Male connector

Abstract

Provided is a male connector capable of suppressing contact failure between a ground terminal and a substrate. This male connector has a first ground terminal, second ground terminals disposed on both sides of the first ground terminal, and a resin body on which the first ground terminal and the second ground terminals are supported. The first ground terminal has a first bottom wall extending in a first direction, a first inner wall rising and extending in a second direction from the first bottom wall, a first upper wall facing the first bottom wall from the first inner wall and extending in the first direction, and a first outer wall extending from the first upper wall toward the first bottom wall in the second direction. When the male connector is fitted to a mating connector, the first outer wall abuts on the mating connector. The second ground terminals are separated from the first bottom wall and overlap the first ground terminal when viewed from a third direction.

Description

Male connector

[0001] This disclosure relates to a male connector.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector set used for connecting two circuit boards.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-111018

[0004] The connector set described in Patent Document 1 has a female connector (first connector) and a male connector (second connector) that fits with the female connector. The female connector and the male connector are each connected to a respective circuit board (substrate). When the female connector and the male connector are fitted together, the respective substrates are connected.

[0005] The male connector has a resin body and a ground terminal supported by the resin body. The ground terminal has a first ground terminal (central portion) and second ground terminals (side portions) disposed on both sides sandwiching the first ground terminal. Each ground terminal has a bottom wall (bottom portion) connected to the substrate and an outer wall that contacts the female connector when the male connector is fitted with the female connector.

[0006] The bottom wall of the first ground terminal is indirectly connected to the outer wall via an upper wall (wall opposite to the bottom wall) and an inner wall (wall opposite to the outer wall) of the first ground terminal. The bottom wall of the second ground terminal is directly connected to the outer wall of the second ground terminal. The first ground terminal and the second ground terminal are connected via their respective bottom walls.

[0007] When the male and female connectors are mated, the outer walls of each ground terminal come into contact with the female connector and are subjected to a load due to this contact. This load can be transmitted to the bottom wall, which is connected to the outer wall. In particular, in the case of the second ground terminal, since the outer wall is directly connected to the bottom wall, this load is easily transmitted to the bottom wall. If the bottom wall deforms due to this load transmission, poor contact with the circuit board may occur. Furthermore, since the first and second ground terminals are connected via their respective bottom walls, deformation of the bottom wall of the second ground terminal can also cause deformation of the bottom wall of the first ground terminal. As a result, poor contact between the first ground terminal and the circuit board may also occur.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a male connector that can suppress poor contact between the ground terminal and the circuit board.

[0009] This disclosure provides a male connector comprising: a first ground terminal having a first bottom wall extending in a first direction; a first inner wall rising and extending from the first bottom wall in a second direction; a first upper wall extending from the first inner wall in the first direction opposite to the first bottom wall; and a first outer wall extending from the first upper wall toward the first bottom wall in the second direction and contacting the mating connector when mated with the mating connector; two second ground terminals arranged on both sides of the first ground terminal in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, spaced apart from the first bottom wall, and overlapping with the first ground terminal when viewed from the third direction; and a resin body supporting the first ground terminal and the second ground terminals.

[0010] According to the male connector of this disclosure, the first bottom wall of the first ground terminal is separated from the second ground terminal, so the load generated on the second ground terminal by mating the male connector with the mating connector is less likely to be transmitted to the first bottom wall. Therefore, even if such a load occurs due to mating, the first bottom wall is less likely to deform, thus suppressing poor contact between the first ground terminal and the substrate.

[0011] This is a perspective view of the male connector according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view of the female connector that mates with the male connector of this embodiment. This is a bottom view of the male connector and female connector of this embodiment in a mated state. This is a perspective view of the first ground terminal and the second ground terminal according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the first ground terminal along cross-section V in Figure 4. This is a cross-sectional view of the male connector along cross-section VI in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the second ground terminal of the male connector and the fourth ground terminal of the female connector along cross-section VII-VII in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view of the first ground terminal of the male connector and the third ground terminal of the female connector along cross-section VIII-VIII in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view of the first ground terminal according to the second embodiment, similar to Figure 5. This is a cross-sectional view of the male connector according to the second embodiment, similar to Figure 6. This is a cross-sectional view of the male connector according to the third embodiment, similar to Figure 6. This is a cross-sectional view of the male connector according to the fourth embodiment, similar to Figure 6.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the male connector 1 according to this embodiment. The male connector 1 is a component for electrically connecting one substrate 200 to the other substrate 201 (see Figure 2) which is attached to the mating connector 101 (hereinafter referred to as the female connector).

