connector

Abstract

The movable base can have a high degree of freedom in displacement, reliably maintain a fitting state, be small in size, simple in structure, have a small number of components, simplify manufacturing, be low in cost, and have high reliability. The fixed base includes a long wall portion extending in a length direction of the connector and a short wall portion extending in a width direction of the connector and connecting end portions of the long wall portion. The movable base includes a long wall portion extending in a length direction of the connector and a short wall portion extending in a width direction of the connector and connecting end portions of the long wall portion. The power terminal includes a fixed-side held portion held to the short wall portion of the fixed base, a movable-side held portion held to the movable base, and a bent portion connecting the fixed-side held portion and the movable-side held portion. The movable-side held portion includes a first held portion extending along at least a portion of the short wall portion and a second held portion extending along at least a portion of the long wall portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, substrate-to-substrate connectors have been used to electrically connect pairs of circuit boards to each other. However, the predetermined relative positions of the two circuit boards may deviate. Therefore, in order to absorb the misalignment of the circuit boards, it has been proposed to provide a floating structure for one or both of the two connectors (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Figure 37 This is a perspective view showing the conventional substrate-to-substrate connector before fitting.

[0004] In the figure, 810 is a floating connector mounted on the surface of a first circuit board 891 and includes a fixed base 811 fixed to the surface of the first circuit board 891 and a movable base 831 movably connected to the fixed base 811. The floating connector 810 includes a plurality of signal terminals 861 and power terminals 851.

[0005] On the other hand, the mating connector 910 includes a mating base 911 fixed to the surface of the second circuit board 991, and mating signal terminals 961 and mating power terminals 951 attached to the mating base 911.

[0006] For the floating connector 810, each signal terminal 861 has: a contact portion 865 that contacts and mates with the mating signal terminal 961 of the connector 910; a substrate connecting portion 863 that is connected to the surface of the first circuit board 891; and an elastically deformable portion (not shown) formed between the contact portion 865 and the substrate connecting portion 863. Additionally, each power terminal 851 also has: a contact portion 855 that contacts and mates with the mating power terminal 951 of the connector 910; a substrate connecting portion 853 that is connected to and fixed to the surface of the first circuit board 891; and an elastically deformable portion (not shown) formed between the contact portion 855 and the substrate connecting portion 853.

[0007] The contact portion 865 of the signal terminal 861 and the contact portion 855 of the power terminal 851 are attached to the movable base 831. The substrate connecting portion 863 of the signal terminal 861 and the substrate connecting portion 853 of the power terminal 851 are attached to the movable base 831, connected to and fixed to the surface of the first circuit board 891. Therefore, if the elastic deformation portion of the signal terminal 861 or the elastic deformation portion of the power terminal 851 deforms, the movable base 831 can move relative to the fixed base 811 fixed on the surface of the first circuit board 891. Note that the fixed base 811 is fixed to the surface of the first circuit board 891 by a fixing metal fitting 875.

[0008] Furthermore, when the floating connector 810 and the mating connector 910 are engaged, the movable base 831 and the mating base 911 are engaged together, the contact portion 865 of the signal terminal 861 contacts and conducts with the mating signal terminal 961, and the contact portion 855 of the power terminal 851 contacts and conducts with the mating power terminal 951. Accordingly, the first circuit board 891 and the second circuit board 991 are electrically connected. Furthermore, even if misalignment occurs between the floating connector 810 and the mating connector 910, the misalignment can be reliably absorbed.

[0009] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0010] [Patent Literature]

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JP2017-079214 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems solved by the invention

[0013] However, for this conventional connector, the elastic deformation portions of the signal terminal 861 and the power terminal 851 have the same shape, and thus are prone to elastic deformation in the same direction. Therefore, positional deviations between the floating connector 810 and the mating connector 910 may not be properly absorbed depending on this direction. Furthermore, because the metal reinforcing member is not attached to the mating end of the movable base 831 or the mating end of the mating base 911, the mating end of the movable base 831 or the mating end of the mating base 911 may be damaged or broken during the mating operation.

