Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

[Problem] To enable miniaturization and high density, and to be able to realize improvement in connection stability, connection reliability, and mechanical characteristics, so as to achieve high reliability. [Solution] A first connector comprising a first housing and a plurality of first terminals held by the first housing, wherein the first terminal is arranged so as to form at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, the first terminals adjacent to each other in each terminal row are arranged in a mutually inverted state, and the respective terminal rows are coupled to each other by an end wall part of the first housing in a state of being separated from each other.

Description

Connector and connector assembly

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly. Preferably, the present disclosure provides a connector and a connector assembly used for connecting circuit boards constituting portable communication devices, high-speed communication devices, etc., or for connecting electronic components and flat cables (e.g., printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFCs), flexible printed circuits (FPCs), etc.), which can achieve miniaturization, high density, connection stability, connection reliability, and improved mechanical properties.

[0002] Conventionally, in order to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards, connectors such as board-to-board connectors are attached to each of the opposing surfaces of the pair of circuit boards, and are fitted together to provide electrical continuity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-121121

[0004] However, it is difficult to miniaturize or increase the density of the conventional connectors. Furthermore, attempts to miniaturize or increase the density can result in problems with connection stability and reliability, and mechanical properties can be reduced.

[0005] The objective here is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and provide a highly reliable connector and connector assembly that can be made smaller and more dense, and that can achieve improved connection stability, connection reliability, and mechanical properties.

[0006] To this end, the first connector comprises a first housing and a plurality of first terminals held in the first housing, the first terminals being arranged in at least three rows extending in a predetermined direction, with adjacent first terminals in each row being arranged in an inverted state relative to each other, and the terminal rows being spaced apart and connected to each other by the end wall portion of the first housing.

[0007] In another first connector, the first housing further includes at least three retaining portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector and a pair of end wall portions connecting both longitudinal ends of each retaining portion, and a plurality of first terminals held in each retaining portion form each terminal row.

[0008] In still another first connector, the holding portions are spaced apart from one another, and a through hole that passes through the first housing in the up-down direction is formed between adjacent holding portions.

[0009] In yet another first connector, each first terminal further includes first and second engaging portions located on both sides of the terminal row, a connecting portion connecting the upper ends of the first and second engaging portions, and a board connecting portion connected to the lower end of the first engaging portion, and the board connecting portions of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row.

[0010] In yet another first connector, the connecting portions of each first terminal in each terminal row are in the same position when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector, and the surface of the first engaging portion of one first terminal and the surface of the second engaging portion of the other first terminal of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are shifted from each other within a range not greater than the thickness of the first terminals in the plate thickness direction.

[0011] In yet another first connector, the connecting portions of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are shifted in position in the width direction of the first connector, and the surface of the first engaging portion of one of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row and the surface of the second engaging portion of the other first terminal are shifted from each other by a range that exceeds the thickness of the first terminals in the plate thickness direction.

[0012] The second connector comprises a second housing and a plurality of second terminals held in the second housing, the second terminals being arranged in at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, with adjacent second terminals in each terminal row being arranged inverted relative to each other, the second housing including a pair of side wall portions and at least two protrusions located between the pair of side wall portions, at least one terminal row including a second terminal held by one of the side wall portions and a second terminal held by one of the protrusions, and at least one other terminal row including a second terminal held by one of the protrusions and a second terminal held by another one of the protrusions.

[0013] In another second connector, each second terminal further includes a main body portion held in the second housing and a board connection portion connected to the lower end of the main body portion, and the board connection portions of adjacent second terminals in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row.

[0014] In yet another second connector, each second terminal further includes a main body portion held in the second housing and first and second arms connected to the lower end of the main body portion, the first arm including a first protrusion formed at its tip side, the second arm including a second protrusion formed at its tip side, and at least a portion of the first protrusion and at least a portion of the second protrusion being exposed in a recessed space between one of the side wall portions and one of the protrusions, or in a recessed space between one of the protrusions and another of the protrusions.

[0015] The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the connector and connector assembly can be made smaller and more dense, and can achieve improved connection stability, connection reliability, and mechanical properties, thereby improving reliability.

[0017] 8 is a perspective view of the second connector according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the mating surface side. FIG. 9 is a top view of the second connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the second connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the second connector according to the first embodiment, taken along the arrows A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the second connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the second connector according to the first embodiment, showing only the metal member of the second connector separated. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first connector according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the mating surface side. FIG. 15 is a top view of the first connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the first connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the first connector according to the first embodiment, taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the main portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the mating surface side. FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the first connector according to the first embodiment, taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which only the metal member of the first connector in the first embodiment is separated, and is an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to portion C in FIG. 11. FIG. 17 is a perspective view seen from the first connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are mated. FIG. 18 is a perspective view seen from the second connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are mated. FIG. 19 is a plan view seen from the first connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are mated. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view seen from the D-D arrow in FIG. 16 showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are mated. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view seen from the E-E arrow in FIG. 16 showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are mated. 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views showing the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment in a mated state, taken along the line F-F in Fig. 16. 17B are cross-sectional views showing the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment in a mated state, taken along the line G-G in Fig. 16.28 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the second connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second connector in a state where only the metal member of the second connector is separated, showing an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to the portion K in FIG. 28. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the second connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second connector in a state where only the metal member of the second connector is separated, showing an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to the portion K in FIG. 28. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the second connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second connector in a state where only the metal member of the second connector is separated, showing an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to the portion K in FIG. 28. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the first connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second connector in a state where only the metal member of the second connector is separated, showing an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to the portion K in FIG. 28. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the first connector according to the second embodiment, showing the main portion of the second ... 32 ; FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the first connector according to the second embodiment; FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of the first connector according to the second embodiment, taken along the arrows L-L in FIG. 32 ; FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a main portion of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed from the mating surface side; FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed from the M portion in FIG. 35 ; FIG. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a state in which only the metal members of the first connector according to the second embodiment have been separated, viewed from the first connector side, showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to the second embodiment are mated; FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed from the second connector side, showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to the second embodiment are mated; FIG. 39 is a plan view of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed from the first connector side, showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to the second embodiment are mated; and FIG. 39 is a plan view of the second connector according to the second embodiment, viewed from the second connector side, showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector according to the second embodiment are mated. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N in FIG. 40 showing the state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated together in the second embodiment. FIG.A cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are fitted, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line O-O in FIG. 40. A cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are fitted, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P in FIG. 40. A cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are fitted, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q in FIG. 40. A side cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are fitted, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line R-R in FIG. 40. A side cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are fitted, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S in FIG. 40.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the second connector in the first embodiment viewed from the fitting surface side, FIG. 2 is a top view of the second connector in the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the second connector in the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the second connector in the first embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the second connector in the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing a state where only the metal member of the second connector in the first embodiment is separated.