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the male connector 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-section parallel to the substrate 200. Here, the longitudinal direction of the male connector 1 is referred to as the X direction (first direction), the transverse direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction (third direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction (second direction). Also, the right side, left side, top side, and bottom side of Figure 1 are referred to as the X1 side, X2 side, Z1 side, and Z2 side, respectively. In addition, the back side and front side of Figure 1 are referred to as the Y1 side and Y2 side. In Figure 1, the male connector 1 is placed such that the surface of the male connector 1 that connects to the substrate 200 faces the Z2 side. A recessed space V1 is defined inside the male connector 1, facing the Z2 side.

[0015] The male connector 1 comprises a resin body 10 that constitutes the main part of the male connector 1, and a first ground terminal 30, a second ground terminal 40, and a signal terminal 20 supported by the resin body 10. In Figure 1, the dots indicate the resin body 10. The resin body 10 contains a resin material and has insulating properties.

[0016] The resin body 10 has a bottom portion 11 that contacts the substrate 200 and an annular frame portion 12 that rises from the bottom portion 11 toward the Z1 side. The aforementioned space V1 is defined by the inner surface of the frame portion 12 and the Z1 side surface of the bottom portion 11.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first ground terminal 30 is provided at both ends of the male connector 1 in the X direction, i.e., the X1 side and the X2 side ends. Two second ground terminals 40 are provided for each first ground terminal 30, and are arranged on both sides of the first ground terminal 30 in the Y direction. The space between the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 is filled with a resin body 10.

[0018] The first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 are physically and electrically connected to the substrate 200. Specifically, the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 are connected to the ground potential of the substrate 200. The first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 contain a conductive material, such as a copper-based material like phosphor bronze.

[0019] Multiple signal terminals 20 are provided at the Y1 and Y2 ends of the male connector 1, aligned in the X direction. The spaces between each signal terminal 20, and between the signal terminals 20 and the second ground terminal 40, are filled with the resin body 10. Each signal terminal 20 is insulated from the other signal terminals 20, the first ground terminal 30, and the second ground terminal 40.

[0020] The signal terminal 20 is physically and electrically connected to the circuit board 200. Specifically, high-frequency signals are input and output to the signal terminal 20 from the circuit board 200. The signal terminal 20 contains a conductive material, such as a copper-based material like phosphor bronze.

[0021] The male connector 1 is formed by setting each terminal 20, 30, and 40 in a predetermined mold and pouring liquid resin, which is the raw material for the resin body 10, into the mold. In other words, the male connector 1 is formed by insert molding. In another embodiment, the male connector 1 may be formed by attaching each terminal 20, 30, and 40 to a resin body 10 with a fixed shape using means such as hook engagement.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the female connector 101 that mates with the male connector 1 of this embodiment. The female connector 101 is connected to another circuit board, i.e., the other circuit board 201, which is connected to the circuit board 200 connected to the male connector 1. Note that in this specification, each direction is defined based on the orientation of the male connector 1, so the up and down direction in Figure 2 is the opposite of the up and down direction in Figure 1.

[0023] In Figure 2, the female connector 101 is placed on the substrate 201 such that the surface of the female connector 101 that connects to the substrate 201 faces towards Z1. The female connector 101 has a substantially rectangular cross-section parallel to the substrate 200. A recessed space V2 is defined inside the female connector 101, facing towards Z1.

