Connector Assemblies, Plug Connectors, and Receptacle Connectors

Abstract

To increase the rigidity of a receptacle connector while ensuring electrical connection stability. [Solution] The connector assembly (1) includes a plug connector (100A) including a pair of first reinforcing brackets (30) incorporated into a first housing (10) and a first terminal (20), and a receptacle connector (600A) including a pair of second reinforcing brackets (80) incorporated into a second housing (10) and a third terminal. The first reinforcing bracket (30) includes a pair of second terminals (36). The second reinforcing brackets (80) are formed continuously without gaps to cover the end of an island-shaped portion (61), the end of second side walls (62a, 62b), and second end walls (62c, 62d). The pair of second terminals (36) are arranged to sandwich the area of ​​the second reinforcing bracket (80) that covers the island-shaped portion (61) when the island-shaped portion (61) is accommodated in a first accommodating recess (13) to electrically connect the first terminal (20) and the third terminal (70).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector that is mounted on a board and used as, for example, a board-to-board connector. [Background technology]

[0002] When a connector assembly, which is a board-to-board connector, employs a structure in which a plug connector is nested inside a receptacle connector, the receptacle connector is often subjected to a relatively greater force than the plug connector.

[0003] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a first connector 300 described in Patent Document 1. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a second connector 400 described in Patent Document 1. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a connector pair 200 described in Patent Document 1 in which the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are disconnected so as to include the first contact portion 344 of the first connector 300.

[0004] The connector pair 200 described in Patent Document 1 includes a first connector 300 and a second connector 400.

[0005] The first connector 300 includes a base 310, a protrusion 320, a sidewall 330, conductive members 340 and 350, multiple signal terminals 360 and 370, and a reinforcing member 380. The first conductive member 340 includes a first reinforcing portion 341, a second reinforcing portion 342, a third reinforcing portion 343, and a first contact portion 344, which are integrally formed. The first conductive member 340 may also integrally form the first reinforcing portion 341, the second reinforcing portion 342, the third reinforcing portion 343, the first contact portion 344, and a connecting portion 346 (not shown). Forming the first conductive member 340 integrally and in a continuous shape increases the rigidity of the first connector 300 and the connector pair 200. The first contact portion 344 is electrically connected to a movable terminal 450 of the second connector 400 when the first connector 300 is mated to the second connector 400. The first contact portion 344 is disposed so as to surround one end of the protruding portion 320. The first contact portion 344 includes a terminal groove 344a which is electrically connected to the movable terminal 450 of the second connector 400.

[0006] The second connector 400 includes a mold 410, a partition wall 420, metal members 430 and 440, a movable terminal 450, and a plurality of signal members 460 and 470. The movable terminal 450 is disposed on the mold 410 and forms an electrical connection with the conductive members 340 and 350 of the first connector 300 when the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are mated. The movable terminal 450 is formed of a deformable material, and is therefore deformed by the contact portions 344 and 354 when the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are mated. For example, the movable terminal 450 is seated in the terminal groove 344a of the first contact portion 344 to form an electrical connection with the first contact portion 344. The mold 410 includes an accommodating portion 412 that accommodates a portion of the movable terminal 450. The accommodating portion 412 is disposed in an area of ​​the partition wall 420 adjacent to the metal members 430, 440 so as to surround the movable terminal 450. When the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are coupled, the accommodating portion 412 provides a space in which the movable terminal 450 moves.

[0007] When the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are coupled, the first connector 300 may be subjected to a relatively larger force than the second connector 400. In the connector pair 200 of Patent Document 1, the movable terminal 450 is disposed in the second connector 400, thereby protecting the first connector 300, which is subjected to a relatively larger force, with the pair of connectors 200 (see Patent Document 1, paragraphs

[0050] ,

[0059] ,

[0064] ,

[0074] ,

[0084] ,

[0085] ,

[0093] ,

[0127] , and

[0130] ). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0107849 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the first connector 300 of Patent Document 1, there are areas that are not continuous between the second reinforcing portion 342 and the first contact portion 344, or between the third reinforcing portion 343 and the first contact portion 344, and therefore the first conductive member 340 of Patent Document 1 cannot necessarily be said to have a sufficiently high level of rigidity.

[0010] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21 , the movable terminal 450 of the second connector 400 of Patent Document 1 is configured to cover the first contact portion 344 and sandwich it from both side surfaces. When the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are coupled, the movable terminal 450 is deformed by the contact portion 344. In the state shown in FIG. 21 , the movable terminal 450 is continuous and has an inverted U shape with an open lower end. In the movable terminal 450, a portion corresponding to the bottom of the inverted U shape (the upper portion in FIG. 21 ) is not covered from above and is therefore bare (exposed). When the movable terminal 450 is mated with the first connector 300, it is configured to receive force from both side surfaces of the contact portion 344 shown in FIG. 21 , i.e., from two locations on the contact portion 344.

[0011] Therefore, there is a risk that the portion corresponding to the bottom of the inverted U-shape may be warped into a U-shape or an inverted U-shape due to repeated coupling (fitting) of first connector 300 and second connector 400. For example, if the portion corresponding to the bottom is warped into a U-shape, the contact position with contact portion 344 will shift upward, and if it shifts to the R-shaped position of contact portion 344 in FIG. 21, for example, contact stability may be lost.

