 is formed as a box with a substrate passage opening M1 on its upper surface (one side). More specifically, the first segmented housing 21 is formed as a deep tray-like structure where the corner walls 21B are raised at the periphery of the bottom wall 21A. The bottom wall 21A is formed as a quadrilateral flat plate, and the corner walls 21B are formed as a rectangular tube. As shown by the double-dotted line (imaginary line) in Figure 3, the substrate passage opening M1 is a quadrilateral opening divided by the upper edge of the corner walls 21B, and the entire bottom wall 21A is exposed when viewed from above. Furthermore, the upper surface (one side) of the first segmented housing 21 can also be understood as the upper surface (one side) of the first segmented housing 21 assuming that the substrate passage opening M1 is not present.

[0044] At the four corners of the first segmented housing 21, four substrate fixing portions 23 protrude upwards from the bottom wall 21A (only a portion of the substrate fixing portions 23 is shown in Figure 3, etc.). Each substrate fixing portion 23 is formed in a cuboid shape, and an internal threaded hole (not shown) is formed on its upper surface. The upper surface of each substrate fixing portion 23 is located slightly above the center of the height of the corner peripheral wall 21B. On the left and right side surfaces (outer surfaces) of the corner peripheral wall 21B of the first segmented housing 21, two pairs (four) of engaging claw portions 24 are separately provided in the front-back direction (only one pair is shown in Figure 3, etc.). In addition, one engaging claw portion 24 is provided on the back surface (outer surface) of the corner peripheral wall 21B (see Figure 4). Each engaging claw portion 24 protrudes outwards from the outer surface of the corner peripheral wall 21B and is formed as a block with an inclined surface that slopes downwards from the top.

[0045] <Second Segmented Shell>

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second segmented housing 22 is formed as a box shape with a substrate opposing opening M2 on its lower surface. More specifically, the second segmented housing 22 is formed as a shallow tray shape suspending the corner peripheral walls 22B from the periphery of the top wall 22A. The top wall 22A is formed as a quadrilateral flat plate, and the corner peripheral walls 22B are formed as a square cylinder. As shown by the double-dotted line (imaginary line) in Figure 5, the substrate opposing opening M2 is an approximately quadrilateral opening divided by the lower edge of the corner peripheral walls 22B, and when viewed from the bottom surface, it exposes the entire top wall 22A. The substrate opposing opening M2 is formed to be approximately the same size as the substrate through opening M1. More precisely, the substrate opposing opening M2 is formed to be the size of the top wall 22A excluding the rear portion of the cylindrical top wall 32A (described later) when viewed from the bottom surface. Furthermore, the lower surface of the second segmented housing 22 can also be understood as the lower surface of the second segmented housing 22 assuming the substrate opposing opening M2 is not present.

[0047] On the left and right side surfaces (outer surfaces) of the corner peripheral wall 22B of the second segmented housing 22, two pairs (four) of engaging hook portions 25 are separately provided in the front-rear direction. Additionally, one engaging hook portion 25 is provided on the back surface (outer surface) of the corner peripheral wall 22B. A total of five engaging hook portions 25 are provided corresponding to the five engaging claw portions 24 of the first segmented housing 21. Each engaging hook portion 25 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the corner peripheral wall 22B and extends downward beyond the lower edge of the corner peripheral wall 22B. Each engaging hook portion 25 is formed as a plate-shaped (fin-shaped) plate capable of elastically deforming in the left-right direction with its connection point to the corner peripheral wall 22B as a fulcrum. Engaging grooves 26 are cut into each engaging hook portion 25 from near its upper to lower end. Details will be described later, but with the second segmented housing 22 closing the substrate passage opening M1, each engaging claw portion 24 is embedded in the engaging groove 26 of the engaging hook portion 25, and the lower part of each engaging hook portion 25 engages with the lower end face of the engaging hook portion 25 (see Figures 1 and 2). Thus, the second segmented housing 22 is fixed to the first segmented housing 21, forming the housing body 20.

[0048] <First Divided Cylindrical Section>

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first dividing cylindrical portion 31 is integrally formed with the first dividing housing 21 at the center of the front surface of the corner peripheral wall 21B in the left-right direction. The first dividing cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a box shape with a contact passage opening M3 that is continuous with the substrate of the first dividing housing 21 through the opening M1. In detail, the first dividing cylindrical portion 31 is narrower in the left-right direction than the first dividing housing 21, and is formed in a deep U-shaped groove that extends in the front-back direction. In addition, a portion of the first dividing cylindrical portion 31 is inserted into the interior of the first dividing housing 21 and extends from the interior of the first dividing housing 21 toward the exterior (front). The contact passage opening M3 is formed on the open upper surface of the first dividing cylindrical portion 31.

[0050] The first segmented cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a U-shaped groove at both ends of the bottom wall 31A in the left-right direction, where a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 31B are erected. The bottom wall 31A is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and is formed parallel to the bottom wall 21A at a position offset upward from the bottom wall 21A of the first segmented housing 21. A pair of engaging claw portions 24 are provided on the outer surface of the pair of cylindrical sidewalls 31B provided on the outside of the first segmented housing 21. A pair of first guide recesses 33 are formed in a recessed manner on the inner surface of the upper end of the pair of cylindrical sidewalls 31B provided on the outside of the first segmented housing 21. The rear part (inside the first segmented housing 21) of each cylindrical sidewall 31B is formed shorter (lower) than the front part (outside the first segmented housing 21) in the vertical direction. The upper end surface of the rear part of each cylindrical sidewall 31B is consistent with the upper surface of the substrate fixing portion 23 (see Figure 4). The upper end face of the front part of each cylinder sidewall 31B is consistent with the upper edge of the corner peripheral wall 21B of the first segmented shell 21 (see Figure 4).

