Connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

This connector can minimize misalignment between the terminal and the circuit board terminal. [Solution] The connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30 housed inside the case 20 along a downward Z2 direction. The connector 50 has a housing 51 and terminals that are held by the housing 51 and electrically connected to board-side terminals 40 fixed to the circuit board 30. The housing 51 has a housing body 52 having terminal housing holes 53 for housing the terminals inside, and a fixing projection 60 that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is inserted into a fixing hole 33 provided in the circuit board 30. The housing 51 also has a positioning projection 65 that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is inserted into a positioning hole 34 provided in the circuit board 30.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a connector assembly mounted on a vehicle includes a case, a circuit board housed inside the case, a board-side terminal fixed to the circuit board, a hood portion attached to the case and surrounding the board-side terminal, and a connector fitted to the hood portion. The connector has a housing and terminals held in the housing. When the housing of the connector is fitted to the hood portion, the terminals of the connector and the board-side terminals are electrically connected.

[0003] Note that, as prior arts related to the above conventional technology, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the above connector assembly, it is desired to suppress misalignment between the terminals of the connector and the board-side terminals. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly capable of suppressing misalignment between the terminals and the board-side terminals.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure is assembled in a first direction to a circuit board housed inside a case, and comprises a housing and a terminal held by the housing and electrically connected to a board-side terminal fixed to the circuit board, wherein the housing comprises a housing body having a terminal housing hole for housing the terminal inside, a fixing projection protruding from the housing body toward the first direction and inserted into a fixing hole provided in the circuit board, and a positioning projection protruding from the housing body toward the first direction and inserted into a positioning hole provided in the circuit board. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector of this disclosure has the effect of suppressing misalignment between the terminal and the board-side terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Figure 4). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a part of a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment (a cross-sectional view along the line 7-7 in Figure 4). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure is assembled in a first direction to a circuit board housed inside a case, and comprises a housing and a terminal held in the housing and electrically connected to a board-side terminal fixed to the circuit board, wherein the housing comprises a housing body having a terminal housing hole for housing the terminal inside, a fixing projection protruding from the housing body toward the first direction and inserted into a fixing hole provided in the circuit board, and a positioning projection protruding from the housing body toward the first direction and inserted into a positioning hole provided in the circuit board.

[0010] In this configuration, fixing protrusions of the housing are inserted into fixing holes provided in the circuit board. This allows the housing to be fixed to the circuit board. Also, positioning protrusions of the housing are inserted into positioning holes provided in the circuit board. This allows the housing to be positioned relative to the circuit board. In this way, positioning holes are provided in the circuit board itself to which the board-side terminals are fixed, and positioning protrusions are inserted into these positioning holes. Therefore, compared to the case where the positioning holes are provided in a separate component from the circuit board (for example, the case), the amount of misalignment between the positioning holes and the board-side terminals can be kept small. This allows the amount of misalignment between the positioning protrusions inserted into the positioning holes and the board-side terminals to be kept small. Consequently, the amount of misalignment between the terminals held by the housing with positioning protrusions and the board-side terminals can be kept small.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the housing has two fixing protrusions and two positioning protrusions, the housing body is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the two fixing protrusions are provided at two diagonally opposite corners of the housing body, and the two positioning protrusions may be provided at the remaining two corners of the housing body where the fixing protrusions are not provided.

[0012] According to this configuration, two fixing protrusions are provided at diagonal positions of the rectangular parallelepiped housing body, and two positioning protrusions are provided at diagonal positions of the housing body. Thereby, when the connector is assembled to the circuit board, the circuit board can be held at four corner portions of the housing body. Therefore, the connector can be stably fixed to the circuit board.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], each of the two positioning protrusions may be formed in an L shape along each of the remaining two corner portions. According to this configuration, two positioning protrusions formed in an L shape are provided at diagonal positions of the connector body. By these two positioning protrusions, the positioning of the connector with respect to the circuit board can be suitably performed.

[0014] [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], the tip of the positioning protrusion may be provided at a position facing the first direction from the tip of the fixing protrusion. According to this configuration, when the connector is assembled to the circuit board along the first direction, the tip of the positioning protrusion can be inserted into the positioning hole of the circuit board prior to the tip of the fixing protrusion. Thereby, with the positioning by the insertion of the positioning protrusion into the positioning hole, the fixing protrusion can be inserted into the fixing hole.

