Connectors and electronic device

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, a connector (10) has a first insulator (20), a second insulator (30) configured to move relative to the first insulator (20) and engaging with a connection target (60), a contact (50) attached to the first insulator (20) and the second insulator (30), and a metal element (40) in contact with the contact (50), wherein the contact (50) has a first fastening part (51a) attached to the first insulator (20), a second fastening part (58a) attached to the second insulator (30), and a movable part positioned between the first fastening part (51a) and the second fastening part (58a), and the metal element (40) has a contact part (46) in contact with the movable part.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2023-140327, which was filed on August 30, 2023, and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector and an electronic device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Known technologies in the related field for improving connection reliability with respect to a connection target feature a connector having a floating structure. In such a connector, for example, a movable insulator, which is part of the connector, moves during and after engagement, thus absorbing positional deviations with respect to the connection target. For example, patent literature 1 discloses a floating connector having a structure in which a plurality of grounding contacts can be electrically integrated. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent literature 1: Japanese patent disclosure no. 2021-190255 BRIEF EXPLANATION

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector comprises a first insulator, a second insulator, a contact, and a metal element. The second insulator moves relative to the first insulator and engages with a connection target. The contact is attached to the first and second insulators. The metal element is in contact with the contact. The contact comprises a first fastening part, a second fastening part, and a movable part. The first fastening part is attached to the first insulator. The second fastening part is attached to the second insulator. The movable part is positioned between the first fastening part and the second fastening part. The metal element has a contact part that is in contact with the movable part.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device has the connector described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a connector connected to a connection target, seen from a top view according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the connector, separated from the connection target, as seen from the top according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the connector made solely from Fig. 1, seen from above. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the connector made of Fig. 3, seen from above. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the connector made of Fig. 3, seen from the front. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a metal element and some contacts made of Fig. 4, seen from above. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view of the connector made of Fig. 3 connection points to be coupled, seen from above. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the connection target from Fig. 7, seen from above. Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of only part of a configuration of the connector and connection target in an engaged state. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 10 is a side view of a connector, seen from the front, according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a metal element and some contacts made of Fig. 10, seen from above. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of a connector, seen from the front, according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a metal element and some contacts made of Fig. 12, seen from above. Fig. Figure 14 is a side view of a connector, seen from the front, according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a metal element and some contacts made of Fig. 14, seen from above. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view of a metal element and some contacts of a connector, seen from the top according to one variant. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0007] Transmitting an electrical signal at high speed through a floating connector can periodically cause a resonant point along a transmission path length within a given frequency range. This made it difficult to achieve favorable transmission characteristics. To shift the resonant frequency to a higher frequency, a ground pin of a connector terminal had to be short-circuited and shared at constant intervals along one terminal's path.

[0008] The floating connector described in patent reference 1, for example, has a conductive element for ground unification on the side of the movable insulator. Considering the need to maintain contact between the contacts, the conductive element is provided only on a non-moving portion of the contacts. This non-moving portion has little influence on the floating operation. Therefore, on a moving portion that constitutes a large part of the length of each contact, it is difficult to short-circuit a ground pin at constant intervals in the direction of the connection. Consequently, the floating connector described in patent reference 1 offers potential for improvement in its transmission characteristics with respect to a high-frequency signal.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector and an electronic device can achieve favorable transmission characteristics with respect to a high-frequency signal.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A front-back direction, a left-right direction, and an up-down direction in the following description refer to the directions indicated by arrows in the drawings. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. The 16 directions indicated correspond to each other. For the sake of simplicity, some drawings omit illustrations of the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, which are described later. (FIRST VERSION)

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a connector 10 coupled to a connection target 60, seen from a top view according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the connector 10, which is separated from the connection target 60, as seen from the top according to the first embodiment. As, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 10 has a first insulator 20 as a fixed insulator, a second insulator 30 as a movable insulator, a metal element 40, and a contact 50. The connection target 60 has an insulator 70, a metal element 80, and a contact 90.

[0012] In the first embodiment, for example, it is described below that the connector 10 is a socket connector. It is also described that the connection target 60 is a plug connector. The connector 10 in which a section of the contact 50 is elastically deformed in an engagement state where the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are engaged is described as the socket connector. The section of the contact 50 contacts the contact 90. Conversely, the connection target 60 in which a section of the contact 90 is not elastically deformed in the engagement state is described as the plug connector. The section of the contact 90 is in contact with the contact 50. The types of connector 10 and connection target 60 are not limited to these. For example, the connector 10 can function as a plug connector. The connection target 60 can function as a socket connector.

[0013] As described later, the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are mounted on the respective printed circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The connector 10 electrically couples the printed circuit board CB2, on which the connection target 60 is mounted, and the printed circuit board CB1 through the connection target 60, which engages with the second insulator 30 of the connector 10. The printed circuit boards CB1 and CB2 can be rigid substrates or any other type of printed circuit board. For example, at least one of the printed circuit boards CB1 or CB2 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0014] In the following, connector 10 and connection target 60 are described as being connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit boards CB1 and CB2. For example, connector 10 and connection target 60 are connected in a top-bottom direction. One direction of engagement, when the second insulator 30 and connection target 60 are engaged, is orthogonal to the printed circuit board CB1.

[0015] The coupling method is not limited to this. The connector 10 and the connection target 60 can be coupled to each other in a direction parallel to the printed circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The connector 10 and the connection target 60 can be coupled to each other such that one of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 is perpendicular to the printed circuit board on which one of the connector 10 or the connection target 60 is mounted, and the other of the connector 10 or the connection target 60 is parallel to the printed circuit board on which the other of the connector 10 or the connection target 60 is mounted.

[0016] The "direction of engagement" used in the following description refers, for example, to the top-bottom direction. A "short direction of connector 10" refers, for example, to the left-right direction. A "longitudinal direction of connector 10" means, for example, the front-back direction. A "direction of arrangement of a plurality of contacts 50" means, for example, the front-back direction. An "engagement side" means, for example, the bottom. A "removal side" means, for example, the top.

[0017] An "inside" corresponds to a direction towards the center of connector 10 or connection target 60. For example, an inside in the front-back direction corresponds to a direction towards the center of connector 10 or connection target 60 in the front-back direction. The inside is not limited to this and does not necessarily have to be a direction that points directly towards the center in the front-back direction, but can correspond to a direction slightly diagonal to the center. The same and / or similar principles apply to the other directions. An "outside" is the opposite of the inside.

[0018] The "engagement state" refers to the state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are engaged with each other, and the contact 50 is elastically deformed by contact with the contact 90. A "non-engagement state" refers to a state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are not engaged with each other, and the contact 50 is not elastically deformed by external force.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the connector 10 has a floating structure. The connector 10 allows the connected connection target 60 to move relative to the printed circuit board CB1 in at least one of the six directions selected from the group consisting of: the up and down directions, the front and back directions, and the left and right directions. The connection target 60 can move relative to the printed circuit board CB1 within a predetermined range in at least one of the six directions selected from the group consisting of: the up and down directions, the front and back directions, and the left and right directions, even when the connection target 60 is coupled to the connector 10.For example, in addition to the six directions: the up and down direction, the front and back direction, and the left and right direction, the connection target 60 can move in a diagonal direction between the respective directions within a predetermined area.

[0020] Fig. Figure 3 is an external perspective view of connector 10 alone. Fig. 1, seen from the top. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of connector 10. Fig. 3, seen from the top. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of connector 10. Fig. 3, seen from the front. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the metal element 40 and some contacts 50. Fig. 4, seen from above.

[0021] For example, from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the connector 10 is assembled according to the following procedure. The metal element 40 and the contact 50 are pressed into the first insulator 20 from below. The metal element 40 and the contact 50 are then pressed into the second insulator 30 from below. This positions the second insulator 30 on the inside of the first insulator 20, to which the metal element 40 and the contact 50 are attached.

