Connector terminal, connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector terminal, a connector and a connector assembly for: reducing the magnitude of a force required to insert a plug into the connector; reducing the magnitude of a force required to separate a plug from the connector; and preventing the connector terminal and a counterpart of the connector terminal from being damaged during a process of coupling and separating the connector to and from a plug.SOLUTION: A connector terminal 20 according to a disclosed embodiment includes a body 21, a first arm 231 extending forward from the body, a first contact portion 233 provided on one end of the first arm, a second arm 251 extending forward from the body and disposed at a higher level than the first arm, and a second contact portion 253 formed on one end of the second arm and located rearward of the first contact portion, where the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle between the first inclined surface and a horizontal line is greater than an angle between the second inclined surface and the horizontal line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector terminal, a connector, and a connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] When electrical signals need to be transmitted between two substrates, a flexible substrate such as an FFC (Flexible Flat Circuit) or an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) can be used. One end of the flexible substrate is attached to a plug housing and connected to a connector provided on the substrate. The flexible substrate includes electrical wiring extending in the longitudinal direction and an insulating layer such as polyimide that encases the electrical wiring. The ends of the electrical wiring provided on the flexible substrate are exposed on the surface and form contact pads that contact terminals of the connector.

[0003] A connector terminal generally includes a lever extending in one direction from a body and a contact portion formed at the end of the lever. The surface of the contact portion of the terminal may be corroded or contaminated by gas, so it is advantageous for the contact portion to have a multi-contact structure to ensure electrical connection with the contact pad of the flexible substrate. For example, Chinese Registered Utility Model No. 219779289 discloses a connector terminal including two contact portions.

[0004] However, as the number of contact points between the connector terminals and the mating member increases, the friction between the terminals and the mating member increases, resulting in an increase in the insertion force required to insert the plug into the connector. In particular, when a connector includes dozens of terminals, the insertion force increases in proportion to the number of terminals, so introducing a multi-contact structure increases the force required to fasten the plug and connector (hereinafter referred to as "insertion force"). Furthermore, with conventional connector assemblies, a large force is required to separate the plug from the connector, making separation difficult.

[0005] Furthermore, in conventional connector assemblies, when a plug is mated to or separated from a connector, a large impact or frictional force acts on the connector terminals, resulting in damage to the connector terminals and their mating members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] China Registered Utility Model No. 219779289 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure solve the problems of the prior art discussed above.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the amount of force required to insert a plug into a connector, to reduce the amount of force required to remove a plug from a connector, and to prevent damage to connector terminals and mating members of the connector terminals during the process of connecting and disconnecting the connector and the plug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A connector terminal according to one embodiment includes a body, a first arm extending forward from the body, a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm, a second arm extending forward from the body and positioned above the first arm, and a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion. The first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface positioned rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle formed by the first inclined surface with a horizontal line is greater than an angle formed by the second inclined surface with the horizontal line.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first contact portion may further include a horizontal surface located rearward of the second inclined surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first contact portion further includes a third inclined surface located rearward of the second inclined surface and extending downward, and the angle formed by the third inclined surface with the horizontal line may be equal to or smaller than the angle formed by the second inclined surface with the horizontal line.

[0012] In one embodiment, the highest point of the second contact portion may be located higher than the highest point of the first contact portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first arm includes a first extension portion extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion toward the main body, and a bending point between the first extension portion and the second extension portion may be located forward of the front end of the second contact portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the highest point of the second contact portion may be located at the same level as or lower than the upper end of the support point of the second arm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the main body may include a support portion that extends forward from the support point of the first arm or the support point of the second arm and is located on the second arm.

[0016] A connector according to one embodiment includes a connector housing and a plurality of terminals provided in the connector housing, at least some of the plurality of terminals may be one of the connector terminals of the above-described embodiments.

[0017] In one embodiment, an assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector includes the connector terminal of the above-described embodiment, and the plug includes a mounting surface configured to receive a flexible substrate, and a plug housing disposed on an end of the mounting surface toward the connector and including a tip portion protruding below the mounting surface. When the plug is fastened to the connector, first and second contact portions of the connector are located below the mounting surface, and the tip portion and the connector terminal are configured such that when the tip portion of the plug housing without a flexible substrate attached presses the second contact portion downward, a front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward.

[0018] In one embodiment, the tip portion includes a first bottom surface located below the placement surface, and the tip portion includes a protrusion extending from the tip portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion may be located above the first bottom surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tip may be configured such that the first sloping surface moves away from the tip when the tip first contacts the second sloping surface during insertion of the plug into the connector.

[0020] In one embodiment, the tip portion includes a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward toward the connector from the connector-side end of the bottom surface, and the tip portion may be configured to separate from the second contact portion when the boundary point between the bottom surface and the inclined surface passes through the first contact portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of force required to insert a plug into a connector. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of force required to remove a plug from a connector. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent damage to connector terminals and mating members of the connector terminals during the process of connecting and disconnecting a connector and a plug. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rear of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an assembled connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a connector terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating a contact portion of a connector terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the plug housing is positioned in front of the connector terminals. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment in which the plug housing is disposed in front of the connector terminals. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the movement of the connector terminals when a plug is inserted into the connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a plug housing without a flexible substrate attached. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the movement of the connector terminals when the plug is removed from the connector. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating a plug housing with a flexible substrate attached thereto and a connector terminal partially inserted into the plug housing. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly. [Figure 15] This is the result of simulating the insertion and removal forces between the plug and connector terminal in the model of Figure 14. [Figure 16] 1 is an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] This is the result of simulating the insertion and removal forces between the plug and connector terminal in the model of Figure 16. [Figure 18] 10 is an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] This is the result of simulating the insertion and removal forces between the plug and connector terminal in the model of Figure 18. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates the stresses acting on a conventional connector terminal while passing through a gap in a plug. [Figure 21] This is the result of simulating the insertion force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. [Figure 22] 10 illustrates stresses acting on a connector terminal while passing through a gap in a plug according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] This is the result of simulating the insertion force between the plug and the connector terminal in the model of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a plug according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a top view of a flexible substrate attached to a plug housing. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which the fixing member is temporarily assembled to the plug housing. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rear side of a securing member according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion and the plug housing in a state where the fixing member is temporarily assembled to the plug housing. FIG. [Figure 30] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion and the plug housing in a state where the fixing member is completely assembled to the plug housing. FIG. [Figure 31] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a state where the fixing member is pre-assembled to the plug housing. FIG. [Figure 32] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between the fixing member and the plug housing in a state where the fixing member is completely assembled to the plug housing. FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 35] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 1 illustrates a flexible substrate in one embodiment. [Figure 37] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated to explain the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and the scope of the rights of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific description of these embodiments.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All terms used in this disclosure have been selected to more clearly describe this disclosure, and are not selected to limit the scope of rights granted by this disclosure.

[0025] As used in this disclosure, the terms "including," "comprising," "having," and the like should be understood as open-ended terms that include the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise specified in the phrase or sentence in which the term appears.

[0026] The singular expressions described in this disclosure can include plural meanings unless otherwise specified, and this also applies to the singular expressions described in the claims.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," etc. used in this disclosure are used to distinguish multiple elements from each other and do not limit the order or importance of the elements.

