Connector and electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a connector that can suppress defects of the connector caused by an insulator even if the connector is compact and low-profile.SOLUTION: A connector 10 according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of contacts 30; an insulator 20 having an outer wall 23 on which the plurality of contacts 30 are attached; a second metal fitting 40b attached to an end part E of the outer wall 23 in a longer direction; and a first metal fitting 40a extending along the longer direction. The second metal fitting 40b has: an outer circumference part 40b1 constituting an outer circumference of the connector 10 in a region R located at an end part in the longer direction of the connector 10 and also located further outside in the longer direction than the end part E of the outer wall 23; first mounting parts 44b arranged along a shorter direction; and second mounting parts 49b arranged along the longer direction. At least either of the first mounting parts 44b and the second mounting parts 49b are arranged on both side of the first metal fitting 40a in the shorter direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been widely known a technology relating to a connector module including a connector and a connection object that are mounted on different circuit boards and electrically connect these circuit boards. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector that prevents deformation of a reinforcing metal fitting during a mating or unmating operation, thereby increasing reliability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-74338 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a connector is made small and low-profile, there is a high possibility that the insulator constituting the connector will be damaged or otherwise damaged due to contact with the connection object and metal fittings during fitting with the connection object and during metal fitting installation. If the insulator is damaged by the connection object and metal fittings, pieces of the damaged insulator may adhere to the connector contacts, causing poor contact. As a result, the reliability of the connector as a product is reduced. In other words, there is a high possibility that the insulator will cause a malfunction in the connector.

[0005] In consideration of such problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and electronic device that can suppress connector malfunctions caused by insulators even when the connector is made small and low-profile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A connector that fits with a connection object, Multiple contacts and an insulator having an outer wall to which the contacts are attached, the outer wall extending along a longitudinal direction of the connector; A second fitting attached to an end portion of the outer wall in the longitudinal direction; Equipped with The second fitting has an outer periphery that is located at an end of the connector in the longitudinal direction and that constitutes an outer periphery of the connector in a region located outboard in the longitudinal direction relative to the end of the outer wall.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: Equipped with the above connector. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the connector and electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, malfunctions of the connector caused by the insulator can be suppressed even in a small and low-profile state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a connector module in a state in which a connector and a connection object according to an embodiment are connected to each other, as viewed from above; [Diagram 2] 1 is an external perspective view showing a connector module according to an embodiment in a state in which a connector and a connection object are separated from each other, as seen from above; [Diagram 3] 2 is an external perspective view showing the connector alone in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 4 is an external perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 3 in an exploded top view. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged view of a portion V surrounded by a dashed dotted line in FIG. 3, showing only the first insulator. [Figure 6]4 is an enlarged view of a portion V surrounded by a dashed dotted line in FIG. 3, showing only the first fitting. [Figure 7] 4 is an enlarged view showing a part V enclosed by a dashed dotted line in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged bottom view of the connector in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an external perspective view showing a single object to be connected in FIG. 1 as seen from above. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows XII-XII in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 9 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing a connector according to a modified example as viewed from below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, back, left, right, and up and down are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. The directions of the arrows are consistent between different drawings in Figures 1 to 8 and Figures 10 to 13. In some drawings, circuit boards CB1 and CB2, which will be described later, are omitted for the purpose of simplifying the illustration.

[0011] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, a connector module 1 in a state in which a connector 10 according to one embodiment and a connection object 50 are connected to each other. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, the connector module 1 in a state in which the connector 10 according to one embodiment and a connection object 50 are separated from each other.

[0012] 2, the connector module 1 has a connector 10 and a connection object 50 that are connectable to each other. The connector 10 has a first insulator 20 and a first contact 30 attached to the first insulator 20. The connector 10 has a first metal fitting 40a and a second metal fitting 40b attached to the first insulator 20.

[0013] The connection object 50 is connectable to the connector 10. The connection object 50 has a second insulator 60 that fits with the first insulator 20 in a connected state in which the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are connected. The connection object 50 has a second contact 70 attached to the second insulator 60. The second contact 70 comes into contact with the first contact 30 in a fitted state in which the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 60 are fitted together. The connection object 50 has a metal fitting 80 attached to the second insulator 60. The metal fitting 80 comes into contact with the second metal fitting 40b in the fitted state. At this time, the second metal fitting 40b elastically deforms.

[0014] In the following, for example, the connector 10 according to one embodiment will be described as a receptacle connector, and the connection object 50 will be described as a plug connector. That is, in a mated state in which the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 60 are mated with each other, the connector 10 in which the first contacts 30 elastically deform will be described as a receptacle connector, and the connection object 50 in which the second contacts 70 do not elastically deform will be described as a plug connector. The types of the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are not limited to these. For example, the connector 10 may play the role of a plug connector, and the connection object 50 may play the role of a receptacle connector.

[0015] The connection object 50 is not limited to the above and may be any object other than a plug connector and a receptacle connector. For example, the connection object 50 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), a flexible flat cable, a rigid board, or a card edge of any circuit board.

[0016] In the following description, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are described as being mounted on circuit boards CB1 and CB2, respectively. In a connected state in which the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are connected to each other, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 electrically connect the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be rigid boards or any other circuit boards. For example, at least one of the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be an FPC.

[0017] In the following description, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. That is, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are connected to each other along the up-down direction, as an example. The connection method is not limited to this. The connector 10 and the connection object 50 may be connected to each other in a direction parallel to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, or may be connected to each other such that one is perpendicular to the circuit board on which they are mounted and the other is parallel to the circuit board on which they are mounted.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the "longitudinal direction" corresponds to the left-right direction, for example. The "short direction" corresponds to the front-rear direction, for example. The "mating direction" corresponds to the up-down direction, for example. The "direction perpendicular to the mating direction" corresponds to the front-rear direction, for example. The "mating side" corresponds to the upper side, for example. The "side opposite to the mating side" corresponds to the lower side, for example. The "circuit board CB1 side" corresponds to the lower side, for example. The "first surface" corresponds to the top surface, for example. The "second surface" corresponds to the rear surface, for example. The "third surface" corresponds to the front surface, for example. The "fourth surface" corresponds to a side surface in the left-right direction, for example. The "first plane" corresponds to the top surface, for example. The "second plane" corresponds to the rear surface, for example. The "third plane" corresponds to the front surface, for example. The "fourth plane" corresponds to a side surface in the left-right direction, for example.

[0019] Fig. 3 is an external perspective view showing the connector 10 from above in Fig. 1. As an example, the connector 10 is obtained by press-fitting the first contact 30 into the first insulator 20, and integrally molding the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b with the first insulator 20 by insert molding.

[0020] Fig. 4 is an external perspective view showing an exploded top view of the connector 10 shown in Fig. 3. In reality, the first metal fitting 40a, the second metal fitting 40b, and the first insulator 20 are each integrally molded by insert molding, but in Fig. 4, for ease of understanding, the first insulator 20, the first metal fitting 40a, and the second metal fitting 40b are virtually separated and shown as individual units.

[0021] The first insulator 20 constituting the connector 10 is formed of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The first insulator 20 extends in a plate shape in the left-right direction. The first insulator 20 has a bottom plate portion 21 constituting a lower portion. The bottom plate portion 21 extends from an outer wall 23 described later in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction with the connection object 50. The first insulator 20 has a fitting protrusion 22 protruding from the center of the bottom plate portion 21 in the front-rear and left-right directions toward the fitting side with the connection object 50. The first insulator 20 has a pair of outer walls 23 spaced apart in the short-side direction of the connector 10. The pair of outer walls 23 sandwich the fitting protrusion 22 along the short-side direction. The outer walls 23 are located on both sides of the fitting protrusion 22 in the front-rear direction while protruding from the bottom plate portion 21 toward the fitting side with the connection object 50. The outer walls 23 extend along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10.

[0022] The first insulator 20 has a first contact mounting groove 24 formed across the inner surface in the front-rear direction of the outer wall 23, the bottom plate portion 21, and the inner surface in the front-rear direction of the fitting protrusion 22. The first contacts 30 are mounted in the first contact mounting groove 24. A plurality of first contact mounting grooves 24 are formed corresponding to the number of first contacts 30. The plurality of first contact mounting grooves 24 are arranged along the arrangement direction of the first contacts 30.

[0023] The first insulator 20 has a first metal fitting holding portion 25 located at the left-right end of the fitting protrusion 22. As shown in FIG. 5 described later, the first metal fitting holding portion 25 is recessed at the left-right end of the fitting protrusion 22. A first metal fitting 40a is attached to the first metal fitting holding portion 25. The first insulator 20 has a second metal fitting holding portion 26 located at an end E of the outer wall 23 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. A second metal fitting 40b is attached to the second metal fitting holding portion 26. In FIG. 5, the end E of the outer wall 23 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 is formed flat, but in reality, an attachment portion 45b (described later) of the second metal fitting 40b is molded integrally with the end E by insert molding.

[0024] The first insulator 20 is located at an end of the connector 10 in the longitudinal direction, and has no components in a region R located longitudinally outboard of an end E of the outer wall 23. The bottom plate portion 21, the fitting protrusion 22, and the outer wall 23 extend to one edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The first insulator 20 is not disposed outside the edge portion in the left-right direction, i.e., in the region R.

