ELECTRONIC COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

The invention provides an electronic component including a body having insulation properties, a contact, and a first sealant. The contact includes a fixed portion held by the body and a tail portion projecting out from the body. The first sealant includes non-volatile oil filled in a gap between the fixed portion of the contact and the body.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes electronic components according to first and second embodiments of the invention.

First, the electronic component according to the first embodiment will be described referring toFIGS. 1A to 5B. The electronic component is an audio jack connector connectable to a multipolar connector (mating connector, not shown). This connector includes a body100; contacts200a,200b,200c,200d,200e,and200f;a plurality of first sealants300a;and a plurality of second sealants300b.These components of the connector will be described in detail below. InFIGS. 2A to 3B, and5A and5B, Y represents the lengthwise direction of the connector, X represents the widthwise direction of the connector, and Z represents the heightwise direction of the connector.

The contact200ais a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 3A,3B,5A and5B. The contact200aincludes a first fixed portion210a,a second fixed portion220a,a contacting portion230a,and a tail portion240a.The first fixed portion210ais a plate extending in the Y direction, and it has first and second ends in the Y direction and third and fourth ends in the Z direction. The third and fourth ends of the first fixed portion210aare provided with a pair of engagement pieces211a.

The contacting portion230ais a plate continuous with the first end (the front end) of the first fixed portion210aand extending to one side in the Y direction (forward). The contacting portion230ais inclined to one side in the X direction (refer toFIGS. 3A and 3B). The distal end of the contacting portion230ais curved in an arc shape to the one side in the X direction. The second fixed portion220ais a plate continuous with a portion on the rear side (the other side in the Y direction) of the engagement piece211aat the fourth end of the first fixed portion210a.The second fixed portion220ais bent at a right angle to the first fixed portion210ato extend to the other side in the Y direction. The tail portion240ais a generally L-shaped plate continuous with the other side end in the Y direction (the rear end) of the second fixed portion220a.

The contact200bis a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 3A,3B,5A and5B. The contact200bhas substantially the same shape as that of the contact200aexcept the following two differences. The first difference is that the contact200bis shaped symmetrically to the contact200a.The second difference is that the contact200bhas a first fixed portion210bthat is smaller in the Y direction than the first fixed portion210a.An engagement piece211bof the first fixed portion, a second fixed portion220b,a contacting portion230b,and a tail portion240bof the contact200bare illustrated inFIGS. 2A to 4B.

The contact200cis a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 3A,3B,5A and5B. The contact200chas substantially the same shape as that of the contact200bexcept the following two differences. The first difference is that the contact200cis shaped symmetrically to the contact200b.The second difference is that the contact200chas a contacting portion230cthat is inclined to a lesser extent than the contacting portion230bof the contact200b(seeFIGS. 3A and 3B). An engagement piece211cof the first fixed portion and a tail portion240cof the contact200care illustrated inFIGS. 2A to 4B.

The contact200dis a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 3A,3B,5A and5B. The contact200dhas substantially the same shape as that of the contact200bexcept the following two differences. The first difference is that the contact200dhas a first fixed portion210dthat is smaller in the Y direction than the first fixed portion210bof the contact200b(seeFIGS. 3A and 3B). The second difference is that the contact200dhas a contacting portion230dthat is smaller in the Y direction than the contacting portion230bof the contact200b(seeFIGS. 3A and 3B). An engagement piece211dof the first fixed portion, a second fixed portion220d,and a tail portion240dof the contact200dare illustrated inFIGS. 2A to 4B.

The contact200eis a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 2A,2B,3A,5A and5B. The contact200eincludes a first fixed portion210e,a second fixed portion220e,a contacting portion230e,and a tail portion240e.The first fixed portion210eis a plate extending in the X direction, and it has first and second ends in the Y direction and third and fourth ends in the X direction. The third and fourth ends of the first fixed portion210eare provided with a pair of engagement pieces211e.

