Connector assembly for preventing intrusion of liquid substances and electronic device using the connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly that is easily manufactured and prevents intrusion of a liquid substance and electronic devices that use the connector assembly.SOLUTION: A connector assembly that prevents intrusion of a liquid substance includes a first connector that has a first terminal on a bottom surface and includes a first contact portion which is a part of the first terminal, and a protrusion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a second connector that has a second terminal on the bottom surface, and includes a second contact portion that is electrically connected to the first contact portion and which is a part of the second terminal, and a groove for receiving the protrusion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, and at least a part of the surface of the protrusion is in close contact with a part of the surface of the groove, and each of the first and second connectors is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal or the second terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of liquid substances and an electronic device using the connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology for adding a waterproof function to an electric connector assembly consisting of two connectors (a receptacle and a plug) to prevent liquid substances from entering the inside of the receptacle and the plug. Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2016-157529 A) discloses an electric connector in which a press-fit protrusion 44 of a second connector 3 is press-fitted into a press-fit groove 13 of a first connector 2 in which contacts 20 are arranged and a sheet-like waterproof material 35 is adhesively fixed, thereby preventing water from entering from the surface on which the sheet-like waterproof material 35 is arranged and further from entering through the surfaces of the press-fit protrusion 44 and the press-fit groove 13 (FIG. 4).

[0003] The electrical connector assembly provides electrical connection to the first and second circuits by connecting a first connector (receptacle) having a first circuit connected to its bottom surface and a second connector (plug) having a second circuit connected to its bottom surface at surfaces to which no circuits are connected (the top surface of the first connector and the top surface of the second connector). When an electronic device using the electrical connector assembly is a wearable device such as a wireless earphone or a smartphone, there is a demand for miniaturization of the electrical connector assembly and improved waterproof performance. The technology of Patent Document 1 provides a connector assembly that is low-profile, has a narrow pitch between contacts, and has a waterproof function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-157529 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although the technology of Patent Document 1 provides a miniaturized connector assembly with waterproofing functions, in the first connector, after the contacts are insert-molded into the housing, a sheet-like waterproof material that is separate from the housing must be adhesively fixed to the first connector, making the manufacturing process for the electrical connector very complicated.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE The present invention provides a connector assembly that can be easily manufactured and prevents the intrusion of liquid substances, and an electronic device using the connector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of liquid substances comprises a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion that is a part of the first terminal and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, and having a second contact portion that is electrically connected to the first contact portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protrusion portion, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the protrusion portion is in close contact with a portion of a surface of the groove portion, and each of the first and second connectors is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0008] In the connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first connector and the second connector may have no hole on their respective bottom surfaces.

[0009] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion portion of the first connector may have a press-fit portion and the groove portion of the second connector may have a press-fit groove that receives the press-fit portion, or the groove portion of the second connector may have a press-fit portion and the protrusion portion of the second connector may have a press-fit groove that receives the press-fit portion.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly that prevents the intrusion of liquid substances comprises a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion that is a part of the first terminal and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on the bottom surface, and having a second contact portion that is electrically connected to the first contact portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface, the second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protrusion, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the protrusion is in close contact with a portion of a surface of the groove, and the first connector and / or the second connector may include a reinforcing member.

[0011] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first connector and / or the second connector including the reinforcing member is formed by integral molding using the reinforcing member, an insulating member, and a conductive member forming the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly for preventing the intrusion of liquid substances comprises a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion that is part of the first terminal and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite the bottom surface; and a second connector having a second terminal on the bottom surface, and having a second contact portion that is electrically connected to the first contact portion, the second contact portion being part of the second terminal, and a groove portion that receives the protrusion portion, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the protrusion portion is in close contact with a portion of a surface of the groove portion, and the protrusion and / or the groove portion may have a storage portion for storing a liquid substance.

[0013] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first connector and the second connector is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal or the second terminal.

[0014] In the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first connector and / or the second connector may include a reinforcing member.

[0015] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, when there are two or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged side by side in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are two or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged side by side in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

[0016] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, when there are three or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged in two rows in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are three or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged in two rows in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

[0017] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, on a bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal is oriented in a second direction and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction different from the second direction, and on a bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal is oriented in a second direction and other terminals of the second terminal are oriented in a direction different from the second direction.