[0022] The following mainly describes a configuration of each component of the connector 10 in the non-interference state. A configuration of the first insulator 20 is mainly described with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0023] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first insulator 20 is a front-to-back extending element manufactured by injection molding of an insulating, heat-resistant plastic resin material. The first insulator 20 comprises a pair of first insulators 20 arranged opposite to each other in such a way that they are separated in the left-to-right direction. The first insulator 20 has a wall portion 21, which forms the substantial whole of the first insulator 20 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The first insulator 20 has a mounting groove 22 provided for recessing into a lower section of the wall portion 21 on the inside. The mounting groove 22 has a plurality of mounting slots 22 arranged in the front-to-back direction. The metal element 40 and the contact 50 are attached to the mounting groove 22.

[0024] A configuration of the second insulator 30 is mainly determined with reference to Fig. As described in section 4, a lower half section of the second insulator 30 is arranged in an interior space surrounded by the wall section 21 of the first insulator 20. An upper half section of the second insulator 30 is positioned above the interior space surrounded by the wall section 21 of the first insulator 20 and is exposed. The second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first insulator 20. The second insulator 30 is to be brought into engagement with the connection target 60.

[0025] For example, the second insulator 30 is an element that extends in the front-to-back direction and is manufactured by injection molding of an insulating, heat-resistant plastic resin material. The lower half of the second insulator 30 has a linear shape in the front view. The upper half of the second insulator 30 has a U-shape in the front view.

[0026] The second insulator 30 has a base part 31 located in the lower half section. The base part 31 is plate-like and extends in the front-back direction with a narrower width in the left-right direction. In a front view, the base part 31 has a linear shape in the top-bottom direction. The second insulator 30 has a projection part 32 that extends continuously upwards from an upper end of the base part 31. In a front view, the projection part 32 has a U-shape in the top-bottom direction.

[0027] The second insulator 30 has an engagement recess 33 provided to be recessed within the projection 32 and to engage with the connection target 60. The engagement recess 33 is arranged continuously from a front end to a rear end within the projection 32. The second insulator 30 has a fastening groove 34 provided to be recessed on the left and right inner walls of the projection 32 along the engagement recess 33. The fastening groove 34 is provided to be recessed along the engagement recess 33 over substantially the entire top-to-bottom direction. The fastening groove 34 is arranged continuously from an upper end of the projection 32 to engage a lower end section of the projection 32. The fastening groove 34 has a plurality of fastening grooves 34 arranged in the front-back direction.The metal element 40 and the contact 50 are attached to the mounting groove 34.

[0028] A configuration of metal element 40 is mainly described with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0029] The metal element 40 is formed by means of a thin plate made of any metal material, which is inserted into the die using a progressive die tool (punching). Fig. The illustrated shape is formed. The process for machining the metal element 40 includes a step of bending in one thickness direction after punching. As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the metal element 40 has an L-shape in the front view. The metal element 40 comprises a pair of metal elements 40 that are also arranged in opposite directions such that they are separated from each other in the left-right direction.

[0030] The metal element 40 has a base part 41, which is positioned in a central section of the metal element 40 and extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and top-down directions. The base part 41 has a rectangular shape. The metal element 40 has a first coupling part 42, which extends downward from a lower end of the base part 41 and is bent at an angle of substantially 90° to extend outward in the left-right direction. The first coupling part 42 comprises a first coupling part 42 arranged at one end in the front-back direction and two or more pairs of first coupling parts 42 arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction.

[0031] The metal element 40 has a rectangular fastening part 43 extending upwards from an outer end of the first coupling part 42 in a left-right direction. The fastening part 43 extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and top-down directions. The fastening part 43 has a fastening part 43 extending from the first coupling part 42 located at one end in the front-back direction. The fastening part 43 has two or more fastening parts 43 extending from the respective pairs of first coupling parts 42 located at intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction.

[0032] The metal element 40 has a second coupling part 44 that extends upwards from an upper end of the base part 41 and bends in a crank-like manner to extend upwards. The second coupling part 44 has a second coupling part 44 arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and two or more pairs of second coupling parts 44 arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction.

[0033] The metal element 40 has a rectangular mounting part 45 that extends upwards from an upper end of the second coupling part 44. The mounting part 45 extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and top-down directions. The mounting part 45 has a mounting part 45 that extends from the second coupling part 44, which is arranged at one end in the front-back direction. The mounting part 45 has two or more mounting parts 45 that extend from the respective pairs of second coupling parts 44, which are arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction.

[0034] The metal element 40 has a contact part 46 positioned in the top-bottom direction in a central section of the base part 41. The contact part 46 has a contact spring positioned between the fastening part 43 and the fastening part 45. The contact part 46 has two or more contact parts 46 positioned between the fastening part 43 and the fastening part 45, which are arranged at one end in the front-back direction. The contact part 46 has two or more contact parts 46, each positioned between the corresponding fastening parts 43 and the corresponding fastening parts 45 of the two or more pairs of fastening parts 43 and the two or more pairs of fastening parts 45, which are arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction.The contact part 46 is in the same position as the mounting part 43 and the mounting part 45 in the front-back direction and lies on the same axis in the top-bottom direction. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is formed by a portion of the base part 41 that bends in the thickness direction and extends to such a width that it is inclined outwards in the left-right direction from the top to the bottom.

[0035] The metal element 40 has an elastic contact piece 47 that extends upwards from an upper end of the fastening part 45. The elastic contact piece 47 extends linearly upwards from the upper end of the fastening part 45 and inclines obliquely inwards in the left-right direction to extend linearly upwards. One upper end of the elastic contact piece 47 is formed with a step that projects inwards in the left-right direction.

[0036] A configuration of Contact 50 is mainly done with reference to Fig. 4 described.

[0037] The contact 50 is formed by means of a thin plate which is inserted into the Fig. The form shown in Figure 4 is / will be produced. The thin plate is made, for example, of a copper alloy with spring elasticity, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, or a Corson copper alloy. The contact 50 is manufactured by bending in one thickness direction after stamping. The process for machining the contact 50 is not limited to this, but can also consist solely of the stamping step. The contact 50 is, for example, made of a metal material with a low modulus of elasticity, so that elastic deformation causes a large change in shape. A base is formed on one surface of the contact 50 by plating with nickel, and subsequently the surface of the contact 50 is plated with gold, tin, or the like.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, contact 50 has a plurality of contacts 50 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. In one direction (left or right), a set of a plurality of contacts 50 is arranged in the front-to-back direction. The same set as in one direction (left or right) is also arranged symmetrically in the other direction (left or right).

[0039] The contact 50 has a first contact 50a and a second contact 50b. The first contact 50a has a first contact 50a arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and two or more first contacts 50a arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction. The second contact 50b has a pair of second contacts 50b arranged between a pair of first contacts 50a that are adjacent in the front-back direction. The second contact 50b has a second contact 50b arranged at the other end in the front-back direction. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, contact 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and to the second insulator 30.

[0040] A configuration of the first contact 50a, which is arranged at one end in the front-back direction, is described with reference to Fig. The first contact 50a is described in Figure 5, with the focus on the first contact 50a. The first contact 50a has a first mounting part 51a extending in the top-bottom direction and supported by the first insulator 20. The first contact 50a has a mounting part 52a extending outwards in an L-shape from a lower end of the first mounting part 51a in the left-right direction. The first mounting part 51a extends from the mounting part 52a along the first insulator 20 and is arranged along the first insulator 20. The first contact 50a has a bending part 53a extending towards the second insulator 30 while bending from an upper end of the first mounting part 51a.

