Connectors and electronic devices

Abstract

The connector (10) disclosed in the present invention comprises: a fixed insulator (20) formed in a frame shape; a movable insulator (30) arranged on the inner side of the fixed insulator (20), movable relative to the fixed insulator (20) and engaged with a connection object (60); a contact (50) mounted on the fixed insulator (20) and the movable insulator (30); the movable insulator (30) comprising a first movable insulator (30a) and a second movable insulator (30b) which are arranged on the inner side of the fixed insulator (20) in a state separated from each other and can move independently and individually.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2019-214699 filed on December 27, 2019, and the entire disclosure of that application is incorporated herein for reference purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a connector and an electronic device. Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, as a technique for improving connection reliability with a connection object, there is known a connector having a floating structure, for example, which absorbs misalignment between the connection object and the connector by moving a portion of the connector during and after mating.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric connector having a floating structure, which suppresses poor conduction caused by flux rise and contributes to miniaturization.

[0006] In recent years, the diversification of modules in electronic devices has significantly increased, and the need for multi-pole connectors that can collect and connect electrical signals generated in various modules has increased.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5568677 Summary of the invention

[0010] A connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0011] A fixed insulator is formed into a frame shape;

[0012] A movable insulator is arranged inside the fixed insulator, is relatively movable with respect to the fixed insulator, and is engaged with a connection object;

[0013] Contacts, mounted on the fixed insulator and the movable insulator;

[0014] The movable insulator includes a first movable insulator and a second movable insulator which are provided inside the fixed insulator in a state separated from each other and are independently and individually movable.

[0015] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above-mentioned connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector according to one embodiment, showing a state in which a connection target object is connected, in a plan view.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a connector according to one embodiment, showing a state in which the connector is separated from a connection target object in a plan view.

[0018] Figure 3 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the appearance of a single connector.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of a single connector piece.

[0020] Figure 5 Is magnification Figure 4 An enlarged view of the dotted box portion V in FIG.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the connector from a top view.

[0022] Figure 7 is along Figure 3 A sectional stereogram taken along the Ⅶ-Ⅶ arrow line.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of the dotted box portion VIII.

[0024] Fig. 9 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the VII-VII arrow line.

[0025] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 6 Front view of a pair of contacts.

[0026] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An enlarged view of the dotted frame portion Ⅺ.

[0027] Fig.12 It is represented by a bird's-eye view and Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the appearance of an object to be connected to the connector.

[0028] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of a connected object from a top-down perspective.

[0029] Fig.14 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line ⅩⅣ-ⅩⅣ.

[0030] Fig.15 Yes means Figure 6Schematic diagram of the first example of elastic deformation of a pair of contacts.

[0031] Fig.16 Yes means Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the second example of elastic deformation of a pair of contacts.

[0032] Fig.17 Yes means Figure 3 A front view of a first variant of the connector.

[0033] Fig.18 Yes means Figure 3 A second variant of the connector, and Figure 5 The corresponding enlarged image.

[0034] Fig.19 Yes means Figure 3 A third variant of the connector, and Figure 5 The corresponding enlarged image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For example, if the object to be connected moves while the object to be connected and the connector are in a mating state, a load such as stress is generated on the movable insulator and the fixed insulator mating with the object to be connected, and these insulators are easily damaged or deformed. Such a load is greater as the connector is longer due to multipolarization. Therefore, a structure that can suppress such a load is required in a connector having a floating structure. In the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, a structure that can suppress such a load is not fully considered.

[0036] According to the connector and the electronic device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the connector having a floating structure, it is possible to suppress the load generated on the movable insulator and the fixed insulator that are fitted with the connection object.

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The front and rear, left and right, and up and down directions in the following description are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. Figures 1 to 11 , Fig.14 , Figures 17 to 19 In the drawings, the directions of the arrows are consistent with each other in different drawings. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The directions of the arrows are consistent with each other. Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 described later are omitted.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector 10 according to one embodiment, showing a state where a connection target object 60 is connected, in a plan view. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the appearance of the connector 10 in a state separated from the connection object 60 in a top view. Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes a fixed insulator 20, a first movable insulator 30a, a second movable insulator 30b, a metal fitting 40, and a contact 50. Hereinafter, when the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are collectively referred to and not distinguished from each other, they are marked as "movable insulators 30".

[0039] In the following, for example, the connector 10 of one embodiment is described as a socket connector. The connection object 60 is described as a plug connector. In the mating state where the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are mated with each other, the connector 10 whose contacts 50 are elastically deformed is described as a socket connector, and the connection object 60 whose contacts 90 described later are not elastically deformed is described as a plug connector. The types of the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are not limited to these. For example, the connector 10 may function as a plug connector, and the connection object 60 may function as a socket connector.

[0040] The following description assumes that the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are mounted on the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, respectively. The connector 10 electrically connects the connection object 60 engaged with the connector 10 to the circuit board CB1, and electrically connects the circuit board CB2 on which the connection object 60 is mounted to the circuit board CB1. The circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be either rigid substrates or any other circuit boards. For example, at least one of the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0041] In the following, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. As an example, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected to each other in the up-down direction. The connection method is not limited to this. The connector 10 and the connection object 60 can be connected to each other in a direction parallel to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, or the connector 10 and the connection object 60 can be connected to each other in a manner that one is perpendicular to the circuit board to be installed and the other is parallel to the circuit board to be installed.

[0042] The "mating direction" used in the following description refers to the up-down direction as an example. The "mating side" refers to the upper side as an example. The "protruding direction" refers to the left-right direction as an example. The "arrangement direction of the contact 50" refers to the left-right direction as an example.

[0043] The connector 10 according to one embodiment has a floating structure. The connector 10 allows the connected object 60 to move relative to the circuit board CB1. Even when the object 60 and the connector 10 are connected, the object 60 can move relative to the circuit board CB1 within a certain range.

[0044] Figure 3 It is shown from a bird's-eye view Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the appearance of a single piece of connector 10. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of a single piece of connector 10. Figure 5 Is magnification Figure 4 An enlarged view of the dotted box portion V in FIG. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the connector 10 from a top view. Figure 7 is along Figure 3 A sectional stereogram taken along the Ⅶ-Ⅶ arrow line. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of the dotted box portion VIII. Fig. 9 is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the Ⅶ-Ⅶ arrow line. Fig.10 Yes means Figure 6 A front view of a pair of contacts 50. Fig.11 yes Fig.10 The enlarged view of the dotted box part Ⅺ. Figure 3 In the figure, the VII-VII arrow line is arranged on the side of the first movable insulator 30a in the movable insulator 30 as an example, but the same arrow line can also be obtained on the side of the second movable insulator 30b. Figures 7 to 9 Therefore, the same contents as the following description about the first movable insulator 30a are also applicable to the second movable insulator 30b.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, as an example, the connector 10 is assembled by the following method: the metal member 40 is pressed into the fixed insulator 20 from below, and the movable insulator 30 is arranged inside the fixed insulator 20 into which the metal member 40 is pressed. The contact 50 is pressed into the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30 from below.

[0046] Hereinafter, the structure of each component of the connector 10 will be mainly described in a state where the contact 50 is not elastically deformed. Figures 3 to 9 , mainly the structure of the fixed insulator 20 is described.

[0047] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the fixed insulator 20 is a square cylindrical component formed by injection molding of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The fixed insulator 20 is formed in a frame shape and is hollow. The fixed insulator 20 has a first opening 21a and a second opening 21b on the upper surface. The fixed insulator 20 has a third opening 21c on the lower surface. The fixed insulator 20 includes four side walls on the front, back, left and right sides, and has an outer peripheral wall 22 surrounding the internal space. More specifically, the outer peripheral wall 22 is formed by a pair of short walls 22a on the left and right sides and a pair of long walls 22b on the front and back sides. The long wall 22b has a protruding wall 22b1 protruding to the inside in the front and rear direction at its left and right ends and the center.

[0048] The fixed insulator 20 has a metal member installation groove 23, which is recessed in the short wall 22a along the up-down direction inside the fixed insulator 20. The metal member 40 is installed in the metal member installation groove 23.