[0018] In a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, on a bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction, and / or, on a bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0019] Connector assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention may be used in electronic devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1a] 1 shows a perspective view of a connector assembly with a plug disposed on the upper side and a receptacle disposed on the lower side. [Figure 1b] A perspective view of a connector assembly with a plug located on the bottom and a receptacle located on the top is shown. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1B shows a top view of the plug in the plug arrangement of FIG. [Figure 2b] FIG. 1b shows a top view of the plug in the plug arrangement of FIG. 1a. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1B shows a top view of the receptacle in the arrangement of the receptacle in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the receptacle in the arrangement of the receptacles in FIG. [Figure 4a] 1 shows a side view of the longitudinal portions of a plug and a receptacle prior to mating. [Figure 4b] 4b shows the plug and receptacle prior to mating, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 4a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4a. [Figure 4c] 4b shows the plug and receptacle prior to mating, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 4b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4b. [Figure 5a] 1 shows a side view of the longitudinal portions of the plug and receptacle after mating. [Figure 5b] 5b shows the plug and receptacle after mating, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "C" shown in FIG. 5a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5a. [Figure 5c] 5b。 Figure 5b shows the plug and receptacle after mating, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "D" shown in Figure 5b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5b. [Figure 6a] 13 shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of a plug and a receptacle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6b] 6b shows a plug and a receptacle according to a second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 6a, seen from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6a. [Figure 6c] 6b shows a plug and receptacle according to a second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 6b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6b. [Figure 7a] 13 shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of a plug and a receptacle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7b] 7b shows a plug and receptacle according to a third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 7a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7a. [Figure 7c] 7B shows a plug and receptacle according to a third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 7B, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7B. [Figure 8a] 13 shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of a plug and a receptacle according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8b] 8b shows a plug and receptacle according to a fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 8a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8a. [Figure 8c] 8b shows a plug and receptacle according to Example 4, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 8b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8b. [Figure 9a] 13 shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of a plug and a receptacle according to Example 4. FIG. [Figure 9b] 9b shows a plug and receptacle according to Example 4, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 9a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9a. [Figure 9c] 9b shows a plug and receptacle according to Example 4, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 9b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9b. [Figure 10a] 13 shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of a plug and a receptacle according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10b] 10b shows a plug and receptacle according to a fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 10a, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10a. [Figure 10c] 10b shows a plug and receptacle according to a fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 10b, viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] [Example 1] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of the connector assembly with the plug on top and the receptacle on the bottom. FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the connector assembly with the plug on the bottom and the receptacle on the top. The connector assembly 100 includes a plug 105 and a receptacle 150. The plug 105 has a protrusion 115 and one or more plug terminals 110, and the receptacle 150 has a groove 165 and one or more receptacle terminals 155. In FIG. 1a, a bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 and a top surface of the receptacle 150 are shown, and in FIG. 1b, a bottom surface 180 of the receptacle 150 and a top surface of the plug 105 are shown. Plug terminals 110 on bottom surface 120 of plug 105 in FIG. 1a extend through the body of plug 105 to the top surface of plug 105 as shown in FIG. 1b, and receptacle terminals 155 on bottom surface 180 of receptacle 150 in FIG. 1b extend through the body of receptacle 150 to the top surface of receptacle 150 as shown in FIG. 1a.

[0022] In receptacle 150, bottom surface 180, which is the surface opposite to the surface that receives plug 105, has a rectangular recess 185. Rectangular recess 185 has a protrusion 190 inside recess 185.

[0023] Fig. 2a shows a view of the plug 105 seen from above in the arrangement of the plug 105 in Fig. 1b, and Fig. 2b shows a view of the plug 105 seen from above in the arrangement of the plug 105 in Fig. 1a. Each of the plug terminals 110-n arranged on the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 shown in Fig. 2b corresponds to the plug terminals 110-n arranged on the top surface of the plug 105 shown in Fig. 2a. The plug terminals 110-n are connected to other circuit boards and the like on the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105. The plug terminals 110-n correspond to the plug terminals 110 in Figs. 1a and 1b.

[0024] On the bottom surface, plug terminals 110-2 to 110-8 are arranged in a first row in a first direction 205 (direction from plug terminal 110-2 to 110-8), and similarly, plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 are arranged in a second row in the first direction 205. Furthermore, on the bottom surface, plug terminals 110-2 to 110-8 arranged in the first row extend in a second direction 210 (direction from plug terminal 110-16 to 110-2) perpendicular to the first direction 205, and plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 arranged in the second row extend in the opposite direction to the second direction 210. As can be seen from FIG. 2a, plug terminal 110-n is continuously covered with protrusion 115 of plug 105.

