Electric connector

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric connector, which is combined with a mating connector and is provided with a shell, a signal terminal, a fitting terminal and a power supply terminal. The fitting terminal is provided with a first covering part, a second covering part and a third covering part. Each power supply terminal is provided with a mounting part, a bending part, a connecting part and a pair of movable contact parts in sequence from the outer side to the inner side in the length direction of the electric connector. And the bending part is positioned on the lower side of the second covering part, and is overlapped and positioned with the second covering part in the height direction of the electric connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to an electric connector. More specifically, the utility model relates to the structure of a metal fitting terminal and a power terminal of an electric connector (plug connector or receptacle connector (socket connector)). BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in the case of connecting substrates to each other, two connectors connected to each substrate by a method such as soldering are used, and the two connectors can be connected to each other. Here, one of the two connectors is a plug connector, and the other is a socket connector. The socket connector can also be referred to as a receptacle connector. Such a plug connector and a socket connector can be formed by arranging terminals in a mold portion. The plug connector and the socket connector can be fastened to each other to form an electric connector assembly.

[0003] With the trend of miniaturization of electronic machines, miniaturization and low-profile of connectors is a trend. However, there is a certain degree of limitation in actually reducing the pitch or making the parts smaller to miniaturize and low-profile the connector.

[0004] On the other hand, while the connector is miniaturized, it is also difficult to ensure the durability of the connector compared to before. The reason is that since the parts are small, even a smaller force than before can easily break or deform them.

[0005] In addition, as one of the deformations, during the joining between the connectors or in the state of having been joined, if the terminal of the metal material always maintains a certain shape, plastic deformation can occur. The so-called plastic deformation, as the opposite concept of elastic deformation, means that even if the load applied to the material is removed, the material does not return to its original shape but remains deformed. The reason for this is that all materials generally have elasticity, but when stress occurs, the shape is deformed. For the terminals of the connectors that are gradually miniaturized, there is also a need to prevent such plastic deformation.

[0006] Furthermore, there are cases where a resin mold (housing) of the connector is made by insert molding, in which case whether the housing is properly molded is determined depending on how the resin flows, so there is also a need to improve the flowability of the resin.

[0007] In addition, generally when the terminal is made of a metal material, depending on the manufacturing method (for example, whether a deep drawing method is used), there are restrictions on the structure of the terminal itself and the resin mold, so there is also a need to consider this.

[0008] In addition, in insert molding and the like, there is a need to consider the problem of covering a metal material with a resin injection molded product. SUMMARY

[0009] [PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a movable structure that is sufficiently rigid and movable.

[0011] Another problem to be solved by the present application is to prevent lead from burning. In particular, the problem of preventing lead from burning in relation to the movable structure.

[0012] Another problem to be solved by the present application is to solve the above problems without interference with other components (power terminals of a mating connector, etc.), or even if there is some interference, the bonding force does not decrease.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art according to the following description.

[0014] [TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS]

[0015] According to the present application, an electrical connector is provided, which is an electrical connector combined with a mating connector, comprising:

[0016] a housing including a base portion, a first wall portion protruding from an upper surface of the base portion, a second wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion, a third wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, intersecting the second wall portion, and opposite to the first wall portion, and a fourth wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, intersecting the first wall portion and the third wall portion, and opposite to the second wall portion;

[0017] a metal fitting terminal disposed in the housing and arranged across the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion;

[0018] a signal terminal disposed in at least the first wall portion of the housing and arranged in a length direction of the electrical connector; and

[0019] a power terminal disposed in the base portion of the housing,

[0020] the metal fitting terminal has a first covering portion, a second covering portion, and a third covering portion that cover at least upper sides of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion, respectively,

[0021] The power terminal has, in order from the outside to the inside in the length direction of the electrical connector, a mounting portion, a bent portion, a connecting portion, a pair of movable contact portions,

[0022] The bent portion is positioned on the lower side of the second cover portion and overlaps the second cover portion in the height direction of the electrical connector.

[0023] Preferably, the first cover portion, the second cover portion, and the third cover portion are connected to each other, and the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion are continuously connected without being cut by deep drawing processing.

[0024] Preferably, the second cover portion has a pair of end side mounting portions, and the power mounting portion of the power terminal is positioned between the pair of end side mounting portions.

[0025] Preferably, the bent portion of the power terminal is embedded and positioned in the second wall portion.

[0026] Preferably, there is a groove on the inside of the second wall portion at the bent portion.

[0027] Preferably, the inside end of the second cover portion in the length direction of the electrical connector coincides with the inside end of the bent portion in the length direction of the electrical connector.

