Connector, mating connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector, a mating connector and a connector assembly which are unlikely to be damaged when engaged.SOLUTION: A connector includes: a holding metal fitting 3 arranged at one end on a peripheral wall of a housing. The holding metal fitting 3 is provided with an end part piece 31, a side part piece 32, a connection part 33, a bottom part 341, and a spring piece 35. The end part piece 31 has an upper side part 311 arranged on an upper side of the end wall of the peripheral wall and an inside part 312 arranged inside the end wall. The side part piece 32 has an upper side part 321 arranged on an upper side of the side wall of the peripheral wall and an inside part 322 arranged inside the side wall. The bottom part 341 is located between a pair of side walls on a second axis A2, and extends from at least one lower end of the end part piece 31 and the side part piece 32. The spring piece 35 is configured to extend upward from the bottom part 341 and to be elastically deformable outside. The connection part 33 is provided with an inside connection part 332 which connects seamlessly the inside part 312 of the end part piece 31 and the inside part 322 of the side part piece 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector, a mating connector, and a connector assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a connector to be mated to a mating connector, a mating connector to be mated to a connector, and a connector assembly including the connector and the mating connector. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector of Patent Document 1 includes a receptacle insulator, a plurality of receptacle contacts, and a receptacle-side fixing fitting. The receptacle insulator is made of resin and has an annular outer peripheral wall forming a fitting recess on the inner peripheral side. The plurality of receptacle contacts can be mounted on a circuit pattern of a receptacle-side circuit board and are supported by the receptacle insulator. The receptacle-side fixing fitting can be mounted on the receptacle-side circuit board and is supported by the receptacle insulator. In this receptacle connector, when a fitting projection of a plug insulator of a plug connector is fitted into the fitting recess, the plurality of plug contacts that can be mounted on a circuit pattern of a plug-side circuit board and are supported by the plug insulator come into contact with the receptacle contacts, and the plug connector comes into contact with the receptacle-side fixing fitting. The receptacle-side fixing fitting and the receptacle insulator are integrated by insert molding. The receptacle-side fixing fitting includes an elastic contact piece. The elastic contact piece is spaced apart inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall in a free state. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-99694 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In connectors such as the receptacle connector described in Patent Document 1, it is sometimes desirable that they be less susceptible to damage during mating.

[0005] The object of this disclosure is to provide a connector, a mating connector, and a connector assembly that are less susceptible to damage during mating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that is mated to a mating connector. The connector of the first aspect comprises a housing, a retaining clip, and terminals. The housing comprises a circumferential wall. The circumferential wall has a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls. The pair of end walls face each other along a first axis. The pair of side walls are located at both ends of the pair of end walls along a second axis intersecting the first axis and face each other along the second axis. The retaining clip is positioned at the first end of the circumferential wall, which is opposite the first end and the second end opposite the first end. The terminals are held in the circumferential wall and are electrically connected to the mating terminals of the mating connector. The connector is mated to the mating connector by moving upward along a third axis that intersects both the first and second axes relative to the mating connector. The retaining clip comprises an end piece, a side piece, a connecting piece, a bottom piece, and a spring piece. The end piece has an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of end walls, and an inner portion positioned inside the one end wall. The side piece has an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of side walls, and an inner portion positioned inside the one side wall. The connecting portion connects the end piece and the side piece at the corner of the circumferential wall. The bottom portion is located between the pair of side walls on the second axis and extends from at least one of the lower ends of the end piece and the side piece. The spring piece extends upward from the bottom portion and is configured to be elastically deformable outward. The connecting portion includes an inner connecting portion that seamlessly connects the inner portion of the end piece and the inner portion of the side piece.

[0007] A mating connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a mating connector that is mated to the connector. The mating connector comprises a mating housing, a mating retaining fitting, and a mating terminal. The mating housing comprises a mating circumferential wall. The mating circumferential wall has a pair of mating end walls and a pair of mating side walls. The pair of mating end walls face each other along the first axis. The pair of mating side walls are located at both ends of the pair of end walls along the second axis and face each other along the second axis. The mating retaining fitting is positioned at the first end of the first axis in the mating circumferential wall. The mating retaining fitting comprises a mating end piece, a mating side piece, and a mating connecting portion. The mating end piece has an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of mating end walls, and an outer portion positioned outside the one mating end wall. The opposing side piece has an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of opposing side walls, and an outer portion positioned outside the one opposing side wall. The opposing connecting portion connects the opposing end piece and the opposing side piece at the corner of the opposing peripheral wall. The opposing connecting portion includes an outer connecting portion that seamlessly connects the outer portion of the opposing end piece and the outer portion of the opposing side piece.

[0008] A connector assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a socket and a header mated to the socket. The socket is the connector, and the header is the mating connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, there is an advantage in that it is less likely to be damaged during mating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly comprising an embodiment connector and a mating connector. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the connector shown above. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view of the retaining clip provided by the connector shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the same retaining bracket. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the same retaining bracket. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the main part of the connector shown above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the same connector. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the connector assembly after the connector has been connected to the mating connector. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the mating connector shown above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the mating retaining clip provided by the mating connector shown above. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the mating retaining bracket shown above. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown above, before the connector is connected to the mating connector. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the retaining bracket of the first modified example. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the retaining bracket of the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment) The embodiments of this disclosure are described below. The embodiments described below are merely examples of various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. In addition, the drawings described in the embodiments below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Summary As shown in FIG. 1, the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment includes a connector 1 serving as a socket (female connector; receptacle), and a mating connector 5 serving as a header (male connector; plug). The header is fitted into the socket.

[0013] The connector assembly 100 is used, for example, for electrically connecting a plurality of substrates 9 (see FIG. 13) mounted on an electronic device. The connector 1 is mounted, for example, on a substrate 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "first substrate 91") built in the electronic device. The mating connector 5 is similarly mounted on another substrate 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "second substrate 92") built in the electronic device. The electronic device is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 includes a housing 2, a holding fitting 3, and a terminal 4.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 2 includes a bottom wall 21 and a peripheral wall 22. The peripheral wall 22 has a pair of end walls 221 and a pair of side walls 222. The peripheral wall 22 is rectangular when viewed along the third axis A3. The pair of end walls 221 extend along the second axis A2 and oppose each other along the first axis A1. The second axis A2 intersects (here, is orthogonal to) the first axis A1. The pair of side walls 222 are located at both ends of the pair of end walls 221 on the second axis A2. Both ends of each of the pair of end walls 221 are connected to the pair of side walls 222. The pair of side walls 222 extend along the first axis A1 and oppose each other along the second axis A2. Each of the pair of side walls 222 connects the ends (ends on the second axis A2) of the pair of end walls 221. A corner 223 is formed at the portion where the end wall 221 and the side wall 222 are connected. Note that each of the pair of side walls 222 does not have to connect the ends (ends on the second axis A2) of the pair of end walls 221.

[0016] The retaining bracket 3 is positioned at the first end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22, and at the first end of the second end opposite to the first end. Here, "the first end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22" refers to one end of the peripheral wall 22 on the first axis A1, and "the second end of the first axis A1 of the peripheral wall 22" refers to the other end of the peripheral wall 22 on the first axis A1.

[0017] Terminal 4 is held by the peripheral wall 22. Terminal 4 is electrically connected to the mating terminal 8 of the mating connector 5.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, connector 1 is mated to the mating connector 5 by moving upward along the third axis A3 relative to the mating connector 5. The third axis A3 intersects (in this case is perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the retaining bracket 3 comprises an end piece 31, a side piece 32, a connecting piece 33, a bottom piece 341, and a spring piece 35.

[0020] The end piece 31 has an upper portion 311 and an inner portion 312. The upper portion 311 is positioned above one of the pair of end walls 221, and the inner portion 312 is positioned inside that one end wall 221.

[0021] The side piece 32 has an upper side portion 321 and an inner portion 322. The upper side portion 321 is positioned above one of the pair of side walls 222, and the inner portion 322 is positioned inside that one side wall 222.

[0022] The connecting portion 33 connects the end piece 31 and the side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22. The connecting portion 33 includes an inner connecting portion 332. The inner connecting portion 332 seamlessly connects the inner part 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0023] The spring piece 35 extends upward from the bottom portion 341 and is configured to be elastically deformable outward.

[0024] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the connecting portion 33 has an inner connecting portion 332. Therefore, the connector 1 has the advantage of improved strength compared to the comparative example connector (socket) which does not have an inner connecting portion 332 and has a slit between the inner portion 312 and the inner portion 322. In addition, when the mating connector 5 is fitted into the mating recess 24 (see Figure 1) on the inside of the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2, the possibility of the inner surface of the corner portion 223 of the peripheral wall 22 being damaged by the metal portion provided on the mating connector 5 is reduced. As a result, the connector 1 of this embodiment has the advantage of being able to reduce damage that occurs during mating.

[0025] Furthermore, in the connector 1 of this embodiment, the retaining fitting 3 is equipped with a spring piece 35. Therefore, the spring piece 35 has the effect of ensuring reliable contact between the retaining fitting 3 and the mating retaining fitting 7. As a result, it is no longer necessary to make the portion of the retaining fitting 3 other than the spring piece 35 firmly contact the mating retaining fitting 7, and the insertion / extraction force when mating the mating connector 5 to the connector 1 can be reduced. In this disclosure, "insertion / extraction force" refers to the force required to mating the mating connector 5 to the connector 1 and / or to remove the mating connector 5 from the connector 1. As a result, the connector 1 of this embodiment has the advantage of being less prone to damage during mating. In this disclosure, "during mating" refers to at least one of the cases in which the mating connector 5 is mated to the connector 1 and the case in which the mating connector 5 is removed from the connector 1.

[0026] (2) Detailed configuration The detailed configuration of the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. As described above, the connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 as a socket and a mating connector 5 as a header.

[0027] (2-1) Socket The detailed configuration of connector 1 as a socket will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0028] Connector 1 is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular box, having length along the first axis A1, width along the second axis A2 which intersects (orthogonally in this case) with the second axis A2, and height along the third axis A3 which intersects (orthogonally in this case) with both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The mating connector 5 is fitted into connector 1 along the third axis A3.

[0029] In this section "(2-1) Socket," for the sake of explanation, one side of the first axis A1 and the other side will be referred to as "left" and "right," respectively; one side of the second axis A2 and the other side as "front" and "rear," respectively; and one side of the third axis A3 and the other side as "top" and "bottom," respectively. In particular, when connector 1 and the mating connector 5 are mated, the side of the third axis A3 where connector 1 is located will be "bottom," and the side where the mating connector 5 is located will be "top." Note that the above directional specifications are not intended to limit the usage of connector 1.

