Connector with circuit board

Abstract

To perform reliable mounting while improving the workability of mounting (fixing) a compression connector on a substrate.SOLUTION: A substrate-mounted connector 10 that mounts a compression type connector 31 to be pressed and connected to a connection target and a substrate 11 comprises the compression connector 31 including a contact 32 in contact with the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contact 32 is fixed, and a cover shell 34 covering an upper surface of the housing 33. The substrate-mounted connector 10 further comprises a temporary holding mechanism 37a, 23 that temporarily holds the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11, and a final connection mechanism 38 that finally connects the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 after the compression connector 31 is temporarily held to the substrate 11 with the temporary holding mechanism 37a, 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector with a substrate.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a compression type connector that is pressed against a connection object such as a substrate for connection is known. The structure of this type of connector is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 below. The conventional compression type connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is configured as an electrical connector (1) provided with contacts (20) having an elastic spring portion (23), as shown in FIG. 31. In this electrical connector (1), a plurality of contacts (20) are arranged in an aligned state.

[0003] The contact (20) has a substrate connection portion (22) soldered to the first circuit board (30) and a contact portion (24) that contacts the second circuit board (40). An elastic spring portion (23) having spring properties is provided between the substrate connection portion (22) and the contact portion (24). By pressing the second circuit board (40) from above the contact (20) attached by soldering on the first circuit board (30), the elastic spring portion (23) of the contact (20) exhibits spring properties, and a contact pressure is generated between the second circuit board (40) and the contact (20). Note that the reference numerals regarding the description of the prior art documents are distinguished from the embodiments of the present invention by enclosing them in parentheses.

[0004] And in the conventional compression connector, screwing has been used for attachment (fixing) to the substrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, when fixing a compression connector to a circuit board with screws, the general method involves attaching the nut from the circuit board side opposite to the connector mounting side and tightening the screw from the connector mounting side. However, in conventional technology, there is no temporary holding mechanism for the connector to the circuit board, so the worker has to hold the connector and nut in place with their hand while tightening the screw, which makes the connector installation (fixing) work difficult. In other words, the conventional screw-fastening structure for fixing compression connectors to circuit boards requires a separate component, a nut, in addition to the screw, which presents problems such as the possibility of losing the nut and increased work time.

[0007] Furthermore, in conventional technology, the compression connector and the circuit board are not temporarily held in place when screwing them in place. As a result, the position is not fixed due to the repulsion between the contacts and the circuit board, and it is necessary to press the compression connector against the circuit board by hand or with a jig when tightening the screws. In other words, conventional compression connectors required a configuration that would improve the ease of installation while ensuring secure attachment to the circuit board.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a configuration that improves the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector to the circuit board while ensuring secure attachment, by proposing a configuration in which the compression connector is temporarily held in place on the circuit board when fixing the compression connector to the circuit board, and then performing the final connection such as screw fastening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention is a compression-type connector that connects by being pressed against the object to be connected. The substrate is attached to the substrate via a cage installed on the substrate.A connector with a substrate, comprising a compression connector having contacts that contact the substrate, a housing to which the contacts are fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing, a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector with respect to the substrate, and a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector to the substrate after the compression connector has been temporarily held with respect to the substrate by the temporary holding mechanism. The temporary holding mechanism comprises a locking claw of a locking piece formed on the cover shell of the compression connector and a cage fixed to the substrate, the cage having one or more locking holes for housing the locking claw, and when the compression connector is inserted into the cage fixed to the substrate, it is temporarily held by the engagement of the locking claw and the locking hole, and the permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the substrate and the compression connector after temporary holding is a screw fastening using screws It is characterized by the following:

[0010] In other words, the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention is equipped with a main connection mechanism that attaches a compression-type connector to a substrate using screws, and further includes a temporary holding mechanism that allows the connector to be temporarily held to the substrate before the screws are tightened, thus providing a simple and secure fixation. In addition, with the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, temporary holding is performed before the main connection where the screws are tightened, so the screw tightening work can be done easily. Therefore, there is no risk of dropping or losing the connector like with conventional screws and nuts.

[0012] Furthermore, in the substrate-equipped connector according to the present invention, the cover shell can be formed with protrusions for deformation reinforcement.

[0013] Furthermore, in the substrate-equipped connector according to the present invention, a reinforcing plate for deformation reinforcement can be attached to the cover shell.