[0051] Furthermore, the first segmented cylindrical portion 31 has a cylindrical end wall 31C that connects to the rear ends of the bottom wall 31A and a pair of cylindrical side walls 31B. That is, the front surface of the first segmented cylindrical portion 31 is open, and the back surface is closed by the cylindrical end wall 31C. The cylindrical end wall 31C protrudes upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 31A (or the bottom wall 21A), and the upper end surface of the cylindrical end wall 31C coincides with the upper end surface of the rear portion of each cylindrical side wall 31B. The rear portions of the cylindrical end wall 31C and the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B are formed into a U-shape (ココ) that is open in the front when viewed from above, and constitute a first partition 34 that contacts the lower surface (main surface F) of the card edge substrate 40. The first partition 34 is a partition wall that divides the first segmented housing 21 and the first segmented cylindrical portion 31.

[0052] As shown by the double-dotted line (imaginary line) in Figure 3, the contact passage opening M3 is a quadrilateral opening divided by the upper edges of a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 31B and cylindrical endwalls 31C, and when viewed from above, the entire bottom wall 31A of the cylinder is exposed. Specifically, the first dividing portion 34 (the rear portion of each cylindrical sidewall 31B and the cylindrical endwall 31C) is one level lower than the front portion of each cylindrical sidewall 31B. Therefore, the contact passage opening M3 is an opening divided by the upper edges of a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 31B and cylindrical endwalls 31C, assuming the first dividing portion 34 is at the same height as the front portion of each cylindrical sidewall 31B. Furthermore, a portion (the rear portion) of the contact passage opening M3 divided by the upper edge of the first dividing portion 34 also serves as the substrate passage opening M1, and therefore can also be understood as a portion of the substrate passage opening M1.

[0053] <Second Divided Cylindrical Section>

[0054] As shown in Figures 3-5, the second dividing cylindrical portion 32 is integrally formed with the second dividing housing 22 at the center of the front surface of the corner peripheral wall 22B in the left-right direction. The second dividing cylindrical portion 32 is box-shaped with a contact-opposing opening M4. Specifically, the second dividing cylindrical portion 32 is narrower in the left-right direction than the second dividing housing 22, and is formed into a shallow U-shaped groove extending in the front-back direction. In addition, a portion of the second dividing cylindrical portion 32 is inserted into the interior of the second dividing housing 22 and extends outward (front) from the interior of the second dividing housing 22. The contact-opposing opening M4 is formed on the open lower surface of the second dividing cylindrical portion 32.

[0055] The second segmented cylindrical portion 32 is formed in the shape of a U-shaped groove suspending a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 32B at both ends of the cylindrical top wall 32A in the left-right direction. The front part of the cylindrical top wall 32A (the exterior of the second segmented housing 22) is formed parallel to the top wall 22A at a position offset downward from the top wall 22A of the second segmented housing 22. The rear part of the cylindrical top wall 32A (the interior of the second segmented housing 22) is formed by a portion of the top wall 22A of the second segmented housing 22. At the front part of the cylindrical top wall 32A, a pair of locking holes 35 are arranged and open in the left-right direction. In addition, at the front part of the cylindrical top wall 32A, a pair of second guide protrusions 36 protrude downward from the top surface at a position further outward in the left-right direction than the pair of locking holes 35. A pair of engaging hooks 25 (engaging grooves 26) are provided on the left and right side surfaces (outer surfaces) of the pair of cylindrical sidewalls 32B provided on the exterior of the second segmented housing 22.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear portion (the part located inside the second partition housing 22) of each cylindrical sidewall 32B is longer (higher) than the front portion (the part located outside the second partition housing 22) in the vertical direction. The lower end face of the rear portion of each cylindrical sidewall 32B is located below the lower edge of the corner peripheral wall 22B of the second partition housing 22 and above the lower end of the engaging hook portion 25 (see Figure 4). The lower end face of the front portion of each cylindrical sidewall 32B coincides with the lower edge of the corner peripheral wall 22B of the second partition housing 22 (see Figure 4).

[0057] Furthermore, the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 has a cylindrical end wall 32C that connects to the rear ends of the top wall 32A and a pair of side walls 32B. That is, the front surface of the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 is open, while the back surface is closed by the cylindrical end wall 32C. The cylindrical end wall 32C protrudes downward from the rear end of the top wall 32A (or the top wall 22A), and its lower end face coincides with the lower end face of the rear portion of each side wall 32B. The rear portions of the cylindrical end wall 32C and the pair of side walls 32B are formed into a U-shape (ココ) that opens in the front when viewed from the bottom surface, and constitute a second partition 37 that contacts the upper surface (main surface F) of the card edge substrate 40. The second partition 37 is a partition wall that divides the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32.

