Electric connector

ES 2 395 048 T3

DESCRIPTION

Electric connector.

Technical field

The present invention refers to an electrical connector comprising a pin plate within which the solder filler parts do not interfere, wetting the contact tip pieces when these tip pieces are connected by soldering to a printed circuit by means of this tip plate.

Background technique

The electrical connector shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (see Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. H7-302653), for example, has been known in the past as an electrical connector comprising a tip plate having a construction that is such that the solder rises sufficiently at through holes in a printed circuit when the tip pieces of the contacts are soldered to the printed circuit by means of this tip plate. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a conventional example of an electrical connector. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the tip piece of a contact in the fourth row is connected by soldering to a through hole in the printed circuit. In FIG. 12, the electrical connector 101 comprises an insulating housing 110 extending in the longitudinal direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the page in FIG. 12) contacts 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d that are secured to housing 110 in four rows in the vertical direction and a spike plate 130.

Additionally, the contacts 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d in four rows respectively comprise contact pieces 121a, 121b, 121c and 121d that are attached to the housing and that make contact with the corresponding contacts (not shown in the figures) and the pieces tip 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d. The individual tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are formed by respectively extending the contact pieces 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d toward the rear of the housing 110 (the direction away from the bonding surface, i.e. , to the right in FIG. 12) and bending down at a right angle. The tip pieces 122a of the contacts 120a in the first row from the bottom are designed so that the parts of these tip pieces 122a that bend at a right angle are located on the innermost side (left-most side on the FIG. 12 and on the side near the housing 110) and these tip pieces 122a are respectively inserted into through holes of the first row 141a that are formed in a printed circuit 140 and that are located on the innermost side (left-most side in the 12 and on the side near the housing 110) and are respectively connected by welding to a conductive layer on the inner surfaces of the through holes 141a. Furthermore, the tip pieces 122b of the contacts 120b in the second row from the bottom are designed so that the portions of these tip pieces 122b that bend at right angles are located in the second position from the inside, and that these tip pieces 122b are respectively inserted into the second row of through holes 141b that are formed in the printed circuit 140 and that are located in the second position from the inside, and are respectively connected by welding to a conductive layer of the inner surfaces of the through holes 141b. What's more, the tip pieces 122c of the contacts 120c in the third row from the bottom are designed so that the parts of these tip pieces 122c that bend at a right angle are located in the third position from the inside and that these pieces tip 122c are respectively inserted into the third row of through holes 141c which form the printed circuit 140 and which are located in the third position from the inside and are respectively connected by soldering to a conductive layer on the inner surfaces of the through holes 141c. In the same way, the tip pieces 122d of the contacts 120d in the fourth and uppermost row are designed so that the parts of these tip pieces 122d that bend at a right angle lie on the outermost side and that these tip pieces 122d are respectively inserted into the fourth row of through holes 141d which are formed in the printed circuit 140 and which are located on the outermost side and are respectively connected by welding to a conductive layer on the surfaces through holes 141d.

Additionally, the spike plate 130 is constructed from a substantially rectangular plate that extends in the direction of the length of the housing 110 and has through holes 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d in four rows formed at positions corresponding to respective through holes 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d in printed circuit 140. Furthermore, tapered portions 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d are provided for easy guiding of the respective tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d into the individual through holes 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d into the through holes. respective 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d on the insertion side of the tip pieces. Furthermore, once the respective tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are inserted into the individual through holes 131a, 131b, 131c, and 131d in the tip plate 130, these tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are they may align respectively with individual through holes 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d in printed circuit 140.

Additionally, projections 132 extending in the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface of the tip plate 130 are respectively provided inside the through holes 131a in the first row from the inside (on the side near the casing 110), between the through holes 131b in the second row from the inside and the through holes 131c in the third row from the inside and on the outside of the through holes

ES 2 395 048 T3

131d in the fourth row on the outermost side. As a result, when the electrical connector 101 is mounted on the printed circuit 140 by respectively inserting the tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d into the through holes 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d in the tip plate 130, and the tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d projecting from the bottom surface of the tip plate 130 are respectively inserted into the through holes 141a, 141b, 141c and 141d in the printed circuit, the projections 132 make contact with the upper surface of the printed circuit 140. This creates a difference in space between the upper surface of the printed circuit 140 and the lower surface of the spike plate 130 and the respective through holes 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d They are located in the lower part of the space. Consequently, a space is created between the spike plate 130 and the printed circuit 140 in the parts where these through holes 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d are present in the spike plate 130.

Then, when the respective tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are connected by soldering to the individual through holes 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d on the printed circuit 140 in the subsequent soldering process, if the reverse side of the printed circuit 140 that is mounted on electrical connector 101 is exposed to a jet of molten solder, a capillary action takes place in each of the through holes 141a, 141b, 141c and 141d due to the existence of appropriate space within the individual through holes 141a, 141b, 141c and 141d between the interior walls and the respective tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c and 122d. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 13, the solder 142 that is in a molten state moves upward into each of the through holes 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d in the printed circuit 140 toward the upper surface of the printed circuit 140 due to the action of capillarity. Molten solder 142 further wets each of tip pieces 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d upward from the top surface of PCB 140 due to surface tension, and the end tip of this molten solder in each through hole forms a filler portion 143 coming close to the tip plate 130.

