Patent Grant
12160059
This application claims benefit of priority to International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/037675, filed Oct. 5, 2020, and to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-191554, filed Oct. 18, 2019, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a connector including multiple terminals having different sizes.
As a disclosure related to a connector in the past, there has been known the connector described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-198216, for example. The connector described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-198216 includes multiple first terminals arranged in a first row extending in a left-right direction and multiple second terminals arranged in a second row extending in the left-right direction. The multiple first terminals include a left-end first terminal positioned at the left-end of the multiple first terminals, and a right-end first terminal positioned at the right-end of the multiple first terminals. The left-end first terminal and the right-end first terminal are larger than the first terminal (intermediate first terminal) other than the left-end first terminal and the right-end first terminal. The multiple second terminals include a left-end second terminal positioned at the left-end of the multiple second terminals, and a right-end second terminal positioned at the right-end of the multiple second terminals. The left-end second terminal and the right-end second terminal are larger than the second terminal (intermediate second terminal) other than the left-end second terminal and the right-end second terminal.
There is a demand for increasing a degree of freedom in terminal layout. Specifically, in the connector described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-198216, an intermediate first terminal being a small terminal and an intermediate second terminal being a small terminal are arranged in a front-back direction. There is a case that an arrangement of the connector terminals described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-198216 above needs to be changed as follows, for example. Large terminals such as the left-end first terminal and the right-end first terminal, and small terminals such as the intermediate first terminal and the intermediate second terminal are arranged in the front-back direction.
Further, in a connector including terminals having multiple sizes, there is a demand for suppressing an increase in size of the connector while maintaining a distance between the terminals at a desired distance.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a connector capable of increasing the degree of freedom in layout of multiple terminals and suppressing an increase in size of the connector.
A connector according to a first aspect includes multiple terminals, and an insulation member holding the multiple terminals. The multiple terminals include a first terminal and a second terminal disposed in a first row extending in a left-right direction. The multiple terminals include a third terminal and a fourth terminal disposed in a second row extending in the left-right direction. The first row is positioned in front or back of the second row. The second terminal is disposed to right of the first terminal and is adjacent to the first terminal. The third terminal is disposed to right of the fourth terminal and is adjacent to the fourth terminal. The first terminal overlaps with the fourth terminal when viewed in a front-back direction. The second terminal overlaps with the third terminal when viewed in the front-back direction. A first width of the first terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a second width of the second terminal in the left-right direction. A third width of the third terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a fourth width of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the fourth width from the first width is defined as a first distance. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the second width from the third width is defined as a second distance. The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are disposed to satisfy conditions (A) and (B): (A) (a1) a left-end of the first terminal is positioned to left of a left-end of the fourth terminal, and a distance between the left-end of the first terminal and the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance, or (a2) the left-end of the first terminal coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction, and (B) (b1) a right-end of the second terminal is positioned to left of a right-end of the third terminal, and a distance between the right-end of the second terminal and the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance, or (b2) the right-end of the second terminal coincides with the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction.
A connector according to a second aspect includes multiple terminals, and an insulation member holding the multiple terminals. The multiple terminals include a first terminal and a second terminal disposed in a first row extending in a left-right direction. The multiple terminals include a third terminal and a fourth terminal disposed in a second row extending in the left-right direction. The first row is positioned in front or back of the second row. The second terminal is disposed to right of the first terminal and is adjacent to the first terminal. The third terminal is disposed to right of the fourth terminal and is adjacent to the fourth terminal. The first terminal overlaps with the fourth terminal when viewed in a front-back direction. The second terminal overlaps with the third terminal when viewed in the front-back direction. A first width of the first terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a second width of the second terminal in the left-right direction. A third width of the third terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a fourth width of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the fourth width from the first width is defined as a first distance. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the second width from the third width is defined as a second distance. The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are disposed to satisfy conditions (C) and (D): (C) (c1) a left-end of the fourth terminal is positioned to left of a left-end of the first terminal, and a distance between the left-end of the first terminal and the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance, or (c2) the left-end of the first terminal coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction, and (D) (d1) a right-end of the third terminal is positioned to left of a right-end of the second terminal, and a distance between the right-end of the second terminal and the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance, or (d2) the right-end of the second terminal coincides with the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction.