[0015] [5] In the above [4], a guiding surface may be provided at the tip of the positioning protrusion, the positioning protrusion being formed to become thinner as it faces the tip surface of the positioning protrusion.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning hole of the circuit board, the positioning protrusion is guided into the inside of the positioning hole along the guiding surface provided at its tip. Thereby, the positioning protrusion can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the positioning hole.

[0017] [6] In any one of [1] to [5] above, the fixing protrusion has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided at intervals along a first axis intersecting the first direction. The first engaging portion includes a first flexing piece that protrudes from the housing body in the first direction and is capable of flexing and deforming toward the second engaging portion, and a first engaging protrusion that protrudes along the first axis from the tip of the first flexing piece. The second engaging portion includes a second flexing piece that protrudes from the housing body in the first direction and is capable of flexing and deforming toward the first engaging portion, and a second engaging protrusion that protrudes along the first axis from the tip of the second flexing piece. The first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion protrude in opposite directions from each other, and the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion may be formed to be engageable with the end face of the circuit board in the first direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, by using the snap-fit method that utilizes the flexing deformation of the first flexing piece and the second flexing piece, the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion can be suitably engaged with the end face of the circuit board in the first direction. When the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion are engaged with the end face of the circuit board in the first direction, the connector can be suitably fixed to the circuit board. At this time, since the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion are formed to protrude in opposite directions from each other, the connector can be stably fixed to the circuit board as compared with the case where it is fixed by one engaging protrusion.

[0019] [7] In [6] above, the housing has a recess that is recessed from the end face of the housing body in the first direction. The recess is formed so as to notch the side surface of the housing body. The recess is provided adjacent to the fixing protrusion on the first axis, and the recess may be a space for operating to bring the first flexing piece and the second flexing piece closer to each other. [[ID=IO]]

[0020] In this configuration, a recess formed by cutting out the side of the housing body is provided adjacent to the fixing projection. The first and second flexible pieces can be manipulated to move closer to each other through this recess. As a result, after assembling the connector to the circuit board, the engagement between the first and second engaging projections and the end face of the circuit board in the first direction can be released by manipulating the first and second flexible pieces to move closer to each other. Consequently, the connector can be removed from the circuit board.

[0021] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the housing has a restricting portion that protrudes from the housing body toward the first direction and engages with the end face of the circuit board in the first opposite direction, which is opposite to the first direction, and the tip of the restricting portion may be located in the first opposite direction than the tip of the positioning projection.

[0022] In this configuration, a restricting portion is provided on the housing that engages with the first opposite end face of the circuit board. This restricting portion can regulate the amount of insertion of the fixing projection into the fixing hole and the amount of insertion of the positioning projection into the positioning hole.

[0023] [9] The connector assembly of the present disclosure comprises the connector described in any of [1] to [8] above, the case, the circuit board having the fixing holes and the positioning holes, and the board-side terminals.

[0024] This configuration allows for the same effect as the connector described in [1] above.

[10] In the above [9], the case does not have a hood portion into which the connector is fitted, and has an opening that exposes a connector mounting area on the circuit board into which the connector is mounted, and the opening may be formed to surround the connector mounting area.

[0025] With this configuration, since the case does not have a hood, the structure of the connector assembly can be simplified compared to when a hood is provided. Also, there is no need to consider the misalignment between the hood and the terminals on the circuit board. Therefore, the amount of misalignment between the connector terminals and the terminals on the circuit board can be kept small compared to when the connector is mated to the hood.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the connectors and connector assemblies of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for ease of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. As used in this specification, "cylindrical" includes not only those with a continuous circumferential wall formed around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts, and those having a cutout or the like in the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape. The shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, "opposing" means that faces or members are facing each other. In this specification, "opposing" includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "opposing" includes both cases where another member is interposed between the two parts, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" used herein are merely for distinguishing objects and do not rank them. Each drawing illustrates a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z perpendicular to both the first axis X and the second axis Y. The drawing also illustrates a forward direction X1, which is one direction along the first axis X, and a backward direction X2, which is the other direction along the first axis X and the opposite direction to the forward direction X1. The drawing also illustrates an upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the other direction along the third axis Z and the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is shown in the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0027] (Overall structure) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector assembly 10 includes a case 20 and a circuit board 30. As shown in Figure 2, the connector assembly 10 includes a board-side terminal 40 and a connector 50. The connector assembly 10 is mounted, for example, in a vehicle. The connector assembly 10 can be used, for example, in a control unit mounted in a vehicle.

