Substrate connector

Abstract

To provide a substrate connector capable of improving a position accuracy of a substrate connection part fixed to a circuit board.SOLUTION: A substrate connector 1 comprises: a housing 1a; and a terminal 5. The terminal 5 comprises: a terminal main body 51; a coupling part 52; and a substrate connection part 53. Also, the coupling part 52 comprises a first coupling part 521. The first coupling part 521 comprises a reinforcement part 5211 in which a cross sectional shape cut by a plan surface orthogonal to one direction has a curvature part 7. Then, the reinforcement part 5211 comprises an exposure part 52111 that is formed over an insertion port S1a of an insertion space S1 from an other end 521b of the first coupling part 521 in a state where the terminal 5 is held in the housing 1a. Also, the reinforcement part 5211 comprises an insertion part 52112 inserted into the insertion space S1 connected to the exposure part 52111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a board connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional board connector of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a board connector that is attached to a circuit board.

[0003] This board connector includes a housing having a hood portion that opens forward and a terminal insertion hole formed in the rear wall of the hood portion. The board connector also includes a terminal having a terminal contact portion disposed within the hood portion and an insertion portion that is inserted into the terminal insertion hole. The terminal further includes a lead-out portion that leads rearward from the terminal insertion hole, a descending portion that extends diagonally downward rearward from the rear end of the lead-out portion, and a board connection portion that is formed at the lower end of the descending portion and is connected to the circuit board.

[0004] A first press-fit portion and a second press-fit portion which protrude in directions which intersect with each other are respectively provided in the insertion portion, and the first press-fit portion and the second press-fit portion are pressed into the inner wall of the terminal insertion hole, thereby positioning the terminal and the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-026801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when the terminal is attached to the housing, the lead-out portion, the descending portion, and the board connection portion are exposed to the outside of the housing, and the terminal exposed portion consisting of the lead-out portion, the descending portion, and the board connection portion is formed in a thin, flat plate shape. Therefore, the board connection portion formed at the tip of the terminal exposed portion is easily shaken in the vertical and horizontal directions, and there is a risk that the position of the board connection portion will be displaced by the shaking of the board connection portion in the vertical and horizontal directions. Thus, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a board connector that can improve the positional accuracy of a board connection portion that is fixed to a circuit board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A board connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having an insertion space formed therein that penetrates in one direction, and a terminal that is inserted into the insertion space and held by the housing, the terminal comprising a terminal body that is inserted into the insertion space, a board connection portion that is connected to a circuit board while exposed from the housing, and a connecting portion that connects the terminal body and the board connection portion, the connecting portion comprising a first connecting portion that extends in the one direction and has one end connected to the terminal body and the other end exposed from the housing, a second connecting portion that extends in a direction intersecting the one direction and is connected to the board connection portion, and a third connecting portion that connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connecting portion comprising a reinforcing portion whose cross-sectional shape when cut in a plane perpendicular to the one direction has a bent portion, and the reinforcing portion comprises an exposed portion that is formed from the other end of the first connecting portion to the insertion opening of the insertion space while the terminal is held in the housing, and an insertion portion that is connected to the exposed portion and inserted into the insertion space. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a board connector that can further improve the positional accuracy of a board connection portion that is fixed to a circuit board. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic example of a board connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which an example of a board connector according to an embodiment is mated with an example of a mating connector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention before being inserted into a corresponding housing. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a cross-sectional shape of an example of a terminal according to an embodiment and a shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in a corresponding housing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state before a first modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment is inserted into a corresponding housing. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a first modified example of a terminal according to one embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a second modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a third modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a fourth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a fifth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 11]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a sixth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a seventh modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of an eighth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a ninth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a tenth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of an eleventh modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 17] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a twelfth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 18] 19A to 19C are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a thirteenth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 19] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a fourteenth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. [Figure 20] 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the cross-sectional shape of a fifteenth modified example of a terminal according to an embodiment and the shape of a terminal insertion hole formed in the corresponding housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the board connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0012] In the following description, the direction in which the terminal moves relative to the housing when inserted into the housing is defined as the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction). The direction in which the multiple terminals are arranged side by side when held in the housing is defined as the Y direction (width direction). The circuit board to which the board connector is attached is described with the board connector at the top and the circuit board at the bottom, with the up-down direction of each member defined.

