PCB case, card edge PCB unit, and card edge connection structure

Abstract

This provides a circuit board case that can easily accommodate card edge circuit boards. To provide. [Solution] A board case 10 for housing a card edge board 40 having a contact portion 42 at the end of the board body 41 comprises a case body 20 that forms a housing space for the board body 41, and a fitting cylinder 30 that can accommodate the contact portion 42 and forms a fitting space for the card edge connector 50. The case body 20 is formed to be divisible into a first divided case 21 and a second divided case 22, and the fitting cylinder 30 is formed to be divisible into a first divided cylinder portion 31 and a second divided cylinder portion 32. The first divided case 21 supports the board body 41 that has passed through the board passage opening M1 in a position parallel to one surface, and the second divided case 22 closes the board passage opening M1. The first divided cylinder portion 31 supports the contact portion 42 that has passed through the contact passage opening M3 as the board body 41 passes through the board passage opening M1, and the second divided cylinder portion 32 closes the contact passage opening M3.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a substrate case for accommodating a card edge substrate having a contact portion at an end of a substrate body, a card edge substrate unit, and a card edge connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a case for accommodating a substrate having a contact portion at an end (Patent Document 1). The case includes a first accommodating portion having an open upper surface, a cylindrical second accommodating portion having an open side surface, and a cylindrical communication portion for communicating both accommodating portions. When accommodating the substrate in the case, an elastic member is attached to the substrate, the substrate is placed in an inclined posture, and the end portion (contact portion) of the substrate is inserted into the communication portion. At this time, while bringing the elastic member into contact with the contact portion provided in the communication portion, the contact portion is inserted into the second accommodating portion. Then, by deforming the posture of the substrate into a horizontal posture, the substrate is accommodated in the first accommodating portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described case, after the substrate is obliquely inserted into the communication portion or the second accommodating portion, the posture needs to be deformed, and there is a problem that it is difficult to accommodate the substrate in the case.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a substrate case, a card edge substrate unit, and a card edge connection structure that can easily accommodate a card edge substrate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a substrate case for housing a card edge substrate having a contact portion at the end of the substrate body, comprising: a case body forming a housing space capable of housing the substrate body; and a fitting cylinder formed in a cylindrical shape that opens in a direction parallel to the main surface of the card edge substrate and extends from the inside to the outside of the housing space, and is capable of housing the contact portion and forming a fitting space into which a card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate can be fitted, wherein the case body is formed to be divisible into a first divided case and a second divided case, and the fitting cylinder is divided into a first divided cylinder portion formed integrally with the first divided case and a second divided cylinder portion formed integrally with the second divided case The first divided case is formed in a box shape having a substrate passage opening on one surface and supports the substrate body as it passes through the substrate passage opening in a position where the main surface is parallel to the surface or in a position where the main surface is perpendicular to the surface; the second divided case is positioned between the first divided case and the substrate body, and closes the substrate passage opening; the first divided cylindrical portion is formed in a box shape having a contact passage opening continuous with the substrate passage opening and supports the contact portion as the substrate body passes through the contact passage opening; the second divided cylindrical portion is positioned between the first divided cylindrical portion and the contact portion, and closes the contact passage opening.

[0007] In the invention described in claim 1, the case body is configured to be separable into a first divided case and a second divided case, the fitting cylinder is configured to be separable into a first divided cylindrical portion and a second divided cylindrical portion, the first divided case and the first divided cylindrical portion are integrally formed, and the second divided case and the second divided cylindrical portion are integrally formed. Furthermore, a substrate passage opening is provided on one surface of the first divided case, and the substrate body is configured to pass through the substrate passage opening in a position parallel or perpendicular to one surface of the first divided case. Furthermore, a contact passage opening continuous with the substrate passage opening is provided in the first divided cylindrical portion, and as the substrate body passes through the substrate passage opening, the contact portion passes through the contact passage opening and is arranged in the fitting space. With this configuration, the card edge substrate (substrate body and contact portion) can be housed in the first divided case and the first divided cylindrical portion while maintaining a position parallel or perpendicular to one surface of the first divided case. This eliminates the need to tilt or change the orientation of the card edge board when housing it in the board case, allowing for easy housing of the card edge board. Furthermore, although various electronic components are mounted on the main surface of the board body, the card edge board (board body) is housed in the first divided case while maintaining an orientation parallel or perpendicular to one surface of the first divided case, thus preventing interference between the electronic components and the first divided case during the housing process. As a result, the process of assembling the card edge board into the board case can be mechanized (automated), thereby reducing the cost associated with housing the card edge board into the board case.

[0008] In the case of the substrate case according to claim 2, the fitting cylinder is preferably provided with a partition structure that contacts both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body and separates the housing space from the fitting space.

[0009] In the case of the substrate case according to claim 3, the fitting cylinder is preferably provided with a partition structure that contacts one of the main surfaces of the substrate body on the side of the first divided cylinder portion and the end surface of the substrate body facing the opening of the fitting cylinder, thereby separating the housing space and the fitting space.

[0010] According to the substrate case described in claims 2 and 3, the partition structure can separate the housing space from the fitting space, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the housing space (inside the case body) from the fitting space. This protects the card edge substrate (electronic components mounted on the substrate body) from foreign matter.

[0011] The card edge substrate unit according to claim 4 comprises a substrate case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the card edge substrate housed in the substrate case.

[0012] The card edge connection structure according to claim 5 comprises the card edge substrate unit according to claim 4 and the card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate.

[0013] According to the card edge substrate unit described in claim 4 and the card edge connection structure described in claim 5, the same effects as the invention of claim 1 can be obtained, such as the card edge substrate being easily housed in the substrate case.

[0014] Incidentally, when manufacturing electronic circuit board units such as card edge circuit board units, the mating housing for mating the card edge connector is sometimes placed on the circuit board body so as to surround the contact portion and fixed to the circuit board body by soldering or the like. In this case, the mating housing must be prepared and soldered, which adds extra work to the manufacturing of the electronic circuit board unit and increases the manufacturing cost. In contrast, in the card edge circuit board unit described in claim 7 and the card edge connection structure described in claim 8, the first divided cylindrical portion and the second divided cylindrical portion are combined to form a mating cylinder, and the mating cylinder functions as a pseudo-matting housing that accommodates the contact portion. With this configuration, the work of fixing the mating housing to the circuit board body can be omitted, so that the card edge circuit board unit can be manufactured simply and at low cost.

