Socket connector

Abstract

To provide a technology that effectively protects the edge of an island.SOLUTION: An island portion 11 includes an island body 13, and two island end portions 14 adjacent to the island body 13 in the pitch direction of a plurality of socket contacts 4. Each of the island end portions 14 includes an upper surface 14A, an outer longitudinal side 14C facing outward in the pitch direction, and two lateral sides 14B facing in the width direction, and each protective bracket 6 includes a top surface protection portion 22 covering the top surface 14A, an outer protection portion 23 extending downward from the upper surface protection portion 22 and covering the outer vertical side surface 14C, and two side protection portions 25 extending downward from the top surface protection portion 22 and respectively covering the two lateral sides 14B. The outer protection portion 23 and the two side protection portions 25 are connected to each other without the upper surface protection portion 22 interposed therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a receptacle connector 100 as a board-to-board connector as shown in FIG. 20 of the present application. The receptacle connector 100 includes a housing 102 in which a receiving space 101 for receiving a plug connector as a mating connector is formed, and a reinforcing metal fitting 103. The reinforcing metal fitting 103 is provided to ensure the robustness of the receptacle connector 100. That is, the reinforcing metal fitting 103 reinforces the ends of a pair of long walls 104 of the housing 102, the short wall 105 of the housing 102, and the island-shaped protruding wall 106 of the housing 102.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 described above, the reinforcing metal fitting 103 is likely to be deformed, and there is a risk of damaging the ends of the protruding wall 106.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for effectively protecting the island end portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] From the viewpoint of the present invention, a socket connector is provided, comprising: a housing having an island portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island portion projecting upward from a bottom plate; a plurality of contacts arranged in a row in the housing; and a protective fitting for protecting the island portion, wherein the island portion includes an island portion body and an island end adjacent to the island portion body in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts, the island end having an upper surface, a first side facing outward in the pitch direction, and two second sides facing in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction, and the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective portion covering the upper surface, a first side surface protective portion extending downward from the upper surface protective portion and covering the first side, and two second side surface protective portions extending downward from the upper surface protective portion and covering the two second side surfaces respectively, the first side surface protective portion and the two second side surface protective portions being connected to each other without the upper surface protective portion. The island end has a third side surface facing inward in the pitch direction, and the protective fitting may further include a third side covering portion that extends downward from the upper protective portion and covers the third side surface. The third side covering portion may have holes or notches formed in it. The protective fitting may have a flange portion that connects to the first side protective portion and the two second side protective portions. The flange portion may be exposed downwards. The flange portion may be exposed outward from the housing in the pitch direction. The flange portion may be formed to branch outward in the pitch direction in the width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the island's edge can be effectively protected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the connector assembly. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a socket connector. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the socket connector from a different angle. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a socket connector. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a socket housing. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a sectional view taken along the arrow VII-VII line in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a sectional view taken along the arrow VIII-VIII line in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a protective fitting. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the protective fitting seen from another angle. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of a sectional view taken along the arrow XI-XI line in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of a socket auxiliary fitting. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a plurality of socket contacts. [Figure 14] It is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of a sectional view of the socket connector cut in the pitch direction. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of a sectional view of the socket connector cut in the width direction. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of a plug connector. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view of the plug connector seen from another angle. [Figure 19] It is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 20] It is a simplified view of FIG. 4 in Patent Document 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a connector assembly 1 that mechanically and electrically connects two parallel circuit boards. The connector assembly 1 consists of a socket connector 2 (first connector) mounted on one of the circuit boards, the socket-side board, and a plug connector 3 (second connector) mounted on the other circuit board, the plug-side board. The socket connector 2 is a type of connector, also called a receptacle connector.

[0011] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the socket connector 2 includes a plurality of socket contacts 4 (contacts), a socket housing 5 (housing) that holds the plurality of socket contacts 4, two protective fittings 6, and two socket support fittings 7 (hold-down).

[0012] Multiple socket contacts 4 are arranged in two rows parallel to the connector mounting surface of the socket-side substrate. Two socket support fittings 7 secure the socket housing 5 to the connector mounting surface of the socket-side substrate.

