JP2004273338A

JP2004273338A - Connector for card

Info

Publication number: JP2004273338A
Application number: JP2003064362A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yasukichi Matsumoto; 松本　保吉; Mitsuhiro Tomita; 冨田　光洋; Hiroshi Yamane; 山根　浩志
Original assignee: Molex LLC
Current assignee: Molex LLC
Priority date: 2003-03-11
Filing date: 2003-03-11
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Also published as: CN1778018A; TW200507366A; CN100435422C; WO2004082076A1; TWI237421B

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a novel connector for a card equipped in a side plate of a metal shell with a board-mounting piece having springiness. <P>SOLUTION: The connector 1 for a card is equipped with an insulation housing 2 where a plurality of terminals are parallelly mounted, and the metal shell 4 defining a card-receiving cavity 11 in corporation with the insulation housing 2. The metal shell 4 is equipped with a top plate 41, and side plates 42, 43 continuing from side-ends of the top plate 41 and depending nearly perpendicularly. One of the side plate 43 is provided therein integrally with the board-mounting piece 46 composed of a depending part 461 extending along the side plate 43 and an outward wing 462 extending outward from the lower end of the depending part 461, wherein rigidity-reducing means composed of longitudinal slits 47, 48 and a lateral slit 49 are provided, and the depending part 461 is provided with a springiness in the extending direction of the outward wing 462. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、携帯電話機、デジタルスチルカメラ等々の小型電子機器で使用されるメモリーカードのためのカード用コネクタに関する。カード用コネクタが上記小型電子機器に搭載され、メモリーカードが挿入・抜去可能にされる。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種のカード用コネクタは、メモリーカードの接点と係合する複数の端子が絶縁ハウジングに並列して装着され、この絶縁ハウジングを覆うようにメタルシェルを組み付けた構成とされている（特許文献１、２参照）。メタルシェルは、略箱型に成形されて、カード受入空洞を画成し、カード受入空洞の一端を開口してカード挿入口を形成する。絶縁ハウジングは、端子が装着される本体部から、メタルシェルの側板内側に沿って延びる側壁部を有している。この絶縁ハウジングの側壁部は一対とされて、夫々がメタルシェルの側板内側に沿ってカード挿入口まで延びるように設けられるのが一般的であった。一対の側壁部には、カード挿入口に近い端部に、金属板を断面Ｌ字形に成形した補強金具が取り付けられ、この補強金具がプリント基板などの取付基板に半田付けされるようにしている。
【０００３】
電子機器の小型化に即応して、このカード用コネクタの小型化も進んでいる。この小型化されたカード用コネクタでは、前記絶縁ハウジングの一対の側壁部が一つとされたり、側壁部を備えないものとされ、メタルシェルの側板がカード受入空洞を直接画成する。メタルシェルの側板がカード受入空洞を直接画成した場合、前記補強金具を取り付けるべき絶縁ハウジングの側壁部が存在しないために、メタルシェルの側板に、補強金具形状とした基板実装片を一体に設けて、この基板実装片を取付基板へ半田付けするようにしている。
【０００４】
図１２、１３は、メタルシェルの側板に設けた基板実装片の一例を示している。図において、９がメタルシェル、９１が側板、９２が基板実装片であり、１０はプリント基板である。側板９１の高さ方向中間部まで切り込み又はスリット９３が形成され、スリット９３で挟まれた部分の垂下片部分９４と、垂下片部分９４から略直角に延びる外向き翼部分９５とで補強金具様の基板実装片９２としている。プリント基板１０に実装する際には、外向き翼部分９５をプリント基板１０の表面に対向させて、この対向部が半田付けされ、半田フィレット９６が図のように形成される。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−２９１５５２号公報（図１、２）
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−２３７３５１号公報（図２）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記のように、補強金具様の基板実装片をメタルシェルの側板内に一体として設けた場合、メタルシェルを構成する金属板の板厚（通常ｔ＝０．２ｍｍ以上）との関係で、基板実装片にばね性を期待することはできなかった。このため、半田リフローがされる半田付け工程の際の温度変化によってプリント基板よりも熱収縮率の大きい絶縁ハウジングが伸縮することによって（プリント基板と絶縁ハウジングの熱収縮率の違いに起因する）、さらにこれを覆っているメタルシェルも変形することになるが、メタルシェル側板内に一体として設けられた基板実装片が追従できず、プリント基板と基板実装片の半田付け部分に応力が加わり、また、残留応力が蓄積することとなっていた。この結果、経年的に半田が劣化すると、半田付け部分の半田フィレットにクラック又は極小さなマイクロクラックの発生に至ることとなり、電気的接続の信頼性が損なわれ、また、機械的な剥離強度が低下するという問題があった。
【０００７】
加えて、補強金具様の基板実装片をプリント基板に半田付けした時に、余分の半田が図１３に示されているように、垂下片部分９４の内面に沿って流れて固化して、カード受入空洞を狭め、メモリーカードの挿入に支障をきたすという問題もあった。
【０００８】
この発明は、上記のような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、メタルシェルの側板内にばね性を有する基板実装片を設けた新規な構成のカード用コネクタを提供することを主要な目的としている。加えて、余分な半田の流動固化があってもメモリーカードの挿入に支障をきたすことのない基板実装片がメタルシェルの側板内に一体として設けられたカード用コネクタを提供することを別の目的としている。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記のような目的のもとになされたこの発明のカード用コネクタは、複数の端子が並列して装着された絶縁ハウジングと、
絶縁ハウジングに組み付けられて、絶縁ハウジングと協働してカード受入空洞を画成しているメタルシェルとを備え、
前記メタルシェルが、頂板と、頂板の側縁に連続し、略直角に垂下する側板とを備えており、
前記側板内には、側板に沿って延びる垂下片部分と、垂下片部分の下端から外向きに延びる外向き翼部分とで構成される基板実装片が一体に設けられ、
前記垂下片部分の周りに剛性低下手段が設けられて、垂下片部分に外向き翼部分の延びる方向のばね性が与えられていることを特徴としている。
【００１０】
【作用】
このように構成されるこの発明のカード用コネクタによれば、メタルシェルの側板内に設けた基板実装片の垂下片部分にばね性が与えられているので、基板実装片が絶縁ハウジングの伸縮に伴うメタルシェルの変形に追従できるようになる。この結果、基板実装片の外向き翼部分と取付基板の半田付け部分に応力集中や残留応力の蓄積がなくなり、半田フィレットを保護することができる。
【００１１】
基板実装片にばね性を与える剛性低下手段としては、以下の実施形態で説明するように、垂下片部分の両側縁に沿って設けられた縦方向スリットと、垂下片部分とメタルシェルの頂板が連続する折曲部に沿って設けられた横方向スリットとしたり（図１、５）、垂下片部分の両側縁に沿って、垂下片部分とメタルシェルの頂板が連続する折曲部まで設けられた縦方向スリットとしたり（図７）、垂下片部分の両側縁に沿って、垂下片部分とメタルシェルの頂板が連続する折曲部まで設けられた縦方向スリットと、垂下片部分とメタルシェルの頂板が連続する折曲部に沿って設けられた横方向スリットとしたり（図８）、垂下片部分の側縁と、垂下片部分とメタルシェルの頂板が連続する折曲部に沿って設けられた、一対の逆Ｌ字形スリットとしたり（図９）、垂下片部分の一側縁に沿って設けられた縦方向スリットと、垂下片部分の一側縁から上部に連続する逆Ｌ字形スリットとしたり（図１０）、更には、垂下片部分の一側縁から上部に連続する一対の逆Ｌ字形スリットとする（図１１）ことができる。
【００１２】
また、基板実装片を構成した垂下片部分の内面には、外側に向かって凹入する半田溜りを形成することもできる。このようにして半田溜りを形成すると、外向き翼部分の半田付けに際して、垂下片部分の内面を流動する余分の半田を半田溜りに収容することができ、余分な半田の流動固化でカード受け入れ空洞を狭めるような不具合を避けることができる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明のいくつかの実施形態を添付の図を参照して説明する。
【００１４】
