Patent Publication Number: US-10763611-B2

Title: Connector with reduced components

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a connector having a waterproof capability, more specifically, the present invention further relates to a connector in which the number of components can be reduced and which can be easily miniaturized and assembled. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Sealing members such as O-ring have been used heretofore for connectors in order to have a waterproof capability. For example, published unexamined patent application JP2014-107122 A discloses a connector including a housing forming a main body for supporting contacts and a seal member for providing a waterproof function at the perimeter direction of the main body wherein the seal member includes a base which adheres to the main body along the perimeter direction thereof and at least two strips of seal pieces and wherein when the connector is inserted into a hole to be inserted, the seal pieces abut against and fall down to the internal surface of the hole and an under side surface of the seal piece at the inserting port side come to be overlapped over an upper surface of another seal piece at the opposite side of the inserting port side. 
     According to the connector disclosed in the published unexamined patent application JP2014-107122 A, since the seal has seal pieces which outwardly expand therefrom, therefore, the space between the connector and the corresponding hole into which the connector is inserted and which is formed on a side wall or a cover of a housing of a device can be filled with the seal pieces regardless the case in which the space is large, the case in which the space is small, or the case in which the space is not even, thus the water proof capability can be obtained. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the case that a sealing member such as an O-ring is employed for obtaining a water proof capability as exemplified in the connector disclosed in the published unexamined patent application JP2014-107122 A, a number of components thereof can be increased, thus the assembling steps thereof and the manufacturing cost thereof can be increased. Further, in the case that the sealing member is employed, the surface to which the sealing member touches needs to be a smooth surface in order for obtaining a water proof capability, thus the flexibility in the design thereof can be limited. 
     This invention aims to solve the such problems of the prior art, and aims to provide a connector in which the number of components thereof can be reduced and which can be easily miniaturized and assembled. 
     In order to achieve the above purpose of the invention, a connector according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: at least one contact; a housing to which the contact is arranged; a shell formed into a cylindrical shape inside of which the housing is disposed; and a joining member formed of a resin material; wherein the housing and the contact form an integral unit by means of the joining member, and the joining member is closely fitted within an inner surface of the shell. 
     The second aspect of the present invention relates to a connector in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the joining member is fixed to the inner surface of the shell so that the joining member and the shell form an integral unit. 
     The third aspect of the present invention relates to a connector in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the housing is formed of a resin material, and the housing and the contact are formed so that the housing and the contact form an integral unit. 
     The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a connector in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the housing includes at least two partial members being assembled together, and wherein the partial members form an integral unit by means of the joining member. 
     The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a connector in the first aspect of the invention, wherein the resin material which forms the joining member has adhesiveness when the resin material is heat treated. 
     The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a connector in the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the joining member is formed of a resin material which melting point is different from the melting point of a resin material which forms the housing, and wherein the melting point of the resin material which forms the joining member is lower than the melting point of the resin material which forms the housing. 
     A manufacturing method for a connector according to one aspect of the present invention in which connector a housing and a contact are arranged inside a cylindrical shell, the method includes: forming one integral unit by molding the housing and the contact with a joining member which is formed of a resin material; and arranging the housing and the contact which are integrally formed by the joining member inside the shell so that the joining member is closely fitted within an inner surface of the shell. 
     Another aspect of the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a connector according to the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the housing and the contact which form an integral unit by means of the joining member and which are arranged inside the shell with the joining member are heat treated so that the joining member is softened and is integrally adhered to the inner surface of the shell, thereafter the joining member and the shell are fixed to each other. 
     According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the joining member is closely fitted within the inner surface of the shell, the connector can have a water proof capability without a use of sealing members such as an O-ring, thus the number of components thereof can be reduced and the connector can be easily miniaturized and assembled. 
     According to the second aspect of the invention, since the joining member is integrally fixed to the inner surface of the shell, the water proof capability can be obtained without a need for forming the inner surface of the shell into a smooth surface, thus the manufacturing flexibility can be increased. 
     According to the third aspect of the invention, since the housing and the contact are integrally formed by, for example, a molding method, therefore, the connector can be easily assembled. 
     According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the partial members of the housing both of which embed the contacts are integrally assembled together by means of the joining member, the connector can have contacts on both sides thereof. Further, since the plurality of partial members of the housing can be integrally assembled by means of the joining member, the connector can be easily assembled. 
     According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the joining member is formed of a resin material which has an adhesiveness when the resin material is heat treated, the shell and the joining member can be integrally fixed to each other when the joining member disposed inside the shell is heat treated, thus the connector can have an enhanced water proof capability nevertheless the inner surface of the shell is not smooth surface. 
     According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the joining member can be heat treated without deforming the shape of the housing. 
     According to the above aspect of the present invention regarding the manufacturing method for the connector, the connector having a water proof capability can be manufactured without a use of sealing members such as an O-ring. 
     According to another aspect of the invention regarding the manufacturing method for the connector, since the joining member and the inner surface of the shell are integrally adhered to each other, the connector can have a more enhanced water proof capability, and since the joining member is softened, the connector can have a water proof capability nevertheless the inner surface of the shell is not smooth surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 1B  shows another perspective view of the connector viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a front elevational view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2B  shows a rear elevational view of the connector. 