[0013] Here, referring to Figures 1 and 2, we define the "vertical direction," "pitch direction," and "width direction." The vertical direction, pitch direction, and width direction are all orthogonal to each other.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the vertical direction is the direction in which the plug connector 3 is inserted into and removed from the socket connector 2. Therefore, the vertical direction coincides with the height direction of the socket connector 2 and also coincides with the height direction of the plug connector 3. The vertical direction includes upward (removal direction) and downward (mating direction). Upward is the direction in which the plug connector 3 is removed from the socket connector 2. Downward is the direction in which the plug connector 3 is mated into the socket connector 2. Upward and downward are merely terms used for convenience of explanation and do not specify the orientation of the connector assembly 1 when in use.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the pitch direction is the direction in which the multiple socket contacts 4 are arranged. When the multiple socket contacts 4 form two parallel rows, as in this embodiment, the pitch direction can be defined as the direction in which the multiple socket contacts 4 belonging to one of the two rows are arranged. The pitch direction includes inward and outward directions. Inward is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction. Outward is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction.

[0016] The width direction is perpendicular to the vertical and pitch directions. The width direction includes the inward and outward directions. The inward direction is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction. The outward direction is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction.

[0017] (Socket connector 2) The socket connector 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 16.

[0018] As described above with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the socket connector 2 includes a plurality of socket contacts 4, a socket housing 5 that holds the plurality of socket contacts 4, two protective fittings 6, and two socket auxiliary fittings 7.

[0019] As shown in Figure 5, the socket housing 5 is a rectangular plate made of insulating resin in a plan view, and is elongated in the pitch direction. The socket housing 5 includes a bottom plate 10, an island portion 11, and a peripheral wall 12.

[0020] The base plate 10 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is in the vertical direction.

[0021] The island section 11 protrudes upward from the center of the base plate 10 in the pitch and width directions, and extends elongated in the pitch direction. The island section 11 includes an island section body 13 and two island end sections 14. The two island end sections 14 correspond to the ends of the island section 11 in the pitch direction. The island section body 13 is the portion between the two island end sections 14. The two island end sections 14 are adjacent to the island section body 13 in the pitch direction.

[0022] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, two grooves 11A are formed in the island portion 11. The two grooves 11A are formed to separate the two island ends 14 from the island portion body 13 in the pitch direction. That is, each groove 11A is formed between each island end 14 and the island portion body 13.

[0023] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, each island end 14 has an upward-facing top surface 14A, two horizontal sides 14B (second sides) facing outward in the width direction, an outward vertical side 14C (first side) facing outward in the pitch direction, and an inward vertical side 14D (third side) facing inward in the pitch direction. The two horizontal sides 14B are faces opposite each other.

[0024] As shown in Figure 8, the top surface 14A is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. The two lateral surfaces 14B and the outer vertical surface 14C are formed slightly upward. The inner vertical surface 14D is a surface perpendicular to the pitch direction.

[0025] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a connecting portion 11B is formed between the inner vertical side surface 14D of each island end 14 and each side surface 13A of the island body 13 facing outward in the pitch direction, connecting each island end 14 and the island body 13 in the pitch direction. Each connecting portion 11B is connected to the lower central portion in the width direction of the inner vertical side surface 14D of each island end 14 and to the lower central portion in the width direction of each side surface 13A. Each connecting portion 11B is formed to taper outward in the pitch direction. That is, each connecting portion 11B is formed to taper as it approaches the island end 14.

[0026] Returning to Figure 5, the peripheral wall 12 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the island portion 11 in a plan view and protrudes upward from the base plate 10. The peripheral wall 12 includes two contact retaining walls 15 that hold a plurality of socket contacts 4 and two auxiliary fitting retaining walls 16 that each hold two socket auxiliary fittings 7. The island portion 11 and the two contact retaining walls 15 are positioned between the two auxiliary fitting retaining walls 16 in the pitch direction.