[0025] 5 is an enlarged view of the area V enclosed by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 3, showing only the first insulator 20. The configuration of the fitting protrusion 22 in the first metal fitting holding portion 25 of the first insulator 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the fitting protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 has a first surface 221 that constitutes an end surface on the fitting side in the first metal fitting holding portion 25. The fitting protrusion 22 has a second surface 222 that extends from a rear end edge of the first surface 221 along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 toward the side opposite the fitting side. The fitting protrusion 22 has a third surface 223 that extends from a front end edge of the first surface 221 along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 toward the side opposite the fitting side. The fitting protrusion 22 has a fourth surface 224 that extends from a left-right edge of the first surface 221 along the lateral direction of the connector 10 toward the side opposite the fitting side. Each of the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 is configured as a flat surface.

[0027] The fitting protrusion 22 has a first intersection R1 where the first surface 221, the second surface 222, and the fourth surface 224 intersect. The first intersection R1 is located at a rear corner of the fitting protrusion 22, and includes one intersection point where the three surfaces, the first surface 221, the second surface 222, and the fourth surface 224, intersect, and a region located in the vicinity of the intersection point on each of the three surfaces, the first surface 221, the second surface 222, and the fourth surface 224.

[0028] The fitting protrusion 22 has a second intersection R2 where the first surface 221, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 intersect. The second intersection R2 is located at a front corner of the fitting protrusion 22, and includes one intersection point where the three surfaces, the first surface 221, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224, intersect, and a region located in the vicinity of the intersection point on each of the three surfaces, the first surface 221, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224.

[0029] The fitting protrusion 22 has a first intersection line L1 between the first surface 221 and the second surface 222. The fitting protrusion 22 has a second intersection line L2 between the first surface 221 and the third surface 223. The fitting protrusion 22 has a third intersection line L3 between the second surface 222 and the fourth surface 224. The fitting protrusion 22 has a fourth intersection line L4 between the third surface 223 and the fourth surface 224. The fitting protrusion 22 has a fifth intersection line L5 between the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224. Each of the first intersection line L1, the second intersection line L2, the third intersection line L3, the fourth intersection line L4, and the fifth intersection line L5 is configured as a straight line.

[0030] The first contact 30 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin plate of spring-elastic copper alloy or Corson copper alloy containing phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper into the shape shown in Fig. 4. The surface of the first contact 30 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel plating.

[0031] The first contact 30 has a mounting portion 31 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction. The first contact 30 has a locking portion 32 that continues upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 31. The locking portion 32 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the mounting portion 31. The first contact 30 has a curved portion 33 that protrudes upward from the locking portion 32 in a U-shape.

[0032] The first contact 30 has a resilient contact piece 34 formed in an S-shape and continuing from the curved portion 33. The first contact 30 has a resilient contact portion 35 formed facing outward in the front-rear direction at the bent portion of the tip of the resilient contact piece 34. The first contact 30 has a contact portion 36 protruding from the curved portion 33 at a position opposing the resilient contact portion 35 in the front-rear direction.

[0033] The first metal fitting 40a is formed by forming a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in FIG. 4 using a progressive die (stamping). The first metal fitting 40a is formed so that its overall shape is crank-shaped. More specifically, the claw portion 42a, the first base portion 41a, and the second base portion 43a described later are integrally formed so as to be crank-shaped as a whole. Similarly, the first base portion 41a and the second base portion 43a are integrally formed so as to be crank-shaped as a whole. The first metal fitting 40a is processed by a process including drawing so that the surfaces of the first base portion 41a in the front-rear, left-right, and upper directions are continuous without gaps. The method of processing the first metal fitting 40a is not limited to this, and may include a process based on bending in the plate thickness direction in addition to or instead of the process including drawing.

[0034] The first metal fitting 40a has a first base portion 41a. The first base portion 41a extends from the bottom to the top so as to be inclined inward in the left-right direction, and its upper end portion is bent toward one side in the left-right direction. The first base portion 41a connects a second base portion 43a (described later) and a claw portion 42a.

[0035] The first metal fitting 40a has a claw portion 42a extending further to one side in the left-right direction from a portion extending to one side in the left-right direction in the first base portion 41a. The claw portion 42a is formed in an L-shape. For example, a tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a is bent downward at an end portion on one side of the claw portion 42a. In the front-rear direction, the claw portion 42a is narrower than other portions of the first metal fitting 40a. For example, the front-rear width of the claw portion 42a is narrower than the front-rear width of the first base portion 41a connected to the claw portion 42a. For example, the front-rear width of the claw portion 42a is narrower than the front-rear width of each of the second base portion 43a and the narrow portion 44a described later.

[0036] The first metal fitting 40a has a second base portion 43a extending linearly from a lower end of the first base portion 41a to the other side in the left-right direction. The width of the second base portion 43a in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the first base portion 41a connected to the second base portion 43a in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The first metal fitting 40a has a narrow portion 44a that is narrower in the front-rear direction than other portions of the second base portion 43a. The narrow portion 44a extends outward in the left-right direction from a portion of the second base portion 43a adjacent to the first base portion 41a. The first metal fitting 40a has a mounting portion 45a, as shown in FIG. 6 described later. The mounting portion 45a includes a bottom surface on the circuit board CB1 side at an end in the longitudinal direction of the narrow portion 44a of the second base portion 43a. The mounting portion 45a is not limited to this, and may include a thickness portion along the up-down direction of the narrow portion 44a and an upper surface of the narrow portion 44a in addition to the lower surface of the narrow portion 44a.

[0038] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing only the first fitting 40a by enlarging the area V enclosed by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 3. With reference to Fig. 6, the configuration of the first base portion 41a of the first fitting 40a will be described in more detail while comparing it with each component of the fitting protrusion 22 in Fig. 5.

[0039] The first fitting 40a has a first end 41a1 disposed across the first surface 221, the second surface 222, and the fourth surface 224 at a first intersection R1 where the first surface 221, the second surface 222, and the fourth surface 224 of the fitting protrusion 22 intersect. The first end 41a1 includes a predetermined region of a rear corner of the first base portion 41a, and is generally formed of a curved surface. The first end 41a1 corresponds to an upper rear corner of the first fitting 40a.

[0040] The first fitting 40a has a second end 41a2 disposed across the first surface 221, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 at a second intersection R2 where the first surface 221, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 of the fitting protrusion 22 intersect. The second end 41a2 includes a predetermined region of a front corner of the first base portion 41a, and is generally formed of a curved surface. The second end 41a2 corresponds to an upper front corner of the first fitting 40a.

[0041] The first metal fitting 40a has a first extending portion 41a3 extending from the first end portion 41a1 in the longitudinal direction across the adjacent region of the first surface 221 and the second surface 222 along a first intersection line L1 between the first surface 221 and the second surface 222. The first extending portion 41a3 is formed so that its cross section is L-shaped when viewed from the left-right side. The first extending portion 41a3 is formed so as to bend from the top surface to the rear surface of the first base portion 41a.

[0042] The first metal fitting 40a has a second extending portion 41a4 extending from the second end portion 41a2 in the longitudinal direction across the adjacent region of the first surface 221 and the third surface 223 along the second intersection line L2 between the first surface 221 and the third surface 223. The second extending portion 41a4 is formed so that its cross section is L-shaped when viewed from the left-right side. The second extending portion 41a4 is formed so as to bend from the top surface of the first base portion 41a to the front surface.

[0043] The first metal fitting 40a has a third extension portion 41a5 extending from the first end 41a1 toward the opposite side to the fitting side across the adjacent region of the second surface 222 and the fourth surface 224 along a third intersection line L3 between the second surface 222 and the fourth surface 224. The third extension portion 41a5 is formed so that its cross section is L-shaped in a side view when viewed from above. The third extension portion 41a5 is formed so as to bend from the left and right side surfaces of the first base portion 41a to the rear surface.

[0044] The first metal fitting 40a has a fourth extension portion 41a6 extending from the second end portion 41a2 toward the opposite side to the fitting side across the adjacent region of the third surface 223 and the fourth surface 224 along a fourth intersection line L4 between the third surface 223 and the fourth surface 224. The fourth extension portion 41a6 is formed so that its cross section is L-shaped in a side view when viewed from above. The fourth extension portion 41a6 is formed so as to bend from the side surfaces in the left and right direction of the first base portion 41a to the front surface.

[0045] The first metal fitting 40a has a fifth extension portion 41a7 extending between the first end 41a1 and the second end 41a2 across the adjacent region of the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224 along a fifth intersection line L5 between the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224. The fifth extension portion 41a7 is formed so that its cross section is L-shaped when viewed from the side in the front-rear direction. The fifth extension portion 41a7 is formed so as to bend from the top surface of the first base portion 41a to the side surfaces in the left-right direction.

[0046] The first fitting 40a has a first plane S1 arranged along the first surface 221, a second plane S2 arranged along the second surface 222, a third plane S3 arranged along the third surface 223, and a fourth plane S4 arranged along the fourth surface 224.

