Connector assembly and connector

Abstract

To improve strength of a connector.SOLUTION: A first connector comprises a first holding metal fitting 3. The first holding metal fitting 3 is arranged to one end of a peripheral wall of a housing. In the first connector, a second connector is fitted from an upper direction. The first holding metal fitting 3 comprises: a first end part piece 31; a first side part piece 32; ana a first coupling part 33. The first end part piece 31 includes: an upper side part 311 arranged onto an upper side of an end wall of the peripheral wall; and an inner side part 312 arranged in an inner side of the end wall. The first side part piece 32 includes: an upper side part 321 arranged onto the upper side of the side wall of the peripheral wall; and an inner side part 322 arranged in the inner side of the side wall. The first coupling part 33 is arranged at a corner part of the peripheral wall. The first coupling part 33 includes a first inner side coupling part 332. The first inner side coupling part 332 connects a gap of the inner side part 312 of the first end part piece 31 with the inner side part 322 of the first side part piece 32 at the corner part of the peripheral wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to ,Ko Connector Assembly , and connector In more detail, Equipped with a first connector and a second connector Connector Assembly and a connector that is a first connector or a second connector in a connector assembly. Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector of Patent Document 1 includes a receptacle insulator, multiple receptacle contacts, and a receptacle-side fixing bracket. The receptacle insulator is made of resin and has an annular outer wall that forms a mating recess on its inner periphery. The multiple receptacle contacts are mountable to a circuit pattern on a receptacle-side circuit board and are supported by the receptacle insulator. The receptacle-side fixing bracket is mountable to the receptacle-side circuit board and is supported by the receptacle insulator. In this receptacle connector, when the mating protrusion of a plug insulator of a plug connector is mated with the mating recess, the multiple plug contacts that are mountable to the circuit pattern on the plug-side circuit board and supported by the plug insulator come into contact with the receptacle contacts, and the plug connector comes into contact with the receptacle-side fixing bracket. The receptacle-side fixing bracket and receptacle insulator are integrated by insert molding. The receptacle-side fixing metal fitting includes a resilient contact piece that, in a free state, is spaced inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-99694 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In connectors such as the receptacle connector of Patent Document 1, it is sometimes desirable to improve the strength.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the strength of connectors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A connector assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first connector and a second connector mated with the first connector. The first connector includes a first housing, a first retaining fitting, and a first terminal. The first housing includes a first peripheral wall extending along a first axis and having a pair of first end walls opposing each other along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a pair of first side walls located at both ends of the pair of first end walls and extending along the second axis, and an intermediate base extending along the second axis between the pair of first side walls. The first retaining fitting is disposed at one end of the first peripheral wall along the second axis. The first terminal is held by the first peripheral wall. The second connector includes a second housing, a second retaining fitting, and a second terminal. The second housing includes a second peripheral wall extending along the first axis and having a pair of second end walls opposing each other along the second axis, and a pair of second side walls located at both ends of the pair of second end walls and extending along the second axis. The second retaining fitting is disposed at one end of the second axis of the second peripheral wall. The second terminal is held by the second peripheral wall and electrically connected to the first terminal of the first connector. The second connector is mated with the first connector from one side along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis. With the side on the third axis where the first connector is located designated as the bottom and the side on which the second connector is located designated as the top, the first retaining fitting includes: a first end piece having a first upper portion disposed above one of the pair of first end walls and a first inner portion disposed inside the one first end wall; a first side piece having a first upper portion disposed above one of the pair of first side walls and a first inner portion disposed inside the one first side wall; a first connecting portion disposed at a first corner of the first peripheral wall; and an intermediate extension portion extending from a lower end of at least one of the first end piece and the first side piece toward the intermediate base portion. The first connecting portion has a first upper connecting portion that connects the upper portion of the first end piece and the first upper portion of the first side piece at the first corner of the first peripheral wall, and an inner connecting portion that seamlessly connects the first inner portion of the first end piece and the first inner portion of the first side piece.With the side of the third axis where the second connector is located defined as the bottom and the side where the first connector is located defined as the top, the second holding fitting comprises: a second end piece having a second upper portion disposed above one of the pair of second end walls and a second outer portion disposed outside the one second end wall, a second side piece having a second upper portion disposed above one of the pair of second side walls and a second outer portion disposed outside the one second side wall, and a second connecting portion disposed at a second corner of the second peripheral wall. The second connecting portion comprises a second upper connecting portion connecting the second upper portion of the second end piece to the second upper portion of the second side piece at the second corner of the second peripheral wall, and a second outer connecting portion connecting the second outer portion of the second end piece to the second outer portion of the second side piece without interruption. The second end piece of the second retaining fitting further has a second inner portion disposed on the inside of the second end wall. The second side piece further has a second inner portion disposed on the inside of the second side wall. With the side on the third axis where the second connector is located defined as the bottom and the side on which the first connector is located defined as the top, the second inner portion of the second end piece extends downward from the second upper portion of the second end piece, and the second inner portion of the second side piece extends downward from the second upper portion of the second side piece. When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the second outer coupling portion of the second holding metal fitting is disposed more inward than the first inner coupling portion of the first holding metal fitting. 。 The connector of one aspect of the present disclosure is the second connector of the connector assembly. When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the second outer coupling portion of the second holding metal fitting is positioned more inward than the first inner coupling portion of the first holding metal fitting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve the strength of the connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the first connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first holding metal fitting provided in the first connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first holding fitting. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first holding fitting. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first terminal included in the first connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the connector assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the second connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second holding metal fitting provided in the second connector. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second holding metal fitting. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second terminal included in the second connector. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the first connector is connected to the second connector in the connector assembly. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the first connector has been connected to the second connector in the connector assembly. [Figure 18] 18A to 18C are perspective views of a first holding fitting of a first modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first holding metal fitting. [Figure 20] 20A to 20C are perspective views of a first holding fitting of a second modified example. [Figure 21] 21A and 21B are perspective views of a second holding metal fitting of the first modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the second holding metal fitting. [Figure 23]23A and 23B are perspective views of a second holding metal fitting of a second modified example. [Figure 24] 24A and 24B are perspective views of a second holding fitting of the third modified example. [Figure 25] 25A and 25B are perspective views of a second holding fitting of the fourth modified example. [Figure 26] 26A and 26B are perspective views of a second holding fitting of the fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a connector assembly including the same will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Overview 1, the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment includes a connector (hereinafter also referred to as a "first connector") 1 serving as a socket (female connector; receptacle), and a connector (hereinafter also referred to as a "second connector") 5 serving as a header (male connector; plug). The header is fitted into the socket.

[0013] The connector assembly 100 is used to electrically connect multiple boards 9 (see FIG. 16) mounted on, for example, an electronic device. The first connector is mounted on, for example, a board 9 (hereinafter also referred to as a "first board 91") built into the electronic device. The second connector 5 is mounted on another board 9 (hereinafter also referred to as a "second board 92") also built into the electronic device. The electronic device is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the first connector 1 includes a housing (hereinafter also referred to as the "first housing") 2, a retaining fitting (hereinafter also referred to as the "first retaining fitting") 3, and a terminal (contact, signal terminal) 41.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 2 includes a peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "first peripheral wall") 22. The first peripheral wall 22 has a pair of end walls (hereinafter also referred to as the "first end walls") 221 and a pair of side walls (hereinafter also referred to as the "first side walls") 222. The pair of first end walls 221 extend along a first axis A1 and face each other along a second axis A2. The second axis A2 intersects (here, perpendicular to) the first axis A1. The pair of first side walls 222 are located at both ends of the pair of first end walls 221. The pair of first side walls 222 extend along the second axis A2. The pair of first side walls 222 respectively connect end portions (end portions on the first axis A1) of the pair of first end walls 221. The portions where the first end walls 221 and the first side walls 222 connect to each other form corner portions 223.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the first holding metal fitting 3 is disposed at one end of the second axis A2 of the first circumferential wall 22.

[0017] The signal terminal 41 is held by the first peripheral wall 22. The signal terminal 41 is electrically connected to a mating terminal (second terminal 8) of a mating connector (second connector 5) (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0018] 1, a mating connector (second connector 5) is mated with the first connector 1 from above along the third axis A3. The third axis A3 intersects (here, is perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first retaining fitting 3 comprises an end piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "first end piece") 31, a side piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "first side piece") 32, and a connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first connecting portion") 33.

[0020] The first end piece 31 has an upper portion 311 and an inner portion 312. The upper portion 311 is disposed above the first end wall 221, and the inner portion 312 is disposed inside the first end wall 221.

[0021] The first side piece 32 has an upper side portion 321 and an inner side portion 322. The upper side portion 321 is disposed above the first side wall 222, and the inner side portion 322 is disposed inside the first side wall 222.

[0022] The first connecting portion 33 is disposed at the corner portion 223 of the first circumferential wall 22 .

[0023] The first connecting portion 33 has an inner connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first inner connecting portion") 332. The first inner connecting portion 332 seamlessly connects the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the first side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the first peripheral wall 22.

[0024] In the first connector 1, the first coupling portion 33 has a first inner coupling portion 332. Therefore, the first connector 1 can have improved strength compared to a connector (socket) of a comparative example that does not have the first inner coupling portion 332 and has a slit between the inner portion 312 and the inner portion 322. In addition, when the peripheral wall (second peripheral wall) 62 of the second connector 5 is fitted into the mating recess 24 (see FIG. 1 ) on the inside of the first peripheral wall 22 of the first housing 2, the possibility of the inner surface of the corner portion 223 of the first peripheral wall 22 being damaged by a metal portion provided on the second peripheral wall 62 of the second connector 5 is reduced. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the first housing 2, and further improve the strength of the first connector 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 9, the second connector 5 includes a housing (hereinafter also referred to as the "second housing") 6, a retaining fitting (hereinafter also referred to as the "second retaining fitting") 7, and a terminal (contact; hereinafter also referred to as the "second terminal") 8.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 10 , the second housing 6 includes a peripheral wall (hereinafter also referred to as the "second peripheral wall") 62. The second peripheral wall 62 has a pair of end walls (hereinafter also referred to as the "second end walls") 621 and a pair of side walls (hereinafter also referred to as the "second side walls") 622. The pair of second end walls 621 extend along the first axis A1 and face each other along the second axis A2. The second axis A2 intersects (here, perpendicular to) the first axis A1. The pair of second side walls 622 are located at both ends of the pair of second end walls 621. The pair of second side walls 622 extend along the second axis A2. The pair of second side walls 622 respectively connect the ends of the pair of second end walls 621 (ends on the first axis A1). The portions where the second end walls 621 and the second side walls 622 connect to each other form corner portions 623.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 10, the second holding metal fitting 7 is disposed at one end of the second axis A2 of the second circumferential wall 62.

[0028] The second terminal 8 is held by the second peripheral wall 62. The second terminal 8 is electrically connected to a mating terminal (signal terminal 41) of a mating connector (first connector 1) (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0029] 9, the mating connector (first connector 1) is mated with the second connector 5 from above along the third axis A3. The third axis A3 intersects (here, is perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0030] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second retaining fixture 7 comprises an end piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "second end piece") 71, a side piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "second side piece") 72, and a connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second connecting portion") 73.

[0031] The second end piece 71 has an upper portion 711 and an outer portion 712. The upper portion 711 is disposed above the second end wall 621, and the outer portion 712 is disposed outside the second end wall 621.

[0032] The second side piece 72 has an upper side portion 721 and an outer side portion 722. The upper side portion 721 is disposed above the second side wall 622, and the outer side portion 722 is disposed outside the second side wall 622.

[0033] The second connecting portion 73 is disposed at a corner portion 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 .

[0034] The second connecting portion 73 has an outer connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second outer connecting portion") 732. The second outer connecting portion 732 seamlessly connects the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 and the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62.

[0035] In the second connector 5, the second coupling portion 73 has a second outer coupling portion 732. Therefore, the second connector 5 can have improved strength compared to a comparative connector (header) that does not have the second outer coupling portion 732 and has a slit between the outer portion 712 and the outer portion 722. In addition, when the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 is fitted into the mating recess 24 on the inside of the first peripheral wall 22 of the first connector 1, the possibility that the outer surface of the corner portion 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 will be damaged by a metal portion provided on the first connector 1 is reduced. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the second housing 6, and further improve the strength of the second connector 5.

[0036] (2)Details The connector assembly 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. As described above, the connector assembly 100 includes the first connector 1 as a socket and the second connector 5 as a header.

[0037] (2.1) Socket The first connector 1 serving as a socket will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] The first connector 1 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular box having a width along a first axis A1, a length along a second axis A2 that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the first axis A1, and a height along a third axis A3 that intersects (here, perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The second connector 5 is fitted into the first connector 1 along the third axis A3.

[0039] In this section "(2.1) Socket," for the sake of convenience, one side and the other side of the first axis A1 will be referred to as "front" and "rear," one side and the other side of the second axis A2 as "left" and "right," and one side and the other side of the third axis A3 as "upper" and "lower." In particular, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 5 are mated, the side of the third axis A3 on which the first connector 1 is located will be referred to as "lower," and the side on which the second connector 5 is located will be referred to as "upper." Note that the above-mentioned directional specifications are not intended to limit the manner in which the first connector 1 is used.