[0028] [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present application, the movement of solder paste (lead, etc.) from the power mounting portion 10-2-M to the movable contact portion 10-2-T through the connecting portion 10-2-R (i.e., lead combustion) is prevented.

[0030] In Figure 3 , the structure A is represented by a circle at the bent portion 10-2-C and the groove 10-5-G1, and this structure prevents lead combustion.

[0031] When the metal fitting 10-1 and the power supply terminal 10-2 are made into separate parts, for example, it becomes easy to make the metal fitting (metal fitting) 10-1 into a deep drawing structure and the power supply terminal 10-2 into a movable terminal structure. That is, since it is somewhat difficult to make a part having a movable structure (movable contact portion 10-2-T or the like) in one shot by deep drawing, it has the advantage that a drawing structure is applied for the purpose of enhancing the strength of the metal fitting 10-1, and at the same time, a movable structure that can maintain a stable contact of the power supply terminal 10-2 is applied. That is, while the power supply structure (power supply terminal 10-2 and / or metal fitting 10-1) is provided with sufficient rigidity, a movable structure (movable contact portion 10-2-T of the power supply terminal 10-2) having good movability can be obtained. However, in this case, the problem of lead combustion occurring in the power supply terminal 10-2 and the possibility of restriction occurring when the movable contact portion 10-2-T is actuated can be solved by Figure 3 the structure A (bent portion 10-2-C and groove 10-5-G1) of the present embodiment.

[0032] The inner side end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 (in the length direction of the connector 10) coincides with the inner side end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C (in the length direction of the connector 10). In other words, it can also be said that the inner side end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 reaches the inner side end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C when it is vertically descended. With this kind of structure, the inner side end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2, the inner side end 10-5-W2E of the second wall portion 10-5-W2 (in the length direction of the connector 10), and the inner side end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C can be aligned with each other, thereby facilitating the relative position setting of the metal fitting 10-1 and the power supply terminal 10-2 (as parts separated from each other), and at the same time having the advantage of the inner side end 10-5-W2E of the second wall portion 10-5-W2 being made into a vertical wall, thereby also having an advantage in the integrity of the shape of the connector 10 (easiness of fitting with a counterpart connector (not shown), and the like).

[0033] In the illustration of the present embodiment, Figure 3 the inner side end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 (in the length direction of the connector 10) coincides with the inner side end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C (in the length direction of the connector 10), thereby matching in a so-called 1:1,

[0034] In the illustration of the present embodiment, Figure 3The width of the middle bent portion 10-2-C becomes narrower so that the inner end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C is on the more left side, and thus it becomes difficult to make the power terminal 10-2 (to bend the bent portion 10-2-C so narrow) because the bent portion 10-2-C should be folded in a very narrow space, and in addition, the space for securing the groove 10-5-G1 is reduced,

[0035] On the contrary, assuming that in Figure 3 The width of the middle bent portion 10-2-C becomes wider so that the inner end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C is on the more right side, and thus although the space for folding the bent portion 10-2-C is secured, the following problems can occur: when coming into contact with the power terminal of the jack connector (not shown) as a counterpart connector, the inner end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C is undesirably bumped so that the bonding force is reduced, or in order not to be bumped, the shape of the power terminal of the jack connector (not shown) as a counterpart connector is made complicated so that the bonding force is reduced, and the like.

[0036] On the other hand, in the present application, in order to prevent lead combustion, the bent portion 10-2-C and the groove 10-5-G1 therebelow are applied in the structure A, and thus even in the case of lead (an example of solder paste) combustion, the lead is stored in the groove 10-5-G1.

[0037] That is, even if lead combustion occurs as shown by the arrow D, the solder paste does not move to the other side (for example, the direction in which the movable contact portion 10-2-T is present) along the power terminal 10-2, but is blocked by the groove 10-5-G1, and thus even if the movement as shown by the arrow D occurs, additional movement as shown by the arrow E cannot occur thereafter. Therefore, the structure A has the effect of preventing lead combustion.

[0038] Further, since the movable portion, that is, the movable contact portion 10-2-T, which other components (the fitting 10-1, the signal terminal 10-3, and the like) do not have, is prevented from having lead combustion (that is, lead combustion can also reach the movable contact portion 10-2-T), the effect of preventing lead combustion is better. In other words, it can be seen that the effect of preventing lead combustion of the movable component (that is, the movable contact portion 10-2-T) is better than that of preventing lead combustion of the non-movable component.

[0039] However, the above content is an example of the effect, and the effect brought about by the configuration of the present application is of course not limited thereto.

[0040] The effect of the present application is not limited by the above example, and various effects are included in the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug connector 10 which is an example of the electric connector according to the present application.

[0042] Figure 2a is a view of the plug connector 10 as viewed from the upper surface. Figure 1

[0043] Figure 2b is Figure 1 , Figure 2a is a lower surface view of the plug connector 10.