[0028] (Configuration of Case 20) As shown in Figure 3, the case 20 is formed to house the circuit board 30 inside. The case 20 is formed, for example, in the shape of a box. The case 20 holds the circuit board 30 inside the case 20 by a retaining structure (not shown).

[0029] The case 20 has an opening 21. The opening 21 is formed to communicate the inside and outside of the case 20. As shown in Figure 2, the opening 21 is formed to expose the connector mounting area R1 on the circuit board 30 where the connector 50 is mounted. The opening 21 is formed to expose the entire connector mounting area R1. In a plan view seen downward Z2, the opening 21 is formed to surround the connector mounting area R1. The opening 21 is formed to expose one connector mounting area R1 as a whole.

[0030] (Configuration of circuit board 30) The circuit board 30 is formed in a flat plate shape. The circuit board 30 has a connector mounting area R1. The connector mounting area R1 has a terminal area to which a plurality of board-side terminals 40 are fixed, and an outer peripheral area surrounding the terminal area. The terminal area has a plurality of (26 in this embodiment) through holes 31 through which each of the board-side terminals 40 passes. The plurality of through holes 31 are arranged in a 2 × 13 matrix in a plan view taken downward Z2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, each through-hole 31 is formed to penetrate the circuit board 30 along the third axis Z. A conductive portion 32 is provided on the inner circumference of each through-hole 31. The conductive portion 32 extends along the third axis Z.

[0032] A substrate-side terminal 40 is press-fitted into each through-hole 31. The substrate-side terminal 40 is, for example, a press-fit terminal. The substrate-side terminal 40 is electrically connected to the conductive part 32. The substrate-side terminal 40 is formed to protrude upward Z1 from the end face of the circuit board 30 in the upward direction Z1, and downward Z2 from the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the outer periphery of the connector mounting area R1 is provided with one or more (two in this embodiment) fixing holes 33 and one or more (two in this embodiment) positioning holes 34. The two fixing holes 33 are located at diagonal positions in the substantially rectangular connector mounting area R1. The two positioning holes 34 are located at diagonal positions different from those where the fixing holes 33 are located in the substantially rectangular connector mounting area R1. That is, the two fixing holes 33 are located on the first diagonal of the connector mounting area R1 in a plan view looking downward Z2. The two positioning holes 34 are located on a second diagonal different from the first diagonal of the connector mounting area R1 in a plan view looking downward Z2.

[0034] Each fixing hole 33 is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, in a plan view taken downwards Z2, with the length of the first axis X being longer than the second axis Y. Each fixing hole 33 is formed to penetrate the circuit board 30 along the third axis Z.

[0035] Each positioning hole 34 is formed in an L-shape, for example, in a plan view taken downwards in Z2. Each positioning hole 34 is formed in an L-shape along the corners of the substantially rectangular connector mounting area R1. Each positioning hole 34 is formed to penetrate the circuit board 30 along the third axis Z.

[0036] Note that in Figure 4, the connector 50 is omitted from the illustration for the sake of simplicity. (Configuration of connector 50) As shown in Figure 3, the connector 50 has a housing 51 and a plurality of terminals 70 held in the housing 51. The connector 50 is a board connector that connects to a circuit board 30. The connector 50 is a female connector that connects to a board-side terminal 40, which is a male terminal fixed to the circuit board 30.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the housing 51 has a housing body 52, a fixing projection 60, a positioning projection 65, and a restricting portion 67. The housing 51 is a single component in which the housing body 52, the fixing projection 60, the positioning projection 65, and the restricting portion 67 are integrally formed. The housing 51 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0038] The housing body 52 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The housing body 52 has a plurality of terminal housing holes 53. Each terminal housing hole 53 is formed to penetrate the housing body 52 along the third axis Z.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the multiple terminal housing holes 53 are provided so as to face each of the multiple substrate-side terminals 40. In a plan view taken downwards in Z2, the multiple terminal housing holes 53 are arranged in a 2 × 13 matrix. More specifically, thirteen terminal housing holes 53 are arranged in a row along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing 51, and two are arranged in a row along the second axis Y.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, each terminal housing hole 53 is formed such that the size of the hole decreases at the end in the downward direction Z2. An engaging projection 54 is provided on the inner surface of each terminal housing hole 53, projecting inward from the inner surface. The engaging projection 54 protrudes from the inner surface of the terminal housing hole 53 along the second axis Y.

