Electric connector

Abstract

An electric connector (10) is provided that is mounted on a substrate and coupled with a counterpart connector. The electric connector (10) is, A first housing comprising first to fourth wall portions (10-5-W1, 10-5-W2, 10-5-W3, 10-5-W4); Power terminals (10-1) disposed on the first wall section (10-5-W1) and the third wall section (10-5-W3); Signal terminals (10-3) disposed on the second wall section (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall section (10-5-W4); and A second housing (10-5-2) including a floor wall (10-5-B) that interconnects the second wall section (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall section (10-5-W4) Includes The first housing (10-5-1) is formed by primary insert molding, and the second housing (10-5-2) is formed by secondary insert molding.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to the structure of an electrical connector (plug connector or receptacle connector) coupled with a mating connector (receptacle connector or plug connector). Background Technology

[0002] Generally, when substrates are interconnected, two connectors are used to connect each substrate by a method such as soldering, and said two connectors can be connected to each other. Here, one of the two connectors is a plug connector, and the other is a socket connector. The socket connector is also called a receptacle connector. These plug connector and socket connector can be formed by placing terminals in a molded portion. The plug connector and socket connector can be joined together to form an electrical connector assembly.

[0003] In line with the trend of miniaturization in electronic devices, connectors are also becoming smaller and thinner. However, there are currently certain limitations to miniaturizing and thinning connectors by reducing pitch or making components smaller.

[0004] Meanwhile, as connectors have become smaller, it has become more difficult to ensure their durability than before. This is because the components are smaller, making them more susceptible to breakage or deformation from even small forces.

[0005] Furthermore, as a type of deformation mentioned above, plastic deformation may occur if metal terminals are continuously maintained in a specific shape during the coupling process or while the connectors are coupled. Plastic deformation is the opposite of elastic deformation; it refers to a state in which the material maintains a deformation that does not return to its original shape even after the applied load is removed. This is because, although all materials generally possess elasticity, deformation occurs when stress is applied. With connector terminals becoming increasingly miniaturized, there is also a need to prevent such plastic deformation.

[0006] In addition, there are cases where the resin mold (housing) of the connector is manufactured by insert molding, and since the proper molding of the housing is determined by how the resin flows, there is also a need to improve the resin flow.

[0007] In addition, when manufacturing terminals that are typically made of metal, there are limitations to the structure of the terminal itself and the resin mold depending on the manufacturing method (e.g., whether the deep drawing method is used), so it is necessary to consider these points.

[0008] In addition, regarding insert molding and the like, there is also a need to consider the problem of the resin injection molded part covering the metal material. The problem to be solved

[0009] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to make the complexity of manufacturing lower, or to make it easier to handle a structure more complex (or smaller) than the existing one during manufacturing, without making a connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) in a single molding process.

[0010] In addition, the objective is to manufacture a connector (10) of high strength as a whole by firmly joining the parts that are made separately, without making the connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) in a single molding process.

[0011] In addition, the task is to increase the efficiency of production by manufacturing multiple signal terminals (10-3) of the same shape and using and arranging them redundantly.

[0012] In addition, the task is to ensure that the elements constituting the connector (10) are firmly connected to each other.

[0013] In addition, structurally, the goal is to apply a uniform force to the entire connector (10) while making it easy to manufacture.

[0014] In addition, the task is to avoid unwanted electrical connections caused by the proximity of the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) and the mounted portion (10-3-M).

[0015] In addition, the objective is to obtain a structure that can smoothly perform probe inspection on the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM).

[0016] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0017] According to the present invention, an electrical connector mounted on a substrate and coupled with a mating connector,

[0018] A first housing comprising a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion, extending in the length direction of the electric connector, and connected to the other end of the first wall portion;

[0019] Power terminals disposed on the first wall and the third wall;

[0020] Signal terminals disposed on the second wall and the fourth wall; and

[0021] A second housing comprising a floor wall connecting the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion.

[0022] Includes

[0023] The first housing is formed by primary insert molding, and the second housing is formed by secondary insert molding.