[0013] The board connector will be described with the side facing the mating connector when mated to the mating connector defined as the front side (one side) in the front-rear direction (one direction). The mating connector will be described with the side facing the board connector when mated to the mating connector defined as the front side (one side) in the front-rear direction (one direction).

[0014] In addition, the following embodiments and their modified examples include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0015] The board connector 1 according to this embodiment is attached to an FPC board 2, which is a flexible circuit board, and is configured to be fitted into a mating connector 3 while attached to the FPC board 2. This board connector 1 includes a housing 1a formed with a plurality of insertion spaces penetrating in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction), and terminals that are inserted into the insertion spaces and held by the housing 1a.

[0016] 1, the housing 1a is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. The housing 1a can be formed using, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0017] Further, a plurality of insertion spaces are formed at two locations, upper and lower, of the housing 1a so as to be aligned at a predetermined pitch in the Y direction (width direction). Thus, in this embodiment, the housing 1a is formed with two upper and lower insertion spaces, that is, an upper insertion space S1 located on the upper side of the housing 1a and a lower insertion space S2 located on the lower side of the housing 1a.

[0018] The upper terminal 5 is inserted into the upper insertion space S1 through an upper insertion opening S1a that opens into the rear surface of the housing 1a, and the lower terminal 6 is inserted into the lower insertion space S2 through a lower insertion opening S2a. The front opening of the upper insertion space S1 serves as an upper introduction opening S1b through which a terminal body 81 of a mating upper terminal 8, which will be described later, is introduced. Similarly, the front opening of the lower insertion space S2 serves as a lower introduction opening S2b through which a terminal body 91 of a mating lower terminal 9, which will be described later, is introduced.

[0019] In this manner, in this embodiment, the upper terminals 5 are inserted into the upper insertion space S1, the lower terminals 6 are inserted into the lower insertion space S2, and the respective terminals are held in the housing 1a, thereby forming the board connector 1. Then, with the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 1a, the housing 1a and the terminals are fixed to the FPC board 2, thereby mounting the board connector 1 to the FPC board 2. Note that the fixing of the housing 1a to the FPC board 2 can be performed, for example, by fixing a fixing bracket assembled to the housing 1a to the FPC board 2 using solder or the like.

[0020] The terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) include terminal bodies 51, 61 that are inserted into the insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) and board connection parts 53, 63 that are exposed from the housing 1a and connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2. The terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) also include connecting parts 52, 62 that connect the terminal bodies 51, 61 and the board connection parts 53, 63.

[0021] The terminals (upper terminal 5 and lower terminal 6) can be formed, for example, by punching a flat metal material so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and then appropriately subjecting this punched product to plastic processing such as bending.

[0022] The terminal bodies 51, 61 include cylindrical box portions 511, 611 with a space formed therein, and neck portions 512, 612 formed between the box portions 511, 611 and the connecting portions 52, 62. In the space of the box portions 511, 611, contact portions 511a, 611a are formed.

[0023] 2 and 3, the connecting portion 52, 62 includes a first connecting portion 521, 621 that extends in the X direction (one direction) and has one end 521a, 621a connected to the terminal body 51, 61 and the other end 521b, 621b exposed from the housing 1a. The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a second connecting portion 522, 622 that extends in the Z direction (a direction intersecting the X direction as one direction) and is connected to the board connection portion 53, 63. The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a third connecting portion 523, 623 that connects the first connecting portion 521, 621 and the second connecting portion 522, 622.

[0024] In this embodiment, the portions (terminal exposed portions) of the connecting portions 52, 62 and the board connecting portions 53, 63 that are exposed from the housing 1a are formed in a crank shape, and the board connecting portions 53, 63 are formed at the tips of these terminal exposed portions.

[0025] When the board connector 1 is attached to the FPC board 2, the board connection parts 53, 63 are fixed by soldering or the like to a conductor pattern (not shown) formed on the FPC board 2. In this manner, each terminal of the board connector 1 is electrically connected to the conductor pattern of the FPC board 2.