[0025] 3a shows a view of receptacle 150 seen from above in the arrangement of receptacle 150 in FIG. 1a, and FIG. 3b shows a view of receptacle 150 seen from above in the arrangement of receptacle 150 in FIG. 1b. Each of receptacle terminals 155-n arranged on the upper surface of receptacle 150 shown in FIG. 3a corresponds to receptacle terminals 155-n arranged on bottom surface 180 of receptacle 150 shown in FIG. 3b. Bottom surface 180 of receptacle 150 has rectangular recess 185, and in recess 185, receptacle terminal 155-n has a portion (355-n) where receptacle terminal 155-n is exposed. Receptacle terminal 155-n is connected to another circuit board or the like on bottom surface 180 of receptacle 150. Receptacle terminal 155-n corresponds to receptacle terminal 155 in Figures 1a and b.

[0026] On the bottom surface, receptacle terminals 155-2 to 155-8 are arranged in a first row in first direction 305 (direction from receptacle terminal 155-2 to 155-8), and similarly, receptacle terminals 155-10 to 155-16 are arranged in a second row in first direction 305. Furthermore, on the bottom surface, receptacle terminals 155-2 to 110-8 arranged in the first row extend in second direction 310 (direction from receptacle terminal 155-16 to 155-2) perpendicular to first direction 305, and receptacle terminals 155-10 to 155-16 arranged in the second row extend in the opposite direction to second direction 310. As can be seen from FIG. 3a, receptacle 150 is continuously covered with groove 165.

[0027] The plug and receptacle according to the present invention are each produced by integral molding (insert molding) using a conductive material forming the terminals and an insulating material (e.g., resin) forming the body (housing). In integral molding, the plug and receptacle are formed by placing the terminals and the like in a mold, and then pouring resin that has become liquid at high temperature into the mold. Therefore, the portion where the mold and the terminals come into contact is not covered with the resin that forms the body of the plug and receptacle. In this embodiment, the contact portion with the board circuit (415 and 455 in FIG. 4 described later) and the portion where the receptacle terminal 155-n is exposed (355-n in FIG. 3b) are the portions that come into contact with the mold.

[0028] In another embodiment, when only the contact portions 415 and 455 with the board circuit are in contact with the mold, the exposed portion 355-n in FIG. 3b may be covered by the resin forming the main body of the receptacle by integral molding. In this case, the recess 185 of the receptacle 150 may be filled with the resin by integral molding, and the portion of the bottom surface 180 of the receptacle other than the terminals may be formed as one surface by integral molding. This increases the thickness of the bottom surface portion of the receptacle 150, making the receptacle 150 more durable. Similarly, the recess (250 in FIG. 2b) in the bottom surface 120 of the plug 105 may be filled with the resin by integral molding.

[0029] FIG. 4a shows a side view of the longitudinal portions of plug 105 and receptacle 150 before mating. FIG. 5a shows a side view of the longitudinal portions of plug 105 and receptacle 150 after mating. Plug terminals 110-10 to 110-16 are connected to corresponding receptacle terminals 155-10 to 155-16, respectively. Plug terminals 110-1 and 110-9, not shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, are connected to corresponding receptacle terminals 155-1 and 155-9, respectively. This provides an electrical connection between plug 105 and receptacle 150.

[0030] Figure 4b shows plug 105 and receptacle 150 before mating, in a cross-sectional view taken along the line joined by the letter "A" in Figure 4a, viewed in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 4a. Figure 5b shows plug 105 and receptacle 150 after mating, in a cross-sectional view taken along the line joined by the letter "C" in Figure 5a, viewed in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 5a.

[0031] Figure 4c shows plug 105 and receptacle 150 before mating, in a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in Figure 4b, viewed in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 4b. Figure 5c shows plug 105 and receptacle 150 after mating, in a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "D" shown in Figure 5b, viewed in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5b.

[0032] The plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are formed of a main body (housing) made of an insulating material such as plastic or a resin such as a liquid crystal polymer, and a terminal made of a conductive material such as copper. In Figs. 4b and 4c and Figs. 5b and 5c, the main bodies 440 and 490 are indicated by rough diagonal lines, and the terminals 110 and 155 are indicated by fine diagonal lines. The plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are formed as a main body and a terminal by integral molding (insert molding) using an insulating material and a conductive material, respectively. This allows the main bodies of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 to be in close contact with the terminals, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of holes or gaps through which liquids such as water, resins that have become liquid at high temperatures, and liquid substances including slime-like substances can enter the inside of the connector assembly formed by mating the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 from all of the outer surfaces of the connector assembly. Furthermore, since the connector assembly is manufactured by integral molding, no materials are used other than the bodies of plug 105 and receptacle 150 and their terminals, and therefore the connector assembly can be manufactured more easily.