[0012] Note that the first connector 300 of Patent Document 1 may also have a terminal groove 344a. In this case, if the contact force between the movable terminal 450 and the terminal groove 344a is too strong, the movable terminal 450 is in a bare (exposed) state, and repeated coupling (fitting) of the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may encourage warping of the portion of the movable terminal 450 that corresponds to the bottom of the inverted U-shape, which may make it impossible to ensure stable contact in the terminal groove 344a.

[0013] That is, in the connector pair 200, deformation due to warping of the movable terminal 450 may cause the stability of the electrical connection between the movable terminal 450 and the first contact portion 344 to be lost.

[0014] In view of this problem, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector assembly that can increase the rigidity of a receptacle connector while ensuring electrical connection stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A connector assembly as an example of this embodiment includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector. The plug connector includes a pair of first reinforcing metal fittings incorporated into both longitudinal ends of a resin first housing, and first terminals arranged and held in the first housing between the pair of first reinforcing metal fittings. The receptacle connector includes a pair of second reinforcing metal fittings incorporated into both longitudinal ends of a resin second housing, and third terminals arranged and held in the second housing between the pair of second reinforcing metal fittings so as to be electrically connected to the first terminals. The first housing has a first accommodating recess formed at least by a pair of first side walls in the longitudinal direction and a pair of first end walls in the lateral direction. The second housing has a pair of second side walls in the longitudinal direction, a pair of second end walls in the lateral direction, and an island-shaped portion located between the pair of second side walls and the pair of second end walls. The first reinforcing metal fittings have a pair of second terminals. The second reinforcing metal fitting is formed continuously and without gaps so as to cover the end of the island-shaped portion, the end of the second side wall, and the second end wall. The pair of second terminals are arranged to sandwich the area of ​​the second reinforcing metal fitting that covers the island-shaped portion when the island-shaped portion is accommodated in the first accommodating recess and the first terminal and third terminal are electrically connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the connector assembly of the present disclosure, the rigidity of the receptacle connector can be increased while ensuring the stability of the electrical connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of a plug connector 100A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the plug connector 100A with the middle portion thereof omitted. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are enlarged views of one longitudinal end of the plug connector 100A, with the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 not shown, where A is a plan view and B is a perspective view. [Figure 4]4A and 4B are cross-sectional views taken along a plane in the short direction of the plug connector 100A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 2, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views taken along a plane in the lateral direction of the plug connector 100A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 2, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the first reinforcing metal fitting 30, with A being a perspective view and B being a plan view. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the first reinforcing metal fitting 30, with A being a front view, B being a left side view, and C being a rear view. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of receptacle connector 600A with the middle portion omitted. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are enlarged views of one longitudinal end of receptacle connector 600A, with second reinforcing metal fitting 80 not shown, where A is a plan view and B is a perspective view. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views taken along a plane in the short direction of receptacle connector 600A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 10, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views taken along a longitudinal plane of receptacle connector 600A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 10, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views taken along a plane in the short direction of receptacle connector 600A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the second reinforcing metal fitting 80, with A being a perspective view and B being a plan view. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 shows the second reinforcing metal fitting 80, with A being a front view, B being a left side view, and C being a rear view. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the mated state of receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion where second terminal 36 of first reinforcing metal fitting 30 of plug connector 100A is located when receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A are mated and connected. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first connector 300 described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a second connector 400 described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of a connector pair 200 described in Patent Document 1 in which the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are disconnected so as to include the first contact portion 344 of the first connector 300. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. A connector assembly 1 (see FIG. 17) which is an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is a connector assembly having a plug connector 100A and a receptacle connector 600A.

[0019] As will be described later, plug connector 100A includes a pair of first reinforcing metal fittings 30 incorporated into both longitudinal ends of a resin first housing 10, and first terminals 20 arranged and held in first housing 10 between the pair of first reinforcing metal fittings 30. Receptacle connector 600A includes a pair of second reinforcing metal fittings 80 incorporated into both longitudinal ends of a resin housing 60, and third terminals 70 arranged and held in housing 60 between the pair of second reinforcing metal fittings 80 so as to be electrically connected to the first terminals 20.

[0020] <<Plug connector 100A>> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of a plug connector 100A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the plug connector 100A with the middle portion thereof omitted. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of one longitudinal end of the plug connector 100A with the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 not shown, where A is a plan view and B is a perspective view. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the plug connector 100A cut along a plane in the short direction, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in Fig. 2 and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in Fig. 2.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the plug connector 100A is composed of a first housing 10 which is a resin housing, first terminals 20 which are multiple metal terminals, and a pair of first reinforcing brackets 30 respectively incorporated into both longitudinal ends of the first housing 10.

[0022] <First housing 10> The first housing 10 has a long, flat shape and includes a first peripheral wall 12 and a pair of bottom plate portions 16 provided at the ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] (1st peripheral wall 12) As shown in Figure 1, the first peripheral wall 12 is composed of a pair of first side walls 12a, 12b which are peripheral walls in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction in Figure 1) and a pair of first end walls 12c, 12d which are peripheral walls in the lateral direction (y-axis direction in Figure 1), and has a rectangular frame shape.

[0024] In this example, the cross section of the first side walls 12a, 12b taken along line HH (FIG. 2) and its vicinity is formed by insert molding, with the inside of the region surrounded by the upper plate portion 332A, the leg portion 331B, and the first extension portion 361 filled with an insulator, as shown in A of FIG. 4, and each has a substantially rectangular cross section. The cross section of the first side walls 12a, 12b taken along line CC (FIG. 2) and its vicinity is formed by filling the periphery of the leg portion 331A of the second guide portion 33, which has an S-shaped cross section, with an insulator, as shown in B of FIG. 4, in the first side walls 12a, 12b, with the leg portion 331A, which has an S-shaped cross section, being positioned therein, thereby forming openings 12a1, 12b1.