[0028] In this disclosure, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, or may be connected or coupled via another component.

[0029] Directional terms such as "upper" and "top" used in this disclosure refer to the direction in which the flexible substrate is positioned relative to the contact portions of the connector terminals in the accompanying drawings, and directional terms such as "lower" and "bottom" refer to the opposite direction. The flexible substrate and connector terminals illustrated in the accompanying drawings may have different orientations, and the directional terms should be interpreted accordingly.

[0030] In this disclosure, the term "connector mating direction" includes a direction in which one of the two connectors moves when the connector is brought toward the other connector in a straight line so that electrical terminals maintained in the housing of the one connector and a corresponding electrical terminal maintained in the other connector housing mate with each other. Also, the term "connector mating position" as used in this disclosure includes a position in which one of the two connectors occupies when the connector is brought toward the other connector in a straight line so that electrical terminals maintained in the housing of the one connector and a corresponding electrical terminal maintained in the other connector housing mate with each other.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, duplicated descriptions of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, omission of a description of a component does not mean that such a component is not included in a certain embodiment.

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the rear of the connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to one embodiment in an assembled state.

[0033] 1 to 5, a connector assembly 1 includes a connector 10 and a plug 30 that mates with the connector 10. The connector 10 includes a connector housing 11 and a plurality of connector terminals 20 provided in the connector housing 11. The plug 30 includes a plug housing 31, to which a flexible substrate 40 can be coupled. The flexible substrate 40 includes electrical wiring and an insulating layer that bonds the electrical wiring. Ends of the electrical wiring are connected to contact pads 41 exposed on the exterior of the flexible substrate 40. When the plug 30 is coupled to the connector 10, the connector terminals 20 come into contact with the contact pads 41 on the flexible substrate 40.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 shows contact portions 233, 253 of the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 6, connector terminal 20 includes a body 21 and a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25 extending from body 21. First terminal portion 23 includes a first arm 231 extending forward from body 21. First terminal portion 23 includes a first contact portion 233 provided at one end of first arm 231. Second terminal portion 25 includes a second arm 251 extending forward from body 21 and positioned above first arm 231. Second terminal portion 25 includes a second contact portion 253 formed at one end of second arm 251 and positioned rearward of first contact portion 233. Referring to both FIGS. 3 and 4, when plug 30 is mated with connector 10, both first contact portion 233 and second contact portion 253 contact contact pads 41 of flexible substrate 40 attached to plug 30.

[0036] 6 and 7, the first contact portion 233 may include a first inclined surface 233a and a second inclined surface 233b located rearward of the first inclined surface 233a. An angle A1 formed by the first inclined surface 233a with the horizontal line is greater than an angle A2 formed by the second inclined surface 233b with the horizontal line. For example, the angle A1 of the first inclined surface 233a may be approximately 38 degrees, and the angle A2 of the second inclined surface 233b may be approximately 12 degrees.

[0037] The first contact portion 233 may further include a third inclined surface 233c located rearward of the second inclined surface 233b and extending downward. An angle A3 formed by the third inclined surface 233c with the horizontal line may be equal to or smaller than an angle A2 formed by the second inclined surface 233b with the horizontal line. For example, the angle A2 of the second inclined surface 233b may be approximately 12 degrees, and the angle A3 of the third inclined surface 233c may be approximately 11.7 degrees.

[0038] The first contact portion 233 may further include a first horizontal surface 233d located behind the second inclined surface 233b. The first horizontal surface 233d connects the second inclined surface 233b and the third inclined surface 233c. The area corresponding to the second inclined surface 233b, the first horizontal surface 233d, and the third inclined surface 233c may be referred to as a first curved portion 233e.

[0039] The second contact portion 253 may include a fourth inclined surface 253a and a fifth inclined surface 253b located rearward of the fourth inclined surface 253a. An angle A4 formed by the fourth inclined surface 253a and the horizontal line is larger than an angle A5 formed by the fifth inclined surface 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A4 of the fourth inclined surface 253a may be approximately 40 to 50 degrees, and the angle A5 of the fifth inclined surface 253b may be approximately 17 degrees.

[0040] The second contact portion 253 may further include a sixth inclined surface 253c located rearward of the fifth inclined surface 253b and extending downward. An angle A6 formed by the sixth inclined surface 253c and the horizontal line may be equal to or smaller than an angle A5 formed by the fifth inclined surface 253b and the horizontal line. For example, the angle A5 of the fifth inclined surface 253b may be approximately 17 degrees, and the angle A6 of the sixth inclined surface 253c may be approximately 12.7 degrees.

[0041] The second contact portion 253 may further include a second horizontal surface 253d located behind the fifth inclined surface 253b. The second horizontal surface 253d connects the fifth inclined surface 253b and the sixth inclined surface 253c. The area corresponding to the fifth inclined surface 253b, the second horizontal surface 253d, and the sixth inclined surface 253c may be referred to as a second curved portion 253e.

[0042] In this disclosure, the surfaces of the contact portions 233 and 253 are illustrated as being formed by a combination of flat and curved surfaces, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the surfaces of the contact portions 233 and 253 may be formed by a combination of only curved surfaces or a combination of only flat surfaces. At least one of the first inclined surface 233a, the second inclined surface 233b, and the third inclined surface 233c may be replaced with a curved surface. For example, the curved surface replacing the second inclined surface 233b may be formed so that its average slope (i.e., the angle of the line connecting the front end and the rear end) corresponds to the angle of the second inclined surface 233b (e.g., 12 degrees). As another example, the curved surface replacing the third inclined surface 233c may be formed so that its average slope corresponds to the angle of the third inclined surface 233c (e.g., 11.7 degrees).

[0043] The first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e come into direct contact with the mating member (the tip portion 32 of the plug housing 31 or the contact pad 41). The first curved portion 233e and the second curved portion 253e are horizontal or gently inclined, which reduces the resistance generated when they come into contact with the mating member or pass through the surface of the mating member. This prevents damage, such as buckling, to the terminal portions 23 and 25 of the connector terminal 20 when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10. Furthermore, damage to the mating member, such as peeling of the plating coating on the surface of the contact pad 41, can be minimized.

[0044] In the contact portions 233, 253 of the present disclosure, the inclined surfaces 233a, 253a extending from the front ends are steeper than the curved portions 233e, 253e, thereby shortening the distance from the front ends to the highest points of the contact portions 233, 253. This can increase the effective contact engagement length of the connector terminal 20.

[0045] 6, the main body 21 includes a support portion 27. The support portion 27 is configured to prevent the connector terminal 20 from being detached from the connector housing 11. The support portion 27 may include protrusions 271 and 272 that protrude upward.

[0046] 6, the support portion 27 protrudes forward from the support point 235 of the first arm 231 or the support point 255 of the second arm 251. The support portion 27 is located above the first arm 231 and the second arm 251. That is, the support points 235, 255 of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 are located rearward of the front end 273 of the support portion 27. A recess 26 is formed between the second arm 251 and the support portion 27, extending from a position 261 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support portion 27 to the support point 255 of the second arm 251. A recess 24 is formed between the second arm 251 and the first arm 231, extending from a position 241 corresponding to the front end 273 of the support portion 27 to the support point 235 of the first arm 231.