         FIG. 2C  shows a cross-sectional view at IIC-IIC line in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of contacts according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4B  shows a side view of the contacts viewing from one side thereof. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front elevational view of a housing of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5B  shows a plan view thereof.  FIG. 5C  shows a bottom view thereof.  FIG. 5D  shows a side elevational view thereof viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 5E  shows a rear side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of the housing of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a joining member is attached thereto.  FIG. 6B  shows a rear side elevational view thereof.  FIG. 6C  shows a cross-sectional view at VIC-VIC line in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of a shell according to the first embodiment of the invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 7B  shows another perspective view of the shell viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of a connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 8B  shows another perspective view of the connector viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 8C  shows a cross-sectional view at VIIIC-VIIIC line in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  shows an exploded perspective view of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9B  shows a cross-sectional view at IXB-IXB line in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of the housing and the contact according to the second embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side in a state in which the housing and the contact are assembled.  FIG. 10B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 10C  shows a cross-sectional view at XC-XC line in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  shows a perspective view of a housing unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 11B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 11C  shows a cross-sectional view at XIC-XIC line in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  shows a perspective view of a connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 12B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 13A  shows a front elevational view of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 13B  shows a rear elevational view thereof.  FIG. 13C  shows a cross-sectional view at XIIIC-XIIIC line in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded perspective view of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15A  shows a perspective view of a housing unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing form one side thereof.  FIG. 15B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 16A  shows a cross-sectional view at XVIA-XVIA line in  FIG. 15A .  FIG. 16B  shows an exploded side elevational view thereof viewing from one side thereof. 
         FIG. 17A  shows a perspective view of a first housing according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 17B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 17C  shows a cross-sectional view at XVIIC-XVIIC line in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18A  shows a perspective view of first contacts according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 18B  shows a side elevational view thereof viewing from one side thereof. 
         FIG. 19A  shows a perspective view of a second housing according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 19B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 19C  shows a cross-sectional view at XIXC-XIXC line in  FIG. 19A . 
         FIG. 20A  shows a perspective view of a plate member according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 20B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 21A  shows second contacts according to the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 21B  shows a side elevational view thereof viewing from one side thereof. 
         FIG. 22A  shows a perspective view of a cover member according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 22B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof.  FIG. 22C  shows a side elevational view thereof viewing from one side thereof. 
         FIG. 23A  shows a perspective view of a shell according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 23B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof. 
         FIG. 24A  shows a perspective view of a reinforcement member according to the third embodiment of the present invention viewing from one side thereof.  FIG. 24B  shows another perspective view thereof viewing from another side thereof. 
     
    
    
     EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are to exemplify a connector for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention into these embodiments but can also be equally applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the claims. 
     Embodiment 1 
     First of all, a connector  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A and 7B . The connector  10  in the first embodiment is mounted on a printed circuit board and is used with and connected with a counterpart connector (not shown). The connector  10  in the first embodiment has at one side an opening  50  into which the counterpart connector is inserted and has at the opposite side a configuration in which part of contacts  14  project therefrom and are connected with contacts formed on the printed circuit board. A gasket  64  for enhancing airtightness and water proof capability is attached around the external peripheral side of the opening  50  of the connector  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 , the connector  10  in the first embodiment includes a metal shell  48  around which the annular gasket  64  is attached, a housing  20  arranged inside the shell  48 , and at least one contact  14  which is assembled in the housing  20 . The housing  20  and the contact  14  are integrally assembled with the inner surface of the shell  48  by means of a joining member  44  which is made of resin. Each constitution thereof will be explained hereinafter. 
     Now, each member arranged inside the shell  48  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B and 6C . In the connector  10  in the first embodiment, the housing  20 , the contact  14 , and the joining member  44  are arranged inside the shell  48 . When the connector  10  is assembled, the housing  20  and the joining member  44  are integrally formed, thereafter, the contact  14  is attached to the housing  20  and the joining member  44 , and finally, the whole assembled structures are inserted into the shell  48  to form the connector  10 . 
     In the first embodiment, the contact  14  is, as shown in  FIGS. 2C, 3, 4A and 4B , formed into a predetermined shape and as at least one, e.g. five metal rod members and they are aligned each other in a predetermined intervals. One side of each contact  14  is a contact part  16  for contacting with a mating contact (not shown) which is provided on the counterpart connector while the other side thereof is a connecting part  18  to be connected to the contact (not shown) formed on the printed circuit board by mans of solder welding. The contact  14  in the first embodiment is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and thereafter being bent. Each contact  14  in the first embodiment is formed into a so-called crank arm shape so that two points between the contact part  16  and the connecting part  18  are bent and that the contact part  16  and the connecting part  18  are formed in approximately parallel to each other. Further, each contact  14  in the first embodiment is formed into the same shape with the other contacts  14 . However, the present invention is not limited to the above. The contacts  14  can have any different shapes. 
     The housing  20  in the first embodiment includes: as shown in  FIGS. 2C, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B and 6C , a housing main body  22  formed into a dimension being able to fill and closely fit within the internal space of the shell  48 ; and a contact supporting part  38  projecting from the one side of the housing main body  22  which are formed of a resin material. 
     The housing main body  22  has an upper surface  28 , a bottom surface  30 , a first side surface  32  and a second side surface  34  which will be fixed to the inner surface of the shell  48  and thereby filling the internal space of the shell  48  described later. The contact supporting part  38  is formed in a manner to project from a front surface  24  of the housing main body  22  which front surface  24  is the side to be connected to the counterpart connector. The front surface  24  of the housing main body  22  from which the contact supporting part  38  projects is the firstly-inserted-side which will be inserted into the shell  48  during the assembling process. 
