Patent Grant
9240647
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-012936 filed on Jan. 28, 2013, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entity.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to connectors and mating connectors connectable to the same.
2. Background Art
U.S. Pat. No. 7,485,008 discloses a conventional connector including a insulating body, a first terminal group, a second terminal group, and a cable.
At least one of the first and second terminal groups includes a pair of signal terminals and a pair of power terminals. The signal terminals are used to transmit and receive signals, and the power terminals are used to supply power. The signal terminals and the power terminals are connected to core wires of the cable.
The above connector is demanded to supply power with a pair of or a plurality of pairs of power terminals. In other words, the connector is demanded to supply power in a single electrical system or a plurality of systems. However, the connector with a plurality of pairs of power terminals should require space for connection between the power terminal and the core wire (connection object) of the cable in accordance with the number of the power terminals and the core wires, resulting in the upsizing of the connector.
In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the invention is devised to provide a connector with reduced space for connection between the terminals and the connection objects.
A first connector of the invention includes a body, first, second, third, and fourth terminals, and first and second connection objects. The body has an insulation property. The body includes a connection part and first and second recesses. The first recess includes a first bottom and a first side wall. The second recess includes a second bottom and a second side wall. The first, second, third, and fourth terminals are held by the body. The first terminal includes a first contact portion and a first connecting portion. The first contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The first connecting portion is provided in the first bottom of the body so as to be exposed from the first bottom, or provided on the first bottom, or provided with clearance from the first bottom. The second terminal includes a second contact portion and a second connecting portion. The second contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The second connecting portion is provided in the first side wall of the body so as to be exposed from the first side wall, or provided on the first side wall. The third terminal includes a third contact portion and a third connecting portion. The third contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The third connecting portion is provided in the second bottom of the body so as to be exposed from the second bottom, or provided on the second bottom, or provided with clearance from the second bottom. The fourth terminal includes a fourth contact portion and a fourth connecting portion. The fourth contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The fourth connecting portion is provided in the second side wall of the body so as to be exposed from the second side wall, or provided on the second side wall. The first connection object is connected to the first and second connecting portions in the first recess. The second connection object is connected to the third and fourth connecting portions in the second recess.
In the first connector of this aspect, the first connecting portion is provided at the first bottom of the first recess, and the second connecting portion is provided at the first side wall of the first recess. The first connection object is connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion together in the first recess. The third connecting portion is provided at the second bottom of the second recess, and the fourth connecting portion is provided at the second side wall of the second recess. The second connection object is connected to the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion together in the second recess. These arrangements can reduce the connection space for connecting the first connection object to the first and second connecting portions of the first and second terminals, and the connection space for connecting the second connection object to the third and fourth connecting portions of the third and fourth terminals. If the first, second, third, and fourth terminals are used as terminals for power supply, power can be supplied by way of one of the first and second terminals and one of the third and fourth terminals (i.e. power supply in one electrical system), or by way of the first, second, third, and fourth terminals (i.e. power supply in a plurality of electrical systems).
The second connecting portion may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second connecting portion may be provided in the first side wall of the body so as to be exposed from the first side wall, or provided on the first side wall. The second portion may be contiguous with the first portion and located under and in contact with the first connecting portion. The fourth connecting portion may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fourth connecting portion may be provided in the second side wall of the body so as to be exposed from the second side wall, or provided on the second side wall. The second portion of the fourth connecting portion may be contiguous with the first portion of the fourth connecting portion and located under and in contact with the third connecting portion.
In the first connector of this aspect, the second connecting portion includes the first and second portions, and the first connecting portion is in physical and electrical contact with the second portion of the second connecting portion. This arrangement can increase the connection area of the first connection object with respect to the first and second connecting portions. Further advantageously, electrical connection is established between the first connection object and both the first and second connecting portions, by connecting the first connection object to at least one of the connecting portions. This arrangement can improve the reliability of connection between the first connection object and the first and second terminals. The fourth connecting portion includes the first and second portions, and the third connecting portion is in physical and electrical contact with the second portion of the fourth connecting portion. This arrangement can increase the connection area of the second connection object with respect to the third and fourth connecting portions. Further advantageously, electrical connection is established between the second connection object and both the third and fourth connecting portions, by connecting the second connection object to at least one of the connecting portions. This arrangement can improve the reliability of connection between the second connection object and the third and fourth terminals.
The first connecting portion may have smaller outer dimensions than the second portion of the second connecting portion. The third connecting portion may have smaller outer dimensions than the second portion of the fourth connecting portion.
In the first connector of this aspect, the second portion of the second connecting portion is partially exposed outside the first connecting portion. The second portion of the fourth connecting portion is partially exposed outside the third connecting portion. These arrangements can increase the area for connection between the first connection object and the first and second connecting portions, and the area for connection between the second connection object and the third and fourth connecting portions. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the reliability of connection between the first connection object and the first and second terminals, and between the second connection object and third and fourth terminals.
Alternatively, the second portion of the second connecting portion may be disposed on top of, not under, and in contact with the first connecting portion. The second portion of the fourth connecting portion may be disposed on top of, not under, and in contact with the third connecting portion.
In the first connector of this aspect, the second connecting portion includes the first and second portions, and the first connecting portion is in physical and electrical contact with the second portion of the second connecting portion. This arrangement can increase the connection area of the first connection object with respect to the first and second connecting portions. Further advantageously, electrical connection is established between the first connection object and both the first and second connecting portions, by connecting the first connection object to at least one of the connecting portions. This arrangement can improve the reliability of connection between the first connection object and the first and second terminals. The fourth connecting portion includes the first and second portions, and the third connecting portion is in physical and electrical contact with the second portion of the fourth connecting portion. This arrangement can increase the connection area of the second connection object with respect to the third and fourth connecting portions. Further advantageously, electrical connection is established between the second connection object and both the third and fourth connecting portions, by connecting the second connection object to at least one of the connecting portions. This arrangement can improve the reliability of connection between the second connection object and the third and fourth terminals.