[0047] Since the support points 235, 255 of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 are located rearward of the front end 273 of the support portion 27, the length of the first arm 231 and the second arm 251 is increased. This reduces the slope from the support points 235, 255 of the terminal portions 23, 25 to the curved portions 233e, 253e. The slope from the support points 235, 255 of the terminal portions 23, 25 to the curved portions 233e, 253e is reduced, reducing the resistance acting on the curved portions 233e, 253e when they pass over the mating member. This increases the durability of the terminal portions 23, 25 against buckling.

[0048] The highest point of the second contact portion 253 (for example, the second horizontal surface 253d) may be located at the same level as or lower than the upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm 251. The upper end 255a of the support point 255 of the second arm 251 may refer to the starting point where the second arm 251 begins to protrude forward from the main body 21. Referring to FIG. 5 , the upper end 255a of the support point 255 may refer to the deepest point of the recess 26 between the support portion 27 and the second arm 251. This makes the slope from the upper end of the support point of the second arm 251 to the highest point of the second contact portion 253 gentler, which increases the resistance of the second terminal portion 25 to buckling.

[0049] 6 and 7, the first arm 231 may include a first extension 231a extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion 233 and a second extension 231b extending from the first extension 231a toward the main body 21. An angle A7 formed by the first extension 231a and a horizontal line is greater than an angle A8 formed by the second extension 231b and a horizontal line. The length of the first extension 231a may be as short as possible. For example, a curved portion 231c between the first extension 231a and the second extension 231b may be positioned forward of a front end 253f of the second contact portion 253. This prevents a large rotational moment from occurring at the curved portion 231c between the first extension 231a and the second extension 231b when the first contact portion 233 passes through a mating member, thereby preventing buckling of the first terminal portion 23.

[0050] The highest point of the second contact portion 253 is located higher than the highest point of the first contact portion 233. For example, the second horizontal plane 253d is located higher than the first horizontal plane 233d. If the highest point of the second contact portion 253 is relatively higher than the highest point of the first contact portion 233, the highest point of the second contact portion 253 will not be covered by the first contact portion 233 when viewed from the insertion direction. This makes it possible to measure the dimensions (for example, height) of the second contact portion 253 from the insertion direction.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the plug housing 31 is disposed in front of the connector terminals 20. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment in which the plug housing 31 is disposed in front of the connector terminals 20.

[0052] 8 and 9, the plug housing 31 includes a mounting surface 33 configured to receive the flexible substrate 40, and a tip portion 32 disposed at an end of the mounting surface 33. The tip portion 32 is configured to prevent the flexible substrate 40 disposed on the mounting surface 33 from slipping forward. The tip portion 32 protrudes downward from the mounting surface 33. That is, a first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 is located below the mounting surface 33. The first bottom surface 321 can extend horizontally.

[0053] The tip 32 can be configured such that the first inclined surface 233a is spaced apart from the tip 32 when the tip 32 first contacts the second inclined surface 233b while the plug 30 is being inserted into the connector 10.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, the first contact portion 233 includes a relatively steep first inclined surface 233a and a second inclined surface 233b that gradually extends from the rear end of the first inclined surface 233a. A steep inclined surface receives a greater resistance when passing through a mating member than a gradual inclined surface. Therefore, when the first contact portion 233 passes through the front end portion 32, it is advantageous to have the second inclined surface 233b contact the front end portion 32 more than the first inclined surface 233a, which reduces the insertion force. Furthermore, it is advantageous to reduce the section where the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 simultaneously contact the front end portion 32, which reduces the insertion force. The shape of the front end portion 32 can be designed taking the above factors into consideration.

[0055] 8 and 9, the tip portion 32 may be configured to first contact the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233 when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10. The tip portion 32 may be configured such that the first inclined surface 233a is spaced apart from the tip portion 32 when the tip portion 32 first contacts the first curved portion 233e.

[0056] The tip portion 32 can be configured so that when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the tip portion 32 first comes into contact with the second curved portion 253e of the second contact portion 253. The tip portion 32 can be configured so that the fourth inclined surface 253a is spaced apart from the tip portion 32 when the tip portion 32 first comes into contact with the second curved portion 253e.

[0057] The tip portion 32 of the plug housing 31 can be configured to contact the second inclined surface 233b without contacting the first inclined surface 233a when passing through the first contact portion 233. In other words, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the tip portion 32 passes through the first contact portion 233 while contacting the second inclined surface 233b, which is gentler than the first inclined surface 233a, thereby reducing the frictional force between the tip portion 32 and the first contact portion 233. This reduces the amount of force required when inserting the plug 30 into the connector 10.

[0058] The tip portion 32 of the plug housing 31 can be configured to contact the fifth inclined surface 253b without contacting the fourth inclined surface 253a when passing through the second contact portion 253. In other words, when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10, the tip portion 32 passes through the second contact portion 253 while contacting the fifth inclined surface 253b, which is gentler than the fourth inclined surface 253a, thereby reducing the frictional force between the tip portion 32 and the second contact portion 253. This reduces the amount of force required when inserting the plug 30 into the connector 10.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8 , the tip portion 32 may include a protrusion 322 extending toward the connector 10. A step exists between a second bottom surface 323 defining the lower surface of the protrusion 322 and the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32. The second bottom surface 323 is located higher than the first bottom surface 321. The second bottom surface 323 may extend in a horizontal direction (or an aligned direction). The first and second bottom surfaces 321 and 323 may be connected to an inclined surface 324. An angle A9 formed by the inclined surface 324 with the horizontal line may be smaller than the angles A1 and A4 formed by the first inclined surface 233a or the fourth inclined surface 253a with the horizontal line. The protrusion 322 may include a chamfer 326 extending from the second bottom surface 323 to the front end 325. Because the tip 32 includes the protrusion 322, when the tip 32 passes through the contact portions 233, 253, it mainly comes into contact with the curved portions 233e, 253e, and the moment of contact with the steep inclined surfaces 233a, 253a can be eliminated or minimized.

[0060] 9, the tip portion 32 may include a chamfered portion (or inclined surface) 327 extending from the first bottom surface 321 to the front end 325. The angle A10 that the chamfered portion 327 makes with the horizontal may be smaller than the angles A1, A4 that the first inclined surface 233a or the fourth inclined surface 253a makes with the horizontal. Because the tip portion 32 includes the chamfered portion 327, when the tip portion 32 passes through the contact portions 233, 253, it mainly comes into contact with the curved portions 233e, 253e, thereby eliminating or minimizing the moment when the tip portion 32 comes into contact with the steep inclined surfaces 233a, 253a.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the connector terminals 20 when the plug 30 is inserted into the connector 10. As shown in FIG.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 10(a), the tip portion 32 of the plug 30 may include a first bottom surface 321 that defines the lowermost surface of the tip portion 32 and extends horizontally in the alignment direction from a first end 321a to a second end 321b.

[0063] The protrusion 322 of the plug 30 first passes through the first contact portion 233. The protrusion 322 may be configured to contact the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, which has a small slope angle. For example, a horizontal extension of the second bottom surface 323 defining the lowermost surface of the protrusion 322 may reach the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233. As the plug 30 passes through the first contact portion 233, the plug 30 first comes into contact with the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby reducing the frictional force between the plug 30 and the first contact portion 233. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the tip portion 32 may be provided with a large chamfered portion 327 (see FIG. 9) instead of the protrusion 322. The chamfered portion 327 can be configured so that when the plug 30 passes through the first contact portion 233, the chamfered portion 327 first comes into contact with the gentle first curved portion 233e, thereby similarly achieving the effect of reducing frictional force by the protrusion 322.