[0030] Furthermore, in the section "(2-1) Socket," in a plan view of connector 1, the side closer to the center of connector 1 is referred to as the "inside," and the side further from the center of connector 1 is referred to as the "outside." In other words, "outside" refers to the side that moves away from the center of connector 1, with the center of connector 1 as the reference point (inside). In this disclosure, "plan view" refers to a view from "above."

[0031] The length dimension of connector 1 (dimension on the first axis A1) is, for example, a few millimeters to a dozen millimeters. The width dimension of connector 1 (dimension on the second axis A2) is, for example, a few millimeters. The height dimension of connector 1 (dimension on the third axis A3) is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 1 comprises a housing 2, a pair of retaining clips 3, and a plurality of terminals 4.

[0033] (2-1-1) Housing, terminals The housing 2 is an insulating resin molded product. In this embodiment, the housing 2 is an insert molded product that includes a pair of retaining brackets 3 as insert parts.

[0034] The housing 2 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped with a length along the first axis A1. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 has a bottom wall 21, a peripheral wall 22, and an intermediate base portion 23. The bottom wall 21, the peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate base portion 23 are integrally formed. The bottom wall 21 is a long plate along the first axis A1 and constitutes the bottom of the housing 2. The peripheral wall 22 protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 21 and has a rectangular frame shape in plan view. In other words, the peripheral wall 22 is formed to surround the center along the periphery of the bottom wall 21.

[0035] The peripheral wall 22 is composed of a pair of end walls 221 and a pair of side walls 222. The peripheral wall 22 has a total of four corners 223 at the positions where the end walls 221 and the side walls 222 connect.

[0036] Each of the pair of side walls 222 houses one of the multiple terminals 4 in a plurality of terminal storage sections 27, which will be described later, thereby holding the multiple terminals 4 in an aligned state along the first axis A1. In this embodiment, each of the pair of side walls 222 holds five terminals 4, for a total of ten terminals 4.

[0037] The spacing between multiple terminals 4, i.e., the pitch, is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter. In this embodiment, the multiple terminals 4 are arranged at equal pitches, but they may also be arranged at uneven pitches.

[0038] The intermediate base portion 23 is located between a pair of side walls 222 on the second axis A2 and extends along the first axis A1. The intermediate base portion 23 is a rectangular parallelepiped with length along the first axis A1. The intermediate base portion 23 protrudes upward from the center of the bottom wall 21. The area enclosed by the bottom wall 21, the peripheral wall 22, and the intermediate base portion 23 forms a mating recess (hereinafter also referred to as the "first mating recess") 24 into which the mating connector 5 is fitted. Specifically, the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating connector 5, which will be described later, is fitted into the first mating recess 24. This connects the mating connector 5 to the connector 1.

[0039] The multiple terminals 4 are terminals for signal transmission. When the mating connector 5 is connected to connector 1, terminals 4 are connected to the corresponding mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5 (details will be described later).

[0040] Terminal 4 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. Terminal 4 is gold-plated, but is not limited to this and does not have to be gold-plated.

[0041] As shown in Figure 13, terminal 4 has a curved piece 44, a rising piece 45, a falling piece 46, and a terminal piece 47, which are all integrally formed.

[0042] The curved piece 44 has a horseshoe-shaped tip and is configured to elastically deform along the second axis A2. When the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the curved piece 44 is pressed against the corresponding mating terminal 8. This causes the curved piece 44 to generate an elastic force in the direction toward the corresponding mating terminal 8 (outward).

[0043] The rising piece 45 is plate-shaped. The first end (lower end) of the rising piece 45 is integrated with the curved piece 44. The rising piece 45 contacts the corresponding mating terminal 8 when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1. The rising piece 45 is also integrated with a projection 451 that protrudes toward the curved piece 44. At terminal 4, when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the projection 451 is aligned (vertically) with the projection 821 of the corresponding mating terminal 8 along the third axis A3, as shown in Figure 13, and is located on the bottom side of the mating terminal 8, below the projection 821. In other words, the projection 451 forms a locking mechanism by catching on the projection 821 of the corresponding mating terminal 8.

[0044] The downward-facing piece 46 is plate-shaped. The first end (upper end) of the downward-facing piece 46 is curved in an inverted U-shape, as shown in Figure 13, and is integral with the second end (upper end) of the upward-facing piece 45.

[0045] The terminal piece 47 is plate-shaped. The terminal piece 47 is integral with the second end (lower end) of the falling edge piece 46. The terminal piece 47 protrudes outward from the second end of the falling edge piece 46 along the second axis A2. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 is exposed from the housing 2. The lower surface of the terminal piece 47 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the first substrate 91, for example, by soldering.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 has multiple (in this case, 10) terminal storage sections 27 that correspond one-to-one with multiple terminals 4. Each of the terminal storage sections 27 is formed spanning the side wall 222, the bottom wall 21, and the intermediate base section 23. Each of the terminal storage sections 27 penetrates the bottom wall 21 along the third axis A3. Each of the multiple terminals 4 is housed in the terminal storage section 27 by being pushed into the terminal storage section 27 from below. In this way, the multiple terminals 4 are held in place by press-fitting into the housing 2. Alternatively, the multiple terminals 4 may be formed integrally with the housing 2 by insert molding.

[0047] Multiple terminal storage sections 27 are provided on both sides of the second axis A2, divided into two equal parts by the intermediate base section 23. The multiple terminal storage sections 27 on both sides of the intermediate base section 23 are all arranged at approximately equal intervals along the first axis A1.

[0048] Each of the multiple terminals 4 is housed in the terminal housing 27, with a portion of it exposed to the first mating recess 24. Specifically, a portion of the curved piece 44 of each of the multiple terminals 4 is exposed to the first mating recess 24 from the side of the intermediate base 23. Also, a portion of the rising piece 45 of each of the multiple terminals 4 is exposed to the first mating recess 24 from the inside of the side wall 222. When the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the portion of each of the multiple terminals 4 exposed to the first mating recess 24 comes into contact with the multiple mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, in the housing 2, each of the pair of side walls 222 has a spring storage section 28 for housing the corresponding spring piece 35. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 is provided with two spring storage sections 28 in each of the pair of side walls 222 (a total of four). The two spring storage sections 28 are provided on both sides of the first shaft A1 in each of the pair of side walls 222, flanking the plurality of terminal storage sections 27. The spring storage section 28 is a groove-shaped recess formed in the side wall 222. By having each of the pair of side walls 222 have a spring storage section 28, the space surrounded by the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2 can be reduced by the amount of space necessary to accommodate the spring piece 35, compared to the case where the housing 2 does not have a spring storage section 28. In other words, there is an advantage in that the dimensions of the connector 1 can be made smaller. Note that one of the pair of side walls 222 may have a spring storage section 28. In other words, it is sufficient if at least one of the pair of side walls 222 has a spring housing 28.

[0050] (2-1-2) Retaining hardware The retaining bracket 3 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The retaining bracket 3 is used to improve the strength of the connector 1.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2 is provided with one retaining bracket 3 at each end (left end and right end) of the first axis A1 (a total of two). In the following explanation, we will primarily use the retaining bracket 3 attached to the first end (right end) of the housing 2 as an example, but the retaining bracket 3 attached to the second end (left end) of the housing 2 has a similar structure.

[0052] The retaining bracket 3 is formed seamlessly (without joints) as a single unit, for example, by a drawing process.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the retaining bracket 3 comprises an end piece 31, a side piece 32, a connecting piece 33, an intermediate extension piece 34, a spring piece 35, a side extension piece 36, and a bottom extension piece 37. Specifically, the retaining bracket 3 comprises one end piece 31, two side pieces 32, two connecting pieces 33, one intermediate extension piece 34, two spring pieces 35, two side extension pieces 36, and two bottom extension pieces 37.

[0054] (end piece) The end piece 31 protects one (right) end wall 221 of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 3, the end piece 31 has an upper portion 311, an inner portion 312, and an outer portion 313.

[0055] The upper portion 311 is positioned above the end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the end wall 221. The upper portion 311 covers substantially the entire upper surface of the end wall 221 (excluding the corner portion 223).

[0056] The inner portion 312 is positioned on the inside (left side) of the end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface (left side) of the end wall 221. The inner portion 312 covers at least the portion of the inner surface of the end wall 221 near the upper end. The inner surface (left side) of the inner portion 312 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner portion 312 is seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the inner surface of the end wall 221 that is not covered by the inner portion 312 (see Figure 1).

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the inner portion 312 has a rectangular plate-shaped first portion at its upper end, which has a constant width dimension (dimension along the second axis A2). The inner portion 312 also has a rectangular plate-shaped second portion below the first portion, which has a constant width dimension smaller than that of the first portion.

[0058] 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 is a curved portion 315.

[0059] The outer portion 313 is positioned on the outside (right side) of the end wall 221 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface (right side) of the end wall 221. The outer portion 313 covers at least the portion of the outer surface of the end wall 221 near the upper end. The outer portion 313 covers substantially the entire outer surface of the end wall 221.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the outer portion 313 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width dimension (dimension along the second axis A2).

[0061] 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.

[0062] The curved portion 316 between the outer portion 313 and the upper portion 311, and the curved portion 315 between the inner portion 312 and the upper portion 311, are similarly curved. For example, the curved portions 316 and 315 have approximately the same radius of curvature. The end piece 31 is formed in an inverted U-shape so as to be convex upwards.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the outer portion 313 of this embodiment has an embedded portion 317 that is embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22. Specifically, the embedded portion 317 is the portion of the outer portion 313 from the central part in the direction along the third axis A3 to the lower end. With the above configuration, the fixing strength between the housing 2 and the retaining bracket 3 is improved. The upper end of the outer portion 313 is not embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0064] The embedded portion 317 of the outer portion 313 has a through hole 318, as shown in Figure 4. The through hole 318 is located approximately in the center of the outer portion 313. In this embodiment, the through hole 318 is elliptical in shape. However, the through hole 318 may also be circular. When the housing 2 is insert-molded integrally with the retaining bracket 3, the resin material of the housing 2 is filled inside the through hole 318, and the portion of the end wall 221 located inside the outer portion 313 and the portion of the end wall 221 located outside the outer portion 313 are connected via the resin material inside the through hole 318. This improves the adhesion between the housing 2 and the retaining bracket 3.

[0065] The end piece 31 further has a terminal portion 314. The terminal portion 314 is a rectangular plate with the same width dimension as the outer portion 313 and extends outward along the first axis A1 from the lower end of the outer portion 313. The lower surface of the terminal portion 314 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by, for example, soldering. Thus, the end piece 31 further has an end-side fixing portion (terminal portion 314; hereinafter also referred to as the "first end-side fixing portion") that is fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). The fact that the tip of the terminal portion 314 protrudes outward from the outer portion 313 has the advantage of making it easy to check whether or not the terminal portion 314 has been soldered to the first substrate 91.