[0047] The first plane S1 forms the upper surface of the first fitting 40a along the front edge of the first extending portion 41a3, the left-right edge of the fifth extending portion 41a7, and the rear edge of the second extending portion 41a4. The second plane S2 forms the rear surface of the first fitting 40a along the lower edge of the first extending portion 41a3 and the left-right edge of the third extending portion 41a5.

[0048] The third plane S3 forms the front surface of the first metal fitting 40a along the lower edge of the second extending portion 41a4 and the left-right edge of the fourth extending portion 41a6. The fourth plane S4 forms the left-right side surface of the first metal fitting 40a along the front edge of the third extending portion 41a5, the lower edge of the fifth extending portion 41a7, and the rear edge of the fourth extending portion 41a6.

[0049] The first fitting 40a continuously covers the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224, as well as all of the intersection lines, with surfaces perpendicular to the plate thickness direction at the longitudinal end of the fitting protrusion 22. The first fitting 40a is formed such that the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4 are smoothly connected by the ends and extensions at the first base portion 41a, with no gaps between the planes. This shape is achieved by drawing.

[0050] The second metal fitting 40b is formed by stamping a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in Fig. 4. The second metal fitting 40b is processed by a process including drawing so that an outer peripheral surface 47b2, an inner peripheral surface 47b1, and an upper surface, which will be described later, are continuous without gaps in the front-rear and left-right directions. The processing method of the second metal fitting 40b is not limited to this, and may include a process based on bending in the plate thickness direction in addition to or instead of the process including drawing.

[0051] The second fitting 40b has a first base 41b extending in the front-rear direction. The second fitting 40b has a second base 42b extending from each of both ends of the first base 41b in the front-rear direction to one side in the left-right direction. The first base 41b and the second base 42b are included in an outer periphery 40b1 that constitutes the outer periphery of the second fitting 40b in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0052] The second metal fitting 40b has protruding pieces 43b that extend linearly downward from the front and rear of the first base portion 41b and extend outward in the left-right direction at their lower ends. A recess is formed by the opposing edges of the pair of protruding pieces 43b that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction and the lower edge of the first base portion 41b. The second metal fitting 40b has a first mounting portion 44b located at the lower end of the protruding pieces 43b.

[0053] The second metal fitting 40b is located at one end of the second base portion 42b in the left-right direction and has a pair of mounting portions 45b spaced apart in the short-side direction of the connector 10. The mounting portions 45b extend further from one end of the second base portion 42b in the left-right direction toward one side in the left-right direction. The mounting portions 45b extend in the left-right direction while bending inward in the front-rear direction in a crank shape. The one end of the mounting portions 45b in the left-right direction is formed wider in the up-down direction than the other portions of the mounting portions 45b.

[0054] The second metal fitting 40b has a curved portion 46b that extends in a U-shape inside the second metal fitting 40b, covering substantially the entire first base portion 41b and the other end of the second base portion 42b in the left-right direction. The second metal fitting 40b has an inner peripheral surface 47b1 that is continuously formed without gaps along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction inside the curved portion 46b. The second metal fitting 40b has an outer peripheral surface 47b2 that is continuously formed without gaps along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction from one mounting portion 45b to the other mounting portion 45b. The outer peripheral surface 47b2 includes the outer surfaces of the first base portion 41b and the second base portion 42b. The outer peripheral surface 47b2 is formed so that these outer surfaces are smoothly connected and there are no gaps between the outer surfaces. The outer peripheral surface 47b2 extends in the longitudinal direction from one mounting portion 45b, bends, extends in the lateral direction, bends again, and is continuously formed along the longitudinal direction to the other mounting portion 45b.

[0055] The second metal fitting 40b has a U-shaped contact piece 48b formed at one end of the second base portion 42b in the left-right direction. A portion of the contact piece 48b that extends inward in the front-rear direction has spring elasticity. The second metal fitting 40b has a second mounting portion 49b located at the outer lower end of the second base portion 42b in the front-rear direction. The second mounting portion 49b extends over substantially the entire second base portion 42b in the left-right direction.

[0056] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion V enclosed by a dashed dotted line in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the connector 10 in Fig. 7 as viewed from below.

[0057] The first contacts 30 are press-fitted from below the first insulator 20. At this time, the locking portions 32 are locked to the inner wall surfaces in the left-right direction of the first contact mounting groove 24. As a result, the first contacts 30 are held in the first contact mounting groove 24. The multiple first contacts 30 are attached to the outer wall 23 of the first insulator 20.

[0058] When the first contact 30 is held in the first contact mounting groove 24 of the first insulator 20, the elastic contact portion 35 and the contact portion 36 are exposed from the first contact mounting groove 24 between the fitting protrusion 22 and the outer wall 23. At this time, the elastic contact piece 34 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction within the first contact mounting groove 24. The front-rear tip of the mounting portion 31 is at approximately the same front-rear position as the outer wall 23.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are different members. That is, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are separated from each other. The first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b face each other in the left-right direction while separated from each other. The strengths of the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are different from each other. That is, the strength of one of the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b is higher than the strength of the other. For example, the strength of the first metal fitting 40a may be higher than the strength of the second metal fitting 40b. For example, the strength of the material of the first metal fitting 40a may be higher than the strength of the material of the second metal fitting 40b. In this specification, "strength" includes, for example, tensile strength.

[0060] The material of the first metal fitting 40a may be different from the material of the second metal fitting 40b. For example, the material of the first metal fitting 40a may be stainless steel, and the material of the second metal fitting 40b may be phosphor bronze. Without being limited thereto, the material of the first metal fitting 40a and the material of the second metal fitting 40b may be selected from a group of candidate materials in any combination such that the strength of the first metal fitting 40a is higher than the strength of the second metal fitting 40b. In this specification, the "group of candidate materials" includes, for example, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, iron, Corson copper, titanium copper, beryllium copper, and aluminum.

[0061] The material of the first fitting 40a may be the same as the material of the second fitting 40b, so long as the strength of the first fitting 40a is higher than that of the second fitting 40b. For example, the strength of the first fitting 40a may be higher than that of the second fitting 40b even if they are made of the same material, such as phosphor bronze, by having different alloy numbers, type symbols, and tempers. For example, the strength of the first fitting 40a may be higher than that of the second fitting 40b even if they are made of the same material, such as phosphor bronze, by having the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a be greater than that of the second fitting 40b, as described below.

[0062] For example, the strength of the first contact 30 may be substantially the same as the strength of the second metal fitting 40b. The strength of the first metal fitting 40a may be higher than the strength of the first contact 30 in addition to the second metal fitting 40b. The material of the first metal fitting 40a, the material of the second metal fitting 40b, and the material of the first contact 30 may be selected from a group of candidate materials in any combination that satisfies the above-described strength relationship between the first metal fitting 40a, the second metal fitting 40b, and the first contact 30.

[0063] The pair of first metal fittings 40a are attached to both ends of the fitting protrusion 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The first metal fittings 40a extend along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 from the fitting protrusion 22 to the first base portion 41b of the second metal fitting 40b.

[0064] For example, the first metal fitting 40a is molded integrally with the first metal fitting holding portion 25 of the first insulator 20 by insert molding. At this time, the first base portion 41a is molded integrally with the fitting convex portion 22 from the top surface to the side surfaces at the left and right ends of the fitting convex portion 22. The first base portion 41a is molded integrally with the first metal fitting holding portion 25. The first base portion 41a covers the entire left and right ends of the fitting convex portion 22 from the outside.

[0065] More specifically, the first end 41a1 covers the first intersection R1. The second end 41a2 covers the second intersection R2. The first extension 41a3 covers the first intersection L1 and adjacent areas along the first intersection L1 on the first surface 221 and the second surface 222. The second extension 41a4 covers the second intersection L2 and adjacent areas along the second intersection L2 on the first surface 221 and the third surface 223. The third extension 41a5 covers the third intersection L3 and adjacent areas along the third intersection L3 on the second surface 222 and the fourth surface 224. The fourth extension 41a6 covers the fourth intersection L4 and adjacent areas along the fourth intersection L4 on the third surface 223 and the fourth surface 224. The fifth extension portion 41a7 covers the fifth intersection line L5 and adjacent regions along the fifth intersection line L5 on the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224. The first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4 cover the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224, respectively.

[0066] The first plane S1 of the first base portion 41a is flush with the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22. The second plane S2 and the third plane S3 of the first base portion 41a are flush with the side surface of the fitting protrusion 22. Without being limited thereto, the first plane S1 of the first base portion 41a may not be flush with the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22. For example, the first plane S1 of the first base portion 41a may be located lower than the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22. The second plane S2 and the third plane S3 of the first base portion 41a may not be flush with the side surface of the fitting protrusion 22. For example, the second plane S2 and the third plane S3 of the first base portion 41a may be located inside the side surface of the fitting protrusion 22 in the left-right direction.

[0067] The claw portion 42a is integrally formed with the fitting protrusion 22 on the upper surface side of the fitting protrusion 22 such that a tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a is embedded inside the fitting protrusion 22. The upper surface of the claw portion 42a is exposed from the first insulator 20. For example, the upper surface of the claw portion 42a is flush with the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper surface of the claw portion 42a may be located lower than the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22.