[0040] Additionally, in the section "(2.1) Socket," in a plan view of the first connector 1, the side closer to the center of the first connector 1 is referred to as the "inside," and the side farther from the center of the first connector 1 is referred to as the "outside." In other words, "outside" refers to the side away from the center of the first connector 1, with the center of the first connector 1 being the reference (inside). Note that in this disclosure, "plan view" refers to a view from "above."

[0041] The width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1) of the first connector 1 is, for example, several mm. The length dimension (dimension along the second axis A2) of the first connector 1 is, for example, several mm to several tens of mm. The height dimension (dimension along the third axis A3) of the first connector 1 is, for example, several tenths of a mm.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the first connector 1 includes a first housing 2, a pair of first holding metal fittings 3, and a plurality of first terminals 4.

[0043] (2.1.1) Housing, terminals The first housing 2 is an insulating resin molded body. In this embodiment, the first housing 2 is an insert molded product in which the pair of first holding metal fittings 3 are inserted.

[0044] The first housing 2 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length along the second axis A2. As shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 2 has a bottom wall (hereinafter also referred to as "first bottom wall") 21, a peripheral wall (first peripheral wall) 22, and an intermediate base portion 23. The first bottom wall 21, the first peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate base portion 23 are integrally formed. The first bottom wall 21 has a plate shape that is long along the second axis A2 and constitutes the bottom of the first housing 2. The first peripheral wall 22 protrudes upward from the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall 21 and has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. In other words, the first peripheral wall 22 is formed along the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall 21 to surround the center.

[0045] The first peripheral wall 22 is made up of a pair of first end walls 221 and a pair of first side walls 222. The first peripheral wall 22 has a total of four corners 223 at positions where the first end walls 221 and the first side walls 222 are connected.

[0046] A plurality of first terminals 4 are stored in a plurality of storage sections 27, which will be described later, in each of the pair of first side walls 222, thereby holding the plurality of first terminals 4 in a state aligned along the second axis A2. In this embodiment, each of the pair of first side walls 222 holds seven first terminals 4, a total of 14 first terminals 4.

[0047] The intervals at which the first terminals 4 are arranged, that is, the pitch, is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter. In this embodiment, the first terminals 4 are arranged at equal pitches, but they may also be arranged at irregular pitches.

[0048] The intermediate base 23 extends along the second axis A2 between the pair of first side walls 222. The intermediate base 23 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a length along the second axis A2. The intermediate base 23 protrudes upward from the center of the first bottom wall 21. The area surrounded by the first bottom wall 21, the first peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate base 23 forms a mating recess (hereinafter also referred to as the "first mating recess") 24 into which the second connector 5 is mated. Specifically, the peripheral wall (second peripheral wall) 62 of the second connector 5 is mated with the first mating recess 24. This allows the second connector 5 to be connected to the first connector 1.

[0049] The multiple first terminals 4 are broadly divided into signal terminals 41 for signal transmission and power terminals 42 electrically connected to a power source. In this embodiment, of the 14 first terminals 4, there are 10 signal terminals 41 and 4 power terminals 42. Five signal terminals 41 and two power terminals 42 are provided on each of the pair of first side walls 222, aligned along the second axis A2. On each of the pair of first side walls 222, the five signal terminals 41 are provided between the two power terminals 42. The signal terminals 41 and the power terminals 42 have substantially the same shape. When the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the signal terminals 41 are connected to the corresponding second terminals 8, and the power terminals 42 are connected to the corresponding second holding fittings 7.

[0050] The first terminal 4 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The first terminal 4 is gold-plated, but is not limited to this, and may not be gold-plated.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the first terminal 4 has a spring piece 44, a rising piece 45, a falling piece 46, and a terminal piece 47, which are integrally formed.

[0052] The spring piece 44 has a horseshoe-shaped curved tip and is configured to be elastically deformed along the first axis A1. When the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the spring piece 44 is pressed by the corresponding second terminal 8 or second holding metal fitting 7. This causes the spring piece 44 to generate an elastic force in a direction (inward) toward the corresponding second terminal 8 or second holding metal fitting 7.

[0053] The rising piece 45 is plate-shaped. A first end (lower end) of the rising piece 45 is integral with the spring piece 44. The rising piece 45 comes into contact with the corresponding second terminal 8 or the second holding fitting 7 when the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1. The rising piece 45 is also integral with a protrusion 451 that protrudes toward the spring piece 44. When the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the protrusion 451 of the signal terminal 41 is aligned (up and down) with the corresponding protrusion 821 of the second terminal 8 along the third axis A3, and is located closer to the bottom of the second terminal 8 than the protrusion 821. In other words, the protrusion 451 hooks onto the corresponding protrusion 821 of the second terminal 8, thereby forming a locking mechanism.

[0054] The falling piece 46 is plate-shaped. A first end (upper end) of the falling piece 46 is curved in an inverted U shape and is integral with the second end (upper end) of the rising piece 45.

[0055] The terminal piece 47 is plate-shaped. The terminal piece 47 is integral with the second end (lower end) of the falling piece 46. The terminal piece 47 protrudes outward from the second end of the falling piece 46 along the first axis A1. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 is exposed from the first housing 2. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 serves as a joining surface to be joined to the first board 91 by, for example, soldering.

[0056] 2, the first housing 2 has a plurality of (here, 14) storage portions 27 that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of first terminals 4. Each of the storage portions 27 is formed across the first side wall 222, the first bottom wall 21, and the intermediate base portion 23. Each of the storage portions 27 penetrates the first bottom wall 21 along the third axis A3. Each of the plurality of first terminals 4 is stored in the storage portion 27 by being pushed into the storage portion 27 from below.

[0057] The multiple storage sections 27 are provided in two equal halves on both sides of the first axis A1, sandwiching the intermediate base 23. The multiple storage sections 27 on both sides of the intermediate base 23 are all arranged side by side at approximately equal intervals along the second axis A2. Of the seven storage sections 27 on one side (front side) of the first axis A1 of the intermediate base 23, two storage sections 27 at both ends (left and right ends) of the second axis A2 each store a power terminal 42 as the first terminal 4. Similarly, of the seven storage sections 27 on the other side (rear side) of the first axis A1 of the intermediate base 23, two storage sections 27 at both ends (left and right ends) of the second axis A2 each store a power terminal 42 as the first terminal 4. The remaining ten storage sections 27 each store a signal terminal 41 as the first terminal 4.

[0058] When housed in the housing portion 27, each of the plurality of first terminals 4 has a portion exposed to the first fitting recess 24. Specifically, a portion of the spring piece 44 of each of the plurality of first terminals 4 is exposed from the side of the intermediate base portion 23 to the first fitting recess 24. In addition, a portion of the rising piece 45 of each of the plurality of first terminals 4 is exposed from the inside of the first side wall 222 to the first fitting recess 24.

[0059] When the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the portions of each of the plurality (10) signal terminals 41 of the plurality (14) first terminals 4 that are exposed in the first fitting recess 24 come into contact with the plurality of second terminals 8 of the second connector 5 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). Furthermore, when the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the portions of each of the plurality (4) power terminals 42 of the plurality (14) first terminals 4 that are exposed in the first fitting recess 24 come into contact with the plurality of second holding metal fittings 7 of the second connector 5 (see FIG. 17). As a result, each of the plurality of first terminals 4 of the first connector 1 is electrically connected to the corresponding second terminal 8 or second holding metal fitting 7 of the second connector 5.

[0060] (2.1.2) Retaining hardware The first holding metal fitting 3 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy, etc. The first holding metal fitting 3 is used to improve the strength of the first connector 1.

[0061] 1, the first housing 2 is provided with one first retaining metal fitting 3 on each end (left end and right end) of the second axis A2 (two in total). In the following, the first retaining metal fitting 3 attached to the right end of the first housing 2 will be described as an example in principle, but the first retaining metal fitting 3 attached to the left end of the first housing 2 also has a similar structure.

[0062] The first holding metal fitting 3 is formed seamlessly (without joints) as a single piece by, for example, drawing.

[0063] 3 to 5, the first holding fitting 3 has an end piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "first end piece") 31, a side piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "first side piece") 32, a connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first connecting portion") 33, and an intermediate extension portion 34. Specifically, the first holding fitting 3 has one first end piece 31, two first side pieces 32, two first connecting portions 33, and one intermediate extension portion 34.

[0064] The first end piece 31 protects one (right) first end wall 221 of the first housing 2. The first end piece 31 has an upper side portion 311, an inner side portion 312, and an outer side portion 313. The first end piece 31 further has (here, a pair of) terminal portions 314.

[0065] The upper portion 311 is disposed above the first end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the first end wall 221. The upper portion 311 covers substantially the entire upper surface of the first end wall 221 (except for the corners 223).

[0066] The inner portion 312 is disposed inside (on the left side of) the first end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface (left side surface) of the first end wall 221. The inner portion 312 covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the first end wall 221 near the upper end. The inner surface (left side surface) of the inner portion 312 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner portion 312 is connected without any step to the exposed surface of the inner surface of the first end wall 221 that is not covered by the inner portion 312.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner portion 312 has, at its upper end, a rectangular plate-like first portion with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The inner portion 312 also has, below the first portion, an isosceles trapezoidal second portion whose width (dimension along the first axis A1) gradually decreases from top to bottom. Thus, the width of the inner portion 312 decreases from its upper end to its lower end along the third axis A3. As described below, the intermediate extension 34 is connected to the lower end of the inner portion 312, so the width of the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 decreases from its upper end toward the intermediate extension 34 along the third axis A3.

[0068] The upper end of the inner portion 312 is connected to the inner end (left end) of the upper portion 311. The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 312 and the inner end of the upper portion 311 forms a curved portion 315.

[0069] The outer portion 313 is disposed outside (on the right side) of the first end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface (right side) of the first end wall 221. The outer portion 313 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the first end wall 221 near the upper end. The outer portion 313 covers almost the entire outer surface of the first end wall 221.

[0070] 4, the outer portion 313 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The central portion of the lower end of the outer portion 313 forms a recess 3130 that is recessed upward from the lower end.

[0071] The upper end of the outer portion 313 is connected to the outer end (right end) of the upper portion 311. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 313 and the outer end of the upper portion 311 is a curved portion 316.

[0072] 8, the curved portion 316 between the outer portion 313 and the upper portion 311 is curved more sharply than the curved portion 315 between the inner portion 312 and the upper portion 311. For example, in terms of the radius of curvature, the curved portion 316 is smaller than the curved portion 315.

[0073] 4 and 5, the pair of terminal portions 314 are connected to the front and rear ends, respectively, of the lower end of the outer portion 313. The terminal portions 314 are L-shaped plates when viewed from below. The terminal portions 314 have a first portion extending leftward from the lower end of the outer portion 313 along the second axis A2, and a second portion extending outward from the left end of the first portion along the first axis A1.

[0074] The terminal portion 314 has a portion that fits along the lower surface of the first peripheral wall 22 of the first housing 2 and a portion that is exposed to the outside from the first peripheral wall 22. The tip of the portion of the terminal portion 314 that is exposed to the outside from the first peripheral wall 22 protrudes outward beyond the outer portion 323 of the first side piece 32. The lower surface of the terminal portion 314 serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first board 91 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the first end piece 31 has an end-side fixed portion (terminal portion 314; hereinafter, also referred to as the "first end-side fixed portion") that is fixed to the first board 91 (circuit board). The first end-side fixed portion (terminal portion 314) is plate-shaped and is disposed on the first board 91 so that the thickness axis of the first end-side fixed portion intersects with the first board 91 (circuit board). In the first connector 1, the thickness axis of the first end side fixing portion (plate-shaped terminal portion 314) of the first holding fitting 3 intersects with the first board 91, so that the first connector 1 is less likely to rotate even when subjected to a force along the first axis A1, for example. Also, because the tip of the terminal portion 314 protrudes outward beyond the outer portion 323 of the first side piece 32, it is easy to check whether the terminal portion 314 has been soldered to the first board 91.

[0075] The two first side pieces 32 are provided at both ends (front and rear ends) of the first axis A1 of the first end piece 31. The first end piece 31 and the two first side pieces 32 are connected in an inverted C shape in a plan view.

[0076] One (front) first side piece 32 protects one end (right side) of one (front) first side wall 222 of the first housing 2 along the second axis A2. The other (rear) first side piece 32 protects one end (right side) of the other (rear) first side wall 222 of the first housing 2 along the second axis A2.

[0077] The first side piece 32 has an upper side portion 321 , an inner side portion 322 , and an outer side portion 323 .

[0078] The upper portion 321 is disposed above the right end portion of the first side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222. The upper portion 321 covers almost the entire upper surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222 (a portion other than the corner portion 223).