[0020] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly used for connecting circuit boards constituting portable communication devices, high-speed communication devices, etc., and for connecting electronic components and flat cables. The circuit board is, for example, a circuit wiring board (PCB: Printed Circuit Board), a flexible circuit board (FPC: Flexible Printed Circuit), a flexible flat cable (FFC: Flexible Flat Cable), etc. used for electronic components and electronic devices, but any type of board having a flat electric circuit may be used.

[0021] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the expressions indicating directions such as up, down, right, left, front, and rear used to explain the configuration and operation of each part of the connector are relative rather than absolute, and are appropriate when the connector is in the position shown in the figure, but if the position of the connector changes, they should be interpreted differently in accordance with the change in position.

[0022] The present disclosure includes a first embodiment as an example of a first disclosure and a second embodiment as an example of a second disclosure. First, the configuration common to the first and second embodiments will be described based on the first embodiment, and then the features of each of the first and second embodiments will be described individually.

[0023] Furthermore, the connectors in the present disclosure are a first connector 1 as a plug connector and a second connector 101 as a receptacle connector, and the connector assembly is made up of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

[0024] 1 to 6 show a connector according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a second connector 101 serving as one connector in a pair of board-to-board connectors. The second connector 101 is a surface-mount receptacle connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not shown) serving as a mounting member, and has a generally rectangular planar shape. It is mated with a first connector 1 (described below) serving as a mating connector. The first connector 1 is the other connector in the pair of board-to-board connectors and is a surface-mount plug connector mounted on the surface of the first substrate (not shown) serving as a mounting member. The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 can be said to be mating connectors in the pair of board-to-board connectors. The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 constitute a connector pair or a connector assembly.

[0025] In addition, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in the present disclosure are preferably used to electrically connect a first substrate and a second substrate as substrates, but can also be used to electrically connect other components.

[0026] Furthermore, the first connector 1 in the present disclosure has dimensions of, for example, a length (dimension in the X-axis direction) of approximately 6.0 mm, a width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of approximately 2.0 mm, and a height (dimension in the Z-axis direction) of approximately 0.5 mm, but the dimensions can be changed as appropriate.

[0027] The second connector 101 as a connector that is a receptacle connector in the present disclosure has a second housing 111 as a housing that is a receptacle housing integrally formed from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and a second terminal as a terminal that is a receptacle terminal attached to and held in the second housing 111.

[0028] [Second housing] The second housing 111 is integrally formed from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and includes a substantially rectangular bottom plate portion 112, a pair of side wall portions 114 protruding upward (positive Z-axis direction) from both ends of the bottom plate portion 112 in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and a pair of end wall portions 115 protruding upward (positive Z-axis direction) from both ends of the bottom plate portion 112 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0029] Each end of the pair of side wall portions 114 is connected to each of the pair of end wall portions 115. As a result, the pair of side wall portions 114 and the pair of end wall portions 115 form a peripheral wall that surrounds the periphery of the second housing 111.

[0030] Furthermore, a convex portion 113 protruding upward (positive direction of the Z axis) is present between the pair of side walls 114. The convex portion 113 is not connected to the side walls 114 or the end wall 115. This ensures a large recessed space 118 into which the first connector 1 serving as a plug connector, which will be described later, is inserted, without reducing the strength of the first connector 1 and facilitating the positioning of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. Furthermore, both ends of the convex portion 113 in the longitudinal direction (X axis direction) may include tapered portions 117.

[0031] In the present disclosure, the number of convex portions 113 is two, but as will be described later, the number may be three or more.

[0032] The end wall portion 115 may have a guide portion 116 on its inner surface that extends inward in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101. The guide portion 116 can reliably guide the first connector 1 to a correct mating position with the second connector 101, and can also function as a mating key that prevents erroneous mating of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

[0033] [Second Terminals] The second terminals are made of a metallic material, and as shown in Fig. 6 etc., include a second signal terminal 161, a second power supply terminal 171, and a second reinforcing metal fitting 151. The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 can be used as both a power supply terminal connected to a power supply line and a signal terminal connected to a signal line.

[0034] 6 , the second signal terminal 161 includes a main body 163 held by the second housing 111, a board connection portion 162, a first arm 165, and a second arm 164. The board connection portion 162, the first arm 165, and the second arm 164 are connected to the lower end side of the main body 163.

[0035] The first arm 165 is elastically deformable and has a contact portion 165a on its tip end as a first protrusion that is electrically connected to a first terminal (described later) of the first connector 1. The second arm 164 is elastically deformable and has a contact portion 164a on its free end, i.e., on its tip end, as a second protrusion that can come into contact with a first terminal (described later) of the first connector 1.