[0068] The second base portion 43a is completely exposed from the first insulator 20 in the region R. The second base portion 43a extends from the fitting protrusion 22 to the first base portion 41b of the second metal fitting 40b. The tip of the second base portion 43a including the mounting portion 45a is located directly below the first base portion 41b of the second metal fitting 40b. In the region R, the second base portion 43a is surrounded by the outer periphery 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b from both the front-rear and left-right outer sides.

[0069] The mounting portion 45a of the first metal fitting 40a mounted on the circuit board CB1 includes the bottom surface of the second base portion 43a on the circuit board CB1 side. For example, the mounting portion 45a has a predetermined area in the front-rear and left-right directions on the lower surface of the second base portion 43a. The mounting portion 45a is located directly below the first base portion 41b of the second metal fitting 40b in the left-right direction. The mounting portion 45a is located between the pair of first mounting portions 44b of the second metal fitting 40b along the front-rear direction.

[0070] The second metal fitting 40b is attached to the end E of the outer wall 23 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, an attachment portion 45b of the second metal fitting 40b is attached to the end E of the outer wall 23. The attachment portion 45b is integrally molded with the end E of the outer wall 23 of the first insulator 20 by insert molding. This allows the second metal fitting 40b to be held by the second metal fitting holding portion 26 of the first insulator 20. At this time, a recess in the second metal fitting 40b formed by the opposing edges of a pair of projecting pieces 43b spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction and the lower edge of the first base portion 41b is positioned so as to sandwich the mounting portion 45a of the first metal fitting 40a.

[0071] When the second metal fitting 40b is held by the second metal fitting holding portion 26 of the first insulator 20, the outer periphery 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b forms the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R. In the region R, the outer periphery of the connector 10 is formed only by the second metal fitting 40b. In the region R, the front second base portion 42b extending from the end portion E in the left-right direction of the front outer wall 23 in the left-right direction forms the front outer periphery along the left-right direction of the connector 10. In the region R, the first base portion 41b extending along the front-rear direction forms the outer periphery along the front-rear direction of the connector 10. In the region R, the rear second base portion 42b extending from the end portion E in the left-right direction of the rear outer wall 23 in the left-right direction forms the rear outer periphery along the left-right direction of the connector 10. In the region R, only the second metal fitting 40b is arranged, and the first insulator 20 is not formed.

[0072] The outer peripheral portion 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b has a double structure along the outer peripheral edge of the connector 10 in the region R. For example, the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is configured such that a pair of inner and outer wall portions connected to each other by the curved portion 46b are continuously arranged in parallel along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. An inner peripheral surface 47b1 formed on the inner wall portion of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 and an outer peripheral surface 47b2 formed on the outer wall portion of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 are continuously arranged in parallel along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. For example, the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is configured such that a pair of inner and outer wall portions included in the U-shaped contact piece 48b are continuously arranged in parallel along the left-right direction.

[0073] The outer peripheral portion 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b surrounds the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a from the outside in both the front-rear and left-right directions. More specifically, the second base portion 42b of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is disposed on both the front-rear and left-right sides of the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a. The first base portion 41b, the protruding piece 43b, and the curved portion 46b of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 are disposed so as to overlap the outer end portion of the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a in the left-right direction. In addition, the portion of the contact piece 48b that is disposed on the inner side in the front-rear direction and extends downward is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction.

[0074] The first mounting portion 44b is disposed along the short side direction of the connector 10. The first mounting portion 44b is disposed on both sides of the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a in the short side direction of the connector 10. That is, the pair of first mounting portions 44b are positioned so as to sandwich the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a from both sides in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the pair of first mounting portions 44b are positioned so as to sandwich the mounting portion 45a located at the left-right end of the second base portion 43a from both sides in the front-rear direction. For example, the pair of first mounting portions 44b are disposed at positions symmetrical in the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting portion 45a of the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a.

[0075] The second mounting portions 49b are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The second mounting portions 49b are arranged on both sides of the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a in the lateral direction of the connector 10. That is, the pair of second mounting portions 49b are positioned so as to sandwich the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a from both sides in the front-rear direction. For example, the pair of second mounting portions 49b are respectively arranged at positions symmetrical in the front-rear direction with respect to the narrow width portion 44a formed on the second base portion 43a. The pair of second mounting portions 49b are arranged at substantially the same left-right positions as the second base portion 43a including the mounting portion 45a and the narrow width portion 44a.

[0076] In the connector 10 having the above structure, the mounting portion 31 of the first contact 30 is soldered to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1. The mounting portion 45a of the first metal fitting 40a and the first mounting portion 44b and the second mounting portion 49b of the second metal fitting 40b are soldered to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. By mounting each mounting portion on the circuit board CB1 in the above manner, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1. Electronic components other than the connector 10, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a controller, and a memory, are mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1.

[0077] Next, the configuration of the connection object 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

[0078] Fig. 9 is an external perspective view showing the top view of the connection object 50 alone of Fig. 1. The connection object 50 is obtained, for example, by integrally molding the second contact 70 and the second insulator 60 by insert molding, and by press-fitting the metal fitting 80 into the second insulator 60 from above.

[0079] The second insulator 60 is a plate-like member extending in the left-right direction, which is injection-molded from an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The second insulator 60 has a bottom plate portion 61 that forms the lower portion. The second insulator 60 has an annular outer peripheral wall 62 that protrudes upward along the outer periphery of the bottom plate portion 61 on the front-rear and left-right sides. The outer peripheral wall 62 has a short wall 62a and a long wall 62b. The short wall 62a extends in the front-rear direction. The long wall 62b extends in the left-right direction. The second insulator 60 has a fitting recess 63 that is surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 62 from four directions, namely, the front-rear, left-right, and right-left.

[0080] The second insulator 60 has a second contact holding portion 64 formed across the long wall 62b and the bottom plate portion 61. A second contact 70 is attached to the second contact holding portion 64. The second insulator 60 has a metal fitting holding portion 65 formed on the short wall 62a. A metal fitting 80 is attached to the metal fitting holding portion 65.

[0081] The second contact 70 is formed by stamping a thin plate of a copper alloy containing phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, or a Corson copper alloy into the shape shown in the figure. The surface of the second contact 70 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel plating.

[0082] The second contact 70 has a mounting portion 71 that extends outward in the front-rear direction in an L-shape. The second contact 70 has a curved portion 72 that extends upward in a U-shape from the mounting portion 71. The second contact 70 has a pair of contact portions 73 that are configured to include side surfaces in the front-rear direction on both the front and rear sides of the curved portion 72.

[0083] The second contact 70 is molded integrally with the second contact holding portion 64 of the second insulator 60 by insert molding. At this time, the pair of contact portions 73 are arranged along both the front and rear sides of the longitudinal wall 62b, respectively. The mounting portion 71 extends outward in the front-rear direction through the bottom plate portion 61. The front-rear end of the mounting portion 71 is located outward in the front-rear direction from the longitudinal wall 62b.

[0084] The metal fitting 80 is made by forming a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in the figure using a progressive die (stamping). The method of processing the metal fitting 80 includes a step of bending the plate in the thickness direction after punching.

[0085] The metal fitting 80 has a base 81 formed on a flat plate. The metal fitting 80 has a first extending portion 82 extending in an L-shape from the outer end and inner end of the base 81 in the left-right direction toward the outside and inside in the left-right direction, respectively. The metal fitting 80 has a second extending portion 83 extending in an L-shape from each of both ends of the base 81 in the front-rear direction toward the outside in the front-rear direction. The metal fitting 80 has a contact portion 84 formed on the outer surface of the second extending portion 83 in the front-rear direction. The metal fitting 80 has a mounting portion 85 located at the lower end of each of the first extending portion 82 and the second extending portion 83 on the outside. The metal fitting 80 is attached to the second insulator 60 by engaging the first extending portion 82 and the second extending portion 83 with the metal fitting holding portion 65 of the second insulator 60.

[0086] In the connection object 50 having the above-mentioned structure, the mounting portion 71 of the second contact 70 is soldered to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2. The mounting portion 85 of the metal fitting 80 is soldered to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. In this manner, the connection object 50 is mounted on the circuit board CB2. For example, an electronic component other than the connection object 50, such as a communication module, is mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2.

[0087] 10 to 12, a description will be given mainly of the configuration of the connector module 1 in a fitted state in which the connector 10 and the connection target 50 are connected and the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 60 are fitted together. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in Fig. 1.

[0088] For example, with the connection object 50 shown in Fig. 9 facing upside down, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are opposed to each other in the up-down direction while their front-to-back and left-to-right positions are approximately aligned. Then, the connection object 50 is moved downward. As a result, the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are connected to each other, and the connected state of the connector module 1 is obtained. At this time, the mating convex portion 22 of the first insulator 20 and the mating concave portion 63 of the second insulator 60 are mated with each other.

[0089] In the mated state, the resilient contact portion 35 of the first contact 30 and the contact portion 73 of the second contact 70 come into contact, and the resilient contact piece 34, which has spring resilience, elastically deforms inward in the front-rear direction. In the mated state, the contact portion 36 of the first contact 30 and the contact portion 73 of the second contact 70 come into contact. The first contact 30 and the second contact 70 come into contact at two points on both the front and rear sides, by the resilient contact portion 35 and the contact portion 73, and the contact portion 36 and the contact portion 73.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG.