A connector according to a third aspect includes multiple terminals, and an insulation member holding the multiple terminals. The multiple terminals include a first terminal, a second terminal, and multiple fifth terminals disposed in a first row extending in a left-right direction. The multiple terminals include a third terminal, a fourth terminal, and multiple sixth terminals disposed in a second row extending in the left-right direction. The first row is positioned in front or back of the second row. The second terminal is disposed to right of the first terminal. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed to right of the first terminal and to left of the second terminal. The third terminal is disposed to right of the fourth terminal. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed to right of the fourth terminal and to left of the third terminal,
The first terminal overlaps with the fourth terminal when viewed in a front-back direction. The second terminal overlaps with the third terminal when viewed in the front-back direction. A first width of the first terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a second width of the second terminal in the left-right direction. A third width of the third terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a fourth width of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction. Fifth widths of the multiple fifth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. Sixth widths of the multiple sixth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the fourth width from the first width is defined as a first distance. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the second width from the third width is defined as a second distance. The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are disposed to satisfy conditions (A) and (B): (A) (a1) a left-end of the first terminal is positioned to left of a left-end of the fourth terminal, and a distance between the left-end of the first terminal and the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance, or (a2) the left-end of the first terminal coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction, and (B) (b1) a right-end of the second terminal is positioned to left of a right-end of the third terminal, and a distance between the right-end of the second terminal and the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance, or (b2) the right-end of the second terminal coincides with the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction.
A connector according to a fourth aspect includes multiple terminals, and an insulation member holding the multiple terminals. The multiple terminals include a first terminal, a second terminal, and multiple fifth terminals disposed in a first row extending in a left-right direction. The multiple terminals include a third terminal, a fourth terminal, and multiple sixth terminals disposed in a second row extending in the left-right direction. The first row is positioned in front or back of the second row. The second terminal is disposed to right of the first terminal. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed to right of the first terminal and to left of the second terminal. The third terminal is disposed to right of the fourth terminal. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed to right of the fourth terminal and to left of the third terminal. The first terminal overlaps with the fourth terminal when viewed in a front-back direction. The second terminal overlaps with the third terminal when viewed in the front-back direction. A first width of the first terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a second width of the second terminal in the left-right direction. A third width of the third terminal in the left-right direction is larger than a fourth width of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction. Fifth widths of the multiple fifth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. Sixth widths of the multiple sixth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the fourth width from the first width is defined as a first distance. A half of a value obtained by subtracting the second width from the third width is defined as a second distance. The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are disposed to satisfy conditions (C) and (D): (C) (c1) a left-end of the fourth terminal is positioned to left of a left-end of the first terminal, and a distance between the left-end of the first terminal and the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance, or (c2) the left-end of the first terminal coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal in the left-right direction, and (D) (d1) a right-end of the third terminal is positioned to left of a right-end of the second terminal, and a distance between the right-end of the second terminal and the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance, or (d2) the right-end of the second terminal coincides with the right-end of the third terminal in the left-right direction.
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in layout of multiple terminals and to suppress an increase in size of a connector.
[First Connector]
Hereinafter, a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
As illustrated in
In this description, an axis or a member extending in the front-back direction does not necessarily indicate only an axis or a member parallel to the front-back direction. The axis or the member extending in the front-back direction refers to an axis or a member inclined within a range of ±45° relative to the front-back direction. Similarly, an axis or a member extending in the up-down direction refers to an axis or a member inclined within a range of ±45° relative to the up-down direction. An axis or a member extending in the left-right direction refers to an axis or a member inclined within a range of ±45° relative to the left-right direction.
In the present description, a first member and a second member arranged in the front-back direction refer to the following state. When the first member and the second member are viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction, the first member and the second member both are in a state being disposed on any straight line indicating the front-back direction. In the present description, the first member and the second member arranged in the front-back direction when viewed in the up-down direction refer to the following state. When the first member and the second member are viewed in the up-down direction, the first member and the second member both are disposed on any straight line indicating the front-back direction. In the case above, it is allowed that any one of the first member and the second member is not disposed on said any straight line indicating the front-back direction when the first member and the second member are viewed from the left-right direction different from the up-down direction. Note that, the first member and the second member may be in contact with each other. The first member and the second member may be separated from each other. A third member may be present between the first member and the second member. The definition above is also applied to the directions other than the front-back direction. Note that the first member to the third member are portions of a connector.
In the present description, the first member being disposed in front of the second member refers to the following state. At least the first member is partially disposed within a region through which the second member passes when moving in parallel to a forward direction. With this, the first member may fit within the region through which the second member passes when moving in parallel to the forward direction, or may protrude from the region through which the second member passes when moving in parallel to the forward direction. In the case above, the first member and the second member are arranged in the front-back direction. The definition above is also applied to the directions other than the front-back direction.
In the present description, the first member being disposed in front of the second member as viewed in the left-right direction refers to the following state. The first member and the second member are arranged in the front-back direction as viewed in the left-right direction, and a portion of the first member facing the second member is disposed in front of the second member as viewed in the left-right direction. In the definition above, it is allowed that the first member and the second member are not arranged in the front-back direction in a three-dimensional view. The definition above is also applied to the directions other than the front-back direction.
