Electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector detachably fitted with a mating connector includes a plurality of contacts, a housing arranging and holding the contacts therein and having guide portions for guiding the mating connector, and fixtures to be fixed to a substrate. The fixtures are made of a metal and each include the guide portion in the form of a substantially U-shape integrally formed therewith. A free end of the guide portion is provided on each of its both sides with an extending piece downwardly extending and adapted to be inserted into an inserting groove of the housing. The housing is provided with the inserting grooves at locations corresponding to the extending pieces for inserting the extending pieces, respectively, and is provided with slits, one at each of its longitudinal ends, to form holding portions having elasticity, thereby holding the guide portions of the fixtures therein. The guide portions of the electrical connector are not damaged even if being subjected to unexpected strong forces from the mating connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the invention viewed from the side of its fitting portion;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the invention viewed from the side of the connection portion;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fixture;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the contact;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the electrical connector using fixtures of another type according to the invention viewed from the side of its fitting portion;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 5A viewed from the side of the connection portion;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the electrical connector according to the invention which has been fitted with a mating connector;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the prior art viewed from the side of the fitting portion; and

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 7A viewed from the side of the connection portion.

Claims

1. An electrical connector detachably fitted with a mating connector, including a plurality of contacts, a housing arranging and holding said contacts therein and having guide portions for guiding said mating connector, and fixtures to be fixed to a substrate, wherein said fixtures are made of a metal and each comprise said guide portion in the form of a substantially U-shape integrally formed therewith, a free end of said guide portion being provided on each of its both sides with an extending piece downwardly extending and adapted to be inserted into an inserting groove of said housing, and said housing is provided with said inserting grooves at locations corresponding to said extending pieces for inserting said extending pieces, respectively, and is provided with slits, one at each of its longitudinal ends, to form holding portions having elasticity, in which said guide portions of said fixtures are held, respectively.

2. The electrical connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mating connector is provided with anchoring portions, and said fixtures are each provided with an engaging portion which engages said anchoring portion of said mating connector, thereby securely locking said mating connector.

3. The electrical connector as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein said extending pieces of said fixtures are extended through said inserting grooves of said housing, and tips of said extending pieces extending from the housing are each provided with a connection portion to be connected to the substrate.