ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR CIRCUIT BOARDS AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An electrical connector for printed circuit boards is provided, which is mounted on the mounting surface of a printed circuit board and is designed to be inserted and removed into a mating connector, with one direction parallel to the mounting surface being the insertion / removal direction, and to engage in the mating connector, with the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface being the locking direction, comprising: several terminals arranged in one direction perpendicular to both directions of insertion / removal and locking as the terminal arrangement direction, and a housing that holds the terminal array formed by the several terminals, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing that is fixed to the printed circuit board via the several terminals, and a movable housing that is movable relative to the fixed housing, wherein the several terminals are designed such thatthat they are provided to be bridged over the fixed housing and the movable housing and allow a relative movement of the movable housing to the fixed housing by means of an elastic displacement of the multiple connections, wherein the movable housing has a guide detent section, wherein the guide detent section is designed such that, during the insertion and connection process with the mating connector, it guides the mating connector in the insertion / extension direction and, in the inserted and connected state of the mating connector, engages in the mating connector in the detent direction.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector for printed circuit boards and an electrical connector assembly.

[0002] JP 2022-117686 A discloses a connector mounted on the mounting surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), with the connection direction being perpendicular to the mounting surface and external devices being connected from above. The connector has a contact that connects to the connection terminals of the external devices. The contact comprises: a contact point section provided at an upper end that can make contact with the connection terminal, a connection section provided at a lower end that can be connected to the PCB, and a substantially horizontal S-shaped elastic section provided in an intermediate section that can be elastically displaced in the vertical direction.The contact is designed in such a way that the contact point section comes into contact with the connection terminal, while this is accompanied by a compressed state of the elastic section in the vertical direction.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to create an electrical connector for printed circuit boards and an electrical connector assembly.

[0004] This problem is solved by an electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 1 and by an electrical assembly according to claim 8.

[0005] An electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrical connector for printed circuit boards that is mounted on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and is designed to be inserted and pulled out into a mating connector, wherein one direction parallel to the mounting surface is the insertion / pulling direction, and engages in the mating connector, wherein the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface is the locking direction, comprising: several terminals arranged in one direction perpendicular to the two directions of the insertion / pulling direction and the locking direction as the terminal arrangement direction, and a housing that holds the terminal array formed by the several terminals, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing that is fixed to the printed circuit board via the several terminals, and a movable housing that is movable relative to the fixed housing.wherein the multiple connections are designed such that they are provided to bridge the fixed housing and the movable housing and allow a relative movement of the movable housing to the fixed housing by means of an elastic displacement of the multiple connections, wherein the movable housing has a guide locking section, wherein the guide locking section is designed such that, during the insertion and connection process with the mating connector, it guides the mating connector in the insertion / extension direction and, in the inserted and connected state of the mating connector, locks into the mating connector in the locking direction.

[0006] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B Perspective views of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Fig. 1A the condition immediately before the installation of a connector mounting body, and Fig. 1B shows the state in which all connector mounting bodies are installed; Fig. 2. A side view of the electronic device seen from the rear; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B Perspective views of the connector assembly body alone, wherein Fig. 3A the condition as seen from one side of the mounting surface and Fig. 3B shows the condition as seen from the other side of the mounting surface; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a connector; Fig. 5 a perspective view showing the individual components that make up the connector separately; Fig. 6A a perspective view of a plug signal connector alone, wherein Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a plug-in power supply connection alone; Fig. 7A a top view of part of the connector in the coupling direction and Fig. 7B a sectional view of part of the connector on a surface perpendicular to the insertion / extension direction; Fig. 8A a sectional view along line VIIIA-VIIIA of Fig. 7A and Fig. 8B a sectional view through VIIIB-VIIIB of Fig. 7A; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a plug socket; Fig. 10 a perspective view showing the individual components that make up the plug socket separately; Fig. 11A a perspective view of a jack signal connection alone and Fig. 11B a perspective view of the socket power supply connection alone; Fig. 12A a top view of part of the connector socket in the coupling direction and Fig. 12B a side view of part of the connector socket in the coupling direction; Fig. 13A a sectional view through XIIIA-XIIIA of Fig. 12A and Fig. 13B a ​​partially enlarged view of Fig. 13A; Fig. 14 a sectional view through XIV-XIV of Fig. 12A; Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B Perspective views of a connector assembly consisting of the connector and the socket, wherein Fig. 15A the state before plugging in and connecting and Fig. 15B shows the plugged-in and connected state; Fig. 16 a sectional view of the connector assembly on a surface perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction, showing a section at the position of the signal connections; Fig. 17 a sectional view of the connector assembly on a surface perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction, showing a section of the position of the power supply connections; and Fig. 18 A side view of the connector assembly in the plugged-in and connected state, seen in the insertion / extension direction.

[0007] The JP 2022-117686 A connector does not have a locking section that engages vertically with an external device. Therefore, if an unintentional external force is applied to the external device while connected, there is a risk that the contact point section and the connection terminal will become separated, making it difficult to maintain the connection. Even if the connector were to include a locking section that engages vertically with the external device, there is a risk that this section would interfere with the connection process and impede the connection.

[0008] In view of this fact, one objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector for printed circuit boards and an electrical connector assembly that can maintain a stable connection state with a mating connector. (1) The electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to the present invention is an electrical connector for printed circuit boards which is mounted on the mounting surface of a printed circuit board and is designed such that it is inserted and removed into a mating connector, wherein one direction parallel to the mounting surface is the insertion / removal direction, and engages in the mating connector, wherein the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface is the locking direction, comprising: several terminals which are arranged in one direction perpendicular to the two directions of the insertion / removal direction and the locking direction as the terminal arrangement direction, and a housing which holds the terminal array formed by the several terminals, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing which is fixed to the printed circuit board via the several terminals, and a movable housing which is movable relative to the fixed housing.wherein the multiple connections are designed such that they are provided to bridge the fixed housing and the movable housing and allow a relative movement of the movable housing to the fixed housing by means of an elastic displacement of the multiple connections, wherein the movable housing has a guide locking section, wherein the guide locking section is designed such that, during the insertion and connection process with the mating connector, it guides the mating connector in the insertion / extension direction and, in the inserted and connected state of the mating connector, locks into the mating connector in the locking direction.

[0009] In the disclosure described in (1) above, the electrical connector for printed circuit boards is inserted into the mating connector and connected, with the insertion / extension direction being parallel to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, a guide locking section is provided on the housing of the electrical connector for printed circuit boards. The guide locking section is designed such that it guides the mating connector in the insertion / extension direction during the insertion process and, when the connector is inserted and connected, engages the mating connector at a right angle to the mounting surface. This engagement of the guide locking section in the mating connector effectively maintains the locked state between the connectors. Consequently, a stable connection between the electrical connector for printed circuit boards and the mating connector can be reliably maintained.Furthermore, the insertion / extension direction of the connectors is perpendicular to the locking direction between the connectors. Therefore, the inclusion of the guide locking section does not impede the insertion and connection operation between the connectors.

[0010] Furthermore, the guide locking section is provided on the movable housing and is movable relative to the fixed housing. Even if the relative position of the connectors deviates from the normal position in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / extension direction, the displacement of the movable housing absorbs any positional deviation between the connectors during the insertion and connection process, and in the inserted and connected state.

[0011] (2) In the disclosure of (1), each of the multiple terminals has: a connecting section provided at one end and connected to the circuit board, a contact section provided at the other end and in contact with the mating connector, a fixed retained section held by the fixed housing, a movable retained section held by the movable housing, and an elastic section provided between the fixed retained section and the movable retained section and elastically displaceable, wherein the fixed retained section extends along the detent direction and is held in the detent direction by pressing into the fixed housing, and wherein the movable retained section extends along the insertion / extension direction and is held in the insertion / extension direction by pressing into the movable housing.

[0012] (3) The disclosure of (1) or (2) may include the multiple terminal rows and at least some terminals of the multiple terminal rows may be arranged in the same position in the terminal arrangement direction. This arrangement of the terminals may increase the number of terminals while minimizing the enlargement of the electrical connector for printed circuit boards in the terminal arrangement direction.

[0013] (4) The disclosure of (1) or (2) may contain the multiple connection rows and at least some connections of the multiple connection rows may be arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction.

[0014] If multiple rows of terminals are provided on the electrical connector for printed circuit boards, the mating connector also provides a corresponding number of terminal rows for mating connections (hereinafter referred to as "mating connection row"). The insertion / extraction direction between the connectors is perpendicular to both the terminal arrangement direction and the locking direction. If terminals of the multiple terminal rows and mating connections of the multiple mating connection rows are located in the same position in the terminal arrangement direction, a situation can arise during the insertion and connection process between the connectors in which a terminal of a single terminal row spans the two mating connections of the two adjacent mating connection rows and is in contact with the two mating connections of the two mating connection rows.Furthermore, a situation can arise in which a terminal of a single terminal row spans the two terminals of the two adjacent terminal rows and is in contact with both terminals of the two adjacent terminal rows. In such contact states, a short circuit between the two adjacent terminal rows is possible.

[0015] Typically, the power source is frequently switched off during the plugging and connecting process between the connectors, so that even in the contact state described above, a short circuit between adjacent terminal rows is less likely. However, as disclosed in (4) above, the contact state described above does not occur even if the power source is accidentally switched on during the plugging and connecting process, provided that at least some terminals in the multiple terminal rows are arranged in different positions in the terminal arrangement direction. Furthermore, if at least some terminals of the multiple terminal rows and at least some mating terminals of the multiple mating terminal rows are arranged in different positions in the terminal arrangement direction, the contact state described above does not occur even if the power source is accidentally switched on during the plugging and connecting process.Therefore, a short circuit between adjacent terminal rows can be more reliably avoided.

