Connector and connector pair

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connector and a connector pair. The connector includes: a housing including an accommodating recess for accommodating a mating connector; a terminal attached to the housing; and the metal fitting is attached to the shell and is used for fixing the shell on a substrate. The metal fitting comprises: a body part fixed to the housing; at least one part of the first L-shaped part is exposed outside the shell near the front surface of the opening of the accommodating concave part; and a second L-shaped portion exposed in the open front surface of the housing, in which the first L-shaped portion and the second L-shaped portion include surfaces facing each other across the wall of the housing, the body portion is flat-plate-shaped, and an edge portion of the body portion on the second L-shaped portion side includes a convex portion engaged with the housing. And the edge part of the body part on the first L-shaped part side comprises a convex part capable of sliding on the shell. And components are few, firm, easy to manufacture, low in cost and high in reliability.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector pair. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a connector called a wire pair substrate connector has been known to be used for connecting a wire such as a cable to a substrate such as a printed circuit substrate. In such a connector, one connector is mounted on a substrate and mated with another connector connected to an end portion of a cable (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] Figure 33 is an exploded view showing a conventional connector.

[0004] In the drawing, the connector has a housing 811, a plurality of contact pins 861, and a pair of reinforcing metal fittings 851. The housing 811 is a component mounted on a circuit substrate (not shown) and formed with an elongated mating recess 813 for mating with a mating connector (not shown). Further, a plurality of groove portions 814 are formed in a bottom wall portion 812 of the housing 811, and the contact pins 861 are provided in each of the groove portions 814.

[0005] The contact pin 861 is a rod-shaped conductive metal component extending in the up-down direction, and a lead part 862 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in a lower end of the contact pin 861. Further, when the lead part 862 is housed in the groove portion 814, the contact pin 861 passes through a mounting hole (not shown) formed in the bottom wall portion 812 and protrudes into the mating recess 813. Further, a support piece 865 protruding upward from the lead part 862 is inserted and held in a recess (not shown) formed in the bottom wall portion 812.

[0006] Further, a top solder surface 863 and a side solder surface 864 are formed in an end portion of the lead part 862 and exposed on an outer surface of the housing 811. The top solder surface 863 is a portion of a solder pad soldered on a surface of a substrate when the connector is a straight type (i.e., when the bottom wall portion 812 of the housing 811 faces a surface of a substrate (not shown) and the mating recess 813 is oriented to open in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate). In addition, the side solder surface 864 is a portion of a solder pad soldered on a surface of a substrate when the connector is a right angle type (i.e., when the bottom wall portion 812 of the housing 811 is perpendicular to a surface of a substrate (not shown) and the mating recess 813 opens in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate).

[0007] Further, the engagement holes 815 are formed in the side wall portions of the housing 811 on both sides, and the reinforcing metal fittings 851 are inserted and held in the engagement holes 815. The reinforcing metal fittings 851 are plate-like metal members and have upper edge portions 852 and lower edge portions 853. Further, the front ends of the upper edge portions 852 are portions which are exposed on the front surface of the housing 811 when the connector is of a right angle type and are soldered to solder pads on the surface of the substrate. Further, the lower ends of the lower edge portions 853 are portions which are exposed on the lower side surface of the bottom wall portion 812 of the housing 811 when the connector is of a straight type and are soldered to solder pads on the surface of the substrate.

[0008] Further, when the connector is fitted with a mating connector (not shown), at least a portion of the mating connector is inserted into the fitting recess 813. As a result, the contact pins 861 contact respective mating terminals of the mating connector and are brought into conduction.

[0009] Prior Art Documents

[0010] Patent Documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2000-268905 Utility Model Contents

[0012] Problem to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0013] However, in the above-described conventional connector, the reinforcing metal fittings 851 are single flat plate-like members which are merely inserted and held in the engagement holes 815 of the housing 811. Thus, when a strong external force is applied, the housing 811 or the reinforcing metal fittings 851 can be deformed, or the reinforcing metal fittings 851 can be detached from the housing 811. For example, if the mating connector is a wire connector which is connected to the end of a wire and an operator or the like holds the wire and applies an excessive force to pull out (gouge) the mating connector, the connector housing 811 or the reinforcing metal fittings 851 can be deformed or broken, the reinforcing metal fittings 851 can be detached from the housing 811, and even the contact pins 861 can be deformed or broken.

[0014] To prevent such a situation from occurring, it is conceivable that the housing 811 can be made thicker so as to be less likely to be deformed, or the reinforcing metal fittings 851 can be made thicker and larger so as to be less likely to be deformed. However, in recent years, along with the miniaturization of electronic devices and electronic apparatuses and the like, connectors have become miniaturized, and as a result, the respective portions of the housing 811 and the reinforcing metal fittings 851 have had to be extremely small, so that it is extremely difficult to prevent the respective portions of the housing 811 and the reinforcing metal fittings 851 from being deformed or the engagement of the housing 811 and the reinforcing metal fittings 851 from being released when a strong external force is applied.

[0015] The utility model discloses a purpose at providing connector or connector pair, its solution conventional connector's problem, and through the shape and structure of optimization shell and metal fitting, even if shell and metal fitting miniaturization, can prevent the joint between shell and metal fitting and can reliably prevent the deformation or breakage of shell and metal fitting, can reliably fix metal fitting in shell, can low height and miniaturization, have simple structure, have few components, firm, easy to manufacture, low in cost, and high reliability.

[0016] Means for solving the problem

[0017] Therefore, the connector includes: a housing including a receiving recess for receiving a mating connector; a terminal attached to the housing; and a metal fitting attached to the housing for fixing the housing to a substrate; wherein the metal fitting includes: a body portion fixed to the housing; a first L-shaped portion having at least a portion exposed outside the housing in the vicinity of a front opening of the receiving recess; and a second L-shaped portion exposed in the front opening of the receiving recess; the first L-shaped portion and the second L-shaped portion include surfaces facing each other across a wall of the housing; and the body portion is a flat plate, a rim portion of the body portion on the side of the second L-shaped portion includes a protrusion engaged with the housing, and a rim portion of the body portion on the side of the first L-shaped portion includes a protrusion slidable on the housing.

[0018] In addition, in another connector, the body portion further includes a first rim portion visible from a through-hole of a bottom of the receiving recess.

[0019] In addition, in still another connector, the first rim portion protrudes from the bottom.

[0020] In addition, in still another connector, the housing further has a slit at the front opening on the side of the first L-shaped portion of the metal fitting; and an arm portion connecting the first L-shaped portion to the body portion is located in the slit.

[0021] In addition, in still another connector, a rim portion of the body portion facing the mating connector has a metal breaking surface on the side of the first L-shaped portion, and the breaking surface is formed on the arm portion.

[0022] In addition, in still another connector, one metal fitting is attached to each side of the housing, the housing has a convex locking member engaged with the mating connector, and the locking member is located between the second L-shaped portions of the metal fittings on both sides.

