Connector assembly and electronic apparatus including connector assembly

Provided is a connector assembly including a first connector including a first terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a first contact portion being a part of the first terminal and a projection portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; and a second connector including a second terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, the second contact portion being configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion, and a groove portion configured to receive the projection portion, on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein at least a part of a surface of the projection portion is in intimate contact with a part of a surface of the groove portion, and each of the first and second connectors is an integrally-molded product including an insulating member and a conductive member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-103736 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Jun. 16, 2020, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly and an electronic apparatus including the connector assembly.

2. Related Art

In a connector assembly including two connectors (a receptacle and a plug), a technology of adding the function of preventing the entry of a liquid substance into the receptacle and the plug is known. For example, JP-A-2016-157529 discloses a connector assembly including a first connector2and a second connector3. A press-fit groove13and contacts20are placed in the first connector2. In addition, a sheet-shaped waterproof material35is bonded fast to the first connector2. The second connector3is provided with a press-fit projection44. The press-fitting of the press-fit projection44of the second connector3into the press-fit groove13of the first connector2allows preventing the entry of water from the surface to which the sheet-shaped waterproof material35is bonded fast and preventing the entry of water through the surfaces of the press-fit projection44and the press-fit groove13(FIG.4).

In the connector assembly described in JP-A-2016-157529, a first circuit is connected to the bottom surface of the first connector2(the receptacle), and a second circuit is connected to the bottom surface of the second connector3(the plug). The first connector2and the second connector3are connected to each other on a surface, to which the first circuit is not connected, of the first connector2and a surface, to which the second circuit is not connected, of the second connector3(the top surface of the first connector2and the top surface of the second connector3). Consequently, the connector assembly provides electrical connections to the first and second circuits. If an electronic apparatus including the connector assembly is a wearable device such as wireless earphones, or a smartphone, it is required to, for example, downsize the connector assembly or improve water resistance. The connector assembly described in JP-A-2016-157529 provides a low profile connector assembly with a small pitch between contacts, which has the function of preventing the entry of water.

SUMMARY

A connector assembly of the present embodiment is configured to include a first connector including a first terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a first contact portion being a part of the first terminal and a projection portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; and a second connector including a second terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, the second contact portion being configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion, and a groove portion configured to receive the projection portion, on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein at least a part of a surface of the projection portion is in intimate contact with a part of a surface of the groove portion, and each of the first and second connectors is an integrally-molded product including an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first or second terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

However, in terms of the connector assembly described in JP-A-2016-157529, the contacts are insert-molded in a housing of the first connector, and then the sheet-shaped waterproof material separated from the housing is further bonded fast to the first connector. Hence, the process of manufacturing the connector assembly is complicated.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide the following connector assembly and electronic apparatus including the connector assembly. The connector assembly and the electronic apparatus including the connector assembly can be easily manufactured, and can prevent the entry of a liquid substance.

A connector assembly of the present disclosure is a first connector including a first terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a first contact portion being a part of the first terminal and a projection portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; and a second connector including a second terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, the second contact portion being configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion, and a groove portion configured to receive the projection portion, on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein at least a part of a surface of the projection portion is in intimate contact with a part of a surface of the groove portion, and each of the first and second connectors is an integrally-molded product including an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first or second terminal.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, each of the first and second connectors does not include a hole and a gap, which run from the bottom surface to the inside of the connector assembly.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, the projection portion of the first connector includes a press-fit portion, and the groove portion of the second connector includes a press-fit groove configured to receive the press-fit portion, or the groove portion of the second connector includes a press-fit portion, and the projection portion of the second connector includes a press-fit groove configured to receive the press-fit portion.

A connector assembly of the present disclosure includes a first connector including a first terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a first contact portion being a part of the first terminal and a projection portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; and a second connector including a second terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, the second contact portion being configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion, and a groove portion configured to receive the projection portion, on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein at least a part of a surface of the projection portion is in intimate contact with a part of a surface of the groove portion, and at least one of the first and second connectors includes a reinforcing member.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, at least the first or second connector including the reinforcing member is an integrally-molded product including the reinforcing member, an insulating member, and a conductive member forming the first or second terminal.

