Socket Connector

Abstract

To provide a technology that effectively protects an island end portion.SOLUTION: A socket connector 2 includes a socket housing 5 including an island portion 11 and a peripheral wall 12 surrounding the island portion 11 protruding upward from a bottom plate 10, a plurality of socket contacts 4 arranged side by side in a socket housing 5, and a protective fitting 6 that protects an island end portion 14 that is an end of the island portion 11 in the pitch direction of the plurality of socket contacts 4. The protective fitting 6 includes a top surface protection portion 23 covering the top surface 14A of the island end portion 14, two lateral surface protection portions 24 extending downward from both ends of the top surface protection portion 23 in the width direction and respectively facing the two lateral side surfaces 14B of the island end portion 14 facing the width direction, and two winding portions 25 extending from the lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions 24 so as to approach each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As shown in FIG. 20 of the present application, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector 102 including a housing 100 made of an insulating material and two inner reinforcing metal fittings 101. The housing 100 is formed with a recess 103 and a protrusion 104 into which a mating connector is inserted. The two inner reinforcing metal fittings 101 are attached to two island ends 105 corresponding to both longitudinal ends of the protrusion 104. Each inner reinforcing metal fitting 101 covers the top surface and three side surfaces of the corresponding island end 105. Therefore, it is believed that this prevents the mating connector from coming into contact with any of the island ends 105 and damaging that island end 105 when the mating connector is inserted into the recess 103 of the housing 100 without being properly positioned relative to the housing 100 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6842359 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the inner reinforcing metal fitting 101 is prone to deformation, and there is a risk that the corresponding island end portion 105 may be damaged.

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

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a socket connector comprising: a housing having an island portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island portion protruding upward from a bottom plate; a plurality of contacts arranged in a row on the housing; and a protective fitting that protects the island end portion, which is the end portion of the island portion in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts, wherein the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective portion that covers the upper surface of the island end portion; two first side surface protective portions that extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protective portion in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and face each of the two side surfaces facing the width direction of the island end portion; and two wrap-around portions that extend toward each other from the respective lower ends of the two first side surface protective portions. The thickness direction of the two roll-up portions may be parallel to the up-down direction. The two rolled-up portions may be exposed downward. Each of the turn-in portions may be asymmetrical with respect to a bisecting line that extends in the width direction and divides each turn-in portion into two in the pitch direction, and the tip shapes of the two turn-in portions may be formed to be complementary to each other. The protective fitting may further include a second side surface protective portion extending downward from the end portion in the pitch direction of the upper surface protective portion and facing the side surface of the island end portion facing the pitch direction, and a connecting portion extending outward in the pitch direction from the lower end of the second side surface protective portion and exposed outward in the pitch direction from the housing. The connecting portion may be formed so as to branch out in the width direction toward the outside in the pitch direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the island end can be effectively protected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a socket connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the socket connector seen from another angle. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a socket housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the protective fitting as seen from another angle. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of socket contacts. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the socket connector taken in the pitch direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the socket connector taken in the width direction. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the plug connector as seen from another angle. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of a protective fitting as a comparative example. [Figure 20] This is a simplified diagram of FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

[0011] As shown in 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 (hold-downs) 7.

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

[0013] Here, the terms "vertical direction," "pitch direction," and "width direction" are defined with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The vertical direction, pitch direction, and width direction are directions that are perpendicular to each other.

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

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the pitch direction is the direction in which the socket contacts 4 are arranged. When the socket contacts 4 are arranged in two parallel rows as in this embodiment, the pitch direction can be defined as the direction in which the socket contacts 4 belonging to one of the two rows are arranged. The pitch direction includes an inward pitch direction and an outward pitch direction. The inward pitch direction is the direction approaching the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction. The outward pitch direction is the direction away from the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction.

[0016] The width direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the pitch direction. The width direction includes the inward width direction and the outward width direction. The inward width direction is a direction approaching the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction. The outward width direction is a direction away from the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction.

[0017] (Socket connector 2) The socket connector 2 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[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] 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 bottom plate 10 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is the up-down direction.