[0044] Figure 3 is a cut surface along the AA' cutting line of the plug connector 10 shown as a perspective view. Figure 2a

[0045] Figure 4 is the same as Figure 3 but is used to describe the action of the structure A in more detail. Figure 3

[0046] Figure 5 is a view of a comparative example compared with Figure 4 (an example of the present application).

[0047] Figure 6 is a cut surface along the BB' cutting line of the plug connector 10 shown as a perspective view. Figure 2a

[0048] Figure 7 is a cut surface along the CC' cutting line of the plug connector 10. Figure 2a Explanation of Reference Signs

[0049]

[0050] 10: (plug) connector

[0051] 10-1: metal fitting terminal (metal fitting)

[0052] 10-1-C1: first cover portion

[0053] 10-1-C2: second cover portion

[0054] 10-1-C2E: inner side end of the connector 10 in the length direction (of the second cover portion 10-1-C2)

[0055] 10-1-C3: third cover portion

[0056] 10-1-M1: mounting portion (of the first cover portion) to a substrate (not shown)

[0057] 10-1-M2: second mounting portion (side surface mounting portion) (of the second cover portion) to a substrate (not shown)

[0058] ​​​​​10-1-M3: third mounting portion (of the third cover portion) to a substrate (not shown)

[0059] 10-2: power supply terminal (movable terminal)

[0060] 10-2-C: bent portion

[0061] 10-2-CE: inner end in the connector 10 length direction (of the bent portion 10-2-C)

[0062] 10-2-M: power supply mounting portion

[0063] 10-2-M': mounting portion of the power supply terminal of the comparative example

[0064] 10-2-R: connecting portion

[0065] 10-2-R': connecting portion of the power supply terminal of the comparative example

[0066] 10-2-T: movable contact portion

[0067] 10-2-T': movable contact portion of the power supply terminal of the comparative example

[0068] 10-3: signal terminal

[0069] 10-31: signal terminal (one of the signal terminals 10-3)

[0070] 10-32: signal terminal (one of the signal terminals 10-3)

[0071] 10-3-M1: mounting portion (of the signal terminal 10-3) to a substrate (not shown)

[0072] 10-3-M2: inner portion

[0073] 10-5: housing (mold portion)

[0074] 10-5-B: base portion

[0075] 10-5-G1, 10-5-G2: groove

[0076] 10-5-W1: first wall portion

[0077] 10-5-W2: second wall portion

[0078] 10-5-W2E: inner end in the connector 10 length direction (of the second wall portion 10-5-W2)

[0079] 10-5-W3: third wall portion

[0080] 10-5-W4: fourth wall portion

[0081] D, E, F, G: arrow DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The advantages and features of the present application, and the method of achieving the advantages and features will become apparent from the embodiments to be described in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the embodiments to be disclosed below, but is realized in various modes different from each other, and the present embodiments are provided only for the purpose of making the disclosure of the present application complete and conveying the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge, and the present application is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0083] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug connector 10 as an example of an electric connector according to the present application.

[0084] In the present specification, the so-called electric connector can use the term of a plug connector 10 as appropriate, can use the term of a jack connector (not shown) (also called a "socket connector") as appropriate, and can use the term of both the plug connector 10 and the jack connector (not shown) (or an assembly thereof) as appropriate.

[0085] In Figure 1 , as an example, a metal fitting 10-1 (also called a fitting terminal), a power terminal 10-2 (movable terminal), a signal terminal 10-3, and a housing (10-5; mold part) of the plug connector 10 are shown.

[0086] The metal fitting 10-1 is a metal structure to supplement the strength of the connector 10. The power terminal 10-2 can input and output a power signal. The signal terminal 10-3 can input and output a data signal.

[0087] In Figure 1 , the metal fitting 10-1 and the power terminal 10-2 are made separately and do not directly contact each other. However, it is not necessarily limited to flowing the power current only at the power terminal 10-2, and depending on the structure of the counterpart connector (jack connector (not shown)), as long as the power terminal of the jack connector (not shown) is a structure that contacts both the metal fitting 10-1 and the power terminal 10-2 of the plug connector 10, the power current flows not only at the power terminal 10-2 but also at the metal fitting 10-1 and the power terminal 10-2 when the plug connector 10 and the jack connector (not shown) are fitted. Of course, as described above, this depends on the structure of the jack connector (not shown).