[0014] To prevent this from happening, the elastic deformable portion of signal terminal 861 or power terminal 851 can be enlarged, and their spacing can be increased to increase the degree of freedom of deformation. The mating end of movable base 831 or mating end of mating base 911 can be enlarged or attached with independent reinforcing accessories, thus making it less prone to breakage. However, in recent years, the miniaturization of electronic components and electronic devices has also led to the miniaturization of connectors. Therefore, the size and spacing of the various parts of the terminals have become extremely small, and similarly, it is difficult to enlarge the size of the various parts of the base or attach independent reinforcing components.

[0015] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the aim is to provide a connector that allows for a high degree of freedom of displacement of the movable base, reliably maintains the mating state, is miniaturized, has a simple structure, has a small number of parts, is easy to manufacture, has low cost, and has high reliability.

[0016] Problem-solving methods

[0017] To address this problem, the connector includes: a fixed base; a movable base movable relative to the fixed base; and a power terminal held in the fixed base and the movable base. The fixed base includes: a long wall extending in the length direction of the connector; and a short wall extending in the width direction of the connector and connecting to the end of the long wall. The movable base includes: a long wall extending in the length direction of the connector; and a short wall extending in the width direction of the connector and connecting to the end of the long wall. The power terminal includes: a fixed-side held portion held in the short wall of the fixed base; a movable-side held portion held in the movable base; and a bending portion connecting the fixed-side held portion and the movable-side held portion; and the movable-side held portion includes at least a first held portion extending along the short wall and at least a second held portion extending along the long wall.

[0018] For another connector, the first retained portion includes a first upper end cover covering the upper end of the short wall portion, and the second retained portion includes a second upper end cover covering the upper end of the long wall portion.

[0019] For another connector, the second retaining part is disposed inside the long wall and connected to the contact part that contacts the mating power terminal.

[0020] For another connector, the contact portion extends along the inner side of the long wall portion in the vertical direction.

[0021] For another connector, the contact portion includes: a contact arm portion that extends obliquely toward the ground in the vertical direction relative to the inner side of the long wall portion; and a contact protrusion portion that is connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion and bulges inward toward the width direction of the connector.

[0022] For another connector, the second retained portion of the movable side retained portion includes a retained portion that is engaged with the movable base.

[0023] For another connector, the engaged portion is inserted from below and engaged with an engagement recess that is open to the downward face of the movable base at its lower end.

[0024] For another connector, the bent portion is bent in a generally S-shape when viewed from the width direction of the connector, such that the first end is connected to the upper end of the fixed-side retained portion and the second end is connected to the lower end of the first retained portion of the movable-side retained portion.

[0025] For another connector, the power terminal includes a substrate connection portion connected to the fixed-side retaining portion, and the substrate connection portion includes: a relay portion extending from the fixed-side retaining portion toward the center of the connector in the length direction; and a body portion connected to the relay portion and extending outward in the width direction of the connector.

[0026] For another connector, the power terminals are arranged in pairs at both ends of the connector in the length direction and are respectively arranged side by side at both ends of the length direction in the width direction of the connector.

[0027] The effects of the invention

[0028] According to this disclosure, the connector ensures a high degree of freedom of displacement for the movable base and maintains a mating state. Furthermore, it is miniaturized, has a simple structure, fewer parts, is easy to manufacture, has low cost, and high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views of the first connector and the second connector of the first embodiment, wherein Figure 1(a) shows the mating state and Figure 1(b) shows the state before mating.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figures 3(a)-3(d) Figure 3(a) is a top view, Figure 3(b) is a side view, Figure 3(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 3(d) is a front view.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views showing the terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 5(a) shows the signal terminals and Figure 5(b) shows the power terminals.

[0034] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminal of the first connector according to the first embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figure 6(a) is an overall view, while Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 6(a).