In the present description, the first member being disposed in front of the second member refers to the following state. The first member is disposed in front of a plane passing through a front-end of the second member and orthogonal to the front-back direction. In the case above, it is allowed that the first member and the second member are arranged side by side in the front-back direction, or the first member and the second member are not arranged side by side in the front-back direction. The definition above is also applied to the directions other than the front-back direction.
In the present description, unless otherwise specified, each portion of the first member is defined as follows. A front portion of the first member means a front half of the first member. A back portion of the first member means a back half of the first member. A left portion of the first member means a left half of the first member. A right portion of the first member means a right half of the first member. An upward portion of the first member means an upper half of the first member. A downward portion of the first member means a lower half of the first member. The front-end of the first member means an end in the forward direction of the first member. A back-end of the first member means an end in a backward direction of the first member. A left-end of the first member means an end in a leftward direction of the first member. A right-end of the first member means an end in a rightward direction of the first member. An upward-end of the first member means an end in an upward direction of the first member. A downward-end of the first member means an end in a downward direction of the first member. A front-end portion of the first member means the front-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A back-end portion of the first member means the back-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A left-end portion of the first member means the left-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A right-end portion of the first member means the right-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. An upward-end portion of the first member means the upward-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A downward-end portion of the first member means the downward-end of the first member and the vicinity thereof.
The first connector 10 is coupled to a second connector 110 which will be described later. The first connector 10 is mounted on a circuit substrate such as a flexible substrate, for example. The first connector 10 includes an insulation member 12, multiple terminals 14 (multiple terminals), radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b, contact terminals 18a to 18f, and an external terminal 20.
The insulation member 12 is a block having a rectangular shape when viewed in the downward direction. The insulation member 12 is made of an insulation resin such as a liquid crystal polymer, for example. The insulation member 12 holds the multiple terminals 14, the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b, the contact terminals 18a to 18f, and the external terminal 20. Specifically, the insulation member 12 is integrated with the multiple terminals 14, the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b, the contact terminals 18a to 18f, and the external terminal 20 with insert molding, for example. Therefore, the multiple terminals 14, the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b, the contact terminals 18a to 18f, and the external terminal 20 are partially embedded in the insulation member 12.
The external terminal 20 is a conductor connected to ground potential. The external terminal 20 has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the downward direction. A long side of the external terminal 20 extends in the left-right direction. A short side of the external terminal 20 extends in the front-back direction. The external terminal 20 is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The external terminal 20 is made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The external terminal 20 has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the downward direction, thereby covering an upper surface of the insulation member 12 in the vicinity of a front side, the vicinity of a back side, the vicinity of a left side, and the vicinity of a right side. Note that, since the external terminal 20 has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the downward direction, the central portion of the insulation member 12 is exposed through the external terminal 20 when viewed in the downward direction. The external terminal 20 covers the insulation member 12 on a part of a front surface, a part of a back surface, a part of a left surface, and a part of a right surface.
The multiple terminals 14 includes a first terminal 14a, a second terminal 14b, a third terminal 14c, and a fourth terminal 14d. The first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed closer to the vicinity of the center of the insulation member 12 than to an outer edge of the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction.
The first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b are disposed in a first row L1 extending in the left-right direction. That is, the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b are arranged in the left-right direction. The second terminal 14b is disposed to the right of the first terminal 14a. Further, the second terminal 14b is adjacent to the first terminal 14a. Therefore, no other terminal is disposed between the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b.
The third terminal 14c and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed in a second row L2 extending in the left-right direction. That is, the third terminal 14c and the fourth terminal 14d are arranged in the left-right direction. The third terminal 14c is disposed to the right of the fourth terminal 14d. Further, the third terminal 14c is adjacent to the fourth terminal 14d. Therefore, no other terminal is disposed between the fourth terminal 14d and the third terminal 14c. The first row L1 is positioned in the back of the second row L2.
The first terminal 14a overlaps with the fourth terminal 14d when viewed in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the first terminal 14a is disposed in the back of the fourth terminal 14d. The fourth terminal 14d does not protrude in the left-right direction from the first terminal 14a when viewed in the front-back direction.
The second terminal 14b overlaps with the third terminal 14c when viewed in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the second terminal 14b is disposed in the back of the third terminal 14c. The second terminal 14b does not protrude in the left-right direction from the third terminal 14c when viewed in the front-back direction.