     In the contact supporting part  38 , the upper surface  28  is formed into a flat surface while the bottom surface  30  is formed with channels which number corresponds to the number of contacts  14 . Each channel forms a contact receiving channel  40  into which the each contact is arranged. Each contact receiving channel  40  is formed up to the distal end of the contact supporting part  38  which end is opposite to the housing main body  22 . 
     The housing  20  is formed at a back surface  26  opposite to the front surface  24  with contact inserting openings  36  which number corresponds to the number of contacts  14 . Each contact inserting opening  36  is formed in a manner to penetrate through the housing main body  22  so that the contact inserting opening  36  communicates with the contact receiving channel  40  formed on the contact supporting part  38  which is provided on the front side  24 . The contact inserting opening  36  and the contact receiving channel  40  form a contact receiving part  42 . 
     The joining member  44  in the first embodiment is, as shown in  FIGS. 2C, 6A, 6B and 6C , integrally formed with the housing  20 , thus the connector  10  can be easily assembled as described later. The joining member  44  is formed into a dimension which is able to closely fit within the internal surface of the shell  48  and thereby filling the internal space of the shell  48 . 
     The joining member  44  is formed of a different resin material from the resin material which forms the housing  20 . More specifically, the joining member  44  is formed of a material which displays adhesiveness when it is placed inside the shell  48  and thereafter processed with heat. The material is, for example, polyester elastomer. It is preferable that the melting point of the material which forms the joining member  44  is lower than the melting point of the resin material which forms the housing  20 . The housing  20  is formed of a material such as nylon and LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). 
     The joining member  44  is integrally formed, for example, by means of molding method with the housing  20  which is previously formed. During the molding process, the joining member  44  is formed at the back surface  26  side of the housing  20 , thus the through holes  46  each of which communicates with the respective contact inserting opening  36  are formed at the positions corresponding to the respective contact inserting openings  36  which are formed on the back surface  26  of the housing  20 . 
     The shell  48  in the first embodiment has, as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 7A and 7B , an opening  50  at one side into which the counterpart connector is inserted and an inserting port  52  at the other side from which the connecting part  18  of each contact  14  protrudes and into which each member such as housing  20  is inserted during the assembling process of the connector  10 . Further, the shell  48  is formed as a metallic cylindrical body including a top plate  54 , a bottom plate  56 , a first side plate  60  and a second side plate  62  and is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and bent. 
     The opening  50  of the shell  48 , into which the counterpart connector is inserted, is formed along the internal peripheral thereof with a taper so that the counterpart connector can be smoothly inserted thereto. The inserting port  52  which is formed at the opposite side to the opening  50  and from which each contact  14  protrudes is formed on the bottom plate  56  with a notch  58  from which the contacts  14  protrude. 
     The peripheral surface formed by the top plate  54 , the bottom plate  56 , the first side plate  60 , and the second side plate  62  of the shell  48  is provided with a gasket  64  as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C . The gasket  64  is formed of a resin material and is integrally formed with the shell  48  by, for example, a molding method. 
     An assembling method (manufacturing method) of the connector  10  in the first embodiment will be explained hereinafter. In order to assemble the connector  10  in the first embodiment, first of all, the housing  20  is attached to the joining member  44  so that they form an integral member. This attachment process is carried out by arranging the housing  20  which is formed into a predetermined shapes inside a mold for forming the joining member  44 , then by being molded with a resin material which forms the joining member  44  at the back surface  26  side of the housing, thus the housing  20  and the joining member  44  are integrally formed as one unit. During this molding process, the joining member  44  is formed with through holes  46  so that each through hole corresponds to each contact inserting opening  36  which is formed on the housing main body  22  of the housing  20 . 
     Thereafter, each contact  14  is inserted into the contact receiving part  42  (refer  FIG. 2C ). This insertion is accomplished by inserting the contact part  16  of the each contact  14  into the contact receiving part  42  from the through holes  46  side which is formed on the joining member  44 . Each contact  14  is inserted up to the predetermined position of the contact supporting part  38  of the housing  20 . At the moment of this insertion process, each contact  14  is not fixed to the housing  20 . The unit formed by the housing  20 , the contacts  14  and the joining member  44  which are assembled together is hereinafter referred to as “housing unit  12 ”. 
     Thereafter, the housing unit  12  is inserted into the inside of the shell  48  (refer  FIG. 2C ). The housing  20  is inserted into the shell  48  from the inserting port  52  side thereof, thus the housing  20  and the joining member  44  are positioned at the predetermined place inside the shell  48  and each contact is positioned at the predetermined place. By this insertion process, the joining member  44  is closely fitted within the inner surface of the shell  48 , thus the inside of the shell  48  is closed. 
     Thereafter, the housing unit  12  being kept within the shell is thermally treated in, for example, a high temperature oven. By this thermal process, the joining member  44  is softened and adhered to the internal surface of the shell  48 . As the temperature decreases, the joining member  44  is hardened and fixed to the shell  48 , and the joining member  44  and the contacts  14  are integrally fixed to each other. The temperature of the thermal process should be lower than the melting point of the resin material forming the housing  20  and be the same as or slightly lower than the melting point of the resin material forming the joining member  44  in which temperature the resin material of the joining member  44  can be softened. 