[0041] The first contact 50a has a first extension section 54a that extends from the bending section 53a to the second insulator 30. The first extension section 54a extends horizontally to the second insulator 30 from an end section of the bending section 53a on the side of the second insulator 30. An end piece of the first extension section 54a on the side of the second insulator 30 bends towards the engagement side when the connection target 60 engages with the second insulator 30.

[0042] The first contact 50a has a coupling part 55a that extends linearly from an end piece of the first extension part 54a on the side of the second insulator 30 towards the engagement side. The first contact 50a has a folded part 56a that is folded back from a lower end of the coupling part 55a towards the distance side, opposite to the engagement side. The folded part 56a is coupled to the first extension part 54a by means of the coupling part 55a.

[0043] The first contact 50a has a second extension section 57a ​​that extends from the folded section 56a to the distance side. The second extension section 57a ​​is arranged linearly to be parallel to the top-bottom direction. The first contact 50a has a second fastening section 58a that curves upwards in a gentle crank-like manner from an upper end of the second extension section 57a ​​and extends linearly upwards. The second fastening section 58a has a section of greater width in the front-back direction immediately above the section that curves in the crank-like manner and is supported by the second insulator 30.

[0044] The first contact 50a has an elastic contact piece 59a that extends upwards from an upper end of the second fastening part 58a in such a way that it projects slightly inwards in the left-right direction. The elastic contact piece 59a extends obliquely downwards at its upper end in the left-right direction and bends obliquely downwards at an inner end in the left-right direction towards the outside. The elastic contact piece 59a has a contact part 59a1 that is positioned at its inner end in the left-right direction.

[0045] A configuration of two or more first contacts 50a, arranged from one end to the other in the front-back direction, is described, with the focus being on the first contacts 50a in question. Each of these first contacts 50a has a shape in which the first contact 50a described above, arranged at one end in the front-back direction, is coupled to the first contact 50a obtained by symmetrical inversion of the first contact 50a described above in the front-back direction in such a way that it exhibits line symmetry. Such a first contact 50a has the same elements as the first contact 50a described above, arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and the same and / or similar description as for each of the elements described above is applicable.

[0046] A configuration of the second contact 50b is described with focus on this. The second contact 50b has a first mounting part 51b that extends in the top-bottom direction and is supported by the first insulator 20. The second contact 50b has a mounting part 52b that extends outwards in a left-right direction in an L-shape from a lower end of the first mounting part 51b. The first mounting part 51b extends from the mounting part 52b along the first insulator 20 and is arranged along the first insulator 20. The second contact 50b has a bending part 53b that extends towards the second insulator 30 while bending from an upper end of the first mounting part 51b.

[0047] The second contact 50b has a first extension section 54b that extends from the bending section 53b to the second insulator 30. The first extension section 54b extends horizontally towards the second insulator 30 from an end section of the bending section 53b on the side of the second insulator 30. An end piece of the first extension section 54b on the side of the second insulator 30 bends towards the engagement side when the connection target 60 engages with the second insulator 30.

[0048] The second contact 50b has a coupling part 55b that slopes linearly from an end piece of the first extension part 54b on the side of the second insulator 30 towards the engagement side. The second contact 50b has a folded part 56b that is folded back from a lower end of the coupling part 55b towards the distance side, opposite to the engagement side. The folded section 56b is connected to the first extension part 54b by means of the coupling part 55b. The second contact 50b has a cutout in the thickness direction at a central section in the front-to-back direction across the first extension part 54b, the coupling part 55b, and the folded part 56b.

[0049] The second contact 50b has a second extension section 57b that extends from the folded section 56b to the distance side. The second extension section 57b is arranged linearly to be parallel to the top-bottom direction. The second contact 50b has a second mounting section 58b that curves upwards from an upper end of the second extension section 57b in a gently crank-like manner and extends linearly upwards. The second mounting section 58b has a section of greater width in the front-back direction immediately above the crank-like curved section and is supported by the second insulator 30. The second contact 50b has a cutout in the thickness direction at a central section in the front-back direction over the crank-like curved section of the second mounting section 58b.

[0050] The second contact 50b has an elastic contact piece 59b that extends upwards from an upper end of the second fastening part 58b in such a way that it projects slightly inwards in the left-right direction. The elastic contact piece 59b extends obliquely downwards at one upper end towards the inside in the left-right direction and bends obliquely downwards at one inner end towards the outside in the left-right direction. The elastic contact piece 59b has a contact part 59b1 that is positioned at its inner end in the left-right direction.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first fastening element 51a of the first contact 50a is secured by means of the fastening groove 22, which is positioned on the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20. The first fastening element 51a is attached to the first insulator 20. The second fastening element 58a of the first contact 50a is secured by means of the fastening groove 34, which is positioned on the projection part 32 of the second insulator 30. The second fastening element 58a is attached to the second insulator 30.

[0052] The first fastening element 51b of the second contact 50b is secured by means of the fastening groove 22, which is positioned on the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20. The first fastening element 51b is attached to the first insulator 20. The second fastening element 58b of the second contact 50b is secured by means of the fastening groove 34, which is positioned on the projection part 32 of the second insulator 30. The second fastening element 58b is attached to the second insulator 30.

[0053] When each of the multiple contacts 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30, an inner end of the contact part 59a1 of the first contact 50a projects in a left-right direction from the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 and is positioned within the engagement recess 33. Similarly, an inner end of the contact part 59b1 of the second contact 50b projects in a left-right direction from the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 and is positioned within the engagement recess 33.

[0054] The elastic contact piece 59a of the first contact 50a is arranged in the left-right direction within the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 in an elastically deformable manner. The elastic contact piece 59b of the second contact 50b is arranged in the left-right direction within the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 in an elastically deformable manner.

[0055] If each contact 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and to the second insulator 30, the contact 50 supports the second insulator 30 in such a way that the second insulator 30 is separated from the first insulator 20 and floats.

[0056] At this point, the base part 31, which forms the lower half section of the second insulator 30, is arranged in the interior space enclosed by the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20 in such a way that it is separated from the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20 and floats. A large section of the projection part 32 of the second insulator 30 protrudes upwards from the interior space enclosed by the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20 and extends outwards. The engagement recess part 33 of the second insulator 30 is arranged above the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20 in such a way that it can engage with the connection target 60.

[0057] The bent section 53a of the first contact 50a bends from the upper end of the first fastening section 51a at an angle of 90°. The bent section 53a has a sector-like arc shape with a central angle of 90°. The end piece of the first extension section 54a on the side of the second insulator 30 bends at an obtuse angle greater than 90°. This end piece has a sector-like arc shape with an acute central angle of less than 90°. The folded section 56a bends at an acute angle of less than 90° from the lower end of the coupling section 55a, which is inclined obliquely, and bends in an arc-like manner such that one end section of the folded section 56a points upwards. The folded section 56a has a sector-like arc shape with an obtuse central angle greater than 90°.

[0058] The mounting part 52a, the first fastening part 51a, the bending part 53a, and part of the first extension part 54a of the first contact 50a are arranged along the first insulator 20. The end piece of the first extension part 54a on the side of the second insulator 30, the coupling part 55a, the folded part 56a, and the second extension part 57a of the first contact 50a are positioned between the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. The second fastening part 58a, the elastic contact piece 59a, and the contact part 59a1 of the first contact 50a are arranged along the second insulator 30.

[0059] The first contact 50a has a first movable part positioned between the first fastening part 51a and the second fastening part 58a. Within the first contact 50a, the first movable part comprises the bending part 53a, the first extension part 54a, the coupling part 55a, the folded part 56a, and the second extension part 57a. The first movable part includes a section of the first contact 50a whose shape changes during the floating operation of the connector 10.