[0066] (Side piece) The two side pieces 32 are provided at both ends (front and rear) of the second axis A2 of the end piece 31. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the end piece 31 and the two side pieces 32 are connected in an inverted C shape in a plan view.

[0067] One (front) side piece 32 protects one (right) end of the front side wall 222 of the housing 2 with respect to the first axis A1. The other (rear) side piece 32 protects one (right) end of the rear side wall 222 of the housing 2 with respect to the first axis A1.

[0068] Each of the two side pieces 32 has an upper side portion 321, an inner portion 322, and an outer portion 323.

[0069] The upper portion 321 is positioned above one end (right side) of the side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of one side (right side) of the side wall 222. The upper portion 321 covers substantially the entire upper surface (excluding the corner portion 223) of one side (right side) of the side wall 222.

[0070] The inner portion 322 is positioned inside one (right) end of the side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface of one (right) side of the side wall 222. The inner portion 322 covers at least the portion of the inner surface of one (right) side of the 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 seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the inner surface of the side wall 222 that is not covered by the inner portion 322.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the inner portion 322 has a rectangular plate-shaped section with a constant width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1).

[0072] 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.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the side piece 32 further has a notch 329. The notch 329 is formed along the entire length of the inner portion 322 in the direction (vertical direction) along the third axis A3. More specifically, the notch 329 is formed at the left end of the inner portion 322. In this embodiment, the notch 329 is formed spanning the upper side portion 321, the curved portion 325, and the inner portion 322.

[0074] The outer portion 323 is positioned outside one (right) end of the side wall 222 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface of one (right) side of the side wall 222. The outer portion 323 covers at least the portion of the outer surface of one (right) side of the side wall 222 near the upper end.

[0075] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer portion 323 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1).

[0076] 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.

[0077] The curved portion 326 between the outer portion 323 and the upper portion 321, and the curved portion 325 between the inner portion 322 and the upper portion 321, are similarly curved. For example, the curved portions 326 and 325 have approximately the same radius of curvature. The side piece 32 is formed in an inverted U-shape so as to be convex upwards.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the outer portion 323 of this embodiment has an embedded portion 327 embedded in the side wall 222 of the peripheral wall 22. Specifically, the embedded portion 327 is the portion of the outer portion 323 from the central part in the direction along the third axis A3 to the lower end. With the above configuration, the fixing strength between the housing 2 and the retaining bracket 3 is improved. Note that the upper end of the outer portion 323 is not embedded in the end wall 221 of the peripheral wall 22.

[0079] The embedded portion 327 of the outer portion 323 has a through hole 328, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The through hole 328 is located approximately in the center of the outer portion 323. In this embodiment, the through hole 328 is elliptical in shape. However, the through hole 328 may also be circular. When the housing 2 is insert-molded integrally with the retaining bracket 3, the resin material of the housing 2 is filled inside the through hole 328, and the portion of the side wall 222 located inside the outer portion 323 and the portion of the side wall 222 located outside the outer portion 323 are connected via the resin material inside the through hole 328. This improves the adhesion between the housing 2 and the retaining bracket 3.

[0080] The side piece 32 further has a terminal portion 324. The terminal portion 324 is a rectangular plate with the same width dimension as the outer portion 323 and extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the outer portion 323. The lower surface of the terminal portion 324 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the first substrate 91 by, for example, soldering. In this way, the side piece 32 has a side fixing portion (terminal portion 324; hereinafter also referred to as the "first side fixing portion") that is fixed to the first substrate 91 (circuit board). The fact that the tip of the terminal portion 324 protrudes outward from the outer portion 323 has the advantage of making it easy to check whether or not the terminal portion 324 has been soldered to the first substrate 91.

[0081] (Connection part) The connecting portion 33 connects the end piece 31 and the side piece 32. One of the two connecting portions 33 (the front one) connects the front end of the end piece 31 to the right end of the front side piece 32. The other of the two connecting portions 33 (the rear one) connects the rear end of the end piece 31 to the right end of the rear side piece 32.

[0082] The connecting portion 33 has an upper connecting portion 331 and an inner connecting portion 332. The upper connecting portion 331 seamlessly connects the upper portion 311 of the end piece 31 and the upper portion 321 of the side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22. The inner connecting portion 332 seamlessly connects the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 at the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22. Therefore, the connecting portion 33 seamlessly connects the curved portion 315 of the end piece 31 and the curved portion 325 of the side piece 32. In this disclosure, "seamlessly connected" preferably means continuous without a break, but is not limited to the absence of a break in the strict sense between the two connected parts. For example, there may be holes that inevitably occur during manufacturing, or minute holes that are formed after manufacturing, at the joint.

[0083] The upper connecting portion 331 has, in a cross-section along the third axis A3, a lower surface adjacent to the peripheral wall 22 and an upper surface away from the peripheral wall 22. The upper surface of the upper connecting portion 331 connects the upper surface of the upper part 311 of the end piece 31 and the upper surface of the upper part 321 of the side piece 32. The lower surface of the upper connecting portion 331 connects the lower surface of the upper part 311 of the end piece 31 and the lower surface of the upper part 321 of the side piece 32.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the inner connecting portion 332 has an outer surface 3321 adjacent to the peripheral wall 22 and an inner surface 3322 that is away from the peripheral wall 22 relative to the outer surface 3321 in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3. The outer surface 3321 and inner surface 3322 of the inner connecting portion 332 are curved so as to be convex outward with respect to the center of the connector 1. In this disclosure, "the outer surface (or inner surface) of the connecting 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 inner surface) of the connecting portion is connected without interruption, and the portion of the outer surface (or inner surface) of the connecting portion between any two points is outside the line segment connecting those two points. In one specific example where the outer surface 3321 (or inner surface 3322) of the inner connecting portion 332 is arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis A3, the center of this arc is inside the inner connecting portion 332.

[0085] The inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 are seamlessly connected along the third axis A3 by the inner connecting portion 332. Furthermore, the inner connecting portion 332 connects the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 at one end (front or rear) of the second axis A2 and the lower end of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 at one end (right end) of the first axis A1 without any step.

[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the retaining bracket 3 has a slit 333 formed between the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32. The slit 333 extends along the third axis A3. Therefore, in the retaining bracket 3, the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 are not connected, and the curved portion 316 of the end piece 31 and the curved portion 326 of the side piece 32 are not connected.

[0087] The slit 333 of the retaining bracket 3 is filled by the corner 223 of the peripheral wall 22 (see Figure 6).

[0088] (middle extension) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the intermediate extension 34 has a bottom portion 341, a rising portion 342, an upper end portion 343, and two downward-sloping portions 344.

[0089] The bottom portion 341 is a substantially rectangular plate shape that extends along the first axis A1. In this embodiment, the first end (right end) of the bottom portion 341 is connected to the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31. In other words, the bottom portion 341 in this embodiment extends from the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31. This has the advantage of making it easier to form the bottom portion 341. The corner connecting the first end of the bottom portion 341 and the lower end of the inner portion 312 is curved. The bottom portion 341 is located between a pair of side walls 222 of the housing 2 along the second axis A2. The bottom portion 341 also follows the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the bottom portion 341 is exposed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 21 (the surface facing the first substrate 91).

[0090] In this embodiment, the width dimension of the bottom portion 341 (dimension along the second axis A2) is the same as the width dimension of the second part of the inner portion 312. Specifically, the shape of the bottom portion 341 is a rectangular plate shape with two notches 3411 at the second end (left end), as shown in Figure 5. The notches 3411 are approximately triangular in shape when viewed from above of the retaining bracket 3.

[0091] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rising portion 342 is a rectangular plate-like structure extending upward from the second end (left end) of the base portion 341. The lower end of the rising portion 342 is connected to the portion between the two notches 3411 at the second end of the base portion 341. The corner connecting the lower end of the rising portion 342 and the second end of the base portion 341 is curved.

[0092] The retaining bracket 3 has a bottom portion 341, which protects the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2, and has the advantage of making the bottom wall 21 less likely to be damaged during fitting.

[0093] As shown in Figure 6, the rising portion 342 runs along the side surface of the end (right end) of the intermediate base portion 23. The rising portion 342 extends along the side surface of the end of the intermediate base portion 23 and covers at least a portion of the side surface of the end of the intermediate base portion 23. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 (the surface connected to the upper surface of the bottom portion 341) is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The outer surface of the rising portion 342 is seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the side surface of the end of the intermediate base portion 23 that is not covered by the rising portion 342.

[0094] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper end portion 343 is a rectangular plate shape that extends to the left along the first axis A1 from the upper end of the rising portion 342. The first end (right end) of the upper end portion 343 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 342. The corner connecting the first end of the upper end portion 343 and the upper end of the rising portion 342 is curved.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, the upper end portion 343 is aligned with the upper part of the end of the intermediate base portion 23. The upper end portion 343 is positioned above the intermediate base portion 23 of the housing 2 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the end (right end) 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 of the intermediate base portion 23 that is not covered by the upper end portion 343.

[0096] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each of the two downward-facing sections 344 is a rectangular plate shape extending downward from the upper end 343. One of the two downward-facing sections 344 (the front section) extends downward from the front end of the upper end 343. The upper end of the front downward-facing section 344 is connected to the front end of the upper end 343. Similarly, the other of the two downward-facing sections 344 (the rear section) extends downward from the rear end of the upper end 343. The upper end of the rear downward-facing section 344 is connected to the rear end of the upper end 343. The corner connecting the upper end of the front downward-facing section 344 and the front end of the upper end 343 is curved, and the corner connecting the upper end of the rear downward-facing section 344 and the rear end of the upper end 343 is also curved.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, each of the two downward-facing sections 344 runs along the side surface of the end (front end and rear end) of the intermediate base section 23. Each of the two downward-facing sections 344 extends along the side surface of the end of the intermediate base section 23 and covers at least a portion of the side surface of the end of the intermediate base section 23. The outer surface of each of the two downward-facing sections 344 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The outer surface of each of the two downward-facing sections 344 is seamlessly connected to the exposed surface of the end of the intermediate base section 23 that is not covered by the two downward-facing sections 344. The lower end of each downward-facing section 344 is housed in the bottom wall 21. As shown in Figure 9, the lower end of each downward-facing section 344 is exposed to the lower surface of the bottom wall 21.

[0098] The retaining bracket 3 has a rising portion 342, an upper end portion 343, and two downward-sloping portions 344, which allows for protection of the intermediate base portion 23 of the housing 2, and has the advantage of making the intermediate base portion 23 less susceptible to damage during fitting.