[0024] An electrical connector is provided.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, an electrical connector mounted on a substrate and coupled with a counterpart connector,

[0026] A first housing comprising a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion, extending in the length direction of the electric connector, and connected to the other end of the first wall portion;

[0027] Power terminals disposed on the first wall and the third wall;

[0028] Signal terminals disposed on the second wall and the fourth wall; and

[0029] A second housing having a skirt portion formed in close contact with the outer side of the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion in the width direction of the above electrical connector.

[0030] Includes,

[0031] The first housing is formed by primary insert molding, and the second housing is formed by secondary insert molding.

[0032] An electrical connector is provided.

[0033] Preferably, the floor wall is formed in close contact with the lower side of the first wall portion and the third wall portion as well.

[0034] Preferably, a plurality of signal terminals are arranged adjacently, and are arranged alternately with their orientations changed so that the mounting portions of the signal terminals are not adjacent to each other.

[0035] In addition, according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrical connector that is mounted on a substrate and coupled with a mating connector, wherein

[0036] A step of forming a first molded product by first insert molding a first housing comprising, at a power terminal and a signal terminal, a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion, extending in the length direction of the electric connector, and connected to the other end of the first wall portion;

[0037] In the first molded article above, a step of cutting a portion of the signal terminals to expose a cross-section;

[0038] A step of forming a second housing by performing a second insert molding on the first molded product, wherein the second housing is formed on the outer side of the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion to cover the exposed cross-section on the outer side in the width direction of the electrical connector.

[0039] including,

[0040] A method for manufacturing an electrical connector is provided. Effects of the invention

[0041] According to the present invention, the housing (10-5) is divided into several parts (not limited thereto, but preferably, a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2)), so that a connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) is not made in a single molding process, but is made by dividing it into a first housing (10-5-1) of a single square frame shape resulting from a first insert molding and a second housing (10-5-2) resulting from a subsequent second insert molding. This can be seen as reducing the complexity of manufacturing, or having the effect of making it easier to handle even a structure that is more complex (or smaller) than the existing one during manufacturing.

[0042] In addition, as a comparative example not shown, it is possible to assume a case where only two side walls (excluding two end walls) are formed by primary insert molding (primary injection) and the overall shape of the housing is formed by secondary insert molding (secondary injection). However, although the resulting overall shape of this comparative example not shown may appear similar to the present invention, there is a difference in the strength of the basic primary injection molded part (the square frame shape of the present invention and the two separate bar (wall) shapes of the comparative example not shown), so even if the overall shape including the secondary injection molded part is similar, there may be a difference in basic strength. In particular, from the perspective that the position of the joint between the primary injection molded part and the secondary injection molded part also has an important influence on strength, the strength of the connector (10) of the structure of the present invention is superior to that of the comparative example not shown.

[0043] In addition, a connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) can be manufactured by dividing it into a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2) without making it in a single molding process, and through the structure of a fixing part (not shown; e.g., an uneven surface) between the housings (10-5-1, 10-5-2), the second housing (10-5-2), which is an additional molded product (secondary injection molded product), is firmly coupled to the first housing (10-5-1), which is a primary injection molded product, thereby enabling the manufacture of a connector (10) with high strength as a whole. That is, although not illustrated, it is preferable that there are mutual protrusions and indentations between the first housing (10-5-1) and the second housing (10-5-2) of the present invention as a fixing part. In this case, the mold material of the second housing (10-5-2) fills and wraps around the protrusions and indentations of the first housing (10-5-1), and after the mold material hardens, the effect of being firmly bound to each other is achieved.

[0044] It can be seen that each component is point-symmetric with respect to the center point of the connector (10), which has an effect that is advantageous for manufacturing. However, this point-symmetric structure is an example of an advantage and is not limited thereto. When the connector (10) is point-symmetric overall, it has a good effect in terms of ease of manufacturing and force balance when using the product after manufacturing.

[0045] Additionally, as can be seen from the overall view of FIG. 6a, the mounting portion (10-3-M) of the right signal terminal (10-3) in FIG. 6b is located on the outer side in the width direction of the connector (10), and the mounting portion of the left signal terminal (10-3) in FIG. 6b is located on the inner side in the width direction of the connector (10). At this time, the outer part in the width direction of the connector (10) of the left signal terminal (10-3) (i.e., the part shown in FIG. 6b) does not necessarily need to have its end exposed on the outer side in the width direction of the connector (10). This is because if it were exposed, there could be problems such as unnecessary electrical connection (short circuit) with the mounting portion of the other signal terminal (10-3) on the right side in FIG. 6b.