A first width W1 of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction is larger than a second width W2 of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction. Accordingly, a conductor loss of the first terminal 14a is smaller than a conductor loss of the second terminal 14b. Further, a third width W3 of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is larger than a fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction. Accordingly, a conductor loss of the third terminal 14c is smaller than a conductor loss of the fourth terminal 14d. In the present embodiment, the first width W1 and the third width W3 are equal to each other. The second width W2 and the fourth width W4 are equal to each other. Further, the first width W1 and the fourth width W4 are not equal to each other. The second width W2 and the third width W3 are not equal to each other. The first width W1 is the maximum value of the width of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction. The second width W2 is the maximum value of the width of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction. The third width W3 is the maximum value of the width of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction. The fourth width W4 is the maximum value of the width of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction. Further, a distance between the right-end of the first terminal 14a and the left-end of the second terminal 14b is equal to a distance between the left-end of the third terminal 14c and the right-end of the fourth terminal 14d.
The first terminal 14a and the third terminal 14c are power supply terminals. Accordingly, the first terminal 14a and the third terminal 14c are terminals to be connected to power supply potential. The second terminal 14b and the fourth terminal 14d are digital signal terminals. Accordingly, the second terminal 14b and the fourth terminal 14d are terminals to which digital signals (that is, radio frequency signals) are applied. The first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d have the same structure except having different widths in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the structures of the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d will be described by taking the first terminal 14a as an example.
The first terminal 14a includes a U-shaped portion 140a, a lead-out portion 140b, and a connection portion 140c. The U-shaped portion 140a has a U-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the U-shaped portion 140a has a shape recessed in the downward direction. An inner surface of the U-shaped portion 140a is exposed through the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The lead-out portion 140b is positioned in the back of the bottom portion of the U-shaped portion 140a. The lead-out portion 140b extends linearly in the front-back direction. A back-end portion of the lead-out portion 140b is exposed through the insulation member 12. The connection portion 140c connects the back-end of the U-shaped portion 140a and the front-end of the lead-out portion 140b. The first terminal 14a described above is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The first terminal 14a is made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The radio frequency terminal 16a is disposed on the left portion of the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The radio frequency terminal 16b is disposed on the right portion of the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b are terminals to which radio frequency signals are applied. The radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b have the same structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b will be described by taking the radio frequency terminal 16a as an example.
The radio frequency terminal 16a includes an inverted U-shaped portion 160a and a lead-out portion 160b. The inverted U-shaped portion 160a has an upside-down U-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the inverted U-shaped portion 160a has a shape protruding in the upward direction. An outer surface of the inverted U-shaped portion 160a is exposed through the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The lead-out portion 160b linearly extends in the forward direction from the front-end of the inverted U-shaped portion 160a. The front-end portion of the lead-out portion 160b is exposed through the insulation member 12. The radio frequency terminal 16a described above is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The radio frequency terminal 16a is made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The contact terminals 18a to 18c are disposed on the left portion of the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The contact terminal 18a is disposed on the left of the radio frequency terminal 16a. The contact terminal 18b is disposed on the front right of the radio frequency terminal 16a. The contact terminal 18c is disposed on the back right of the radio frequency terminal 16a. The contact terminals 18d to 18f are disposed on the right portion of the insulation member 12 when viewed in the downward direction. The contact terminal 18d is disposed on the right of the radio frequency terminal 16b. The contact terminal 18e is disposed on the front left of the radio frequency terminal 16b. The contact terminal 18f is disposed on the back left of the radio frequency terminal 16b. The contact terminals 18a and 18b are terminals connected to ground potential. The contact terminals 18a and 18b are manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The contact terminals 18a and 18b are made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The first connector 10 configured as described above is mounted on a circuit substrate. Specifically, the multiple terminals 14, the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b, the contact terminals 18a to 18f, and the external terminal 20 are connected to land electrodes provided on the circuit substrate by soldering.
Next, the disposition of the multiple terminals 14 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, as illustrated in
(A) (a1) The left-end of the first terminal 14a is positioned to the left of the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d, and a distance d1 between the left-end of the first terminal 14a and the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance D1, or (a2) the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction.
(B) (b1) The right-end of the second terminal 14b is positioned to the left of the right-end of the third terminal 14c, and a distance d2 between the right-end of the second terminal 14b and the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance D2, or (b2) the right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction.
(C) (c1) The left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is positioned to the left of the left-end of the first terminal 14a, and the distance d1 between the left-end of the first terminal 14a and the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance D2, or (c2) the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction.
(D) (d1) The right-end of the third terminal 14c is positioned to the left of the right-end of the second terminal 14b, and the distance d2 between the right-end of the second terminal 14b and the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance D1, or (d2) the right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction.
In the first connector 10, the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy the conditions (A) and (B). The left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is disposed closer to the left-end of the first terminal 14a than to the center of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction. The right-end of the second terminal 14b is disposed closer to the right-end of the third terminal 14c than to the center of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction. In particular, in the first connector 10, the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy the conditions (a2) of (A) and (b2) of (B). Accordingly, (a2) the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction. (b2) The right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction.
