Board connector

Abstract

To provide a board connector that can improve the positional accuracy of a board connection part fixed to a circuit board.SOLUTION: A board connector 1 has a housing 10, terminals 5, 6 and a cover 7, and the terminals 5,6 have terminal bodies 51, 61, connecting parts 52, 62 and board connection parts 53, 63. The connecting parts 52, 62 has first connecting parts 521, 621, second connecting parts 522, 622 and third connecting parts 523, 623. The cover 7 has a cover body 71 and a rib 72 provided on the cover body 71. The rib 72 supports first connecting parts 521, 621 by contacting the outer surface near the housing 10 at the exposed portion of first connecting parts 521, 621 from the housing 10.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 and a terminal fitting having one end disposed within the housing and the other end extending outward from the rear wall of the housing, and the other end of the terminal fitting is inserted into a through hole formed in the circuit board and soldered thereto to form a board connection portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-235578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the terminal fitting is formed from a thin flat plate, and the crank-shaped bent portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, and the board connection portion is formed at the tip of this crank-shaped exposed portion. Therefore, the board connection portion formed at the tip of the crank-shaped 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.

[0006] 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]

[0007] A board connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having an insertion space that penetrates in one direction, a terminal that is inserted into the insertion space and held by the housing, and a cover attached to the housing, wherein the terminal comprises 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, wherein the connecting portion comprises 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 transverse direction that intersects 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, and the cover comprises a cover body that can cover one side of the housing in the transverse direction, and a rib that is provided on the cover body and is capable of supporting the first connecting portion by contacting an outer surface near the housing at a portion of the first connecting portion exposed from the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to a first embodiment, in a perspective view showing a state before an example of a terminal is inserted into an example of a housing. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to the first embodiment, with an example of a cover in an open state. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to the first embodiment, with an example of a cover in a closed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an example of a board connector according to a first embodiment, and is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, a state in which an example of a cover is closed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an example of a board connector according to the first embodiment, in a rear view showing a state in which an example of a cover is closed. [Figure 6] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a schematic state in which an example of a board connector according to a first embodiment is fitted into an example of a mating connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in a perspective view showing a state before an example of a terminal is inserted into an example of a housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in which an example of a cover is removed from an example of a housing. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which an example of a cover has been removed from an example of a housing. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in a perspective view showing a state in which an example of a cover is attached to an example of a housing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which an example of a cover is attached to an example of a housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic view of an example of a board connector according to a second embodiment, in a rear view showing a state in which an example of a cover is attached to an example of a housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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).

[0013] In addition, the following embodiments include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0014] (First embodiment) 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 10 having a housing main body 11 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 10.

[0015] 1, the housing 10 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. The housing 10 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.

[0016] In this embodiment, a plurality of insertion spaces are formed at two locations, upper and lower, in the housing body 11 so as to be aligned at a predetermined pitch in the Y direction (width direction). Thus, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 is formed with two upper and lower insertion spaces, that is, an upper insertion space S1 located on the upper side of the housing body 11 and a lower insertion space S2 located on the lower side of the housing body 11. In this embodiment, the upper insertion space S and the lower insertion space S2 are formed in the housing body 11 in a state where they are shifted in the Y direction (width direction).

[0017] 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 body 11, 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.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the board connector 1 includes the cover 7 that is attached to the housing 10.

[0019] 1, the cover 7 includes a cover body 71 in the shape of a generally rectangular plate that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. This cover 7 can also be formed using, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0020] In this embodiment, the cover 7 is rotatably attached to the housing 10. Specifically, a rotation shaft 711 is formed on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) at the front end of the cover main body 71 in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction) so as to protrude outward in the Y direction (width direction). Also, a bearing portion 111 having a through hole 111a penetrating in the Y direction (width direction) is formed on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the housing main body 11. Then, the rotation shaft 711 is inserted into the through hole 111a formed in the bearing portion 111 so that the cover 7 rotates relatively to the housing 10 within a predetermined range (between the open state shown in FIG. 2 and the closed state shown in FIG. 3) around the rotation shaft 711. Then, by rotating the cover 7 to the closed state shown in FIG. 3, the upper side (one side) of the housing 10 in the Z direction (the intersecting direction intersecting with the X direction as one direction) is covered by the cover main body 71.

[0021] In this manner, in this embodiment, the cover 7 is integrated with the housing 10. This makes it possible to prevent the cover 7 from being lost, and makes it easier to manage the board connector 1.