[0046] Also, the reason the upper surface of the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) in FIG. 6b is exposed is to facilitate probe inspection. Additionally, although not essential, it is desirable to have a step difference of height d between the upper surface of the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) and the upper surface of the skirt portion (10-5-SK) because when a probe (not shown) approaches and contacts the surface from above for inspection, if the surfaces are of the same height, it may be difficult to distinguish whether it is a metal part or a molded part, and / or contact may not be easy.

[0047] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0048] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a plug connector (10) among electrical connectors according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of power terminals (10-1) (metal fittings) and signal terminals (10-3). FIG. 3a shows a top view of a first housing (10-5-1) formed by primary insert molding on the power terminal (10-1) and signal terminal (10-3) of FIG. 2. FIG. 3b shows a bottom view of a first housing (10-5-1) formed by primary insert molding on the power terminal (10-1) and signal terminal (10-3) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4a is a top view showing the state of FIG. 3a (i.e., the state after the first insert molding is completed) followed by a second insert molding. Fig. 4b is a bottom view of Fig. 4a (top view). FIG. 5a is a top view showing the first housing virtually removed from FIG. 4a. Fig. 5b is a bottom view of Fig. 5a (top view). Figure 6a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1. Figure 6b is an enlarged view of the square portion indicated by the dotted line in Figure 6a. FIGS. 7a and 7b are comparative examples compared with the examples of FIGS. 6a and 6b. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0049] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a plug connector (10) among electrical connectors according to the present invention.

[0051] In this specification, the term "electric connector" may be used to refer to a plug connector (10) in some cases, a receptacle connector (not shown) (also called a "socket connector") in some cases, and both of the plug connector (10) and the receptacle connector (not shown) (or an assembly thereof) in some cases.

[0052] The plug connector (10) of Fig. 1 is structured to be fitted together with a receptacle connector (not shown).

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates, for example, a power terminal (metal fitting) (10-1), a signal terminal (10-3), and a housing (10-5; molded part) of a plug connector (10). As will be described later, in the present invention, the housing (10-5) comprises, broadly speaking, two parts (i.e., a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2)).

[0054] The power terminal (10-1) is a metal structure for reinforcing the strength of the connector (10) and can input and output power electrical signals. The signal terminal (10-3) can input and output data signals.

[0055] However, this is an example and is not limited thereto. For instance, the power terminal (10-1) may be manufactured separately as a separate metal fitting and a power terminal.

[0056] In FIG. 1, the metal fitting (10-1) is a power terminal and the terminal (10-3) is a signal terminal, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible for the metal fitting (10-1) not to be a power terminal and for the terminal (10-3) to have a combination of a signal terminal and a power terminal.

[0057] Additionally, for example, the signal terminal (10-3) may be composed of four PINs that allow a current of 0.3A, or it may be a terminal that allows a current of up to 5A, exceeding 0.3A, for example, to function as a power terminal. However, the number of PINs being four is an example. For reference, in the example of FIG. 1, the number of signal terminals (10-3) is 24. In the example of FIG. 1, the signal terminals (10-3) are arranged alternately with the same shape and changing direction each time.

[0058] The housing (10-5) has a base (10-5-B) (also referred to as a bottom, bottom surface, or bottom wall). The housing (10-5) has a wall protruding from the upper surface of the base (10-5-B), and a power terminal (10-1), a signal terminal (10-3), etc. are formed on the wall.

[0059] The wall section is formed into four main parts and includes a first wall section (10-5-W1), a second wall section (10-5-W2), a third wall section (10-5-W3), and a fourth wall section (10-5-W4). As seen in FIG. 1, the first wall section (10-5-W1) - the second wall section (10-5-W2) - the third wall section (10-5-W3) - the fourth wall section (10-5-W4) are connected in that order, and the fourth wall section (10-5-W4) is connected to the first wall section (10-5-W1). The first wall section (10-5-W1) and the third wall section (10-5-W3) are end walls that extend in the width direction (Y direction) of the plug connector (10), and the second wall section (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall section (10-5-W4) are side walls that extend in the length direction (X direction) of the plug connector (10).

