Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which can ensure contact reliability between terminals while improving holding power of the housing to hold the terminals.SOLUTION: A connector 5 has a housing 6 and a terminal 72. The housing 6 has: a bottom wall 66 which has a through-hole 65 penetrating the housing along a first axis (A1); and a wall part which protrudes upward from the bottom wall 66. The terminal 72 is held by the housing 6. The terminal 72 has a connection piece 726, a first contact piece 723, a side piece 724, a contact arm 727, and a first curved part 729. In order that a first end 7201 on a bottom piece 7270 of the contact arm 727 may be exposed from the housing 6, an upper surface 7290 and a lower surface 7291 of the first curved part 729 are covered with the housing 6 while the first curved part 729 is embedded in the housing 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to connectors, and more particularly, to a connector that mates with a mating connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a receptacle connector that fits with a plug connector. The terminal of the receptacle connector has a base that is held by integral molding on the bottom wall of the housing, a contact arm that extends from one end of the base in the connector insertion / removal direction in a groove in an upright wall that stands up from the bottom wall of the housing and is elastically deformable in the connector width direction, and a connection part that is formed in a part that extends from the other end of the base and can be soldered to the mounting surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-160360 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned connector, it is desirable to be able to increase the force that holds the terminals in the housing while ensuring the contact reliability between the terminals.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can increase the retention force that holds the terminals in the housing while ensuring contact reliability between the terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that fits into a mating connector from below a first axis. The connector has a housing and a terminal. The housing has a bottom wall having a through hole penetrating along the first axis, and a wall portion protruding upward from the bottom wall. The terminal is held by the housing. The terminal has a connection piece, a first contact piece, a contact arm, a side piece, and a first curved portion. The first contact piece contacts a mating terminal of the mating connector. The contact arm is movable relative to the housing. The side piece connects the connection piece and an upper end of the first contact piece, and is partially embedded in the housing. The first curved portion connects a lower end of the first contact piece and the contact arm, and is curved. The contact arm has a second contact piece, a bottom piece, and a second curved portion. The second contact piece is disposed opposite the first contact piece on an opposing axis that intersects with the first axis, and contacts the mating terminal of the mating connector. The bottom piece has a first end connected to the first curved portion and a second end opposite to the first end, extends linearly along the opposing axis, and is disposed in the through hole. The second curved portion connects a lower end of the second contact piece and the second end of the bottom piece and is curved. The upper and lower surfaces of the first curved portion are covered by the housing, and the first curved portion is embedded in the housing, so that the first end of the bottom piece of the contact arm is exposed from the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that the retention force for retaining the terminals in the housing can be increased while ensuring the contact reliability between the terminals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the connector device in the mated state. [Diagram 3]Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a first terminal and a first shield included in a first connector in the connector device, and Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a second terminal and a second shield included in a second connector in the connector device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first connector in the connector device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first housing in the first connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first terminal and a first inner shield in the first connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second connector in the connector device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second housing in the second connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second terminal and a second inner shield in the second connector. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device taken along the line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are perspective views showing a first connection terminal of the first connector of the above embodiment, and a modified example of the first connection terminal of the above embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first connector, with a part of the first housing and the first connection terminal cut away. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the first housing and the first connection terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the first housing and a portion of the first connection terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The connector according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, each figure described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the size and thickness ratios of each component in the figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, a connector (hereinafter also referred to as a "first connector") 5 of this embodiment constitutes a connector device 100 together with a mating connector (hereinafter also referred to as a "second connector") 1. The connector device 100 is used, for example, to electrically connect between a plurality of circuit boards mounted on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The first connector 5 is attached, for example, to a first circuit board 92 (see FIG. 10) such as a printed wiring board or a flexible printed wiring board in an antenna module (AiP; Antenna in Package). The second connector 1 is attached, for example, to a second circuit board 91 (see FIG. 10) such as a printed wiring board or a flexible printed wiring board. Note that this is not intended to limit the use of the connector device 100, and the connector device 100 may be used in electronic devices other than mobile terminals, such as a camera module. In addition, the use of the connector device 100 is not limited to the use of electrically connecting between a plurality of circuit boards, and may be used for electrically connecting between a plurality of components, such as between a circuit board and a display, between a circuit board and a battery, etc. In the drawings other than FIG. 10, the first circuit board 92 and the second circuit board 91 are omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the second connector 1 is configured to be fitted to the first connector 5 by moving in one direction on the first axis A1 toward the first connector 5 relative to the first connector 5. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first connector 5 and the second connector 1 are fitted together (the direction along the first axis A1) may be referred to as the up-down direction. Hereinafter, when the first connector 5 and the second connector 1 are fitted together along the up-down direction, the side on which the first connector 5 is located may be referred to as the "lower side" and the side on which the second connector 1 is located may be referred to as the "upper side". That is, the first connector 5 is configured to be fitted to the second connector 1 from below the first axis A1. However, the specification of these directions is not intended to limit the use mode of the connector device 100. Hereinafter, the state in which the first connector 5 and the second connector 1 are fitted together (see FIG. 2) will be referred to as the "fitted state".

[0012] In the following, the two axes perpendicular to the first axis A1 are referred to as the second axis A2 and the third axis A3. As shown in Fig. 1, the second axis A2 is an axis along the longitudinal direction of the connector device 100. The third axis A3 is an axis along the lateral direction of the connector device 100. The second axis A2 and the third axis A3 may also be referred to as the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, respectively.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector (first connector) 5 has a housing (hereinafter also referred to as a “first housing”) 6 and a terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a “first connection terminal”) 72.

