Substrate connector

Abstract

The present invention avoids a decrease in the reliability of a connection function of a terminal fitting.　This substrate connector (A) comprises a housing (10), a first terminal fitting (40) and a second terminal fitting (55), and a closing member (30) that is a separate component from the housing (10). A rear end of a terminal housing chamber (12) opens as an insertion port (15) on a rear surface (10R) of the housing (10). The first terminal fitting (40) has a terminal body part (41) that is inserted into the terminal housing chamber (12) from the insertion port (15), an elastic contact piece (45) formed on the terminal body part (41), and a first substrate connection part (47) extending rearward from the terminal body part (41) and disposed outside the housing (10). The second terminal fitting (55) has a terminal body part (41), an elastic contact piece (45), and a second substrate connection part (56) extending rearward from the terminal body part (41) and disposed outside the housing (10). The closing member (30) is disposed so as to close off the insertion port (15).

Description

PCB Connectors

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a board connector.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector having a housing and multiple plug terminals, which is mounted on a circuit board. The housing has multiple spaces defined by walls. The plug terminals are single components having a main body accommodated in the spaces, legs extending rearward from the main body, and mounting pieces connected to the legs and mounted on a cable. The main body has a box-like shape with a U-shaped cross section, and a contact piece is disposed at the front end of the main body that elastically contacts the relay terminal.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-192612

[0004] The rear end of the space is open as an insertion port for inserting the main body of the plug terminal. The main body has a U-shaped cross section and is open at the rear end. Therefore, if a foreign object enters the space through the insertion port, the foreign object may enter the inside of the main body of the plug terminal and adhere to the contact piece. If the foreign object adheres to the contact piece, it may interfere with the contact between the relay terminal and the terminal metal fitting.

[0005] The board connector of the present disclosure was completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to avoid a decrease in the reliability of the connection function of the terminal fittings.

[0006] The board connector of the present disclosure comprises a housing having a terminal accommodating chamber, a terminal fitting made of metal plate material, and a blocking member which is a separate part from the housing, wherein the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber opens as an insertion opening on the rear surface of the housing, the terminal fitting has a terminal main body portion which is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber from the insertion opening, a resilient contact piece formed on the terminal main body portion, and a board connecting portion which extends rearward from the terminal main body portion and is positioned outside the housing, and the blocking member is positioned so as to block the insertion opening when viewed from behind the housing.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the reliability of the connection function of the terminal fittings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board connector according to a first embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the board connector. FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the board connector. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which first and second terminal fittings have been attached to a housing during the process of assembling the board connector, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a blocking member has been attached from the state shown in FIG. 10 during the process of assembling the board connector, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the blocking member, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blocking member, viewed from an obliquely upper front. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first terminal fitting, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second terminal fitting, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a board connector according to a second embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a state before the blocking member is attached to the housing, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the board connector. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the blocking member, viewed from an obliquely upper rear. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the first terminal fitting as viewed from the rear at an angle above Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the second terminal fitting as viewed from the rear at an angle above Fig. 15 .

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. Any combination of the following embodiments without causing any contradiction is also included in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. The board connector of the present disclosure includes: (1) a housing having terminal accommodating chambers, terminal fittings made of metal plate material, and a blocking member that is a separate component from the housing. The rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber opens as an insertion opening on the rear surface of the housing. The terminal fittings have terminal bodies inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers through the insertion opening, resilient contact pieces formed on the terminal bodies, and board connection portions extending rearward from the terminal bodies and disposed outside the housing. The blocking member is positioned to block the insertion opening in a rear view of the housing. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, the insertion opening, which is the opening at the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber, is blocked by the blocking member, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the terminal accommodating chambers and preventing foreign matter from adhering to the resilient contact pieces. This avoids a decrease in the reliability of the connection function of the terminal fittings.

[0010] (2) Preferably, the terminal body has a rectangular cylindrical shape with an open rear end, the board connection portion extends rearward from only one of the four plate portions constituting the terminal body, and the blocking member is disposed so as to block the opening at the rear end of the terminal body in the rear view. This configuration can prevent foreign matter from entering the terminal body.

[0011] (3) In (1) or (2), it is preferable that the closing member has a plate-like portion that is arranged parallel to the rear surface of the housing and covers the insertion opening, and the housing and the closing member are formed with a retaining portion that, when fitted together, holds the plate-like portion in surface contact with the rear surface of the housing or in a state where it faces closely and parallel to the rear surface of the housing. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the plate-like portion from deforming so as to move away from the rear surface of the housing, and therefore it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the terminal accommodating chamber through a gap between the rear surface of the housing and the front surface of the plate-like portion.

[0012] (4) In (2), it is preferable that the front end of the board connection portion is positioned toward the outer surface of the terminal body with respect to the rear end of any one of the plate portions, and the blocking member blocks the entire opening in the rear view. This configuration more reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the terminal body.