[0060] The housing (10-5; molded part) of the plug connector (10) is preferably made of a plastic material, for example, Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). Additionally, the housing (10-5) may be formed of an insulator including resin and epoxy, but is not limited thereto. The power terminal (10-1) and signal terminal (10-3) of the plug connector (10) are preferably made of a metal material, but are not limited thereto, for example, copper, or a copper alloy with gold plating (nickel under layer).

[0061] A plurality of signal terminals (10-3) are installed alternately in the first wall section (10-51-W1) and the third wall section (10-51-W3) extended in the X direction (length direction of the plug connector (10)).

[0062] Below, the structure and manufacturing process of the plug connector (10) of FIG. 1 will be explained through FIG. 2 to 4b.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of power terminals (10-1) (metal fittings) and signal terminals (10-3).

[0064] Before making the housing (10-5), metal power terminals (10-1) and signal terminals (10-3) are arranged as shown in FIG. 2.

[0065] Although the illustration is omitted in FIG. 2, since the power terminal (10-1) or the signal terminal (10-3) cannot float in the air on their own, it is obvious that they are maintained in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 while being supported by a carrier (not shown). However, the carrier (C) is shown attached to every other signal terminal (10-3) among the plurality of signal terminals (10-3). Although the carrier (not shown) should also be attached to other components not shown in FIG. 2, the carrier (C) is shown only on some of the signal terminals (10-3) to simplify the illustration.

[0066] As explained in relation to FIG. 1, the signal terminals (10-3) are arranged alternately in a zigzag pattern with the same shape changing direction each time. The part indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 2 is the part to be cut later.

[0067] FIG. 3a shows a top view of a first housing (10-5-1) formed by primary insert molding on the power terminal (10-1) and signal terminal (10-3) of FIG. 2.

[0068] Looking at FIG. 3a, it can be seen that a first housing (10-5-1) having a square frame shape is formed. This first housing (10-5-1) (formed by first insert molding) together with the second housing (10-5-2) (formed by second insert molding), which will be described later in FIG. 4a, constitutes the housing (10-5).

[0069] The first housing (10-5-1) shown in FIG. 3a is formed integrally in the shape of a roughly square frame. Among the second wall (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall (10-5-W4) that are side walls in FIG. 3a, the portion where the signal terminal (10-3) is placed is somewhat thicker in the width direction of the connector (10). The portions on both sides (X direction) are somewhat thinner, and the first wall (10-5-W1) and the third wall (10-5-W3) that are end walls are somewhat thicker. However, regardless of these differences in thickness, these first to fourth walls (10-5-W1, 10-5-W2, 10-5-W3, 10-5-W4) are formed integrally in a single insert molding (i.e., first insert molding) according to the shape shown in FIG. 3a.

[0070] And, the signal terminal (10-3) has a mounting portion (10-3-M) which is a portion to be mounted on a substrate (not shown), and such mounting portion (10-3-M) is arranged in a zigzag pattern. The power terminal (10-1) has a mounting portion (10-1-M1) which is a portion to be mounted on a substrate (not shown).

[0071] In addition, in FIG. 3a, carriers (C) are shown only on some of the signal terminals (10-3), but this is for the sake of simplicity in illustration, and carriers (not shown) may also be attached to other signal terminals (10-3) and power terminals (10-1).

[0072] FIG. 3b shows a bottom view of a first housing (10-5-1) formed by primary insert molding on the power terminal (10-1) and signal terminal (10-3) of FIG. 2.

[0073] In other words, Fig. 3b is also a lower view corresponding to the upper view of Fig. 3a.

[0074] The details described in Fig. 3a (top view) also apply to Fig. 3b (bottom view).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3b, the power terminal (10-1) has a mounting portion (10-1-M1) and may have an additional mounting portion (10-1-M2). When there is no need to distinguish between them, they may be called the mounting portions (10-1-M1, 10-1-M2) of the power terminal (10-1), and when there is a need to distinguish them, they may be called the first mounting portion (10-1-M1) and the second mounting portion (10-1-M2) of the power terminal (10-1).