[0014] 5, the housing (first housing) 6 has a bottom wall (hereinafter also referred to as a "first inner bottom wall") 66 having a through hole 65 penetrating along the first axis A1, and a wall portion protruding upward from the bottom wall 66. In this embodiment, the wall portion has a first wall portion (second inner wall) 67 and a second wall portion (central wall portion) 61.

[0015] 13, terminal (first connection terminal) 72 is held in housing (first housing) 6. Terminal (first connection terminal) 72 has a connection piece 726, a first contact piece 723, a side piece 724, a contact arm 727, and a first curved portion 729. In a mated state, first contact piece 723 contacts a mating terminal (hereinafter also referred to as a "second connection terminal") 32 of a mating connector (second connector) 1.

[0016] 13, the side piece 724 connects the connection piece 726 and the upper end of the first contact piece 723. A portion of the side piece 724 is embedded in the housing (first housing) 6. The first curved portion 729 is curved. The first curved portion 729 connects the lower end 7230 of the first contact piece 723 and the contact arm 727.

[0017] 11A and 13, the contact arm 727 has a second contact piece 7271, a bottom piece 7270, and a second curved portion 7272. The second contact piece 7271 is disposed opposite to the first contact piece 723 on an opposing axis that intersects with the first axis A1. The first contact piece 723 contacts a mating terminal (second connection terminal) 32 of the mating connector. The opposing axis is along, for example, the third axis A3.

[0018] 11A, the bottom piece 7270 has a first end 7201 and a second end 7202 opposite to the first end 7201. The bottom piece 7270 extends linearly along the opposing axis (the axis along which the first contact piece 723 and the second contact piece 7271 face each other). The first end 7201 of the bottom piece 7270 is connected to the first curved portion 729. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the bottom piece 7270 is disposed in the through hole 65.

[0019] 11A, the second curved portion 7272 connects the lower end of the second contact piece 7271 and the second end 7202 of the bottom piece 7270.

[0020] 13, in the connector (first connector) 5, an upper surface 7290 and a lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 are covered by the housing (first housing) 6 and the first curved portion 729 is embedded in the housing (first housing) 6 so that a first end 7201 of a bottom piece 7270 of a contact arm 727 is exposed from the housing (first housing) 6. This makes it possible to increase the holding force for holding the terminal (first connection terminal) 72 of the housing (first housing) 6.

[0021] In the connector (first connector) 5 of this embodiment, the bottom piece 7270, the second curved portion 7272, and the second contact piece 7271 of the contact arm 727 are connected in sequence. The bottom piece 7270, the second curved portion 7272, and the second contact piece 7271 are formed exposed from the housing (first housing) 6. Therefore, one end of the bottom piece 7270 of the contact arm 727 can be deformed relative to the housing (first housing) 6. Therefore, the portion that can bend when the second contact piece 7271 contacts the mating terminal (second connection terminal) 32 is larger than, for example, a configuration in which one end of the bottom piece 7270 on the second curved portion 7272 side or a portion of the second curved portion 7272 is fixed to the housing and cannot be deformed. This makes it easier for the terminal (first connection terminal) 72 to be elastically deformed, and the contact reliability between the terminal (first connection terminal) 72 and the mating terminal (second connection terminal) 32 can be ensured.

[0022] (2)Details The connector device 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The connector device 100 includes a first connector 5 and a second connector 1. The second connector 1 fits with the first connector 5 from above the first axis A1.

[0024] (2.1) First Connector As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first connector 5 has a first housing 6, a first terminal 7, and a first shield 8.

[0025] 4 to 6, the first connector 5 is a socket (female connector) and includes a first housing 6, a plurality of (here, eight) first terminals 7, and a first shield 8. The first terminals 7 are held in the first housing 6.

[0026] (2.1.1) First Housing 5, the first housing 6 is made of an insulating resin material and is formed in a flat, generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long along the second axis A2. In the first housing 6, both sides of the third axis A3 in the central portion of the second axis A2 are cut out in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the first axis A1. In addition, in the first housing 6, both sides of the third axis A3 in the central portion of the second axis A2 are cut out in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the first axis A1.

[0027] 5, the first housing 6 has a first inner bottom wall (the above-mentioned "bottom wall") 66, a first inner wall (the above-mentioned "first wall portion") 67, a first outer bottom wall 60, a first outer peripheral wall 64, and a central wall portion (the above-mentioned "second wall portion") 61. The first inner bottom wall 66, the first inner wall 67, the first outer bottom wall 60, the first outer peripheral wall 64, and the central wall portion 61 are integrally formed.

[0028] The central wall portion 61 protrudes above the first axis A1 from the first inner bottom wall 66. The central wall portion 61 has a pair of side surfaces 612 disposed on both sides of an upper surface 610 on a third axis A3 perpendicular to the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0029] 5, the central wall portion 61 has a recess 615. In this embodiment, the central wall portion 61 has a plurality (for example, six) of recesses 615. The plurality (six) of recesses 615 are formed in a line along the second axis A2, three on each side surface of the central wall portion 61 on the third axis A3.

[0030] More specifically, the central wall portion 61 has a plurality of (e.g., eight) partition walls 6150 and an intermediate wall 6151. The intermediate wall 6151 is a wall extending along the second axis A2. Each partition wall 6150 is a wall extending from the intermediate wall 6151 along the third axis A3. A lower end of each partition wall 6150 is connected to the first inner bottom wall 66.

[0031] The plurality (eight) of partition walls 6150 are formed so as to be lined up along the second axis A2, four on each side of the third axis A3 of the intermediate wall 6151. The four partition walls 6150 provided on one side of the third axis A3 of the intermediate wall 6151 equally divide (into three) the space on one side of the third axis A3 of the intermediate wall 6151. The four partition walls 6150 provided on the other side of the third axis A3 of the intermediate wall 6151 equally divide (into three) the space on the other side of the third axis A3 of the intermediate wall 6151. A recess 615 is formed so as to be surrounded by a pair of adjacent partition walls 6150 and the intermediate wall 6151.