[0099] (Side extension piece) As shown in Figure 3, each of the two side extension pieces 36 is provided on the opposite side (left side) from the end piece 31 in the first axis A1 relative to the two side pieces 32.

[0100] More specifically, one (front) side extension piece 36 is provided on the first axis A1 on the opposite side (left side) from the end piece 31 relative to one (front) side piece 32, and is aligned with one (front) side piece 32 and the first axis A1. Similarly, the other (rear) side extension piece 36 is provided on the first axis A1 on the opposite side (left side) from the end piece 31 relative to the other (rear) side piece 32, and is aligned with one (rear) side piece 32 and the first axis A1.

[0101] In the following explanation, the front side extension piece 36 will be used as an example, but the rear side extension piece 36 has a similar structure.

[0102] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the side extension piece 36 has an upper part 361, an inner part 362, and an outer part 363. Each of the upper part 361, the inner part 362, and the outer part 363 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1). The width dimensions of the upper part 361, the inner part 362, and the outer part 363 are the same. The side extension piece 36 is formed in an inverted U shape so as to be convex upwards.

[0103] The upper portion 361 is positioned above one (front) side wall 222 and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 relative to the upper portion 321 of one (front) side piece 32. The upper portion 361 covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the first end side (right side) of one (front) side wall 222. On the upper surface of the first end side (right side) of the side wall 222, the upper portion 361 covers the portion located on the second end side (left side) than the portion covered by the upper portion 321 of one (front) side piece 32.

[0104] The inner portion 362 is positioned inside one (front) side wall 222 and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 relative to the inner portion 322 of one (front) side piece 32. The inner portion 362 covers at least a portion of the inner surface on the first end side (right side) of one (front) side wall 222. The inner portion 362 covers the portion of the inner surface on the first end side (right side) of one (front) side wall 222 that is located on the second end side (left side) than the portion covered by the inner portion 322 of one (front) side piece 32.

[0105] The inner surface of the inner portion 362 is exposed to the first fitting recess 24. The inner surface of the inner portion 362 is located inside the exposed surface of the inner surface of the side wall 222 that is not covered by the inner portion. The first end side (right side) of the inner portion 362 is substantially flush with the second end side (left side) of the spring storage portion 28 of the housing 2.

[0106] The upper end of the inner portion 362 is connected to the inner end of the upper portion 361. The corner connecting the upper end of the inner portion 362 and the inner end of the upper portion 361 is a curved portion 365.

[0107] In this embodiment, the lower end of the inner portion 362 is connected to the bottom 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 via the bottom extension portion 37. In other words, the bottom extension portion 37 connects the bottom 341 of the intermediate extension portion 34 to the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. In this embodiment, the right end of the side extension piece 36 is not connected to the left end of the side piece 32.

[0108] The bottom extension 37 is plate-shaped and extends along the first axis A1. The bottom extension 37 is along the bottom wall 21 of the housing 2.

[0109] As shown in Figure 5, the bottom extension 37 can be considered as the portion where the second end (left end) of the bottom 341 extends toward the lower end of the inner portion 362. In this embodiment, the bottom extension 37 can be considered as the portion of the second end (left end) of the bottom 341 that is closer to one end (front end) than the notch 3411 on one side (front side) and extends toward the lower end of the inner portion 362.

[0110] The outer portion 363 is positioned on the outside of one (front) side wall 222 and is located on the second end side (left side) of the first axis A1 relative to the outer portion 323 of one (front) side piece 32. The outer portion 363 covers at least a portion of the outer surface on the first end side (right side) of one (front) side wall 222. The outer portion 363 covers the portion of the outer surface on the first end side (right side) of one (front) side wall 222 that is located on the second end side (left side) than the portion covered by the outer portion 323 of one (front) side piece 32.

[0111] The upper end of the outer portion 363 is connected to the outer end of the upper portion 361. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer portion 363 and the outer end of the upper portion 361 is a curved portion 366.

[0112] The curved section 366 between the outer section 363 and the upper section 361 is more steeply curved than the curved section 365 between the inner section 362 and the upper section 361. For example, in terms of radius of curvature, the curved section 366 is smaller than the curved section 365.

[0113] From the above, it is possible to consider one (front) side extension piece 36 as the portion of one (front) side extension piece 32 that extends along the first axis A1 toward the opposite side (left side) from the end piece 31.

[0114] (Spring piece) As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the two spring pieces 35 extend upward from the bottom 341 and are configured to be elastically deformable outward along the second axis A2. Each of the two spring pieces 35 is pressed against the corresponding mating retaining fitting 7 (described later) of the mating connector 5 when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1. As a result, each of the two spring pieces 35 generates an elastic force in the direction toward the corresponding mating retaining fitting 7 (inward). This "elastic force" acts as the contact pressure that the connector 1 applies to the mating connector 5 when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0115] As shown in Figure 8, each of the two spring pieces 35 has a rising portion 351 and a tip portion 352.

[0116] As shown in Figure 3, the rising portion 351 is a plate member that extends upward from both ends (front and rear ends) of the second axis A2 of the bottom portion 341. The rising portion 351 of the front spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 extends upward from the front end of the bottom portion 341, and the lower end of the rising portion 351 is connected to the front end of the bottom portion 341. The corner connecting the lower end of the rising portion 351 of the front spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 and the front end of the bottom portion 341 is curved.

[0117] Similarly, the rising portion 351 of the rear spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 extends upward from the rear end of the second axis A2 of the base 341, and the lower end of the rising portion 351 is connected to the rear end of the base 341. The corner connecting the lower end of the rising portion 351 of the rear spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 and the rear end of the base 341 is curved.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, the tip portion 352 is a curved plate member that forms a convex portion 353 that protrudes inward. The lower end of the tip portion 352 of the front spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 351 of the spring piece 35. Similarly, the lower end of the tip portion 352 of the rear spring piece 35 of the two spring pieces 35 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 351 of the spring piece 35.

[0119] As shown in Figure 7, the inner tip of the protrusion 353 on the front spring piece 35 is located inside the inner surface 3221 of the inner portion 322 of the front side piece 32. Similarly, the inner tip of the protrusion 353 on the rear spring piece 35 is located inside the inner surface 3221 of the inner portion 322 of the rear side piece 32. With this configuration, when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the two spring pieces 35 of the retaining bracket 3 are pushed outward along the second axis A2 by the mating retaining bracket 7 and undergo elastic deformation. As a result, the two spring pieces 35 of the retaining bracket 3 generate an elastic force directed toward (inward) the mating retaining bracket 7 and come into contact with the mating retaining bracket 7.

[0120] The protrusion 353 is located near the upper end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36 on the third axis A3. The protrusion 353 is also located in approximately the same position as the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 on the third axis A3. The upper end of the tip portion 352 is located in approximately the same position as the curved portion 315 of the end piece 31, the curved portion 325 of the side piece 32, and the curved portion 365 of the side extension piece 36 on the third axis A3. In other words, the protrusion 353 and tip portion 352 of the two spring pieces 35 are provided relatively above the mating recess 24 (see Figure 1). Therefore, when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1, the two spring pieces 35 have the advantage of being able to secure elastic force (contact pressure).

[0121] As shown in Figure 7, each of the two spring pieces 35 is positioned on the first axis A1 between the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. More specifically, each of the two spring pieces 35 is positioned on the first axis A1 to be accommodated in a notch 329 located between the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. This configuration has the advantage that the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32 and the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36 can protect the spring piece 35, making it less likely for the spring piece 35 to break.

[0122] In the connector 1 of this embodiment, the first end fixing portion and the first side fixing portion of the retaining bracket 3 on the first side (right side) of the first axis A1 are connected to a conductor on the first substrate 91. Similarly, the first end fixing portion and the first side fixing portion of the retaining bracket 3 on the second side (left side) of the first axis A1 are connected to a conductor on the first substrate 91. The two spring pieces 35 of the retaining bracket 3 function as power terminals for transmitting power to the mating connector 5 (mating retaining bracket) when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0123] (2-2) Header Next, the other connector 5, which serves as the header, will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0124] The mating connector 5 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, having length along the first axis A1, width along the second axis A2 which intersects (in this case is perpendicular to) the second axis A2, and height along the third axis A3 which intersects (in this case is perpendicular to) both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. Connector 1 is mated into the mating connector 5 along the third axis A3.

[0125] In this "(2-2) Header" section, for the sake of explanation, one side of the first axis A1 and the other side will be referred to as "left" and "right," respectively; one side of the second axis A2 and the other side as "front" and "rear," respectively; and one side of the third axis A3 and the other side as "top" and "bottom," respectively. In particular, when the mating connector 5 and connector 1 are mated, the side of the third axis A3 where the mating connector 5 is located will be "bottom," and the side where connector 1 is located will be "top." In other words, in this "(2-2) Header" section, the top and bottom are reversed compared to the "(2-1) Socket" section. Note that the above directional definitions are not intended to limit the usage of the mating connector 5.

[0126] Furthermore, in the "(2-2) Header" section, in a plan view of the mating connector 5, the side closer to the center of the mating connector 5 is referred to as the "inside," and the side further from the center of the mating connector 5 is referred to as the "outside." In other words, the "outside" refers to the side that moves away from the center of the mating connector 5, with the center of the mating connector 5 as the reference point (inside).

[0127] The length dimension of the mating connector 5 (dimension on the first axis A1) is, for example, a few millimeters to a dozen millimeters. The width dimension of the mating connector 5 (dimension on the second axis A2) is, for example, a few millimeters. The height dimension of the mating connector 5 (dimension on the third axis A3) is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0128] As shown in Figure 9, the mating connector 5 comprises a mating housing 6, a pair of mating retaining clips 7, and a plurality of mating terminals 8.

[0129] (2-2-1) Housing, terminals The mating housing 6 is an insulating resin molded product. In this embodiment, the mating housing 6 is an insert molded product in which a pair of mating retaining brackets 7 and a plurality of mating terminals 8 are inserted.

[0130] The mating housing 6 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped with a length along the first axis A1. As shown in Figure 10, the mating housing 6 has a mating bottom wall 61 and a mating peripheral wall 62. The mating bottom wall 61 and the mating peripheral wall 62 are formed integrally. The mating bottom wall 61 is a long plate along the first axis A1 and constitutes the bottom of the mating housing 6. The mating peripheral wall 62 protrudes upward from the periphery of the mating bottom wall 61 and has a rectangular frame shape in plan view. In other words, the mating peripheral wall 62 is formed to surround the center along the periphery of the mating bottom wall 61.