[0027] Each contact retaining wall 15 is positioned to face the island portion 11 in the width direction. Each contact retaining wall 15 has multiple slits 15A formed therein for each of the multiple socket contacts 4.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, each auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction when viewed from above. Each auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 has a vertical insertion groove 16A that opens outward in the pitch direction and extends vertically, and two horizontal press-fit grooves 16B that open outward in the width direction and extend vertically. The two horizontal press-fit grooves 16B are used when attaching the corresponding socket auxiliary fitting 7 to the auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the peripheral wall 12 is formed in an annular shape with a gap in the pitch direction and width direction from the island portion 11, thereby forming an annular fitting recess 17 between the island portion 11 and the peripheral wall 12.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the two protective fittings 6 protect the two island ends 14 of the island section 11, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, each protective fitting 6 is formed by punching and drawing a single metal plate. Since the two protective fittings 6 are identical in shape, one protective fitting 6 will be described, and the description of the other protective fitting 6 will be omitted.

[0031] Figures 9 to 11 show the protective fitting 6. The protective fitting 6 includes a cup protective part 20 and a socket flange part 21 (flange part).

[0032] The cup protection portion 20 is formed in a cup shape that opens downward by a drawing process. The cup protection portion 20 includes an upper protection portion 22, an outer protection portion 23 (first side protection portion), an inner covering portion 24 (third side covering portion), and two lateral protection portions 25 (second side protection portions).

[0033] The upper protective portion 22 is the part whose thickness direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The upper protective portion 22 is positioned to face the upper surface 14A of the island end portion 14 shown in Figure 8 in the vertical direction. The upper protective portion 22 covers and protects the upper surface 14A of the island end portion 14.

[0034] Returning to Figure 9, the outer protective portion 23 is the portion that extends downward from the outer end of the upper protective portion 22 in the pitch direction. The thickness direction of the outer protective portion 23 is substantially parallel to the pitch direction, and more specifically, it is formed slightly upward. The outer protective portion 23 is positioned to face the outer vertical surface 14C of the island end portion 14 shown in Figure 8 in the pitch direction. The outer protective portion 23 covers and protects the outer vertical surface 14C of the island end portion 14.

[0035] Returning to Figure 9, the inner covering portion 24 is the portion that extends downward from the inner end of the upper protective portion 22 in the pitch direction. The thickness direction of the inner covering portion 24 is parallel to the pitch direction. The inner covering portion 24 is positioned to face the inner vertical side surface 14D of the island end portion 14 shown in Figure 8 in the pitch direction. That is, the inner covering portion 24 covers the inner vertical side surface 14D of the island end portion 14. The inner covering portion 24 is inserted into the groove portion 11A. Therefore, the inner covering portion 24 is positioned to face the side surface 13A of the island portion body 13 in the pitch direction. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the inner covering portion 24 has a notch 24A that opens downward. This notch 24A has a shape complementary to the connecting portion 11B shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the ceiling surface 24B that demarcates the notch 24A shown in Figure 11 is inclined to descend outward in the pitch direction.

[0036] Returning to Figure 9, the two lateral protection sections 25 are portions that extend downward from both ends of the upper protection section 22 in the width direction. The thickness direction of each lateral protection section 25 is substantially parallel to the width direction, and more specifically, it is formed slightly upward. Each lateral protection section 25 is positioned to face each lateral surface 14B of the island end section 14 shown in Figure 6 in the width direction. Each lateral protection section 25 covers and protects each lateral surface 14B of the island end section 14.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the outer protective portion 23 and each of the lateral protective portions 25 are directly connected to each other without the upper protective portion 22. The inner covering portion 24 and each of the lateral protective portions 25 are directly connected to each other without the upper protective portion 22. Therefore, the outer protective portion 23, the inner covering portion 24, and the two lateral protective portions 25 constitute a cylindrical body extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of this cylindrical body is closed by the upper protective portion 22.

[0038] On the other hand, the socket flange portion 21 is a flat plate with its thickness in the vertical direction, and is connected to the lower end of the outer protective portion 23, the lower end of the inner covering portion 24, and the lower ends of the two lateral protective portions 25. Therefore, the cup protective portion 20 protrudes upward from the socket flange portion 21.