[0013] (5) In (4), it is preferable that the front end of the board connection portion and the rear end of one of the plate portions are connected in a crank shape. With this configuration, even if a foreign object attached to the front end of the board connection portion moves forward, the foreign object strikes against the stopper formed by the crank shape, thereby preventing the foreign object from entering the terminal body.

[0014] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] [Example 1] A board connector A according to Example 1 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In Example 1, the front-to-back direction is defined as the F direction in Figures 1 to 9. The up-down direction is defined as the H direction in Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 9. The left-to-right direction is defined as the R direction in Figures 1, 3 to 9. The left-to-right direction and the width direction are used interchangeably.

[0015] The board connector A of the first embodiment is a connector to be mounted on an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 60, which is a type of circuit board. The area of ​​the FPC 60 where the board connector A is mounted is strengthened by a reinforcing plate 62 to suppress bending deformation. In the first embodiment, the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 is arranged horizontally facing upward.

[0016] The board connector A is constructed by assembling a synthetic resin housing 10, a synthetic resin closing member 30, a plurality of first terminal fittings 40, and a plurality of second terminal fittings 55. The housing 10 is a single component having a terminal accommodating portion 11 and a pair of protective walls 19. The housing 10 is fixed to the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 via pegs 39.

[0017] A plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 12 are formed within the terminal accommodating portion 11. The terminal accommodating chambers 12 are elongated in the front-rear direction and are divided into two sections, upper and lower, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The cross-sectional shape of the terminal accommodating chambers 12 when cut perpendicular to the front-rear direction is rectangular. A connection hole 14 communicating with the front end of the terminal accommodating chamber 12 is formed in the front wall portion 13 of the terminal accommodating portion 11. A tab of a mating terminal (not shown) is inserted into the connection hole 14 from the front of the housing 10. The opening area of ​​the connection hole 14 on the front surface of the front wall portion 13 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal accommodating chamber 12. An insertion opening 15 is formed at the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber 12 on the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 (terminal accommodating portion 11). In a rear view of the housing 10, the insertion opening 15 is an opening that opens the entire area of ​​the terminal accommodating chamber 12 rearward. The opening shape of the insertion opening 15 in the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 is rectangular, similar to the terminal accommodating chambers 12.

[0018] A pair of left and right guide holes 16 are formed in the terminal accommodating portion 11. The pair of guide holes 16 are arranged between the upper terminal accommodating chamber 12 and the lower terminal accommodating chamber 12. The guide hole 16 is an elongated space that opens in the left-right direction on the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 and extends forward from the rear surface 10R of the housing 10. A retaining hole 17 is formed in the terminal accommodating portion 11. The retaining hole 17 is arranged between the pair of guide holes 16. A pair of left and right protruding first retaining portions 18 are formed inside the retaining hole 17.

[0019] The pair of protective wall portions 19 extend rearward from both left and right edges of the rear surface 10R of the housing 10. The pair of protective wall portions 19 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction with the wall thickness direction facing the left-right direction. A guide groove 20 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the inner surface of each protective wall portion 19. A recessed second retaining portion 21 is formed in each guide groove 20.

[0020] The blocking member 30 is a single component separate from the housing 10. The blocking member 30 includes a plate-shaped portion 31, a pair of left and right guided portions 33, a pair of left and right first support arms 34, and a pair of left and right second support arms 36. The plate-shaped portion 31 is a rectangular portion with its wall thickness oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The plate-shaped portion 31 has a plurality of insertion holes 32 formed therein that penetrate the plate-shaped portion 31 in the front-to-rear direction. When the blocking member 30 is assembled to the housing 10, the opening area of ​​the insertion holes 32 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the terminal accommodating chambers 12 (insertion openings 15) on the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 in a rear view of the blocking member 30. The upper surfaces of the insertion holes 32 are lower than the lower surfaces of the upper terminal accommodating chambers 12. The height difference between the upper surface of the insertion hole 32 and the lower surface of the upper terminal accommodating chamber 12 is equal to or slightly larger than the thickness of a first extension portion 48 of the first terminal fitting 40 (described later). The lower surface of the insertion hole 32 is lower than the lower surface of the upper terminal accommodating chamber 12.

[0021] The pair of guided portions 33 are plate-shaped portions whose thickness direction is oriented in the up-down direction and which extend forward in a cantilevered manner from both left and right ends of the front surface of the plate-shaped portion 31. The pair of first support arms 34 are disposed between the pair of guided portions 33 and extend forward in a cantilevered manner from the front surface of the plate-shaped portion 31. A first support protrusion 35 is formed at the front end of the first support arm 34. The first support arm 34 is capable of elastic deformation in the left-right direction. The second support arm 36 is a portion which extends rearward in a cantilevered manner from both left and right edges of the plate-shaped portion 31. A second support protrusion 37 is formed at the rear end of the second support arm 36. The second support arm 36 is capable of elastic deformation in the left-right direction.