[0022] Such a cover 7 is provided to prevent the terminals from being touched and to provide a drip-proof structure for the board connector 1. Therefore, although an upper insertion space S1 that is not open at the top is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, it is also possible to provide an upper insertion space S1 that opens at the top in the housing main body 11, and define the top of the upper insertion space S1 by the cover main body 71. In this way, the insertion resistance of the upper terminals 5 into the upper insertion space S1 can be further reduced, making it easier to insert the upper terminals 5 into the upper insertion space S1.

[0023] In this embodiment, the terminals are inserted into each insertion space with the cover 7 open. That is, with the cover 7 open, the upper terminal 5 is inserted into the upper insertion space S1, and the lower terminal 6 is inserted into the lower insertion space S2, so that each terminal is held in the housing 10 (housing body 11). Then, the cover 7 is closed with each terminal held in the housing 10 (housing body 11), so that the board connector 1 is formed.

[0024] With the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10, the housing 10 and the terminals are fixed to the FPC board 2, thereby allowing the board connector 1 to be attached to the FPC board 2. Note that the housing 10 can be fixed to the FPC board 2, for example, by fixing a fixing bracket assembled to the housing 10 to the FPC board 2 using solder or the like.

[0025] 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 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 while being exposed from the housing body 11. 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 1 to 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 main body 51, 61 and the other end 521b, 621b exposed from the housing main body 11. 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.

[0029] 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 main body 11 are formed in a crank shape, and the board connecting portions 53, 63 are formed at the tips of these terminal exposed portions.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the mating connector 3 includes a mating housing 30, and a fitting space S3 is formed in the mating housing 30 into which the board connector 1 having the FPC board 2 attached thereto is inserted. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the board connector 1 having the FPC board 2 attached thereto is fitted into the fitting space S3.

[0033] It is also possible to form a lock lever or the like on the mating housing 30 and form a locking portion on the housing 10 that can be engaged with the lock lever or the like, so that the housing 10 and the mating housing 30 are locked in the mated state.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mating housing 30 is also formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. This mating housing 30 can also be formed using an insulating resin material.

[0035] The mating housing 30 also has two insertion spaces, an upper one and an lower one, i.e., an upper insertion space S4 located on the upper side of the mating housing 30 and a lower insertion space S5 located on the lower side of the mating housing 30. 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 main body 11, respectively.

[0036] 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 30, and the lower terminals 9 of the mating side are inserted into the lower insertion space S5 through the lower insertion opening S5a.

[0037] In this manner, in this embodiment, the mating connector 3 is formed by inserting the mating upper terminals 8 into the upper insertion space S4 and the mating lower terminals 9 into the lower insertion space S5, and holding the respective terminals in the mating housing 30. Then, with the terminals (the mating upper terminals 8 and the mating lower terminals 9) held in the mating housing 30, the mating housing 30 and the terminals are fixed to the printed circuit board 4, so that the mating connector 3 is attached to the printed circuit board 4. The mating housing 30 can also be fixed to the printed circuit board 4 by, for example, fixing a fixing bracket assembled to the mating housing 30 to the printed circuit board 4 using solder or the like.

[0038] 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 30. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 2, the connecting portions 82, 92 include first connecting portions 821, 921 that extend in the X direction (one direction) with one end connected to the terminal main bodies 81, 91 and the other end exposed from the mating housing 30. 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.

[0042] In addition, 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 30 are also formed in a crank shape, and the board connecting portions 83, 93 are formed at the tips of these terminal exposed portions.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Specifically, the cover 7 is provided with a rib 72 that is provided on the cover body 71 and is capable of supporting the first connecting parts 521, 621 by contacting the outer surface of the housing 10 near the portion of the first connecting parts 521, 621 exposed from the housing 10. In this embodiment, the upper surfaces 521d, 621d, the lower surfaces 521c, 621c, and the side surfaces 521e, 621e of the first connecting parts 521, 621 form the outer surfaces of the first connecting parts 521, 621.

[0046] In this manner, in the board connector 1 according to this embodiment, the cover 7 is provided with the rib 72 capable of supporting the first connecting parts 521, 621 by contacting the outer surface of the housing 10 near the part of the first connecting parts 521, 621 exposed from the housing 10. This makes it possible to make it more difficult for the parts of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10 exposed from the housing 10 to move. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the positions of the board connecting parts 53, 63 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 from shifting, thereby making it possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connecting parts 53, 63.