[0016] (5) In the disclosure of (4), the terminals, which are arranged at different positions in the terminal arrangement direction of the multiple terminal rows, can be arranged such that they have a region in which the contact sections overlap in the insertion / extension direction. By arranging the contact sections in this way, each contact section can be made large in the insertion / extension direction. Therefore, the contact sections can be brought into contact with the mating terminals more reliably.

[0017] (6) In the disclosure of (4) or (5), the terminals arranged at different positions in the terminal arrangement direction of the multiple terminal rows can be power supply terminals. The current flowing at the power supply terminals is greater than at signal terminals, so short circuits can cause greater damage to electronic devices. In the disclosure of (6) above, short circuits between power supply terminals, and thus potential damage to electronic devices, can be effectively avoided by arranging the power supply terminals of the multiple terminal rows at different positions in the terminal arrangement direction.

[0018] (7) In each of the disclosures from (4) to (6), the connections, which are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction of the multiple connection rows, can be arranged such that they have a region in which the elastic sections overlap in the insertion / extension direction. By arranging the elastic sections in this way, each elastic section can be lengthened and a greater so-called spring length can be achieved, so that the displacement amount of the movable housing, i.e., the float amount, can be increased.

[0019] (8) The electrical connector assembly according to the present disclosure comprises an electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to any one of disclosures (1) to (7) and the mating connector.

[0020] The present disclosure can provide an electrical connector for printed circuit boards and an electrical connector assembly that can maintain a stable connection state with the mating connector.

[0021] The embodiments of the present disclosure are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B are perspective views of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1A shows the state immediately before the installation of a connector mounting body, and Fig. Figure 1B shows the state in which all connector mounting bodies are attached. Fig. Figure 2 is a rear-view side view of the electronic device. The electronic device E of the present embodiment has a housing C with a substantially cuboid outer contour and several (in the present embodiment, five) connector mounting bodies I to V, which are coupled in the housing C in the X-axis direction as the coupling direction. The electronic device E is used in control systems, etc., which are provided in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

[0023] In the following, the coupling direction between the multiple printed circuit boards is defined as the X-axis direction, the insertion / extension direction (front-back direction) when plugging in and connecting the connectors is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction in which the connector terminals are arranged is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction is orthogonal to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board and represents the locking direction between the connectors. The Y-axis direction is the front-back direction, with the Y1 direction and Y1 side defined as front and the Y2 direction and Y2 side as back.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the connector mounting body IV, the connector mounting body II, the connector mounting body I, the connector mounting body III, and the connector mounting body V are arranged in series and coupled starting from the X1 side. As shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the connector mounting bodies I to V are attached to the housing C such that they can be inserted and removed in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). Specifically, the connector mounting bodies I to V are inserted forwards (in the Y1 direction) and attached to the housing C, and then pulled out backwards (in the Y2 direction) and detached from the housing C.

[0025] Rails C1 to C5 are formed at equal intervals in the X-axis direction within the housing C. These rails are formed as groove sections at positions corresponding to each of the connector mounting bodies I to V. These groove sections are recessed into both the upper and lower inner surfaces of the housing C and extend in a front-to-back direction. During attachment and removal from the housing C, the upper and lower ends of the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 (described later) are guided by the rails C1 to C5 in a front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the grooves in the rails C1 to C5 restrict the movement of the upper and lower ends of the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), thus positioning each of the connector mounting bodies I to V in the coupling direction.Furthermore, each of the rails C1 to C5 has a front end face that is closed at the front end. The connector mounting bodies I to V attached to the housing C are positioned in a front-to-back direction by having the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 resting on the front end faces of the rails C1 to C5 facing rearward.

[0026] The connector assembly body I comprises the printed circuit board P1, which is arranged such that its plate surfaces are perpendicular to the coupling direction (X-axis direction), the connector 1 as the first plug, and a socket 2 as the second plug. The printed circuit board P1 has mounting surfaces on both plate surfaces (main surfaces), i.e., the X1-side plate surface and the X2-side plate surface. As shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in 3B, connector 1 is an electrical plug for a printed circuit board, mounted on the front end (Y1 side) of the X1-side mounting surface, while plug socket 2 is an electrical plug for a printed circuit board, mounted on the front end (Y1 side) of the X2-side mounting surface.

[0027] Connector mounting bodies II and III have exactly the same design as connector mounting body I. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, connector assembly body II specifically comprises circuit board P2, a connector 201 as the first plug, and a plug socket 202 as the second plug. Connector assembly body III comprises circuit board P3, a connector 301 as the first plug, and a plug socket 302 as the second plug.

[0028] Connector mounting bodies IV and V differ in their design from connector mounting bodies I to III in that the connector is mounted on only one side of the circuit board. Specifically, connector mounting body IV has circuit board P4 and a receptacle 402 as the second connector. Since connector mounting body IV is located closest to the X1 side, circuit board P4 only has a mounting surface on the X2-side of the board, with the receptacle 402 located on this mounting surface. Furthermore, connector mounting body V has circuit board P5 and a connector 501 as the first connector. Since connector mounting body V is located closest to the X2 side, circuit board P5 only has a mounting surface on the X1-side of the board, with the receptacle 501 located on this mounting surface.In connector mounting bodies I to V, connectors located on opposite mounting surfaces of the printed circuit boards are inserted and connected in a front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) within each pair of adjacent mounting bodies. For example, in connector mounting body I, connector 1 is inserted into socket 202 of connector mounting body II, and socket 2 is inserted into connector 301 of connector mounting body III. Connector 1 and socket 202 can be inserted and removed in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, socket 2 and connector 301 can be inserted and removed in the Y-axis direction. In this case, socket 202 is the mating connector for connector 1, and connector 1 is the mating connector for socket 202.Furthermore, connector 301 is the mating connector for socket 2 and socket 2 is the mating connector for connector 301.

[0029] In this way, the connectors are inserted and removed in a front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the mounting surfaces of the multiple circuit boards P1 to P5, thereby connecting the multiple circuit boards P1 to P5 in the X-axis direction (coupling direction). In the following explanation, such insertion and connection between the connectors can be referred to as inserting and connecting the connectors.

[0030] The design of connector 1 and socket 2 of connector assembly body I is explained below. The design of connectors 201, 301, and 501 is omitted, as it is identical to that of connector 1. The design of sockets 202, 302, and 402 is omitted, as it is identical to that of socket 2.

[0031] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, connector 1 has several signal connectors 10, several power connectors 20, several retaining tabs 50, and a connector housing. The signal connectors 10, the power connectors 20, and the retaining tabs 50 are held in place by the connector housing. The connector housing has a fixed housing 30, which is fixed to the printed circuit board P1 via the signal connectors 10 and the power connectors 20, and a movable housing 40, which is movable relative to the fixed housing 30. In the following explanation, the signal connectors 10 and the power connectors 20 can be referred to as connectors 10 and 20, respectively.

[0032] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the multiple connector terminals 10, 20 are arranged in a connection direction that is defined as perpendicular (Z-axis direction) to both the coupling direction (X-axis direction) and the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). The connector terminals 10, 20 are formed by bending a metal strip in the plate thickness direction. The connector terminals 10, 20 are arranged such that their plate thickness surface is perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction and are bridged via the fixed housing 30 and the movable housing 40.

[0033] The connectors 10 and 20 are arranged to form two rows of connections, specifically a rear row and a front row. Here, the "rear row" is formed by connectors 10 and 20 that are attached to the movable housing 40 from the rear (Y2 side). The "front row" is formed by connectors 10 and 20 that are attached to the movable housing 40 from the front (Y1 side).

[0034] The plug signal terminals 10 of the two terminal rows are, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, arranged in a front-back symmetrical position at the same position relative to each other in the connection direction (see also Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A). By arranging the connector signal terminals 10 in two terminal rows in this way, it is possible to increase the number of connector signal terminals 10 while minimizing the enlargement of the connector 1 in the terminal arrangement direction.

[0035] The plug power supply connections 20 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the arrangement area of ​​the plug signal connections 10 in the connection arrangement direction, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the following. Here, on each side, the plug-in power supply connections 20 attached to the rear of the movable housing 40 are included in the rear connection row, and the plug-in power supply connections 20 attached to the front of the movable housing 40 are included in the front connection row. Furthermore, on each side, the two plug-in power supply connections 20 are arranged in a symmetrical front-to-rear orientation at different positions relative to each other in the connection arrangement direction.

[0036] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the plug signal connector 10 alone. Fig. 6A shows connector signal pin 10 of the rear (Y2-side) connector row. This is based on... Fig. 6A explains the design of the connector signal pin 10 in the rear (Y2-side) terminal row. The connector signal pin 10 in the front (Y1-side) terminal row has the same shape as the one in Fig. 6A shows connector signal port 10, so its explanation is omitted.

[0037] The connector signal terminal 10 comprises: a signal connection section 11, which is provided at one end of the connector signal terminal 10 and is connected to the circuit board P1; a signal contact arm section 12, which is provided at the other end of the connector signal terminal 10 and is in contact with the connector socket 202 as a mating connector; a fixed retained section 13, which is held by the fixed housing 30; a movable retained section 14, which is held by the movable housing 40; and an elastic section 15, which is provided between the fixed retained section 13 and the movable retained section 14 and is elastically displaceable.

[0038] The signal connection section 11 extends in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) to the rear (in the Y2 direction) and can be soldered to a corresponding circuit section of the printed circuit board P1. The fixed section 13 is bent at the front end (Y1-side end) of the signal connection section 11 and extends in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) to the X1 side (upwards). Fig. 6A). The firmly held section 13 has several press-fit projections 13A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e. in the same direction as the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0039] The elastic section 15 connects the ends of the fixed section 13 and the movable section 14 and is elastically displaceable in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), and connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction). The elastic section 15 has a curved arm section 15A extending in a substantially horizontal U-shape from the fixed section 13, and a transition section 15B extending from the curved arm section 15A in the X1 direction.