[0076] FIG. 4a is a top view showing the state of FIG. 3a (i.e., the state after the first insert molding is completed) followed by a second insert molding.

[0077] It can be seen that the housing (10-5) in FIG. 4a is larger than in FIG. 3a. That is, in FIG. 3a, only the first housing (10-5-1) is formed among the housings (10-5), but in FIG. 4a, it can be seen that the second housing (10-5-2) is additionally formed.

[0078] Although not limited to this, the second housing includes a base (10-5-B) and a connecting part (10-5-C), etc.

[0079] In a state where the first housing (10-5-1) is formed by the first insert molding (Fig. 3a), if the second housing (10-5-2) is formed by additionally performing the second insert molding, a shape like that of Fig. 4a can be obtained.

[0080] Additionally, if the carrier (C) in FIG. 4a is cut, a plug connector (10) as shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained. As previously mentioned, in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4b, not all carriers (C) are drawn for the sake of simplification of the drawings, and carriers that are not shown may exist (i.e., some carriers are omitted).

[0081] According to the present invention, the housing (10-5) is divided into several parts (not limited thereto, but preferably, a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2)), so that a connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) is not made in a single molding process, but is made by dividing it into a first housing (10-5-1) of a single square frame shape resulting from a first insert molding and a second housing (10-5-2) resulting from a subsequent second insert molding. This can be seen as reducing the complexity of manufacturing, or having the effect of making it easier to handle even a structure that is more complex (or smaller) than the existing one during manufacturing.

[0082] In addition, as a comparative example not shown, it is possible to assume a case where only two side walls (excluding two end walls) are formed by primary insert molding (primary injection) and the overall shape of the housing is formed by secondary insert molding (secondary injection). However, although the resulting overall shape of this comparative example not shown may appear similar to the present invention, there is a difference in the strength of the basic primary injection molded part (the square frame shape of the present invention and the two separate bar (wall) shapes of the comparative example not shown), so even if the overall shape including the secondary injection molded part is similar, there may be a difference in basic strength. In particular, from the perspective that the position of the joint between the primary injection molded part and the secondary injection molded part also has an important influence on strength, the strength of the connector (10) of the structure of the present invention is superior to that of the comparative example not shown.

[0083] In addition, a connector (10) of a complex shape (and / or very small shape) can be manufactured by dividing it into a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2) without making it in a single molding process, and through the structure of a fixing part (not shown; e.g., an uneven surface) between the housings (10-5-1, 10-5-2), the second housing (10-5-2), which is an additional molded product (secondary injection molded product), is firmly coupled to the first housing (10-5-1), which is a primary injection molded product, thereby enabling the manufacture of a connector (10) with high strength as a whole. That is, although not illustrated, it is preferable that there are mutual protrusions and indentations between the first housing (10-5-1) and the second housing (10-5-2) of the present invention as a fixing part. In this case, the mold material of the second housing (10-5-2) fills and wraps around the protrusions and indentations of the first housing (10-5-1), and after the mold material hardens, the effect of being firmly bound to each other is achieved.

[0084] It can be seen that each component is point-symmetric with respect to the center point of the connector (10), which has an effect that is advantageous for manufacturing. However, this point-symmetric structure is an example of an advantage and is not limited thereto. When the connector (10) is point-symmetric overall, it has a good effect in terms of ease of manufacturing and force balance when using the product after manufacturing.

[0085] In addition, multiple signal terminals (10-3) are arranged in a zigzag shape, and since signal terminals (10-3) of the same shape can be manufactured and used with only different arrangements, the efficiency of manufacturing is increased.

[0086] Fig. 4b is a bottom view of Fig. 4a (top view).

[0087] The details described in Fig. 4a (top view) also apply to Fig. 4b (bottom view).

[0088] When comparing the lower view of Fig. 3b (after the first insert molding) and Fig. 4b (after the second insert molding), it can be seen that in Fig. 3b, only the first housing (10-5-1) exists as the housing (10-5), whereas in Fig. 4b, not only the first housing (10-5-1) but also the second housing (10-5-2) is formed as the housing (10-5).