[0026] By fitting the board connector 1 with the FPC board 2 attached to the mating connector 3, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are electrically connected to the mating terminals (mating upper terminals 8 and mating lower terminals 9).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the mating connector 3 has a mating housing 3a, which has a fitting space S3 into which the board connector 1 having the FPC board 2 attached thereto is inserted.

[0028] In addition, a lock lever 3b is formed on the upper part of the mating housing 3a, and this lock lever 3b is engaged with a lock portion 1b formed on the upper part of the housing 1a, thereby locking the housing 1a and the mating housing 3a in the fitted state.

[0029] The mating housing 3a is also formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. This mating housing 3a can also be formed using an insulating resin material.

[0030] The mating housing 3a also has two insertion spaces, an upper insertion space S4 located on the upper side of the mating housing 3a and a lower insertion space S5 located on the lower side of the mating housing 3a. The upper insertion space S4 and the lower insertion space S5 are formed at positions corresponding to the upper insertion space S1 and the lower insertion space S2 of the housing 1a, respectively.

[0031] The upper terminals 8 of the mating side are inserted into the upper insertion space S4 through the upper insertion opening S4a opened on the rear surface of the mating housing 3a, and the lower terminals 9 of the mating side are inserted into the lower insertion space S5 through the upper insertion opening S5a.

[0032] In this manner, in this embodiment, the mating upper terminals 8 are inserted into the upper insertion space S4, the mating lower terminals 9 are inserted into the lower insertion space S5, and the respective terminals are held in the mating housing 3a, thereby forming the mating connector 3. Then, with the terminals (the mating upper terminals 8 and the mating lower terminals 9) held in the mating housing 3a, the mating housing 3a and the terminals are fixed to the printed circuit board 4, thereby mounting the mating connector 3 on the printed circuit board 4. The mating housing 3a can also be fixed to the printed circuit board 4 by, for example, fixing a fixing bracket assembled to the mating housing 3a to the printed circuit board 4 using solder or the like.

[0033] The mating terminals (upper terminals 8 and lower terminals 9) include terminal bodies 81, 91 to be inserted into the insertion spaces (upper insertion space S4 and lower insertion space S5), and board connection parts 83, 93 to be connected to the printed circuit board 4 while being exposed from the mating housing 3a. The mating terminals (upper terminals 8 and lower terminals 9) also include connecting parts 82, 92 that connect the terminal bodies 81, 91 and the board connection parts 83, 93.

[0034] The mating terminals (upper terminal 8 and lower terminal 9) can also be formed, for example, by punching a flat metal material so that the outer shape of the material has a predetermined shape, and then appropriately performing plastic processing such as bending on the punched product.

[0035] Furthermore, the terminal bodies 81, 91 are provided with tabs 811, 911, and the tabs 811, 911 have mating contact portions 811a, 911a formed thereon that come into contact with the contact portions 511a, 611a when the board connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are mated.

[0036] 2, the connecting portions 82, 92 include first connecting portions 821, 921 that extend in the X direction (one direction) and have one end connected to the terminal main bodies 81, 91 and the other end exposed from the mating housing 3a. The connecting portions 82, 92 also include second connecting portions 822, 922 that extend in the Z direction (a direction intersecting the X direction as one direction) and are connected to the board connecting portions 83, 93. The connecting portions 82, 92 also include third connecting portions 823, 923 that connect the first connecting portions 821, 921 and the second connecting portions 822, 922.

[0037] In this embodiment, the portions (terminal exposed portions) of the connecting portions 82, 92 and the board connecting portions 83, 93 that are exposed from the mating housing 3a are also formed in a crank shape, and the board connecting portions 83, 93 are formed at the tips of these terminal exposed portions.

[0038] When the mating connector 3 is attached to the printed circuit board 4, the board connection parts 83, 93 are fixed by soldering or the like to a conductor pattern (not shown) formed on the printed circuit board 4. In this way, each terminal of the mating connector 3 is electrically connected to the conductor pattern of the printed circuit board 4.