Incidentally, as illustrated in the first connector 10a in
Further, as illustrated in the first connector 10b in
[Second Connector]
Hereinafter, a second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
As illustrated in
The second connector 110 is coupled to the first connector 10. The second connector 110 is mounted on a circuit substrate such as a flexible substrate, for example. The second connector 110 includes an insulation member 112, multiple terminals 114, radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b, and external terminals 120a and 120b.
The insulation member 112 includes a back connection portion 112a, a front connection portion 112b, a left portion 112c, and a right portion 112d. The left portion 112c and the right portion 112d have a rectangular shape when viewed in the upward direction. The right portion 112d is disposed to the right of the left portion 112c. The back connection portion 112a extends in the left-right direction. The back connection portion 112a connects the left portion 112c and the right portion 112d. The front connection portion 112b extends in the left-right direction. The front connection portion 112b connects the left portion 112c and the right portion 112d. The front connection portion 112b is disposed in front of the back connection portion 112a. The insulation member 112 is made of an insulation resin such as a liquid crystal polymer, for example. The insulation member 112 holds the multiple terminals 114, the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b, and the external terminals 120a and 120b. Specifically, the insulation member 112 is integrated with the multiple terminals 114, the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b, and the external terminals 120a and 120b with insert molding. Therefore, the multiple terminals 114, the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b, and the external terminals 120a and 120b are partially embedded in the insulation member 112.
The external terminals 120a and 120b are conductors to be connected to ground potential. The external terminals 120a and 120b have a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the upward direction. Long sides of the external terminals 120a and 120b extend in the front-back direction. Short sides of the external terminals 120a and 120b extend in the left-right direction. Each of the external terminals 120a and 120b is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The external terminals 120a and 120b are made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The external terminal 120a has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the upward direction, thereby covering an upper surface of the left portion 112c of the insulation member 112 in the vicinity of a front side, the vicinity of a back side, the vicinity of a left side, and the vicinity of a right side. Note that, since the external terminal 120a has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the upward direction, the central portion of the left portion 112c of the insulation member 112 is exposed through the external terminal 120a when viewed in the upward direction. The external terminal 120a covers the left portion 112c of the insulation member 112 on a part of a front surface, a part of a back surface, a part of a left surface, and a part of a right surface.
The external terminal 120b has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the upward direction, thereby covering an upper surface of the right portion 112d of the insulation member 112 in the vicinity of a front side, the vicinity of a back side, the vicinity of a left side, and the vicinity of a right side. Note that, since the external terminal 120b has a rectangular annular shape when viewed in the upward direction, the central portion of the right portion 112d of the insulation member 112 is exposed through the external terminal 120b when viewed in the upward direction. The external terminal 120b covers the right portion 112d of the insulation member 112 on a part of a front surface, a part of a back surface, a part of a left surface, and a part of a right surface.
The multiple terminals 114 include a first terminal 114a, a second terminal 114b, a third terminal 114c, and a fourth terminal 114d. The first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d are disposed closer to the vicinity of the center of the insulation member 112 than to an outer edge of the insulation member 112 when viewed in the upward direction. In the present embodiment, the first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b are held by the back connection portion 112a. The third terminal 114c and the fourth terminal 114d are held by the front connection portion 112b.
The first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b are disposed in a first row L3 extending in the left-right direction. That is, the first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b are arranged in the left-right direction. The second terminal 114b is disposed to the right of the first terminal 114a. Further, the second terminal 114b is adjacent to the first terminal 114a. Therefore, no other terminal is disposed between the first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b.
The third terminal 114c and the fourth terminal 114d are disposed in a second row L4 extending in the left-right direction. That is, the third terminal 114c and the fourth terminal 114d are arranged in the left-right direction. The third terminal 114c is disposed to the right of the fourth terminal 114d. Further, the third terminal 114c is adjacent to the fourth terminal 114d. Therefore, no other terminal is disposed between the fourth terminal 114d and the third terminal 114c. The first row L3 is positioned in the back of the second row L4.
Further, the first terminal 114a overlaps with the fourth terminal 114d when viewed in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the first terminal 114a is disposed in the back of the fourth terminal 114d. The fourth terminal 114d does not protrude in the left-right direction from the first terminal 114a when viewed in the front-back direction.
The second terminal 114b overlaps with the third terminal 114c when viewed in the front-back direction. In the present embodiment, the second terminal 114b is disposed in the back of the third terminal 114c. The second terminal 114b does not protrude in the left-right direction from the third terminal 114c when viewed in the front-back direction.