[0022] The first terminal fitting 40 is a single component formed by bending, hammering, etc., a piece of metal plate material that has been punched into a predetermined shape. The first terminal fitting 40 is a female terminal having a terminal body 41 that is elongated in the front-to-rear direction and a first board connecting portion 47 that extends rearward from the rear end of the terminal body 41.

[0023] The terminal body 41 has an overall rectangular cylindrical shape with both front and rear ends open. The terminal body 41 has a lower plate 42, a pair of left and right side plate portions 43, and an upper plate portion 44. The lower plate portion 42 is a thin section that extends in the front-to-rear direction with its thickness oriented in the up-down direction. The pair of left and right side plate portions 43 extend upward from both left and right edges of the lower plate portion 42. The upper plate portion 44 extends parallel to the lower plate portion 42 from the upper edge of the right side plate portion 43.

[0024] A resilient contact piece 45 is provided inside the terminal body 41. The resilient contact piece 45 resiliently contacts the tab of a mating terminal (not shown) inserted into the terminal body 41 from the front of the first terminal fitting 40. A press-fit protrusion 46 is formed on the upper plate 44. The press-fit protrusion 46 is formed by hammering a portion of the upper plate 44 upward. The press-fit protrusion 46 is located behind the center of the upper plate 44 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0025] The first board connection portion 47 extends rearward from the rear end of the lower plate portion 42. The first board connection portion 47 has a first extending portion 48 extending rearward flush from the rear end of the lower plate portion 42, a first leg portion 49 extending downward from the rear end of the first extending portion 48, and a first mounting portion 50 extending rearward from the lower end of the first leg 49. Because the first extending portion 48 extends flush from the lower plate portion 42 and the first leg portion 49 and the first mounting portion 50 are positioned lower than the first extending portion 48, the first board connection portion 47 does not exist within the opening region of the opening 51 at the rear end of the terminal main body 41 in a rear view. The first mounting portion 50 is configured to be welded to a land on the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 by reflow soldering.

[0026] The second terminal fitting 55 is a single component formed by bending, hammering, etc., a piece of metal plate punched into a predetermined shape, similar to the first terminal fitting 40. The second terminal fitting 55 has a terminal body 41 having the same configuration as the terminal body 41 of the first terminal fitting 40, and a second board connecting portion 56.

[0027] The second board connection portion 56 extends rearward from the rear end of the lower plate portion 42. The second board connection portion 56 has a second extending portion 57 extending flush from the rear end of the lower plate portion 42, a second leg portion 58 extending downward from the rear end of the second extending portion 57, and a second mounting portion 59 extending rearward from the lower end of the second leg portion 58. Because the second extending portion 57 extends flush from the lower plate portion 42 and the second leg portion 58 and the second mounting portion 59 are positioned lower than the second extending portion 57, the second board connection portion 56 does not exist within the opening region of the opening 51 at the rear end of the terminal main body 41 in rear view. The second mounting portion 59 is configured to be welded to a land on the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 by reflow soldering.

[0028] Next, the assembly process of the board connector A of this embodiment 1 will be described. Before assembly, the first terminal fitting 40 has a pre-formed terminal body 41 and a first board connection portion 47 that extends linearly rearward from the terminal body 41. Before assembly, the second terminal fitting 55 also has a pre-formed terminal body 41 and a second board connection portion 56 that extends linearly rearward from the terminal body 41.

[0029] During assembly, the terminal body 41 of the first terminal fitting 40 is inserted from the rear of the housing 10 into the upper terminal accommodating chamber 12. During the insertion process, the press-fit protrusion 46 slides against the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 12 while being pressed against it. When the front end of the terminal body 41 abuts against the front wall 13, the insertion of the first terminal fitting 40 is complete. Next, the terminal body 41 of the second terminal fitting 55 is inserted from the rear of the housing 10 into the lower terminal accommodating chamber 12. When the front end of the terminal body 41 abuts against the front wall 13, the insertion of the second terminal fitting 55 is complete.

[0030] When the terminal body 41 of the first terminal fitting 40 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 12, the press-fit projections 46 press against the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 12, thereby holding the terminal body 41 in a retained state within the terminal accommodating chamber 12. Because the first terminal fitting 40 is a member having an elastically deformable resilient contact piece 45, the metal plate material used for the first terminal fitting 40 is relatively thin. Therefore, the retaining force provided by the engagement of the press-fit projections 46 is not strong. The same is true for the second terminal fitting 55.