[0049] The fixed insulator 20 has a plurality of contact mounting grooves 24, which are recessed from the lower edge portion to cover the lower surface and the inner surface of the long wall 22b. The plurality of contact mounting grooves 24 are formed to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction. The contact mounting grooves 24 extend in the long wall 22b of the fixed insulator 20 in the up-down direction. The contacts 50 are mounted in the contact mounting grooves 24.

[0050] The fixed insulator 20 has a partition wall 25, which extends in the front-to-back direction in the central part of the long wall 22b so as to connect the long walls 22b on both the front and rear sides. The partition wall 25 separates the first opening 21a and the second opening 21b in the left-right direction in the central part of the long wall 22b. The partition wall 25 extends from the upper surface of the fixed insulator 20 to the central part of the fixed insulator 20 in the vertical direction on the inner side of the fixed insulator 20. Figure 4 As shown, the fixed insulator 20 has a pair of protrusions 26 protruding from the lower surface of the left end of the rear long wall 22b and the right end of the front long wall 22b.

[0051] Main reference Figures 4 to 9 , the structure of the movable insulator 30 is described.

[0052] The movable insulator 30 is arranged inside the fixed insulator 20 and is relatively movable with respect to the fixed insulator 20. The movable insulator 30 is engaged with the connection object 60. The movable insulator 30 includes a first movable insulator 30a and a second movable insulator 30b, which are arranged inside the fixed insulator 20 in a state separated from each other and are independently and individually movable.

[0053] For example, in the connector 10, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are formed in the same shape as each other. For example, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are arranged in a straight line along the arrangement direction of the contacts 50 in a mutually reversed state. For example, the first movable insulator 30a is arranged on the left side of the movable insulator 30. The second movable insulator 30b is arranged on the right side of the movable insulator 30.

[0054] Hereinafter, the structure of the first movable insulator 30a disposed on the left side along the arrangement direction of the contacts 50 will be mainly described. The same contents as those described below regarding the first movable insulator 30a also apply to the second movable insulator 30b.

[0055] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the first movable insulator 30a is a component that is formed by injection molding an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material and extends in the left-right direction. The first movable insulator 30a is formed in a convex shape when viewed from the front. The first movable insulator 30a has: a bottom 31 that constitutes a lower part; and a fitting protrusion 32 that protrudes upward from the bottom 31 and fits with the connection object 60. The bottom 31 is longer than the fitting protrusion 32 in the left-right direction. The bottom 31 has a protrusion 31a that protrudes from one side of the second movable insulator 30b, that is, the right side side toward the second movable insulator 30b. The protrusion 31a has a relative surface 31b that is inclined relative to the left-right direction.

[0056] The first movable insulator 30a has a fitting recess 33 recessed in the upper surface of the fitting protrusion 32. The first movable insulator 30a has an introduction portion 34 formed so as to cover the upper edge of the fitting protrusion 32 and surround the fitting recess 33. The introduction portion 34 is composed of an inclined surface that is inclined upward and inward at the upper edge of the fitting protrusion 32.

[0057] The first movable insulator 30a has a plurality of contact mounting grooves 35, and the plurality of contact mounting grooves 35 are formed in a state of being spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the left-right direction. The contact mounting grooves 35 extend in the up-down direction. The lower portion of the contact mounting groove 35 is formed by recessing the lower portions of the front and rear surfaces of the first movable insulator 30a. The central portion of the contact mounting groove 35 is formed inside the first movable insulator 30a. The upper portion of the contact mounting groove 35 is formed by recessing the two inner surfaces of the fitting recess 33 in the front-back direction. The contact 50 is mounted in the contact mounting groove 35.

[0058] The first movable insulator 30a has a wall portion 36 extending downward from the bottom surface of the fitting recess 33. The wall portion 36 is located between a pair of contacts 50 installed in the first movable insulator 30a in a state of being arranged in the front-to-back direction. The wall portion 36 and the pair of contacts 50 are opposite to each other. The upper portion of the wall portion 36 is formed to be the widest. The central portion of the wall portion 36 is formed to be narrower than the upper portion. The lower portion of the wall portion 36 is formed to be narrower than the central portion. The front and rear sides of the wall portion 36 constitute a part of the contact mounting groove 35. The central portion of the contact mounting groove 35 formed inside the first movable insulator 30a becomes narrower in the front-to-back direction from the bottom to the top as the width of the central portion and the upper portion of the wall portion 36 changes.

[0059] The first movable insulator 30a has a recessed portion 37 that is recessed in the upper portion of the fitting protrusion 32 and covers substantially the entire left-right direction. The recessed portion 37 is formed on both the front and rear sides of the upper portion of the fitting protrusion 32. Figure 4 As shown, the first movable insulator 30 a has a pair of protrusions 38 protruding downward from the lower surfaces at the left and right ends of the bottom portion 31 .

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 31a (first protrusion) of the first movable insulator 30a protrudes from the side surface of one side of the second movable insulator 30b toward the second movable insulator 30b. The protrusion 31a (second protrusion) of the second movable insulator 30b is separated from the protrusion 31a of the first movable insulator 30a, and protrudes from the side surface of one side of the first movable insulator 30a toward the first movable insulator 30a.

[0061] The distal end of the protrusion 31a of the first movable insulator 30a is located closer to the second movable insulator 30b than the distal end of the protrusion 31a of the second movable insulator 30b. In other words, at least a portion of the protrusion 31a of the first movable insulator 30a and the protrusion 31a of the second movable insulator 30b overlap each other along the protruding direction. For example, the opposing surface 31b of the first protrusion and the opposing surface 31b of the second protrusion are opposed to each other along the front-to-back direction. The two opposing surfaces 31b are arranged substantially parallel in a state inclined relative to the left-right direction. The separation distance L1 of the two opposing surfaces 31b along the front-to-back direction is smaller than the separation distance L2 between the protrusion 31a and the protruding wall 22b1 of the fixed insulator 20.

[0062] The partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 overlaps the first and second protrusions from the fitting side of the connection object 60 and the movable insulator 30. More specifically, the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 overlaps the overlapping portion of the first and second protrusions that overlap each other in the protruding direction from the upper side.

[0063] Main reference Figure 6 The structure of the metal member 40 will be described.

[0064] The metal part 40 is formed by processing a thin plate of any metal material into a Figure 6 The processing method of the metal member 40 includes a step of bending the metal member 40 in the plate thickness direction after punching. The metal member 40 is pressed into the metal member installation groove 23 of the fixed insulator 20 and is arranged at the left and right ends of the fixed insulator 20. The metal member 40 is formed into an H shape when viewed from the left and right directions.

[0065] The metal fitting 40 has a mounting portion 41 extending outward in a U-shape at the lower end portions on both front and rear sides thereof. The metal fitting 40 has a connecting portion 42 extending in the front and rear directions at the central portion in the up-down direction thereof. The metal fitting 40 has a disengagement prevention portion 43 on the connecting portion 42, and the disengagement prevention portion 43 protrudes inwardly from the lower edge portion of the central portion in the front-rear direction in the left-right direction. The disengagement prevention portion 43 prevents the movable insulator 30 from falling upward relative to the fixed insulator 20. The metal fitting 40 has a locking portion 44 at the upper end portions on both front and rear sides thereof, which is locked with the metal fitting mounting groove 23 of the fixed insulator 20.

[0066] Main reference Figures 9 to 11 , the structure of the contact 50 is described.

[0067] The contact 50 is formed into a thin plate of a copper alloy or a Corson-based copper alloy having spring elasticity, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, by using a progressive die (stamping). Figures 9 to 11 The contact 50 is formed by punching alone. The method of processing the contact 50 is not limited thereto, and may include a step of bending the contact 50 in the plate thickness direction after punching. The contact 50 is formed, for example, of a metal material having a small elastic modulus so that the deformation due to elastic deformation is large. The surface of the contact 50 is formed by nickel plating to form a base, and then gold plating or tin plating is performed.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of contacts 50 are arranged in the left-right direction. Fig. 9 As shown, the contact 50 is mounted on the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the pair of contacts 50 arranged at the same left and right positions are formed and arranged symmetrically in the front-back direction. The pair of contacts 50 are formed and arranged to be line-symmetrical with each other about the vertical axis passing through the center therebetween.