[0091] In the mated state, the contact piece 48b of the second fitting 40b comes into contact with the contact portion 84 of the fitting 80. At this time, the contact piece 48b, which has spring elasticity, elastically deforms outward in the front-to-rear direction. The second fitting 40b and the fitting 80 come into contact with each other at two points on both the front and rear sides by the contact piece 48b and the contact portion 84.

[0092] The upper surface of the second base portion 43a faces the base portion 81 of the metal fitting 80 in the vertical direction. The upper surface of the second base portion 43a and the base portion 81 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. As a result, even if the solder reaches the upper surface of the second base portion 43a, the solder is contained between the upper surface of the second base portion 43a and the base portion 81 of the metal fitting 80. Therefore, poor fitting between the connector 10 and the connection object 50 is suppressed. In other words, a state in which the connection object 50 is not completely fitted to the connector 10 due to an excess of solder is avoided.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, since the first insulator 20 is not formed at all around the mounting portion 45a, it is possible to increase the amount of solder in the mounting portion 45a. This improves the mounting strength of the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1. For example, it is also possible to form a side fillet based on solder in the mounting portion 45a. This further improves the mounting strength of the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1. As a result, the robustness of the connector 10 is improved.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG.

[0095] In a mated state in which the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are mated with each other, the second metal fitting 40b is positioned to sandwich the metal fitting 80 of the connection object 50 together with the first metal fitting 40a. That is, the metal fitting 80 is positioned between the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. In the mated state, the second base portion 43a of the first metal fitting 40a and the base portion 81 of the metal fitting 80 are arranged to face each other while being spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. In the mated state, the inner circumferential surface 47b1 of the second metal fitting 40b and the first extension portion 82 on the outside of the metal fitting 80 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction. In the mated state, the first base portion 41a of the first metal fitting 40a and the first extension portion 82 on the inside of the metal fitting 80 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction.

[0096] The first metal fitting 40a overlaps along the arrangement direction with one of the first contacts 30 located at an end in the arrangement direction among the multiple first contacts 30 arranged along the arrangement direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the claw portion 42a of the first metal fitting 40a overlaps along the arrangement direction with one of the first contacts 30 located at the end in the arrangement direction. For example, the left-right position of a part of the portion of the claw portion 42a extending in the left-right direction becomes the same as the left-right position of one of the first contacts 30.

[0097] 12, the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a of the first metal fitting 40a is located in the arrangement direction between one first contact 30 and another first contact 30 adjacent to the one first contact 30. For example, a part of the portion extending in the left-right direction of the claw portion 42a is also located between the one first contact 30 and the other first contact 30 in the arrangement direction, together with the tip 42a1 that is bent and extends in the up-down direction.

[0098] 12, the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a is substantially the same as or smaller than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b. Without being limited thereto, the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a may be larger than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b so that the strength of the first fitting 40a is greater than the strength of the second fitting 40b even in cases where the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b are made of the same material, for example.

[0099] According to the connector 10 according to the embodiment described above, even in a small and low-profile state, it is possible to suppress malfunctions of the connector 10 caused by the first insulator 20. The outer peripheral portion 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b is located at the longitudinal end of the connector 10 and constitutes the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R located longitudinally outboard of the end E of the outer wall 23. That is, the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is located alone in the region R without being engaged with the first insulator 20. There is no need to attach the outer peripheral portion 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b to the longitudinal end of the first insulator 20 as in the conventional technology. Since the first insulator 20 does not exist in the region R where the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is located, malfunctions such as scraping of the first insulator 20 cannot occur in the region R. Therefore, the possibility of malfunctions of the first insulator 20 is reduced, and malfunctions of the connector 10 caused by the first insulator 20 are also suppressed.

[0100] As described above, since the first insulator 20 is not present in the region R where the outer circumferential portion 40b1 is located, defects such as warping and breakage of the first insulator 20 do not occur in the region R even if the connector 10 is made small and low-profile and the first insulator 20 is made thin. Therefore, the possibility of defects occurring in the first insulator 20 is reduced, and defects in the connector 10 caused by the first insulator 20 are also suppressed.

[0101] Since only the second metal fitting 40b is disposed in the region R, the first insulator 20 is not present in the entire region R. Therefore, defects such as scraping, warping, and breakage of the first insulator 20 cannot occur in the entire region R. This further reduces the possibility of defects occurring in the first insulator 20, and defects in the connector 10 caused by the first insulator 20 are further suppressed.

[0102] In addition, even if a current flows through the second metal fitting 40b, the absence of the first insulator 20 in the entire region R improves heat dissipation. Even when the connector 10 is made small and low-profile, there is no need to attach the second metal fitting 40b to the first insulator 20, so it is possible to freely change the plate thickness of the second metal fitting 40b. Therefore, for example, it is possible to change the plate thickness of the second metal fitting 40b to increase the cross-sectional area through which the current flows. The connector 10 also makes it possible to pass a large current through the second metal fitting 40b.

[0103] Since the first insulator 20 is not present in the entire region R, the width of the connector 10 in the longitudinal direction is shortened by the region R located at both ends of the connector 10 in the longitudinal direction. If the first contacts 30 were multi-pole and the connector 10 were elongated in the longitudinal direction, defects such as warping would be likely to occur in the entire connector 10, but shortening the region R in this manner suppresses defects such as warping in the entire connector 10.

[0104] The outer peripheral surface 47b2 of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is formed continuously from one mounting portion 45b to the other mounting portion 45b, thereby improving the strength of the second metal fitting 40b. This improves the robustness of the connector 10 even if the connector 10 is made small and low-profile. For example, during the fitting and unfitting of the connector 10 and the connection object 50, defects such as damage to the second metal fitting 40b due to contact with the connection object 50 are suppressed. This improves the reliability of the connector 10 as a product.

[0105] The inner peripheral surface 47b1 of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is formed continuously without gaps in the left-right and front-rear directions inside the curved portion 46b, which further improves the strength of the second metal fitting 40b. This further improves the robustness of the connector 10 even if the connector 10 is made small and low-profile. For example, during the fitting and unfitting of the connector 10 and the connection object 50, defects such as damage to the second metal fitting 40b due to contact with the connection object 50 are further suppressed. This further improves the reliability of the connector 10 as a product.

[0106] The strength of the second metal fitting 40b is further improved by having the outer periphery 40b1 have a double structure along the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R. This makes the above-mentioned effects regarding the robustness of the connector 10 and its reliability as a product even more pronounced.

[0107] The mounting portion 45b of the second metal fitting 40b is molded integrally with the first insulator 20 by insert molding, thereby improving the holding strength of the second metal fitting 40b by the first insulator 20. This allows the second metal fitting 40b to be stably attached to the first insulator 20 even if the first insulator 20 is not formed on the outer circumferential portion 40b1.

[0108] In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a has a first end 41a1 disposed at the first intersection R1 of the mating protrusion 22 and a second end 41a2 disposed at the second intersection R2 of the mating protrusion 22. This allows the connector 10 to reliably protect each intersection of the mating protrusion 22 where defects such as crushing and scraping are likely to occur during the mating and removal of the connector 10 and the connection object 50. A part of the first insulator 20 is covered by the first metal fitting 40a at each intersection of the mating protrusion 22, improving the robustness of each intersection of the first insulator 20. This prevents defects such as scraping of the mating protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 due to contact with the connection object 50 during the mating and removal of the connector 10 and the connection object 50. This also prevents poor contact caused by chips of the scraped first insulator 20 adhering to the first contact 30. As a result, the reliability of the connector 10 as a product is improved.

[0109] The first metal fitting 40a, by having the first extending portion 41a3, can also protect the first intersection line L1 and adjacent areas along the first intersection line L1 on the first surface 221 and the second surface 222. The first metal fitting 40a, by having the second extending portion 41a4, can also protect the second intersection line L2 and adjacent areas along the second intersection line L2 on the first surface 221 and the third surface 223. As a result, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is further improved. As a result, the robustness of the first insulator 20 is further improved. Therefore, the connector 10 exhibits the above-mentioned effects regarding robustness and reliability more significantly.

[0110] The first metal fitting 40a has the third extension portion 41a5, and therefore can protect the third intersection line L3 and the adjacent areas along the third intersection line L3 on the second surface 222 and the fourth surface 224. The first metal fitting 40a has the fourth extension portion 41a6, and therefore can protect the fourth intersection line L4 and the adjacent areas along the fourth intersection line L4 on the third surface 223 and the fourth surface 224. As a result, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is further improved. As a result, the robustness of the first insulator 20 is further improved. Therefore, the connector 10 exhibits the above-mentioned effects on robustness and reliability more significantly. For example, the third extension portion 41a5 and the fourth extension portion 41a6 can suppress scraping and crushing of the corresponding portions of the fitting protrusion 22 even when the connection object 50 tries to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction relative to the connector 10 during or after the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are engaged with each other.