図１に第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタ１が示されている。カード用コネクタ１は、絶縁性のプラスチックを、図２、３に示したように、平面略Ｌ字形に成形した絶縁ハウジング２と、金属板を打抜いて成形したメタルシェル４とを備えている。平面略Ｌ字形の絶縁ハウジング２は、本体部２１の一端から略直角に側壁部２２が連続しており、本体部２１に複数の端子６が並列して装着されている。各端子６は片持ち梁状のコンタクト片６１を有しており、側壁部２２と略平行に延びている。
【００１５】
メタルシェル４は、絶縁ハウジング２の上側を覆う略方形の頂板４１と、頂板４１の一側縁（図１において左側縁）から略直角に垂下する第１側板４２および他側縁から略直角に垂下する断面Ｌ字形の第２側板４３を有している。頂板４１が絶縁ハウジング２の上側を覆い、第１側板４２が絶縁ハウジング２の側壁２２の外側に沿うようにして、メタルシェル４が絶縁ハウジング２に組み付けられて、両者が協働してカード受入空洞１１を画成している。メタルシェル４の頂板４１の二つの隅部には、係止片４４、４５が下方に打ち抜かれており、一方の係止片４４が絶縁ハウジング２の本体部２１の端部に嵌入して係止し、他方の係止片４５が側壁部２２の端部に嵌入して係止して、組み付け状態が保持されている。
【００１６】
絶縁ハウジング２とメタルシェル４で協働して画成したカード受入空洞１１は、前端がカード挿入口１２となって開口して、ここからメモリーカード８（図３参照）を挿入・抜去できるようになっている。カード受入空洞１１の後端は、絶縁ハウジング２の本体部２１で塞がれており、本体部２１から延びた端子６のコンタクト片６１がカード受入空洞１１に臨んで、メモリーカード８の接点と係合できるようになっている。
【００１７】
カード受入空洞１１の一側は、絶縁ハウジング２の側壁部２２で画成され、他側はメタルシェル４の第２側板４３で画成されている。カード挿入口１２から挿入・抜去されるメモリーカード８は、側壁部２２と第２側板４３で案内されるようになっている。メモリーカード８の挿入・抜去を案内する側壁部２２には、図２に示すような、カムスライダー３１と、カムピン３２と、コイルスプリング３３とで構成されるプッシュ／プッシュ形式のカードイジェクト機構３が設けられている。
【００１８】
図１に示すように、このカード用コネクタ１は、プリント基板１０などの取付基板の上に載置して半田付けができるようにされている。即ち、前記端子６は、絶縁ハウジング２の本体部２１から後方に半田テイル６２が延びて、プリント基板１０の表面に設けられたパッド１０１（図２）に表面半田付けができるようにされている。また、カード受入空洞１１のカード挿入口１２の近くで、絶縁ハウジング２の側壁部２２に設けた補強金具７と、メタルシェル４の第２側板４３に設けた基板実装片４６を、夫々、プリント基板１０の表面に設けられたパッド１０２（図１）に表面半田付けができるようにされている。
【００１９】
絶縁ハウジング２の側壁部２２に設けられた補強金具７は、先に従来の技術として述べたものと同様のもので、金属板が断面Ｌ字形に成形されている。メタルシェル４が組み付けられる前に、側壁部２２に形成した装着溝２２１に予め装着されている。
【００２０】
メタルシェル４の第２側板４３に設けた基板実装片４６は、図５、６に示してあるように、垂下片部分４６１と、垂下片部分４６１の下端から外向きに延びる外向き翼部分４６２とで断面Ｌ字形とされて、第２側板４３内に設けられている。垂下片部分４６１の両側縁に沿って縦方向スリット４７、４８が設けられ、垂下片部分４６１と頂板４１が連続する折曲部に沿って横方向スリット４９が設けられて、垂下片部分４６１は第２側板と連続片部分５０、５１のみで連続し、垂下片部分４６１が第２側板４３から独立して内外に変位できるようにされている。
【００２１】
また、基板実装片４６を構成している垂下片部分４６１の内面には、外側に向かって凹入する半田溜り４６３が形成されている。この半田溜り４６３は、外向き翼部分４６２の近くに、外向き翼部分４６２と略平行に形成された、略楕円形の凹入部で構成されているものである。
【００２２】
上記のように構成されているカード用コネクタ１は、図１に示されているように、プリント基板１０の表面に、端子６の半田テイル６２と補強金具７を対応するパッド１０１、１０２に半田付けすると共に、基板実装片４６の外向き翼部分４６２をパッド１０２に半田付けすることによって設置することができる。図５、６には、外向き翼部分４６２とパッド１０２の半田付けで形成される半田フィレット１０３が示されている。
【００２３】
半田付け工程の際の半田リフロー加熱による温度変化によって、プリント基板１０よりも熱収縮率の大きい絶縁ハウジング２が伸縮するが、さらにこれを覆っているメタルシェル４も変形することになるが、基板実装片４６は、このような絶縁ハウジング２の伸縮に伴うメタルシェル４の変形に追従することが可能である。基板実装片４６を構成した垂下片部分４６１の周り設けた縦方向スリット４７、４８と横方向スリット４９が垂下片部分４６１に対して剛性低下手段を構成して、垂下片部分４６１にばね性を与えているためである。なお、前記絶縁ハウジング２の伸縮が生じる要因としては、プリント基板１０と絶縁ハウジング２の熱収縮率の違いによるところが大きい。
【００２４】
このように、基板実装片４６にばね性が与えられて、絶縁ハウジング２の伸縮に伴うメタルシェル４の変形に追従できるようにしたために、外向き翼部分４６２とプリント基板１０のパッド１０２の半田付け部分に、絶縁ハウジング２の伸縮で応力が集中したり、応力が残留して蓄積することを避けることができる。したがって、半田フィレット１０３にこのような応力を原因とするクラック又はマイクロクラックが発生するのを防止することができる。そして、半田フィレット１０３にクラックやマイクロクラックが発生しないので、メタルシェル４とプリント基板１０間及び端子６とプリント基板１０間の電気的接続の信頼性を向上することができる。また、半田付け部分の剥離強度の低下も防ぎ、カード用コネクタ１とプリント基板１０間の機械的強度の信頼性も向上することができる。
【００２５】
基板実装片４６の外向き翼部分４６２とパッド１０２の半田付けにおいて、余分な半田は、図６に特に示すように、垂下片部分４６１に設けた半田溜り４６３に収容される。この結果、余分の半田の流動固化でカード受入空洞１１を狭めるような事態をなくし、メモリーカード８の挿入・抜去に支障をきたすのを避け、常に問題なく挿入・抜去が可能の状態でカード用コネクタ１を設置することができる。
【００２６】
また、この第１の実施形態のように、剛性低下手段を構成した横方向スリット４９を、垂下片部分４６１と頂板４１が連続する折曲部に沿って設けると、メタルシェル４の曲げ加工による成形が安定的にできるようになり、メタルシェル４の寸法精度（高さ方向）を向上し、また、ねじれ応力の残留を避ける点で有利に作用する。
【００２７】
図７〜図１１には、他の実施形態の基板実装片４６の部分を示している。図７の第２の実施形態では、基板実装片４６の垂下片部分４６１の両側縁に沿って、縦方向スリット５２、５２が設けられて剛性低下手段を構成している。縦方向スリット５２、５２は、垂下片部分４６１と頂板４１が連続する折曲部まで延び、垂下片部分４６１の全長に亘っている。
【００２８】
図８の第３の実施形態では、垂下片部分４６１の両側縁に沿って、第２の実施形態と同様の縦方向スリット５２、５２が設けられると共に、垂下片部分４６１と頂板４１が連続する折曲部に沿って横方向スリット５３が設けられて剛性低下手段を構成している。
【００２９】
図９の第４の実施形態では、垂下片部分４６１の側縁と、垂下片部分４６１と頂板４１が連続する折曲部に沿って、一対の逆Ｌ字形スリット５４、５４が設けられて剛性低下手段を構成している。
【００３０】
また、図１０の第５の実施形態では、垂下片部分４６１の一側縁に沿って設けられた縦方向スリット５５と、垂下片部分４６１の一側縁から上部に連続する逆Ｌ字形スリット５６が、垂下片部分４６１の周りに設けられて剛性低下手段を構成している。
【００３１】
更に、図１１の第６の実施形態では、垂下片部分４６１の一側縁から上部に連続する一対の逆Ｌ字形スリット５７、５７が垂下片部分４６１の周りに設けられて剛性低下手段を構成している。
【００３２】
これらの第２〜第６の実施形態の基板実装片４６も、その周りに設けた剛性低下手段を介してばね性を与えることができる。したがって、プリント基板１０の伸縮に追従することを可能とし、前記と同様の作用効果を発揮する。
【００３３】
これまでに説明した実施形態では、メタルシェル４を構成した第１側板４２と第２側板４３のうち、一方の第２側板４３のみに基板実装片４６を設けているが、第１側板４２にも同様の基板実装片４６を設けることができる。絶縁ハウジング２の側壁部２２に設けた補強金具７を不要にすることができる。また、絶縁ハウジング２に側壁部２２が設けられない場合に有効である。
【００３４】
尚、絶縁ハウジング２の側壁部２２に設けたカードイジェクト機構３は、すでに公知の機構である。概略的に説明すると、カムスライダー３１は、図２に表れている係合突部３１１が、カード受入空洞１１に挿入されたメモリーカード８の側縁と係合して、メモリーカード８と一体となってスライドする。コイルスプリング３３は、カムスライダー３１をカード挿入口１２の方向に常時付勢している。そして、カムピン３２は、一端が側壁部２２にピボット係合しており、他端がカムスライダー３１に形成されているハートカム溝３１２に係合している。
【００３５】
カード受入空洞１１に挿入するメモリーカード８は、その後端縁が図３の鎖線８１の位置に来るまで挿入可能となっている。メモリーカード８を、この最も奥まで挿入した後、挿入力を開放すると、メモリーカード８は、カードイジェクト機構３によって抜去方向に戻されて、後端縁が鎖線８２の位置まで移動して停止する。この状態で、端子６のコンタクト片６１はメモリーカード８の接点と係合して電気的接続状態が維持される。
【００３６】
メモリーカード８を抜去する時は、後端縁を再び鎖線８１の位置まで押し込むようにする。その後、挿入力を開放すると、メモリーカード８がカードイジェクト機構３によって抜去方向に戻されて、後端縁が鎖線８３の位置に来るまで排出される。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上に説明の通り、この発明のカード用コネクタによれば、メタルシェルの側板内に設けた基板実装片にばね性を与えて、絶縁ハウジングの伸縮に伴うメタルシェルの変形に追従できるようにしたので、基板実装片と取付基板の半田付け部分に応力集中や残留応力の蓄積がなくなり、電気的および機械的信頼性を向上したカード用コネクタを提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタの斜視図である。
【図２】同じく第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタを構成した絶縁ハウジングの一部斜視図である。