[0079] The inner portion 322 is disposed inside the right end portion of the first side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222. The inner portion 322 covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222 near the upper end. The inner surface of the inner portion 322 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner portion 322 is connected without any step to the exposed surface of the inner surface of the first side wall 222 that is not covered by the inner portion 322.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the inner portion 322 has a rectangular plate-shaped portion with a constant width dimension (dimension along the second axis A2).

[0081] The upper end of the inner portion 322 is connected to the inner end of the upper portion 321. The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 322 and the inner end of the upper portion 321 is a curved portion 325.

[0082] The outer portion 323 is disposed outside the right end portion of the first side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222. The outer portion 323 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222 near the upper end.

[0083] The upper end of the outer portion 323 is connected to the outer end of the upper portion 321. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 323 and the outer end of the upper portion 321 is a curved portion 326.

[0084] The curved portion 326 between the outer portion 323 and the upper portion 321 is curved more sharply than the curved portion 325 between the inner portion 322 and the upper portion 321. For example, in terms of the radius of curvature, the curved portion 326 is smaller than the curved portion 325.

[0085] 3 to 5, the outer portion 323 has a rectangular plate-shaped first portion 3231 with a constant width (dimension along the second axis A2), and a rectangular plate-shaped second portion 3232 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the first portion on one side (left side) of the second axis A2. The terminal portion 314 of the first end piece 31 is located in a space formed by a step 3230 between the first portion 3231 and the second portion 3232 of the outer portion 323.

[0086] The lower end of the second portion 3232 of the outer portion 323 has a recess with an upwardly recessed arc-shaped cross section at the center of the second axis A2. The lower surface of the outer portion 323 (the lower end surface of the second portion 3232) is flush with the lower surface of the terminal portion 314 of the first end piece 31. The lower surface of the outer portion 323 (the lower end surface of the second portion 3232) serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first board 91 by, for example, soldering. In this way, the first side piece 32 has a side-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 323; hereinafter, also referred to as the "first side-side fixing portion") that is fixed to the first board 91 (circuit board).

[0087] In this way, in the first connector 1 of this embodiment, the first end piece 31 has a first end side fixing portion and the first side piece 32 has a first side side fixing portion, making it possible to firmly fix the first retaining fitting 3 to the first board 91.

[0088] The first connecting portion 33 connects the first end piece 31 and the first side piece 32. One (front) of the two first connecting portions 33 connects the front end of the first end piece 31 to the right end of the front first side piece 32. The other (rear) of the two first connecting portions 33 connects the rear end of the first end piece 31 to the right end of the rear first side piece 32.

[0089] The first connecting portion 33 has an upper connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first upper connecting portion") 331 and an inner connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first inner connecting portion") 332. The first upper connecting portion 331 seamlessly connects the upper portion 311 of the first end piece 31 to the upper portion 321 of the first side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the first peripheral wall 22. The first inner connecting portion 332 seamlessly connects the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 to the inner portion 322 of the first side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the first peripheral wall 22. Therefore, the first connecting portion 33 seamlessly connects the curved portion 315 of the first end piece 31 to the curved portion 325 of the first side piece 32. Note that in the present disclosure, "connecting seamlessly" is not limited to a strict lack of a gap between the two connected portions. For example, the joints may have holes that are unavoidably formed during manufacturing or minute holes that are formed after manufacturing.

[0090] In a cross section taken along the third axis A3, the first upper connecting portion 331 has a lower surface adjacent to the first peripheral wall 22 and an upper surface remote from the first peripheral wall 22. The upper surface of the first upper connecting portion 331 connects the upper surface of the upper portion 311 of the first end piece 31 to the upper surface of the upper portion 321 of the first side piece 32. The lower surface of the first upper connecting portion 331 connects the lower surface of the upper portion 311 of the first end piece 31 to the lower surface of the upper portion 321 of the first side piece 32. In this disclosure, "adjacent to the peripheral wall" can mean both contact with the peripheral wall and being adjacent to the peripheral wall without contacting the peripheral wall.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first inner coupling portion 332 has an outer surface 3321 adjacent to the first circumferential wall 22 and an inner surface 3322 spaced from the first circumferential wall 22 in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3. The outer surface 3321 and the inner surface 3322 of the first inner coupling portion 332 are curved so as to be convex outward relative to the center of the first connector 1. In the present disclosure, the phrase "the outer surface (or the inner surface) of the coupling portion is curved so as to be convex outward" means that, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the outer surface (or the inner surface) of the coupling portion is continuous without interruption, and a portion between any two points on the outer surface (or the inner surface) of the coupling portion is located outside the line segment connecting the two points. In a specific example in which the outer surface 3321 (or the inner surface 3322) of the first inner coupling portion 332 is arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the center of the arc is located inside the first inner coupling portion 332.

[0092] The inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the first side piece 32 are connected seamlessly along the third axis A3 by the first inner connecting portion 332. The first inner connecting portion 332 also connects, without any step, the lower end of one end (front end or rear end) of the first axis A1 of the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 to the lower end of one end (right end) of the second axis A2 of the inner portion 322 of the first side piece 32.

[0093] 3 and 4, the first retaining fitting 3 has a slit 35 formed between the outer portion 313 of the first end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the first side piece 32. The slit 35 extends along the third axis A3. Therefore, in the first retaining fitting 3, the outer portion 313 of the first end piece 31 is not connected to the outer portion 323 of the first side piece 32, and the curved portion 316 of the first end piece 31 is not connected to the curved portion 326 of the first side piece 32.

[0094] The slit 35 of the first holding metal fitting 3 is filled with the corner 223 of the first circumferential wall 22 (see FIG. 1).

[0095] The intermediate extension 34 extends (to the left) from the lower end of the first end piece 31 toward the intermediate base portion 23. The width dimension of the intermediate extension 34 (dimension along the first axis A1) is equal to the width dimension of the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the intermediate extension 34 has a bottom portion 341, a rising portion 342, and an upper end portion 343.

[0097] The bottom portion 341 has a rectangular plate shape extending along the second axis A2. A first end (right end) of the bottom portion 341 is connected to the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31. The corner connecting the first end of the bottom portion 341 and the lower end of the inner portion 312 forms a curved portion 345. As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom portion 341 is aligned with the first bottom wall 21 of the first housing 2.

[0098] The bottom portion 341 is disposed above the first bottom wall 21 of the first housing 2 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the first bottom wall 21. The upper surface of the bottom portion 341 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The upper surface of the bottom portion 341 is seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the upper surface of the first bottom wall 21 that is not covered by the bottom portion 341.

[0099] 8, a portion of the lower surface of bottom portion 341 is exposed downward from an opening formed in first bottom wall 21 of first housing 2. The area around the portion of the lower surface of first bottom wall 21 of first housing 2 where the opening is formed is recessed by one step, and the portion of the lower surface of bottom portion 341 exposed from the opening is located one step further back than the lower surface of first bottom wall 21.

[0100] 3, rising portion 342 has a rectangular plate shape extending obliquely upward from the second end (left end) of bottom portion 341. The lower end of rising portion 342 is connected to the second end of bottom portion 341. The corner connecting the lower end of rising portion 342 and the second end of bottom portion 341 forms curved portion 346.

[0101] 8, the rising portion 342 runs along the side surface of the end (right end) of the intermediate base 23. The rising portion 342 extends obliquely along the side surface of the end of the intermediate base 23. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 (the surface connected to the upper surface of the bottom 341) is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 is located one step further outward than the side surface of the end of the intermediate base 23.

[0102] 3, the upper end portion 343 has a rectangular plate shape extending leftward along the second axis A2 from the upper end of the rising portion 342. A first end (right end) of the upper end portion 343 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 342. A corner connecting the first end of the upper end portion 343 and the upper end of the rising portion 342 forms a curved portion 347.

[0103] 8, the upper end portion 343 runs along the upper portion of the end portion of the intermediate base portion 23. The upper end portion 343 is disposed above the intermediate base portion 23 of the first housing 2, and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the end portion (right end portion) of the intermediate base portion 23. The upper surface of the upper end portion 343 is seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the upper surface of the end portion of the intermediate base portion 23 that is not covered by the upper end portion 343.

[0104] Because the first retaining fitting 3 is provided with an intermediate extension portion 34, it is possible to protect the first bottom wall 21 and intermediate base portion 23 of the first housing 2, thereby improving the strength of the first connector 1.

[0105] In the first connector 1 of this embodiment, the fixing portions (first end-side fixing portion, first side-side fixing portion) of the first holding fitting 3 on the first side (right side) of the second axis A2 and the pair of power supply terminals 42 on the first side (right side) of the second axis A2 can be commonly connected to the conductors of the first board 91. Similarly, the fixing portions (first end-side fixing portion, first side-side fixing portion) of the first holding fitting 3 on the second side (left side) of the second axis A2 and the pair of power supply terminals 42 on the second side (left side) of the second axis A2 can be commonly connected to the conductors of the first board 91. In other words, the first holding fitting 3 is electrically connected to the same potential as the corresponding power supply terminal 42 and functions as a power supply terminal for transmitting electric power.

[0106] (2.2) Header Next, the second connector 5 serving as a header will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0107] The second connector 5 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular box having a width along a first axis A1, a length along a second axis A2 that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the first axis A1, and a height along a third axis A3 that intersects (here, perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The first connector 1 is fitted into the second connector 5 along the third axis A3.

[0108] In this section "(2.2) Header," for the sake of convenience, one side and the other side of the first axis A1 will be referred to as "front" and "rear," one side and the other side of the second axis A2 as "left" and "right," and one side and the other side of the third axis A3 as "top" and "bottom." In particular, when the second connector 5 and the first connector 1 are mated, the side of the third axis A3 on which the second connector 5 is located will be referred to as "bottom," and the side on which the first connector 1 is located will be referred to as "top." In other words, in this section "(2.2) Header," the terms "top" and "bottom" are reversed from those in the section "(2.1) Socket." Note that the above-mentioned directional specifications are not intended to limit the manner in which the second connector 5 is used.

[0109] In addition, in the section "(2.2) Header", in a plan view of the second connector 5, the side closer to the center of the second connector 5 is referred to as the "inside" and the side farther from the center of the second connector 5 is referred to as the "outside". In other words, the "outside" refers to the side away from the center of the second connector 5, with the center of the second connector 5 as the reference (inside).

[0110] The width of the second connector 5 (dimension along the first axis A1) is, for example, several mm. The length of the second connector 5 (dimension along the second axis A2) is, for example, several mm to several tens of mm. The height of the second connector 5 (dimension along the third axis A3) is, for example, a few tenths of a mm.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, the second connector 5 includes a second housing 6, a pair of second holding metal fittings 7, and a plurality of second terminals 8.

[0112] (2.2.1) Housing, terminals The second housing 6 is an insulating resin molded body. In this embodiment, the second housing 6 is an insert-molded product in which the plurality of second terminals 8 are inserted.

[0113] The second housing 6 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length along the second axis A2. As shown in FIG. 10, the second housing 6 has a bottom wall (hereinafter also referred to as "second bottom wall") 61 and a peripheral wall (second peripheral wall) 62. The second bottom wall 61 and the second peripheral wall 62 are integrally formed. The second bottom wall 61 has a plate shape that is long along the second axis A2 and constitutes the bottom of the second housing 6. The second peripheral wall 62 protrudes upward from the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall 61 and has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. In other words, the second peripheral wall 62 is formed along the peripheral edge of the second bottom wall 61 so as to surround the center.

[0114] The second peripheral wall 62 is made up of a pair of second end walls 621 and a pair of second side walls 622. The second peripheral wall 62 has a total of four corners 623 at positions where the second end walls 621 and the second side walls 622 are connected.

[0115] The area surrounded by the second bottom wall 61 and the second peripheral wall 62 forms a fitting recess (hereinafter also referred to as a "second fitting recess") 64 into which the first connector 1 fits. Specifically, the intermediate base portion 23 of the first connector 1 fits into the second fitting recess 64. In this way, the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0116] A step portion 63 is formed between the second bottom wall 61 and the second end wall 621 of the second peripheral wall 62.

[0117] Half of the multiple second terminals 8 are provided on each of a pair of second side walls 622 of the second peripheral wall 62. Specifically, each of the pair of second side walls 622 holds five second terminals 8, for a total of ten terminals 8. In this embodiment, the pair of second holding fittings 7 are held in the second housing 6 by being pressed into the pair of second end walls 621 from above.

[0118] The interval between the second terminals 8, i.e., the pitch, is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter. The pitch between the second terminals 8 is approximately equal to the pitch between the first terminals 4. In this embodiment, the second terminals 8 are arranged at equal pitches, but they may also be arranged at irregular pitches.

[0119] The second terminals 8 (terminals of the second connector 5) are metal molded bodies made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The second terminals 8 are gold-plated, but are not limited to this and may not be gold-plated.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 13, the second terminal 8 has a contact piece 81, a hanging piece 82, and a terminal piece 83, which are integrally formed.