[0060] The bent section 53b of the second contact 50b bends from the upper end of the first fastening section 51b at an angle of 90°. The bent section 53b has a sector-like shape with a central angle of 90°. The end piece of the first extension section 54b on the side of the second insulator 30 bends at an obtuse angle greater than 90°. This end piece has a sector-like shape with an acute central angle of less than 90°. The folded section 56b extends at an acute angle of less than 90° from the lower end of the coupling section 55b, which is inclined obliquely, and bends in an arc-like manner, such that one end section of the folded section 56b points upwards. The folded section 56b has a sector-like shape with an obtuse central angle greater than 90°.

[0061] The mounting part 52b, the first fastening part 51b, the bending part 53b, and part of the first extension part 54b of the second contact 50b are arranged along the first insulator 20. The end piece of the first extension part 54b on the side of the second insulator 30, the coupling part 55b, the folded part 56b, and the second extension part 57b of the second contact 50b are positioned between the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. The second fastening part 58b, the elastic contact piece 59b, and the contact part 59b1 of the second contact 50b are arranged along the second insulator 30.

[0062] The second contact 50b has a second movable part which is positioned between the first fastening part 51b and the second fastening part 58b.

[0063] In the second contact 50b, the second movable part comprises the bent part 53b, the first extension part 54b, the coupling part 55b, the folded part 56b, and the second extension part 57b. The second movable part includes a section of the second contact 50b whose shape changes during the floating operation of the connector 10.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the width direction of the contact 50, which has the first contact 50a and the second contact 50b, is parallel to the arrangement direction of the majority of contacts 50. The thickness direction of the contact 50 is any direction orthogonal to the front-back direction and is contained in a plane extending in the top-bottom and left-right directions. The thickness of the contact 50 is essentially uniform at any position of the contact 50. On the other hand, the width of the contact 50 varies in the front-back direction at different positions of the contact 50.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the fastening part 43 of the metal element 40 is attached by means of the fastening groove 22, which is positioned on the wall part 21 of the first insulator 20. The fastening part 43 is attached to the first insulator 20. The fastening part 45 of the metal element 40 is secured by means of the fastening groove 34, which is positioned on the projection part 32 of the second insulator 30. The fastening part 45 is attached to the second insulator 30.

[0066] The metal element 40 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 and is thus held in place by the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. At this point, an inner end of the elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 projects in the left-right direction from the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 and is positioned within the engagement recess 33. The elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 is arranged in an elastically deformable manner within the mounting groove 34 of the second insulator 30 in the left-right direction.

[0067] Fig. Figure 6 shows, for the sake of simplicity, only the metal element 40 and two first contacts 50a of the majority of the elements of the connector 10. Fig. The representation of the other elements of connector 10 is omitted in section 6.

[0068] As from the Fig. 5 and Fig. As is easy to understand, the metal element 40 is in contact with the contact 50 when the metal element 40 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. For example, the metal element 40 is in contact with the first contact 50a, which is contained within the contact 50. The fastening part 43 of the metal element 40 is in surface contact with the first fastening part 51a of the first contact 50a on the fastening groove 22 of the first insulator 20. The fastening part 45 of the metal element 40 is in surface contact with the second fastening part 58a of the first contact 50a on the fastening groove 34 of the second insulator 30.

[0069] The contact part 46 of the metal element 40 is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a. For example, the contact part 46 is in contact with the second extension part 57a, which is contained within the first movable part. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is in contact with an inner surface in the left-right direction of the second extension part 57a and is thereby slightly and elastically deformed inwards in the left-right direction.

[0070] The fastening part 43 of the metal element 40 is arranged along the first insulator 20. The first coupling part 42, the base part 41, the contact part 46, and the second coupling part 44 of the metal element 40 are positioned between the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. The fastening part 45 and the elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 are arranged along the second insulator 30.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, connector 10, which has the structure described above, is mounted, for example, on a button positioned on a mounting surface of the printed circuit board CB1. More precisely, the mounting part 52a of the first contact 50a is applied to solder paste deposited onto a GND structure on the printed circuit board CB1. The mounting part 52b of the second contact 50b is applied to solder paste deposited onto a signal structure on the printed circuit board CB1.

[0072] Each type of solder paste is melted by heat in a reflow oven, thereby soldering mounting part 52a and mounting part 52b to the GND structure and the signal structure, respectively. This completes the mounting of connector 10 on the printed circuit board CB1. Electronic components other than connector 10, including a CPU (central processing unit), a control device, and memory, are mounted on the button of printed circuit board CB1.

[0073] A structure of the connection target 60 is mainly derived with reference to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described.

[0074] Fig. Figure 7 is an external perspective view of connection target 60, which is connected to connector 10 in Fig. 3 is to be coupled, viewed from above. As an example, the connection target 60 is assembled in such a way that the contact 90 and the insulator 70 are integrally formed by insert molding and the metal element 80 is pressed into the insulator 70 from above.

[0075] Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of connection target 60 in Fig. 7, viewed from the top. In practice, the contact 90 and the insulator 70 are integrally formed using insert molding. In Fig. However, for clarity, the insulator 70 and the contact 90 are shown imaginarily separated and as individual units in Figure 8. Accordingly, for example, a contact mounting groove 73 of the insulator 70 and similar features described later are referred to as such for simplicity; in practice, however, the contact 90 and the insulator 70 are integrally formed within these components by means of insert molding. It should be noted that the insulator 70 does not have the contact mounting groove 73 and similar features as original configurations.

[0076] For example, the insulator 70 is a square, prismatic element manufactured by injection molding of an insulating, heat-resistant plastic material. The insulator 70 has a base part 71. The insulator 70 has an engagement projection 72 that extends downwards from a lower end of the base part 71.

[0077] The insulator 70 has a plurality of contact mounting grooves 73, which are provided to be fully recessed in the top-bottom direction across the engagement projection 72 and the base 71. The contact mounting grooves 73 are provided to be recessed in the left-right direction on an outer surface of the engagement projection 72. The contact mounting grooves 73 are provided to penetrate fully into the base 71 in the top-bottom direction. The multiple contacts 90 are attached to the respective contact mounting grooves 73. The insulator 70 has a mounting groove 74, which is provided to be recessed within the base 71 and the engagement projection 72 over substantially the entire top-bottom direction. The metal element 80 is attached to the mounting groove 74.

[0078] The metal element 80 is made by means of a thin plate of any metal material, which is inserted into the space using a progressive die tool (punching). Fig. The form shown in Figure 8 is produced. The process for machining the metal element 80 includes a step of bending in one thickness direction after punching.

[0079] The metal element 80 has a base part 81 that extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and top-bottom directions. The base part 81 has a rectangular shape. The metal element 80 has a plurality of contact parts 82 arranged in the front-back and top-bottom directions on both surfaces of the base part 81 in the left-right direction. The contact part 82 has a contact spring. The contact spring of the contact part 82 is formed by a portion of the base part 81 that bends in the thickness direction and extends in such a way that it is inclined upwards from below in the left-right direction to both outer surfaces. The contact spring has two or more contact springs arranged at substantially equal intervals in the top-bottom direction on one surface of the base part 81.These two or more contact springs are arranged in two or more rows at any intervals in the front-back direction. The contact spring has two or more contact springs arranged at substantially equal intervals in the top-bottom direction on the other face of the base part 81. These two or more contact springs are arranged in two or more rows at any intervals in the front-back direction.

[0080] The contact 90 is formed by means of a thin plate which is inserted into the in using a progressive die tool (punching). Fig. The form shown in Figure 8 is produced. The thin plate is made, for example, of a spring-elastic copper alloy, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, or a Corson copper alloy. Contact 90 is manufactured by bending in one thickness direction after stamping. The process for machining Contact 90 is not limited to this, but can also consist solely of the stamping step. A base is formed on one surface of Contact 90 by plating with nickel, and subsequently, plating with gold, tin, or the like is applied to the surface of Contact 90.