[0025] In this example, first end walls 12c, 12d are formed by insert molding, and as shown in Fig. 5, the area surrounded by upper plate portion 322 and leg portion 321A is filled with an insulator. Also, the outside of a portion of leg portion 321A having an S-shaped cross section is filled with an insulator. First end walls 12c, 12d have openings 12c1, 12d1 formed by the positioning of leg portion 321A having an S-shaped cross section. Note that leg portion 321A is each provided with a hole 321B (see Fig. 8).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, recesses 18, which allow elastic deformation of second terminals 36 when mated with receptacle connector 600A, are formed in first side walls 12a, 12b adjacent to slits 19. Recesses 18 are formed by protruding both end portions of first side walls 12a, 12b in the recess 18 region toward the inside of first accommodating recess 13. That is, both ends of recess 18 are formed such that the width (y-axis direction in FIG. 3) of first side walls 12a, 12b is wider. In the present disclosure, a hole formed by the region surrounded by recess 18 and slit 19 (described later) is referred to as hole 189. That is, a pair of hole portions 189 are provided opposite each other at both end portions of first side walls 12a, 12b. Here, recess 18 has a third width W3 (length in the x-axis direction).

[0027] (Bottom plate part 16) Both ends of first peripheral wall 12 are connected by bottom plate portion 16. That is, first side wall 12a, first side wall 12b, and first end wall 12c (or first end wall 12d) are connected on the bottom surface side (the +z direction side in FIG. 3). As a result, the bottom surface side of first peripheral wall 12 forms first accommodating recess 13 (FIG. 1) that accommodates island-shaped portion 61 of receptacle connector 600A. First accommodating recess 13 is formed by at least first side walls 12a, 12b and first end wall 12c (or 12d), and due to the provision of bottom plate portion 16, an open end is formed on the upper side (the -z direction side in FIG. 3).

[0028] 3A, the bottom plate portion 16 is provided with a pair of slits 19 adjacent to the recesses 18 on the left and right sides of the center portion as viewed in A of Fig. 3A, through which second terminals 36 (described later) can be inserted. The slits 19 are provided at positions where portions of the second terminals 36 will fit when the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 is assembled so as to fit into both end portions of the first housing 10.

[0029] <1st terminal 20> 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plug connector 100A cut along a plane in the short direction, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 2 and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 2. The first terminals 20 are terminals used, for example, as signal terminals. In this example, the first terminals 20 are incorporated into the first housing 10 by insert molding. The first terminals 20 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction and held in the first housing 10 between the two first reinforcing metal fittings 30 so as to cover the first side walls 12a, 12b.

[0030] In this example, the first terminals 20 are arranged in a staggered pattern, and when the arrangement of the first terminals 20 is counted from left to right in Figure 2 as row 1, row 2, ..., the cross section of the plug connector 100A at the portion where the odd-numbered rows of first terminals 20 are located and the cross section of the plug connector 100A at the portion where the even-numbered rows of first terminals 20 are located are as shown in Figure 6.

[0031] The shape of each of the first terminals 20 is the same in Figure 6, and consists of a connection portion 21 located on the bottom side of the first housing 10 (the +z direction side in Figure 6) and soldered to the board, a raised portion 22 raised from the connection portion 21, and a first contact portion 23 bent back from the raised portion 22.

[0032] <First reinforcing bracket 30> FIG. 7 shows the first reinforcing metal fitting 30, with A being a perspective view and B being a plan view. FIG. 8 shows the first reinforcing metal fitting 30, with A being a front view, B being a left side view, and C being a rear view. The first reinforcing metal fitting 30 is incorporated into both longitudinal ends of the first housing 10 to reinforce the first housing 10. In this example, the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 is incorporated into the first housing 10 by insert molding. In this example, the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 has a pair of second terminals 36 formed so that at least a portion of each is accommodated in each of the hole portions 189. As shown in FIG. 7, the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 has a first guide portion 32, a pair of second guide portions 33, and a pair of second terminals 36.

[0033] (First guide part 32) As shown in FIG. 8, the first guide portion 32 is composed of a leg portion 321A and an upper plate portion 322, and covers the first end wall 12c or the end wall 13d.

[0034] In this example, leg 321A extends downward (in the +z direction) from the outer end of upper plate 322 in the short direction (x-axis direction), and also extends inward (toward leg 331A in FIG. 8B) from the middle. A connecting portion 321a is provided at the lower end (the +z direction side in FIG. 8) of leg 321A. Connecting portion 321a is bent outward from the lower end of leg 321A in parallel with upper plate 322. That is, leg 321A extends in an S-shape, as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0035] (Second guide part 33) 2, the pair of second guide portions 33 cover both ends of the first side walls 12a, 12b from both ends of the first guide portion 32 toward the mating first reinforcing bracket 30. As shown in A of FIG. 7, each second guide portion 33 includes a leg portion 331A, a leg portion 331B, and an upper plate portion 332A, and covers the first side wall 12a or the first side wall 12b.