[0024] The female connector 101 has a resin body 110 that constitutes the main part of the female connector 101, and a third ground terminal 130, a fourth ground terminal 140, and a signal terminal 120 supported by the resin body 110. The resin body 110 has a bottom portion 111 that contacts the substrate 201, an annular frame portion 112 that rises from the bottom portion 111 toward the Z2 side, and a protruding portion 113 that protrudes from the bottom portion 111 toward the Z2 side inside the frame portion 112. The aforementioned space V2 is defined by the inner surface of the frame portion 112, the Z2 side of the bottom portion 111, and the outer surface of the protruding portion 113. Except for the configuration in which the resin body 110 has the protruding portion 113, the general configuration of the female connector 101 is the same as the general configuration of the male connector 1. For this reason, the explanation of the arrangement of each component in the female connector 101 will be omitted.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the male connector 1 and female connector 101 in a mated state, as viewed from the Z2 side. Therefore, Figure 3 shows the side of the male connector 1 that connects to one of the substrates 200 (i.e., the Z2 side). The male connector 1 is mated to the female connector 101 by inserting the male connector 1 into the recessed space V2 of the female connector 101, and the protruding portion 113 in the recessed space V2 of the female connector 101 being inserted into the recessed space V1 of the male connector 1.

[0026] In the mating state shown in Figure 3, each terminal 20, 30, and 40 of the male connector 1 is in contact with each terminal 120, 130, and 140 of the female connector 101, respectively. As a result, the male connector 1 and the female connector 101 are physically and electrically connected, and consequently, one circuit board 200 connected to the male connector 1 and the other circuit board 201 connected to the female connector 101 are electrically connected.

[0027] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 of the male connector 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows a view from the Y2 side of the cross-section of the first ground terminal 30, cut along a cross-section V passing near the center of the first ground terminal 30 in the Y direction. The structures of the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the first ground terminal 30 has a first bottom wall 31 extending in the X direction, a first inner wall 32 rising and extending from the first bottom wall 31 in the Z direction, a first upper wall 33 extending from the first inner wall 32 in the X direction opposite to the first bottom wall 31, and a first outer wall 34 extending from the first upper wall 33 toward the first bottom wall 31 in the Z direction.

[0029] The first bottom wall 31 is a wall connected to the substrate 200. The Z2 side end face of the first bottom wall 31 is in contact with the substrate 200. The first inner wall 32 is connected to the first bottom wall 31 at the X1 side end 31b of the first bottom wall 31. As shown in Figure 5, the first inner wall 32 is slightly inclined towards the X2 side toward the Z1 side. Here, "extending upward in the Z direction (second direction)" includes the configuration in which it extends with an inclination of up to 45° toward the X1 side or X2 side toward the Z1 side. That is, the first inner wall 32 may extend perpendicular to the first bottom wall 31, or it may extend with an inclination of 45° or less toward the X1 side toward the Z1 side.

[0030] The first upper wall 33 is connected to the first inner wall 32 at the Z1-side end 32b of the first inner wall 32. The first upper wall 33 extends parallel to the first bottom wall 31. The first outer wall 34 is connected to the first upper wall 33 at the X2-side end 33a of the first upper wall 33. The Z2-side end 34a of the first outer wall 34 is not in contact with the first bottom wall 31, but is opposite to the first bottom wall 31 in the Z direction. In other words, a virtual extension line of the first outer wall 34 extended towards Z2 intersects with the first bottom wall 31. The first outer wall 34 is the wall that abuts against the female connector 101.

[0031] In this embodiment, each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 is formed integrally. Each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 is formed by folding a single metal plate having a predetermined thickness three times. Due to this folding, the connection points between each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 are bent. The method of forming each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 is not limited to this. For example, each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be formed by welding four metal plates together. In that case, the connection points between each wall 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be angular.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, in the Y direction, the width W1 of the first bottom wall 31 is smaller than the width W2 of the first outer wall 34. Also, the first top wall 33 and the first inner wall 32 have the same width as the first outer wall 34. Therefore, in the Y direction, the first bottom wall 31 is narrower than the first top wall 33 and the first inner wall 32.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the second ground terminal 40 has a second bottom wall 41 extending in the Y direction, a second inner wall 42 rising and extending from the second bottom wall 41 in the Z direction, a second upper wall 43 extending from the second inner wall 42 in the Y direction opposite to the second bottom wall 41, and a second outer wall 44 extending from the second upper wall 43 toward the second bottom wall 41 in the Z direction.