[0036] As will be described later, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, the first signal terminal 61 (described later) of the first connector 1 is inserted between the first arm 165 and the second arm 164 of the second signal terminal 161 of the second connector 101, thereby enabling the first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 to be electrically connected.

[0037] The contact portion 164a of the second arm 164 may be electrically connected to the first signal terminal 61 of the first connector 1, may function as a member for detecting the mating of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101, and may further function as a locking member for maintaining the mated state of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. In other words, the function of the second arm 164 can be changed as appropriate depending on the usage situation, and is not limited to only electrical connection.

[0038] 6 , the second power terminal 171 includes a main body 173 held by the second housing 111, a board connection portion 172, and a third arm 175. The board connection portion 172 is connected to the lower end of the main body 173, and the third arm 175 is connected to the upper end of the main body 173.

[0039] The third arm 175 is elastically deformable and, when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101, has an approximately U-shaped shape that can accept the first power terminal 71 of the first connector 1 described below, and has an abutment portion 175a on its free end that can abut against the first power terminal 71 of the first connector 1.

[0040] The third arm 175 may have a protrusion 175b near the main body 173 side that can come into contact with the first power terminal 71 of the first connector 1. The protrusion 175b may function as a locking member for maintaining the mated state between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. Furthermore, the second power terminal 171 having the protrusion 175b can increase the number of contact points with the first power terminal 71 of the first connector 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the width (dimension in the X-axis direction) of the second power terminal 171 is wider than the width of the second signal terminal 161, and therefore it can be used with a high current value. That is, the second power terminal 171 of the present disclosure has a wide width and a large cross-sectional area, and therefore can pass a large current with low resistance, and also has a wide width, a large surface area, and high heat dissipation properties, which can reduce the effects of heat generated by the current.

[0042] [Second reinforcing bracket] As shown in Figure 6, the second reinforcing bracket 151 comprises a main body portion 152, a board connection portion 152a extending from the lower end of the main body portion 152, a pair of side plate portions 153 extending from both ends of the main body portion 152 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) via a curved portion toward the center of the second connector 101 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101, and an approximately U-shaped extension portion 155 extending from the upper end of the main body portion 152 downward (negative Z-axis direction) and toward the center of the second connector 101 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101.

[0043] The extension portion 155 may have a protective portion 156 on its free end side that covers the end of the protrusion 113 in order to protect the protrusion 113 of the second housing 111. Furthermore, the bottom plate portion 155a of the U-shaped extension portion 155 may have contact spring portions 154 extending from both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction). In the present disclosure, the extension portion 155 has a notch 157 in which the guide portion 116 is housed. That is, in the present disclosure, the extension portion 155 is divided into two in the width direction by the notch 157.

[0044] The side plate portion 153 may have a board connection portion 153a at its lower end and a visor portion 153b connected to its upper end. The visor portion 153b has the function of guiding the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 of the first connector 1 (described later) when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, and also prevents the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the contact spring portion 154 from coming into contact with each other unintentionally by the operator. The contact spring portion 154 may be electrically connected to the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 of the first connector 1, or may function as a member that generates a clicking sensation when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, or may further function as a locking member that maintains the mated state between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101. In other words, the function of the contact spring portion 154 can be changed as needed depending on the usage situation.

[0045] Although the second reinforcing bracket 151 may be used solely for the purpose of fixing the second connector 101 to the second board, in this disclosure it is described as a component that can be connected to a power (or signal) line.

[0046] [Receptacle Connector] In the second connector 101 of the present disclosure, the multiple second signal terminals 161 held in the second housing 111 are arranged to form three terminal rows. Specifically, the three terminal rows consist of two terminal rows consisting of multiple second signal terminals 161 held by each side wall portion 114 and protrusion 113, and one terminal row consisting of multiple second signal terminals 161 held by two adjacent protrusions 113. These three terminal rows are arranged in parallel. Furthermore, adjacent second signal terminals 161 in one terminal row with respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101 are inverted with respect to each other, i.e., arranged so that they face alternately in opposite directions, and are attached to the second housing 111 by press-fitting. Therefore, the terminal rows on both sides include a second signal terminal 161 held by one side wall portion 114 and a second signal terminal 161 held by one convex portion 113, and the central terminal row includes a second signal terminal 161 held by one convex portion 113 and a second signal terminal 161 held by the other convex portion 113.

[0047] Therefore, the board connection portions 162 of adjacent second signal terminals 161 in one terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row. As a result, the pitch of the board connection portions 162 of second signal terminals 161 located on the same line extending in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101 is twice as long (e.g., 0.35 mm) as the pitch of the second signal terminals 161 (e.g., 0.175 mm). In other words, the distance between adjacent board connection portions 162 in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101 can be ensured. Therefore, short circuits do not occur between adjacent board connection portions 162 in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101, and the second connector 101 of the present disclosure can maintain connection reliability despite its small size.

[0048] More specifically, of the three terminal rows, in the two terminal rows on both sides, the second signal terminals 161 whose main bodies 163 are attached to the side wall portions 114 and the second signal terminals 161 whose main bodies 163 are attached to the protruding portions 113 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101. On the other hand, in the central terminal row consisting of a plurality of second signal terminals 161 held by two adjacent protruding portions 113, the second signal terminals 161 whose main bodies 163 are attached to one of the protruding portions 113 and the second signal terminals 161 whose main bodies 163 are attached to the other protruding portion 113 are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101. From this, it can be understood that the second connector 101 having four terminal rows can be obtained by increasing the number of protruding portions 113 and increasing and arranging in parallel terminal rows having a configuration similar to that of the central terminal row. Therefore, the second connector 101 of the present disclosure can be easily made multipolar.

[0049] Furthermore, it is desirable that at least a portion of the contact portion 165a of the second signal terminal 161 and at least a portion of the abutment portion 164a are exposed to the recessed space 118 between one of the side wall portions 114 and one of the protrusions 113, or the recessed space 118 between one of the protrusions 113 and another of the protrusions 113.