[0021] The island portion 11 protrudes upward from the center of the bottom plate 10 in the pitch direction and width direction, and extends elongatedly in the pitch direction. The island portion 11 includes an island main body 13 and two island end portions 14. The two island end portions 14 correspond to both ends of the island portion 11 in the pitch direction. The island main body 13 is the portion between the two island end portions 14.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 6, each island end portion 14 has an upper surface 14A facing upward, two lateral side surfaces 14B (side surfaces) facing outward in the width direction, and a vertical side surface 14C (side surface) facing outward in the pitch direction. The upper surface 14A is perpendicular to the up-down direction. Each lateral side surface 14B is formed facing outward in the width direction and slightly upward. The vertical side surfaces 14C are perpendicular to the pitch direction.

[0023] Returning to Fig. 5, the peripheral wall 12 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the island portion 11, and protrudes upward from the bottom plate 10. The peripheral wall 12 includes two contact retaining walls 15 that retain a plurality of socket contacts 4, and two reinforcing bracket retaining walls 16 that respectively retain two socket reinforcing brackets 7. The island portion 11 and the two contact retaining walls 15 are disposed between the two reinforcing bracket retaining walls 16 in the pitch direction.

[0024] Each contact holding wall 15 is disposed so as to face the island portion 11 in the width direction. Each contact holding wall 15 is formed with a plurality of slits 15A for holding a plurality of socket contacts 4, respectively.

[0025] 6, each auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction in plan view. Each auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16 is formed with a vertical press-fit groove 16A that opens outward in the pitch direction and extends in the up-down direction, and two horizontal press-fit grooves 16B that open outward in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The vertical press-fit groove 16A and the two horizontal press-fit grooves 16B are used when attaching the corresponding socket auxiliary fitting 7 to the auxiliary fitting retaining wall 16.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the peripheral wall 12 is formed in a ring shape at a distance from the island portion 11 in the pitch direction and width direction, so that a ring-shaped fitting recess 17 is formed between the island portion 11 and the peripheral wall 12.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the two protective fittings 6 are intended to protect the two island ends 14 of the island portion 11, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, each protective fitting 6 is formed by stamping and bending a single metal plate. Since the two protective fittings 6 have the same shape, only one protective fitting 6 will be described, and a description of the other protective fitting 6 will be omitted.

[0028] 7 to 9 show the protective fitting 6. The protective fitting 6 includes a C-shaped protective portion 20, a vertical protective portion 21 (second side surface protective portion), and a connecting portion 22. The C-shaped protective portion 20, the vertical protective portion 21, and the connecting portion 22 are connected in this order outward in the pitch direction.

[0029] 8, the C-shaped protective portion 20 is formed in a C-shape that opens downward when viewed along the pitch direction. The C-shaped protective portion 20 includes an upper surface protective portion 23, two side surface protective portions 24 (first side surface protective portions), and two wrap-around portions 25.

[0030] The upper surface protection part 23 is a part whose plate thickness direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The upper surface protection part 23 is arranged so as to face the upper surface 14A of the island end part 14 shown in Fig. 6 in the up-down direction. The upper surface protection part 23 covers and protects the upper surface 14A of the island end part 14.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 8, the two lateral surface protective portions 24 are portions that extend downward from both ends in the width direction of the top surface protective portion 23. The thickness direction of each lateral surface protective portion 24 is substantially perpendicular to the width direction, and more specifically, is formed slightly upward. The two lateral surface protective portions 24 are arranged so as to face the two lateral side surfaces 14B of the island end portion 14 shown in FIG. 6 in the width direction. The two lateral surface protective portions 24 each cover and protect the two lateral side surfaces 14B of the island end portion 14.

