PCB connectors and electrical equipment

Abstract

The purpose is to further improve the insulation between terminals. [Solution] The PCB connector 30 is a PCB connector mounted on a PCB and comprises a plurality of terminals 40, a housing 32 that holds the outer connection portions of the plurality of terminals with the connecting portions and PCB-side connection portions of the plurality of terminals extending outward, and an auxiliary member 60 supported by the housing on the side from which the connecting portions and PCB-side connection portions extend, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminals is a power terminal 40, and the auxiliary member 60 includes an alignment plate 80 having a plurality of through holes 81, 83 through which the PCB-side connection portions of the plurality of terminals each pass, and the alignment plate has protrusions 85, 86a, 86b located between the plurality of through holes 81, 83 that increase the creepage distance between the PCB-side connection portions 44 that pass through each of the plurality of through holes.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector for a substrate and an electrical device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector for a substrate including a housing, a terminal fitting held in a state of penetrating the housing and disposed outside the housing and having a substrate connection portion penetrating through a through hole of a circuit board, and an alignment plate for positioning by penetrating the substrate connection portion toward the circuit board side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The terminal fitting may be used as a conductive path for power. In such a case, it is desirable to further improve the insulation between the terminal fittings. [[ID=三十六]]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further improve the insulation between terminals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The PCB connector of this disclosure is a PCB connector mounted on a PCB, comprising: a plurality of terminals each having an outer connection portion, a PCB-side connection portion, and a connecting portion located between the outer connection portion and the PCB-side connection portion; a housing that holds the outer connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals with the connecting portion and the PCB-side connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals extending outward; and an auxiliary member supported by the housing on the side from which the connecting portion and the PCB-side connection portion extend, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminals is a power terminal, and the auxiliary member includes an alignment plate having a plurality of through holes through which the PCB-side connection portions of the plurality of terminals each pass, and the alignment plate has projections located between the plurality of through holes that increase the creepage distance between the PCB-side connection portions that pass through each of the plurality of through holes.

[0007] Furthermore, this electrical device comprises the above-mentioned connector for a circuit board, a housing having an opening, and the circuit board housed within the housing, wherein the connector for the circuit board is fixed to the housing with the connector passing through the opening, and the circuit board-side connection portion extending from the housing is fixed to the circuit board within the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the insulation between terminals can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a connector for a circuit board. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a connector for a circuit board. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a circuit board connector. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view with a circuit board connector partially cut out. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the circuit board connector as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process of attaching a circuit board connector to the housing. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process of attaching a circuit board connector to a housing. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process of attaching a circuit board connector to a housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The substrate connectors of this disclosure are as follows:

[0012] (1) A board connector mounted on a board, comprising: a plurality of terminals each having an outer connection portion, a board-side connection portion, and a connecting portion located between the outer connection portion and the board-side connection portion; a housing that holds the outer connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals with the connecting portion and the board-side connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals extending outward; and an auxiliary member supported by the housing on the side from which the connecting portion and the board-side connection portion extend, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminals is a power terminal, and the auxiliary member includes an alignment plate having a plurality of through holes through which the board-side connection portions of the plurality of terminals each pass, and the alignment plate has projections located between the plurality of through holes that increase the creepage distance between the board-side connection portions that pass through each of the plurality of through holes.

[0013] According to this board connector, the creepage distance between the board-side connection parts penetrating through each of the plurality of through holes is increased. As a result, the insulation between the terminals is further improved.

[0014] (2) The board connector according to (1), wherein the protrusion may include an opening peripheral edge protrusion formed along the edge of the through hole.

[0015] In this case, the creepage distance can be increased by the opening peripheral edge protrusion.

[0016] (3) The board connector according to (2), wherein the opening peripheral edge protrusion may have a guide surface for guiding the board-side connection part into the through hole.

[0017] The guide surface makes it easy to insert the board-side connection part into the through hole.

[0018] (4) The board connector according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the protrusion may include an intermediate protrusion that is separated from the plurality of through holes and is located between the plurality of through holes. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As described above, when the board-side connection extends in a direction that intersects the outer connection, the position of the board-side connection is prone to becoming distorted. In such cases, an alignment plate makes it easier to hold multiple board-side connection points in a fixed position.

[0024] (7) A board connector according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the auxiliary member may have a pair of protective plates that cover the connecting portion of the plurality of terminals together from both sides.

[0025] This allows the terminals to be protected by a pair of protective plates.

[0026] Furthermore, the electrical equipment disclosed herein is as follows:

[0027] (8) An electrical device comprising one of the circuit board connectors from (1) to (7), a housing having an opening, and the circuit board housed within the housing, wherein the circuit board connector is fixed to the housing with the opening passing through it, and the circuit board side connection portion extending from the housing is fixed to the circuit board within the housing.