[0050] In the present disclosure, the second power terminals 171 are attached by insert molding to the side wall portions 114 located at both ends of the terminal row in the longitudinal direction. The number of second power terminals 171 can be increased or decreased as needed. The second power terminals 171 may be attached anywhere on the side wall portions 114, and may be attached between the second signal terminals 161 of one terminal row. Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, power terminals may be provided between the protrusions 113.

[0051] The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is attached to the end wall portion 115 by insert molding.

[0052] Furthermore, in the second connector 101 of the present disclosure, the second signal terminals 161 located on the same line extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) are arranged in the same direction when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the distance between adjacent board connection portions 162 in the width direction can be secured, so that even if the second connector 101 is made smaller, short circuits do not occur between the board connection portions 162, and deterioration of electrical characteristics can be prevented.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the first connector 1 which constitutes the connector assembly together with the second connector 101 will be described.

[0054] Figure 7 is an oblique view of the first connector in the first embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 8 is a top view of the first connector in the first embodiment, Figure 9 is a bottom view of the first connector in the first embodiment, Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the first connector in the first embodiment, a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow B-B in Figure 8, Figure 11 is an oblique view of the main parts of the first connector in the first embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 12 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts of the first connector in the first embodiment, an enlarged view of part C in Figure 11, and Figure 13 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts showing the state in which only the metal members of the first connector in the first embodiment have been separated, an enlarged view of the part corresponding to part C in Figure 11.

[0055] 7 to 13 show a connector according to this embodiment, which is a first connector 1 serving as the other connector in a pair of board-to-board connectors. The first connector 1 is a surface-mount plug connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown) that serves as a mounting member, has a roughly rectangular planar shape, and is mated with the second connector 101 serving as a mating connector.

[0056] The first connector 1 in the present disclosure has a first housing 11 as a housing, which is a plug housing integrally formed from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and a first terminal as a terminal, which is a plug terminal attached to and held by the first housing 11.

[0057] [First Housing] The first housing 11 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and includes a plurality of holding portions 12 extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1 and holding the first terminals, and an end wall portion 16 extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1 and connecting the plurality of holding portions 12 to each other. The holding portions 12 may also have flanges 17 formed at their lower ends so as to protrude in the width direction of the first connector 1. The flanges 17 hold portions of the first terminals (described below) or cover their surfaces, thereby holding the first terminals and protecting the first terminals from solder, flux, and the like, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0058] The end wall portion 16 has a recess 15 on its outer surface in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 that recesses toward the center of the first connector 1 in the longitudinal direction. The recess 15 accommodates the guide portion 116 of the second connector 101 when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated. That is, the recess 15 is guided by the guide portion 116 of the second connector 101, so that the first connector 1 can be reliably guided to a correct mating position with the second connector 101. The recess 15 then engages with the guide portion 116.

[0059] In the present disclosure, the number of holding portions 12 is three, but as will be described later, the number may be four or more.

[0060] In the first housing 11 of the present disclosure, three holding portions 12 are arranged in parallel but spaced apart from one another, and both longitudinal ends of each holding portion 12 are connected to one another by end wall portions 16, so that the first housing 11 is formed as a single, inseparable member. Furthermore, the connection portion 14 between the central holding portion 12 and the end wall portion 16 includes a tapered portion 14a formed on its side surface. The presence of this tapered portion 14a improves the strength of the connection portion 14.

[0061] Furthermore, a space 13 is formed between the spaced-apart holding portions 12. The space 13 is a through-hole that passes through the first housing 11 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and opens at the top and bottom surfaces of the first housing 11.

[0062] 13 and other figures, the first terminals are made of metal and include a first signal terminal 61, a first power supply terminal 71, and a first reinforcing metal fitting 51. The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 can be used as both a power supply terminal connected to a power supply line and a signal terminal connected to a signal line.

[0063] 13 , the first signal terminal 61 includes a board connecting portion 62, a first engaging portion 63, a linking portion 64, and a second engaging portion 65. The first engaging portion 63 has one end connected to the board connecting portion 62 and the other end connected to the linking portion 64. The linking portion 64 has one end connected to the first engaging portion 63 and the other end connected to the second engaging portion 65. The first engaging portion 63 and the second engaging portion 65 are located on both side surfaces of the terminal row.

[0064] [First Power Supply Terminal] The first power supply terminal 71 includes a board connection portion 72 and an inverted U-shaped main body portion 73 .

[0065] [First reinforcing bracket] The first reinforcing bracket 51 comprises an upper surface portion 54, a pair of side plate portions 55 extending downward (negative Z-axis direction) from both ends of the upper surface portion 54 in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and a pair of cover portions 52 and 53 extending downward (negative Z-axis direction) from both ends of the upper surface portion 54 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0066] The covering portion 52 has a notch 56 formed near the center along the recess 15 of the first housing 11. The covering portion 53 also has a notch 56 formed near the center along the connection portion 14 between the retaining portion 12 and the end wall portion 16. That is, the covering portions 52 and 53 are each divided into two in the width direction (Y-axis direction) by the notch 56. In other words, two pairs of covering portions 52 and 53 are formed. Of the two pairs of covering portions 52 and 53, board connection portions 52a may be formed at the lower ends of the two covering portions 52 on the outer surface of the end wall portion 16 (the outer surface of the first connector 1 in the longitudinal direction). The two covering portions 53 on the inner surface of the end wall portion 16 (the inner surface of the first connector 1 in the longitudinal direction) may face the space 13 formed between the retaining portions 12 arranged apart from each other.

[0067] The pair of side plate portions 55 may also be able to come into contact with the contact spring portions 154 of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 of the second connector 101. In this case, the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 may be connected to a power supply (or signal) line. This electrically connects the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 to the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 of the second connector 101, and allows it to be used as a component of the power supply (or signal) line.