[0069] The contact 50 has a base 51 extending in the up-down direction and supported by the fixed insulator 20. The contact 50 has a first locking portion 52a, which is formed continuously with the lower end of the base 51 and is locked in the contact mounting groove 24 of the fixed insulator 20. The contact 50 has a second locking portion 52b, which is formed at the upper end of the base 51 and is locked in the contact mounting groove 24 of the fixed insulator 20. The second locking portion 52b is formed at a position closer to the fitting side than the first wide portion 51a described later. The base 51, the first locking portion 52a, and the second locking portion 52b are accommodated in the contact mounting groove 24 of the fixed insulator 20. The contact 50 has a mounting portion 53, which extends outward in an L shape from the outer side of the lower end of the first locking portion 52a.

[0070] The contact 50 has a first wide portion 51a, which constitutes a part of the base 51 and is located on one side of the fixed insulator 20. The first wide portion 51a is provided along the inner surface of the long wall 22b on the inner side of the fixed insulator 20. The first wide portion 51a is not directly locked to the fixed insulator 20, but is supported by being locked to the fixed insulator 20 by the first locking portion 52a and the second locking portion 52b. The first wide portion 51a is continuously formed with a first elastic portion 54a described later. The first wide portion 51a is formed near the outer end of the first elastic portion 54a so as to be adjacent to the first elastic portion 54a.

[0071] The first wide portion 51a protrudes toward one side of the movable insulator 30 in the front-to-back direction compared to other portions of the contact 50 along the fixed insulator 20. The first wide portion 51a also protrudes inwardly in the front-to-back direction compared to other portions of the base 51. The first wide portion 51a is wider in the front-to-back direction than other portions of the base 51. Similarly, the width of the first wide portion 51a is wider than the width of the first elastic portion 54a. In this way, the first wide portion 51a has a larger cross-sectional area as a whole than other portions of the base 51 and the first elastic portion 54a. Therefore, the first wide portion 51a has a higher conductivity than other portions of the base 51 and the first elastic portion 54a. More specifically, the first wide portion 51a has a lower characteristic impedance than other portions of the base 51 and the first elastic portion 54a.

[0072] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the contact 50 has a concavo-convex portion 51b formed on the surface of the first wide portion 51a. The concavo-convex portion 51b is formed as a convex portion on the outer surface of one side in the left-right direction. On the contrary, the concavo-convex portion 51b is formed as a concave portion on the outer surface of the other side in the left-right direction. When the contact 50 is mounted on the fixed insulator 20, the concavo-convex portion 51b contacts the surface of the contact mounting groove 24. Thus, the distortion in the left-right direction of the contact 50 formed to have a narrow width in the left-right direction by punching can be suppressed. Therefore, the contact 50 can be stably mounted on the fixed insulator 20 even if the width in the left-right direction is narrow. Moreover, in the mating state where the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are mated, even if the movable insulator 30 moves relative to the fixed insulator 20, the distortion in the left-right direction applied to the contact 50 can be suppressed.

[0073] The contact 50 has a first elastic portion 54a, which is elastically deformable and extends from the base 51 to the inner side along the front-back direction. After extending from the base 51 to the inner side in the oblique downward direction, the first elastic portion 54a bends toward the oblique upward direction and extends linearly while maintaining this state. The first elastic portion 54a is bent downward again at its inner end and connected to the upper end of the middle portion 54b described later. The first elastic portion 54a is formed to be narrower than the width of the base 51 and the first wide portion 51a. Thus, the first elastic portion 54a can adjust the portion where elastic displacement occurs.

[0074] The contact 50 has an intermediate portion 54b formed continuously with the first elastic portion 54a. The intermediate portion 54b is formed to be wider than the first elastic portion 54a as a whole, that is, to have a larger cross-sectional area, so that it has higher conductivity than the first elastic portion 54a. When the contact 50 is not elastically deformed, the intermediate portion 54b extends in the mating direction.

[0075] The middle portion 54b includes a first adjustment portion 54b1 constituting an upper portion, a second adjustment portion 54b2 constituting a central portion, and a third adjustment portion 54b3 constituting a lower portion. The upper end portion of the first adjustment portion 54b1 is connected to the first elastic portion 54a. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first adjustment portion 54b1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first elastic portion 54a. The first adjustment portion 54b1 protrudes outwardly one step further than the second adjustment portion 54b2 in the front-to-back direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second adjustment portion 54b2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first adjustment portion 54b1 and larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first elastic portion 54a. For example, the second adjustment portion 54b2 is formed to be narrower than the first adjustment portion 54b1 in the front-to-back direction and wider than the first elastic portion 54a in the front-to-back direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third adjustment portion 54b3 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second adjustment portion 54b2. The third adjustment portion 54b3 protrudes inwardly one step further than the second adjustment portion 54b2 in the front-to-back direction. In this way, the middle portion 54b has high conductivity in the first adjustment portion 54b1 and the third adjustment portion 54b3, and has lower conductivity in the second adjustment portion 54b2. The first adjustment portion 54b1 and the third adjustment portion 54b3 are formed symmetrically. More specifically, the first adjustment portion 54b1 and the third adjustment portion 54b3 are formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the middle portion 54b.

[0076] The contact 50 has an elastically deformable second elastic portion 54c extending from the lower end of the third adjustment portion 54b3 to the movable insulating member 30. The second elastic portion 54c is bent obliquely upward from the lower end of the third adjustment portion 54b3 and extends linearly while maintaining this state. The second elastic portion 54c is bent again obliquely downward and connected to the outer end of the second wide portion 55 described later. Similar to the first elastic portion 54a, the second elastic portion 54c is formed to be narrower than the width of the middle portion 54b. Thus, the second elastic portion 54c can adjust the portion that undergoes elastic displacement.

[0077] The first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c are integrally formed into a crank shape. The first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c are sequentially arranged from the fitting side along the fitting direction. The first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are symmetrically formed with respect to the middle portion 54b. More specifically, the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the middle portion 54b.

[0078] The first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c extend from both ends of the middle portion 54b in the fitting direction. More specifically, the first elastic portion 54a extends from the inner end of the upper edge of the first adjustment portion 54b1. On the other hand, the second elastic portion 54c extends from the outer end of the lower edge of the third adjustment portion 54b3. In this way, the connection point between the first elastic portion 54a and the middle portion 54b, and the connection point between the second elastic portion 54c and the middle portion 54b are formed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the middle portion 54b. The first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are respectively continuous with the middle portion 54b at the end on the opposite side to the end connected to the first wide portion 51a and the second wide portion 55 described later. More specifically, the first elastic portion 54a is continuous with the first wide portion 51a at the outer end, and is continuous with the middle portion 54b at the inner end. Similarly, the second elastic portion 54 c is continuous with the second wide portion 55 at the inner end portion, and is continuous with the intermediate portion 54 b at the outer end portion.

[0079] The contact 50 has a second wide portion 55 continuous with the second elastic portion 54c. The second wide portion 55 is formed near the inner end of the second elastic portion 54c so as to be adjacent to the second elastic portion 54c. The second wide portion 55 is located on one side of the movable insulator 30. The second wide portion 55 is located in the contact mounting groove 35 of the movable insulator 30. The second wide portion 55 is not directly locked to the movable insulator 30, but is locked to the movable insulator 30 by the third locking portion 58 described later and supported.

[0080] The second wide portion 55 protrudes toward one side of the fixed insulator 20 in the front-to-back direction compared to other portions of the contact 50 along the movable insulator 30. More specifically, the second wide portion 55 protrudes outwardly by one step in the front-to-back direction compared to the third elastic portion 56, the third stopper portion 58, and the elastic contact portion 59 described later.

[0081] The second wide portion 55 protrudes further toward one side of the movable insulator 30 in the front-to-back direction than other portions of the contact 50 along the movable insulator 30. More specifically, the second wide portion 55 covers a wide area in the up-down direction and protrudes further inward in the front-to-back direction than the third elastic portion 56 described later.

[0082] The second wide portion 55 is wider than the third elastic portion 56, the third stopper portion 58, and the elastic contact portion 59 in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the width of the second wide portion 55 is wider than the width of the second elastic portion 54c. In this way, the second wide portion 55 is formed so that the cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second elastic portion 54c, the third elastic portion 56, the third stopper portion 58, and the elastic contact portion 59 as a whole. Therefore, the second wide portion 55 has a higher conductivity than the second elastic portion 54c, the third elastic portion 56, the third stopper portion 58, and the elastic contact portion 59. More specifically, the second wide portion 55 has a lower characteristic impedance than the second elastic portion 54c, the third elastic portion 56, the third stopper portion 58, and the elastic contact portion 59.