[0015] In the case of the card edge connection structure according to claim 6, the card edge substrate has the contact portion at the ends on both the front and back surfaces, the card edge connector has a housing that includes a pair of contact housing portions facing each other across a substrate entry groove into which the ends of the substrate body enter when fitted into the mating cylinder, and a plurality of terminals housed in the housing that sandwich the ends that have entered into the substrate entry groove and contact both the front and back surfaces of the contact portion, the housing has a rib that is installed between the pair of contact housing portions, and it is preferable that a notch is formed at the end of the substrate body for fitting the rib when the card edge connector is fitted into the mating cylinder.

[0016] According to the card edge connection structure described in claim 6, since the rib connects the pair of contact housings, separation or proximity of the pair of contact housings is suppressed, and the pair of contact housings can be maintained at a predetermined distance. As a result, the spacing between the multiple terminals housed in the pair of contact housings remains constant, so that the terminals can be brought into contact with the contact portions on both the front and back surfaces of the card edge substrate with appropriate pressure. Furthermore, when the card edge connector is fitted into the mating cylinder, the rib fits into the notch, which suppresses vibration of the card edge connector along the direction parallel to the main surface of the card edge substrate. Moreover, since the rigidity of the entire housing is improved by connecting the pair of contact housings with the rib, vibration of the card edge connector along the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the card edge substrate can also be suppressed when the end portion (contact portion) of the card edge substrate is sandwiched in the substrate entry groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the card edge substrate can be easily housed in the substrate case. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]A perspective view showing a state where a card edge connector is connected to a card edge substrate unit, which is a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view showing a card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] An exploded cross-sectional view showing a card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a second divided case and a second divided cylindrical portion of a substrate case according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing a card edge substrate unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] An exploded perspective view showing a card edge connector of a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing a card edge connector of a card edge connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing a card edge connection structure (before connection) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view showing a card edge connection structure (after connection) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] A perspective view showing a card edge connector of a card edge connection structure according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] A perspective view showing a card edge substrate of a card edge substrate unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view showing a card edge connection structure (before connection) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] An exploded perspective view schematically showing a card edge substrate unit of a card edge connection structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z2 in each figure indicate left, right, front, rear, up, and down. Furthermore, the "front-back direction," "up-down direction," and "left-right direction" are orthogonal to each other. While this specification uses terms to indicate direction and position, these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0020] [First Embodiment: Card Edge Connection Structure] The card edge connection structure 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the card edge connection structure 1.

[0021] The card edge connection structure 1 comprises a card edge substrate unit 5 and a card edge connector 50. The card edge substrate unit 5 is, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted in an automobile. The card edge substrate unit 5 comprises a substrate case 10 that constitutes the exterior and a card edge substrate 40 (see Figure 3, described later) housed in the substrate case 10. The card edge connector 50 is attached to the end of a wire harness 54 extending from a controlled object (not shown). The card edge connector 50 is fitted into a mating cylinder 30 of the substrate case 10 and connected to the card edge substrate 40 housed in the substrate case 10.

[0022] [Circuit board case] The substrate case 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the card edge substrate unit 5. Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the card edge substrate unit 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 of the substrate case 10. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge substrate unit 5.

[0023] The substrate case 10 is a container for housing the card edge substrate 40 (see Figures 3 and 4). The substrate case 10 is made of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. The substrate case 10 comprises a case body 20 and a fitting cylinder 30 (see Figures 1 and 2). The case body 20 is formed in a low rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a housing space S1 (see Figure 6) inside in which the card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) can be housed. The fitting cylinder 30 is narrower in the left-right direction than the case body 20 and is formed in a rectangular cylinder shape that protrudes from the front of the case body 20. The fitting cylinder 30 has a fitting space S2 (see Figure 6) inside which the card edge connector 50 can be fitted.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the substrate case 10 (case body 20 and fitting cylinder 30) is configured to be separable, for example, in the vertical direction. Specifically, the case body 20 is formed to be separable into a first divided case 21 and a second divided case 22. The fitting cylinder 30 is formed to be separable into a first divided cylinder portion 31 and a second divided cylinder portion 32. The first divided cylinder portion 31 is formed integrally with the first divided case 21, and the second divided cylinder portion 32 is formed integrally with the second divided case 22.

[0025] <Case 1> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first divided case 21 is formed in a box shape with a substrate passage opening M1 on its top surface (one side). More specifically, the first divided case 21 is formed in a deep tray shape with corner walls 21B rising from the periphery of the bottom wall 21A. The bottom wall 21A is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and the corner walls 21B are formed in a rectangular tubular shape. As shown by the dashed line (dotted line) in Figure 3, the substrate passage opening M1 is a rectangular opening demarcated by the upper edge of the corner walls 21B, exposing the entire bottom wall 21A when viewed from above. Note that the top surface (one side) of the first divided case 21 may be considered as the top surface (one side) of the first divided case 21 assuming that the substrate passage opening M1 does not exist.

[0026] Four substrate fixing parts 23 protrude upward from the bottom wall 21A at the four corners of the first divided case 21 (only a portion of the substrate fixing parts 23 is shown in Figure 3, etc.). Each substrate fixing part 23 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and a female screw hole (not shown) is formed on its upper surface. The upper surface of each substrate fixing part 23 is located above the center of the height of the corner circumferential wall 21B. Two pairs (four) of engaging claw parts 24 are provided on both the left and right sides (outer surfaces) of the corner circumferential wall 21B of the first divided case 21, spaced apart in the front-rear direction (only one pair is shown in Figure 3, etc.). In addition, one engaging claw part 24 is provided on the back (outer surface) of the corner circumferential wall 21B (see Figure 4). Each engaging claw part 24 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the corner circumferential wall 21B and is formed in the shape of a block with a slope that inclins from top to bottom in the direction of protrusion.

[0027] <Second division case> As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second divided case 22 is formed in a box shape with a substrate-facing opening M2 on its lower surface. More specifically, the second divided case 22 is formed in a shallow tray shape with a corner periphery wall 22B suspended from the periphery of the top wall 22A. The top wall 22A is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and the corner periphery wall 22B is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. As shown by the dashed line (dotted line) in Figure 5, the substrate-facing opening M2 is a roughly rectangular opening demarcated by the lower edge of the corner periphery wall 22B, exposing the entire top wall 22A when viewed from the bottom. The substrate-facing opening M2 is formed to be roughly the same size as the substrate passage opening M1. More precisely, the substrate-facing opening M2 is formed to be the size of the top wall 22A excluding the rear part of the cylindrical top wall 32A, which will be described later, when viewed from the bottom. Note that the lower surface of the second divided case 22 may be considered as the lower surface of the second divided case 22 assuming that the substrate-facing opening M2 does not exist.