A connector assembly of the present disclosure includes a first connector including a first terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a first contact portion being a part of the first terminal and a projection portion on a surface opposite to the bottom surface; and a second connector including a second terminal on a bottom surface thereof, and a second contact portion being a part of the second terminal, the second contact portion being configured to be electrically connected to the first contact portion, and a groove portion configured to receive the projection portion, on a surface opposite to the bottom surface, wherein at least a part of a surface of the projection portion is in intimate contact with a part of a surface of the groove portion, and at least one of the projection portion and the groove portion includes a storage portion configured to store a liquid substance.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, each of the first and second connectors is an integrally-molded product including an insulating member and a conductive member forming the first or second terminal.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, at least one of the first and second connectors includes a reinforcing member.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, given two or more first terminals, the first terminals are placed, aligned, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and given two or more second terminals, the second terminals are placed, aligned, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, given two or more first terminals, the first terminals are placed, aligned, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, or given two or more second terminals, the second terminals are placed, aligned, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, given three or more first terminals, the first terminals are placed, aligned in two rows, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, and given three or more second terminals, the second terminals are placed, aligned in two rows, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, given three or more first terminals, the first terminals are placed, aligned in two rows, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the first connector, or given three or more second terminals, the second terminals are placed, aligned in two rows, in a first direction on the bottom surface of the second connector.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, on the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one of the first terminals is oriented in a second direction and the other first terminals are oriented in a direction different from the second direction, and on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one of the second terminals is oriented in a second direction and the other second terminals are oriented in a direction different from the second direction.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, wherein on the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one of the first terminals is oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the other first terminals are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction, and on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one of the second terminals is oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the other second terminals are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction.

In the connector assembly of the present disclosure, on the bottom surface of the first connector, at least one of the first terminals is oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the other first terminals are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction, or on the bottom surface of the second connector, at least one of the second terminals is oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the other second terminals are oriented in a direction opposite to the second direction.

An electronic apparatus of the present disclosure includes the connector assembly of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

FIGS.1A and1Billustrate perspective views of a connector assembly in a first embodiment.FIG.1Ais a diagram where a plug is placed on the upper side thereof and a receptacle on the lower side thereof.FIG.1Bis a diagram where the plug is placed on the lower side and the receptacle on the upper side. A connector assembly100includes a plug105and a receptacle150. The plug105includes a projection portion115and one, or two or more plug terminals110. The receptacle150includes a groove165and one, or two or more receptacle terminals155.FIG.1Aillustrates a bottom surface120of the plug105and a top surface of the receptacle150.FIG.1Billustrates a bottom surface180of the receptacle150and a top surface of the plug105. The plug terminal110provided to the bottom surface120of the plug105inFIG.1Aextends toward the top surface of the plug105through a main body of the plug105as illustrated inFIG.1B. The receptacle terminal155provided to the bottom surface180of the receptacle150inFIG.1Bextends toward the top surface of the receptacle150through a main body of the receptacle150as illustrated inFIG.1A.

In terms of the receptacle150, the bottom surface180, which is a surface opposite to the surface that receives the plug105, that is, the surface on the side that mates with the plug105, includes a depression185. The depression185includes a protruding portion190inside the depression185. The outer shape of the depression185may be a rectangular shape whose four corners are rounded, or a rectangle as illustrated inFIG.1B.

FIG.2Aillustrates a plan view of the plug105as viewed from above in the placement of the plug105inFIG.1B.FIG.2Billustrates a plan view of the plug105as viewed from above in the placement of the plug105inFIG.1A. A plurality of plug terminals110-ninFIGS.2A and2Bcorresponds to the plug terminals110inFIGS.1A and1B. Each of the plug terminals110-nplaced on the bottom surface120of the plug105illustrated inFIG.2Bcorresponds to the plug terminal110-nplaced on the top surface of the plug105illustrated inFIG.2A. The plug terminals110-nare connected, on the bottom surface120of the plug105, to, for example, another circuit board.