[0040] The curved arm section 15A extends from the X1-side end of the fixed, held section 13 and is initially curved forward (Y1 direction), then in the X1 direction, and finally backward (Y2 direction), forming an essentially horizontal U-shape that opens to the rear. The transition section 15B is curved at the end of the curved arm section 15A and extends in the X1 direction, coupled to the movable, held section 14. The elastic section 15 has a slot 15C extending along the longitudinal direction of the elastic element 15 at its central position in the connection width direction. Consequently, the elastic section 15 is elastically displaceable by the narrow strips formed on both sides of the slot 15C, which can easily ensure a large elastic displacement and thus a large amount of float of the movable housing 40.

[0041] The movable retained section 14 is bent at the X1-side end of the transition section 15B and extends forward (towards the Y1 side). The movable retained section 14 has several press-fit projections 14A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e., in the same direction as the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0042] A signal contact arm section 12 has an upright section 12A, which is bent at the front end of the movable held section 14 and extends in the coupling direction towards the X1 side, and a crank section 12B, which extends forward from the X1-side end of the upright section 12A in a crank-like manner.

[0043] On the crank section 12B, a portion extending forward from the X1-side end of the upright section 12A forms a signal contact section 12B-1, which can make contact with the connector socket 202 on an X1-side plate surface. Specifically, the signal contact section 12B-1 has a contact surface on its X1-side plate surface. The signal contact section 12B-1 can make contact via this contact surface with a socket signal terminal 260 provided on the connector socket 202, with the coupling direction (X-axis direction) being the contact direction (see Fig. 16).

[0044] Furthermore, a portion positioned at the front (Y1 side) of the signal contact section 12B-1 and on the X2 side in the coupling direction of the crank section 12B, extending in a front-to-back direction, forms a supported section 12B-2, which is supported by the movable housing 40. Thus, the supported section 12B-2, formed at the free end of the signal contact arm section 12, is positioned closer to the X2 side than the signal contact section 12B-1. Consequently, when inserting and withdrawing the connector, it is less likely that the signal contact arm section 12 will interfere with the mating connection, i.e., the free end of the socket signal terminal 260 provided on the connector socket 202. Therefore, deformation of the signal contact arm section 12 due to kinking, etc., can be effectively suppressed.

[0045] The connector signal terminal 10 is assembled by pressing the fixed retained section 13 into the fixed housing 30 in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) and by pressing the movable retained section 14 into the movable housing 40 in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, the connector signal terminal 10 of the front (Y1-side) terminal row and the connector signal terminal 10 of the rear (Y2-side) terminal row are arranged without having any areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed along the terminal arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0046] Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the plug-in power supply connector 20 alone. Fig. Figure 6B shows the power supply connector 20 of the rear (Y2-side) connector row. This is illustrated by... Fig. 6B explains the design of the plug-in power supply connector 20 of the rear (Y2-side) terminal row. The plug-in power supply connector 20 in the front (Y1-side) terminal row has the same shape as the one in Fig. 6B shows the plug-in power supply connection 20, so further explanation is omitted.

[0047] The power supply connector 20 has a larger connection width dimension than the signal connector 10. That is, the power supply connector 20 is formed by bending a metal strip wider in the plate thickness direction compared to the signal connector 10.The plug power supply connector 20 comprises: a power supply connection section 21, which is provided at one end of the plug power supply connector 20 and is connected to the circuit board P1; a power supply contact arm section 22, which is provided at the other end of the plug power supply connector 20 and comes into contact with the plug socket 202, which represents the mating plug; a fixed retained section 23, which is held by the fixed housing 30; a movable retained section 24, which is held by the movable housing 40; and an elastic section 25, which is provided between the fixed retained section 23 and the movable retained section 24 and is elastically displaceable.

[0048] The power supply connection section 21 extends in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) to the rear (in the Y2 direction) and can be soldered to a corresponding circuit section of the printed circuit board P1. The fixed section 23 is bent at the front end (Y1-side end) of the signal connection section 11 and extends in the coupling direction towards the X1 side (upwards). Fig. 6B). The firmly held section 13 has several press-fit protrusions 23A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e. in the same direction as the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0049] The elastic section 25 connects the ends of the fixedly held section 23 and the movablely held section 24 and is elastically displaceable in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), and connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction). The elastic section 25 has a transition section 25D extending from the X1-side end of the fixedly held section 23 in the X1 direction, a curved arm section 25A extending from the transition section 25D in a substantially horizontal U-shape, and a transition section 25B extending from the curved arm section 25A in the X1 direction.

[0050] The curved arm section 25A extends from the X1-side end of the transition section 25D and is initially curved forward (Y1 direction), then in the X1 direction, and finally backward (Y2 direction), forming an essentially horizontal U-shape that opens to the rear. The transition section 25B is curved at the end of the curved arm section 25A and extends in the X1 direction, coupled to the movable, held section 24. The elastic section 25 has a slot 25C extending along the longitudinal direction of the elastic element 25 at several mid-positions in the connection width direction. Consequently, the elastic section 25 is elastically displaceable by the narrow strips formed on both sides of each slot 25C, which can easily ensure a large elastic displacement and thus a large amount of float of the movable housing 40.

[0051] The movable retained section 24 is bent at the X1-side end of the transition section 25B and extends forward (towards the Y1 side). The movable retained section 24 has several press-fit projections 24A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e., in the same direction as the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0052] A power supply contact arm section 22 has an upright section 22A extending from the front end of the movable held section 24 in the coupling direction to the X1 side, a power supply contact section 22B extending forward from the end of the power supply contact section 22A, and an inclined section 22C extending inclined forward from the end of the power supply contact section 22B.

[0053] The power supply contact section 22B extends in a straight line and can come into contact with the connector socket 202 on the X1-side plate surface. Specifically, the power supply contact section 22B has a contact surface on the X1-side plate surface. The power supply contact section 22B can come into contact via this contact surface with the socket power supply connection 270 provided on the connector socket 202, with the coupling direction (X-axis direction) being the contact direction (see Fig. 17) The inclined section 22C extends such that it tilts forward (towards the Y1 side) towards the X2 side as it extends. By tilting the inclined section 22C, which is formed at the free end of the power supply contact arm section 22, towards the X2 side, it is less likely that the power supply contact arm section 22 will interfere with the mating connection, i.e., the free end of the socket power supply connection 270 provided on the plug socket 202, when the plug is inserted and removed. Therefore, deformation of the power supply contact arm section 22 due to kinking, etc., can be effectively suppressed.

[0054] The plug-in power supply connector 20 is assembled by pressing the fixed retained section 23 into the fixed housing 30 in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) and the movable retained section 24 into the movable housing 40 in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the two plug power supply terminals 20, which are provided at each end of the connector 1, are arranged with areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed along the terminal arrangement direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, these two rows of plug power supply terminals 20 are, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 7A shows areas arranged where the power supply contact sections 22B of the power supply contact arm section 22 overlap in the front-to-back direction. By arranging the power supply contact arm section 22 in this way, it is possible to avoid increasing the size of the connector 1 in the insertion / extension direction (Y-axis direction) and at the same time to lengthen each power supply contact arm section 22, thus ensuring a greater spring length. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows the curved arm sections 25A of the elastic sections 25 arranged with areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction. By arranging the elastic sections 25 in this way, it is possible to avoid an enlargement of the connector 1 in the insertion / extension direction and at the same time to lengthen each elastic section 25, thus ensuring a greater so-called spring length. Consequently, the displacement amount of the movable housing 40, i.e., the float amount, can be increased.

[0055] The solid housing 30 consists of an electrically insulating material such as resin and has a rectangular frame shape extending in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), with the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) being the longitudinal direction and the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) being the transverse direction. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the fixed housing 30 has two side walls 31 extending in the connection arrangement direction and two end walls 32 extending in the front-back direction and connecting the ends of the side walls 31. The fixed housing 30 encloses part of the movable housing 40 in an interior 33 (see Figure 5). Fig. 5) under, which is enclosed by the two side walls 31 and the two end walls 32.

[0056] The side wall 31 has an intermediate wall 31A and connecting walls 31B. The intermediate wall 31A is positioned in the intermediate area, including the connection arrangement area, in the direction of the connection arrangement. The connecting walls 31B are positioned on both outer sides of the intermediate wall 31A in the direction of the connection arrangement and connect the intermediate wall 31A to the end wall 32.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the partition 31A has several fixed narrow groove sections 31C formed at equal intervals in the arrangement area of ​​the connector signal terminals 10 to retain the connector signal terminals 10. The partition 31A also has fixed wide groove sections 31D formed individually on both sides in the arrangement area of ​​the connector signal terminals 10 to retain the connector signal terminals 20. The fixed narrow groove sections 31C and the fixed wide groove sections 31D are recessed from the inner surface of the partition 31A and extend in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), with the X2-side ends being open. The fixed narrow groove section 31C receives the fixed retained section 13 of the connector signal terminal 10 from the X2 side and holds it by press-fit.The fixed wide groove section 31D has a larger groove width (width in connection arrangement direction) than the fixed narrow groove section 31C and receives the fixed retained section 23 of the plug power supply connector 20 from the X2 side and holds it by pressing it in.

[0058] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the end wall 32 has a confining section 32A and a grooved section 32B for retaining the tab. The confining section 32A projects from the inner surface of the X1-side end of the end wall 32 towards the interior 33 at an intermediate position in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, the restricting section 32A is positioned on the X1 side relative to a restricted section 44B provided on the movable housing 40. By engaging the restricted section 44B from the X1 side, it is possible to restrict the movement of the movable housing 40 in the X1 direction beyond a predetermined amount. The end wall 32 has a grooved section 32B for retaining the tab in the intermediate front-to-back position, which serves to retain the connector retaining tab 50. The grooved section 32B for retaining the tab recesses from the outer surface of the end wall 32, forms a T-shape when viewed in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), and penetrates the end wall 32 in the coupling direction. The groove section 32B for holding the tab receives the connector retaining tab 50 from the X1 side and holds it by pressing it in.