[0047] In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 72 are formed at the rear end of the cover body 71 so as to extend in the plate thickness direction of the cover body 71. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the cover 7 is rotated to the closed state, the side surface 72a of the rib 72 is made to contact the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 of the upper terminal 5. In this manner, when the board connector 1 is in a predetermined state, the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 is clamped by the rib 72. Note that the predetermined state refers to a state in which the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, and the housing 10 holding the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) is arranged so that the side connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 is on the lower side.

[0048] In this manner, in this embodiment, the rib 72 is configured to clamp the sides (side surfaces 521e on both sides in the Y direction) of the base side (the portion close to the housing main body 11) of the exposed portion of the upper terminal 5 from the housing main body 11.

[0049] In this way, the rib 72 can prevent the portion of the upper terminal 5 held in the housing 10 that is exposed from the housing 10 from swinging left and right. As a result, the board connection portion 53 is prevented from shifting out of position, and the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 can be further improved.

[0050] Furthermore, if the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 is clamped by the rib 72 when the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, it becomes possible for the rib 72 to correct misalignment of the upper terminals 5. Therefore, even if the upper terminals 5 are misaligned when inserted into the housing 10, by covering the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction with the cover 7, it becomes possible to correct the misalignment of the upper terminals 5.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, when the board connector 1 is in the specified state described above, the terminals include an upper terminal 5 with the first connecting portion 521 located on the upper side, and a lower terminal 6 with the first connecting portion 621 located on the lower side, and at least the upper terminal 5 is supported by the rib 72.

[0052] In this manner, in this embodiment, while the board connector 1 has a multi-stage structure (two or more stages), ribs capable of holding the terminals of each stage are provided in multiple stages, and the terminal having the longest second connecting portion is supported by the rib. This more reliably prevents the terminal having the longest second connecting portion, which is more susceptible to deformation, from being deformed.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, the rib 72 simply holds the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations are possible. For example, when the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, that is, when the cover 7 is in the closed state, the lower surface (tip surface) 72b of the rib 72 can be abutted against the upper surface 621d of the first connecting portion 621 of the lower terminal 6. In addition to the rib 72 that holds the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521, a rib that holds the side surface 621e of the first connecting portion 621 can be provided, and not only the upper terminal 5 but also the lower terminal 6 can be supported by the rib provided on the cover 7. In this way, the rib 72 provided on the cover 7 can make it more difficult for the parts of the upper terminal 5 and the lower terminal 6 exposed from the housing 10 to move.

[0054] Second embodiment The board connector 1 according to this embodiment is also 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 also includes a housing 10 having a housing main body 11 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 10.

[0055] 7, the housing 10 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction), and has rigidity. The housing 10 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.

[0056] In this embodiment, a plurality of insertion spaces are formed at two locations, upper and lower, in the housing body 11 so as to be aligned at a predetermined pitch in the Y direction (width direction). Thus, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 is formed with two upper and lower insertion spaces, that is, an upper insertion space S1 located on the upper side of the housing body 11 and a lower insertion space S2 located on the lower side of the housing body 11. In this embodiment, the upper insertion space S and the lower insertion space S2 are formed in the housing body 11 in a state where they are shifted in the Y direction (width direction).

[0057] 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 body 11, 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.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the board connector 1 includes the cover 7 that is attached to the housing 10.

[0059] 7, the cover 7 includes a cover body 71 in the shape of a generally rectangular plate that is elongated in the Y direction (width direction) and has rigidity. This cover 7 can also be formed using, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cover 7 is detachably attached to the housing 10. Specifically, on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the center of the cover main body 71 in the X direction (front-rear direction: one direction), locking pieces 712 are formed that protrude downward in the Z direction (up-down direction). Also, on each locking piece 712, an engagement protrusion 7121 that protrudes inward in the Y direction (width direction) is formed. Meanwhile, on both sides in the Y direction (width direction) of the housing main body 11, an engagement recess 112 that is recessed inward in the Y direction (width direction) is formed. Then, the engagement protrusion 7121 is releasably engaged with the engagement recess 112 formed in the housing main body 11, so that the cover 7 is detachably attached to the housing 10. Then, by attaching the cover 7 to the housing 10, the upper side (one side) of the housing 10 in the Z direction (intersecting direction intersecting with the X direction as one direction) is covered by the cover main body 71.