[0034] The second bottom wall 41 is a wall connected to the substrate 200. The second outer wall 44 is a wall that contacts the female connector 101. The second outer wall 44 does not contact the second bottom wall 41. In other words, the configuration of the second ground terminal 40 is the same as the configuration of the first ground terminal 30.

[0035] The second ground terminal 40 is positioned so as to overlap with the first ground terminal 30 when viewed from the Y direction. By positioning the second ground terminal 40 in this manner, the size of the male connector 1 in the X direction can be reduced. Furthermore, the second ground terminal 40 is positioned away from the first bottom wall 31 of the first ground terminal 30 in the Y direction. In other words, the second ground terminal 40 is not in at least direct physical contact with the first bottom wall 31.

[0036] The male connector 1 further has connecting walls 50 that connect the first ground terminal 30 to the second ground terminals 40 on either side thereof. In Figure 4, the connecting walls 50 connect the first outer wall 34 of the first ground terminal 30 to the second inner wall 42 of the second ground terminal 40. The connecting walls 50 physically and electrically connect the first ground terminal 30 to the second ground terminals 40. That is, the connecting walls 50 contain a conductive material, such as a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze. As a result, the ground potential of the first ground terminal 30 and the ground potential of the second ground terminals are unified, improving electrical stability.

[0037] The first ground terminal 30 is connected to the second ground terminal 40 via the connecting wall 50 only by the first outer wall 34. In other words, in this embodiment, the first bottom wall 31, the first inner wall 32, and the first upper wall 33 of the first ground terminal 30 are not at least not directly physically connected to the second ground terminal 40.

[0038] In another embodiment, the connecting wall 50 may connect any of the first outer wall 34, the first upper wall 33, and the first inner wall 32 to any of the second outer wall 44, the second upper wall 43, and the second inner wall 42 of the second ground terminal 40.

[0039] The connecting wall 50 may be formed integrally with the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40. That is, the first ground terminal 30 may be formed integrally with the second ground terminals 40 on both sides.

[0040] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the male connector 1 along the cross-section VI of Figure 1, viewed from the Z1 side, where cross-section VI is the XY plane that cuts through the connecting wall 50. In Figure 6, the portion of the male connector 1 excluding the first ground terminal 30, the second ground terminal 40, and the connecting wall 50 is filled with the resin body 10. In another embodiment, the resin body 10 does not have to fill the portion of the male connector 1 excluding the first ground terminal 30, the second ground terminal 40, and the connecting wall 50. For example, the space between the first outer wall 34 and the first inner wall 32, and / or the space between the second inner wall 42 and the second outer wall 44, does not have to be filled with the resin body 10.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 are exposed. On the other hand, the connecting wall 50 is not exposed and is covered by the resin body 10 (it is not shown in Figure 1 because the connecting wall 50 is covered by the resin body 10). In other words, the connecting wall 50 is surrounded by the resin body 10 in all directions (X, Y, and Z directions).

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the Z-direction dimension of the connecting wall 50 is smaller than the Z-direction dimensions of the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40. Therefore, if the first ground terminal 30 or the second ground terminal 40 deforms, stress will concentrate on the connecting wall 50, potentially causing it to break. As described above, by covering the connecting wall 50 with the resin body 10, the resin body 10 supports the connecting wall 50, thus preventing damage to the connecting wall 50.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector 1 and the female connector 101 taken along the cross-section VII-VII of FIG. 3. The cross-section VII-VII is the YZ plane that cuts the second ground terminal 40 of the male connector 1 and the fourth ground terminal 140 of the female connector 101. In FIG. 7, the resin bodies 10 and 110 are not shown.