[0031] Next, the blocking member 30 is assembled to the housing 10. During assembly, the plate-shaped portion 31 is brought closer to the housing 10 from the rear, and the first board connection portion 47 is inserted into the insertion hole 32. At this time, the second board connection portion 56 is positioned slightly below the lower end of the plate-shaped portion 31 and does not interfere with the blocking member 30. During the process of inserting the first board connection portion 47 into the insertion hole 32, the pair of guided portions 33 are fitted into the pair of guide holes 16. The engagement between the guided portions 33 and the guide holes 16 stabilizes the insertion posture of the blocking member 30 during the insertion process and stabilizes the insertion path in the vertical and horizontal directions. As the insertion progresses, the pair of first holding arms 34 are inserted into the holding holes 17, and the pair of second holding arms 36 slide against the guide grooves 20 in an elastically deformed state.

[0032] Towards the end of the assembly process of the blocking member 30, the first retaining protrusion 35 interferes with the first removal prevention portion 18, causing the first retaining arm 34 to elastically deform. Then, when the plate-shaped portion 31 comes into contact with the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 or comes close to and faces the rear surface 10R of the housing 10, the first retaining arm 34 elastically returns to its original position, causing the first retaining protrusion 35 to engage with the first removal prevention portion 18, and the second retaining arm 36 elastically returns to its original position, causing the second retaining protrusion 37 to engage with the second removal prevention portion 21. The first retaining arm 34 and the second retaining arm 36 engage with the housing 10 (the first removal prevention portion 18 and the second removal prevention portion 21), thereby holding the blocking member 30 in a removed-out state in which its relative displacement rearward with respect to the housing 10 is restricted.

[0033] After the blocking member 30 is assembled to the housing 10, the first board connection portion 47, which is in a straight line, is bent to form the first leg portion 49 and the first mounting portion 50. The second board connection portion 56, which is in a straight line, is bent to form the second leg portion 58 and the second mounting portion 59. This completes the assembly of the board connector A.

[0034] When the assembled board connector A is viewed from the rear, the insertion opening 15 at the rear end of the terminal accommodating portion 11 is almost entirely covered by the plate-like portion 31 of the closing member 30. The openings 51 of the terminal bodies 41 of the first terminal fittings 40 and the second terminal fittings 55 are entirely covered by the plate-like portion 31 of the closing member 30. The plate-like portion 31 is held in contact with the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 (terminal accommodating portion 11) or in close proximity to and facing the rear surface 10R of the housing 10, so there is almost no gap between the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 and the front surface of the plate-like portion 31 through which foreign matter can enter. Therefore, there is no risk of foreign matter (not shown) or potting material (not shown) from outside the housing 10 entering the terminal accommodating chambers 12 or the terminal bodies 41 through the insertion opening 15.

[0035] The board connector A of the first embodiment includes a housing 10 having terminal accommodating chambers 12, first and second terminal fittings 40 and 55 made of metal plate material, and a blocking member 30 that is a separate component from the housing 10. The rear ends of the terminal accommodating chambers 12 open as insertion openings 15 on the rear surface 10R of the housing 10. The first terminal fittings 40 are single components having a terminal body 41, a resilient contact piece 45, and a first board connecting portion 47. The second terminal fittings 55 are single components having a terminal body 41, a resilient contact piece 45, and a second board connecting portion 56. The terminal body 41 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers 12 through the insertion openings 15. The resilient contact piece 45 is formed on the terminal body 41. The first board connecting portion 47 extends rearward from the terminal body 41 and is disposed outside the housing 10.

[0036] The blocking member 30 is disposed so as to block the insertion opening 15 in a rear view of the housing 10. Because the insertion opening 15, which is an opening at the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber 12, is blocked by the blocking member 30, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter into the terminal accommodating chamber 12 and prevent foreign matter from adhering to the resilient contact piece 45. This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in the reliability of the connection function of the first terminal fitting 40 and the second terminal fitting 55.

[0037] The terminal body 41 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with an open rear end. The first board connection portion 47 and the second board connection portion 56 extend rearward from only one of the four plates (the lower plate 42, the left and right side plates 43, and the upper plate 44) that make up the terminal body 41. The blocking member 30 is positioned to block the opening 51 at the rear end of the terminal body 41 in rear view. This configuration prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the terminal body 41.

[0038] The closing member 30 has a plate-like portion 31 disposed parallel to the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 and covering the insertion opening 15. The housing 10 is formed with a first retaining portion 18 and a second retaining portion 21. The closing member 30 is formed with a first retaining arm 34 and a second retaining arm 36. The engagement between the first retaining portion 18 and the first retaining arm 34 and the engagement between the second retaining portion 21 and the second retaining arm 36 holds the plate-like portion 31 in surface contact with the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 or in a state facing closely and parallel to the rear surface 10R of the housing 10. This configuration prevents the plate-like portion 31 from deforming so as to move away from the rear surface 10R of the housing 10, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the terminal accommodating chamber 12 through a gap between the rear surface 10R of the housing 10 and the front surface of the plate-like portion 31.

[0039] [Example 2] A board connector B according to Example 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 15. In Example 2, with regard to the front-to-back direction, the F direction in Figures 10 to 15 is defined as the front. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in Figures 10 to 15 is defined as the up. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in Figures 10, 11, and 13 to 15 is defined as the right.

