Connector and connector set

Abstract

The present invention is a contact electrically connected to a mating contact, having a first contact piece, a second contact piece, and a first contact point portion provided to the first contact piece and a second contact point portion provided to the second contact piece which come into contact with a surface of the mating contact when the mating contact is inserted between the first contact piece and the second contact piece, at least one of the contact pieces having a first elastic portion which is able to displace in a direction orthogonal to a plate thickness and has elasticity, and having a bent portion which is bent toward the plate thickness direction between the contact piece branch portion and the contact point portion, thereby being able to provide a connector which is able to adapt to a space which it can occupy while having sufficient elasticity. Furthermore, the contact is a contact in which the length and shape of the first contact piece and the second contact piece are different, but the contact points are maintained at the same position, thereby being able to prevent the mating side contact from receiving a rotational torque when fitting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact for connection with a mating contact, and a connector having the contact. Background Technology

[0002] With the miniaturization of the devices they support, connectors are required to be miniaturized as well. Typically, connectors have the following structure: a spring-loaded contact on one side contacts a plate-shaped mating contact that does not have a spring-loaded contact. Miniaturization of the spring-loaded contact is essential for miniaturization. On the other hand, for stable contact, a structure known as a "double-sided contact structure," which uses a spring-loaded contact to clamp the plate-shaped mating contact from both sides, is effective.

[0003] As structures forming spring sheets, there are bent springs and stamped springs. Bent springs are springs that displace along the thickness of the material, while stamped springs displace in a direction orthogonal to the thickness of the material (horizontal direction). Stamped springs are easier to manufacture and are widely used in applications such as FPC (flexible printed circuit board) connectors. As stamped springs, there are tuning fork-type stamped springs (shaped like a tuning fork) with spring sheets on both sides having the same structure, and stamped springs with a spring sheet on one side and a non-spring sheet on the opposite side, etc.

[0004] Substrate-to-substrate connectors used in television backlight devices are an example of connector miniaturization requirements. Substrate-to-substrate connectors connect relay substrates that relay electrical connections between multiple light-emitting element substrates and control substrates. Due to the trend towards reducing the spacing between light-emitting elements, miniaturization in the longitudinal direction of the connector is required.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-317262.

[0008] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-295077. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] For connector springs, a certain spring length is required to ensure elasticity. Since stamped springs are formed in a straight line, the length from the spring root to the contact point must be sufficient; therefore, the connector's longitudinal dimension is relatively long.

[0011] Furthermore, with miniaturization, the thickness of the mating side contacts is also continuously decreasing, and the displacement of the double-sided contact spring side contacts is determined by the thickness of the mating side contacts. Generally speaking, the blanking width required for stamping is greater than the plate thickness. If the difference between the minimum blanking width of the spring side and the plate thickness is small, the required displacement cannot be guaranteed.

[0012] The present invention provides a contact and connector. Although the contact is a relatively easy-to-process stamped spring type contact, it can be miniaturized as needed while ensuring the elastic force. Moreover, even if the plate thickness of the mating side contact is relatively thin relative to the displacement amount, the required displacement amount can still be ensured.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] The contact of the present invention is a contact that is electrically connected to a pair of contact heads.

[0015] The device comprises a first contact piece, a second contact piece, and a first contact portion disposed on the first contact piece and a second contact portion disposed on the second contact piece. When the pair of contact heads is inserted between the first contact piece and the second contact piece, the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the surface of the pair of contact heads. At least one of the contact pieces has a first elastic portion that is displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the plate thickness and has elasticity, and a curved portion that bends in the direction of the plate thickness is provided between the branch portion and the contact portion of the contact piece.

[0016] In addition, the curved portion of the contact of the present invention is an L-shaped, or a U-shaped, or a U-shaped shape with an added L-shaped, or a cap-shaped curved shape.

[0017] Furthermore, the first contact piece and the second contact piece of the contact in the present invention have different lengths in the flattened state, and the excess length is adjusted by the bending portion in such a way that the contact point position is relative to the position in the displacement direction.

[0018] In addition, in the contacts of the present invention, sometimes the gap between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the displacement direction of the elastic portion of the first contact piece and the second contact piece is smaller than the plate thickness of the contact.

[0019] Furthermore, in the contact of the present invention, the first contact portion and the second contact portion have protrusions that protrude in directions opposite to each other, and the protrusions have an introduction portion in a certain direction from the contact portion to the plate thickness direction.

[0020] The connector of the present invention is a connector for electrical connection with a mating connector, having contacts of the present invention electrically connected to the mating contact head of the mating connector.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] By incorporating an L-shaped, U-shaped, or U-shaped bend, or a cap-shaped bend, between the branch and the contact portion, a connector can be provided that adapts to the space occupied by the connector while maintaining sufficient elasticity. Furthermore, the bend shape does not necessarily limit the root bend angle to 90°.