The contacting portion230eis a plate continuous with the first end (the front end) of the first fixed portion210eand folded back to one side in the Z direction (upward) and to the other side in the Y direction (the rear side). The distal end of the contacting portion230eis bent to other side in the Z direction (downward). The second fixed portion220eis a plate continuous with the second end (the rear end) of the first fixed portion210e,and it is bent to the one side in the Z direction (upward) to extend to the other side in the Y direction. The tail portion240eis a generally L-shaped plate continuous with the other side end in the Y direction (the rear end) of the second fixed portion220e.

The contact200fis a press-molded metal plate as shown inFIGS. 2A,2B,3A,5A and5B. The contact200fincludes a fixed portion210fand a contacting portion220f.The fixed portion210fis a plate extending in the X direction, and it has first and second ends in the Y direction and third and fourth ends in the X direction. The third and fourth ends of the fixed portion210fare provided with a pair of engagement pieces211f.The contacting portion220fis a plate continuous with the first end (the front end) of the first fixed portion210fand folded back to the other side in the Z direction (downward) and to the other side in the Y direction (the rear side). The distal end of the contacting portion220fis bent to the one side in the Z direction (upward).

As shown inFIGS. 2A to 5B, the body100includes a first body100a(a part), a second body100b(a part), and a third body100c(a part), which are fixed to one another.

As shown inFIGS. 2A to 5B, the second body100bis a generally rectangular plate of insulating resin, which may be nylon such as 46 nylon. The second body100bhas an outer shape conforming to the shape of a first fitting hole121a(to be described) of the first body100a.The second body100bis of thicknesswise dimension (the dimension in the Y direction) larger than the depth (the dimension in the Y direction) of the first fitting hole121a.The second body100bhas a fitting portion110band a projection120b.

As shown inFIGS. 2A to 5B, the third body100cis a generally rectangular plate of insulating resin, which may be nylon such as 46 nylon. The third body100chas larger outer size than the second body100b,and it has a conforming shape to the shape of a second fitting hole122a(to be described) of the first body100a.The third body100chas a fitting recess110cof shape conforming to the outer shape of the second body100b.The fitting recess110cfits over the projection120bof the second body100b.

As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, embedded in the second and third bodies100b,100care the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bof the contacts200a,200c,200e,200d,200bin this order in spaced relation to one another along the X direction. In other words, the second and third bodies100b,100chold the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bin spaced relation to one another along the X direction. There are minute gaps S1of 10 μm or narrower between the second body100band the respective second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220b.There are minute gaps S2of 10 μm or narrower between the third body100cand the respective second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220b.The second fixed portions220a-220ecorrespond to the fixed portion of the contact as defined in the claims.

The gaps S1, S2are filled with the first sealants300a.The first sealants300aare of non-volatile oil such as silicone oil. The first sealants300aeach have a contact angle of 90° or larger. The first sealants300aeach have a viscosity within the range of 5 cSt to 100 cSt.

As shown inFIGS. 1A to 5B, the first body100ais a generally rectangular tube of insulating resin, which may be nylon such as 46 nylon. The first body100ahas a connection hole110a,the first and second fitting holes121a,122a,housing grooves131a,132a,133a,134a,135a,136a,and housing holes141a,142a,143a,144a.

The combination of the connection hole110aand the first and second fitting holes121a,122apasses through the first body100ain the Y direction. The connection hole110ais a substantially columnar hole extending in the center of the first body100aalong the Y direction. The connection hole110ais adapted to removably receive a multipolar connector. The connection hole110ais open to the one side in the Y direction.

The first fitting hole121ais a substantially rectangular hole formed in the first body100a,in communication with and on the other side in the Y direction of the connection hole110a.The second fitting hole122ais a substantially rectangular hole formed in the first body100a,on the other side in the Y direction of the first fitting hole121a.The second fitting hole122ahas larger outer size than the size of the first fitting hole121a.The second fitting hole122acommunicates with the first fitting hole121aand is open to the other side in the Y direction. In other words, the second fitting hole122acommunicates between the first fitting hole121aand the outside of the first body100a.