[0121] The contact piece 81 is plate-shaped. The contact piece 81 is provided on a surface of the second side wall 622 facing the second mating recess 64. The contact piece 81 is exposed in the second mating recess 64. The contact piece 81 comes into contact with the corresponding first terminal 4 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0122] The contact piece 81 is provided with a recess 811 recessed in a direction away from the second fitting recess 64. The recess 811 is configured so that a part (spring piece 44) of the corresponding first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) fits into it when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5. In other words, the recess 811 of the contact piece 81 and the corresponding signal terminal 41 form a locking mechanism that prevents the second connector 5 from coming off the first connector 1 and can release the connection between the first connector 1 and the second connector 5 by applying a force equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0123] The hanging piece 82 is plate-shaped and is provided along the outer surface of the second side wall 622. A first end (upper end) of the hanging piece 82 is curved in an inverted U-shape and is integral with the first end (upper end) of the contact piece 81.

[0124] The hanging piece 82 is integral with a protrusion 821 that protrudes along the thickness axis of the hanging piece 82. When the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5, the protrusion 821 is aligned with the corresponding protrusion 451 of the first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) along the third axis A3 and is located closer to the bottom of the first terminal 4 than the protrusion 451. Therefore, unless an attempt is made to pull the second connector 5 out of the first connector 1 with a force greater than a predetermined level, the protrusion 451 of the first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) gets caught on the protrusion 821 of the second terminal 8, and the connection between the first connector 1 and the second connector 5 is not released. In other words, the protrusion 821 of the second terminal 8 and the protrusion 451 of the first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) form a locking mechanism that prevents the second connector 5 from coming off the first connector 1 and that allows the connection between the second connector 5 and the first connector 1 to be released by applying a force greater than a predetermined level.

[0125] The terminal piece 83 is plate-shaped. A first end (inner end) of the terminal piece 83 is integral with a second end (lower end) of the contact piece 81. The second end of the terminal piece 83 is exposed from the second housing 6 at one end side (lower side) of the third axis A3. The lower surface of the terminal piece 83 becomes a joining surface that is joined to the second board 92 by, for example, soldering.

[0126] All of the plurality (ten) of second terminals 8 are signal terminals. Five second terminals 8 (signal terminals) are provided on each of the pair of second side walls 622, lined up along the second axis A2.

[0127] While held by the second side wall 622, each of the plurality of second terminals 8 has a portion exposed in the second fitting recess 64. Specifically, a portion of the contact piece 81 of each of the plurality of second terminals 8 is exposed in the second fitting recess 64. Furthermore, a portion of the hanging piece 82 of each of the plurality of second terminals 8 is exposed on the outer surface side of the second side wall 622.

[0128] When the second connector 5 is connected to the first connector 1, the portion (contact piece 81) of each of the plurality of second terminals 8 exposed in the second fitting recess 64 comes into contact with the spring piece 44 of the first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) of the first connector 1. Also, the hanging piece 82 of each of the plurality of second terminals 8 comes into contact with the rising piece 45 of the first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) of the first connector 1. As a result, each of the plurality of second terminals 8 of the second connector 5 is electrically connected to the corresponding first terminal 4 (signal terminal 41) of the first connector 1.

[0129] (2.2.2) Retaining hardware The second holding metal fitting 7 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy, etc. The second holding metal fitting 7 is used to improve the strength of the second connector 5.

[0130] 9, the second housing 6 is provided with one second retaining metal fitting 7 on each end (left end and right end) of the second axis A2 (two in total). In the following, the second retaining metal fitting 7 attached to the right end of the second housing 6 will be described as an example in principle, but the second retaining metal fitting 7 attached to the left end of the second housing 6 also has a similar structure.

[0131] The second holding metal fitting 7 is formed seamlessly (without joints) as a single piece by, for example, drawing.

[0132] 11 and 12, the second holding fitting 7 has an end piece (hereinafter also referred to as "second end piece") 71, a side piece (hereinafter also referred to as "second side piece") 72, and a connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as "second connecting portion") 73. Specifically, the second holding fitting 7 has one second end piece 71, two second side pieces 72, and two second connecting portions 73.

[0133] The second end piece 71 protects one (right) second end wall 621 of the second housing 6. The second end piece 71 has an upper side portion 711, an outer side portion 712, and an inner side portion 713.

[0134] The upper portion 711 is disposed above the second end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the second end wall 621. The upper portion 711 covers at least the outer (right) portion of the upper surface of the second end wall 621 in relation to the second axis A2.

[0135] The inner portion 713 is disposed inside (on the left side) of the second end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface (left side surface) of the second end wall 621. The inner portion 713 covers a central portion of the inner surface of the second end wall 621 along the first axis A1.

[0136] The upper end of the inner portion 713 is connected to the inner end (left end) of the upper portion 711. The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 713 and the inner end of the upper portion 711 is a curved portion 716.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 11 , the inner portion 713 has a rectangular plate-shaped portion with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The width (dimension along the first axis A1) of the inner portion 713 is smaller than the width of the upper portion 711. The inner surface (left side surface) of the inner portion 713 is exposed to the second fitting recess 64. The inner surface of the inner portion 713 is at the same position (approximately flush) along the second axis A2 as a portion of the inner surface of the second end wall 621 that is adjacent to the inner portion 713 along the first axis A1. As shown in FIG. 14 , the tip (lower end) of the inner portion 713 is inserted into a recess 631 formed in the stepped portion 63 of the second housing 6.

[0138] The inner portion 713 comes into contact with the intermediate extension portion 34 (specifically, the rising portion 342) of the first holding metal fitting 3 of the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0139] The outer portion 712 is disposed outside (on the right side) of the second end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface (right side) of the second end wall 621. The outer portion 712 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the second end wall 621 near the upper end. The outer portion 712 covers almost the entire outer surface of the second end wall 621.

[0140] 12, the outer portion 712 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). At the lower end of the outer portion 712, the central portion and both side portions along the first axis A1 form upwardly recessed portions 7120, 7121. A protrusion 7122 that protrudes downward is formed in the center of the first axis A1 of the central recess 7120. The lower end of the protrusion 7122 is located higher than the lower end of the outer portion 712.

[0141] The lower surface of the outer portion 712 serves as a joining surface that is joined to the second substrate 92 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the second end piece 71 has an end-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 712; hereinafter, also referred to as the "second end-side fixing portion") that is fixed to the second substrate 92 (circuit board).

[0142] The lower end of the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 is tapered so that it becomes thinner towards the bottom end, with an inclination formed on the inner surface side.

[0143] The upper end of the outer portion 712 is connected to the outer end (right end) of the upper portion 711. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 712 and the outer end of the upper portion 711 is a curved portion 715.

[0144] 14, a curved portion 715 between the outer portion 712 and the upper portion 711 and a curved portion 716 between the inner portion 713 and the upper portion 711 are curved in the same manner. For example, the curved portion 715 and the curved portion 716 have approximately the same radius of curvature.

[0145] The two second side pieces 72 are provided at both ends (front and rear ends) of the second end piece 71 on the first axis A1. The second end piece 71 and the two second side pieces 72 are connected in an inverted C shape in plan view.

[0146] One (front) second side piece 72 protects one end (right side) of one (front) second side wall 622 of the second housing 6 along the second axis A2. The other (rear) second side piece 72 protects one end (right side) of the other (rear) second side wall 622 of the second housing 6 along the second axis A2.

[0147] The second side piece 72 has an upper side portion 721, an outer side portion 722, and an inner side portion 723. The second side piece 72 further has a terminal portion 724.

[0148] The upper portion 721 is disposed above the right end portion of the second side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622. The upper portion 721 covers at least the outer portion of the upper surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622.

[0149] The inner portion 723 is disposed inside the right end portion of the second side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622. The inner portion 723 covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622 near the upper end.

[0150] The upper end of the inner portion 723 is connected to the inner end of the upper portion 721. The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 723 and the inner end of the upper portion 721 is a curved portion 726.

[0151] 11, the inner portion 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped portion with a constant width (dimension along the second axis A2). The width (dimension along the second axis A2) of the inner portion 723 is smaller than the width of the upper portion 721. The inner surface of the inner portion 723 is exposed to the second fitting recess 64. The inner surface of the inner portion 723 is in the same position (substantially flush) along the first axis A1 as a portion of the inner surface of the second side wall 622 that is adjacent to the inner portion 723 along the second axis A2.

[0152] The inner portion 723 comes into contact with the spring piece 44 of the power terminal 42 of the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0153] The outer portion 722 is disposed outside the right end portion of the second side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622. The outer portion 722 covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622 near the upper end. The outer portion 722 covers almost the entire outer surface of the second side wall 622.

[0154] 11 and 12, the outer portion 722 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). At the lower end of the outer portion 722, both sides (left and right ends) of the outer portion 722 along the second axis A2 form upwardly recessed portions 7220, 7221. The recess 7221 on the side closer to the second end piece 71 is connected to the recess 7121 of the second end piece 71. The lower surface of the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 is at the same position (substantially flush) as the lower surface of the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 along the third axis A3.

[0155] The lower surface of the outer portion 722 serves as a joining surface that is joined to the second board 92 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the second side piece 72 has a side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 722; hereinafter, also referred to as the "second side fixing portion") that is fixed to the second board 92 (circuit board).

[0156] The lower end of the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 is tapered to become thinner toward the bottom end, with an inclination formed on the inner surface side.

[0157] The upper end of the outer portion 722 is connected to the outer end of the upper portion 721. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 722 and the outer end of the upper portion 721 is a curved portion 725.

[0158] The curved portion 725 between the outer portion 722 and the upper portion 721 and the curved portion 726 between the inner portion 723 and the upper portion 721 are curved in the same manner. For example, the curved portion 725 and the curved portion 726 have approximately the same radius of curvature. In this embodiment, the curved portion 725 and the curved portion 726 are connected so as to be continuously curved.

[0159] The outer portion 722 comes into contact with the rising piece 45 (more specifically, the protrusion 451) of the power terminal 42 of the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0160] 11 and 12, the terminal portion 724 is located in the recess 7220, which is one of two recesses 7220, 7221 at the lower end of the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 and is farther from the second end piece 71 along the second axis A2. The terminal portion 724 protrudes outward from the outer portion 722 along the first axis A1. The terminal portion 724 has a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. The lower surface of the terminal portion 724 is in the same position (substantially flush) as the lower surface of the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 along the third axis A3.

[0161] The lower surface of the terminal portion 724 serves as a joining surface that is joined to the second substrate 92 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the second side piece 72 has a second side fixed portion (terminal portion 724) that is fixed to the second substrate 92 (circuit board).

[0162] As described above, in the second connector 5 of this embodiment, the second side piece 72 has, as second side fixing portions, two second side fixing portions (the lower end of the outer portion 722 and the terminal portion 724) whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other. This makes it possible to firmly fix the second holding fitting 7 to the second board 92. Furthermore, one of the two second side fixing portions is plate-shaped with its thickness axis intersecting the second board 92, so the second connector 5 is less likely to rotate even when subjected to a force along the first axis A1, for example.

[0163] Furthermore, in the second connector 5 of this embodiment, the second end piece 71 has a second end side fixing portion and the second side piece 72 has a second side side fixing portion, making it possible to firmly fix the second retaining fitting 7 to the second board 92.

[0164] The second connecting portion 73 connects the second end piece 71 and the second side piece 72. One (front) of the two second connecting portions 73 connects the front end of the second end piece 71 to the right end of the front second side piece 72. The other (rear) of the two second connecting portions 73 connects the rear end of the second end piece 71 to the right end of the rear second side piece 72.

[0165] The second connecting portion 73 has an upper connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second upper connecting portion") 731 and an outer connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second inner connecting portion") 732. The second upper connecting portion 731 seamlessly connects the upper portion 711 of the second end piece 71 to the upper portion 721 of the second side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62. The second outer connecting portion 732 seamlessly connects the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 to the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62. Therefore, the second connecting portion 73 seamlessly connects the curved portion 715 of the second end piece 71 to the curved portion 725 of the second side piece 72.

[0166] In a cross section taken along the third axis A3, the second upper connecting portion 731 has a lower surface adjacent to the second circumferential wall 62 and an upper surface remote from the second circumferential wall 62. The upper surface of the second upper connecting portion 731 connects the upper surface of the upper portion 711 of the second end piece 71 to the upper surface of the upper portion 721 of the second side piece 72. The lower surface of the second upper connecting portion 731 connects the lower surface of the upper portion 711 of the second end piece 71 to the lower surface of the upper portion 721 of the second side piece 72.

[0167] 15, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the second outer coupling portion 732 has an inner surface 7321 adjacent to the second circumferential wall 62 and an outer surface 7322 spaced apart from the second circumferential wall 62. The inner surface 7321 and the outer surface 7322 of the second outer coupling portion 732 are curved so as to convex outward with respect to the center of the second connector 5.

[0168] The outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 and the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 are connected together seamlessly along the third axis A3 by a second outer connecting portion 732.

[0169] 11 and 12 , in the second retaining fitting 7, the inner portion 713 of the second end piece 71 is not connected to the inner portion 723 of the second side piece 72. Furthermore, the curved portion 716 of the second end piece 71 is not connected to the curved portion 726 of the second side piece 72. In other words, the second connecting portion 73 has a void 79 between the inner portion 713 of the second end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the second side piece 72. In the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6, the entire inner surface and part of the upper surface of a corner 623 where the second end wall 621 and the second side wall 622 are connected are exposed through this void 79 (see FIG. 9 ).