[0028] This provides electrical equipment with improved insulation between terminals.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the substrate connectors and electrical devices of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims.

[0030] [Embodiment] The following describes the circuit board connector and electrical equipment according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical device 10. The electrical device 10 comprises a circuit board connector 30, a housing 12, and a circuit board 16.

[0032] The substrate 16 is a substrate on which circuits are formed using copper foil. Components such as semiconductor chips and resistors may be mounted on the substrate 16. Through-holes 16h are formed on the substrate 16.

[0033] The housing 12 is formed in the shape of a box that houses the circuit board 16. The housing 12 is made of, for example, metal. The housing 12 may also be made of resin. An opening 14 is formed in the housing 12. The opening 14 is for arranging the circuit board connector 30 in a through-position. The circuit board 16 may be fixed inside the housing 12 by screws or the like.

[0034] The PCB connector 30 is mounted on the PCB 16 and serves to relay the circuitry on the PCB 16 to the circuitry connected to the external connector. The PCB connector 30 has terminals 40 and 50, with one end of each terminal being held inside the PCB connector 30 and facing outwards from the housing 12. When the external connector is connected to the PCB connector 30, the terminals of the external connector are electrically connected to one end of terminals 40 and 50.

[0035] The PCB connector 30 is positioned to pass through the opening 14, so that the terminals 40 and 50 penetrate both inside and outside the housing 12. The other ends of the terminals 40 and 50 extend from the PCB connector 30 toward the inside of the housing 12. A portion of the PCB 16 is positioned inside the opening 14. The other ends of the terminals 40 and 50 are connected to through-holes 16h formed in the PCB 16, so that the other ends of the terminals 40 and 50 are electrically connected to the circuit of the PCB 16.

[0036] The other ends of terminals 40 and 50 may be soldered while connected to the through-hole 16h. Alternatively, the other ends of terminals 40 and 50 may be press-fitted into the through-hole 16h, thereby pressing them against a conductor formed on the inner surface of the through-hole 16h.

[0037] It is not essential that the board connector 30 is positioned through the opening 14 of the housing 12. A combination in which the board connector 30 is mounted and fixed to the board 16 may be called a board with a connector.

[0038] The PCB connector 30 will be described in more detail. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the PCB connector 30. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the PCB connector 30. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the PCB connector 30 with some parts cut out. In Figure 5, some of the terminals 40 and 50 are omitted. Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the PCB connector 30 seen from the rear side.

[0039] The PCB connector 30 is a connector that is mounted on the PCB 16 inside the housing 12, passing through the opening 14 of the housing 12. The PCB connector 30 comprises a plurality of terminals 40, 50, a housing 32, and an auxiliary member 60.

[0040] Terminal 40 is formed of a conductor such as metal. Terminal 40 is formed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate such as copper. Terminal 40 is an example of a power terminal for supplying power. For example, a voltage of 10V or more may be applied to terminal 40, a voltage of 20V or more may be applied, or a voltage of 30V or more may be applied.

[0041] The terminal 40 has an outer connection portion 42, a board-side connection portion 44, and a connecting portion 43 located between the outer connection portion 42 and the board-side connection portion 44.

[0042] The outer connecting portion 42 has a straight, elongated shape, in this case, it is formed as a long, narrow plate. The outer connecting portion 42 is housed within the housing 32 and is the part used for connecting to the terminals of the mating external connector.

[0043] The substrate-side connection portion 44 is formed in a straight shape, in this case, in the form of an elongated plate. The substrate-side connection portion 44 extends in a direction intersecting the outer connection portion 42. Here, the substrate-side connection portion 44 extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer connection portion 42. The substrate-side connection portion 44 is the part that is fixed to the substrate 16. Here, the substrate-side connection portion 44 is fixed to the substrate by being connected to the through-hole 16h. Because the substrate-side connection portion 44 intersects the outer connection portion 42, even if the substrate 16 intersects the housing portion 12 in which the opening 14 is formed, the substrate-side connection portion 44 can be inserted into the through-hole 16h formed in the substrate 16.

[0044] The connecting portion 43 connects the outer connecting portion 42 and the substrate-side connecting portion 44, and changes the angle of the substrate-side connecting portion 44 relative to the outer connecting portion 42. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 43 is inclined to form an obtuse angle with respect to both the outer connecting portion 42 and the substrate-side connecting portion 44. In other words, in a shape assumed to have the outer connecting portion and the substrate-side connecting portion intersecting at a right angle, the connecting portion 43 makes a shortcut connection between the outer connecting portion and the substrate-side connecting portion just before the corner. Therefore, the amount of outward protrusion is smaller compared to a shape assumed to have the outer connecting portion and the substrate-side connecting portion intersecting at a right angle.