[0088] Further, for example, the signal terminal 10-3 can also be composed of four pins (PIN) that allow a current of 0.3 A, and can be a terminal that allows a current of more than 0.3 A, for example, 5 A, to function as a power terminal. However, the number of pins is four as an example. As a reference, in the example of FIG. 10, the number of signal terminals 10-3 is 10 (two kinds of signal terminals 10-31, 10-32 are mixed in size and / or shape). Figure 1

[0089] The housing 10-5 has a base portion 10-5-B. The housing 10-5 has a wall portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the base portion 10-5-B, and the fitting 10-1, the power terminal 10-2, the signal terminal 10-3, and the like are formed in the wall portion.

[0090] The wall portion is generally formed of four portions, including a first wall portion 10-5-W1, a second wall portion 10-5-W2, a third wall portion 10-5-W3, and a fourth wall portion 10-5-W4. As shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the connection is in the order of the first wall portion 10-5-W1-the second wall portion 10-5-W2-the third wall portion 10-5-W3-the fourth wall portion 10-5-W4, and the fourth wall portion 10-5-W4 is connected again to the first wall portion 10-5-W1. In the example of FIG. 10, the connector 10 is roughly rectangular, the first wall portion 10-5-W1 and the third wall portion 10-5-W3 are side walls, and the second wall portion 10-5-W2 and the fourth wall portion 10-5-W4 are end walls. Figure 1 Figure 1

[0091] The housing (10-5; mold portion) of the plug connector 10 is preferably a plastic material, for example, can be a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Further, the housing 10-5 can be formed of an insulator including a resin and an epoxy resin, but is not limited thereto. The power terminal 10-1, the signal terminal 10-3 of the plug connector 10 are preferably a metal material, although not limited thereto, but can be, for example, copper, and a copper alloy can be gold-plated (nickel underlayer).

[0092] It can be observed that the signal terminal 10-3 is mixed with two kinds 10-31, 10-32. Also, it can be seen that the signal terminal 10-3 is arranged in the first wall portion 10-5-W1 and the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0093] On the other hand, the fitting 10-1 (fitting terminal) is described in more detail,

[0094] In general, the fitting 10-1 includes:

[0095] a first cover portion 10-1-C1 that covers the upper side (and the outer side) of the first wall portion 10-5-W1;

[0096] ​​​The second covering portion 10-1-C2 covers the upper side (and the outer side) of the second wall portion 10-5-W2.

[0097] The third covering portion 10-1-C3 covers the upper side (and the outer side) of the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0098] Figure 2a is a view of the plug connector 10 as viewed from the upper surface. Figure 1

[0099] As shown by the illustration of Figure 1 the explanation, Figure 2a The plug connector 10 has a metal fitting 10-1 (metal fitting terminal), a power supply terminal 10-2, a signal terminal 10-3, and a housing 10-5 (mold portion).

[0100] Although it is difficult to clearly understand from the illustration of Figure 1 or Figure 2a only, the metal fitting 10-1 is separated from the power supply terminal 10-2 and is not directly in contact with each other.

[0101] However, as described above, it is not necessarily limited to flowing the power supply current at the power supply terminal 10-2 only, and depending on the structure of the counterpart connector (the jack connector (not shown)), it is also possible to actuate when the power supply terminal of the jack connector (not shown) comes into contact with (is fitted into) the metal fitting 10-1 and the power supply terminal 10-2 of the plug connector 10 (at the time of fitting), and to flow the power supply current at the power supply terminal 10-2 and at the metal fitting 10-1 and the power supply terminal 10-2. Of course, this is a matter that can be changed depending on the structure of the counterpart connector (not shown).

[0102] On the other hand, Figure 2a is a view of the plug connector 10 as viewed from the upper surface.

[0103] In Figure 3 , the cut surface along the AA' cutting line of the plug connector 10 is described, Figure 2a In

[0104] , the cut surface along the BB' cutting line of the plug connector 10 is described, Figure 6 Figure 2a In , the cut surface along the CC' cutting line of the plug connector 10 is described.

[0105] Figure 7 Figure 2a

[0106] Figure 2b is a view of the lower surface of the plug connector 10. Figure 1 Figure 2a

[0107] As Figure 2b ​​​​​​When the plug connector 10 is viewed from below, outside the housing 10-5, a plurality of mounting portions (portions to be mounted to a substrate not shown by, for example, surface mounting technology (SMT)) can be confirmed.

[0108] It can be confirmed that the first cover portion 10-1-C1 of the metal fitting 10-1 has a mounting portion 10-1-M1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2 has two mounting portions 10-1-M2 (side surface mounting portions), and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 has a mounting portion 10-1-M3.

[0109] In addition, each signal terminal 10-3 also has a mounting portion 10-3-M1 outside in the connector 10 width direction. On the other hand, the inside portion 10-3-M2 in the connector 10 width direction of the signal terminal 10-3 can also be used as a mounting portion as necessary. That is, in Figure 2b , the symbol 10-3-M1 must be mounted, and the symbol 10-3-M2 can be mounted to the substrate as necessary or can not be mounted.