The second portion of the second connecting portion may have smaller outer dimensions than the first connecting portion. The second portion of the fourth connecting portion may have smaller outer dimensions than the third connecting portion.
In the first connector of this aspect, the first connecting portion is partially exposed outside the second portion of the second connecting portion. The third connecting portion is partially exposed outside the second portion of the fourth connecting portion. These arrangements can increase the area for connection between the first connection object and the first and second connecting portions, and the area for connection between the second connection object and the third and fourth connecting portions. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the reliability of connection between the first connection object and the first and second terminals, and between the second connection object and third and fourth terminals.
A second connector of the invention includes a body, first, second, third, and fourth terminals, and first and second connection objects. The body has an insulation property. The body includes a connection part and first and second recesses. The first recess includes a first bottom and a first side wall. The second recess includes a second bottom and a second side wall. The first, second, third, and fourth terminals are held by the body. The second terminal includes a second contact portion and a second connecting portion. The second contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The second connecting portion is provided on the first bottom of the body. The first terminal includes a first contact portion and a first connecting portion. The first contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The first connecting portion is provided on the second connecting portion. The fourth terminal includes a fourth contact portion and a fourth connecting portion. The fourth contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The fourth connecting portion is provided on the second bottom of the body. The third terminal includes a third contact portion and a third connecting portion. The third contact portion is provided at the connection part of the body. The third connecting portion is provided on the fourth connecting portion. The first connection object is connected to the first and second connecting portions in the first recess. The second connection object is connected to the third and fourth connecting portions in the second recess.
In the second connector of this aspect, the first and second connecting portions are stacked on the first bottom of the first recess. The third and fourth connecting portions are stacked on the first bottom of the second recess. The first connection object is connected to the second and first connecting portions together in the first recess. The second connection object is connected to the fourth and third connecting portions together in the second recess. These arrangements can reduce the connection space for connecting the first connection object to the first and second connecting portions of the first and second terminals, and the connection space for connecting the second connection object to the third and fourth connecting portions of the third and fourth terminals can be reduced. If the first, second, third, and fourth terminals are used as terminals for power supply, power can be supplied by way of one of the first and second terminals and one of the third and fourth terminals (i.e. power supply in one electrical system), or by way of the first, second, third, and fourth terminals (i.e. power supply in a plurality of electrical systems).
The first and second connecting portions may be integral with each other. The third and fourth connecting portions may be integral with each other. The first and second connectors of this aspect can be manufactured with a reduced number of components.
The first and second connector may each further include a cable. The cable may include a first core wire serving as the first connection object and a second core wire serving as the second connection object.
The first and second contact portions may be provided at the connection part so as to be at least partially exposed from different places of the connection part. The third and fourth contact portions may be provided at the connection part so as to be at least partially exposed from different places of the connection part.
A first mating connector of the invention is connectable with the first and second connectors according to any of above aspects. The first mating connector includes a body, a signal terminal, and first, second, third, and fourth power terminal. The body has an insulation property. The signal terminal is held by the body of the mating connector. The first power terminal is held by the body of the mating connector so as to be contactable with the third contact portion of the third terminal. The second power terminal is held by the body of the mating connector so as to be contactable with the fourth contact portion of the fourth terminal. The third power terminal is held by the body of the mating connector so as to be contactable with the first contact portion of the first terminal. The fourth power terminal is held by the body of the mating connector so as to be contactable with the second contact portion of the second terminal.
The first mating connector of this aspect is applicable to power supply through a plurality of electrical systems, by bringing the first power terminal into contact with the third contact portion of the third terminal, the second power terminal into contact with the fourth contact portion of the fourth terminal, the third power terminal into contact with the first contact portion of the first terminal, and the fourth power terminal into contact with the second contact portion of the second terminal. The first mating connector can perform signal transmission also with another type of connector, by bringing the signal terminal into contact with a terminal of the another type of connector.
The body may include a base and first and second protruding parts. The first protruding part is provided on the base. The second protruding part may be provided on the first protruding part. The first, second, third, and fourth power terminals may include first, second, third, and fourth contact portions, respectively, partially exposed from the first protruding part. The signal terminal may include a contact portion partially exposed from the second protruding part.
In the first mating connector of this aspect, the contact portion of the signal terminal, and the first, second, third, and fourth contact portions of the first, second, third, and fourth power terminals are exposed from different places (from the second and first protruding parts, respectively) of the body. This arrangement can prevent undesirable contact of the signal terminal with any of the third, fourth, first, and second contact portions of the third, fourth, first, and second terminals when bringing the first, second, third, and fourth power terminals into contact with the first, second, third, and fourth contact portions of the first, second, third, and fourth terminals. The above arrangement can also prevent undesirable contact of the first, second, third, and fourth power terminals with any of the contacts of the another type of connector when bringing the signal terminal with the contacts of the another type of connector.
The exposed parts of the first and second contact portions may be exposed from different places of the first protruding part. The exposed parts of the third and fourth contact portions may be exposed at different places of the first protruding part.
A second mating connector of the invention is connectable with a connector according to any of above aspects. The second mating connector includes a body, a signal terminal, a pair of power terminals. The body has an insulation property. The signal terminal is held by the body of the mating connector. The power terminals are held by the body of the mating connector. One of the power terminals is contactable with one of the first and second contact portions of the first and second terminals. The other power terminal is contactable with one of the third and fourth contact portions of the third and fourth terminals.
In the second mating connector of this aspect, one of the power terminal is in contact with one of the first and second contact portions of the first and second terminals, and the other power terminal is in contact with one of the third and fourth contact portions of the third and fourth terminals, allowing power supply through one electrical system. The second mating connector can perform signal transmission also with another type of connector, by bringing the signal terminal into contact with a terminal of the another type of connector.