[0036] In this example, leg portion 331A has a width (sixth width W6) that is shorter than half the extension length in the extension direction of second guide portion 33 (+x direction in FIG. 7) from the end of first guide portion 32, extending downward (+z direction in FIG. 8) from the first reinforcing metal fitting 30, and also extends downward and inward from the middle (toward leg portion 321A in C in FIG. 8). That is, as shown in C in FIG. 8, it extends in an S-shape. A contact portion 331a that is solder-connected to the board is provided at the tip of the extension in a direction that bends back toward the outside of first guide portion 32 (+y direction or −y direction in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 4, openings 12a1 and 12b1 are formed in first side walls 12a and 12b by the positioning of leg portion 331A that extends in an S-shape.

[0037] Leg 331B extends downward (in the +z direction in Figure 7) from a position a predetermined length (seventh width W7) away from leg 331A in the extension direction of second guide portion 33, and in this example has a width (fourth width W4) wider than the seventh width W7.

[0038] (2nd terminal 36) The second terminal 36 is a terminal used as, for example, a power terminal. The second terminal 36 has a first extending portion 361 and a second extending portion 362. The second terminal 36 acts as a cantilever with the first extending portion 361 side fixed to the first side walls 12a and 12b.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4A, the pair of first extending portions 361 extend from the lower ends of the leg portions 331B of each second guide portion 33 toward the mating second guide portion 33 to a position where they cover the lower surface 12a4 of the first side wall 12a or the lower surface 12b4 of the first side wall 12b while being in close contact with the first side wall 12a or the first side wall 12b. The first extending portions 361 have a fourth width W4 (Fig. 7) which is wider than the second width W2 (Fig. 2) which is the width of the first terminal 20 in this example and narrower than the third width W3 (Fig. 3) which is the width of the slit 19. The first extending portions 361 extend from the ends of the leg portions 331B to the vicinity of the recess 18. The first extending portion 361 is formed by insert molding so as to extend while being in close contact with the first side wall 12a or the first side wall 12b, and thus the first extending portion 361 is fixed to the first side wall 12a or the first side wall 12b. This allows the second extending portion 362 to be elastically deformed, and the second extending portion 362 functions as a cantilever spring.

[0040] The second extending portion 362 extends upward (toward the hole 189) from the end of the extending side of the first extending portion 361. A bent portion 362c (FIG. 4) that bends toward the upper plate portion 332A is formed on the free end of the second extending portion 362. At least a portion of the second extending portion 362 on the bent portion 362c side is located slightly toward the mating second terminal 36 from the area of ​​the recess 18. In other words, the second extending portions 362 of the two cantilevered second terminals 36 extend from the slit 19 and the recess 18 toward the inside of the first accommodating recess 13 of the first housing 10 (the +y direction or the -y direction in FIG. 7) and upward (the -z direction in FIG. 17). That is, when the island-shaped portion 61 is accommodated in the first accommodation recess 13, the pair of second terminals 36 are arranged to sandwich the area of ​​the second reinforcing metal fitting 80 that covers the island-shaped portion 61 when the first terminal 20 and the third terminal 70 (described later) are electrically connected. The second extension portion 362 is formed so that its width changes from a fourth width W4 on the first extension portion 361 side to a fifth width W5 ( FIG. 7 ) that is narrower than the fourth width W4. The recess 18 in the first housing 10 allows the second terminals 36 to contact the side plate portion 81b of the receptacle connector 600A and elastically deform. In this example, the second terminals 36 are formed so that at least a portion thereof is accommodated in each of the holes 189.

[0041] The second terminal 36 is connected to the leg portion 331B. The leg portion 331B is connected to the upper plate portion 332A. In this example, the upper plate portion 332A, the leg portion 331B, and the first extension portion 361 are formed in close contact with the first side walls 12a and 12b by insert molding. Therefore, the second extension portion 362 is firmly fixed to the first side walls 12a and 12b by the first extension portion 361, the leg portion 331B, and the upper plate portion 332A. If the second terminal 36, together with the upper plate portion 332A and the leg portion 331B, is considered as a second terminal in a broad sense and referred to as the "second terminal 36'," the second terminal 36' extends continuously from the upper surfaces 12a2, 12b2, the outer surfaces 12a3, 12b3, the lower surfaces 12a4, 12b4, and the inner surfaces 12a5, 12b5 of the first side walls 12a, 12b so as to surround the first side walls 12a, 12b. As shown in FIG. 4, the second terminal 36' is provided in close contact with the upper surfaces 12a2, 12b2, the outer surfaces 12a3, 12b3, and the lower surfaces 12a4, 12b4.

[0042] The second terminal 36' is provided so that the inner surface 12a5, 12b5 side extends in a direction away from the inner surface 12a5 or the inner surface 12b5 toward the open end side of the first accommodating recess 13. This allows the second extending portion 362 of the second terminal 36' to ensure a high spring force for contacting the side plate portion 81b.

[0043] The second terminal 36' is provided at the end of the first reinforcing bracket 30 on the first terminal 20 side. If the second terminal 36' were located close to the first end walls 12c, 12d, it would be necessary to provide a recess 18 in the center of the length of the first reinforcing bracket 30 in the x-axis direction, which could reduce the rigidity of the first reinforcing bracket 30 in the x-axis direction. By providing the second terminal 36 at the end of the first reinforcing bracket 30 on the first terminal 20 side, it is possible to minimize the reduction in rigidity.