[0170] In the second connector 5 of this embodiment, the second holding metal fitting 7 is connected to the first holding metal fitting 3 and the power terminal 42 of the first connector 1. In other words, the second holding metal fitting 7 functions as a power terminal for transmitting electric power.

[0171] (2.3) Connector Assembly The connector assembly 100 includes a socket as a first connector 1 and a header as a second connector 5 .

[0172] As described above, the first connector 1 is mounted on a board 9 (first board 91) built into an electronic device such as a smartphone (see FIG. 16). The second connector 5 is mounted on another board 9 (second board 92) also built into the electronic device (see FIG. 16).

[0173] 16 , for example, by moving the second connector 5 toward the first connector 1 and connecting the first connector 1 and the second connector 5, the first conductor of the first board 91 and the second conductor of the second board 92 are electrically connected. Specifically, the first terminals 4 of the first connector 1 are electrically connected to the second terminals 8 of the second connector 5 and the second holding fitting 7, thereby connecting the first connector 1 to the second connector 5. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17 , the outer portion 712 of the second end piece 71 of the second holding fitting 7 is located inside the inner portion 312 of the first end piece 31 of the first holding fitting 3, so that the inner portion 312 and the outer portion 712 face each other. Furthermore, the outer portion 722 of the second side piece 72 of the second holding fitting 7 is located inside the inner portion 322 of the first side piece 32 of the first holding fitting 3, so that the inner portion 322 and the outer portion 722 face each other.

[0174] The plurality of (here, ten) signal terminals 41 of the first connector 1 are electrically connected to the corresponding plurality of (here, ten) second terminals 8 of the second connector 5. The spring pieces 44 of the signal terminals 41 fit into the recesses 811 of the second terminals 8. In addition, the protrusions 451 of the signal terminals 41 climb over the protrusions 821 of the second terminals 8 and come into contact with the hanging pieces 82.

[0175] Furthermore, two of each of the multiple (four in this case) power terminals 42 of the first connector 1 are electrically connected to a corresponding multiple (two in this case) second holding fittings 7 of the second connector 5. The spring pieces 44 of the power terminals 42 contact the outer portions 722 of the second side pieces 72 of the second holding fittings 7.

[0176] When connecting the first connector 1 and the second connector 5, the second peripheral wall 62 of the second connector 5 is fitted into the first mating recess 24 of the first connector 1. At this time, the four corners 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 may come into contact with the inner surfaces of the four corners 223 of the first peripheral wall 22 that form the inner surface of the first mating recess 24. Depending on the material of the contacting parts, the contacting parts may be scratched. Therefore, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the first inner coupling part 332 of the first coupling part 33 of the first holding fitting 3 is provided at the corner 223 of the first peripheral wall 22 of the first connector 1, and the second outer coupling part 732 of the second coupling part 73 of the second holding fitting 7 is provided at the corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second connector 5. The first inner coupling part 332 and the second outer coupling part 732 are both made of metal and are scratch-resistant. Therefore, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, when connecting the first connector 1 and the second connector 5, the first connector 1 is less likely to be scratched, and the second connector 5 is less likely to be scratched. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the first connector 1 and the second connector 5, and ultimately makes it possible to improve the strength of the first connector 1 and the second connector 5.

[0177] Furthermore, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, in the second connector 5, one of the two second side fixing portions of the second holding fitting 7 (the plate-shaped terminal portion 724; the side farther from the second end piece 71) is plate-shaped with a thickness axis intersecting the second board 92, and the other second side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 722; the side closer to the second end piece 71) is plate-shaped with a thickness axis along the second board 92. Here, if both of the two second side fixing portions are plate-shaped with a thickness axis intersecting the second board 92, there is a possibility that the second side fixing portion closer to the second end piece 71 will come into contact with the upper portion 321 of the first side piece 32 of the first holding fitting 3 of the first connector 1 when connecting the second connector 5 to the first connector 1. This may result in an increase in the height dimension of the connector assembly 100 along the third axis A3. In contrast, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the thickness axis of the second side fixing portion, of the two second side fixing portions, that is closer to the second end piece 71, is aligned with the second board 92. Therefore, in the second connector 5, no member is present in the portion along the third axis A3 that corresponds to the upper portion 321 of the first side piece 32 of the first connector 1. Therefore, with the second connector 5 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the connector assembly 100 along the third axis A3.

[0178] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modified examples of the embodiment are listed below. Hereinafter, the above embodiment may also be referred to as a "basic example." The basic example and the modified examples described below can be applied in appropriate combination.

[0179] (3.1) Modification of the first retaining metal fitting Modified examples of the first retaining metal fittings provided in the first connector 1 (socket) will be described. A first retaining metal fitting 3A of a first modified example and a first retaining metal fitting 3B of a second modified example described below can be provided on the first housing 2 instead of the first retaining metal fitting 3 of the basic example. In this case, the shape of the first housing 2 can be modified as appropriate depending on the shapes of the first retaining metal fittings 3A and 3B. Below, descriptions of configurations similar to those of the first retaining metal fittings of the basic example or other modified examples may be omitted as appropriate. Also, below, the first retaining metal fittings 3A and 3B attached to the right end of the first housing 2 will be described as an example.

[0180] (3.1.1) First Modification A first holding fitting 3A of the first modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 18A to 18C and 19. FIG.

[0181] The first holding metal fitting 3A has a first end piece 31A, a first side piece 32A, a first connecting portion 33A, and an intermediate extension portion 34A.

[0182] The first end piece 31A has an upper portion 311A, an inner portion 312A, and an outer portion 313A. The first end piece 31A does not have a portion corresponding to the terminal portion 314 of the basic example.

[0183] The upper portion 311A ​​is disposed above the first end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the first end wall 221. The upper portion 311A ​​covers substantially the entire upper surface of the first end wall 221.

[0184] 18A, the inner portion 312A has a rectangular plate-like portion with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The height (dimension along the third axis A3) of the inner portion 312A is greater than the height of the inner portion 312 of the basic example. An intermediate extension portion 34A extends from the lower end of the intermediate portion along the first axis A1 of the inner portion 312A.

[0185] The intermediate extension 34A has a bottom portion 341A, a rising portion 342A, and an upper end portion 343A, which are similar to the bottom portion 341, the rising portion 342, and the upper end portion 343, respectively, of the intermediate extension 34 of the basic example.

[0186] In this modification, the inner portion 312A has a slit 36A extending along the third axis A3 at a position adjacent to the portion where the intermediate extension portion 34A is connected. The slit 36A extends upward from the lower end of the inner portion 312A to the middle of the inner portion 312A.

[0187] The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 312A and the inner end of the upper portion 311A ​​is a curved portion 315A.

[0188] The outer portion 313A is disposed on the outer side (here, the right side) of the first end wall 221. The outer portion 313A covers substantially the entire outer surface of the first end wall 221.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 18B, the outer portion 313A is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The central portion of the lower end of the outer portion 313A is recessed upward to form a recess 3130A. The lower surface of the outer portion 313A serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first board 91 (see FIG. 16) by, for example, soldering. In this way, the first end piece 31A has a first end-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 313A) that is fixed to the first board 91 (circuit board).

[0190] The corner connecting the upper end of outer portion 313A and the outer end of upper portion 311A ​​is curved portion 316A.

[0191] Two first side pieces 32A are provided at both ends (front and rear ends) of the first end piece 31A on the first axis A1.

[0192] The first side piece 32A has an upper side portion 321A, an inner side portion 322A, and an outer side portion 323A. The first side piece 32A further has a terminal portion 324A.

[0193] The upper portion 321A is disposed above the right end portion of the first side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222. The upper portion 321A covers almost the entire upper surface of the right end portion of the first side wall 222.

[0194] 18A, the inner portion 322A has a rectangular plate-like portion with a constant width (dimension along the second axis A2). The height (dimension along the third axis A3) of the inner portion 322A is greater than the height of the inner portion 322 of the basic example.

[0195] The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 322A and the inner end of the upper portion 321A is a curved portion 325A.

[0196] The outer portion 323A is disposed outside the right end portion of the first side wall 222. The outer portion 323A covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the first side wall 222 near the upper end.

[0197] The corner connecting the upper end of outer portion 323A and the outer end of upper portion 321A is curved portion 326A.

[0198] 18A and 18B, the outer portion 323A has a rectangular plate-shaped first portion 3231A with a constant width (dimension along the second axis A2) and a rectangular plate-shaped second portion 3232A that protrudes downward from the lower end of the first portion on one side (here, the right side) of the second axis A2. The lower surface of the outer portion 323A (the lower end surface of the second portion 3232A) is flush with the lower surface of the outer portion 313A of the first end piece 31A. The lower surface of the outer portion 323A (the lower end surface of the second portion 3232A) serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first board 91 by, for example, soldering. In this way, the first side piece 32A has a first side-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 323A) that is fixed to the first board 91 (circuit board).

[0199] The terminal portion 324A protrudes outward along the first axis A1 from the lower end of the first portion 3231A of the outer portion 323A. The terminal portion 324A has a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. The lower surface of the terminal portion 324A is at the same position (substantially flush) with the lower surface of the outer portion 313A of the first end piece 31A along the third axis A3.

[0200] The lower surface of the terminal portion 324A serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the first side piece 32A has a first side fixed portion (terminal portion 324A) that is fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). The first side fixed portion (terminal portion 324A) is disposed on the first substrate 91 so that its thickness axis intersects with the first substrate 91 (circuit board).

[0201] As described above, in the first holding metal fitting 3A of this modification, the first side piece 32 has, as the first side fixing portion, two first side fixing portions whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other (the second portion 3232A of the outer portion 323A and the terminal portion 324A). This makes it possible to firmly fix the first holding metal fitting 3A to the first board 91.

[0202] The first connecting portion 33A connects the first end piece 31A and the first side piece 32A.

[0203] The first connecting portion 33A has a first upper connecting portion 331A and a first inner connecting portion 332A, which are similar to the first upper connecting portion 331 and the first inner connecting portion 332, respectively, of the first connecting portion 33 of the basic example. However, the first inner connecting portion 332A of this modified example has a longer dimension along the third axis A3 than the first inner connecting portion 332 of the basic example, in accordance with the lengths of the inner portions 312A, 322A of the first end piece 31A and the first side piece 32A. The first inner connecting portion 332A seamlessly connects the lower end of the inner portion 312A of the first end piece 31A and the lower end of the inner portion 322A of the first side piece 32A.

[0204] 19, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the first inner coupling portion 332A has an outer surface 3321A adjacent to the first circumferential wall 22 and an inner surface 3322A away from the first circumferential wall 22. The outer surface 3321A and the inner surface 3322A of the first inner coupling portion 332A are curved so as to convex outward with the center of the first connector 1 as the reference.

[0205] The first connecting portion 33A further has an outer connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "first outer connecting portion") 333A. The first outer connecting portion 333A seamlessly connects the outer portion 313A of the first end piece 31A to the outer portion 323A of the first side piece 32A at the corner 223 of the first peripheral wall 22. Therefore, the first connecting portion 33A seamlessly connects the curved portion 316A of the first end piece 31A to the curved portion 326A of the first side piece 32A. Unlike the first retaining fitting 3 of the basic example, the first retaining fitting 3A of this modified example does not have the slit 35. The first connecting portion 33A has the first outer connecting portion 333A, which improves the strength of the first retaining fitting 3A and therefore the strength of the first connector 1.

[0206] 19, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the first outer coupling portion 333A has an inner surface 3331A adjacent to the first circumferential wall 22 and an outer surface 3332A spaced apart from the first circumferential wall 22. The inner surface 3331A and the outer surface 3332A of the first outer coupling portion 333A are curved so as to convex outward with respect to the center of the first connector 1.

[0207] The outer portion 313A of the first end piece 31A and the outer portion 323A of the first side piece 32A are connected seamlessly along the third axis A3 by a first outer connecting portion 333A.

[0208] Furthermore, the first outer connecting portion 333A smoothly connects the lower end of the outer portion 313A of the first end piece 31A to the lower end (lower end of the second portion 3232A) of the outer portion 323A of the first side piece 32A. Therefore, in the first holding fitting 3A of this modified example, one of the two first side fixing portions (the lower end of the second portion 3232A of the outer portion 323A of the first side piece 32A) is connected to the first outer connecting portion 333A. This makes it possible to firmly fix the first holding fitting 3A to the first board 91.

[0209] When the first housing 2 is insert-molded using the first retaining metal fittings 3A of this modified example as an insert component, the first connecting portions 33A of the first retaining metal fittings 3A can protect almost the entire corners 223 of the first peripheral wall 22 of the first housing 2 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface), thereby improving the strength of the first connector 1.

[0210] (3.1.2) Second Modification A first holding metal fitting 3B of the second modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20C.