Document WO 02/082584, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses an electrical connector comprising a housing. Conductive terminals in the form of a die are fixed to the housing and have respectively tip pieces that extend outward from the housing and then bend downward. An alignment plate extends in a direction parallel to the housing and has positioning holes into which the respective tip pieces of the lead terminals are inserted and which are arranged to align the tip pieces with the holes formed in a printed circuit. . Rows of elongated moving parts are located at an upper level of the alignment plate and the moving parts extend across the width of the plate and away from the housing. There is a recess under each of said elongated moving parts and the elongated parts may have a single row of positioning holes.

EP 0810697 discloses a motherboard connector comprising a connector housing. Terminal pins in the form of a die are fixed to the housing and respectively have tip pieces that extend outward from the housing and then bend downward. An alignment plate extends in a direction parallel to the housing and has position fixing holes, formed in two rows into which the respective tip pieces of the terminal pins are inserted and arranged to align the pieces. tipped with connection holes formed in a printed circuit board. Each position fixing hole has a recessed portion formed on the underside of the alignment plate.

US 5370540 discloses a printed circuit connector comprising a connector block. Connector pins are attached to the connector block and have tip pieces that extend through the through holes in the connector block to the outside of the connector block and into the holes formed in a printed circuit. Each hole in the connector block has a recessed portion formed in a lower side of the connector block.

Disclosure of the invention

However, the following problem has been encountered in a conventional electrical connector 101 such as that disclosed in Japanese Kokai Patent Application No. H7-302653. Specifically, the spike board 130 is designed so that a space is created between the bottom surface of this spike board 130 and the top surface of the printed circuit 140 by making the thickness of the board smaller (thinner) everywhere. having the through holes 131a, 131b, 131c and 131d; therefore, the surface area of ​​the parts in this spike board 130 in which a space is created from the printed circuit 140 occupies most of the total surface area, creating the problem that the mechanical rigidity is insufficient. In particular, when an electrical connector 101 comprising a spike plate 130 is mounted on a printed circuit used for an automobile engine control unit, this electrical connector 101 is subjected to a large difference in temperatures and vibration during use, so that the mechanical strength of the tip plate 130 becomes a problem.

Consequently, the present invention was conceived in light of this problem; It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector comprising a tip plate in which the mechanical strength of this tip plate is not essentially lowered and the filler parts of the solder wetting the tip pieces can be prevented interfere with this tip plate.

To solve the problem described above, the electrical connector of Claim 1 is an electrical connector comprising a housing, contacts in the form of a matrix that are fixed to the housing and having

ES 2 395 048 T3 respectively tip pieces that extend outward from the housing and then bend down, and a spike plate extending in a direction substantially parallel to the housing and having through holes formed in a plurality of rows and columns in the form of a die onto which the respective spike pieces of the contacts are inserted in the form of a die and which is arranged to align the tip pieces with the through holes formed in a printed circuit, in which a recessed part is formed in the lower surface of the tip plate and encompasses an area containing some through holes between the matrix-shaped through holes, characterized in that some of the through holes in the recessed part comprise a plurality of through holes in a direction substantially parallel to the housing and in two rows adjacent to the housing.

In the electrical connector of Claim 1, because a recessed portion is formed in the bottom surface of the tip plate only in an area that encompasses some of the through holes between the matrix-shaped through holes, the distance between the printed circuit and the inner surface of the tip plate can be made larger than in the past in the area where the recessed part is formed and which encompasses these through holes, so that the filler parts of the solder that wet the tip pieces upward when the tip pieces are connected by soldering to the printed circuit can be reliably prevented from interfering with the tip plate in the part where they are forms the lowered part. Additionally, because the recessed portion is formed on the bottom surface of the tip plate only in an area that encompasses some through holes between the matrix-shaped through holes, there is no decrease in the mechanical strength of the tip plate.