The first fitting hole121afits over the fitting portion110bof the second body100b.The second fitting hole122afits over the third body100c.The projection120bof the second body100bprojects from the first fitting hole121ato the other side in the Y direction to fit in the fitting recess110cof the third body100cas mentioned above. This is how the first, second and third bodies100a,100b,100care fixed to one another. As shown inFIG. 4B, there is a minute gap S3of 10 μm or narrower between the second body100band the walls of the first fitting hole121aof the first body100a.As shown inFIG. 4A, there is a minute gap S4of 10 μm or narrower between the third body100cand the walls of the second fitting hole122aof the first body100a.

The gaps S3, S4are filled with the second sealants300b.The second sealants300bare of non-volatile oil such as silicone oil. The second sealants300beach have a contact angle of 90° or larger. The second sealants300beach have a viscosity within the range of 5 cSt to 100 cSt.

The housing groove136ais provided on the one side in the Z direction (on the upper side) of the connection hole110aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 2A,2B,3B and5B. The housing groove136acommunicates with the connection hole110a.The housing groove136ah has a slightly smaller dimension in the X direction than that of the fixed portion210fof the contact200fincluding the engagement pieces211f.The fixed portion210fof the contact200fis press-fitted securely in the housing groove136a.The distal portion of the contacting portion220fis located inside the connection hole110a.

The housing groove135ais provided on the other side in the Z direction (on the lower side) of the connection hole110aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 2A,2B,3B and5B. The housing groove135acommunicates with the connection hole110a.The housing groove135ahas a slightly smaller dimension in the X direction than that of the first fixed portion210eof the contact200eincluding the engagement pieces211e.The first fixed portion210eof the contact200eis press-fitted securely in the housing groove135a.The distal portion of the contacting portion230eis located inside the connection hole110a.

The housing groove134ais provided on the one side in the X direction (on the right side inFIG. 3A) of the connection hole110aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and5B. The housing groove134acommunicates with the connection hole110a.The housing groove134ahas a slightly smaller dimension in the Z direction than that of the first fixed portion210dof the contact200dincluding the engagement pieces211d.The first fixed portion210dof the contact200dis press-fitted securely in the housing groove134a.

The housing hole144ais provided on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the housing groove134aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The housing hole144acommunicates with the housing groove134aand the connection hole110a.The housing hole144ahouses the contacting portion230dof the contact200d.The distal portion of the contacting portion230dis located inside the connection hole110a.

The housing groove133ais provided on the other side in the X direction (on the left side inFIG. 3A) of the connection hole110aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A,3B and5B. The housing groove133acommunicates with the connection hole110a.The housing groove133ahas a slightly smaller dimension in the Z direction than that of the first fixed portion210cof the contact200cincluding the engagement pieces211c.The first fixed portion210cof the contact200cis press-fitted securely in the housing groove133a.

The housing hole143ais provided on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the housing groove133aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The housing hole143acommunicates with the housing groove133aand the connection hole110a.The housing hole143ahouses the contacting portion230cof the contact200c.The distal portion of the contacting portion230cis located inside the connection hole110a.

The housing groove132ais provided on the one side in the X direction (on the right side inFIG. 3A) of the housing groove134aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and5B. The housing groove132acommunicates with the housing groove134a.The housing groove132ahas a slightly smaller dimension in the Z direction than that of the first fixed portion210bof the contact200bincluding the engagement pieces211b.The first fixed portion210bof the contact200bis press-fitted securely in the housing groove132a.

The housing hole142ais provided on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the housing groove132aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The housing hole142acommunicates with the housing groove132a,the housing groove134a,the housing hole144a,and the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230bof the contact200bis received in the housing hole142aand the housing hole144a.The distal portion of the contacting portion230bis located on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the contacting portion230dinside the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230band the contacting portion230care opposed to each other.

The housing groove131ais provided on the other side in the X direction (on the left side inFIG. 3A) of the housing groove133aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A,3B and5B. The housing groove131acommunicates with the housing groove133a.The housing groove131ahas a slightly smaller dimension in the Z direction than the first fixed portion210aof the contact200aincluding the engagement pieces211a.The first fixed portion210aof the contact200ais press-fitted securely in the housing groove131a.