[0059] The movable housing 40 consists of an electrically insulating material such as resin, and a part (the lower part in Fig. 4) of the movable housing 40 is in the interior 33 (see Fig. 5) of the fixed housing 30. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the movable housing 40 has: a base wall 41 extending in the connection arrangement direction, an end wall 42 extending in the coupling direction from both ends of the base wall 41 in the connection arrangement direction, in the X2 direction, a projecting guide locking strip section 43 as the first guide locking section projecting outwards along the connection arrangement direction from both ends of the base wall 41, and a projection section 44 projecting outwards from the end wall 42 along the connection arrangement direction.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the base wall 41 has several narrow retaining groove sections 41A and several narrow accommodating groove sections 41B in the area where the connector signal terminal 10 is located. The narrow retaining groove section 41A is designed to hold the movable retained section 14 of the connector signal terminal 10, while the narrow accommodating groove section 41B is designed to accommodate the crank section 12B of the connector signal terminal 10. The narrow retaining groove sections 41A and the narrow accommodating groove sections 41B are recessed from the X1-side surface of the base wall 41 and extend in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 8A shown. The multiple narrow retaining groove sections 41A and the multiple narrow accommodating groove sections 41B are each formed such that they are arranged in two rows in the front-to-back direction and at equal intervals in the connection arrangement direction. The narrow retaining groove sections 41A are formed at the front end (Y1-side end) and at the rear end (Y2-side end) of the base wall 41, as shown in Fig. 8A shown. Furthermore, the narrow accommodation groove sections 41B are formed closer to the X1 side than the narrow retaining groove sections 41A in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) and closer to the inside than the narrow retaining groove sections 41A in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0061] The narrow retaining groove section 41A receives the movable retained section 14 of the plug signal connector 10 from the outside in a front-to-back direction and holds it by pressing it in. This is done as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, the movable retained section 14 is supported from the X2 side by the groove base section of the narrow retaining groove section 41A. Furthermore, the narrower housing groove section 41B receives and houses the crank section 12B of the plug signal connector 10 from the outside in a front-to-back direction. Here, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, the signal contact section 12B-1 is positioned in the crank section 12B with a gap in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) to the groove bottom section of the narrow housing groove section 41B, while the supported section 12B-2 is supported from the X2 side on the groove bottom section of the narrow housing groove section 41B.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the base wall 41 has several wide accommodating groove sections 41C in the area where the plug power supply connector 20 is located. The wide accommodating groove sections 41C are designed to accommodate the movable retained section 24 and the power supply contact arm section 22 of the plug power supply connector 20. The wide accommodating groove sections 41C are formed in pairs on the Z1 side and the Z2 side with respect to the area where the plug signal connectors 10 are located. The wide accommodating groove sections 41C are recessed from the surface of the base wall 41 on the X1 side, extend in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), and penetrate the base wall 41.

[0063] The wide accommodation groove section 41C has a wide retaining groove section 41C-1 for holding the movable retained section 24 at the end either on the front side (Y1 side) or the rear side (Y2 side) in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0064] Specifically, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows two wide accommodation groove sections 41C arranged at the Z1-side and Z2-side ends of the base wall 41. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, a wide retaining groove section 41C-1 is formed on the front side (Y1 side) of the two wide retaining groove sections 41C at the Z1-side end of the base wall 41, which is positioned outside in the connection arrangement direction (Z1 side), and a wide retaining groove section 41C-1 is formed on the rear side (Y2 side) of the wide retaining groove section 41C, which is positioned inside in the connection arrangement direction (Z2 side).Furthermore, on the wide accommodation groove section 41C of the two wide accommodation groove sections 41C at the Z2-side end of the base wall 41, which is positioned outside in the connection arrangement direction (Z2-side), a wide retaining groove section 41C-1 is formed on the rear side (Y2-side) and on the wide accommodation groove section 41C, which is positioned inside in the connection arrangement direction (Z1-side), a wide retaining groove section 41C-1 is formed on the front side (Y1-side).

[0065] The wide retaining groove section 41C-1 extends in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) along the groove base surface of the wide accommodation groove section 41C, as shown in Fig. 8B shown, and receives the movable held section 24 of the plug power supply connector 20 from the outside in front-back direction and holds it by pressing it in.

[0066] The wide mounting groove section 41C receives the movable retained section 24 and the power supply contact arm section 22 of the plug power supply connector 20 from one side in a front-to-back direction, specifically the side on which the wide retaining groove section 41C-1 is positioned. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the movable retained section 24 is supported on the groove base section of the wide retaining groove section 41C-1 from the X2 side. Furthermore, the wide housing groove section 41C accommodates the power supply contact arm section 22. Here, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the power supply contact arm section 22 is positioned at a distance in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) from the groove bottom section of the wide accommodation groove section 41C.

[0067] The preceding guide rest strip section 43 projects, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the protruding guide locking strip section 43 extends outwards from both ends of the base wall 41 in the connection arrangement direction and in a front-to-back direction. The projecting guide locking strip section 43 and the connector socket 202 guide each other in the front-to-back direction and lock into each other in the coupling direction. Specifically, during the insertion and connection process of the connectors, the projecting guide locking strip section 43 engages in a guide locking groove section 285 as the second guide locking section of the connector socket 202, and the projecting guide locking strip section 43 and the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 285 guide each other in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, when the connector is inserted, the projecting guide locking strip section 43 and the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 285 lock into each other in the coupling direction (see Figure 5). Fig. 18).

[0068] The overhang section 44 is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the overhang section 44 extends outwards from the X2-side end of the end wall 42 along the connection arrangement direction and extends in the front-to-back direction. The overhang section 44 is positioned closer to the X2 side than the projecting guide locking strip section 43 in the coupling direction and at a distance from the projecting guide locking strip section 43, and projects further outwards in the connection arrangement direction than the projecting guide locking strip section 43. At the outer end of the overhang section 44 in the connection arrangement direction, a recessed end 44A, recessed from the X1-side surface of the overhang section 44, and a restricted section 44B, positioned on the X2 side with respect to the recessed end 44A, are formed at an intermediate position in the front-to-back direction. The recessed end 44A accommodates part of the restricting section 32A of the fixed housing 30, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 7B is shown. The restricted section 44B is on the X2 page in relation to the restricted section 32A (directly below it in Fig. 7B) is positioned and is opposite restriction section 32A from the X2 side.

[0069] As in Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, a guide locking groove section 45 is formed between the protruding guide locking strip section (first guide locking section 43) and the projecting section 44 in the coupling direction. This groove section is open outwards along the connection arrangement direction and extends in the front-to-back direction. The guide locking groove section 45 and the connector socket 202 guide each other in the front-to-back direction and lock into each other in the coupling direction. Specifically, during the insertion and connection of the connectors, the guide locking groove section 45 engages a protruding guide locking strip section 284 (second guide locking section of the connector socket 202), and the guide locking groove section 45 and the protruding guide locking strip section 284 guide each other in the front-to-back direction along the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 45.Furthermore, the guide locking groove section 45 and the projecting guide locking strip section 284 lock into each other in the coupling direction on the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 45 when the plug is inserted and connected (see . Fig. 18).

[0070] The guide locking groove section 45 extends over the entire area of ​​the movable housing 40 in a front-to-back direction, with its front and rear ends being open. Consequently, the guide locking groove section 45 can engage the projecting guide locking strip section 284 of the connector socket 202 from both the front and the rear.

[0071] The connector retaining tab 50 is formed by bending a metal plate element in the plate thickness direction, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the connector retaining tab 50. It comprises a retained plate section 51 with a plate surface perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction and a fixing section 52, which is bent at the X2-side end of the retained plate section 51 and extends outwards along the connection arrangement direction. The retained plate section 51 is pressed into the groove section 32B for retaining the tab of the fixed housing 30 from the X1 side and is held by the groove section 32B for retaining the tab at both edges (edges extending in the coupling direction). The fixing section 52 is fixed to the corresponding part of the printed circuit board P1 by a solder connection.

[0072] The connector 1 is assembled as follows. First, the movable retaining section 14 of the connector signal terminal 10 is pressed into the narrow retaining groove section 41A of the movable housing 40 in a front-to-back direction, thereby attaching the connector signal terminal 10 to the movable housing 40. That is, the connector signal terminal 10 in the front (Y1-side) terminal row is attached from the front, and the connector signal terminal 10 in the rear (Y2-side) terminal row is attached from the rear. In this process, the crank section 12B of the signal contact arm section 12 of the connector signal terminal 10 is housed in the narrow retaining groove section 41B, and the supported section 12B-2 is supported on the groove base section of the narrow retaining groove section 41B.

[0073] Furthermore, the movable retained section 24 of the plug-in power supply connector 20 is pressed into the wide accommodating groove section 41C of the movable housing 40 in a front-to-back direction, thereby attaching the plug-in power supply connector 20 to the movable housing 40. In this process, the plug-in power supply connectors 20 located on the outside at the Z1-side end of the base wall 41 and on the inside at the Z2-side end are attached from the front, while the plug-in power supply connectors 20 located on the inside at the Z1-side end and on the outside at the Z2-side end of the base wall 41 are attached from the rear. By attaching the plug-in power supply connectors 20 in this manner, both the movable retained section 24 and the power supply contact arm section 22 are accommodated within the wide accommodating groove section 41C.The installation process for the plug signal connections 10 and the installation process for the plug power supply connections 20 can be carried out either before or after each other or simultaneously.

[0074] Next, the fixed housing 30 is attached to the movable housing 40 and the connector terminals 10, 20 from the X1 side, thereby attaching the connector terminals 10, 20 to the fixed housing 30. Specifically, the fixed retained section 13 of the connector signal terminal 10 is pressed and attached from the X2 side in the coupling direction into the fixed narrow groove section 31C of the fixed housing 30. Additionally, the fixed retained section 23 of the connector power supply terminal 20 is pressed and attached from the X2 side in the coupling direction into the fixed wide groove section 31D of the fixed housing 30. With this attachment of the connector terminals 10, 20 to the housing 30, the movable housing 40 enters the interior 33 of the fixed housing 30 from the X2 side, and a portion of the movable housing 40 is accommodated within the interior 33.