[0023] The connector pair includes the connector according to the present disclosure and a mating connector fitted with the connector.

[0024] Effects of the utility model

[0025] The present disclosure provides a mechanism that can prevent release of engagement between a housing and a metal fitting even if the housing and the metal fitting are miniaturized, reliably prevent deformation or breakage of the housing and the metal fitting, reliably fix the metal fitting to the housing, be low in height and small in size, have a simple configuration, have a small number of components, be strong, be easy to manufacture, have a low cost, and have improved reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a first perspective view showing a state before fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a second perspective view showing a state before fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is a third perspective view showing a state before fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 is a fourth perspective view showing a state before fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are first and second perspective views showing a state after fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment, in which Figure 5A is the first perspective view and Figure 5B is the second perspective view;

[0031] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are third and fourth perspective views showing a state after fitting of a connector and a mating connector according to a first embodiment, in which Figure 6A is the third perspective view and Figure 6B is the fourth perspective view;

[0032] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are first and second perspective views showing a state in which a connector according to a first embodiment is mounted on a surface of a substrate as a right-angle connector, in which Figure 7A is the first perspective view and Figure 7B is the second perspective view;

[0033] Figure 8 is a first exploded perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 9 is a second exploded perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 10 is a third exploded perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 11 is a fourth exploded perspective view of the connector of the first embodiment;

[0037] Figure 12A and Figure 12B show fifth and sixth exploded perspective views of the connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 12A is the fifth exploded perspective view and Figure 12B is the sixth exploded perspective view;

[0038] Figure 13A and Figure 13B show views for explaining a process of attaching a metal fitting to the connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 13A shows a state before attachment of the metal fitting, and Figure 13B shows a state after attachment of the metal fitting;

[0039] Figures 14A-14C are three views of the connector of the first embodiment, wherein Figure 14A is a front view, Figure 14B is a sectional view along line A-A in Figure 14A , and Figure 14C is a perspective view including a section along line A-A in Figure 14A .

[0040] Figure 15A and Figure 15B show first and second exploded perspective views of a mating connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 15A is the first perspective view and Figure 15B is the second perspective view;

[0041] Figure 16A and Figure 16B show third and fourth exploded perspective views of the mating connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 16A is the third perspective view and Figure 16B is the fourth perspective view;

[0042] Figures 17A-17C are three views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the first embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 17A is a plan view, Figure 17B is a sectional view along line B-B in Figure 17A , and Figure 17C is a perspective view including a section along line B-B in Figure 17A .

[0043] Figure 18A and Figure 18Bis a perspective view showing a state in which the connector of the second embodiment is mounted on the surface of a substrate as a straight connector, wherein Figure 18A is a first perspective view, and Figure 18B is a second perspective view;

[0044] Figure 19 is a first perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted;

[0045] Figure 20 is a second perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted;

[0046] Figure 21 is a third perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted;

[0047] Figure 22 is a fourth perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted;

[0048] Figure 23A and Figure 23B are first and second perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 23A is a first perspective view, and Figure 23B is a second perspective view;

[0049] Figure 24A and Figure 24B are third and fourth perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 24A is a third perspective view, and Figure 24B is a fourth perspective view;

[0050] Figure 25A and Figure 25B are two views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 25A is a plan view, and Figure 25B is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of Figure 25A ;

[0051] Figure 26 is a first perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted;

[0052] Figure 27 is a second perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted;

[0053] Figure 28 is a third perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted;

[0054] Figure 29 is a fourth perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted;

[0055] Figure 30A and Figure 30B are first and second perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 30A is the first perspective view and Figure 30B is the second perspective view;

[0056] Figure 31A and Figure 31B are third and fourth perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 31A is the third perspective view and Figure 31B is the fourth perspective view;

[0057] Figure 32A and Figure 32B are two views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted, wherein Figure 32A is a plan view and Figure 32B is a sectional view taken along a line D-D of Figure 32A ; and

[0058] Figure 33 is an exploded view showing a conventional connector.