[0061] In this manner, in this embodiment, the cover 7 is made detachable from the housing 10. This prevents the cover 7 from interfering with the insertion operation of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) into the housing 10, making it easier to insert the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) into the housing 10.

[0062] Incidentally, such a cover 7 is also provided to prevent the terminals from being touched and to provide a drip-proof structure for the board connector 1. Therefore, although an upper insertion space S1 that is not open at the top has been illustrated in Figs. 7 to 12, it is also possible to provide an upper insertion space S1 that opens at the top in the housing main body 11, and define the top of the upper insertion space S1 by the cover main body 71. In this way, it is possible to further reduce the insertion resistance of the upper terminals 5 into the upper insertion space S1, and therefore it becomes easier to insert the upper terminals 5 into the upper insertion space S1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the terminals are inserted into each insertion space with the cover 7 removed from the housing 10. That is, with the cover 7 removed from the housing 10, the upper terminal 5 is inserted into the upper insertion space S1 and the lower terminal 6 is inserted into the lower insertion space S2, so that each terminal is held in the housing 10 (housing body 11). Thereafter, the cover 7 is attached with each terminal held in the housing 10 (housing body 11), so that the board connector 1 is formed.

[0064] With the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10, the housing 10 and the terminals are fixed to the FPC board 2, thereby allowing the board connector 1 to be attached to the FPC board 2. Note that the housing 10 can be fixed to the FPC board 2, for example, by fixing a fixing bracket assembled to the housing 10 to the FPC board 2 using solder or the like.

[0065] Also in this embodiment, the terminals (upper terminal 5 and lower terminal 6) include terminal bodies 51, 61, board connecting portions 53, 63, and linking portions 52, 62.

[0066] The terminal bodies 51, 61 include box portions 511, 611 and neck portions 512, 612 formed between the box portions 511, 611 and the connecting portions 52, 62, and contact portions 511a, 611a are formed within the spaces of the box portions 511, 611.

[0067] The connecting portions 52, 62 include a first connecting portion 521, 621, a second connecting portion 522, 622, and a third connecting portion 523, 623 that connects the first connecting portion 521, 621 and the second connecting portion 522, 622. The connecting portions 52, 62 and the board connecting portions 53, 63 have their portions exposed from the housing body 11 (terminal exposed portions) formed in a crank shape, and the board connecting portions 53, 63 are formed at the tips of the terminal exposed portions.

[0068] Also in this embodiment, the positional accuracy of the board connection portion 53 fixed to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 can be further improved.

[0069] Specifically, the cover 7 is provided with a rib 72 that is provided on the cover body 71 and is capable of supporting the first connecting parts 521, 621 by contacting the outer surface of the housing 10 near the portion of the first connecting parts 521, 621 exposed from the housing 10. In the present embodiment as well, the upper surfaces 521d, 621d, the lower surfaces 521c, 621c and the side surfaces 521e, 621e of the first connecting parts 521, 621 form the outer surfaces of the first connecting parts 521, 621.

[0070] In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 72 are formed at the rear end of the cover body 71 so as to extend in the plate thickness direction of the cover body 71, and the plurality of ribs 72 have two types of ribs with different lengths. Specifically, a plurality of upper ribs 721 having a short length in the Z direction (vertical direction) and a plurality of lower ribs 722 having a long length in the Z direction (vertical direction) are formed at the rear end of the cover body 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, the side surface 721a of the upper rib 721 and the side surface 722a of the lower rib 722 are the side surface 72a of the rib 72. Also, the lower surface (tip surface) 721b of the upper rib 721 and the lower surface (tip surface) 721b of the lower rib 722 are the lower surface (tip surface) 72b of the rib 72.

[0071] 8 to 11, when the cover 7 is moved downward and attached to the housing 10, the lower surface (tip surface) 721b of the upper rib 721 abuts against the upper surface 521d of the first connecting portion 521 of the upper terminal 5. Also, the lower surface (tip surface) 722b of the lower rib 722 abuts against the upper surface 621d of the first connecting portion 621 of the lower terminal 6.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with a housing side rib 12 that is arranged to protrude in one direction (X direction) from the housing main body 11 and is capable of supporting the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6).