[0058] As shown by the double-dotted line (imaginary line) in Figure 5, the contact-opposing opening M4 is a quadrilateral opening divided by the lower edges of a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 32B and cylindrical endwalls 32C, and when viewed from the bottom, it exposes the entire top wall 32A of the cylinder. Specifically, the front of each cylindrical sidewall 32B is one level higher than the rear (second partition 37) of each cylindrical sidewall 32B. Therefore, the contact-opposing opening M4 is an opening divided by the lower edges of a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 32B and cylindrical endwalls 32C, assuming that the front and rear of each cylindrical sidewall 32B are at the same height. The contact-opposing opening M4 is formed to have the same size and shape as the contact-through opening M3.

[0059] [Card edge substrate]

[0060] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the card edge substrate 40 will be described. The card edge substrate 40 is a so-called electrical substrate (printed circuit board), which has: a substrate body 41 formed in the shape of a thin plate; and contact portions 42 formed at the ends of both sides of the substrate body 41.

[0061] <Substrate main body>

[0062] The substrate body 41 is formed into a quadrilateral shape that is slightly smaller than the substrate passage opening M1 of the first partition housing 21 when viewed from above. In other words, the substrate body 41 (edge ​​substrate 40) is formed to allow the substrate passage opening M1 to pass through in a horizontal position (parallel to the upper surface or bottom wall 21A of the first partition housing 21) and to be received in the first partition housing 21 in a horizontal position. Loose insertion holes 43 for screws 45 to pass through in the thickness direction (vertical direction) are formed at the four corners of the substrate body 41. The front and back corners of the front edge (front side) of the substrate body 41 are beveled at an angle. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, electrical circuits are formed on at least one side of the upper surface (front) and lower surface (back) of the substrate body 41, and multiple electronic components are mounted (brazed).

[0063] Furthermore, in this specification, the surface of the substrate body 41 (edge ​​substrate 40) that is formed into a thin plate and has a surface area much larger than other surfaces is referred to as the "main surface F". Since the substrate body 41 (edge ​​substrate 40) is thin plate-shaped, there must be another surface with a larger area opposite to one main surface F. That is, two main surfaces F exist on the front and back sides of the substrate body 41 (edge ​​substrate 40), with one of the two main surfaces F being the front side and the other being the back side.

[0064] <Contact Section>

[0065] Contact portion 42 is formed at the leading edge and central portion in the left-right direction of substrate body 41. Contact portion 42 is part of substrate body 41 including a plurality of electrode patterns 44 formed on both sides of substrate body 41. For example, four electrode patterns 44 are formed at equal intervals in the left-right direction on the front side (upper surface) of substrate body 41, and four electrode patterns 44 are also formed at equal intervals in the left-right direction on the back side (lower surface) of substrate body 41 (the electrode patterns 44 on the back side are not shown in FIG3). Each electrode pattern 44 is electrically connected to an electrical circuit formed on substrate body 41.

[0066] [Assembly sequence of the card edge substrate unit]

[0067] Referring to Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, an example of the assembly sequence of the edge substrate unit 5, or in other words, the sequence in which the edge substrate 40 is housed in the substrate housing 10, will be described. The edge substrate unit 5 may be assembled automatically, for example, using a manufacturing apparatus (not shown), or by manual operation by an operator.

[0068] The first dividing housing 21 and the first dividing cylinder 31 are placed on the horizontal top plate of the worktable in a horizontal position (with the substrate facing upward through the opening M1 and the contact through the opening M3). The retaining plate 40 is positioned horizontally above the first dividing housing 21 (with its main surface F parallel to the upper surface of the first dividing housing 21) (see Figures 3 and 4). The retaining plate 40 (the substrate body 41) descends while maintaining the horizontal position, enters the interior of the first dividing housing 21 through the substrate through the opening M1, and is placed on the upper end surfaces of the four substrate fixing parts 23 and the first dividing part 34. The contact part 42 descends together with the substrate body 41 and enters the interior of the first dividing cylinder 31 through the contact through the opening M3. The retaining plate 40 (the substrate body 41) is fixed to the first dividing housing 21 by screwing the screws 45 that pass through each loose insertion hole 43 into the internal threaded holes of the substrate fixing part 23 (see Figure 6).

[0069] As described above, the first segmented housing 21 supports the substrate body 41, which passes through the substrate passage opening M1 in a horizontal position (a position in which the main surface F is parallel to one side), while maintaining the position during passage. The first segmented cylindrical portion 31 supports (accompanies) the contact portion 42, which passes through the contact passage opening M3 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1.

[0070] Next, the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylinder 32 are positioned above the first segmented housing 21 and the first segmented cylinder 31 in a horizontal orientation with the substrate opposing opening M2 and the contact opposing opening M4 facing downwards (horizontal orientation), and descend while maintaining the horizontal orientation (see Figures 3 and 4). As the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylinder 32 descend, each engaging hook 25 elastically deforms outwards in the left-right direction while contacting its lower end with the engaging claw 24 (the inclined surface), and each engaging claw 24 passes over the lower end of the engaging hook 25 and engages in the engaging groove 26 (see Figure 1). In this state, the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylinder 32 are positioned above the first segmented housing 21 and the first segmented cylinder 31, and are connected to the first segmented housing 21 and the first segmented cylinder 31 via the engaging hooks 25 that have engaged with the engaging claws 24. The second segmented housing 22 is disposed between the first segmented housing 21 and the substrate body 41, and closes the substrate through opening M1 (see Figure 6). The second segmented cylinder 32 is disposed between the first segmented cylinder 31 and the contact portion 42, and closes the contact through opening M3 (see Figure 6).