The plug terminals110-2to110-8are placed as the first row in a first direction205(a direction from the plug terminal110-2toward the plug terminal110-8) on the bottom surface120of the plug105. Similarly, the plug terminals110-10to110-16are placed as the second row in the first direction205. In this manner, the plug terminals110-2to110-8, which are placed as the first row on the bottom surface120, extend in a second direction210(a direction from the plug terminal110-16toward the plug terminal110-2) orthogonal to the first direction205. The plug terminals110-10to110-16placed as the second row extend in a direction opposite to the second direction210. As illustrated inFIG.2A, the projection portion115continuously covers the perimeter of the plug105.

FIG.3Aillustrates a plan view of the receptacle150as viewed from above in the placement of the receptacle150inFIG.1A.FIG.3Billustrates a plan view of the receptacle150as viewed from above in the placement of the receptacle150inFIG.1B. Receptacle terminals155-ninFIGS.3A and3Bcorrespond to the receptacle terminals155inFIGS.1A and1B. Each of the receptacle terminals155-nplaced on the top surface of the receptacle150illustrated inFIG.3Acorresponds to the receptacle terminal155-nplaced on the bottom surface180of the receptacle150illustrated inFIG.3B. The bottom surface180of the receptacle150includes the depression185. The receptacle terminal155-nincludes a portion355-nwhere the receptacle terminal155-nis exposed in the depression185. The receptacle terminals155-nare connected, on the bottom surface180of the receptacle150to, for example, another circuit board.

The receptacle terminals155-2to155-8are placed as the first row in a first direction305(a direction from the receptacle terminal155-2toward the receptacle terminal155-8) on the bottom surface180of the receptacle150. Similarly, the receptacle terminals155-10to155-16are placed as the second row in the first direction305. In this manner, the receptacle terminals155-2to155-8, which are placed as the first row on the bottom surface180, extend in a second direction310(a direction from the receptacle terminal155-16toward the receptacle terminal155-2) orthogonal to the first direction305. The receptacle terminals155-10to155-16placed as the second row extend in a direction opposite to the second direction310. As illustrated inFIG.3A, the groove165continuously covers the perimeter of the receptacle150.

Each of the plug and the receptacle according to the present disclosure is manufactured by integral molding (insert molding) by use of a conductive member forming a terminal and an insulating member (for example, resin) forming the main body (housing). In integral molding, the conductive member such as a terminal is placed in a mold, and then the resin liquefied at high temperature is poured into the mold to mold the plug and the receptacle. In other words, the plug and the receptacle are integrally-molded products including the conductive member such as the terminal and the insulating member such as resin. Therefore, in integral molding, portions where the mold and the terminal touch each other are exposed without covered by the resin forming the main body of the plug and the main body of the receptacle. In the embodiment, the portions that touch the mold are contact portions415and455contacting board circuits, which are described below, and the portion355-n, which is exposed in the depression185inFIG.3B, of the receptacle terminal155-n.

If only the contact portions415and455contacting the board circuits are rendered the portions that touch the mold in another embodiment, the portion355-n, which is exposed in the depression185inFIG.3B, of the receptacle terminal155-nmay be covered by the resin for integral molding, that is, the resin forming the main body of the receptacle. In this case, the depression185of the receptacle150can be filled with the resin for integral molding. Portions other than the terminals on the bottom surface180of the receptacle150may be formed as one surface by filling the depression185with the resin for integral molding. Consequently, the thickness of the bottom surface portion of the receptacle150increases; accordingly, the strength of the receptacle150can be increased. Similarly, a depression250(FIG.2B) on the bottom surface120of the plug105can also be filled with the resin for integral molding.

FIG.4Aillustrates a side view of longitudinal portions of the plug105and the receptacle150before mating.FIG.5Aillustrates a side view of the longitudinal portions of the plug105and the receptacle150after mating. The plug terminals110-10to110-16correspond to and are connected to the receptacle terminals155-10to155-16, respectively. The plug terminals110-1to110-9, which are not illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, correspond to and are connected to the receptacle terminals155-1to155-9, respectively. Consequently, an electrical connection between the plug105and the receptacle150is provided.