[0032] The first inner bottom wall 66 is a rectangular plate-like shape that is long along the second axis A2. The first inner bottom wall 66 has a through hole 65. In this embodiment, the first inner bottom wall 66 has a plurality of (for example, six) through holes 65. The plurality of (six) through holes 65 are formed in a line along the second axis A2, three on each side of the central wall portion 61 on the third axis A3. The six through holes 65 are formed so as to be connected to the six recesses 615 along the first axis A1. That is, the entire space in the recess 615 penetrates along the first axis A1 and overlaps with the through hole 65 of the bottom wall (first inner bottom wall 66). Note that the adjacent through holes 65 on the second axis A2 are not connected, and are separated by the portion 660 of the first inner bottom wall 66 and the partition wall 6150 (see FIG. 14).

[0033] The first inner wall 67 protrudes upward from the periphery of the first inner bottom wall 66. The first inner wall 67 is a pair of walls that are long along the second axis A2. The pair of first inner walls 67 are provided near the center of the second axis A2 at both ends of the third axis A3 of the first inner bottom wall 66. As shown in FIG. 5, each first inner wall 67 integrally has a wall-shaped main body portion 671 located relatively inside the third axis A3 and a wall-shaped side portion 672 located relatively outside the third axis A3. The main body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67 is provided with a recess 670 in which a part of the first connection terminal 72 (the first contact piece 723 and the side piece 724) is disposed, across both side surfaces and the top surface of the third axis A3. For example, three recesses 670 are provided in each of the pair of first inner walls 67.

[0034] The first outer bottom wall 60 is composed of four partial bottom walls extending in a rectangular shape from each of the four corners of the first inner bottom wall 66 in a plane perpendicular to the first axis A1.

[0035] The first outer peripheral wall 64 protrudes upward from the periphery of the first outer bottom wall 60. The first outer peripheral wall 64 is a rectangular frame shape with the center portions of each of the four sides cut out when viewed from the first axis A1 (hereinafter also referred to as "plan view"). The first outer peripheral wall 64 extends in the circumferential direction.

[0036] The central wall 61 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated along the second axis A2, and protrudes upward from the center of the first inner bottom wall 66. The area surrounded by the inner bottom surface of the first inner bottom wall 66, the inner side surface of the first inner wall 67, and the outer surface of the central wall 61 forms a recess 601 into which the second connector 1 fits. Specifically, a second inner circumferential wall 902 of the second connector 1 is disposed in the recess 601.

[0037] An area surrounded by the end face of the first inner wall 67 on the second axis A2, the inner bottom surface of the first outer bottom wall 60, and the inner surface of the first outer peripheral wall 64 constitutes a recess 602. In the recess 602, a second outer peripheral wall 905 of the second connector 1 is disposed when the first connector 5 and the second connector 1 are mated.

[0038] The first housing 6 holds a plurality of first terminals 7 and a first shield 8 .

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, some (six) of the multiple (eight) first terminals 7 (first connection terminals 72) are disposed across the first inner side wall 67 and the recess 615 (see FIG. 5) of the central wall portion 61. Specifically, three first connection terminals 72 are disposed on each of the pair of first inner side walls 67. In this embodiment, the remaining first terminals 7 (first specific terminals 71) of the multiple (eight) first terminals 7 are disposed on the central wall portion 61 and held by the first housing 6. The first specific terminals 71 are disposed on the upper surface 610, the end surface 611, and the side surface 612 of the central wall portion 61 at both ends of the second axis A2 of the central wall portion 61.

[0040] 4, in this embodiment, the first outer shield 81 of the first shield 8 is adjacent along the first outer peripheral wall 64. Also, in this embodiment, the first inner shield 85 of the first shield 8 is disposed in a slot 69 (see FIG. 5) formed in the first housing 6.

[0041] (2.1.2) 1st terminal The first terminals 7 are formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate. The first terminals 7 are gold-plated. The first terminals 7 come into contact with the second terminals 3 of the second connector 1, respectively, when the first connector 5 and the second connector 1 are in a mated state.

[0042] The first terminal 7 has a first connection terminal (the above-mentioned “terminal”) 72 and a first specific terminal 71.

[0043] The multiple first terminals 7 include one or more first specific terminals 71. The multiple first terminals 7 also include one or more terminals (first connection terminals 72) other than the first specific terminals 71. Here, of the eight first terminals 7, two are first specific terminals 71 and the remaining six are first connection terminals 72.

[0044] The two first specific terminals 71 are disposed on both ends of the second axis A2 within the first connector 5. Each of the two first specific terminals 71 is disposed between both ends of the central wall portion 61.

[0045] The six first connection terminals 72 are arranged side by side on the second axis A2 in a region between the two first specific terminals 71 on both sides of the third axis A3, three on each side. The six first connection terminals 72 are held by each of the pair of first inner side walls 67, three on each side. The six first connection terminals 72 are arranged in each of the six sets of recesses 615 and through holes 65, one for each side.

[0046] The two first specific terminals 71 and the six first connection terminals 72 are provided integrally with the first housing 6 by insert molding.

[0047] The first connection terminal 72 has a terminal for transmitting a signal. Some or all of the multiple (e.g., six) first connection terminals 72 may be terminals for transmitting power. The six first connection terminals 72 have the same shape. The first connection terminals 72 may have terminals with different shapes.

[0048] The first specific terminals 71 are terminals for transmitting signals of a relatively higher frequency than the first connection terminals 72. The two first specific terminals 71 have the same shape.