[0111] The first metal fitting 40a, by having the fifth extension portion 41a7, can also protect the fifth intersection line L5 and the adjacent regions along the fifth intersection line L5 on the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224. As a result, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is further improved. As a result, the robustness of the first insulator 20 is further improved. Therefore, the connector 10 exhibits the above-mentioned effects on robustness and reliability more significantly. For example, the fifth extension portion 41a7 can suppress scraping and crushing of the fifth intersection line L5 of the fitting protrusion 22, which is most likely to come into contact with the connection object 50 during the fitting between the connector 10 and the connection object 50, and the adjacent regions along the fifth intersection line L5 on the first surface 221 and the fourth surface 224.

[0112] The first metal fitting 40a has at least one of the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4, and thus can protect at least one of the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224. As a result, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is further improved. As a result, the robustness of the first insulator 20 is further improved. Therefore, the connector 10 exhibits the above-mentioned effects regarding robustness and reliability more significantly.

[0113] The first metal fitting 40a continuously covers the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224, as well as all intersection lines, with surfaces perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, thereby making it possible to protect the first insulator 20 without exposing it at the longitudinal end of the fitting protrusion 22. This effect is achieved by the first base portion 41a formed by drawing. As a result, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is further improved. As a result, the robustness of the first insulator 20 is further improved. Therefore, the connector 10 exhibits the above-mentioned effects regarding robustness and reliability more significantly.

[0114] The first flat surface S1 of the first base portion 41a is flush with the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 22, and the second flat surface S2 and the third flat surface S3 of the first base portion 41a are flush with the side surfaces of the fitting protrusion 22. This allows the first metal fitting 40a and the first insulator 20 to be smoothly connected to each other without any step between them. This further improves the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22. As a result, this further improves the robustness of the first insulator 20. This allows the connector 10 to more significantly achieve the above-mentioned effects regarding robustness and reliability.

[0115] In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a attached to the mating protrusion 22 and the second metal fitting 40b attached to the outer wall 23 are different members. This reduces the impact of contact between the metal fitting and the connection object 50 during mating, compared to the conventional technology in which the metal fittings are integrally formed. For example, even if the metal fitting and the connection object 50 come into contact with each other on one side of the mating protrusion 22 and the outer wall 23, the impact of the contact on the other side is suppressed. This suppresses damage to the metal fittings, including the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b. By suppressing damage to the metal fittings, damage to the first insulator 20 to which the metal fittings are attached is also suppressed. As a result, the reliability of the connector 10 as a product is improved.

[0116] Even if the connection object 50 is engaged with the connector 10 in a misaligned position, and the connection object 50 comes into contact with the second metal fitting 40b on the outer wall 23 side during the engagement, causing the second metal fitting 40b to deform so as to fall outward in the left-right direction, the effect on the mating protrusion 22 side is suppressed. That is, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are made of different materials, so that the deformation of the first metal fitting 40a is suppressed. Even if the connection object 50 comes into contact with the first metal fitting 40a on the mating protrusion 22 side during the engagement, causing the first metal fitting 40a and the mating protrusion 22 to deform so as to be recessed inward in the left-right direction, the effect on the outer wall 23 side is suppressed. That is, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are made of different materials, so that the deformation of the second metal fitting 40b is suppressed. In this way, the metal fittings on one side of the mating protrusion 22 and the outer wall 23 behave independently and separately. Therefore, the transmission of the behavior to the other side is suppressed. As a result, the entire metal fitting can stably perform the desired function, reducing the risk of breakage.

[0117] As described above, damage to the metal fittings and the first insulator 20 is suppressed, and thus misalignment in the contact arrangement direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10, between the connector 10 and the connection object 50 during and after mating is suppressed. This allows electrical continuity between the first contacts 30 and the second contacts 70 to be accurately achieved according to the original design. In addition, rattling of the connector module 1 after mating is suppressed. That is, the function of regulating the position of one of the connector 10 and the connection object 50 relative to the other is maintained. As a result, one is less likely to come off the other, improving the reliability of the connector module 1 as a product.

[0118] In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are made of different materials, which makes it possible to make the strength of one of the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b higher than the strength of the other. In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b are attached in different locations, such as the mating protrusion 22 and the outer wall 23, for different purposes, and it is possible to form each metal fitting with an appropriate strength suited to the location and purpose. For example, if the metal fittings are integrally formed as in the conventional technology, when the strength of the metal fittings must be reduced on one side of the mating protrusion 22 and the outer wall 23, the strength of the metal fittings will inevitably be reduced on the other side as well.

[0119] For example, the main purpose of the first metal fitting 40a attached to the fitting protrusion 22 is to improve the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22. On the other hand, the main purpose of the second metal fitting 40b attached to the outer wall 23 is to contact the metal fitting 80 in the fitted state to obtain electrical continuity. For this purpose, the second metal fitting 40b is formed with an elastically deformable contact piece 48b.

[0120] Therefore, it is preferable that the second metal fitting 40b is made of a material strong enough to provide springiness, while the first metal fitting 40a is made of a material with even higher strength. In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b can be formed with appropriate strength suited to their respective purposes. For example, if the metal fittings are integrally formed as in the prior art, the strength of the entire metal fitting is inevitably reduced by forming an elastically deformable contact piece on the outer wall side, and the robustness of the mating protrusion is also reduced.

[0121] By making the material of the first fitting 40a different from the material of the second fitting 40b, it is possible to easily form each fitting so that one of the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b has a higher strength than the other. For example, it is possible to appropriately select the material of each fitting according to the above-mentioned purpose of the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b.

[0122] The strength of the material of the first metal fitting 40a is greater than the strength of the material of the second metal fitting 40b, which improves the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 to which the first metal fitting 40a is attached. This reduces damage to the fitting protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 to which the first metal fitting 40a is attached. As a result, the reliability of the connector 10 as a product is improved.

[0123] Since the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a is greater than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b, even if the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b are made of the same material, the strength of the first fitting 40a is greater than the strength of the second fitting 40b. This improves the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 to which the first fitting 40a is attached in the same manner as described above.

[0124] By attaching the pair of first metal fittings 40a to both ends of the fitting protrusion 22 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10, the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 is improved at both ends of the fitting protrusion 22. Therefore, damage to the fitting protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 to which the pair of first metal fittings 40a are attached is further suppressed. As a result, the reliability of the connector 10 as a product is further improved.

[0125] In the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a has a mounting portion 45a that is mounted on the circuit board CB1, and this improves the robustness of the first metal fitting 40a. That is, even if a load is applied to the first metal fitting 40a, its deformation is suppressed, and the shape and dimensional accuracy of the connector 10 are maintained even during mating. For example, the robustness of the mating protrusion 22 to which the first metal fitting 40a is attached is improved. Therefore, damage such as deformation of the mating protrusion 22 is suppressed, and the above-mentioned effect regarding longitudinal positional deviation and rattling of the connector 10 is obtained.

[0126] Since the mounting portion 45a includes the bottom surface of the second base portion 43a that extends along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 on the circuit board CB1 side, external force acting on the first metal fitting 40a can be received by the mounting portion 45a. That is, by mounting the mounting portion 45a on the circuit board CB1, the first metal fitting 40a is fixed to the circuit board CB1, and even if an external force acts on the first metal fitting 40a, the impact is absorbed by the mounting portion 45a. Therefore, the robustness of the first metal fitting 40a along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 is improved. This also improves the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10.

[0127] The first metal fitting 40a overlaps, along the arrangement direction, one of the multiple first contacts 30 that is located at the end in the arrangement direction, thereby shortening the longitudinal width of the connector 10. This shortens the longitudinal width of the connector module 1, making the connector module 1 more compact. In addition, the connector module 1 is more resistant to external forces.

[0128] The tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a of the first metal fitting 40a is located between one first contact 30 and another first contact 30 in the arrangement direction. As a result, any tip structure of the claw portion 42a is arranged in a part of the first insulator 20 where the first contact mounting groove 24 is not formed and the thickness is large. Therefore, the holding strength of the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a to the first insulator 20 is improved. As a result, the holding strength of the first metal fitting 40a to the first insulator 20 is improved. On the other hand, by arranging any tip structure of the claw portion 42a in a part of the first insulator 20 where the thickness is large, a decrease in the rigidity of the fitting protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 is suppressed compared to a case where the tip structure of the claw portion 42a is arranged so as to overlap with a part where the first contact mounting groove 24 is formed.

[0129] The claw portion 42a is formed in an L-shape, and the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a is embedded inside the fitting protrusion 22, thereby preventing the claw portion 42a from curling up. This improves the holding strength of the claw portion 42a to the first insulator 20. This improves the holding strength of the first metal fitting 40a to the first insulator 20.

[0130] Because the first base portion 41a and the second base portion 43a are integrally formed to have a crank shape as a whole, the entire first base portion 41a of the first metal fitting 40a is integrated with the first insulator 20 along the shape of the end portion of the fitting protrusion 22. This improves the holding strength of the first metal fitting 40a to the first insulator 20.