[0089] A part of the first housing (10-5-1) shown in FIG. 3b (e.g., four corners where the walls meet and a part of the signal terminal (10-3) facing in the width direction of the connector (10)) is also shown in FIG. 4b, but it can be seen that a large part of the part shown in FIG. 3b is obscured by the second housing (10-5-2) in FIG. 4b.

[0090] As described above, the housing (10-5) includes a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2). The second housing (10-5-2) includes a base (10-5-B) (bottom surface), a connecting part (10-5-C), and a skirt part (10-5-SK).

[0091] The skirt portion (10-5-SK) is a part of the second housing (10-5-2) and is formed by being in close contact with the outer side (outer side in the width direction of the connector (10)) of the second wall portion (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall portion (10-5-W4) and protruding outward (outer side in the width direction of the connector (10)).

[0092] The base (10-5-B) (floor wall) interconnects the second wall (10-5-W2) and the fourth wall (10-5-W4). Additionally, preferably, the base (10-5-B) is formed in close contact with the lower side of the first wall (10-5-W1) and the third wall (10-5-W3). Although not limited thereto, in the example of FIG. 4b, the base (10-5-B) can be seen connecting all of the first to fourth walls (10-5-W1, 10-5-W2, 10-5-W3, 10-5-W4).

[0093] FIG. 5a is a top view showing the first housing virtually removed from FIG. 4a.

[0094] FIG. 3a shows the appearance after forming the first housing (10-5-1) by first insert molding, FIG. 4a shows the appearance after additionally forming the second housing (10-5-2) by performing second insert molding in addition to the situation in FIG. 3a, and it has been explained that the first housing (10-5-1) and the second housing (10-5-2) are integrated. At this time, although not necessarily, the degree of integration may be further enhanced by the irregularities between the first housing (10-5-1) and the second housing (10-5-2).

[0095] FIG. 5a shows the second housing (10-5-2) existing after removing the first housing (10-5-1) from FIG. 4a (without the first housing (10-5-1)). This is a conceptual illustration to aid in understanding the structure, and since the second housing (10-5-2) is actually created after the first housing (10-5-1) is created, it can be understood that the case where the second housing (10-5-2) exists without the first housing (10-5-1) as in FIG. 5a cannot occur.

[0096] Fig. 5b is a bottom view of Fig. 5a (top view).

[0097] The details described in Fig. 5a (top view) also apply to Fig. 5b (bottom view).

[0098] FIG. 5b is illustrated by virtually removing the first housing (10-5-1) from FIG. 4b, so that the power terminal (10-1), signal terminal (10-3), and second housing (10-5-2) can be seen.

[0099] Also, it can be seen that the second housing (10-5-2) includes a base (10-5-B), a connecting part (10-5-C), and a skirt part (10-5-SK).

[0100] The illustration of the second housing (10-5-2) including the base (10-5-B), connecting part (10-5-C), and skirt part (10-5-SK) is the same in FIG. 4b, but in FIG. 5b, the illustration of the first housing (10-5-1) is omitted, so the shape of each part of the second housing (10-5-2) can be seen more clearly. Although not limited to this, for example, it can be more easily seen through comparison with FIG. 4b that the second housing is not formed at the four corner portions where the four wall portions (10-5-W1, 10-5-W2, 10-5-W3, 10-5-W4) meet in FIG. 5b, and that the skirt portion (10-5-SK) protrudes significantly outward in the width direction of the connector (10), while the second housing (10-5-2) is formed less inward in the width direction (compared to the first housing (10-5-1)).

[0101] Figure 6a is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1.

[0102] Power terminal (10-1), signal terminal (10-3), first housing (10-5-1), and second housing (10-5-2) can be seen.