[0032] Returning to Fig. 8, the two roll-up portions 25 extend toward each other from the respective lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions 24. That is, the two roll-up portions 25 extend inward in the width direction from the respective lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions 24. The plate thickness direction of each roll-up portion 25 is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the protective fitting 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the two roll-up portions 25 are formed asymmetrically with respect to a first bisecting line C1 that bisects the C-shaped protective part 20 in the width direction. Furthermore, each roll-up portion 25 is formed asymmetrically with respect to a second bisecting line C2 (bisecting line) that bisects the C-shaped protective part 20 in the pitch direction. Specifically, each roll-up portion 25 includes a first roll-up portion 25A and a second roll-up portion 25B. The first roll-up portion 25A and the second roll-up portion 25B are adjacent to each other in the pitch direction. The first roll-up portion 25A is longer in the width direction than the second roll-up portion 25B. The first rolled-up portion 25A of one rolled-up portion 25 and the second rolled-up portion 25B of the other rolled-up portion 25 face each other in the width direction, and the second rolled-up portion 25B of one rolled-up portion 25 and the first rolled-up portion 25A of the other rolled-up portion 25 face each other in the width direction. That is, the tip shapes of the two rolled-up portions 25 are formed to be complementary to each other. This makes it possible to ensure a large maximum dimension of each rolled-up portion 25 in the width direction, while also solving the backlash problem that occurs when forming the C-shaped protective portion 20.

[0034] That is, in order to form the bent portions between the upper surface protective portion 23 and each of the lateral surface protective portions 24 so that each of the lateral surface protective portions 24 is perpendicular to the upper surface protective portion 23 in Fig. 8, it is necessary to first tilt the two lateral surface protective portions 24 inward in the width direction and bring them closer to each other, taking backlash into consideration. However, there is a trade-off between the inclination angle when tilting the two lateral surface protective portions 24 inward in the width direction and the maximum dimension in the width direction of each of the rolled-up portions 25. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the two rolled-up portions 25 are asymmetrical with respect to the second bisector C2 as described above, and the tip shapes of the two rolled-up portions 25 are formed to be complementary to each other, thereby eliminating the above trade-off.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 7 , the vertical protective portion 21 extends downward from the end portion of the upper surface protective portion 23 of the C-shaped protective portion 20 on the outer side in the pitch direction. The thickness direction of the vertical protective portion 21 is perpendicular to the pitch direction. The vertical protective portion 21 faces the vertical side surface 14C of the island end portion 14 shown in FIG. 6 in the pitch direction. The vertical protective portion 21 covers and protects the vertical side surface 14C of the island end portion 14.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , the connecting portion 22 extends outward in the pitch direction from the lower end of the vertical protective portion 21. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 22 is the up-down direction. The connecting portion 22 is formed in a Y-shape in a plan view. That is, the connecting portion 22 is formed so as to branch out in the width direction toward the outward pitch direction. In this embodiment, the protective bracket 6 is attached to the socket housing 5 by insert molding. The connecting portion 22 is used to hold the protective bracket 6 within the mold during insert molding. That is, the connecting portion 22 has two branch portions 22A that protrude outward in the pitch direction, and the two branch portions 22A are connected to a common carrier during insert molding. After insert molding, the two branch portions 22A are separated from the carrier.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, the two socket auxiliary brackets 7 are used to secure the socket housing 5 to the socket-side substrate. As shown in Fig. 4, each socket auxiliary bracket 7 is formed by stamping and bending a single metal plate. Since the two socket auxiliary brackets 7 have the same shape, only one of the socket auxiliary brackets 7 will be described, and a description of the other socket auxiliary bracket 7 will be omitted.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 10, the socket reinforcing metal fitting 7 includes an upper surface protection part 30, three solder legs 31, and two spring pieces 32.

[0039] The upper surface protection portion 30 has a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction in plan view, and covers and protects the upper surface of the reinforcing fitting holding wall 16 shown in Figure 6. The thickness direction of the upper surface protection portion 30 coincides with the up-down direction.

[0040] The three solder legs 31 are formed to extend downward from the upper surface protection portion 30. The three solder legs 31 include two horizontal solder legs 33 and one vertical solder leg .

[0041] The two lateral solder legs 33 are formed to protrude outward in the width direction from the upper surface protection 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 FIG. 6. The solder portion 33B is soldered to an electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0042] The vertical solder legs 34 are formed to protrude outward in the pitch direction from the upper surface protection 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 press-fit groove 16A shown in FIG. 6. The solder portion 34B is soldered to an electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0043] Each spring piece 32 is a cantilever supported by the upper surface protection 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.

[0044] 11 shows a plurality of socket contacts 4. The plurality of socket contacts 4 belonging to one row 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 arranged between the two power supply contacts 4B. Each socket contact 4 is formed by stamping and forming a single metal plate.