[0131] In the short direction of the connector 10, the claw portion 42a is narrower than other portions of the first metal fitting 40a, so that the thickness of the first insulator 20 is increased at the portion integrated with the claw portion 42a. For example, even if the claw portion 42a overlaps with one of the first contacts 30 located at the end in the arrangement direction along the arrangement direction and the first contact mounting groove 24 is formed in a corresponding portion, the strength of the first insulator 20 is maintained because the claw portion 42a is formed narrow. As a result, the robustness of the connector 10 is improved.

[0132] The second base portion 43a of the first fitting 40a extends along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 from the fitting protrusion 22 to the second fitting 40b, thereby improving the robustness of the first fitting 40a along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. This also improves the robustness of the fitting protrusion 22 along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10.

[0133] The first mounting portions 44b of the second metal fitting 40b are disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10. The second mounting portions 49b of the second metal fitting 40b are disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10. As a result, the mounting strength of the second metal fitting 40b to the circuit board CB1 is improved. This improves the robustness of the second metal fitting 40b in the left-right direction.

[0134] The pair of first mounting parts 44b are disposed at substantially the same left-right position as the mounting parts 45a, so that the three mounting parts are positioned on a straight line along the front-rear direction. This improves the mounting strength of the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1. For example, even if the connection object 50 is misaligned at a predetermined angle with respect to the connector 10 about an axis in the up-down direction when the connector 10 is mated, the mounting of the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1 is maintained. Similarly, even if the circuit board CB1 on which the connector 10 is mounted rotates after mating, the mounting of the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1 is maintained. Therefore, the robustness of the connector 10 mounted on the circuit board CB1 is improved.

[0135] The second metal fitting 40b has an elastically deformable contact piece 48b that comes into contact with the metal fitting 80 in the fitted state, and as a result, the elastic force of the contact piece 48b enables the second metal fitting 40b to stably maintain a connected state with the metal fitting 80. Therefore, electrical continuity between the second metal fitting 40b and the metal fitting 80 is stably maintained in the fitted state.

[0136] By the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b facing each other in the left-right direction while separated from each other, in the mated state in which the connector 10 and the connection object 50 are mated with each other, the metal fitting 80 of the connection object 50 can be positioned between the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b. In this way, by the second metal fitting 40b being positioned so as to sandwich the metal fitting 80 together with the first metal fitting 40a in the mated state, rattling of the connector module 1 after mating is suppressed. That is, the shape and dimensional accuracy of the connector 10 are maintained during mating, and the function of regulating the position of one of the connector 10 and the connection object 50 relative to the other is maintained even after mating. As a result, one is less likely to come off from the other, improving the reliability of the connector module 1 as a product.

[0137] The first metal fitting 40a and the first insulator 20 are integrally molded by insert molding, which improves the holding strength of the first metal fitting 40a by the first insulator 20. This further improves the robustness of the first metal fitting 40a and the fitting protrusion 22.

[0138] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be realized in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, not by the above description. Any modifications within the scope of the equivalents of all modifications are intended to be included therein.

[0139] For example, the shape, arrangement, orientation, and number of each of the above-mentioned components are not limited to the above description and the contents illustrated in the drawings. The shape, arrangement, orientation, and number of each of the components may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 45b of the second metal fitting 40b is described as being integrally molded with the first insulator 20 by insert molding, but this is not limited thereto. For example, in the connector 10, the second metal fitting 40b may be attached to the first insulator 20 by press fitting rather than by insert molding. For example, in the connector 10, the first metal fitting 40a may be attached to the first insulator 20 by press fitting rather than by insert molding.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the first insulator 20 has been described as having a pair of outer walls 23 in the front-rear direction, but this is not limited thereto. The outer wall 23 may be formed on only one of the front and rear sides of the first insulator 20, rather than on both the front and rear sides.

[0142] In the above embodiment, it has been described that only the second metal fitting 40b is disposed in region R, and the first insulator 20 is not formed, but this is not limited to the above. Any component of the first insulator 20, except for the outer wall 23, may be formed in region R. For example, the bottom plate portion 21 may extend into region R and be surrounded by the outer periphery 40b1 of the second metal fitting 40b in region R. This improves the electrical insulation between the second metal fitting 40b and the circuit board CB1.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the second metal fitting 40b has only the outer periphery 40b1 that constitutes the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R, but this is not limited to the above. The second metal fitting 40b may additionally have a bottom portion that is formed so as to be continuous with or adjacent to the bottom plate portion 21 of the first insulator 20 in the region R.

[0144] In the above embodiment, only the outer peripheral surface 47b2 of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 is formed continuously from one mounting portion 45b to the other mounting portion 45b, but this is not limited to the above. In addition to or instead of the outer peripheral surface 47b2, the inner peripheral surface 47b1 of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 may be formed continuously from one mounting portion 45b to the other mounting portion 45b.

[0145] At least one of the outer peripheral surface 47b2 and the inner peripheral surface 47b1 of the outer peripheral portion 40b1 does not have to be formed continuously from one mounting portion 45b to the other mounting portion 45b. For example, the outer peripheral portion 40b1 may be formed in any shape having structures such as slits and holes at the corners by any processing method not including drawing.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the outer periphery 40b1 has been described as having a double structure along the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R, but is not limited thereto. The outer periphery 40b1 may have any structure other than a double structure along the outer periphery of the connector 10 in the region R. For example, the outer periphery 40b1 may have a single structure or a triple structure.

[0147] For example, when the outer circumferential portion 40b1 has a single structure, the contact structure between the second fitting 40b and the fitting 80 may include an engagement structure with a protrusion and a recess, instead of a structure including the contact piece 48b having spring elasticity. For example, the second fitting 40b and the fitting 80 may come into contact with each other by engaging a protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface 47b1 of the second fitting 40b with a recess recessed in the outer surface of the fitting 80.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the first metal fitting 40a is described as being disposed singly at one end in the left-right direction of the fitting protrusion 22, but this is not limited thereto. The first metal fitting 40a may be configured as a pair of members disposed spaced apart from each other at the first end 41a1 and the second end 41a2, for example. In this manner, the first metal fitting 40a may be configured by a plurality of members.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the first metal fitting 40a has been described as having the first extending portion 41a3 and the second extending portion 41a4, but is not limited thereto. The first metal fitting 40a may have only one of the first extending portion 41a3 and the second extending portion 41a4, or may not have both of these extending portions.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the first metal fitting 40a has been described as having the third extending portion 41a5 and the fourth extending portion 41a6, but is not limited thereto. The first metal fitting 40a may have only one of the third extending portion 41a5 and the fourth extending portion 41a6, or may not have both of these extending portions.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the first fitting 40a has been described as having the fifth extending portion 41a7, but this is not limited thereto. The first fitting 40a does not necessarily have to have the fifth extending portion 41a7.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the first fitting 40a has been described as having the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4, but is not limited thereto. The first fitting 40a may have at least one of the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4, or may not have the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4. The first fitting 40a may be formed so that, instead of at least one of the first plane S1, the second plane S2, the third plane S3, and the fourth plane S4, the corresponding surface is curved.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the first fitting 40a has been described as continuously covering the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224, as well as all of the intersection lines, with surfaces perpendicular to the plate thickness direction at the longitudinal ends of the fitting protrusion 22, but this is not limited to the above. As long as the first fitting 40a has the first end 41a1 and the second end 41a2, it may be formed into any shape by any processing method not including drawing.

[0154] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 8 showing the connector 10 according to the modified example from the bottom. In the above embodiment, the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b are described as being separate from each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b may be connected to each other without being separated from each other. In this case, the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b may be formed so that their respective strengths are different from each other in the entire integrated fitting. For example, the integrated fitting including the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b may be formed from a functionally graded material. More specifically, the material of the first fitting 40a may be different from the material of the second fitting 40b so that its strength is higher than that of the material of the second fitting 40b. For example, the integrated fitting including the first fitting 40a and the second fitting 40b may be formed so that the plate thickness changes. More specifically, the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a may be larger than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b.

[0155] By integrating the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b, the first metal fitting and the first insulator 20 are integrally molded by insert molding at two locations, the first metal fitting holding portion 25 and the second metal fitting holding portion 26. This improves the attachment strength of the first metal fitting to the first insulator 20. Meanwhile, by separating the first metal fitting 40a and the second metal fitting 40b from each other, the manufacturing of each metal fitting becomes easier. For example, press working becomes easier compared to a case where the first metal fitting 40a is connected to the second metal fitting 40b after drawing.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the connector 10 has been described as having the first metal fitting 40a attached to the fitting protrusion 22, but this is not limited thereto. The connector 10 does not necessarily have to have a metal fitting that is attached to the fitting protrusion 22 in the first place.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the strength of the first fitting 40a is greater than the strength of the second fitting 40b, but this is not limited to the above. The strength of the second fitting 40b may be greater than the strength of the first fitting 40a.