[0075] Next, the connector retaining tab 50 is attached to the fixed housing 30 by pressing the retained plate section 51 of the connector retaining tab 50 from the X1 side into the groove section 32B to hold the tab of the fixed housing 30. The attachment process for the connector retaining tab 50 can be carried out either before or simultaneously with the attachment process of the connector terminals 10, 20 to the fixed housing 30. Attaching the connector terminals 10, 20 and the connector retaining tab 50 to the connector housing in this manner completes the assembly of the connector 1.

[0076] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the connector socket 2 has several socket signal terminals 60, several socket power supply terminals 70, several socket retaining tabs 90, and a socket housing 80. The several socket signal terminals 60, the several socket power supply terminals 70, and the several socket retaining tabs 90 are held in the socket housing 80. In the following explanation, the socket signal terminals 60 and the socket power supply terminals 70 can be referred to as socket terminals 60 and 70, respectively.

[0077] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the multiple socket connections 60, 70 are arranged with one direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to both the coupling direction (X-axis direction) and the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) as the connection arrangement direction. The socket connections 60, 70 are formed by bending a metal strip in the plate thickness direction. The socket connections 60, 70 are arranged in the position in which their plate thickness surface is perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction.

[0078] The socket terminals 60, 70 are arranged to form two terminal rows, specifically a rear terminal row and a front terminal row. Here, the "front terminal row" is formed by the socket terminals 60, 70, which are attached to the socket housing 80 from the rear (Y2 side). The "rear terminal row" is formed by socket terminals 60, 70, which are attached to the socket housing 80 from the front (Y1 side). In the present embodiment, the terminal rows of the socket terminals 60, 70 are mating terminal rows that correspond to the terminal rows of the plug terminals 10, 20.

[0079] The jack signal connections 60 of the two connection rows are, as shown in Fig. 10 shown, arranged at mutually identical positions in the connection direction in a symmetrical front-to-back orientation (see also Fig. 12A and Fig. 13A). By arranging the socket signal connections 60 in two rows of connections in this way, the number of socket signal connections 60 can be increased, while minimizing the enlargement of the plug socket 2 in the connection arrangement direction.

[0080] The socket power supply connections 70 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the arrangement area of ​​the socket signal connections 60 in the connection arrangement direction, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows the following: The power supply connections 70, which are attached to the rear of the socket housing 80, are located in the rear row of connections on each side, while the power supply connections 70, which are attached to the front of the socket housing 80, are located in the front row of connections. Furthermore, the two power supply connections 70 on each side are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction in a symmetrical front-to-back orientation.

[0081] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of the jack signal connector 60 alone. Fig. Figure 11A shows the jack signal connection 60 of the rear (Y2-side) terminal row. Here, the design of jack signal connection 60 of the rear (Y2-side) terminal row is illustrated by... Fig. 11A explained. The jack signal connector 60 in the front (Y1-side) connector row has the same shape as the one in Fig. The jack signal connection 60 shown in Figure 11A is therefore omitted from its explanation.

[0082] The socket signal connector 60 comprises: a signal connection section 61, which is provided at one end of the socket signal connector 60 and is connected to the printed circuit board P1; a signal contact arm section 62, which is provided at the other end of the socket signal connector 60 and is in contact with the connector 301 as a mating plug; a retained section 63, which is held by the socket housing 80; a leg section 64, which is provided between the signal connection section 61 and the retained section 63; a transition section 65, which couples the signal connection section 61 and the leg section 64; and a transition section 66, which couples the retained section 63 and the leg section 64.

[0083] The signal connection section 61 extends rearward (in the Y2 direction) in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and can be soldered to the corresponding circuit section of the printed circuit board P1. The transition section 65, the leg section 64, and the transition section 66 are arranged sequentially from the X1 side to the X2 side in that order and extend in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, the transition section 65 is bent at the front end (Y1-side end) of the signal connection section 61 and extends in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) towards the X2 direction. The leg section 64 extends straight in the X2 direction from the X2-side end of the transition section 65. The leg section 64 is wider in the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction), i.e.,The transition section 65 is larger than the transition section 65, which is a part that connects to the X1-side end of the leg section 64, and the transition section 66, which is a part that connects to the X2-side end of the leg section 64. The transition section 66 is bent at the X2-side end of the leg section 64 and extends forward (in the Y1 direction), being coupled to the held section 63.

[0084] The held section 63 extends forward from the front end (Y1-side end) of the transition section 66. The held section 63 has several press-fit projections 63A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e., in the same direction (Z-axis direction) as the connection arrangement direction.

[0085] The signal contact arm section 62 has a base arm section 62A, which extends forward from the front end of the held section 63, and a folded arm section 62B, which is folded at the front end of the base arm section 62A and extends backward. Both the base arm section 62A and the folded arm section 62B are elastically displaceable in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0086] As in Fig. 13A and Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, the base arm section 62A extends so that it tilts forward toward the X2 side. The folded arm section 62B, which is a component for contacting the connector 301, is positioned closer to the X2 side than the base arm section 62A and extends so that it tilts backward toward the X2 side. The folded arm section 62B has a signal contact point section 62C at its rear end, which is bent outward toward the X2 side and makes contact at signal contact point section 62C with the plug signal terminal provided on the connector 301. Here, the signal contact point section 62C has a contact surface on its X2-side surface that can make contact with the plug signal terminal of the connector 301 in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0087] The socket signal connection 60 is installed by pressing the held section 63 into the socket housing 80 in a front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13A, the front terminal signal connector 60 and the rear terminal signal connector 60 are arranged without having any areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed along the terminal arrangement direction (Z-axis direction).

[0088] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the distance in the front-back direction between the signal contact point section 62C in the front terminal row and the signal contact point section 62C in the rear terminal row is set such that it is greater than the length (dimension in the front-back direction) of the signal contact section 12B-1 of the connector signal terminal 10.

[0089] Fig. Figure 11B is a perspective view of the socket power supply connector 70 alone. Fig. Figure 11B shows the power supply connector 70 of the rear (Y2-side) connector row. This is illustrated by... Fig. Figure 11B explains the design of the power supply socket 70 of the rear (Y2-side) terminal row. The power supply socket 70 for the front terminal row (Y1-side) has the same shape as the one shown in Fig. The power supply socket 70 shown in Figure 11B is therefore no longer needed for explanation.

[0090] The power supply socket 70 has a larger connection width dimension than the signal socket 60. That is, the power supply socket 70 is formed by bending a metal strip, which is wider than the signal socket 60, in the plate thickness direction.The socket power supply connector 70 comprises: a power supply connection section 71, which is provided at one end of the socket power supply connector 70 and is connected to the printed circuit board P1; a power supply contact arm section 72, which is provided at the other end of the socket power supply connector 70 and is in contact with the connector 301 as a mating plug; a retained section 73, which is held by the socket housing 80; a leg section 74, which is provided between the power supply connection section 71 and the retained section 73; a transition section 75, which couples the power supply connection section 71 and the leg section 74; and a transition section 76, which couples the retained section 73 and the leg section 74.

[0091] The power supply connection section 71 extends rearward (in the Y2 direction) in a front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and can be soldered to the corresponding circuit section of the printed circuit board P1. The transition section 75, the leg section 74, and the transition section 76 are provided in this order from the X1 side to the X2 side and extend in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, the transition section 75 is bent at the front end (Y1-side end) of the power supply connection section 71 and extends in the X2 direction. The leg section 74 extends in a straight line in the X2 direction from the X2-side end of the transition section 75.The leg section 74 is larger, i.e., wider, in the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) than the transition section 75, which is a part that connects to the X1-side end of the leg section 74, and the transition section 76, which is a part that connects to the X2-side end of the leg section 74. The transition section 76 is bent at the X2-side end of the leg section 74 and extends forward (in the Y1 direction), where it is coupled to the held section 73.

[0092] The held section 73 extends forward from the front end (Y1-side end) of the transition section 76. The held section 73 has several press-fit projections 73A on both edges in the connection width direction, i.e., in the same direction (Z-axis direction) as the connection arrangement direction.

[0093] The two power supply contact arm sections 72 are arranged side by side in the connection arrangement direction and extend forward from the front end of the held section 73. The power supply contact arm sections 72 extend such that they incline forward toward the X2 side and have power supply contact sections 72A at their front ends for contacting the connector 301. The power supply contact sections 72A have power contact point sections 72B, which are bent such that they project toward the X2 side and are configured to contact the plug power supply terminals provided on the connector 301 with the power contact point sections 72B. Here, the power contact point sections 72B have a contact surface on the X2-side surface that can contact the plug power supply terminal of the connector 301 with the coupling direction (X-axis direction) as the contact direction.

[0094] The socket power supply connection 70 is attached by pressing the held section 73 into the socket housing 80 in a front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12A, the two socket power supply terminals 70, which are provided at each end of the plug socket 2, are arranged with areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) as seen along the terminal arrangement direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the socket power supply terminals 70 of these two terminal rows are arranged such that the power supply contact sections 72A of the power supply contact arm section 72 have areas that overlap in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 12A. Fig. 9 and Fig. 12A shown. By arranging the power supply contact arm section 72 in this way, it is possible to avoid an enlargement of the connector 2 in the insertion / extension direction (Y-axis direction) and at the same time to lengthen each power supply contact arm section 72, thereby ensuring a greater so-called spring length.