The body of the mating connector may include a base, and first and second protruding parts. The first protruding part may be provided on the base. The second protruding part may be provided on the first protruding part. The power terminals may each include a contact portion partially exposed from the first protruding part. The signal terminal may include a contact portion partially exposed from the second protruding part.
In the second mating connector of this aspect, the contact portion of the signal terminal and the contact portions of the power terminals are exposed from the different places (from the second and first protruding parts, respectively) of the body. This arrangement can prevent undesirable contact of the signal terminal with any of the first, second, third, and fourth contact portions of the first, second, third, and fourth terminals when bringing one of the power terminal into contact with one of the first and second contact portions of the first and second terminals and the Other power terminal into contact with one of the third and fourth contact portions of the third and fourth terminals. The above arrangement can also prevent undesirable contact of the power terminals with any of the contacts of the another type of connector when bringing the signal terminal with the contacts of the another type of connector.
A connector P in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
The body 100 as shown in
The base 110 is a block made of insulating resin. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The Y1-direction end portion of the protruding part 120 includes the connection part 140. The connection part 140 is a recess opening in the Y1 direction (to the front side) and the Z1 direction (to the upper side).
The housing part 150a serves to house the first terminal 200a and has an engaging hole 151a and a groove 152a as shown in
The housing part 150c serves to house the third terminal 200c and is symmetric to the housing part 150a as shown in
The housing part 150b serves to house the second terminal 200b and is located on the Z1-direction side (upper side) of the housing part 150a as shown in
The housing part 150d serves to house the fourth terminal 200d, and as shown in
The housing parts 160 serve to house the lock pieces 300 and each have an engaging hole 161 and a slit 162 as shown in
The first terminal 200a is a positive (Vcc) power terminal held by the body 100 as shown in
The first engaging portion 220a is a rectangular metal plate extending in the Y1-Y2 direction. The first engaging portion 220a is received in and engaged with the engaging hole 151a of the housing part 150a of the body 100. The first contact portion 210a is a generally L-shaped metal plate contiguous with the Y1-direction end of the first engaging portion 220a. The first contact portion 210a is received in the groove 152a of the housing part 150a and partially exposed from the groove 152a to the connection part 140. The first bent portion 230a is a metal plate contiguous with the Y2-direction end of the first engaging portion 220a and is bent in the Z1 direction. The first bent portion 230a is housed in the first recess 130a of the body 100. The first connecting portion 240a is a metal plate contiguous with the first bent portion 230a and extends in the Y2 direction. The first connecting portion 240a is disposed on the first bottom 131a of the first recess 130a. The first connecting portion 240a has X1- and X2-direction end portions. The middle area between the X1- and X2-direction end portions of the first connecting portion 240a is cut-out (hereinafter referred to as first cut-out). The X1-direction end portion is cut away at its Y2-direction end such that the X1-direction end portion is smaller in length in the Y1-Y2 direction than the X2-direction end portion (hereinafter referred to as second cut-out).
The third terminal 200c is a negative (GND) power terminal held by the body 100 as shown in
The second terminal 200b is a positive (Vcc) power terminal held by the body 100 as shown in
The second engaging portion 220b is a metal plate extending in the Y1-Y2 direction and has a generally L-shaped cross section in the X1-X2 direction. The second engaging portion 220b is received in and engaged with the engaging hole 152b of the housing part 150b of the body 100. The second engaging portion 220b consists of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The second extended portion 230b is a metal plate of generally L-shaped cross section in the Y1-Y2 direction and contiguous with the Y1-direction end of the vertical portion of the second engaging portion 220b. The second extended portion 230b consists of a first portion extending in the Y1 direction and a second portion bent substantially perpendicular to the first portion. The first portion of the second extended portion 230b is received in the slit 153b of the housing part 150b. The second portion of the second extended portion 230b is disposed along the wall on the Y2-direction side of the housing recess 154b of the housing part 150b. The second contact portion 210b is a metal plate contiguous with the second portion of the second extended portion 230b. The second contact portion 210b is disposed along the wall on the X1-direction side of the housing recess 154b of the housing part 150b. As described above, the first and second contact portions 210a and 210b are exposed from different places (groove 152a of the housing part 150a and the housing recess 154b of the housing part 150b, respectively) of the connection part 140.
The second connecting portion 240b is a metal plate having a generally L-shaped cross section in the X1-X2 direction and, contiguous with the Y2-direction end of the second engaging portion 220b. The second connecting portion 240b consists of a first portion 241b and a second portion 242b. The first portion 241b is housed in the side region of the L-shaped recess 151b in the first recess 130a. In other words, the first portion 241b is provided in the first side wall 132a of the first recess 130a so as to be exposed from the first side wall 132a. The second portion 242b is a metal plate contiguous with the Z2-direction end of the first portion 241b and bent substantially perpendicular to the first portion 241b. The second portion 242b is housed in the bottom region of the L-shaped recess 151b of the first recess 130a. In other words, the second portion 242b is provided in the first bottom 131a of the first recess 130a so as to be exposed from the first bottom 131a. The second portion 242b is located under and in contact with the first connecting portion 240a of the first terminal 200a. The second portion 242b is exposed from the first and second cut-outs of the first connecting portion 240a. It should be noted that the first connecting portion 240a has smaller outer dimensions than the second portion 242b.
The fourth terminal 200d is a negative (GND) power terminal held by the body 100 as shown in
Also, the fourth terminal 200d includes a fourth contact portion 210d disposed along the wall on the X2-direction side of the housing recess 154d of the housing part 150d. As described above, the third and fourth contact portions 210c and 210d are exposed from different places (the groove 152c of the housing part 150c and the housing recess 154d of the housing part 150d, respectively) of the connection part 140. The fourth connecting portion 240d of the fourth terminal 200d consists of a first portion 241d and a second portion 242d. The first portion 241d is housed in the side region of the L-shaped recess 151d in the second recess 130b. In other words, the first portion 241d is provided in the second side wall 132b of the second recess 130b so as to be exposed from the second side wall 132b. The second portion 242d of the fourth connecting portion 240d is housed in the bottom region of the L-shaped recess 151d of the second recess 130b. In other words, the second portion 242d is provided in the second bottom 131b of the second recess 130b so as to be exposed from the second bottom 131b. The second portion 242d is located under and in contact with the third connecting portion 240c of the third terminal 200c. The second portion 242d is exposed from the first and second cut-outs of the third connecting portion 240c. It should be noted that the third connecting portion 240c has smaller outer dimensions than the second portion 242d.