[0049] As described above, the first connection terminal 72 has the connection piece 726, the side piece 724, the first contact piece 723, the first curved portion 729, and the contact arm 727 (see FIG. 11A).

[0050] The connecting piece 726 is in the form of a generally rectangular flat plate having a thickness along the first axis A1. The lower surface of the connecting piece 726 is exposed to the lower surface of the first housing 6. The connecting piece 726 is connected to the conductor pattern 922 of the first circuit board 92.

[0051] The first contact piece 723 is plate-shaped and has a thickness along the third axis A3. The first contact piece 723 is disposed in a recess 670 provided in a body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67 of the first housing 6. As shown in Fig. 12, for example, an inner surface of the first contact piece 723 on the third axis A3 is flush with an inner surface of the body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67 on the third axis A3.

[0052] In the mated state, the opposing surfaces of the first contact piece 723 and the second contact piece 7271 come into contact with the second connection terminal 32 of the second connector 1. In the mated state, the first contact piece 723 comes into contact with the extension piece 322 of the second connection terminal 32 of the second connector 1 (see FIG. 10).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11B, the first contact piece 723 may have a recess 7233 that can come into contact with the protrusion 3220 formed on the extension piece 322 of the second connection terminal 32.

[0054] The side piece 724 is a plate having a thickness along the third axis A3. The side piece 724 connects the connection piece 726 and the upper end of the first contact piece 723. The upper part of the side piece 724 is exposed from the first housing 6, and the lower part is embedded in the first inner wall 67 of the first housing 6. The lower part of the side piece 724 is disposed between the main body part 671 and the side part 672 of the first inner wall 67 of the first housing 6. In this manner, the wall part of the housing (first housing) 6 has the first wall part (first inner wall) 67 on which the side piece 724 of the terminal (first connection terminal) 72 is disposed. The side piece 724 has steps on both sides so that the width (dimension of the second axis A2) of the lower part is smaller than that of the upper part.

[0055] The first curved portion 729 connects the lower end 7230 of the first contact piece 723 and the bottom piece 7270 of the contact arm 727. In Fig. 13, a boundary 72B between the first curved portion 729 and the first contact piece 723 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0056] A lower portion of the first contact piece 723 on the lower end 7230 side is formed in a straight line. An end portion of the bottom piece 7270 on the first end 7201 side is formed in a straight line. When viewed along the second axis A2, the first curved portion 729 is curved in an R-shape from the lower end 7230 of the first contact piece 723 toward the inside of the third axis A3 so that the lower portion on the lower end 7230 side and the end portion on the first end 7201 side are disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to each other.

[0057] 13, the first curved portion 729 has a curved upper surface 7290 and a curved lower surface 7291 opposite to the upper surface 7290. The upper surface 7290 is connected to the surface of the first contact piece 723 that faces the second contact piece 7271.

[0058] An upper surface 7290 and a lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 are covered by the first housing 6, and at least a portion of the first curved portion 729 is embedded in the first housing 6. In a cross section perpendicular to the second axis A2, it is preferable that at least one of the upper surface 7290 and the lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 is entirely covered by the first housing 6.

[0059] At least a part of the lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 is in contact with the lower part of the main body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67 of the first housing 6 and is covered by the main body portion 671. Here, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the first housing 6 further has a covering portion 62 that covers the upper surface 7290 of the first curved portion 729 and the lower end 7230 of the first contact piece 723. As shown in Fig. 5, the covering portion 62 is connected to the main body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67. As shown in Figs. 12 and 14, the covering portion 62 continuously covers the upper surface 7290 of the first curved portion 729 along the second axis A2. The covering portion 62 is formed integrally with the main body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67 and the first inner bottom wall 66 when the first housing 6 is formed by insert molding.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the covering portion 62 has an inclined surface 620 that is continuous with the upper surface 6601 of the first inner bottom wall 66 and the wall portion (the main body portion 671 of the first inner wall 67). In this embodiment, the inclined surface 620 is a curved surface. The inclined surface 620 covers a lower portion of the first contact piece 723 on the side of the lower end 7230. The inclined surface 620 is curved, for example, from the upper end of the inclined surface 620 toward the inside of the third axis A3 along the upper surface 7290 of the first curved portion 729. Since the covering portion 62 has the inclined surface 620 that is continuous with the upper surface 6601 of the first inner bottom wall 66 and the wall portion (the first wall portion 67), the holding force with which the first housing 6 holds the first connection terminal 72 is improved.

[0061] As described above, the contact arm 727 has the bottom piece 7270, the second curved portion 7272, and the second contact piece 7271.

[0062] The bottom piece 7270 is a plate having a thickness along an axis (e.g., the first axis A1) intersecting with the third axis A3. The bottom piece 7270 extends linearly along an opposing axis (e.g., the third axis A3). A first end 7201 of the bottom piece 7270 is connected to a lower end 7230 of the first contact piece 723 via a first curved portion 729.

[0063] 13, the bottom piece 7270 is exposed from the first housing 6. In particular, a first end 7201 of the bottom piece 7270 is exposed from the first housing 6. In addition, it is preferable that the contact arm 727 is exposed from the first housing 6 at a boundary 72A between the first end 7201 of the bottom piece 7270 and the first curved portion 729. Specifically, the range in which the covering portion 62 of the first connection terminal 72 is formed is the range up to the boundary 72A.

[0064] Furthermore, it is preferable that the bottom surface 661 of the first inner bottom wall 66 covering the lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 is flush with the lower surface 7203 of the boundary 72A between the first end 7201 of the bottom piece 7270 and the first curved portion 729.

[0065] When mated, the contact arm 727 elastically deforms along a plane including the first axis A1 and the third axis A3 so that the distance between the contact arm 727 and the first contact piece 723 increases along the third axis A3.