[0039] Here, in this embodiment, the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 fixed to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 can be further improved.

[0040] Specifically, the first connecting portion 521 includes a reinforcing portion 5211 whose cross-sectional shape cut along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) has a bent portion 7.

[0041] The reinforcing portion 5211 includes an exposed portion 52111 that is formed from the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521 to the insertion opening S1a of the insertion space S1 in a state in which the upper terminal (terminal) 5 is held in the housing 1a. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 5211 includes an insertion portion 52112 that is connected to the exposed portion 52111 and inserted into the insertion space S1.

[0042] In this manner, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 521 includes a reinforcing portion 5211 whose cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) has a bent portion 7. This makes the second moment of area larger than that of a terminal whose cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) is rectangular, making it possible to make the upper terminal (terminal) 5 less likely to move.

[0043] In addition, a reinforcing portion 5211 is formed from the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521 to the inside of the insertion space S1 while the upper terminal (terminal) 5 is held in the housing 1a. That is, the reinforcing portion 5211 having a cross-sectional shape with a bent portion 7 is formed not only outside the housing 1a but also inside the insertion space S1. This allows the reinforcing portion 5211 to be supported by the housing 1a, and makes it more difficult for the entire portion of the upper terminal (terminal) 5 protruding from the housing 1a to move. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the board connection portion 53 formed at the tip of the upper terminal (terminal) 5 from being shaken in the up-down or left-right direction, and makes it possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53.

[0044] In this embodiment, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape cut along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) is a substantially L-shape having two straight line portions 73 (a horizontal straight line portion 731 and a vertical straight line portion 732) and one bent portion 71, as shown in FIG.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 5211 having a substantially L-shaped cross section is formed from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521. Therefore, in this embodiment, one end 5211a of the reinforcing portion 5211 and one end 521a of the first connecting portion 521 are substantially aligned, and the other end 5211b of the reinforcing portion 5211 and the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521 are substantially aligned. That is, the first connecting portion 521 has the same cross-sectional shape (substantially L-shaped) from one end 521a to the other end 521b.

[0046] In this way, by making the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 cut by a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) have a bent portion 71, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 with a simpler configuration.

[0047] In addition, the L-shape can be formed in a single bending process, and since the bending process is easy during manufacturing and the shape is less susceptible to cracks, it can be manufactured easily.

[0048] Moreover, if the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is made substantially L-shaped, it becomes possible to narrow the vertical pitch and the pitch between the terminals. Furthermore, it becomes possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0049] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 cut in a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) can be various shapes. Modified examples of the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 will be described below with reference to Figs. 5 to 20. However, the shapes shown in Figs. 5 to 20 are merely examples, and other shapes are also possible.

[0050] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Figures 5 and 6. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Figures 5 and 6, when cut along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction), also has a bent portion 7.

[0051] 5 and 6, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a substantially U-shape (semicircular arc shape) having one curved portion 72.

[0052] Furthermore, in Figures 5 and 6, the width (length in the Y direction) of the reinforcing portion 5211 is wider than that of the terminal body 51, so that an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed in the upper insertion space S1.

[0053] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the upper terminal (terminal) 5 held in the housing 1a from rotating within the housing 1a, and to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2.

[0054] Such a U-shape has good bending workability during manufacturing and is less likely to wrinkle, so it can be easily manufactured.

[0055] Moreover, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 into a substantially U-shape, it is possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0056] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0057] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 7. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 7, when cut along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction), also has a bent portion 7.

[0058] 7, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a substantially I-shape (laminated structure) having one curved portion 72.

[0059] This type of I-shape can be formed with a single bending process, and since the shape is less susceptible to cracks during manufacturing, it can be easily manufactured.

[0060] Moreover, if the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is made substantially I-shaped, it becomes possible to narrow the vertical pitch and the pitch between the terminals. Furthermore, it becomes possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0061] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 7 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0062] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 8. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 8, when cut along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction), also has a bent portion 7.

[0063] 8, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a substantially C-shape having one curved portion 72.

[0064] Furthermore, in FIG. 8, the width (length in the Y direction) of the reinforcing portion 5211 is wider than that of the terminal body 51, so that an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed in the upper insertion space S1.