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, the first segmented shell 21 and the second segmented shell 22 are connected to form the shell body 20, and the first segmented cylindrical portion 31 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 are connected to form the fitting cylindrical body 30. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate body 41 is housed inside the shell body 20 (accommodation space S1), and the contact portion 42 is housed inside the fitting cylindrical body 30 (fitting space S2). The fitting cylindrical body 30 is formed as a square tube that opens forward (in a direction parallel to the main surface F of the retaining plate 40) and extends outward (forward) from the inside of the accommodation space S1. In this state, the second partition portion 37 of the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 contacts the upper surface (main surface F) of the substrate body 41 with its lower end face, and clamps the substrate body 41 between it and the first partition portion 34. The first partition portion 34 and the second partition portion 37 constitute a partition structure 15 that contacts both sides of the substrate body 41 and separates the accommodation space S1 and the fitting space S2.

[0072] The card edge substrate unit 5 is completed through the above steps.

[0073] In the first embodiment described above, the card edge substrate unit 5 (substrate housing 10) is configured to be divisible into a first segmented housing 21 and a second segmented housing 22, and the fitting cylinder 30 is configured to be divisible into a first segmented cylinder portion 31 and a second segmented cylinder portion 32. The first segmented housing 21 and the first segmented cylinder portion 31 are integrally formed, and the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylinder portion 32 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the first segmented housing 21 has a substrate passage opening M1 on its upper surface (one side), and the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1 in an orientation parallel to the upper surface (or bottom surface) of the first segmented housing 21. Additionally, the first segmented cylinder portion 31 has a contact passage opening M3 continuous with the substrate passage opening M1. The substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1, and the contact portion 42 is disposed in the fitting space S2 through the contact passage opening M3. According to this structure, the card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41 and contact portion 42) can be housed in the first dividing housing 21 and the first dividing cylinder portion 31 while maintaining a posture parallel to the upper surface (or bottom surface) of the first dividing housing 21. Therefore, when housing the card edge substrate 40 in the substrate housing 10, it is not necessary to tilt or change the posture of the card edge substrate 40, and it can be easily housed in the substrate housing 10. Furthermore, although various electronic components are mounted on the main surface F of the substrate body 41, the card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) is housed in the first dividing housing 21 while maintaining a posture parallel to the upper surface (or bottom surface) of the first dividing housing 21, thus preventing interference between the electronic components and the first dividing housing 21 during housing. As described above, the operation of assembling the card edge substrate 40 into the substrate housing 10 can be mechanized (automated), thereby reducing the cost of housing the card edge substrate 40 in the substrate housing 10.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the card edge substrate unit 5 (substrate housing 10) of the first embodiment, the receiving space S1 and the fitting space S2 can be separated by the separation structure 15, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving space S1 (the interior of the housing body 20) from the fitting space S2. As a result, the card edge substrate 40 (electronic components mounted on the substrate body 41) can be protected from the influence of foreign objects.

[0075] [Card edge connector]

[0076] Next, the card edge connector 50 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the card edge connector 50. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the card edge connector 50. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the card edge connection structure 1 (before connection).

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the edge connector 50 includes: multiple (e.g., eight) terminals 51, a housing 52, and a retainer 53. Since the multiple terminals 51 have the same structure, this specification mainly describes one terminal 51. Similarly, multiple components corresponding to the multiple terminals 51 are also provided. Furthermore, at least one terminal 51 and its corresponding components are sufficient, and their number can be freely increased or decreased.

[0078] <Terminal>

[0079] Eight terminals 51 are arranged in a 2x4 grid pattern when viewed from the back surface (or front surface). That is, four terminals 51 arranged in the left-right direction are arranged in two layers, one above the other. The terminals 51 are fixed to the end (rear end) of the cable 55 (wire). The terminals 51 are formed, for example, by punching and bending a sheet of metal. Each terminal 51 has a crimping portion 60 that is crimped to the end of the cable 55; and a connecting portion 61 that extends rearward from the crimping portion 60. The connecting portion 61 is cylindrical, with a terminal contact portion 62 formed on one vertical side that bends outward from the cylindrical shape, and a locking hole 63 opening on the other vertical side. Additionally, a retaining gap 64 is formed between the vertical side of the connecting portion 61 and the crimping portion 60. Furthermore, the two layers of terminals 51 are arranged in a posture where the terminal contact portions 62 face each other. In addition, multiple cables 55 fixed to multiple terminals 51 are bundled together to form a cable harness 54.

[0080] <Outer Shell>

[0081] The outer casing 52 is made of, for example, non-conductive synthetic resin and is integrally molded. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the outer casing 52 is formed into a cuboid shape that can fit into the fitting cylinder 30 of the substrate housing 10. A pair of first guide protrusions 70 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the outer casing 52. Each first guide protrusion 70 is positioned above the center of the outer casing 52 in the vertical direction. A substrate entry groove 71 is cut into the outer casing 52 from the rear end face (end face) towards the front. The substrate entry groove 71 cuts into the outer casing 52 from the rear end face to about 1 / 3 of its total length in the front-rear direction. The substrate entry groove 71 is formed on the lower side of each first guide protrusion 70, dividing the rear part of the outer casing 52 into two equal parts in the vertical direction. A pair of contact receiving portions 52A are formed on the rear part of the outer casing 52, facing each other across the substrate entry groove 71. Details will be described later, but when the card edge connector 50 (housing 52) is fitted with the fitting cylinder 30, the front end (contact part 42) of the substrate body 41 enters the substrate entry groove 71.