[0044] 5, the first end walls 12c, 12d of the first peripheral wall 12 are covered by the first guide portions 32. The first side walls 12a, 12b of the first peripheral wall 12 are covered by the second guide portions 33 in regions of a predetermined length extending from both ends of the first end walls 12c, 12d toward the opposing first end walls 12d, 12c. In other words, when fitted into the first accommodating recesses 13 at both ends of the first housing 10 in the longitudinal direction, the first reinforcing bracket 30 is incorporated into the first housing 10 in a position that covers the first end wall 12c (or the first end wall 12d) and portions of the first side walls 12a, 12b.

[0045] <<Receptacle Connector 600A>> Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing one example of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of receptacle connector 600A with the middle portion omitted. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of one longitudinal end of receptacle connector 600A with second reinforcing metal fitting 80 not shown, where A is a plan view and B is a perspective view.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9, the receptacle connector 600A is composed of a second housing 60 which is a resin housing, a number of third terminals 70 which are metal terminals, and a second reinforcing bracket 80 provided at the longitudinal end of the housing 60.

[0047] <Second housing 60> The second housing 60 has a long, flat shape and includes an island-shaped portion 61 , a second peripheral wall 62 , and a bottom plate portion 66 .

[0048] (Island 61) The island-shaped portion 61 has a long, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction in FIG. 9) of the second housing 60. As shown in FIG. 11, the island-shaped portion 61 has two corners 612 at each of its two end portions 611. In the present disclosure, the region including the two corners 612 at the end portion 611 (the region within the dotted line in FIG. 11) is referred to as a first region 610.

[0049] (Second surrounding wall 62) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane in the short direction of receptacle connector 600A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 10 and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane in the long direction of receptacle connector 600A, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Figure 10 and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in Figure 10.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, the second peripheral wall 62 consists of a pair of second side walls 62a, 62b which are peripheral walls in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction in Figure 9) and a pair of second end walls 62c, 62d which are peripheral walls in the short direction (y-axis direction in Figure 9), and forms a rectangular frame shape surrounding the island-shaped portion 61.

[0051] In this example, the second side walls 62a, 62b of the second peripheral wall 62 are formed by insert molding, with the inside of the second guide portion 83 having an inverted U-shaped cross section and the outside of the leg portions 831 filled with an insulator, as shown in Fig. 12, to form a substantially trapezoidal cross section. As the leg portions 831 are positioned in the second side walls 62a, 62b, openings 62a1, 62b1 are formed, as shown in Fig. 11.

[0052] In this example, the second end walls 62c, 62d of the second peripheral wall 62 are formed by insert molding, and the inside of the first guide portion 82, which has an inverted U-shaped cross section, and the outside of the leg portions 821 are filled with an insulator, as shown in Fig. 13, so that the second end walls 62c, 62d have a substantially trapezoidal cross section as shown in Fig. 13. As the leg portions 821 are positioned in the second end walls 62c, 62d, an opening 62c1 is formed in the second end wall 62c, as shown in Fig. 11. An opening 62d1 (not shown) is formed in the second end wall 62d.

[0053] (Bottom plate part 66) The island-shaped portion 61 and the second peripheral wall 62 are connected by a bottom plate portion 66 (A in FIG. 11). As a result, a second accommodating recess 63 that accommodates a mating portion of a mating connector is formed between the island-shaped portion 61 and the second peripheral wall 62. In this example, the bottom plate portion 66 has an opening 66a (B in FIG. 11) in a region surrounded by the second end wall 62c (or second end wall 62d), the second side walls 62a and 62b, and the first region 610 at both ends of the bottom plate portion 66 in the longitudinal direction (the x-axis direction in FIG. 11).

[0054] <3rd terminal 70> 14 is a cross-sectional view of receptacle connector 600A cut along a plane in the short direction, where A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10 and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 10. Third terminal 70 (FIG. 9) is a cantilever terminal used, for example, as a signal terminal. In this example, third terminal 70 is incorporated into second housing 60 by insert molding. Third terminals 70 are located in second accommodating recess 63 at positions along side surfaces 61 a, 61 b ​​in the longitudinal direction of island-shaped portion 61, and are held in second housing 60 while being arranged in the longitudinal direction of island-shaped portion 61 between two second reinforcing metal fittings 80.

[0055] In this example, the third terminals 70 are arranged in a staggered pattern, and when the arrangement of the third terminals 70 is counted from left to right in Figure 10 as row 1, row 2, ..., the cross section of the receptacle connector 600A at the portion where the odd-numbered rows of third terminals 70 are located and the cross section of the receptacle connector 600A at the portion where the even-numbered rows of third terminals 70 are located are as shown in Figure 14.

[0056] 14, each third terminal 70 has the same shape, and is composed of a connection portion 71 located on the bottom side of second housing 60 (the -z direction side in FIG. 14) and soldered to the board, a rising portion 72 rising from connection portion 71, a first contact portion 73 bent back from rising portion 72, a second contact portion 74 facing first contact portion 73, and a connecting portion 75 connecting the lower ends of first contact portion 73 and second contact portion 74. The free end side of second contact portion 74 is bent in a semicircular arc shape to approach first contact portion 73, forming a bent portion 74a, and a protrusion 73a is formed on first contact portion 73 facing bent portion 74a.