[0073] In this embodiment, an upper housing side rib 121 is formed so as to protrude in one direction (X direction) from the lower part of the upper insertion opening S1a in the housing main body 11, and this upper housing side rib 121 is formed at the lower part of each upper insertion opening S1a.

[0074] Similarly, a lower housing side rib 122 is formed so as to protrude in one direction (X direction) from the lower part of the lower insertion opening S2a in the housing main body 11, and this lower housing side rib 122 is also formed at the lower part of each lower insertion opening S2a.

[0075] With the upper terminal 5 held by the housing main body 11, the upper housing rib 121 supports from below the portion of the first coupling portion 521 exposed from the housing main body 11. In other words, with the upper terminal 5 held by the housing main body 11, the lower surface 521c of the first coupling portion 521 abuts against the upper surface 121a of the upper housing rib 121.

[0076] Similarly, with the lower terminal 6 held by the housing main body 11, the lower housing rib 122 supports from below the portion of the first coupling portion 621 exposed from the housing main body 11. That is, with the lower terminal 6 held by the housing main body 11, the lower surface 621c of the first coupling portion 621 abuts against the upper surface 122a of the lower housing rib 122.

[0077] In this way, when the board connector 1 is in the above-mentioned predetermined state, the upper and lower surfaces 521c, 521d of the first connecting portion 521 are sandwiched between the upper rib 721 and the upper housing side rib 121. Similarly, when the board connector 1 is in the above-mentioned predetermined state, the upper and lower surfaces 621c, 621d of the first connecting portion 621 are sandwiched between the lower rib 722 and the lower housing side rib 122.

[0078] In this way, the portions of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10 that are exposed from the housing 10 can be prevented from swinging up and down by the rib 72 and the housing side rib 12. As a result, the board connection parts 53, 63 are prevented from shifting in position, and the positional accuracy of the board connection parts 53, 63 can be further improved.

[0079] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configurations of the board connectors shown in the above embodiments and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0080] The board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments includes a housing 10 having insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) that penetrate 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 10. The board connector 1 also includes a cover 7 that is attached to the housing 10.

[0081] On the other hand, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) include terminal bodies 51, 61 to be inserted into the insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2), and board connection parts 53, 63 to be connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 while being exposed from the housing 10. Furthermore, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) include connecting parts 52, 62 that connect the terminal bodies 51, 61 and the board connection parts 53, 63.

[0082] 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 10. The connecting portion 52, 62 includes a second connecting portion 522, 622 that extends in the Z direction (a direction intersecting with the X direction as one direction) and is connected to the board connecting 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.

[0083] The cover 7 includes a cover body 71 capable of covering an upper side (one side) of the housing 10 in the Z direction (a direction intersecting the X direction as one direction). The cover 7 includes a rib 72 provided on the cover body 71 and capable of supporting the first coupling parts 521, 621 by contacting an outer surface near the housing 10 at a portion of the first coupling parts 521, 621 exposed from the housing 10. Here, in the board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments, the upper surfaces 521d, 621d, the lower surfaces 521c, 621c, and the side surfaces 521e, 621e of the first coupling parts 521, 621 are the outer surfaces of the first coupling parts 521, 621.

[0084] In this manner, in the board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments, the cover 7 is provided with the rib 72 capable of supporting the first connecting parts 521, 621 by contacting the outer surface of the housing 10 near the part of the first connecting parts 521, 621 exposed from the housing 10. This makes it possible to make the part of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10 exposed from the housing 10 less likely to move. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the position of the board connecting parts 53, 63 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 from shifting, and it becomes possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connecting parts 53, 63.

[0085] In this manner, with the board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments, it is possible to further improve the positional accuracy of the board connection portions 53, 63 connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2.

[0086] In the board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments, the cover 7 covers the upper side (one side) of the housing 10 in the Z direction (a direction intersecting with the X direction as one direction), and the rib 72 supports the base side of the exposed portion of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6). This makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the board connector 1 compared to a case in which the housing 10 is covered from the rear in the X direction (one direction) with a cover and the second connecting portions 522, 622 are supported by ribs provided on the cover. Furthermore, if the board connector 1 thus reduced in weight is mounted on an automobile, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the automobile's fuel efficiency.

[0087] In this way, the board connector 1 shown in each of the above embodiments is a board connector that can be made smaller and lighter while improving the positional accuracy of the board connection portions 53, 63, and can also suppress a deterioration in fuel efficiency of the automobile.