FIG.4Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150before mating.FIG.4Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.4Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.4A.FIG.5Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150after mating.FIG.5Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Cs” inFIG.5Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.5A.

FIG.4Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150before mating.FIG.4Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.4Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.4B.FIG.5Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150after mating.FIG.5Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Ds” inFIG.5Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.5B.

The plug105and the receptacle150are formed, including the main body (housing) made out of the insulating member, for example, resin such as plastic or a liquid-crystal polymer, and the terminals made out of the conductive member, for example, copper.FIGS.4B and4CandFIGS.5B and5Cillustrate a plug main body440and a receptacle main body490, and the plug terminals110and the receptacle terminals155. The main body and terminals of each of the plug105and the receptacle150are integrally formed by integral molding (insert molding) by use of the insulating member and the conductive member. Consequently, the main body and the terminal of the plug105are formed in intimate contact with each other, and the main body and the terminal of the receptacle150are formed in intimate contact with each other. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the generation of a hole and a gap, which reach the inside of the connector assembly from all the outer surfaces of the connector assembly including the bottom surfaces of the plug105and the receptacle150, in the connector assembly formed by mating the plug105and the receptacle150. Hence, it is possible to prevent the entry of liquid substances including a liquid such as water, resin liquefied at high temperature, and a slime substance into the inside of the connector assembly (the surfaces opposite to the bottom surfaces) from the outside. Moreover, each of the plug105and the receptacle150is manufactured as an integrally-molded product by integral molding; accordingly, the use of materials other than the materials of the main bodies and the terminals of the plug105and the receptacle150is not necessarily required. As a result, the connector assembly can be easily manufactured.

As illustrated inFIGS.4B and4C, the plug105includes the plug terminals110. The plug terminal110includes the plug-side board circuit contact portion415and a receptacle contact portion420. The main body440, which is formed of the insulating member, of the plug105includes a plug terminal protruding portion430for forming the receptacle contact portion420that can be electrically connected to the receptacle150. A part of or the entire wall of the plug terminal protruding portion430may contact an inner wall of the receptacle contact portion420. The main body440of the plug105further includes the projection portion115.

The receptacle150includes the receptacle terminals155. The receptacle terminal155includes the receptacle-side board circuit contact portion455and a plug contact portion460. The main body490of the receptacle150includes a receptacle terminal recessed portion465for forming the plug contact portion460that can be electrically connected to the plug105. A part of or the entire wall of the receptacle terminal recessed portion465may contact an inner wall of the plug contact portion460. The main body490of the receptacle150further includes the groove165corresponding to the projection portion115of the plug105. As illustrated inFIGS.5B and5C, the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other; accordingly, the wall of the plug contact portion460in the receptacle150comes into contact with the wall of the receptacle contact portion420of the plug105. Consequently, an electrical connection between the plug105and the receptacle150is provided.

As illustrated inFIGS.5B and5C, the groove165of the receptacle150receives the projection portion115of the plug105. Consequently, the projection portion115is fitted into the groove165. The projection portion115further includes a press-fit portion405at a distal end thereof on the fitting side. The groove165further includes a press-fit groove450on the bottom side. When the groove165of the receptacle150receives the projection portion115of the plug105, a wall of the groove165comes into intimate contact with a wall of the projection portion115as illustrated inFIG.5B. Furthermore, a wall of the press-fit groove450comes into intimate contact with a wall of the press-fit portion405. Consequently, the projection portion115of the plug105fits in the groove165of the receptacle150, which eliminates a gap between the groove165and the projection portion115. Hence, it is possible to prevent the entry of the liquid substances into the receptacle150and the plug105. Furthermore, the press-fit portion405is made slightly larger in size than a portion, which receives the press-fit portion405, of the press-fit groove450. Accordingly, it is possible to further tighten the fit. If the height of the groove165of the receptacle150is further increased, a distance between the outside of the connector assembly and the inside of the connector assembly along a surface on a side where the groove165of the receptacle150and the projection portion115of the plug105contact each other (a creepage distance along the surfaces of the groove165and the projection portion115) is increased. Accordingly, the function of preventing the entry of the liquid substances into the connector is further improved. The height of the groove165is preferably, for example, equal to or greater than three-fifths the height of the receptacle150. If the degree of intimate contact between the wall of the groove165and the wall of the projection portion115is not sufficient, a gap is created between the wall of the groove165and the wall of the projection portion115. The gap serves as a passage for the entry of the liquid substances. Accordingly, the liquid substance may enter the inside of the connector assembly through the gap.