Furthermore, the through holes in the tip plate are formed in a plurality of rows and columns and the recessed part is formed in an area that encompasses through holes present in a part close to the housing. In cases where the coefficients of thermal expansion of the pinboard and the printed circuit are different, a difference is generated between the amounts of expansion and contraction of the pinboard and the amounts of expansion and contraction of the printed circuit by the variations in temperature and stresses are repeatedly generated in the soldered parts of the printed circuit through the tip pieces, so that cracks can be generated in these solder parts. Meanwhile, the tip pieces that are shorter in length between the tip pieces of the contacts in the plurality of rows and columns are respectively inserted into the through holes that are present in a part close to the housing. Therefore, the part having these through holes is a part in which the tip plate is more predisposed to be limited than the other parts. That is, because the shorter nose pieces are less likely to undergo deformation than the longer nose pieces, this nose plate is more easily limited to the portion with the through holes over which these nose pieces. Shorter tips are inserted, than in the other parts. Consequently, in cases where the printed circuit and the spike board are thermally expanded due to temperature variations, the expansion and contraction of the part of the spike board that has the through holes close to the housing is further limited. easily and the difference between the expansion and contraction amounts of the printed circuit is increased, so that excessive force is applied to the tip pieces from the tip plate, resulting in the problem that the stress on the welded parts increases. Therefore, because the recessed portion is formed in an area that encompasses through holes that are present in a portion near the casing, the limitation of expansion and contraction of the portion of the tip plate that has the through-holes near to the casing can be relieved in cases where the tip plate thermally expands due to temperature variations; as a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

The recessed portion is formed in an area that encompasses a plurality of through holes present within an area that encompasses the through holes in two adjacent rows of the housing. Consequently, in cases where the tip plate is thermally expanded due to temperature variations, it is possible to alleviate the limitation of the expansion and contraction amounts of the part having a plurality of the through holes present within the zone. encompassing the through holes in two rows adjacent to the casing. As a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

The recessed parts can be formed in areas encompassing through holes that are present in both end parts of the tip plate in the longitudinal direction. As described above, in cases where the coefficients of thermal expansion of the pin board and the printed circuit are different, a difference is created between the amounts of expansion and contraction of the pin board and the amounts of expansion and contraction. contraction of the printed circuit due to temperature variations, and voltages are repeatedly generated in the parts soldered to the printed circuit by means of the tip pieces, so that cracks may appear in these welded parts. In this case, in cases where thermal expansion takes place due to temperature variations, the amounts of expansion and contraction in the longitudinal direction of the tip plate accumulate at both end parts of the tip plate at the longitudinal direction, so that the amounts of expansion and contraction of these parts are large. Consequently, in cases where the printed circuit and the spike board are thermally expanded due to temperature variations, the amounts of expansion and contraction of the parts having through holes present in both end parts of the spike board in the longitudinal direction they become excessively large, so that the difference between the amounts of expansion and contraction of the printed circuit is increased; Therefore, excessive force is applied to the tip pieces from the tip plate, resulting in the problem that the tip

ES 2 395 048 T3 stress on the welded parts increases. Therefore, by forming the recesses in the areas that encompass the through holes that are present in both end parts of the tip plate in the longitudinal direction, It is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction in parts that have through holes that are present in both end parts of the tip plate in the longitudinal direction in cases where the tip plate is subjected to thermal expansion due to variations Of temperature; as a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

The recessed portion may be formed in an area encompassing either one or a plurality of through holes present within the area that is 20% of the length of the spike plate in the longitudinal direction from one end of the plate. of points in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, in cases where the tip plate thermally expands due to temperature variations, it is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction in a zone having one or a plurality of through holes present within a zone that this at least 20% of the length of the spike plate in the longitudinal direction from one end of the spike plate in the longitudinal direction; as a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

The recessed portion may be formed in an area that encompasses either one or a plurality of through holes present within the area that encompasses the through holes in three columns adjacent to one end of the spike plate in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, in cases where the tip plate is thermally expanded due to temperature variations, it is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction in a part having one or a plurality of through holes present within the area that encompass the through holes in at least three columns adjacent to one end of the tip plate in the longitudinal direction; as a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector of the present invention and a corresponding connector prior to joining;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view in a state in which the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a printed circuit;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the electrical connector and printed circuit shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow A in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a conventional example of an electrical connector; and FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the tip piece of a contact in the fourth row is connected by soldering to a through hole in the printed circuit.

Explanation of symbols

<td> 1:</td><td>Electric connector</td>

<td> 10:</td><td>Case</td>

<td>20a-20f:</td><td>First contacts</td>

<td>20a2-20f2:</td><td>Tip pieces</td>

<td>21a-21d:</td><td>Second contacts</td>

<td>21a2-21d2:</td><td>Tip pieces</td>

<td>22nd-22d:</td><td>Third party contacts</td>

ES 2 395 048 T3

22a2-22d2: Tip pieces

30: Tip plate

30a-30f: First through holes

31a-31d: Second through holes

32a-32d: Third Through Holes

33: First part lowered

34: Second part lowered

35: Third part lowered

40: Printed circuit

40a-40f First through holes.