[0014] Furthermore, in the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, the locking piece can fix the front or side of the compression connector.

[0015] Furthermore, in the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, there is one or more screws, which can be placed at any position on the compression connector.

[0016] Another substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention is a substrate-mounted connector that attaches a compression-type connector to a substrate for connection by pressing it against an object to be connected, and comprises a compression connector having contacts that contact the substrate, a housing to which the contacts are fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing, and further comprises a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector with respect to the substrate, and a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector to the substrate after the compression connector has been temporarily held with respect to the substrate by the temporary holding mechanism,The temporary holding mechanism comprises a cover shell on which at least one retaining piece is formed to control the position perpendicular to the substrate, and a retaining hole formed in the substrate into which the retaining piece can be inserted. The permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the substrate and the compression connector after temporary holding is a screw fastening using screws. Furthermore, the retaining claws or curved portions formed on the retaining piece catch on the retaining holes formed in the substrate, thereby receiving a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate. It is characterized by the following:

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention other In a connector with a circuit board, the retaining piece protrudes from the cover shell in a U-shape or L-shape, and the tip of the protruding side of the U-shape or L-shape The aforementioned A retaining claw is formed, and the retaining claw can receive a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate by catching on the retaining hole formed in the substrate.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention other In a connector with a substrate, the retaining piece is formed by projecting vertically from the top surface of the cover shell toward the substrate, then bending into an inverted U shape so that its tip extends toward the substrate, and at this tip The aforementioned A retaining claw is formed, and the retaining claw can receive a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate by catching on the retaining hole formed in the substrate.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention other In a connector with a circuit board, the cover shell can be formed with protrusions for deformation reinforcement.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention other In a connector with a circuit board, a reinforcing plate can be attached to the cover shell to enhance deformation resistance.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention other In a connector with a substrate, the retaining piece is formed by bending the top surface of the cover shell toward the substrate in an L shape, with its tip extending toward the substrate, and at this tip The aforementionedA bent-shaped portion is formed, and by fitting the bent-shaped portion into the holding hole of the substrate, a contact reaction force in the vertical direction with respect to the substrate can be received.

[0022] Furthermore, for the connector with a substrate according to the present invention or other board-mounted connectors the compression connector may include a bottom shell that covers the lower surface portion of the housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, when fixing the compression connector and the substrate, a configuration can be proposed in which the compression connector is temporarily held with respect to the substrate, and then permanent connection such as screwing can be performed. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector to the substrate while ensuring reliable attachment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view when the connector with a substrate according to the first embodiment is viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 2] It is an external perspective view when the connector with a substrate according to the first embodiment is viewed from the upper left rear. [Figure 3] It is an external perspective view when the connector with a substrate according to the first embodiment is viewed from the lower right front. [Figure 4] In the connector with a substrate according to the first embodiment, it is an external perspective view when the compression connector is removed from the cage fixed to the substrate and viewed from the upper right front. [Figure 5] In the connector with a substrate according to the first embodiment, it is an external perspective view when the compression connector is removed from the cage fixed to the substrate and viewed from the upper left rear. [[ID=}} [Figure 6]This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the first embodiment, showing the compression connector removed from the cage fixed to the circuit board, as viewed from the front right and lower. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the compression connector according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the compression connector according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front right lower side. [Figure 9] This is a front view of a compression connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a right side view of a compression connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the section along line AA. [Figure 12] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along line BB. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the cage according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the cage according to the first embodiment, as seen from the rear left and lower. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment, as seen from the rear left upper side. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment, as seen from the front right and lower. [Figure 18] This is a front view of a connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a right side view of a connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment, showing the state in which the compression connector has been removed from the circuit board, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 21]This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the second embodiment, showing the external appearance when the compression connector has been removed from the circuit board and viewed from the lower left rear. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the third embodiment, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 23] This is a front view of a connector with a circuit board according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a right side view of a connector with a circuit board according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the third embodiment, showing the state in which the compression connector has been removed from the circuit board, as viewed from the front upper right. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the fourth embodiment, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 27] This is a front view of a connector with a circuit board according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a right side view of a connector with a circuit board according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the fourth embodiment, showing the state in which the compression connector has been removed from the circuit board, as seen from the front upper right. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of the connector with a circuit board according to the fourth embodiment, showing the state in which the compression connector has been removed from the circuit board, as seen from the front right lower. [Figure 31] This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional compression-type connector positioned between circuit boards. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, the drawings define a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. In this specification, the first direction is the front-back direction. In the drawings, the front-back direction is indicated as the X direction. Specifically, the front is the +X direction and the rear is the -X direction. In this specification, the second direction is the left-right direction. In the drawings, the left-right direction is indicated as the Y direction. Specifically, the right is the +Y direction and the left is the -Y direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the third direction is the up-down direction. In the drawings, the up-down direction is indicated as the Z direction. Specifically, the up is the +Z direction and the down is the -Z direction. However, the first direction (X direction), the second direction (Y direction), and the third direction (Z direction) as defined herein do not limit the direction in which the board-mounted connector of each embodiment can be used. The board-mounted connector of each embodiment can be used in any direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as described in each claim, and not all combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0027] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figures 1 to 14, the configuration of the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes a substrate 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the substrate 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the substrate 11 via the cage 21.