     The gasket  64  which is provided around the outer periphery of the shell  48  can be attached to the shell  48  in advance or can be formed together with the joining member  44 . 
     The connector  10  in the first embodiment is thus assembled. The connector  10  in the first embodiment, by employing the above constitution, can provide a water proof capability by the joining member  44  without a need of sealing members such as an O-ring, thus the manufacturing cost thereof and the assembling steps thereof can be decreased. 
     Since the joining member  44  is softened and adhered to the inner surface of the shell  48  during the thermal process, thus the joining member  44  can be attached without any space therebetween to the shell regardless whether the inner surface of the shell is smooth surface or not, thereby providing a high waterproof capability. 
     In the connector  10  of the above first embodiment, it is described that the joining member  44  is formed of a material which provides adhesiveness when it is heat-treated. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The joining member  44  can also be formed of a material which provides adhesiveness when it is integrally formed with the housing by molding process such as thermoplastic polyester resin. In this way, since the joining member  124  can provide adhesiveness against the shell when the joining member  124  is placed inside the shell. This can provide a water proof capability. Therefore, the use of sealing members such as an O-ring can be omitted. 
     In the connector  10  in the above first embodiment, it is described that the housing  20 , the joining member  44 , and the contacts  14  are assembled together in advance to inserting the assembled unit into the shell  48 . However, the present invention is not limited above embodiment. The housing  20  and the joining member  44  can be inserted into the inside of the shell  48  firstly, and thereafter, each contact  14  can be attached to the housing  20  and the joining member  44 , and finally, the assembled unit can be thermally processed. 
     In the above first embodiment, it is also described that the gasket  62  is integrally formed with the shell  48 . However, the present invention is not limited the above embodiment. The gasket can be separately formed and be lately attached to the shell  48 . 
     Second Embodiment 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 10C, 11A, 11B and 11C , a connector  10 A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the connector  10  in the first embodiment, the housing  20  and the joining member  44  are integrally formed with respect to each other during the assembly previous to the attachment of the contacts  14 . However, in the connector  10 A in the second embodiment, the housing  20  and the contacts  14  are integrally formed with respect to each other during the assembly previous to the attachment of the joining member  44 . Here, since the connector  10 A in the second embodiment has the same as the connector  10  in the first embodiment except for one part of the assembling process thereof, the same reference numeral will be given to the constitution which is common to the connectors, and the detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     The connector  10 A in the second embodiment is, as shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A and 9B , used for be mounted onto a substrate and being connected with a counterpart connector (not shown) in the same manner with the connector  10  in the first embodiment. The connector  10 A in the second embodiment has at one side an opening  50  to which the counterpart connector is inserted and has at the other side a configuration in which a part of contacts  14  project therefrom and are connected with contacts formed on a printed circuit board when the connector  10 A is installed thereon. A gasket  64  for enhancing airtightness and water proof capability is attached around the external periphery of the opening  50  of the connector  10 A. 
     Each constitution of the connector  10 A in the second embodiment is the same as the constitution of the connector  10  in the first embodiment. As shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C , the connector  10 A has a metal shell  48  around which the annular gasket  64  is attached, a housing  20  arranged inside the shell  48 , and at least one contact  14 A which is assembled in the housing  20 . The housing  20  and the contact  14  are assembled integrally with the inner surface of the shell  48  by means of a joining member  44  which is made of resin. 
     The contact  14 A in the second embodiment is, as shown in  FIGS. 8C and 10C , formed so that the contact part  16  thereof is bent toward the housing  20  in contrast to the contact  14  in the first embodiment. In this way, since the bent portion of the contact  14 A is embedded into the housing  20  when the contact  14 A is molded, thus the integration of the contact  14 A to the housing  20  is further achieved. 
     Since the other constitutions of the contact  14 A, housing  20 , joining member  44 , shell  48  and gasket  64  in the second connector are the same as the ones in the first embodiment, therefore, the detailed explanation will be omitted. 
     An assembling method (manufacturing method) of the connector  10 A in the second embodiment will be explained hereinafter. Comparing the connector  10 A in the second embodiment with the connector  10  in the first embodiment, the assembling method of the housing  20  and the contacts  14  and the attachment method of the joining member  44  are different. 
     First, the housing  20  is integrally formed with the contacts  14  (refer  FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B and 10C ). This is carried out by arranging the contacts  14  each of which is previously formed into a predetermined shape in a metal mold for forming the housing  20 , then, by being molded with a resin material which forms the housing  20 , thus the contacts  14  and the housing  20  are integrally formed as one unit. 
     The joining member  44  is then attached to the contacts  14  and the housing  20 , which are previously integrally formed, so that they form an integral unit (refer  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C ). This attachment process is carried out by arranging the contacts  14  and the housing  20  inside a mold for forming the joining member  44 , then by being molded with a resin material which forms the joining member  44  at the back surface  26  side of the housing  20 , thus the housing  20  and the joining member  44  are integrally formed as one unit. The joining member  44  is formed of a different resin material from the one forming the housing  20  as explained in the first embodiment. 
     The unit formed by the housing  20 , the contacts  14 , and the joining member  44  which are integrally formed together is hereinafter referred to as “housing unit  12 ”. 