The housing hole141ais provided on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the housing groove131aof the first body100aas shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The housing hole141acommunicates with the housing groove131a,the housing groove133a,the housing hole143a,and the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230aof the contact200ais received in the housing hole141aand the housing hole143a.The distal portion of the contacting portion230ais located on the one side in the Y direction (on the front side) of the contacting portion230cinside the connection hole110a.

The connector configured as describe above may be fabricated in the following manner. The first step is to prepare the first body100aformed by injection-molding insulating resin. Also prepared is the contact200fby stamping a metal plate. The fixed portion210fof the contact200fis press-fitted in the housing groove136aof the first body100a.The fixed portion210fis thus held in the housing groove136a,and the distal portion of the contacting portion220fof the contact200fis located inside the connection hole110aof the first body100a.

Also prepared are the contacts200ato200eby stamping a metal plate. The front portions of the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bof the contacts200a,200c,200e,200d,200bare put in a first die (not shown) and arranged in spaced relation to one another along the X direction in the foregoing order. The next step is to inject insulating resin into the first die to insert-mold the front portions of the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bin the insulating resin. The hardened insulating resin forms the second body100b.The front portions of the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bare embedded in the second body100bin spaced relation to one another and in this order along the X direction. At this point, the gaps S1are left between the second body100band the respective second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220b.

Thereafter, the first fixed portions210a-210eof the contacts200a-200eare press-fitted in the housing grooves131a-135aof the first body100a,and the second body100bis fitted in the first fitting hole121aof the first body100a.At this point, the contacting portion230aof the contact200apasses through the housing groove131aand the housing groove133ato be placed inside the housing hole141aand the housing hole143a,and the distal portion of the contacting portion230apasses through the housing groove131a,the housing groove133a,the housing hole141aand the housing hole143ato be placed inside the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230bof the contact200bpasses through the housing groove132aand the housing groove134ato be placed inside the housing hole142aand the housing hole144a,and the distal portion of the contacting portion230bpasses through the housing groove132a,the housing groove134a,the housing hole142aand the housing hole144ato be placed inside the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230cof the contact200cpasses through the housing groove133ato be placed inside the housing hole143a,and the distal portion of the contacting portion230cpasses through the housing groove133aand the housing hole143ato be placed inside the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230dof the contact200dpasses through the housing groove134ato be placed inside the housing hole144a,and the distal portion of the contacting portion230dpasses through the housing groove134aand the housing hole144ato be placed inside the connection hole110a.The contacting portion230eof the contact200eis placed inside the connection hole110a.When the second body100bfits in the first fitting hole121aof the first body100a,the gap S3is left between the first body100aand the second body100b.

The next step is to put the first and second bodies100a,100band the contacts200ato200finto a second die (not shown) and inject insulating resin into the second fitting hole122aof the first body100a,so that intermediate portions of the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bare insert-molded in the insulating resin. The hardened insulating resin forms the third body100cfitting in the second fitting hole122a.On the other hand, the projection120bof the second body100bfits in the fitting recess110cof the third body100c.The intermediate portions of the second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220bare embedded in the third body100cin spaced relation to one another and in this order along the X direction. The tail portions240a,240c,240e,240d,240bproject from the third body100c.At this point, the gaps S2are left between the third body100cand the respective second fixed portions220a,220c,220e,220d,220b,and the gap S4is left between the first body100aand the third body100c.These are the steps of preparing the body100and the contacts200ato200fheld in the body100.