[0028] The circuit board 11 includes printed circuits (not shown) and is configured to transmit electrical signals, power, etc., by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 11.

[0029] Furthermore, the substrate 11 has multiple mounting holes 12 and openings 13, as shown in Figure 3 in particular. Multiple mounting holes 12 (12 in the first embodiment) are used to secure the cage 21 to the substrate 11 by inserting the multiple legs 22 of the cage 21, which will be described later. Multiple openings 13 (3 in the first embodiment) are formed so that when the compression connector 31, which will be described later, is fixed to the substrate 11, the lower end of the locking piece 37 of the compression connector 31 fits into them. Thus, the presence of the openings 13 does not hinder the fixed connection between the substrate 11 and the compression connector 31.

[0030] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cage 21 is a component formed by bending a flat metal plate into a roughly U-shape. Twelve legs 22 are formed on the bottom side of the cage 21, extending downwards. As described above, the cage 21 is fixed to the substrate 11 by inserting the twelve legs 22 into a plurality of mounting holes 12 formed in the substrate 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the cage 21 has a total of three locking holes 23: one at the front and one each on the left and right sides. These three locking holes 23 are used to temporarily hold the compression connector 31, thus functioning as the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figures 7 to 12, the compression connector 31 includes a contact 32 that contacts the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contact 32 is fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0033] Multiple contacts 32 are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction, particularly as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0034] Furthermore, each of the multiple contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, as shown in Figure 12, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a spring-elastic shape. In other words, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the substrate 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is positioned to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in Figure 12). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the top surface of the substrate 11 in the -Z direction, the front ends 32a of the multiple contacts 32 that were protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 are pushed down to the position of the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a spring-elastic force against the top surface of the substrate 11. In other words, the front ends 32a of the multiple contacts 32 are subjected to a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the substrate 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the substrate 11 by the force due to spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) placed on the upper surface of the substrate 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0035] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Figure 12, an electrical cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by solder or the like. Therefore, external electrical signals and power are transmitted to the substrate 11 side via the electrical cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the components constituting the compression connector 31 are such that the multiple contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 that fixes the multiple contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. Furthermore, the cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined vertically with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to enclose the outer circumference of the housing 33 in which the multiple contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the multiple contacts 32 that receive power from the electrical cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the cover shell 34 is equipped with three locking pieces 37, as shown in Figures 7 to 12. In the cover shell 34 of the first embodiment, one of the three locking pieces 37 is positioned at the front center of the cover shell 34, one is positioned towards the rear right side of the cover shell 34, and one is positioned towards the rear left side of the cover shell 34.