[0045] Each socket contact 4 includes a U-shaped contact portion 40 that opens upward, and a solder leg 41 that extends downward from the outer 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 FIG. 5. The solder portion 41B is soldered to an electrode pad on the socket side substrate.

[0046] 12 to 14 show the protective metal fitting 6 integrated with the socket housing 5 by insert molding.

[0047] 12 and 13, the two wrap-around portions 25 of the C-shaped protective portion 20 of the protective metal fitting 6 are exposed downward from the socket housing 5. Similarly, the connecting portion 22 of the protective metal fitting 6 is exposed downward from the socket housing 5.

[0048] 12 and 14, the two branch portions 22A of the connecting portion 22 of the protective fitting 6 are exposed outward in the pitch direction from the socket housing 5. That is, the end faces 22B of the two branch portions 22A of the connecting portion 22 of the protective fitting 6 facing outward in the pitch direction are in the same plane as the end face 5A of the socket housing 5 facing outward in the pitch direction. The end faces 22B are cut surfaces that are created when the connecting portion 22 of the protective fitting 6 is separated from the carrier.

[0049] 12, the connecting portion 22 branches out in the width direction so as to bypass the solder portion 34B of the vertical solder leg 34 of the socket reinforcing metal fitting 7. Therefore, a sufficient clearance can be secured between the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket reinforcing metal fitting 7.

[0050] (Plug connector 3) Next, the plug connector 3 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Note that when the plug connector 3 is mated with the socket connector 2, the attitude of the plug connector 3 relative to the socket connector 2 is uniquely determined, and therefore, in the following description of the plug connector 3, the various directions already defined with reference to Figures 1 to 4 will be used as they are.

[0051] 15 to 17, 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 metal fittings 52. The plurality of plug contacts 50 and the two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are formed by insert molding. Plug Housing 51 It is integrated with.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 17, the plug housing 51 is a rectangular plate made of insulating resin in a plan view, and is elongated in the pitch direction.

[0053] The plug housing 51 includes a bottom plate 53 and a peripheral wall 54 .

[0054] The bottom plate 53 is a flat plate whose thickness direction is the up-down direction.

[0055] The peripheral wall 54 is formed in an annular shape and protrudes downward from the bottom plate 53. The peripheral wall 54 includes two contact retaining walls 55 that retain a plurality of plug contacts 50, and two auxiliary fitting retaining walls 56 that retain two plug auxiliary fittings 52, respectively.

[0056] Each auxiliary fitting holding wall 56 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction in plan view.

[0057] Each plug contact 50 is formed by stamping and forming a single metal plate.

[0058] The two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are used to fix the plug housing 51 to the plug-side substrate. Each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is formed by stamping and bending a single metal plate. Since the two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 have the same shape, only one of the plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 will be described, and a description of the other plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 will be omitted.

[0059] As still shown in FIG. 17, the plug auxiliary fitting 52 includes a lower surface protection portion 57, a vertical protection portion 58, two horizontal protection portions 59, and two flange portions 60.

[0060] The lower surface protection portion 57 is U-shaped in plan view and opens inward in the pitch direction, and is a portion that covers and protects the lower surface of the reinforcing fitting holding wall 56. The thickness direction of the lower surface protection portion 57 coincides with the up-down direction.

[0061] The vertical protective portion 58 is a portion that covers and protects the vertical end surface 56A facing outward in the pitch direction of the auxiliary fitting holding wall 56. The vertical protective portion 58 extends upward from the end portion of the lower surface protective portion 57 facing outward in the pitch direction.

[0062] The two lateral protective portions 59 are portions that cover and protect the two lateral end faces 56B facing outward in the width direction of the auxiliary fitting holding wall 56. The two lateral protective portions 59 extend upward from both ends of the lower surface protective portion 57 on the outward side in the width direction.

[0063] The two flange portions 60 are portions that are soldered to the plug-side board. The two flange portions 60 extend outward in the width direction from the upper ends of the two lateral protection portions 59, respectively. The two flange portions 60 may be connected to each other.

[0064] In this embodiment, each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is formed by drawing. Therefore, the vertical protective portion 58 is directly connected to the two horizontal protective portions 59 without passing through the underside protective portion 57. This ensures the strength of the plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 in the vertical direction, making the plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 less likely to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0065] (Manufacturing method) Next, a method for manufacturing the socket connector 2 will be described.