[0065] This type of C-shape has good bending workability during manufacturing and is less likely to wrinkle, so it can be easily manufactured.

[0066] Moreover, by forming the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 into a substantially C-shape, it is possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0067] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 8 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0068] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 9. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 9 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0069] 9, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a substantially O-shape having one curved portion 72.

[0070] Furthermore, in FIG. 9, the width (length in the Y direction) of the reinforcing portion 5211 is wider than that of the terminal body 51, so that an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed in the upper insertion space S1.

[0071] Such an O-shape can be formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate into an annular shape. In addition, this shape is less likely to cause cracks during manufacturing, making it easy to manufacture.

[0072] Moreover, by making the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 substantially O-shaped, it is possible to improve the stability in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It is also possible to narrow the vertical pitch and the pitch between the terminals. Furthermore, it is possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0073] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 9 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0074] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 10. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 10 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0075] 10, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into an angular U-shape (bent U-shape) having three straight line portions 73 (two horizontal straight line portions 731 and one vertical straight line portion 732) and two bent portions 71.

[0076] Such a shape can improve stability in the left and right direction and also makes it possible to narrow the left and right pitch.

[0077] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 10 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0078] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 11. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 11 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0079] 11, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a quadrangle shape having four straight portions 73 (two horizontal straight portions 731 and two vertical straight portions 732) and three bent portions 71.

[0080] By using such a shape, it is possible to improve the stability in the left and right direction and also to narrow the left and right pitch.

[0081] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 11 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0082] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 12. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 12 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0083] 12, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a substantially S-shape having one straight portion 73 (horizontal straight portion 731) and two curved portions 72.

[0084] Furthermore, in FIG. 12, the width (length in the Y direction) of the reinforcing portion 5211 is wider than that of the terminal body 51, so that an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed in the upper insertion space S1.

[0085] This type of S-shape has good bending workability during manufacturing, is less prone to wrinkles, and is also less prone to cracks, making it easy to manufacture.

[0086] Moreover, by making the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 substantially S-shaped, it is possible to improve the stability in the left-right direction. Also, since the shape is difficult to twist with respect to the housing 1a, it is possible to more reliably suppress the movement of the terminal. Furthermore, it is possible to extend the life of the mold.

[0087] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 12 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0088] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 13. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 13 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0089] 13, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a crank shape having one straight portion 73 (horizontal straight portion 731) and two bent portions 71.

[0090] Furthermore, in FIG. 13, the width (length in the Y direction) of the reinforcing portion 5211 is wider than that of the terminal body 51, so that an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed in the upper insertion space S1.

[0091] Furthermore, if the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is made crank-shaped, it is possible to improve stability in the left-right direction. Also, since the shape is difficult to twist with respect to the housing 1a, it is possible to more reliably suppress the movement of the terminal.

[0092] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 13 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0093] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 14. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 14 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0094] 14, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71 and a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a shape having two straight portions 73 (two horizontal straight portions 731), two bent portions 71, and one curved portion 72 (a U-shaped shape with the tip bent outward).

[0095] Such a shape can improve stability in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, since the shape is less likely to twist relative to the housing 1a, movement of the terminal can be more reliably suppressed.

[0096] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 14 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0097] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 15. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 15 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0098] 15, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71 and a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a shape having three curved portions 72 and two bent portions 71 (approximately W-shaped).

[0099] Such a shape can improve stability in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, since the shape is less likely to twist relative to the housing 1a, movement of the terminal can be more reliably suppressed.

[0100] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 15 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0101] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 16. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 16 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0102] 16, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a shape having three curved portions 72 (approximately a wave shape).

[0103] Such a shape can improve stability in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, since the shape is less likely to twist relative to the housing 1a, movement of the terminal can be more reliably suppressed.

[0104] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 16 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0105] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 17. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 17 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0106] 17, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a shape having four straight line portions 73 (two horizontal straight line portions 731 and two inclined straight line portions) and three bent portions 71 (a shape in which the tip of a V shape is bent outward).