[0038] The three locking pieces 37, as shown particularly in Figures 9 and 10, have a shape that extends downward from the front and left and right sides of the cover shell 34, then bends into a roughly U-shape before rising upward. At the center of each of these rising sections, a locking claw 37a is formed that protrudes outward. The lower side of this locking claw 37a is sloped, and the upper side is cubic. In other words, the locking claw 37a is formed to gradually protrude upward from the surface of the locking piece 37, starting from the lowest position. These three locking claws 37a are positioned to correspond to the formation locations of the three locking holes 23 formed in the cage 21 described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is moved in the -Z direction and pressed against the cage 21 positioned on the upper surface of the substrate 11, the force due to the spring elasticity of the substantially U-shaped bent locking piece 37 and the action of the shape of the lower slope of the locking claw 37a push the locking piece 37 towards the cover shell 34, causing the locking claw 37a to gradually enter the locking hole 23. Finally, the outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the locking piece 37 causes the locking claw 37a to be fully fitted into the locking hole 23, achieving engagement of the cover shell 34 with the cage 21. This state represents a temporary holding of the compression connector 31 with respect to the substrate 11. In other words, the locking claws 37a of each of the three locking pieces 37 and the three locking holes 23 formed in the cage 21 constitute the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0039] In the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place by the substrate 11, and then the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11 using one screw 38 on the compression connector 31. Specifically, the screw head of one screw 38 is positioned at the center of the upper surface of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the compression connector 31, and the tip of the screw protrudes to the bottom surface of the substrate 11. By fastening a nut (not shown) to the screw tip that protrudes to the bottom surface of the substrate 11, the compression connector 31 can be permanently connected to the substrate 11. In other words, screw fastening using one screw 38 and a nut (not shown) functions as the permanent connection mechanism of the present invention.

[0040] In the first embodiment, in both the state where the compression connector 31 is temporarily held to the substrate 11 and the state where the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. Furthermore, since the cover shell 34 is formed from a thin metal plate with a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, it is preferable to have a structure that prevents deformation of the cover shell 34 itself when subjected to the force for connection and fixing. Therefore, in the cover shell 34 according to the first embodiment, multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface. The shape of these multiple protrusions 34a helps to strengthen the deformation resistance of the cover shell 34 itself.

[0041] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the first embodiment above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the first embodiment described above.

[0042] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the deformation of the cover shell 34 itself was strengthened by forming multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the cover shell 34. However, in the present invention, other means besides forming protrusions 34a may be used as long as they have a similar effect. For example, the deformation of the cover shell 34 itself can also be strengthened by attaching a reinforcing plate to the upper surface of the cover shell 34.

[0043] For example, in the first embodiment described above, three locking claws 37a were formed on the locking piece 37 which functions as the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention, and three locking holes 23 were formed in the cage 21. Three sets of locking claws 37a and locking holes 23 were arranged on the front and left and right sides of the compression connector 31. However, in the present invention, the number and arrangement positions of the members that function as the temporary holding mechanism can be arbitrarily changed as long as they can assist in the final connection that is performed later.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, in the first embodiment described above, the case in which one screw 38 and one nut (not shown) that function as the main connection mechanism of the present invention are installed was explained. However, there may be multiple screws, and the installation position of the screws can be placed at any position on the compression connector. In other words, in the present invention, the number and placement position of the components that function as the main connection mechanism can be arbitrarily changed.

[0045] As described above, the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment is a substrate-mounted connector 10 for attaching a compression connector 31, which is pressed against an object to be connected, to a substrate 11, and includes a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11, and a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 after the compression connector 31 has been temporarily held to the substrate 11 by the temporary holding mechanism. Therefore, according to the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to realize a configuration that ensures reliable attachment while improving the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11.

[0046] The configuration of the substrate-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 1 to 14. Next, the substrate-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment, which is another possible form of the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 21. In the following description, components that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment above may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0047] [Second Embodiment] The substrate-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment includes a substrate 11 and a compression connector 31 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, as shown in Figures 15 to 19.

[0048] The circuit board 11 includes printed circuits (not shown) and is configured to transmit electrical signals, power, etc., by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 11.

[0049] Furthermore, the substrate 11 has a plurality of retaining holes 15, particularly as shown in Figure 17. The plurality of retaining holes 15 (two in the second embodiment) are used to temporarily hold the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 by inserting the two retaining pieces 137 of the compression connector 31, which will be described later.

[0050] As shown in Figures 15 to 21, the compression connector 31 includes a contact 32 that contacts the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contact 32 is fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0051] Multiple contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 21 in particular.

[0052] In the second embodiment, the cover shell 34 is equipped with two retaining pieces 137, as shown in Figures 15 to 21. In the cover shell 34 of the second embodiment, one of the two retaining pieces 137 is positioned towards the rear right side of the cover shell 34, and the other is positioned towards the rear left side of the cover shell 34.