     Thereafter, the housing unit  12  is inserted from the inserting port  52  side of the shell  48  into the inside thereof and is kept in a predetermined position. Then they are thermally treated in a high temperature oven in the same manner with the first embodiment. By this thermal process, as the same with the first embodiment, the joining member  44  is softened and adhered to the internal surface of the shell  48 . As the temperature decreases, the joining member  44  is hardened and fixed to the shell  48 , and they are integrally fixed to each other (refer  FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C ). 
     The gasket can be integrally formed in the same manner with the first embodiment. However, the gasket can also be separately formed. 
     The connector  10 A in the second embodiment is thus assembled. By employing the above constitution, the connector  10 A can have a water proof capability without a use of sealing member such as an O-ring, and can more easily be assembled. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 17C, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 19C, 20A, 20B, 21A ,  21 B,  22 A,  22 B,  22 C,  23 A,  23 B,  24 A and  24 B, a connector  10 B according to the third embodiment will be described. In the connector  10  in the first embodiment and the connector  10 A in the second embodiment, it is described that the contacts  14 ,  14 A are arranged in one row, i.e. the contacts  14 ,  14   a  are of one-sided contacts. In contrast, in the connector  10 B in the third embodiment, contacts are arranged in two rows in order for providing double-sided contacts. 
     The connector  10 B in the third embodiment is, as the same with the connector  10 ,  10 A in the first and second embodiments, mounted on a printed circuit board and connected with a counterpart connector. However, the connector  10 B is configured so that the contacts are arranged in two rows to provide double-sided contacts. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C and 14 , the connector  10 B in the third embodiment has a housing unit  68  in which a plurality of contacts  88 ,  118  is integrally formed with a housing so that the contacts  68 ,  118  are arranged in a predetermined intervals, a metal shell  130  inside which the housing unit  68  is accommodated and is attached therewith, and a metal reinforcement member  148  attached around the metal shell  130  in a manner to cover the metal shell  130 . A part of the plurality of contacts  88 ,  118  and the reinforcement member  148  are fixed to a substrate by solder welding, thus the connector  10 B is mounted onto the substrate. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 17C, 18A, 18B, 19A, 19B, 19C, 20A, 20B, 21A and 21B , the housing unit  68  in the third embodiment will be described. The housing unit  68  in the third embodiment includes, as shown in  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A and 16B , a first housing  70  with which a plurality of first contacts  88  is integrally formed, a plurality of second contacts  118 , and a second housing  94  with which a metal plate member  112  is integrally formed. The first housing  70  and the second housing  94  are attached together by a joining member  124  so that they form one unit and are thus assembled together. The joining member  124  is to be integrally attached to the inner surface of the metal shell  130 . 
     Metal cover members  172  are attached to the joining member  124  of the housing unit  68  at both the first housing  70  side and the second housing  94  side. These cover members  172  are used for shielding noise such as electromagnetic waves. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 18A and 18B , the first housing  70  will be described. The first housing  70  is, as shown in  FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C , integrally formed with at least one, e.g. twelve in this embodiment, first contacts  88  by a molding method. 
     The first contacts  88  of the first housing  70  are formed of metal rods each of which is formed into a predetermined shape and are placed side by side with predetermined intervals therebetween as shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B . One side of each first contact  88  is a first contact part  90  for contacting with a mating contact (not shown) of the counterpart connector while the other side thereof is a first connecting part  92  to be connected to the contact on the substrate by mans of solder welding. Each first contact  88  is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and thereafter being bent into a predetermined shape. 
     The first housing  70  is formed into a block shape body having a first front surface  72  from which the first contact parts  90  of the first contacts  88  are projected, a first rear surface  74  which is opposite to the first front surface  72 , a first bottom surface  78  to be assembled with the second housing  94  and from which the first connecting parts  92  of the first contacts  88  are projected, a first upper surface  76  which is opposite to the first bottom surface  78 , a first side surface  80 , and another first side surface  82 . 
     The first front surface  72  of the first housing  70  is formed into a planer shape and from which the first contacts  88  are projected with predetermined spaces. 
     The first upper surface  76  of the first housing  70  is formed with steps thereon. These steps are formed so that the first upper surface  76  of the first housing  70  at the first front surface  72  side is higher than the first upper surface  76  at the first rear surface  74  side. The first upper surface  76  is formed with a depression in one part. The depression is formed with a hole  86  which penetrates the first housing  70  toward the first bottom surface  78  at the approximate center thereof. 
     The first bottom surface  78  is also formed with steps thereon so that the first bottom surface  78  of the first housing  70  at the first front surface  72  side is higher than the first rear surface  74  side. The first connecting part  92  of each first contact  88  projects from the step on the first bottom surface  78  at the first rear surface  74  side. Each projected part of the first contact  88  is bent toward the first rear surface  74  side. The part of the first contact  88  bent toward the first rear surface  74  forms the first connecting part  92 . 
     The first bottom surface  78  is formed with a plurality of first slots  84 . The first slots  84  are formed at places where a part of each first contact  88  is exposed to the lower side in the first front surface  72  side, and are formed at places from the first side surface  80  to the other first side surface  82  of the approximate center of the first bottom surface  78  with predetermined spaces. Each first slot  84  is the part to which a joining member described later is assembled. The first slots  84  can be formed at any desirable places according to any technical requirements. The first bottom surface  78  is formed at the approximate center thereof with a hole  86  which penetrates through the first housing  70  from the first upper surface  76  thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 20A, 20B, 21A and 21B , the second housing  94  will be described. The second housing  94  is, as shown in  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C , integrally formed with the plate member  112  and at least one, e.g. twelve in the third embodiment, second contacts  118  by a molding method. 