In the embodiment, the press-fit portion405of the plug105is continuously formed along the perimeter of the plug105. Alternatively, the press-fit portion405may be formed on a part of the perimeter of the plug105. The press-fit groove165is formed, corresponding to the press-fit portion405.

In another embodiment, the groove165of the receptacle150may include a press-fit portion, and the projection portion115of the plug105may include a press-fit groove that receives the press-fit portion.

The connector assembly where the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other is connected to, for example, board circuits (not illustrated) of other electronic components via the plug terminals110and the receptacle terminals155, which are provided to the bottom surfaces120and180of the plug105and the receptacle150. After the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to, for example, the board circuits, respectively, and the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other, resin is applied to at least part of the surfaces of the board circuits, for example, for the purpose of fixing the connector assembly to the board circuits of the other electronic components, or preventing a short circuit caused by an unnecessary conductive member touching the connector assembly or board circuit. In such a case, the mating of the plug105and the receptacle150allows the connector assembly according to the embodiment to prevent the entry of the resin into the connector assembly. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the plug contact portion460of the receptacle150and the receptacle contact portion420of the plug105from being insulated in the connector assembly due to the entry of the resin. Therefore, in terms of an electronic apparatus including the connector assembly according to the embodiment, a reduction in the incidence of defective products is achieved.

Second Embodiment: A Connector Assembly where the Press-Fit Portion in the First Embodiment is Omitted

FIG.6Aillustrates a side view of longitudinal portions of a plug105and a receptacle150in a second embodiment.FIG.6Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the second embodiment.FIG.6Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.6Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.6A.FIG.6Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the second embodiment.FIG.6Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.6Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.6B. Reference numerals inFIGS.6A,6B, and6Ccorrespond to those inFIGS.4A,4B, and4C. The embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the respect that the press-fit portion405of the plug105and the press-fit groove450of the receptacle150in the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4B and4Care not provided. In other words, the embodiment is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A,4B, and4C, except for the press-fit portion405and the press-fit groove450.

In the embodiment, the projection portion115of the plug105does not include a press-fit portion. Moreover, the groove165of the receptacle150does not include a press-fit groove corresponding to the press-fit portion. The plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other. Accordingly, the groove165can receive the projection portion115. Furthermore, when the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other, a bottom surface605of the projection portion115may come into intimate contact with a bottom surface650of the groove165. In this case, the length of the projection portion115in a height direction thereof is the same as, or greater than, the length of the groove165in a height direction thereof. The connector assembly in the embodiment does not include the press-fit portion and the press-fit groove. Accordingly, the fit is looser than the fit in the first embodiment. However, the projection portion115and the groove165in the embodiment can prevent the entry of liquid substances such as water and resin into the connector assembly.

Third Embodiment: A Connector Assembly Including Reinforcing Members

FIG.7Aillustrates a side view of longitudinal portions of a plug105and a receptacle150in a third embodiment.FIG.7Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the third embodiment.FIG.7Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.7Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.7A.FIG.7Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the third embodiment.FIG.7Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.7Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.7B. Reference numerals inFIGS.7A,7B, and7Ccorrespond to those inFIGS.6A,6B, and6C. The plug105and the receptacle150in the embodiment are different from the plug105and the receptacle150in the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS.6A,6B, and6C in the respect that reinforcing members are provided. In other words, the embodiment is similar to the configuration of the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cexcept for the reinforcing members.