[0066] First, the socket housing 5 and the two protective metal fittings 6 shown in FIG. 4 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0067] Next, the multiple socket contacts 4 and the two socket auxiliary fittings 7 are attached to the socket housing 5. Specifically, the press-fit portions 41A of the solder legs 41 of each socket contact 4 shown in Fig. 11 are press-fitted from below into the corresponding slits 15A of the socket housing 5 shown in Fig. 4. Also, the press-fit portions 33A of the two lateral solder legs 33 of the socket auxiliary fitting 7 shown in Fig. 10 are press-fitted from above into the two lateral press-fit grooves 16B of the corresponding auxiliary fitting holding wall 16 of the socket housing 5 shown in Fig. 6.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of a method for manufacturing the plug connector 3. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a plurality of plug contacts 50, a plug housing 51, and two plug auxiliary metal fittings 52 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0069] (How to use) Next, a method of using the connector assembly 1 will be described.

[0070] To mount the socket connector 2 shown in Figure 3 on 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.

[0071] Similarly, to mount the plug connector 3 shown in FIG. 15 on the plug-side substrate, each plug contact 50 and each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is soldered to the corresponding electrode pad provided on the plug-side substrate by solder reflow.

[0072] To mate the plug connector 3 with the socket connector 2, as shown in FIG. 1 , the plug connector 3 is aligned with the socket connector 2 in the up-down direction, and then the plug connector 3 is lowered toward the socket connector 2, inserting the annular peripheral wall 54 of the plug connector 3 into the annular mating recess 17 of the socket connector 2. Then, each plug contact 50 is inserted into the U-shaped contact portion 40 of the corresponding socket contact 4 while pushing the contact portion 40 wider in the width direction. This establishes a mechanical and electrical connection between each plug contact 50 and the corresponding socket contact 4. At the same time, each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 is inserted between the two spring pieces 32 of the corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 while pushing the two spring pieces 32 outward in the width direction. This establishes a mechanical and electrical connection between each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 and the corresponding socket auxiliary metal fitting 7. The raised portion 32A of each spring piece 32 is in contact with the corresponding lateral protective portion 59. The electrical contact between each plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 and each socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 may be used for power supply.

[0073] When mating the plug connector 3 with the socket connector 2, it is not easy to visually confirm the relative positions of 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 rocked in the pitch and width directions until the plug connector 3 fits into the mating recess 17 of the socket connector 2. At this time, even though the plug connector 3 is misaligned from the correct position in the pitch direction relative to the socket connector 2, the plug connector 3 may be mistakenly considered to be in the correct position and the plug connector 3 may be forcefully pressed into the socket connector 2. In this case, the bottom surface protective portion 57 of one plug auxiliary metal fitting 52 of the plug connector 3 shown in FIG. 17 comes into contact with the top surface protective portion 23 of the C-shaped protective portion 20 of the protective metal fitting 6 of the socket connector 2 shown in FIG. 2, causing the top surface protective portion 23 to be pressed downward. FIG. 18 shows the top surface protective portion 23 being pressed downward by the plug connector 3. When the plug connector 3 presses the top surface protection portion 23 downward, a distributed load that is distributed in the width direction acts downward on the top surface protection portion 23. For ease of explanation, FIG. 18 shows a resultant force F1 of this distributed load. When the resultant force F1 acts on the top surface protection portion 23, this resultant force F1 is received by the two retracting portions 25, and a distributed load that is distributed in the width direction acts upward on each retracting portion 25. For ease of explanation, FIG. 18 shows a resultant force F2 of this distributed load. The resultant force F2 acts on the center in the width direction of each retracting portion 25. In this embodiment, the distance D1 from the bisecting line C3 that divides the C-shaped protection portion 20 in the width direction to each retracting portion 25 is short, so the amount of deviation D2 in the width direction between the resultant forces F1 and F2 is small. Therefore, the moment acting on each side protection part 24 by resultant forces F1 and F2 is kept small, and only vertical compressive forces act on each side protection part 24. As a result, the side protection parts 24 do not tilt themselves, but merely deform so as to bulge outward in the width direction. Therefore, even if resultant force F1 acts on the top protection part 23, the C-shaped protection part 20 is unlikely to be crushed in the vertical direction.