The first width W1 of the first terminal 114a in the left-right direction is larger than the second width W2 of the second terminal 114b in the left-right direction. Accordingly, a conductor loss of the first terminal 114a is smaller than a conductor loss of the second terminal 114b. Further, the third width W3 of the third terminal 114c in the left-right direction is larger than the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 114d in the left-right direction. Accordingly, a conductor loss of the third terminal 114c is smaller than a conductor loss of the fourth terminal 114d. In the present embodiment, the first width W1 and the third width W3 are equal to each other. The second width W2 and the fourth width W4 are equal to each other. The first width W1 is the maximum value of the width of the first terminal 114a in the left-right direction. The second width W2 is the maximum value of the width of the second terminal 114b in the left-right direction. The third width W3 is the maximum value of the width of the third terminal 114c in the left-right direction. The fourth width W4 is the maximum value of the width of the fourth terminal 114d in the left-right direction. Further, a distance between the right-end of the first terminal 114a and the left-end of the second terminal 114b is equal to a distance between the left-end of the third terminal 114c and the right-end of the fourth terminal 114d.
The first terminal 114a and the third terminal 114c are the power supply terminals. Accordingly, the first terminal 114a and the third terminal 114c are terminals to be connected to power supply potential. The second terminal 114b and the fourth terminal 114d are the digital signal terminals. Accordingly, the second terminal 114b and the fourth terminal 114d are terminals to which digital signals (that is, radio frequency signals) are applied. The first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d have the same structure except having different widths in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the structures of the first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d will be described by taking the first terminal 114a as an example.
The first terminal 114a includes a U-shaped portion 1140a and a lead-out portion 1140b. The U-shaped portion 1140a has a U-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the U-shaped portion 1140a has a shape protruding in the downward direction. An outer surface of the U-shaped portion 1140a is exposed through the insulation member 112 when viewed in the upward direction. The lead-out portion 1140b linearly extends in the backward direction from the back-end of the U-shaped portion 1140a. The back-end portion of the lead-out portion 1140b is exposed on the insulation member 112. The first terminal 114a described above is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The first terminal 114a is made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The radio frequency terminal 116a is disposed in the left portion 112c of the insulation member 112 when viewed in the upward direction. The radio frequency terminal 116b is disposed in the right portion 112d of the insulation member 112 when viewed in the upward direction. The radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b are terminals to which radio frequency signals are applied. The radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b have the same structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b will be described by taking the radio frequency terminal 116a as an example.
The radio frequency terminal 116a includes an inverted U-shaped portion 1160a, a lead-out portion 1160b, and a connection portion 1160c. The inverted U-shaped portion 1160a has an upside-down U-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the inverted U-shaped portion 1160a has a shape recessed in the upward direction. An inner surface of the inverted U-shaped portion 1160a is exposed through the insulation member 112 when viewed in the upward direction. The lead-out portion 1160b is positioned in front of the bottom portion of the inverted U-shaped portion 1160a. The lead-out portion 1160b extends linearly in the front-back direction. The front-end portion of the lead-out portion 1160b is exposed through the insulation member 112. The connection portion 1160c connects the front-end of the inverted U-shaped portion 1160a and the back-end of the lead-out portion 1160b. The radio frequency terminal 116a4a described above is manufactured by bending a single metal plate. The radio frequency terminal 116aa is made of a copper-based material such as phosphor bronze, for example.
The second connector 110 configured as described above is mounted on a circuit substrate. Specifically, the multiple terminals 114, the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b, and the external terminals 120a and 120b are connected to land electrodes provided on the circuit substrate by soldering.
The detail of the disposition of the multiple terminals 114 as described above is the same as the detail of the disposition of the multiple terminals 14 in
[Connection Between First Connector and Second Connector]
The first connector 10 and the second connector 110 configured as described above are coupled to each other. Specifically, the second connector 110 is disposed on the first connector 10. Then, the second connector 110 is moved in the downward direction. The external terminal 120a is inserted into the left portion of a region surrounded by the external terminal 20. At this time, the external terminal 20 and the contact terminals 18a to 18c come into contact with the external terminal 120a. Further, the external terminal 120b is inserted into the right portion of the region surrounded by the external terminal 20. At this time, the external terminal 20 and the contact terminals 18d to 18f are coupled to the external terminal 120b.
Further, the radio frequency terminals 16a and 16b are respectively coupled to the radio frequency terminals 116a and 116b. The first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are respectively coupled to the first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d.
[Effect]
With the use of the first connector 10 and the second connector 110 configured as described above, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the layout of the multiple terminals 14. The description of the effect of the second connector 110 is the same as the description of the effect of the first connector 10. Hereinafter, the effect of the first connector 10 will be described.
In more detail, the first width W1 of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction is larger than the second width W2 of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction. The third width W3 of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is larger than the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction. Further, the first terminal 14a overlaps with the fourth terminal 14d when viewed in the front-back direction. The second terminal 14b overlaps with the third terminal 14c when viewed in the front-back direction. Thus, the two terminals having different sizes are arranged in the front-back direction. Consequently, with the use of the first connector 10, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the layout of the multiple terminals 14.