[0110] Furthermore, in Figure 2b , it can be confirmed that the mounting portion 10-2-M of the power supply terminal 10-2. Figure 2b The mounting portion 10-2-M of Figure 2b is a portion to be mounted to a substrate (not shown), and in addition to the mounting portion 10-2-M, it is not excluded that the lower surface of the adjacent connecting portion 10-2-R (the bottom of the power supply terminal 10-2 seen in Figure 3 ) is used as a mounting portion, but it is preferable that it not be used as a mounting portion as much as possible. The reason will be described in detail below, and the reason is that a feature of the present application is to configure the bent portion 10-2-C and the groove 10-5-G1 in order to prevent the case where solder paste (lead, etc.) moves from the power supply mounting portion 10-2-M to the movable contact portion 10-2-T through the connecting portion 10-2-R (i.e., lead combustion), but if the connecting portion 10-2-R (and / or the adjacent exposed portion thereof) is used as a mounting portion, the meaning of the structure in which the bent portion 10-2-C and the groove 10-5-G1 are configured is halved.

[0111] Figure 3 A cutting surface along the AA' cutting line of Figure 2a is shown as a perspective view.

[0112] The following cases regarding the metal fitting 10-1 are described in association with Figure 1 :

[0113] The first cover portion 10-1-C1 covers the upper side of the first wall portion 10-5-W1;

[0114] The second cover portion 10-1-C2 covers the upper side of the second wall portion 10-5-W2.

[0115] The third cover portion 10-1-C3 covers the upper side of the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0116] Due to the cutting, Figure 3 It can be seen that, although the third cover portion 10-1-C3 is not shown, the first cover portion 10-1-C1 covering the upper side of the first wall portion 10-5-W1 and the second cover portion 10-1-C2 covering the upper side of the second wall portion 10-5-W2 are shown.

[0117] Furthermore, the structure of the power supply terminal 10-2 can be grasped from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10. Figure 3

[0118] The power supply terminal 10-2 extends from the left to the right of FIG. 10 and has a mounting portion 10-2-M, a bent portion 10-2-C, a connecting portion 10-2-R, and a movable contact portion 10-2-T. Figure 3

[0119] The mounting portion 10-2-M is a portion that is connected and fixed to a substrate (not shown) on which the connector 10 is mounted by soldering or the like.

[0120] The bent portion 10-2-C is a portion in which a part of the power supply terminal 10-2 is bent upwardly so as to include a groove 10-5-G1 in the lower portion thereof.

[0121] Furthermore, the connecting portion 10-2-R is connected to a pair of movable contact portions 10-2-T. In Figure 3 Only one movable contact portion 10-2-T is shown in FIG. 10, but this is because it is a cutting surface, and it can be understood that there is an opposite movable contact portion 10-2-T with respect to the movable contact portion 10-2-T shown in Figure 3

[0122] In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, the bent portion 10-2-C of the power supply terminal 10-2 is positioned on the lower side of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 of the metal fitting 10-1 and is positioned opposite (overlapping) each other in the vertical direction (height direction Z direction). Figure 3

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting portion 10-2-R of the power supply terminal 10-2 is positioned on the lower side of the third cover portion 10-1-C3 of the metal fitting 10-1 and is positioned opposite (overlapping) each other in the vertical direction (height direction Z direction). Figures 1 to 3 ​​​​As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3. Figure 1 Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3. Figure 4

[0127] As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 10, the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3 are connected to each other. The connecting portions (connecting portions of the first cover portion 10-1-C1, the second cover portion 10-1-C2, and the third cover portion 10-1-C3) are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing of the outer side edges or the inner side edges of the first wall portion 10-5-W1, the second wall portion 10-5-W2, and the third wall portion 10-5-W3. Figure 3 ​​Structure A (bent portion 10-2-C and groove 10-5-G1) addresses the problem of lead combustion occurring in the power terminal 10-2 and potential constraint during operation of the movable contact 10-2-T. Figure 4 The lieutenant general will elaborate on this in detail.

[0129] Furthermore, the inner end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 (in the length direction of the connector 10) and the inner end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C (in the length direction of the connector 10) are aligned in the length direction of the connector 10. In other words, being aligned in the length direction of the connector 10 can also be described as the inner end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 and the inner end 10-2-CE of the bent portion 10-2-C overlapping at the same position in the length direction of the connector 10 when viewed from above.