Best mode of carrying out the invention

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector of the present invention and a corresponding connector prior to joining. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connector 1 is designed so that a plurality of corresponding connectors 50 (only one corresponding connector 50 is shown in FIG. 1) is mated with this electrical connector 1.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the electrical connector 1 comprises a housing 10, a spike plate 30, and first contacts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e and 20f in a plurality of rows and columns (6 rows and 25 columns in the present embodiment ), second contacts 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d in a plurality of rows and columns (4 rows and 3 columns in the present embodiment) and third contacts 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d in a plurality of rows and columns (4 rows and 6 columns in the present embodiment) that are attached to the housing 10. Relative to the first contacts, the first contacts 20a in the lowermost row in FIG. 3 are the first contacts in the first row, the first contacts 20b in the second row from the bottom are the first contacts in the second row, the first contacts 20c in the third row from the bottom are the first contacts in the third row , the first 20d contacts in the fourth row from the bottom are the first contacts in the fourth row, the first contacts 20e in the fifth row from the bottom are the first contacts in the fifth row and the first contacts 20f in the uppermost row are the first contacts in the sixth row. Additionally, in relation to the second contacts, the second contacts 21a in the lowermost row in FIG. 3 are the second contacts from the first row, the second contacts 21b in the second row from the bottom are the second contacts from the second row, the second contacts 21c in the third row from the bottom are the second contacts from the third row and the second contacts 21d in the uppermost row are the second contacts in the fourth row. Furthermore, in relation to the third contacts, the third contacts 22a in the lowermost row of FIG. 3 are the third contacts from the first row, the third contacts 22b in the second row from the bottom are the third contacts from the second row, the third contacts 22c in the third row from the bottom are the third contacts from the third row and the third contacts 22d in the uppermost row are the third contacts in the fourth row.

Additionally, the housing 10 is formed by molding in an insulating resin, and comprises a substantially rectangular housing base part 11 extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a substantially rectangular contact part. rectangular 12 projecting forward (towards the bottom in FIG. 2) from the base part 11 of the housing and extending in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of corresponding connectors that correspond to the recessed parts 13 (six recessed parts in the present embodiment) with which the corresponding connectors 50 form a mating in the corresponding part 12 of the housing 10. Furthermore, a pair of locking parts 14 for locking the tip plate 30 on both ends of the base part 11 of the housing in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, first contacts 20a to 20f are fixed substantially in the central part of the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10, the second contacts 21a to 21d are provided in the far right part of the casing 10 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the casing 10, and the third contacts 22a to 22d are provided at the left end portion of the casing 10 in the longitudinal direction along the direction

ES 2 395 048 T3 longitudinal of the casing 10.

In this case, the respective first contacts 20a to 20f in the first to sixth rows are fastened to the base part 11 of the housing, and comprise contact pieces 20a1, 20b1, 20c1, 20d1, 20e1 and 20f (see FIG. 3) extending into the corresponding connector corresponding to the recessed parts 13 located substantially in the central area of ​​the casing in the longitudinal direction. These first individual contacts 20a to 20f in the first to sixth rows respectively comprise tip pieces 20a2, 20b2, 20c2, 20d2, 20e2 and 20f2 (see FIG. 6) respectively extending from the contact pieces 20a1 to 20f towards the rear of the base part 11 of the housing (towards the outside of the housing 10 and upwards in FIG. 2). The respective tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 are formed by bending downward at a right angle after extending towards the rear of the base portion 11 of the housing. Each of the first contacts 20a to 20f in the first to sixth rows is constructed from a pin element that is formed by stamping and forming on a metal plate.

Additionally, the respective second contacts 21a to 21d in the first to fourth rows are attached to the base portion 11 of the housing, and comprise contact pieces 21a1, 21b1, 21c1 and 21d1 (see FIG. 3) that extend into of the corresponding connector corresponding to the recessed parts 13 located substantially at the right end part of the housing in the longitudinal direction. These second individual contacts 21a to 21d in the first to fourth rows respectively comprise tip pieces 21a2, 21b2, 21c2 and 21d2 (see FIG. 6) respectively extending from the contact pieces 21a1 to 21d1 towards the rear of the base part 11 of the housing (towards the outside of the housing 10 and upwards in FIG. 2). The respective tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 are formed by bending down at a right angle after extending towards the rear of the base portion 11 of the housing. As shown in FIG. 6, the right-angle bent parts of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d in the second column from the right side of the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction respectively extend to positions moving backwards with relative to the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d in the first to third columns, which are adjacent to the second column on both sides thereof. As a result, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d in the respective rows are arranged in a staggered fashion along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. Additionally, each of the second contacts 21a to 21d in the first to fourth columns is constructed from a pin element that is formed by stamping and forming a metal plate.