[0044] The fourth ground terminal 140 has a fourth bottom wall 141 extending in the Y direction, a fourth inner wall 142 rising and extending in the Z direction from the fourth bottom wall 141, a fourth upper wall 143 extending in the Y direction from the fourth inner wall 142 without facing the fourth bottom wall 141, and a fourth outer wall 144 extending in the Z direction from the fourth upper wall 143 toward the fourth bottom wall 141 side, that is, the Z1 side

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, when the male connector 1 is fitted with the female connector 101, the second outer wall 44 of the second ground terminal 40 abuts against the fourth inner wall 142 of the fourth ground terminal 140. As a result, the second outer wall 44 receives a load directed inward in the Y direction. That is, the second outer wall 44 on the Y2 side receives a load directed toward the Y1 side, and the second outer wall 44 on the Y1 side receives a load directed toward the Y2 side.

[0046] In the prior art, since the bottom wall of the first ground terminal is connected to the bottom wall of the second ground terminal, and further the outer wall of the second ground terminal is connected to the bottom wall of the second ground terminal, the above-described load is likely to be transmitted to each bottom wall. As a result, each bottom wall may be deformed, and poor contact with the substrate may occur.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the first bottom wall 31 of the first ground terminal 30 of the first embodiment is separated from the second ground terminal 40, that is, it is not physically in direct contact with the second ground terminal 40. Therefore, it is difficult for the load to be transmitted to the first bottom wall 31. In other words, the load is not directly transmitted to the first bottom wall 31. As a result, the first bottom wall 31 is difficult to deform, so that poor contact between the first ground terminal 30 and the substrate 200 can be suppressed. Further, the second bottom wall 41 of the second ground terminal 40 is not directly connected to the second outer wall 44, that is, it is connected via two walls 42 and 43. Therefore, it is difficult for the load to be transmitted to the second bottom wall 41. As a result, the second bottom wall 41 is also difficult to deform, so that poor contact between the second ground terminal 40 and the substrate 200 can be suppressed.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector 1 and the female connector 101 along the cross-section VIII-VIII of FIG. 3. The cross-section VIII-VIII is an XZ plane that cuts the first ground terminal 30 of the male connector 1 and the third ground terminal 130 of the female connector 101.

[0049] The third ground terminal 130 has a third bottom wall 131 extending in the X direction, a third inner wall 132 rising and extending in the Z direction from the third bottom wall 131, a third upper wall 133 extending in the X direction from the third inner wall 132 without facing the third bottom wall 131, and a third outer wall 134 extending in the Z direction from the third upper wall 133 toward the third bottom wall 131 side, that is, the Z1 side

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, when the male connector 1 is fitted with the female connector 101, the first outer wall 34 of the first ground terminal 30 abuts against the third inner wall ۱۳۲ of the third ground terminal 130. Thereby, the first outer wall 34 receives a load directed inward in the X direction (the X1 side in FIG. 8).

[0051] In the first embodiment, the first bottom wall 31 of the first ground terminal 30 is not directly connected to the first outer wall 34, but is connected via two walls 32 and 33, so the load is less likely to be transmitted to the first bottom wall 31. As a result, the first bottom wall 31 is less likely to deform, thus suppressing poor contact between the first ground terminal 30 and the substrate 200. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the second bottom wall 41 of the second ground terminal 40 is not connected to the first ground terminal 30, so the load is less likely to be transmitted to the second bottom wall 41. As a result, the second bottom wall 41 is also less likely to deform, thus suppressing poor contact between the second ground terminal 40 and the substrate 200.

[0052] As described above, the load generated by mating with the female connector 101 is not easily transmitted to the first bottom wall 31, so the first bottom wall 31 is not easily deformed. As a result, the size of the first bottom wall 31, specifically the width W1 in the Y direction of the first bottom wall 31, can be made smaller than that of the other walls 32, 33, and 34. The dimensions of the male connector 1 in the Y direction are generally determined so as to maximize the distance in the Y direction between the first bottom wall 31 and the second bottom wall 41. As described above, since the width W1 of the first bottom wall 31 can be reduced, it becomes easy to secure the distance in the Y direction between the first bottom wall 31 and the second bottom wall 41. As a result, it becomes easy to reduce the dimensions of the male connector 1 in the Y direction, so the male connector 1 can be miniaturized.