[0045] In this embodiment, the board connector 30 has a plurality of terminals 40. More specifically, the board connector 30 has six terminals 40. Three terminals 40 are arranged on one side of the board connector 30, and the remaining three terminals are arranged on the other side of the board connector 30. The lengths of each part of each terminal 40 may be different. For example, in the arrangement of three terminals 40, the length of the connecting portion 43 may be shorter for the terminals located closer to the center.

[0046] Terminal 50 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. Terminal 50 is formed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate such as copper. Terminal 50 may be a signal terminal, or it may be a terminal for supplying power at a lower voltage than terminal 40.

[0047] The terminal 50 has an outer connection portion 52, a board-side connection portion 54, and a connecting portion 53 located between the outer connection portion 52 and the board-side connection portion 54.

[0048] The outer connection portion 52 is housed within the housing 32 in a parallel position to the outer connection portion 42 and is the portion used for connecting to the terminals of the mating external connector.

[0049] The substrate-side connection portion 54 extends in a direction intersecting the outer connection portion 52. Here, the substrate-side connection portion 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer connection portion 52. The substrate-side connection portion 54 is positioned parallel to the substrate-side connection portion 44 and is fixed to the substrate 16 in the same manner as the substrate-side connection portion 44.

[0050] The connecting portion 53 connects the outer connecting portion 52 and the substrate-side connecting portion 54, and changes the angle of the substrate-side connecting portion 54 with respect to the outer connecting portion 52. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 53 is inclined to form an obtuse angle with respect to both the outer connecting portion 52 and the substrate-side connecting portion 54. The connecting portion 53 may or may not be parallel to the connecting portion 43.

[0051] In this embodiment, the board connector 30 has a plurality of terminals 50. More specifically, the board connector 30 has two terminals 50. The two terminals 50 are arranged between the left and right rows of terminals 40. The lengths of each part of each terminal 50 may be different. For example, in the relationship between the two adjacent terminals 50, the length of the outer connecting portion 52 of the terminal located further inside may be longer.

[0052] The housing 32 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and is shaped to hold the outer connecting parts 42, 52 with the connecting parts 43, 53 and the substrate-side connecting parts 44, 54 extending outward.

[0053] More specifically, the housing 32 comprises a housing body 34 and a mounting piece 36.

[0054] The housing body 34 is formed in a shape that holds the external connection portions 42 and 52. More specifically, the housing body 34 has cavities 34a that separately house a plurality of external connection portions 42. One opening of the cavity 34a opens to the outside of the housing 12, and the other opening of the cavity 34a opens to the inside of the housing 12. A partition may be formed in the middle of the cavity 34a in the extending direction, and the substrate-side connection portion 44 may penetrate the partition. In this embodiment, three cavities 34a are formed on each of the left and right sides of the housing 32 so as to be arranged vertically.

[0055] The housing 32 has a cavity 34b that houses a plurality of external connection parts 52 together. One opening of the cavity 34b opens to the outside of the housing 12, and the other opening of the cavity 34b opens to the inside of the housing 12. A partition may be formed in the middle of the cavity 34b in the extending direction, and the substrate-side connection part 54 may pass through the partition. In this embodiment, the cavity 34b is formed in the center of the housing 32. It is preferable that the plurality of terminals 50 are held by passing through the partition so that the plurality of terminals 50 are supported while being separated from each other.

[0056] The housing 32 is formed with an outer shape that allows it to be positioned through the opening 14 of the enclosure 12.

[0057] The mounting piece 36 protrudes around the housing body 34. For example, the mounting piece 36 is formed as a plate that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the cavities 34a and 34b between the openings of the cavities 34a and 34b within the housing body 34. The mounting piece 36 may be partially formed around the housing body 34 or it may be formed around the entire housing body 34. In this embodiment, the mounting piece 36 is formed as a rectangular annular plate that protrudes from the entire perimeter of the housing body 34. This makes it easier to improve the waterproof performance between the housing 32 and the enclosure 12.

[0058] Screw insertion holes 36h are formed in the mounting piece 36. For example, screw insertion holes 36h are formed in each of the four corners of the mounting piece 36.

[0059] The mounting piece 36 is formed in a shape that extends larger than the opening 14. With the housing body 34 positioned through the opening 14, the mounting piece 36 can contact the outer surface of the housing 12 around the opening 14. In this state, a screw hole is formed in the housing 12 at a position corresponding to the screw insertion hole 36h. The mounting piece 36 is fixed to the housing 12 by screwing the screw S through the screw insertion hole 36h into the screw hole of the housing 12, thereby fixing the board connector 30 to the housing 12. In this state, the board-side connection parts 44 and 54 extending from the housing 32 are fixed to the board 16 by the housing 12.