[0066] 13, the lower surface of the bottom piece 7270 is preferably located higher than the lower surface of the connection piece 726. In this way, when the lower surface of the bottom piece 7270 is located higher than the lower surface of the connection piece 726, the bottom piece 7270 can be elastically deformed so that the second end 7202 of the bottom piece 7270 moves downward in a state in which the first connector 5 is connected to the first circuit board 92 (see FIG. 10). Therefore, the movable range of the contact arm 727 can be expanded, and contact reliability can be ensured.

[0067] The second contact piece 7271 is plate-like having a thickness in a cross section perpendicular to the second axis A2, and extends upward from the second curved portion 7272 to be curved in a C-shape when viewed along the second axis A2. The outer surface of the second contact piece 7271 on the third axis A3 is inclined so that both sides of the second axis A2 of the second contact piece 7271 become gradually thinner than the central portion.

[0068] In the mated state, the second contact piece 7271 faces the recess 3210 (see FIG. 10) of the contact piece 321 of the second connection terminal 32 and comes into contact with the contact piece 321. The second contact piece 7271 may be inserted into the recess 3210 of the contact piece 321.

[0069] The second curved portion 7272 connects the lower end of the second contact piece 7271 and the second end 7202 of the bottom piece 7270. The second curved portion 7272 is curved in an R-shape with a smaller radius of curvature than the first curved portion 729 when viewed along the second axis A2, as shown in FIG.

[0070] As described above, the first connection terminal 72 is fixed to the first housing 6 such that the upper surface 7290 and the lower surface 7291 of the first curved portion 729 are covered by the first housing 6 and the first curved portion 729 is embedded in the first housing 6. In this state, the contact arm 727 of the first connection terminal 72 is disposed in the recess 615 of the central wall portion 61 of the first housing 6 and is movable relative to the first housing 6. Since the contact arm 727 is movable relative to the first housing 6 in this manner, the entire contact arm 727 can bend when the second contact piece 7271 contacts the mating terminal (second connection terminal) 32. This makes it easier for the first connection terminal 72 to elastically deform, and ensures the contact reliability between the first connection terminal 72 and the second connection terminal 32.

[0071] In the first connector 5 of this embodiment, the central wall portion (second wall portion) 61 is disposed on both sides of the first connection terminal (terminal) 72 along the second axis A2, and has a pair of partition walls 6150 protruding along the first axis A1, and an intermediate wall 6151 facing the contact arm 727 on the third axis A3 and connecting the pair of partition walls 6150. The recess 615 is surrounded by the pair of partition walls 6150 and the intermediate wall 6151. The entire space in the recess 615 surrounded by the pair of partition walls 6150 and the intermediate wall 6151 passes through along the first axis A1 and overlaps with the through hole 65 of the first inner bottom wall (bottom wall) 66. This makes it possible to secure a space in the first housing 6 where the contact arm 727 can bend. Also, for example, an electrical inspection of the contact arm 727 can be easily performed by contacting a probe from the outside with the contact arm 727. Moreover, it is possible to easily check whether or not foreign matter is attached to the second contact piece 7271 by visual inspection or the like.

[0072] 1, the first connection terminal 72 is disposed in a first connection terminal area 721 surrounded by the first outer shield 81 and the first inner shield 85. In this embodiment, the first connection terminal area 721 is an area surrounded by the first outer shield 81 and the two first inner shields 85.

[0073] 10, the first connection terminal 72 is connected to a conductor pattern 922 (a conductor pattern different from the conductor pattern to which the first specific terminal 71 is connected) of the first circuit board 92. Specifically, the first connection terminal 72 is connected to the conductor pattern 922 of the first circuit board 92 on the lower surface (surface intersecting with the thickness direction) of the connection piece 726.

[0074] (2.1.3) First Shield The first shield 8 is an electromagnetic shield for blocking electromagnetic waves. The first shield 8 reduces leakage of noise (electromagnetic waves) caused by the signal current flowing through the second terminal 3 and the first terminal 7 to the outside. Furthermore, the first shield 8 contacts the second shield 4 in the mated state. Furthermore, the first shield 8 reduces the effect of noise (electromagnetic waves) on the signal current flowing through the second terminal 3 and the first terminal 7.

[0075] 1 , the first shield 8 surrounds at least one of the multiple first terminals 7. The first shield 8 surrounds at least a first specific terminal 71 of the multiple first terminals 7. Here, the first shield 8 surrounds the multiple first specific terminals 71 and surrounds the multiple first connection terminals 72. The first shield 8 is held by the first housing 6.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first shield 8 has a first outer shield 81 and a first inner shield 85.

[0077] 1, the first outer shield 81 is held by the first housing 6. The first outer shield 81 surrounds the multiple first terminals 7.

[0078] 3A, the first outer shield 81 has a pair of first horizontal shields 801 arranged side by side on a third axis A3 perpendicular to the first axis A1, and a pair of first vertical shields 802 connecting the pair of first horizontal shields 801. The pair of first horizontal shields 801 and the pair of first vertical shields 802 extend in the circumferential direction.

[0079] The first inner shield 85 is disposed between two of the multiple first terminals 7. Specifically, the first inner shield 85 is disposed between the first specific terminal 71 and the first connection terminal 72.

[0080] 1 and 3A, in this embodiment, the first shield 8 includes two first inner shields 85. The two first inner shields 85 are arranged side by side on the second axis A2 so as to separate between one first specific terminal 71 and the multiple (six) first connection terminals 72, and between the multiple first connection terminals 72 and another single first specific terminal 71, respectively.

[0081] In this manner, by disposing the first inner shield 85 between the two first specified terminals 71, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise caused by the signal current flowing through one of the first specified terminals 71 on the signal current flowing through the other first specified terminal 71 and the first connection terminal 72. In other words, it is possible to improve the insulation (isolation) between the two first specified terminals 71.