[0068] [Plug Connector] In the first connector 1 of the present disclosure, the multiple first signal terminals 61 held in the first housing 11 are arranged in three terminal rows. Specifically, the three terminal rows are composed of multiple first signal terminals 61 held in each holding portion 12. These three terminal rows are arranged in parallel. Furthermore, adjacent first signal terminals 61 in one terminal row with respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1 are arranged in an inverted state, i.e., facing in opposite directions alternately, and are integrally attached to the first housing 11 by insert molding. Therefore, the board connection portions 62 of adjacent first signal terminals 61 in one terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row. As a result, the pitch of the board connection portions 62 of first signal terminals 61 positioned on the same line extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 is twice as large (e.g., 0.35 mm) as the pitch of the first signal terminals 61 (e.g., 0.175 mm). That is, it is possible to ensure a distance between adjacent board connection portions 62 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1. Therefore, a short circuit does not occur between adjacent board connection portions 62 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1, and the first connector 1 of the present disclosure can maintain connection reliability despite its small size.

[0069] In addition, part or all of the board connection portion 62 of each terminal row is located in the space 13 formed between the spaced-apart holding portions 12, i.e., in the through hole 13 that penetrates the first housing 11 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and opens on the upper and lower surfaces of the first housing 11.

[0070] More specifically, in the two terminal rows on both sides of the three terminal rows, first signal terminals 61 whose board connection portions 62 are located outside the first housing 11 and first signal terminals 61 whose board connection portions 62 are located inside the first housing 11, i.e., within the through holes 13, are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1. On the other hand, in the central terminal row of the three terminal rows, first signal terminals 61 whose board connection portions 62 are located within one of two adjacent through holes 13 and first signal terminals 61 whose board connection portions 62 are located within the other through hole 13 are alternately arranged. From this, it can be understood that a first connector 1 with four terminal rows can be obtained by increasing the number of retaining portions 12 and adding more terminal rows with a configuration similar to the central terminal row and arranging them in parallel. Therefore, the first connector 1 of the present disclosure can easily achieve multipolarization.

[0071] In the present disclosure, the first power terminals 71 are attached to the holding portions 12 at both longitudinal ends of the terminal row by insert molding. The first power terminals 71 can be added or removed as needed. The first power terminals 71 can be attached anywhere on the holding portion 12, and can also be attached between the first signal terminals 61 of one terminal row.

[0072] The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is attached to the end wall portion 16 by insert molding.

[0073] Furthermore, as described below, in the first connector 1 of the present disclosure, the first signal terminals 61 located on the same line extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) are arranged in the same direction when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the distance between adjacent board connection portions 62 in the width direction can be ensured. Therefore, even if the first connector 1 is miniaturized, short circuits between the board connection portions 62 do not occur, and degradation of electrical characteristics can be prevented. Furthermore, even during inspection, the arrangement of the first signal terminals 61 is uniform, so the first connector 1 can be efficiently inspected using the same settings without adjusting the inspection equipment.

[0074] Next, a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together will be described.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a perspective view seen from the first connector side showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together, FIG. 15 is a perspective view seen from the second connector side showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together, FIG. 16 is a plan view seen from the first connector side showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together, FIG. 17 is a plan view seen from the second connector side showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 16, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 16, FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG. 16, FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G in FIG. 16, FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H in FIG. 16, and FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the first connector and the second connector in the first embodiment are fitted together and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I in FIG. 16.

[0076] [Fitted state] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 23, in the fitted state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together, the convex portion 113 of the second connector 101 is accommodated in the through hole 13 so that the periphery is surrounded by the holding portion 12 and the end wall portion 16 of the first connector 1. At the same time, among the three holding portions 12 of the first connector 1, the central holding portion 12 is accommodated in the concave space 118 between the two convex portions 113 of the second connector 101.

[0077] Furthermore, because the two protrusions 113 of the second connector 101 are not connected to the end wall portions 115, they can be provided with tapered portions 117 at their longitudinal ends (in the X-axis direction). This allows tapered portions 14a to be formed on the side surfaces of the connection portion 14 between the central holding portion 12 of the first connector 1 and the end wall portions 16, and the connection portion 14 can be formed so that its dimension in the width direction (Y-axis direction) gradually increases toward the end wall portions 16, becoming wider and thicker, in accordance with the recessed space 118 of the second connector 101. As a result, the mechanical strength of the first connector 1 is strengthened, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0078] As described above, the second connector 101 includes a guide portion 116, and the recess 15 of the first connector 1 engages with the guide portion 116. If the second connector 101 did not include the guide portion 116, the retaining portion 12 holding the end terminal row of the three terminal rows of the first connector 1, i.e., the terminal row at either the left or right end, could be inserted into the recessed space 118 corresponding to the central terminal row of the three terminal rows of the second connector 101. In other words, mis-mating could occur. However, since the second connector 101 of the present disclosure includes the guide portion 116, the retaining portion 12 holding the terminal row at one end abuts against the guide portion 116, preventing insertion into the recessed space 118 corresponding to the central terminal row, thereby preventing mis-mating.

[0079] In this disclosure, an example in which guide portion 116 is provided on second housing 111 has been described, but metal guide portion 116 may be attached, or a protective cover may be provided for guide portion 116. The same effect can be obtained as long as second connector 101 is provided with at least a protruding member for guiding first connector 1 or for preventing erroneous mating.

[0080] Furthermore, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, the first terminals of the first connector 1 engage with the corresponding second terminals of the second connector 101. That is, each of the first signal terminals 61 of the first connector 1 engages with each of the corresponding second signal terminals 161 of the second connector 101, each of the first power supply terminals 71 of the first connector 1 engages with each of the corresponding second power supply terminals 171 of the second connector 101, and each of the first reinforcing metal fittings 51 of the first connector 1 engages with each of the corresponding second reinforcing metal fittings 151 of the second connector 101.