[0082] The housing 52 has: multiple (e.g., 8) receiving chambers 65, retaining mounting holes 72, locking arms 73, and fitting restraints 74.

[0083] (Containment room)

[0084] Eight receiving chambers 65 are spaces for inserting (accommodating) eight terminals 51 in an electrically insulated state, and are arranged in a grid pattern of 2 rows and 4 columns when viewed from the front (or back) surface of the housing 52. Four receiving chambers 65 are formed in each contact receiving portion 52A. Each receiving chamber 65 is a through hole penetrating the housing 52 in the front-rear direction. Eight insertion ports 65A are opened on the front end face of the housing 52 (see Figure 7), and eight communication ports 65B are opened on the rear end face of a pair of contact receiving portions 52A (see Figure 8). Terminals 51 are inserted (accommodated) into the receiving chambers 65 through the insertion ports 65A. Eight contact ports 65C are opened on the opposing surfaces of the pair of contact receiving portions 52A separated by the substrate entry groove 71 (see Figure 8). The terminal contact portions 62 of the terminals 51 housed in the receiving chambers 65 protrude from the contact ports 65C into the substrate entry groove 71 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, the upper receiving chamber 65 is provided with a spear-shaped portion 66 that protrudes downward from the top and extends rearward. The lower receiving chamber 65 is provided with a spear-shaped portion 66 that protrudes upward from the bottom and extends rearward. The spear-shaped portion 66 is configured to elastically move vertically with its root portion (front end) as a fulcrum. At the end portion (rear end) of the spear-shaped portion 66, a spear-shaped claw portion 67 is formed that engages with the locking hole 63 of the terminal 51 received in the receiving chamber 65.

[0086] (Keep the mounting holes)

[0087] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a retaining mounting hole 72 is formed near the center of the housing 52 in the front-rear direction for mounting the retaining member 53, which will be described later. The retaining mounting hole 72 is a through hole that penetrates the housing 52 in the left-right direction. Retaining holes 72A, which communicate with the eight receiving chambers 65, are opened on the top and bottom surfaces constituting the retaining mounting hole 72.

[0088] (Locking arm)

[0089] The locking arm 73 protrudes upward from the upper rear end of the housing 52 and bends forward, extending to the front end of the housing 52. The locking arm 73 is configured to elastically displace in the vertical direction with its root portion (rear end) as a fulcrum. A pair of locking claw portions 75 and a release operation portion 76 are formed on the upper surface of the locking arm 73. The pair of locking claw portions 75 are separated in the left-right direction and protrude near the center in the front-rear direction of the locking arm 73. The release operation portion 76 is formed in a cuboid shape and is provided at the front end of the locking arm 73. In addition, a pair of second guide recesses 77 are formed between the side walls of the housing 52 in the left-right direction and the locking arm 73 in the upper part of the housing 52.

[0090] (Matching restriction part)

[0091] The engagement restriction portion 74 is formed in an arch shape across the locking arm 73 at the front of the housing 52, specifically between the locking claw portion 75 and the release operation portion 76. Furthermore, the aforementioned pair of second guide recesses 77 are formed rearward from the engagement restriction portion 74.

[0092] <Retaining component>

[0093] The retainer 53 is made of, for example, a non-conductive synthetic resin and is integrally molded. The retainer 53 is formed to be inserted into (accommodated) in the retaining mounting hole 72 of the housing 52. As shown in FIG7, the retainer 53 has: a retaining body 78 formed as a rod extending in the left-right direction; and a pair of retaining protrusions 79 protruding from the upper and lower surfaces of the retaining body 78. The retaining body 78 is formed to correspond to the dimensions of the housing 52 in the left-right direction. A plate-shaped flange 78A extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the right end of the retaining body 78.

[0094] [Assembly sequence of the card edge connector]

[0095] Next, referring to Figures 7 to 9, an example of the assembly sequence of the card edge connector 50 will be described.

[0096] Terminal 51 is crimped to the end of cable 55 and inserted into housing 65 through insertion port 65A, which opens at the front end of housing 52. Terminal 51 is inserted by contacting the end of connector 61 with spear-shaped claw 67 and elastically deforming the spear-shaped claw 66. As terminal 51 is inserted, spear-shaped claw 67 moves forward relative to connector 61 while contacting it, engaging the locking hole 63 of connector 61 (see FIG9). In this state, terminal contact 62 of terminal 51 protrudes from contact port 65C of housing 52A into substrate entry groove 71 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Furthermore, the end (rear end) of connector 61 of terminal 51 abuts against the edge of communication port 65B, and the retaining gap 64 of connector 61 faces the retaining hole 72A of housing 52 (retaining mounting hole 72) (see FIG9).

[0097] The retainer 53 is inserted into the retaining mounting hole 72 from right to left and is housed inside the retaining mounting hole 72. When the retainer 53 is housed in the retaining mounting hole 72, a pair of retaining protrusions 79 protrude from the retaining hole 72A of the housing 52 into the interior of each receiving chamber 65 and engage with the retaining slots 64 of the terminals 51 housed in each receiving chamber 65 (see FIG9). The retaining protrusions 79 interfere with the rear end of the connecting portion 61, thus restricting the removal of the terminals 51 housed in the receiving chamber 65. Furthermore, when the retainer 53 is housed in the retaining mounting hole 72, the flange portion 78A forms a coplanar plane with the right side surface of the housing 52 (not shown).