The next step is to immerse the rear end portion of the body100(i.e., the third body100cand the wall of the second fitting hole122aof the first body100a) and the tail portions240a-240eof the contacts200a-200ein non-volatile oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 5 cSt to 100 cSt. Consequently, the oil is drawn by capillary attraction into the gaps S1to S4to fill the gaps. An alternative step is to apply the oil to the edges of the gaps S2of the third body100cand to the edges of the gap S4between the first body100aand the third body100c.The oil may alternatively applied to the edge of the gap S4and then to the edges of the gaps S2. In either way, the oil is drawn by capillary attraction into the gaps S1to S4to fill the gaps. The oil filled in the gaps S1and S2forms the first sealants300a,and the oil filled in the gaps S3and S4forms the second sealants300b.The immersion or the application of the oil may generate an insulating layer on each of the tail portions240ato240e.However, the insulating layer is very thin because of low viscosity of the oil as described above. Therefore, the insulating layer would not seriously affect the contact resistance and solderability of the tail portions240ato240e.

The above-described electronic component has at least the following technical advantages. First, the gaps S1and S2are filled with the first sealants300a,and the gaps S3, S4are filled with the second sealants300b.The first and second sealants300a,300b,because of their water repellency, can prevent water ingress into the connection hole110athrough the gaps S1to S4. Second, the second fixed portions210a-220eof the contacts200a-200eare embedded in the second and third bodies100b,100cby insert molding. This process leaves only the minute gaps S1between the second body100band the second fixed portions220a-220eand the minute gaps S2between the third body100cand the second fixed portions220ato220e.The gap S3between the first body100aand the second body100band the gap S4between the first body100aand the third body100care also minute because the second body100bfits in the first fitting hole121aof the first body100aand the third body100cfits in the second fitting hole122a.The minuteness of the gaps S1to S4also contributes to the resistance to water ingress into the connection hole110athrough the gaps S1to S4. Furthermore, the second fitting hole122aof the first body100ais larger in size than the first fitting hole121a,the third body100cfits in the second fitting hole122a,and the second body100bfits in the first fitting hole121a.This arrangement means that the gaps S3and S4are not arranged in a straight line in the Y direction. This respect also contributes to the resistance to water ingress into the connection hole110athrough the gaps S3, S4.

Further advantageously, the first and second sealants300a,300bmade of oil are filled in the gaps S1to S4, making it possible to improve waterproofness of the electronic component without upsizing outer size of the electric component. Moreover, the first and second sealants300a,300bare made of oil resistant to deterioration due to changes in environmental temperature, so that the electronic component is insensitive to changes in environmental temperature.

Next, an electronic component according to a second embodiment will be described referring toFIGS. 6A to 6B. The electronic component of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except for first and second sealants300a′,300b′ having different configurations from the first and second sealants300a,300b.The different points only will be discussed in detail to avoid overlapping descriptions. The first and second sealants of the second embodiment will be referred to with a symbol _′_ added to their reference numerals for the sake of distinction from the first and second sealants300a,300bof the first embodiment.

The first sealants300a′ are non-volatile oil having a contact angle 90° or larger and a viscosity within the range of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, and they are filled in the gaps S1, S2and then heated or dried. The second sealants300b′ are also non-volatile oil having a contact angle 90° or large and a viscosity within the range of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, but they are filled in the gaps S3, S4and then heated or dried.

The viscosity of the first and second sealants300a′,300b′ hardly varies even when they are heated or dried. Some methods for the heating or the drying may increase the viscosity of the first and second sealants300a′,300b′ and turn them into gel or coating.

The first, second, third bodies100a,100b,100care made of insulating resin such as nylon as described above and therefore are resistant to heat. Therefore, the first, second, and third bodies100a,100b,100care suitable for use with the first and second sealants300a′,300b′ to be heated or dried.

The above-described electronic component may be manufactured in similar steps to those for the electronic component of the first embodiment. The difference is that after filling the above-described oil into the gaps S1to S4, the electronic component is heated at 160° for about one hour or air-dried for twenty-four hours. This treatment removes the oil adhered to other portions than the gaps S1to S4of the electronic component (e.g., the oil adhered to the tail portions240ato240e). The oil filled in the gaps S1, S2and heated or dried forms the first sealants300a′. The oil filled in the gaps S3, S4and heated or dried forms the second sealants300b′. The first sealants300a′ existing inside the gaps S1, S2and the second sealants300′ existing inside the gaps S3, S4will not be removed by heating or drying, unlike the oil adhered to the other portions than the gaps S1to S4of the electronic component.