[0083] The contact 50 has a third elastic portion 56, which is elastically deformable and extends upward from the second wide portion 55 and is arranged along the inner wall of the movable insulator 30. The third elastic portion 56 extends in the fitting direction in a non-elastically deformed state. The third elastic portion 56 covers the entirety and faces the wall portion 36 of the movable insulator 30 formed inside the third elastic portion 56. The contact 50 has a notch portion 57 formed on the surface of the third elastic portion 56 to constitute a bending point when the third elastic portion 56 is elastically deformed. The notch portion 57 is formed in a state where the surface of the third elastic portion 56 is cut off at the center of the outer surface in the front-back direction of the third elastic portion 56.

[0084] The contact 50 has a third locking portion 58, which is continuously formed above the third elastic portion 56 and is locked to the movable insulator 30. The third locking portion 58 is formed to be wider than the third elastic portion 56. The contact 50 has an elastic contact portion 59, which is continuously formed above the third locking portion 58 and contacts the contact 90 of the connection object 60 when the contact 50 is engaged. The elastic contact portion 59 is formed at the front end of a portion of the contact 50 that is continuous from the second adjustment portion 54b2 to the side opposite to the first adjustment portion 54b1.

[0085] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown in the figure, the second wide portion 55, the third elastic portion 56, the notch portion 57, and the third stopper portion 58 are accommodated in the contact mounting groove 35 of the movable insulator 30. The second wide portion 55, the third elastic portion 56, and the third stopper portion 58 cover the entirety and face the wall portion 36 of the movable insulator 30 formed inside thereof. The second wide portion 55 connecting the second elastic portion 54c and the third elastic portion 56 is arranged at a position facing the lower end portion of the wall portion 36.

[0086] The second wide portion 55 and the lower half of the third elastic portion 56 are accommodated in the lower portion of the contact mounting groove 35 formed as the recessed portion of the front and rear surfaces of the movable insulator 30. The upper half of the third elastic portion 56 and the third locking portion 58 are accommodated in the central portion of the contact mounting groove 35 formed by the inside of the movable insulator 30. The notch portion 57 is formed on the surface of the third elastic portion 56 so as to be located near the boundary between the lower portion and the central portion of the contact mounting groove 35.

[0087] The elastic contact portion 59 is located above the contact mounting groove 35 formed as a recessed portion of the inner surface of the fitting recess 33 of the movable insulator 30. The distal end of the elastic contact portion 59 is exposed from the contact mounting groove 35 into the fitting recess 33.

[0088] The connector 10 having the above structure is positioned relative to the circuit board CB1 by, for example, engaging the protrusion 26 of the fixed insulator 20 with any recess formed on the circuit board CB1. In this state, the mounting portion 53 of the contact 50 is welded to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1. The mounting portion 41 of the metal member 40 is welded to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. In the above manner, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1. Electronic components different from the connector 10, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a controller or a memory, are mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1.

[0089] For example, each of the plurality of contacts 50 mounted on one movable insulator 30 may be allocated for signal use, power use, and ground use in any combination with respect to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1. For example, the mounting portions 53 of a portion of the plurality of contacts 50 may be allocated for signal use, another portion of the mounting portions 53 may be allocated for power use, and still another portion of the mounting portions 53 may be allocated for ground use.

[0090] Main reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 The structure of the connection target object 60 will be described.

[0091] Fig.12 It is represented by a bird's-eye view and Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a connection object 60 connected to the connector 10. Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of a connection target object 60 as viewed from above.

[0092] like Fig.13As shown, the connection object 60 has, as major technical features, an insulator 70, a metal member 80, and a contact 90. The connection object 60 is assembled by pressing the metal member 80 into the insulator 70 from above and pressing the contact 90 into the insulator 70 from below.

[0093] The insulator 70 is a quadrangular prism-shaped member formed by injection molding an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The insulator 70 has a first fitting recess 71 and a second fitting recess 72 formed on the upper surface and arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction. The insulator 70 has a first fitting protrusion 73 formed inside the first fitting recess 71. The insulator 70 has a second fitting protrusion 74 formed inside the second fitting recess 72.

[0094] The insulator 70 has an introduction portion 75 formed so as to cover and surround the upper edge portions of the first fitting recess 71 and the second fitting recess 72. The introduction portion 75 is composed of an inclined surface that is inclined upward and outward at the upper edge portions of the first fitting recess 71 and the second fitting recess 72. The insulator 70 has a metal fitting installation groove 76 that protrudes from the side surfaces on both left and right sides to the outside in the left and right directions. The metal fitting 80 is installed in the metal fitting installation groove 76.

[0095] The insulator 70 has a plurality of contact mounting grooves 77 formed on both front and rear sides of the bottom and on the front and rear surfaces of the first fitting protrusion 73 and the second fitting protrusion 74. The plurality of contacts 90 are respectively mounted in the plurality of contact mounting grooves 77. The plurality of contact mounting grooves 77 are formed in a state where they are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.

[0096] The metal part 80 is formed by processing a thin plate of any metal material into a Fig.13 The metal fitting 80 is disposed at the left and right ends of the insulator 70. The metal fitting 80 has a mounting portion 81 extending outward in an L-shape at its lower end. The metal fitting 80 has a locking portion 82, which is formed continuously upward with the mounting portion 81 and is locked in the metal fitting mounting groove 76 of the insulator 70.

[0097] The contact 90 is formed into a thin plate of a copper alloy or a Corson-based copper alloy having spring elasticity, such as phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, by using a progressive die (stamping). Fig.13 The surface of the contact 90 is plated with nickel to form a base, and then plated with gold or tin.

[0098] The contacts 90 are arranged in a plurality in the left-right direction. The contacts 90 have a mounting portion 91 extending outward in an L-shape. The contacts 90 have a contact portion 92 formed at the upper end of the contacts, and the contact portion 92 contacts the elastic contact portion 59 of the contacts 50 when the connection object 60 and the connector 10 are in a mating state.

[0099] In the connection object 60 of the above structure, the mounting portion 91 of the contact 90 is welded to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2. The mounting portion 81 of the metal member 80 is welded to the pattern formed on the mounting surface. In the above manner, the connection object 60 is mounted on the circuit board CB2. On the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2, other electronic components different from the connection object 60, such as a camera module and a sensor, are mounted.

[0100] For example, each of the plurality of contacts 90 may be allocated to any one of signal use, power use, and ground use in any combination with respect to the circuit pattern formed on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2. For example, the mounting portions 91 of a portion of the plurality of contacts 90 may be allocated to signal use, another portion of the mounting portions 91 may be allocated to power use, and still another portion of the mounting portions 91 may be allocated to ground use.

[0101] Fig.14 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the line XIV-XIV. Figure 1 In the figure, the arrow line XIV-XIV is arranged on the side of the first movable insulator 30a in the movable insulator 30 as an example, but the same arrow line can also be obtained on the side of the second movable insulator 30b. Fig.14 Therefore, the same contents as those in the following description related to the first movable insulator 30a are also applicable to the second movable insulator 30b. Fig.14 , the operation of the connector 10 having a floating structure is described.

[0102] The contact 50 of the connector 10 supports the first movable insulator 30a in a state where the first movable insulator 30a and the fixed insulator 20 are separated and floated inside the fixed insulator 20. At this time, the lower part of the first movable insulator 30a is surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the fixed insulator 20. The upper part of the first movable insulator 30a including the fitting recess 33 protrudes upward from the first opening 21a of the fixed insulator 20.

[0103] The fixed insulator 20 is fixed to the circuit board CB1 by soldering the mounting portion 53 of the contact 50 to the circuit board CB1. The first movable insulator 30a is movable relative to the fixed insulator 20 fixed to the circuit board CB1 by elastically deforming the first elastic portion 54a, the second elastic portion 54c and the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50.