[0039] The socket flange portion 21 includes a C-shaped portion 26 that is C-shaped in plan view, and two support portions 27.

[0040] The C-shaped portion 26 is formed to surround the cup protection portion 20 in a plan view. As shown in Figure 10, the C-shaped portion 26 is formed in a C shape that opens inward in the pitch direction. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the C-shaped portion 26 includes an outer flange portion 26A extending outward in the pitch direction from the lower end of the outer protection portion 23, two lateral flange portions 26B extending outward in the width direction from the lower ends of the two lateral protection portions 25, and an inner flange portion 26C extending inward in the pitch direction from the lower end of the inner covering portion 24. In this embodiment, the inner flange portion 26C has a slit 26D that is connected to the notch 24A. The inner flange portion 26C is divided in the width direction by the slit 26D. That is, the inner flange portion 26C includes two inner flange portion divisions 26E that are arranged on opposite sides of the slit 26D in the width direction. The outer flange portion 26A, the two lateral flange portions 26B, and the two inner flange portion divisions 26E are located in the same plane. Therefore, the outer flange portion 26A and the two lateral flange portions 26B are connected to each other in the same plane. The two lateral flange portions 26B are each connected to the two inner flange portion divisions 26E in the same plane.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, the two support portions 27 are each formed to protrude outward in the pitch direction from the two lateral flange portions 26B. Therefore, the outer flange portion 26A and the two support portions 27 are formed in a Y shape that opens outward in the pitch direction when viewed from above. That is, the socket flange portion 21 is formed to branch outward in the width direction toward the pitch direction. In this embodiment, the protective fitting 6 is attached to the socket housing 5 by insert molding. The two support portions 27 are used to hold the protective fitting 6 in the mold during insert molding. That is, the two support portions 27 are connected to a common carrier during insert molding. After insert molding, the two support portions 27 are separated from the carrier. Each support portion 27 has an end face 27A facing outward in the pitch direction.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the two socket support fittings 7 are for fixing the socket housing 5 to the socket-side substrate. As shown in Figure 4, each socket support fitting 7 is formed by punching and bending a single metal plate. Since the two socket support fittings 7 are identical in shape, one socket support fitting 7 will be described, and the description of the other socket support fitting 7 will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, the socket auxiliary fitting 7 includes an upper protective portion 30, three soldering legs 31, and two spring pieces 32.

[0044] The upper protective portion 30 is U-shaped, opening inward in the pitch direction when viewed from above, and covers and protects the upper surface 16C of the auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 shown in Figure 6. The thickness direction of the upper protective portion 30 coincides with the vertical direction.

[0045] Returning to Figure 12, the three solder legs 31 are formed to extend downward from the upper protective portion 30. The three solder legs 31 include two horizontal solder legs 33 and one vertical solder leg 34.

[0046] The two lateral solder legs 33 are formed to protrude outward in the width direction from the upper protective portion 30. Each lateral solder leg 33 includes a press-fit portion 33A and a solder portion 33B formed at the lower end of the press-fit portion 33A. The press-fit portion 33A is press-fitted into the corresponding lateral press-fit groove 16B in Figure 6. The solder portion 33B is soldered to the electrode pads of the socket-side substrate.

[0047] The vertical solder legs 34 are formed to protrude outward in the pitch direction from the upper protective portion 30. The vertical solder legs 34 include an extension portion 34A and a solder portion 34B formed at the lower end of the extension portion 34A. The extension portion 34A is inserted into the vertical insertion groove 16A in Figure 6. The solder portion 34B is soldered to the electrode pads of the socket-side substrate. The solder portion 34B is located in the center of the socket auxiliary fitting 7 in the width direction.

[0048] Each spring piece 32 is a cantilever beam supported by the upper protective portion 30 and extends in the pitch direction. Each spring piece 32 is configured to be elastically displaceable in the width direction and has a raised portion 32A that protrudes inward in the width direction.