The above-described electronic component can provide similar effects to those of the electronic component of the first embodiment. In addition, the heating or drying treatment removes the oil adhered to the other portions than the gaps S1to S4of the electronic component, eliminating the possibility that the oil adversely affects electric characteristics of the electronic component.

The invention is not limited to the electronic components and their manufacturing methods according to the first and second embodiments described above. The electronic components and their manufacturing methods may be modified in any manner within the scope of claims. Specific modifications will be described in detail below.

The first sealants300aof the above-described first embodiment are non-volatile oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, and they are filled in the gaps S1and S2. The first sealants300a′ of the above-described second embodiment are non-volatile oil having a contact angle 90° or larger and a viscosity of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, and they are filled in the gaps S1, S2and then heated or dried. However, the first sealants of the invention can be modified in any manner as long as they are non-volatile oil filled in the gaps between the fixed portions of the contacts and the body. For example, the first sealants may be provided only in the gaps S2. In the case where the third body is omitted, the first sealants may be provided only in the gaps S1. Further, the first sealants may include oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and the viscosity of 100 cSt or lower, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher.

The second sealants300bof the first embodiment are non-volatile oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, and they are filled in the gaps S3and S4. The second sealants300b′ of the second embodiment are non-volatile oil having a contact angle 90° or large and a viscosity of 5 cSt to 100 cSt, and they are filled in the gaps S3, S4and then heated or dried. However, the second sealants of the invention can be modified as follows. In the case where the body is made of one part, the second sealants may be omitted. Alternatively, the second sealants can be modified to non-volatile oil filled in the gap between the first and second bodies, or in the gap between the first and third bodies. Specifically, the second sealant may be provided only in the gap S4. Moreover, in the case where the third body100cis omitted, the second sealant300bmay be provided only in the gap S3. Further, the second sealants may include oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and a viscosity of 100 cSt or lower, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher.

The body100of the first and second embodiments consists of the first, second and third bodies100a,100b,100c(i.e. a plurality of parts) fixed to one another. However, the body can be modified in any manner as long as it has insulating properties and is adapted to hold fixed portions of the contacts. That is, the body only required to have at least one part having insulating properties. Also, the body may have a connection hole to fit therein a connection portion of a mating connector, or a connection portion to fit in a connection hole of a mating connector, and a holding portion to hold the fixed portions of the contacts. Alternatively, the body can be configured such that a portion or an outer circumference of the body is covered with a shield case. The shield case may be a press-molded metal plate, or may be made of insulating resin with vapor-deposited metal on its outer surface. The body may have a plurality of parts also in the case where the body is covered with a shield case.

The first body100aof the invention is not limited to the configurations of the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications having the connection hole110a,the first and second fitting holes121a,122a,the housing grooves131a,132a,133a,134a,135a,136a,and the housing holes141a,142a,143a,144a.For example, the first body of the invention may have the connection hole or the connection portion, and the holding portion as described in the preceding paragraph. In this case, the second and third bodies can be omitted. Moreover, the first body may have the connection hole or the connection portion only. That is, the first body may not be adapted to hold the fixed portions of the contacts. In this case, the second body and/or the third body may be configured to hold the fixed portions of the contacts. The third body can be omitted in the case where the first and second bodies hold the fixed portions of the contacts, or in the case where only the second body holds the fixed portions of the contacts.

The second body100bof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications fits in the first fitting hole121aof the first body100a.However, the second body can be modified in any manner as long as it is an insulating resin body fixed to the first body. For example, the second body can may a block or tube made of insulating resin fixed to the first body.

The third body100cof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications fits in the second fitting hole122aof the first body100a.However, the third body can be modified in any manner as long as it is an insulating resin body fixed to the first or second body. For example, the third body may be a block or tube made of insulating resin fixed to the first body and/or the second body.