[0131] The opposing peripheral wall 62 has a pair of opposing end walls 621 and a pair of opposing side walls 622. The pair of opposing end walls 621 extend along the second axis A2 and face each other along the first axis A1. The pair of opposing side walls 622 are located at both ends of the pair of opposing end walls 621 along the second axis A2. The pair of opposing side walls 622 extend along the first axis A1 and face each other along the second axis A2.

[0132] The opposing peripheral wall 62 has a total of four corners 623 at the positions where the opposing end wall 621 and the opposing side wall 622 connect. The lower ends of the four corners 623 are provided with outwardly projecting protrusions 6231.

[0133] The area enclosed by the mating bottom wall 61 and the mating peripheral wall 62 forms a mating recess (hereinafter also referred to as the "second mating recess") 64 into which the connector 1 is fitted. Specifically, the intermediate base portion 23 of the connector 1 is fitted into the second mating recess 64. This connects the connector 1 to the mating connector 5.

[0134] A stepped portion 63 is formed between the opposing bottom wall 61 and the opposing end wall 621 of the opposing peripheral wall 62.

[0135] Each of the pair of mating side walls 622 in the mating peripheral wall 62 is provided with half of the mating terminals 8. Specifically, each of the pair of mating side walls 622 holds 5 mating terminals 8, for a total of 10.

[0136] The spacing between multiple mating terminals 8, i.e., the pitch, is, for example, a few tenths of a millimeter. The pitch of the multiple mating terminals 8 is approximately equal to the pitch of the multiple terminals 4. In this embodiment, the multiple mating terminals 8 are arranged at equal pitches, but they may also be arranged at uneven pitches.

[0137] The mating terminal 8 (the terminal of the mating connector 5) is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The mating terminal 8 is gold-plated, but is not limited to this, and does not have to be gold-plated.

[0138] As shown in Figure 13, the mating terminal 8 has a contact piece 81, a hanging piece 82, and a terminal piece 83, which are integrally formed.

[0139] The contact piece 81 is plate-shaped. The contact piece 81 is provided on the surface of the mating side wall 622 facing the second mating recess 64. The contact piece 81 is exposed to the second mating recess 64. The contact piece 81 contacts the corresponding terminal 4 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5.

[0140] The contact piece 81 is provided with a recess 811 that is recessed away from the second mating recess 64. The recess 811 is configured such that a part of the corresponding terminal 4 (curved piece 44) fits into it when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5. In other words, the recess 811 of the contact piece 81 and the corresponding terminal 4 constitute a locking mechanism that prevents the mating connector 5 from coming off the connector 1 and allows the connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 to be released by applying a force greater than a predetermined amount.

[0141] The hanging piece 82 is plate-shaped. The hanging piece 82 is provided along the outer surface of the opposing side wall 622. The 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.

[0142] The hanging piece 82 is integrated with a projection 821 that protrudes along the thickness axis of the hanging piece 82. When the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5, the projection 821 is aligned with the projection 451 of the corresponding terminal 4 of the connector 1 along the third axis A3, and is located on the bottom side of the terminal 4 than the projection 451. Therefore, unless the mating connector 5 is pulled out of the connector 1 with a force greater than a predetermined amount, the projection 451 of the terminal 4 catches on the projection 821 of the mating terminal 8, and the connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 is not released. In other words, the projection 821 of the mating terminal 8 and the projection 451 of the terminal 4 constitute a locking mechanism that prevents the mating connector 5 from coming off the connector 1, and allows the connection between the mating connector 5 and the connector 1 to be released by applying a force greater than a predetermined amount.

[0143] The terminal piece 83 is plate-shaped. The first end (inner end) of the terminal piece 83 is integral with the second end (lower end) of the contact piece 81. The second end of the terminal piece 83 is exposed from the mating housing 6 at one end (lower side) of the third shaft A3. The lower surface of the terminal piece 83 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the second substrate 92, for example, by soldering.

[0144] All of the multiple (10) mating terminals 8 are signal terminals. Five mating terminals 8 (signal terminals) are provided on each of the pair of mating side walls 622, arranged along the first axis A1.

[0145] Each of the multiple mating terminals 8 is held by the mating side wall 622, with a portion of it exposed to the second mating recess 64. Specifically, a portion of the contact piece 81 of each of the multiple mating terminals 8 is exposed to the second mating recess 64. In addition, a portion of the hanging piece 82 of each of the multiple mating terminals 8 is exposed to the outer surface of the mating side wall 622.

[0146] When the mating connector 5 is connected to connector 1, the portion (contact piece 81) exposed in the second mating recess 64 of each of the mating terminals 8 contacts the curved piece 44 of the terminal 4 of connector 1. In addition, the hanging piece 82 of each of the mating terminals 8 contacts the rising piece 45 of the terminal 4 of connector 1. As a result, each of the mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5 is electrically connected to the corresponding terminal 4 of connector 1.

[0147] (2-2-2) Retaining hardware The mating retaining bracket 7 is a metal molded body made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The mating retaining bracket 7 is used to improve the strength of the mating connector 5.

[0148] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, one mating retaining fitting 7 (a total of two) is arranged at each end (left end and right end) of the first axis A1 on the mating peripheral wall 62. Alternatively, the mating retaining fitting 7 may be arranged at one end (left end or right end) of the first axis A1 on the mating peripheral wall 62.

[0149] In the following explanation, we will primarily use the mating retaining bracket 7, which is attached to the right end of the mating housing 6, as an example, but the mating retaining bracket 7, which is attached to the left end of the mating housing 6, has a similar structure.

[0150] The mating retaining fitting 7 is formed seamlessly (without joints) as a single unit, for example, by a drawing process.

[0151] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the mating retaining fitting 7 has a mating end piece 71, a mating side piece 72, and a mating connecting portion 73. Specifically, the mating retaining fitting 7 has one mating end piece 71, two mating side pieces 72, and two mating connecting portions 73.

[0152] (end piece) The mating end piece 71 protects the mating end wall 621 on one side (right side) of the mating housing 6. The mating end piece 71 has an upper portion 711, an outer portion 712, and an inner portion 713.

[0153] The upper portion 711 is positioned above the mating end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the mating end wall 621. The upper portion 711 covers at least the outer (right) portion of the upper surface of the mating end wall 621 in relation to the first axis A1.

[0154] The inner portion 713 is positioned on the inside (left side) of the mating end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface (left side) of the mating end wall 621. The inner portion 713 covers the central portion of the inner surface of the mating end wall 621 in the second axis A2.

[0155] 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.

[0156] As shown in Figure 11, the inner portion 713 has a rectangular plate-shaped section with a constant width dimension (dimension along the second axis A2). The width dimension of the inner portion 713 (dimension along the second axis A2) is smaller than the width dimension of the upper portion 711. The inner surface (left side) of the inner portion 713 is exposed to the second fitting recess 64. The inner surface of the inner portion 713 is seamlessly connected to the portion of the inner surface of the mating end wall 621 that is adjacent to the inner portion 713 along the second axis A2.

[0157] The inner portion 713 contacts the intermediate extension portion 34 (specifically, the rising portion 342) of the retaining bracket 3 of the connector 1 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5.

[0158] The outer portion 712 is positioned on the outside (right side) of the mating end wall 621 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface (right side) of the mating end wall 621. The outer portion 712 covers at least the portion of the outer surface of the mating end wall 621 near the upper end. The outer portion 712 covers substantially the entire outer surface of the mating end wall 621.

[0159] As shown in Figure 11, the outer portion 712 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width dimension (dimension along the second axis A2). At the lower end of the outer portion 712, both sides of the second axis A2 form recessed areas 7121 that are indented upward.

[0160] The lower surface of the outer portion 712 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the second substrate 92, for example, by soldering. Thus, the mating 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).

[0161] Furthermore, the lower end of the outer portion 712 of the mating end piece 71 is tapered, becoming thinner towards the lower end, and has a slope formed on the inner surface side.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The curved portion 715 between the outer portion 712 and the upper portion 711, and the curved portion 716 between the inner portion 713 and the upper portion 711, are similarly curved. For example, the curved portions 715 and 716 have approximately the same radius of curvature.

[0164] (Side piece) As shown in Figure 11, the two opposing side pieces 72 are provided at both ends (front and rear) of the second axis A2 of the opposing end piece 71. The opposing end piece 71 and the two opposing side pieces 72 are connected in an inverted C shape in a plan view.

[0165] One (front) mating side piece 72 protects one (right) end of the mating side wall 622 of the mating housing 6 on the first axis A1. The other (rear) mating side piece 72 protects one (right) end of the mating side wall 622 of the mating housing 6 on the first axis A1.

[0166] Each of the two opposing side pieces 72 has an upper portion 721, an outer portion 722, and an inner portion 723.

[0167] The upper portion 721 is positioned above one end (right side) of the opposing side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of one side (right side) of the opposing side wall 622. The upper portion 721 covers at least the outer portion of the upper surface of one side (right side) of the opposing side wall 622.

[0168] The inner portion 723 is positioned inside one end (right side) of the mating side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface of one side (right side) of the mating side wall 622. The inner portion 723 covers at least the portion near the upper end of the inner surface of one side (right side) of the mating side wall 622.

[0169] 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.

[0170] As shown in Figure 11, the inner portion 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped section with a constant width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1). The width dimension of the inner portion 723 (dimension along the first axis A1) is smaller than the width dimension 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 seamlessly connected to the portion of the inner surface of the mating side wall 622 that is adjacent to the inner portion 723 along the first axis A1.

[0171] As shown in Figure 11, the inner portion 723 has a rectangular plate-shaped first part at its upper end, which has a constant width dimension (dimension along the first axis A1). The inner portion 723 also has a rectangular plate-shaped second part below the first part, which has the same width dimension as the first part. The second part of the inner portion 723 extends outward from the lower end of the first part, sloping outwards.

[0172] The outer portion 722 is positioned outside one (right) end of the opposing side wall 622 and covers at least a portion of the outer surface of one (right) side of the opposing side wall 622. The outer portion 722 covers at least the portion near the upper end of the outer surface of one (right) side of the opposing side wall 622. The outer portion 722 covers substantially the entire outer surface of the opposing side wall 622.

[0173] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the outer portion 722 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a constant width dimension (dimension in the second axis A2). At the lower end of the outer portion 722, the left end portion of the first axis A1 is recessed upwards, forming a recess 7221. The recess 7221 of the mating end piece 71 is connected to the recess 7121 of the mating end piece 71, and the projection 6231 of the mating housing 6 is positioned there.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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 similarly curved. For example, the curved portions 725 and 726 have approximately the same radius of curvature. In this embodiment, the curved portions 725 and 726 are connected in a continuous curved manner.

[0176] As shown in Figure 8, the outer portion 722 contacts the spring piece 35 of the retaining clip 3 of the connector 1 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5.