【図３】同じく第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタの平面図である。
【図４】同じく第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタの左側面図である。
【図５】同じく第１の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図６】図５のＡ−Ａ線に沿って示した断面図である。
【図７】この発明の第２の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図８】この発明の第３の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図９】この発明の第４の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図１０】この発明の第５の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図１１】この発明の第６の実施形態のカード用コネクタの、基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図１２】従来のカード用コネクタのメタルシェルに設けられた基板実装片の部分を拡大して示した部分図である。
【図１３】図１２のＢ−Ｂ線に沿って示した断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１カード用コネクタ
１０プリント基板
１０１パッド
１０２パッド
１０３半田フィレット
１１カード受入空洞
１２カード挿入口
２絶縁ハウジング
２１本体部
２２側壁部
２２１装着溝
３カードイジェクト機構
３１カムスライダー
３１１係合突部
３１２ハートカム溝
３２カムピン
３３コイルスプリング
４メタルシェル
４１頂板
４２第１側板
４３第２側板
４４係止片
４５係止片
４６基板実装片
４６１垂下片部分
４６２外向き翼部分
４６３半田溜り
４７縦方向スリット
４８縦方向スリット
４９横方向スリット
５０連結片部分
５１連結片部分
５２縦方向スリット
５３横方向スリット
５４逆Ｌ字形スリット
５５縦方向スリット
５６逆Ｌ字形スリット
５７逆Ｌ字形スリット
６端子
６１コンタクト片
６２半田テイル
７補強金具
８メモリーカード[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a card connector for a memory card used in small electronic devices such as a mobile phone and a digital still camera. A card connector is mounted on the small electronic device, and a memory card can be inserted and removed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of card connector has a configuration in which a plurality of terminals that engage with the contacts of a memory card are mounted in parallel on an insulating housing, and a metal shell is assembled so as to cover the insulating housing (Patent References 1 and 2). The metal shell is formed in a substantially box shape, defines a card receiving cavity, and opens one end of the card receiving cavity to form a card insertion opening. The insulating housing has a side wall extending from the main body on which the terminals are mounted along the inside of the side plate of the metal shell. In general, a pair of side walls of the insulating housing are provided so as to extend to the card insertion opening along the inside of the side plate of the metal shell. A reinforcing member formed by molding a metal plate into an L-shaped cross section is attached to the pair of side walls at ends near the card insertion slot, and the reinforcing member is soldered to a mounting substrate such as a printed circuit board. .
[0003]
In response to the miniaturization of electronic devices, the miniaturization of this card connector is also progressing. In this miniaturized card connector, the insulating housing has one pair of side walls or does not have the side walls, and the side plate of the metal shell directly defines the card receiving cavity. When the side plate of the metal shell directly defines the card receiving cavity, there is no side wall portion of the insulating housing to which the reinforcing metal is to be attached.Therefore, a board mounting piece in the form of a reinforcing metal is integrally provided on the side plate of the metal shell. Thus, the board mounting piece is soldered to the mounting board.
[0004]
12 and 13 show an example of a board mounting piece provided on a side plate of a metal shell. In the figure, 9 is a metal shell, 91 is a side plate, 92 is a board mounting piece, and 10 is a printed board. A notch or a slit 93 is formed up to an intermediate portion in the height direction of the side plate 91, and a hanging piece portion 94 of a portion sandwiched by the slit 93 and an outward wing portion 95 extending at a substantially right angle from the hanging piece portion 94 are reinforcing bracket-like. Of the substrate mounting piece 92. When mounted on the printed circuit board 10, the outward wing portion 95 is opposed to the surface of the printed circuit board 10, and the opposed portion is soldered, so that a solder fillet 96 is formed as shown in the figure.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-291552 A (FIGS. 1 and 2)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-237351 (FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the case where the board mounting pieces such as the reinforcing metal fittings are integrally provided in the side plate of the metal shell, the thickness of the metal plate constituting the metal shell (usually, t = 0.2 mm or more) may cause the board to be damaged. Spring property could not be expected for the mounting piece. For this reason, the insulating housing having a larger heat shrinkage than the printed circuit board expands and contracts due to a temperature change during the soldering process in which the solder is reflowed (due to a difference in the heat shrinkage between the printed circuit board and the insulating housing). Furthermore, the metal shell that covers it will also be deformed, but the board mounting piece provided integrally in the metal shell side plate can not follow, stress is applied to the soldered part of the printed board and the board mounting piece, , The residual stress was to accumulate. As a result, if the solder deteriorates over time, cracks or micro cracks will occur in the solder fillet at the soldered portion, which will reduce the reliability of the electrical connection and decrease the mechanical peel strength. There was a problem of doing.