[0028] Two pairs (four) of engagement hook portions 25 are provided on the left and right sides (outer surfaces) of the corner circumferential wall 22B of the second divided case 22, spaced apart in the front-rear direction. In addition, one engagement hook portion 25 is provided on the back (outer surface) of the corner circumferential wall 22B. A total of five engagement hook portions 25 are provided corresponding to the five engagement claw portions 24 of the first divided case 21. Each engagement hook portion 25 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the corner circumferential wall 22B and extends downward below the lower edge of the corner circumferential wall 22B. Each engagement hook portion 25 is formed in a plate-like (fin-like) shape that can be elastically deformed in the left-right direction with the connection portion with the corner circumferential wall 22B as a fulcrum. An engagement groove 26 is cut into each engagement hook portion 25 from the upper end to near the lower end. As will be explained in more detail later, with the second divided case 22 closing the substrate passage opening M1, each engaging claw portion 24 fits into the engaging groove 26 of the engaging hook portion 25, and the lower part of each engaging hook portion 25 engages with the lower end surface of the engaging hook portion 25 (see Figures 1 and 2). As a result, the second divided case 22 is fixed to the first divided case 21, and the case body 20 is formed.

[0029] <First divided cylinder part> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first divided cylindrical portion 31 is integrally formed with the first divided case 21 at the center of the front surface of the corner circumferential wall 21B in the left-right direction. The first divided cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a box shape having a contact passage opening M3 that is continuous with the substrate passage opening M1 of the first divided case 21. In detail, the first divided cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a U-shaped groove shape that is narrower in the left-right direction than the first divided case 21 and extends in the front-rear direction with depth. Furthermore, a portion of the rear of the first divided cylindrical portion 31 is embedded inside the first divided case 21 and extends from the inside of the first divided case 21 toward the outside (forward). The contact passage opening M3 is formed on the open upper surface of the first divided cylindrical portion 31.

[0030] The first divided cylindrical portion 31 is formed in a U-shaped groove with a pair of cylindrical side walls 31B erected at both ends in the left-right direction of the cylindrical bottom wall 31A. The cylindrical bottom wall 31A is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and is formed parallel to the bottom wall 21A of the first divided case 21 at a position offset upward from the bottom wall 21A. A pair of engaging claw portions 24 are provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B provided on the outside of the first divided case 21. A pair of first guide recesses 33 are formed to be recessed on the inner surface of the upper ends of the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B provided on the outside of the first divided case 21. The rear part of each cylindrical side wall 31B (inside the first divided case 21) is formed to be shorter (lower) in the vertical direction than the front part (outside the first divided case 21). The upper end surface of the rear part of each cylindrical side wall 31B coincides with the upper surface of the substrate fixing portion 23 (see Figure 4). The upper end surface of the front of each cylindrical side wall 31B coincides with the upper edge of the corner circumferential wall 21B of the first divided case 21 (see Figure 4).

[0031] Furthermore, the first divided cylindrical portion 31 has a cylindrical end wall 31C connected to the rear ends of the cylindrical bottom wall 31A and a pair of cylindrical side walls 31B. In other words, the first divided cylindrical portion 31 is open at the front and closed at the rear by the cylindrical end wall 31C. The cylindrical end wall 31C protrudes upward from the rear end of the cylindrical bottom wall 31A (or bottom wall 21A), and the upper end surface of the cylindrical end wall 31C coincides with the upper end surface of the rear of each cylindrical side wall 31B. The cylindrical end wall 31C and the rear of the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B are formed in a U-shape (or U-shape) with the front open when viewed from above, and constitute a first partition portion 34 that contacts the lower surface (main surface F) of the card edge substrate 40. The first partition portion 34 is a partition wall that separates the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31.

[0032] As shown by the dashed line (dummy line) in Figure 3, the contact passage opening M3 is a rectangular opening demarcated by the upper edges of the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B and cylindrical end wall 31C, exposing the entire cylindrical bottom wall 31A when viewed from above. More specifically, since the first partition 34 (the rear of each cylindrical side wall 31B and the cylindrical end wall 31C) is lower than the front of each cylindrical side wall 31B, the contact passage opening M3 is an opening demarcated by the upper edges of the pair of cylindrical side walls 31B and cylindrical end wall 31C, assuming that the first partition 34 is at the same height as the front of each cylindrical side wall 31B. Note that a portion (rear) of the contact passage opening M3 demarcated by the upper edge of the first partition 34 is also used as the substrate passage opening M1, and may therefore be considered as a portion of the substrate passage opening M1.

[0033] <Second divided tube section> As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second divided cylindrical portion 32 is integrally formed with the second divided case 22 at the center of the front surface of the corner circumferential wall 22B in the left-right direction. The second divided cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a box shape having a contact-facing opening M4. In detail, the second divided cylindrical portion 32 is formed in a shallow U-shaped groove that extends in the front-rear direction and is narrower in the left-right direction than the second divided case 22. Furthermore, a portion of the rear of the second divided cylindrical portion 32 is embedded inside the second divided case 22, and extends from the inside of the second divided case 22 outwards (forward). The contact-facing opening M4 is formed on the open lower surface of the second divided cylindrical portion 32.

[0034] The second divided cylindrical section 32 is formed in a U-shaped groove with a pair of cylindrical side walls 32B suspended from both the left and right ends of the cylindrical top wall 32A. The front part of the cylindrical top wall 32A (outside the second divided case 22) is formed parallel to the top wall 22A at a position offset downward from the top wall 22A of the second divided case 22. The rear part of the cylindrical top wall 32A (inside the second divided case 22) is composed of a part of the top wall 22A of the second divided case 22. A pair of lock holes 35 are opened side by side in the left and right direction at the front of the cylindrical top wall 32A. Also, a pair of second guide protrusions 36 protrude downward from the top surface at the front of the cylindrical top wall 32A, outward in the left and right directions from the pair of lock holes 35. A pair of engaging hooks 25 (engagement grooves 26) are provided on both the left and right sides (outer surfaces) of the pair of cylindrical side walls 32B provided on the outside of the second divided case 22.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear portion of each cylindrical side wall 32B (the part located inside the second divided case 22) is formed to be longer (higher) in the vertical direction than the front portion (the part located outside the second divided case 22). The lower end surface of the rear portion of each cylindrical side wall 32B is located below the lower edge of the corner circumferential wall 22B of the second divided case 22, and above the lower end of the engagement hook portion 25 (see Figure 4). The lower end surface of the front portion of each cylindrical side wall 32B coincides with the lower edge of the corner circumferential wall 22B of the second divided case 22 (see Figure 4).