[0041] A terminal 70 is housed in each terminal housing hole 53. Each terminal 70 is held inside the terminal housing hole 53. Each terminal 70 extends along the third axis Z. An electric wire (not shown) extending upward Z1 is connected to each terminal 70. Each terminal 70 is electrically connected to the substrate-side terminal 40. The downward Z2 end of each terminal 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Each terminal 70 is a female terminal formed to be matable with the male terminal, the substrate-side terminal 40. Each terminal 70 has a lance portion 71 provided in the middle part along the third axis Z. When each terminal 70 is inserted into the terminal housing hole 53 until it abuts against the downward Z2 end of the terminal housing hole 53, the lance portion 71 engages with the engaging projection 54. This prevents the terminal 70 from coming out of the terminal housing hole 53.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, one or more (two in this embodiment) recesses 55 are provided on the lower end face Z2 of the housing body 52. ​​The two recesses 55 are located at diagonal positions on the housing body 52 in a plan view looking downward Z2. That is, the two recesses 55 are provided at the two diagonally opposite corners of the housing body 52. ​​Each recess 55 is formed to recess upward Z1 from the lower end face Z2 of the housing body 52. ​​Each recess 55 is formed to cut out a part of the side surface of the housing body 52.

[0043] One or more (two in this embodiment) recesses 56 are provided on the lower end face Z2 of the housing body 52. ​​Each recess 56 is provided adjacent to each recess 55. Each recess 56 is formed to expand the internal space of each recess 55 along the first axis X. Each recess 56 is formed to recess upward Z1 from the lower end face Z2 of the housing body 52. ​​Each recess 56 is formed to cut out a portion of the side surface of the housing body 52. ​​Each recess 56 is provided adjacent to each fixing projection 60 along the first axis X.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, each fixing projection 60 is formed to protrude downward Z2 from the housing body 52. ​​Two fixing projections 60 are provided opposite each other to two fixing holes 33. Two fixing projections 60 are provided so as to be insertable into each of the two fixing holes 33. Two fixing projections 60 are provided at two diagonally opposite corners of the housing body 52. ​​Two fixing projections 60 are provided at two corners where recesses 55 are provided.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, each fixing projection 60 has a first engaging portion 61 and a second engaging portion 62. The first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 are arranged side by side along the first axis X. The first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 are spaced apart from each other along the first axis X. In other words, there is a gap between the first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62. The first engaging portion 61 is positioned further forward X1 than the second engaging portion 62.

[0046] The first engaging portion 61 has a first flexible piece 61A that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52, and a first engaging projection 61B provided at the tip of the first flexible piece 61A, that is, at the end of the first flexible piece 61A in the downward Z2 direction. The base end of the first flexible piece 61A, that is, the end of the first flexible piece 61A in the upward Z1 direction, is connected to the bottom surface of the recess 55. The first flexible piece 61A extends downward Z2 from the bottom surface of the recess 55. The first flexible piece 61A is formed in a cantilever shape, with the base end connected to the bottom surface of the recess 55 as a fixed end and the tip opposite the base end as a free end. The first flexible piece 61A is configured to be able to bend in an intersecting direction (here, along the first axis X) that intersects the longitudinal direction of the first flexible piece 61A (here, along the third axis Z). The first flexible piece 61A is configured to bend, for example, in a direction toward the second engaging portion 62. The tip of the first flexible piece 61A is formed to protrude downward Z2 from the end face of the housing body 52 in the downward direction Z2.

[0047] The first engaging projection 61B protrudes from the tip of the first flexible piece 61A along the first axis X. The first engaging projection 61B is formed to protrude from the tip of the first flexible piece 61A toward the forward direction X1.

[0048] The second engaging portion 62 has a second flexible piece 62A that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52, and a second engaging projection 62B provided at the tip of the second flexible piece 62A, that is, at the end of the second flexible piece 62A in the downward Z2 direction. The base end of the second flexible piece 62A, that is, the end of the second flexible piece 62A in the upward Z1 direction, is connected to the bottom surface of the recess 55. The second flexible piece 62A extends downward Z2 from the bottom surface of the recess 55. The second flexible piece 62A is formed in a cantilever shape, with the base end connected to the bottom surface of the recess 55 as a fixed end and the tip opposite the base end as a free end. The second flexible piece 62A is configured to be able to bend in an intersecting direction (here, along the first axis X) that intersects the longitudinal direction of the second flexible piece 62A (here, along the third axis Z). The second flexible piece 62A is configured to bend, for example, in a direction toward the first engaging portion 61. The tip of the second flexible piece 62A is formed to protrude downward Z2 from the end face of the housing body 52 in the downward direction Z2.