As shown in
As shown in
The shield case 500a as shown in
The tube 510a is contiguous with the Y1-direction end of the cup 520a. The inner shape of the tube 510a conforms to the outer shape of the protruding part 120 of the body 100. The tube 510a fits around the protruding part 120. The tube 510a covers the openings in the Z1 direction of the connection part 140 of the protruding part 120, the housing recess 154b and the housing recess 154d. The tube 510a, the connection part 140, the housing recess 154b, and the housing recess 154d define a connection hole of the connector P. The plate on the Z1-direction side (upper plate) of the tube 510a is provided with a pair of openings 511a at positions corresponding to the slits 162 of the body 100. The openings 511a let through the claws 321 of the arms 320 of the lock pieces 300. The plate on the Z2-direction side (lower plate) of the tube 510a is provided with a pair of engaging pieces 512a.
The cable holder 530a is a plate contiguous with the Y2-direction end of the cup 520a and extends in the Y2 direction. The distal portion of the cable holder 530a abuts the insulator 420 of the cable 400.
The shield case 500b as shown in
The tongue 510b is contiguous with the Y1-direction end of the cup 520b. As shown in
The cable holder 530b is a plate contiguous with the Y2-direction end of the cup 520b and extends in the Y2 direction. The distal portion of the cable holder 530b is curved like a ring to hold the distal portion of the cable holder 530a and the insulator 420 of the cable 400.
The case 600 as shown in
The connector P may be assembled in the following manner. First, the body 100 and the second and fourth terminals 200b and 200d are prepared. The second connecting portion 240b and the second engaging portion 220b of the second terminal 200b are inserted into the engaging hole 152b of the body 100 from the Y1 direction. The inserted second connecting portion 240b fits into the L-shaped recess 151b of the first recess 130a of the body 100. The second connecting portion 240b is thus embedded in the first bottom 131a and the first side wall 132a of the first recess 130a and partially exposed from the first bottom 131a and the first side wall 132a. The inserted second engaging portion 220b is engaged with the engaging hole 152b. The second extended portion 230b of the second terminal 200b is received in the slit 153b of the body 100 and extends along the wall on the Y2-direction side of the housing recess 154b of the body 100. The second contact portion 210b of the second terminal 200b is disposed along the wall on the X1-direction side of the housing recess 154b. The second terminal 200b is thus held by the body 100.
Similarly, the fourth connecting portion 240d and the fourth engaging portion 220d of the fourth terminal 200d are inserted into the engaging hole 152d of the body 100 from the Y1 direction. The inserted fourth connecting portion 240d fits into the L-shaped recess 151d of the second recess 130b of the body 100. The fourth connecting portion 240d is thus embedded in the second bottom 131b and the second side wall 132b of the second recess 130b and partially exposed from the second bottom 131b and the second side wall 132b. The inserted fourth engaging portion 220d is engaged with the engaging hole 152d. The fourth extended portion 230d of the fourth terminal 200d is received in the slit 153d of the body 100 and extends along the wall on the Y2-direction side of the housing recess 154d of the body 100. The fourth contact portion 210d of the fourth terminal 200d is disposed along the wall on the X2-direction side of the housing recess 154d. The fourth terminal 200d is thus held by the body 100.
The first and third terminals 200a and 200c are also prepared. The first contact portion 210a and the first engaging portion 220a of the first terminal 200a are inserted into the engaging hole 151a of the body 100 from the Y2 direction. The inserted first contact portion 210a is received in the groove 152a of the body 100 and partially exposed to the connection part 140. The inserted first engaging portion 220a is engaged with the engaging hole 151a. The first bent portion 230a of the first terminal 200a is housed in the first recess 130a of the body 100. The first connecting portion 240a of the first terminal 200a is disposed on the second connecting portion 240b of the second terminal 200b in the first recess 130a to be brought into contact with the second portion 242b of the second connecting portion 240b. The second portion 242b is exposed from the first and second cut-outs of the first connecting portion 240a.
Similarly, the third contact portion 210c and the third engaging portion 220c of the third terminal 200c are inserted into the engaging hole 151c of the body 100 from the Y2 direction. The inserted third contact portion 210c is received in the groove 152c of the body 100, and is exposed to the connection part 140. The inserted third engaging portion 220c is engaged with the engaging hole 151c. The third bent portion 230c of the third terminal 200c is housed in the second recess 130b of the body 100. The third connecting portion 240c of the third terminal 200c is disposed on the fourth connecting portion 240d of the fourth terminal 200d in the second recess 130b to be brought into contact with the second portion 242d of the fourth connecting portion 240d. The second portion 242d is exposed from the first and second cut-outs of the third connecting portion 240c.
The cable 400 is also prepared. The first core wire 410a of the cable 400 is inserted into the first recess 130a of the body 100 to be brought into contact with the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b. Similarly, the second core wire 410b of the cable 400 is inserted into the second recess 130b of the body 100 to be brought into contact with the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d. In this state, the first core wire 410a is soldered to the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b, and the second core wire 410b is soldered to the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d.
The lock pieces 300 are also prepared. The arms 320 and the fixing portions 310 of the lock pieces 300 are inserted into the respective engaging holes 161 of the body 100. The inserted fixing portions 310 are brought into engagement with the engaging holes 161. The abutting portions 330 of the lock pieces 300 are brought into abutment with the body 100. The arms 320 are received in the respective slits 162 of the body 100, and the claws 321 of the arms 320 protrude from the respective slits 162 in the Z1 direction.