[0035] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a set of signal terminals of a first connector according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figures 8(a)-8(d)Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the first connector according to the first embodiment, with the power terminal attached to the movable base. Figure 8(b) is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 8(a), Figure 8(c) is a top view of the first connector, and Figure 8(d) is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 8(c).

[0037] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are views showing the signal terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment attached to a fixed base and a movable base, wherein Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 3(a), and Figure 9(b) is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 9(a).

[0038] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are views showing the terminal mounting portion of the fixing base of the first connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the fixing terminal of the first connector viewed obliquely from below, and Figure 10(b) is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 10(a).

[0039] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second connector according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figures 12(a)-12(d) Figure 12(a) is a top view, Figure 12(b) is a side view, Figure 12(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 12(d) is a front view.

[0041] Figure 13 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are perspective views showing the terminals of the second connector according to the first embodiment, wherein Figure 14(a) shows the signal terminals and Figure 14(b) shows the power terminals.

[0043] Figures 15(a)-15(c) Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG of Figure 12(a), Figure 15(b) is a perspective view, and Figure 15(c) is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 15(b).

[0044] Figures 16(a)-16(c) Figure 16(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 16(a), and Figure 16(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of Figure 16(a).

[0045] Figure 17 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector in the mating state according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK of FIG16(a).

[0046] Figure 18 This is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the second embodiment.

[0047] Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminals of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figure 19(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with a cross section, viewed obliquely from below, and Figure 19(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with a side section, viewed obliquely from below.

[0048] Figures 20(a)-20(c) The power terminals of the first connector according to the second embodiment are shown mounted on the movable base, wherein FIG20(a) is a top view of the first connector, FIG20(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL of FIG20(a), and FIG20(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM of FIG20(a).

[0049] Figure 21 This is an exploded view of the second connector according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Figures 22(a)-22(c) Figure 22(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 22(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN of Figure 22(a), and Figure 22(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line OO of Figure 22(a).

[0051] Figure 23 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the second embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line PP of FIG22(a).

[0052] Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are perspective views of the first connector and the second connector of the third embodiment, wherein Figure 24(a) shows the mating state and Figure 24(b) shows the state before mating.

[0053] Figure 25 This is an exploded view of the first connector according to the third embodiment.

[0054] Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminal of the first connector according to the third embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figure 26(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with a cross section, viewed obliquely from below, and Figure 26(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with a side section, viewed obliquely from below.

[0055] Figures 27(a)-27(c) The power terminals of the first connector according to the third embodiment are shown mounted on the movable base, wherein FIG27(a) is a top view of the first connector, FIG27(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ of FIG27(a), and FIG27(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line RR of FIG27(a).

[0056] Figure 28 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the third embodiment.

[0057] Figures 29(a)-29(c) Figure 29(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 29(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS of Figure 29(a), and Figure 29(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line TT of Figure 29(a).

[0058] Figure 30 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the third embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line UU of FIG29(a).

[0059] Figure 31 This is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[0060] Figures 32(a) and 32(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminal of the first connector according to the fourth embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figure 32(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with a cross section, viewed obliquely from below, and Figure 32(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with a side section, viewed obliquely from below.

[0061] Figures 33(a)-33(c) Figure 33(a) is a top view of the first connector according to the fourth embodiment, Figure 33(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 33(a), and Figure 33(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line WW of Figure 33(a).

[0062] Figure 34 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[0063] Figures 35(a)-35(c) Figure 35(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 35(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Figure 35(a), and Figure 35(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of Figure 35(a).

[0064] Figure 36 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the fourth embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line ZZ of FIG35(a).