[0049] The second engaging projection 62B protrudes from the tip of the second flexible piece 62A along the first axis X. The second engaging projection 62B is formed to protrude from the tip of the second flexible piece 62A toward the rear X2. In other words, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B protrude in opposite directions from each other. To put it another way, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B protrude toward each other in directions away from each other.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B are formed to be engageable with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2. The first engaging portion 61 and the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method utilizing the bending deformation of the first flexible piece 61A. Similarly, the second engaging portion 62 and the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​method utilizing the bending deformation of the second flexible piece 62A. More specifically, when the first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 are inserted into a single fixing hole 33, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B reach the fixing hole 33, and are pushed by the edge of the fixing hole 33. As a result, the first flexible piece 61A and the second flexible piece 62A bend and deform so that they move closer to each other. Next, as the insertion of the first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 progresses, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B overcome the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2, and the first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 elastically return to their original position. As a result, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B engage with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2. This engagement between the first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 and the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 restricts the movement of the housing 51 in the direction away from the circuit board 30 (in this case, upward direction Z1). This maintains the state in which the housing 51 is assembled to the circuit board 30.

[0051] Here, as shown in Figure 1, when the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30, a space S1 is formed between the housing body 52 and the circuit board 30 by the formation of the recess 56. The space S1 is formed to be large enough for, for example, a worker's finger to fit inside. By grasping the two engaging parts, namely the first engaging part 61 and the second engaging part 62, through this space S1, the engagement between the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B (see Figure 2) and the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 can be released. This allows the connector 50 to be removed from the circuit board 30.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, each positioning projection 65 is formed to protrude downward Z2 from the housing body 52. ​​Two positioning projections 65 are provided facing each other in two positioning holes 34. Two positioning projections 65 are provided so as to be insertable into each of the two positioning holes 34. Two positioning projections 65 are provided at two diagonally opposite corners of the housing body 52. ​​As shown in Figure 5, two positioning projections 65 are provided at the remaining two corners of the housing body 52 where no fixing projections 60 are provided.

[0053] Each positioning projection 65 extends from the end face of the housing body 52 in the downward direction Z2 along the downward direction Z2. In a plan view seen in the downward direction Z2, each positioning projection 65 is formed in an L-shape overall. Each positioning projection 65 is formed in an L-shape along the corner of the housing body 52.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the tip of the positioning projection 65 is positioned lower Z2 than the tip of the fixing projection 60. Therefore, when assembling the connector 50 to the circuit board 30 along the downward Z2 direction, the tip of the positioning projection 65 is inserted into the positioning hole 34 before the fixing projection 60. A guide surface 66 is provided at the tip of the positioning projection 65. The guide surface 66 is formed such that the positioning projection 65 becomes thinner towards the tip surface of the positioning projection 65. The guide surface 66 is provided at the corner between the tip surface of the positioning projection 65, that is, the end surface of the positioning projection 65 in the downward Z2 direction and the side surface of the positioning projection 65. The guide surface 66 has the function of smoothly guiding the positioning projection 65 into the positioning hole 34 when the positioning projection 65 is inserted into the positioning hole 34.

[0055] The restricting portion 67 protrudes downward Z2 from the end face of the housing body 52 in the downward direction Z2. The tip of the restricting portion 67 is positioned upward Z1 than the tip of the positioning projection 65. The restricting portion 67 is formed to be able to contact the end face of the circuit board 30 in the upward direction Z1. By the restricting portion 67 contacting the end face of the circuit board 30 in the upward direction Z1, the insertion amount of the fixing projection 60 into the fixing hole 33 and the insertion amount of the positioning projection 65 into the positioning hole 34 are restricted. Note that, as shown in Figure 5, the restricting portion 67 is positioned inward from the positioning projection 65.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30 exposed through the opening 21 of the case 20. In this case, the case 20 does not have a hood portion into which the housing 51 of the connector 50 is fitted. That is, the connector 50 is directly assembled to the circuit board 30 exposed through the opening 21 of the case 20. Therefore, there is no need to consider misalignment between the hood portion and the circuit board 30. Furthermore, the fixing holes 33 and positioning holes 34 for assembling the connector 50 are formed only on the circuit board 30. Therefore, there is no need to consider misalignment between the circuit board 30 and the case 20, compared to cases where the fixing holes 33 and positioning holes 34 are formed on both the circuit board 30 and the case 20, or where the fixing holes 33 and positioning holes 34 are formed only on the case 20. For example, even if misalignment occurs between the case 20 and the circuit board 30, as long as the connector mounting area R1 (see Figure 2) of the circuit board 30 is exposed by the opening 21, it will not affect the assembly of the connector 50 to the circuit board 30.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30 along the downward direction Z2. More specifically, first, the connector 50 is positioned above the circuit board 30 such that each fixing projection 60 faces each fixing hole 33 and each positioning projection 65 faces each positioning hole 34. When the connector 50 is positioned in this way, each terminal housing hole 53 is positioned to face each board-side terminal 40. Next, the connector 50 is moved relative to the circuit board 30 along the downward direction Z2. First, the positioning projections 65 of the connector 50 are inserted into the positioning holes 34. This positions the connector 50 relative to the circuit board 30. Specifically, the connector 50 is aligned with the circuit board 30 such that each of the terminal housing holes 53 faces each of the multiple board-side terminals 40. At this time, since the two positioning projections 65 located diagonally opposite each other on the housing body 52 are inserted into the two positioning holes 34, the positioning of the connector 50 relative to the circuit board 30 can be optimized.