[0049] Figure 13 shows multiple socket contacts 4. Each row of socket contacts 4 includes three signal contacts 4A that are relatively small in the pitch direction and two power supply contacts 4B that are relatively large in the pitch direction. The three signal contacts 4A are positioned between the two power supply contacts 4B. Each socket contact 4 is formed by punching and bending a single sheet of metal.

[0050] Each socket contact 4 includes a U-shaped contact portion 40 that opens upward and a solder leg 41 that extends downward from the end of the contact portion 40 in the width direction. The solder leg 41 includes a press-fit portion 41A and a solder portion 41B. The press-fit portion 41A is press-fitted into the corresponding slit 15A in Figure 5. The solder portion 41B is soldered to the electrode pads of the socket-side substrate.

[0051] Figures 14 to 16 show the protective fittings 6 integrated with the socket housing 5 by insert molding.

[0052] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the socket flange 21 of the protective fitting 6 is exposed downward from the socket housing 5.

[0053] As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the two support portions 27 of the socket flange 21 of the protective fitting 6 are exposed outward in the pitch direction from the socket housing 5. The end faces 27A of the two support portions 27 of the socket flange 21 of the protective fitting 6 are in the same plane as the end face 5A of the socket housing 5 that faces outward in the pitch direction. Each end face 27A is a cut surface that is created when the socket flange 21 of the protective fitting 6 is separated from the carrier.

[0054] As shown in Figure 14, the socket flange 21 branches in the width direction to bypass the solder portion 34B of the vertical solder leg 34 of the socket auxiliary fitting 7. Therefore, sufficient clearance can be secured between the protective fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary fitting 7.

[0055] (Plug connector 3) Next, the plug connector 3 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Since the orientation of the plug connector 3 relative to the socket connector 2 is uniquely determined when the plug connector 3 is mated to the socket connector 2, the various directions defined in Figures 1 to 4 will be used as is when describing the plug connector 3.

[0056] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the plug connector 3 includes a plurality of plug contacts 50, a plug housing 51 that holds the plurality of plug contacts 50, and two plug auxiliary fittings 52. The plurality of plug contacts 50 and the two plug auxiliary fittings 52 are integrated with the plug contacts 50 by insert molding.

[0057] As shown in Figure 19, the plug housing 51 is a plate made of insulating resin that is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and is formed to be elongated in the pitch direction.

[0058] The plug housing 51 includes a bottom plate 53 and a peripheral wall 54.

[0059] The base plate 53 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is in the vertical direction.

[0060] The peripheral wall 54 is formed in an annular shape and protrudes downward from the base plate 53. The peripheral wall 54 includes two contact retaining walls 55 that hold a plurality of plug contacts 50, and two auxiliary fitting retaining walls 56 that each hold two plug auxiliary fittings 52.

[0061] Each auxiliary fitting retaining wall 56 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction when viewed from above.

[0062] Each plug contact 50 is formed by punching and bending a single metal sheet.

[0063] The two plug support fittings 52 are for fixing the plug housing 51 to the plug-side substrate. Each plug support fitting 52 is formed by punching and drawing a single metal plate. Since the two plug support fittings 52 are identical in shape, one plug support fitting 52 will be described, and the description of the other plug support fitting 52 will be omitted.

[0064] Continuing to refer to Figure 19, the plug auxiliary fitting 52 includes a bottom protective portion 57, a vertical protective portion 58, two horizontal protective portions 59, and two plug flange portions 60.

[0065] The lower protective portion 57 is U-shaped, opening inward in the pitch direction when viewed from above, and covers and protects the lower surface of the auxiliary fitting retaining wall 56. The thickness direction of the lower protective portion 57 coincides with the vertical direction.

[0066] The vertical protective portion 58 is the part that covers and protects the vertical end surface 56A of the auxiliary fitting holding wall 56 that faces outward in the pitch direction. The vertical protective portion 58 extends upward from the end of the lower protective portion 57 that faces outward in the pitch direction.