[0023] Although the contacts of the present invention are contacts with different lengths and shapes of the first contact piece and the second contact piece, the contact points are kept in the same position, thereby preventing the contact on the mating side from being subjected to rotational torque during engagement. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the relay board of the first embodiment and the socket connector mounted on the relay board.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the socket connector according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a six-view drawing showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is an unfolded diagram showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the light-emitting element substrate of the first embodiment and the plug connector mounted on the light-emitting element substrate.

[0034] Figure 11This is an exploded view showing the structure of the plug connector according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16 This is an enlarged view showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 17 This is an unfolded diagram showing the structure of the contacts, which are constituent elements of the socket connector in the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the plug connector according to the third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the housing, a constituent element of the socket connector in the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the structure of the housing, a constituent element of the socket connector in the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 23 This is an unfolded view showing the structure of the housing, a constituent element of the socket connector in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The substrate-to-substrate connector of the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The substrate-to-substrate connector of the first embodiment is a connector mainly used in LED backlight devices (illumination devices) that illuminate the liquid crystal of a liquid crystal display device from the back. Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (A) is a top view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (B) is a side view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (C) is a front view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 D is Figure 2 AA section view of (A), Figure 2 China (E) is Figure 2 (A) BB cross-section view. Additionally... Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 (A) is an exploded top view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 View B is an exploded side view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 (C) is an exploded front view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 D is Figure 4 (A) CC cross-sectional view. The substrate-to-substrate connector 1 electrically connects the relay substrate 4 to the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b, as shown. Figure 1 As shown, the substrate-to-substrate connector 1 consists of a receptacle connector 2 and two plug connectors 3a and 3b. The receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the relay substrate 4. The plug connector 3a is mounted on the light-emitting element substrate 5a, and the plug connector 3b is mounted on the light-emitting element substrate 5b. Furthermore, in the following description, the following settings are... Figure 1 The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is used as a reference to explain the positional relationships of each component. The direction in which the socket connector 2 engages with the plug connectors 3a and 3b is set as the X-axis, the length direction of the relay substrate 4 is set as the Y-axis, and the direction orthogonal to the mounting surfaces of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b is set as the Z-axis.

[0048] Furthermore, the relay substrate 4 used in the LED backlight device is a strip-shaped substrate with its length direction in the Y direction. Multiple socket connectors 2 are mounted on the relay substrate 4 at predetermined intervals along the Y direction. However, for the sake of clarity in explaining the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector 1, [the following is omitted as it is not part of the original text]. Figures 1-5 In the diagram, the length of the relay substrate 4 is shown to be shorter than its actual length. Similarly, the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b used in the LED backlight device are strip-shaped substrates with the length direction in the X direction. Multiple light-emitting elements (not shown) are mounted on the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b at predetermined intervals along the X direction. However, for the sake of clarity in illustrating the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector 1, in... Figures 1-4and Figure 8 In the diagram, the lengths of the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b in the longitudinal direction are shown to be shorter than their actual lengths.

[0049] The socket connector 2 mounted on the relay substrate 4 receives and engages with the plug connector 3a from the +X direction side, and receives and engages with the plug connector 3b from the -X direction side. Alternatively, this engagement can be an oblique engagement where the plug connectors 3a and 3b are engaged with the socket connector 2 at an angle. The relay substrate 4 relays the electrical connection between the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b and a control substrate (power supply substrate) not shown. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the relay board 4 and the socket connector 2 in their state before being installed on the relay board 4. Figure 6 This is an exploded view of socket connector 2. (See diagram below.) Figures 1-6 As shown, the socket connector 2 is configured to include: an insulator 6; two fitting nails (also known as "fixing nails") 8a and 8b; six first contacts (terminals) 10a to 10f; and six second contacts (terminals) 11a to 11f.

[0050] The first contacts 10a-10f and the second contacts 11a-11f are arranged opposite each other in the X direction. The first contacts 10a-10f are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction and are housed within the insulator 6. Each of the first contacts 10a-10f is disposed within a first receiving portion 12a-12f located on the +X direction side of the insulator 6. When the socket connector 2 is mounted on the relay substrate 4, the +X direction side end of each of the first contacts 10a-10f is connected to six first pads 14a-14f formed on the substrate surface of the relay substrate 4. Furthermore, when the socket connector 2 is mated with the plug connector 3a, the -X direction side end of each of the first contacts 10a-10f is connected to six contacts 20a-20f of the plug connector 3a.

[0051] The second contacts 11a to 11f are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction and are housed within the insulator 6. Each of the second contacts 11a to 11f is disposed within one of six second receiving portions (not shown) located on the -X side of the insulator 6. When the socket connector 2 is mounted on the relay substrate 4, the -X side end of each of the second contacts 11a to 11f is connected to one of the six second pads 15a to 15f formed on the substrate surface of the relay substrate 4. Furthermore, when the socket connector 2 is mated with the plug connector 3b, the +X side end of each of the second contacts 11a to 11f is connected to one of the six contacts 21a to 21f of the plug connector 3b.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Figure 8 (A) is a top view showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Figure 8 (B) is a front view showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Figure 8 (C) is a bottom view showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Figure 8 (D) is a left-side view showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Figure 8 View E is a right-side view showing the structure of the first contact 10a. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a unfolded diagram showing the structure of the first contact 10a (showing the unfolded length before bending). Figure 9 Image A is its three-dimensional representation. Figure 9 (B) is its top view. Figure 9 (C) is its front view. Figure 9 (D) is its bottom view. Furthermore, the shapes of the first contacts 10b to 10f are the same as those of the first contact 10a. Additionally, the second contacts 11a to 11f also have the same shape as the first contact 10a, in a manner that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the first contact along the Y direction of the socket connector 2.