     The plate member  112  provided in the second housing  94  has, as shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , a base  114  which forms a base of the second housing  94  and reinforces the assembled-housing unit  68 . The plate member  112  is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and thereafter being bent into a predetermined shape. The plate member  112  is formed with connecting members  116  for the plate member which are used as grounding members to be connected to the substrate. 
     The second contacts  118  are formed of metal rods each of which is formed into a predetermined shape and are placed side by side with predetermined intervals therebetween as shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B . One side of each second contact  118  is a second contact part  120  for contacting with a mating contact (not shown) of the counterpart connector while the other side thereof is a second connecting part  122  to be connected to the substrate by means of solder welding. Each second contact  118  is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and thereafter being bent into a predetermined shape. 
     The second housing  94  is, as shown in  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C , formed into a block shape body having: a second front surface  96  which is formed in a manner to cover the second connecting part  122  side of each second contact  118 ; a second rear surface  98  which is opposite to the second front surface  96 ; a second upper surface  100  to be assembled with the first housing  70 ; a second bottom surface  102  which is opposite to the second upper surface  100 , to which the second contact part  120  of each second contact  118  is mounted, and from which each second connecting part  122  is projected; a second side surface  104 ; and another second side surface  106 . 
     The second front surface  96  of the second housing  94 , which will be fitted into the counterpart connector, is formed into a flat planer shape, and is formed with tapers at both the second upper surface  100  side and the second bottom surface  102  side in order for easily fitting into the counterpart connector. 
     The second upper surface  100  of the second housing  94  is the surface to be assembled to the first housing  70  and is formed at the second front surface  96  side with a plurality of fitting slots  110  into which the first contacts  88  of the first housing  70  are fitted. These fitting slots  110  are formed in a manner to correspond to the position of the first contacts  88  of the first housing  70 . 
     The second upper surface  100  is formed at the approximate center thereof with a plurality of second slots  108  which penetrate down to the second bottom surface  102 , through which second slots  108  the second contacts  118  arranged on the second housing  94  and the plate member  112  are exposed to the outside. Each second slot  108  is the part to which the joining member  124  described later is assembled. The second slots  108  can be formed at any desirable places according to any technical requirements. 
     The second contact part  120  of each second contact  118  is arranged on the second front surface  96  side of the second bottom surface  102  of the second housing  94 . The second bottom surface  102  is formed at the approximate center thereof with a plurality of second slots  108  which penetrate through the second housing  94  from the second upper surface  100  thereof. 
     The second contacts  118  are projected from the second bottom surface  102  at the second rear surface  98  thereof. Each projected-second connecting part  122  of the second contact  118  is bent toward the second rear surface  98  side. 
     A part of the plate member  112  which is incorporated in the second housing  94  is exposed to the outside at both the second front surface  96  side and the second rear surface  98  side of both second side surface  104  and the other second side surface  106 . The connecting members  116  of the plate member  112  are exposed from the second rear surface  98  side. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 14, 15A, 15B, 16A and 16B , the joining member  124  will be described. The joining member  124  is formed into a cylindrical shape so that it covers one peripheral part of the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  which are assembled to each other. 
     The peripheral part  126  of the joining member  124  has a predetermined width and is formed into a cylindrical body which has approximately the same dimension as the internal surface of the shell  130 . After the peripheral part  126  is inserted into the shell  130 , the peripheral part  126  is closely fitted within the inner surface of the shell  130  and is integrally fixed thereto. 
     The joining member  124  is integrally formed as one member by assembling the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  together, thereafter arranging them in a metal mold for forming the joining member  124 , then being molded with a resin material which forms the joining member  124 . 
     In this process, the resin material forming the joining member  124  enters into gaps and spaces such as the hole  86  and the first slots  84  which are formed on the first housing  70 , and the second slots  108  which is formed on the second housing  94 . Thus, the first housing  70 , the first contacts  88 , the second housing  94 , the second contacts  118 , and the plate member  112  are integrally assembled to each other to form the housing unit  68  in the third embodiment. 
     The joining member  124  is formed into an annular shape so that the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  can protrude at the center thereof and in a manner to cover at least one part of the first upper surface  76  of the first housing  70 , one part of the first contacts  88  at the first housing  70  side, one part of the first rear surface  74 , one part of the first side surface  80 , one part of the other first side surface  82 , one part of the second bottom surface  102  of the second housing  94 , one part of the second contacts  118  at the second rear surface  98  side of the second housing  94 , one part of the second side surface  104 , and one part of the other second side surface  106  when the joining member  124  is molded. The joining member  124  enters into a void formed at a part where the first bottom surface  78  of the first housing  70  and the second upper surface  100  of the second housing  94  are assembled together, thus the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  are fixed to each other. 
     The joining member  124  is formed at both lateral ends of each first housing  70  side and second housing  94  side with engagement parts  127  to which the cover members  172  described later are attached. 
     The joining member  124  in the third embodiment is formed of a different resin material from the one forming the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  in the same manner as in the first embodiment. More specifically, the joining member  124  is formed of a material which displays an adhesive capability when it is placed inside the shell  130  and is thereafter processed with heat. The material is, for example, polyester elastomer. It is preferable that the melting point of the material which forms the joining member  124  is lower than the melting point of the material which forms the first housing  70  and the second housing  94 . The first housing  70  and the second housing  94  are formed of a material such as nylon and LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer). 