[0060] The mounting piece 36 may be omitted.

[0061] The housing 32 may have a shield 38 made of metal or the like. The shield 38 may be formed, for example, to surround the outer connection parts 42 and 52. If the housing 12 is made of metal, the shield 38 may extend outwards from the outer circumference of the housing body 34 or inside the mounting piece 36 to a position where it can contact the housing 12. This allows the shield 38 to be grounded via the housing 12. By providing the shield 38 to the housing 32, noise shielding performance can be obtained.

[0062] The connecting portions 43 and 53 extend from the back of the housing body 34 toward the inside of the housing 12, while being inclined relative to the outer connecting portions 42 and 52. The board-side connecting portions 44 and 54 extend from the ends of the connecting portions 43 and 53 on the housing 12 side toward the same direction perpendicular to the outer connecting portions 42 and 52. In the direction of extension of the board-side connecting portions 44 and 54, the board-side connecting portions 44 and 54 are located at the same position and can be connected to the board 16 all at once.

[0063] Furthermore, the multiple board-side connection portions 44 and 54 are arranged in a line with spacing between them. Here, on each of the left and right sides, three board-side connection portions 44 are arranged along the extending direction of the outer connection portion 42. In addition, two board-side connection portions 54 are arranged between the left and right rows of board-side connection portions 44, along the extending direction of the outer connection portion 52.

[0064] In other words, the six board-side connection points 44 are positioned so as to be aligned in the outermost rows of the 3x3 grid points, and the two board-side connection points 54 are positioned in the central row of the 3x3 grid points, excluding the grid point positions furthest from the housing body 34.

[0065] The auxiliary member 60 has a pair of protective plates 70. The pair of protective plates 70 cover the connecting portions 43, 53 of the multiple terminals 40, 50 together from both sides. In this embodiment, the pair of protective plates 70 cover the connecting portions 43, 53 from both directions that intersect with a virtual plane through which the outer connecting portions 42, 52, the connecting portions 43, 53 and the substrate-side connecting portions 44, 54 pass.

[0066] When viewed along the direction in which the outer connection portions 42 and 52 extend, it can be said that the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 are located between the pair of protective plates 70, and that the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 extend along the inner surface of the pair of protective plates 70.

[0067] The connecting portions 43 and 53 are located between the pair of protective plates 70. When viewed along the direction connecting the pair of protective plates 70, the connecting portions 43 and 53 are positioned so as to be hidden by the protective plates 70. The portions of the outer connecting portions 42 and 52 that are connected to the connecting portions 43 and 53 are also located between the pair of protective plates 70. Therefore, when inserting the board connector 30 into the opening 14, the protective plates 70 come into contact with the inner surface of the opening 14 before the connecting portions 43 and 53 come into contact with the inner surface of the opening 14. This prevents the connecting portions 43 and 53 from coming into contact with the inner surface of the opening 14, thus protecting the connecting portions 43 and 53.

[0068] Each of the pair of protective plates 70 has a guide edge 70F that guides the auxiliary member 60. The guide edge 70F is an edge that contacts the inner surface of the opening 14 and guides the auxiliary member 60 when the substrate-side connecting portions 44, 54 and connecting portions 43, 53 are inserted into the opening 14. In this respect, the protective plate also functions as a guide plate. The guide edge 70F may be in line contact with the inner surface of the opening 14 or in surface contact. The guide edge 70F is formed in a position that prevents the substrate-side connecting portions 44, 54 and connecting portions 43, 53 from contacting the inner surface of the opening 14 when in contact with the inner surface of the opening 14.

[0069] More specifically, the guide edge 70F is formed as an inclined edge that slopes toward the tip side of the substrate-side connection portions 44, 54 in the direction of extension of the connecting portions 43, 53 and the substrate-side connection portions 44, 54 to the housing body 34. When viewed along the direction connecting the pair of protective plates 70, the guide edge 70F may be parallel to the connecting portion 43. Also, when viewed along the direction connecting the pair of protective plates 70, it is preferable that the guide edge 70F be located outside the longest connecting portion 43.

[0070] If the guide edge 70F is an inclined edge, the protruding length of the tips of the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 relative to the guide edge 70F can be reduced. This makes it less likely for the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 14.

[0071] In this embodiment, the protective plate 70 has a plate shape in which a rectangular extension is continuous on one side of a right triangle and a rectangular extension is continuous on the other side. The rectangular extension on one side extends toward the housing body 34 and covers the connection between the outer connection parts 42, 52 and the connecting parts 43, 53. The rectangular extension on the other side covers the portion of the substrate-side connection parts 44, 54 that is connected to the connecting parts 43, 53.