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] 10 connector

[0061] 11, 81 housing

[0062] 11a, 55, 65 body portion

[0063] 11b side portion

[0064] 11f, 112f, 114f front surface

[0065] 11r, 112r rear surface

[0066] 12a terminal accommodating hole

[0067] 12b metal fitting accommodating hole

[0068] 12c, 14c protrusion

[0069] 13 accommodating recess

[0070] 13a body recess

[0071] 13b side recess

[0072] 13f opening front surface

[0073] 14 lower wall portion

[0074] 14a lower wall opening

[0075] 14b peak portion

[0076] 14d rear edge portion

[0077] 15 upper wall portion

[0078] 15a body upper wall portion

[0079] 15b side upper wall portion

[0080] 15c upper side recessed portion

[0081] 15d partition plate

[0082] 16 side wall portion

[0083] 17 rear wall portion

[0084] 18 partition wall

[0085] 21 locking member

[0086] 51 metal fitting

[0087] 52 rear end portion

[0088] 52a rear edge portion

[0089] 55a first edge portion

[0090] 55a1 guide portion

[0091] 55b second edge portion

[0092] 55b1, 65a engaging protrusion

[0093] 55c front edge portion

[0094] 55c1 breakage surface

[0095] 55d recessed portion

[0096] 56 L-shaped portion

[0097] 56a arm portion

[0098] 56B first L-shaped portion

[0099] 56b terminal portion

[0100] 56b1 facing surface

[0101] 56B second L-shaped portion

[0102] 57 metal fitting carrier tape

[0103] 57a connecting arm

[0104] 61 terminal

[0105] 62 tail

[0106] 62a lower side surface

[0107] 62b rear side surface

[0108] 63 contact portion

[0109] 64 engagement recess

[0110] 65b upper protruding portion

[0111] 91 substrate

[0112] 91a surface

[0113] 92 connection pad

[0114] 101 mating connector

[0115] 111 mating housing

[0116] 112 housing body

[0117] 112a upper surface

[0118] 113 terminal housing recess

[0119] 114 fitting protrusion

[0120] 114a fitting body

[0121] 114b fitting side portion

[0122] 114c opening

[0123] 114d side protrusion

[0124] 114e, 813 fitting recess

[0125] 121 mating locking member

[0126] 121a locking protrusion

[0127] 122 link portion

[0128] 161 mating terminal

[0129] 191 lead wire

[0130] 812 bottom wall portion

[0131] 814 groove portion

[0132] 815 engagement hole

[0133] 851 reinforcing metal fitting

[0134] 852 upper edge portion

[0135] 853 lower edge portion

[0136] 861 contact pin

[0137] 862 guide portion

[0138] 863 top welding surface

[0139] 864 side welding surface

[0140] 865 support piece DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0141] Embodiments will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0142] Figure 1 is a first perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 is a second perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a third perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a fourth perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 5A and Figure 5B are first and second perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 6A and Figure 6B are third and fourth perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector are fitted according to the first embodiment; Figure 7A and Figure 7B are first and second perspective views showing a state where the connector according to the first embodiment is mounted on a surface of a substrate as a right-angle connector; Figure 8 is a first exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 9 is a second exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 10 is a third exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 11 is a fourth exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 12A and Figure 12B are fifth and sixth exploded perspective views of the connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 13A and Figure 13B are views for explaining a process of attaching a metal fitting to the connector according to the first embodiment; and Figures 14A-14C are three views of the connector according to the first embodiment. Note that, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B In Figure 5A is a first perspective view and Figure 5B is a second perspective view; in Figure 6A and Figure 6B In Figure 6A is a third perspective view and Figure 6B is a fourth perspective view; in Figure 7A and Figure 7B In Figure 7A is a first perspective view and Figure 7B is a second perspective view; in Figure 12A and Figure 12B In Figure 12A is a fifth exploded perspective view and Figure 12B is a sixth exploded perspective view; in Figure 13A and Figure 13B In Figure 13A shows a state before attachment of the metal fitting, and Figure 13B shows a state after attachment of the metal fitting; and in Figures 14A-14C In Figure 14A is a front view, Figure 14B is a sectional view along Figure 14A line A-A in Figure 14C is a perspective view including a section along Figure 14A line A-A in

[0143] In the drawings, the connector 10 is a connector of the present embodiment, is a substrate connector, is one of a pair of wire-to-substrate connectors. The connector 10 is a surface mounting header connector mounted on a surface 91a of a substrate 91 that is a mounting member, and is fitted with a mating connector 101 that is a receptacle connector. Note that the mating connector 101 is a wire connector, is the other of the pair of wire-to-substrate connectors, is a connector connected to a terminal of a cable including a plurality of wires 191.

[0144] Here, the connector 10 is a so-called right-angle type substrate connector, and as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B when the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted, the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating housing 111 of the mating connector 101 is housed and fitted in the housing recess 13 that is open-faced toward the surface of the substrate 91 in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 91 and is mounted on the surface of the substrate 91. However, the connector 10 is not limited to the right-angle type, and can be a so-called straight type connector in which the housing recess 13 is open-faced toward upward (Z-axis positive direction) and is mounted on the surface 91a of the substrate 91, or the housing recess 13 can be open-faced toward a diagonal direction intersecting the surface 91a of the substrate 91, and the housing recess 13 can be open-faced toward an arbitrary direction. In the present embodiment, for ease of explanation, the case where the connector 10 is the so-called right-angle type connector is explained.

[0145] Further, for example, the substrate 91 is a printed circuit board used in an electronic device or the like, but can be a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible circuit board (FPC), or the like, or a silicon substrate or a silicon carbide substrate on which an electronic component is directly disposed on a surface, or any other kind of substrate. Further, for example, the electronic device is a personal computer, a smartphone, a digital television, a navigation device for a vehicle, a game machine, or the like, but can be any kind of electronic device.

[0146] Further, the wire pair substrate connector, which is a connector pair in the present embodiment, electrically connects the substrate 91 and the wire 191. Note that the present embodiment explains that the wire 191 is a signal line, and that an end portion of the wire 191 on the opposite side to the mating connector 101 is connected to an electronic device or the like (not shown), and that the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are connectors for connecting the signal line to the substrate 91, but the wire 191 can also be a power supply line or a ground line, and the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 can also function as connectors for connecting the power supply line and the ground line.

[0147] Further, in the present embodiment, the expressions of the directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, length, width, and the like, which are used to explain the configuration and the operation of each portion of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101, which are a connector pair in the present embodiment, are relative, not absolute, and are appropriate when each portion of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 is in the posture shown in the drawing. However, when the posture thereof is changed, these directions should be interpreted to change according to the change in the posture.

[0148] The connector 10 includes a housing 11 that is integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or the like and has a generally flat overall shape, a terminal 61 that is made of an electrically conductive metal and is attached to the housing 11, and a metal fitting 51 that is a metal-made housing mounting auxiliary fitting attached to the housing 11 for fixing the housing 11 to the substrate 91. The number and the layout of the terminals 61 correspond to the number of the wires 191 connected to the mating connector 101 and the number and the layout of the mating terminals 161 connected to the terminal ends of the wires 191. Note that in the example shown in the drawing, the number of the terminals 61 is six, but the number of the terminals 61 can be arbitrarily changed, and for example, can be five or less or seven or more. Further, in the example shown in the drawing, the plurality of terminals 61 are arranged in one column in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10, but the present application is not necessarily limited thereto, and for example, the arrangement pattern can be staggered or can be two or more columns.

[0149] As Figures 8 to 12BAs shown, in the present embodiment, the terminal 61 is a member integrally formed by performing press working on a metal plate, and has a substantially T-shaped side surface shape as a whole. Further, the terminal 61 includes a body portion 65 and a contact portion 63 extending in a direction in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted (i.e., in the fitting direction (X-axis direction)). Specifically, the contact portion 63 extends forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis) from a front end of the body portion 65. Further, the terminal 61 also includes a tail portion 62, which is a substrate connecting portion, has a substantially L-shaped side surface shape, and is connected to a lower surface of a rear end (negative direction of the X-axis end) of the body portion 65. When the connector 10 is a right-angle type connector and the terminal 61 is attached to the housing 11, a lower side surface 62a of the tail portion 62 serves as a substrate connecting surface and is connected to a connection pad 92 formed on a surface 91a of a substrate 91. On the other hand, when the connector 10 is a straight type connector and the terminal 61 is attached to the housing 11, a rear side surface 62b of the tail portion 62 serves as a substrate connecting surface and is connected to the connection pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91. Further, an engaging protrusion 65a with which the housing 11 is engaged is formed on an upper edge of the body portion 65, and an upward protruding portion 65b extending upward is formed on the rear end of the body portion 65. Further, an engaging recess 64 into which a rear edge portion 14d of a lower wall portion 14, which is one of the walls of the housing 11, enters and engages is formed between a lower edge of the body portion 65 and the forwardly extending tail portion 62 of the lower portion.

[0150] Further, as shown, Figures 8 to 12B As shown, the metal fitting 51 is a member integrally formed by performing bending and press working on a metal plate, and includes a flat plate-shaped body portion 55, a first L-shaped portion 56A connected to a lower end side of the body portion 55 near a front edge portion 55c of the body portion 55 and bent by about 90 degrees, and a second L-shaped portion 56B connected to an upper end side of the body portion 55 and bent by about 90 degrees. Thus, when viewed from the fitting direction (X-axis direction), the metal fitting 51 has a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped shape, and both end portion sides of the body portion 55 protrude in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction). Note that when the first L-shaped portion 56A and the second L-shaped portion 56B are collectively described, they will be described as an L-shaped portion 56. When the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11, the first L-shaped portion 56A is a portion that at least partially emerges to the outside of the housing 11 near an opening frontage 13f of the housing recess 13 of the housing 11, and the second L-shaped portion 56B is a portion that emerges within the opening frontage 13f of the housing recess 13 of the housing 11.