[0107] Such a shape can improve stability in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, since the shape is less likely to twist relative to the housing 1a, movement of the terminal can be more reliably suppressed.

[0108] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 17 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0109] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 18. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 18 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0110] 18, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a shape having three straight portions 73 (three horizontal straight portions 731) and two curved portions 72 (a shape of a flattened C: a double laminated structure).

[0111] With such a shape, it is possible to narrow the vertical pitch and the pitch between the terminals, and further to extend the life of the mold.

[0112] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 18 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0113] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 19. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 19 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0114] 19, the bent portion 7 includes a curved portion 72. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcement portion 5211 is formed into a shape having three straight portions 73 (three horizontal straight portions 731) and two curved portions 72 (a flattened S shape: a triple layered structure).

[0115] With such a shape, it is possible to narrow the vertical pitch and the pitch between the terminals.

[0116] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 19 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0117] The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 can be the shape shown in Fig. 20. The cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in Fig. 20 also has a bent portion 7 in a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction (one direction).

[0118] 20, the bending portion 7 includes a bent portion 71. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 is formed into a shape (Z-shape) having three straight portions 73 (two horizontal straight portions 731 and one inclined straight portion) and two bent portions 71.

[0119] This shape can improve the stability in the left-right direction. Also, because the shape is less likely to twist relative to the housing 1a, the movement of the terminal can be more reliably suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to narrow the left-right pitch.

[0120] It is possible for the reinforcing portion 5211 shown in FIG. 20 to have the same cross-sectional shape from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521.

[0121] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configurations of the board connectors shown in the above embodiment and the modified examples thereof and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0122] The board connector 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example includes a housing 1a having insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) penetrating in the X direction (one direction). The board connector 1 also includes terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) that are inserted into the insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) and held by the housing 1a.

[0123] The terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) include terminal bodies 51, 61 that are inserted into the insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) and board connection parts 53, 63 that are exposed from the housing 1a and connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2. The terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) also include connecting parts 52, 62 that connect the terminal bodies 51, 61 and the board connection parts 53, 63.

[0124] The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a first connecting portion 521, 621 that extends in the X direction (one direction) and has one end 521a, 621a connected to the terminal body 51, 61 and the other end 521b, 621b exposed from the housing 1a. The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a second connecting portion 522, 622 that extends in the Z direction (a direction intersecting the X direction as one direction) and is connected to the board connection portion 53, 63. The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a third connecting portion 523, 623 that connects the first connecting portion 521, 621 and the second connecting portion 522, 622.

[0125] Here, the first connecting portion 521 includes a reinforcing portion 5211 whose cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) has a bent portion 7.

[0126] The reinforcing portion 5211 includes an exposed portion 52111 that is formed from the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521 to the insertion opening S1a of the insertion space S1 in a state in which the upper terminal (terminal) 5 is held in the housing 1a. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 5211 includes an insertion portion 52112 that is connected to the exposed portion 52111 and inserted into the insertion space S1.

[0127] In this way, in the board connector 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example, the first connecting portion 521 is provided with a reinforcing portion 5211 whose cross-sectional shape cut in a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) has a bent portion 7. This makes the second moment of area larger than that of a terminal whose cross-sectional shape cut in a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) is rectangular, making it possible to make the upper terminal (terminal) 5 less likely to move.

[0128] In addition, a reinforcing portion 5211 is formed from the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521 to the inside of the insertion space S1 while the upper terminal (terminal) 5 is held in the housing 1a. That is, the reinforcing portion 5211 having a cross-sectional shape with a bent portion 7 is formed not only outside the housing 1a but also inside the insertion space S1. In this way, the reinforcing portion 5211 can be supported by the housing 1a, so that the entire portion of the upper terminal (terminal) 5 protruding from the housing 1a can be made more difficult to move. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the board connection portion 53 formed at the tip of the upper terminal (terminal) 5 from being shaken in the vertical or horizontal directions, and it is possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53.

[0129] In this way, with the board connector 1 shown in the above embodiment and its modified example, it is possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2.

[0130] Moreover, the bent portion 7 may include a bent portion 71 .