[0053] The central portion 16 of the first contact 10a is disposed on the -Z direction side surface within the first receiving portion 12a. The first contact 10a includes a mounting portion 17, which is formed at the front end of the central portion 16 after bending from the +X direction side end toward the -Z direction side (relay substrate 4 side) and further bending toward the +X direction side. The surface of the mounting portion 17 opposite to the relay substrate 4 is mounted to the first pad 14a of the relay substrate 4, for example, by soldering. In addition, the first contact 10a includes an elastic portion 18, which extends from the -X direction side end of the central portion 16 in two branches and is elastic. The elastic portion 18 has a U-shaped portion formed by bending from the -X direction side end of the central portion 16 toward the +Z direction and further bending toward the +X direction. Furthermore, a first contact portion 19a and a second contact portion 19b are formed at the front ends of the first elastic portion (first contact piece) 18a and the second elastic portion (second contact piece) 18b, which are branches of the elastic portion 18. These first contact portions 19a and second contact portions 19b are clamping portions that hold the contact 20a of the plug connector 3a when the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 3a are engaged. The first contact portion 19a is formed in the first elastic portion 18a of one of the two branches, and the second contact portion 19b is formed in the second contact portion 18b of the other branch. The first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b clamp the contact 20a in the Y direction, so that the first contact 10a and the contact 20a are electrically connected. Here, the -X direction end of the central portion 16 (the root of the branch where the two forks meet) functions as a support (fixing portion) for the elastic portion 18. The space formed between the central portion 16 and the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b, due to the elastic portion 18 being bent into a U-shape, functions as an elastic space for the elastic portion 18. By applying elastic force along the Y direction, the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b clamp the contact 20a of the plug connector 3a, and the first contact 10a and the contact 20a are electrically connected. That is, while ensuring the function of the elastic portion 18 as an elastic body and the spring length of the elastic portion 18, the length of the first contact 10a in the X direction is kept short.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 9As shown, the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b have different shapes, thicknesses (plate thicknesses), and widths. Furthermore, before being bent into a U-shape, the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b are not opposite each other; after being bent into a U-shape, the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b are opposite each other. Generally, when stamping contacts, the gap between the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b must be greater than or equal to the thickness (plate thickness). Here, when the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b are of the same shape, the gap between the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b must be greater than the plate thickness, therefore the plate thickness of the contact 20a must be greater than the plate thickness of the first contact 10a. That is, although it is desirable to freely (as thin as possible) set the plate thickness of the contact 20a, the plate thickness of the contact 20a is constrained. However, by not making the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b have the same shape, but instead making the positions of the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b staggered, it is possible to satisfy the stamping processing conditions while also making the gap between the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b narrow. That is, the plate thickness of the contact 20a can be set freely (thinner).

[0055] The length of the first elastic portion 18a in the longitudinal direction (X direction) is longer than the length of the second elastic portion 18b. The excess length of the first elastic portion 18a relative to the second elastic portion 18b is adjusted in the U-shaped portion (bending portion) that functions as an excess length adjustment portion. Specifically, the excess length of the first elastic portion 18a is absorbed by making the size of the U-shape of the first elastic portion 18a larger than the size of the U-shape of the second elastic portion 18b.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to eliminate the difference in spring displacement (spring load) at the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b caused by the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b not being opposite each other before bending into a U-shape and then being opposite each other after bending into a U-shape, at least one of the thickness and width of the first elastic portion 18a, which is longer in the length direction (X direction) of the first contact 10a, is made thicker and wider than at least one of the thickness and width of the second elastic portion 18b, which is shorter than the first elastic portion 18a. That is, in order to make the clamping force of the first contact portion 19a and the second contact portion 19b equally without bias, at least one of the thickness and width of the first elastic portion 18a and the second elastic portion 18b is adjusted.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the state before the light-emitting element substrate 5a and the plug connector 3a are installed on the light-emitting element substrate 5a. Figure 11This is an exploded view of the plug connector 3a. Furthermore, the plug connector 3b has the same structure as the plug connector 3a, in a manner that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the socket connector 2 along the Y direction. Additionally, the light-emitting element substrate 5b has the same structure as the light-emitting element substrate 5a, in a manner that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the socket connector 2 along the Y direction.