[0151] The L-shaped portions 56 are formed in the same plane as the body portion 55 and include an arm portion 56a extending from the body portion 55 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) and a tip portion 56b connected to the tip of the arm portion 56a via a bent portion bent by about 90 degrees and extending inward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10. Note that the inner side surface of the tip portion 56b of the first L-shaped portion 56A and the inner side surface of the tip portion 56b of the second L-shaped portion 56B face each other to form a facing surface 56b1. When the connector 10 is a right-angle connector and the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11, the tip portion 56b of the first L-shaped portion 56A serves as a board connecting portion to be connected to a connection pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of a board 91.

[0152] In addition, the second edge portion 55b is an edge portion on the second L-shaped portion 56B side of the body portion 55, has an engaging protrusion 55b1 to be engaged with the housing 11, and the first edge portion 55a is an edge portion on the first L-shaped portion 56A side of the body portion 55, has a guide portion 55a1 to be slidable on the housing 11. Further, when the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11, the first edge portion 55a is visible from the outside of the housing 11 through a lower wall opening 14a formed in the lower wall of the opening front surface 13f, which is a slit penetrating the lower wall portion 14 of the housing 11 in the plate thickness direction. Note that the first edge portion 55a can be formed to protrude downward from the lower wall portion 14 through the lower wall opening 14a and serve as a board connecting portion to be connected to the connection pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of the board 91. In addition, at least a portion of the arm portion 56a of the first L-shaped portion 56A is preferably positioned inside the lower wall opening 14a when the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11.

[0153] Further, the body portion 55 includes a rear end portion 52 extending toward the rear (X-axis negative direction) of the connector 10. The rear end portion 52 is a portion exposed to the rear of the housing 11 when the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11. Further, a rear edge portion 52a is an edge portion of the first edge portion and the rear end portion 52 of the body portion 55, which serves as a board connecting portion to be connected to the connection pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of the board 91 when the metal fitting 51 is attached to the housing 11 when the connector 10 is a straight connector as described later. Further, a front edge portion 55c is an edge portion of the body portion 55 on the side facing the mating connector 101, includes a broken surface 55c1 of metal at a portion corresponding to the arm portion 56a of the first L-shaped portion 56A. The broken surface 55c1 is a cut surface generated when the metal fitting 51 is cut off from the connecting arm 57a of the metal fitting carrier 57 as shown in Figure 13A and Figure 13B The broken surface 55c1 is a cut surface generated when the metal fitting 51 is cut off from the connecting arm 57a of the metal fitting carrier 57 as shown in Figure 13AAs shown, a plurality of metal fittings are supplied connected to a flat plate-shaped metal fitting carrier 57 as a carrier. Further, each metal fitting 51 has a leading edge portion 55c connected to the flat plate-shaped metal fitting carrier 57 via an elongated connecting arm 57a, and when the leading edge portion 55c is cut off from the connecting arm 57a at a cut-off portion, a protrusion 55e is formed as shown. Figures 8 to 12B

[0154] Further, the body portion 55 is formed with an elongated recessed portion 55d which is opened at the leading edge portion 55c and extends rearward. The recessed portion 55d is a portion into which a side protrusion 114d provided on a side surface of the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 enters and engages when the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted.

[0155] The housing 11 is a hollow box-shaped member having a generally flat overall shape, and includes a flat plate-shaped lower wall portion 14 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10, an upper wall portion 15 generally parallel to the lower wall portion 14, and a pair of side wall portions 16 extending in the up-down direction and connecting the lower wall portion 14 and the upper wall portion 15. The inside of the housing 11 forms a housing recessed portion 13 surrounded by the lower wall portion 14, the upper wall portion 15, and the two side wall portions 16. The housing recessed portion 13 is opened at the front side (X-axis positive direction side) and is generally closed at the rear side (X-axis negative direction side) by a rear wall portion 17 of the housing 11 which serves as the bottom of the housing recessed portion 13. Further, the housing 11 can be divided into a generally cuboid-shaped body portion 11a extending in the width direction of the connector 10, and two side portions 11b connected to the width direction both sides of the body portion 11a and protruding upward.

[0156] Further, although the lower wall portion 14 is a single flat plate spanning the entire housing 11, the upper wall portion 15 is divided into a body upper wall portion 15a corresponding to the body portion 11a and a side upper wall portion 15b corresponding to the side portion 11b. The side upper wall portion 15b is above (Z-axis positive direction) the body upper wall portion 15a, and above the body upper wall portion 15a is an upper side recessed portion 15c. Note that a convex locking member 21 which engages with a mating locking member 121 of the mating connector 101 is formed on the outside of the body upper wall portion 15a (i.e., on the upper surface of the housing 11). The upper side recessed portion 15c is a recessed portion which houses the mating locking member 121 in a state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted.

[0157] ​Further, the housing recess 13 is divided into a body recess 13a corresponding to the body portion 11a and a side recess 13b corresponding to the side portion 11b. The side recess 13b is a longitudinal space protruding upward from the body recess 13a. Thus, the housing recess 13 has a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped shape in which both end portions in the width direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from the fitting direction (X-axis direction) protrude upward. Thus, the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 housed in and fitted into the housing recess 13 also has a fitting body 114a extending long in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and a fitting side portion 114b formed at both end portions in the width direction of the fitting body 114a and protruding upward, and has a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped shape when viewed from the fitting direction. Note that the portion of the housing recess 13 on the front surface 11f side of the housing 11 is referred to as an opening front surface 13f.

[0158] Further, the lower wall opening 14a is a slit passing through the lower wall portion 14 in the plate thickness direction, and is formed in the lower wall portion 14 at a portion corresponding to the side recess 13b and adjacent to the side wall portion 16. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower wall opening 14a is formed to open from the edge portion of the lower wall portion 14 on the front surface 11f side of the housing 11 and extend to the vicinity of the middle in the front-rear direction of the lower wall portion 14. In addition, a peak-shaped portion 14b protruding upward is formed in the lower wall portion 14 at a portion corresponding to the contact portion 63 of the terminal 61 in the body recess 13a. Further, the outer side surface of the lower wall portion 14 (i.e., the lower surface of the housing 11) is formed with a plurality of protrusions 14c protruding downward at a plurality of portions. The protrusions 14c are portions that can contact the surface 91a of the substrate 91 when the connector 10 is a right-angle connector and the connector 10 is mounted on the substrate 91. Figure 9