[0158] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a may be greater than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b so that the strength of the first fitting 40a is greater than the strength of the second fitting 40b, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a may be smaller than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b, or the strength of the first fitting 40a may be greater than the strength of the second fitting 40b. Conversely, the plate thickness of the first fitting 40a may be greater than the plate thickness of the second fitting 40b, or the strength of the first fitting 40a may be lower than the strength of the second fitting 40b.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the first metal fitting 40a is described as overlapping one of the first contacts 30 along the arrangement direction, but is not limited thereto. If it is possible to reduce the size of the connector 10 in the longitudinal direction, the first metal fitting 40a does not need to overlap one of the first contacts 30 along the arrangement direction.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a of the first metal fitting 40a is described as being located between one first contact 30 and another first contact 30 in the arrangement direction, but this is not limited to this. As long as the holding strength of the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a to the first insulator 20 can be maintained, the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a of the first metal fitting 40a may be located in the same left-right position as the attachment position of the first contact 30, for example.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the claw portion 42a is formed in an L-shape, and the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a is embedded inside the fitting protrusion 22, but this is not limited to the above. As long as the holding strength of the claw portion 42a with respect to the first insulator 20 can be maintained, the claw portion 42a may be formed in any shape other than the L-shape. Similarly, the tip 42a1 of the claw portion 42a does not have to be embedded inside the fitting protrusion 22.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the claw portion 42a is described as being narrower than the other portions of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10, but is not limited thereto. As long as the strength of the first insulator 20 is maintained, the claw portion 42a may have the same width as the other portions of the first metal fitting 40a.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the second base 43a has been described as extending from the fitting protrusion 22 to the second metal fitting 40b, but this is not limited thereto. As long as the robustness of the first metal fitting 40a along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10 is improved, the second base 43a may extend from the fitting protrusion 22 toward the second metal fitting 40b by any length.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 45a is described as being located directly below the first base portion 41b of the second fitting 40b, but is not limited thereto. The mounting portion 45a may be located adjacent to the fitting protrusion 22 so as to be close to a position on the first fitting 40a where an external force is likely to act.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the first mounting portion 44b of the second metal fitting 40b is disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10, and the second mounting portion 49b is disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10, but this is not limited to the above. One of the first mounting portion 44b and the second mounting portion 49b may be disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting 40a in the short-side direction of the connector 10. Only one first mounting portion 44b may be formed instead of two, or three or more. Similarly, only one second mounting portion 49b may be formed instead of two, or three or more.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the second metal fitting 40b does not have a mounting portion on the inner peripheral surface 47b1 side, but this is not limited thereto. The second metal fitting 40b may also have a mounting portion on the inner peripheral surface 47b1 side. For example, the second metal fitting 40b may have a pair of third mounting portions that face the pair of first mounting portions 44b on the outer peripheral surface 47b2 side, respectively. This improves the mounting strength of the second metal fitting 40b to the circuit board CB1. Therefore, the robustness of the second metal fitting 40b and the connector 10 is improved.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the second metal fitting 40b has been described as having an elastically deformable contact piece 48b that comes into contact with the metal fitting 80 of the connection target object 50 in the fitted state, but this is not limited to the above. The second metal fitting 40b may come into contact with the metal fitting 80 without elastically deforming, or may not come into contact with the metal fitting 80 at all.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 of the fitting protrusion 22 of the first insulator 20 are all described as flat surfaces, but are not limited thereto. The first surface 221, the second surface 222, the third surface 223, and the fourth surface 224 may be curved surfaces. The first intersection line L1, the second intersection line L2, the third intersection line L3, the fourth intersection line L4, and the fifth intersection line L5 may all be curved lines rather than straight lines. The first intersection portion R1 and the second intersection portion R2 are not limited to a configuration formed as a corner including one intersection point based on the intersection of three planes, and may be formed as an R shape.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the metal fitting 80 of the connection object 50 is described as being attached to the short wall 62a of the second insulator 60, but this is not limited thereto. As with the second metal fitting 40b of the connector 10, only a portion of the metal fitting 80 of the connection object 50 may be molded integrally with the second insulator 60, and the remaining outer periphery may form the outer periphery of the connection object 50 alone. That is, the outer periphery of the metal fitting 80 may form the outer periphery of the connection object 50 alone in a region located at the end of the connection object 50 in the longitudinal direction and located longitudinally outboard of the end of the second insulator 60 in the longitudinal direction. The second insulator 60 may not be present in this region.

[0170] The connector module 1, the connector 10, or the connection object 50 as described above is mounted on an electronic device including a circuit board CB1 and a circuit board CB2. The electronic device includes, for example, any communication terminal device such as a smartphone, and any information processing device such as a personal computer, a copier, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction device. The electronic device includes, for example, any in-vehicle device such as a camera, a radar, a drive recorder, and an engine control unit. The electronic device includes, for example, any other in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle system such as a car navigation system, an advanced driving assistance system, or a security system. In addition, the electronic device includes any industrial device.

[0171] In such an electronic device, even when the connector 10 is small and low-profile, it is possible to suppress malfunctions of the connector 10 caused by the first insulator 20. Furthermore, even when the connector 10 is small and low-profile, the robustness of the connector 10 during and after mating with the connection object 50 is improved. Therefore, the reliability of the electronic device as a product is improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1 Connector Module 10 Connectors 20 First insulator (insulator) 21 Bottom plate part 22 Fitting protrusion 221 Page 1 222 2nd page 223 Page 3 224 Page 4 23 Exterior Wall 24 First contact mounting groove 25 First metal fitting holder 26 Second metal fitting holder 30 First Contact (Contact) 31 Mounting section 32 Locking part 33 Curved section 34 Elastic contact piece 35 Elastic contact part 36 Contact part 40a First fitting 41a 1st base 41a1 1st end 41a2 2nd end 41a3 1st extension part 41a4 2nd extension part 41a5 3rd extension part 41a6 4th extension 41a7 5th extension 42a Claw part 42a1 Tip 43a 2nd base 44a Narrow section 45a Mounting section 40b 2nd metal fitting 40b1 Outer periphery 41b 1st base 42b 2nd base 43b Projecting piece 44b First mounting section 45b Mounting part 46b Curved section 47b1 Inner surface 47b2 Outer surface 48b Contact piece 49b Second mounting section 50 Connected Objects 60 Second insulator 61 Bottom plate part 62 Outer wall 62a short wall 62b Longitudinal wall 63 Fitting recess 64 Second contact holding part 65 Metal fitting holder 70 2nd Contact 71 Mounting section 72 Curved section 73 Contact Part 80 Metal fittings 81 Base 82 1st extension part 83 Second extension part 84 Contact Part 85 Mounting section E end CB1 Circuit Board (First Circuit Board) CB2 circuit board (2nd circuit board) L1 1st intersection L2 2nd intersection L3 3rd intersection L4 4th intersection L5 5th intersection R Field R1 1st intersection R2 2nd intersection S1 1st plane S2 Plane 2 S3 Plane 3 S4 Plane 4

Claims

1. A connector that fits with a connection object, Multiple contacts and an insulator having an outer wall to which the contacts are attached, the outer wall extending along a longitudinal direction of the connector; A second fitting attached to an end portion of the outer wall in the longitudinal direction; A first fitting extending along the longitudinal direction; Equipped with The second fitting is an outer periphery that constitutes an outer periphery of the connector in a region that is located at an end of the connector in the longitudinal direction and that is located outside an end of the outer wall in the longitudinal direction; A first mounting portion disposed along a short side direction of the connector; having The first mounting portion is disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting in the short side direction. connector.

2. The second fitting has a second mounting portion disposed along the longitudinal direction, The second mounting portion is disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting in the short side direction. The connector of claim 1 .

3. In the region, only the second fitting is disposed.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the region, an outer periphery of the connector is formed only by the second metal fitting. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the insulator has a bottom plate portion extending from the outer wall in a direction perpendicular to a fitting direction with the connection object, The bottom plate portion extends to the region and is surrounded by the outer circumferential portion of the second fitting in the region. The connector of claim 1 .

6. The second fitting is attached to an end portion of the outer wall and has a pair of attachment portions spaced apart in the short side direction, At least one of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion extends from one of the mounting portions in the longitudinal direction, bends, extends in the lateral direction, bends again, and is continuously formed along the longitudinal direction to the other mounting portion.

6. A connector according to claim 1.

7. The outer periphery has a double structure along an outer periphery of the connector in the region.

7. A connector according to claim 1.

8. The second metal fitting is integrally molded with the insulator by insert molding. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the insulator has a pair of outer walls spaced apart in the short-side direction, and a fitting protrusion sandwiched between the pair of outer walls along the short-side direction and protruding toward a fitting side with the connection object, The first fitting is Attached to the fitting protrusion, a second base portion extending along the longitudinal direction and a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board, The mounting portion includes a bottom surface of the second base portion that faces the circuit board. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first metal fitting and the insulator are integrally molded by insert molding. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the connector is mounted on a first circuit board and is connected to the connection object mounted on a second circuit board; A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A connector that fits with a connection object, Multiple contacts and an insulator having an outer wall to which the contacts are attached, the outer wall extending along a longitudinal direction of the connector; A second fitting attached to an end portion of the outer wall in the longitudinal direction; A first fitting extending along the longitudinal direction; Equipped with The second fitting is an outer periphery that constitutes an outer periphery of the connector in a region that is located at an end of the connector in the longitudinal direction and that is located outside an end of the outer wall in the longitudinal direction; A second mounting portion disposed along the longitudinal direction of the connector; having The second mounting portion is disposed on both sides of the first metal fitting in a short side direction of the connector. connector.

13. An electronic device comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images