[0082] (2.2) Second Connector The second connector 1 is a header (male connector) and, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, includes a second housing 9, a plurality of (here, eight) second terminals 3, and a second shield 4. For convenience, the second connector 1 is shown upside down in Figures 7 to 9.

[0083] (2.2.1) Secondary Housing 8, the second housing 9 is made of an insulating resin material and has a flat shape that is long along the second axis A2. In the second housing 9, both sides of the third axis A3 in the center portion of the second axis A2 are cut out in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the first axis A1. The second housing 9 is formed in a substantially H-shape in a plan view.

[0084] 8, the second housing 9 has a second inner bottom wall 901, a second inner peripheral wall 902, a second outer bottom wall 906, and a second outer peripheral wall 905. The second inner bottom wall 901, the second inner peripheral wall 902, the second outer bottom wall 906, and the second outer peripheral wall 905 are integrally formed.

[0085] The second inner bottom wall 901 is in the form of a rectangular plate that is long along the second axis A2.

[0086] The second inner peripheral wall 902 protrudes downward (upward in FIG. 8) from both ends of the second inner bottom wall 901 on the third axis A3. The second inner peripheral wall 902 has a pair of inner walls that are long on the second axis A2. The area surrounded by the inner bottom surface of the second inner bottom wall 901 and the inner surface of the second inner peripheral wall 902 forms a recess 907 into which the first connector 5 fits when in a mated state. Specifically, the recess 907 houses the central wall portion 61 of the first connector 5.

[0087] The second outer bottom wall 906 is composed of two partial bottom walls extending in a rectangular shape from both ends of the second inner bottom wall 901 toward the outside of the second axis A2.

[0088] The second outer peripheral wall 905 projects downward from the periphery of the second outer bottom wall 906 .

[0089] The second outer bottom wall 906 is formed with an accommodation hole 903 in which the second specific terminal 31 is disposed. The second outer bottom wall 906 is also formed with a slot 904 in which the second inner shield 45 is held.

[0090] The second housing 9 holds the plurality of second terminals 3 and the second shield 4 .

[0091] In this embodiment, the second inner peripheral wall 902 extends along the second axis A2 and has a pair of side walls facing each other along the second axis A2. Some (six) of the plurality (eight) of second terminals 3 (second connection terminals 32) are provided on the pair of side walls of the second inner peripheral wall 902. Specifically, three second connection terminals 32 are held on each of the pair of side walls of the second inner peripheral wall 902. The second connection terminals 32 are disposed in recesses provided in the second inner peripheral wall 902. The remaining second terminals 3 (second specific terminals 31) of the plurality (eight) of second terminals 3 are disposed in the receiving holes 903.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second outer shield 41 is disposed along the second outer peripheral wall 905. Also, in this embodiment, the second inner shield 45 of the second shield 4 is disposed in a groove 904 formed in the second housing 9.

[0093] (2.2.2) 2nd terminal The second terminal 3 is formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate. In addition, the second terminal 3 is gold-plated. The second terminal 3 is held in a second housing 9.

[0094] The second terminals 3 include one or more second specific terminals 31. The second terminals 3 also include one or more terminals (second connection terminals 32, the above-mentioned "mating terminal") other than the second specific terminals 31. Here, of the eight second terminals 3, two are second specific terminals 31 and the remaining six are second connection terminals 32. The two second specific terminals 31 are disposed on both sides of the second axis A2 in the second connector 1. The two second specific terminals 31 are disposed on the receiving hole 903 and the projecting wall 990 facing each other on the third axis A3, respectively.

[0095] The six second connection terminals 32 are arranged on the second axis A2 in a region between the two second specific terminals 31, separated into three on each side of the third axis A3. The six second connection terminals 32 are held by a pair of side walls of the second inner circumferential wall 902, three on each side.

[0096] The second connection terminal 32 has a terminal for transmitting a signal. Some or all of the multiple (e.g., six) second connection terminals 32 may be terminals for transmitting power. Here, the six second connection terminals 32 have the same shape. The second connection terminals 32 may have terminals with different shapes.

[0097] The second specific terminals 31 are terminals for transmitting relatively high frequency signals to the second connection terminals 32. The two second specific terminals 31 have the same shape.

[0098] 9, the second connection terminal 32 has a contact piece 321, an extension piece 322, a connecting piece 323, and a terminal piece 324, which are integrally formed. The contact piece 321 and the extension piece 322 have contacts that come into contact with the first connection terminal 72 in a fitted state.

[0099] The contact piece 321 is a generally rectangular flat plate having a thickness along the third axis A3. As shown in Fig. 7, the inner surface of the contact piece 321 on the third axis A3 is exposed to a recess 907 of the second housing 9. A recess 3210 is formed on the inner surface of the contact piece 321 on the third axis A3.

[0100] The extension piece 322 is a generally rectangular flat plate having a thickness on the third axis A3. As shown in Fig. 7, the outer surface of the extension piece 322 on the third axis A3 is exposed to the outer surface of the second housing 9. A protrusion 3220 is formed on the outer surface of the extension piece 322 on the third axis A3. The protrusion 3220 of the extension piece 322 comes into contact with the inner surface of the third axis A3 of the first contact piece 723 of the first connection terminal 72 (or a recess 7233 formed thereon).

[0101] The connecting piece 323 connects the lower end of the extension piece 322 and the lower end of the contact piece 321. The lower surface of the connecting piece 323 is exposed at the lower surface of the second inner bottom wall 901 of the second housing 9.

[0102] The terminal piece 324 is a generally rectangular flat plate having a thickness along the first axis A1. The terminal piece 324 protrudes outward along the third axis A3 from the upper end of the extension piece 322. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper surface of the terminal piece 324 is exposed on the upper surface of the second housing 9.