[0065] Figure 37 This is a perspective view showing a conventional substrate-to-substrate connector before mating.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0067] 1. Substrate to substrate connector

[0068] 10 First Connector

[0069] 11 First Fixed Base

[0070] 11b, 111b mounting surface

[0071] 12a, 32a, 112a, 131a Longwall section

[0072] 12b, 32b, 112b, 131b Short wall sections

[0073] 12c, 112g: Lower end notch

[0074] 13 Signal Terminal Mounting Section

[0075] 13a Signal terminal retaining recess on the fixed side

[0076] 13a1 Signal terminal fixed side holding part thickness reduction part

[0077] 13b Signal terminal fixed side retaining wall

[0078] 13b1 Signal terminal fixed side retaining groove

[0079] 13c, 14c eaves

[0080] 14 Power terminal mounting section

[0081] 14a Power terminal retaining recess on the fixing side

[0082] 14b Power terminal fixed side retaining wall

[0083] 14b1 Power terminal retaining groove on the fixed side

[0084] 15 Movable base receiving cavity

[0085] 31 First Active Base

[0086] 32, 52a, 53a, 62a, 66a, 152a, 153a, 162a, 172a Main body

[0087] Inner surfaces of 32a1 and 32b1

[0088] 32a2, 32b2 upper end face

[0089] 32c bottom

[0090] 32c1 Signal terminal movable side holding part first thickness reduction part

[0091] 32c2 Signal Terminal Movable Side Holding Part Second Thickening Section

[0092] 32d junction protrusion

[0093] 32e Signal terminal movable side retaining recess

[0094] 32g Power terminal movable side receiving recess

[0095] 32g1 First Reception Recess

[0096] 32g2 Second Reception Recess

[0097] 32g3 Third containment recess

[0098] 32h Corner

[0099] 32j Thickened Section

[0100] 33. Feet

[0101] 33a Foot

[0102] 34 central wall

[0103] 34a Signal terminal contact receiving groove

[0104] 35. Matching base receiving cavity

[0105] 51 First power terminal

[0106] 52, 62 Fixed side retaining part

[0107] 52b, 62b, 66b, 152b, 162b, 172b protrusions

[0108] 53, 63, 153, 163, 173 (tail end)

[0109] 53b and 153b relay units

[0110] 53c, 153c step difference part

[0111] 54, 64 Bends

[0112] 54a1, 64a1 First Straight Section

[0113] 54a2, 64a2 Second Straight Section

[0114] 54a3 Third Straight Section

[0115] 54b1, 64b1 First Curve Section

[0116] 54b2, 64b2 Second Curve Section

[0117] 54c slit

[0118] 55, 65, 155, 165, 855, 865 contact part

[0119] 55b, 65b, 155b contact arm

[0120] 55c, 65c, 155c contact end portion

[0121] 55d contact joint connector

[0122] 56, 66 The movable side is held in place.

[0123] 56a First Body Section

[0124] 56b Second Body Section

[0125] 56b1 Vertical part

[0126] 56b2 Horizontal section

[0127] 57a First upper end cover

[0128] 57a1 First upper end extension

[0129] 57b Second upper end cover

[0130] 58 Joint opening

[0131] 58a Engaging tab

[0132] 61 First signal terminal

[0133] 64b21 Bottom First Curved Section

[0134] 64b22 Bottom Second Curved Section

[0135] 64b23 Bottom Third Curve Section

[0136] 64b3 Third Curve Section

[0137] 65a, 155a contact protrusions

[0138] 101 Second Connector

[0139] 111 Second Base

[0140] 112 Lower side

[0141] 112c Outer protrusion

[0142] 112d Metal fitting retaining recess

[0143] 112e Power terminal retaining recess

[0144] 112f Signal terminal retaining recess

[0145] 131 Upper side

[0146] 131c Upper protruding end

[0147] 131d1 Signal terminal receiving recess first thickness reduction portion

[0148] 131d2 Signal terminal receiving recess, second thickness reduction portion