[0064] 10(b), the tip portion 32 may include an inclined surface 324 extending from the first bottom surface 321 toward the connector 10. The tip portion 32 may be configured to be spaced apart from the second contact portion 253 when a boundary point 329 between the first bottom surface 321 and the inclined surface 324 of the tip portion 32 passes through the first contact portion 233. The boundary point 329 may correspond to the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321. It has been found that the insertion force is greatest when the point where the inclination of the tip portion 32 begins (i.e., boundary point 329) passes through the first contact portion 233. This is presumably because the frictional force acting between the tip portion 32 and the first contact portion 233 increases when the boundary point 329 passes through the first contact portion 233. By configuring the tip portion 32 to be spaced apart from the second contact portion 253 in the section where the friction force between the first contact portion 233 and the tip portion 32 is large, the amount of force required when inserting the plug 30 into the connector 10 can be reduced.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 10(c), the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 can be configured so that the protrusion 322 of the tip portion 32 begins to contact the second contact portion 253 when the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 passes through the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233.

[0066] FIG. 10( d ) is a diagram illustrating a state immediately before the first end 321 a of the first bottom surface 321 separates from the first contact portion 233 .

[0067] 10(b) and 10(d), the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be configured such that when the first bottom surface 321 passes the first contact portion 233, the first bottom surface 321 does not contact the second contact portion 253 before the first end 321a passes the apex of the first contact portion 233. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be configured such that when the first end 321a moves away from the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b is in contact with the second contact portion 253. This minimizes or eliminates the section where the first bottom surface 321 simultaneously presses against the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253, which makes it easier to insert the plug 30 into the connector 10.

[0068] 10 , in one embodiment, the connector alignment process may include a first step in which the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 passes over the apex of the first contact portion 233, and a second step in which the first bottom surface 321 passes over the apex of the second contact portion 253. In the first step, the first bottom surface 321 may not contact the second contact portion 253 before the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 passes over the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the second step, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 moves away from the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 may be in contact with the second contact portion 253.

[0069] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the plug housing 31 without the flexible substrate 40. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the connector terminals when the plug 30 is removed from the connector 10.

[0070] If necessary, a plug housing 31 without a flexible substrate 40 attached thereto can be coupled to the connector 10. The tip portion 32 and the connector terminal 20 can be configured such that when the tip portion 32 of the plug housing 31 without a flexible substrate 40 attached thereto presses the second contact portion 253 downward, the front end of the second contact portion 253 presses the first arm 231 downward.

[0071] 11 and 12, because the flexible substrate 40 is not attached to the plug housing 31, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 is located close to the mounting surface 33. In this state, when the plug 30 is separated from the connector terminal 20, the tip portion 32 is largely engaged with the first contact portion 233, which may increase the extraction force or damage the connector terminal 20.

[0072] 12(a) to 12(d), as the plug 30 retracts from the connector 10, the tip portion 32 presses the second arm 251 and the second contact portion 253 of the second terminal portion 25 downward. The second contact portion 253 contacts the first arm 231 of the first terminal portion 23 located below it and presses the first terminal portion 23 downward. This causes the first contact portion 233 of the first terminal portion 23 to descend. Because the first contact portion 233 is lower than its initial position, the tip portion 32 can more easily clear the first contact portion 233. In other words, the resistance force generated when the tip portion 32 engages with the first contact portion 233 as the plug 30 retracts can be reduced. This prevents damage to the connector terminals 20 and allows the plug 30 to be smoothly separated from the connector 10.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 12(c), the plug housing 31 can be configured such that the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 presses against the second contact portion 253 until the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 contacts the first contact portion 233.

[0074] 12(c), considering only that the second contact portion 253 presses the first contact portion 233, it is preferable that the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 be set to be longer than a predetermined length so that the pressing state of the first contact portion 233 can be maintained. However, if the length of the tip portion 32 is too long and the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 come into contact with the tip portion 32 at the same time, there is a problem that the insertion force increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 be limited to a length that can prevent this.

[0075] 12(c) and 12(d), the connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be configured so that the tip portion 32 does not contact the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes the apex of the second contact portion 253. The connector terminal 20 and the plug housing 31 may be configured so that the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 is in contact with the second contact portion 253 when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 first contacts the first contact portion 233. This minimizes or eliminates the section where the first bottom surface 321 simultaneously presses against the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253, which makes it easier to remove the plug 30 from the connector 10.

[0076] 12(d), when the first bottom surface 321 enters the first curved portion 233e of the first contact portion 233, the inclined surface 324, not the first bottom surface 321, can come into contact with the second contact portion 253.

[0077] 12 , in one embodiment, the connector removal process may include a first step in which the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 passes over the apex of the second contact portion 253, and a second step in which the first bottom surface 321 of the tip portion 32 passes over the apex of the first contact portion 233. In the first step, the tip portion 32 may not contact the first contact portion 233 before the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 passes over the apex of the second contact portion 253. In the second step, when the first end 321a of the first bottom surface 321 initially contacts the first contact portion 233, the second end 321b of the first bottom surface 321 may be in contact with the second contact portion 253.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the plug housing 31 to which the flexible substrate 40 is attached and the connector terminal 20 partially inserted into the plug housing 31. As shown in FIG.

[0079] 13, when the flexible substrate 40 is attached to the plug housing 31, a gap g may exist between the front end 32 of the plug housing 31 and the flexible substrate 40. There may be back and forth play between the flexible substrate 40 and the plug housing 31, which may cause the flexible substrate 40 to swing back and forth within the plug housing 31. In this case, the first contact portion 233 may push the flexible substrate 40 away from the front end 32 while passing over the contact pad 41, which may further increase the gap g.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7, the front-to-rear length d1 of the first curved portion 233e and / or the front-to-rear length d2 of the second curved portion 253e can be set to be equal to or greater than the gap g between the flexible substrate 40 and the tip portion 32.

[0081] When the plug 30 is mated with the connector 10, the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 move beyond the tip portion 32 of the plug housing 31 and then rest on the contact pads 41 of the flexible substrate 40. Although a gap g exists between the flexible substrate 40 and the plug housing 31 due to assembly play, the contact portions 233 and 235 have curved portions 233e and 253e, allowing the contact portions 233 and 235 to move smoothly beyond the tip portion 32 and then rest on the contact pads 41.

[0082] Although the contact portions 233 and 235 may come into contact with the corners of the flexible substrate 40, the curved portions 233e and 235e of the contact portions 233 and 235 contact the corners instead of the steeply inclined surfaces 233a and 235a, preventing a large impact from being applied to the contact portions 233 and 235. This prevents damage to the contact portions 233 and 235 and the contact pads 41. If such damage were not prevented, the plating layer of the contact portions or contact pads could peel off, which could cause problems such as chemical or electrical corrosion due to contamination in the peeled portions, which could rapidly increase the contact resistance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, damage to the contact pads 41 can be minimized or prevented when the first contact portion 233 passes over the contact pads 41, preventing the above-mentioned problems. Therefore, the second contact portion 253 can be placed on the contact pads 41 without a large resistance force.