[0040] Like the board connector B of the first embodiment, the board connector B of the second embodiment is a connector that is mounted on the horizontally upward mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60. The board connector B is configured by assembling a synthetic resin housing 70, a synthetic resin closing member 80, a plurality of first terminal fittings 90, and a plurality of second terminal fittings 105. The housing 70 is a single component that has a terminal accommodating portion 71 and a pair of protective wall portions 77. The housing 70 is fixed to the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 via pegs 89.

[0041] A plurality of terminal accommodating chambers 72 are formed within the terminal accommodating portion 71. The terminal accommodating chambers 72 are elongated spaces extending in the front-rear direction and are divided into two sections, upper and lower, arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The cross section of the terminal accommodating chambers 72 when cut perpendicular to the front-rear direction is rectangular. A connection hole 74 communicating with the front end of the terminal accommodating chamber 72 is formed in the front wall portion 73 of the terminal accommodating portion 71. A tab of a mating terminal (not shown) is inserted into the connection hole 74 from the front of the housing 70. The opening area of ​​the connection hole 74 at the front surface of the front wall portion 73 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal accommodating chambers 72.

[0042] The rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber 72 opens as an insertion opening 75 on the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 (terminal accommodating portion 71). In a rear view, the insertion opening 75 is an opening that opens the entire area of ​​the terminal accommodating chamber 72 rearward. The opening shape of the insertion opening 75 on the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 is rectangular. The opening area of ​​the insertion opening 75 on the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal accommodating chamber 72. Specifically, the width dimension of the insertion opening 75 is the same as the width dimension of the terminal accommodating chamber 72, but the height dimension of the insertion opening 75 is larger than the height dimension of the terminal accommodating chamber 72. In a rear view of the housing 70 seen from the rear, the opening area of ​​the insertion opening 75 extends downward beyond the lower edge of the terminal accommodating chamber 72. The lower end of the insertion opening 75 functions as a relief portion 76 that is cut out so as to be lower in a stepped manner relative to the lower surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72.

[0043] The pair of protective wall portions 77 extend rearward from both left and right edges of the rear surface 70R of the housing 70. The pair of protective wall portions 77 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction with the wall thickness direction facing the left-right direction. Mounting holes 78L, 78R are formed at the front end of each protective wall portion 77, respectively, penetrating the protective wall portion 77 in the left-right direction. The mounting holes 78L, 78R are elongated openings in the up-down direction. The front surfaces of the mounting holes 78L, 78R are flush with and continuous with the rear surface 70R of the housing 70. A pair of upper and lower retaining portions 79 are formed in the left mounting hole 78L.

[0044] The blocking member 80 is separate from the housing 70 and is a single, plate-shaped component. The blocking member 80 is attached to the rear end of the housing 70 with its thickness oriented in the front-to-rear direction. A locking protrusion 81 protruding upward and downward is formed on the right edge of the blocking member 80. The blocking member 80 is formed with an insertion groove 82 that penetrates the blocking member 80 in the front-to-rear direction. The insertion groove 82 opens at the left edge of the blocking member 80 and forms a slit shape that extends in a straight line to the right of the blocking member 80. A pair of upper and lower locking arms 83 are formed at the left end of the blocking member 80. The locking arms 83 extend cantilevered to the left. An upward locking protrusion 84 is formed at the left end of the upper locking arm 83, and a downward locking protrusion 84 is formed at the left end of the lower locking arm 83.

[0045] The first terminal fitting 90 is a single component formed by bending, hammering, etc., a piece of metal plate material that has been punched into a predetermined shape. The first terminal fitting 90 is a female terminal having a terminal body portion 91 that is elongated in the front-rear direction, a first connecting portion 97, and a first board connecting portion 98.

[0046] The terminal body 91 has an overall rectangular cylindrical shape with both front and rear ends open. The terminal body 91 has a lower plate 92, a pair of left and right side plate portions 93, and an upper plate portion 94. The lower plate portion 92 is elongated in the front-to-rear direction, with its thickness oriented vertically. The pair of left and right side plate portions 93 extend upward from both left and right edges of the lower plate portion 92. The upper plate portion 94 extends parallel to the lower plate portion 92 from the upper edge of the right side plate portion 93.