[0053] The two retaining pieces 137, as shown particularly in Figures 18, 20, and 21, have a shape formed by projecting from the top surface of the left and right sides of the cover shell 34 in a vertical direction opposite to the substrate 11, i.e., upward, and then being bent into an inverted U shape in a front view, with their tips extending toward the substrate 11. Retaining claws 137a are formed at their tips. These retaining claws 137a have a sloping shape that narrows downwards and widens towards the top, forming a wedge shape. In other words, the retaining claws 137a are formed to gradually project outwards from the surface of the retaining piece 137 upwards from the lowest position. These two retaining claws 137a are positioned corresponding to the formation positions of the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 as described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is moved in the -Z direction toward the upper surface of the substrate 11 and pressed against it, the retaining piece 137 is pushed toward the cover shell 34 by the spring elastic force due to the approximately inverted U-shaped bend of the retaining piece 137 and the action of the shape of the lower slope of the retaining claw 137a, causing the retaining piece 137 to be pushed toward the cover shell 34 and the retaining claw 137a to gradually enter the retaining hole 15. Finally, the outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the retaining piece 137 acts, causing the retaining claw 137a to be fully fitted into the retaining hole 15 (see the state in Figures 15 to 19). At this time, due to the wedge shape of the retaining claw 137a, the retaining claw 137a catches on the retaining hole 15 formed in the substrate 11, and receives the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 on the substrate 11. This state is a state in which the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place by the substrate 11. In other words, the retaining claws 137a of each of the two retaining pieces 137 and the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 constitute the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0054] In the second embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 100, as described above, the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place by the substrate 11, and then the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11 using the three screws 38 on the compression connector 31. Specifically, the screw heads of the three screws 38 are located on the upper side of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the compression connector 31, and the screw tips protrude to the bottom side of the substrate 11. By fastening a nut (not shown) to the screw tips protruding to the bottom side of the substrate 11, the compression connector 31 can be permanently connected to the substrate 11. In other words, the screw fastening using the three screws 38 and a nut (not shown) functions as the permanent connection mechanism of the present invention.

[0055] In the second embodiment, in both the state in which the compression connector 31 is temporarily held to the substrate 11 and the state in which the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. Furthermore, since the cover shell 34 is formed from a thin metal plate having a long shape in the left-right direction, it is preferable to have a structure that prevents deformation of the cover shell 34 itself when subjected to the force for connection and fixing. Therefore, in the cover shell 34 according to the second embodiment, multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface. The formation of these multiple protrusions 34a can strengthen the deformation resistance of the cover shell 34 itself.

[0056] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the second embodiment above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the second embodiment described above.

[0057] For example, in the second embodiment described above, the deformation of the cover shell 34 itself was strengthened by forming multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the cover shell 34. However, in the present invention, other means besides forming protrusions 34a may be used as long as they have a similar effect. For example, the deformation of the cover shell 34 itself can also be strengthened by attaching a reinforcing plate to the upper surface of the cover shell 34.

[0058] For example, in the second embodiment described above, two retaining claws 137a were formed on the retaining piece 137 which functions as the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention, and two retaining holes 15 were formed in the substrate 11. Two sets of retaining claws 137a and retaining holes 15 were arranged on the left and right sides of the compression connector 31. However, in the present invention, the number and arrangement positions of the members that function as the temporary holding mechanism can be arbitrarily changed as long as they can assist in the final connection that is performed later.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, in the second embodiment described above, a case was described in which three screws 38 and three nuts (not shown) that function as the main connection mechanism of the present invention were formed. However, only one or more screws are required, and the screws can be placed at any position on the compression connector. In other words, in the present invention, the number and placement of the components that function as the main connection mechanism can be arbitrarily changed.

[0060] As described above, the substrate-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment is a substrate-mounted connector 100 for attaching a compression connector 31, which is pressed against an object to be connected, to a substrate 11, and includes a temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11, and a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 after the compression connector 31 has been temporarily held to the substrate 11 by the temporary holding mechanism. Therefore, according to the substrate-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to realize a configuration that ensures reliable attachment while improving the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11.