[0159] ​Further, a terminal housing hole 12a into which each terminal 61 is inserted and housed is formed at a portion of the rear surface 1 Ir of the housing 11 corresponding to the body portion 11a. Each terminal housing hole 12a is formed as a through hole that penetrates the rear wall portion 17 in the plate thickness direction, and houses and holds the body portion 65 of each terminal 61. In the example shown in the drawing, six terminal housing holes 12a are arranged in one column in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10. Further, a portion of the rear end of the lower wall portion 14 corresponding to the lower end of the terminal housing hole 12a corresponds to the rear edge portion 14d that enters and engages the engagement recess 64 of the terminal 61. Further, a metal fitting housing hole 12b into which the metal fitting 51 is inserted and housed is opened at a portion of the rear surface 1 Ir corresponding to the side portion 1 Ib. Each metal fitting housing hole 12b is formed as a through hole that penetrates the rear wall portion 17 in the plate thickness direction, and houses and holds the body portion 55 of each metal fitting 51. As shown in the drawing, when the body portion 55 is housed in the metal fitting housing hole 12b, a portion of the rear end portion 52 including at least the rear edge portion 52a preferably protrudes rearward from the rear wall portion 17 (rear surface 1 Ir). Further, the rear edge portion 52a of the rear end portion 52 is visible from the metal fitting housing hole 12b. Further, a protrusion 12c that protrudes rearward is formed at the outer surface of the rear wall portion 17 (i.e., the rear surface 1 Ir of the housing 11). As will be described later, if the connector 10 is a straight type connector, the protrusion 12c is a portion that can come into contact with the surface 91a of the board 91 when the connector 10 is mounted on the board 91.

[0160] Each terminal 61 is attached by being inserted into the corresponding terminal housing hole 12a from the rear surface 1 Ir side of the housing 11. As shown in the drawing, Figure 7A and Figure 7B , Figures 14A-14C and the like, when the attachment of the terminal 61 is completed, the contact portion 63 is positioned directly above the peak-shaped portion 14b in the housing recess 13. Further, the engagement protrusion 65a bites into and engages the upper surface of the terminal housing hole 12a, and the rear edge portion 14d enters and engages the engagement recess 64, whereby the terminal 61 is fixed to the housing 11.

[0161] Further, each metal fitting 51 is attached by being inserted into the corresponding metal fitting housing hole 12b from the front surface 1 If side of the housing 11. At this time, the guide portion 55al of the first edge portion 55a of the body portion 55 slides along the lower surface inside the metal fitting housing hole 12b. Further, as shown in the drawing, Figure 7A and Figure 7B , Figure 13B , Figures 14A-14C and the like, when the attachment of the metal fitting 51 is completed, the engagement protrusion 55bl of the second edge portion 55b of the body portion 55 bites into and engages the upper surface of the metal fitting housing hole 12b, and the metal fitting 51 is thereby fixed to the housing 11.

[0162] When the metal fitting 51 is fixed to the housing 11, the rear end portion 52 is exposed to the rear of the housing 11. Further, the second L-shaped portion 56B is entirely housed in the side recess portion 13b, the arm portion 56a is adjacent to or abuts against the inner side face of the side wall portion 16, and the tip portion 56b is adjacent to or abuts against the inner side face of the side upper wall portion 15b. On the other hand, at least a portion of the first L-shaped portion 56A is exposed to the outside of the housing 11. Specifically, the arm portion 56a passes through the lower wall opening 14a in the up-and-down direction while being adjacent to or abutting against the inner side face of the side wall portion 16. The tip portion 56b is positioned below the lower wall portion 14, and the facing face 56bl is adjacent to or abutting against the outer side face of the lower wall portion 14 (i.e., the lower surface of the housing 11). Thus, the facing face 56bl of the first L-shaped portion 56A and the facing face 56bl of the second L-shaped portion 56B face each other with the lower wall portion 14, which is one of the walls of the housing 11, interposed therebetween.

[0163] In this way, in the connector 10, the housing 11 has a housing recess portion 13 having a generally C-shaped or U-shaped shape in which both end portions protrude upward when viewed from the fitting direction, and thus has a so-called polarity, and the housing recess portion 13 of the connector 10 can be fitted only when the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 is in the correct posture with respect to the connector 10, and cannot be fitted when the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 is in the incorrect posture. Thus, erroneous fitting is reliably prevented. Further, in order to provide the polarity, the housing recess portion 13 has a space in which the side recess portion 13b protrudes upward beyond the length of the main body recess portion 13a, which tends to make the side recess portion 13b insufficient in strength. However, in the present embodiment, the metal fitting 51 is housed in the side recess portion 13b, so that the strength of the side recess portion 13b can be maintained sufficiently high, which makes the entire connector 10 robust. Further, the lower wall opening 14a is formed in the lower wall portion 14 in the side recess portion 13b, but the arm portion 56a of the first L-shaped portion 56A passes through the lower wall opening 14a in the up-and-down direction while being adjacent to or abutting against the inner side face of the side wall portion 16, and the facing face 56bl of the tip portion 56b is adjacent to or abutting against the outer side face of the lower wall portion 14, so that the strength of the lower wall portion 14 of the side recess portion 13b can be maintained sufficiently high. Further, the fitting side portion 114b housed in the housing recess portion 13, which is formed at both end portions in the width direction of the fitting body portion 114a of the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101, is covered by the two metal fittings 51, so that the connector 10 is reliably prevented from being deformed or broken even when subjected to a strong external force that pulls out the mating connector 101.

[0164] In the present embodiment, the connector 10 to which the terminals 61 and the metal fittings 51 are attached to the housing 11 is installed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91 as a right-angle type connector, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 7A and Figure 7BSpecifically, the lower side surface 62a of the tail portion 62 of each terminal 61 is electrically and mechanically connected by a connecting means such as soldering to a respective connecting pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91. Note that each of the aforementioned connecting pads 92 is connected to a conductive trace (not shown) provided on the substrate 91 and functions as a signal line, a power supply line, or a ground line. In addition, the lower side surface (the opposite side surface of the facing surface 56bl) of the end portion 56b of the first L-shaped portion 56A of each metal fitting 51 is electrically and mechanically connected by a connecting means such as soldering to a respective connecting pad 92 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91. Note that each of the aforementioned connecting pads 92 is not connected to a conductive trace (not shown) provided on the substrate 91.

[0165] Next, the configuration of the mating connector 101 will be described.

[0166] Figure 15A and Figure 15B Figures 1 and 2 show first and second exploded perspective views of the mating connector according to the first embodiment; Figure 16A and Figure 16B Figures 3 and 4 show third and fourth exploded perspective views of the mating connector according to the first embodiment; and Figures 17A-17C are three views showing the state after the connector and the mating connector of the first embodiment are fitted. Note that in Figure 15A and Figure 15B , Figure 15A is a first perspective view and Figure 15B is a second perspective view, in Figure 16A and Figure 16B , Figure 16A is a third perspective view and Figure 16B is a fourth perspective view; and in Figures 17A-17C , Figure 17A is a plan view, Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 17A , and Figure 17C is a perspective view of a cross section along the line B-B of Figure 17A .