[0067] The two lateral protective sections 59 are portions that cover and protect the two lateral end surfaces 56B of the auxiliary fitting retaining wall 56 that face outward in the width direction. The two lateral protective sections 59 each extend upward from both ends of the lower protective section 57 on the outward side in the width direction.

[0068] The two plug flanges 60 are the parts that are soldered to the plug-side substrate. Each of the two plug flanges 60 extends outward in the width direction from the upper end of the two lateral protective parts 59. The two plug flanges 60 may be connected to each other.

[0069] In this embodiment, each plug support fitting 52 is formed by drawing. Therefore, the vertical protective portion 58 is directly connected to the two horizontal protective portions 59 without the need for the lower protective portion 57. This ensures the strength of the plug support fitting 52 in the vertical direction, making it difficult for the plug support fitting 52 to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0070] (Manufacturing method) Next, we will explain the manufacturing method of the socket connector 2.

[0071] First, the socket housing 5 and the two protective fittings 6 shown in Figure 4 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0072] Next, the multiple socket contacts 4 and the two socket auxiliary fittings 7 are attached to the socket housing 5. Specifically, the press-fit portion 41A of the solder legs 41 of each socket contact 4 shown in Figure 13 is press-fitted from below into the corresponding slit 15A of the socket housing 5 shown in Figure 4. Also, the press-fit portions 33A of the two horizontal solder legs 33 of the socket auxiliary fitting 7 shown in Figure 12 are press-fitted from above into the two horizontal press-fit grooves 16B of the corresponding auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 of the socket housing 5 shown in Figure 6.

[0073] Next, the manufacturing method of the plug connector 3 will be described. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, a plurality of plug contacts 50, a plug housing 51, and two plug auxiliary fittings 52 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0074] (How to use) Next, we will explain how to use connector assembly 1.

[0075] To mount the socket connector 2 shown in Figure 3 onto the socket-side substrate, the solder portion 41B of each socket contact 4 and the two solder portions 33B and 34B of each socket auxiliary fitting 7 are soldered to the corresponding electrode pads provided on the socket-side substrate by solder reflow.

[0076] Similarly, to mount the plug connector 3 shown in Figure 17 onto the plug-side substrate, each plug contact 50 and each plug auxiliary fitting 52 are soldered to the corresponding electrode pads provided on the plug-side substrate by solder reflow.

[0077] To mate the plug connector 3 with the socket connector 2, as shown in Figure 1, with the plug connector 3 facing the socket connector 2 in the vertical direction, the plug connector 3 is lowered toward the socket connector 2, and the annular peripheral wall 54 of the plug connector 3 is inserted into the annular mating recess 17 of the socket connector 2. Then, each plug contact 50 is inserted into the contact portion 40 of the corresponding socket contact 4, pushing the U-shaped contact portion 40 of the corresponding socket contact 4 in the width direction. This achieves a mechanical and electrical connection between each plug contact 50 and the corresponding socket contact 4. At the same time, each plug auxiliary fitting 52 is inserted between the two spring pieces 32 of the corresponding socket auxiliary fitting 7, pushing them outward in the width direction. This achieves a mechanical and electrical connection between each plug auxiliary fitting 52 and the corresponding socket auxiliary fitting 7. The raised portion 32A of each spring piece 32 contacts the corresponding lateral protective portion 59. The electrical contact between each plug auxiliary fitting 52 and each socket auxiliary fitting 7 may be used for power supply.

[0078] By the way, when mating the plug connector 3 into the socket connector 2, it is not easy to visually confirm the relative positional relationship between the plug connector 3 and the socket connector 2 until just before mating. Therefore, in practice, the plug connector 3 is pressed against the socket connector 2 and then shaken in the pitch and width directions while waiting for the plug connector 3 to fit into the mating recess 17 of the socket connector 2. At this time, even though the plug connector 3 is misaligned from its correct position in the pitch direction relative to the socket connector 2, it may be mistakenly assumed to be in the correct position and the plug connector 3 may be pushed too hard against the socket connector 2. In this case, the lower protective portion 57 of one of the plug auxiliary fittings 52 of the plug connector 3 shown in Figure 19 comes into contact with the upper protective portion 22 of the cup protective portion 20 of the corresponding protective fitting 6 of the socket connector 2 shown in Figure 2, and a large external force acts downward on the upper protective portion 22.