[0047] A resilient contact piece 95 is provided inside the terminal body 91. The resilient contact piece 95 resiliently contacts the tab of a mating terminal (not shown) inserted into the terminal body 91 from the front of the first terminal fitting 90. A press-fit protrusion 96 is formed on the upper plate 94. The press-fit protrusion 96 is a portion formed by hammering a portion of the upper plate 94 upward. The press-fit protrusion 96 is located behind the center of the upper plate 94 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0048] The first connecting portion 97 extends downward from the rear end of the terminal main body 91. The first board connecting portion 98 extends rearward from the lower end of the first connecting portion 97. The first board connecting portion 98 includes a first extending portion 99 extending rearward from the lower end of the first connecting portion 97, a first leg portion 100 extending downward from the rear end of the first extending portion 99, and a first mounting portion 101 extending rearward from the lower end of the first leg portion 100. The rear surface of the first connecting portion 97 is located at the same position as the rear end surface of the upper plate portion 94 and the rear end surfaces of the left and right side plate portions 93 in the front-rear direction. Because the first connecting portion 97 extends downward from the lower plate portion 92 and the first board connecting portion 98 is located lower than the first connecting portion 97, the first connecting portion 97 and the first board connecting portion 98 are not present within the opening area of ​​the opening 102 at the rear end of the terminal main body 91 in a rear view. The first mounting portion 101 is welded to the land on the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 by reflow soldering.

[0049] The second terminal fitting 105 is a single component formed by bending, hammering, etc., a piece of metal plate material punched into a predetermined shape, similar to the first terminal fitting 90. The second terminal fitting 105 is a female terminal having a terminal body 91 having the same configuration as the terminal body 91 of the first terminal fitting 90, a second connecting portion 106, and a second board connecting portion 107.

[0050] The second connecting portion 106 is a portion that extends downward from the rear end of the terminal main body 91. The second board connecting portion 107 is a portion that extends rearward from the lower end of the second connecting portion 106. The second board connecting portion 107 has a second extending portion 108 that extends rearward from the lower end of the second connecting portion 106, a second leg portion 109 that extends downward from the rear end of the second extending portion 108, and a second mounting portion 110 that extends rearward from the lower end of the second leg portion 109. The rear surface of the second connecting portion 106 is located at the same position as the rear end surface of the top plate portion 94 and the rear end surfaces of the left and right side plate portions 93 in the front-to-rear direction. The second connecting portion 106 extends downward from the lower plate portion 92, and the second substrate connecting portion 107 is disposed lower than the second connecting portion 106. Therefore, in rear view, the first connecting portion 97 and the second substrate connecting portion 107 are not present within the range of the opening region of the opening 102 at the rear end of the terminal main body portion 91. The second mounting portion 110 is adapted to be welded to a land on the mounting surface 61 of the FPC 60 by reflow soldering.

[0051] The assembly process of the board connector B of the second embodiment will be described. First, the terminal body 91 of the first terminal fitting 90 is inserted into the upper terminal accommodating chamber 72 from the rear of the housing 70. During the insertion process, the press-fit protrusion 96 slides against the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72 while being pressed against it. The insertion of the first terminal fitting 90 is completed when the front end of the terminal body 91 abuts against the front wall 73 and the first connecting portion 97 is received in the relief portion 76. Next, the terminal body 91 of the second terminal fitting 105 is inserted into the lower terminal accommodating chamber 72 from the rear of the housing 70. During the insertion process, the press-fit protrusion 96 slides against the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72 while being pressed against it. The insertion of the second terminal fitting 105 is completed when the front end of the terminal body 91 abuts against the front wall 73 and the second connecting portion 106 is received in the relief portion 76.

[0052] When the terminal body 91 of the first terminal fitting 90 is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber 72, the press-fit projection 96 presses against the inner wall surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72, thereby holding the terminal body 91 in a retained state within the terminal accommodating chamber 72. Because the first terminal fitting 90 is a member having an elastically deformable resilient contact piece 95, the metal plate material used for the first terminal fitting 90 is relatively thin. Therefore, the retaining force provided by the bite of the press-fit projection 96 is not strong. The same is true for the second terminal fitting 105.

[0053] Next, the blocking member 80 is assembled to the housing 70. During assembly, the left end of the blocking member 80 is inserted into the right-side mounting hole 78R from the right side of the housing 70. During the assembly process, the blocking member 80 is guided into the right-side mounting hole 78R, which stabilizes the insertion posture of the blocking member 80 and stabilizes the insertion path of the blocking member 80 in the up-down and front-to-back directions. During the assembly process, the blocking member 80 is maintained in sliding contact with the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 (terminal accommodating portion 71) or in a state facing the rear surface 70R of the housing 70. When the left end of the blocking member 80 enters the left-side mounting hole 78L toward the end of the assembly process, the upper and lower locking arms 83 temporarily elastically deform toward each other.

[0054] When the blocking member 80 reaches the correct assembly position, the locking projection 81 abuts against the outer surface of the right protective wall portion 77, thereby restricting the blocking member 80 from moving leftward from the correct assembly position. Also, when the blocking member 80 reaches the correct assembly position, the locking arm 83 elastically returns, and the locking projection 84 locks with the retaining portion 79 from the left side. This locking holds the blocking member 80 in a retained state, restricting its relative displacement to the right with respect to the housing 70. This completes the assembly of the board connector B.