[0167] In the present embodiment, the mating connector 101 has a mating housing 111 integrally formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin and has a generally flat cuboid overall shape, and metal mating terminals 161 attached to the mating housing 111. The number and layout of the mating terminals 161 can be arbitrarily set, but for ease of description, the number and layout are assumed to be the same as those of the terminals 61 of the connector 10. That is, the mating terminals 161 and the conductive wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 are six in number and arranged in one column in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mating connector 101.

[0168] The mating housing 111 includes: a generally cuboid box-shaped housing body 112 extending in a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the connector 10 and in the arrangement direction of the wires 191 (i.e., in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mating connector 101); a mating protrusion 114 protruding forward (in the negative X-axis direction) from the front surface 112f of the housing body 112; and a mating locking member 121 connected to the upper surface 112a of the housing body 112. The mating protrusion 114 includes: a mating body 114a extending elongatedly in the width direction (Y-axis direction); and mating side portions 114b formed at both ends of the mating body 114a in the width direction and protruding upward, and when viewed from the mating direction, the mating protrusion 114 has a generally C-shaped or U-shaped shape. It should be noted that the side protrusion 114d is provided on the outer surface of the mating side portion 114b.

[0169] Furthermore, the mating housing 111 includes a plurality of terminal receiving recesses 113 that open at one end on the rear surface 112r of the housing body 112 and penetrate the interior of the mating connector 101 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Mating terminals 161, connected to and fixed to the front ends of each wire 191, are received and held within their respective terminal receiving recesses 113. The other end of the terminal receiving recess 113 opens onto the front surface 114f of the mating protrusion 114. Additionally, slit-shaped openings 114c extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the lower surface of the mating protrusion 114 at locations corresponding to the terminal receiving recesses 113. Thus, each terminal receiving recess 113 communicates with the lower outer side of the mating protrusion 114 via the opening 114c.

[0170] The mating terminal 161 of the terminal connected to the wire 191 is inserted from the rear surface 112r side of the housing body 112 of the mating housing 111 and attached to the corresponding terminal receiving recess 113. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, when the attachment of the mating terminal 161 is completed, the entire mating terminal 161 is housed within the terminal receiving recess 113. In addition, the end of the mating terminal 161 reaches near the end of the fitting protrusion 114 (i.e., near the front surface 114f), and the junction between the rear end of the mating terminal 161 and the wire 191 is located within the terminal receiving recess 113.

[0171] The locking component 121 is a swingable movable arm component, and as... Figures 17A-17CAs shown, the connecting portion 122 is integrally connected to the upper surface 112a of the housing body 112 via a linking portion 122. The linking portion 122 is a resiliently deformable portion connected between the front end and the rear end of the mating locking member 121, thereby allowing the mating locking member 121 to swing with respect to the mating housing 111 about the portion connected to the linking portion 122. In addition, a locking protrusion 121a protruding toward the upper surface 112a of the housing body 112 is formed at the front end (X-axis negative direction end) of the mating locking member 121, and the locking protrusion 121a engages with the convex locking member 21 of the connector 10, thereby locking the mutually fitted state of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101.

[0172] It should be noted that the locking mechanism including the locking member 21 of the connector 10 and the mating locking member 121 of the mating connector 101 is a so-called positive lock, and when locked, the operator does not need to operate the locking member 21 or the mating locking member 121. However, when unlocking, the operator needs to operate the mating locking member 121, which is a movable arm member, to displace the locking protrusion 121a with a finger or the like. Specifically, when the operator depresses the rear end (X-axis positive direction end) of the mating locking member 121, the mating locking member 121 swings and the locking protrusion 121a formed at the front end of the mating locking member 121 rises, thereby releasing the engagement between the locking member 21 and the mating locking member 121 and thereby releasing the lock.

[0173] Next, the operation of fitting the mating connector 101, which is a wire connector, with the connector 10, which is a board connector, will be described.

[0174] Here, the mating connector 101 is connected to the terminal of a cable having a plurality of wires 191, and the first terminal 61 is connected to the terminal of the wire 191 when the mating terminal 161 is housed in the terminal housing recess 113. Further, it is assumed that the connector 10 is mounted on the surface 91a of the board 91 as a right-angle connector, as shown in Figure 7A and Figure 7B as shown.

[0175] First, the operator brings the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 and the housing recess 13 of the connector 10 to face each other, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 Next, the operator moves the connector 10 and / or the mating connector 101 close to the fitting side, and inserts the fitting protrusion 114 of the mating connector 101 into the housing recess 13 of the connector 10, thereby fitting the connector 10 and the mating connector 101, as shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B and Figure 6A and Figure 6B as shown.

[0176] At this time, the fitting body 114a, which extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the fitting protrusion 114, enters and is housed in the body recess 13a, which extends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing recess 13, and the fitting side portion 114b, which protrudes upward at both ends in the width direction of the fitting protrusion 114, enters and is housed in the longitudinal side recess 13b, which protrudes upward from the body recess 13a at both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing recess 13. Further, the fitting side portion 114b is covered by the metal fitting 51 having a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped shape including the first L-shaped portion 56A and the second L-shaped portion 56B in the side recess 13b.

[0177] Further, the contact portions 63 of the terminals 61 of the connector 10 enter the respective terminal housing recesses 113, which open at one end on the front surface 114f of the fitting protrusion 114, and contact the mating terminals 161 in the respective terminal housing recesses 113. This causes the terminals 61 and the mating terminals 161 to form a conduction state, and as a result, the conductive traces connected to the connection pads 92 to which the tail portions 62 of the terminals 61 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91 are connected and the conductive wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 are conduction.

[0178] Further, as shown in Figures 17A-17C the locking protrusion 121a of the mating locking member 121 of the mating connector 101 engages with the convex locking member 21 of the connector 10. As a result, the state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted to each other is locked. In this case, the engagement state between the locking protrusion 121a and the locking member 21 can be visually observed from the outside of the mating locking member 121, and thus the operator can visually confirm whether or not the locking has been completed. Thus, the operator does not have a false recognition that the locking has been completed.

[0179] Thus, in the present embodiment, the connector 10 includes the housing 11 including the housing recess 13 for housing the mating connector 101, the terminal 61 attached to the housing 11, and the metal fitting 51 attached to the housing 11 for fixing the housing 11 to the substrate 91. Further, the metal fitting 51 includes the body portion 55 fixed to the housing 11, the first L-shaped portion 56A of which at least a part is exposed outside the housing 11 in the vicinity of the opening front face 13f of the housing recess 13, and the second L-shaped portion 56B exposed in the opening front face 13f of the housing recess 13. The first L-shaped portion 56A and the second L-shaped portion 56B include the facing surfaces 56b1 facing each other across the lower wall portion 14 of the housing 11. The body portion 55 is a flat plate, the second edge portion 55b is an edge portion of the body portion 55 on the second L-shaped portion 56B side, the second edge portion 55b includes the engaging protrusion 55b1 engaged with the housing 11, and the first edge portion 55a is an edge portion of the body portion 55 on the first L-shaped portion 56A side, the first edge portion 55a includes the guide portion 55a1 slidable on the housing 11.