[0074] In contrast, if the two roll-up portions 25 protrude outward in the width direction from the lower ends of the two side protection portions 24, respectively, as shown in Figure 19, the amount of widthwise displacement D2 of the resultant forces F1 and F2 is large, and the moment acting on each side protection portion 24 by the resultant forces F1 and F2 becomes large, resulting in each roll-up portion 25 moving outward in the width direction as shown by the two-dot chain line. Therefore, in the comparative example of Figure 19, it can be said that the protective fitting 6 is likely to be crushed in the vertical direction when the resultant force F1 acts on the top protection portion 23.

[0075] From the above considerations, by adopting a configuration in which the two wrap-around portions 25 respectively protrude widthwise inward from the lower ends of the two lateral surface protection portions 24 as shown in Figure 18, a technical effect is achieved in which the protective fittings 6 are less likely to be damaged when mating the plug connector 3 with the socket connector 2.

[0076] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the above embodiment has the following features.

[0077] That is, the socket connector 2 includes a socket housing 5 (housing) having an island portion 11 and a peripheral wall 12 surrounding the island portion 11 protruding upward from a bottom plate 10, a plurality of socket contacts 4 (contacts) arranged side by side in the socket housing 5, and a protective metal fitting 6 protecting an island end portion 14, which is an end portion of the island portion 11 in the pitch direction of the plurality of socket contacts 4. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , the protective metal fitting 6 includes an upper surface protective portion 23 covering an upper surface 14A of the island end portion 14, two lateral surface protective portions 24 (first lateral surface protective portions) extending downward from both ends of the upper surface protective portion 23 in the width direction and facing two lateral side surfaces 14B (lateral surfaces) facing the width direction of the island end portion 14, and two folding portions 25 extending toward each other from the lower ends of the two lateral surface protective portions 24. With the above configuration, the protective metal fitting 6 is less likely to be crushed vertically, thereby effectively protecting the island end portion 14.

[0078] Although the socket connector 2 in this embodiment is provided with two protective metal fittings 6, a configuration in which only one protective metal fitting 6 is provided is also conceivable.

[0079] The thickness direction of the two roll-up portions 25 is parallel to the up-down direction. According to the above configuration, when the upper surface protection portion 23 receives a downward load, the two roll-up portions 25 can reliably receive the load.

[0080] Furthermore, the two wrap-around portions 25 are exposed downward. According to the above configuration, a configuration is realized in which the two wrap-around portions 25 directly face the socket-side substrate.

[0081] 9, each of the roll-up portions 25 is asymmetrical with respect to a second bisecting line C2 (bisecting line) that extends in the width direction and bisects each of the roll-up portions 25 in the pitch direction. The tip shapes of the two roll-up portions 25 are formed to be complementary to each other. With the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a large maximum dimension in the width direction of each of the roll-up portions 25 while solving the backlash problem that occurs when forming the C-shaped protective portion 20. Furthermore, the maximum dimension in the width direction of each of the roll-up portions 25 contributes to shortening the distance D1 shown in FIG. 18, making it even more difficult for the protective fitting 6 to be crushed vertically.

[0082] 6 to 8, the protective fitting 6 further includes a vertical protective portion 21 (second side surface protective portion) that extends downward from the end of the upper surface protective portion 23 in the pitch direction and faces the vertical side surface 14C (side surface) facing the pitch direction of the island end portion 14, and a connecting portion 22 that extends outward in the pitch direction from the lower end of the vertical protective portion 21 and, as shown in FIG. 12, is exposed outward in the pitch direction from the socket housing 5. The connecting portion 22 is formed so as to branch out in the width direction toward the outside in the pitch direction. With the above configuration, a sufficient clearance can be secured between the protective fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary fitting 7.

[0083] The above embodiment can be modified as follows, for example.