[0007]
In addition, when the board-mounting piece such as the reinforcing metal is soldered to the printed board, excess solder flows along the inner surface of the hanging piece portion 94 and solidifies as shown in FIG. There was also a problem that the cavity was narrowed, which hindered the insertion of a memory card.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its main object to provide a card connector having a novel configuration in which a board mounting piece having a spring property is provided in a side plate of a metal shell. I have. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a card connector in which a board mounting piece which does not hinder the insertion of a memory card even if excess solder flows and solidifies is provided integrally in a side plate of a metal shell. And
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The card connector of the present invention made for the above purpose has an insulating housing in which a plurality of terminals are mounted in parallel,
A metal shell assembled to the insulative housing and cooperating with the insulative housing to define a card receiving cavity;
The metal shell includes a top plate and a side plate that is continuous with a side edge of the top plate and hangs at a substantially right angle,
In the side plate, a hanging piece portion extending along the side plate, and a board mounting piece composed of an outward wing portion extending outward from the lower end of the hanging piece portion are provided integrally,
A stiffness reducing means is provided around the hanging piece portion, so that the hanging piece portion is provided with a spring property in a direction in which the outward wing portion extends.
[0010]
[Action]
According to the card connector of the present invention configured as described above, since the hanging portion of the board mounting piece provided in the side plate of the metal shell is provided with a spring property, the board mounting piece can expand and contract the insulating housing. It can follow the deformation of the accompanying metal shell. As a result, stress concentration and accumulation of residual stress in the outward wing portion of the board mounting piece and the soldering portion of the mounting board are eliminated, and the solder fillet can be protected.
[0011]
As described in the following embodiments, the rigidity reducing means for imparting spring properties to the board mounting piece includes a vertical slit provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion, and a top plate of the hanging piece portion and the metal shell. A transverse slit provided along a continuous bent portion (FIGS. 1 and 5), or along a side edge of the hanging piece portion, a bending portion where the hanging piece portion and the top plate of the metal shell are provided continuously. Vertical slits (Fig. 7), along the side edges of the hanging piece, up to a bent portion where the hanging piece and the top plate of the metal shell are continuous, and a hanging slit and the metal shell The top plate may be a lateral slit provided along a continuous bent portion (FIG. 8), or may be provided along a side edge of a hanging piece portion and a bending portion where a hanging piece portion and a metal shell top plate are continuous. A pair of inverted L-shaped slits (FIG. 9), a vertical slit provided along one side edge of the hanging piece portion, and an inverted L-shaped slit continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion to the upper portion (FIG. 10). It may be a pair of inverted L-shaped slits that are continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion to the upper portion (FIG. 11).
[0012]
In addition, a solder pool that is recessed outward can be formed on the inner surface of the hanging piece portion that constitutes the board mounting piece. When the solder pool is formed in this manner, when soldering the outward wing portion, the excess solder flowing on the inner surface of the hanging piece portion can be accommodated in the solder pool, and the card receiving cavity is formed by the flow solidification of the excess solder. Can be avoided.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a card connector 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the card connector 1 includes an insulating housing 2 formed by molding an insulating plastic into a substantially L-shaped plane, and a metal shell 4 formed by stamping a metal plate. . In the insulating housing 2 having a substantially L-shape in plan view, a side wall 22 is continuous at substantially right angles from one end of the main body 21, and a plurality of terminals 6 are mounted on the main body 21 in parallel. Each terminal 6 has a cantilever-shaped contact piece 61, and extends substantially parallel to the side wall 22.