[0104] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the protruding wall 22b1 of the long wall 22b of the fixed insulator 20 restricts the excessive movement of the first movable insulator 30a relative to the fixed insulator 20 in the front-back direction. For example, when the first movable insulator 30a moves more than the design value in the front-back direction due to the elastic deformation of the contact 50, the bottom 31 or the protruding part 31a of the first movable insulator 30a contacts the protruding wall 22b1. More specifically, the left end of the bottom 31 of the first movable insulator 30a contacts the protruding wall 22b1 at the left end of the long wall 22b. The protruding part 31a of the first movable insulator 30a contacts the protruding wall 22b1 in the center of the long wall 22b. As a result, the first movable insulator 30a no longer moves to the outside in the front-back direction.

[0105] The short wall 22a and the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 restrict the excessive movement of the first movable insulator 30a in the left-right direction relative to the fixed insulator 20. For example, when the first movable insulator 30a moves in the left-right direction to a greater extent than the design value due to the elastic deformation of the contact 50, the fitting protrusion 32 of the first movable insulator 30a contacts the short wall 22a or the partition wall 25. As a result, the first movable insulator 30a no longer moves outward in the left-right direction.

[0106] The projection 38 of the first movable insulator 30a restricts excessive downward movement of the first movable insulator 30a relative to the fixed insulator 20. For example, when the first movable insulator 30a moves downward more than the designed value due to elastic deformation of the contact 50, the projection 38 of the first movable insulator 30a contacts the surface of the circuit board CB1. As a result, the first movable insulator 30a no longer moves downward.

[0107] In a state where the vertical direction of the connection object 60 is opposite to that of the connector 10 having the above floating structure, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are made relative to each other in the vertical direction while the front-back position and the left-right position are roughly consistent. Then, the connection object 60 is moved downward. At this time, even if the mutual positions are slightly offset, for example, in the front-back and left-right directions, the introduction portion 34 of the connector 10 and the introduction portion 75 of the connection object 60 are in contact. As a result, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are relatively moved relative to the fixed insulator 20 by the floating structure of the connector 10. More specifically, the fitting protrusion 32 of the first movable insulator 30a is introduced into the first fitting recess 71 of the insulator 70. The fitting protrusion 32 of the second movable insulator 30b is introduced into the second fitting recess 72 of the insulator 70.

[0108] When the connection object 60 is further moved downward, the fitting protrusion 32 of the first movable insulator 30a and the first fitting recess 71 of the insulator 70 fit together. The fitting protrusion 32 of the second movable insulator 30b and the second fitting recess 72 of the insulator 70 fit together. At this time, the fitting recess 33 of the first movable insulator 30a and the first fitting protrusion 73 of the insulator 70 fit together. The fitting recess 33 of the second movable insulator 30b and the second fitting protrusion 74 of the insulator 70 fit together.

[0109] In the mating state where the movable insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are mated, the contact 50 of the connector 10 and the contact 90 of the connection object 60 are in contact with each other. More specifically, the elastic contact portion 59 of the contact 50 and the contact portion 92 of the contact 90 are in contact with each other. At this time, the distal end of the elastic contact portion 59 of the contact 50 is slightly elastically deformed toward the outside and elastically displaced toward the inside of the contact mounting groove 35.

[0110] As a result, the connector 10 and the connection target object 60 are completely connected. At this time, the circuit board CB1 and the circuit board CB2 are electrically connected via the contacts 50 and the contacts 90 .

[0111] In this state, the pair of elastic contact portions 59 of the contact 50 clamp the pair of contacts 90 of the connection object 60 from both the front and rear sides by the elastic force inward along the front-back direction. When the connection object 60 is pulled out of the connector 10 by the reaction of the pressing force of the connection object 60 against the contacts 90, the movable insulator 30 receives a force in the pulling-out direction, that is, the upward direction, through the contacts 50. Therefore, even if the movable insulator 30 moves upward, the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 and the anti-dropout portion 43 of the metal fitting 40 pressed into the fixed insulator 20 can prevent the movable insulator 30 from falling out upward.

[0112] For example, the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 is located directly above the protrusion 31a of the movable insulator 30 disposed inside the fixed insulator 20. Similarly, the anti-detachment portion 43 of the metal fitting 40 pressed into the fixed insulator 20 is located directly above the left and right ends of the bottom 31 of the movable insulator 30 inside the fixed insulator 20. Therefore, when the movable insulator 30 is about to move upward, the protrusion 31a contacts the partition wall 25, and the left and right ends of the bottom 31 protruding outward contact the anti-detachment portion 43. As a result, the movable insulator 30 no longer moves upward.

[0113] Fig.15 Yes means Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a first example of elastic deformation of a pair of contacts 50. Fig.16 Yes means Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a second example of elastic deformation of a pair of contacts 50.

[0114] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the operation of each component when a pair of contacts 50 are elastically deformed is described in detail. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the contact 50 arranged on the right side of each figure is referred to as the contact 50a, and the contact 50 arranged on the left side of each figure is referred to as the contact 50b. Fig.15 and Fig.16 In FIG. 1 , the state where the contacts 50 a and 50 b are not elastically deformed is indicated by the two-dot chain line.

[0115] exist Fig.15 As an example, it is assumed that the movable insulator 30 moves to the right due to some external factor.

[0116] When the movable insulator 30 moves to the right, the third stopper 58 of the contact 50a is pressed to the right by the wall 36 of the movable insulator 30. At this time, the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a is bent inwardly with the vicinity of the notch 57 as a starting point. The third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a is elastically deformed more inwardly than the upper portion at the lower side near the notch 57. The third stopper 58 of the contact 50a, which is in contact with the wall 36 of the movable insulator 30, hardly changes its relative position with the movable insulator 30. On the other hand, the second wide portion 55 of the contact 50a changes its relative position inwardly.

[0117] When the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a moves to the right, the second elastic portion 54c is elastically deformed, and the connection point between the second elastic portion 54c and the middle portion 54b also moves to the right. On the other hand, the change in the left-right position of the connection point between the first elastic portion 54a and the middle portion 54b is small. Therefore, the first elastic portion 54a is elastically deformed, the curved portion of the inner end thereof is bent outward, and the middle portion 54b is inclined from the upper side to the lower side and to the right.

[0118] When the movable insulator 30 moves to the right, the third stopper 58 of the contact 50b is pressed to the right by the inner wall of the movable insulator 30. At this time, the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b is bent outward with the vicinity of the notch 57 as a starting point. The third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b is elastically deformed more outward than the upper portion at the lower side near the notch 57. The third stopper 58 of the contact 50b, which contacts the inner wall of the contact mounting groove 35, hardly changes its relative position with the movable insulator 30. On the other hand, the second wide portion 55 of the contact 50b changes its relative position outward.

[0119] When the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b moves to the right, the second elastic portion 54c is elastically deformed, and the connection point between the second elastic portion 54c and the middle portion 54b also moves to the right. On the other hand, the change in the left-right position of the connection point between the first elastic portion 54a and the middle portion 54b is small. Therefore, the first elastic portion 54a is elastically deformed, the curved portion of the inner end thereof is bent inward, and the middle portion 54b is inclined from the upper side to the lower side and to the right.

[0120] exist Fig.16 As an example, it is assumed that the movable insulator 30 moves to the left due to some external factor.

[0121] When the movable insulator 30 moves to the left, the third stopper 58 of the contact 50a is pressed to the left by the inner wall of the movable insulator 30. At this time, the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a is bent outward with the vicinity of the notch 57 as a starting point. The third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a is elastically deformed more outward than the upper portion at the lower side near the notch 57. The third stopper 58 of the contact 50a, which contacts the inner wall of the contact mounting groove 35, hardly changes its relative position with the movable insulator 30. On the other hand, the second wide portion 55 of the contact 50a changes its relative position outward.

[0122] When the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50a moves to the left, the second elastic portion 54c is elastically deformed, and the connection point between the second elastic portion 54c and the middle portion 54b also moves to the left. On the other hand, the change in the left-right position of the connection point between the first elastic portion 54a and the middle portion 54b is small. Therefore, the first elastic portion 54a is elastically deformed, the curved portion of the inner end thereof is bent inward, and the middle portion 54b is inclined obliquely to the left from the upper side toward the lower side.

[0123] When the movable insulator 30 moves to the left, the third stopper 58 of the contact 50b is pressed to the left by the wall 36 of the movable insulator 30. At this time, the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b is bent inwardly starting from the vicinity of the notch 57. The third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b is elastically deformed more inwardly than the upper portion at the lower side near the notch 57. The third stopper 58 of the contact 50b, which is in contact with the wall 36 of the movable insulator 30, hardly changes its relative position to the movable insulator 30. On the other hand, the second wide portion 55 of the contact 50b changes its relative position inwardly.