[0131] In this way, by making the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 cut by a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) have a bent portion 71, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 with a simpler configuration.

[0132] The bent portion 7 may also include a curved portion 72 .

[0133] In this way, even by making the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211 cut along a plane perpendicular to the X direction (one direction) have the curved portion 72, it is possible to increase the second moment of area of ​​the upper terminal (terminal) 5 with a simpler configuration. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 more easily.

[0134] Furthermore, the insertion space S1 may be provided with an expansion space S1c having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 5211.

[0135] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the upper terminals (terminals) 5 held in the housing 1a from rotating within the housing 1a, thereby making it possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2.

[0136] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0137] For example, the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and their modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modified example, the board connector 1 is attached to the FPC board 2, but it is also possible to attach it to a circuit board having rigidity, such as a printed circuit board.

[0139] In addition, in the above embodiment and its modified example, a terminal having a box portion 511 (upper terminal 5: female terminal) is exemplified as a terminal, but the present invention can be applied to various types of terminals such as male terminals.

[0140] In addition, in the above embodiment and its modified example, an example has been given in which the reinforcing portion 5211 is provided only on the upper terminal 5, but it is also possible to provide a reinforcing portion on both the upper terminal 5 and the lower terminal 6, or to provide a reinforcing portion on only the lower terminal 6.

[0141] In addition, in the above embodiment and its modified example, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are inserted into the insertion spaces S1, S2 formed in two stages in the housing 1a, but the present invention can also be applied to a board connector in which only one stage of insertion spaces is formed. The present invention can also be applied to a board connector in which three or more stages of insertion spaces are formed. In this case, the present invention can be applied to all the terminals, or it can be applied to only some of the terminals. When the present invention is applied to only some of the terminals, it is preferable to apply the present invention to the terminals on the upper stage that are away from the circuit board to which the board connection portion is connected.

[0142] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the reinforcing portion 5211 is provided from one end 521a to the other end 521b of the first connecting portion 521. However, it is not necessary to provide the reinforcing portion 5211 from one end 521a to the other end 521b, and it is only necessary that one end side of the reinforcing portion 5211 is positioned within the insertion space when the terminal is held in the housing 1a, and it is not necessary to form the reinforcing portion up to one end 521a of the first connecting portion 521.

[0143] It is also possible to change the housing, terminals, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1 Board Connector 1a Housing 2 FPC board (circuit board) 5 Upper terminal (terminal) 51 Terminal body 52 Connecting part 521 1st connection part 521a one end 521b other end 5211 Reinforcement 5211a front end 5211b rear end 52111 Exposed part 52112 Insertion part 522 2nd connection part 523 3rd connection part 53 Board connection part 6 Lower terminal (terminal) 61 Terminal body 62 Connecting part 621 1st connection part 621a one end 621b other end 622 2nd connection part 623 3rd connection part 63 Board connection part 7 Bending section 71 Bend 72 Curved section S1 Upper insertion space (insertion space) S1a insertion port S1c Expanded Space

Claims

1. A housing having an insertion space formed therein and extending therethrough in one direction; a terminal that is inserted into the insertion space and held in the housing; Equipped with The terminal is A terminal body to be inserted into the insertion space; a board connection portion that is connected to a circuit board while being exposed from the housing; a connecting portion that connects the terminal body and the board connection portion; Equipped with The connecting portion is a first connecting portion extending in the one direction, one end of which is connected to the terminal body and the other end of which is exposed from the housing; a second connecting portion extending in a direction intersecting the one direction and connected to the board connecting portion; a third connecting portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; Equipped with The first connecting portion includes a reinforcing portion having a cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the one direction, the cross-sectional shape including a bent portion, The reinforcing portion includes an exposed portion formed from the other end of the first connecting portion to an insertion opening of the insertion space in a state in which the terminal is held in the housing, and an insertion portion connected to the exposed portion and inserted into the insertion space. Connector for circuit boards.

2. The bent portion comprises a bent portion.

2. The board connector according to claim 1.

3. The bent portion includes a curved portion.

3. The board connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The insertion space includes an expansion space having a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion.

3. The board connector according to claim 1 or 2.

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