[0015]
The metal shell 4 includes a substantially rectangular top plate 41 that covers the upper side of the insulating housing 2, a first side plate 42 that hangs substantially perpendicularly from one side edge (left side edge in FIG. 1) of the top plate 41, and a substantially right angle from the other side edge. It has a second side plate 43 having a hanging L-shaped cross section. The metal shell 4 is assembled to the insulating housing 2 so that the top plate 41 covers the upper side of the insulating housing 2 and the first side plate 42 extends along the outer side of the side wall 22 of the insulating housing 2. A cavity 11 is defined. At the two corners of the top plate 41 of the metal shell 4, locking pieces 44 and 45 are punched downward, and one of the locking pieces 44 fits into the end of the body 21 of the insulating housing 2 and engages. Then, the other locking piece 45 is fitted and locked into the end of the side wall portion 22 to maintain the assembled state.
[0016]
The card receiving cavity 11 defined in cooperation with the insulating housing 2 and the metal shell 4 has a front end opened as a card insertion slot 12 so that the memory card 8 (see FIG. 3) can be inserted and removed therefrom. It has become. The rear end of the card receiving cavity 11 is closed by the main body 21 of the insulating housing 2, and the contact piece 61 of the terminal 6 extending from the main body 21 faces the card receiving cavity 11, and contacts the contact of the memory card 8. It can be engaged.
[0017]
One side of the card receiving cavity 11 is defined by the side wall 22 of the insulating housing 2, and the other side is defined by the second side plate 43 of the metal shell 4. The memory card 8 inserted and removed from the card insertion slot 12 is guided by the side wall 22 and the second side plate 43. A push / push type card eject mechanism 3 including a cam slider 31, a cam pin 32, and a coil spring 33 is provided on the side wall portion 22 for guiding the insertion and removal of the memory card 8, as shown in FIG. Is provided.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the card connector 1 is placed on a mounting board such as a printed board 10 so that soldering can be performed. That is, the terminal 6 has a solder tail 62 extending rearward from the main body 21 of the insulating housing 2 so that surface soldering can be performed on a pad 101 (FIG. 2) provided on the surface of the printed circuit board 10. . Further, near the card insertion slot 12 of the card receiving cavity 11, the reinforcing metal fitting 7 provided on the side wall 22 of the insulating housing 2 and the board mounting piece 46 provided on the second side plate 43 of the metal shell 4 are printed. The surface can be soldered to the pad 102 (FIG. 1) provided on the surface of the substrate 10.
[0019]
The reinforcing metal member 7 provided on the side wall portion 22 of the insulating housing 2 is the same as that described above as a conventional technique, and a metal plate is formed in an L-shaped cross section. Before the metal shell 4 is assembled, the metal shell 4 is previously mounted in a mounting groove 221 formed in the side wall portion 22.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the board mounting piece 46 provided on the second side plate 43 of the metal shell 4 includes a hanging piece portion 461 and an outward wing portion 462 extending outward from the lower end of the hanging piece portion 461. And is provided in the second side plate 43. Vertical slits 47 and 48 are provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion 461, and a horizontal slit 49 is provided along a bent portion where the hanging piece portion 461 and the top plate 41 are continuous. The second side plate is continuous only with the continuous piece portions 50 and 51, and the hanging piece portion 461 can be displaced in and out independently of the second side plate 43.
[0021]