[0083] FIG. 14 is an exemplary model of a conventional connector assembly. FIG. 15 shows the results of simulating the insertion force and extraction force between the plug 150 and the connector terminal 160 in the model of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 shows the results of simulating the insertion force and extraction force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is an exemplary model of a connector assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 19 shows the results of simulating the insertion force and extraction force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of FIG. 18.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing modeling of a conventional plug 150 and a conventional connector terminal 160. The plug 150 includes a plug housing 151 and a flexible substrate 40 attached to the plug housing 151. A gap g exists between the end of the flexible substrate 40 and the tip of the plug housing 151. The connector terminal 160 includes a first terminal 161 and a second terminal 162. The two terminals 161 and 162 include a first contact portion 1611 and a second contact portion 1621 that protrude sharply upward. The insertion force when inserting the plug 150 into the connector in the model of FIG. 14 is shown by a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 1621 passes through the gap g.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a model of a plug 30 and a connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the plug 30 includes a plug housing 31 and a flexible substrate 40 attached to the plug housing 31. A gap g exists between the end of the flexible substrate 40 and the front end of the plug housing 31. The front end 32 of the plug housing 31 includes a protrusion 322 that protrudes forward (or in the alignment direction) (see FIG. 8). The connector terminal 20 includes a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25. The two terminal portions 23 and 25 include a first contact portion 233 and a second contact portion 253 that protrude gently upward. The insertion force when inserting the plug 30 into the connector in the model of FIG. 16 is indicated by a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 17. In FIG. 17, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes through the gap g. 17, the magnitude of the peak insertion force is reduced to about one-third of the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly, as compared with the peak in Fig. 15. This technical effect is due to the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 being provided with gently curved surfaces and the protrusion 322 being provided on the front end portion 32 of the plug housing 31.

[0086] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a model of a plug 30 and a connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, the plug 30 includes a plug housing 31 and a flexible substrate 40 attached to the plug housing 31. A gap g exists between the end of the flexible substrate 40 and the front end 32 of the plug housing 31. The front end 32 of the plug housing 31 includes a chamfered portion 327 extending forward (or in the alignment direction) (see FIG. 9). The connector terminal 20 includes a first terminal portion 23 and a second terminal portion 25. The two terminal portions 23 and 25 include a first contact portion 233 and a second contact portion 253 that protrude gently upward. The insertion force when inserting the plug 30 into the connector in the model of FIG. 18 is indicated by a dashed line in the graph of FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, the peak of the insertion force occurs when the second contact portion 253 passes through the gap g. 19, the magnitude of the peak insertion force is reduced to about one-third of the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly, as compared with the peak in FIG. 15. This technical effect is partly due to the first contact portion 233 and the second contact portion 253 being provided with gently curved surfaces and the chamfered portion 327 being provided on the tip portion 32.

[0087] Fig. 20 shows the stress acting on the conventional connector terminal 160 while the connector terminal 160 passes through the gap g of the plug 150. Fig. 21 shows the results of simulating the insertion force between the plug 150 and the connector terminal 160 in the model of Fig. 20. Fig. 22 shows the stress acting on the connector terminal 20 according to one embodiment while the connector terminal 20 passes through the gap g of the plug 30. Fig. 23 shows the results of simulating the insertion force between the plug 30 and the connector terminal 20 in the model of Fig. 22.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 20 , plug 150 includes plug housing 151 and flexible substrate 40 attached to plug housing 151. Plug housing 151 includes tip portion 152, with gap g between tip portion 152 and flexible substrate 40. Connector terminal 160 includes contact portion 1611 that electrically contacts flexible substrate 40. Contact portion 1611 is provided at the end of arm 1612 that extends forward from the body of the terminal. Arm 1612 includes neck portion 1612a that bends toward the terminal. Referring to FIG. 20 , as contact portion 1611 of connector terminal 160 passes through gap g and the corner of flexible substrate 40, considerable stress is generated in neck portion 1612a of connector terminal 160. Referring to FIG. 21 , peak insertion force occurs in the above-mentioned section. High stress acting on neck portion 1612a of connector terminal 160 may cause damage to connector terminal 160, such as buckling connector terminal 160.

[0089] In the model of FIG. 22, the connector terminal 20 is simplified to include only the first terminal portion 23 of the connector terminal 20 shown in FIG. 6 and other figures. Referring to FIG. 22, it can be seen that the stress generated in the neck portion (i.e., second extension portion 231a) of the connector terminal 20 is significantly alleviated as the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 passes through the gap g and the corner of the flexible substrate 40. Referring to FIG. 23, the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the above section is reduced to approximately 1 / 10 of the magnitude of the peak insertion force in the conventional connector assembly of FIG. 20, which prevents damage to the connector terminal 20. This effect is due to the fact that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first contact portion 233 of the connector terminal 20 has a gently curved surface, the slope from the support point of the arm 231 to the first contact portion 233 is gentler than the slope in the conventional connector terminal 160, and the neck portion of the first terminal portion 23 is shorter than the neck portion of the conventional connector terminal 160.

[0090] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of a plug 50 according to one embodiment. Figure 26 is a top view of a flexible substrate 52 attached to a plug housing 51.

[0091] 24 and 25, a connector assembly according to one embodiment includes a plug 50 and a connector 60. The plug 50 may include a plug housing 51 and a flexible substrate 52 and a fixing member 53 coupled to the plug housing 51.

[0092] 25 and 26 , the fixing member 53 may include first supports 532 protruding from the main body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The first supports 532 may be located in the center of the main body 531. The plug housing 51 may include first holes 511 into which the first supports 532 are inserted. The flexible substrate 52 may include first substrate holes 521 into which the first supports 532 are inserted. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the first supports 532 pass through the first holes 511 and are located within the first substrate holes 521.

[0093] The fixing member 53 may include a second support 533 protruding from the main body 531 toward the plug housing 51. The second support 533 may be composed of two protrusions located on both sides of the main body 531. The plug housing 51 may include a second hole 512 into which the second support 533 is inserted. The flexible substrate 52 may include a second substrate hole 522 into which the second support 533 is inserted. In FIG. 25 , the second substrate hole 522 is provided in the form of a hole with one side open, but this is merely an example and the second substrate hole 522 may be provided in the form of a closed hole like the first substrate hole 521. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the second support 533 passes through the second hole 512 and is positioned within the second substrate hole 522.

[0094] 26 , when the plug 50 is inserted into the connector 60, the connector terminals push out the flexible substrate 52 while making contact with the contact pads 52 a of the flexible substrate 52. The flexible substrate 52 is supported at its center by a first support 532 and at both sides by second supports 533, which can prevent or minimize the flexible substrate 52 from being pressed inside the plug housing 51. This can minimize or eliminate the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the tip of the plug housing 51, and can further prevent or minimize an increase in insertion force and damage to the connector terminals and the pads 53 a of the flexible substrate 52. Furthermore, by minimizing the degree to which the flexible substrate 52 is pressed inside the plug housing 51, the effective contact engagement length between the flexible substrate 52 and the connector terminals can be stably secured, which can help reduce the overall size of the connector assembly.