[0036] Furthermore, the second divided cylindrical portion 32 has a cylindrical end wall 32C connected to the rear ends of the cylindrical top wall 32A and a pair of cylindrical side walls 32B. In other words, the second divided cylindrical portion 32 is open at the front and closed at the rear by the cylindrical end wall 32C. The cylindrical end wall 32C protrudes downward from the rear end of the cylindrical top wall 32A (or top wall 22A), and the lower end surface of the cylindrical end wall 32C coincides with the lower end surface of the rear of each cylindrical side wall 32B. The cylindrical end wall 32C and the rear of the pair of cylindrical side walls 32B are formed in a U-shape (or U-shape) that is open at the front when viewed from the bottom, and constitute a second partition portion 37 that contacts the upper surface (main surface F) of the card edge substrate 40. The second partition portion 37 is a partition wall that separates the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32.

[0037] As shown by the dashed line (dummy line) in Figure 5, the contact-facing opening M4 is a rectangular opening demarcated by the lower edges of the pair of cylindrical side walls 32B and cylindrical end wall 32C, exposing the entire cylindrical top wall 32A when viewed from the bottom. More specifically, since the front part of each cylindrical side wall 32B is one step higher than the rear part of each cylindrical side wall 32B (second partition 37), the contact-facing opening M4 is an opening demarcated by the lower edges of the pair of cylindrical side walls 32B and cylindrical end wall 32C, assuming that the front part of each cylindrical side wall 32B is at the same height as the rear part. The contact-facing opening M4 is formed to be the same size and shape as the contact-passing opening M3.

[0038] [Card edge circuit board] The card edge substrate 40 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The card edge substrate 40 is a so-called electrical circuit board (printed circuit board) and has a substrate body 41 formed in the shape of a thin plate and contact portions 42 formed at the edges of both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body 41.

[0039] <Main board> The circuit board body 41 is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the circuit board passage opening M1 of the first divided case 21 when viewed from above. In other words, the circuit board body 41 (card edge circuit board 40) is formed so that it can pass through the circuit board passage opening M1 in a horizontal position (parallel to the top surface or bottom wall 21A of the first divided case 21) and can be housed in the first divided case 21 in a horizontal position. Loose insertion holes 43 for passing screws 45 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) are formed in the four corners of the circuit board body 41. The front and back corners of the front edge (front side) of the circuit board body 41 are beveled. Although not shown in the figures, an electrical circuit is formed on at least one of the top surface (front) and bottom surface (back) of the circuit board body 41, and multiple electronic components are mounted (soldered) on it.

[0040] In this specification, the main surface of the thin-plate-shaped substrate body 41 (card edge substrate 40) that has a much larger area than the other surfaces is referred to as the "main surface F". Since the substrate body 41 (card edge substrate 40) is thin-plate-shaped, there is inevitably another surface with a larger area opposite to one main surface F. That is, there are two main surfaces F on both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body 41 (card edge substrate 40), with one of the two main surfaces F being the front surface and the other main surface F being the back surface.

[0041] <Contact point> The contact portion 42 is formed at the front edge of the substrate body 41 and in the center in the left-right direction. The contact portion 42 is a part of the substrate body 41 that includes multiple electrode patterns 44 formed on both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body 41. For example, four electrode patterns 44 are formed at equal intervals in the left-right direction on the front surface (top surface) of the substrate body 41, and four electrode patterns 44 are also formed at equal intervals in the left-right direction on the back surface (bottom surface) of the substrate body 41 (the electrode patterns 44 on the back surface are not shown in Figure 3). Each electrode pattern 44 is electrically connected to an electrical circuit formed on the substrate body 41.

[0042] [Assembly procedure for the card edge circuit board unit] Referring to Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, an example of the assembly procedure for the card edge substrate unit 5, in other words, the procedure for housing the card edge substrate 40 in the substrate case 10, will be described. The card edge substrate unit 5 may be assembled automatically using, for example, a manufacturing device (not shown), or assembled manually by an operator.

[0043] The first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical section 31 are placed on the horizontal top surface of a workbench with the substrate passage opening M1 and the contact passage opening M3 facing upward (horizontal position). The card edge substrate 40 is positioned above the first divided case 21 in a horizontal position (with its main surface F parallel to the top surface of the first divided case 21) (see Figures 3 and 4). The card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) descends while maintaining its horizontal position, passes through the substrate passage opening M1 and enters the interior of the first divided case 21, and is placed on the upper end surfaces of the four substrate fixing parts 23 and the first partition part 34. The contact part 42 descends together with the substrate body 41, passes through the contact passage opening M3 and enters the interior of the first divided cylindrical section 31. The card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) is fixed to the first split case 21 by screwing each screw 45, which passes through each insertion hole 43, into the female screw holes of the substrate fixing part 23 (see Figure 6).

[0044] As described above, the first divided case 21 supports the substrate body 41 as it passes through the substrate passage opening M1 in a horizontal position (with the main surface F parallel to one surface), maintaining the position it was in when it passed through. The first divided cylindrical portion 31 supports (houses) the contact portion 42 as it passes through the contact passage opening M3 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1.

[0045] Next, the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 are positioned above the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31 with the substrate-facing opening M2 and the contact-facing opening M4 facing downwards (horizontal position), and descend while maintaining the horizontal position (see Figures 3 and 4). As the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 descend, each engaging hook portion 25 elastically deforms outward in the left-right direction while its lower end contacts the engaging claw portion 24 (or its inclined surface), and each engaging claw portion 24 relatively overcomes the lower end of the engaging hook portion 25 and fits into the engaging groove 26 (see Figure 1). In this state, the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 are positioned above the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31, and are connected to the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31 via each engaging hook portion 25 that engages with each engaging claw portion 24. The second divided case 22 is positioned between the first divided case 21 and the substrate body 41, and closes the substrate passage opening M1 (see Figure 6). The second divided cylindrical portion 32 is positioned between the first divided cylindrical portion 31 and the contact portion 42, and closes the contact passage opening M3 (see Figure 6).

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the first divided case 21 and the second divided case 22 are connected to form the case body 20, and the first divided cylindrical portion 31 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 are connected to form the fitting cylindrical body 30. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate body 41 is housed inside the case body 20 (storage space S1), and the contact portion 42 is housed inside the fitting cylindrical body 30 (fitting space S2). The fitting cylindrical body 30 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape that opens forward (in a direction parallel to the main surface F of the card edge substrate 40) and extends from the inside to the outside (forward) of the storage space S1. In this state, the second partition portion 37 of the second divided cylindrical portion 32 has its lower end surface in contact with the upper surface (main surface F) of the substrate body 41, and the substrate body 41 is sandwiched between it and the first partition portion 34. The first partition portion 34 and the second partition portion 37 contact both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body 41, forming a partition structure 15 that separates the storage space S1 and the fitting space S2.