[0177] The mating side piece 72 further has a terminal portion 724. The terminal portion 724 is a rectangular plate with the same width dimension as the outer portion 722 and extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the outer portion 722. The lower surface of the terminal portion 724 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the first substrate 91, for example, by soldering. In this way, the mating 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 substrate 92 (circuit board). The fact that the tip of the terminal portion 724 protrudes outward from the outer portion 722 has the advantage of making it easy to check whether or not the terminal portion 724 has been soldered to the second substrate 92.

[0178] (Connection part) The mating connector 73 connects the mating end piece 71 and the mating side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62. One of the two mating connectors 73 (the front one) connects the front end of the mating end piece 71 to the right end of the front mating side piece 72. The other of the two mating connectors 73 (the rear one) connects the rear end of the mating end piece 71 to the right end of the rear mating side piece 72.

[0179] The mating connector 73 has an upper connector 731 and an outer connector 732. The upper connector 731 seamlessly connects the upper part 711 of the mating end piece 71 and the upper part 721 of the mating side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62. The outer connector 732 seamlessly connects the outer part 712 of the mating end piece 71 and the outer part 722 of the mating side piece 72 at the corner 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62. Therefore, the mating connector 73 seamlessly connects the curved part 715 of the mating end piece 71 and the curved part 725 of the mating side piece 72.

[0180] The upper connecting portion 731 has, in a cross-section along the third axis A3, a lower surface adjacent to the mating peripheral wall 62 and an upper surface away from the mating peripheral wall 62. The upper surface of the upper connecting portion 731 connects the upper surface of the upper portion 711 of the mating end piece 71 and the upper surface of the upper portion 721 of the mating side piece 72. The lower surface of the upper connecting portion 731 connects the lower surface of the upper portion 711 of the mating end piece 71 and the lower surface of the upper portion 721 of the mating side piece 72.

[0181] The outer connecting portion 732 has an inner surface adjacent to the mating peripheral wall 62 and an outer surface that is separated from the mating peripheral wall 62 in a cross-section perpendicular to the third axis A3. The inner and outer surfaces of the outer connecting portion 732 are curved so as to be convex outward with respect to the center of the mating connector 5.

[0182] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the mating retaining fitting 7, the inner portion 713 of the mating end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the mating side piece 72 are not connected. Also, the curved portion 716 of the mating end piece 71 and the curved portion 726 of the mating side piece 72 are not connected. That is, the mating connecting portion 73 has a space 79 between the inner portion 713 of the mating end piece 71 and the inner portion 723 of the mating side piece 72. In the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating housing 6, the entire inner surface and a part of the upper surface of the corner portion 623 where the mating end wall 621 and the mating side wall 622 are connected are exposed through this space 79 (see Figure 9).

[0183] In this embodiment, the mating connector 5 is connected to the spring piece 35 of the retaining piece 3 of the connector 1. Specifically, the outer portion 722 of the mating side piece 72 of the mating retaining piece 7 of the mating connector 5 is connected to the spring piece 35 of the retaining piece 3 of the connector 1. In other words, the mating retaining piece 7 functions as a power terminal for receiving power transmitted from the connector 1 when the mating connector 5 is connected to the connector 1.

[0184] (2-3) Connector Assembly The connector assembly 100 comprises a socket which is connector 1 and a header which is the mating connector 5.

[0185] As described above, connector 1 is mounted on a circuit board 9 (first circuit board 91) built into an electronic device such as a smartphone (see Figure 13). The other connector 5 is mounted on another circuit board 9 (second circuit board 92) also built into the same electronic device (see Figure 13).

[0186] Then, as shown in Figure 13, for example, by moving the mating connector 5 toward connector 1 and connecting connector 1 and mating connector 5, an electrical connection is made between the first conductor of the first substrate 91 and the second conductor of the second substrate 92. Specifically, the multiple (in this case, 10) terminals 4 of connector 1 are each electrically connected to the corresponding multiple (in this case, 10) mating terminals 8 of the mating connector 5. The curved piece 44 of terminal 4 fits into the recess 811 of the mating terminal 8. Also, the projection 451 of terminal 4 goes over the projection 821 of the mating terminal 8 and contacts the hanging piece 82.

[0187] Furthermore, the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 5 by electrically connecting the spring piece 35 of the retaining fitting 3 of the connector 1 to the outer part 722 of the mating side piece 72 of the mating retaining fitting 7 of the mating connector 5. At this time, the outer part 712 of the mating end piece 71 of the mating retaining fitting 7 is located inside the inner part 312 of the end piece 31 of the retaining fitting 3, and the inner part 312 and the outer part 712 face each other with an air gap between them. Alternatively, the inner part 312 and the outer part 712 may be in contact with each other. Also, the outer part 722 of the mating side piece 72 of the mating retaining fitting 7 is located inside the inner part 322 of the side piece 32 of the retaining fitting 3, and the inner part 322 and the outer part 722 face each other with an air gap between them.

[0188] Furthermore, the multiple (in this case, four) spring pieces 35 of connector 1 are electrically connected, two to each of the multiple (in this case, two) corresponding mating retaining brackets 7 of the mating connector 5. When connector 1 is mated with the mating connector 5, the spring pieces 35 of the retaining bracket 3 of connector 1 contact the outer portion 722 of the mating side piece 72 of the mating retaining bracket 7 of the mating connector 5. This configuration has the effect of ensuring reliable contact between the spring pieces 35 of the retaining bracket 3 and the outer portion 722 of the mating side piece 72 of the mating retaining bracket 7 of the mating connector 5, due to the elastic force of the spring pieces 35 generated in the direction toward the mating retaining bracket 7. As a result, it is no longer necessary to firmly contact the parts of the retaining fitting 3 other than the spring piece 35 (for example, the inner part 312 of the end piece 31, the inner part 322 of the side piece 32, and the inner part 362 of the side extension piece 36) with the mating retaining fitting 7 (for example, the outer part 712 of the mating end piece 71, and the outer part 722 of the mating side piece 72) in a surface manner, and the insertion and removal force when mating the mating connector 5 to the connector 1 can be reduced. This gives the connector 1 of this embodiment the advantage of being able to suppress at least one of the occurrence of damage and the degree of such damage when mating the mating connector 5 to or from the connector 1.

[0189] When connecting connector 1 and mating connector 5, the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating connector 5 is fitted into the first mating recess 24 of connector 1. At this time, the four corners 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62 may come into contact with the inner surfaces of the four corners 223 of the peripheral wall 22 that constitutes the inner surface of the first mating recess 24. Depending on the material of the contacting parts, scratches may occur at the point of contact. Therefore, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the corners 223 of the peripheral wall 22 of connector 1 are provided with the inner connecting parts 332 of the connecting part 33 of the retaining fitting 3, and the corners 623 of the mating peripheral wall 62 of the mating connector 5 are provided with the outer connecting parts 732 of the mating retaining fitting 7. Both the inner connecting parts 332 and the outer connecting parts 732 are made of metal and are resistant to scratches. Therefore, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, when connecting the connector 1 and the mating connector 5, the connector 1 is less likely to be damaged, and the mating connector 5 is less likely to be damaged. In other words, there is an advantage in that damage that occurs when mating the mating connector 5 to the connector 1 can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to suppress the decrease in strength of the connector 1 and the mating connector 5, and consequently, there is an advantage in that the strength of the connector 1 and the mating connector 5 can be improved.

[0190] (3) Variant The embodiments described above are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. These embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following lists some modifications of the embodiments. Hereafter, these embodiments may also be referred to as "basic examples." The basic examples and the modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0191] (3-1) Modified form of retaining bracket Modified examples of the retaining brackets provided on connector 1 (socket) are described below. The retaining bracket 3A of the first modified example and the retaining bracket 3B of the second modified example described below can be provided on the housing 2 in place of the retaining bracket 3 of the basic example. In this case, the shape of the housing 2 may be appropriately modified according to the shape of the retaining brackets 3A and 3B. In the following, components with the same reference numerals as those of the retaining brackets in the basic example or other modified examples may be used, and their descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following, retaining brackets 3A and 3B attached to the right end of the housing 2 will be described as an example.

[0192] (3-1-1) First modified example of the retaining bracket The retaining bracket 3A of the first modified example will be explained with reference to Figure 14.

[0193] The retaining bracket 3A comprises an end piece 31, a side piece 32, a connecting piece 33, an intermediate extension piece 34, a spring piece 35, a side extension piece 36, an upper extension piece 381, an outer extension piece 382, ​​and a terminal extension piece 383. Specifically, the retaining bracket 3A comprises one end piece 31, two side pieces 32, two connecting pieces 33, one intermediate extension piece 34, two spring pieces 35, two side extension pieces 36, two upper extension pieces 381, two outer extension pieces 382, ​​and two terminal extension pieces 383.

[0194] The first modified example differs from the basic example in that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the rest of the retaining bracket 3 in a different manner. More specifically, the first modified example differs from the basic example in that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the left end of the side piece 32 via the upper extension 381, the outer extension 382, ​​and the terminal extension 383.

[0195] In the first modified example, the side extension piece 36 has an upper side portion 361, an inner portion 362, and an outer portion 363, as well as a terminal portion 364. The terminal portion 364 is the same rectangular plate shape as the outer portion 363 and extends outward from the lower end of the outer portion 323 along the second axis A2. The lower surface of the terminal portion 324 becomes a bonding surface that is joined to the first substrate 91, for example, by soldering.

[0196] In the following explanation, we will primarily use the upper extension 381, outer extension 382, ​​and terminal extension 383, which are provided on one side (the front), as examples. However, the upper extension 381, outer extension 382, ​​and terminal extension 383 provided on the other side (the rear) have a similar structure.

[0197] The upper extension 381 connects the upper part 321 of one (front) side piece 32 to the upper part 361 of one (front) side extension piece 36. Specifically, the upper extension 381 connects the left end of the upper part 321 of one side piece 32 to the right end of the upper part 361 of one side extension piece 36.

[0198] The upper extension 381 is plate-shaped and extends along the upper surface of the side wall 222 of the housing 2. In other words, the upper extension 381 can be considered as the portion where the left end of the upper part 321 of the side piece 32 extends toward the right end of the upper part 361 of the side extension piece 36.

[0199] Similarly, the outer extension 382 connects the outer portion 323 of one (front) side piece 32 to the outer portion 363 of one (front) side extension piece 36. Specifically, the outer extension 382 connects the left end of the outer portion 323 of one side piece 32 to the right end of the outer portion 363 of one side extension piece 36.

[0200] The outer extension 382 is plate-shaped and extends along the outer surface of the side wall 222 of the housing 2. In other words, the outer extension 382 can be considered as the portion where the left end of the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 extends toward the right end of the outer portion 363 of the side extension piece 36.