Further, with the use of the first connector 10, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the first connector 10. In more detail, in a case that two terminals having different sizes are arranged in the front-back direction, a disposition in such as the connector 210 in
Hence, the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy the conditions (A) and (B), or to satisfy the conditions (C) and (D).
(A) (a1) The left-end of the first terminal 14a is positioned to the left of the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d, and the distance d1 between the left-end of the first terminal 14a and the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance D1, or (a2) the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction.
(B) (b1) The right-end of the second terminal 14b is positioned to the left of the right-end of the third terminal 14c, and the distance d2 between the right-end of the second terminal 14b and the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance D2, or (b2) the right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction.
(C) (c1) The left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is positioned to the left of the left-end of the first terminal 14a, and the distance d1 between the left-end of the first terminal 14a and the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction is shorter than the second distance D2, or (c2) the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction.
(D) (d1) The right-end of the third terminal 14c is positioned to the left of the right-end of the second terminal 14b, and the distance d2 between the right-end of the second terminal 14b and the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction is shorter than the first distance D1, or (d2) the right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction.
Hereinafter, the conditions to be satisfied in the disposition of the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d will be described using expressions different from the expressions above. First, the position of the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d relative to the position of the left-end of the first terminal 14a is defined as x. At the position of the left-end of the first terminal 14a, x is defined as 0. When the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is positioned to the left of the left-end of the first terminal 14a, x takes a positive value. When the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is positioned to the right of the left-end of the first terminal 14a, x takes a negative value.
Next, the position of the right-end of the third terminal 14c relative to the position of the right-end of the second terminal 14b is defined as y. At the position of the right-end of the second terminal 14b, y is defined as 0. When the right-end of the third terminal 14c is positioned to the left of the right-end of the second terminal 14b, y takes a negative value. When the right-end of the third terminal 14c is positioned to the right of the right-end of the second terminal 14b, y takes a positive value.
Meanwhile, the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy inequality (1) and inequality (2), or to satisfy inequality (3) and inequality (4).
0≥x>−D1 (1)
D2>y≥0 (2)
D2>x≥0 (3)
0≥y>−D1 (4)
A case that the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy the conditions (A) and (B) will be described. In the case above, the length of the multiple terminals 14 in the left-right direction is the sum of the distance from the right-end of the third terminal 14c to the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d, and the distance d1. The distance d1 is shorter than the first distance D1. Therefore, the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the connector 210 in the left-right direction. With this, an increase in the size of the first connector 10 is suppressed.
A case that the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d are disposed to satisfy the conditions (C) and (D) will be described. In the case above, the length of the multiple terminals 14 in the left-right direction is the sum of the distance from the right-end of the third terminal 14c to the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d, and the distance d2. The distance d2 is shorter than the first distance D1. Therefore, the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the connector 310 in the left-right direction. With this, an increase in the size of the first connector 10 is suppressed.
Further, with the use of the first connector 10, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size of the first connector 10. In more detail, the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d is disposed closer to the left-end of the first terminal 14a than to the center of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction. This shortens the distance d1. Further, the right-end of the second terminal 14b is disposed closer to the right-end of the third terminal 14c than to the center of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction. This shortens the distance d2. Consequently, the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction is shortened. With this, an increase in the size of the first connector 10 is further suppressed.
Further, with the use of the first connector 10, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size of the first connector 10. In more detail, the left-end of the first terminal 14a coincides with the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction. The right-end of the second terminal 14b coincides with the right-end of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction. In the case above, the distances d1 and d2 are 0. Consequently, the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction is the distance from the right-end of the third terminal 14c to the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d. With this, the length of the multiple terminals 14 of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction is minimized. As described above, with the use of the first connector 10, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size of the first connector 10.
Note that, the structures of the first connectors 10, 10a, and 10b may be combined in any manner. Further, the structures of the first connectors 10, 10a, and 10b may be used for the second connector 110.
Note that, in the first connectors 10, 10a, and 10b, the first row L1 may be positioned in front of the second row L2. Further, in the second connector 110, the first row L3 may be positioned in front of the second row L4.
Note that, in the first connectors 10, 10a, and 10b, the multiple terminals 14 may include multiple sets of the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d. Accordingly, multiple sets of the first terminal 14a, the second terminal 14b, the third terminal 14c, and the fourth terminal 14d may be arranged in the left-right direction.
Note that, in the second connector 110, the multiple terminals 114 may include multiple sets of the first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d. Accordingly, multiple sets of the first terminal 114a, the second terminal 114b, the third terminal 114c, and the fourth terminal 114d may be arranged in the left-right direction.