[0072] The auxiliary member 60 is held by the housing 32, for example, by the following configuration: A fixed intermediate piece 62 extends between the edges of the rectangular extension portion on one side that are on the substrate side connection portion 44, 54. A pair of locking pieces 63 and a fixed guide piece 64 are provided protruding inward from the fixed intermediate piece 62 (see Figure 5). The pair of locking pieces 63 are formed in an elongated shape, with locking projections 63a formed at their tips. The fixed guide piece 64 is formed in a shape in which a pair of side walls 64b extend from both side edges of the intermediate plate 64a in a direction perpendicular to the intermediate plate 64a.

[0073] A guide receiving recess 34g into which the fixing guide piece 64 fits is formed in the portion of the housing body 34 that protrudes toward the housing 12. A pair of locking receiving portions 34p are also formed to prevent the pair of locking pieces 63 from coming loose. The pair of locking pieces 63 and the fixing guide piece 64 are pushed toward the guide receiving recess 34g and the pair of locking receiving portions 34p along the extending direction of the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54. As a result, the fixing guide piece 64 fits into the guide receiving recess 34g, and the pair of locking pieces 63 are locked toward the pair of locking receiving portions 34p, thereby fixing the auxiliary member 60 to the housing 32.

[0074] The fixing structure for the auxiliary member to the housing is not limited to the above example. A part of the protective plate may fit into a recess in the housing, thereby fixing the auxiliary member to the housing. The auxiliary member may also be fixed to the housing by screws, welding, or adhesive.

[0075] Furthermore, the auxiliary member 60 has an alignment plate 80 that holds the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 in a penetrating state.

[0076] The alignment plate 80 is positioned between the pair of protective plates 70. More specifically, the alignment plate 80 is formed as a plate that extends between the leading edge of the extended rectangular portion of the hypotenuse of the other protective plate 70. The alignment plate 80 is connected to the fixed intermediate piece 62 via a step.

[0077] The alignment plate 80 has multiple through holes 81 and 83 through which the respective board-side connection portions 44 and 54 of the multiple terminals 40 and 50 pass.

[0078] An elongated through-hole 81 is formed in the alignment plate 80 at a position corresponding to the substrate-side connection portion 44, and a round through-hole 83 is formed at a position corresponding to the substrate-side connection portion 54. In this case, the alignment plate 80 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, with three through-holes 81 arranged in a row on each of the left and right sides. In addition, two through-holes 83 are formed in a row in the center of the width direction of the alignment plate 80.

[0079] More specifically, the six through-holes 81 are positioned in the outermost rows of the 3x3 grid points, and the two through-holes 83 are located on the two grid points closer to the housing body 34 in the central row of the 3x3 grid points.

[0080] Furthermore, each of the multiple substrate-side connection parts 44 is positioned to pass through the corresponding through-hole 81, and each of the multiple substrate-side connection parts 54 is positioned to pass through the through-hole 83. This makes it easier to maintain the multiple substrate-side connection parts 44 and the multiple substrate-side connection parts 54 in a predetermined arrangement, and makes it easier to insert them all at once into the through-hole 16h formed in the substrate 16.

[0081] The through holes 81 and 83 may be set to a size that allows the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 to be press-fitted. Alternatively, the through holes 81 and 83 may be set to a size that allows the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 to be loosely inserted, to the extent that they can be held in place without interfering with the insertion of the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 into the through-hole 16h.

[0082] As described above, the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 are inserted into the through holes 81 and 83. In order to further improve the insulation between terminals 40 and 50, it is required to increase the creepage distance between the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 in the alignment plate 80.

[0083] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the alignment plate 80 is configured as follows in order to increase the creepage distance.

[0084] In other words, the alignment plate 80 is located between a plurality of through holes 81 and 83, and has protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b formed thereon that increase the creepage distance between the substrate-side connecting portions 44 and 54 that penetrate through each of the plurality of through holes 81 and 83.

[0085] The protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b are portions that protrude from either the main surface of the alignment plate 80. The protrusion of the protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b from the alignment plate 80 increases the creepage distance between the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 compared to the case where the protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b are absent.

[0086] The protrusions 86a and 88a are opening periphery protrusions formed along the edge of the through hole 81. The through hole 81 is an elongated rectangular through hole, and the protrusions 86a and 88a are formed in an elongated rectangular convex shape. Protrusion 86a is formed on the inner surface, which is one main surface of the alignment plate 80. Protrusion 88a is formed on the outer surface, which is the other main surface of the alignment plate 80. Thus, protrusions 86a and 88a are formed on both sides of the alignment plate 80.