[0124] When the third elastic portion 56 of the contact 50b moves to the left, the second elastic portion 54c is elastically deformed, and the connection point between the second elastic portion 54c and the middle portion 54b also moves to the left. On the other hand, the change in the left-right position of the connection point between the first elastic portion 54a and the middle portion 54b is small. Therefore, the first elastic portion 54a is elastically deformed, the curved portion of the inner end thereof is bent outward, and the middle portion 54b is inclined obliquely to the left from the upper side toward the lower side.

[0125] According to the connector 10 of one embodiment described above, the connector 10 has a floating structure and can suppress the load generated on the movable insulator 30 and the fixed insulator 20 that are engaged with the connection object 60. Thus, the connector 10 can suppress damage or deformation of these insulators. For example, the movable insulator 30 has a first movable insulator 30a and a second movable insulator 30b that are separated from each other. Thus, even if the connection object 60 moves in the engaged state in which the connection object 60 and the connector 10 are engaged, the load such as stress on the movable insulator 30 engaged with the connection object 60 can be suppressed. For example, the movable insulator 30 has a first movable insulator 30a and a second movable insulator 30b that are separated from each other. Thus, when the connection object 60 moves in the engaged state, the load applied to the fixed insulator 20 due to the collision of one movable insulator 30 can be suppressed. The effect of suppressing such load is greater as the connector 10 is longer, for example, due to multipolarization.

[0126] Furthermore, since the movable insulator 30 is divided into two so that the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b can move independently, the mobility of the movable insulator 30 is improved compared to the case where the movable insulator 30 is integrated. Therefore, the first fitting recess 71 and the second fitting recess 72 of the connection object 60 and the movable insulator 30 are easily introduced, so that a good floating structure can be realized in the connector 10. The operation of inserting the connection object 60 into the connector 10 is easy.

[0127] Since the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 overlaps with the protrusion 31a of the movable insulator 30 from the fitting side, when the movable insulator 30 moves upward, the protrusion 31a contacts the partition wall 25. As a result, the movable insulator 30 no longer moves upward. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movable insulator 30 from falling off upward relative to the fixed insulator 20.

[0128] The distal end of the first protrusion of the first movable insulator 30a is located closer to the second movable insulator 30b than the distal end of the second protrusion of the second movable insulator 30b. Thus, even when the width of the partition wall 25 in the left-right direction is shortened, the overlapping width between the partition wall 25 and the protrusion 31a in the left-right direction when viewed from the fitting side can be maintained. Therefore, even when the width of the partition wall 25 in the left-right direction is shortened in order to increase the movable amount of the movable insulator 30, the movable insulator 30 can be effectively prevented from falling upward relative to the fixed insulator 20.

[0129] By arranging the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b in a straight line along the arrangement direction of the contacts 50, the width of the connector 10 can be increased in one direction, ie, the left-right direction, and decreased in another direction, ie, the front-back direction.

[0130] By forming the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b in the same shape, the movable insulator 30 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the productivity of the connector 10 can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0131] In the connector 10, the transmission characteristics of signal transmission are improved. In the connector 10, by providing the contact 50 with the intermediate portion 54b, the characteristic impedance of the corresponding portion of the contact 50 can be adjusted to be close to the ideal value of the characteristic impedance. More specifically, in the contact 50, the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are formed to have a narrow width (a narrow cross-sectional area) in order to obtain a large elastic deformation, thereby increasing the characteristic impedance adjusted to the ideal value in the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c. The intermediate portion 54b can intentionally suppress the increase in the characteristic impedance. In this way, the intermediate portion 54b plays a role in suppressing the increase in the characteristic impedance of the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c, and making the characteristic impedance close to the ideal value as a whole. Therefore, in the connector 10, even in large-capacity and high-speed transmission, the desired transmission characteristics can be more easily obtained. Compared with the existing electrical connector that does not have each adjustment portion in the intermediate portion 54b, the transmission characteristics are further improved.

[0132] By providing the contact 50 with the first wide width portion 51a and the second wide width portion 55, the characteristic impedance can be adjusted according to the width of the transmission path, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transmission path. For example, the first wide width portion 51a and the second wide width portion 55 are formed to be wide by protruding in the front-rear direction. As a result, the characteristic impedance of the corresponding portion of the contact 50 is close to the ideal value. More specifically, the first wide width portion 51a and the second wide width portion 55 can intentionally suppress the increase in the characteristic impedance of the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c. In this way, by adjusting the characteristic impedance using the first wide width portion 51a and the second wide width portion 55, these components can suppress the increase in the characteristic impedance of the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c, thereby making the characteristic impedance close to the ideal value.

[0133] By designing the contact 50 so that each wide portion protrudes in the front-rear direction, the entire shape of the contact 50 can be formed only by punching. As a result, the productivity of the contact 50 is improved. In addition, even when the contact 50 is designed in a complicated shape, the contact 50 can be easily manufactured. Therefore, the contact 50 can be manufactured in a state where the optimal shape that matches the desired transmission characteristics is maintained with high precision. In this way, the productivity of the contact 50 is improved, and as a result, the productivity of the connector 10 is improved.

[0134] By forming the first wide width portion 51a and the second wide width portion 55 and the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c continuously, the influence of each wide width portion on each elastic portion formed into a narrow width is further strengthened. Thus, the characteristic impedance of each elastic portion is more effectively reduced. The increase in the characteristic impedance of each elastic portion can be effectively suppressed.

[0135] As will be explained below, in addition to achieving the good transmission characteristics of the above-mentioned signal transmission, the connector 10 can also achieve a good floating structure.

[0136] In the connector 10, by providing the second elastic portion 54c in the contact 50, the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 relative to the fixed insulator 20 can be increased. More specifically, in addition to the elastic deformation of the first elastic portion 54a, the elastic deformation of the second elastic portion 54c is also generated, thereby increasing the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 relative to the fixed insulator 20.

[0137] In the connector 10, the contact 50 further includes the third elastic portion 56, so that the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 relative to the fixed insulator 20 can be increased. More specifically, in addition to the elastic deformation of the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c, the elastic deformation of the third elastic portion 56 is also generated, thereby increasing the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 relative to the fixed insulator 20.

[0138] By providing the wall portion 36 at the position where the movable insulator 30 and the second wide portion 55 face each other, Fig. 9 As described above, the second wide portion 55 connecting the second elastic portion 54c and the third elastic portion 56 is elastically deformed along, for example, Fig. 9 At this time, if the wall portion 36 is not formed on the movable insulator 30, the second wide width portions 55 of the front and rear pair of contacts 50 may also contact each other depending on their respective elastic deformation states.

[0139] By forming the wall portion 36, the contact between the second wide width portions 55 can be suppressed, and the electrical problems such as short circuits and mechanical problems such as breakage can be suppressed. In other words, by forming the wall portion 36, the connector 10 can limit the excessive elastic deformation of the third elastic portion 56. Even in the case where the second wide width portion 55 moves with the elastic deformation of the second elastic portion 54c and the third elastic portion 56, the reliability of the connector 10 as a product can be maintained.

[0140] In the connector 10, the first adjustment portion 54b1 protrudes outwardly one step further than the second adjustment portion 54b2 in the front-to-back direction, and the third adjustment portion 54b3 protrudes inwardly one step further than the second adjustment portion 54b2 in the front-to-back direction. Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 As shown, by this formation method, even when the contact 50 is elastically deformed, the first adjustment portion 54b1 and the third adjustment portion 54b3 do not contact other parts of the contact 50 and the movable insulator 30. Therefore, in the connector 10, the protruding portions of the first adjustment portion 54b1 and the third adjustment portion 54b3 do not hinder the elastic deformation of the contact 50, thereby achieving smooth movement of the movable insulator 30 and contributing to a good floating structure.

[0141] By making the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c extend from both ends of the middle portion 54b in the mating direction, the connector 10 can ensure the required movable amount of the middle portion 54b. Therefore, the connector 10 can ensure the required movable amount of the movable insulator 30. By making the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c integrally formed into a crank shape, the connector 10 can achieve the above-mentioned effect and also contribute to shortening the Fig. 9For example, the first elastic portion 54a extends from the inner end of the upper edge of the middle portion 54b, and the second elastic portion 54c extends from the outer end of the lower edge of the middle portion 54b. Thus, the width of the connector 10 as a whole in the front-to-back direction can be shortened. In addition, the elastically deformed portions of the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c can be lengthened within a limited area within the fixed insulator 20, thereby obtaining a good floating structure.