[0095] Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the fixing member 53 is pre-assembled to the plug housing 51. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the rear of the fixing member 53 according to one embodiment. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion 534 and the plug housing 51 in a state in which the fixing member 53 is pre-assembled to the plug housing 51. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion 534 and the plug housing 51 in a state in which the fixing member 53 is fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0096] 27 and 28, the fixing member 53 may include locking portions 534 extending downward from both sides of the main body 531. The plug housing 51 may include hook portions 513, 514 to which the locking portions 534 are locked. When the fixing member 53 is coupled to the plug housing 51, the locking portions 534 embrace both sides of the plug housing 51. When the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 are coupled, the locking portions 534 are locked to the hook portions 513, 514, which prevents the fixing member 53 from being separated from the plug housing 51.

[0097] The locking portion 534 may include a first receiving portion 534a and a second receiving portion 534b located above the first receiving portion 534a. The locking portion 534 may include two arms 534e and 534f that extend downward from an end of the main body 531 and are spaced apart from each other. The locking portion 534 may include a first bridge 534c and a second bridge 534d that connect the two arms 534e and 534f and are spaced apart from each other.

[0098] The first receiving portion 534a may be defined as a space surrounded by the two arms 534e, 534f, the first bridge 534c, and the second bridge 534d. The second receiving portion 534b may be defined as a space surrounded by the two arms 534e, 534f, and the second bridge 534d.

[0099] The hook portions 513, 514 may include a first bump 513 and a second bump 514 located above the first bump 513. The first receiving portion 534a and the second receiving portion 534b are configured to receive the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively. The second bump 514 is configured to be received in the first receiving portion 534a as well.

[0100] The fixing member 53 can be coupled to the plug housing 51 in two states. The first assembled state is a pre-assembled state in which the first receiving portion 534a of the locking portion 534 is fitted into the second bump 514 of the plug housing 51. The second assembled state is a fully assembled state in which the first receiving portion 534a and the second receiving portion 534b are fitted into the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively.

[0101] When the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d respectively pass over the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, the fixing member 53 is fully assembled to the plug housing 51. Therefore, to prevent the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d from simply passing over the first bump 513 and the second bump 514 respectively, the angles of the upper inclined surfaces a11 and a12 of the first bump 513 and the second bump 514 may be formed to be less than 45 degrees.

[0102] When converting from the pre-assembled state to the fully assembled state, the second bridge 534d must pass over the second bump 514. However, since the second bridge 534d is located near the support point of the locking portion 534, when the second bridge 534d is lifted while passing over the second bump 514, a relatively large moment is generated at the support point of the locking portion 534, which may damage the locking portion 534. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, to prevent such a problem, the overlap width between the second bridge 534d and the second bump 514 in the vertical direction (or the assembly direction of the fixing member 53 with respect to the plug housing 51) may be set to an appropriate level.

[0103] 30, the second bump 514 may be provided with a height that is a predetermined length d3 lower than the first bump 513. As another example, the thickness of the second bridge 534d may be reduced to reduce the overlap width between the second bridge 534d and the second bump 514 in the vertical direction.

[0104] To convert from the partially assembled state to the fully assembled state, the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d must pass over the first bump 513 and the second bump 514, respectively, which requires a relatively large force to press the fixing member 53. Referring to Figure 29, chamfers C1, C2 or rounds may be applied to the portions of the first bridge 534c and the second bridge 534d that contact the first bump 513 and the second bump 514.

[0105] The plug 50 may be provided with the fixing member 53 pre-assembled, but when the plug 50 is transported or held, a situation may arise in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the interaction between the locking portion 534 and the hook portions 513, 514 helps to maintain the fixing member 53 in a pre-assembled state relative to the plug housing 51, thereby minimizing or preventing the fixing member 53 from being unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0106] Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 in a state where the fixing member 53 is temporarily assembled to the plug housing 51. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between the fixing member 53 and the plug housing 51 in a state where the fixing member 53 is completely assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0107] 31, in the pre-assembled state, the lower portion of the second support 533 is inserted into the second hole 512. In the pre-assembled state, the second support 533 has not yet descended to the position where the flexible substrate 52 is to be disposed, and therefore, in the pre-assembled state, the flexible substrate 52 can be inserted into the plug housing 51 without being obstructed by the second support 533.

[0108] The second support 533 may include a protrusion 533a at its bottom that protrudes in a direction perpendicular (i.e., horizontal) to the opening direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the second hole 512. The width W1 of the second support 533 at the location of the protrusion 533a is greater than the width W2 of the second hole 512. The protrusion 533a prevents the second support 533 from being fully inserted into the second hole 512 in a pre-assembled state. When the fixing member 53 is pressed with a relatively strong force, the protrusion 533a is pressed and crushed by the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512, allowing the second support 533 to be fully inserted into the second hole 512. In FIG. 31 , the protrusion 533a is located on the left side of the second support, but this is merely an example; in other embodiments, the protrusion 533a may be located on the right side of the second support.

[0109] The plug 50 may be provided with the fixing member 53 pre-assembled, but when the plug 50 is transported or held, a situation may arise in which the fixing member 53 is unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion 533a of the second support 533 helps the fixing member 53 to maintain a pre-assembled state relative to the plug housing 51, thereby minimizing or preventing the fixing member 53 from being unintentionally fully assembled to the plug housing 51.

[0110] 30 to 32, the second support 533 may include a first protrusion 533b that is located inside the second substrate hole 522 of the flexible substrate 52 when fully assembled. The second support 533 may include a second protrusion 533c that is located inside the second hole 512 when fully assembled. The first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude in opposite directions from different portions of the second support 533. The first protrusion 533b protrudes from the center of the second support 533 toward the front end of the flexible substrate 52 (to the right in the drawings). The second protrusion 533c protrudes from an upper portion of the second support 533 in a direction away from the front end of the flexible substrate 52 (to the left in the drawings).

[0111] 32, in the second support 533, a width W3 of a central portion where the first protrusion 533b is located and a width W4 of an upper portion where the second protrusion 533c is located are both smaller than the width W2 of the second hole 512 so that the second support 533 can smoothly pass through the second hole 512. A width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c may be equal to or larger than the width W2 of the second hole 512.

[0112] The flexible substrate 52 is supported by the first protrusion 533b of the second support 533, and the second support 533 is supported by the second protrusion 533c on the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512. Therefore, the position of the inner surface 522a of the second substrate hole 522 of the flexible substrate 52 relative to the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 cannot be pushed leftward beyond a position spaced apart from the inner surface 512a of the second hole 512 by a width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c.

[0113] When the connector 60 shown in Fig. 24 and the plug 50 are mated, the appearance of the plug 50 and the connector 60 is similar to that of Fig. 13. Referring to Fig. 13 and Fig. 26, during the mating process between the plug 50 and the connector terminals, the connector terminals push the flexible substrate 52 in the direction opposite to the mating direction. When the flexible substrate 52 is pressed, the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the tip end 51a of the plug housing 51 becomes larger, which may result in an increase in the insertion force and damage to the connector terminals and the contact pads 52a of the flexible substrate 52.

[0114] However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c protrude in different directions from different portions of the second support 533. This structure allows the width W5 between the first protrusion 533b and the second protrusion 533c to be relatively large. This minimizes the degree to which the flexible substrate 52 is pressed during the connector-plug alignment process, minimizes or eliminates the gap g between the flexible substrate 52 and the front end of the plug housing 51, and prevents or minimizes an increase in insertion force and damage to the connector terminals and the contact pads 52a of the flexible substrate 52. Furthermore, minimizing the degree to which the flexible substrate 52 is pressed against the plug housing 51 allows the effective contact engagement length between the flexible substrate 52 and the connector terminals 20 to be stably secured, which can help reduce the overall size of the connector assembly.