[0081] The contact 90 has a plurality of contacts 90 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. In one direction (left and right), a set of a plurality of contacts 90 is arranged in a front-to-back direction. The same set as in one direction (left or right) is also arranged symmetrically in the other direction (left or right).

[0082] The contact 90 has a first contact 90a and a second contact 90b. The first contact 90a has a first contact 90a arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and two or more first contacts 90a arranged at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction. The second contact 90b has a pair of second contacts 90b arranged between a pair of first contacts 90a that are adjacent to each other in the front-back direction. The second contact 90b has a second contact 90b arranged at the other end in the front-back direction.

[0083] A configuration of the first contact 90a, which is arranged at one end in the front-back direction, is described with reference to Fig. 8 described, with the focus on the first contact 90a in question. The first contact 90a has a base part 91a that extends in the top-bottom direction and is integrally formed with the insulator 70. The first contact 90a has a mounting part 92a that extends outwards in an L-shape from an upper end of the base part 91a in the left-right direction. The first contact 90a has a contact part 93a that is positioned on a lower section of the base part 91a.

[0084] A configuration of two or more first contacts 90a, arranged from one end to the other in the front-back direction, is described with focus on the first contacts 90a in question. Each of these first contacts 90a has a shape in which the first contact 90a described above, arranged at one end in the front-back direction, is coupled to the first contact 90a obtained by symmetrical inversion of the first contact 90a described above in the front-back direction such that it exhibits line symmetry. The first contact 90a has the same elements as the first contact 90a described above, arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and the same and / or similar description as for each element described above is applicable.

[0085] A configuration of the second contact 90b is described with particular emphasis. The second contact 90b has a base part 91b that extends in the top-bottom direction and is integrally formed with the insulator 70. The second contact 90b has a mounting part 92b that extends outwards in the left-right direction in an L-shape from an upper end of the base part 91b. The second contact 90b has a contact part 93b that is positioned on a lower section of the base part 91b.

[0086] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the metal element 80 is attached to the mounting groove 74 of the insulator 70. For example, the base part 81 of the metal element 80 is secured by means of the mounting groove 74 of the insulator 70. The metal element 80 is arranged inside the insulator 70.

[0087] The multiple contacts 90 are held by means of the respective contact mounting grooves 73 of the insulator 70. For example, the base part 91a of the first contact 90a is held by means of the contact mounting groove 73 of the insulator 70. For example, the base part 91b of the second contact 90b is held by means of the contact mounting groove 73 of the insulator 70. At this point, the contact part 93a of the first contact 90a and the contact part 93b of the second contact 90b are arranged on the engagement projection 72 of the insulator 70. The contact part 93a of the first contact 90a and the contact part 93b of the second contact 90b point outwards in the left-right direction on the engagement projection 72.

[0088] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the connection target 60 with the structure described above is, for example, mounted on a button positioned on a mounting surface of the printed circuit board CB2. More precisely, the mounting part 92a of the first contact 90a is placed on solder paste applied to a GND structure on the printed circuit board CB2. The mounting part 92b of the second contact 90b is placed on solder paste applied to a signal structure on the printed circuit board CB2.

[0089] Each type of solder paste is melted by heat in a reflow oven, thereby soldering mounting part 92a and mounting part 92b to the GND structure and the signal structure, respectively. This completes the mounting of connection target 60 on the circuit board CB2. Other electronic components besides connection target 60, including a camera module and a sensor, are mounted on the button of circuit board CB2.

[0090] The following mainly describes the operation of connector 10, which has a floating structure.

[0091] The mounting part 52a of the first contact 50a and the mounting part 52b of the second contact 50b are soldered to the circuit board CB1, thereby attaching the first insulator 20 to the circuit board CB1. The second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first insulator 20, which is attached to the circuit board CB1, by means of elastic deformation of the first contact 50a and the second contact 50b. At this point, the metal element 40 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 are also elastically deformed.

[0092] The connection target 60 is positioned opposite the connector 10, which has the floating structure described above, in the top-bottom direction in such a way that the front-back and left-right positions of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are essentially identical. The connection target 60 is then moved downwards. At this point, the connection target 60 is guided towards the connector 10, even if the positions of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 differ slightly from each other, for example, in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0093] At this point, the second insulator 30 moves relative to the first insulator 20 by means of the floating structure of the connector 10. More precisely, the engagement projection 72 of the insulator 70 is guided to the engagement recess 33 of the second insulator 30. When the connection target 60 moves downwards, the engagement recess 33 of the second insulator 30 and the engagement projection 72 of the insulator 70 interlock.

[0094] Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of only part of a configuration of the connector 10 and the connection target 60 in the engaged state. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 9 shows only the metal element 40 and a plurality of contacts 50 of the plurality of elements of the connector 10 for the purpose of simple illustration. Fig. Figure 9 omits the representation of the other elements of the connector 10. Only the metal element 80 and the plurality of contacts 90 of a plurality of elements of the connection target 60 are shown in the same and / or similar manner. Fig. The representation of the other elements of the connection target 60 is omitted in section 9.

[0095] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, contact 50 of connector 10 and contact 90 of connection target 60 are in the engaged state, in which the second insulator 30 of connector 10 and the insulator 70 of connection target 60 are engaged with each other, in contact with each other.

[0096] For example, the first contact 50a of connector 10 and the first contact 90a of connection target 60 are in contact with each other. The contact part 59a1 of the first contact 50a and the contact part 93a of the first contact 90a are in contact with each other. At this point, the elastic contact piece 59a of the first contact 50a is slightly elastically deformed outwards in the left-right direction and is elastically displaced outwards in the left-right direction within the mounting groove 34.

[0097] For example, the second contact 50b of connector 10 and the second contact 90b of connection target 60 are in contact with each other. The contact part 59b1 of the second contact 50b and the contact part 93b of the second contact 90b are in contact with each other. At this point, the elastic contact piece 59b of the second contact 50b is slightly elastically deformed outwards in the left-right direction and is elastically displaced outwards in the left-right direction within the mounting groove 34.

[0098] In the same and / or a similar manner, the metal element 40 of the connector 10 and the contact 90 of the connection target 60 are in contact with each other in the engagement state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection target 60 are engaged with each other. For example, the metal element 40 of the connector 10 and the first contact 90a of the connection target 60 are in contact with each other. The inner end of the elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 in the left-right direction and the contact part 93a of the first contact 90a are in contact with each other. At this point, the elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 is slightly elastically deformed outwards in the left-right direction and is elastically displaced outwards in the left-right direction within the fastening groove 34.

[0099] In addition to the contact structure described above, the metal element 80 and the contact 90, which are arranged within the insulator 70, are in contact with each other in the connection target 60. For example, the metal element 80 and the first contact 90a are in contact with each other. The contact part 82 of the metal element 80 and the base part 91a of the first contact 90a are in contact with each other. The contact springs of each of the four contact parts 82 are in contact with a first contact 90a at substantially equal intervals in the top-bottom direction. At this point, the contact spring of the contact part 82 is in contact with an inner surface in the left-right direction of the base part 91a and is thereby slightly, elastically deformed inwards in the left-right direction and is elastically displaced inwards in the left-right direction within the mounting groove 74 of the insulator 70.

[0100] In the locked position, the metal element 40 of the connector 10 and the metal element 80 of the connection target 60 allow the first contact 50a and the first contact 90a to be electrically unified at a plurality of points. Focusing on a set of the first contact 50a and the first contact 90a, several electrical unification points are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the top-bottom direction between the printed circuit board CB1 and the printed circuit board CB2.