[0142] Since the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c are arranged in sequence from the fitting side along the fitting direction, the second wide portion 55 connected to the second elastic portion 54c is arranged at the bottom. As a result, the third elastic portion 56 is extended and can be elastically deformed more. As a result, the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 relative to the fixed insulator 20 is increased.

[0143] In the connector 10, since the contact 50 has the notch 57, when the movable insulator 30 moves, the force applied to the third stopper 58 in contact with the inner wall of the movable insulator 30 can be suppressed. Similarly, in the connector 10, the force applied to the elastic contact portion 59 located at the upper part of the contact mounting groove 35 can be suppressed. In the connector 10, the third elastic portion 56 can be bent at the lower side near the notch 57. More specifically, in the connector 10, in the third elastic portion 56, the elastic deformation amount of the lower half becomes larger than that of the upper half from the lower end of the third stopper 58 to the vicinity of the notch 57. Thus, in a state where the third stopper 58 is locked to the movable insulator 30 and the elastic contact portion 59 is in stable contact with the contact portion 92, the third elastic portion 56 can help the movable insulator 30 to move relative to the fixed insulator 20.

[0144] Since the contact 50 is formed of a metal material with a small elastic modulus, the connector 10 can ensure the required movement amount of the movable insulator 30 even when a small force is applied to the movable insulator 30. The movable insulator 30 can move smoothly relative to the fixed insulator 20. Thus, the connector 10 can easily absorb the misalignment when mating with the connection object 60.

[0145] In the connector 10, each elastic portion of the contact 50 absorbs vibrations generated by some external factors. As a result, the possibility of applying a large force to the mounting portion 53 can be suppressed. Therefore, the damage of the connection portion with the circuit board CB1 can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of cracks in the solder of the connection portion between the circuit board CB1 and the mounting portion 53. Therefore, even in the state where the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected, the connection reliability is improved.

[0146] The contact 50 has the second wide portion 55 formed to be wide, thereby improving the workability when assembling the connector 10. More specifically, the second wide portion 55 is formed to be wide, thereby improving the rigidity of this portion. Thus, the contact 50 can be stably inserted from below the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30 by using an assembling device or the like, with the second wide portion 55 as a fulcrum.

[0147] By pressing the metal member 40 into the fixed insulator 20 and welding the mounting portion 41 to the circuit board CB1, the metal member 40 can stably fix the fixed insulator 20 to the circuit board CB1. The metal member 40 can improve the strength of the fixed insulator 20 mounted to the circuit board CB1.

[0148] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific ways than those described above without departing from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the foregoing description is exemplary but not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the scope of their equivalents are included therein.

[0149] For example, the shape, arrangement, direction and number of the above-mentioned components are not limited to the above-mentioned description and the contents shown in the drawings. The shape, arrangement, direction and number of each component can be arbitrarily configured as long as its function can be achieved.

[0150] The method of installing the connector 10 and the connection object 60 is not limited to the above description. The method of assembling the connector 10 and the connection object 60 may be any method as long as they can be assembled in a manner that each performs its function. For example, at least one of the metal member 40 and the contact 50 may be integrally formed with at least one of the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30 by insert molding instead of press-fitting.

[0151] Although the connector 10 has been described as including two movable insulators 30 , namely the first movable insulator 30 a and the second movable insulator 30 b , the number of movable insulators 30 is not limited thereto. The connector 10 may include three or more movable insulators 30 .

[0152] Although it is described that the protrusion 31a of the first movable insulator 30a protrudes from the side surface of one side of the second movable insulator 30b toward the second movable insulator 30b, and the protrusion 31a of the second movable insulator 30b protrudes from the side surface of one side of the first movable insulator 30a toward the first movable insulator 30a, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 31a of the movable insulator 30 may protrude outward from at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the bottom 31 of the movable insulator 30.

[0153] Although it is described that the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 overlaps with the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side, it is not limited to this. For example, the metal member 40 may be mounted on the partition wall 25, and the metal member 40 may overlap with the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side instead of the fixed insulator 20. More specifically, the anti-detachment portion 43 of the metal member 40 may overlap with the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side. Thus, the anti-detachment portion 43 can prevent the movable insulator 30 from falling off upward relative to the fixed insulator 20. Similarly, both the partition wall 25 of the fixed insulator 20 and the anti-detachment portion 43 of the metal member 40 may overlap with the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side.

[0154] Although it is described that the distal end of the first protrusion is located closer to the second movable insulator 30b than the distal end of the second protrusion, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the distal end of the first protrusion may be located closer to the first movable insulator 30a than the distal end of the second protrusion. In this case, the bottom 31 of the first movable insulator 30a, i.e., the right side surface of the protrusion 31a, and the bottom 31 of the second movable insulator 30b, i.e., the left side surface of the protrusion 31a, may be opposite to each other.

[0155] Although it is described that the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are arranged in a straight line along the arrangement direction of the contacts 50, this is not limited to this. The first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may also be arranged on the inner side of the fixed insulator 20 in an arbitrary positional relationship. For example, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may also be arranged in the front-to-back direction in a manner that the front and rear surfaces of the movable insulator 30 are opposite to each other. At this time, the protrusion 31a of the movable insulator 30 may also protrude from at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the bottom 31 of the movable insulator 30. Without being limited to this, the protrusion 31a of the movable insulator 30 may also protrude outward from at least one of the left side and the right side of the bottom 31 of the movable insulator 30. For example, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may also be arranged in an L-shape.

[0156] Fig.17 Yes means Figure 3 A front view of a first variation of the connector 10. In the above description, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b are formed in the same shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may be formed in different shapes. For example, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may be formed in different lengths along the mating direction of the connection object 60 and the movable insulator 30. As an example, in Fig.17 In the illustrated connector 10 , the first movable insulator 30 a is higher than the second movable insulator 30 b .

[0157] Here, in the above description, one set of connection object 60 and circuit board CB2 is connected to two movable insulators 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, two different sets of connection object 60 and circuit board CB2 may be connected to two movable insulators 30 of connector 10, respectively.

[0158] For example, Fig.17 As shown, by making the heights of the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b different from each other, the operation of connecting two different sets of connection objects 60 and the circuit board CB2 to the two movable insulators 30 is facilitated.

[0159] Similarly, the first movable insulator 30a and the second movable insulator 30b may be formed to have different lengths along the arrangement direction of the contacts 50. In this case, the number of contacts 50 mounted on the first movable insulator 30a and the number of contacts 50 mounted on the second movable insulator 30b may be different.

[0160] Fig.18 Yes means Figure 3 A second modification of the connector 10, and Figure 5 The corresponding enlarged image. Fig.19 Yes means Figure 3 A third variation of the connector 10, and Figure 5 Corresponding enlarged view. Previously, it was described that the separation distance L1 of the two opposing surfaces 31b in the front-to-back direction is smaller than the separation distance L2 between the protrusion 31a and the protruding wall 22b1 of the fixed insulator 20. It was described that the movable amount of the movable insulator 30 is greater than the separation distance L1 of the two opposing surfaces 31b in the front-to-back direction, but it is not limited thereto. For example, Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the separation distance L1 of the two opposing surfaces 31b in the front-rear direction may also be equal to the separation distance L2 between the protrusion 31a and the protruding wall 22b1 of the fixed insulator 20. For example, Fig.19 As shown, the separation distance L1 of the two opposing surfaces 31 b in the front-rear direction may also be greater than the separation distance L2 between the protrusion 31 a and the protruding wall 22 b 1 of the fixed insulator 20 .

[0161] Although the first wide portion 51a and the second wide portion 55 are formed along the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30, respectively, the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the transmission characteristics of the connector 10 can be maintained, corresponding wide portions may be formed along at least one of the fixed insulator 20 and the movable insulator 30.