[0098] The assembly of the card edge connector 50 is now complete.

[0099] [Connection between the card edge substrate unit and the card edge connector]

[0100] Next, referring to Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10, an example of the sequence in which the card edge connector 50 is connected to the card edge substrate unit 5 will be described. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge connection structure 1 (after connection).

[0101] The edge connector 50 is inserted into the interior (fitting space S2) through an opening on the front surface of the fitting cylinder 30 of the substrate housing 10. When the edge connector 50 is inserted into the fitting cylinder 30, a pair of first guide protrusions 70 provided on the housing 52 enter a pair of first guide recesses 33 provided on the fitting cylinder 30, and a pair of second guide protrusions 36 provided on the fitting cylinder 30 enter a pair of second guide recesses 77 provided on the housing 52. The edge connector 50 is inserted into the fitting cylinder 30 while being guided by the first and second guide protrusions 70 and 36 that have entered the first and second guide recesses 33 and 77.

[0102] If the edge connector 50 is inserted, the pair of locking claws 75 interfere with the front end of the top wall 32A of the fitting cylinder 30, causing the locking arm 73 to elastically deform downwards while the edge connector 50 is inserted. Each locking claw 75 moves rearwards while contacting the top wall 32A and engages in the locking hole 35. This prevents the edge connector 50 from disengaging from the fitting cylinder 30.

[0103] Furthermore, when the edge connector 50 is inserted, the front end (contact portion 42) of the substrate body 41 enters the substrate entry groove 71 of the housing 52, interfering with a plurality of terminal contact portions 62 protruding from the opposing surfaces of a pair of contact receiving portions 52A into the substrate entry groove 71. If the edge connector 50 is further inserted, the contact portions 42 open the opposing terminal contact portions 62 in the vertical direction while entering between the opposing terminal contact portions 62 in the vertical direction. The opposing terminal contact portions 62 in the vertical direction clamp the front end (contact portion 42) of the substrate body 41 that has entered the substrate entry groove 71, and contact both sides (electrode pattern 44) of the contact portions 42 (see Figure 10). Each terminal contact portion 62 elastically contacts the electrode pattern 44 of the contact portion 42.

[0104] Through the above, the edge connector 50 is engaged with the fitting cylinder 30, and the edge connector 50 is connected to the edge substrate unit 5 (edge ​​substrate 40). In this state, the end face (rear face) of each contact receiving portion 52A abuts against (or faces with a small gap) the front surface of the cylinder end walls 31C, 32C of the separation structure 15. In addition, the rear surface of the fitting restriction portion 74 faces the front end of the cylinder top wall 32A of the fitting cylinder 30 with a small gap. Thus, the insertion of the edge connector 50 relative to the fitting cylinder 30 is restricted. Furthermore, when the edge connector 50 is pulled out from the fitting cylinder 30, the edge connector 50 can be pulled out by pressing down the release operation portion 76, while bending the locking arm 73 downward to disengage each locking claw portion 75 from the locking hole 35.

[0105] However, in the case of manufacturing an electronic substrate unit such as the edge connector 5, the object-side housing for fitting into the edge connector 50 is sometimes disposed on the substrate body 41 in a manner surrounding the contact portion 42 and fixed to the substrate body 41 by soldering or the like (not shown). In this case, it is necessary to prepare the object-side housing and perform soldering, which results in unnecessary labor and increased manufacturing costs for the electronic substrate unit. In contrast, in the edge connection structure 1 (edge ​​connector 5) according to the first embodiment, the first segmented cylindrical portion 31 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 are combined to form a fitting cylindrical body 30, which functions as a pseudo object-side housing for receiving the contact portion 42. According to this structure, the operation of fixing the object-side housing to the substrate body 41 can be omitted, thus enabling simple and low-cost manufacturing of the edge connector 5.

[0106] [Modifications of the first embodiment]

[0107] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the card edge connector 50. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the card edge substrate 40.

[0108] As shown in FIG11A, in a variation of the first embodiment, the housing 52 of the snap-fit ​​connector 50 has a rib 56 disposed between a pair of contact receiving portions 52A. The rib 56 is disposed in an upright position at the center of the substrate entry groove 71 in the left-right direction and connects the pair of contact receiving portions 52A. The substrate entry groove 71 is divided into two parts in the left-right direction by the rib 56.

[0109] As shown in FIG11B, in a variation of the first embodiment, a cutout 46 is formed at the front end of the substrate body 41. The cutout 46 is recessed from the front end toward the rear in the center of the substrate body 41 in the left-right direction. The contact portion 42 is divided into two parts in the left-right direction by the cutout 46. When the retaining connector 50 is fitted with the fitting cylinder 30, the rib 56 engages with the cutout 46.

[0110] According to the modified embodiment of the first embodiment, the rib 56 connects a pair of contact receiving portions 52A, thus preventing the pair of contact receiving portions 52A from separating or approaching each other and maintaining the pair of contact receiving portions 52A at a predetermined interval. Consequently, the interval between the plurality of terminals 51 housed in the pair of contact receiving portions 52A is also constant, allowing the terminals 51 (terminal contact portions 62) to contact the contact portions 42 on both sides of the rib plate 40 with appropriate pressure. Furthermore, when the rib plate connector 50 is fitted into the fitting cylinder 30, the rib 56 engages with the cutout portion 46, thus suppressing vibration of the rib plate connector 50 in the left-right direction (the direction parallel to the main surface F of the rib plate 40). Furthermore, by connecting a pair of contact receiving portions 52A with ribs 56, the overall rigidity of the housing 52 is improved. Therefore, when the end of the card edge substrate 40 (contact portion 42) is clamped in the substrate entry groove 71, the vibration of the card edge connector 50 along the vertical direction (the direction orthogonal to the main surface F of the card edge substrate 40) can also be suppressed.