[0081] Specifically, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, each of the first signal terminals 61 in the first connector 1 is accommodated in a corresponding second signal terminal 161 in the second connector 101, the contact portion 165 a of the first arm 165 of each second signal terminal 161 abuts against the first engaging portion 63 of the corresponding first signal terminal 61, and the abutting portion 164 a of the second arm 164 of each second signal terminal 161 abuts against the second engaging portion 65 of the corresponding first signal terminal 61. Note that when the second arm 164 of the second signal terminal 161 functions as a mating detection or lock, the second arm 164 does not need to abut against the second engaging portion 65 of the corresponding first signal terminal 61 all the time; however, when the second arm 164 functions as an electrical contact, the second arm 164 is always in abutting contact with the second engaging portion 65 of the corresponding first signal terminal 61.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, each of the first power terminals 71 in the first connector 1 is accommodated in a corresponding second power terminal 171 in the second connector 101, and the abutting portion 175a of the third arm 175 of each second power terminal 171 abuts against the main body 73 of the corresponding first power terminal 71. Note that if the third arm 175 of the second power terminal 171 has a protrusion 175b, the protrusion 175b may abut against the main body 73 of the first power terminal 71. This increases the number of contact points between the first power terminal 71 and the second power terminal 171, allowing the first power terminal 71 and the second power terminal 171 to be used for passing a high current and reducing the effects of heat generated by passing a high current.

[0083] Furthermore, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated, the contact spring portions 154 of each second reinforcing bracket 151 in the second connector 101 may abut against the side plate portions 55 of the corresponding first reinforcing bracket 51 in the first connector 1. This electrically connects the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket 151 to each other, allowing them to be used as components that constitute a power supply (or signal) line. Even when the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket 151 are not used as components that constitute a power supply (or signal) line, they can still be used as components that guide the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 to the correct mating position. Furthermore, when the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket 151 are used only as brackets for fixing the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 to the first board and the second board, respectively, the first reinforcing bracket 51 and the second reinforcing bracket 151 do not need to abut against each other, and the second reinforcing bracket 151 does not need to be provided with a contact spring portion 154.

[0084] Next, features of the first embodiment as an example of the first disclosure of the present disclosure will be described. Note that characteristic components of the first embodiment will be described by adding an A to each reference symbol.

[0085] In second connector 101A in the first embodiment, the upper end of first arm 165A and a part of the upper surface of second arm 164A of second signal terminal 161A may be covered by second housing 111A. This prevents the first connector 1A from unintentionally contacting second signal terminal 161A and damaging second signal terminal 161A when connecting or disconnecting first connector 101 from second connector 101.

[0086] Furthermore, the connecting portions 64A of the first signal terminals 61A in each terminal row of the first connector 1A are arranged in the same position when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1A. This allows the first engaging portions 63A and second engaging portions 65A of the multiple first signal terminals 61A of the first connector 1A to be positioned on approximately the same line in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1A. This makes it easy to maintain the accuracy of the contact positions and dimensions of the first signal terminals 61A.

[0087] Furthermore, the surface of the second engaging portion 65A of the first signal terminal 61A of the first connector 1A may be recessed from the position of the connection portion with the connecting portion 64A to improve the mating detection and locking functions. Specifically, the position of the surface of the first engaging portion 63A of the first signal terminal 61A of the first connector 1A and the position of the surface of the second engaging portion 65A of the adjacent first signal terminal 61A may be shifted from each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1A within a range equal to or less than the thickness of the first signal terminal 61A in the plate thickness direction. This improves the mating detection and locking functions of the second engaging portion 65A.

[0088] Next, features of a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that characteristic components of the second embodiment will be described by adding "B" to their reference numerals.

[0089] Details of the second connector 101 in the second embodiment are shown in the following FIGS.

[0090] Figure 24 is an oblique view of the second connector in the second embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 25 is a top view of the second connector in the second embodiment, Figure 26 is a bottom view of the second connector in the second embodiment, Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of the second connector in the second embodiment, a cross-sectional view taken along the J-J arrow in Figure 25, Figure 28 is an oblique view of the main parts of the second connector in the second embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 29 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts of the second connector in the second embodiment, an enlarged view of part K in Figure 28, and Figure 30 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts showing only the metal members of the second connector in the second embodiment separated, an enlarged view of the part corresponding to part K in Figure 28.

[0091] Further, details of the first connector 1 in the second embodiment are shown in the following FIGS.

[0092] Figure 31 is an oblique view of the first connector in the second embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 32 is a top view of the first connector in the second embodiment, Figure 33 is a bottom view of the first connector in the second embodiment, Figure 34 is a side cross-sectional view of the first connector in the second embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the L-L arrow in Figure 32, Figure 35 is an oblique view of the main parts of the first connector in the second embodiment as viewed from the mating surface side, Figure 36 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts of the first connector in the second embodiment, which is an enlarged view of part M in Figure 35, and Figure 37 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts showing the state in which only the metal members of the first connector in the second embodiment have been separated, which is an enlarged view of the part corresponding to part M in Figure 35.

[0093] Further, the state in which the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated together in the second embodiment is shown in detail in the following FIGS.

[0094] 38 is a perspective view seen from the first connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, FIG. 39 is a perspective view seen from the second connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, FIG. 40 is a plan view seen from the first connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, FIG. 41 is a plan view seen from the second connector side showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N in FIG. 40, and FIG. 43 is a plan view of the first connector in the second embodiment. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows P-P in FIG. 40; FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows Q-Q in FIG. 40; FIG. 46 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows R-R in FIG. 40; and FIG. 47 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first connector and the second connector in the second embodiment are mated, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows S-S in FIG. 40.