[0057] Here, in the portion where the third terminals 70 in the odd-numbered rows are located, recesses 64, 65 are formed on the inner surface of the side surface 61 a and the second side wall 62 b of the island-shaped portion 61, respectively, and the second contact portions 74 of the third terminals 70 are allowed to elastically deform by these recesses 64, 65. In the portion where the third terminals 70 in the even-numbered rows are located, recesses 64, 65 are formed on the inner surface of the side surface 61 b ​​and the second side wall 62 a of the island-shaped portion 61, respectively, and the second contact portions 74 of the third terminals 70 are allowed to elastically deform by these recesses 64, 65. In addition, in the bottom plate portion 66 of the second housing 60 located on the bottom surface of the second accommodating recess 63, a slit 67 is formed in the portion where the connecting portion 75 of each third terminal 70 is located, as shown in FIG. 10 , and the connecting portion 75 is located within the slit 67, thereby allowing the connecting portion 75 and the second contact portion 74 to elastically deform.

[0058] <Second reinforcing bracket 80> FIG. 15 shows the second reinforcing metal fitting 80, where A is a perspective view and B is a plan view. FIG. 16 shows the second reinforcing metal fitting 80, where A is a front view, B is a left side view, and C is a rear view. The second reinforcing metal fitting 80 is incorporated into both longitudinal ends of the second housing 60 to reinforce the second housing 60. In this example, the second reinforcing metal fitting 80 is incorporated into the second housing 60 by insert molding. As shown in FIG. 15, the second reinforcing metal fitting 80 includes a protective portion 81, a first guide portion 82, a pair of second guide portions 83, and a bottom plate portion 84. The second reinforcing metal fitting 80 in this example is formed continuously and without gaps so as to cover the end of the island-shaped portion 61, the ends of the second side walls 62a and 62b, and the second end walls 62c and 62d.

[0059] (Protection Department 81) The protective portion 81 covers a first region 610 (FIG. 11) including two corners 612 at an end 611 in the longitudinal direction of the island-shaped portion 61. The protective portion 81 protrudes upward (in the +z direction in FIG. 15) from a bottom plate portion 84 at an open portion of the U-shape formed by the first guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83, and is made up of an upper plate portion 81a, a pair of side plate portions 81b, and a back plate portion 81d (A in FIG. 16), which are continuous with no gaps, and forms a box shape with an open front side (the +x direction side of A in FIG. 15) and a closed bottom side (the -z direction side of A in FIG. 15).

[0060] (First guide part 82) 13, the first guide portion 82 is composed of an outer leg portion 821, an upper plate portion 822, and an inner leg portion 823, and covers the second end wall 62c or the end wall 63d. The first guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83 protrude upward (in the +z direction in FIG. 15) from the bottom plate portion 84, and each of the three sides forming the U-shape has an inverted U-shaped cross section.

[0061] A connecting portion 821a is provided at the lower end (the -z direction side in FIG. 16B) of the leg portion 821. The connecting portion 821a is located slightly below the bottom plate portion 84 (the -z direction side in FIG. 16A) and is bent outward in parallel with the bottom plate portion 84.

[0062] (Second guide part 83) 15 and 16, the pair of second guide portions 83 cover the second side walls 62a, 62b from both ends of the first guide portion 82 toward the mating second reinforcing bracket 80 to a position aligned with the protective portion 81. The second guide portion 83 is composed of an outer leg portion 831, an upper plate portion 832, and an inner leg portion 833, and covers the second side wall 62a or the second side wall 62b.

[0063] Contact portions 831a are provided at the lower ends (the -z direction side in A of FIG. 16) of the legs 831. The connection portions 831a are each located slightly below the bottom plate portion 84 (the -z direction side in A of FIG. 16) and are bent outward in parallel to the bottom plate portion 84. One end of the contact portion 831a is connected to the connection portion 821a at the position where the first guide portion 82 and the second guide portion 83 are connected.

[0064] (Bottom plate part 84) The bottom plate portion 84 covers predetermined regions at both ends of the bottom plate portion 66 in the longitudinal direction (the x-axis direction in FIG. 10), thereby integrally connecting the protection portion 81, the first guide portion 82, and the pair of second guide portions 83. The lower end sides (the -z direction sides of A in FIG. 15) of the leg portion 823, the pair of leg portions 833, the back plate portion 81d, and the pair of side plate portions 81b are integrally connected to the bottom plate portion 84.

[0065] As a result, the first guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83 form a U-shape in plan view as shown in FIG. 15B, and the protective portion 81 is located within the U-shape of the first guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83, which also form a U-shape in plan view. In this example, the first guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83 are formed by drawing. In this example, the protective portion 81 is also formed by drawing. That is, in this example, the first guide portion 82, the pair of second guide portions 83, and the protective portion 81 are formed by double drawing of sheet metal. By double drawing of sheet metal, the bottom plate portion 84 is formed so that there are no gaps between the first guide portion 82, the pair of second guide portions 83, and the protective portion 81.

[0066] <<Mating connector with mating connector>> Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the mated state of receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A. The boards on which receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A are mounted are not shown in Figure 17. When receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A are mated, plug connector 100A is fitted into and connected to second accommodating recess 63 of receptacle connector 600A.

[0067] Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion where second terminals 36 of first reinforcing metal fitting 30 of plug connector 100A are located when receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A are mated and connected. Figure 18 also shows boards 500A and 400A on which receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A are mounted, respectively. As shown in Figure 18, second extensions 362 of two second terminals 36 provided on first reinforcing metal fitting 30 of plug connector 100A come into contact with side plate portion 81b of second reinforcing metal fitting 80 of receptacle connector 600A. This causes second extensions 362 to be displaced from the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in Figure 18 to the position indicated by the solid line.

[0068] The above has described the configurations of receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A in connector assembly 1 as one embodiment of a connector according to the present disclosure. The mated state of receptacle connector 600A and plug connector 100A has also been described. The configuration of connector assembly 1 according to the present disclosure has the following advantages.