[0053] The male connector 1 according to the first embodiment provides the following effects.

[0054] (1) The male connector 1 comprises a first ground terminal 30 having a first bottom wall 31 extending in a first direction, a first inner wall 32 rising up from the first bottom wall 31 in a second direction, a first upper wall 33 extending from the first inner wall 32 in a first direction opposite to the first bottom wall 31, and a first outer wall 34 extending from the first upper wall 33 in a second direction toward the first bottom wall 31 and in contact with the mating connector 101 when mated with the mating connector 101; two second ground terminals 40 arranged on both sides of the first ground terminal 30 in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, separated from the first bottom wall 31 in a third direction, and overlapping with the first ground terminal 30 when viewed from the third direction; and a resin body 10 that supports the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminals 40.

[0055] As a result, the load on the second ground terminal 40 due to the mating of the male connector 1 and the mating connector (female connector) 101 is less likely to be transmitted to the first bottom wall 31 of the first ground terminal 30. This makes the first bottom wall 31 less likely to deform, thus suppressing poor contact between the first ground terminal 30 and the circuit board 200.

[0056] (2) The first outer wall 34 faces the first bottom wall 31 in the second direction, and in the third direction, the width W1 of the first bottom wall 31 is smaller than the width W2 of the first outer wall 34.

[0057] As described above, the load is not easily transmitted to the first bottom wall 31, so the width W1 of the first bottom wall 31 can be made smaller than the width W2 of the first outer wall 34. As a result, it becomes easy to reduce the dimensions of the male connector 1 in the third direction (Y direction), and the male connector 1 can be made smaller.

[0058] (3) The male connector 1 is provided with a connecting wall 50 that connects two second ground terminals 40 to the first inner wall 32, the first upper wall 33, or the first outer wall 34.

[0059] As a result, the ground potential of the first ground terminal 30 and the ground potential of the second ground terminal are unified, improving electrical stability.

[0060] (4) The connecting wall 50 is covered with the resin body 10.

[0061] As a result, the resin body 10 can support the connecting wall 50. This means that even if stress concentrates on the connecting wall 50 due to deformation of the first ground terminal 30 or the second ground terminal 40 connected to the connecting wall 50, damage to the connecting wall 50 can be prevented by the support of the resin body 10.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] Next, the male connector 2 and the first ground terminal 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the following, only the configurations that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0063] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the first ground terminal 300 according to the second embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 5. The first ground terminal 300 further has a support wall 35 that extends in the X direction from the first outer wall 34 opposite the first bottom wall 31. The support wall 35 is connected to the first outer wall 34 at the Z2 side end 34a of the first outer wall 34. The support wall 35 extends parallel to the first bottom wall 31 and the first upper wall 33.

[0064] The support wall 35 is integrally formed with each of the walls 31, 32, 33, and 34. In another embodiment, the support wall 35 may be formed by welding a single metal plate to the first outer wall 34.

[0065] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector 2 according to the second embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 10, the shape of the support wall 35 is substantially rectangular, but it may have other shapes. The support wall 35 is surrounded by the resin body 10 in the X and Y directions. Although not shown in the figure, the support wall 35 is also surrounded by the resin body 10 in the Z direction. In other words, the support wall 35 is covered by the resin body 10.

[0066] The advantages of the male connector 2 according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the first upper wall 33 of the first ground terminal 30 is in contact with the third bottom wall 131 of the third ground terminal 130. As a result, the first upper wall 33 receives a load directed toward the Z2 side, and the first outer wall 34 connected to the first upper wall 33 also receives a load directed toward the Z2 side. This load is supported by the Z2 side end 34a of the first outer wall 34. As shown in Figure 8, the area of ​​the end 34a that supports the load is relatively small, so the end 34a may not be able to withstand the load, and the first outer wall 34 may deform, for example, buckle. In the male connector 1 alone, the first upper wall 33 is exposed, so such a load may occur due to collision with some other obstacle.