[0130] In other words, it can be said that the inner end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 descends vertically to the inner end 10-2-CE of the bend portion 10-2-C. With this structure, the inner end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2, the inner end 10-5-W2E of the second wall portion 10-5-W2 (in the length direction of the connector 10), and the inner end 10-2-CE of the bend portion 10-2-C can be aligned with each other, which is beneficial for setting the relative position of the fitting 10-1 and the power terminal 10-2 (as separate components). While having this alignment advantage, the inner end 10-5-W2E of the second wall portion 10-5-W2 can be made into a vertical wall, which also has advantages in terms of the integrity of the shape of the connector 10 (ease of fitting with the mating connector (not shown)).

[0131] Additional explanation is provided regarding this alignment. Figure 3 In the diagram, the "inner end 10-1-C2E of the second cover portion 10-1-C2 in the length direction of the connector 10" and the "inner end 10-2-CE of the bend portion 10-2-C in the length direction of the connector 10" are aligned in the length direction of the connector 10, thus achieving a so-called 1:1 match.

[0132] Assuming in Figure 3 The width of the bend 10-2-C becomes narrower, causing the inner end 10-2-CE of the bend 10-2-C to be further to the left. Since the bend 10-2-C must be folded within a very narrow space, manufacturing the power terminal 10-2 (by making the bend 10-2-C so narrow) becomes difficult, especially in areas where miniaturization of connectors is important. Furthermore, this also reduces the space available for the recess 10-5-G1.

[0133] Conversely, assuming in Figure 3 If the width of the middle bend 10-2-C becomes wider, and the inner end 10-2-CE of the bend 10-2-C is located further to the right, although space for the folded bend 10-2-C is ensured, the following problems may occur: when connected to the power terminal of the jack connector (not shown) which is the mating connector, the inner end 10-2-CE of the bend 10-2-C may be undesirably touched, thereby reducing the bonding force; or the shape of the power terminal of the jack connector (not shown) which is the mating connector may be made complicated in order to avoid being touched, thereby reducing the bonding force, etc.

[0134] However, this utility model adopts the so-called 1:1 structure mentioned above, so there is no interference with other components (such as the power terminals of the jack connector (not shown) that serve as the mating connector), or even if there is some interference, the bonding force will not decrease.

[0135] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 Same but used for Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the action of structure A in more detail.

[0136] exist Figure 4 Lieutenant General Figure 3 The part of “Structure A” represented by circles is observed in detail.

[0137] In the corresponding portion, there is a bend 10-2-C and a groove 10-5-G1. The groove 10-5-G1 is preferably as follows: Figure 4 It is shown to be connected to the bend 10-2-C, but is not limited to this, and may also be located below the bend 10-2-C without being connected to the bend 10-2-C.

[0138] exist Figure 4 In the middle, with the hardware 10-1, power terminal 10-2 and signal terminal 10-3 fixed in a mold (not shown), the housing 10-5 is made by filling the mold material.

[0139] Subsequently, the mounting portion 10-2-M of the power terminal 10-2, the mounting portion 10-1-M2 of the fitting 10-1, and the mounting portion of the signal terminal 10-3 ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) is used for surface mounting.

[0140] Surface Mount Technology (SMT) refers to a technique of printing solder paste (lead, etc.) on a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) and mounting a chip component (for example, the connector 10 of the present application) thereon using reflow, thereby performing the joining between the PCB substrate (not shown) and the lead component.

[0141] In surface mounting the mounting portion 10-2-M of the power supply terminal 10-2, the mounting portion 10-1-M2 of the lug 10-1, and the mounting portion 10-3-M of the signal terminal 10-3 (not shown in the drawing), particularly, the mounting portion 10-2-M of the power supply terminal 10-2 will be described in detail. As a result of the process of an excessive amount of solder paste, a long time, or a high temperature, which are not preferable in terms of technology, there is a case where the solder paste near the mounting portion 10-2-M moves to another portion (for example, the movable contact portion 10-2-T) connected to the mounting portion 10-2-M, and this is referred to as "lead burning". Figure 4

[0142] In the present application, in order to prevent such lead burning, in the structure A, the bent portion 10-2-C and the groove 10-5-G1 below it are used, so that even in the case of lead burning (an example of solder paste), the lead is stored in the groove 10-5-G1.

[0143] That is, even if lead burning occurs as shown by the arrow D, the solder paste does not move to the other side (for example, the direction in which the movable contact portion 10-2-T is located) along the power supply terminal 10-2, but is blocked by the groove 10-5-G1, so that even if the movement as shown by the arrow D occurs, the additional movement as shown by the arrow E cannot occur thereafter.

[0144] Therefore, the structure A has the effect of preventing lead burning.

[0145] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a comparative example compared with Figure 4 (an example of the present application).