[0111] Furthermore, in a variation of the first embodiment, a rib 56 is centrally positioned in the left-right direction and attached to a pair of contact receiving portions 52A, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number and position of the ribs 56 can also be freely changed. In this case, the number and position of the cutouts 46 of the substrate body 41 can also be changed in accordance with the number and position of the ribs 56.

[0112] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0113] Next, other embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the edge connection structure 2 (before connection) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the edge substrate unit 7 of the edge connection structure 3 according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the substrate housing 10, the edge substrate unit 5, and the edge connection structure 1 (edge ​​connector 50) according to the first embodiment (including variations, hereinafter the same), and the same descriptions are omitted.

[0114] <Second Implementation>

[0115] As shown in FIG12, in the edge connection structure 2 (edge ​​substrate unit 6) according to the second embodiment, the contact portion 42 of the edge substrate 40 is formed only at the front end of the lower surface of the substrate body 41.

[0116] In the substrate housing 11, the second dividing cylindrical portion 38 is not inserted into the interior of the second dividing housing 22, but is formed as a U-shaped groove extending outward (front) from the front end of the second dividing housing 22. The second dividing cylindrical portion 38 has: a pair of cylindrical sidewalls 38B, suspended at both ends in the left-right direction of the cylindrical top wall 38A; and a second dividing portion 38C, connected to the rear ends of the cylindrical top wall 38A and the pair of cylindrical sidewalls 38B. The second dividing portion 38C is part of the front wall (central part in the left-right direction) of the second dividing housing 22 (corner peripheral wall 22B), and extends downward beyond the front end wall of the corner peripheral wall 22B. The lower end of the second dividing portion 38C is at the same height as the upper end of the cylindrical end wall 31C (first dividing portion 34). The lower corner of the front of the second dividing portion 38C is chamfered at an angle. The contact opposing opening M5, when viewed from the bottom surface, opens in a position forward of the substrate opposing opening M2, across the second dividing portion 38C.

[0117] The card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) is maintained in a horizontal position and is housed in the first segmented housing 21 through the substrate passage opening M1. The contact portion 42 is disposed in the first segmented cylindrical portion 31 through the contact passage opening M3. The second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 38 close the substrate passage opening M1 and the contact passage opening M3. The substrate body 41 is housed inside the housing body 20 (housing space S1), and the contact portion 42 is housed inside the fitting cylindrical body 30 (fitting space S3).

[0118] In this state, the upper end face of the first partition portion 34 of the first partition cylinder 31 contacts the lower surface of the substrate body 41 (which becomes a main surface F of the substrate body 41 on the side of the first partition cylinder 31). The lower end of the second partition portion 38C of the second partition cylinder 38 separates upward from the bottom wall 31A of the cylinder, and the lower rear surface of the second partition portion 38C contacts the front end face of the substrate body 41 (contact portion 42) (the end face opposite the opening of the fitting cylinder 30). The first partition portion 34 and the second partition portion 38C constitute a partition structure 16 that separates the receiving space S1 and the fitting space S3. Furthermore, the fitting space S3 is an L-shaped space that bends when viewed from the side. The contact portion 42 formed on the lower surface of the substrate body 41 is exposed into the fitting space S3, and the upper surface of the substrate body 41 is exposed into the receiving space S1.

[0119] According to the second embodiment, the card edge substrate unit 6 (substrate housing 11) can separate the receiving space S1 and the fitting space S3 by means of the separation structure 16, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving space S1 (the interior of the housing body 20) from the fitting space S3. As a result, the card edge substrate 40 can be protected from the influence of foreign objects.

[0120] In the edge connection structure 2 according to the second embodiment, the edge connector 57 is formed in a shape that can be fitted with the fitting cylinder 30 (fitting space S3) of the substrate housing 11. Specifically, four terminals 51 (cables 55) are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, and the receiving chamber 65 for receiving the four terminals 51 is arranged in the left-right direction at the lower part of the housing 52. In addition, a contact receiving portion 52A is formed only on the lower rear side of the housing 52. Each terminal 51 is received in the receiving chamber 65 with the terminal contact portion 62 facing upward. When the edge connector 57 is fitted with the fitting cylinder 30 (fitting space S3), the terminal contact portion 62 of each terminal 51 contacts the contact portion 42 of the edge substrate 40 from below.

[0121] According to the edge connection structure 2 (edge ​​substrate unit 6) of the second embodiment, the fitting cylinder 30 functions as a pseudo object-side shell for receiving the contact portion 42. Therefore, the operation of fixing the object-side shell to the substrate body 41 can be omitted, and the edge substrate unit 6 can be manufactured simply and at low cost.

[0122] <Third Implementation Method>

[0123] As shown in Figure 13, in the edge connection structure 3 (edge ​​substrate unit 7) according to the third embodiment, the substrate housing 12 (housing body 80 and fitting cylinder 83) is configured to be divisible in the left-right direction. The housing body 80 is formed to be divisible into a first segmented housing 81 and a second segmented housing 82. The fitting cylinder 30 is formed to be divisible into a first segmented cylinder portion 84 integral with the first segmented housing 81 and a second segmented cylinder portion 85 integral with the second segmented housing 82.