[0180] Thus, even if the housing 11 and the metal fitting 51 are miniaturized, the disengagement between the housing 11 and the metal fitting 51 can be prevented, the deformation or breakage of the housing 11 and the metal fitting 51 can be reliably prevented, the metal fitting 51 can be reliably fixed to the housing 11, the low height and miniaturization can be achieved, the constitution can be simple, the number of components can be reduced, the constitution can be robust, the manufacturing can be easy, the cost can be low, and the reliability can be improved.

[0181] Further, the body portion 55 further includes the rear edge portion 52a visible from the metal fitting housing hole 12b which is a through hole on the rear wall portion 17 serving as the bottom of the housing recess 13. Further, the rear edge portion 52a protrudes from the rear wall portion 17. Further, the housing 11 has the lower wall opening 14a on the first L-shaped portion 56A side of the metal fitting 51 at the opening front face 13f, and the arm portion 56a connecting the first L-shaped portion 56A to the body portion 55 is in the lower wall opening 14a. Further, the front edge portion 55c of the body portion 55 on the side facing the mating connector 101 has the metal broken surface 55c1 on the first L-shaped portion 56A side, and the broken surface 55c1 is formed on the arm portion 56a. Further, one metal fitting 51 is attached to each side of the housing 11, and the housing 11 has the convex locking member 21 engaged with the mating connector 101, and the locking member 21 is between the second L-shaped portions 56B of the metal fittings 51 on both sides.

[0182] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that, for the portions having the same configuration as the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals thereto. Further, the description of the same actions and effects as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0183] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector of the second embodiment is mounted on the surface of the substrate as a right-angle connector. Note that, in Figure 18A and Figure 18B , Figure 18A is a first perspective view, and Figure 18B is a second perspective view.

[0184] In the present embodiment, the connector 10 in which the terminals 61 and the metal fittings 51 are attached to the housing 11 is mounted on the surface 91a of the substrate 91 as a right-angle connector, as shown in Figure 18A and Figure 18B . Specifically, the rear side surface 62b of the tail portion 62 of each terminal 61 is electrically and mechanically connected to the respective connection pads 92 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91 by a connection means such as soldering. Note that the aforementioned connection pads 92 are connected to the conductive traces (not shown) provided on the substrate 91 and serve as signal lines, power supply lines, or ground lines.

[0185] Further, the rear edge portion 52a of the rear end portion 52 of each metal fitting 51 is electrically and mechanically connected to the respective connection pads 92 formed on the surface 91a of the substrate 91 by a connection means such as soldering. Note that the aforementioned connection pads 92 are not connected to the conductive traces (not shown) provided on the substrate 91.

[0186] Note that the configurations of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0187] Further, the operation in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment are fitted, and the configuration and effects of the state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0188] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Note that, for portions having the same configuration as those of the first and second embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted by giving the same reference numerals thereto. Further, the description of the same operation and effects as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0189] Figure 19 is a first perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted; Figure 20 is a second perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted; Figure 21 is a third perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted; Figure 22 is a fourth perspective view showing a state before the connector and the mating connector according to the third embodiment are fitted; Figure 23A and Figure 23B are first and second perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the third embodiment are fitted; Figure 24A and Figure 24B are third and fourth perspective views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the third embodiment are fitted; and Figure 25A and Figure 25B are two views showing a state after the connector and the mating connector of the third embodiment are fitted. Note that, in Figure 23A and Figure 23B , Figure 23A is the first perspective view, and Figure 23B is the second perspective view; in Figure 24A and Figure 24B , Figure 24A is the third perspective view, and Figure 24B is the fourth perspective view; and in Figure 25A and Figure 25B , Figure 25A is the plan view, and Figure 25B is a sectional view along the line C-C of Figure 25A .

[0190] As with the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the connector 10 is a plug connector, is one of a pair of wire-to-board connectors, is a board connector, and is a connector having a plurality of terminals 61. However, while in the connector 10 of the first embodiment, the plurality of terminals 61 are arranged in one column in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10, in the present embodiment, the plurality of terminals 61 are arranged in a plurality of columns (two columns in the example shown in the drawing) in the width direction of the connector 10. Note that the number of terminals 61 is also six for each column.

[0191] Further, as with the first embodiment, the mating connector 101 is a receptacle connector, is the other of the pair of wire-to-board connectors, is a wire connector, and is a connector connected to the terminal of a cable having a plurality of wires 191. However, in the mating connector 101 of the first embodiment, the plurality of mating terminals 161 and the wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 are arranged in one column in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mating connector 101, but in the present embodiment, the plurality of mating terminals 161 and the wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 are arranged in a plurality of columns (two columns in the example shown in the drawing) in the width direction of the mating connector 101. Note that the number of mating terminals 161 and the wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 is also six for each column.

[0192] Further, the connector 10 is a board connector, and can be a so-called right-angle type connector or a straight type connector. Although the connector 10 is described as a right-angle type connector in the first embodiment, the connector 10 is described as a straight type connector in the present embodiment for convenience of explanation.

[0193] In the present embodiment, the housing 11 of the connector 10 is a hollow box-shaped member having a generally flat overall shape, and includes a lower wall portion 14 that is a flat plate extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10, an upper wall portion 15 that is generally parallel to the lower wall portion 14, and a pair of side wall portions 16 extending in the up-down direction and connecting the lower wall portion 14 and the upper wall portion 15. The inside of the housing 11 of the connector 10 forms a housing recess 13 surrounded by the lower wall portion 14, the upper wall portion 15, and the two side wall portions 16. The housing recess 13 is open at the front surface side (X-axis positive direction side) and is generally closed at the rear side (X-axis negative direction side) by a rear wall portion 17 of the housing 11 that serves as the bottom of the housing recess 13.

[0194] Further, the lower wall portion 14 and the upper wall portion 15 each form a single flat plate extending over the entire housing 11. Note that a convex locking member 21 is formed at the inner side of the upper wall portion 15 at the opening front surface 13f. Further, a plate-shaped partition plate 15d that protrudes toward the lower wall portion 14 and extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed at the inner side of the upper wall portion 15 near both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The partition plate 15d divides the housing recess 13 into a body recess 13a and a side recess 13b.

[0195] Further, the rear surface 11r of the housing 11 is provided with respective terminal housing holes 12a into which the terminals 61 are inserted and housed. Each terminal housing hole 12a is formed as a through hole that penetrates the rear wall portion 17 in the plate thickness direction and houses and holds the body portion 65 of each terminal 61. In the example shown in the drawing, a total of twelve terminal housing holes 12a are arranged in two rows in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector 10.