[0103] The second connection terminal 32 is formed integrally with the second housing 9, for example by co-molding.

[0104] The second connection terminal 32 is connected to a conductor pattern 912 (a conductor pattern different from the conductor pattern to which the second specific terminal 31 is connected) of the second circuit board 91. Specifically, the second connection terminal 32 is connected to the conductor pattern 912 of the second circuit board 91 on the upper surface (surface intersecting the thickness direction) of the terminal piece 324.

[0105] (2.2.3) Second Shield The second shield 4 is an electromagnetic shield for blocking electromagnetic waves. The second shield 4 reduces the leakage to the outside of noise (electromagnetic waves) caused by the signal current flowing through the second terminal 3 and the first terminal 7. In addition, the second shield 4 reduces the effect of noise (electromagnetic waves) on the signal current flowing through the second terminal 3 and the first terminal 7.

[0106] 3B , the second shield 4 surrounds at least one of the multiple second terminals 3. The second shield 4 surrounds at least the second specific terminal 31 of the multiple second terminals 3. Here, the second shield 4 surrounds the multiple second specific terminals 31 and surrounds the multiple second connection terminals 32. The second shield 4 is held by the second housing 9.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 3B, the second shield 4 has a second outer shield 41 and a second inner shield 45.

[0108] 7, the second outer shield 41 is held by a second outer wall 905 of the second housing 9. The second outer shield 41 surrounds the multiple second terminals 3.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3B, the second outer shield 41 has a pair of second horizontal shields 401 and a pair of second vertical shields 402.

[0110] The second inner shield 45 is disposed between two second terminals 3 of the multiple second terminals 3. Here, the second inner shield 45 is disposed between the second specific terminal 31 and the second connection terminal 32.

[0111] 3, in this embodiment, the second shield 4 includes two second inner shields 45. The two second inner shields 45 are arranged side by side on the second axis A2 so as to separate between one second specific terminal 31 and the multiple (six) second connection terminals 32, and between the multiple second connection terminals 32 and another single second specific terminal 31, respectively.

[0112] In this manner, by disposing the second inner shield 45 between the two second specified terminals 31, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise caused by the signal current flowing through one of the second specified terminals 31 on the signal current flowing through the other second specified terminal 31 and the second connection terminal 32. In other words, it is possible to improve the insulation (isolation) between the two second specified terminals 31.

[0113] (2.3) Connection device As shown in FIG. 10, the first connector 5 is connected to a first circuit board 92. The first connector 5 and the first circuit board 92 constitute a first connection device. That is, the first connection device includes the first connector 5 and the first circuit board 92 to which the first connector 5 is connected. Furthermore, the second connector 1 is connected to a second circuit board 91. The second connector 1 and the second circuit board 91 constitute a second connection device. That is, the second connection device includes the second connector 1 and the second circuit board 91 to which the second connector 1 is connected.

[0114] (2.4) Connector device The structure of a connector device 100 in which a first connector 5 and a second connector 1 are mated will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 10. As shown in Figure 1, the second connector 1 is mated with the first connector 5 from above.

[0115] 10, in the mated state, the six first connection terminals 72 of the first connector 5 are in contact with and electrically connected to the six second connection terminals 32 of the second connector 1, respectively. This enables signals to be transmitted and received via the first connection terminals 72 and the second connection terminals 32 between the first circuit board 92 on which the first connector 5 is mounted and the second circuit board 91 on which the second connector 1 is mounted.

[0116] Specifically, the second connection terminal 32 contacts the first connection terminal 72 at an inner surface (surface intersecting with the thickness direction) of the third axis A3 of the contact piece 321 and an outer surface (surface intersecting with the thickness direction) of the third axis A3 of the extension piece 322. The first connection terminal 72 contacts the second connection terminal 32 at an inner surface (surface intersecting with the thickness direction) of the third axis A3 of the first contact piece 723 and an outer surface (surface intersecting with the thickness direction) of the third axis A3 of the second contact piece 7271.

[0117] In addition, in the mated state, the two first specified terminals 71 of the first connector 5 are in contact with and electrically connected to the two second specified terminals 31 of the second connector 1, respectively. This enables signals to be transmitted and received via the first specified terminals 71 and the second specified terminals 31 between the first circuit board 92 on which the first connector 5 is mounted and the second circuit board 91 on which the second connector 1 is mounted.

[0118] (summary) As described above, the connector (5) according to the first aspect is a connector that fits into the mating connector (1) from below the first axis (A1). The connector (5) has a housing (6) and a terminal (72). The housing (6) has a bottom wall (66) having a through hole (65) penetrating along the first axis (A1), and a wall portion protruding upward from the bottom wall (66). The terminal (72) is held in the housing (6). The terminal (72) has a connection piece (726), a first contact piece (723), a side piece (724), a contact arm (727), and a first curved portion (729). The first contact piece (723) comes into contact with the mating terminal (32) of the mating connector (1). The side piece (724) connects the connecting piece (726) and the upper end of the first contact piece (723), and is partially embedded in the housing (6). The contact arm (727) is movable with respect to the housing (6). The first curved portion (729) connects the lower end of the first contact piece (723) and the contact arm (727) and is curved. The contact arm (727) has a second contact piece (7271), a bottom piece (7270), and a second curved portion (7272). The second contact piece (7271) is disposed opposite the first contact piece (723) on an opposing axis that intersects with the first axis (A1), and contacts a mating terminal (32) of the mating connector (1). The bottom piece (7270) has a first end (7201) connected to the first curved portion (729) and a second end (7202) opposite to the first end (7201), extends linearly along the opposing axis, and is disposed in the through hole (65). The second curved portion (7272) connects the lower end of the second contact piece (7271) and the second end (7202) of the bottom piece (7270) and curves. The upper surface (7290) and the lower surface (7291) of the first curved portion (729) are covered by the housing (6) and the first curved portion (729) is embedded in the housing (6) so that the first end (7201) of the bottom piece (7270) of the contact arm (727) is exposed from the housing (6).