Furthermore, the respective third contacts 22a to 22d in the first to fourth rows are attached to the base part 11 of the housing, and comprise contact pieces 22a1, 22b1, 22c1 and 22d1 (see FIG. 3) that extend inside the corresponding connector that corresponds to the recessed parts 13 located substantially at the left end part of the housing in the longitudinal direction. These third individual contacts 22a to 22d in the first to fourth rows also respectively comprise the tip pieces 22a2, 22b2, 22c2 and 22d2 (see FIG. 6) respectively extending from the contact pieces 22a1 to 22d1 towards the rear. from the base part 11 of the housing (towards the outside of the housing 10 and upwards in FIG. 2). The respective tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 are formed by bending down at a right angle after extending towards the rear of the base portion 11 of the housing. As shown in FIG. 6, the right-angle bent parts of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d in the first, third and fifth columns from the left side of the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction respectively extend to positions that are offset back with respect to the right-angle bent portions of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d in the second, fourth, and sixth columns, which are adjacent to the first, third and fifth columns on both sides of them. As a result, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the second contacts 22a to 22d in the respective rows are arranged in a staggered fashion along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. Additionally, each of the third contacts 22a to 22d in the first to fourth columns is constructed from a pin element that is formed by stamping and forming a metal plate.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the tip plate 30 is constructed from a substantially rectangular plate-shaped body that extends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), and is formed by casting in resin. insulating. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first through holes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e and 30f in a plurality of rows and columns (6 rows and 25 columns in the present embodiment) into which the right angle bent parts of the Respective tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f in the plurality of rows and columns are formed on the tip plate 30. These first through holes 30a to 30f are formed substantially in the central part of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the spike plate 30 corresponding to the right angle bent parts of the spike pieces. 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f. The first through holes 30a to 30f in the respective rows are arranged in a staggered fashion along the longitudinal direction of the casing 10. Additionally, the first through holes 30a to 30f are formed at positions corresponding to the first through holes 40a to 40f (see FIG. 10) in a printed circuit 40. Relative to the first through holes, the first through holes 30a in the row closest to the housing 10 in FIG. 2 are the first through holes of the first row, the through holes 30b in the second closest row are the first through holes of the second row, the first through holes 30c

ES 2 395 048 T3 in the third closest row are the first through holes in the third row, the first through holes 30d in the fourth closest row are the first through holes in the fourth row, the first through holes 30e in the fifth The nearest row are the first through holes of the fifth row and the first through holes 30f in the row furthest from the casing 10 are the first through holes of the sixth row. Additionally, tapered portions are respectively provided (only the tapered portions 30a 'and 30b' that are provided respectively in the first through holes 30a and 30b in the first and second rows are shown in FIG. 11) for ease of guiding the respective tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 into the individual through holes 30a to 30f, into the respective first through holes 30a to 30f on the insertion side of the tip pieces.

Additionally, the second through holes 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d in a plurality of rows and columns (4 rows and 3 columns in the present embodiment) into which the right angle bent portions of the respective tip pieces 21a2 are respectively inserted a 21d2 of the second contacts 21a 21f in the plurality of rows and columns, are formed in the spike plate 30. These second through holes 31a to 31d are formed in the right end part of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the tip plate 30 corresponding to the right angle bent parts of the pieces of Tip 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d. The second through holes 31a to 31d in the respective rows are arranged in a staggered fashion along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. Furthermore, the second through holes 31a to 31d are formed at positions corresponding to the second through holes (not shown in the figures) in the printed circuit 40. Relative to the second through holes, the second through holes 31a in the row closest to housing 10 in FIG. 2 are the second through holes in the first row, the second through holes 31b in the second closest row are the second through holes in the second row and the second through holes 31d in the row furthest from the casing 10 are the second through holes of the fourth row. Additionally, tapered portions (not shown in the figures) are provided for ease of guiding the respective tip pieces 21a2 through 21d2 within the individual through holes 31a through 31d, in the respective second through holes 31a through 31d on the side of inserting the tip pieces.

Furthermore, the third through holes 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d in a plurality of rows and columns (4 rows and 6 columns in the present embodiment) into which the right angle bent portions of the respective tip pieces are respectively inserted 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a 22f in the plurality of rows and columns, are formed in the tip plate 30. These third through holes 32a to 32d are formed in the left end part of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the spike plate 30 corresponding to the right-angle bent parts of the spike pieces. Tip 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d. The third through holes 32a to 32d in the respective rows are arranged in a staggered fashion along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. Additionally, the third through holes 32a to 32d are formed in positions corresponding to the third through holes (not shown in the figures) in the printed circuit 40. Relative to the third through holes, the third through holes 32a in the row plus next to housing 10 in FIG. 2 are the third through holes in the first row, the third through holes 32b in the second closest row are the third through holes in the second row, and the third through holes 32d in the row farthest from the casing 10 are the third through holes of the fourth row. Additionally, tapered portions (not shown in the figures) are provided for ease of guiding the respective tip pieces 22a2 through 22d2 within the individual through holes 32a through 32d, in the respective third through holes 32a through 32d on the side of inserting the tip pieces.