[0061] The configuration of the substrate-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 15 to 21. Next, the substrate-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment, which is yet another possible embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25. In the following description, components that are the same as or similar to those described in the first and second embodiments above may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0062] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 200 shows an example of a modified form of the retaining piece 137 and retaining claw 137a that functioned as a temporary holding mechanism in the substrate-mounted connector 100 of the second embodiment described above. In the second embodiment described above, the retaining piece 137 protruded from the cover shell 34 in a U-shape (approximately inverted U-shape), and the retaining claw 137a was formed at the tip of the protruding side of the U-shape (approximately inverted U-shape). However, the shape that can be adopted for the retaining piece of the present invention is not limited to a U-shape (approximately inverted U-shape), and for example, it can also be L-shaped. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figures 22 to 25.

[0063] The third embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 200 includes a substrate 11 and a compression connector 31 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, as shown in Figures 22 to 24.

[0064] The circuit board 11 includes printed circuits (not shown) and is configured to transmit electrical signals, power, etc., by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 11.

[0065] Furthermore, the substrate 11 has a plurality of retaining holes 15, as shown in Figure 25 in particular. The compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place on the substrate 11 by inserting the two retaining pieces 237 of the compression connector 31, which will be described later, into the plurality of retaining holes 15 (two in the third embodiment).

[0066] Similar to the second embodiment described above, the compression connector 31 includes contacts 32 that contact the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33. Multiple contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0067] In the third embodiment, the cover shell 34 is equipped with two retaining pieces 237, as shown in Figures 22 to 25. In the cover shell 34 of the third embodiment, one of the two retaining pieces 237 is positioned towards the rear right side of the cover shell 34, and the other is positioned towards the rear left side of the cover shell 34.

[0068] The two retaining pieces 237, as shown particularly in Figures 23 and 25, have a shape formed by projecting from the top surface of the left and right sides of the cover shell 34 in a direction parallel to the substrate 11, that is, outward to the left and right, and then being bent into an L shape with the tips extending toward the substrate 11 (i.e., roughly inverted L-shape in front view), and retaining claws 237a are formed at their tips. These retaining claws 237a have a sloping shape that narrows downwards and is formed as a wedge shape that widens towards the top. In other words, the retaining claws 237a are formed to gradually project outward from the surface of the retaining piece 237 upwards from the lowest position. These two retaining claws 237a are positioned corresponding to the formation positions of the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 as described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is moved in the -Z direction toward the upper surface of the substrate 11 and pressed against it, the retaining piece 237 is pushed toward the cover shell 34 by the spring elastic force due to the approximately inverted L-shape of the retaining piece 237 and the action of the shape of the lower slope of the retaining claw 237a, causing the retaining piece 237 to gradually enter the retaining hole 15. Finally, the outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the retaining piece 237 causes the retaining claw 237a to be fully fitted into the retaining hole 15 (see the state in Figures 23 and 24). At this time, due to the wedge shape of the retaining claw 237a, the retaining claw 237a catches on the retaining hole 15 formed in the substrate 11, and receives the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 on the substrate 11. This state is a state in which the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place by the substrate 11. In other words, the retaining claws 237a of each of the two retaining pieces 237 and the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 constitute the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0069] In the third embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 200, as described above, the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place on the substrate 11, and then the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11 using the three screws 38 on the compression connector 31. Specifically, the screw heads of the three screws 38 are located on the upper side of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the compression connector 31, and the screw tips protrude to the bottom side of the substrate 11. By fastening a nut (not shown) to the screw tips protruding to the bottom side of the substrate 11, the compression connector 31 can be permanently connected to the substrate 11. In other words, the screw fastening using the three screws 38 and the nut (not shown) functions as the permanent connection mechanism of the present invention.

[0070] In the third embodiment, in both the state where the compression connector 31 is temporarily held to the substrate 11 and the state where the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. Furthermore, since the cover shell 34 is formed from a thin metal plate with a long shape in the left-right direction, it is preferable to have a structure that prevents deformation of the cover shell 34 itself when subjected to the force for connection and fixing. Therefore, in the cover shell 34 according to the third embodiment, multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface. The formation of these multiple protrusions 34a can strengthen the deformation resistance of the cover shell 34 itself.

[0071] The configuration of the substrate-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 22 to 25. Next, the substrate-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment, which is yet another possible embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 30. In the following description, components that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to third embodiments above may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0072] [Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 300 shows an example of a modified form of the retaining claw 237a of the retaining piece 237 that functioned as a temporary holding mechanism in the substrate-mounted connector 200 of the third embodiment described above. In the third embodiment described above, the retaining claw 237a was formed in a wedge shape. However, the shape that can be adopted for the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the wedge-shaped retaining claw 237a, and for example, it can also be a curved shape. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figures 26 to 30.