[0101] The unification points have a first contact point C1, positioned closest to the circuit board CB1, between the mounting part 43 of the metal element 40 and the first mounting part 51a of the first contact 50a. The common points have a second contact point C2, positioned immediately above the first contact point C1, between the contact part 46 of the metal element 40 and the second extension part 57a of the first contact 50a. The unification points have a third contact point C3, positioned immediately above the second contact point C2, between the mounting part 45 of the metal element 40 and the second mounting part 58a of the first contact 50a.The unification points have a fourth contact point C4, positioned directly above the third contact point C3, between the inner end of the elastic contact piece 47 of the metal element 40 in the left-right direction and the contact part 93a of the first contact 90a. The unification points also have contact points, each positioned above the fourth contact point C4, between the contact spring of the corresponding contact part 82 of the metal element 80 and the inner surface in the left-right direction of the base part 91a of the first contact 90a. These contact points include a fifth contact point C5, a sixth contact point C6, a seventh contact point C7, and an eighth contact point C8.

[0102] In this way, connector 10 and connection target 60 are fully coupled. At this point, circuit board CB1 and circuit board CB2 are electrically coupled via contact 50 and contact 90.

[0103] The following describes an effect of connector 10, with the main focus being on connector 10, but the same and / or similar description is also applicable to an electronic device that has connector 10.

[0104] In the first embodiment described above, the connector 10 can achieve advantageous transmission characteristics with respect to a radio frequency signal. The metal element 40 has the contact part 46, which is in contact with the moving part of the contact 50, and thus the connector 10 can also provide the electrical unification point at the moving part of the contact 50. For example, if the first contact 50a is used as a GND pin, the metal element 40 is in contact with the first moving part of the first contact 50a via the contact part 46, and thus the GND pin can be unified at short intervals in a vertical direction between the circuit boards. For example, the GND pin can also be short-circuited at constant intervals in the direction of the connection extension at the first moving part, which constitutes a large length of the first contact 50a.Accordingly, the connector 10 can reduce the periodic occurrence of a resonance point due to a transmission path length within a used frequency range and can achieve advantageous transmission characteristics.

[0105] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the connector 10, in combination with the metal element 80 of the connection target 60, can also unify the GND pin at short intervals in the top-bottom direction between circuit board CB1 and circuit board CB2. For example, if the first contact 50a and the first contact 90a function as the GND pin, the connector 10 can also unify the first contact 50a and the first contact 90a at short intervals in the top-bottom direction.

[0106] In the connector 10, the metal element 40 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30, respectively, by means of the fastening part 43 and the fastening part 45. Accordingly, the connector 10 can advantageously maintain electrical contact between the metal element 40 and the contact 50, while advantageously maintaining the mobility of the second insulator 30 during floating operation. The connector 10 can easily cause the metal element 40 to follow the deformation of the contact 50 during floating operation. In other words, the connector 10 can maintain the contact between the metal element 40 and the contact 50 in such a way that the metal element 40 follows the three-dimensional deformation behavior of the movable part of the contact 50 during floating operation.

[0107] Furthermore, even if the connector 10 has a reduced height, the metal element 40 can be arranged if the metal element 40 has a ground bar structure. Accordingly, even if the connector 10 has a reduced height, advantageous transmission properties can be achieved. Even if the connector 10 has a reduced height, the connector 10 can advantageously maintain electrical contact between the metal element 40 and the contact 50, as well as advantageously maintain the mobility of the second insulator 30.

[0108] The contact part 46 of the metal element 40 has the contact spring. This allows the connector 10 to advantageously maintain the electrical contact between the metal element 40 and the contact 50.

[0109] The connector 10 has the first extension section 54a and the first extension section 54b, the ends of which bend towards the engagement side on the side of the second insulator 30, and the folded section 56a and the folded section 56b, which are folded back towards the removal side, opposite the engagement side. Therefore, the connector 10 can have a longer spring length on the elastically deformable section of the contact 50. This allows the connector 10 to have improved flexibility of the contact 50. The contact 50 is slightly elastically deformed. As a result, the load exerted on the mounting section 52a and the mounting section 52b of the contact 50 is reduced.

[0110] The first contact 50a has the coupling part 55a, which increases the distance at the first contact 50a from the mounting part 52a to the largely deformable section and its pivot point. The second contact 50b has the coupling part 55b, which increases the distance at the second contact 50b from the mounting part 52b to the largely deformable section and its pivot point. Therefore, even if the connector 10 is smaller and the contact 50 is thus reduced in size, it can reduce the stress exerted on the mounting part 52a and the mounting part 52b due to elastic deformation of the contact 50.

[0111] The lateral direction of contact 50 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the majority of contacts 50, thereby increasing the strength of contact 50 in this arrangement direction. Therefore, the connector 10 can improve the robustness of contact 50 against elastic deformation caused by movement of the second insulator 30. Accordingly, the connector 10 can achieve stable floating operation and exhibits improved reliability as a single product.

[0112] The contact 50 is made of a metal material with a low modulus of elasticity, and therefore the connector 10 can ensure the required amount of movement of the second insulator 30, even when a small force is applied to the second insulator 30. The second insulator 30 can move smoothly relative to the first insulator 20. Therefore, the connector 10 can easily absorb positional deviations when engaging with the connection target 60.

[0113] The connector 10 absorbs vibrations caused by external factors through elastic deformation of the contact 50. Consequently, it is less likely that large forces will be exerted on the mounting part 52a and the mounting part 52b of the contact 50. Therefore, the section connected to the circuit board CB1 exhibits less damage. The solder on the connected section of the circuit board CB1 with the mounting part 52a and the mounting part 52b shows fewer cracks. Therefore, the connection reliability is improved, even when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are coupled together.

[0114] In the first embodiment described above, the contact part 46 of the metal element 40 has the contact spring. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. The contact part 46 can have any other structure instead of or in addition to the contact spring, which can be in contact with the movable part of the contact 50.

[0115] In the first embodiment described above, the coupling part 55a and the coupling part 55b are inclined linearly at an oblique angle to the engagement side of the end piece of the first extension part 54a and the end piece of the first extension part 54b, respectively. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the coupling part 55a or the coupling part 55b can be arranged in a curved manner.

[0116] In the first embodiment described above, the lateral direction of contact 50 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the majority of contacts 50. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. The lateral direction of contact 50 can be parallel to any direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the majority of contacts 50.

[0117] In the first embodiment described above, the contact 50 is made of a metal material with a low modulus of elasticity. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. The contact 50 can be made of a metal material with any modulus of elasticity, as long as a required amount of elastic deformation can be ensured.

[0118] In the first embodiment described above, the connection target 60 is a connector that is connected to the printed circuit board CB2. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. The connection target 60 can be any target other than the connector. For example, the connection target 60 can be an FPC, a flexible flat cable, a rigid substrate, or a card edge of any printed circuit board.

[0119] The method for assembling the connector 10 and the connection target 60 described in the first embodiment is not limited to the content of the description. The method for assembling the connector 10 and the connection target 60 can be any method, as long as the connector 10 and the connection target 60 can be assembled in such a way that they fulfill their respective functions.

[0120] For example, at least one of the metal element 40 or the contact 50 need not be pressed into the first insulator 20, but can be formed integrally with the first insulator 20 by means of insert molding. At least one of the metal element 40 or the contact 50 need not be pressed into the second insulator 30, but can be formed integrally with the second insulator 30 by means of insert molding. For example, the metal element 80 need not be pressed into the insulator 70, but can be formed integrally with the insulator 70 by means of insert molding. The contact 90 need not be formed integrally with the insulator 70 by means of insert molding, but can be pressed into the insulator 70.

[0121] In the first embodiment described above, the metal element 40 of the connector 10 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. The metal element 40 can be attached to the movable part of the contact 50 instead of the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. Examples of such a connector 10 in a second through fourth embodiment are described below.