The shield cases 500a and 500b and the insulating tape 700 are also prepared. The cable holder 530b of the shield case 500b is a flat plate at this stage. Subsequently, the protruding part 120 of the body 100 is inserted into the tube 510a of the shield case 500a, and the cup 520a of the shield case 500a is placed over the base 110 of the body 100. At this stage, the cable holder 530a of the shield case 500a contacts the insulator 420 of the cable 400. The claws 321 of the lock pieces 300 are received in the respective openings 511a of the tube 510a.
Then, the insulating tape 700 is placed on the body 100 to close the first and second recesses 130a and 130b. After that, the engaging pieces 512a of the tube 510a is inserted into and brought into engagement with the slit 511b of the tongue 510b of the shield case 500b. Simultaneously, the cup 520b of the shield case 500b is placed over the cup 520a to engage the engaging pieces 521a of the cup 520a with the respective engaging holes 521b of the cup 520b. Also, the cup 520b contacts the insulating tape 700, and the cable holder 530b contacts the insulator 420 of the cable 400. The shield cases 500a and 500b are thus combined to cover the body 100. After that, the cable holder 530b is curved like a ring to hold the cable 400 and the cable holder 530a. The shield cases 500a and 500b thus hold the cable 400.
Subsequently, the base 110 of the body 100, the cup 520a of the shield case 500a, the cable holder 530a, the shield case 500b, and the lengthwise end of the cable 400 are placed into a die. Into the die, insulating resin is injected to mold the case 600. The case 600 thus covers the base 110 of the body 100, the cup 520a of the shield case 500a, the cable holder 530a, the shield case 500b, and the lengthwise end of the cable 400.
The connector P described above has at least the following technical features. First, the connector P will not be substantially upsized in accordance with the increase in outer diameter of the first and second core wires 410a and 410b for the purpose of supplying a large amount of power. This is realized through the following arrangement. The second connecting portion 240b is provided in the first bottom 131a and the first side wall 132a of the first recess 130a, and the first connecting portion 240a is provided on the second portion 242b of the second connecting portion 240b. The fourth connecting portion 240d is provided in the second bottom 131b and the second side wall 132b of the second recess 130b, and the third connecting portion 240c is provided on the second portion 242d of the fourth connecting portion 240d. The first core wire 410a is connected to the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b together in the first recess 130a. The second core wire 410b is connected to the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d together in the second recess 130b. This arrangement can reduce connection spaces (soldering spaces) for connecting between the first core wire 410a and the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b and for connecting between the second core wire 410b and the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d.
Second, the connector P has improved reliability of connection between the first core wire 410a and the first and second terminals 200a and 200b for the reasons below. The first portion 241b of the second connecting portion 240b is provided in the first side wall 132a of the first recess 130a, and the second portion 242b of the second connecting portion 240b is provided in the first bottom 131a of the first recess 130a. The second portion 242b is in contact with the first connecting portion 240a. The first connecting portion 240a has smaller outer dimensions than the second portion 242b, so that the second portion 242b is partially exposed outside the first connecting portion 240a. This arrangement can increase the area for connection between the first core wire 410a and the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b. Therefore, connecting the first core wire 410a to at least one of the first and second connecting portions 240a and 240b will result in connection to both the connecting portions. Similarly, the connector P has an improved reliability of connection between the second core wire 410b and the third and fourth terminals 200c and 200d for the reasons below. The first portion 241d of the fourth connecting portion 240d is provided in the second side wall 132b of the second recess 130b, and the second portion 242d of the fourth connecting portion 240d is provided in the second bottom 131b of the second recess 130b. The second portion 242d is in contact with the third connecting portion 240c. The third connecting portion 240c has smaller outer dimensions than the second portion 242d, so that the second portion 242d is partially exposed outside the third connecting portion 240c. This arrangement can increase the area for connection between the second core wire 410b and the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d. Therefore, connecting t the second core wire 410b to at least one of the third and fourth connecting portions 240c and 240d will result in connection to both the connecting portions.
Third, the connector P has an improved reliability of connection with respect to a mating connector R (to be described) for the reasons below. The first and third contact portions 210a and 210c of the first and third terminals 200a and 200c are respectively received in the grooves 152a and 152c in the bottom of the connection part 140. The second contact portion 210b of the second terminal 200b is disposed along the wall on the X1-direction side of the housing recess 154b of the connection part 140. The fourth contact portion 210d of the fourth terminal 200d is disposed along the wall on the X2-direction side of the housing recess 154d of the connection part 140. This means that the first and third contact portions 210a and 210c, and the second and fourth contact portions 210b and 210d are exposed from different places of the connection part 140. Therefore, even if the connector P is pried with its connection hole engaged with the mating connector R, it is still possible to maintain the electrical connection of the mating connector R to at least one of the first and second contact portions 210a and 210b and to at least one of the third and fourth contact portions 210c and 210d.
Fourth, the connector P can be readily modified and therefore has improved versatility. One of the first and second terminals 200a and 200b can be omitted because the first core wire 410a is still connected to the other of the first and second terminals 200a and 200b in the first recess 130a. One of the third and fourth terminals 200c and 200d can be omitted because the second core wire 410b is still connected to the other of the third and fourth terminals 200c and 200d in the second recess 130b. It is thus easy to modify the connector P, simply by omitting one of the first and second terminals 200a and 200b and one of the third and fourth terminals 200c and 200d.