[0103] It can be seen that multiple signal terminals (10-3) are arranged adjacently, and that the mounting portions (10-3-M) of the signal terminals (10-3) are arranged alternately with their directions changed so that they are not adjacent to each other. That is, one signal terminal (10-3) has its mounting portion (10-3-M) facing inward in the width direction of the connector (10), and the other signal terminal (10-3) adjacent to it has its mounting portion (10-3-M) facing outward in the width direction of the connector (10) (i.e., alternately arranged), and this state is repeated. In other words, it can be seen that they are arranged along the length direction of the connector (10) in the order of non-mounting portion (10-3-NM), mounting portion (10-3-M), non-mounting portion (10-3-NM), mounting portion (10-3-M), ... Here, the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) is a part that is not mounted on a substrate (not shown), and the structure is such that if one end of the signal terminal (10-3) is the mounted portion (10-3-M), the other end is the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM).

[0104] Here, pay attention to the square area marked with a dotted line, which will be described later in Fig. 6b.

[0105] Figure 6b is an enlarged view of the square portion indicated by the dotted line in Figure 6a.

[0106] FIG. 6b shows a skirt portion (10-5-SK) that is part of the second housing (10-5-2) and two signal terminals (10-3).

[0107] In FIG. 6b, the mounting portion (10-3-M) of the signal terminal (10-3) on the right is exposed to the outside in the width direction of the connector (10), but the other signal terminal (10-3) on the left (not the mounting portion, referred to as the 'non-mounting portion' for convenience) is not exposed to the outside in the width direction of the connector (10), and its end is covered (covered) by the skirt portion (10-5-SK).

[0108] At this time, the end (cross-section) of the signal terminal (10-3) covered by the skirt portion (10-5-SK) is the cross-section of the signal terminal (10-3) shown in FIGS. 2 to 4b as not having a carrier (C) attached. However, strictly speaking, in reality, since the position of the signal terminal (10-3) must be set, there cannot be no carrier (C), and in FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, and FIGS. 3b, carriers (C) are attached to all signal terminals (10-3), and after cutting them one by one, the appearance becomes as in FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b. That is, in the steps of FIGS. 2, 3a, and 3b, there must actually be a state in which a carrier (C) is attached to all signal terminals (10-3), and if some of the carriers (not shown) are cut therefrom, the appearance of FIGS. 3a and 3b is obtained (at this time, the outer cross-section of the signal terminal (10-3) is exposed), and then a secondary insert molding is performed to actually obtain an appearance like FIGS. 4a and 4b (the outer cross-section is covered), and if the carrier (C) is additionally cut in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the connector (10) of FIG. 1 is obtained. For reference, FIGS. 5a and 5b are virtual conceptual drawings that cannot exist in the actual manufacturing process.

[0109] As can be seen from the overall view in FIG. 6a, the mounting portion (10-3-M) of the right signal terminal (10-3) in FIG. 6b is located on the outer side in the width direction of the connector (10), and the mounting portion of the left signal terminal (10-3) in FIG. 6b is located on the inner side in the width direction of the connector (10). At this time, the outer part in the width direction of the connector (10) of the left signal terminal (10-3) (i.e., the part shown in FIG. 6b) does not necessarily need to have its end exposed on the outer side in the width direction of the connector (10). This is because if it were exposed, there could be problems such as unnecessary electrical connection (short circuit) with the mounting portion of the other signal terminal (10-3) on the right side in FIG. 6b. This will be further described later through the comparative example in FIG. 7a and 7b.

[0110] For reference, the reason the upper surface of the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) in FIG. 6b is exposed is to facilitate probe inspection. Additionally, although not essential, it is desirable to have a step difference of height d between the upper surface of the non-mounted portion (10-3-NM) and the upper surface of the skirt portion (10-5-SK) because when a probe (not shown) approaches and contacts the surface from above for inspection, if the surfaces are of the same height, it may be difficult to distinguish whether it is a metal part or a molded part, and / or contact may not be easy.

[0111] FIGS. 7a and 7b are comparative examples compared with the examples of FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0112] In the comparative example of Fig. 7a, it can be seen that the signal terminals are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and a portion of them is enlarged and shown in Fig. 7b.

[0113] Comparing FIG. 6b (an embodiment of the present invention) with FIG. 7b, it can be seen that there is a difference in whether the non-mounted portion of the signal terminal on the left side in each figure is exposed to the outside in the width direction of the connector. If the end (E1) (metal exposed portion or copper exposed portion) of the signal terminal on the left side is exposed to the outside in the width direction of the connector as in FIG. 7b, there is a risk of solder bridges or dendrites occurring in high-humidity environments due to the close distance to the end (E2) (mounted portion) of the signal terminal on the right side.