Further, a solder pool 463 that is recessed outward is formed on the inner surface of the hanging piece portion 461 that forms the board mounting piece 46. The solder pool 463 is formed of a substantially elliptical recess formed near the outward wing portion 462 and substantially parallel to the outward wing portion 462.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, the card connector 1 configured as described above has a solder tail 62 of the terminal 6 and a reinforcing metal fitting 7 soldered to the corresponding pads 101 and 102 on the surface of the printed circuit board 10. At the same time, the outer wing portion 462 of the board mounting piece 46 can be installed by soldering to the pad 102. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the solder fillet 103 formed by soldering the outward wing portion 462 and the pad 102.
[0023]
Although the insulating housing 2 having a higher heat shrinkage than the printed circuit board 10 expands and contracts due to a temperature change due to solder reflow heating during the soldering step, the metal shell 4 covering this also deforms. The mounting piece 46 can follow the deformation of the metal shell 4 accompanying the expansion and contraction of the insulating housing 2. The vertical slits 47 and 48 and the horizontal slit 49 provided around the hanging piece portion 461 constituting the board mounting piece 46 constitute a rigidity reducing means for the hanging piece portion 461, and provide the hanging piece portion 461 with springiness. Because it is given. The cause of the expansion and contraction of the insulating housing 2 is largely due to the difference in the thermal shrinkage between the printed circuit board 10 and the insulating housing 2.
[0024]
As described above, the board mounting piece 46 is provided with a spring property so as to be able to follow the deformation of the metal shell 4 due to the expansion and contraction of the insulating housing 2, so that the outward wing portion 462 and the pad 102 of the printed board 10 are soldered. It is possible to prevent stress from being concentrated on the attachment portion due to expansion and contraction of the insulating housing 2 and remaining and accumulating stress. Therefore, it is possible to prevent cracks or microcracks from occurring in the solder fillet 103 due to such stress. Since cracks and microcracks do not occur in the solder fillet 103, the reliability of electrical connection between the metal shell 4 and the printed board 10 and between the terminal 6 and the printed board 10 can be improved. In addition, a decrease in the peel strength of the soldered portion can be prevented, and the reliability of the mechanical strength between the card connector 1 and the printed circuit board 10 can be improved.
[0025]
In soldering the outward wing portion 462 of the board mounting piece 46 and the pad 102, excess solder is accommodated in a solder pool 463 provided in the hanging piece portion 461, as particularly shown in FIG. As a result, the situation where the card receiving cavity 11 is narrowed due to the flow and solidification of the excess solder is eliminated, so that the insertion / removal of the memory card 8 is not hindered. The connector 1 can be installed.
[0026]
Further, as in the first embodiment, when the transverse slit 49 constituting the rigidity reducing means is provided along the bent portion where the hanging piece portion 461 and the top plate 41 are continuous, the metal shell 4 can be bent. Forming can be performed stably, which is advantageous in that the dimensional accuracy (height direction) of the metal shell 4 is improved, and that residual torsional stress is avoided.
[0027]
7 to 11 show a portion of a board mounting piece 46 of another embodiment. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, longitudinal slits 52 are provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion 461 of the board mounting piece 46 to constitute a rigidity reducing means. The vertical slits 52 extend to a bent portion where the hanging piece portion 461 and the top plate 41 are continuous, and extend over the entire length of the hanging piece portion 461.
[0028]
In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the same vertical slits 52 as those in the second embodiment are provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion 461, and the hanging piece portion 461 and the top plate 41 are continuous. A lateral slit 53 is provided along the bent portion to constitute a rigidity reducing means.
[0029]
In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a pair of inverted L-shaped slits 54, 54 are provided along the side edge of the hanging piece portion 461 and the bent portion where the hanging piece portion 461 and the top plate 41 are continuous. It constitutes a lowering means.
[0030]
In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a vertical slit 55 provided along one side edge of the hanging piece portion 461 and an inverted L-shaped slit 56 extending upward from one side edge of the hanging piece portion 461. Are provided around the hanging piece portion 461 to constitute rigidity reducing means.
[0031]