[0079] In contrast, in this embodiment, the cup protection portion 20 of the protective fitting 6 is formed in a cup shape. Specifically, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the cup protection portion 20 includes at least an outer protection portion 23 and two lateral protection portions 25, and the two lateral protection portions 25 are directly connected to the outer protection portion 23 without an upper protection portion 22. Therefore, the cup protection portion 20 is less susceptible to deformation by external forces.

[0080] For example, if an external force acting downwards is applied to the upper protective portion 22 of the cup protective portion 20, the outer protective portion 23 is directly connected to the two lateral protective portions 25 without going through the upper protective portion 22. Therefore, neither the outer protective portion 23 nor the two lateral protective portions 25 can buckle independently in the vertical direction. For this reason, the cup protective portion 20 is not easily crushed in the vertical direction.

[0081] From the above considerations, by adopting a configuration in which the cup protection portion 20 of the protective fitting 6 includes an upper protection portion 22, an outer protection portion 23, and two lateral protection portions 25, and the outer protection portion 23 and the two lateral protection portions 25 are connected to each other without going through the upper protection portion 22, the cup protection portion 20 is less likely to deform under external force, and thus the protective fitting 6 is less likely to be damaged when the plug connector 3 is fitted into the socket connector 2, thus providing a technical effect.

[0082] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and these embodiments have the following features.

[0083] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the socket connector 2 comprises a socket housing 5 (housing) in which an island portion 11 and a peripheral wall 12 surrounding the island portion 11 protrude upward from a base plate 10, a plurality of socket contacts 4 (contacts) arranged in a row in the socket housing 5, and two protective fittings 6 that protect the island portion 11. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the island portion 11 includes an island portion body 13 and two island end portions 14 adjacent to the island portion body 13 in the pitch direction of the plurality of socket contacts 4. Each island end portion 14 has a top surface 14A, an outward vertical side surface 14C (first side surface) facing outward in the pitch direction, and two horizontal side surfaces 14B (second side surfaces) facing in the width direction. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, each protective fitting 6 includes an upper protective portion 22 that covers the upper surface 14A, an outer protective portion 23 (first side protective portion) that extends downward from the upper protective portion 22 and covers the outer vertical side surface 14C, and two lateral protective portions 25 (second side protective portions) that extend downward from the upper protective portion 22 and cover the two horizontal side surfaces 14B respectively. The outer protective portion 23 and the two lateral protective portions 25 are connected to each other without going through the upper protective portion 22. With this configuration, as described above, each island end 14 can be effectively protected.

[0084] In this embodiment, the socket connector 2 is provided with two protective fittings 6, but one of them may be omitted.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, each island end 14 has an inward vertical side surface 14D (third side surface) facing inward in the pitch direction. Each protective fitting 6 further includes an inward covering portion 24 (third side covering portion) that extends downward from the upper protective portion 22 and covers the inward vertical side surface 14D. With the above configuration, the cup protective portion 20 is less likely to tilt outward in the pitch direction.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a notch 24A is formed in the inner covering portion 24. With the above configuration, as shown in Figure 8, a connecting portion 11B is formed that connects the island body 13 and the island end portion 14. When injection molding the socket housing 5, the flow of molten resin from the island body 13 to the island end portion 14 is ensured, so the structure of the mold can be simplified, contributing to a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0087] Alternatively, instead of forming a notch 24A in the inner covering portion 24, a hole may be formed in the inner covering portion 24. In this case as well, for the same reasons as above, it will contribute to reducing manufacturing costs.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, each protective fitting 6 has a socket flange 21 (flange) that connects to the outer protective portion 23 and the two lateral protective portions 25. The socket flange 21 is exposed downwards. With this configuration, displacement of the lower end of the cup protective portion 20 outward in the pitch direction and outward in the width direction is suppressed, so deformation of the cup protective portion 20 in the vertical direction can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the socket flange 21 is exposed outward in the pitch direction from the socket housing 5. With this configuration, when insert molding the socket housing 5 and each protective fitting 6, the socket flange 21 can be used to hold each protective fitting 6 in the carrier.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the socket flange 21 is formed to branch outward in the width direction in the pitch direction. With this configuration, clearance can be easily secured between the solder portion 34B of the vertical solder leg 34 of the socket auxiliary fitting 7 and the socket flange 21 of the protective fitting 6.