Additionally, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f are respectively inserted into the first through holes 30a to 30f in the tip plate 30. The respective first through holes 30a to 30f have the function of aligning the inserted right-angle bent parts with the first through holes formed in the printed circuit 40 (described below). Similarly, additionally, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d are respectively inserted into the second through holes 31a to 31d in the tip plate 30. The second through holes 31a to 31d respective have the function of aligning the inserted right angle bent parts with the second through holes formed in the printed circuit 40. Furthermore, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d are respectively inserted into the third through holes 32a to 32d in the tip plate 30. The respective third through holes 32a to 32d They have the function of aligning the inserted right-angle bent parts with the third through holes formed in the printed circuit 40. Additionally, the tip plate 30 is designed to be locked with the locking pieces 14 provided on the housing 10 and to limit downward movement after the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the former contacts 20a to 20f are respectively inserted into the first through holes 30a to 30f, the right-angle bent parts of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d are respectively inserted into the second through holes 31a to 31d, and the right-angle bent third parts of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d are respectively inserted into the third through holes 32a to 32d.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the first recessed portions 33 are formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 within the areas that encompass all of the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present within the areas that include the first through holes 30a and 30b in the first and second rows

ES 2 395 048 T3 which are adjacent to the housing 10. The cross-sectional shape of each first recessed portion 33 is rectangular as shown in FIG. 11 (described below). The depth of the first recessed portions 33 is approximately 1mm in the present embodiment. Additionally, the thickness of the tip plate 30 is approximately 2mm.

Similarly, additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a second recessed portion 34 is formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in an area that encompasses all of the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within an area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d. in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape of the second recessed part 34 is similar to the shape of the first recessed part 33, and the depth of the second recessed part 34 is also about 1 mm.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a third recessed portion 35 is formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in an area that encompasses all of the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within an area that is 20% of the length of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. The cross-sectional shape of the third recessed part 35 is similar to the shape of the first recessed part 33, and the depth of the third recessed part 35 is also about 1 mm.

Next, a procedure for mounting the electrical connector 1 on the printed circuit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8 is a perspective view in a state in which the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a printed circuit. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the electrical connector and printed circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 of FIG. 9. FIG. eleven is an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow A in FIG. 10.

First, prior to mounting the electrical connector 1 on the printed circuit 40, the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f are respectively inserted into the first through holes 30a to 30f in the board. with tips 30, the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d are inserted respectively into the second through holes 31a to 31d and the right angle bent third parts of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the Third contacts 22a to 22d are respectively inserted into the third through holes 32a to 32d. Subsequently, the tip plate 30 is locked with the locking pieces 14 provided on the housing 10.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f are respectively inserted into the first through holes 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e and, 40f which are formed on printed circuit 40 at the same time, the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 of the second contacts 21a to 21d are respectively inserted into the second through holes (not shown in the figures) formed in the printed circuit 40 at the same time, and the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 of the third contacts 22a to 22d are respectively inserted into the third through holes (not shown in the figures) formed in the printed circuit at the same time. As a result, the electrical connector 1 is located on an end portion of the printed circuit 40 as shown in FIG. 10. In this state, the lower surface of the spike plate 30 and the upper surface of the printed circuit 40 are separated by a specified distance as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. That specified distance is preferably greater than the so-called wetting height (height of the filler portions 42), which is the level to which the molten solder 41 rises and reaches the tip surfaces from the upper surface of the printed circuit 40 due to surface tension.

At the insertion of the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, 21a2 to 21d2 and 22a2 to 22d2, the first through holes 30a to 30f in the tip plate 30 respectively align the right angle bent portions of the tips. tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 with the first through holes 40a to 40f, the second individual through holes 31a to 31d respectively align the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 with the second through holes and the third through holes 32a to 32d respectively align the right angle bent portions of the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 with the third through holes. Therefore, the insertion of the respective right angle bent parts is smoothly done.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (Only the solder connection in the first through holes is shown in FIG. 11), welding of the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 and the right angle bent parts of the tip pieces 22a2 a 22d2, respectively, in the first through holes 40a to 40f, the second through holes and the third through holes. As a result, the first contacts 20a to 20f, the second contacts 21a to 21d, and the third contacts 22a to 22d of the electrical connector 1 are electrically connected to the printed circuit 40.

When welding is performed as described above, a wicking action takes place in each of the first through holes 40a to 40f, the second through holes, and the third through holes. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the solder 41 which is in a molten state moves up towards the upper surface of the printed circuit 40 through the interior of the first through holes 40a to 40f,