[0058] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the plug connector 3a is configured to include: an insulator 24, two fitting nails (also called "fixing nails") 26a and 26b, and six contacts 20a to 20f. The contacts 20a to 20f are arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction and are housed within the insulator 24. When the plug connector 3a is mounted on the light-emitting element substrate 5a, the +X direction end of each of the contacts 20a to 20f is connected to six pads 22a to 22f formed on the substrate surface of the light-emitting element substrate 5a. Furthermore, when the socket connector 2 is engaged with the plug connector 3a, the -X direction end of each of the contacts 20a to 20f is connected to the six first contacts 10a to 10f of the socket connector 2.

[0059] The LED backlight device (lighting device, not shown) is configured to include: a plurality of light-emitting elements (not shown); a relay substrate 4; a plurality of light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted; a rectangular flat mounting member (not shown) for mounting the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b; and a substrate-to-substrate connector 1 for electrically connecting the relay substrate 4 to the light-emitting element substrates 5a and 5b. The liquid crystal display device (display device, not shown) is configured to include: a liquid crystal panel (not shown), an LED backlight device disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel, and a control substrate (not shown) disposed on the back side of the LED backlight device.

[0060] The substrate-to-substrate connector 1 of the first embodiment has a socket connector 2 having first contacts 10a to 10f (second contacts 11a to 11f), wherein the first contacts 10a to 10f (second contacts 11a to 11f) are elastic bodies bent into a U-shape. Therefore, compared with contacts such as tuning fork type contacts (contacts in which a sheet is punched so that it elastically displaces in a direction orthogonal to the punching direction (a direction parallel to the surface of the sheet)) or box-shaped bent structure contacts that extend without bending in the mating direction, the length of the first contacts 10a to 10f (second contacts 11a to 11f) can be shortened by an amount equivalent to the length folded back. In other words, the dimension of the socket connector 2 in the mating direction can be shortened by at least the length of the first contacts 10a to 10f (second contacts 11a to 11f) bent back, thereby shortening the dimension of the relay substrate 4 on which the socket connector 2 is mounted. Furthermore, even in cases where the substrate-to-substrate connector 1 is located, for example, in a situation where it is too low or too narrow to be installed in a flat state before bending, it can be installed if the connector is equipped with the contacts of the present invention.

[0061] Next, the substrate-to-substrate connector of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 (A) is a top view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 (B) is Figure 13 DD cross-section of (A), Figure 13 C is Figure 13 The EE cross-sectional view of (A). The substrate-to-substrate connector 27 is composed of a receptacle connector 29, a plug connector 31b, and a plug connector (not shown), which electrically connects the relay substrate 4 to the light-emitting element substrate 5b and the light-emitting element substrate (not shown). The receptacle connector 29 is mounted on the relay substrate 4. The plug connector 31b is mounted on the light-emitting element substrate 5b, and the plug connector (not shown) is mounted on the light-emitting element substrate (not shown). Furthermore, in the following description, similar to the first embodiment, the following is set... Figure 12 The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is used as a reference to explain the positional relationships of each component.

[0062] The socket connector 29, mounted on the relay substrate 4, receives and engages with the plug connector 31b from the -X direction side, and receives and engages with a plug connector (not shown) from the +X direction side. The socket connector 29 is as follows... Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, it consists of an insulator 32, 10 first contacts (terminals) 33, 10 second contacts (terminals) 34 and a housing 35.

[0063] Ten first contacts 33 and ten second contacts 34 are opposite each other in the X direction and arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction, and are housed within an insulator 32. The -X direction end of the first contact 33 is connected to a first pad (not shown) formed on the relay substrate 4. Additionally, the +X direction end of the first contact 33 is connected to a contact of a plug connector (not shown). The +X direction end of the second contact 34 is connected to a second pad (not shown) formed on the relay substrate 4. Furthermore, the -X direction end of the second contact 34 is connected to a contact 43 of the plug connector 31b (see reference 31b). Figure 12 )connect.

[0064] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 15 (A) is a top view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 15 (B) is a front view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 15 (C) is a bottom view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 15 View D is the left-side view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 15 The middle (E) view is a right-side view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Additionally, Figure 16 This is an enlarged view showing the structure of the first contact 33. Figure 17 This is the unfolded diagram of the first contact 33 (representing the unfolded length before bending). Figure 17 Image A is its three-dimensional representation. Figure 17 (B) is its front view. Furthermore, the second contact 34 has the same shape as the first contact 33 in a manner that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the socket connector 29 in the Y direction.

[0065] A mounting portion 36 is formed at the -X direction end of the first contact 33. The surface of the mounting portion 36 facing the relay substrate 4 is mounted to a first pad (not shown) on the relay substrate 4, for example, by soldering. The first contact 33 has a folded-back portion 37 that bends in an L-shape from the +X direction end of the mounting portion 36, extends in the +Z direction, and then folds back in the -Z direction. Furthermore, since the substrate-to-substrate connector 27 is a floating connector, the first contact 33 has a wave-shaped flexible portion 38 between the folded-back portion 37 and the branch portions (first elastic portion 39a, second elastic portion 39b) described later. The flexible portion 38 is elastic and follows the movement of the socket connector 29 relative to the plug connector 31b. When the socket connector 29 and the plug connector 31b are engaged, for example, even if at least one of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrate is misaligned, the flexible portion 38 will follow, thereby allowing misalignment of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrate. Furthermore, even if at least one of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrate is misaligned after mating, the flexible part 38 will follow the movement of at least one of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrate, thereby allowing the misalignment of the relay substrate 4 and the light-emitting element substrate and maintaining the connection between the socket connector 29 and the plug connector (the first contact 33 and the contact of the plug connector not shown).