[0114] Accordingly, the comparative examples of FIGS. 7a and 7b have an adverse effect in that regard, whereas the embodiments of the present invention of FIGS. 6a and 6b have the outer side in the width direction of the connector (10) of the non-mounted part (10-3-NM) filled with resin (i.e., covered as part of the skirt part (10-5-SK)), so that problems such as unwanted short circuits caused by solder bridges and / or dendrites do not occur.

[0115] FIGS. 1 to 6b describes forming a first housing (10-5-1) and a second housing (10-5-2) separately around a plug connector (10) (i.e., first forming a square frame-shaped first housing (10-5-1) as a whole by first insert molding, and then forming a second housing (10-5-2) by second insert molding).

[0116] However, this is an example and is not limited to a plug connector (10). That is, in the case of a receptacle connector (not shown) (also called a socket connector) to be coupled with a plug connector (10), a first housing in the shape of a square frame forming approximately four walls can be made by primary insert molding, and a second housing can be made around it by secondary insert molding. Although not limited thereto, the second housing may include a part of the central island.

[0117] That is, the tactical details described for the plug connector (10) can also be applied to the receptacle connector (not shown) (socket connector) to the extent that it is not placed due to its nature.

[0118] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0119] 10: Plug connector 10-1: Power terminal (or fitting) 10-1-M1, 10-1-M2: Mounting portion on a substrate (not shown) C: Carrier 10-3: Signal terminal 10-3-M: Mounting part on a substrate (not shown) 10-3-NM: Non-office section 10-5: Housing (Molded part) 10-5-1: 1st Housing 10-5-2: 2nd Housing 10-5-B: Base (floor wall) (part of the second housing (10-5-2)) 10-5-C: Connection part (part of the second housing (10-5-2)) 10-5-SK: Skirt section (part of 2nd housing (10-5-2)) 10-5-W1: 1st wall section 10-5-W2: Second wall 10-5-W3: Third Wall 10-5-W4: 4th Wall E1: (In the comparative examples of FIG. 7a and 7b) the end of the signal terminal E2: (In the comparative examples of FIG. 7a and 7b) the end (mounting) of an adjacent signal terminal

Claims

Claim 1 An electric connector mounted on a substrate and coupled with a mating connector, comprising: a first housing including a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector and connected to the other end of the first wall portion; a power terminal disposed on the first wall portion and the third wall portion; a signal terminal disposed on the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion; and a second housing including a bottom wall connecting the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion, wherein the first housing is formed by primary insert molding and the second housing is formed by secondary insert molding. Claim 2 An electric connector mounted on a substrate and coupled with a mating connector, comprising: a first housing including a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector and connected to the other end of the first wall portion; a power terminal disposed on the first wall portion and the third wall portion; a signal terminal disposed on the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion; and a second housing having a skirt portion formed in close contact with the outer side of the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion in the width direction of the electric connector, wherein the first housing is formed by primary insert molding and the second housing is formed by secondary insert molding. Claim 3 An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the floor wall is formed in close contact with the lower side of the first wall portion and the third wall portion. Claim 4 An electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of signal terminals are arranged adjacently and are arranged alternately with their directions changed so as not to be adjacent to each other. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing an electric connector that is mounted on a substrate and coupled with a counterpart connector, comprising: a step of first insert molding a first housing to form a first molded product, wherein the first housing includes a first wall portion extending in the width direction of the electric connector, a second wall portion connected to one end of the first wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector, a third wall portion connected to one end of the second wall portion and extending in the width direction of the electric connector, and a fourth wall portion connected to one end of the third wall portion and extending in the length direction of the electric connector and connected to the other end of the first wall portion; a step of cutting a portion of the signal terminal in the first molded product to expose a cross-section; and a step of performing a second insert molding on the first molded product to form a second housing, wherein the second housing is formed on the outer side of the second wall portion and the fourth wall portion to cover the exposed cross-section on the outer side in the width direction of the electric connector.

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