The mating connector R in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to
The body 10 as shown in
As shown in
The housing portion 14a has an engaging hole 14a1, a housing groove 14a2, and a housing groove 14a3. The housing portion 14b has an engaging hole 14b1, a housing groove 14b2, and a housing groove 14b3. The housing portion 14c has an engaging hole 14c1, a housing groove 14c2, and a housing groove 14c3. The housing portion 14d has an engaging hole 14d1, a housing groove 14d2, and a housing groove 14d3. The housing portion 14e has an engaging hole 14e1, a housing groove 14e2, and a housing groove 14e3.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The signal terminal 20a as shown in
The signal terminal 20e as shown in
The signal terminal 20b as shown in
The signal terminal 20d as shown in
The ground terminal 20c as shown in
The first power terminal 30a is a positive (Vcc) power terminal as shown in
The third power terminal 30c is a negative (GND) power terminal as shown in
The second power terminal 30b is a positive (Vcc) power terminal as shown in
The fourth power terminal 30d is a negative (GND) power terminal as shown in
As illustrated, the first to fourth tail portions 35a to 35d and the tail portions 24a to 24e are aligned at intervals along the X1′-X2′ direction such that their lower surfaces are flush with each other. The first to fourth tail portions 35a to 35d and the tail portions 24a to 24e are connectable to electrodes on a circuit board of electronic equipment equipped with the mating connector R.
As shown in
The legs 42 are plates formed by cutting portions in the Y1′-direction side of the bottom plate and the side plates of the shell 41 and extend in the Z2′ direction. The legs 43 are plates formed by cutting portions in the Y2′-direction side of the bottom plate and the side plates of the shell 41 and extend in the Z2′ direction. The legs 42 and 43 are connectable to through-hole electrodes in the circuit board of the electronic component.
The mating connector R may be assembled in the following manner. First, the body 10, the signal terminals 20a, 20b, 20d, and 20e and the ground terminal 20c are prepared. The signal terminals 20a, 20b, 20d, and 20e, particularly the contact portions 21a, 21b, 21d, and 21e and the engaging portions 22a, 22b, 22d, and 22e, are respectively inserted into the engaging holes 14a1, 14b1, 14d1, and 14e1 of the body 10 from the Y2′ direction. The inserted engaging portions 22a, 22b, 22d, and 22e are engaged with the engaging holes 14a1, 14b1, 14d1, and 14e1, respectively. Also, the contact portion 21a, 21b, 21d, 21e are received in the housing grooves 14a2, 14b2, 14d2, and 14e2 of the second protruding part 13 of the body 10, and the contact portions 21a, 21b, 21d, and 21e are exposed from the housing grooves 14a2, 14b2, 14d2, and 14e2, respectively, in the Z2′ direction. The L-shaped portions 23a and 23e of the signal terminals 20a and 20e are respectively received in the housing grooves 14a3 and 14e3 of the body 10, and the hanging portions 23b and 23d of the signal terminals 20b and 20d are respectively received in the housing grooves 14b3 and 14d3 of the body 10.
Similarly, the contact portion 21c and the engaging portion 22c of the ground terminal 20c are inserted into the engaging hole 14c1 of the body 10 from the Y2′ direction. The inserted engaging portion 22c is engaged with the engaging hole 14c1. Also, the contact portion 21c is received in the housing groove 14c2 of the second protruding part 13 of the body 10, and the contact portion 21c is exposed from the housing groove 14c3 in the Z2′ direction. The hanging portion 23c of the ground terminal 20c is received in the housing groove 14c3 of the body 10. The ground terminal 20c is thus disposed between the signal terminal 20b and the signal terminal 20d.
The first to fourth power terminals 30a to 30d are also prepared. The first to fourth power terminals 30a to 30d, particularly the first to fourth contact portions 32a to 32d and the first to fourth arms 31a to 31d, are respectively inserted into the housing portion body 15a2 to 15d2 of the body 10. Simultaneously, the first to fourth engaging portions 34a to 34d of the first to fourth power terminals 30a to 30d are respectively engaged with the engaging hole 15a1 to 15d1 of the body 10. Then, the first and third contact portions 32a and 32c protrude in the Z2′ direction from the housing portion bodies 15a2 and 15c2 (the Z2′-direction end face of the first protruding part 12). The second contact portion 32b protrudes in the X1′ direction from the housing portion body 15b2 (the X1′-direction end face of the first protruding part 12). The fourth contact portion 32d protrudes in the X2′ direction from the housing portion body 15d2 (the X2′-direction end face of the first protruding part 12). The first and third hanging portions 33a and 33c of the first and third power terminals 30a and 30c are housed in the housing grooves 15a3 and 15c3 of the body 10. The second and fourth L-shaped portions 33b and 33d of the second and fourth power terminals 30b and 30d are respectively housed in the housing grooves 15b3 and 15d3 of the body 10. As a result, the first hanging portion 33a is disposed between the L-shaped portion 23a and the hanging portion 23b, and the first tail portion 35a is disposed between the tail portion 24a and the tail portion 24b. The third hanging portion 33c is disposed between the L-shaped portion 23e and the hanging portion 23d, and the third tail portion 35c is disposed between the tail portion 24e and the tail portion 24d. The first to fourth tail portions 35a to 35d and the tail portions 24a to 24e are aligned at intervals in the X1′-X2′ direction such that their lower surfaces are flush with each other
The shield case 40 is also prepared. Into the front space of the shell 41 of the shield case 40 inserted are the first and second protruding parts 12 and 13 of the body 10 to house the base 11 of the body 10 in the rear space of the shell 41. The base 11 then abuts on the shell 41. This is how the mating connector R may be assembled.
The assembled mating connector R may be connected to the connector P in the following manner. The tube 510a and the protruding part 120 of the connector P are fitted into the front space of the shell 41 of the mating connector R. On the other hand, the first and second protruding parts 12 and 13 of the mating connector R are fitted into the connection hole of the connector P. Then, the first contact portion 32a of the first power terminal 30a of the mating connector R elastically contacts the third contact portion 210c of the third terminal 200c of the connector P. The second contact portion 32b of the second power terminal 30b of the mating connector R elastically contacts the fourth contact portion 210d of the fourth terminal 200d of the connector P. The third contact portion 32c of the third power terminal 30c of the mating connector R elastically contacts the first contact portion 210a of the first terminal 200a of the connector P. The fourth contact portion 32d of the fourth power terminal 30d of the mating connector R elastically contacts the second contact portion 210b of the second terminal 200b of the connector P. The claws 321 of the lock pieces 300 of the connector P are engaged with engaging holes in the top plate of the shell 41.