[0058] Next, as the connector 50 is moved further along the downward Z2 relative to the circuit board 30, the fixing projection 60 of the connector 50 is inserted into the fixing hole 33. At this time, since the positioning projection 65 has already been inserted into the positioning hole 34, the fixing projection 60 can be inserted into the fixing hole 33 with the connector 50 in a positioned state. The fixing projection 60 is inserted into the fixing hole 33 in a state in which the first flexible piece 61A of the first engaging portion 61 and the second flexible piece 62A of the second engaging portion 62 are bent and deformed so that they move closer to each other.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 3, when the connector 50 is moved further downward along Z2 relative to the circuit board 30, the board-side terminal 40 is inserted into the terminal housing hole 53, and the board-side terminal 40 is also inserted into the cylindrical terminal 70 housed inside the terminal housing hole 53. This electrically connects the terminal 70 and the board-side terminal 40.

[0060] Next, as shown in Figure 6, when the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B of the fixing projection 60 overcome the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2, the first flexible piece 61A and the second flexible piece 62A elastically return to their original position. As a result, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B engage with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2. The engagement of these first engaging parts 61 and the second engaging parts 62 with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 maintains the state in which the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30.

[0061] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained. (1) The connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30 housed inside the case 20 along a downward Z2 direction. The connector 50 has a housing 51 and a terminal 70 that is held by the housing 51 and electrically connected to a board-side terminal 40 fixed to the circuit board 30. The housing 51 has a housing body 52 having a terminal housing hole 53 for housing the terminal 70 inside, and a fixing projection 60 that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is inserted into a fixing hole 33 provided in the circuit board 30. The housing 51 also has a positioning projection 65 that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is inserted into a positioning hole 34 provided in the circuit board 30.

[0062] In this configuration, the fixing projection 60 of the housing 51 is inserted into the fixing hole 33 provided in the circuit board 30. This allows the housing 51 to be fixed to the circuit board 30. In addition, the positioning projection 65 of the housing 51 is inserted into the positioning hole 34 provided in the circuit board 30. This allows the housing 51 to be positioned relative to the circuit board 30. Thus, the positioning hole 34 is provided in the circuit board 30 itself to which the board-side terminal 40 is fixed, and the positioning projection 65 is inserted into the positioning hole 34. Therefore, compared to the case where the positioning hole 34 is provided in a separate component from the circuit board 30 (for example, the case 20), the amount of misalignment between the positioning hole 34 and the board-side terminal 40 can be kept small. This allows the amount of misalignment between the positioning projection 65 inserted into the positioning hole 34 and the board-side terminal 40 to be kept small. Consequently, the amount of misalignment between the terminal 70 held by the housing 51 having the positioning projection 65 and the board-side terminal 40 can be kept small. As a result, bending of the substrate-side terminal 40 due to misalignment between terminal 70 and substrate-side terminal 40 can be effectively suppressed.

[0063] (2) Two fixing protrusions 60 are provided at diagonal positions on the rectangular parallelepiped housing body 52, and two positioning protrusions 65 are provided at diagonal positions on the housing body 52. ​​As a result, when the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30, the circuit board 30 can be held at the four corners of the housing body 52. ​​Therefore, the connector 50 can be stably fixed to the circuit board 30.

[0064] (3) Two L-shaped positioning protrusions 65 are provided at diagonal positions on the housing body 52. ​​These two positioning protrusions 65 allow for optimal positioning of the connector 50 relative to the circuit board 30.