[0066] The first contact 33 has a first elastic portion (first contact piece) 39a, which is one branch of the two forks branching from the +X direction end of the flexible portion 38, and a second elastic portion (second contact piece) 39b, which is the other branch. The first elastic portion 39a has an L-shaped bend (bent portion) 40a that extends from the -X direction end toward the +X direction and bends toward the -Z direction. In addition, the first contact 33 has a U-shaped excess length adjustment portion 41 between the root of the branching point and the bend portion 40a. The excess length adjustment portion 41 will be described in detail later. In addition, the first contact 33 has a first contact portion 42a between the bend portion 40a and the front end on the +X direction side. The first contact portion 42a contacts the contact (not shown) of the plug connector. On the other hand, the second elastic portion 39b has an L-shaped bend portion 40b that extends from the -X direction end toward the +X direction and bends toward the -Z direction. The first contact 33 has a second contact portion 42b between the bent portion 40b and the front end on the +X direction side. The second contact portion 42b contacts the contact (not shown) of the plug connector.

[0067] The first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b face each other, and the elastic force of the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b clamps the contact of the plug connector in the Y direction, so that the first contact 33 is electrically connected to the contact of the plug connector. Here, the root of the branch into two forks functions as a support (fixing portion) for the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b. The space formed by the bending portions 40a and 40b into an L-shape functions as an elastic space for the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b. Elastic force is applied in the Y direction, so that the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b clamp the contact of the plug connector, and the first contact 33 is electrically connected to the contact of the plug connector. That is, while ensuring the function of the first elastic part 39a and the second elastic part 39b as elastic bodies and the spring length of the first elastic part 39a and the second elastic part 39b, the length of the first contact 33 in the X direction is made short.

[0068] Furthermore, the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b have different shapes, thicknesses (plate thicknesses), and widths, such as the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b do not overlap with each other in their unfolded length before bending. Also, before bending or other processes, the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b are not opposite each other (see reference). Figure 17 After bending and other processing, the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b are positioned opposite each other. That is, by bending the portion into a U-shape in the XY plane, the excess length adjustment portion 41 adjusts (absorbs) the excess length of the first elastic portion 39a relative to the second elastic portion 39b by positioning the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b opposite each other in the elastic direction (Y direction) of the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b. By positioning the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b opposite each other in the Y direction, no excess torque is generated when the socket connector 29 and the plug connector are engaged.

[0069] Furthermore, as long as the excess length of the first elastic portion 39a relative to the second elastic portion 39b can be adjusted, the excess length adjustment portion 41 can also be bent into a shape other than a U-shape. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the excess length adjustment portion 41 is provided between the root of the branching point and the bending portion 40a is described as an example. However, it is also possible to have the excess length adjustment portion 41 between the bending portion 40a and the first contact portion 39a.

[0070] Furthermore, since there is almost no gap between the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b (due to the shorter plate thickness compared to the first contact 33), the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b can firmly clamp the contacts of the plug connector, thus maintaining a good electrical connection between the socket connector 29 and the plug connector. Additionally, contacts are generally formed by stamping, requiring the stamping process to be performed with the contact plate flat. Generally, the minimum stamping width is the same as the plate thickness. Therefore, if the lengths of the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b are the same in the longitudinal direction (X direction), the gap between the first elastic portion 39a and the second elastic portion 39b is limited to the limit value of the stamping width, thus requiring the plate thickness of the plug connector contacts to be thicker than that of the first contact 33. In other words, the plate thickness of the plug connector contacts is constrained. However, by not making the first elastic part 39a and the second elastic part 39b have the same shape, but by making the positions of the first contact part 42a and the second contact part 42b staggered, it is possible to satisfy the stamping processing conditions and narrow the gap between the first contact part 42a and the second contact part 42b.

[0071] Furthermore, the first contact portion 42a has a fan-shaped protrusion protruding in the direction opposite to the second contact portion 42b (-Y direction). The first contact portion 42a is bent in the -X direction to make the surface of this protrusion a smooth curved surface. Similarly, the second contact portion 42b has a fan-shaped protrusion protruding in the direction opposite to the first contact portion 42a (+Y direction). The second contact portion 42b is bent in the -X direction (introduced portion) to make the surface of this protrusion a smooth curved surface. Thus, when the contact of the plug connector is inserted between the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b from an inclined direction, that is, an inclined direction relative to the length direction (X direction) of the first contact 33 towards the +Z direction, the curved surface of the protrusion guides the contact smoothly into place. Furthermore, as long as the contacts of the plug connector can be smoothly inserted between the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b, the surface of the protrusion does not need to be entirely curved; at least a portion of the surface of the protrusion is sufficient. Additionally, chamfering can be used instead of bending for machining the surface of the protrusion.