[0067] According to the second embodiment, the support wall 35 extends in the X direction from the end 34a of the first outer wall 34 and is covered with the resin body 10, and therefore supports the load. As a result, the load is supported over a relatively larger area compared to when the load is supported at the end 34a, so deformation of the first outer wall 34 can be suppressed.

[0068] According to the male connector 2 of the second embodiment, the first ground terminal 300 further has a support wall 35 that extends in a first direction from the first outer wall 34 facing the first bottom wall 31 and is covered with a resin body 10.

[0069] As a result, the load directed towards Z2 is supported by the support wall 35, thus suppressing the deformation of the first outer wall 34.

[0070] [Third Embodiment] Next, the male connector 3 and the first ground terminal 301 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. In the following, only the configurations that differ from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector 3 according to the third embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 11, the width of the support wall 35 in the Y direction changes along the X direction. Specifically, the width of the support wall 35 in the Y direction increases towards the X1 side. The support wall 35 has a base portion 35a on the side connected to the first outer wall 34, a tip portion 35b on the opposite side of the base portion 35a in the X direction, and an intermediate portion 35c between the base portion 35a and the tip portion 35b.

[0072] In the Y direction, the width W3 of the base portion 35a and the width W4 of the tip portion 35b are approximately constant along the X direction. The width W4 of the tip portion 35b is greater than the width W3 of the base portion 35a. The width W5 of the intermediate portion 35c increases continuously toward the X1 side. In another embodiment, the width W5 of the intermediate portion 35c may change in steps. In Figure 11, the shape of the support wall 35 is approximately triangular, but it is not limited to this shape. For example, the support wall 35 may consist only of a base portion 35a having a constant width W3 and a constant length in the X direction, and a tip portion 35b having a constant width W4 and a constant length in the X direction (i.e., in this case, the shape of the support wall 35 is a combination of a rectangle with width W3 and a rectangle with width W4).

[0073] According to the third embodiment, even if the support wall 35 is pulled towards X2, the tip portion 35b, which has a width greater than the width W3 of the base portion 35a, catches on the resin body 10, so the support wall 35, i.e., the first ground terminal 301, cannot be easily removed from the resin body 10. Therefore, the first ground terminal 301 can be fixed more firmly to the resin body 10.

[0074] According to the male connector 3 of the third embodiment, the support wall 35 has a base portion 35a connected to the first outer wall 34 and a tip portion 35b opposite to the base portion 35a in the first direction, and in the third direction, the width W4 of the tip portion 35b is greater than the width W3 of the base portion 35a.

[0075] As a result, the first ground terminal 301 can be more firmly fixed to the resin body 10.

[0076] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the male connector 4 and the first ground terminal 302 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In the following, only the configurations that differ from the first, second, and third embodiments will be described.

[0077] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector 4 according to the fourth embodiment, similar to that shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 12, the support wall 35 is provided with a through hole 35d that penetrates the support wall 35 in the Z direction. The inside of the through hole 35d is filled with the resin body 10. The shape of the through hole 35d is circular, but it may be other shapes, such as rectangular, square, or rhombus.

[0078] According to the fourth embodiment, since the through hole 35d is filled with the resin body 10, the first ground terminal 302 cannot be easily removed from the resin body 10. Therefore, the first ground terminal 302 according to the fourth embodiment can be fixed to the resin body 10 more firmly than the first ground terminal 301 according to the third embodiment.

[0079] According to the male connector 4 of the fourth embodiment, the support wall 35 is provided with a through hole 35d that penetrates the support wall 35, and the through hole 35d is filled with the resin body 10.

[0080] As a result, the first ground terminal 302 can be fixed even more firmly to the resin body 10.

[0081] Furthermore, the male connector relating to this disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0082] The connecting wall 50 is not required. In other words, the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 do not need to be electrically or physically connected. To put it another way, the first ground terminal 30 and the second ground terminal 40 may be provided separately.

[0083] The support wall 35 of the second embodiment may have a through hole 35d. That is, the support wall 35, which has a width in the Y direction and is constant along the X direction, may have a circular or other type of through hole.