[0047] With the above steps completed, the card edge circuit board unit 5 is finished.

[0048] In the card edge substrate unit 5 (substrate case 10) according to the first embodiment described above, the case body 20 is configured to be separable into a first divided case 21 and a second divided case 22, and the fitting cylinder 30 is configured to be separable into a first divided cylindrical portion 31 and a second divided cylindrical portion 32, with the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31 being integrally formed, and the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 being integrally formed. Furthermore, a substrate passage opening M1 is opened on the upper surface (one surface) of the first divided case 21, and the substrate body 41 is configured to pass through the substrate passage opening M1 in a position parallel to the upper surface (or bottom surface) of the first divided case 21. In addition, a contact passage opening M3 continuous with the substrate passage opening M1 is opened in the first divided cylindrical portion 31, and as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1, the contact portion 42 passes through the contact passage opening M3 and is placed in the fitting space S2. With this configuration, the card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41 and contact portion 42) can be housed in the first divided case 21 and the first divided cylindrical portion 31 while maintaining a position parallel to the top (or bottom) surface of the first divided case 21. This eliminates the need to tilt or change the orientation of the card edge substrate 40 when housing it in the substrate case 10, allowing the card edge substrate 40 to be easily housed in the substrate case 10. Furthermore, although various electronic components are mounted on the main surface F of the substrate body 41, the card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) is housed in the first divided case 21 while maintaining a position parallel to the top (or bottom) surface of the first divided case 21, thus preventing the electronic components from interfering with the first divided case 21 during the housing process. As a result, the process of assembling the card edge substrate 40 into the substrate case 10 can be mechanized (automated), thereby reducing the cost of housing the card edge substrate 40 into the substrate case 10.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the card edge substrate unit 5 (substrate case 10) of the first embodiment, the partition structure 15 can separate the housing space S1 and the fitting space S2, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the housing space S1 (inside the case body 20) from the fitting space S2. This protects the card edge substrate 40 (electronic components mounted on the substrate body 41) from foreign matter.

[0050] [Card Edge Connector] Next, the card edge connector 50 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the card edge connector 50. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the card edge connector 50. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge connection structure 1 (before connection).

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the card edge connector 50 comprises a plurality (e.g., eight) of terminals 51, a housing 52, and a retainer 53. Since each of the plurality of terminals 51 has the same structure, this specification will mainly describe one terminal 51. The same applies to the multiple components provided in conjunction with the plurality of terminals 51. Note that at least one terminal 51 or corresponding component is required, and their number may be freely increased or decreased.

[0052] <Terminal> The eight terminals 51 are arranged in a grid pattern of 2 rows and 4 columns when viewed from the back (or front). In other words, four terminals 51 are arranged horizontally and vertically in two rows. The terminals 51 are fixed to the tip (rear end) of the cable 55 (electric wire). The terminals 51 are formed, for example, by punching out and bending a single metal plate. The terminal 51 has a crimping portion 60 that is crimped to the tip of the cable 55, and a connecting portion 61 that extends backward from the crimping portion 60. The connecting portion 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a terminal contact portion 62 that is bent to protrude outwards from the cylindrical shape is formed on one of the vertical surfaces of the connecting portion 61, and a locking hole 63 is opened on the other vertical surface of the connecting portion 61. In addition, a holding gap 64 is formed between one of the vertical surfaces of the connecting portion 61 and the crimping portion 60. The two rows of terminals 51 are installed with their terminal contact portions 62 facing each other. Furthermore, the multiple cables 55 fixed to the multiple terminals 51 are bundled together to form a wire harness 54.

[0053] <Housing> The housing 52 is integrally molded from, for example, a non-conductive synthetic resin. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the housing 52 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that can be fitted into the fitting cylinder 30 of the substrate case 10. A pair of first guide protrusions 70 are provided on both the left and right sides of the housing 52. Each first guide protrusion 70 is located above the vertical center of the housing 52. A substrate entry groove 71 is cut into the housing 52, extending forward from the rear end face (front end face). The substrate entry groove 71 extends from the rear end face of the housing 52 to about one-third of its total length in the front-to-back direction. The substrate entry groove 71 is formed below each first guide protrusion 70, dividing the rear of the housing 52 into two equal parts in the vertical direction. A pair of contact housing portions 52A are formed at the rear of the housing 52, facing each other across the substrate entry groove 71. As will be explained in more detail later, when the card edge connector 50 (housing 52) is fitted into the mating cylinder 30, the front end (contact portion 42) of the circuit board body 41 enters the circuit board entry groove 71.

[0054] The housing 52 has a plurality (for example, eight) of housing chambers 65, retaining mounting holes 72, a locking arm 73, and a fitting restricting portion 74.

[0055] (Detention room) The eight housing chambers 65 are spaces for inserting (housing) eight terminals 51 in an electrically insulated state, and are arranged in a 2x4 grid pattern when viewed from the front (or back) of the housing 52. Four housing chambers 65 are formed in each contact housing section 52A. The housing chambers 65 are through holes that penetrate the housing 52 in the front-to-back direction. Eight insertion openings 65A (see Figure 7) are opened on the front end face of the housing 52, and eight communication openings 65B (see Figure 8) are opened on the rear end faces of the pair of contact housing sections 52A. The terminals 51 are inserted (housing) into the housing chambers 65 through the insertion openings 65A. Eight contact openings 65C (see Figure 8) are opened on the opposing faces of the pair of contact housing sections 52A that sandwich the substrate entry groove 71. The terminal contact portions 62 of the terminals 51 housed in the housing chambers 65 are exposed to the substrate entry groove 71 through the contact openings 65C (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the upper housing chamber 65 is provided with a lance portion 66 that protrudes downward from the top surface and extends towards the rear. The lower housing chamber 65 is provided with a lance portion 66 that protrudes upward from the bottom surface and extends towards the rear. The lance portion 66 is formed to be displaceable vertically by elastic force with its base portion (front end) as a fulcrum. The tip portion (rear end) of the lance portion 66 is formed with a lance claw portion 67 that engages with the locking hole 63 of the terminal 51 housed in the housing chamber 65.

[0057] (Retaining mounting hole) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the retaining mounting hole 72 is formed near the center in the front-to-back direction of the housing 52 for attaching the retainer 53, which will be described later. The retaining mounting hole 72 is a through hole that penetrates the housing 52 in the left-to-right direction. Retaining holes 72A, which communicate with the eight housing chambers 65, are opened in the top and bottom surfaces that constitute the retaining mounting hole 72.