[0084] That is, in the above embodiment, the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 are separate components, but instead, the protective metal fitting 6 and the socket auxiliary metal fitting 7 may be configured as a single component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Connector assembly 2-socket connector 3 plug connector 4 Socket Contact (Contact) 4A signal contact 4B Power supply contact 5 Socket housing (housing) 5A end face 6 Protective bracket 7 Socket auxiliary bracket 10 Bottom plate 11 Island 12 Surrounding wall 13 Island body 14 Island end 14A Top 14B Side (side) 14C Vertical side (side) 15 Contact retaining wall 15A Slit 16 Auxiliary bracket retaining wall 16A Vertical press-fit groove 16B Horizontal press-fit groove 17. Mating recess 20 C-shaped protection part 21 Vertical protection section (second side protection section) 22 Connecting part 22A Branch 22B End face 23 Top protection part 24 Side protection part (1st side protection part) 25 Rolling section 25A First winding section 25B Second winding section 30 Top protection part 31 Solder leg 32 Spring piece 32A Ridge 33 Horizontal solder leg 33A press-fit part 33B Solder section 34 Vertical solder leg 34A Extension 34B Solder section 40 Contact area 41 Solder leg 41A press-fit part 41B Solder section 50 plug contacts 51 Plug housing 52 Plug auxiliary fittings 53 Bottom plate 54 Peripheral wall 55 Contact retaining wall 56 Auxiliary fittings retaining wall 56A vertical end face 56B Side end face 57 Bottom protection part 58 Vertical protection section 59 Lateral protection section 60 flange C1 1st bisecting line C2 Second bisecting line (bisecting line) C3 bisecting line F1 resultant force F2 resultant force D1 Distance D2 deviation amount

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 an island end portion, which is an end portion of the island portion in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts; Equipped with the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective part that covers an upper surface of the island end part; two first side surface protective parts that extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protective part in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and face both side surfaces of the island end part that face in the width direction; and two wrap-around parts that extend linearly along the width direction from the lower ends of the two first side surface protective parts so as to approach each other, the two first side surface protection portions extend substantially along the mating direction; The two roll-up portions extend linearly along the width direction, so that the plate thickness directions of the two roll-up portions are parallel to the up-down direction, The two rolled-up portions are exposed downward. Socket connector.

2. A housing having an island portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the island portion, the peripheral wall protruding upward from a bottom plate; a plurality of contacts arranged side by side in the housing; a protective metal fitting for protecting an island end portion, which is an end portion of the island portion in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts; Equipped with the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective part that covers an upper surface of the island end part; two first side surface protective parts that extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protective part in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and face both side surfaces of the island end part that face in the width direction; and two wrap-around parts that extend linearly along the width direction from the lower ends of the two first side surface protective parts so as to approach each other, the two first side surface protection portions extend substantially along the mating direction; The two roll-up portions extend linearly along the width direction, so that the plate thickness directions of the two roll-up portions are parallel to the up-down direction, each turn-in portion is asymmetric with respect to a bisecting line that extends in the width direction and bisects each turn-in portion in the pitch direction; The tip shapes of the two rolled-up portions are formed to be complementary to each other. Socket connector.

3. The protective fittings are a second side surface protection portion extending downward from an end portion in the pitch direction of the upper surface protection portion and facing a side surface of the island end portion facing the pitch direction; a connecting portion extending outward in the pitch direction from a lower end of the second side surface protection portion and exposed outward in the pitch direction from the housing; Further comprising:

3. The socket connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The connecting portion is formed so as to branch out in the width direction toward the outside in the pitch direction.

4. The socket connector according to claim 3.

5. 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 an island end portion, which is an end portion of the island portion in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts; Equipped with the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective part that covers an upper surface of the island end part, two first side surface protective parts that extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protective part in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and face both side surfaces of the island end part that face in the width direction, and two wrap-around parts that extend from lower ends of the two first side surface protective parts so as to approach each other, The two rolled-up portions are exposed downward. Socket connector.

6. 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 an island end portion, which is an end portion of the island portion in the pitch direction of the plurality of contacts; Equipped with the protective fitting includes an upper surface protective part that covers an upper surface of the island end part, two first side surface protective parts that extend downward from both ends of the upper surface protective part in a width direction perpendicular to the pitch direction and face both side surfaces of the island end part that face in the width direction, and two wrap-around parts that extend from lower ends of the two first side surface protective parts so as to approach each other, each turn-in portion is asymmetric with respect to a bisecting line that extends in the width direction and bisects each turn-in portion in the pitch direction; The tip shapes of the two rolled-up portions are formed to be complementary to each other. Socket connector.

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