[0087] The projection 86a has a guide surface 86ag that guides the substrate-side connection portion 44 toward the through hole 81. The guide surface 86ag is shaped to gradually narrow from the outside to the inside, in this case, like the top of the outer surface of a square pyramid has been cut off. This guide surface 86ag guides the substrate-side connection portion 44 toward the center of the through hole 81, and the substrate-side connection portion 44 is smoothly inserted into the through hole 81.

[0088] The projection 88a has a hole of the same size that is continuous with the through hole 81. It can also be seen that the length of the through hole 81 is increased by the projection dimension of the projection 88a. Therefore, the substrate-side connection portion 44 is also held through by the projection 88a, and the substrate-side connection portion 44 is held more securely.

[0089] The protrusions 86b and 88b are opening periphery protrusions formed along the edge of the through hole 83. The through hole 83 is a circular through hole, and the protrusions 86b and 88b are formed in a short cylindrical convex shape. The protrusion 86b is formed on the inner surface, which is one of the main surfaces of the alignment plate 80. The protrusion 88b is formed on the outer surface, which is the other main surface of the alignment plate 80. Thus, the protrusions 86a and 88b are formed on both sides of the alignment plate 80.

[0090] The projection 86b has a guide surface 86bg that guides the substrate-side connection portion 54 toward the through hole 83. The guide surface 86bg is formed in a shape that gradually narrows from the outside toward the inside, in this case, in a tapered shape. This guide surface 86bg guides the substrate-side connection portion 54 toward the center of the through hole 83, and the substrate-side connection portion 54 is smoothly inserted into the through hole 83.

[0091] The projection 88b has a hole of the same size that is continuous with the through hole 83. It can also be seen that the length of the through hole 83 is increased by the projection dimension of the projection 88b. Therefore, the substrate-side connection portion 54 is also held through by the projection 88b, and the substrate-side connection portion 54 is held more securely.

[0092] The protrusions 85 and 87 are intermediate protrusions located between the multiple through holes 81 and 83, separated from the multiple through holes 81 and 83. Protrusion 85 is formed on the inner surface, which is one main surface of the alignment plate 80. Protrusion 87 is formed on the outer surface, which is the other main surface of the alignment plate 80. Thus, protrusions 85 and 87 are formed on both sides of the alignment plate 80.

[0093] The projection 85 is a lattice-shaped projection formed on the inner surface of the alignment plate 80, dividing the multiple through holes 81 and 83. More specifically, the projection 85 is formed by two vertical ridges and two horizontal ridges intersecting each other at right angles. The projection 85 passes through the middle of the through holes 81 and 83, preferably through the center of the through holes 81 and 83. Partitions are formed by the projection 85 passing through vertically and horizontally, with the through hole 81 or through hole 83 located in the center of these partitions. The projection 85 protrudes more than 86a and 86b, but this is not essential.

[0094] The projection 87 is a projection formed in a grid pattern on the outer surface of the alignment plate 80, dividing the multiple through holes 81 and 83. More specifically, the projection 87 is formed by two vertical ridges and two horizontal ridges intersecting each other at right angles. The projection 87 passes through the middle of the through holes 81 and 83, preferably through the center of the through holes 81 and 83. Partitions are formed by the projection 87 passing through vertically and horizontally, and the through hole 81 or through hole 83 is located in the center of these partitions. The projection 87 has the same projection length as 88a and 88b, but this is not essential. When the alignment plate 80 is viewed through, the projection 85 and projection 87 are formed in the same position, but this is not essential.

[0095] The tips of the board-side connection portion 44 and the board-side connection portion 54 protrude from the alignment plate 80 and are located outside the pair of protective plates 70. Therefore, when inserting the board connector 30 into the opening 14, it is desirable to ensure that the tips of the board-side connection portion 44 and the board-side connection portion 54 do not come into contact with the opening 14.

[0096] The guide edge 70F serves to guide the board connector 30 so that the parts of the board-side connection portion 44 and the board-side connection portion 54 that protrude from the alignment plate 80 do not come into contact with the opening 14.

[0097] An example of inserting the above-mentioned circuit board connector 30 into the opening 14 will be described below.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the opening 14 is assumed to have a first inner surface portion 14F1 and a second inner surface portion 14F2 that is spaced apart from and opposite to the first inner surface portion 14F1. A space is provided between the first inner surface portion 14F1 and the second inner surface portion 14F2 in which the housing body 34 can be placed. The first inner surface portion 14F1 and the second inner surface portion 14F2 are assumed to have planar portions.