[0058] (Lock arm) The lock arm 73 protrudes upward from the upper rear end of the housing 52, bends forward, and extends to the front end of the housing 52. The lock arm 73 is formed to be displaceable vertically by elastic force with its base (rear end) as a fulcrum. A pair of locking claws 75 and a release operation part 76 are formed on the upper surface of the lock arm 73. The pair of locking claws 75 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and protrude near the center of the lock arm 73 in the front-rear direction. The release operation part 76 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and is provided at the front end of the lock arm 73. In addition, a pair of second guide recesses 77 are formed on the upper part of the housing 52 between the left-right side walls of the housing 52 and the lock arm 73.

[0059] (Matching control section) The fitting restricting portion 74 is formed in an arch shape so as to straddle the lock arm 73 at the front of the housing 52, specifically between the lock claw portion 75 and the release operation portion 76. The pair of second guide recesses 77 described above are formed behind the fitting restricting portion 74.

[0060] <Retainer> The retainer 53 is, for example, made of a non-conductive synthetic resin and integrally molded. The retainer 53 is formed to be insertable (housed) into the retaining mounting hole 72 of the housing 52. As shown in Figure 7, the retainer 53 has a retaining body 78 formed in the shape of a rod extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of retaining protrusions 79 protruding from both the upper and lower surfaces of the retaining body 78. The retaining body 78 is formed to match the left-right dimensions of the housing 52. A plate-shaped flange portion 78A that extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the right end of the retaining body 78.

[0061] [Card Edge Connector Assembly Instructions] Next, an example of the assembly procedure for the card edge connector 50 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0062] The terminal 51 is crimped to the end of the cable 55 and inserted into the housing chamber 65 through the insertion opening 65A on the front end face of the housing 52. The terminal 51 is inserted by bringing the tip of the connecting portion 61 into contact with the lance claw portion 67 and elastically deforming the lance portion 66. As the terminal 51 is inserted, the lance claw portion 67 moves relatively forward while in contact with the connecting portion 61 and fits into the locking hole 63 of the connecting portion 61 (see Figure 9). In this state, the terminal contact portion 62 of the terminal 51 protrudes from the contact opening 65C of the contact housing portion 52A into the substrate entry groove 71 (see Figures 8 and 9). Also, the tip (rear end) of the connecting portion 61 of the terminal 51 abuts against the edge of the communication opening 65B, and the holding gap 64 of the connecting portion 61 faces the holding hole 72A of the housing 52 (holding mounting hole 72) (see Figure 9).

[0063] The retainer 53 is inserted into the retaining mounting hole 72 from right to left and is housed inside the retaining mounting hole 72. When the retainer 53 is housed in the retaining mounting hole 72, the pair of retaining protrusions 79 protrude from the retaining hole 72A of the housing 52 into the interior of each housing chamber 65 and fit into the retaining gap 64 of the terminal 51 housed in each housing chamber 65 (see Figure 9). Because the retaining protrusions 79 interfere with the rear end of the connecting portion 61, the removal of the terminal 51 housed in the housing chamber 65 is restricted. When the retainer 53 is housed in the retaining mounting hole 72, the flange portion 78A forms a plane with the right side surface of the housing 52 (not shown).

[0064] This completes the assembly of the card edge connector 50.

[0065] [Connection between the card edge board unit and the card edge connector] Next, an example of the procedure for connecting the card edge connector 50 to the card edge board unit 5 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge connection structure 1 (after connection).

[0066] The card edge connector 50 is inserted into the mating cylinder 30 of the circuit board case 10 through the front opening (mating space S2). When inserting the card edge connector 50 into the mating cylinder 30, a pair of first guide protrusions 70 provided on the housing 52 enter into a pair of first guide recesses 33 provided on the mating cylinder 30, and a pair of second guide protrusions 36 provided on the mating cylinder 30 enter into a pair of second guide recesses 77 provided on the housing 52. The card edge connector 50 is inserted into the mating cylinder 30 while being guided by the first and second guide protrusions 70 and 36 that have entered the first and second guide recesses 33 and 77.

[0067] As the card edge connector 50 is inserted, a pair of locking claws 75 interfere with the front end of the top wall 32A of the mating cylinder 30, causing the card edge connector 50 to be inserted while the locking arm 73 elastically deforms downward. Each locking claw 75 moves backward while contacting the top wall 32A and fits into the locking hole 35. This prevents the card edge connector 50 from coming loose from the mating cylinder 30.

[0068] As the card edge connector 50 is inserted further, the front end (contact portion 42) of the circuit board body 41 enters the circuit board entry groove 71 of the housing 52 and interferes with the multiple terminal contact portions 62 that protrude into the circuit board entry groove 71 from the opposing surfaces of the pair of contact housing portions 52A. As the card edge connector 50 is inserted further, the contact portion 42 enters between the vertically opposing terminal contact portions 62, opening them vertically. The vertically opposing terminal contact portions 62 sandwich the front end (contact portion 42) of the circuit board body 41 that has entered the circuit board entry groove 71 and make contact with both the front and back surfaces (electrode patterns 44) of the contact portion 42 (see Figure 10). Each terminal contact portion 62 makes contact with the electrode pattern 44 of the contact portion 42 with elastic force.

[0069] As a result, the card edge connector 50 is fitted into the mating cylinder 30, and the card edge connector 50 is connected to the card edge board unit 5 (card edge board 40). In this state, the front end surface (rear end surface) of each contact housing portion 52A abuts against (or faces with a small gap between) the front of the cylindrical end walls 31C, 32C of the partition structure 15. Also, the rear surface of the mating restricting portion 74 faces the front end of the cylindrical top wall 32A of the mating cylinder 30 with a small gap between them. This restricts the insertion of the card edge connector 50 into the mating cylinder 30. When removing the card edge connector 50 from the mating cylinder 30, the release operation portion 76 is pressed down to bend the lock arm 73 downward, and the card edge connector 50 is pulled out while each lock claw portion 75 is disengaged from the lock hole 35.