[0095] In the first connector 1B of the second embodiment, unlike the first connector 1A of the first embodiment, between adjacent first signal terminals 61B in each terminal row, the surface position of the first engaging portion 63B of one first signal terminal 61B and the surface position of the second engaging portion 65B of the other first signal terminal 61B are shifted from each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1B by a range that exceeds the thickness in the plate thickness direction of the first signal terminal 61B.

[0096] In other words, in the first connector 1A according to the first embodiment, the connecting portions 64A of the first signal terminals 61A in each terminal row are arranged at the same position when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 1A. That is, the first signal terminals 61A in each terminal row are arranged in line. Furthermore, between adjacent first signal terminals 61A in each terminal row, the surface position of the first engaging portion 63A of one first signal terminal 61A and the surface position of the second engaging portion 65A of the other first signal terminal 61A can be shifted relative to each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1A within a range equal to or less than the thickness of the first signal terminals 61A in the plate thickness direction.

[0097] In contrast, in the first connector 1B of the second embodiment, in each terminal row, the positions of the connecting portions 64B of adjacent first signal terminals 61B in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1B are misaligned (shifted) from each other. Furthermore, between adjacent first signal terminals 61B in each terminal row, the position of the surface of the first engaging portion 63B of one first signal terminal 61B and the position of the surface of the second engaging portion 65B of the other first signal terminal 61B are misaligned (shifted) from each other in the width direction of the first connector 1B by a range exceeding the thickness of the first signal terminals 61B in the plate thickness direction.

[0098] As a result, in the first connector 1B of the second embodiment, the distance between the surface of the first engaging portion 63B of one first signal terminal 61B and the surface of the second engaging portion 65B of the other first signal terminal 61B between adjacent first signal terminals 61B corresponds to the distance of a vector obtained by combining a vector representing the distance in the X-axis direction and a vector representing the distance in the Y-axis direction, and is therefore wider than the distance in the X-axis direction. Therefore, even if the pitch of the first signal terminals 61B becomes narrower, the distance between the adjacent first engaging portions 63B and second engaging portions 65B is maintained, preventing electrical influence between them. This makes it easy to narrow the pitch of the first signal terminals 61B (for example, to a pitch of about 0.150 mm or 0.125 mm) and to reduce the size of the first connector 1B.

[0099] In addition, in the first connector 1B of the second embodiment, a large step is formed between the surface of the first engagement portion 63B of one of the adjacent first signal terminals 61B and the surface of the second engagement portion 65B of the other first signal terminal 61B, and this step can function as a groove that guides the second signal terminal 161B of the second connector 101B to the correct position.

[0100] Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the connecting portion 64B of the first signal terminal 61B in the second embodiment is set smaller than the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the connecting portion 64A of the first signal terminal 61A in the first embodiment. Therefore, even if the positions of the connecting portions 64B of adjacent first signal terminals 61B in each terminal row are significantly shifted in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 1B, the dimension of the holding portion 12 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) can be maintained small, so there is no need to increase the size of the first connector 1B, and it can be maintained compact.

[0101] Other basic configurations of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in the present disclosure are the same in both the first and second embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Also, other basic configurations and effects of the connector assembly in which the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 in the present disclosure are mated to each other are the same in both the first and second embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the connector assembly in which the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are mated with each other has, for example, a height (dimension in the Z-axis direction) of approximately 0.6 mm, a pitch of the first signal terminals 61 and the second signal terminals 161 of approximately 0.175 mm, the number of the first signal terminals 61 and the second signal terminals 161 is 102, and the number of the first power terminals 71 and the second power terminals 171 is 4, but these numerical values ​​are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0103] Thus, in the present disclosure, the first connector 1 includes a first housing 11 and a plurality of first signal terminals 61 held in the first housing 11. The first signal terminals 61 are arranged in at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, with adjacent first signal terminals 61 in each terminal row being inverted relative to each other, and the terminal rows are connected to each other by the end wall portion 16 of the first housing 11 while being spaced apart from each other.

[0104] The first housing 11 includes at least three retaining portions 12 extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1 and a pair of end wall portions 16 connecting both longitudinal ends of each retaining portion 12, and a plurality of first signal terminals 61 retained by each retaining portion 12 form each terminal row. The retaining portions 12 are spaced apart from one another, and a through hole 13 penetrating the first housing 11 in the vertical direction is formed between adjacent retaining portions 12. Each first signal terminal 61 includes a first engaging portion 63 and a second engaging portion 65 located on both side surfaces of the terminal row, a connecting portion 64 connecting the upper ends of the first engaging portion 63 and the second engaging portion 65, and a board connecting portion 62 connected to the lower end of the first engaging portion 63. The board connecting portions 62 of adjacent first signal terminals 61 in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row. Furthermore, the connecting portions 64 of each first signal terminal 61 in each terminal row are at the same position when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1, and the surface of the first engaging portion 63 of one first signal terminal 61 and the surface of the second engaging portion 65 of the other first signal terminal 61 of adjacent first signal terminals 61 in each terminal row are shifted from each other by a distance equal to or less than the thickness in the plate thickness direction of the first signal terminals 61. Furthermore, the connecting portions 64 of adjacent first signal terminals 61 in each terminal row are shifted from each other in the position in the width direction of the first connector 1, and the surface of the first engaging portion 63 of one first signal terminal 61 and the surface of the second engaging portion 65 of the other first signal terminal 61 of adjacent first signal terminals 61 in each terminal row are shifted from each other by a distance exceeding the thickness in the plate thickness direction of the first signal terminals 61.