[0095] The socket housing 80 consists of an electrically insulating material such as resin and has a substantially cuboid outer contour, with the connection arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) being the longitudinal direction, the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) being the transverse direction, and the coupling direction (X-axis direction) being the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the socket housing 80 has: a base wall 81 extending in the connection arrangement direction, two side walls 82 extending in the X1 direction from the side edge (the edge extending in the connection arrangement direction) of the base wall 81, and two end walls 83 extending in the X1 and X2 directions from the end edge (the edge extending in the front-back direction) of the base wall 81, and a projecting guide detent strip section 84 as a second guide detent section projecting inwards along the connection arrangement direction from the X2-side end of the end wall 83.

[0096] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the base wall 81 has several narrow recessed groove sections 81A in the area where the socket signal terminals 60 are located. The narrow recessed groove sections 81A are designed to accommodate the retained section 63 and the signal contact arm section 62 of the socket signal terminals 60. The narrow recessed groove section 81A extends from the X2-side surface of the base wall 81 and is positioned in a front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 13A shown. The several narrow accommodation groove sections 81A are formed such that they are arranged in two rows in the front-back direction and are arranged at equal intervals in the connection arrangement direction.

[0097] In the state where the held section 63 and the signal contact arm section 62 are housed in the narrow housing groove section 81A, the signal contact arm section 62 is positioned at a distance from the groove base section of the narrow housing groove section 81A. Consequently, the signal contact arm section 62 is elastically displaceable in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). When the signal contact arm section 62 is in a free state, the signal contact point section 62C is positioned protruding from the narrow housing groove section 81A.

[0098] The narrow accommodation groove section 81A, as shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. Figure 13B shows a narrow retaining groove section 81A-1 for holding the retained section 63 on the side of the outer end (the end that is closer to the side wall 82 in the front-back direction) in the front-back direction. The narrow retaining groove section 81A-1 extends in the front-back direction along the groove base surface of the narrow housing groove section 81A and receives the retained section 63 of the socket signal connector 60 from the outside in the front-back direction and holds it by pressing it in. As shown in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B shows the held section 63 being carried from the X1 side by the groove bottom section of the narrow retaining groove section 81A-1.

[0099] In the narrow accommodation groove section 81A, as in Fig. Figure 13B shows a stop section 81B formed on the side of the inner end in the front-to-back direction (the end that is closer to the center position of the base wall 81 in the front-to-back direction), which projects from the groove bottom surface of the narrow housing groove section 81A. The stop section 81B can limit excessive elastic displacement of the signal contact arm section 62 over a predetermined amount by bearing against the signal contact arm section 62 of the socket signal terminal 60 in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0100] By positioning the stop section 81B within the narrow mounting groove section 81A in this manner, excessive displacement of the signal contact arm section 62 of the socket signal terminal 60 into the rear region of the narrow mounting groove section 81A due to an external force can be suppressed. Specifically, by positioning the signal contact arm section 62 against the stop section 81B, further displacement of the signal contact arm section 62 is restricted, thus effectively preventing damage to the signal contact arm section 62 caused by excessive displacement.

[0101] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the base wall 81 has several wide accommodating groove sections 81C in the area where the socket power supply terminals 70 are located. The wide accommodating groove sections 81C are designed to accommodate the retained section 73 and the power supply contact arm section 72 of the socket power supply terminals 70. The wide accommodating groove sections 81C are formed in pairs on the Z1 side and the Z2 side with respect to the area where the socket signal terminal 60 is located. The wide accommodating groove sections 81C extend from the X2-side surface of the base wall 81 in a front-to-back direction and penetrate the base wall 81.

[0102] As in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the wide accommodation groove section 81C has wide retaining groove sections 81C-1 for holding the held section 73 at the end either on the front side (Y1 side) or the rear side (Y2 side) in the front-back direction.

[0103] Specifically, as in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the wide accommodating groove sections 81C are arranged at both the Z1-side and Z2-side ends of the base wall 81. Of the two wide accommodating groove sections 81C at the Z1-side end of the base wall 81, the wide retaining groove section 81C-1 is formed on the front side (Y1-side) of the wide accommodating groove section 81C that is positioned on the outside (Z1-side) in the connection arrangement direction, and the wide retaining groove section 81C-1 is formed on the rear side (Y2-side) of the wide accommodating groove section 81C that is positioned on the inside (Z2-side) in the connection arrangement direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12A, the wide retaining groove section 81C-1 is also formed on the rear side (Y2 side) of the wide retaining groove section 81C on the Z2-side end of the base wall 81, on the wide retaining groove section 81C which is positioned on the outside (Z2 side) in the connection arrangement direction, and on the wide retaining groove section 81C which is positioned on the inside (Z1 side) in the connection arrangement direction, on the front side (Y1 side).

[0104] The wide retaining groove section 81C-1 extends in a front-back direction along the groove base surface of the wide accommodating groove section 81C, receives the retained section 73 of the plug power supply connector 20 from the outside in a front-back direction and holds it by pressing it in.

[0105] The wide retaining groove section 81C receives the held section 73 and the power supply contact arm section 72 of the socket power supply connector 70 from one side in a front-to-back direction, specifically from the side on which the wide retaining groove section 81C-1 is located. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the held section 73 is supported from the X1 side on the groove base of the wide retaining groove section 81C-1. Furthermore, the wide housing groove section 81C accommodates the power supply contact arm section 72. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the power supply contact arm section 72 is positioned at a distance from the groove base section of the wide mounting groove section 81C. This allows the power supply contact arm section 72 to be elastically displaceable in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) within this distance. When the power supply contact arm section 72 is in a free state, the power supply contact point section 72B protrudes from the wide mounting groove section 81C.

[0106] The outer surface of side wall 82 is, as in Fig. 10 shown, largely apart from the X1-side end (lower end in Fig. 10), in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) is positioned further inwards than the outer surface of the front wall 83. In addition, the outer surface of the side wall 82 in the arrangement area of ​​the socket power supply connections 70 is positioned further inwards in the front-back direction than the outer surface in the arrangement area of ​​the socket signal connections 60.

[0107] The side wall 82 has several narrow confining groove sections 82A at the X1-side end. These narrow confining groove sections 82A are formed in the area where the socket signal connections 60 are located, such that they are aligned in the connection direction. The narrow confining groove sections 82A accommodate the transition section 65 of the socket signal connections 60 and restrict the displacement of the transition section 65 in the connection direction with their inner groove surfaces. Furthermore, the side wall 82 has several wide confining groove sections 82B at the X1-side end. These wide confining groove sections 82B are formed in the area where the socket power supply connections 70 are located.The wide restrictive groove sections 82B are wider than the narrow restrictive groove sections 82A, accommodate the transition section 75 of the socket power supply connection 70 and restrict the displacement of the transition section 75 in the connection arrangement direction with their groove inner surfaces.

[0108] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the outer surface of the end wall 83 is recessed deeper at its central section in the front-to-back direction than the outer surfaces of other sections. A grooved section 83A for retaining the tab, which serves to hold the bushing retaining tab 90, is located at the X1-side end (lower end in Figure 10). Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) of the end wall 83. The groove section 83A for holding the tab sinks from the outer surface of the end wall 32 and, viewed in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), forms a T-shape and penetrates the X1-side end of the end wall 83 in the coupling direction. The groove section 83A for holding the tab receives the bushing retaining tab 90 from the X2 side and holds it by pressing it in.

[0109] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the end wall 83 extends further in the X2 direction (in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 upwards) than the base wall 81 and the side wall 82. The projecting guide locking strip section 84 extends along the connection arrangement direction from the X2-side end (upper end in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) the end wall 83 extends inwards and in a front-to-back direction. The projecting guide locking strip section 84 is positioned at a distance from the end wall 83 in the coupling direction.

[0110] The protruding guide locking strip section 84 is designed such that it and the guide locking groove section of the connector 301 guide each other in the front-to-back direction and lock into one another in the coupling direction. Specifically, during the insertion and connection process of the connectors, the protruding guide locking strip section 84 engages in the guide locking groove section as the first guide locking section of the connector 301, and the protruding guide locking strip section 84 and the inner groove surface of the guide locking groove section of the connector 301 guide each other in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, when the connector is inserted and connected, the protruding guide locking strip section 84 and the inner groove surface of the guide locking groove section of the connector 301 lock into one another in the coupling direction.

[0111] As in Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12B, a guide locking groove section 85 is formed as a second guide locking section between the protruding guide locking strip section 84 and the end wall 83 in the coupling direction. This guide locking groove section 85 is open inwards in the connection arrangement direction and extends in the front-to-back direction. The guide locking groove section 85 is designed such that it and the protruding guide locking strip section of the connector 301 guide each other in the front-to-back direction and lock into each other with the connector 301 in the coupling direction.Specifically, during the insertion and connection process of the connectors, the guide locking groove section 85 engages the protruding guide locking strip section as the first guide locking section of the connector 301, and the guide locking groove section 85 and the protruding guide locking strip section of the connector 301 guide each other along the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 85 in a front-to-back direction. Furthermore, when the connector is inserted and connected, the guide locking groove section 85 and the protruding guide locking strip section of the connector 301 lock into each other along the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 85 in the coupling direction.

[0112] The guide locking groove section 85 extends over the entire area of ​​the socket housing 80 in a front-to-back direction, with its front and rear ends being open. Consequently, the guide locking groove section 85 can receive the protruding guide locking strip section of the connector 301 from both the front and the rear.

[0113] The socket retaining tab 90 is formed by bending a metal plate element in the plate thickness direction. The socket retaining tab 90 has a retained plate section 91 with a plate surface perpendicular to the connection arrangement direction and a fixing section 92, which is bent at the X1-side end of the retained plate section 91 and extends outwards along the connection arrangement direction. The retained plate section 91 is pressed into the groove section 83A for retaining the tab from the X2 side and is held by the groove section 83A for retaining the tab at both side edges (edges extending in the coupling direction). The fixing section 92 is fixed to the corresponding part of the printed circuit board P1 by a solder connection.