[0091] The above embodiment can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0092] In other words, in the above embodiment, the protective fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary fitting 7 were made as separate parts, but instead, the protective fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary fitting 7 may be configured as a single part. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Connector assembly 2 Socket Connectors 3. Plug connector 4 Socket Contacts (Contacts) 4A signal contacts 4B Power supply contact 5 Socket Housing (Housing) 5A end face 6. Protective hardware 7 Socket support fittings 10 Bottom plate 11 Islands 11A Groove 11B Connection part 12 Surrounding wall 13 Island section 13A side 14 Island end 14A Top 14B Lateral side (second side) 14C Outer vertical side (first side) 14D Inner longitudinal side (third side) 15 Contact retaining wall 15A Slit 16 Auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16A Vertical insertion groove 16B Horizontal press-fit groove 17 Fitting recess 20 cup protection section 21 Socket flange (flange) 22 Top protection part 23 Outer protection part (first side protection part) 24 Inner covering portion (third side covering portion) 24A Notch 24B Ceiling surface 25 Side protection part (2nd side protection part) 26 C section 26A Outer flange 26B Lateral collar 26C Inner collar 26D Slit 26E Divided inner flange portion 27 Support part 27A End face 30 Top protection part 31 Solder legs 32 spring pieces 32A Ridge 33 Horizontal Handa Legs 33A Press-fit section 33B Handa section 34 Vertical solder legs 34A Extension 34B Handa section 40 Contact area 41 Handa legs 41A Press-fit section 41B Handabu 50 Plug Contacts 51 Plug Housing 52 Plug auxiliary fittings 53 Bottom plate 54 Peripheral wall 55 Contact retaining wall 56 Auxiliary fitting retaining wall 56A Vertical end face 56B Side end face 57 Bottom protection part 58 Vertical protective section 59 Side protection section 60 Plug flange

Claims

1. a housing having an island portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island portion, the peripheral wall projecting upward from a bottom plate; a plurality of contacts arranged side by side in the housing; a protective metal fitting for protecting the island portion; Equipped with the island portion includes an island portion main body and an island end portion adjacent to the island portion main body in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts, the island end portion has an upper surface, a first side surface facing outward in the pitch direction, and two second side surfaces facing in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction, The protective fittings are an upper surface protection part that covers the upper surface; a first side surface protection portion extending downward from the upper surface protection portion and covering the first side surface; two second side surface protection portions extending downward from the upper surface protection portion and covering the two second side surfaces, respectively; Including, The first side surface protection portion and the two second side surface protection portions are connected to each other without the upper surface protection portion therebetween. Socket connector.

2. 2. The socket connector according to claim 1, the island end portion has a third side surface facing inward in the pitch direction, The protective fittings are The device further includes a third side surface covering portion extending downward from the upper surface protecting portion and covering the third side surface. Socket connector.

3. 3. The socket connector according to claim 2, A hole or a notch is formed in the third side surface covering portion. Socket connector.

4. 4. A socket connector according to claim 1, The protective metal fitting has a flange portion connected to the first side surface protective portion and the two second side surface protective portions. Socket connector.

5. 5. The socket connector according to claim 4, The flange is exposed downward. Socket connector.

6. 6. The socket connector according to claim 4 or 5, The flange portion is exposed outward in the pitch direction from the housing. Socket connector.

7. 7. The socket connector according to claim 6, The flange portion is formed so as to branch outward in the pitch direction and in the width direction. Socket connector.

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