[0055] The first extending portion 99 of the first terminal fitting 90 and the second extending portion 108 of the second terminal fitting 105 are present along the assembly path of the blocking member 80. However, a slit-shaped insertion groove 82 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the blocking member 80 at the same height as the first extending portion 99, so the blocking member 80 does not interfere with the first extending portion 99 during the assembly process of the blocking member 80. In addition, the lower edge of the blocking member 80 is located higher than the second extending portion 108, so the blocking member 80 does not interfere with the second extending portion 108 either.

[0056] When the assembled board connector B is viewed from the rear, the insertion opening 75 at the rear end of the terminal accommodating portion 71 is almost entirely covered by the blocking member 80. The openings 102 of the terminal body portions 91 of the first terminal fittings 90 and the second terminal fittings 105 are entirely covered by the blocking member 80. The blocking member 80 is held in contact with the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 (terminal accommodating portion 71) or in close proximity to and facing the rear surface 70R of the housing 70, so there is almost no gap between the rear surface 70R of the housing 70 and the front surface of the blocking member 80 through which foreign matter can enter. Therefore, there is no risk of foreign matter (not shown) or potting material (not shown) from outside the housing 70 entering the terminal accommodating chambers 72 or the terminal body portions 91 through the insertion opening 75.

[0057] Furthermore, the insertion opening 75 of the upper terminal accommodating chamber 72 is formed with an escape portion 76 that extends downward below the lower surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72. Because the upper surface of the insertion hole is located lower than the lower surface of the upper terminal accommodating chamber 72, the entire opening area of ​​the insertion opening 75 of the upper terminal accommodating chamber 72 is blocked by the blocking member 80. Even if foreign matter or potting material enters the escape portion 76 from behind the blocking member 80 through the gap between the insertion hole and the first extending portion 99, the rear surface of the first connecting portion 97 located within the escape portion 76 functions as a stopper. Therefore, there is no risk of foreign matter or potting material entering the upper terminal accommodating chamber 72.

[0058] Furthermore, the insertion opening 75 of the lower terminal accommodating chamber 72 also has an escape portion 76 that extends downward from the bottom surface of the terminal accommodating chamber 72, and the second connecting portion 106 is disposed within this escape portion 76. As a result, even if foreign matter or potting material enters the escape portion 76 below the blocking member 80 along the top surface of the second extending portion 108, the rear surface of the second connecting portion 106 located within the escape portion 76 functions as a stopper. Therefore, there is no risk of foreign matter or potting material entering the lower terminal accommodating chamber 72.

[0059] The board connector B of the second embodiment includes a housing 70 having terminal accommodating chambers 72, first terminal fittings 90 and second terminal fittings 105 made of metal plate material, and a blocking member 80 that is a separate component from the housing 70. The rear ends of the terminal accommodating chambers 72 open as insertion openings 75 on the rear surface 70R of the housing 70. The first terminal fittings 90 have terminal body portions 91 that are inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers 72 through the insertion openings 75, resilient contact pieces 95 formed on the terminal body portion 91, and a first board connecting portion 98. The second terminal fittings 105 have terminal body portions 91 that are inserted into the terminal accommodating chambers 72 through the insertion openings 75, resilient contact pieces 95 formed on the terminal body portion 91, and a second board connecting portion 107. The first board connecting portion 98 and the second board connecting portion 107 extend rearward from the terminal body portion 91 and are disposed outside the housing 70.

[0060] The blocking member 80 is disposed so as to block the insertion opening 75 in a rear view of the housing 70. With this configuration, the insertion opening 75, which is an opening at the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber 72, is blocked by the blocking member 80, which inhibits the intrusion of foreign matter into the terminal accommodating chamber 72 and prevents foreign matter from adhering to the resilient contact piece 95. This prevents the reliability of the connection function of the first terminal fitting 90 and the second terminal fitting 105 from being reduced by foreign matter.

[0061] The terminal body 91 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with an open rear end. The first board connection portion 98 and the second board connection portion 107 extend rearward from only one of the four plates (the lower plate 92, the left and right side plates 93, and the upper plate 94) that make up the terminal body 91. The blocking member 80 is positioned to block the opening 102 at the rear end of the terminal body 91 when viewed from the rear. This configuration prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the terminal body 91.

[0062] The front end of the first board connecting portion 98 (first extending portion 99) and the front end of the second board connecting portion 107 (second extending portion 108) are positioned offset toward the outer surface (downward) of the terminal main body 91 with respect to the rear end of the lower plate portion 92. The blocking member 80 blocks the entire opening 102 at the rear end of the terminal main body 91 in rear view. This configuration more reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the terminal main body 91.