[0119] According to this embodiment, the force for holding the terminal (72) in the housing (6) can be increased, while ensuring the contact reliability between the terminals (32, 72).

[0120] The second embodiment is a connector (5) of the first embodiment, in which the first curved portion (729) is embedded in the housing (6) so that the contact arm (727) is exposed from the housing (6) at the boundary (72A) between the first end (7201) of the bottom piece (7270) of the contact arm (727) and the first curved portion (729).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the force for holding the terminal (72) in the housing (6) can be increased while ensuring the contact reliability between the terminals (32, 72).

[0122] The third aspect is the connector (5) of the first or second aspect, wherein the housing (6) has a covering portion (62) that covers an upper surface (7290) of the first curved portion (729) and a lower end of the first contact piece (723). The covering portion (62) has an inclined surface (620) that is continuous with the upper surface of the bottom wall (66) and the wall portion.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the force with which the terminals (72) of the housing (6) are held can be increased.

[0124] The fourth aspect is the connector (5) of any one of the first to third aspects, in which the lower surface of the bottom piece (7270) is located higher than the lower surface of the connecting piece (726).

[0125] According to this embodiment, the contact reliability between the terminals (32, 72) can be ensured.

[0126] The fifth aspect is a connector (5) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the bottom surface (661) of the bottom wall (66) covering the underside (7291) of the first curved portion (729) is flush with the underside (7203) of the boundary (72A) between the first end (7201) of the bottom piece (7270) and the first curved portion (729).

[0127] According to this embodiment, the force for holding the terminal (72) in the housing (6) can be increased while ensuring the contact reliability between the terminals (32, 72).

[0128] A sixth aspect is the connector (5) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the wall portion includes a first wall portion (67) on which the side piece is disposed, and a second wall portion (61) having a recess (615) on which the contact arm is disposed. The second wall portion (61) is disposed on both sides of the terminal (72) along a second axis (A2) perpendicular to the first axis (A1), and includes a pair of partition walls (6150) protruding along the first axis (A1), and an intermediate wall (6151) facing the contact arm (727) on a third axis (A3) perpendicular to the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) and connecting the pair of partition walls (6150). The recess (615) is surrounded by the pair of partition walls (6150) and the intermediate wall (6151). The entire space of the recess (615) passes through along the first axis (A1) and overlaps with the through-hole (65) of the bottom wall (66).

[0129] According to this embodiment, the terminals (72) can be easily inspected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 Mating connector (second connector) 5 Connector (First Connector) 6 Housing (1st housing) 32 Mating terminal (second connection terminal) 62 Covering part 65 Through hole 66 Bottom wall (first inner bottom wall) 72 Terminal (First Connection Terminal) 72A Boundary 615 Recess 620 Slope 661 Bottom 723 1st contact piece 724 side piece 726 Connection piece 727 Contact Arm 729 First curve 6150 Bulkhead 6151 Intermediate wall 7201 1st end 7202 2nd end 7203 Bottom side 7270 Bottom piece 7271 Second contact piece 7272 2nd Bay Department 7290 above 7291 below A1 Axis 1 A2 2nd axis A3 3rd axis

Claims

1. A connector that is fitted to a mating connector from below a first axis, The connector comprises: a housing having a bottom wall having a through hole extending along the first axis and a wall portion protruding upward from the bottom wall; a terminal held in the housing; having The terminal is A connection piece; A first contact piece that comes into contact with a mating terminal of the mating connector; a side piece that connects the connection piece and an upper end of the first contact piece and is partially embedded in the housing; a contact arm movable relative to the housing; a first curved portion that connects a lower end of the first contact piece and the contact arm and is curved; having The contact arm is a second contact piece disposed opposite the first contact piece on an opposing axis intersecting the first axis and adapted to come into contact with the mating terminal of the mating connector; a bottom piece having a first end connected to the first curved portion and a second end opposite to the first end, extending linearly along the opposing axis, and disposed in the through hole; a second curved portion that connects a lower end of the second contact piece and the second end of the bottom piece and curves; having an upper surface and a lower surface of the first curved portion are covered by the housing so that the first end of the bottom piece of the contact arm is exposed from the housing, and the first curved portion is embedded in the housing; connector.

2. the first curved portion is embedded in the housing such that the contact arm is exposed from the housing at a boundary between the first end of the bottom piece of the contact arm and the first curved portion. The connector of claim 1 .

3. the housing has a covering portion that covers an upper surface of the first curved portion and the lower end of the first contact piece, The covering portion has an inclined surface that is continuous with the upper surface of the bottom wall and the wall portion. The connector of claim 1 .

4. The lower surface of the bottom piece is located higher than the lower surface of the connecting piece. The connector of claim 1 .

5. A bottom surface of the bottom wall of the portion covering the lower surface of the first curved portion is flush with a bottom surface of the boundary portion between the first end of the bottom piece and the first curved portion. The connector according to claim 2.

6. The wall portion includes a first wall portion in which the side piece is disposed, and a second wall portion having a recess in which the contact arm is disposed, The second wall portion is a pair of partition walls disposed on both sides of the terminal along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and protruding along the first axis; an intermediate wall that faces the contact arm along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis and connects the pair of partition walls; having The recess is surrounded by the pair of partition walls and the intermediate wall, The entire space within the recess passes through along the first axis and overlaps with the through hole of the bottom wall. The connector of claim 1 .

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