ES 2 395 048 T3 the second through holes, and the third through holes, respectively, in the printed circuit 40 due to the action of capillary action. Additionally, the molten solder 41 wets the right-angle bent portions of the respective tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, 21a2 to 21d2, and 22a2 to 22d2 from the top surface of the printed circuit 40 due to surface tension, and the tip end of the molten solder 41 in each through hole forms a filler portion 42 that reaches the proximity of the position midway between the tip plate 30 and the printed circuit board 40. Thus, because the tip plate 30 and the printed circuit 40 are separated by a specified distance, that is, a distance greater than the so-called wetting height (height of the filling parts 42), which is level to the As the molten solder 41 rises and reaches the leak surfaces from the upper surface of the printed circuit 40 due to surface tension, the filler portions 42 of the solder 41 do not interfere with the tip plate 30.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 11, the first recessed portions 33 are formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in areas that encompass all of the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present within the areas that include the first through holes 30a. and 30b in the first and second rows that are adjacent to the housing 10. Therefore, the distance between the printed circuit 40 and the lower surface of the tip plate 30 can be made greater than in the past in the areas where these first recessed parts 33 are formed and which encompass the first through holes 30a. and 30b, so that the filler portions 42 of the solder 41 wet the tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 when the tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 are connected by soldering to the printed circuit 40, cracking of the tip plate 30 can be reliably prevented in the parts in which the first recessed parts 33 are formed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the second recessed portion 34 is formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in an area that encompasses all the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within the area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d. in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the distance between the printed circuit 40 and the lower surface of the tip plate 30 can be made greater than in the past in the area where this second recessed part 34 is formed and which encompasses the second through holes 31a. at 31d, so that the filler portions 42 of the solder 41 wet the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 when the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 are connected by soldering to the printed circuit 40, cracking of the tip plate 30 can be reliably prevented in the part in which the second recessed part 34 is formed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the third recessed portion 35 is formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in an area that encompasses all the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within an area that is 20% of the length of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the distance between the printed circuit 40 and the lower surface of the tip plate 30 can be made greater than in the past in the area where this third recessed part 35 is formed and which encompasses the second through holes 32a. at 32d, so that the filler portions 42 of the solder 41 wet the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 when the tip pieces 22a2 to 22d2 are connected by soldering to the printed circuit 40, cracking of the tip plate 30 can be reliably prevented in the part in which the third recessed part 35 is formed.

Additionally, the first recessed parts 33, the second recessed part 34 and the third recessed part 35 formed on the lower surface of the spike plate 30 are formed on the lower surface of the spike plate 30 in areas encompassing some of the holes. through holes between the first through holes 30a through 30f, second through holes 31a through 31d, and third through holes 32a through 32d in the plurality of rows and columns. Consequently, there is no drop in the mechanical strength of the tip plate 30.

In this case, in cases where the coefficients of thermal expansion of the tip plate 30 and the weight circuit 40 are different, a difference is generated between the amounts of expansion and contraction of the tip plate 30 and the amounts of expansion and contraction of the printed circuit 40 by variations in temperature, and voltages are repeatedly generated in the parts soldered to the printed circuit 40 by means of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, 21a2 to 21d2 and 22a2 to 22d2, so that cracking may appear in these welded parts. Meanwhile, the tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 that are shorter in length between the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2 of the first contacts 20a to 20f in the plurality of rows and columns are respectively inserted into the first through holes 30a and 30b that they are present within the areas encompassing the first through holes 30a and 30b in the two rows adjacent to the casing 10. Therefore, these parts in which the first through holes 30a and 30b are present are parts in which the tip plate 30 is more prone to limitation than other parts. That is, because the shorter tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 are less likely to be subjected to deformation than the longer tip pieces, the tip plate 30 is more predisposed to a limitation on the portions having the former through holes 30a and 30b into which these shorter tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 are inserted than in the other parts. Consequently, in cases where the printed circuit 40 and the spike board 30 thermally expand due to temperature variations, the expansion and contraction of the parts of the tip plate 30 that have the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present within the areas that encompass the first through holes 30a and 30b in the two rows adjacent to the housing 10 is limited more easily and the difference between the expansion and contraction amounts of the printed circuit 40 is increased, so that excessive force is applied to the tip pieces 20a2 and 20b2 from the tip plate 30, resulting in the problem that the stress on the parts

ES 2 395 048 T3 welded increases. Thus, because the first recessed portions 33 are formed in areas that encompass all of the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present within the areas that include the first through holes 30a and 30b in the two rows adjacent to the housing 10, the limitation of expansion and contraction of these parts having the first through holes 30a and 30b can be alleviated in cases where the tip plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; as a result, the stress on the welded parts can be reduced.

Additionally, the third recessed portion 35 is formed in an area that encompasses all the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within the area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the end. left of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the second recessed portion 34 is formed in an area that encompasses all the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within the area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the plate. of tips 30 in the longitudinal direction. In cases where the coefficients of thermal expansion of the spike board 30 and the printed circuit 40 are different, as described above, a difference is generated between the amounts of expansion and contraction of the spike board 30 and the amounts of expansion and contraction of the printed circuit 40 by variations in temperature, and stresses are repeatedly generated in the pieces soldered to the printed circuit 40 by means of the tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, 21a2 to 21d2 and 22a2 to 22d2, so it may look like cracking in these welded parts. In this case, in cases where thermal expansion occurs due to temperature variations, the amounts of expansion and contraction in the longitudinal direction of the tip plate 30 accumulate within the area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction and within the area encompassing the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction, so these amounts of expansion and contraction are large. Consequently, in cases where the printed circuit 40 and the spike board 30 are thermally expanded due to temperature variations, the expansion and contraction amounts become too great in the part having the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within the area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the end left of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction and in the part having the second through-holes 31a to 31d that are present within a zone encompassing the second through-holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction, so that the difference between the expansion and contraction amounts of the printed circuit 40 becomes large. As a result, excessive force is applied to the tip pieces 21a2 to 21d2 and 22a2 to 22d2, creating the problem of increased stress of the welded parts. Consequently, by forming the third recessed part 35 the area that encompasses all the third through holes 32a to 32d are present within the area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction, and by forming the second recessed part 34 in the area that encompasses all the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within the area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the plate of tips 30 in the longitudinal direction, It is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction of the parts having these third through holes 32a to 32d and second through holes 31a to 31d in cases where the tip plate 30 is thermally expanded due to temperature variations; as a result, stresses on the welded parts can be reduced.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and various alterations and modifications can be made.