[0099] When the board connector 30 is fixed to the housing 12, first, as shown in Figure 9, the board-side connection parts 44, 54, connecting parts 43, 53 and auxiliary member 60 are inserted into the opening 14. At this time, the guide edges 70F of the pair of protective plates 70 are pressed against the first inner surface portion 14F1. At this time, the guide edges 70F are pressed against the first inner surface portion 14F1 so that the direction in which the guide edges 70F extend is aligned with the first inner surface portion 14F1. As shown in Figure 10, the board connector 30 is then pushed toward the housing 12.

[0100] As the guide edge 70F is pressed against the first inner surface portion 14F1, the board connector 30 is inserted into the opening 14 while the guide edge 70F and the first inner surface portion 14F1 remain parallel. Therefore, the portions of the board-side connection parts 44 and 54 that protrude from the alignment plate 80 can pass through a stable position relative to the opening 14. As a result, the board-side connection parts 44 and 54 are less likely to come into contact with the opening 14.

[0101] Here, let W be the distance between the first inner portion 14F1 and the second inner portion 14F2. It is preferable that the maximum protrusion length A of the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 relative to the guide edge 70F is smaller than the above distance W. The maximum protrusion length A of the substrate-side connection portion 44 relative to the guide edge 70F is the maximum protrusion length of the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 relative to the plane through which the two guide edges 70F pass, in a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane through which the two guide edges 70F pass. Focusing on one substrate-side connection portion 44 or 54, the tip of the substrate-side connection portion 44 or 54 is the part that protrudes the most. In the relationship between multiple substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54, if the protrusion lengths of the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 from the alignment plate 80 are the same, then the protrusion length of the one closest to the housing body 34 among the multiple substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 is the maximum protrusion length.

[0102] By making the maximum protrusion length A smaller than the distance W, contact between the substrate-side connection parts 44 and 54 and the second inner surface part 14F2 is more reliably suppressed.

[0103] When the circuit board side connection parts 44, 54, connecting parts 43, 53 and auxiliary member 60 are inserted into the opening 14, the mounting piece 36 will eventually come into contact with the outer surface of the housing 12, as shown in Figure 10. If the circuit board connector 30 is then pushed inward towards the housing 12, the circuit board connector 30 will rotate around the point of contact between the mounting piece 36 and the housing 12, as shown in Figure 11.

[0104] In this case, in order to prevent the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 from coming into contact with the opening 14, it is preferable that the portions of the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 that extend from the auxiliary member 60 pass through the opening 14 and enter the housing 12.

[0105] To achieve this, in the extending direction of the protective plate 70, the minimum distance B between the portion of the substrate-side connection portion 44, 54 that extends from the auxiliary member 60 (in this case, the alignment plate 80) and the mounting piece 36 should exceed the thickness D of the inner circumferential surface of the opening 14. Focusing on one substrate-side connection portion 44, 54, the minimum distance B is the distance between the base of the portion of the substrate-side connection portion 44, 54 that protrudes from the alignment plate 80 and the surface of the mounting piece 36 that faces the housing 12. In the relationship between multiple substrate-side connection portions 44, 54, the minimum distance B is the distance between the substrate-side connection portion 44, 54 that is closest to the housing body 34 and the surface of the mounting piece 36 that faces the housing 12.

[0106] When the circuit board connector 30 rotates around the contact point between the mounting piece 36 and the housing 12, the mounting piece 36 comes into contact with the outer surface of the housing 12 around the opening 14. In this state, the mounting piece 36 is fixed to the housing 12 using the screw S, thereby fixing the circuit board connector 30 to the housing 12.

[0107] The board-side connection parts 44 and 54 may be fixed to the board 16 before or after fixing the board connector 30 to the housing 12.

[0108] It should be noted that the formation of the guide edge 70F is not mandatory. Furthermore, it is not mandatory for the board connector 30 to include a pair of protective plates 70.

[0109] With the board connector 30 and electrical equipment 10 configured as described above, the alignment plate 80 has protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b located between the multiple through holes 81 and 83, which increase the creepage distance between the board-side connection parts 44 and 54. As a result, the creepage distance between the board-side connection parts 44 and 54 that pass through each of the multiple through holes 81 and 83 is increased. This further improves the insulation between the terminals 40 and 50.

[0110] Furthermore, the protrusions 86a, 86b, 88a, and 88b are opening edge protrusions formed along the edges of the through holes 81 and 83, and these protrusions 86a, 86b, 88a, and 88b can increase the creepage distance.

[0111] The protrusions 86a and 86b, which are examples of opening periphery protrusions, have guide surfaces 86ag and 86bg that guide the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 toward the through holes 81 and 83. These guide surfaces 86ag and 86bg make it easier to insert the substrate-side connection portions 44 and 54 into the through holes 81 and 83.

[0112] Furthermore, the protrusions 85 and 87 are intermediate protrusions located between the multiple through holes 81 and 83, and these protrusions 85 and 87 can increase the creepage distance.