[0146] Figure 5 shows that the mounting portion 10-2-M' (without a bent portion or a groove) is directly connected to the connecting portion 10-2-R' and then to the movable contact portion 10-2-T' without having the structure A appearing in Figure 3 , Figure 4 of the present application.

[0147] In such a case Figure 5 ​In the structure of the comparative example, when the mounting portion 10-2-M' surface is mounted to a substrate (PCB substrate, etc. not shown) using solder paste (lead, etc.), as a result of the main factor of process being not preferable due to an excessive amount of solder paste or a long time or a high temperature, etc., the solder paste (lead, etc.) near the mounting portion 10-2-M' can move along the arrow F to the connecting portion 10-2-R' (lead combustion), and then move along the arrow G to the movable contact portion 10-2-T' (lead combustion) indicated by the circle.

[0148] That is, as shown in the comparative example, when the lead combustion occurs and the solder paste (lead, etc.) moves to the movable contact portion 10-2-T', there is a concern that the movable contact portion 10-2-T' does not have the elasticity of the original material, and the elasticity (movable force) caused by the lead combustion is reduced and does not move as designed. When the rigidity is higher than the case of the design, there are problems that the fitting (insertion) between the connectors becomes difficult, or the coupling between the connectors that are disengaged becomes difficult, etc. when exceeding a certain limit. In particular, when the size of the connector 10 is very small, the size and thickness of the power terminal 10-2 are also small, and the difference in the movable force of the movable contact portion 10-2-T' due to the presence or absence of lead combustion cannot be ignored.

[0149] Therefore, the present application does not adopt the structure shown in the comparative example of Figure 5 , and has at least the technical meaning as described above in the structure A of Figure 4 .

[0150] Figure 6 The cutting surface along the BB' cutting line of Figure 2a is shown as a perspective view.

[0151] Figure 6 The cutting surface shown in the comparative example is a cutting surface in the width direction of the connector 10.

[0152] Most of the cutting surface occupies the second wall portion 10-5-W2 which is a part of the housing 105, and in the upper portion, a part of the cutting surface connected by the first cover portion 10-1-C1-the second cover portion 10-1-C2-the third cover portion 10-1-C3 is shown, in the middle, a part of the cross section of the substantially apex portion of the bending portion 10-2-C is shown, and below it, one groove 10-5-G1 and two grooves 10-5-G2 are shown.

[0153] The grooves 10-5-G2 on the left and right sides can of course also function to prevent lead combustion, but the central groove 10-5-G1 has the following structure: in Figure 2b , assuming that the power mounting portion 10-2-M and the connecting portion 10-2-R (without the bending portion 10-2-C) are exposed in a straight line on the lower surface and connected (i.e., assuming that the structure is as shown inFigure 5 Comparative examples of general modifications Figure 2b (See the lower surface diagram). The lead can move very easily along the straight lower surface to the movable contact 10-2-T.

[0154] Conversely, the grooves 10-5-G2 on the left and right sides adjacent to the end mounting portions 10-1-M2 also serve to prevent lead combustion. However, since a portion of this structure must be embedded in the second wall portion 10-5-W2, it is similar to... Figure 5 Compared to the case shown (without the bend 10-2-C), where the components are exposed and connected in a straight line on the lower surface, the degree of lead combustion is reduced from the source. Furthermore, since the fitting 10-1, including the end-side mounting portion 10-1-M2, does not have a movable portion, the degree of performance degradation is reduced even if lead combustion occurs.

[0155] However, in the case of power terminal 10-2, it is as follows: Figure 5 In a comparative example (without the bend 10-2-C), it is natural for the lower surface to be exposed in a straight line. However, this invention avoids this by including the bend 10-2-C, even if it results in a slight increase in manufacturing complexity. Figure 5 The structure incorporates a recess 10-5-G1 to store lead while embedding a portion of the power terminal 10-2, which could otherwise be omitted from the second wall portion 10-5-W2, thereby preventing lead combustion. Furthermore, since it prevents lead combustion from occurring in movable parts (i.e., movable contact portions 10-2-T, which are not present in other components such as fittings 10-1 and signal terminals 10-3), the effect of preventing lead combustion is even better. In other words, it can be seen that preventing lead combustion in movable parts (i.e., movable contact portions 10-2-T) is more effective than preventing lead combustion in non-movable parts.

[0156] Figure 7 Show along Figure 2a The cutting surface of the CC' cutting line.

[0157] It can be seen Figure 7 The cutting surface in the middle is independent of Figure 3 The plane of the cut surface, and Figure 3 The cut surface and Figure 7 The cut surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0158] Right now, Figure 3 The cutting surface is the XZ plane passing through the central groove 10-5-G1, and Figure 7 The cutting surface is the XZ plane passing through the grooves 10-5-G2 on the left and right sides.