The third body100cof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications is larger in outer size than the second body100b.However, the second and third bodies are not limited thereto. For example, the second and third bodies may have the same outer size. The second body may be larger in outer size than the third body. In this case, the first fitting hole of the first body may be larger in size than the second fitting hole.

The contacts200ato200eof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications, have the first fixed portions210ato210e,the second fixed portions220ato220e,the contacting portions230ato230e,and the tail portions240ato240e.However, the contacts of the invention can be modified in any manner as long as they each have a fixed portion held in the body and a tail portion projecting outside the body. That is, the invention requires at least one fixed portion for each contact. In the case where the body has first and second bodies fixed to each other, the fixed portions may be embedded in the first body and/or the second body by insert molding. Alternatively, the fixed portions may be press-fitted securely in press-fitting holes or press-fitting grooves of the first body and/or the second body. In the case where the body has first, second and third bodies fixed to one another, the fixed portions may be embedded in the first body, the second body and/or the third body by insert molding. Alternatively, the fixed portions maybe be press-fitted securely in press-fitting holes or press-fitting grooves of the first body, the second body, and/or the third body. The contacts200ecan be omitted.

The first fixed portions210ato210eof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications are press-fitted securely in the housing grooves131ato135aof the first body100a.However, the first fixed portions of the invention can be modified in any manner as long as they are held in the first body. For example, the first fixed portions may be embedded in the first body by insert molding. On the other hand, the second fixed portions220ato220eof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications are embedded in the second and third bodies100b,100c.However, the second fixed portions of the invention can be modified in any manner as long as they are held in the second body and/or the third body. For example, the second fixed portions may be press-fitted securely in housing grooves of the second body and/or of the third body. In the case where the second fixed portions are held in either one of the second and third bodies, it is possible to omit the other body.

The contacting portions230ato230eof the first and second embodiments and the above-described modifications are housed in the housing holes141ato145aof the first body100a,and the distal portions of the contacting portions230ato230eare arranged inside the connection hole110a.However, the contacting portions may be modified in any manner as long as they are partly located in the connection hole of the body or are provided in the connection portion so as to partly exposed therefrom.

The tail portions240ato240eof the first and second embodiments and the modifications each have a generally L shape projecting from the third body100c.However, the tail portions of the invention can be modified in any manner as long as they project out from the body. For example, the tail portions may extend in line with the respective fixed portions. Alternatively, the tail portions may each be bent at a right angle to each of the fixed portions to hang down.

The electronic component of the first and second embodiments and the modifications is an audio jack connector. However, the electronic component of the invention is applicable to any electronic component including a body, a contact and a first sealant as defined in claim1. For example, the electronic component is applicable to a connector other than an audio jack connector, a jack, a switch, or the like. The applicable connector may be a USB connector, an HDMI connector, an optical connector, an IC card connector, or the like. The applicable jack may be a modular jack, a power supply jack, or the like. The applicable switch may be a slide switch, a multidirectional input switch, a push switch, or the like.

The manufacturing methods of the first and second embodiments the present invention are described above as manufacturing methods of audio jack connectors. However, the manufacturing methods of the invention are applicable to connectors other than audio jack connectors, jacks, switches, or the like. Moreover, in the case where the body is made of a single part, the manufacturing methods can be modified to include filling the oil into the gaps by immersing the body and the contacts in the oil, or by applying the oil to the gaps between the body and the fixed portions of the contacts. Alternatively, the entire electronic component may be immersed in the oil. The oil used for the manufacturing method of the invention may be non-volatile oil of any kind. More particularly, it is possible to use oil having a contact angle of 90° or larger and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and a viscosity of 100 cSt or lower, or oil having a contact angle of 90° or smaller and a viscosity of 100 cSt or higher.

It should be noted that the materials, the shapes, the size, the numbers, and the arrangements of the components of the electronic components described above are described by way of example only. The electronic components may be modified in any manner as long as they provide similar functions. The invention requires at least one contact and at least one first sealant. Accordingly, the invention requires at least one gap between the fixed portion of the contact and the body, and the first sealant may be filled in the gap.

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