[0073] The fourth embodiment of the substrate-equipped connector 300 includes a substrate 11 and a compression connector 31 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, as shown in Figures 26 to 28.

[0074] The circuit board 11 includes printed circuits (not shown) and is configured to transmit electrical signals, power, etc., by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 11.

[0075] Furthermore, the substrate 11 has a plurality of retaining holes 15, particularly as shown in Figures 29 and 30. The plurality of retaining holes 15 (two in the fourth embodiment) are used to temporarily hold the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 by inserting the two retaining pieces 337 of the compression connector 31, which will be described later.

[0076] Similar to the first to third embodiments described above, the compression connector 31 includes contacts 32 that contact the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33. Multiple contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0077] In the fourth embodiment, the cover shell 34 is equipped with two retaining pieces 337, as shown in Figures 26 to 30. In the cover shell 34 of the fourth embodiment, one of the two retaining pieces 337 is positioned towards the rear right side of the cover shell 34, and the other is positioned towards the rear left side of the cover shell 34.

[0078] The two retaining pieces 337, as shown particularly in Figures 26, 27, and 29, have a shape formed by projecting from the top surface of the left and right sides of the cover shell 34 in a direction parallel to the substrate 11, that is, outward to the left and right, and then being bent into an L shape with the tip extending toward the substrate 11, and a curved portion 337a is formed at the tip. This curved portion 337a is formed by making two vertical cuts at the tip of the retaining piece 337, which is bent into an L shape and has a roughly inverted L shape when viewed from the front, and curving the plate member located in the center of the two vertical cuts so that it projects outward to the left and right. In other words, the curved portion 337a is formed to gradually project outward from the surface of the retaining piece 337 upward from the lowest position, and then gradually recede. These two curved portions 337a are positioned corresponding to the formation positions of the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 as described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is moved in the -Z direction toward the upper surface of the substrate 11 and pressed against it, the spring elastic force due to the approximately inverted L-shape of the retaining piece 337 when viewed from the front, and the action of the curved shape portion 337a, push the retaining piece 337 toward the cover shell 34, causing the curved shape portion 337a to gradually enter the retaining hole 15. Once the curved shape of the curved shape portion 337a is overcome, the outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the retaining piece 337 acts, causing the curved shape portion 337a to be fully fitted into the retaining hole 15 (see the state in Figures 27 and 28). At this time, the curved shape of the curved shape portion 337a passes through the retaining hole 15 and is located on the lower surface side of the substrate 11, so the curved shape portion 337a catches on the retaining hole 15 formed in the substrate 11, and receives the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 on the substrate 11. In this state, the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place by the substrate 11. In other words, the curved portion 337a of each of the two retaining pieces 337 and the two retaining holes 15 formed in the substrate 11 constitute the temporary holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0079] In the fourth embodiment of the substrate-mounted connector 300, as described above, the compression connector 31 is temporarily held in place on the substrate 11, and then the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11 using the three screws 38 on the compression connector 31. Specifically, the screw heads of the three screws 38 are located on the upper side of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the compression connector 31, and the screw tips protrude to the bottom side of the substrate 11. By fastening a nut (not shown) to the screw tips protruding to the bottom side of the substrate 11, the compression connector 31 can be permanently connected to the substrate 11. In other words, the screw fastening using the three screws 38 and the nut (not shown) functions as the permanent connection mechanism of the present invention.

[0080] In the fourth embodiment, in both the state where the compression connector 31 is temporarily held to the substrate 11 and the state where the compression connector 31 is permanently connected to the substrate 11, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. Furthermore, since the cover shell 34 is formed from a thin metal plate with a shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, it is preferable that it has a structure that prevents deformation of the cover shell 34 itself when subjected to the force for connection and fixing. Therefore, in the cover shell 34 according to the fourth embodiment, multiple protrusions 34a extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface. The formation of these multiple protrusions 34a can strengthen the deformation resistance of the cover shell 34 itself.