[0033] 4b and 4c, plug 105 has plug terminal 110, which has plug-side board circuit contact portion 415 and receptacle contact portion 420. Body 440 of plug 105 formed of an insulating member has plug terminal protrusion 430 for forming receptacle contact portion 420 that can be electrically connected to receptacle 150. A part or all of the wall of plug terminal protrusion 430 may contact the inner side wall of receptacle contact portion 420. Body 440 of plug 105 further has protrusion 115.

[0034] The receptacle 150 has a receptacle terminal 155, which has a receptacle-side board circuit contact portion 455 and a plug contact portion 460. The body 490 of the receptacle 150 has a receptacle terminal recess 465 for forming a plug contact portion 460 that can be electrically connected to the plug 105. A part or all of the wall of the receptacle terminal recess 465 may contact the inner side wall of the plug contact portion 460. The body 490 of the receptacle 150 further has a groove 165 corresponding to the protrusion 115 of the plug 105. As shown in Figures 5b and 5c, by connecting the plug 105 and the receptacle 150, the wall of the plug contact portion 460 in the receptacle 150 contacts the wall of the receptacle contact portion 420 of the plug 105, and an electrical connection is provided to the plug 105 and the receptacle 150.

[0035] 5b and 5c, groove 165 of receptacle 150 receives protrusion 115 of plug 105, whereby groove 165 and protrusion 115 fit together. Protrusion 115 has press-fit portion 405 at the tip of the fitting side, and groove 165 further has press-fit groove 450 at the bottom side. In FIG. 5b, when groove 165 of receptacle 150 receives protrusion 115 of plug 105, the wall of groove 165 comes into close contact with the wall of protrusion 115, and further, the wall of press-fit groove 450 comes into close contact with the wall of press-fit portion 405, whereby groove 165 of receptacle 150 and protrusion 115 of plug 105 fit together. This fit eliminates any gap between groove 165 and protrusion 115, preventing liquid substances from entering the inside of receptacle 150 and plug 105. Furthermore, by making the size of the press-fit portion 405 slightly larger than the size of the portion of the press-fit groove 450 that receives the press-fit portion 405, the fit can be made stronger. When the height of the groove 165 of the receptacle 150 is increased, the distance from the outside of the connector assembly to the inside of the connector assembly (the creepage distance along the surfaces of the groove 165 and the protrusion 115) becomes longer on the surface on the side where the groove 165 of the receptacle 150 and the protrusion 115 of the plug 105 come into contact, and the function of preventing the liquid substance from entering the inside of the connector is improved. For example, the height of the groove 165 is preferably 3 / 5 or more of the height of the receptacle 150. If the wall of the groove 165 and the wall of the protrusion 115 are not in close contact with each other, a gap is formed between the wall of the groove 165 and the protrusion 115, and this gap becomes a path for the liquid substance to enter, so that the liquid substance will enter the inside of the connector assembly through the gap.

[0036] In this embodiment, in the plug 104, the press-fit portion 405 may be formed continuously around the plug 104, or may be formed on a portion of the circumference of the plug 104. The press-fit groove 165 is formed corresponding to the press-fit portion 405.

[0037] In other embodiments, the groove 165 of the receptacle 150 may have a press fit and the protrusion 115 of the plug 105 may have a press fit groove that receives the press fit.

[0038] The connector assembly in which the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are connected is connected to a board circuit of other electronic components (not shown) through the terminals 110 and 155 on the bottom surfaces 120 and 180 of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150, respectively. After the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are connected to the board circuit, etc., and the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are connected, resin is applied to at least a part of the surface of the board circuit for the purpose of fixing the connector assembly to the board circuit of other electronic components and preventing a short circuit caused by an unnecessary conductive member touching the connector assembly or the board circuit. In this case, the connector assembly according to this embodiment can prevent the resin from entering the inside of the connector assembly by fitting the plug 105 and the receptacle 150. This can prevent the electrical connection between the plug contact portion 460 of the receptacle 150 and the receptacle contact portion 420 of the plug 105 in the connector assembly from being insulated due to the intrusion of the resin. Therefore, in electronic devices using the connector assembly according to this embodiment, the rate of defective products is reduced.

