According to GlobalData’s company profile on Hirose Electric, Dustproof electric connectors was a key innovation area identified from patents. Hirose Electric's grant share as of September 2023 was 52%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

A connector fitting with a fixed and projecting portion

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11757218B2) describes a connector fitting with various features and its application in different types of connectors. The connector fitting includes a fixed portion and a projecting portion on the side wall of a connector housing. The fixed portion is wider than the projecting portion and includes shoulder portions on both side surfaces. The fixed portion and the projecting portion are in direct contact with the side wall of the housing. The shoulder portion is formed in an inclined shape to increase the width of the fixed portion.

The patent also discloses a connector terminal made of the connector fitting. It includes a movable portion with a movable contact and a bottom portion that connects the movable portion and the fixed portion. The projecting portion of the connector fitting functions as a fixed contact with a mating terminal of another connector.

Additionally, the patent describes a connector additional member made of the connector fitting. It includes first and second locking portions, with the projecting portion serving as one of the locking portions. The first locking portion includes the second locking portion extending perpendicular to it on both sides.

The patent further covers a connector that incorporates the connector fitting. The connector includes a housing with a side wall portion, a bottom wall, and a receiving portion. Part of the connector fitting is embedded in the side wall portion, while a portion of its side surface is exposed towards the receiving portion. The shoulder portion of the connector fitting is visible from the mating direction with another connector.

The patent also discloses a receptacle connector and a plug connector, both utilizing the connector fitting. The receptacle connector includes receptacle terminals, a receptacle additional member, and a receptacle housing with two side wall portions. The plug connector includes plug terminals, a plug additional member, and a plug housing with two side wall portions. In both cases, the additional member includes a fixing portion and a projecting portion, with the fixing portion being wider and including shoulder portions.

Lastly, the patent describes a connector manufacturing method. It involves placing the connector fitting on a lower mold, covering it with an upper mold, pressing the shoulder portions, injecting an insulating resin, and curing the resin.

Overall, this patent presents a connector fitting design and its various applications in different types of connectors. The features described aim to improve the functionality and reliability of connectors in various electronic devices.

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