     The cover members  172  for shielding noise such as electromagnetic waves are attached to a part of the joining member  124  where it covers the first contacts  88  assembled to the first housing  70  and the second contacts  118  assembled to the second housing  94  (refer  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 14 ). The cover members  172  attached to the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  have the same configuration and are turned over against the other. 
     Each cover member  172  is formed into a C-shaped configuration as shown in  FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C , and includes a relatively large planer member  174  which is mounted onto the first upper surface  76  of the first housing  70  or onto the second bottom surface  102  of the second housing  94 , and a pair of engagement lugs  176  which are bent at both lateral sides of the planer member  174  and are engaged with the joining member  124 . 
     The engagement lugs  176  at both sides of each cover member  172  are formed symmetrically with each other and are inserted into the engagement parts  127  formed on the joining member  124  at both lateral sides of the first housing  70  side and at both lateral sides of the second housing  94  side, and are fixed thereto. 
     Each cover member  172  is formed with a plurality of L-shaped attachment lugs  178  extending from the planer member  174  at the place covering the first upper surface  76  side of the first housing  70  and the second bottom surface  102  side of the second housing  94 . These attachment lugs  178  are engaged into attachment slots  128  formed on the joining member  124  at the first housing  70  side and the second housing  94  side (refer  FIGS. 15A and 15B ), thereby positioning the cover members  172  and the joining member  124 . Each attachment lug  178  of the cover members  172  contacts with the inner surface of the metal shell  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 23A and 23B , the metal shell  130  will be described. The metal shell  130  has an opening  142  at one side into which the counterpart connector is inserted and an inserting port  144  at the other side from which the housing unit  68  is inserted thereinto during the assembling process of the connector  10 B. The metal shell  130  is formed as a cylindrical body including a top plate  136  and a bottom plate  138  which are formed into planer shapes respectively, and a side plate  140  and the other side plate  141  and is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and bent. 
     The opening  142  is formed at a front part  132  of the metal shell  130  into which front part  132  the counterpart connector will be inserted. The inserting port  144  is formed at a back part  134  which is opposite to the opening  142 , into which back part  134  the housing unit  68  will be inserted. 
     The side plate  140  and the other side plate  141  of the metal shell  130  are formed into a curved shape, respectively. The side plate  140  and the other side plate  141  are formed with bumps  146  in which parts of the side plate  140  and the other side plate  141  are protruded so that they will contact with the reinforcement member  148  which is described later. 
     The metal shell  130  is provided with an annular gasket  180  around the external peripheral side of the opening  142 . The gasket  180  is formed of a resin material and is integrally formed with the metal shell  130  by a molding method. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 13C, 24A and 24B , the reinforcement member  148  will be described. The reinforcement member  148  is formed into a shape so that it covers the metal shell  130  when the connector  10 B is assembled and is formed by being punched out from a metal plate and thereafter being bent. The reinforcement member  148  includes an upper part  150  for covering the top plate  136  of the metal shell  130 , a side part  158  for covering the side plate  140  of the metal shell  130 , another side part  160  for covering the other side plate  141  of the metal shell  130 , and a back part  156  for covering the inserting port  144  of the metal shell  130 . A bottom part side which is opposing to the upper part  150  and a front part which is opposing to the back part  156  are opened toward the lower side and the front side, respectively. 
     The upper part  150  of the reinforcement member  148  is formed into a planer plate shape whose dimension is to cover the top plate  136  of the metal shell  130 . In the third embodiment, the upper part  150  has an opening at one part thereof. 
     The side part  158  and the other side part  160  of the reinforcement member  148  are formed so that they are downwardly bent at approximately right angle at both lateral ends of the upper part  150 , respectively. In the third embodiment, the parts between the upper part  150  and the side part  158  and between the upper part  150  and the other side part  160  are formed into a curved shape, respectively. 
     In the third embodiment, the side part  158  and the other side plate  160  of the reinforcement member  148  are formed so that they cover the side plate  140  and the side plate  141  of the metal shell  130  down to the middle part thereof. 
     The reinforcement member  148  further has lead members  162  which are bent outward at approximately right angles from the ends of the side part  158  and the other side part  160  which ends are opposing to the upper part  150 . These lead members  162  are fixed to the substrate by means of solder welding, thus the connector  10 B is firmly fixed onto the substrate. 
     Each lead member  162  is formed with a fixing part  168  which is bent therefrom at approximately right angle toward the direction opposite to the upper part  150 . The fixing part  168  is inserted into a slit formed on the substrate and is welded thereto by solder when the connector  10 B is mounted onto the substrate, thus the connector  10 B is more firmly fixed onto the substrate. 
     The bent portions between the side part  158  and the lead member  162  and between the other side part  160  and the lead member  162  are formed with openings  164  each of which opening  164  is formed with protrusion  166 . This protrusion  166  will contact with the bump  146  formed on the metal shell  130 . The protrusion  166  also can be fixed to the bump  146  of the metal shell  130  by means of welding. 