[0115] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 36 is a diagram illustrating flexible substrate 52 in one embodiment. Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of connector 80 assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 38 is a perspective view of the rear of connector 80.

[0116] 33 to 35, the connector assembly includes a connector 80 mounted in a case 100 and a plug 70 coupled to the connector 80. After the plug 70 is coupled to the connector 80, a connector position assurance portion 90 (hereinafter referred to as CPA) is coupled to the plug 70, which prevents the plug 70 from being separated from the connector 80. In FIG. 33, the case 100 is a member that encases an electronic device, and for ease of explanation, only a portion of the case 100 is shown.

[0117] To prevent moisture from penetrating into the case 100 through the connector assembly, a sealing member may be installed in the gap between the connector assembly and the case 100, or between the internal components of the connector assembly.

[0118] 35, the flexible substrate 72 is very thin, having a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.3 mm, so when the flexible substrate 72 is attached to the plug housing 71, there is a high risk that external moisture will penetrate into the gap between the flexible substrate 72 and the plug housing 71. To prevent this, a first sealing member 73 may be disposed between the flexible substrate 72 and the plug housing 71.

[0119] 36, the plug 70 may include a first cover 74 coupled to one side of the plug housing 71 and a second cover 75 coupled to the other side of the plug housing 71. A first sealing member 73 is fitted between the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71.

[0120] 35 and 37, the first sealing member 73 may include a central portion 730 and a first inclined portion 731 and a second inclined portion 732 respectively disposed on both sides of the central portion 730. In the first sealing member 73, the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 are arranged in this order.

[0121] The first cover 74 circumferentially surrounds the central portion 730. The first cover 74 compresses the central portion 730 inward, thereby ensuring airtightness between the first sealing member 73 and the first cover 74.

[0122] The first sealing member 73 is coupled to the flexible substrate 72 so that the flexible substrate 72 passes through the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732. The first sealing member 73 may be provided on the flexible substrate 72 by integral injection. For example, the first sealing member 73 may be formed by directly injecting a material such as rubber or silicone in a liquid state onto the flexible substrate 72.

[0123] 36 , the flexible substrate 72 may include first wings 721 extending outward on both sides. The first cover 74 can move along the flexible substrate 72 in a direction away from the first sealing member 73, but the first cover 74 is locked by the second wings 722 and cannot move beyond the first wings 721. The second wings 722 allow the first cover 74 to be positioned close to the first sealing member 73, allowing an operator to easily attach the first cover 74 to the plug housing 71 when attaching the flexible substrate 72 to the plug housing 71. When the first sealing member 73 is formed on the flexible substrate 72 by integral injection molding, the first cover 74 may be pre-attached between the first wings 721 and the position where the first sealing member 73 will be formed (e.g., the second wings 722).

[0124] The first and second inclined portions 731, 732 may have a greater thickness toward the central portion 730. Referring to FIG. 35, in a vertical cross section of the first sealing member 73, the heights of the first and second inclined portions 731, 732 (lengths measured in the vertical direction VD from the flexible substrate 72) may increase toward the central portion 730. Referring to FIG. 37, in a horizontal cross section of the first sealing member 73, the heights of the first and second inclined portions 731, 732 (lengths measured in the horizontal direction HD from the central axis C to the upper surfaces of the first and second inclined portions 731, 732) may increase toward the central portion 730.

[0125] 35 and 37, the first cover 74 includes a first hole 741 that receives the first inclined portion 731 of the first sealing member 73. The first hole 741 may be provided in a shape that corresponds to the first inclined portion 731. The first hole 741 may be provided in a shape that increases in cross-sectional area in the alignment direction CD.

[0126] The plug housing 71 includes a second hole 715 that receives the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73. The second hole 715 may be provided in a shape that corresponds to the second inclined portion 732. The second hole 715 may be provided in a shape that the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole becomes smaller as it goes in the alignment direction CD.

[0127] When the first sealing member 73 is coupled to the plug housing 71, the first cover 74 and the plug housing 71 press the first sealing member 73 on both sides in the horizontal direction HD. The inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 presses the first inclined portion 731 toward the center portion 730 (or in the alignment direction CD), and the inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 presses the second inclined portion 732 toward the center portion 730 (or in the direction opposite to the alignment direction CD).

[0128] Since the first inclined portion 731 is inclined in a manner that widens toward the center portion 730, part of the force with which the inner surface 742 of the first hole 741 presses the first inclined portion 731 toward the center portion 730 is directed downward to the first inclined portion 731. In other words, the first inclined portion 731 presses the flexible substrate 72.

[0129] Since the second inclined portion 732 is inclined in a manner that widens toward the center portion 730, part of the force with which the inner surface 716 of the second hole 715 presses the second inclined portion 732 toward the center portion 730 is directed downward to the second inclined portion 732. In other words, the second inclined portion 732 presses the flexible substrate 72.

[0130] The downward force acting on the first and second inclined portions 731, 732 presses the first and second inclined portions 731, 732 towards the flexible substrate 72, thereby improving the airtightness between the first sealing member 73 and the flexible substrate 72.

[0131] 37 , the flexible substrate 72 may include a second wing 722. The second wing 722 protrudes outward in the horizontal direction HD. The second wing 722 may include a third inclined portion 722a extending upward and to the right, a horizontal portion 722c extending to the right from the third inclined portion 722a, and a fourth inclined portion 722b extending downward and to the right from the horizontal portion 722c. The second wing 722 is surrounded by the first sealing member 73. The third inclined portion 722a, the horizontal portion 722c, and the fourth inclined portion 722b are surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, the central portion 730, and the second inclined portion 732 of the first sealing member 73, respectively. The third and fourth inclined portions have inclinations corresponding to the first and second inclined portions 731 and 732, respectively.

[0132] By arranging a third inclined portion 722a having an inclination corresponding to that of the first inclined portion 731 in a portion of the flexible substrate 72 surrounded by the first inclined portion 731, the airtightness between the first inclined portion 731 and the third inclined portion 722a is improved. By arranging a fourth inclined portion 722b having an inclination corresponding to that of the second inclined portion 732 in a portion of the flexible substrate 72 surrounded by the second inclined portion 732, the airtightness between the second inclined portion 732 and the fourth inclined portion 722b is improved.

[0133] 34 to 37, the connector housing 81 may include a first protrusion 811. The plug housing 71, the flexible circuit board 72, and the second cover 75 may each include a first accommodating portion 712, a second accommodating portion 723, and a third accommodating portion 751 configured to accommodate the first protrusion 811. The first protrusion 811 and the first, second, and third accommodating portions 712, 723, and 751 are positioned away from the central axis C. For example, referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, the first protrusion 811 and the first, second, and third accommodating portions 712, 723, and 751 may be positioned above the central axis C of the connector assembly.

[0134] The second cover 75 may include a second protrusion 752 that protrudes in the alignment direction CD. The connector housing 81 may include a fourth receptacle 814 configured to receive the second protrusion 752. The second protrusion 752 and the fourth receptacle 814 are positioned offset from the central axis C. For example, with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37 , the second protrusion 752 and the fourth receptacle 814 may be positioned below the central axis C of the connector assembly.