[0211] The first holding metal fitting 3B has a first end piece 31B, a first side piece 32B, a first connecting portion 33B, and an intermediate extending portion 34B.

[0212] The first end piece 31B has an upper portion 311B, an inner portion 312B, an outer portion 313B, and a terminal portion 314B, which are similar to the upper portion 311, the inner portion 312, the outer portion 313, and the terminal portion 314 of the basic example, respectively. However, the height dimension of the inner portion 312B (dimension along the third axis A3) is greater than the height dimension of the inner portion 312 of the basic example.

[0213] The intermediate extension 34B has a bottom 341B, a rising portion 342B, and an upper end 343B, which are similar to the bottom 341, the rising portion 342, and the upper end 343 of the intermediate extension 34 of the basic example, respectively.

[0214] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 33B has a first upper connecting portion 331B and a first inner connecting portion 332B, which are similar to the first upper connecting portion 331 and the first inner connecting portion 332, respectively, of the first connecting portion 33 of the basic example. Also, the first holding fitting 3B has a slit 35B, which is similar to the slit 35 of the first holding fitting 3 of the basic example.

[0215] The first side piece 32B has an upper portion 321B, an inner portion 322B, and an outer portion 323B, which are similar to the upper portion 321, the inner portion 322, and the outer portion 323 of the basic example, respectively. However, the height dimension (dimension along the third axis A3) of the outer portion 323B is greater than the height dimension of the outer portion 323 of the basic example.

[0216] The first side piece 32B further includes a terminal portion 324B.

[0217] The terminal portion 324B protrudes inward along the first axis A1 from the lower end of the second portion of the outer portion 323B. The terminal portion 324B has a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above. The lower surface of the terminal portion 324B is at the same position (substantially flush) with the lower surface of the terminal portion 314B of the first end piece 31A along the third axis A3.

[0218] The lower surface of the terminal portion 324B serves as a joining surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the first side piece 32B has a first side fixed portion (terminal portion 324B) that is fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). The first side fixed portion (terminal portion 324B) is plate-shaped and is disposed on the first substrate 91 so that the thickness axis of the first side fixed portion intersects with the first substrate 91.

[0219] Even when the first housing 2 is insert-molded using the first holding metal fitting 3B of this modified example as an insert component, the strength of the first connector 1 can be improved, as with the first holding metal fitting 3 of the basic example. Furthermore, both the first end-side fixing portion (terminal portion 314B) and the first side-side fixing portion (terminal portion 324B) are plate-shaped and are disposed on the first board 91 so that their thickness axes intersect with the first board 91. This makes it possible to firmly fix the first holding metal fitting 3 to the first board 91, for example, by soldering. Furthermore, the first end-side fixing portion (terminal portion 314B) and the first side-side fixing portion (terminal portion 324B) protrude in opposite directions along the first axis A1, making it possible to stably hold the first holding metal fitting 3B on the first board 91.

[0220] (3.1.3) Other variations In one variation, the intermediate extensions 34 (34A, 34B) may extend from the first side pieces 32 (32A, 32B) toward the intermediate base 23. Alternatively, the intermediate extensions 34 (34A, 34B) may extend integrally from the first end pieces 31 (31A, 31B) and the first side pieces 32 (32A, 32B) toward the intermediate base 23.

[0221] In one modified example, the first holding fitting 3 (3A, 3B) may not have the intermediate extension 34 (34A, 34B).

[0222] In one modified example, the first holding metal fittings 3 (3A, 3B) may not have the outer portions 313 (313A, 313B) and 323 (323A, 323B).

[0223] In one modified example, the structures of the first holding fittings 3, 3A, and 3B of the basic example and each modified example may be partially combined. For example, the terminal portion 324A of the first modified example may be provided at the lower end of the outer portion 323 of the first side piece 32 of the first holding fitting 3 of the basic example. Alternatively, the terminal portion 314 of the first holding fitting 3 of the basic example may be omitted, and only the second portion 3232A of the outer portion 323A of the first side piece 32A of the first modified example may be provided.

[0224] (3.2) Modified Example of Second Retaining Metal Fitting Modified examples of the second retaining metal fittings provided in the second connector 5 (header) will be described. The second retaining metal fittings 7A of the first modified example to the second retaining metal fittings 7E of the fifth modified example described below can be provided on the second housing 6 instead of the second retaining metal fitting 7 of the basic example. In this case, the shape of the second housing 6 can be modified as appropriate depending on the shapes of the second retaining metal fittings 7A to 7E. Below, descriptions of configurations similar to those of the second retaining metal fittings of the basic example or other modified examples may be omitted as appropriate. Also, below, the second retaining metal fittings 7A to 7E attached to the right end of the second housing 6 will be described as examples.

[0225] (3.2.1) First Modification The second holding metal fitting 7A of the first modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 22. FIG.

[0226] The second holding metal fitting 7A has a second end piece 71A, a second side piece 72A, and a second connecting portion 73A.

[0227] The second end piece 71A has an upper portion 711A, an outer portion 712A, and an inner portion 713A. The outer portion 712A is similar to the outer portion 712 of the basic example.

[0228] The upper portion 711A is disposed above the second end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the second end wall 621. The upper portion 711A covers substantially the entire upper surface of the second end wall 621.

[0229] The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 712A and the outer end of the upper portion 711A is a curved portion 715A.

[0230] 21A, the inner portion 713A has a first portion that covers a portion of the inner surface of the second end wall 621 near the upper end, and a second portion that extends downward from the center of the lower end of the first portion. The width dimension of the second portion (the dimension along the first axis A1) is smaller than the width dimension of the first portion.

[0231] The second portion of the inner portion 713A comes into contact with the intermediate extension portion 34 (specifically, the rising portion 342) of the first holding metal fitting 3 of the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0232] The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 713A and the inner end of the upper portion 711A is a curved portion 716A.

[0233] The second side piece 72A has an upper side portion 721A, an outer portion 722A, an inner portion 723A, and a terminal portion 724A. The outer portion 722A and the terminal portion 724A are similar to the outer portion 712 and the terminal portion 724, respectively, of the basic example.

[0234] The upper portion 721A is disposed above the right end portion of the second side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622. The upper portion 721A covers almost the entire upper surface of the right end portion of the second side wall 622.

[0235] The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 722A and the outer end of the upper portion 721A is a curved portion 725A.

[0236] 21A, the inner portion 723A has a first portion that covers a portion of the inner surface of the second side wall 622 near the upper end thereof, and a rectangular plate-shaped second portion that protrudes downward from the lower end of the first portion on one side (left side) of the second axis A2. The width of the second portion (the dimension along the second axis A2) is smaller than the width of the first portion.

[0237] The second portion of the inner portion 723A comes into contact with the spring piece 44 of the power terminal 42 of the first connector 1 when the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 5.

[0238] The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 723A and the inner end of the upper portion 721A is a curved portion 726A.

[0239] The second connecting portion 73A connects the second end piece 71A and the second side piece 72A.

[0240] The second connecting portion 73A has a second upper connecting portion 731A and a second outer connecting portion 732A, which are similar to the second upper connecting portion 731 and the second outer connecting portion 732, respectively, of the second connecting portion 73 of the basic example. However, the second upper connecting portion 731A of this modified example connects the entire upper portions 711A, 721A in accordance with the shapes of the upper portions 711A, 721A of the second end piece 71A and the second side piece 72A.

[0241] 22, the second outer coupling portion 732A, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, has an inner surface 7321A adjacent to the second circumferential wall 62 and an outer surface 7322A away from the second circumferential wall 62. The inner surface 7321A and the outer surface 7322A of the second outer coupling portion 732 are curved so as to convex outward with respect to the center of the second connector 5.

[0242] The second connecting portion 73A further has an inner connecting portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "second inner connecting portion") 733A. The second inner connecting portion 733A seamlessly connects the inner portion 713A of the second end piece 71A to the inner portion 723A of the second side piece 72A at the corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62. Therefore, the second inner connecting portion 733A seamlessly connects the curved portion 716A of the second end piece 71A to the curved portion 726A of the second side piece 72A.

[0243] 22, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the second inner coupling portion 733A has an outer surface 7331A adjacent to the second circumferential wall 62 and an inner surface 7332A away from the second circumferential wall 62. The outer surface 7331A and the inner surface 7332A of the second inner coupling portion 733A are curved so as to convex outward with respect to the center of the second connector 5.

[0244] The inner portion 713A of the second end piece 71A and the inner portion 723A of the second side piece 72A are connected seamlessly along the third axis A3 by a second inner connecting portion 733A.

[0245] When the second housing 6 is insert-molded using the second retaining metal fitting 7A of this modified example as an insert component, the second connecting portion 73A of the second retaining metal fitting 7A can protect almost the entire corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface), thereby improving the strength of the second connector 5.

[0246] (3.2.2) Second Modification A second holding metal fitting 7B of the second modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B.

[0247] The second holding metal fitting 7B has a second end piece 71B, a second side piece 72B, and a second connecting portion 73B.

[0248] The second end piece 71B has an upper portion 711B, an outer portion 712B, and an inner portion 713B, which are similar to the upper portion 711A, outer portion 712A, and inner portion 713A of the second end piece 71A of the first modified example, respectively. The second end piece 71B has upwardly recessed recesses 7121B at the lower end of the outer portion 712B at both ends (front and rear ends) of the second axis A2. Note that the outer portion 712B of this modified example does not have a recess in the central portion of the first axis A1 at its lower end. The second end piece 71B also has a terminal portion 714B.

[0249] The terminal portion 714B extends outward along the second axis A2 from substantially the entire lower end of the outer portion 712B. The terminal portion 714B has a rectangular plate shape when viewed from above.

[0250] The lower surface of the terminal portion 714B serves as a joining surface that is joined to the second substrate 92 by, for example, soldering. In this manner, the second end piece 71 has a second end side fixed portion (terminal portion 714B) that is fixed to the second substrate 92 (circuit board). The second end side fixed portion (terminal portion 714B) is plate-shaped and is disposed on the second substrate 92 so that the thickness axis of the first end side fixed portion intersects with the second substrate 92 (circuit board).

[0251] The second side piece 72B has an upper portion 721B, an outer portion 722B, an inner portion 723B, and a terminal portion 724B. The upper portion 721B and the inner portion 723B are similar to the upper portion 721A and the inner portion 723A of the first modified example, respectively.

[0252] The outer portion 722B is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). A recess 7221B recessed upward is formed in a portion of the lower end of the outer portion 722 on one side (right end) of the second axis A2. The outer portion 722B does not have a recess on the side farther from the second end piece 71B along the second axis A2. The terminal portion 724B protrudes outward along the first axis A1 from almost the entire lower end of the outer portion 722B. The lower surface of the terminal portion 724B is in the same position (substantially flush) as the terminal portion 714B of the second end piece 71B along the third axis A3.

[0253] The second connecting portion 73B has a second upper connecting portion 731B, a second outer connecting portion 732B, and a second inner connecting portion 733B, which are similar to the second upper connecting portion 731A, the second outer connecting portion 732A, and the second inner connecting portion 733A of the first modified example, respectively.

[0254] Even when the second housing 6 is insert-molded using the second retaining metal fitting 7B of this modified example as an insert component, the second connecting portion 73B of the second retaining metal fitting 7B can protect almost the entire corner 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface), thereby improving the strength of the second connector 5.

[0255] Moreover, both the second end-side fixing portion (terminal portion 714B) and the second side-side fixing portion (terminal portion 724B) are plate-shaped and are arranged on the second substrate 92 so that their thickness axes intersect with the second substrate 92, so that the second holding metal fitting 7B can be firmly fixed to the second substrate 92 by, for example, soldering. Furthermore, because the terminal portion 714B extends from almost the entire lower end of the outer portion 712B of the second end piece 71B, and the terminal portion 724B extends from almost the entire lower end of the outer portion 722B of the second side piece 72B, the second holding metal fitting 7B can be even more firmly fixed to the second substrate 92.

[0256] (3.2.3) Third Modification A second holding metal fitting 7C of the third modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B.

[0257] The second holding metal fitting 7C has a second end piece 71C, a second side piece 72C, and a second connecting portion 73C.

[0258] The second end piece 71C has an upper portion 711C, an outer portion 712C, and an inner portion 713C, which are similar to the upper portion 711A, the outer portion 712A, and the inner portion 713A of the second end piece 71A of the first modified example, respectively. However, the outer portion 712C of this modified example does not have recesses on both sides of the first axis A1 at its lower end.

[0259] The second side piece 72C has an upper portion 721C, an outer portion 722C, an inner portion 723C, and a terminal portion 724C, which are similar to the upper portion 721A, the outer portion 722A, the inner portion 723A, and the terminal portion 724A of the second side piece 72A of the first modified example, respectively. However, the outer portion 722C of this modified example does not have a recess at its lower end on one side of the second axis A2 (the side closer to the second end piece 71A).