For example, the arrangement of the through holes formed in the tip plate 30 is not limited to a plurality of rows and columns and may also be in a single row and a plurality of columns or in a plurality of rows and a single column.

Additionally, the recessed portions formed on the outer surface of the tip plate 30 are not limited to the first recessed portions 33 formed in the areas that encompass all of the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present within the areas that encompass the first through holes 30a and 30b in the first and second rows adjacent to the housing 10, to the second recessed portion 34 formed in an area that encompasses all the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within the area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction and to the third recessed part 35 formed in an area that encompasses all the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within the area that is 20% of the length of the plate of spikes 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. It is sufficient if these recessed parts are formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 in areas that encompass some through holes between the first through holes 30a to 30f, second through holes 31a to 31d and third through holes 32a to 32d in a plurality of rows and columns. In this case, the distance between the printed circuit and the lower surface of the tip plate 30 can be made greater than in the past in the areas that encompass the through holes in which the recessed parts are formed, so that the parts filler 42 of solder 41 wetting tip pieces when tip pieces 20a2 to 20f2, 21a2 to 21d2 and 22a2 to 22d2 are connected by solder to printed circuit 40, cracking of the plate can be reliably prevented

ES 2 395 048 T3 tips 30 in the parts in which the recessed parts are formed. Furthermore, because the recessed portions are formed on the bottom surface of the tip plate 30 in areas that encompass some through holes between the first through holes 30a to 30f, second through holes 31a to 31d, and third through holes 32a to 32d In a plurality of rows and columns, there is no drop in the strength of the spike plate 30.

Furthermore, the recessed parts formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 are not limited to the first recessed parts 33, second recessed part 34 and third recessed part 35; It would also be possible to form a recessed part in an area that encompasses the first through holes, the second through holes or the third through holes that is present in a part near the casing 10. In this case, it is possible to alleviate the limitation of expansion and contraction of the part of the tip plate 30 that has the first through holes, the second through holes or the third through holes that are present near the casing 10 in cases wherein the tip plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; As a result, the stress of the welded parts can be reduced.

Additionally, the formation of the first recessed portions 33 is not limited to the areas that encompass all the first through holes 30a and 30b that are present in all the areas that include the first through holes 30a and 30b in the first and second rows adjacent to the housing 10; It would also be possible to form a first recessed part 33 in an area that encompasses either one or a plurality of these first through holes 30a and 30b. In this case, it is possible to alleviate the limitation of expansion and contraction of the part having either one or a plurality of the first through holes 30a and 30b present within the areas encompassing the first through holes 30a and 30b in the two rows adjacent to housing 10 in cases where tip plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; As a result, the stress on the weldments can be reduced.

Furthermore, the recessed parts formed on the lower surface of the tip plate 30 are not limited to the first recessed parts 33, the second recessed part 34 and the third recessed part 35, and can also be formed in areas encompassing the second through-holes. 31a to 31d and third through holes 32a to 32d that are present at any end portion of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, it is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction of the parts having the second through holes 31a to 31d and the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present in any of the end parts of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction in cases where the tip plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; as a result, the stress on the weldments can be reduced.

Furthermore, the formation of the third recessed portion 35 is not limited to an area that encompasses all the third through holes 32a to 32d that are present within an area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the direction longitudinal from the left end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction; the third recessed portion 35 may also be formed in an area encompassing either one or a plurality of the third through-holes 32a to 32d. In this case, it is possible to reduce the expansion and contraction amounts of the part having one or a plurality of the third through holes 32a to 32d present within an area that is 20% of the length of the tip plate 30 in the longitudinal direction from the left end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction in cases where the spike plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; as a result, the stress on the weldments can be reduced.

Additionally, the formation of the second recessed portion is not limited to a zone that encompasses all of the second through holes 31a to 31d that are present within a zone that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the right end of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction; the second recessed portion 34 may also be formed in an area encompassing either one or a plurality of the second through holes 31a to 31d. In this case, it is possible to reduce the amounts of expansion and contraction in the part having one or a plurality of the second through holes 31a to 31d present in an area that encompasses the second through holes 31a to 31d in the three columns adjacent to the end. right of the spike plate 30 in the longitudinal direction in cases where the spike plate 30 thermally expands due to temperature variations; as a result, the stress on the weldments can be reduced.