[0135] When plug 70 is inserted into connector 80 in the correct orientation, plug 70 is coupled to connector 80 with protrusions 811 and 752 received in receiving portions 712, 723, 751 and 814. If plug 70 is inserted into connector 80 in the wrong orientation, protrusions 811 and 752 and receiving portions 712, 723, 751 and 814 will not be aligned with each other, which can prevent mis-insertion or reverse insertion of plug 70.

[0136] 35 to 38, a second sealing member 83 may be provided to surround connector terminals 82 coupled to a connector housing 81. The connector housing 81 may include slots 815 that are open downward. The connector terminals 82 pass through the slots 815. A waterproof material such as liquid rubber or silicone may be filled in the holes to form the second sealing member 83. This prevents moisture from penetrating into gaps between the connector housing 81 and the connector terminals 82.

[0137] 34 and 35, a third sealing member 84 is attached between the connector housing 81 and the case 100. The connector housing 81 may include a flange 813 extending along the third sealing member 84. The flange 813 contacts one side surface 84a of the third sealing member 84, thereby improving the airtightness between the case 100 and the connector housing 81.

[0138] 34 and 38, the connector housing 81 may include an extension 812 that protrudes in a direction toward the plug 70. A hook 812a is provided at the end of the extension 812, and the hook 812a can fit into a locking groove 713 provided in the plug housing 71.

[0139] Although the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure has been described above by way of some embodiments and examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure, which can be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and changes should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 Connector assembly 10 Connectors 20 Connector terminal 30 plugs 40 Flexible substrate

Claims

1. The main body and a first arm extending forward from the main body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm; a second arm extending forward from the main body and positioned above the first arm; a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion, the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle formed by the first inclined surface with a horizontal line is larger than an angle formed by the second inclined surface with the horizontal line; Connector terminal.

2. The first contact portion further includes a horizontal surface located rearward of the second inclined surface. The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

3. the first contact portion further includes a third inclined surface located rearward of the second inclined surface and extending downward; the angle that the third inclined surface makes with the horizontal line is equal to or smaller than the angle that the second inclined surface makes with the horizontal line; The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

4. The highest point of the second contact portion is located higher than the highest point of the first contact portion. The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

5. the first arm includes a first extension portion extending rearward and downward from the first contact portion, and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion toward the main body; a bending point between the first extension portion and the second extension portion is located forward of a front end of the second contact portion; The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

6. The highest point of the second contact portion is located at the same level as or lower than the upper end of the support point of the second arm. The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

7. The main body includes a support portion extending forward from a support point of the first arm or a support point of the second arm and positioned above the second arm. The connector terminal according to claim 1 .

8. A connector housing; a plurality of terminals provided in the connector housing; At least some of the plurality of terminals are connector terminals according to claim 1. connector.

9. A connector assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, The connector terminals provided in the connector include: The main body and a first arm extending forward from the main body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm; a second arm extending forward from the main body and positioned above the first arm; a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion, the plug includes a mounting surface configured to mount a flexible substrate thereon, and a plug housing disposed at an end of the mounting surface on the connector side and including a tip portion protruding downward from the mounting surface; When the plug is fastened to the connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the connector are located below the mounting surface, the tip portion and the connector terminal are configured such that when the tip portion of the plug housing with no flexible substrate attached presses the second contact portion downward, the front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward. Connector assembly.

10. the tip portion includes a first bottom surface located below the placement surface, The tip portion includes a protrusion extending from the tip portion toward the connector, and a second bottom surface of the protrusion is located above the first bottom surface.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9.

11. the first contact portion includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located rearward of the first inclined surface, and an angle formed by the first inclined surface with a horizontal line is larger than an angle formed by the second inclined surface with the horizontal line; the tip is configured such that the first inclined surface moves away from the tip when the tip first contacts the second inclined surface during insertion of the plug into the connector; 10. The connector assembly of claim 9.

12. the tip portion includes a bottom surface and an inclined surface extending upward from an end of the bottom surface on the connector side; the tip portion is configured to be separated from the second contact portion when a boundary point between the bottom surface and the inclined surface comes into contact with the first contact portion.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9.

13. A connector assembly including a connector and a plug fastened to the connector, The connector terminals provided in the connector include: The main body and a first arm extending forward from the main body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm; a second arm extending forward from the main body and positioned above the first arm; a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion, the plug includes a mounting surface configured to mount a flexible substrate thereon, and a plug housing disposed at an end of the mounting surface on the connector side and including a tip portion protruding downward from the mounting surface; the tip includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the tip and extends horizontally in an alignment direction from the first end to the second end; The connector terminal and the plug housing are connected to each other by the following steps: When the bottom surface passes through the first contact portion, the bottom surface does not come into contact with the second contact portion before the first end of the bottom surface passes through the apex of the first contact portion, When the first end of the bottom surface moves away from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is configured to be in contact with the second contact portion. Connector assembly.

14. the connector terminal and the plug housing are configured such that the tip portion does not come into contact with the first contact portion before the second end of the bottom surface passes the apex of the second contact portion during the process of removing the plug from the connector. The connector assembly of claim 13.

15. A connector alignment process in which a plug is inserted into a connector, comprising: The connector terminals provided in the connector include: The main body and a first arm extending forward from the main body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm; a second arm extending forward from the main body and positioned above the first arm; a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion, the plug includes a mounting surface configured to mount a flexible substrate thereon, and a plug housing disposed at an end of the mounting surface on the connector side and including a tip portion protruding downward from the mounting surface; the tip includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the tip and extends horizontally in an alignment direction from the first end to the second end; The connector alignment process comprises: (a) the bottom surface passing through the apex of the first contact portion; (b) the bottom surface passing through the apex of the second contact portion; In step (a), the bottom surface does not contact the second contact portion before the first end of the bottom surface passes the apex of the first contact portion; In step (b), when the first end of the bottom surface moves away from the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in contact with the second contact portion. Connector matching process.

16. A connector removal process for removing a plug inserted into a connector from the connector, comprising: The connector terminals provided in the connector include: The main body and a first arm extending forward from the main body; a first contact portion provided at one end of the first arm; a second arm extending forward from the main body and positioned above the first arm; a second contact portion formed at one end of the second arm and positioned rearward of the first contact portion, the plug includes a mounting surface configured to mount a flexible substrate thereon, and a plug housing disposed at an end of the mounting surface on the connector side and including a tip portion protruding downward from the mounting surface; the tip includes a bottom surface that defines a lowermost surface of the tip and extends horizontally in an alignment direction from the first end to the second end; The connector removal process includes: (a) a bottom surface of the tip portion passing through an apex of the second contact portion; (b) a bottom surface of the tip portion passing through an apex of the first contact portion; In step (a), the tip portion does not contact the first contact portion before the second end of the bottom surface passes the apex of the second contact portion; In step (b), when the first end of the bottom surface initially contacts the first contact portion, the second end of the bottom surface is in contact with the second contact portion. Connector removal process.

17. In step (a), the front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward.

17. The connector extraction process of claim 16.

18. In step (a), the front end of the second contact portion presses the first arm downward before the first end of the bottom surface contacts the first contact portion.

18. The connector extraction process of claim 17.

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