     The reinforcement member  148  is formed at its back part  156  with plate members which are extended and bent downward from the back end of the back part  156  of the upper part  150  and the plate members are formed in a manner to have a step along the shape of the first upper surface  76  of the first housing  70  of the housing unit  68 . The step extending from the back part  156  of the reinforcement member  148  is formed at both lateral ends of the parallel section being parallel to the upper part  150  corresponding to the side part  158  side and the other side part  160  side with back fixing parts  170  which are bent downwardly. The back fixing parts  170  will be inserted into the substrate and are welded thereto by solder. 
     An assembling method (manufacturing method) of the connector  10 B in the third embodiment will be explained hereinafter. In order to assemble the connector  10 B in the third embodiment, first of all, the housing unit  68  is assembled. The assembling of the housing unit  68  is carried out, as shown in  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A and 16B , by mating the first housing  70  into which the first contacts  88  are integrally incorporated (refer  FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C ) with the second housing  94  into which the second contacts  118  and the plate member  112  are integrally incorporated (refer  FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C ) together, thereafter arranging them in a metal mold for forming the joining member  124 , then being molded with a resin material which forms the joining member  124 , thus the first housing  70 , the second housing  94 , and the joining member  124  are integrally assembled together. During this assembling process, the first contact part  90  of each first contact  88  incorporated into the first housing  70  is fitted into the corresponding fitting slot  110  formed on the second upper surface  100  of the second housing  94 . 
     During the molding process of the joining member  124 , the outline of the joining member  124  is formed so that the peripheral part  126  has a dimension which can closely fit within the metal shell  130 . Further in this process, the resin material forming the joining member  124  enters into the interior space between the first housing  70  and the second housing  94 , and is closely adheres to the first housing  70 , the first contacts  88 , the second housing  94 , the second contacts  118 , and the plate member  112 , thus the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  form one integral unit. In this process, the resin material enters into gaps and spaces such as the hole  86  and the first slots  84  which are formed on the first housing  70 , and the second slots  108  which is formed on the second housing  94 . Thus, the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  can be more firmly stuck together. 
     Thereafter, the cover members  172  are attached to the assembled housing unit  68  around the first housing  70  side of the joining member  124  and the second housing  94  side of the joining member  124 , respectively (refer  FIGS. 13B and 14 ). This is achieved by inserting each engagement lug  176  of the cover members  172  into each engagement part  127  which is formed on the joining member  124 , and by engaging each attachment lug  178  which is formed on the cover members  172  with each attachment slot  128  which is formed on the joining member  124 . 
     Then, the housing unit  68  to which the cover members  172  are attached is placed inside the metal shell  130 . This is achieved by inserting the housing unit  68  into the metal shell  130  from the inserting port  144  side thereof, and placing the peripheral part  126  of the housing unit  68  at the predetermined position inside the metal shell  130 . In this moment, the peripheral part  126  of the joining member  124  of the housing unit  68  comes to be closely fitted within the inner surface of the metal shell  130  without any space therebetween. The attachment lugs  178  of each cover member  172  attached to the housing unit  68  come to contact with the inner surface of the metal shell  130 . 
     Thereafter, the housing unit  12  being kept within the shell is thermally treated in a high temperature oven. By this thermal process, as the same with the first embodiment, the joining member  124  is softened and adhered to the internal surface of the metal shell  130 . As the temperature decreases, the joining member  124  is hardened and fixed to the metal shell  130 , and they are integrally fixed to each other. The temperature of the thermal process should be lower than the melting point of the resin material forming the first housing  70  and the second housing  94  and be the same as or slightly lower than the melting point of the resin material forming the joining member  124  in which temperature the resin material of the joining member  124  can be softened. 
     Thereafter, the reinforcement member  148  and the gasket  180  are attached around the outer periphery of the metal shell  130  (refer  FIGS. 13B and 14 ). The attachment of the reinforcement member  148  to the reinforcement member  148  is carried out by, for example, a welding method. The gasket  180  is integrally formed around the outer periphery of the metal shell  130  by a molding method. The connector  10 B in the third embodiment is thus assembled. 
     The connector  10 B in the third embodiment, by employing the above constitution, can have a water proof capability of the joining member  124  without a need of a sealing member such as an O-ring, thus the manufacturing cost thereof and the assembling steps thereof can be decreased. Further, the connector can be miniaturized since there is no need for extra configuration to fix the housing unit to the metal shell. 
     Since the joining member  124  is softened and adhered to the inner surface of the metal shell  130  during the thermal process, thus the joining member  124  can be attached without any space therebetween to the shell regardless whether the inner surface of the shell is smooth surface or not. 
     In the connector  10 B of the above third embodiment, it is described that the joining member  124  is formed of a material which provides adhesiveness when it is heat-treated. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. The joining member  124  can also be formed of a material which provides adhesiveness when it is integrally formed with the housing by molding process such as thermoplastic polyester resin. In this way, since the joining member  124  can provide adhesiveness against the shell when the joining member  124  is placed inside the shell. This can provide a water proof capability. Therefore, the use of sealing members such as an O-ring can be omitted. 
     In the above third embodiment, the reinforcement member  148  and the gasket  180  are attached to the metal shell  130  and the housing unit  68  after the housing unit  68  is heat-treated. However, the present invention is not limited to the above method. The reinforcement member  148  and the gasket  180  can also be attached thereto previous to the heat treatment thereof. 
     In the above third embodiment, it is described that the gasket  180  is integrally formed with the metal shell  130 . However, the present invention is not limited the above embodiment. The gasket can be separately formed and be lately attached to the metal shell  130 .