[0081] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10. Connector with circuit board (of the first embodiment) 100 Connector with circuit board (of the second embodiment) 200 Connector with circuit board (of the third embodiment) 300 Connector with circuit board (of the fourth embodiment) 11 circuit boards 12 mounting holes 13 Opening 15. Holding hole (temporary holding mechanism) 21 cages 22 Legs 23 Locking hole (temporary holding mechanism) 31 Compression Connectors 32 Contacts 32a Front end 32b Rear end 33 Housing 34 Cover Shell 34a Convex part 35 Bottom Shell 36 Electrical Cables 37 Rock fragments 37a Locking claw (temporary holding mechanism) 38 Screw (Main connection mechanism) 137 Holding piece 137a Retaining claw (temporary holding mechanism) 237 Holding piece 237a Retaining claw (temporary holding mechanism) 337 Holding piece 337a Curved section (temporary holding mechanism)

Claims

1. A connector with a circuit board, wherein a compression-type connector that connects by pressing it against the object to be connected is attached to the circuit board via a cage installed on the circuit board, The compression connector has a contact that contacts the substrate, a housing to which the contact is fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing. A temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector with respect to the substrate, After the compression connector is temporarily held in place on the substrate by the temporary holding mechanism, the device is further equipped with a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector to the substrate. The temporary holding mechanism is, The locking claw of the locking piece formed on the cover shell of the compression connector, The cage fixed to the substrate, Composed of, The cage has one or more locking holes for housing the locking claws. The compression connector is temporarily held in place by the engagement of the locking claw and the locking hole when inserted into the cage fixed to the substrate, and, A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the main connection mechanism for permanently connecting the substrate and the compression connector after temporary holding is a screw fastening using screws.

2. A connector with a substrate according to claim 1, A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the cover shell has protrusions formed thereon for deformation reinforcement.

3. A connector with a substrate according to claim 1, A connector with a circuit board, characterized in that a reinforcing plate for deformation resistance is attached to the cover shell.

4. A connector with a substrate according to claim 1, A connector with a circuit board, characterized in that the locking piece secures the front or side of the compression connector.

5. A connector with a substrate according to claim 1, A connector with a circuit board, characterized in that there is one or more screws, which are arranged at any position on the compression connector.

6. A connector with a circuit board for attaching a compression-type connector that connects by being pressed against an object to be connected, The compression connector has a contact that contacts the substrate, a housing to which the contact is fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing. A temporary holding mechanism for temporarily holding the compression connector with respect to the substrate, After the compression connector is temporarily held in place on the substrate by the temporary holding mechanism, the device is further equipped with a permanent connection mechanism for permanently connecting the compression connector to the substrate. The temporary holding mechanism is, The cover shell has at least one retaining piece formed on it that controls the position perpendicular to the substrate, A retaining hole formed in the substrate into which the retaining piece can be inserted, Composed of, The final connection mechanism for permanently connecting the substrate and the compression connector after temporary holding is a screw fastening using screws. A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the retaining claw or curved portion formed on the retaining piece catches on the retaining hole formed in the substrate and receives a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate.

7. A connector with a substrate according to claim 6, The retaining piece protrudes from the cover shell in a U-shape or L-shape, and the retaining claw is formed at the tip of the protruding side of the U-shape or L-shape. A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the retaining claws receive a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate by catching on the retaining holes formed in the substrate.

8. A connector with a substrate according to claim 6, The retaining piece is formed by projecting vertically from the top surface of the cover shell in the direction opposite to the substrate, then bending into an inverted U shape so that its tip extends toward the substrate, and the retaining claw is formed at this tip. A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the retaining claws receive a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate by catching on the retaining holes formed in the substrate.

9. A connector with a substrate according to claim 6, A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the cover shell has protrusions formed thereon for deformation reinforcement.

10. A connector with a substrate according to claim 6, A connector with a circuit board, characterized in that a reinforcing plate for deformation resistance is attached to the cover shell.

11. A connector with a substrate according to claim 6, The retaining piece is formed by bending the top surface of the cover shell toward the substrate in an L-shape, with its tip extending toward the substrate, and the curved portion is formed at the tip. A connector with a substrate, characterized in that the curved portion is fitted into the holding hole of the substrate and receives a contact reaction force perpendicular to the substrate.

12. A connector with a substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The compression connector is a circuit board-mounted connector characterized by including a bottom shell that covers the lower surface of the housing.

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