[0039] [Example 2: Connector assembly in which the press-fit portion in Example 1 is omitted] FIG. 6a shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6b shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 6a, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 6c shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 6b, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6b. The reference numbers in FIGS. 6a, b, and c correspond to the reference numbers in FIGS. 4a, b, and c, respectively, and this embodiment differs in that it does not have the press-fit portion 405 of the plug 105 and the press-fit groove 450 of the receptacle 150 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4. That is, this embodiment is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, except for the press-fit portion 405 and the press-fit groove 450.

[0040] In this embodiment, the protrusion 115 of the plug 105 does not have a press-fit portion. Also, the groove 165 of the receptacle 150 does not have a press-fit groove corresponding to the press-fit portion. By connecting the plug 105 and the receptacle 150, the groove 165 can receive the protrusion 115. In one embodiment, when the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are connected, the bottom surface 605 of the protrusion 115 may be in close contact with the bottom surface 650 of the groove 165. In this case, the length of the protrusion 115 in the height direction is the same as or longer than the length of the groove 165 in the height direction. Since the connector assembly according to this embodiment does not have a press-fit portion and a press-fit groove, the fitting is weaker than that of the first embodiment, but the protrusion 115 and the groove 165 can prevent liquid substances such as water and resin from entering the inside of the connector assembly.

[0041] [Example 3: Connector assembly using reinforcing member] FIG. 7a shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7b shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 7a, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7a. FIG. 7c shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the third embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 7b, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The reference numbers in FIGS. 7a, b, and c correspond to the reference numbers in FIGS. 6a, b, and c, respectively, and this embodiment has a reinforcing member, which is different from the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6. That is, this embodiment has the same configuration as the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, except for the reinforcing member.

[0042] In this embodiment, plug 105 has a reinforcing member 705 and receptacle 150 has a reinforcing member 750. The reinforcing member is arranged to cover some or all of the circumference of the long portion of the plug or receptacle. This increases the strength of the connector assembly, and a plug or receptacle that does not use a reinforcing member is more easily deformed than a plug or receptacle that uses a reinforcing member. Therefore, a receptacle or plug that does not use a reinforcing member corresponding to a plug or receptacle that uses a reinforcing member will deform based on the shape of the plug or receptacle that uses a reinforcing member, and the projections and grooves will fit more closely.

[0043] In other embodiments, the reinforcing member may be disposed to cover some or all of the other periphery of the plug or receptacle (e.g., periphery of the short portion). In other embodiments, the reinforcing member may be disposed near some or all of the longitudinal center of the plug or receptacle, rather than the periphery (e.g., 710, 755 shown by dotted lines in FIG. 7a). Also, the reinforcing member may be disposed both around the periphery and center of the plug or receptacle. In other embodiments, the protrusion 115 of the plug 105 and the groove 165 of the receptacle 150 may have the press-fit portion 405 and the press-fit groove 450, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4a, etc.

[0044] [Example 4: Connector assembly using a storage section] FIG. 8a shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8b shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 8a, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8a. FIG. 8c shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 8b, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8b. FIG. 9a shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9b shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 9a, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9a. Figure 9c shows plug 105 and receptacle 150 according to Example 4, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line connected by the letter "B" shown in Figure 9b, as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 9b. The reference numbers in Figures 8a, b, and c and Figures 9a, b, and c correspond to the reference numbers in Figures 6a, b, and c, respectively, and this example has a storage portion for storing a liquid substance, which is different from plug 105 and receptacle 150 in Example 2 shown in Figure 6. That is, the storage portion of this example is similar to the configuration of Example 2 shown in Figure 6.

[0045] In this embodiment, the plug 105 and / or the receptacle 150 each have a storage portion (850 in FIG. 8 and 915 in FIG. 9). The storage portion can store a liquid substance such as water or resin after the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are mated. This can prevent the liquid substance from entering the portion where the terminals of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are connected (around the receptacle terminal recess 465). If the liquid substance is a resin that becomes liquid at high temperatures and hardens at low temperatures, the liquid substance is stored in the storage portion in a liquid state, and when the resin hardens, the connection of the connector assembly can be made stronger. In addition, the liquid substance hardens in the storage portion and in the path leading to the storage portion, so that the liquid substance such as water can be prevented from entering again after hardening.