Further, in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a pair of inverted L-shaped slits 57, 57 continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion 461 to the upper portion are provided around the hanging piece portion 461 to constitute the rigidity reducing means. are doing.
[0032]
The board mounting pieces 46 of the second to sixth embodiments can also be provided with springiness via rigidity reducing means provided around them. Therefore, it is possible to follow the expansion and contraction of the printed circuit board 10, and the same operation and effect as described above are exerted.
[0033]
In the embodiments described so far, the board mounting piece 46 is provided on only one of the first side plate 42 and the second side plate 43 constituting the metal shell 4. Also, a similar board mounting piece 46 can be provided. The reinforcing fitting 7 provided on the side wall 22 of the insulating housing 2 can be made unnecessary. It is also effective when the side wall portion 22 is not provided on the insulating housing 2.
[0034]
The card ejection mechanism 3 provided on the side wall 22 of the insulating housing 2 is a known mechanism. Explaining roughly, the cam slider 31 is configured such that the engagement protrusion 311 shown in FIG. 2 is engaged with the side edge of the memory card 8 inserted into the card receiving cavity 11 so as to be integrated with the memory card 8. And slide. The coil spring 33 constantly urges the cam slider 31 in the direction of the card insertion slot 12. The cam pin 32 has one end pivotally engaged with the side wall 22 and the other end engaged with a heart cam groove 312 formed in the cam slider 31.
[0035]
The memory card 8 to be inserted into the card receiving cavity 11 can be inserted until its rear edge reaches the position of the chain line 81 in FIG. When the insertion force is released after the memory card 8 is inserted to the innermost position, the memory card 8 is returned in the removal direction by the card eject mechanism 3, and the rear edge moves to the position of the chain line 82 and stops. . In this state, the contact piece 61 of the terminal 6 engages with the contact of the memory card 8 to maintain the electrical connection state.
[0036]
When removing the memory card 8, the rear edge is pushed again to the position of the chain line 81. Thereafter, when the insertion force is released, the memory card 8 is returned by the card eject mechanism 3 in the removal direction, and is ejected until the rear edge reaches the position of the chain line 83.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the card connector of the present invention, the board mounting piece provided in the side plate of the metal shell is provided with a spring property so that it can follow the deformation of the metal shell accompanying the expansion and contraction of the insulating housing. Therefore, stress concentration and residual stress do not accumulate in the soldered portion between the board mounting piece and the mounting board, and a card connector with improved electrical and mechanical reliability can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an insulating housing constituting the card connector of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the card connector of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the card connector of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of the card connector of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of a card connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of a card connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of a card connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of a card connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece of a card connector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of a board mounting piece provided on a metal shell of a conventional card connector.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 12;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Card Connector 10 Printed Circuit Board 101 Pad 102 Pad 103 Solder Fillet 11 Card Receiving Cavity 12 Card Insertion Port 2 Insulating Housing 21 Main Body 22 Side Wall 221 Mounting Groove 3 Card Eject Mechanism 31 Cam Slider 311 Engaging Protrusion 312 Heart Cam Groove 32 Cam pin 33 Coil spring 4 Metal shell 41 Top plate 42 First side plate 43 Second side plate 44 Locking piece 45 Locking piece 46 Board mounting piece 461 Hanging piece 462 Outward wing 463 Solder pool 47 Vertical slit 48 Vertical slit 49 Lateral slit 50 Connecting piece part 51 Connecting piece part 52 Vertical slit 53 Horizontal slit 54 Inverted L-shaped slit 55 Vertical slit 56 Inverted L-shaped slit 57 Inverted L-shaped slit 6 Terminal 61 Contact piece 62 Solder tail 7 Reinforcement metal fitting 8 Me Molly card