[0072] Furthermore, in order to eliminate the difference in spring displacement (spring load) between the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b caused by their not being opposite each other before bending but being opposite each other after bending, an opening 70 is provided in a part of the first elastic portion 39a. That is, by providing the opening 70 in the first elastic portion 39a, which is longer than the second elastic portion 39b in the length direction (X direction) of the first contact 33, the weight of the first elastic portion 39a is adjusted so that the clamping force of the first contact portion 42a and the second contact portion 42b is equally balanced without bias.

[0073] Furthermore, the plug connector (not shown) connected to the first contact 33 has the same structure as the plug connector 31b connected to the second contact 34, in a manner that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line of the socket connector 29 along the Y direction.

[0074] The substrate-to-substrate connector 27 of the second embodiment includes a receptacle connector 29 having a first contact 33 and a second contact 34, which are L-shaped and have bending elasticity. Therefore, compared with contacts such as tuning fork type contacts or box-shaped bent structure contacts that extend without bending in the mating direction, the length of the first contact 33 and the second contact 34 in the X direction is shortened by an amount equivalent to the length bent. In other words, the dimension of the receptacle connector 29 in the mating direction can be shortened by at least the length of the first contact 33 and the second contact 34 bent, thereby shortening the dimension of the relay substrate 4 on which the receptacle connector 29 is mounted in the width direction.

[0075] Next, the substrate-to-substrate connector of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the following description, the same approach as in the first embodiment will be used. Figure 18 The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is used as a reference to explain the positional relationships of each component. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the substrate-to-substrate connector 45 is composed of a plug connector 46 and a socket connector 47. Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate-to-substrate connector 45 in the third embodiment, and a view showing the state before the plug connector 46 and the socket connector 47 are engaged. Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the plug connector 46. The plug connector 46 and the socket connector 47 are mounted on a substrate (not shown).

[0076] The plug connector 46 and the socket connector 47 are engaged in the Z-direction. The plug connector 46 includes five first contacts 48, five second contacts 49, and a ground plane 53 located between the first contacts 48 and the second contacts 49. The first contacts 48, the second contacts 49, and the ground plane 53 are housed within an insulator 71. The five first contacts 48 and the five second contacts 49 are opposite each other in the X-direction and are arranged at equal intervals along the Y-direction.

[0077] The receptacle connector 47 includes five first contacts 50, five second contacts 51, and a housing 52. The first contacts 50 and second contacts 51 are housed within an insulator 72. The five first contacts 50 and five second contacts 51 are opposite each other in the X direction and arranged at equal intervals along the Y direction. The first contacts 48 of the plug connector 46 are each electrically connected to the first contacts 50 of the receptacle connector 47. Similarly, the second contacts 49 of the plug connector 46 are each electrically connected to the second contacts 51 of the receptacle connector 47.

[0078] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the housing 52 of the socket connector 47. Figure 22 (A) is a top view showing the structure of the outer casing 52. Figure 22 View B is a front view showing the structure of the outer shell 52. Figure 23 This is an unfolded view showing the structure of the housing 52 (showing the unfolded length before bending). The housing 52 includes: a first grounding contact 54 extending from the center of the side in the -Y direction to the +Y direction, and a second grounding contact 55 extending from the center of the side in the +Y direction to the -Y direction.

[0079] The first grounding contact 54 has a first elastic portion (first contact piece) 56a, which is one branch of a two-pronged branch, and a second elastic portion (second contact piece) 56b, which is the other branch. A first contact portion 58a is provided at the front end of the first elastic portion 56a. The first contact portion 58a contacts the grounding plate 53 of the plug connector 46 to ground. In addition, the first elastic portion 56a has a bending portion (bent portion) between the root of the branch and the first contact portion 58a. The bending portion has an L-shaped portion 60a that bends from the root of the branch in the +Z direction, and a U-shaped portion 61a that bends in the +Y direction and then in the -Z direction.

[0080] On the other hand, a second contact portion 58b is provided at the front end of the second elastic portion 56b. The second contact portion 58b contacts the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46 and is grounded. In addition, the second elastic portion 56b has a bending portion between the root of the branching point and the second contact portion 58b. The bending portion has an L-shaped portion 60b that bends from the root of the branching point in the +Z direction, and a U-shaped portion 61b that bends in the +Y direction and then in the -Z direction.

[0081] The first contact portion 58a faces the +X direction, and the second contact portion 58b faces the -X direction. The elastic force of the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b clamps the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46 in the X direction, electrically connecting the housing 52 to the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46. Here, the root portion at the bifurcated point functions as a support (fixing portion) for the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b, and the space formed by the bends of the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b functions as an elastic space for the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b. By applying elastic force along the X direction, the first contact portion 58a and the second contact portion 58b clamp the ground plane 53, electrically connecting the housing 52 to the ground plane 53. That is, while ensuring the function of the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b as elastic bodies and the spring length of the first elastic portion 56a and the second elastic portion 56b, the length of the first grounding contact 54 in the Y direction is kept short.