[0065] (4) The tip of the positioning projection 65 is positioned lower Z2 than the tip of the fixing projection 60. With this configuration, when assembling the connector 50 to the circuit board 30 along the downward Z2 direction, the tip of the positioning projection 65 can be inserted into the positioning hole 34 of the circuit board 30 before the tip of the fixing projection 60. As a result, the fixing projection 60 can be inserted into the fixing hole 33 while the positioning projection 65 is positioned by being inserted into the positioning hole 34.

[0066] (5) When the positioning projection 65 is inserted into the positioning hole 34, the positioning projection 65 is guided into the positioning hole 34 along the guide surface 66 provided at its tip. This allows the positioning projection 65 to be smoothly inserted into the positioning hole 34.

[0067] (6) The fixing projection 60 has a first engaging portion 61 and a second engaging portion 62. The first engaging portion 61 and the second engaging portion 62 are spaced apart along the first axis X. The first engaging portion 61 has a first flexible piece 61A that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is flexible toward the second engaging portion 62, and a first engaging projection 61B that protrudes from the tip of the first flexible piece 61A along the first axis X. The second engaging portion 62 has a second flexible piece 62A that protrudes downward Z2 from the housing body 52 and is flexible toward the first engaging portion 61, and a second engaging projection 62B that protrudes from the tip of the second flexible piece 62A along the first axis X. The first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B protrude in opposite directions from each other. The first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B are formed to be able to engage with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2.

[0068] With this configuration, the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B can be suitably engaged with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the bending deformation of the first flexible piece 61A and the second flexible piece 62A. By engaging the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2, the connector 50 can be suitably fixed to the circuit board 30. At this time, since the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B are formed to protrude in opposite directions from each other, the connector 50 can be fixed to the circuit board 30 more stably than when it is fixed by a single engaging projection.

[0069] (7) A recess 56 formed by cutting out the side of the housing body 52 is provided adjacent to the fixing projection 60. The first flexible piece 61A and the second flexible piece 62A can be moved closer to each other through this recess 56. As a result, after assembling the connector 50 to the circuit board 30, the engagement between the first engaging projection 61B and the second engaging projection 62B and the end face of the circuit board 30 in the downward direction Z2 can be released by moving the first flexible piece 61A and the second flexible piece 62A closer to each other. As a result, the connector 50 can be removed from the circuit board 30.

[0070] (8) A restricting portion 67 is provided on the housing 51 that engages with the end face of the circuit board 30 in the upper direction Z1. This restricting portion 67 can restrict the insertion amount of the fixing projection 60 into the fixing hole 33 and the insertion amount of the positioning projection 65 into the positioning hole 34.

[0071] (9) The case 20 does not have a hood portion into which the connector 50 is fitted, and has an opening 21 that exposes the connector mounting area R1 on the circuit board 30 where the connector 50 is mounted. The opening 21 is formed to surround the connector mounting area R1.

[0072] With this configuration, since the case 20 does not have a hood, the structure of the connector assembly 10 can be simplified compared to the case where a hood is provided. Also, there is no need to consider the misalignment between the hood and the board-side terminals 40. For this reason, the amount of misalignment between the terminals 70 of the connector 50 and the board-side terminals 40 can be kept smaller compared to the case where the connector 50 is fitted into the hood.

[0073] (10) Since the case 20 does not have a hood, the board-side terminals 40 can be shortened. Specifically, the portion of the board-side terminals 40 that protrudes above the end face of the circuit board 30 in the upward direction Z1 can be shortened. This makes it possible to prevent the board-side terminals 40 from bending when the connector 50 is assembled to the circuit board 30.

[0074] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0075] The structure of the housing 51 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. • In the above embodiment, the housing body 52 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0076] The structure of the fixing projection 60 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the fixing projection 60 may be composed of only one first engaging portion 61. The structure of the positioning projection 65 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide surface 66 may be omitted.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the positioning projection 65 is formed in an L-shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the positioning projection 65 may be formed in a shape that extends in a straight line when viewed in a plan view in the downward direction Z2.

[0078] The positioning projection 65 may be modified to have a structure similar to the first engaging portion 61, comprising a flexible piece and an engaging projection provided at the tip of the flexible piece. In the above embodiment, two fixing protrusions 60 are provided at diagonal positions on the housing body 52, but the formation positions of the fixing protrusions 60 are not limited to this. The formation positions of the fixing holes 33 on the circuit board 30 are also changed according to the formation positions of the fixing protrusions 60.