[0159] like Figure 7As shown in FIG. 6, the left and right side end side mounting portions 10-1-M2 adjacent to the left and right side grooves 10-5-G2 also function to prevent lead burning. However, as described above, since a part has to be buried in the second wall portion 10-5-W2 in this structure, the degree of lead burning is reduced from the source compared to the case where it is exposed in a straight line to the lower surface as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 (where there is no bent portion 10-2-C). Furthermore, since the fitting 10-1 including the end side mounting portion 10-1-M2 does not have a movable portion, even if lead burning occurs, the degree of performance degradation is reduced. Figure 5

[0160] That is, although the power supply terminal 10-2 is easily made to be exposed to the lower surface in the comparative example shown in FIG. 5 without the bent portion 10-2-C, in the present application, the above has been described with respect to the case where the bent portion 10-2-C (and the groove 10-5-G1) is intentionally made to exert a unique effect. Figure 5 Figure 3 Figure 4

[0161] In contrast, since the fitting 10-1 including the side surface mounting portion 10-1-M2 near the groove 10-5-G2 is originally curved as shown in FIG. 6, it is blocked by the second wall portion 10-5-W2 or the like. That is, in the present application, the shape and function of the groove 10-5-G1 near the power supply mounting portion 10-2-M and the groove 10-5-G2 near the side surface mounting portion 10-1-M2 appear to be similar, but the technical meanings are different. This is because the side surface mounting portion 10-1-M2 near the groove 10-5-G2 has to originally have this curved shape (the curved shape from the side surface mounting portion 10-1-M2 to the second cover portion 10-1-C2), but it is natural that the power supply mounting portion 10-2-M near the groove 10-5-G1 originally does not have a curved shape (i.e., the bent portion 10-2-C) and is connected in a straight line or a flat surface (refer to the comparative example shown in FIG. 5), but in order to actively prevent lead burning, the shape is changed to make the buried portion and at the same time make the groove 10-5-G1. Figure 3 Figure 7 Figure 5

[0162] ​​​​​​​Further, as described above, there is also the aspect that the effect of preventing lead burning is better due to the lead burning of the movable contact portion 10-2-T, which other components (the fitting 10-1, the signal terminal 10-3, etc.) do not have, that is, also reaches the movable contact portion 10-2-T. In other words, the "effect of preventing lead burning with respect to non-movable components" of the groove 10-5-G2 and the side surface mounting portion 10-1-M2 is of course excellent, but compared thereto, the "effect of preventing lead burning with respect to movable components, that is, the movable contact portion 10-2-T" of the combination of the structure of the groove 10-5-G1, the power source mounting portion 10-2-M, the bent portion 10-2-C, etc. has a separate unique technical meaning.

[0163] However, this is an example of the effect, and of course is not limited only to the effect brought about by the configuration of the present application.

[0164] Further, for example, the matters described with respect to the plug connector 10 can also be applied to a receptacle connector (not shown) (a socket connector) within the limits that do not contradict in nature.

[0165] The embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the described embodiments, and can be manufactured in various forms different from each other, and can be understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present application pertains that the present application can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential characteristics of the present application. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be merely illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An electrical connector which is a mating connector, characterized by Comprising: a housing including: a base portion; a first wall portion protruding from an upper surface of the base portion; a second wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion and intersecting the first wall portion; a third wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, intersecting the second wall portion, and opposite the first wall portion; and a fourth wall portion protruding from the upper surface of the base portion, intersecting the first wall portion and the third wall portion, and opposite the second wall portion; a metal fitting terminal disposed in the housing and arranged across the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion; a signal terminal disposed in at least the first wall portion of the housing and aligned in a length direction of the electrical connector; and a power terminal disposed in the base portion of the housing, the metal fitting terminal has a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and a third cover portion that cover at least upper sides of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion, respectively, the power terminal has, in order from an outer side to an inner side of the length direction of the electrical connector, a mounting portion, a bent portion, a connecting portion, and a pair of movable contact portions, the bent portion is positioned at a lower side of the second cover portion and is positioned overlapping the second cover portion in a height direction of the electrical connector.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the first cover portion, the second cover portion, and the third cover portion are connected to each other, and outer side edges or inner side edges of the first wall portion, the second wall portion, and the third wall portion are continuously connected without a cut portion by deep drawing processing.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the second cover portion has a pair of end side mounting portions, and a power mounting portion of the power terminal is positioned between the pair of end side mounting portions.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion of the power terminal is positioned embedded in the second wall portion.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a recess is present at an inner side of the bent portion in the second wall portion.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein an inner side end of the second cover portion in the length direction of the electrical connector coincides with an inner side end of the bent portion in the length direction of the electrical connector.

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