[0084] The support wall configurations disclosed in the second, third, and fourth embodiments may be applied to the third ground terminal 130 of the female connector 101. For example, the third ground terminal 130 may have a support wall extending in the X direction from the third outer wall 134 shown in Figure 8, opposite the third upper wall 133. Such a support wall may include the configuration of the support wall 35 of the first ground terminal disclosed in the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

[0085] [Note] The male connector relating to this disclosure provides the following embodiments.

[0086] [Aspect 1] A male connector comprising: a first ground terminal having a first bottom wall extending in a first direction; a first inner wall rising and extending from the first bottom wall in a second direction; a first upper wall extending from the first inner wall in the first direction opposite to the first bottom wall; and a first outer wall extending from the first upper wall toward the first bottom wall in the second direction and contacting the mating connector when mated with the mating connector; two second ground terminals arranged on both sides of the first ground terminal in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, separated from the first bottom wall, and overlapping with the first ground terminal when viewed from the third direction; and a resin body supporting the first ground terminal and the second ground terminals.

[0087] [Aspect 2] The male connector according to aspect 1, wherein the first outer wall faces the first bottom wall in the second direction, and in the third direction, the width of the first bottom wall is smaller than the width of the first outer wall.

[0088] [Aspect 3] The male connector according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the male connector is provided with a connecting wall for connecting the two second ground terminals to the first inner wall, the first upper wall, or the first outer wall.

[0089] [Aspect 4] The male connector according to aspect 3, wherein the connecting wall is covered with the resin body.

[0090] [Aspect 5] The male connector according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the first ground terminal further has a support wall that extends in a first direction from the first outer wall opposite to the first bottom wall and is covered by the resin body.

[0091] [Aspect 6] The male connector according to aspect 5, wherein the support wall has a base portion connected to the first outer wall and a tip portion opposite to the base portion in the first direction, and in the third direction, the width of the tip portion is greater than the width of the base portion.

[0092] [Aspect 7] The male connector according to aspect 5 or 6, wherein the support wall is provided with a through hole that penetrates the support wall, and the through hole is filled with the resin body.

[0093] 1, 2, 3, 4: Male connector 101: Female connector 10: Resin body 30, 300, 301, 302: First ground terminal 31: First bottom wall 32: First inner wall 33: First top wall 34: First outer wall 35: Support wall 35a: Base 35b: Tip 35d: Through hole 40: Second ground terminal 50: Connecting wall W1: Width of first bottom wall W2: Width of first outer wall W3: Width of base W4: Width of tip

Claims

1. A male connector comprising: a first ground terminal having a first bottom wall extending in a first direction; a first inner wall rising and extending from the first bottom wall in a second direction; a first upper wall extending from the first inner wall in the first direction opposite to the first bottom wall; and a first outer wall extending from the first upper wall toward the first bottom wall in the second direction and contacting the mating connector when mated with the mating connector; two second ground terminals arranged on both sides of the first ground terminal in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, spaced apart from the first bottom wall, and overlapping with the first ground terminal when viewed from the third direction; and a resin body supporting the first ground terminal and the second ground terminals.

2. The male connector according to claim 1, wherein the first outer wall faces the first bottom wall in the second direction, and in the third direction, the width of the first bottom wall is smaller than the width of the first outer wall.

3. The male connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the male connector comprises a connecting wall for connecting the two second ground terminals to the first inner wall, the first upper wall, or the first outer wall.

4. The male connector according to claim 3, wherein the connecting wall is covered with the resin body.

5. The male connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first ground terminal further has a support wall that extends in the first direction from the first outer wall opposite to the first bottom wall and is covered by the resin body.

6. The male connector according to claim 5, wherein the support wall has a base portion connected to the first outer wall and a tip portion opposite to the base portion in the first direction, and in the third direction, the width of the tip portion is greater than the width of the base portion.

7. The male connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the support wall is provided with a through hole that penetrates the support wall, and the through hole is filled with the resin body.

Images