[0196] Further, a plate-shaped partition wall 18 that extends toward the opening front surface 13f (in the X-axis positive direction) and in the width direction (in the Y-axis direction) is formed on the inner side of the rear wall portion 17. The partition wall 18 bisects the housing recess 13 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and the upper side portion and the lower side portion correspond to the rows of respective terminal housing holes 12a. Further, the contact portions 63 of the terminals 61 of one row are housed in the respective upper side portions and lower side portions of the housing recess 13. Note that a peak-shaped portion 14b that protrudes upward and a peak-shaped portion 14b that protrudes downward are formed on the upper side and the lower side of the partition wall 18, and the respective contact portions 63 are directly above and directly below the peak-shaped portions 14b in the upper side portion and the lower side portion within the housing recess 13.

[0197] In the present embodiment, the mating connector 101 that mates with the housing 111 includes a housing body 112, a fitting protrusion 114 that protrudes forward (X-axis negative direction) from a front surface 112f of the housing body 112, and a mating locking member 121 that is connected to a fitting body 114a of the fitting protrusion 114. The mating locking member 121 is a swingable movable arm member, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is integrally connected to an upper surface of the fitting protrusion 114 via a link portion 122. The link portion 122 is an elastically deformable member that is connected to a front end (X-axis negative direction end) of the mating locking member 121, thereby allowing the mating locking member 121 to swing with respect to the mating housing 111 with the front end of the mating locking member 121 as a center. In addition, a locking protrusion 121a that protrudes upward (Z-axis positive direction) is formed at a portion that faces a rear end of the mating locking member 121, and the locking protrusion 121a engages with the locking member 21 of the male connector 10, and thereby the fitting state of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 is locked. Note that in the present embodiment, the locking member 21 protrudes toward the inside of the housing recess 13 of the housing 11, and when the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted to each other, the mating locking member 121 is housed in the housing recess 13 together with the fitting body 114a, and the locking protrusion 121a engages with the locking member 21. Figure 25A and Figure 25B

[0198] In addition, the mating terminals 161 that are connected to the terminal ends of the wires 191 are inserted and housed in the terminal housing recesses 113 that are opened in a rear surface 112r of the housing body 112. Each of the terminal housing recesses 113 is formed to penetrate the inside of the mating connector 101 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and houses and holds each of the mating terminals 161. In the example shown in the drawing, a total of twelve terminal housing recesses 113 are arranged in two rows in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mating connector 101.

[0199] In addition, a fitting recess 114e that is opened in the front surface 114f is formed in the fitting body 114a of the fitting protrusion 114, and the wall of the fitting body 114a on the upper side of the fitting recess 114e and the wall of the fitting body 114a on the lower side of the fitting recess 114e each house one row of the terminal housing recesses 113. In addition, a slit-shaped opening 114c that extends in the front-rear direction is formed in the wall of the fitting body 114a at a portion that corresponds to the terminal housing recesses 113. Thereby, each of the terminal housing recesses 113 communicates with the inside of the fitting recess 114e via the opening 114c. In addition, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted to each other, the partition wall 18 of the housing 11 is housed in the fitting recess 114e.

[0200] ​Note that the configuration of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0201] Furthermore, the fitting operation of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment and the configuration and effects of the state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0202] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that, for the portions having the same configuration as those of the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted by giving the same reference numerals thereto. Furthermore, the description of the same operation and effects as those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0203] Figure 26 is a first perspective view showing the state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted; Figure 27 is a second perspective view showing the state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted; Figure 28 is a third perspective view showing the state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted; Figure 29 is a fourth perspective view showing the state before the connector and the mating connector according to the fourth embodiment are fitted; Figure 30A and Figure 30B are first and second perspective views showing the state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted; Figure 31A and Figure 31B are third and fourth perspective views showing the state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted; and Figure 32A and Figure 32B are two views showing the state after the connector and the mating connector of the fourth embodiment are fitted. Note that, in Figure 30A and Figure 30B , Figure 30A is the first perspective view and Figure 30B is the second perspective view; in Figure 31A and Figure 31B , Figure 31A is the third perspective view and Figure 31B is the fourth perspective view; and in Figure 32A and Figure 32B , Figure 32A is a plan view, and Figure 32B is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of Figure 32A .

[0204] In the present embodiment, the connector 10 is a board connector, which can be a so-called right-angle type connector or a straight type connector, although in the third embodiment, the connector 10 is explained as a straight type connector, in the present embodiment, the connector 10 is explained as a right-angle type connector for the sake of explanation.

[0205] Further, as in the third embodiment, the connector 10 is a plug connector having a plurality of terminals 61 arranged in a plurality of rows (two rows in the example shown in the drawing) in the width direction of the connector 10. Note that the number of terminals 61 is also six for each row.

[0206] Further, in the mating connector 101, which is a receptacle connector, as in the third embodiment, a plurality of mating terminals 161 and wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 are arranged in a plurality of rows (two rows in the example shown in the drawing) in the width direction of the connector 101. Note that the number of mating terminals 161 and wires 191 connected to the mating terminals 161 is also six for each row.

[0207] Note that the configuration of the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first to third embodiments described above, and thus the explanation thereof is omitted.

[0208] Further, the operation in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 of the present embodiment are fitted, and the configuration and effects of the state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 101 are fitted are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, and thus the explanation thereof is omitted.

[0209] Further, the disclosure herein describes features relating to example embodiments of which are suitable. Those skilled in the art will naturally think of various other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended patent claims upon reading the disclosure herein.

[0210] Industrial Applicability

[0211] The present disclosure is applicable to connectors and connector pairs.

Claims

1. A connector, The connector comprises: a housing including a receiving recess for receiving a mating connector; a terminal attached to the housing; and a metal fitting attached to the housing for fixing the housing to a substrate; characterized in that the metal fitting includes a body portion fixed to the housing, a first L-shaped portion of which at least a part is exposed outside the housing in the vicinity of a front surface of an opening of the receiving recess, and a second L-shaped portion exposed in the front surface of the opening of the receiving recess; the first L-shaped portion and the second L-shaped portion include surfaces facing each other across a wall of the housing; and the body portion is flat, a rim portion of the body portion on the side of the second L-shaped portion includes a convex portion engaged with the housing, and a rim portion of the body portion on the side of the first L-shaped portion includes a convex portion slidable on the housing.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the body portion includes a first rim portion visible from a through hole of a bottom portion of the receiving recess.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the first rim portion protrudes from the bottom portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a slit at the front surface of the opening on the side of the first L-shaped portion of the metal fitting; and an arm portion connecting the first L-shaped portion to the body portion is located in the slit.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that a rim portion of the body portion facing the mating connector has a broken surface of metal on the side of the first L-shaped portion, the broken surface being formed on the arm portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that one metal fitting is attached to each side of the housing, the housing has a convex locking member engaged with the mating connector, and the locking member is located between the second L-shaped portions of the metal fittings on both sides.

7. Connector pair, characterized in that A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a mating connector fitted to the connector.

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