[0260] The second connecting portion 73C has a second upper connecting portion 731C, a second outer connecting portion 732C, and a second inner connecting portion 733C, which are similar to the second upper connecting portion 731A, the second outer connecting portion 732A, and the second inner connecting portion 733A of the second connecting portion 73A of the first modified example, respectively. However, the second outer connecting portion 732C of this modified example connects the outer portions 712C, 722C of the second end piece 71C and the second side piece 72C along the third axis A3 in accordance with the shapes of the lower ends of the outer portions 712C, 722C. The second outer connecting portion 732C connects the lower surfaces of the outer portions 712C, 722C of the second end piece 71C and the second side piece 72C without any steps.

[0261] In the second holding metal fitting 7C of this modified example, the second end piece 71C has a second end-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 712C) that is fixed to the second board 92 (circuit board). The second side piece 72C has a second side-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 722C) that is fixed to the second board 92. The second outer connecting portion 732C connects the second end-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 712C) and the second side-side fixing portion (the lower end of the outer portion 722C). This makes it possible to firmly fix the second holding metal fitting 7C to the second board 92.

[0262] Furthermore, in the second holding metal fitting 7C of this modification, the second side piece 72C has, as second side fixing portions, two second side fixing portions (the lower end of the outer portion 722C and the terminal portion 724C) whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other. One of the two side fixing portions (the lower end of the outer portion 722C) is connected to the second outer connecting portion 732C. This makes it possible to firmly fix the second holding metal fitting 7C to the second board 92.

[0263] Even when the second housing 6 is insert-molded using the second retaining metal fittings 7C of this modified example as an insert component, the second connecting portions 73C of the second retaining metal fittings 7C can protect almost the entire corners 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface). This improves the strength of the second connector 5. It also makes it possible to firmly fix the second retaining metal fittings 7C to the second board 92.

[0264] (3.2.4) Fourth Modification A second holding fitting 7D of the fourth modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B.

[0265] The second holding metal fitting 7D has a second end piece 71D, a second side piece 72D, and a second connecting portion 73D.

[0266] The second end piece 71D has an upper portion 711D, an outer portion 712D, and an inner portion 713D. The upper portion 711D and the outer portion 712D are similar to the upper portion 711C and the outer portion 712C of the third modified example, respectively. However, the outer portion 712D of this modified example does not have a recess at its lower end in the central portion of the first axis A1.

[0267] The inner portion 713D is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The height (dimension along the third axis A3) of the inner portion 713D is greater than the combined height of the first and second portions of the inner portion 713C of the third modified example.

[0268] The second side piece 72D has an upper portion 721D, an outer portion 722D, an inner portion 723D, and a terminal portion 724D. The upper portion 721D, outer portion 722D, and terminal portion 724D are similar to the upper portion 721C, outer portion 722C, and terminal portion 724C of the third modified example, respectively.

[0269] The inner portion 723D is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a constant width (dimension along the first axis A1). The height (dimension along the third axis A3) of the inner portion 723D is greater than the combined height of the first and second portions of the inner portion 723C of the third modified example.

[0270] The second coupling portion 73D has a second upper coupling portion 731D, a second outer coupling portion 732D, and a second inner coupling portion 733D. The second upper coupling portion 731D and the second outer coupling portion 732D are similar to the second upper coupling portion 731C and the second outer coupling portion 732C of the third modified example, respectively.

[0271] The second inner connecting portion 733D connects the entire inner portions 713D, 723D in accordance with the shapes of the inner portions 713D, 723D of the second end piece 71D and the second side piece 72D.

[0272] Even when the second housing 6 is insert-molded using the second holding metal fittings 7D of this modified example as an insert component, the second connecting portions 73D of the second holding metal fittings 7D can protect almost the entire corners 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface). This improves the strength of the second connector 5. It also makes it possible to firmly fix the second holding metal fittings 7D to the second board 92.

[0273] (3.2.5) Fifth Modification A second holding fitting 7E of the fifth modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 26A and 26B.

[0274] The second holding metal fitting 7E has a second end piece 71E, a second side piece 72E, and a second connecting portion 73E.

[0275] The second end piece 71E has an upper portion 711E, an outer portion 712E, and an inner portion 713E, which are similar to the upper portion 711D, the outer portion 712D, and the inner portion 713D of the fourth modified example, respectively.

[0276] The second side piece 72E has an upper portion 721E, an outer portion 722E, an inner portion 723E, and a terminal portion 724E. The upper portion 721E, the outer portion 722E, and the inner portion 723E are similar to the upper portion 721D, the outer portion 722D, and the inner portion 723D of the fourth modified example, respectively. However, the outer portion 722D does not have a recess at its lower end. Furthermore, the second side piece 72E of this modified example does not have a portion corresponding to the terminal portion 724D. Therefore, the second side-side fixed portion (the lower end of the outer portion 722E) is disposed on the second substrate 92 so that the thickness axis of the second side-side fixed portion is aligned with the second substrate 92.

[0277] The second connecting portion 73E has a second upper connecting portion 731E, a second outer connecting portion 732E, and a second inner connecting portion 733E, which are similar to the second upper connecting portion 731D, the second outer connecting portion 732D, and the second inner connecting portion 733D, respectively, of the fourth modified example.

[0278] Even when the second housing 6 is insert-molded using the second holding metal fittings 7E of this modified example as an insert component, the second connecting portions 73E of the second holding metal fittings 7E can protect almost the entire corners 623 of the second peripheral wall 62 of the second housing 6 (the upper end of the inner surface, the upper surface, and the upper end of the outer surface). This improves the strength of the second connector 5. It also makes it possible to firmly fix the second holding metal fittings 7E to the second board 92.

[0279] (3.2.6) Other variations In one modified example, the second holding metal fittings 7 (7A to 7E) may not have the inner portions 713 (713A to 713E) and 723 (723A to 723E).

[0280] In one modification, the structures of the second holding metal fittings 7, 7A to 7E of the basic example and each modification may be partially combined.

[0281] (3.3) Other Modifications In one variation, connector assembly 100 may be used in electronic devices other than mobile terminals, such as a camera module, wireless earphones, or a wearable terminal such as a smart watch. Furthermore, connector assembly 100 is not limited to applications for electrically connecting multiple boards 9, and may be used for any application that electrically connects multiple components, such as between board 9 and a display, or between board 9 and a battery.

[0282] In one modification, the number of cores (the number of signal terminals 41 included in the first connector 1; the number of second terminals 8 included in the second connector 5) can be changed as appropriate.

[0283] In one variant, the first connector 1 may be connected to a conventional header, and in one variant, the second connector 5 may be connected to a conventional socket.

[0284] (4) Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0285] The connector (first connector 1) of the first aspect includes a housing (first housing 2), retaining fittings (first retaining fittings 3, 3A, 3B), and terminals (signal terminals 41). The housing includes a peripheral wall (first peripheral wall 22). The peripheral wall has a pair of end walls (first end walls 221) and a pair of side walls (first side walls 222). The pair of end walls extend along a first axis (A1) and face each other along a second axis (A2) that intersects the first axis (A1). The pair of side walls are located at both ends of the pair of end walls and extend along the second axis (A2). The retaining fittings are disposed at one end of the peripheral wall along the second axis (A2). The terminals are held by the peripheral wall and are electrically connected to mating terminals (second terminals 8) of a mating connector (second connector 5). The connector is mated with a mating connector from above along a third axis (A3) that intersects both the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2). The retaining fitting includes end pieces (first end pieces 31, 31A, 31B), side pieces (first side pieces 32, 32A, 32B), and a connecting portion (first connecting portion 33, 33A, 33B). The end pieces have upper portions (311, 311A, 311B) and inner portions (312, 312A, 312B). The upper portions (311, 311A, 311B) of the end pieces are arranged above one of the pair of end walls. The inner portions (312, 312A, 312B) of the end pieces are arranged inside the one end wall. The side pieces have upper portions (321, 321A, 321B) and inner portions (322, 322A, 322B). The upper portions (321, 321A, 321B) of the side pieces are positioned above one of the pair of side walls. The inner portions (322, 322A, 322B) of the side pieces are positioned inside one of the side walls. The connecting portions are positioned at the corners (223) of the peripheral wall. The connecting portions have inner connecting portions (first inner connecting portions 332, 332A, 332B). The inner connecting portions seamlessly connect the inner portions of the end pieces and the side pieces at the corners (223) of the peripheral wall.

[0286] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0287] In the connector of the second aspect (first connector 1), in the first aspect, the inner coupling portion (first inner coupling portion 332, 332A, 332B) has, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis (A3), an outer surface (3321, 3321A) adjacent to the circumferential wall (first circumferential wall 22) and an inner surface (3322, 3322A) away from the circumferential wall. The outer surface (3321, 3321A) and the inner surface (3322, 3322A) of the inner coupling portion are curved so as to convex outward with respect to the center of the connector.

[0288] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0289] In the connector (first connector 1) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the housing (first housing 2) further includes an intermediate base portion (23) extending along the second axis (A2) between the pair of side walls (first side walls 222). The retaining fitting (first retaining fitting 3, 3A, 3B) further includes an intermediate extension portion (34, 34A, 34B). The intermediate extension portion (34, 34A, 34B) extends from the lower end of at least one of the end piece (first end piece 31, 31A, 31B) and the side piece (first side piece 32, 32A, 32B) toward the intermediate base portion (23).

[0290] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0291] In the connector (first connector 1) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the intermediate extension portion (34, 34A, 34B) has a bottom portion (341, 341A, 341B), a rising portion (342, 342A, 342B), and an upper end portion (343, 343A, 343B). The bottom portion (341, 341A, 341B) is aligned with the bottom wall (first bottom wall 21) of the housing (first housing 2). The rising portions (342, 342A, 342B) are aligned with the side of the end of the intermediate base portion (23). The upper end portion (343, 343A, 343B) is aligned with the upper portion of the end of the intermediate base portion (23).

[0292] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0293] In the connector (first connector 1) of the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the intermediate extension (34, 34B) extends from the lower end of the intermediate portion of the end piece (first end piece 31, 31B) along the first axis (A1). The width dimension of the inner portion (312, 312B) of the end piece decreases from the upper end of the inner portion (312, 312B) along the third axis (A3) toward the intermediate extension (34, 34B).

[0294] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the strength of the inner portion (312, 312B), and it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0295] In the sixth aspect of the connector (first connector 1), in the third or fourth aspect, the inner portion (312A) of the end piece (first end piece 31A) has a slit (36A) extending along the third axis (A3) at a position adjacent to the portion where the intermediate extension portion (34A) is connected.

[0296] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the strength of the inner portion (312A), and it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0297] In the connector (first connector 1) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the end pieces (first end pieces 31, 31A, 31B) further have outer portions (313, 313A, 313B) arranged outside the end wall (first end wall 221). The side pieces (first side pieces 32, 32A, 32B) further have outer portions (323, 323A, 323B) arranged outside the side wall (first side wall 222).

[0298] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0299] In the connector (first connector 1) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the retaining fitting (first retaining fitting 3, 3B) has a slit (35, 35B) formed between the outer portion (313, 313B) of the end piece (first end piece 31, 31B) and the outer portion (323, 323B) of the side piece (first side piece 32, 32B).

[0300] According to this embodiment, the first holding metal fittings (3, 3B) can be manufactured easily.

[0301] In a ninth aspect of the connector (first connector 1), in the seventh aspect, the connecting portion (first connecting portion 33A) further includes an outer connecting portion (first outer connecting portion 333A). The outer connecting portion seamlessly connects the outer portion (313A) of the end piece (first end piece 31A) and the outer portion (323A) of the side piece (first side piece 32A) at the corner (223) of the peripheral wall (first peripheral wall 22).

[0302] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (first connector 1).

[0303] In a connector (first connector 1) of a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the end piece (first end piece 31A) has an end-side fixing portion (first end-side fixing portion) fixed to a circuit board (first board 91). The side piece (first side piece 32A) has a side-side fixing portion (first side-side fixing portion) fixed to the circuit board. The outer connecting portion (first outer connecting portion 333A) connects the end-side fixing portion and the side-side fixing portion.

[0304] According to this embodiment, it is possible to firmly fix the first holding metal fitting (3A) to the substrate (first substrate 91).

[0305] In the connector (first connector 1) of the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the side piece (first side piece 32A) has two side fixing portions (first side fixing portions) whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other as side fixing portions, and one of the two side fixing portions is connected to the outer connecting portion (first outer connecting portion 333A).

[0306] According to this embodiment, it is possible to firmly fix the first holding metal fitting (3A) to the substrate (first substrate 91).

[0307] In a connector (first connector 1) of a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the end piece (first end piece 31, 31B) has an end-side fixing portion (first end-side fixing portion) fixed to a circuit board (first board 91). The side piece (first side piece 32A, 32B) has a side-side fixing portion (first side-side fixing portion) fixed to the circuit board. At least one fixing portion (terminal portion 314, 324A, 314B, 324B) of the end-side fixing portion and the side-side fixing portion is plate-shaped and is arranged on the circuit board so that the thickness axis of the fixing portion intersects with the circuit board.

[0308] According to this embodiment, it is possible to firmly fix the first holding metal fittings (3, 3B) to the substrate (first substrate 91).