The mating connector R has at least the following technical features. First, the mating connector R realizes power supply to electronic equipment through two electrical systems by way of the first and second power terminals 30a and 30b and the third and fourth power terminals 30c and 30d.
Second, he mating connector R has improved connection reliability for the reasons below. The first and second contact portions 32a and 32b of the first and second power terminals 30a and 30b are exposed from different places of the first protruding part 12, and the third and fourth contact portions 32c and 32d of the third and fourth power terminals 30c and 30d are exposed from different places of the first protruding part 12. In this arrangement, even if the connector P as fitting in the front space of the connector P is pried, it is still possible to maintain the electrical connection of at least one of the first and second contact portions 32a and 32b to at least one of the third and fourth contact portions 210c and 210d of the third and fourth terminals 200c and 200d of the connector P, and the electrical connection of at least one of the third and fourth contact portions 32c and 32d to at least one of the first and second contact portions 210a and 210b of the first and second terminals 200a and 200b of the connector P.
Third, the mating connector R is connectable to a different type of plug connector with contacts that are contactable with the contact portions 21a and 21b of the signal terminals 20a and 20b, the contact portion 21c of the ground terminal 20e, and the contact portions 21d and 21e of the signal terminals 20d and 20e but not contactable with the first to fourth power terminals 30a to 30d. This is made possible by the arrangement of contacts of the mating connector R. Particularly, the contact portions 21a and 21b of the signal terminals 20a and 20b, the contact portion 21c of the ground terminal 20c, and the contact portions 21d and 21e of the signal terminals 20d and 20e are exposed from the surface on the Z2′-direction side of the second protruding part 13. The first and third contact portions 32a and 32c of the first and third power terminals 30a and 30c protrude in the Z2′ direction from the Z2′-direction end face of the first protruding part 12. The second and fourth contact portions 32b and 32d of the second and fourth power terminals 30b and 30d protrude from the X1′- and X2′-direction end faces of the first protruding part 12.
The connector P and the mating connector R are not limited to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiment, but they may be modified in any manner within the scope of the Claims. Specific modifications will be described below in detail.
The first terminal of the connector of the above embodiment includes the first contact portion, the first engaging portion, the first bent portion, and the first connecting portion. However, the first terminal of the connector of the invention may be any contact including the first contact portion and the first connecting portion. For example, the first terminal may include the first contact portion, the first engaging portion, and the first connecting portion.
The third terminal of the connector of the above embodiment includes the third contact portion, the third engaging portion, the third bent portion, and the third connecting portion. However, the third terminal of the connector of the invention may be any contact including the third contact portion and the third connecting portion. For example, the third terminal may include the third contact portion, the third engaging portion, and the third connecting portion.
The second terminal of the connector of the above embodiment includes the second contact portion, the second engaging portion, the second extended portion, and the second connecting portion. However, the second terminal of the connector of the invention may any contact including the second contact portion and the second connecting portion. For example, the second terminal may include the second contact portion, the second engaging portion, and the second connecting portion.
The fourth terminal of the connector of the above embodiment includes the fourth contact portion, the fourth engaging portion, the fourth extended portion, and the fourth connecting portion. However, the fourth terminal of the connector of the invention may be any contact including the fourth contact portion and the fourth connecting portion. For example, the fourth terminal may include the fourth contact portion, the fourth engaging portion, and the fourth connecting portion.
The first connecting portion of the first terminal of the connector of the invention may be embedded in the first bottom of the first recess of the body so as to be exposed from the first bottom, may be disposed on the first bottom, or may be disposed above the first bottom with a clearance therebetween. Alternatively, the first connecting portion may be disposed on top of and in contact with the second portion of the second connecting portion of the second terminal.
The third connecting portion of the third terminal of the connector of the invention may be embedded in the second bottom of the second recess of the body so as to be exposed from the second bottom, may be disposed on the second bottom, or may be disposed above the second bottom with a clearance therebetween. Alternatively, the third connecting portion may be disposed on top of and in contact with the second portion of the fourth connecting portion of the fourth terminal.
The second connecting portion of the second terminal of the connector of the invention may be provided in the first side wall of the first recess of the body so as to be exposed from the first side wall, may be disposed on the first side wall, or may be disposed on the first bottom of the first recess. In the third case, the first connecting portion of the first terminal may be disposed on and in contact with the second connecting portion. The first portion of the second connecting portion of the invention may be provided in the first side wall of the first recess so as to be exposed from the first side wall, or may be disposed on the first side wall of the first recess. The second portion of the second connecting portion of the invention may be contiguous with the first portion of the second connecting portion and disposed under and in contact with the first connecting portion, or may be contiguous with the first portion of the second connecting portion and disposed on and in contact with the first connecting portion. The first and second connecting portions of the invention may be integral with each other.
The fourth connecting portion of the fourth terminal of the connector of the invention may be provided in the second side wall of the second recess of the body so as to be exposed from the second side wall, may be disposed on the second side wall, or may be disposed on the second bottom of the second recess. In the third case, the third connecting portion of the third terminal may be disposed on and in contact with the fourth connecting portion. The first portion of the fourth connecting portion of the invention may be provided in the second side wall of the second recess so as to be exposed from the second side wall, or may be disposed on the second side wall of the second recess. The second portion of the fourth connecting portion of the invention may be contiguous with the first portion of the fourth connecting portion and be disposed under and in contact with the third connecting portion, or may be contiguous with the first portion of the fourth connecting portion and be disposed on and in contact with the third connecting portion. The third and fourth connecting portions of the invention may also be integral with each other.