[0070] Incidentally, when manufacturing an electronic circuit board unit such as the card edge circuit board unit 5, the mating housing for mating the card edge connector 50 is sometimes placed on the circuit board body 41 so as to surround the contact portion 42 and fixed to the circuit board body 41 by soldering or the like (not shown). In this case, the mating housing must be prepared and soldered, which adds extra work to the manufacturing of the electronic circuit board unit and increases manufacturing costs. In contrast, in the card edge connection structure 1 (card edge circuit board unit 5) according to the first embodiment, the first divided cylindrical portion 31 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 are combined to form a mating cylindrical body 30, and the mating cylindrical body 30 functions as a pseudo-matting housing that accommodates the contact portion 42. With this configuration, the work of fixing the mating housing to the circuit board body 41 can be omitted, so the card edge circuit board unit 5 can be manufactured simply and at low cost.

[0071] [Example of a variation of the first embodiment] Next, a modification example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11A is a perspective view showing the card edge connector 50. Figure 11B is a perspective view showing the card edge substrate 40.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11A, in a modified example of the first embodiment, the housing 52 of the card edge connector 50 has a rib 56 that is installed between a pair of contact housings 52A. The rib 56 is provided in an upright position in the center of the substrate entry groove 71 in the left-right direction and connects the pair of contact housings 52A. The substrate entry groove 71 is divided into two halves in the left-right direction by the rib 56.

[0073] As shown in Figure 11B, in the modified example of the first embodiment, a notch 46 is formed at the front end of the substrate body 41. The notch 46 is recessed from the front end toward the rear in the center of the substrate body 41 in the left-right direction. The contact portion 42 is divided into two in the left-right direction by the notch 46. The rib 56 fits into the notch 46 when the card edge connector 50 is fitted into the mating cylinder 30.

[0074] According to the card edge connection structure 1, a modified example of the first embodiment, the rib 56 connects the pair of contact housings 52A, thereby suppressing the pair of contact housings 52A from separating or approaching each other, and maintaining the pair of contact housings 52A at a predetermined distance. As a result, the spacing between the multiple terminals 51 housed in the pair of contact housings 52A remains constant, allowing the terminals 51 (terminal contact portion 62) to contact the contact portions 42 on both the front and back surfaces of the card edge substrate 40 with appropriate pressure. Furthermore, when the card edge connector 50 is fitted into the mating cylinder 30, the rib 56 fits into the notch 46, thereby suppressing vibration of the card edge connector 50 along the left-right direction (the direction parallel to the main surface F of the card edge substrate 40). Furthermore, by connecting the pair of contact housings 52A with ribs 56, the overall rigidity of the housing 52 is improved, and vibrations of the card edge connector 50 along the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the main surface F of the card edge substrate 40) can be suppressed when the end of the card edge substrate 40 (contact portion 42) is sandwiched in the substrate entry groove 71.

[0075] In the modified example of the first embodiment, one rib 56 was installed across a pair of contact housing portions 52A in the center in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number and position of the ribs 56 may be freely changed. In this case, the number and position of the notches 46 of the substrate body 41 may also be changed to match the number and position of the ribs 56.

[0076] [Other embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the card edge connection structure 2 (before connection) according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the card edge substrate unit 7 of the card edge connection structure 3 according to the third embodiment. In the following description, components similar to the substrate case 10, card edge substrate unit 5, and card edge connection structure 1 (card edge connector 50) according to the first embodiment (including modified examples; the same applies hereinafter) will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and similar descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] <Second Embodiment> As shown in Figure 12, in the card edge connection structure 2 (card edge substrate unit 6) according to the second embodiment, the contact portion 42 of the card edge substrate 40 is formed only at the front end of the lower surface of the substrate body 41.

[0078] In the substrate case 11, the second divided cylindrical portion 38 does not protrude into the interior of the second divided case 22, but is formed in a U-shaped groove that extends outward (forward) from the front end surface of the second divided case 22. The second divided cylindrical portion 38 has a pair of cylindrical side walls 38B suspended from both ends in the left-right direction of the cylindrical top wall 38A, and a second partition portion 38C connected to the rear ends of the cylindrical top wall 38A and the pair of cylindrical side walls 38B. The second partition portion 38C is a part of the front wall (the central part in the left-right direction) of the second divided case 22 (corner circumferential wall 22B), and extends downward from the front end wall of the corner circumferential wall 22B. The lower end of the second partition portion 38C and the upper end of the cylindrical end wall 31C (first partition portion 34) are at the same height. The lower front corner of the second partition portion 38C is beveled. The contact-facing opening M5, when viewed from the bottom, opens forward of the substrate-facing opening M2, with the second partition portion 38C in between.

[0079] The card edge substrate 40 (substrate body 41) passes through the substrate passage opening M1 while maintaining a horizontal position and is housed in the first divided case 21, the contact portion 42 passes through the contact passage opening M3 and is positioned in the first divided cylindrical portion 31, and the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 38 close the substrate passage opening M1 and the contact passage opening M3. The substrate body 41 is housed inside the case body 20 (housing space S1), and the contact portion 42 is housed inside the fitting cylindrical body 30 (fitting space S3).

[0080] In this state, the upper end surface of the first partition portion 34 of the first divided cylindrical portion 31 is in contact with the lower surface of the substrate body 41 (one main surface F of the substrate body 41 on the side of the first divided cylindrical portion 31). The lower end of the second partition portion 38C of the second divided cylindrical portion 38 is spaced upward from the bottom wall 31A, and the lower rear surface of the second partition portion 38C is in contact with the front end surface of the substrate body 41 (contact portion 42) (the end surface facing the opening of the fitting cylindrical body 30). The first partition portion 34 and the second partition portion 38C constitute a partition structure 16 that separates the housing space S1 and the fitting space S3. The fitting space S3 is an L-shaped space when viewed from the side. The contact portion 42 formed on the lower surface of the substrate body 41 is exposed to the fitting space S3, and the upper surface of the substrate body 41 is exposed to the housing space S1.

[0081] According to the card edge substrate unit 6 (substrate case 11) of the second embodiment, the partition structure 16 can separate the housing space S1 and the fitting space S3, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the housing space S1 (inside the case body 20) from the fitting space S3. This protects the card edge substrate 40 from foreign matter.

[0082] In the card edge connection structure 2 according to the second embodiment, the card edge connector 57 is formed in a shape that can be fitted into the mating cylinder 30 (matting space S3) of the substrate case 11. Specifically, four terminals 51 (cables 55) are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, and housing chambers 65 for accommodating the four terminals 51 are arranged in the left-right direction at the bottom of the housing 52. In addition, a contact housing portion 52A is formed only on the lower rear side of the housing 52. Each terminal 51 is housed in the housing chamber 65 with its terminal contact portion 62 facing upward. When the card edge connector 57 is fitted into the mating cylinder 30 (matting space S3), the terminal contact portion 62 of each terminal 51 contacts the contact portion 42 of the card edge substrate 40 from below.