In the embodiment, the plug105includes a reinforcing member705, and the receptacle150includes a reinforcing member750. The reinforcing member is placed in such a manner as to cover a part of or the entire perimeter of the longitudinal portion of the plug or receptacle. Consequently, the strength of the connector assembly is increased. The plug or receptacle without the reinforcing member is more susceptible to deformation than the plug or receptacle including the reinforcing member. Therefore, the receptacle or plug without the reinforcing member corresponding to the plug or receptacle including the reinforcing member deforms on the basis of the shape of the plug or receptacle including the reinforcing member. Consequently, the projection portion115of the plug105fits in the groove165of the receptacle150in more intimate contact with each other.

In another embodiment, the reinforcing member may be placed in such a manner as to cover a part of or the entire perimeter of another portion (for example, the perimeter of a lateral portion) of the plug or receptacle. In another embodiment, the reinforcing member may be placed not on the perimeter of the plug or receptacle, but in a place near a part of or the entire length in the longitudinal direction in a center portion of the plug or receptacle (for example, a reinforcing member710or755indicated by a dotted line inFIG.7B). Moreover, the reinforcing members may be placed both on the perimeter of and in the center portion of the plug or receptacle. In another embodiment, the projection portion115of the plug105and the groove165of the receptacle150may include the press-fit portion405and the press-fit groove450respectively, which are illustrated in, for example,FIG.4A.

Fourth Embodiment: A Connector Assembly Including a Storage Portion

FIG.8Aillustrates a side view of longitudinal portions of a plug105and a receptacle150in a fourth embodiment.FIG.8Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fourth embodiment.FIG.8Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.8Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.8A.FIG.8Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fourth embodiment.FIG.8Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.8Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.8B.FIG.9Aillustrates a side view of the longitudinal portions of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fourth embodiment.FIG.9Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fourth embodiment.FIG.9Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.9Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.9A.FIG.9Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fourth embodiment.FIG.9Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.9Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.9B. Reference numerals inFIGS.8A,8B, and8CandFIGS.9A,9B, and9Ccorrespond to those inFIGS.6A,6B, and6C. The plug105and the receptacle150in the embodiment are different from the plug105and the receptacle150in the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cin the respect that a storage portion that stores liquid substances are provided. In other words, the embodiment is similar to the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS.6A,6B, and6Cexcept for the storage portion.

In the embodiment, at least one of the plug105and the receptacle150includes a storage portion (a reference numeral850inFIGS.8B and8Cand a reference numeral905inFIGS.9B and9C). The storage portion can store liquid substances such as water and resin after the plug105and the receptacle150are mated together. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the entry of the liquid substances into a portion where the terminals of the plug105and the receptacle150are connected to each other (around the receptacle terminal recessed portion465). If a liquid substance is a resin that is liquefied at high temperature and cures at low temperature, the resin cures after being stored in the storage portion in a liquid form. Consequently, it is possible to make the connection of the connector assembly firmer. Moreover, the liquid substance cures in the storage portion and a passage leading to the storage portion, which allows preventing the entry of a liquid substance such as water again after curing.

In the embodiment, the storage portion is provided on the bottom surface of the portion where the plug105and the receptacle150are mated together (the bottom surface of the projection portion115and the bottom surface of the groove165inFIGS.8B and8CandFIGS.9B and9C). However, this is an example. The storage portion may be provided in another place in the portion where the plug105and the receptacle150are mated together (the bottom surface of the projection portion115and an outer wall of the groove165inFIGS.8B and8CandFIGS.9B and9C). In the embodiment, the storage portion is placed in such a manner as to cover the entire perimeters of the plug105and the receptacle150. However, the storage portion may be placed in such a manner as to cover part of the perimeters of the plug105and the receptacle150.