[0082] The second grounding contact 55 has a first elastic portion 57a, which is one branch of a two-pronged branch, and a second elastic portion 57b, which is the other branch. A first contact portion 59a is provided at the front end of the first elastic portion 57a. The first contact portion 59a contacts the grounding plate 53 of the plug connector 46 to ground. In addition, the first elastic portion 57a ​​has a bending portion between the root of the branch and the first contact portion 59a. The bending portion has an L-shaped portion 62a that bends from the root of the branch in the +Z direction, and a U-shaped portion 63a that bends in the -Y direction and then in the -Z direction.

[0083] On the other hand, a second contact portion 59b is provided at the front end of the second elastic portion 57b. The second contact portion 59b contacts the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46 and is grounded. In addition, the second elastic portion 57b has a bending portion between the root of the branching point and the second contact portion 59b, and has an L-shaped portion 62b that bends from the root of the branching point in the +Z direction, and a U-shaped portion 63b that bends in the -Y direction and then in the -Z direction.

[0084] The first contact portion 59a faces the -X direction, and the second contact portion 59b faces the +X direction. The elastic force of the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b clamps the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46 in the X direction, electrically connecting the housing 52 to the ground plane 53 of the plug connector 46. Here, the root portion at the bifurcated point functions as a support (fixing portion) for the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b. The space formed by the U-shaped portions of the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b functions as an elastic space for the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b. By applying elastic force along the X direction, the first contact portion 59a and the second contact portion 59b clamp the ground plane 53, electrically connecting the housing 52 to the ground plane 53. That is, while ensuring the function of the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b as elastic bodies and the spring length of the first elastic portion 57a ​​and the second elastic portion 57b, the length of the second grounding contact 55 in the Y direction is kept short. In addition, when adjusting the excess length of the first elastic parts 56a and 57a relative to the second elastic parts 56b and 57b, the excess length is adjusted by the U-shaped parts 61a and 63a.

[0085] Furthermore, the lengths of the first elastic portions 56a and 57a in the Y direction are longer than the lengths of the second elastic portions 56b and 57b in the Y direction. Additionally, the first elastic portions 56a and 57a and the second elastic portions 56b and 57b are arranged such that the first contact portions 58a and 59a and the second contact portions 58b and 59b do not overlap with each other in their unfolded lengths (see reference). Figure 23 For example, they may have different shapes, thicknesses (plate thickness), and widths. When the first elastic portions 56a, 57a and the second elastic portions 56b, 57b are made to have the same shape, the X-direction spacing between the first contact portions 58a, 59a and the second contact portions 58b, 59b must be greater than the plate thickness, thus limiting the plate thickness of the ground plate 53. However, by making the shapes of the first elastic portions 56a, 57a and the second elastic portions 56b, 57b as follows... Figure 23 As shown, they are different from each other, so that the positions of the first contact parts 58a, 59a and the second contact parts 58b, 59b are staggered, which can satisfy the conditions of stamping processing and make the spacing between the first contact parts 58a, 59a and the second contact parts 58b, 59b in the clamping direction (X direction) narrow.

[0086] The substrate-to-substrate connector 45 of the third embodiment has a socket connector 47 with a housing 52, the housing 52 having a first ground contact 54 and a second ground contact 55 having an elastic body bent into an L-shape and a U-shape. Therefore, the length of the first ground contact 54 and the second ground contact 55 is shortened, and the amount of shortening is equivalent to the amount of bending or folding back.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, substrate-to-substrate connectors 1 and 27 used in liquid crystal backlights (lighting devices) were described as examples. However, the connectors of the present invention can also be used in electronic devices other than liquid crystal backlights (lighting devices). Additionally, in the above embodiments, substrate-to-substrate connector 1 (where the socket connector 2 and plug connectors 3a and 3b are fitted), substrate-to-substrate connector 27 (where the socket connector 29 and plug connector 31b are fitted), and substrate-to-substrate connector 45 (where the socket connector 47 and plug connector 46 are fitted) were described as examples. However, the contacts of the present invention can also be used in connectors other than substrate-to-substrate connectors, such as substrate-to-wire connectors and substrate-to-FPC (FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)) connectors. That is, the first contacts 10a to 10f (and the second contacts 11a to 11f) of the socket connector 2 can also be connected to connectors other than plug connectors 3a and 3b (wire connectors, FPC (FFC) connectors).

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case of connecting two plug connectors 3a and 3b to one socket connector 2 was described as an example. However, the structure of connecting one plug connector to one socket connector is also possible. Additionally, in the above embodiments, the case of the bent portion being L-shaped, U-shaped, or a combination of U-shaped and L-shaped was described as an example. However, the bent portion can also be a cap-shaped bent shape.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the contact and grounding contact have two elastic portions (a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion) has been described as an example; however, having at least one elastic portion is sufficient. Similarly, the case where the contact (grounding contact) has two contact portions (a first contact portion and a second contact portion) has been described as an example; however, having at least one contact portion is sufficient. For example, the contact (grounding contact) may have two elastic portions, with a contact portion provided in one of the elastic portions; it may also have a structure where only one branch of the contact (grounding contact) is elastic, with contact portions provided in both branches; or it may have a structure where only one branch of the contact (grounding contact) is elastic, with a contact portion provided in one of the branches.