[0114] The connector 2 is assembled as follows. First, the retained section 63 of the socket signal terminal 60 is pressed into the narrow retaining groove section 81A-1 of the socket housing 80 in a front-to-back direction, thereby attaching the socket signal terminal 60 to the socket housing 80. In doing so, the signal contact arm section 62 of the socket signal terminal 60 is placed in the narrow accommodating groove section 81A, and the retained section 63 is supported on the groove base section of the narrow accommodating groove section 81A. Simultaneously, the transition section 65 of the socket signal terminal 60 is placed in the narrow confining groove section 82A.

[0115] Furthermore, the retained section 73 of the socket power supply connector 70 is pressed into the wide retaining groove section 81C-1 of the socket housing 80 in a front-to-back direction, thereby attaching the socket power supply connector 70 to the socket housing 80. In this process, the power supply contact arm section 72 of the socket power supply connector 70 is accommodated in the wide accommodating groove section 81C, and the retained section 73 is supported on the groove base section of the wide accommodating groove section 81C. Simultaneously, the transition section 75 of the socket power supply connector 70 is accommodated in the wide confining groove section 82B. The attachment process of the socket signal connector 60 and the attachment process of the socket power supply connector 70 can be performed either before or after each other, or simultaneously.

[0116] Next, the socket retaining tab 90 is attached to the socket housing 80 by pressing the retained plate section 91 of the socket retaining tab 90 into the groove section 83A from the X2 side to hold the tab of the socket housing 80. The attachment process of the socket retaining tab 90 can be carried out before or simultaneously with the attachment process of the socket terminals 60, 70 to the socket housing 80. The assembly of the connector socket 2 is completed by attaching the socket terminals 60, 70 and the socket retaining tab 90 to the socket housing 80 in this manner.

[0117] In the socket signal terminal 60 and socket power supply terminal 70 of the connector socket 2, the signal contact arm section 62 and the power supply contact arm section 72 extend along the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), while the leg section 64 and the leg section 74 extend in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). Consequently, when constructing several types of connector sockets with different dimensions in the coupling direction, it is sufficient to change the length of the leg sections in the coupling direction, and it is not necessary to change the length of the contact sections. Furthermore, when constructing the socket housing, the portion of the socket housing corresponding to the leg section in the coupling direction can be enlarged or reduced according to the length of the leg sections.Accordingly, the design of the present embodiment allows for the simple production of several types of connector sockets with different dimensions in the coupling direction, while maintaining a common basic design for the connector sockets. Furthermore, since the leg section in the present embodiment has a simple shape extending in the coupling direction, it is easier to implement designs that increase or decrease the length of the leg section in the coupling direction than in cases where the leg section is bent into complex shapes.

[0118] Furthermore, in the connector socket 2, the entire leg section 64 of the socket signal terminal 60 and the entire leg section 74 of the socket power supply terminal 70 are exposed from the socket housing 80. The leg section 64 and the leg section 74 extend in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) along the outer surface of the side wall 82. In the present embodiment, the leg section 64 of the socket signal terminals 60 is larger in the connection arrangement direction than the transition section 65 and the transition section 66 that connect to each end of the leg section 64. That is, the distance between the adjacent leg sections 64 is smaller than the distance between the transition sections 65 and the distance between the transition sections 66. By bringing the adjacent leg sections 64 closer together in this way, an excessive impedance rise in the leg section 64 can be effectively suppressed.Furthermore, the leg section 74 of the socket power supply terminals 70 is larger in the connection arrangement direction than the transition section 75 and the transition section 76, which connect to each end of the leg section 74. Therefore, an excessive impedance rise can be effectively suppressed in the leg section 74, just as in the aforementioned leg section 64 of the socket signal terminals 60.

[0119] Next, the connection process between the connector mounting bodies (between printed circuit boards) is explained. In the present embodiment, the process of inserting and connecting connector mounting body I between connector mounting body II and connector mounting body III is described, taking into account the connector mounting bodies II to V already attached to the housing C of the electronic device E. It should be noted that during the connection process of the connector mounting bodies, the power supply to the electronic device E is switched off, and short circuits at the connector terminals are suppressed.

[0120] First, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, connector assembly body I is positioned further back (Y2 side) than connector assembly bodies II and III in the coupling direction (X-axis direction) so that it occupies the space between connector assembly body II and connector assembly body III. Next, connector assembly body I is moved forward (in the Y1 direction) and inserted between connector assembly body II and connector assembly body III.

[0121] When the insertion of the connector assembly body I begins, the upper and lower ends of the printed circuit board P1 of the connector assembly body I enter the rail C1 of the housing C from the rear and are guided by the inner groove surface in the rail C1. As a result of the insertion of the connector assembly body I forward in this manner, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that connector 1, which is located on the X1-side mounting surface of the printed circuit board P1, is inserted into the socket 202 of the connector assembly body II as a mating connector and connected, while the socket 2, located on the X2-side mounting surface of the printed circuit board P1, is inserted into the connector 301 of the connector assembly body III as a mating connector and connected.

[0122] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15A, the connector 1 is positioned further back than the socket 202 immediately before the insertion and connection process begins. The protruding guide locking strip section 43 of the connector 1 is positioned correspondingly to the guide locking groove section 285 of the socket 202. As the insertion of the connector assembly body I progresses, the protruding guide locking strip section 43 engages with the guide locking groove section 285, and the protruding guide locking strip section 43 and the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 285 guide each other in a front-to-back direction. The connector 1 is moved forward as it is guided by the protruding guide locking strip section 43 and the inner surface of the groove of the guide locking groove section 285.Simultaneously, the guide locking groove section 45 of the connector 1 engages the projecting guide locking strip section 284 of the socket 202 from the front, and the projecting guide locking strip section 284 and the inner groove surface of the guide locking groove section 45 guide each other in a front-to-back direction. The connector 1 is moved forward as it is guided by the inner groove surface of the guide locking groove section 45 and the projecting guide locking strip section 284. In this way, the mutual guidance in the front-to-back direction between the connector 1 and the socket 202 enables smooth insertion and connection of the plugs.

[0123] During the insertion and connection process, the signal contact section 12B-1 of the plug signal terminal 10, which forms the front terminal row (plug signal terminal row) of the connector 1, is pressed from behind against the signal contact point section 62C of the socket signal terminal 60, which forms the rear terminal row (socket signal terminal row) of the plug socket 2. As a result, the signal contact arm section 62 of the socket signal terminal 60 receives the pressure force from the signal contact section 12B-1 against the signal contact point section 62C and moves elastically in the X1 direction. The connector 1 then continues to move forward, allowing the signal contact section 12B-1 to slide against the signal contact point section 62C.

[0124] As connector 1 moves forward, the signal contact section 12B-1 of the front plug signal terminal row passes the position of the signal contact section 62C of the rear socket signal terminal row and is then pressed against the signal contact point section 62C of the socket signal terminal 60, which forms the front socket signal terminal row, from behind. As a result, the signal contact arm section 62 of the front socket signal terminal 60 receives a compressive force exerted by the front signal contact section 12B-1 at the signal contact point section 62C and displaces elastically in the X1 direction. In doing so, the signal contact arm section 62 displaces elastically by an amount that prevents it from being pressed against the stop section 81B.

[0125] Furthermore, almost simultaneously with the contact of the front signal contact section 12B-1 at the front signal contact point section 62C, the signal contact section 12B-1 of the plug signal terminal 10, which forms the rear plug signal terminal row, is contacted from behind by the signal contact point section 62C of the socket signal terminal 60, which forms the rear socket signal terminal row of the plug socket 2. As a result, the signal contact arm section 62 of the front socket signal terminal 60 receives the pressure force from the front signal contact section 12B-1 at the signal contact point section 62C and moves elastically in the X1 direction. In doing so, the signal contact arm section 62 moves elastically by an amount that prevents it from contacting the stop section 81B.

[0126] Connector 1 continues to move forward, sliding the front signal contact section 12B-1 onto the front signal contact point section 62C and the rear signal contact section 12B-1 onto the rear signal contact point section 62C.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the front-to-back distance between the front signal contact point section 62C and the rear signal contact point section 62C is set greater than the length (front-to-back dimension) of the signal contact section 12B-1. Consequently, during the insertion and connection process of the plugs, the signal contact section 12B-1 does not simultaneously make contact with the front signal contact point section 62C and the rear signal contact point section 62C. Therefore, short circuits can be suppressed even when the electronic device E is switched on.

[0128] Furthermore, during the insertion and connection process, the power supply contact section 22B of the plug power supply terminal 20 of connector 1 is pressed against the power supply contact point section 72B of the socket power supply terminal 70 from behind. Consequently, the power supply contact arm section 72 of the socket power supply terminal 70 receives the pressure force from the power supply contact section 22B at the power supply contact point section 72B and moves elastically in the X1 direction. The connector 1 then continues to move forward, allowing the power supply contact section 22B to slide into contact with the power supply contact point section 72B.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the plug power supply terminals 20 of the connector 1 are located at different positions relative to each other in the connection direction. Furthermore, the socket power supply terminals 270 in the plug socket 202 are located at different positions relative to each other in the connection direction. Consequently, the plug power supply terminal 20 cannot make contact with a socket power supply terminal 270 that does not correspond to it, so that short circuits can be suppressed even when the electronic device E is switched on during the plugging and connecting process.

[0130] Connector 1 is moved forward, and the upper and lower ends of circuit board P1 are pressed against the front end face, which seals the front end of rail C1, from behind, thus bringing connector 1 into the correct insertion position. This completes the process of inserting and connecting the plugs between connector 1 and socket 202. The insertion and connection of the plugs between connector 1 and socket 202 couples circuit board P1 of connector assembly body I and circuit board P2 of connector assembly body II in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0131] In the state where the process of inserting and connecting the plugs is complete, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the signal contact arm section 62 of the front socket signal terminal 60 maintains its elastic displacement state, while the signal contact section 12B-1 of the front socket signal terminal 10 comes into contact with the signal contact point section 62C of the front socket signal terminal 60 under contact pressure. Furthermore, while the elastic displacement state of the signal contact arm section 62 of the rear socket signal terminal 60 is maintained, the signal contact section 12B-1 of the rear socket signal terminal 10 comes into contact with the signal contact point section 62C of the rear socket signal terminal 60 under contact pressure. As a result, the plug signal terminal 10 and the socket signal terminal 60 in both the front and rear terminal arrays enter an electrically conductive state.