[0069] Second reinforcing metal fitting 80 of receptacle connector 600A is formed continuously and without gaps so as to cover the end of island-shaped portion 61, the ends of second side walls 62a and 62b, and second end walls 62c and 62d. In other words, second reinforcing metal fitting 80 has protective portion 81, first guide portion 82, and a pair of second guide portions 83, which are integrally connected to bottom plate portion 84 without any gaps. Therefore, second reinforcing metal fitting 80 has a structure that ensures high rigidity, and deformation and damage to protective portion 81, guide portions 82, and second guide portions 83 can be prevented.

[0070] The second reinforcing bracket 80 has a bottom plate portion 84 that integrally connects the protective portion 81, first guide portion 82, and pair of second guide portions 83 without any gaps, which is not found in Patent Document 1. In this respect, the second reinforcing bracket 80 has a structure that ensures high rigidity. Furthermore, if the second reinforcing bracket 80 is formed three-dimensionally from a single metal sheet by double drawing, for example, the thickness of the second reinforcing bracket 80 will be uneven, with the corners being the thinnest. This reduces the strength of the corners of the protective portion 81 (a pair of corners C1 shown in FIG. 15A) and the corners formed by the guide portion 82 and the pair of second guide portions 83 (a pair of corners C3 shown in FIG. 15A), making them more susceptible to deformation and breakage. The lower end side of the corner C1 of the protective portion 81 (a pair of corners C2 shown in Figure 15) and the lower end side of the corner C3 formed by the first guide portion 82 and a pair of second guide portions 83 (a pair of corners C4 shown in Figure 15) are continuously connected to the bottom plate portion without any gaps, thereby preventing deformation and damage to the protective portion 81, guide portion 82, and second guide portions 83.

[0071] The pair of second terminals 36 of the plug connector 100A are arranged to sandwich the area of ​​the second reinforcing bracket 80 that covers the island-shaped portion 61 when the first terminal 20 and the third terminal 70 are electrically connected by accommodating the island-shaped portion 61 of the receptacle connector 600A in the first accommodating recess 13.

[0072] In other words, in this example, the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 has a pair of second terminals 36 formed so that at least a portion of each is accommodated in each of the hole portions 189. Each second terminal 36 is tightly connected to the first side walls 12a, 12b, and each second terminal 36 has a separate cantilever configuration. In this example, the fixed end side of the second terminals 36 is hardened with resin, and each second terminal 36 receives force at a single contact point. That is, unlike the movable terminal 450 of Patent Document 1, the first reinforcing metal fitting 30 is in an inverted U-shape with an open lower end, receives force from two points, and does not adopt a configuration in which the portion corresponding to the bottom of the inverted U-shape (the upper portion in FIG. 21) is exposed and is continuous and integral with the movable terminal 450. Therefore, compared to the technology of Patent Document 1, there is less risk of deformation such as warping due to repeated coupling (mating). Therefore, the connector assembly 1 of the present disclosure, which is provided with the second terminal 36 in the plug connector 100A, can ensure stable electrical connection.

[0073] Plug connector 100A of the present disclosure has second terminal 36 configured as described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide receptacle connector 600A with the function of second terminal 36, and receptacle connector 600A, which is more likely to be subjected to relatively large forces than plug connector 100A, can be provided with second reinforcing metal fitting 80 that ensures high rigidity as described above.

[0074] In this example, the upper plate portion 332A, the leg portion 331B, and the first extension portion 361 are formed in close contact with the first side walls 12a and 12b by insert molding. The second extension portion 362 is a cantilever that is firmly fixed to the first side walls 12a and 12b by the first extension portion 361, the leg portion 331B, and the upper plate portion 332A. That is, the second terminals 36' are configured to be routed from the outside of the first side walls 12a and 12b and firmly fixed thereto. Therefore, a more stable connection can be ensured between the pair of second terminals 36' and the side plate portion 81b.

[0075] As described above, the connector assembly of the present disclosure can increase the rigidity of the receptacle connector while ensuring stable electrical connection.