[0122] In the second through fourth embodiments, the connector 10 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the metal element 40 has a fastening part 48 which is attached to the movable part of the contact 50. Other configurations, functions, effects, variations, and the like are the same as and / or similar to those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding description applies to the connector 10 according to the second through fourth embodiments. Hereinafter, elements that are the same as and / or similar to those of the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The focus is primarily on configurations that differ from those of the first embodiment. (SECOND VERSION)

[0123] Fig. Figure 10 is a side view of the connector 10 according to the second embodiment, seen from the front. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the metal element 40 and some contacts 50 in Fig. 10, seen from above. Fig. Figure 11 shows only the metal element 40 and two first contacts 50a of a plurality of elements of the connector 10 for the purpose of simple illustration as in Fig. 6. In Fig. In section 11, the representation of the other elements of connector 10 is omitted.

[0124] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second insulator 30 in the second embodiment does not have the base part 31, but only has elements relating to the projecting part 32. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the metal element 40 has a pair of base parts 41 arranged opposite each other in such a way that they are separated in the left-right direction. Each base part 41 extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and top-bottom directions and has a rectangular shape. The metal element 40 has the fastening part 48, which projects outwards in the left-right direction from each of the upper and lower ends of the base part 41. In the second embodiment, the fastening part 48 has a projection that projects outwards in the left-right direction from the base part 41. A pair of projections, arranged at each of the upper and lower ends of the base part 41, are in the same position in the front-back direction.In the metal element 40, the projection of the fastening part 48 has a pair of projections arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and two or more pairs of projections arranged at any intervals from one end to the other end in the front-back direction.

[0125] The metal element 40 has a contact part 46, which is positioned in the top-bottom direction in the central section of the base part 41. The contact part 46 has a contact spring that is adjacent to the projection of the fastening part 48. For example, the contact spring of the contact part 46 is positioned between the pair of projections of the fastening parts 48 located at the respective top and bottom ends of the base part 41. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is arranged in the top-bottom direction between the pair of projections. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is located in the same position as the pair of projections in the front-back direction. One contact spring of the contact part 46 is provided for each pair of projections, so that a total of four contact springs are arranged.The contact spring of the contact part 46 is formed by means of a part of the base part 41 which bends in the thickness direction and extends in such a way that it tilts outwards in the left-right direction from the top to the bottom.

[0126] The metal element 40 has a coupling part 49 that couples the pair of base parts 41, which are arranged opposite each other, in the left-right direction such that they are separated from each other in the left-right direction. The coupling part 49 is arranged above the pair of base parts 41 such that it couples an upper edge of one base part 41 and an upper edge of the other base part 41. The coupling part 49 extends in a plate-like manner in the front-back and left-right directions along an upper edge of the pair of base parts 41 and forms a top surface of the metal element 40. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the ceiling surface is in contact with or adjacent to a floor surface of the projection part 32 of the second insulator 30 in the top-bottom direction.

[0127] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first contact 50a, in addition to the elements in the first embodiment, has a hole 57a1 positioned on the first movable part. For example, in the first contact 50a, the hole 57a1 is provided such that it penetrates both the upper and lower ends of the second extension part 57a contained in the first movable part. A pair of holes 57a1, arranged at the respective upper and lower ends of the second extension part 57a, are located in the front-to-back direction at the same position.

[0128] The projection of the fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 is loosely arranged in / fitted into the hole 57a1, which is located on the first movable part of the first contact 50a. Accordingly, the metal element 40 is attached to the first contact 50a in a semi-movable state, i.e., in a state with play. The contact part 46 of the metal element 40 is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a. For example, the contact part 46 is in contact with the second extension part 57a, which is contained within the first movable part. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is in contact with the inner surface of the second extension part 57a in the left-right direction and is thereby slightly and elastically deformed inwards in the left-right direction.

[0129] The fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 has a projection that is loosely arranged in the hole 57a1. This allows the connector 10 to also enable the metal element 40 to be attached to the first contact 50a in a semi-movable state. The connector 10 facilitates the fastening of the metal element 40 to the first contact 50a. (THIRD VERSION)

[0130] Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the connector 10, seen from the front, according to the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the metal element 40 and some contacts 50 in Fig. 12, seen from above. Fig. Figure 13 shows only the metal element 40 and two first contacts 50a of a plurality of elements of the connector 10 for the purpose of simple illustration as in Fig. 6. In Fig. The representation of the other elements of connector 10 is omitted in section 13.

[0131] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the metal element 40 has the fastening part 48, which projects outwards in a plate-like manner in the left-right direction in the top-bottom direction from the central section of the base part 41. In the third embodiment, the fastening part 48 has a projection structure that projects outwards in a plate-like manner in the left-right direction from the base part 41. The projection structure, which is arranged in the top-bottom direction in the central section of the base part 41, has a projection structure located at one end in the front-back direction and two or more projection structures located at any intervals from one end to the other in the front-back direction. The metal element 40 has a recess part 48a, which is provided to be recessed on a side face of the projection structure of the fastening part 48 in the front-back direction.In the third embodiment, the contact part 46, which is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a in the metal element 40, has the projection structure of the fastening part 48. The projection structure, which is arranged in the top-bottom direction in the middle section of the base part 41, fulfills not only the function of the fastening part 48, but also the function of the contact part 46.

[0132] The first contact 50a, in addition to the elements in the first embodiment, has a pair of contact springs 57a2 arranged on the first movable part. For example, in the first contact 50a, the pair of contact springs 57a2 project inwards in the left-right direction from the inner surface of the second extension part 57a, which is contained in the first movable part. The first contact 50a has a curved part 57a3 arranged at an end of each of the pairs of contact springs 57a2.

[0133] The plate-shaped projection structure of the fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 is clamped by means of the pair of contact springs 57a2, which are arranged on the first movable part of the first contact 50a. Accordingly, the metal element 40 is attached to the first contact 50a. The plate-shaped projection structure of the base part 41 serves as the contact part 46, and thus the metal element 40 is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a. The metal element 40 is attached to the first movable part of the first contact 50a in such a way that it is in contact with the first movable part by means of the plate-shaped projection structure of the base part 41. At this point, the curved part 57a3 of the first contact 50a fits into the recess part 48a of the metal element 40.

[0134] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the inner surface of the base part 41 of the metal element 40 is in contact with or adjacent to an outer surface of the base part 31 of the second insulator 30 in the left-right direction when the metal element 40 is attached to the first contact 50a.

[0135] The fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 has the plate-shaped projection structure, which is clamped by means of the pair of contact springs 57a2. This allows the connector 10 to position the metal element 40 relative to the contact 50, while the metal element 40 has a simplified shape. (FOURTH VERSION)

[0136] Fig. Figure 14 is a side view of the connector 10, seen from the front, according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the metal element 40 and some contacts 50 in Fig. 14, seen from above. Fig. Figure 15 shows only the metal element 40 and two first contacts 50a of a plurality of elements of the connector 10 for the purpose of simple illustration as in Fig. 6. In Fig. The representation of the other elements of connector 10 is omitted in section 15.

[0137] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the metal element 40 has the fastening part 48 as a plate-shaped structure extending in the front-back and top-bottom directions, which also serves as the base part 41. In the fourth embodiment, the fastening part 48 has the plate-shaped structure extending in the front-back and top-bottom directions within the base part 41. The metal element 40 has the contact part 46, which extends upward from a lower edge of the plate-shaped structure of the fastening part 48 in such a way that it is bent back in a U-shape. The contact part 46 has a contact spring extending from the plate-shaped structure of the fastening part 48.The contact spring of the contact part 46 has one contact spring arranged at one end in the front-back direction and two or more contact springs arranged at any intervals from one end to the other end in the front-back direction.