[0088] Additionally, the cover 7 may be attached to the housing 10 so as to be rotatable.

[0089] This prevents the cover 7 from being lost, and allows the board connector 1 to be managed more easily.

[0090] Additionally, the cover 7 may be detachably attached to the housing 10 .

[0091] This prevents the cover 7 from interfering with the insertion of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) into the housing 10, making it easier to insert the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) into the housing 10.

[0092] In addition, in a predetermined state, the side surfaces 521e, 621e of the first connecting portions 521, 621 may be clamped by the rib 72. Note that the "predetermined state" refers to a state in which the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, and the housing 10 holding the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) is arranged so that the side connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 is on the lower side.

[0093] This makes it possible to make it more difficult for the portions of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10 that are exposed from the housing 10 to move. In particular, the rib 72 can prevent the portions of the connecting portions 52, 62 that are exposed from the housing 10 from swinging left and right. As a result, the board connecting portions 53, 63 are prevented from shifting out of position, and the positional accuracy of the board connecting portions 53, 63 can be further improved.

[0094] Furthermore, if the side surfaces 521e, 621e of the first connecting portions 521, 621 are clamped by the ribs 72 when the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, it becomes possible to correct misalignment of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) by the ribs 72. Therefore, even if the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are misaligned when inserted into the housing 10, by covering the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction with the cover 7, it becomes possible to correct the misalignment of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6).

[0095] The housing 10 may also include a housing main body 11 in which insertion spaces (upper insertion space S1 and lower insertion space S2) are formed. Furthermore, the housing 10 may also include housing side ribs 12 that are provided so as to protrude in one direction (X direction) from the housing main body 11 and are capable of supporting terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6).

[0096] In addition, when the above-mentioned predetermined state is achieved, the upper and lower surfaces 521c, 521d, 621c, 621d of the first connecting portions 521, 621 may be sandwiched between the rib 72 and the housing side rib 12.

[0097] This also makes it possible to make the portions of the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) held in the housing 10 that are exposed from the housing 10 less likely to move. In particular, the rib 72 and the housing side rib 12 can prevent the portions of the connecting portions 52, 62 that are exposed from the housing 10 from swinging up and down. As a result, the board connecting portions 53, 63 are prevented from shifting out of position, and the positional accuracy of the board connecting portions 53, 63 can be further improved.

[0098] In addition, the terminal may include an upper terminal 5 with the first connecting portion 521 located on the upper side and a lower terminal 6 with the first connecting portion 621 located on the lower side when the housing 10 holding the terminal is positioned so that the side connected to the FPC board (circuit board) 2 is on the lower side.

[0099] At least the upper terminal 5 may be supported by the rib 72. In other words, in the board connector 1 having a multi-stage structure (two or more stages), the terminal (upper terminal 5) whose first connecting portion is located farthest from the FPC board (circuit board) 2 may be supported by the rib 72.

[0100] This makes it possible to more reliably suppress deformation of the upper terminal 5, which has the longest second coupling portion 522 and is the terminal most susceptible to deformation. Therefore, even in the case of a board connector 1 having a multi-stage structure (two or more stages), it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the board connecting portion 53.

[0101] [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.

[0102] For example, the configurations shown in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0103] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a board connector 1 that is attached to an FPC board 2 is exemplified, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible to attach it to a circuit board having rigidity, such as a printed circuit board.

[0104] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the terminals having the box portions 511, 611 (upper terminal 5 and lower terminal 6: female terminals) are exemplified as the terminals, but the present invention can be applied to various types of terminals such as male terminals.

[0105] In the above first embodiment, the upper terminal 5 and the lower terminal 6 are supported only by the rib 72, but it is also possible for both the upper terminal 5 and the lower terminal 6 to be supported by the rib 72. It is also possible for only the lower terminal 6 to be supported by the rib 72. However, when only one terminal is supported by the rib 72, it is preferable to configure the upper terminal 5, which is the more easily deformed terminal, to be supported by the rib 72.

[0106] In the second embodiment, both the upper terminal 5 and the lower terminal 6 are sandwiched by the rib 72 and the housing rib 12, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is possible to sandwich only the upper terminal 5 between the rib 72 and the housing rib 12. It is also possible to sandwich only the lower terminal 6 between the rib 72 and the housing rib 12. However, when only one terminal is sandwiched between the rib 72 and the housing rib 12, it is preferable to sandwich only the upper terminal 5, which is the more easily deformed terminal, between the rib 72 and the housing rib 12.