[0309] A connector (second connector 5) of a thirteenth aspect includes a housing (second housing 6), retaining fittings (second retaining fittings 7, 7A to 7E), and terminals (second terminals 8). The housing includes a peripheral wall (second peripheral wall 62). The peripheral wall has a pair of end walls (second end walls 621) and a pair of side walls (second side walls 622). The pair of end walls extend along a first axis (A1) and face each other along a second axis (A2) that intersects with the first axis (A1). The pair of side walls are located at both ends of the pair of end walls and extend along the second axis (A2). The retaining fittings are disposed at one end of the second axis (A2) of the peripheral wall. The terminals are held by the peripheral wall and are electrically connected to mating terminals (signal terminals 41) of a mating connector (first connector 1). The connector is fitted with a mating connector from above along a third axis (A3) that intersects both the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2). The retaining fitting includes end pieces (second end pieces 71, 71A to 71E), side pieces (second side pieces 72, 72A to 72B), and a connecting portion (second connecting portion 73, 73A to 73E). The end pieces have upper portions (711, 711A to 711E) and outer portions (712, 712A to 712E). The upper portions (711, 711A to 711E) of the end pieces are arranged above one of the pair of end walls. The outer portions (712, 712A to 712E) of the end pieces are arranged outside the one end wall. The side pieces have upper portions (721, 721A to 721E) and outer portions (722, 722A to 722E). The upper portions (721, 721A to 721E) of the side pieces are arranged on the upper side of one of the pair of side walls. The outer portions (722, 722A to 722E) of the side pieces are arranged on the outside of the one side wall. The connecting portions are arranged at the corners (623) of the peripheral wall. The connecting portions have outer connecting portions (second outer connecting portions 732, 732A to 732E). The outer connecting portions seamlessly connect the outer portions (712, 712A to 712E) of the end pieces and the outer portions (722, 722A to 722E) of the side pieces at the corners (623) of the peripheral wall.

[0310] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (second connector 5).

[0311] In a connector (second connector 5) of a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the outer coupling portions (second outer coupling portions 732, 732A to 732E) have, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis (A3), inner surfaces (7321, 7321A) adjacent to the peripheral wall and outer surfaces (7322, 7322A) away from the peripheral wall. The inner and outer surfaces of the outer coupling portions are curved so as to be convex outward with respect to the center of the connector.

[0312] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (second connector 5).

[0313] In a connector (second connector 5) of a fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the end pieces (second end pieces 71, 71A to 71E) further have inner portions (713, 713A to 713E) arranged inside the end wall (second end wall 621). The side pieces (second side pieces 72, 72A to 72E) further have inner portions (723, 723A to 723E) arranged inside the side wall (second side wall 622).

[0314] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (second connector 5).

[0315] In a connector (second connector 5) of a sixteenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, the coupling portions (second coupling portions 73A-73E) further include inner coupling portions (second inner coupling portions 733A-733E). The inner coupling portions seamlessly connect the inner portions (713A-713E) of the end pieces (second end pieces 71A-71E) to the inner portions (723A-723E) of the side pieces (second side pieces 72A-72E) at the corners (623) of the peripheral wall (second peripheral wall 62).

[0316] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the strength of the connector (second connector 5).

[0317] In a connector (second connector 5) of a seventeenth aspect, in any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the end pieces (second end pieces 71C to 71E) have end-side fixing portions (second end-side fixing portions) fixed to the circuit board (second board 92). The side pieces (second side pieces 72C to 72E) have side-side fixing portions (second side-side fixing portions) fixed to the circuit board. The outer connecting portions (second outer connecting portions 732C to 732E) connect the end-side fixing portions and the side-side fixing portions.

[0318] According to this embodiment, the second holding metal fittings (7C to 7E) can be firmly fixed to the substrate (second substrate 92).

[0319] In the connector (second connector 5) of the eighteenth aspect, in the seventeenth aspect, the side pieces (second side pieces 72C, 72D) have two side fixing portions (second side fixing portions) whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other as side fixing portions. One of the two side fixing portions is connected to an outer connecting portion (second outer connecting portion 732C, 732D).

[0320] According to this embodiment, the second holding metal fittings (7C, 7D) can be firmly fixed to the substrate (second substrate 92).

[0321] A connector assembly (100) of a nineteenth aspect includes a socket and a header. The header is fitted into the socket. The socket is a connector (first connector 1) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects. The header is a connector (second connector 5) of any one of the thirteenth to eighteenth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0322] 1 First connector (connector, mating connector) 2. First housing (housing) 21 First bottom wall (bottom wall) 22 1st peripheral wall (peripheral wall) 221 First end wall (end wall) 222 First side wall (side wall) 223 Corner 23 Intermediate platform 3,3A,3B 1st holding metal fitting (holding metal fitting) 31,31A,31B First end piece (end piece) 311, 311A, 311B upper part 312,312A,312B Inside part 313,313A,313B Outer part 32, 32A, 32B First side piece (side piece) 321, 321A, 321B upper part 322,322A,322B Inner part 323,323A,323B Outer part 33,33A,33B 1st connection part (connection part) 332,332A,332B First inner connecting part (inner connecting part) 3321,3321A Exterior 3322, 3322A inner surface 333A First outer connecting part (outer connecting part) 34,34A,34B Intermediate extension 341,341A,341B Bottom 342, 342A, 342B rising part 343,343A,343B Upper end 35,35B slit 36A Slit 314,324A,314B,324B Terminal part (fixed part) 41 Signal terminal (terminal, mating terminal) 5 Second connector (connector, mating connector) 6 Second housing (housing) 61 Second bottom wall (bottom wall) 62 Second peripheral wall (peripheral wall) 621 Second end wall (end wall) 622 Second side wall (side wall) 623 Corner 71,71A~71E Second end piece (end piece) 711, 711A~711E upper part 712,712A~712E Outside part 713,713A~713E Inner part 72, 72A~72E Second side piece (side piece) 721, 721A~721E upper part 722,722A~722E Outside part 723,723A~723E Inner part 73,73A~73E 2nd connection part (connection part) 732,732A~732E 2nd outer connecting part (outer connecting part) 7321, 7321A inner surface 7322,7322A External surface 733A~733E 2nd inner connecting part (inner connecting part) 8 Second terminal (terminal, mating terminal) 91 First board (circuit board) 92 Second board (circuit board) 100 Connector Assembly A1 First axis A2 2nd axis A3 3rd axis

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector mated with the first connector, The first connector is a first housing including a first peripheral wall having a pair of first end walls extending along a first axis and opposing each other along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a pair of first side walls located at both ends of the pair of first end walls and extending along the second axis; and an intermediate base portion extending along the second axis between the pair of first side walls; a first retaining fitting disposed on one end of the second shaft of the first peripheral wall; a first terminal held by the first peripheral wall; Equipped with The second connector is a second housing including a second peripheral wall having a pair of second end walls extending along the first axis and opposing each other along the second axis, and a pair of second side walls located at both ends of the pair of second end walls and extending along the second axis; a second retaining fitting disposed on one end of the second shaft of the second peripheral wall; a second terminal held by the second peripheral wall and electrically connected to the first terminal of the first connector; Equipped with the second connector is fitted to the first connector from one side along a third axis that intersects both the first axis and the second axis, The first retaining metal fitting is configured such that the side of the third shaft where the first connector is located is defined as a bottom and the side where the second connector is located is defined as an top. a first end piece having a first upper portion disposed above one of the pair of first end walls and a first inner portion disposed inside the one first end wall; a first side piece having a first upper portion disposed on an upper side of one of the pair of first side walls and a first inner portion disposed on an inner side of the one first side wall; a first connecting portion disposed at a first corner portion of the first peripheral wall; an intermediate extension portion extending from a lower end of at least one of the first end piece and the first side piece toward the intermediate base portion; Equipped with the first connecting portion includes a first upper connecting portion that connects the first upper portion of the first end piece and the first upper portion of the first side piece at the first corner of the first peripheral wall, and a first inner connecting portion that seamlessly connects the first inner portion of the first end piece and the first inner portion of the first side piece, The second retaining metal fitting is configured such that the side of the third shaft where the second connector is located is defined as a bottom and the side of the third shaft where the first connector is located is defined as an top. a second end piece having a second upper portion disposed above one of the pair of second end walls and a second outer portion disposed outside the one second end wall; a second side piece having a second upper portion disposed on an upper side of one of the pair of second side walls and a second outer portion disposed on an outer side of the one second side wall; a second connecting portion disposed at a second corner portion of the second peripheral wall; Equipped with the second connecting portion includes a second upper connecting portion that connects the second upper side portion of the second end piece and the second upper side portion of the second side piece at the second corner portion of the second peripheral wall, and a second outer connecting portion that seamlessly connects the second outer side portion of the second end piece and the second outer side portion of the second side piece, the second end piece of the second retaining fixture further includes a second inner portion disposed inside the second end wall, the second side piece further includes a second inner portion disposed inside the second side wall; The side of the third shaft where the second connector is located is defined as a bottom, and the side of the third shaft where the first connector is located is defined as an top. the second inner portion of the second end piece extends downwardly from the second upper portion of the second end piece; the second inner portion of the second side piece extends downward from the second upper portion of the second side piece; When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the second outer coupling portion of the second holding metal fitting is disposed more inward than the first inner coupling portion of the first holding metal fitting. Connector assembly.

2. the first inner connecting portion has, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis, an outer surface adjacent to the first circumferential wall and an inner surface distant from the first circumferential wall, The outer surface and the inner surface of the first inner connecting portion are curved so as to be convex outward. The connector assembly of claim 1 .

3. The intermediate extension portion is a bottom portion along the bottom wall of the first housing; a rising portion along a side surface of the end of the intermediate base portion; an upper end portion along the upper portion of the end portion of the intermediate base portion; having 3. The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

4. With respect to the third axis, the side where the first connector is located is defined as a bottom, and the side where the second connector is located is defined as an top, the intermediate extension extends from a lower end of the first axially intermediate portion of the first end piece; a width dimension of the first inner portion of the first end piece decreasing from an upper end of the first inner portion toward the intermediate extension portion along the third axis; The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first inner portion of the first end piece has a slit extending along the third axis at a position adjacent to a portion where the intermediate extension portion is connected; The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the first end piece further includes a first outer portion disposed outside the first end wall; The first side piece further includes a first outer portion disposed on an outer side of the first side wall. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first retaining metal fitting has a slit formed between the first outer portion of the first end piece and the first outer portion of the first side piece.

7. The connector assembly of claim 6.

8. The first connecting portion further includes a first outer connecting portion that seamlessly connects the first outer portion of the first end piece and the first outer portion of the first side piece at the first corner of the first peripheral wall.

7. The connector assembly of claim 6.

9. the first end piece has a first end side fixing portion fixed to a first circuit board, the first side piece has a first side fixing portion fixed to the first circuit board, the first outer connecting portion connects the first end-side fixing portion and the first side-side fixing portion; 9. The connector assembly of claim 8.

10. the first side piece has, as the first side fixing portion, two first side fixing portions whose lower ends are spaced apart from each other, with the side on which the first connector is located being defined as a bottom and the side on which the second connector is located being defined as an top in the third axis; One of the two first side fixing portions is connected to the first outer connecting portion.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9.

11. the first end piece has a first end side fixing portion fixed to a first circuit board, the first side piece has a first side fixing portion fixed to the first circuit board, At least one of the first end-side fixing portion and the first side-side fixing portion is plate-shaped and is disposed on the first circuit board so that a thickness axis of the fixing portion intersects with the first circuit board. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the second outer connecting portion has, in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis, an inner surface adjacent to the second circumferential wall and an outer surface spaced from the second circumferential wall, The inner surface and the outer surface of the second outer connecting portion are curved so as to be convex outward. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The second connecting portion further has a second inner connecting portion that seamlessly connects the second inner portion of the second end piece and the second inner portion of the second side piece at the second corner of the second peripheral wall. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The second end piece has a second end side fixing portion fixed to a second circuit board, the second side piece has a second side fixing portion fixed to the second circuit board, the second outer connecting portion connects the second end portion side fixing portion and the second side portion side fixing portion; A connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The side on the third axis where the second connector is located is defined as the bottom, and the side on which the first connector is located is defined as the top, and the second side piece has, as the second side fixing portions, two second side fixing portions whose bottom ends are spaced apart from each other; One of the two second side fixing portions is connected to the second outer connecting portion.

15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

16. The side on the third axis where the first connector is located is set as the bottom, and the side on which the second connector is located is set as the top, and the first inner part of the first end piece is a first portion having a constant width dimension; a second portion provided below the first portion, the first inner connecting portion is curved so as to be convex outward, a width dimension of the second portion of the first inner portion of the first end piece decreases from a boundary between the first inner portion of the first end piece and the first inner connecting portion, which curves convexly outward, toward the intermediate extension portion along the third axis; 5. The connector assembly of claim 4.

17. A connector that is the second connector of the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, When the first connector and the second connector are mated, the second outer coupling portion of the second holding metal fitting is disposed more inward than the first inner coupling portion of the first holding metal fitting. connector.

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