[0201] The upper end of the outer extension 382 is connected to the outer end of the upper extension 381. The corner connecting the upper end of the outer extension 382 and the outer end of the upper extension 381 is curved.

[0202] The terminal extension 383 connects the terminal portion 324 of one (front) side piece 32 to the terminal portion 364 of the one (front) side extension piece 36. Specifically, the terminal extension 383 connects the left end of the terminal portion 324 on one side piece 32 to the right end of the terminal portion 364 on one side extension piece 36.

[0203] The terminal extension portion 383 is plate-shaped and extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the outer extension portion 382. In other words, the terminal extension portion 383 can be considered as the portion where the left end of the terminal portion 324 of the side piece 32 extends toward the right end of the terminal portion 364 of the side extension piece 36.

[0204] In the first modified example, the retaining bracket 3A includes an upper extension 381, an outer extension 382, ​​and a terminal extension 383, but it is sufficient to have at least one of the upper extension 381, the outer extension 382, ​​and the terminal extension 383. For example, the retaining bracket 3A may have only the upper extension 381. In other words, the two side extension pieces 36 may be connected to the left end of the side piece 32 only via the upper extension 381.

[0205] (3-1-2) Second modified example of the retaining bracket The retaining bracket 3B of the second modified example will be explained with reference to Figure 15.

[0206] The retaining bracket 3B comprises an end piece 31, a side piece 32, a connecting piece 33, an intermediate extension piece 34, a spring piece 35, a side extension piece 36, and an inner extension piece 39. Specifically, the retaining bracket 3B comprises one end piece 31, two side pieces 32, two connecting pieces 33, one intermediate extension piece 34, two spring pieces 35, two side extension pieces 36, and two inner extension pieces 39.

[0207] The second modification differs from the basic example in that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the rest of the retaining bracket 3 in a different manner. More specifically, the second modification differs from the basic example in that the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the left end of the side piece 32 via the inner extension 39.

[0208] In the following explanation, we will primarily use the inner extension 39 provided on one side (the front) as an example, but the inner extension 39 provided on the other side (the rear) has a similar structure.

[0209] The inner extension 39 connects one (front) downward-sloping portion 344 to the inner portion 362 of one (front) side extension piece 36. Specifically, the inner extension 39 connects the lower end of one downward-sloping portion 344 to the lower end of the inner portion 362 of one (front) side extension piece 36.

[0210] The inner extension 39 is a roughly rectangular plate shape that extends outward along the second axis A2 from the lower end of the downward-sloping portion 344. In other words, the inner extension 39 can be considered as the portion that extends from the lower end of the downward-sloping portion 344 toward the lower end of the inner portion 362 of the side extension piece 36. The upper surface of the inner extension 39 is connected to the upper surface of the bottom wall 21 of the housing without any step difference.

[0211] (3-1-3) Other variations of retaining hardware In one modified example, the retaining bracket 3 may be positioned only at one end (left end or right end) of the first axis A1 on the peripheral wall 22 of the housing 2.

[0212] In one modified example, the intermediate extension 34 may extend from the side piece 32 toward the intermediate base 23. In other words, the bottom 341 of the intermediate extension 34 may extend from the lower end of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32. Alternatively, the intermediate extension 34 may extend integrally from the end piece 31 and the side piece 32 toward the intermediate base 23. The bottom 341 of the intermediate extension 34 may extend from the lower end of the inner portion 312 of the end piece 31 and the lower end of the inner portion 322 of the side piece 32.

[0213] In the basic example, the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 each have embedded portions 317 and 327, but in one modified example, either the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 or the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 may have embedded portions 317 and 327. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 or the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32 has embedded portions 317 and 327.

[0214] Furthermore, in the basic example, the buried portions 317 and 327 have through holes 318, but in one modified example, they may have notches. That is, the buried portions 317 and 327 only need to have at least one of the through holes 318 and / or notches. For example, the notch of the buried portion 317 is provided at at least one end (at least one of the front and rear ends) of the second axis A2 of the outer portion 313. Alternatively, the notch of the buried portion 317 may be provided at the terminal portion 314 side end (lower end) of the outer portion 313. Similarly, the notch of the buried portion 327 is provided at at least one end (at least one of the left and right ends) of the first axis A1 of the outer portion 323. Alternatively, the notch of the buried portion 327 may be provided at the terminal portion 324 side end (lower end) of the outer portion 323. Furthermore, the notches in the buried portions 317 and 327 may be rectangular, semi-elliptical, or semi-circular. In other words, the shape of the notches in the buried portions 317 and 327 is not limited.

[0215] In one modified example, the retaining brackets 3 (3A, 3B) do not need to have the intermediate extension 34.

[0216] In one modified example, the retaining bracket 3 (3A, 3B) does not need to have the outer portion 313 of the end piece 31 and the outer portion 323 of the side piece 32.

[0217] In one modified example, when connector 1 is mated with mating connector 5, the retaining fittings 3 (3A, 3B) may have parts other than the spring piece 35 in contact with the mating retaining fitting 7. For example, when connector 1 is mated with mating connector 5, the bottom portion 341 of retaining fittings 3 (3A, 3B) may be in contact with the upper portion 711 of the mating end piece 71, the upper portion 721 of the mating side piece 72, and the upper connecting portion 731 of the mating connecting portion 73 of the mating connector 5.

[0218] In one modified example, the structures of the basic example and the retaining brackets 3, 3A, and 3B of each modified example may be partially combined. For example, the retaining bracket 3 of the basic example may further include an upper extension 381, an outer extension 382, ​​and a terminal extension 383, in addition to the bottom extension 37. That is, in the retaining bracket 3 of the basic example, the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the bottom 341 via the bottom extension 37, and further connected to the side pieces 32 via the upper extension 381, the outer extension 382, ​​and the terminal extension 383.

[0219] Furthermore, the retaining bracket 3A of the modified example 1 may further include an inner extension 39 in addition to the upper extension 381, outer extension 382, ​​and terminal extension 383. That is, in the retaining bracket 3A of the modified example 1, the two side extension pieces 36 are connected to the side piece 32 via the upper extension 381, outer extension 382, ​​and terminal extension 383, and may also be connected to the downward-sloping portion 344 via the inner extension 39.

[0220] (3-2) Other variations In one modified example, the mating retaining fitting 7 does not need to have an inner portion 713 of the mating end piece 71 and an inner portion 723 of the mating side piece 72.

[0221] In one modified example, the connector assembly 100 may be used in electronic devices other than mobile devices, such as camera modules, wireless earphones, or wearable devices such as smartwatches. Furthermore, the connector assembly 100 is not limited to applications that electrically connect multiple circuit boards 9, but may be used for any application that electrically connects multiple components, such as between a circuit board 9 and a display, or between a circuit board 9 and a battery.

[0222] In one modified example, the number of pins (the number of terminals 4 on connector 1; the number of mating terminals 8 on mating connector 5) can be changed as appropriate.

[0223] In one modified example, the header to which connector 1 is connected is not limited to the mating connector 5 described in the basic example.

[0224] (summary) The connector (1) of the first embodiment is a connector (1) that is mated with a mating connector (5). The connector (1) of the first embodiment comprises a housing (2), retaining clips (3, 3A, 3B), and terminals (4). The housing (2) comprises a peripheral wall (22). The peripheral wall (22) has a pair of end walls (221) and a pair of side walls (222). The pair of end walls (221) face each other along a first axis (A1). The pair of side walls (222) are located at both ends of the pair of end walls (221) on a second axis (A2) that intersects with the first axis (A1) and face each other along the second axis (A2). The retaining clips (3, 3A, 3B) are positioned at the first end of the peripheral wall (22) on the first axis (A1) and at the first end of the second end opposite to the first end. Terminal (4) is held by the peripheral wall (22) and electrically connected to the mating terminal (8) of the mating connector (5). Connector (1) is mated to the mating connector (5) by moving upward along a third axis (A3) that intersects both the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) relative to the mating connector (5). The retaining fittings (3, 3A, 3B) include an end piece (31), a side piece (32), a connecting portion (33), a bottom portion (341), and a spring piece (35). The end piece (31) has an upper portion (311) positioned above one of the pair of end walls (221), and an inner portion (312) positioned inside the one end wall (221). The side piece (32) has an upper part (321) positioned above one of the pair of side walls (222), and an inner part (322) positioned inside the one side wall (222). The connecting part (33) connects the end piece (31) and the side piece (32) at the corner (223) of the peripheral wall (22). The bottom part (341) is located between the pair of side walls (222) on the second axis (A2) and extends from the lower end of at least one of the end piece (31) and the side piece (32). The spring piece (35) extends upward from the bottom part (341) and is configured to be elastically deformable outward. The connecting portion (33) includes an inner connecting portion (332) that seamlessly connects the inner portion (312) of the end piece (31) and the inner portion (322) of the side piece (32).

[0225] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0226] In the connector (1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the bottom portion (341) extends from the lower end of the inner portion (312) of the end piece (31).

[0227] This embodiment has the advantage of making it easier to form the bottom (341).

[0228] In the connector (1) of the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the inner connecting portion (332) has an outer surface (3321) adjacent to the peripheral wall (22) and an inner surface (3322) that is separated from the peripheral wall (22) relative to the outer surface (3321) in a cross section perpendicular to the third axis (A3). The outer surface (3321) and the inner surface (3322) of the inner connecting portion (332) are curved so as to be convex outward with respect to the center of the connector (1).

[0229] This embodiment has the advantage of improving the strength of the connector (1).

[0230] In the connector (1) of the fourth embodiment, in any one of the first to third embodiments, at least one of the pair of side walls (222) has a spring housing (28) for housing a spring piece (35).

[0231] This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the dimensions of the connector (1) to be reduced.

[0232] In the connector (1) of the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the retaining fitting (3, 3A, 3B) further comprises a side extension piece (36). The side extension piece (36) is positioned inside one side wall (222) and has an inner portion (362) located on the second end side of the first shaft (A1) relative to the inner portion of the side piece (32). The spring piece (35) is positioned on the first shaft (A1) between the inner portion (322) of the side piece (32) and the inner portion (362) of the side extension piece (36).

[0233] This embodiment has the advantage that the spring piece (35) is less likely to break.

[0234] In the connector (1) of the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the retaining fitting (3) further comprises a bottom extension (37). The bottom extension (37) connects the bottom (341) to the inner portion (362) of the side extension piece (36).