[0138] The first contact 50a, in addition to the elements in the first embodiment, has a forked contact spring 57a4 positioned on the first movable part. For example, the contact spring 57a4 of the first contact 50a has a pair of contact springs 57a4 arranged on the inner surface in the left-right direction of the second extension part 57a, which is contained in the first movable part such that they project inwards in the front-back direction from their respective ends in the left-right direction. The pair of contact springs 57a4 is in the same position in the top-bottom direction.

[0139] The plate-shaped structure of the fastening element 48 in the metal element 40 is clamped by means of the contact spring 57a4, which is arranged on the first movable part of the first contact 50a. Thus, the metal element 40 is attached to the first contact 50a. The contact part 46 of the metal element 40 is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a. For example, the contact part 46 is in contact with the second extension part 57a, which is contained within the first movable part. The contact spring of the contact part 46 is in contact with the inner surface in the left-right direction of the second extension part 57a and is thereby slightly and elastically deformed inwards in the left-right direction.

[0140] The fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 has a plate-shaped structure which is clamped by means of the contact spring 57a4. This allows the connector 10 to position the metal element 40 relative to the contact 50, while the metal element 40 has a simplified shape.

[0141] The person skilled in the art can obviously implement the present disclosure in a different form than the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description is merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the disclosure is not defined by the above description but by the attached claims. Of all the variations, some variations that fall under its modifications are listed therein.

[0142] For example, the shapes, structures, sizes, arrangements, directions, types, and numbers of the elements described above are not limited to those described above or shown in the drawings. The elements can take on any shape, structure, size, arrangement, direction, type, and number, as long as they can fulfill their functions.

[0143] For example, in the first embodiment, the fastening part 43 of the metal element 40 can be attached to the first fastening part 51a of the first contact 50a by crimping, welding, or the like. The fastening part 45 of the metal element 40 can be attached to the second fastening part 58a of the first contact 50a by crimping, welding, or the like.

[0144] For example, in the second embodiment up to the fourth embodiment, the fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 can be attached to the first movable part of the first contact 50a by crimping, welding or the like. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the metal element 40 and some contacts 50 of the connector 10, seen from the top according to one variant. Fig. Figure 16 shows only the metal element 40 and two first contacts 50a of a plurality of elements of the connector 10 for the purpose of simple illustration as in Fig. 6. In Fig. The representation of the other elements of connector 10 is omitted in section 16.

[0145] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 16, the metal element 40 can have the fastening part 48, which extends from the base part 41 on both sides in the top-bottom direction in such a way that it bends in a crank-like manner. The fastening part 48 can have a contact plate that extends in the front-back and top-bottom directions at an end piece that bends in the crank-like manner. The contact plates of the fastening parts 48, which are positioned on both sides of the base part 41 in the top-bottom direction, can have one pair of contact plates arranged at one end in the front-back direction, and can have two or more pairs of contact plates arranged at any distance from one end to the other in the front-back direction.

[0146] In the metal element 40, the contact part 46, which is in contact with the first movable part of the first contact 50a, can have the contact plate of the fastening part 48. The contact plates of the fastening parts 48, which are positioned on both sides in the top-bottom direction with respect to the base part 41, can fulfill not only the function as the fastening parts 48, but also the function as the contact parts 46.

[0147] The contact plate of the fastening part 48 of the metal element 40 can be in contact with the second extension part 57a, which is arranged on the first movable part of the first contact 51a. At this point, the contact plate of the fastening part 48 can be in surface contact with the inner surface in the left-right direction of the second extension part 57a and can be attached to the second extension part 57a by crimping, welding, or the like. This allows the metal element 40 to be attached to the first contact 50a. The metal element 40 can be attached to the first movable part of the first contact 50a in such a way that it is in contact with the first movable part by means of the contact plates, which are positioned on the respective sides in the top-bottom direction with respect to the base part 41.

[0148] The connector 10 described above is installed in an electronic device. Examples of electronic devices include vehicle equipment such as a camera, radar, dashcam, and engine control unit. Examples of electronic devices include vehicle equipment used in vehicle systems such as a navigation system, an advanced driver assistance system, and a safety system. Examples of electronic devices include information devices such as a personal computer, smartphone, copier, printer, fax machine, and multifunction device. The electronic device, other than those described above, includes industrial equipment.

[0149] In such an electronic device, the connector 10, which has a floating structure, can exhibit advantageous transmission characteristics with respect to a radio frequency signal. Therefore, the electronic device incorporating the connector 10 exhibits improved reliability as a product.

[0150] The advantageous floating structure of connector 10 absorbs positional deviations between printed circuit boards, thereby improving the processability during assembly of the electronic device. Manufacturing the electronic device becomes simpler. Connector 10 reduces damage to the section connected to printed circuit board CB1, resulting in improved reliability of the electronic device as a finished product. REFERENCE MARK 10 connectors 20 first insulator 21 wall section 22 Mounting groove 30 second insulator 31 Base part 32 Protrusion part 33 Intervention recess part 34 Mounting groove 40 metal elements 41 Basic part 42 first clutch part 43 Mounting part (third mounting part) 44 second clutch part 45 Mounting part (fourth mounting part) 46 Contact part 47 elastic contact piece 48 Mounting part (fifth mounting part) 48a Recess part 49 Clutch part 50 contacts 50a first contact 51a first fastening part 52a Mounting part 53a Bending part 54a first extension part 55a Coupling part 56a folded part 57a second extension part 57a1 Hole 57a2 Contact spring 57a3 curved part 57a4 Contact spring 58a second fastening part 59a elastic contact piece 59a1 Contact part 50b second contact 51b first fastening part 52b Mounting part 53b Bent part 54b first extension part 55b Coupling part 56b folded part 57b second extension part 58b second fastening part 59b elastic contact piece 59b1 Contact part 60 Connection target 70 Insulator 71 Base part 72 Intervention protrusion part 73 Contact mounting groove 74 Mounting groove 80 metal elements 81 Base part 82 Contact part 90 Contact 90a first contact 91a Base part 92a Mounting part 93a Contact part 90b second contact 91b Base part 92b Mounting part 93b Contact part C1 first contact point C2 second contact point C3 third contact point C4 fourth contact point C5 fifth contact point C6 sixth contact point C7 seventh contact point C8 eighth contact point CB1 circuit board CB2 circuit board 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 2023-140327

[0001] JP 2021-190255

[0004]

Claims

[1] A connector that has: a first insulator, a second isolator configured to move relative to the first isolator and engaged with a connection target, a contact that is attached to the first insulator and the second insulator, and a metal element that is in contact with the contact, wherein the contact has: a first fastening part that is attached to the first insulator, a second fastening part that is attached to the second insulator, and a movable part that is positioned between the first fastening part and the second fastening part, and the metal element has a contact part that is in contact with the moving part. [2] The connector according to claim 1, wherein the metal element comprises: a third fastening part that is attached to the first insulator, and a fourth fastening part that is attached to the second insulator. [3] The connector according to claim 2, wherein the contact part has a contact spring positioned between the third fastening part and the fourth fastening part. [4] The connector according to claim 1, wherein the metal element has a fifth fastening part which is attached to the movable part of the contact. [5] The connector according to claim 4, wherein the contact has a hole positioned on the movable part and the fifth fastening part has a projection loosely arranged in the hole. [6] The connector according to claim 5, wherein the contact part has a contact spring adjacent to the projection. [7] The connector according to claim 4, wherein the contact has a pair of contact springs positioned on the movable part, and the fifth fastening part has a plate-shaped projection structure that is clamped by means of the pair of contact springs. [8] The connector according to claim 4, wherein the contact has a fork-shaped contact spring positioned on the movable part, and the fifth fastening part has a plate-shaped structure clamped by means of the contact spring. [9] The connector according to claim 8, wherein the contact part has a contact spring extending from the plate-shaped structure. [10] An electronic device comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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