[0124] The first segmented housing 81 is, for example, formed in the shape of a box with a substrate passage opening M1 on its left surface (one side), supporting the substrate body 41 which passes through the substrate passage opening M1 in a horizontal position (an position in which the main surface F is orthogonal to the left surface). The second segmented housing 82 is, for example, formed in the shape of a box with a substrate opposing opening M2 on its right surface, supporting the substrate body 41 which passes through the substrate opposing opening M2 in a horizontal position. The second segmented housing 82 is disposed between itself and the first segmented housing 81, separated by the substrate body 41, and closes the substrate passage opening M1.

[0125] The first dividing cylinder portion 84 is formed in a box shape (U-shaped groove) having a contact passage opening M3 continuous with the substrate passage opening M1, and supports (accommodates) the contact portion 42 that passes through the contact passage opening M3 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1. The second dividing cylinder portion 85 is formed in a box shape (U-shaped groove) having a contact opposing opening M4 continuous with the substrate opposing opening M2, and supports (accommodates) the contact portion 42 that passes through the contact opposing opening M4 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate opposing opening M2. In addition, the second dividing cylinder portion 85 is disposed with the contact portion 42 spaced apart from the first dividing cylinder portion 84, and closes the contact passage opening M3.

[0126] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, it is preferable to provide a structure for supporting (fixing) the substrate body 41 in the housing body 80, and to provide a partition structure 15 in the fitting cylinder 30.

[0127] According to the substrate housing 12 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the substrate housing 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained, which can easily accommodate the card edge substrate 40. In addition, the features of the substrate housing 12 of the third embodiment can also be applied to the substrate housings 10 and 11 (not shown) of the first to second embodiments described above.

[0128] Furthermore, in the substrate housings 10 to 12 of the first to third embodiments, there are separation structures 15 and 16 that separate the receiving space S1 and the fitting space S2, but it is not limited to this, and the separation structures 15 and 16 may also be omitted (not shown).

[0129] Furthermore, in the substrate housings 10-12 of the first to third embodiments, the second segmented housing 22 of the housing body 20 is formed as a tray shape with a substrate opposing opening M2, and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 of the fitting cylinder 30 is formed as a U-shaped groove with a contact opposing opening M4, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 can close the substrate passage opening M1 of the first segmented housing 21 and the contact passage opening M3 of the first segmented cylindrical portion 31. For example, the second segmented housing 22 and the second segmented cylindrical portion 32 can also be formed as flat plates (not shown).

[0130] Furthermore, the above description of the embodiments illustrates one aspect of the substrate housing, the card edge substrate unit, and the card edge connection structure according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The constituent elements in the above embodiments can be appropriately substituted and combined with existing constituent elements, etc., and the content of the invention described in the claims is not limited based on the description of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A substrate housing for accommodating a retaining substrate having contact portions at the ends of a substrate body, characterized in that, It comprises: a housing body forming a receiving space capable of accommodating the substrate body; and a fitting cylinder forming a cylindrical shape that opens in a direction parallel to the main surface of the card edge substrate and extends from the inside of the receiving space to the outside, capable of accommodating the contact portion, and forming a fitting space for fitting a card edge connector that can be connected to the card edge substrate. The housing body is formed to be divisible into a first divided housing and a second divided housing. The fitting cylinder is formed to be divisible into a first divided cylinder portion integrally formed with the first divided housing and a second divided cylinder portion integrally formed with the second divided housing. The first divided housing is formed as a box having an opening on one side through which the substrate passes. The substrate body is supported by the substrate through the substrate through opening in a posture that makes the main surface parallel to the side or orthogonal to the side. The second segmented housing is disposed between the substrate body and the first segmented housing and closes the substrate through opening. The first segmented cylindrical portion is formed into a box shape with a contact through opening that is continuous with the substrate through opening. The contact portion passes through the contact through opening as the substrate body passes through the substrate through opening. The second segmented cylindrical portion is disposed between the first segmented cylindrical portion and the contact portion and closes the contact through opening.

2. The substrate housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting cylinder is provided with a partition structure, which contacts both the front and back sides of the substrate body to separate the receiving space and the fitting space.

3. The substrate housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting cylinder is provided with a partition structure, which contacts a main surface of the substrate body that forms the first partition cylinder side and an end face of the substrate body that faces the opening of the fitting cylinder, thereby separating the receiving space and the fitting space.

4. A card edge substrate unit, characterized in that, It comprises: a substrate housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and the card edge substrate housed in the substrate housing.

5. A card edge connection structure, characterized in that, It comprises: the card edge substrate unit as described in claim 4; and the card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate.

6. The card edge connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The card edge substrate has contact portions at its ends on both sides. The card edge connector has: a housing containing a pair of contact receiving portions facing each other across a substrate entry groove, the substrate entry groove being for the end of the substrate body to enter when the housing is engaged with the fitting cylinder; and a plurality of terminals housed in the housing, clamping the end that has entered the substrate entry groove, and contacting both sides of the contact portions. The housing has ribs disposed between the pair of contact receiving portions, and a cutout is formed at the end of the substrate body, the cutout being for the ribs to engage when the card edge connector is engaged with the fitting cylinder.

Images