[0235] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0236] In the connector (1) of the seventh embodiment according to the embodiment, in the fifth or sixth embodiment, the side extension piece (36) is positioned above one end wall (221) and further has an upper part (361) located on the second end side of the first axis (A1) relative to the upper part (321) of the side piece (32). The retaining fitting (3A) further comprises an upper extension piece (381) that connects the upper part (321) of the side piece (32) and the upper part (361) of the side extension piece (36).

[0237] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0238] In the eighth embodiment of the connector (1), in any one of the fifth to seventh embodiments, the housing (2) further comprises an intermediate base portion (23). The intermediate base portion (23) is located between a pair of side walls (222) on the second axis (A2) and protrudes upward. The retaining fittings (3, 3A, 3B) further comprise a rising portion (342), an upper end portion (343), a descending portion (344), and an inner extension portion (39). The rising portion (342) extends upward from the bottom portion (341). The upper end portion (343) extends from the rising portion (342) and is located above the intermediate base portion (23). The descending portion (344) extends downward from the upper end portion (343). The inner extension (39) connects the downward-sloping portion (344) and the inner portion (362) of the side extension piece (36).

[0239] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0240] A connector (1) in a ninth embodiment further comprises an intermediate base portion (23) in any one of the first to seventh embodiments. The intermediate base portion (23) is located between a pair of side walls (222) on the second axis (A2) of the housing (2) and protrudes upward. The retaining fittings (3, 3A, 3B) comprise a rising portion (342), an upper end portion (343), and a falling portion (344). The rising portion (342) extends upward from the bottom portion (341). The upper end portion (343) extends from the rising portion (342) and is located above the intermediate base portion (23). The falling portion (344) extends downward from the upper end portion (343).

[0241] This embodiment has the advantage that the intermediate base portion (23) is less likely to be damaged during fitting.

[0242] In the connector (1) of the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the end piece (31) further has an outer portion (313) positioned outside one end wall (221). The side piece (32) further has an outer portion (323) positioned outside one side wall (222). At least one of the outer portion (313) of the end piece (31) and the outer portion (323) of the side piece (32) has embedded portions (317, 327) embedded in the peripheral wall (22).

[0243] This embodiment has the advantage of improving the fixing strength between the housing (2) and the retaining brackets (3, 3A, 3B).

[0244] In the connector (1) of the 11th embodiment, in the 10th embodiment, the embedded portion (317, 327) has at least one of a through hole (318, 328) and a notch.

[0245] This embodiment has the advantage of improving the adhesion between the housing (2) and the retaining brackets (3, 3A, 3B).

[0246] In the connector (1) of the twelfth embodiment, in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, the end piece (31) has an end-side fixing portion that is fixed to the substrate. The side piece (32) has a side-side fixing portion that is fixed to the substrate.

[0247] This embodiment has the advantage that the retaining brackets (3, 3A, 3B) can be firmly fixed to the first substrate (91).

[0248] In the thirteenth embodiment of the connector (1), in any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, the mating connector (5) comprises a mating terminal (8), a mating housing (6), and a mating retaining clip (7). The mating housing (6) holds the mating terminal (8). The mating retaining clip (7) is positioned in the mating housing (6). The spring piece (35) contacts the mating retaining clip (7) when the connector (1) is mated with the mating connector (5).

[0249] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0250] A mating connector (5) of the 14th embodiment is a mating connector (5) that mates with a connector (1) of any one of the first to 13th embodiments. The mating connector (5) of the 14th embodiment comprises a mating housing (6), a mating retaining clip (7), and a mating terminal (8). The mating housing (6) comprises a mating peripheral wall (62). The mating peripheral wall (62) has a pair of mating end walls (621) and a pair of mating side walls (622). The pair of mating end walls (621) face each other along the first axis (A1). The pair of mating side walls (622) are located at both ends of the pair of end walls (221) on the second axis (A2) and face each other along the second axis (A2). The mating retaining clip (7) is positioned at the first end of the mating peripheral wall (62) on the first axis (A1). The mating retaining fitting (7) comprises a mating end piece (71), a mating side piece (72), and a mating connecting piece (73). The mating end piece (71) has an upper part (711) positioned above one of the pair of mating end walls (621), and an outer part (712) positioned outside the one mating end wall (621). The mating side piece (72) has an upper part (721) positioned above one of the pair of mating side walls (622), and an outer part (722) positioned outside the one mating side wall (622). The mating connecting piece (73) connects the mating end piece (71) and the mating side piece (72) at the corner (623) of the mating peripheral wall (62). The mating connecting portion (73) includes an outer connecting portion (732) that seamlessly connects the outer portion (712) of the mating end piece (71) and the outer portion (722) of the mating side piece (72).

[0251] This embodiment has the advantage that the mating connector (5) is less likely to be damaged during mating.

[0252] A connector assembly (100) according to a 15th embodiment comprises a socket and a header that is mated to the socket. The header is a connector (1) according to any one of the first to 13th embodiments. The socket is a connector (1). The header is a mating connector (5).

[0253] This embodiment has the advantage that the connector (1) and the mating connector (5) are less likely to be damaged during mating. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0254] 100 Connector Assembly 1 Connector 2 Housing 22 Peripheral wall 221 End wall 222 Side wall 223 Corner 23 Intermediate platform 28 Spring storage section 3, 3A, 3B Holding bracket 31 End piece 311 Upper part 312 Inner part 317 Buried section 318 Through hole 32 Side pieces 321 Upper part 322 Inner part 327 Buried section 328 Through hole 33 Connecting part 332 Inner connecting section 3321 Exterior 3322 Inner 333 Slits 341 Bottom 342 Rising section 343 Upper end 344 Downward slope 35 spring pieces 36 Side extension piece 361 Upper part 362 Inner part 37 Bottom extension 381 Upper extension 39 Inner extension 4 terminals 5. The other side connector 6. Other side housing 62 Opposing side perimeter wall 621 Opposing side end wall 622 Opposing side wall 623 Corner 7. Retaining hardware for the opposing side 71 Opposite end piece 711 Upper part 712 Outer part 72 Opposing side piece 721 Upper part 722 Outer part 73 Mutual connecting part 732 Outer connection part 8. Mating terminal A1 First Axis A2 2nd axis A3 3rd axis

Claims

1. A connector that is mated to the other connector, A housing comprising a pair of end walls facing each other along a first axis, and a circumferential wall having a pair of side walls located at both ends of the pair of end walls along a second axis intersecting the first axis and facing each other along the second axis, A retaining bracket is positioned at the first end of the first axis of the peripheral wall and at the second end opposite the first end, The peripheral wall is held by a terminal which is electrically connected to the mating terminal of the mating connector, The connector is fitted into the mating connector by moving upward along a third axis that intersects both the first and second axes with respect to the mating connector. The aforementioned retaining bracket is An end piece having an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of end walls, and an inner portion positioned inside the one end wall, A side piece having an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of side walls, and an inner portion positioned inside the one side wall, At the corner of the peripheral wall, a connecting portion is provided that connects the end piece and the side piece. The second axis is located between the pair of side walls and has a bottom portion that extends from the lower end of at least one of the end piece and the side piece, It comprises a spring piece that extends upward from the bottom and is configured to be elastically deformable outward, The connecting portion comprises an inner connecting portion that seamlessly connects the inner portion of the end piece and the inner portion of the side piece. connector.

2. The bottom portion extends from the lower end of the inner portion of the end piece, The connector according to claim 1.

3. The inner connecting portion has, in a cross-section perpendicular to the third axis, an outer surface adjacent to the peripheral wall and an inner surface that is separated from the peripheral wall relative to the outer surface. The outer surface and inner surface of the inner connecting portion are curved so as to be convex outward with respect to the center of the connector. The connector according to claim 1.

4. At least one of the pair of side walls has a spring housing for housing the spring piece. The connector according to claim 1.

5. The retaining fitting further comprises a side extension piece positioned on the inside of one side wall and having an inner portion located on the second end side of the first axis relative to the inner portion of the side piece, The spring piece is positioned on the first shaft between the inner portion of the side piece and the inner portion of the side extension piece. The connector according to claim 1.

6. The retaining fitting further comprises a bottom extension that connects the bottom and the inner portion of the side extension piece. The connector according to claim 5.

7. The side extension piece is positioned above one of the end walls and further has an upper portion located on the second end side of the first axis relative to the upper portion of the side piece. The retaining fitting further comprises an upper extension portion that connects the upper portion of the side piece and the upper portion of the side extension piece. The connector according to claim 5.

8. The housing further comprises an intermediate base portion located between the pair of side walls on the second axis and projecting upward, The aforementioned retaining bracket is A rising portion extending upward from the bottom, An upper end portion extending from the aforementioned rising portion and positioned above the intermediate base portion, A downward-sloping portion extending from the upper end, The system further comprises an inner extension portion that connects the downward-sloping portion and the inner portion of the side extension piece. The connector according to claim 5.

9. The housing further comprises an intermediate base portion located between the pair of side walls on the second axis and projecting upward, The aforementioned retaining bracket is A rising portion extending upward from the bottom, An upper end portion extending from the aforementioned rising portion and positioned above the intermediate base portion, It comprises a downward-sloping portion extending from the upper end, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The end piece further has an outer portion that is positioned outside the one end wall, The side piece further has an outer portion that is positioned outside the one side wall, At least one of the outer portion of the end piece and the outer portion of the side piece has an embedded portion that is embedded in the peripheral wall. The connector according to claim 1.

11. The buried portion has at least one of a through hole and a notch. The connector according to claim 10.

12. The end piece has an end-side fixing portion that is fixed to the substrate, The side piece has a side fixing portion that is fixed to the substrate. The connector according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned mating connector is, The aforementioned mating terminal and, A mating housing that holds the mating terminal, The mating housing comprises a mating retaining fitting disposed on the mating housing, The spring piece contacts the mating retaining clip when the connector is mated with the mating connector. The connector according to claim 1.

14. A mating connector that mates with the connector described in claim 1, A mating housing comprising a pair of mating end walls facing each other along the first axis, and a mating circumferential wall having a pair of mating side walls located at both ends of the pair of end walls along the second axis and facing each other along the second axis, A mating retaining fitting positioned at the first end of the first shaft on the mating peripheral wall, The aforementioned mating terminal is provided, The aforementioned mating retaining bracket is A mating end piece having an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of mating end walls, and an outer portion positioned outside the one mating end wall, A mating side piece having an upper portion positioned above one of the pair of mating side walls, and an outer portion positioned outside the one mating side wall, The corner of the opposing peripheral wall includes an opposing connecting portion that connects the opposing end piece and the opposing side piece, The mating connecting portion comprises an outer connecting portion that seamlessly connects the outer portion of the mating end piece and the outer portion of the mating side piece. The other side connector.

15. A socket which is a connector according to claim 1, The mating connector comprises a header that is fitted into the socket, Connector assembly.

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