[0079] The number of fixing protrusions 60 provided on the housing 51 can be changed as appropriate. The number of fixing protrusions 60 may be one or three or more. In the above embodiment, two positioning protrusions 65 are provided at diagonal positions on the housing body 52, but the formation positions of the positioning protrusions 65 are not limited to this. The formation positions of the positioning holes 34 on the circuit board 30 are also changed according to the formation positions of the positioning protrusions 65.

[0080] The number of positioning protrusions 65 provided on the housing 51 can be changed as appropriate. The number of positioning protrusions 65 may be one or three or more. In the above embodiment, each restricting portion 67 is provided near the positioning projection 65, but the formation position of the restricting portion 67 is not limited to this. For example, the restricting portion 67 may be provided between the fixing projection 60 and the positioning projection 65.

[0081] The number of restricting sections 67 provided in the housing 51 can be changed as appropriate. The number of restricting sections 67 may be one or three or more. The restricting portion 67 in the housing 51 may be omitted.

[0082] The recess 55 in the housing 51 may be omitted. The recess 56 in the housing 51 may be omitted. The number of terminals 70 held by the housing 51 can be changed as appropriate.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications are intended to be in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10 Connector Assembly 20 cases 21 Opening 30 Circuit boards 31 Through hole 32 Conductive part 33 Fixing hole 34 Positioning holes 40 Circuit board side terminals 50 connectors 51 Housing 52 Housing body 53 Terminal housing holes 54 Engagement protrusion 55 recess 56 Recess 60 Fixing protrusion 61 First engaging portion 61A First flexing piece 61B 1st engagement protrusion 62 Second engaging portion 62A Second flexing piece 62B 2nd engagement protrusion 65 Positioning protrusions 66 Guidance surface 67 Regulatory Department 70 terminals 71 Lance section R1 Connector mounting area S1 space X 1st axis X1 forward direction X2 rearward Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. A connector that is assembled along a first direction to a circuit board housed inside a case, Housing and It has a terminal that is held in the housing and electrically connected to a board-side terminal fixed to the circuit board, The aforementioned housing is A housing body having terminal housing holes for housing the aforementioned terminals inside, A fixing projection protrudes from the housing body toward the first direction and is inserted into a fixing hole provided in the circuit board, A connector having a positioning projection that protrudes from the housing body toward the first direction and is inserted into a positioning hole provided in the circuit board.

2. The housing has two fixing protrusions and two positioning protrusions, The housing body is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The two fixing protrusions are provided at two diagonally opposite corners of the housing body, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the two positioning protrusions are provided on the remaining two corners of the housing body where the fixing protrusions are not provided.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein each of the two positioning protrusions is formed in an L-shape along each of the remaining two corners.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the positioning projection is provided at a position that is directed more toward the first direction than the tip of the fixing projection.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the tip of the positioning projection is provided with a guide surface formed such that the positioning projection becomes thinner towards the tip surface of the positioning projection.

6. The aforementioned fixing projection has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided with a gap between them along a first axis intersecting the first direction. The first engaging portion has a first flexible piece that protrudes from the housing body in a first direction and is flexibly deformable toward the second engaging portion, and a first engaging projection that protrudes from the tip of the first flexible piece along the first axis, The second engaging portion has a second flexible piece that protrudes from the housing body toward the first direction and is flexibly deformable toward the first engaging portion, and a second engaging projection that protrudes from the tip of the second flexible piece along the first axis, The first engaging projection and the second engaging projection protrude in opposite directions from each other. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging projection and the second engaging projection are formed to be engageable with the end face of the circuit board in the first direction.

7. The housing has a recess that is recessed from the end face in the first direction of the housing body, The recess is formed so as to cut out the side of the housing body, The recess is provided adjacent to the fixing projection along the first axis, The connector according to claim 6, wherein the recess is a space for manipulating the first flexible piece and the second flexible piece to move closer together.

8. The housing has a restricting portion that protrudes from the housing body toward the first direction and engages with the end face of the circuit board in the first opposite direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the restricting portion is positioned in the first opposite direction to the tip of the positioning projection.

9. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned case and, The circuit board having the fixing holes and the positioning holes, A connector assembly having the aforementioned substrate-side terminals.

10. The case does not have a hood portion into which the connector is fitted, and has an opening that exposes the connector mounting area on the circuit board where the connector is mounted. The connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein the opening is formed to surround the connector mounting area.

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