[0162] It is explained that the characteristic impedance is reduced by increasing the width of the transmission path, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transmission path in the middle part 54b, thereby improving the conductivity. However, the structure of the middle part 54b that improves the conductivity is not limited to this. The middle part 54b can have any structure that improves the conductivity. For example, the middle part 54b can be formed to be thicker than the first elastic part 54a in a state where the width is the same. For example, the middle part 54b can be formed of a material with higher conductivity than the first elastic part 54a in a state where the cross-sectional area is the same. For example, the middle part 54b can have a plating layer that improves the conductivity on the surface in a state where the cross-sectional area is the same as that of the first elastic part 54a.

[0163] Although it has been described that the conductivity is adjusted by changing the cross-sectional areas of the first adjustment portion 54b1, the second adjustment portion 54b2, and the third adjustment portion 54b3 in the middle portion 54b in order from the mating side, the structure of the middle portion 54b is not limited thereto. The middle portion 54b may also have any structure including components with high conductivity, low conductivity, and high conductivity in order from the mating side. For example, as described above, the conductivity may be adjusted by changing at least one of the width, thickness, cross-sectional area, material, and type of plating in the middle portion 54b.

[0164] It is explained that the middle portion 54b extends along the mating direction with the connection object 60 when the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are not elastically deformed, and the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c extend from both end sides of the middle portion 54b in the mating direction. Not limited to this, as long as the required movable amount of the movable insulating member 30 can be ensured, the overall shape of the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c can be any shape. For example, the middle portion 54b can also extend in a state offset from the mating direction. For example, the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c can also extend from the middle portion 54b respectively. Fig. 9 For example, the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c may have any shape, and may have more curved portions. For example, the overall shape of the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b, and the second elastic portion 54c may not be a crank shape but a U shape.

[0165] like Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c are sequentially arranged from the fitting side along the fitting direction, but are not limited thereto. As long as the required movable amount of the movable insulator 30 can be ensured, the first elastic portion 54a, the middle portion 54b and the second elastic portion 54c can also be sequentially arranged from the opposite side.

[0166] Although it is described that the first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c are formed to be narrower than the width of the base portion 51, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first elastic portion 54a and the second elastic portion 54c may have any structure that can ensure the required elastic deformation amount. For example, the first elastic portion 54a or the second elastic portion 54c may also be formed of a metal material having a smaller elastic modulus than other parts of the contact 50.

[0167] As long as the required movable amount of the movable insulator 30 can be ensured, the connector 10 may not include the second elastic portion 54 c and the third elastic portion 56 .

[0168] Although the wall portion 36 is described as extending downward from the bottom surface of the fitting recess 33 , the invention is not limited thereto. As long as the contact between the pair of contacts 50 can be suppressed, the wall portion 36 may be formed only at a position facing the second wide portion 55 .

[0169] As long as the third elastic portion 56 can assist the movement of the movable insulator 30 in a state where the locking of the third locking portion 58 and the contact of the elastic contact portion 59 are stable, the connector 10 may not have the notch portion 57 .

[0170] The contact 50 is described as being formed of a metal material having a low elastic modulus, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The contact 50 may be formed of a metal material having any elastic modulus as long as a required elastic deformation amount can be ensured.

[0171] Although the contact 50 has been described as having the concavo-convex portion 51 b including the concave portion and the convex portion, the present invention is not limited thereto and the contact 50 may have only the convex portion instead of the concavo-convex portion 51 b.

[0172] The connection object 60 is described as a plug connector connected to the circuit board CB2, but is not limited thereto. The connection object 60 may be any object other than a connector. For example, the connection object 60 may be an FPC, a flexible flat cable, a rigid substrate, or a card edge of any circuit board.

[0173] The above connector 10 can be mounted in electronic devices. Electronic devices include any vehicle-mounted devices such as cameras, radars, driving recorders, and engine control units. Electronic devices include any vehicle-mounted devices used in vehicle-mounted systems such as car navigation systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and safety systems. Electronic devices include any information devices such as personal computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and multifunction machines. Other electronic devices include any industrial equipment.

[0174] In this electronic device, in the connector 10 having a floating structure, the load applied to the movable insulator 30 engaged with the connection object 60 can be suppressed. This electronic device has good transmission characteristics in signal transmission. In addition, since the misalignment between the circuit boards is absorbed by the good floating structure of the connector 10, the workability during the assembly of the electronic device is improved. The manufacture of the electronic device becomes easy. Since the damage of the connection part with the circuit board CB1 can be suppressed by the connector 10, the reliability of the product as an electronic device is improved.

[0175] Explanation of symbols

[0176] 10 Connectors

[0177] 20Fixed insulator

[0178] 21a Opening 1

[0179] 21b Opening 2

[0180] 21c Opening 3

[0181] 22 Outer wall

[0182] 22a Short Wall

[0183] 22b Longwall

[0184] 22b1 protruding wall

[0185] 23 Metal parts installation slot

[0186] 24 contact mounting slots

[0187] 25 Partition wall

[0188] 26 Raised part

[0189] 30 Movable insulator

[0190] 30a 1st movable insulator

[0191] 30b Second movable insulator

[0192] 31 Bottom

[0193] 31a protrusion (first protrusion, second protrusion)

[0194] 31b Opposite side

[0195] 32 fitting convex part

[0196] 33 fitting recess

[0197] 34 Introduction

[0198] 35 contact mounting slots

[0199] 36 Wall

[0200] 37 recess

[0201] 38 protrusions

[0202] 40 Metal parts

[0203] 41 Installation Department

[0204] 42 connection part

[0205] 43 Anti-slip part

[0206] 44 stopper

[0207] 50, 50a, 50b contacts

[0208] 51 base

[0209] 51a 1st wide section

[0210] 51b concave-convex part

[0211] 52a First locking portion

[0212] 52b Second locking portion

[0213] 53 Installation Department

[0214] 54a 1st elastic part

[0215] 54b Middle

[0216] 54b1 1st Adjustment Department

[0217] 54b2 Second Adjustment Department

[0218] 54b3 3rd Adjustment Section

[0219] 54c Second elastic part

[0220] 55 2nd wide section

[0221] 56 3rd elastic part

[0222] 57 Notch

[0223] 58 third stopper

[0224] 59 elastic contact part

[0225] 60Connection objects

[0226] 70 Insulator

[0227] 71 1st fitting recess

[0228] 72 2nd fitting recess

[0229] 73 1st fitting convex part

[0230] 74 2nd fitting convex part

[0231] 75 Introduction

[0232] 76 Metal parts installation slot

[0233] 77 contact mounting slot

[0234] 80 Metal Parts

[0235] 81 Installation Department

[0236] 82 stopper

[0237] 90 contacts

[0238] 91 Installation Department

[0239] 92 Contact Department

[0240] CB1, CB2 circuit boards

[0241] L1, L2 separation distance

Claims

1. Connectors, include: A fixed insulator is formed into a frame shape; A movable insulator is arranged inside the fixed insulator, is relatively movable with respect to the fixed insulator, and is engaged with a connection object; Contacts, mounted on the fixed insulator and the movable insulator; The movable insulator includes a first movable insulator and a second movable insulator which are disposed inside the fixed insulator in a state separated from each other and are independently and individually movable; The first movable insulator has a first protrusion protruding from a side surface of one side of the second movable insulator toward the second movable insulator; The second movable insulator has a second protrusion that is separated from the first protrusion and protrudes from a side surface of one side of the first movable insulator toward the first movable insulator; The distal end of the first protrusion of the first movable insulator is located closer to the second movable insulator than the distal end of the second protrusion of the second movable insulator; The fixed insulator has a partition wall overlapping both the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side when viewed from the fitting side of the connection object and the movable insulator, and the partition wall suppresses the movable insulator from falling off relative to the fixed insulator.

2. The connector according to claim 1, include: A metal part mounted on the fixed insulator; The fixed insulator and the metal member overlap the first protrusion and the second protrusion from the fitting side between the connection object and the movable insulator. 3 . The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first movable insulator and the second movable insulator are arranged in a straight line along an arrangement direction of the contacts.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first movable insulator and the second movable insulator are formed in the same shape as each other. 5 . The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first movable insulator and the second movable insulator are formed in shapes different from each other. 6 . The connector according to claim 5 , wherein the first movable insulator and the second movable insulator are formed to have different lengths from each other along a fitting direction between the connection object and the movable insulator.

7. Electronic equipment comprising the connector according to claim 1 or 2.

Images