[0105] Also, in the present disclosure, second connector 101 includes second housing 111 and a plurality of second signal terminals 161 held by second housing 111. Second signal terminals 161 are arranged in at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, with adjacent second signal terminals 161 in each terminal row being inverted relative to each other, second housing 111 includes a pair of side wall portions 114 and at least two protrusions 113 located between the pair of side wall portions 114, at least one terminal row includes second signal terminals 161 held by one of side wall portions 114 and second signal terminals 161 held by one of protrusions 113, and at least one other terminal row includes second signal terminals 161 held by one of protrusions 113 and second signal terminals 161 held by another one of protrusions 113.

[0106] Furthermore, each second signal terminal 161 includes a main body portion 163 held in the second housing 111 and a board connection portion 162 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 163, and the board connection portions 162 of adjacent second signal terminals 161 in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row. Furthermore, each second signal terminal 161 includes a main body portion 163 held in the second housing 111, and a first arm portion 165 and a second arm portion 164 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 163, the first arm portion 165 including a contact portion 165a formed at its tip side, the second arm portion 164 including an abutment portion 164a formed at its tip side, and at least a portion of the contact portion 165a and at least a portion of the abutment portion 164a being exposed to the recessed space 118 between one of the side wall portions 114 and one of the protrusions 113, or the recessed space 118 between one of the protrusions 113 and another of the protrusions 113.

[0107] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the connector assembly includes a first connector 1 and a second connector 101 .

[0108] As a result, the first connector 1, the second connector 101 and the connector assembly can be made smaller and more dense, and improvements in connection stability, connection reliability and mechanical properties can be achieved, resulting in improved reliability.

[0109] It should be noted that the present disclosure describes features related to preferred and exemplary embodiments. Various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will naturally occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure of this specification. Furthermore, the present disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that maintain the gist of the present disclosure and that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art are included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the width, thickness, shape, and other aspects of the various components shown in the drawings are shown schematically and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure.

[0110] The present disclosure is applicable to connectors and connector assemblies.

[0111] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Plug connector (first connector) 11 First housing 12 Holding portion 13 Through hole (space) 14 Connection portion 14a, 117 Tapered portion 15 Recessed portion 16, 115 End wall portion 17 Flange 51 First reinforcing metal fitting 52, 53 Cover portion 52a, 62, 72, 152a, 153a, 162, 172 Board connection portion 54 Top surface portion 55, 153 Side plate portion 56, 157 Notch portion 61, 61A, 61B First signal terminal 63, 63A, 63B First engagement portion 64, 64A, 64B Linking portion 65, 65A, 65B Second engagement portion 71 First power terminal 73, 152, 163, 173 Main body portion DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101, 101A, 101B Receptacle connector (second connector) 111, 111A Second housing 112, 155a Bottom plate portion 113 Convex portion 114 Side wall portion 116 Guide portion 118 Recessed space 151 Second reinforcing metal fitting 153b Eave portion 154 Contact spring portion 155 Extension portion 156 Protective portion 161, 161A, 161B Second signal terminal 164, 164A Second arm portion 164a, 175a Abutment portion 165, 165A First arm portion 165a Contact portion 171 Second power terminal 175 Third arm portion 175b Protrusion

Claims

1. A first connector comprising a first housing and a plurality of first terminals held in the first housing, wherein the first terminals are arranged in at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, and adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are arranged inverted relative to each other, and the terminal rows are connected to each other by end wall portions of the first housing while being spaced apart from each other.

2. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein the first housing includes at least three holding sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector and a pair of end walls connecting both longitudinal ends of each holding section, and the multiple first terminals held by each holding section form each terminal row.

3. The first connector according to claim 2, wherein the holding portions are spaced apart from one another, and a through-hole that passes through the first housing in the vertical direction is formed between adjacent holding portions.

4. A first connector as described in claim 1, wherein each first terminal includes first and second engaging portions located on both side surfaces of the terminal row, a connecting portion connecting the upper ends of the first and second engaging portions, and a board connecting portion connected to the lower end of the first engaging portion, and the board connecting portions of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row.

5. A first connector as described in claim 4, wherein the connecting portions of each first terminal in each terminal row are in the same position when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the first connector, and the surface of the first engaging portion of one first terminal and the surface of the second engaging portion of the other first terminal of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are shifted from each other within a range not greater than the thickness of the first terminals in the plate thickness direction.

6. A first connector as described in claim 4, wherein the connecting portions of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row are shifted in position in the width direction of the first connector, and the surface of the first engaging portion of one of adjacent first terminals in each terminal row and the surface of the second engaging portion of the other first terminal are shifted from each other by a range exceeding the thickness of the first terminals in the plate thickness direction.

7. A second connector comprising a second housing and a plurality of second terminals held by the second housing, wherein the second terminals are arranged in at least three terminal rows extending in a predetermined direction, and adjacent second terminals in each terminal row are arranged inverted relative to each other, the second housing includes a pair of side wall portions and at least two protrusions located between the pair of side wall portions, at least one terminal row includes a second terminal held by one of the side wall portions and a second terminal held by one of the protrusions, and at least one other terminal row includes a second terminal held by one of the protrusions and a second terminal held by another one of the protrusions.

8. A second connector as described in claim 7, wherein each second terminal includes a main body portion held by the second housing and a board connection portion connected to the lower end of the main body portion, and the board connection portions of adjacent second terminals in each terminal row are located on opposite sides of the terminal row.

9. A second connector as described in claim 7, wherein each second terminal includes a main body portion held in said second housing and first and second arms connected to the lower end of said main body portion, said first arms including a first protrusion formed at their tip ends, said second arms including a second protrusion formed at their tip ends, and at least a portion of said first protrusion and at least a portion of said second protrusion are exposed in a recessed space between one of said side wall portions and one of said protrusions, or in a recessed space between one of said protrusions and another of said protrusions.

10. A connector assembly comprising a first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a second connector according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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