[0046] In this embodiment, the reservoir is provided on the bottom surface of the portion where plug 105 and receptacle 150 fit together (the bottom surface of protrusion 115 and the bottom surface of groove 165 in FIGS. 8 and 9), but this is just one example and the reservoir may be provided in other locations on the portion where plug 105 and receptacle 150 fit together (the bottom surface of protrusion 115 and the outer wall of groove 165 in FIGS. 8 and 9). In this embodiment, the reservoir is disposed so as to cover the entire periphery of plug 105 and receptacle 150, but may be disposed so as to cover part of it.

[0047] In other embodiments, the storage portion may be provided in both the protrusion 115 and the groove 165. For example, the storage portions of the protrusion 115 and the groove 165 may or may not be in contact with each other. As an example where the storage portions are in contact with each other, the storage portion may be provided on the bottom surfaces of the protrusion 115 and the groove 165. As an example where the storage portions are not in contact with each other, the storage portion of the protrusion 115 may be provided on the bottom surface of the protrusion 115, and the storage portion of the groove 165 may be provided on the bottom surface of the groove 165. In still other embodiments, this embodiment may have the reinforcing member shown in the third embodiment.

[0048] [Example 5: Connector assembly in which the side wall of the connector assembly is realized by the outer wall of the plug] FIG. 10a shows a side view of the longitudinal portion of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10b shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "A" shown in FIG. 10a, and is viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10a. FIG. 10c shows the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 according to the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along a line connected by the letter "B" shown in FIG. 10b, and is viewed from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10b. The reference numbers in FIG. 10a, b, and c correspond to the reference numbers in FIG. 4a, b, and c, respectively, and this embodiment differs from the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the like in that the side wall of the connector assembly is realized by the outer wall of the plug.

[0049] Receptacle 150 has protrusion 1055 on the outermost side. Plug 105 has groove 1005 surrounded by outer wall 1010 and plug terminal protrusion 430. Groove 1005 fits by receiving protrusion 105 of receptacle 150, and at least a part of the surface of groove 1005 and protrusion 1055 are in close contact with each other. This makes it possible to prevent liquid substances from entering the inside of the contact assembly. In this embodiment, the main body of receptacle 150 can be made smaller than those of embodiments 1 to 4, which contributes to miniaturization of the connector assembly and further to reduction in the amount of main body material used.

[0050] [Variations] The connector assembly according to the above embodiment has two terminal arrays in which the terminals 110 and 155 on the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are arranged as one pair in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 2b and 3b. However, this is merely an example, and the terminal array may have one row or three or more rows.

[0051] When some of the terminals in a terminal array arranged in a single row are considered to be terminals of a first group, or when all of the terminal array arranged in a predetermined number of rows are considered to be terminals of the first group, the terminals of the first group are arranged to face a predetermined direction on the bottom surface of plug 105 and receptacle 150, and terminals of other groups other than the terminals of the first group may be arranged to face a direction other than the predetermined direction.

[0052] [others] The "first connector" in the claims refers to either a plug or a receptacle having a protrusion, and the "second connector" in the claims refers to either a plug or a receptacle having a groove for receiving the protrusion.

[0053] The "first terminal" in the claims refers to a terminal in the "first connector" that is connected to a terminal of a board circuit to be connected to the connector assembly. The "second terminal" in the claims refers to a terminal in the "second connector" that is connected to a terminal of a board circuit to be connected to the connector assembly.

[0054] In the claims, a "first contact portion" of a "first connector" is connected to a "second contact portion" of a "second connector," thereby providing an electrical connection to the connector assembly.

[0055] In the above embodiment, plug 105 and receptacle 150 are integrally formed using at least an insulating member and a conductive member forming a terminal, but as will be understood by those skilled in the art, plug 105 and receptacle 150 may be integrally formed including other members.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the plug 105 and the receptacle 150 are shown as being substantially rectangular, but this is merely an example and may be other shapes such as substantially square or substantially triangular. The connector assembly is formed in a shape suitable for an electronic device in which the connector assembly is to be used.

[0057] Regarding each of the embodiments described above, a part or all of each embodiment may be combined to be realized as a single embodiment.

[0058] The structure and arrangement of elements in each embodiment described above are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can make many modifications to each embodiment, including, for example, changing the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, material use, colors, orientations, and the like.