[0063] The front end of the first board connection portion 98 (first extension portion 99) and the rear end of the lower plate portion 92 are connected in a crank shape via a first connecting portion 97. With this configuration, even if a foreign object attached to the front end of the first board connection portion 98 moves forward, the foreign object strikes against the stopper formed by the crank shape, thereby preventing the foreign object from entering the interior of the terminal main body 91. The front end of the second board connection portion 107 (second extension portion 108) and the rear end of the lower plate portion 92 are connected in a crank shape via a second connecting portion 106. With this configuration, even if a foreign object attached to the front end of the second board connection portion 107 moves forward, the foreign object strikes against the stopper formed by the crank shape, thereby preventing the foreign object from entering the interior of the terminal main body 91.

[0064] Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is defined by the claims. The present invention includes all modifications equivalent to the claims and within the scope of the claims, including the following embodiments. In Examples 1 and 2, the circuit board to which the board connection portion is connected is not limited to an FPC (flexible circuit board), and may be a non-flexible circuit board. In Examples 1 and 2, the terminal body may have a shape other than a rectangular tube. In Examples 1 and 2, the blocking member may block only a portion of the insertion opening when viewed from behind. In Examples 1 and 2, the blocking member may block only a portion of the opening at the rear end of the terminal connection portion when viewed from behind. In Examples 1 and 2, the front end of the board connection portion and the rear end of the lower plate portion (any one of the plate portions) may be connected via an inclined portion.

[0065] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS A...Board connector B...Board connector 10...Housing 10R...Rear surface of housing 11...Terminal accommodating portion 12...Terminal accommodating chamber 13...Front wall portion 14...Connection hole 15...Insertion opening 16...Guide hole 17...Retaining hole 18...First retaining portion (retaining portion) 19...Protective wall portion 20...Guide groove 21...Second retaining portion (retaining portion) 30...Closure member 31...Plate-shaped portion 32...Insertion hole 33...Guided portion 34...First retaining arm (retaining portion) 35...First retaining protrusion 36...Second retaining arm (retaining portion) 37...Second retaining protrusion 39...Peg 40...First terminal fitting 41...Terminal main body portion 42...Lower plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal main body portion, any one of the plate portions) 43...Side plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal main body portion) 44...Upper plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal main body portion) 45...Resilient contact piece 46...Press-fit protrusion 47...First board connecting portion 48...First extending portion 49...First leg portion 50...First mounting portion 51...Opening 55...Second terminal fitting 56...Second board connecting portion 57...Second extending portion 58...Second leg portion 59...Second mounting portion 60...FPC 61...Mounting surface 62...Reinforcing plate 70...Housing 70R...Rear surface 71...Terminal accommodating portion 72...Terminal accommodating chamber 73...Front wall portion 74...Connection hole 75...Insertion opening 76...Relief portion 77...Protective wall portion 78L...Mounting hole 78R...Mounting hole 79...Removal prevention portion 80...Blocking member 81...Latching protrusion 82...Insertion groove 83...Lock arm 84...Lock protrusion 89...Peg 90...First terminal fitting 91...Terminal body portion 92...Lower plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal body portion, any one of the plate portions) 93...Side plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal body portion) 94...Upper plate portion (plate portion constituting the terminal body portion) 95...Resilient contact piece 96...Press-fit protrusion 97...First connecting portion 98...First board connecting portion 99...First extending portion 100...First leg portion 101...First mounting portion 102...Opening 105...Second terminal fitting 106...Second connecting portion 107...Second board connecting portion 108...Second extending portion 109...Second leg portion 110...Second mounting portion

Claims

1. A board connector comprising: a housing having a terminal accommodating chamber, a terminal fitting made of sheet metal, and a blocking member which is a separate part from the housing, wherein the rear end of the terminal accommodating chamber opens into the rear face of the housing as an insertion opening, the terminal fitting having a terminal main body portion inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber from the insertion opening, a resilient contact piece formed on the terminal main body portion, and a board connection portion extending rearward from the terminal main body portion and positioned outside the housing, wherein the blocking member is positioned so as to block the insertion opening when viewed from behind the housing.

2. A board connector as described in claim 1, wherein the terminal body is shaped like a square tube with an open rear end, the board connection portion extends rearward from only one of the four plate portions that make up the terminal body, and the blocking member is positioned so as to block the opening at the rear end of the terminal body when viewed from behind.

3. A connector for circuit boards as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the blocking member has a plate-like portion arranged parallel to the rear surface of the housing and covering the insertion opening, and the housing and the blocking member are formed with a retaining portion that, by fitting together, holds the plate-like portion in face-to-face contact with the rear surface of the housing or in a state facing closely and parallel to the rear surface of the housing.

4. A connector for a board as described in claim 2, wherein a front end of the board connection portion is positioned offset toward the outer surface of the terminal main body portion relative to a rear end of any one of the plate portions, and the blocking member blocks the entire opening when viewed from behind.

5. The board connector according to claim 4, wherein a front end of said board connecting portion and a rear end of said one of said plate portions are connected in a crank shape.

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