The first to fourth contact portions of the first to fourth terminals of the connector of the invention may be modified in any manner if provided in the connection part of the body of the connector so as to be connectable with the terminals of the mating connector. For example, the first to fourth contact portions may be embedded in the connecting portions or housed in recesses, grooves, or holes in the connecting portions, so as to be exposed or protruded from the same face or different faces of the connecting portion. The first and second contact portions of the first and second terminals may be exposed from the same face of the connection part of the body. The third and fourth contact portions of the third and fourth terminals may be modified to be exposed from the same face of the connection part of the body.
The first connecting portion 240a of the connector P of the above embodiment has smaller outer dimensions than the second portion 242b of the second connecting portion 240b because of the first and second cut-outs provided in the first connecting portion 240a. However, the first connecting portion of the invention smaller outer dimensions than the second portion of the second connecting portion due to other factors. For example, the first connecting portion may be smaller in the X1-X2 direction and/or Y1-Y2 direction than the second portion of the second connecting portion. The outer dimensions of the first connecting portion of the invention may be substantially equal to or larger than those of the second portion of the second connecting portion. If the first connecting portion is disposed below the second connecting portion or the second portion of the second connecting portion, the outer dimensions of the second connecting portion or the second portion of the second connecting portion may be substantially equal to, smaller than, or larger than those of the first connecting portion. The second connecting portion or the second portion of the second connecting portion may have smaller outer dimensions than the first connecting portion due to any factor described above. The outer dimensions of the third and fourth connecting portions may be also modified in a similar manner as in the first and second connecting portions.
The first to fourth terminals of the above embodiment are power terminals. The first to fourth terminals of the invention are not limited to power terminals. In the embodiment, the first and second terminals are positive (Vcc) terminals, and the third and fourth terminals are negative (GND) terminals. Alternatively, the first and second terminals of the invention may be negative (GND) terminals, and the third and fourth terminals of the invention may be positive (Vcc) terminals.
The body of the connector of the invention may be modified in any manner as long as it includes the connection part and the first and second recesses, the first recess has the first bottom and the first side wall, and the second recess has the second bottom and the second side wall. The first side wall of the invention may be a side wall of the first recess on the closer side to the center of the connector, and/or may be inclined with respect to the first bottom. The second side wall of the invention may be a side wall of the second recess on the closer side to the center of the connector, and/or may be inclined with respect to the second bottom. The body of the connector of the invention may have any configuration adapted to hold the first, second, third, and fourth terminals of the embodiment and the modified examples described above. For example, the body of the connector may have the first, second, third, and fourth terminals of the embodiment or any of the modified examples embedded therein by insert molding or other means.
The connection part of the body of the connector of the above embodiment is a recess adapted to fittingly receive the first and second protruding parts of the mating connector. However, the connection part of the invention may be modified in any manner if connectable to the mating connector. For example, the connection part may be modified to be a convex part to fit in the mating connector.
The first and second core wires of the cable of the above embodiment are the first and second connection objects. However, the first connection object of the invention may be modified in any manner if connectable in the first recess to the first and second connecting portions of the embodiment or any of the modified examples described above. The second connection object of the invention may be modified in any manner if connectable in the second recess to the third and fourth connecting portions of the embodiment or any of the modified examples described above. For example, the first and second connection objects may be terminals, pins, or protrusions of a circuit board. In any of these cases, the connector of the invention may be modified to a receptacle connector. The shield cases 500a and 500b, the case 600, and/or the insulating tape 700 may be omitted. The first connection object may be connected to the first and second connecting portions of the invention by soldering, or by welding or physical contact. Similarly, the second connection object may be connected to the third and fourth connecting portions of the invention by soldering, or by welding or physical contact.
The mating connector of the invention may be modified in any manner as long as it includes the body having an insulation property and the pair of power terminals held by the body, one of the power terminals is contactable with one of the first and second contact portions of the first and second terminals according to any of the above-mentioned aspects, and the other power terminal is contactable with one of the third and fourth contact portions of the third and fourth terminals according to any of the above-mentioned aspects. In other words, it is possible to omit one of the first and second power terminals and one of the third and fourth power terminals. The power terminals may each have a contact portion partially exposed from the first protruding part of the body of the mating connector, and the signal terminals may each have a contact portion partially exposed from the second protruding part of the body of the mating connector. The power terminals and the signal terminals may be exposed or protruded from the same place (for example, the base or the first protruding part) of the body of the mating connector.
The mating connector of the invention may be modified to include a body having an insulation property, a first power terminal held by the body and contactable with the third contact portion of the third terminal, a second power terminal held by the body and contactable with the fourth contact portion of the fourth terminal, a third power terminal held by the body and contactable with the first contact portion of the first terminal, and a fourth power terminal held by the body and contactable with the second contact portion of the second terminal. That is, the signal terminal can be omitted. Alternatively, the mating connector of the invention may include at least one signal terminal. The signal terminal(s) and the first to fourth power terminals of the mating connector of the invention may have contact portions exposed or protruded from the same place (the base or the first protruding part) of the body. Also, the mating connector of the invention may be modified to a plug connector, by connecting the signal terminal(s) or the first to fourth power terminals used as the signal terminals to a cable. The signal terminal(s) of the mating connector of the invention may be used as a terminal or terminals for transmitting single ended signals.
It should be appreciated that the embodiments and modifications are described above by way of examples only. The materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, and other configurations of the constituents of the connector and the mating connector may be modified in any manner if they can perform similar functions. The configurations of the embodiment and the modified examples described above may be combined in any possible manner.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-012936 | Jan 2013 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6224423 | Yip et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
| 6905367 | Crane, Jr. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
| 7485008 | Yi | Feb 2009 | B1 |
| 7534143 | Tsao et al. | May 2009 | B1 |
| 20150214672 | Wu | Jul 2015 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| Extended European Search Report issued on Mar. 2, 2015 for the counterpart European patent application No. 14250010.7. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140213114 A1 | Jul 2014 | US |