[0107] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are inserted into the insertion spaces S1, S2 formed in two stages in the housing main body 11, 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 uppermost terminal that is farthest from the circuit board to which the board connection portion is connected.

[0108] In the above first embodiment, the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 is sandwiched between two ribs 72, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 can be sandwiched between one rib having a bifurcated lower portion.

[0109] In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration in which the two ribs 72 only clamp the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it is possible to provide each of the two ribs 72 with an engagement hook that is hooked onto the lower surface 521c of the first connecting portion 521 when the side surface 521e of the first connecting portion 521 is clamped, while making the two ribs 72 elastically deformable in the width direction. In this way, the engagement hooks suppress the movement of the cover 7 in the opening direction and the removal from the housing 10, so that the first connecting portion 521 can be more reliably supported by the ribs 72.

[0110] In the above second embodiment, the flat lower surfaces (tip surfaces) 721b, 722b are abutted against the upper surfaces 521d, 621d of the first connecting parts 521, 621, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it is also possible to form grooves in the lower surfaces (tip surfaces) 721b, 722b, and when the cover 7 covers the upper side of the housing 10 in the Z direction, the first connecting parts 521, 621 are fitted into the grooves.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the housing rib 12 is configured to support the exposed portions of the first connecting portions 521, 621 from the housing main body 11 with the flat upper surfaces 121a, 122a, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is also possible to form grooves in the upper surfaces 121a, 122a so that when the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are held by the housing 10, the exposed portions of the first connecting portions 521, 621 from the housing main body 11 are fitted into the grooves.

[0112] This makes it possible to suppress movement of the parts of the connecting parts 52, 62 exposed from the housing body 11 in the Y direction (width direction), thereby making it possible to more accurately position the board connecting parts 53, 63 in their designated positions.

[0113] It is also possible to make the flat rear surfaces (tip surfaces) 121b, 122b of the housing side rib 12 abut against the second connecting portions 522, 622 and the third connecting portions 523, 623 when the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) are held by the housing 10. In this way, the terminals (upper terminals 5 and lower terminals 6) can be positioned by the housing side rib 12, so that the board connecting portions 53, 63 can be arranged at predetermined positions with greater accuracy.

[0114] In addition, the cover 7 of the first embodiment can be configured to be removably attached to the housing 10, and the cover 7 of the second embodiment can be configured to be rotatably attached to the housing 10.

[0115] It is also possible to change the housing, terminals, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Board Connector 10. Housing 11 Housing body 12 Housing side rib 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 521c Bottom surface (outside surface) 521d Top surface (outer surface) 521e Side (external) 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 621c Bottom surface (outside surface) 621d Top surface (outer surface) 621e Side (external) 622 2nd connection part 623 3rd connection part 63 Board connection part 7 Cover 71 Cover body 72 Ribs S1 Upper insertion space (insertion space) S2 Lower insertion space (insertion space)

Claims

1. A housing having an insertion space passing therethrough in one direction; a terminal that is inserted into the insertion space and held in the housing; a cover attached to 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 cover is a cover body capable of covering one side of the housing in the intersecting direction; a rib provided on the cover body and capable of supporting the first connecting portion by contacting an outer surface of the first connecting portion near the housing at a portion exposed from the housing; Equipped with Connector for circuit boards.

2. The cover is pivotally attached to the housing.

2. The board connector according to claim 1.

3. The cover is removably attached to the housing.

2. The board connector according to claim 1.

4. When the cover covers one side of the housing in the cross direction and the housing holding the terminals is disposed so that the side connected to the circuit board faces downward, a side surface of the first connecting portion is clamped by the rib. The board connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing includes: a housing body in which the insertion space is formed; a housing side rib that is provided so as to protrude in the one direction from the housing main body and is capable of supporting the terminal; Equipped with When the cover covers one side of the housing in the cross direction and the housing holding the terminals is arranged so that the side connected to the circuit board is on the lower side, upper and lower surfaces of the first connecting portion are sandwiched between the rib and the housing-side rib. The board connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the terminals include upper terminals in which the first connecting portion is located on an upper side and lower terminals in which the first connecting portion is located on a lower side when the housing holding the terminals is arranged with a side connected to the circuit board facing downward, At least the upper terminal is supported by the rib. The board connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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