Note that, the first terminals 14a and 114a, and the third terminals 14c and 114c may be the digital signal terminals. Further, the second terminals 14b and 114b, and the fourth terminals 14d and 114d may be the power supply terminals.
Note that, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. Similarly, it is allowed that the second width W2 of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. In the case above, the distance from the left-end of the first terminal 14a to the right-end of the second terminal 14b is preferably equal to the distance from the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d to the right-end of the third terminal 14c.
Further, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction are not equal to each other, and the second width W2 of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction are equal to each other. Furthermore, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 14a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 14c in the left-right direction are equal to each other, and the second width W2 of the second terminal 14b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 14d in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. In the above cases as well, the distance from the left-end of the first terminal 14a to the right-end of the second terminal 14b is preferably equal to the distance from the left-end of the fourth terminal 14d to the right-end of the third terminal 14c.
Note that, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 114a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 114c in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. Similarly, it is allowed that the second width W2 of the second terminal 114b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 114d in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. In the case above, a distance from the left-end of the first terminal 114a to the right-end of the second terminal 114b is preferably equal to a distance from the left-end of the fourth terminal 114d to the right-end of the third terminal 114c.
Further, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 114a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 114c in the left-right direction are not equal to each other, and the second width W2 of the second terminal 114b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 114d in the left-right direction are equal to each other. Furthermore, it is allowed that the first width W1 of the first terminal 114a in the left-right direction and the third width W3 of the third terminal 114c in the left-right direction are equal to each other, and the second width W2 of the second terminal 114b in the left-right direction and the fourth width W4 of the fourth terminal 114d in the left-right direction are not equal to each other. In the above cases as well, the distance from the left-end of the first terminal 114a to the right-end of the second terminal 114b is preferably equal to the distance from the left-end of the fourth terminal 114d to the right-end of the third terminal 114c.
Note that, it is allowed that the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b are not adjacent to each other. In the case above, the multiple terminals 14 may include multiple fifth terminals and multiple sixth terminals. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed in the first row L1 extending in the left-right direction. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed to the right of the first terminal 14a and to the left of the second terminal 14b. Fifth widths of the multiple fifth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed in the second row L2 extending in the left-right direction. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed to the right of the fourth terminal 14d and to the left of the third terminal 14c. Sixth widths of the multiple sixth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. As described above, the multiple fifth terminals may be provided between the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b. The multiple sixth terminals may be provided between the third terminal 14c and the fourth terminal 14d.
Note that, it is allowed that the first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b are not adjacent to each other. In the case above, the multiple terminals 114 may include multiple fifth terminals and multiple sixth terminals. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed in the first row L3 extending in the left-right direction. The multiple fifth terminals are disposed to the right of the first terminal 114a and to the left of the second terminal 114b. The fifth widths of the multiple fifth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed in the second row L4 extending in the left-right direction. The multiple sixth terminals are disposed to the right of the fourth terminal 114d and to the left of the third terminal 114c. The sixth widths of the multiple sixth terminals in the left-right direction are uniform. As described above, the multiple fifth terminals may be provided between the first terminal 114a and the second terminal 114b. The multiple sixth terminals may be provided between the third terminal 114c and the fourth terminal 114d.
Note that, the effect of suppressing an increase in the size of a connector is greater in the first connectors 10, 10a, 10b, and the second connector 110 that do not include the multiple fifth terminals and the multiple sixth terminals than in a connector that includes the multiple fifth terminals and the multiple sixth terminals.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-191554 | Oct 2019 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7074085 | Chen | Jul 2006 | B2 |
| 7367816 | Liu | May 2008 | B2 |
| 8758064 | Nagase | Jun 2014 | B2 |
| 9153892 | Tanaka | Oct 2015 | B2 |
| 9178309 | Tanaka | Nov 2015 | B2 |
| 9450340 | Uratani | Sep 2016 | B2 |
| 10811824 | Teruki | Oct 2020 | B2 |
| 10985499 | Miyamoto | Apr 2021 | B2 |
| 11005200 | Ashibu | May 2021 | B2 |
| 11011874 | Kitazawa | May 2021 | B2 |
| 11557846 | Takagi | Jan 2023 | B2 |
| 20130149908 | Little | Jun 2013 | A1 |
| 20180198241 | Ooi | Jul 2018 | A1 |
| 20190280409 | Hoshiba | Sep 2019 | A1 |
| 20230042553 | Someya | Feb 2023 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-232372 | Nov 2013 | JP |
| 2016-189244 | Nov 2016 | JP |
| 2018-198216 | Dec 2018 | JP |
| 2016021176 | Feb 2016 | WO |
| 2017188054 | Nov 2017 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report issued in PCT/JP2020/037675; mailed Oct. 27, 2020. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220231439 A1 | Jul 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/JP2020/037675 | Oct 2020 | WO |
| Child | 17714834 | US |