[0132] Furthermore, in the state where the process of plugging in and connecting the plugs is complete, as in Fig. Figure 17 shows that while the elastic displacement state of the power supply contact arm section 72 of the socket power supply connector 70 is maintained, the power supply contact section 22B of the plug power supply connector 20 comes into contact with the power supply contact point section 72B of the socket power supply connector 70 under contact pressure. As a result, the plug power supply connector 20 and the socket power supply connector 70 enter an electrically conductive state.

[0133] Furthermore, connector 1 and socket 202 are in the state in which the process of inserting and connecting the plugs is completed, as shown in Fig.Figure 18 shows a locking state in which the projecting guide lug section 43 and the projecting guide lug section 284 engage in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). Consequently, a stable plugged-in and connected state of the plugs between connector 1 and socket 2 can be reliably maintained. Furthermore, the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), which is the insertion / extraction direction between the plugs, is perpendicular to the coupling direction (X-axis direction), i.e., the locking direction between the plugs. That is, the projecting guide lug section 43 of connector 1 and the projecting guide lug section 284 of socket 202 are designed in such a way that they do not interfere with the insertion and connection process of the plugs.

[0134] Even if the relative position between connector 1 and socket 202 deviates from the correct position in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / extension direction immediately before the start of the insertion and connection process, the elastic sections 15, 25 of the connector terminals 10, 20 of connector 1 shift elastically during the insertion and connection process and while the connectors are inserted, and the movable housing 40 also shifts, thereby absorbing the misalignment between the connectors. It is advantageous if the movable housing 40 is designed such that it is displaceable at least in one direction perpendicular to the insertion / extension direction.The plug connectors 10, 20 are designed such that, due to the elastic displacement of the elastic sections 15, 25 of the plug connectors 10, 20, they allow a relative movement of the movable housing 40 to the fixed housing 30.

[0135] Furthermore, the socket 2, which is mounted on the X2-side mounting surface of the circuit board P1 of the connector assembly body I, is inserted and connected from the rear almost simultaneously with the insertion and connection of the connector 1 of the connector assembly body I to the socket 202 into the connector 301, which is mounted on the X1-side mounting surface of the circuit board P3 of the connector assembly body III. Inserting and connecting the socket 2 to the connector 301 from the rear is relatively equivalent to inserting and connecting the connector 301 to the socket 2 from the front. The process of inserting and connecting the connector 301 to the socket 2 largely corresponds to the process of inserting and connecting the connector 1 to the socket 202 described above, except for the direction in which the connector 301 is inserted, so further explanation is unnecessary.By inserting and connecting the plug socket 2 and the connector 301, the circuit board P1 of the plug assembly body I and the circuit board P3 of the plug assembly body III are coupled in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0136] In the present embodiment, the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 are arranged in such a way that the respective plate surfaces (main surfaces) of the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 are perpendicular to the coupling direction (X-axis direction). If one plate surface of the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 is defined as the first main surface and the other plate surface on the side facing away from the first main surface as the second main surface, the printed circuit boards P1 to P5 are arranged such that the first main surface and the second main surface are perpendicular to the coupling direction of the printed circuit boards P1 to P5.

[0137] Furthermore, connector 1 and socket 202, which are opposite each other in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), are inserted and connected in one direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the first and second main surfaces as an insertion / extension direction. By inserting and connecting the connectors, the circuit board P1 of connector assembly body I and the circuit board P2 of connector assembly body II are coupled and electrically connected in the coupling direction (X-axis direction). Additionally, socket 2 and connector 301, which are opposite each other in the coupling direction (X-axis direction), are inserted and connected in one direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the first and second main surfaces as an insertion / extension direction.By inserting and connecting the plugs, the circuit board P1 of the plug assembly body I and the circuit board P3 of the plug assembly body III are coupled and electrically connected in the coupling direction (X-axis direction).

[0138] Furthermore, each connector on circuit boards P1 to P5 has a first guide locking section, while each socket has a second guide locking section. During the insertion and connection process between connector 1 and socket 202 (insertion and connection process of the connectors), the first guide locking section (the protruding guide locking strip section 43 and the guide locking groove section 45) of connector 1 on circuit board P1 and the second guide locking section (the protruding guide locking strip section 284 and the guide locking groove section 285) of socket 202 on circuit board P2 are designed such that they guide each other in the insertion / extension direction.When the connector 1 and the socket 202 are plugged in and connected (plugged in and connected state), the protruding guide locking strip section 43 and the guide locking groove section 285 lock into each other in the coupling direction, and the protruding guide locking strip section 284 and the guide locking groove section 45 lock into each other in the coupling direction.

[0139] Furthermore, the projecting guide locking strip section 43 and the projecting guide locking strip section 284 extend in one direction at right angles to the coupling direction and the insertion / extension direction and extend in the insertion / extension direction. The guide locking groove section 45 extends in the insertion / extension direction, receives and guides the projecting guide locking strip section 284 during the insertion and connection of the plugs. The guide locking groove section 285 extends in the insertion / extension direction, receives and guides the projecting guide locking strip section 43 during the insertion and connection of the plugs.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the adjacent circuit boards are connected via connectors provided on the respective mounting surfaces (first main surface and second main surface), i.e., the connector and the socket. Consequently, unlike in the prior art, a main circuit board for connecting the multiple circuit boards and a connector mounted on it are no longer required, thus preventing an increase in the number of components.

[0141] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the housing is only displaceable within the connector and the socket, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As a modified example, the housing can be displaceable both within the connector and in the socket, or only in the socket. That is to say, it is sufficient if at least one of the housings of the connector and the housing of the socket is designed to be displaceable.

[0142] If the socket housing of the plug socket is made movable, the socket housing, like the plug housing in the aforementioned embodiment, can be designed with a fixed housing and a movable housing, such that the movable housing moves due to the elastic displacement of the contacts. Alternatively, the socket housing can be designed as a single housing, as in the aforementioned modified example of the connector, so that the socket housing moves due to the elastic displacement of the contacts.

[0143] In the present embodiment, the signal connections of the two rows of connections in the connector and the socket are positioned at the same location relative to each other in the connection arrangement direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the requirements for miniaturization of the connector in the arrangement of the connections are not high, as a modified example, at least some of the multiple signal connections in the two rows of connections can be positioned at different locations relative to each other in the arrangement of the connections.

[0144] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the signal connections in the connector and in the socket are arranged in two rows of connections; however, the number of connection rows is not limited to this in the present disclosure. The number of connection rows can, for example, be one, three, or more.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the power supply connections in the connector and in the socket are arranged in different positions relative to each other in the connection arrangement direction; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. If a design is used that can suppress short circuits during the insertion and connection process of the plugs, the power supply connections can, as a modified example, be arranged in several rows of connections, and the power supply connections of these several rows of connections can be arranged in the same position relative to each other. For example, as a design for suppressing short circuits, the following can be used:In the plug socket, the contact point sections of the power supply connections in the adjacent connection rows may be provided at spaced-apart locations in the front-to-back direction, and in the connector, the length of the contact section of the power supply connection in the front-to-back direction may be shorter than the distance between the contact point sections.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the entire leg section of the socket connector is exposed from the socket housing within the plug socket; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. It is also possible that only a portion of the leg section of the socket connector is exposed from the socket housing. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-117686 A [0002, 0007]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards, which is mounted on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and is designed such that the electrical connector for printed circuit boards is inserted and pulled out into a mating connector and is connected, wherein a direction parallel to the mounting surface is the insertion / pulling direction, and engages in the mating connector, wherein the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface is the locking direction, comprising: several terminals arranged perpendicular to both directions of insertion / extension and locking as the terminal arrangement direction, and a housing that holds the terminal array formed by the several terminals, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing (30) which is fixed to the circuit board via the multiple connections, and a movable housing (40) which is movable relative to the fixed housing (30), wherein the multiple connections are designed such that the multiple connections are provided to be bridged via the fixed housing (30) and the movable housing (40) and enabling a relative movement of the movable housing (40) to the fixed housing (30) by means of an elastic displacement of the multiple connections, wherein the movable housing (40) has a guide detent section, wherein the guide locking section is designed such that, during the insertion and connection process with the mating connector, the guide locking section guides the mating connector in the insertion / extension direction and, in the inserted and connected state of the mating connector, locks into the mating connector in the locking direction. [2] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 1, wherein each of the multiple terminals comprises: a connecting section provided at one end and connected to the printed circuit board, a contact section provided at the other end and in contact with the mating connector, a fixed retained section held by the fixed housing (30), a movable retained section held by the movable housing (40), and an elastic section provided between the fixed retained section and the movable retained section and elastically displaceable, wherein the fixed section extends along the detent direction and is held in the detent direction by pressing it into the fixed housing (30) and wherein the movable held section extends along the insertion / extension direction and is held in the insertion / extension direction by pressing into the movable housing (40). [3] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple connection rows are included and at least some of the connections of the multiple connection rows are arranged in the same position in the connection arrangement direction. [4] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple connection rows are included and at least some connections of the multiple connection rows are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction. [5] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 4, wherein the terminals, which are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction of the multiple terminal rows, are arranged such that the terminals have an area in which the contact sections overlap in the insertion / extension direction. [6] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connections which are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction of the multiple connection rows are power supply connections. [7] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the terminals, which are arranged at different positions in the connection arrangement direction of the multiple terminal rows, are arranged such that the terminals have a region in which the elastic sections overlap in the insertion / extension direction. [8] Electrical connector assembly comprising an electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and the mating connector.

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