[0113] The use of both the peripheral opening projection and the intermediate projection increases the creepage distance.

[0114] Furthermore, protrusions 85, 86a, and 86b are formed on the inner surface of the alignment plate 80, and protrusions 87, 88a, and 88b are formed on the outer surface. Therefore, the creepage distance can be increased on both sides of the alignment plate 80.

[0115] Furthermore, the board-side connection portions 44 and 54 of each of the multiple terminals 40 and 50 extend in a direction that intersects with the outer connection portions 42 and 52. This makes it easier to insert and connect the board-side connection portions 44 and 54 into the through-holes 16h of the board 16 that intersect with the outer connection portions 42. When the board-side connection portions 44 and 54 extend in a direction that intersects with the outer connection portions 42 and 52, their positions tend to become distorted. In such cases, the alignment plate 80 makes it easier to keep the multiple board-side connection portions 44 and 54 in a fixed position.

[0116] Furthermore, since the auxiliary member 60 has a pair of protective plates 70, the terminals 40 and 50 can be protected by the pair of protective plates 70.

[0117] Furthermore, this electrical device 10 provides an electrical device 10 in which the creepage distance of terminals 40 and 50 is large and the insulation between terminals 40 and 50 is improved.

[0118] The positions and shapes of the protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b are not limited to the above examples.

[0119] The PCB connector 30 does not need to have all of the protrusions 85, 86a, 86b, 87, 88a, and 88b. The protrusions may be formed only on one side of the alignment plate. Alternatively, the protrusions may be formed only around the through holes, or only between multiple through holes.

[0120] It is not mandatory for the PCB connector 30 to have both terminals 40 and 50. The PCB connector may include multiple terminals, and at least one of these terminals may be a power terminal. For example, terminal 50 may be omitted in the PCB connector 30.

[0121] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 10 Electrical equipment 12 cabinets 14 Aperture 14F1 1st inner part 14F2 2nd inner surface part 16 circuit boards 16 holes through 30 PCB connectors 32 Housing 34 Housing body 34a, 34b cavities 34g guide recess 34p Locking part 36 Mounting piece 36h Screw insertion hole 38 Shields 40, 50 terminals 42, 52 Outer connection 43, 53 Connection part 44, 54 Circuit board side connection part 60 Auxiliary member 62 Fixed intermediate piece 63 Locking piece 63a Locking protrusion 64 Fixed guide piece 64a Intermediate plate 64b side wall 70 Protection plate 70F Guide Edge 80 Alignment Plate 81, 83 Through holes 85, 87 Protrusions (intermediate protrusions) 86a, 86b, 88a, 88b Protrusions (Protrusions around the opening) 86ag, 86bg guide surface A Maximum protrusion length B Minimum interval D Thickness S screw W distance

Claims

1. A connector for circuit boards that is mounted on a circuit board, A plurality of terminals each having an outer connection portion, a board-side connection portion, and a connecting portion located between the outer connection portion and the board-side connection portion, A housing that holds the outer connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals, with the connecting portion and the board-side connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals extending outward, The housing provides an auxiliary member supported on the side from which the connecting portion and the substrate-side connecting portion extend, Equipped with, At least one of the aforementioned plurality of terminals is a power terminal, The auxiliary member includes an alignment plate having a plurality of through holes through which the substrate-side connection portions of the plurality of terminals each pass, The alignment plate has protrusions located between the plurality of through holes, which increase the creepage distance between the substrate-side connecting portions that penetrate each of the plurality of through holes. The projection includes an intermediate projection that is separated from the plurality of through holes and located between the plurality of through holes, The intermediate projection is a grid-like projection that divides the plurality of through holes, in a connector for a circuit board.

2. A connector for a circuit board according to claim 1, The aforementioned projection includes an opening periphery projection formed along the edge of the through hole, wherein the connector is for a substrate.

3. A connector for a circuit board according to claim 2, The aforementioned opening peripheral projection has a guide surface that guides the substrate-side connection portion toward the through-hole, thereby forming a connector for a substrate.

4. A substrate connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned protrusions are connectors for circuit boards, formed on both sides of the alignment plate.

5. A substrate connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A circuit board connector in which the circuit board-side connection portion of each of the plurality of terminals extends in a direction intersecting the outer connection portion.

6. A substrate connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The auxiliary member is a circuit board connector having a pair of protective plates that cover the connecting portions of the plurality of terminals from both sides.

7. A circuit board connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A housing having an opening, The circuit board housed within the aforementioned housing, Equipped with, The aforementioned connector for the circuit board is fixed to the housing in a state where it passes through the opening. An electrical device in which the circuit board-side connection portion extending from the housing is fixed to the circuit board within the housing.

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