[0083] According to the card edge connection structure 2 (card edge substrate unit 6) of the second embodiment, the mating cylinder 30 functions as a pseudo mating housing that accommodates the contact portion 42, thus eliminating the need to fix the mating housing to the substrate body 41, and allowing the card edge substrate unit 6 to be manufactured simply and at low cost.

[0084] <Third Embodiment> As shown in Figure 13, in the card edge connection structure 3 (card edge substrate unit 7) according to the third embodiment, the substrate case 12 (case body 80 and fitting cylinder 83) is configured to be separable in the left-right direction. The case body 80 is formed to be separable into a first divided case 81 and a second divided case 82. The fitting cylinder 30 is formed to be separable into a first divided cylinder portion 84 which is integral with the first divided case 81 and a second divided cylinder portion 85 which is integral with the second divided case 82.

[0085] The first divided case 81 is formed in the shape of a box having a substrate passage opening M1 on its left side (one side), and supports the substrate body 41 that has passed through the substrate passage opening M1 in a horizontal position (a position in which the main surface F is perpendicular to the left side). The second divided case 82 is formed in the shape of a box having a substrate facing opening M2 on its right side, and supports the substrate body 41 that has passed through the substrate facing opening M2 in a horizontal position. The second divided case 82 is positioned between the first divided case 81 and the substrate body 41, and closes the substrate passage opening M1.

[0086] The first divided cylindrical portion 84 is formed in a box shape (U-shaped groove) having a contact passage opening M3 that is continuous with the substrate passage opening M1, and supports (accommodates) the contact portion 42 that has passed through the contact passage opening M3 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate passage opening M1. The second divided cylindrical portion 85 is formed in a box shape (U-shaped groove) having a contact opposing opening M4 that is continuous with the substrate opposing opening M2, and supports (accommodates) the contact portion 42 that has passed through the contact opposing opening M4 as the substrate body 41 passes through the substrate opposing opening M2. The second divided cylindrical portion 85 is also positioned between the first divided cylindrical portion 84 and the contact portion 42, and closes the contact passage opening M3.

[0087] Although not shown in the diagram, the case body 80 may be provided with a structure to support (fix) the circuit board body 41, and the fitting cylinder 30 may be provided with a partition structure 15.

[0088] According to the third embodiment of the substrate case 12, the same effects as the substrate case 10 according to the first embodiment can be obtained, such as being able to easily accommodate the card edge substrate 40. Note that the features of the substrate case 12 according to the third embodiment may also be applied to the substrate cases 10 and 11 according to the first and second embodiments described earlier (not shown).

[0089] In the substrate cases 10 to 12 according to the first to third embodiments, partition structures 15 and 16 were provided to separate the housing space S1 and the fitting space S2. However, the partition structures 15 and 16 are not limited to these and may be omitted (not shown).

[0090] Furthermore, in the substrate cases 10 to 12 according to the first to third embodiments, the second divided case 22 of the case body 20 is formed in the shape of a tray having a substrate-facing opening M2, and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 of the fitting cylindrical body 30 is formed in the shape of a U-shaped groove having a contact-facing opening M4, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 only need to be able to close the substrate-passing opening M1 of the first divided case 21 and the contact-passing opening M3 of the first divided cylindrical portion 31, and for example, the second divided case 22 and the second divided cylindrical portion 32 may each be formed in the shape of a flat plate (not shown).

[0091] The above description of the embodiments illustrates one aspect of the substrate case, card edge substrate unit, and card edge connection structure according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The components in the above embodiments can be replaced or combined with existing components as appropriate, and the description of the above embodiments does not limit the content of the invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1,2,3 Card edge connection structure 5,6,7 Card Edge PCB Unit 10, 11, 12 Circuit board case 15,16 Partition structure 20.80 Case body 21,81 First Split Case 22,82 Second division case 30,83 Fitting cylinder 31,84 1st divided cylinder part 32,85 Second divided cylinder part 40 card edge boards 41 Main board 42 Contact point 46 Notch 50, 57 Card edge connector 51 terminals 52 Housing 52A Contact housing 56 Ribs 71. Substrate enters the trench F main surface M1 substrate through opening M3 contact through opening S1 Containment Space S2, S3 interlocking space

Claims

1. A circuit board case for housing a card edge circuit board having contact portions at the edges of the main body of the circuit board, A case body that forms a housing space capable of housing the aforementioned circuit board body, The system includes a fitting cylinder which is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens in a direction parallel to the main surface of the card edge substrate and extends from the inside to the outside of the housing space, and which is capable of housing the contact portion and forming a fitting space into which a card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate can be fitted, The case body is formed to be separable into a first divided case and a second divided case. The fitting cylinder is formed to be separable into a first divided cylindrical portion formed integrally with the first divided case and a second divided cylindrical portion formed integrally with the second divided case. The first divided case is formed in the shape of a box having a substrate passage opening on one side, and supports the substrate body that has passed through the substrate passage opening in a position where the main surface is parallel to the one side or in a position where the main surface is perpendicular to the one side. The second divided case is positioned between the first divided case and the main body of the substrate, and closes the opening through which the substrate passes. The first divided cylindrical portion is formed in a box shape having a contact passage opening continuous with the substrate passage opening, and supports the contact portion that has passed through the contact passage opening as the substrate body passes through the substrate passage opening. The substrate case is characterized in that the second divided cylindrical portion is positioned between the first divided cylindrical portion and the contact portion, and closes the contact passage opening.

2. The substrate case according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting cylinder is provided with a partition structure that contacts both the front and back surfaces of the substrate body and separates the housing space from the fitting space.

3. The substrate case according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting cylinder is provided with a partition structure that contacts one of the main surfaces of the substrate body that is on the side of the first divided cylindrical portion and the end surface of the substrate body that is facing the opening of the fitting cylinder, thereby separating the housing space and the fitting space.

4. A substrate case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A card edge substrate unit comprising the card edge substrate housed in the substrate case.

5. The card edge substrate unit according to claim 4, A card edge connection structure comprising: the card edge connector connected to the card edge substrate.

6. The card edge substrate has the contact portion at the end on both the front and back surfaces, The aforementioned card edge connector is A housing including a pair of contact housing portions facing each other, with a substrate entry groove in between, into which the end of the substrate body enters when fitted into the fitting cylinder, The housing contains a plurality of terminals that clamp the end portion that enters the substrate entry groove and contact both the front and back surfaces of the contact portion, The housing has a rib that is installed between the pair of contact housings, The card edge connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that a notch is formed at the end of the substrate body for fitting the rib when the card edge connector is fitted to the fitting cylinder.

Images