[0090] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0091] 1, 27, 45… Substrate-to-substrate connector, 2, 29, 47… Socket connector, 3a, 3b, 31b, 46… Plug connector, 4… Relay substrate, 5a, 5b… Light-emitting element substrate, 6, 32, 71, 72… Insulator, 8a, 8b… Assembly pin, 10a~10f, 33, 48, 50… First contact, 11a~11f, 34, 49, 51… Second contact, 12a~12f… First receiving part, 14a~14f… First solder pad, 15a~15f… Second solder pad, 16… Central part, 17, 36… Mounting part, 18… Elastic part, 18a, 39a, 56a, 57a… First elastic part, 18b, 39b 56b, 57b…Second elastic part, 19a, 42a, 58a, 59a…First contact part, 19b, 42b, 58b, 59b…Second contact part, 20a~20f, 21a~21f, 43…Contact, 22a~22f…Pad, 24…Insulator, 26a, 26b…Assembly pin, 35, 52…Shell, 37…Fold-back part, 38…Flexible part, 40a, 40b…Bending part, 41…Excess length adjustment part, 53…Ground plate, 54…First grounding contact, 55…Second grounding contact, 60a, 60b, 62a, 62b…L-shaped part, 61a, 61b, 63a, 63b…U-shaped part, 70…Opening part.

Claims

1. A connector which is a connector to be mated with a mating connector, characterized by comprising: Comprising: an insulator; a plurality of first contacts mounted on the insulator in a prescribed arrangement direction; a plurality of second contacts mounted on the insulator in a manner parallel to the plurality of first contacts; a housing fixed to at least a portion of a peripheral portion of the insulator as viewed from a mating direction, and grounded; and a ground contact portion having a contact piece that elastically contacts and electrically connects with a mating ground contact portion of a mating connector, the ground contact portion includes an extension portion that is disposed in a region between the first contacts and the second contacts, extending from the housing in the arrangement direction, and a leading end side in a length direction in the arrangement direction of the extension portion is a free end, and a base end side is connected with the housing, the extension portion includes a plate-shaped portion whose plate thickness direction coincides with the mating direction, the contact piece is provided on the free end of the extension portion, the contact piece has a first contact piece and a second contact piece that are bifurcated from a branch point that is one end portion of the plate-shaped portion, and the first contact piece and the second contact piece elastically hold the mating ground contact portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped portion is disposed on a bottom surface of the connector that is orthogonal to the mating direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the ground contact portion has a relay portion that is the extension portion, and that links the housing and the contact piece.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the plate-shaped portion is a portion of the relay portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the ground contact portion are constituted by one member.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first contact piece and the second contact piece have contact points with the mating ground contact portion on a fracture surface formed by blanking processing.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first contact piece and the second contact piece has a bent portion that is bent toward the plate thickness direction.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the first contact piece has a first contact point portion that contacts the mating ground contact portion, the second contact piece has a second contact point portion that contacts the mating ground contact portion, in a spread state before bending processing, a length of the first contact piece from the branch point to the first contact point portion is different from a length of the second contact piece from the branch point to the second contact point portion.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the first contact point portion and the second contact point portion are disposed in a manner that faces each other in a direction that is orthogonal to the length direction and the mating direction in an assembled state after the bending processing.

10. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the first contact point portion and the second contact point portion are disposed in a manner that is staggered in the length direction in the assembled state after the bending processing.

11. The connector according to claim 8, wherein In the expanded state, a punching width at the time of punching processing to form the first contact piece and the second contact piece is larger than a plate thickness of the ground contact portion, In the assembled state after the bending processing, a distance between the first contact point portion and the second contact point portion in a direction orthogonal to the length direction and the fitting direction is smaller than the punching width.

12. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the bent portion is an L-letter shape, or a U-letter shape, or a shape obtained by adding an L-letter shape to a U-letter shape, or a hat-shaped bent shape.

13. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a rectangular shape constituted by a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides, the ground contact portion is connected to one of the short sides.

14. The connector according to claim 1, wherein two of the ground contact portions are arranged so that front end portions thereof face each other.

15. The connector according to claim 8, wherein two of the ground contact portions are arranged so that front end portions thereof face each other, a group of the first contact point portion and the second contact point portion of one of the ground contact portions and a group of the first contact point portion and the second contact point portion of the other of the ground contact portions are arranged in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to a point between the two ground contact portions.

16. A set of connectors, characterized in that comprise: a receptacle connector constituted by the connector according to claim 1; and a plug connector fitted to the receptacle connector, the plug connector has a ground plate portion inserted into a region between the first contact and the second contact and brought into contact with the ground contact portion.

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