Claims

An insulating housing (2) on which a plurality of terminals (6) are mounted in parallel;
A metal shell (4) assembled to the insulating housing (2) and cooperating with the insulating housing (2) to define a card receiving cavity (11);
The metal shell (4) includes a top plate (41), and side plates (42, 43) that are continuous with side edges of the top plate (41) and hang down at substantially right angles.
The side plate (43) includes a hanging piece portion (461) extending along the side plate (43) and an outward wing portion (462) extending outward from a lower end of the hanging piece portion (461). A board mounting piece (46) is provided integrally,
A card is characterized in that rigidity reducing means is provided around the hanging piece portion (461) so that the hanging piece portion (461) is provided with a spring property in a direction in which the outward wing portion (462) extends. connector.

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit (47, 48) provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461), a hanging piece portion (461) and a top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) being continuous. 2. A card connector according to claim 1, wherein said connector is a lateral slit provided along said bent portion.

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit () provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461) to a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. 52. The card connector according to claim 1, wherein

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit () provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461) to a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. 52. The card connector according to claim 1, wherein the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are formed as a lateral slit (53) provided along a continuous bent portion. .

The rigidity reducing means includes a pair of inverted members provided along a side edge of the hanging piece portion (461) and a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. 2. The card connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is an L-shaped slit.

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit (55) provided along one side edge of the hanging piece portion (461), and an inverted L-shaped slit (55) continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion (461) to the upper part. The card connector according to claim 1, wherein the card connector is (56).

2. The card connector according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity reducing means is a pair of inverted L-shaped slits (57) continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion (461) to the upper part. 3.

The card connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the board mounting piece (46) is provided near a card insertion slot (12) of the card receiving cavity (11).

The metal shell (4) includes a pair of side plates (42, 43), and the board mounting piece (46) is provided on at least one side plate (43) of the pair of side plates (42, 43). Item 9. The card connector according to any one of Items 1 to 8.

The card connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the board mounting piece (46) has a solder pool (463) recessed outwardly formed on an inner surface of the hanging piece portion (461). .

An insulating housing (2) on which a plurality of terminals (6) are mounted in parallel;
A metal shell (4) assembled to the insulating housing (2) and cooperating with the insulating housing (2) to define a card receiving cavity (11);
The metal shell (4) includes a top plate (41), and side plates (42, 43) that are continuous with side edges of the top plate (41) and hang down at substantially right angles.
Inside the side plates (42, 43), a hanging piece portion (461) extending along the side plates (42, 43), and an outward wing portion (462) extending outward from the lower end of the hanging piece portion (461). The board mounting piece (46) composed of
A stiffness reducing means is provided around the hanging piece portion (461) to give the hanging piece portion (461) springiness in the direction in which the outward wing portion (462) extends.
A card connector characterized in that a solder pool (463) recessed outward is formed on the inner surface of a hanging piece portion (461) constituting the board mounting piece (46).

The said solder pool (463) is comprised near the outward wing part (462) by the substantially elliptical recess formed substantially parallel to the outward wing part (462). Card connector.

An insulating housing (2) on which a plurality of terminals (6) are mounted in parallel;
A metal shell (4) assembled to the insulating housing (2) and cooperating with the insulating housing (2) to define a card receiving cavity (11);
The metal shell (4) includes a top plate (41), and side plates (42, 43) hanging substantially at right angles from side edges of the top plate (41),
Board mounting pieces (46) that can be soldered to the mounting board (10) are integrally provided in the side plates (42, 43),
The board mounting piece (46) is provided with a spring property capable of following a dimensional change of the metal shell (4) due to the expansion and contraction of the insulating housing (2) via rigidity reducing means. Card connector.

The board mounting piece (46) includes a hanging piece portion (461) extending along the side plates (42, 43) of the metal shell (4), and an outer portion extending outwardly at a substantially right angle from a lower end of the hanging piece portion (461). 14. The card connector according to claim 13, wherein the connector comprises a facing wing portion (462), and the rigidity reducing means is provided around the hanging piece portion (461).

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit (47, 48) provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461), a hanging piece portion (461) and a top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) being continuous. 15. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein a lateral slit (49) is provided along the bent portion.

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit () provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461) to a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the card connector is (52).

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit () provided along both side edges of the hanging piece portion (461) to a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. 52. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are formed as transverse slits (53) provided along a continuous bent portion. .

The rigidity reducing means includes a pair of inverted members provided along a side edge of the hanging piece portion (461) and a bent portion where the hanging piece portion (461) and the top plate (41) of the metal shell (4) are continuous. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the connector is an L-shaped slit (54).

The rigidity reducing means includes a longitudinal slit (55) provided along one side edge of the hanging piece portion (461), and an inverted L-shaped slit (55) continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece portion (461) to the upper part. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the card connector is (56).

15. The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the rigidity reducing means is a pair of inverted L-shaped slits (57) that are continuous from one side edge of the hanging piece part (461) to the upper part.

The card connector according to claim 14, wherein the board mounting piece (46) has a solder pool (463) recessed outwardly formed on an inner surface of the hanging piece portion (461).