[0076] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure. While the second reinforcing bracket 80 has been described as being formed by double drawing, the second reinforcing bracket 80 of the present disclosure is not limited to this method and may be manufactured using other methods as long as the second reinforcing bracket 80 can be formed using the same structure. While the plug connector 100A and the receptacle connector 600A of the present disclosure have been described as being obtained by insert molding, the plug connector 100A and the receptacle connector 600A of the present disclosure are not limited to this method and may be manufactured using other methods as long as similar connectors are obtained. Furthermore, while the embodiment of the present disclosure describes the second terminal 36 being accommodated in the hole 189 of the first housing 10, the connector assembly of the present disclosure does not necessarily require a hole that penetrates the first housing 10, such as the hole 189. Instead of extending continuously around the first side walls 12a, 12b as in the above-described second terminal 36', the first reinforcing bracket 30 may be configured so that the second terminal 36 extends directly from the inner surfaces 12a5, 12b5 of the first side walls 12a, 12b, thereby forming the region of the hole 189 as a non-through "recess" and allowing a portion of the second terminal 36 to be accommodated in the recess. Alternatively, as long as the second terminal 36 acts as a cantilever (cantilever spring), the first housing 10 may be configured without such a hole or recess. Needless to say, the above-described connector assembly 1 can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Connector assembly 10 First housing 100A Plug Connector 12 1st Surrounding Wall 12a,12b 1st side wall 12a1,12b1,12c1,12d1,62a1,62b1,62c1,62d1,66a,67 Opening 12a2,12b2 Top surface 12a3,12b3 Outside surface 12a4,12b4 Bottom surface 12a5,12b5 Inside surface 12c, 12d First end wall 13 First receiving recess 16,66,84 Bottom plate 18,64,65 Recess 189 Hole 19 Slit 20 First terminal 21,71 Connection part 22,72 Rising portion 23,73 First contact portion 30 First reinforcing bracket 32, 82 First guide part 321A,331A,331B,821,823,831,833 Legs 321a, 821a Connection 321B Hole 322,822,832 Upper plate 323 Groove 33, 83 Second guide portion 331a, 831a Contact portion 332A,822 Upper plate 36 Second terminal 361 1st stretching section 362 2nd stretching section 362c Bending section 400A, 500A PCB 60 Second Housing 600A Receptacle Connector 61 Island 61a, 61b Side 610 First area 611 End 612 Corner 62 Second peripheral wall 62a, 62b 2nd side wall 62c, 62d 2nd end wall 63 Second receiving recess 70 Third terminal 73a Projection 74 Second contact part 74a Bending section 75 Connection section 80 Second reinforcing metal fitting 81 Protective part 81a Upper plate portion 81b Side plate portion 81c Side plate part 81d Rear plate part C1~C4 Corner W1~W7 1st~7th width

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: a plug connector including a pair of first reinforcing metal fittings incorporated into both longitudinal end portions of a first housing made of resin, and first terminals arranged and held in the first housing between the pair of first reinforcing metal fittings; and a receptacle connector including a pair of second reinforcing metal fittings incorporated into both longitudinal end portions of a second housing made of resin, and third terminals arranged and held in the second housing between the pair of second reinforcing metal fittings so as to be electrically connected to the first terminals, the first housing has a first accommodating recess formed at least by a pair of first side walls in a longitudinal direction and a pair of first end walls in a lateral direction; the second housing has a pair of second side walls in a longitudinal direction, a pair of second end walls in a lateral direction, and an island-shaped portion provided at a position surrounded by the pair of second side walls and the pair of second end walls, The first reinforcing metal fitting has a pair of second terminals, the second reinforcing metal fitting is formed continuously without any gaps so as to cover the end of the island-shaped portion, the end of the second side wall, and the second end wall, The pair of second terminals are arranged to sandwich a region of the second reinforcing metal fitting that covers the island-shaped portion when the island-shaped portion is accommodated in the first accommodating recess and the first terminal and the third terminal are electrically connected to each other. Connector assembly.

2. the first housing further includes a pair of holes provided opposite each other at both end portions of the first side wall, 2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of second terminals is formed so that at least a portion of each of the second terminals is received in the hole.

3. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the second terminal extends continuously over the top, outer, bottom, and inner surfaces of the first side wall, the top, outer, and bottom surfaces being in close contact with each other, and the inner surface extending in a direction away from the inner surface as it approaches the open end of the first accommodating recess.

4. 2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second terminal is provided at an end of the first reinforcing metal fitting on the first terminal side.

5. A plug connector that can be mated with a receptacle connector, The receptacle is composed of a second housing made of resin having at least a pair of second side walls in the longitudinal direction, a pair of second end walls in the lateral direction, and an island-shaped portion provided at a position surrounded by the pair of second side walls and the pair of second end walls, a pair of second reinforcing metal fittings respectively incorporated into both longitudinal end portions of the second housing, and third terminals arranged and held in the second housing between the pair of second reinforcing metal fittings, and the second reinforcing metal fittings are formed continuously so as to cover the end of the island-shaped portion, the end of the second side walls, and the second end walls, The plug connector comprises: a first housing made of resin having a first accommodating recess formed at least by a pair of first side walls in the longitudinal direction and a pair of first end walls in the lateral direction; a first reinforcing metal fitting having a pair of second terminals respectively incorporated into both longitudinal end portions of the first housing; a first terminal arranged and held in the first housing so as to be electrically connected to the third terminal between the pair of first reinforcing metal fittings; The pair of second terminals are arranged to sandwich a region of the second reinforcing metal fitting that covers the island-shaped portion when the island-shaped portion is accommodated in the first accommodating recess and the first terminal and the third terminal are electrically connected to each other. Plug connector.

6. A receptacle connector that can be mated with a plug connector, The plug connector includes a first housing made of resin and having a first accommodating recess formed at least by a pair of first side walls in the longitudinal direction and a pair of first end walls in the lateral direction, a first reinforcing metal fitting having a pair of second terminals provided at an end of the first housing in the longitudinal direction, and first terminals arranged and held in the first housing between the pair of first reinforcing metal fittings, The receptacle connector includes: a second housing having at least a pair of second side walls in a longitudinal direction, a pair of second end walls in a lateral direction, and an island-shaped portion provided at a position surrounded by the pair of second side walls and the pair of second end walls; a second reinforcing metal fitting formed continuously without gaps so as to cover an end of the island-shaped portion, an end of the second side wall, and an end of the second end wall; a third terminal arranged and held in the second housing between the pair of second reinforcing metal fittings so as to be electrically connected to the first terminal, The second reinforcing metal fitting is configured such that, by accommodating the island-shaped portion in the first accommodating recess, when the first terminal and the third terminal are electrically connected, the area covering the island-shaped portion is sandwiched between the pair of second terminals. Receptacle connector.

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