[0059] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 100: Connector assembly 105: Plug 110: Plug terminal 115: Plug protrusion 120: Bottom of plug 150: Receptacle 155: Receptacle terminal 165: Receptacle groove 180: Bottom of receptacle 185: Receptacle recess 190: Convex part inside the recess 355: Receptacle terminal exposed area 405: Press-fit section 415: Plug side board circuit contact part 420: Receptacle contact part 430: Plug terminal protrusion 450: Press-fit groove 455: Receptacle side PCB circuit contact part 460: Plug contact part 465: Receptacle terminal recess 705, 750: Reinforcement members 1005: Groove 1010 :Outer wall 1055:Protrusion

Claims

1. A connector assembly for preventing the ingress of liquid substances, comprising: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion, which is a part of the first terminal, and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, and a second contact portion electrically connected to the first contact portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, the second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, and having a groove portion for receiving the protrusion; Equipped with the first connector is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed by integral molding using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal, the protrusion portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side closer to the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side farther from the first contact portion, the first inner wall and the first outer wall each extend along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, the groove portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side farther from the second contact portion, the second inner wall and the second outer wall each extend along the fitting direction, When the protrusion is received in the groove along the fitting direction, no gap is formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall, and the first inner wall and the second inner wall are in close contact with each other over the entire surface over a range along the fitting direction in which the protrusion is received in the groove, and the first outer wall and the second outer wall are in close contact with each other over the entire surface. Connector assembly.

2. A connector assembly for preventing the ingress of liquid substances, comprising: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion, which is a part of the first terminal, and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, and a second contact portion electrically connected to the first contact portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, the second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, and having a groove portion for receiving the protrusion; Equipped with the first connector and / or the second connector include a reinforcing member; the first connector is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed by integral molding using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal, the protrusion portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side closer to the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side farther from the first contact portion, the first inner wall and the first outer wall each extend along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, the groove portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side farther from the second contact portion, the second inner wall and the second outer wall each extend along the fitting direction, When the protrusion is received in the groove along the fitting direction, no gap is formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall, and the first inner wall and the second outer wall are tightly attached to each other over the range in which the protrusion is received in the groove. Connector assembly.

3. A connector assembly for preventing the ingress of liquid substances, comprising: a first connector having a first terminal on a bottom surface, and having a first contact portion, which is a part of the first terminal, and a protrusion portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; a second connector having a second terminal on a bottom surface, and a second contact portion electrically connected to the first contact portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, the second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, and having a groove portion for receiving the protrusion; Equipped with The protrusion and / or the groove has a storage portion for storing a liquid substance, the first connector is formed by integral molding using an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first terminal, and the second connector is formed by integral molding using the insulating member and the conductive member forming the second terminal, the protrusion portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, a first inner wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side closer to the first contact portion, and a first outer wall circumferentially surrounding the first contact portion on a side farther from the first contact portion, the first inner wall and the first outer wall each extend along a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, the groove portion includes, in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, a second inner wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side closer to the second contact portion, and a second outer wall circumferentially surrounding the second contact portion on a side farther from the second contact portion, the second inner wall and the second outer wall each extend along the fitting direction, When the protrusion is received in the groove along the fitting direction, no gap is formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall and between the first outer wall and the second outer wall, and the first inner wall and the second outer wall are tightly attached to each other over the range in which the protrusion is received in the groove. Connector assembly.

4. The connector assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first connector and / or the second connector include a strength member.

5. 5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector have no holes in their respective bottom surfaces.

6. 6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion of the first connector has a press-fit portion and the groove of the second connector has a press-fit groove that receives the press-fit portion, or the groove of the second connector has a press-fit portion and the protrusion of the second connector has a press-fit groove that receives the press-fit portion.

7. 7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein when there are two or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged side by side in a first direction on a bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are two or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged side by side in a first direction on a bottom surface of the second connector.

8. 7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein when there are three or more first terminals, the first terminals are arranged in two rows in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and / or when there are three or more second terminals, the second terminals are arranged in two rows in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

9. 9. The connector assembly of claim 7 or 8, wherein, on a bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal is oriented in a second direction and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction different from the second direction, and, on a bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal is oriented in a second direction and other terminals of the second terminal are oriented in a direction different from the second direction.

10. 10. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein, on a bottom surface of the first connector, at least one terminal of the first terminal is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction, and / or, on a bottom surface of the second connector, at least one terminal of the second terminal is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and other terminals of the first terminal are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction.

11. An electronic device using the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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