In another embodiment, the storage portion may be provided to each of the projection portion115and the groove165. For example, the storage portions of the projection portion115and the groove165may or may not touch each other. If the storage portions touch each other, the storage portions are provided to, for example, the bottom surfaces of the projection portion115and the groove165. If the storage portions do not touch each other, the storage portion of the projection portion115may be provided to, for example, the bottom surface of the projection portion115, and the storage portion of the groove165to, for example, the bottom surface of the groove165. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the embodiment may include the reinforcing members illustrated in the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment: A Connector Assembly where Side Walls of the Connector Assembly are Realized by the Outer Wall of the Plug

FIG.10Aillustrates a side view of longitudinal portions of a plug105and a receptacle150in a fifth embodiment.FIG.10Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fifth embodiment.FIG.10Bis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “As” inFIG.10Aas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.10A.FIG.10Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug105and the receptacle150in the fifth embodiment.FIG.10Cis a diagram of a cross-section along a line linking a pair of “Bs” inFIG.10Bas viewed in an arrow direction inFIG.10B. Reference numerals inFIGS.10A,10B, and10Ccorrespond to those inFIGS.4A,4B, and4C. The plug105and the receptacle150in the embodiment are different from the plug105and the receptacle150in the first embodiment illustrated in, for example,FIGS.4A,4B, and4Cin the respect that side walls of the connector assembly are realized by an outer wall of the plug.

In the embodiment, the receptacle150includes a projection portion1055on the outermost side of the receptacle150. In the embodiment, the plug105includes a groove1005surrounded by an outer wall1010and the plug terminal protruding portion430. The groove1005receives the projection portion1055of the receptacle150to allow the projection portion1055to be fitted therein. Consequently, at least parts of a surface of the groove1005and a surface of the projection portion1055come into contact with each other. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the entry of liquid substances into the connector assembly. In the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the main body of the receptacle150as compared to the size of the main body of the receptacle150in the first to fourth embodiments. Accordingly, it is possible to downsize the connector assembly, which further contributes a reduction in the amount of material of the main body used to manufacture the connector assembly.

Other Embodiments

In the connector assembly according to the above embodiments, given pairs of one plug terminal110on the bottom surface of the plug105and one receptacle terminal155on the bottom surface of the receptacle150corresponding to the one plug terminal110, a plurality of pairs is placed in two rows in the longitudinal direction as illustrated inFIGS.2B and3B. In other words, the connector assembly according to the above embodiments includes a terminal array including two rows. However, this is an exemplification. The terminal array may include one row, or three or more rows.

For example, assume that some of terminals in the terminal array placed in one row is terminals of a first group, or that all terminals in the terminal array including a predetermined number of rows, for example, two or more rows are the terminals of the first group. In this case, on the bottom surfaces of the plug105and the receptacle150, the terminals of the first group may be placed, oriented in a predetermined direction, and terminals of the other group other than the terminals of the first group may be placed, oriented in a direction other than the predetermined direction.

A “first connector” described in the claims indicates a plug or receptacle that includes a projection portion. A “second connector” described in the claims indicates the plug or receptacle that includes a groove that receives the projection portion.

A “first terminal” described in the claims indicates a terminal that is connected to a terminal of a board circuit that is required to be connected to the connector assembly in the first connector. A “second terminal” described in the claims indicates a terminal that is connected to a terminal of a board circuit that is required to be connected to the connector assembly in the second connector.

A “first contact portion” of the “first connector” in the description of the claims is connected to a “second contact portion” of the “second connector”. Consequently, an electrical connection is provided to the connector assembly.

In the above embodiments, the plug105and the receptacle150are formed by integral molding, using at least an insulating member and a conductive member that forms the terminal. However, as can be understood by those skilled in the art, the plug105and the receptacle150may be integrally molded, including another member other than the insulating member and the conductive member that forms the terminal.

The above embodiments illustrate the bottom surfaces of the plug105and the receptacle150in a substantially rectangular shape. However, this is an exemplification. Another shape such as a substantially square shape or a substantially triangular shape is also possible. The connector assembly is formed into a shape suitable for an electronic apparatus that uses the connector assembly.

The embodiments described above may be realized as one embodiment by combining parts or all of the embodiments.

The structures and arrangements of the elements of the embodiments, which are described above, are mere exemplifications. Those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments. Examples of the modifications include changes to the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and ratios of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, the use of material, colors, and orientations.

The embodiments described above are exemplifications for explanation of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The present disclosure can be carried out in various modes as long as it does not depart from a gist thereof.