[0149] 131e Power terminal receiving recess

[0150] 131f Signal terminal receiving recess

[0151] 133 upper side cavity

[0152] 134 lower side cavity

[0153] 134a partition plate

[0154] 135 Boundary Wall

[0155] 151 Second power supply terminal

[0156] 152, 162, 172 are retained parts

[0157] 154 Middle Section

[0158] 161 Second signal terminal

[0159] 171 Base fixing metal fittings

[0160] 810 Floating Connector

[0161] 811 Fixed base

[0162] 831 Active Base

[0163] 851 power supply terminal

[0164] 853, 863 substrate connection part

[0165] 861 signal terminal

[0166] 875 Fixed metal fittings

[0167] 891 First Circuit Board

[0168] 910 mating connector

[0169] 911 Matching base

[0170] 951 with power supply terminals

[0171] 961 Matching signal terminals

[0172] 991 Second circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0173] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0174] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views showing the first connector and the second connector of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the first connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 3(a)-3(d) This is a four-view view of the first connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views showing the terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a set of signal terminals of a first connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 8(a)-8(d) Figure 9(a) and Figure 9(b) are views showing the power terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment attached to the movable base. Figure 10(a) and Figure 10(b) are views showing the signal terminals of the first connector according to the first embodiment attached to the fixed base and the movable base.

[0175] Note that in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), Figure 1(a) shows the mating state, while Figure 1(b) shows the state before mating. Figures 3(a)-3(d)In the figures, Figure 3(a) is a top view, Figure 3(b) is a side view, Figure 3(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 3(d) is a front view. In Figures 5(a) and 5(b), Figure 5(a) shows the signal terminals, while Figure 5(b) shows the power terminals. In Figures 6(a) and 6(b), Figure 6(a) is an overall view, while Figure 6(b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 6(a). Figures 8(a)-8(d) In Figures 8(a), a perspective view of the first connector is taken from above at an oblique angle; Figure 8(b) is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 8(a); Figure 8(c) is a top view of the first connector; and Figure 8(d) is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 8(c). In Figures 9(a) and 9(b), Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 3(a), and Figure 9(b) is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 9(a). In Figures 10(a) and 10(b), Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the fixed terminal of the first connector taken from below at an oblique angle, and Figure 10(b) is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 10(a).

[0176] In the figure, 10 represents a first connector, which is one of the substrate-to-substrate connectors 1 and is the connector of the first embodiment (i.e., this embodiment). The first connector 10 is a surface-mount type receptacle connector mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown), which is a substrate used as a mounting component, and the first connector 10 is mated with a second connector 101, which is used as a mating connector. The first connector 10 is a so-called floating type connector and includes: a first fixed base 11, which is fixedly attached to the surface of the first substrate; and a first movable base 31, which is movable relative to the first fixed base 11.

[0177] Furthermore, the second connector 101 is another of the substrate-to-substrate connectors 1 and is a surface-mount plug connector mounted on the surface of a second substrate (not shown) used as a mounting component. The second connector 101 is not a so-called floating connector, and the second connector 101 includes only a second base 111 as a mating base, which is a fixed base fixedly attached to the surface of the second substrate, but the second connector 101 does not include a movable base.

[0178] It should be noted that the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 of the connector pair according to this embodiment are preferably used to electrically connect the first substrate and the second substrate, but can also be used to electrically connect other components. For example, the first substrate and the second substrate are respectively printed circuit boards, flexible flat cables (FFC), flexible circuit boards (FPC), etc. used in electronic devices, but can be any type of substrate.

[0179] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the descriptions of the directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back used to describe the movement and configuration of the parts of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 of the connector pair are not absolute but relative, and these descriptions are appropriate when the parts of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are in the posture shown in the figure. That is, when their posture changes, these directions should be interpreted differently according to the change in posture.

[0180] like Figures 3(a)-3(d) As shown, the first connector 10 is configured to be symmetrical when viewed in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and also symmetrical when viewed in the length direction (X-axis direction). The first fixed base 11 and the first movable base 31 of the first connector 10 are each integrally formed from an insulator (dielectric) such as synthetic resin.

[0181] The first fixed base 11 is a generally cylindrical component and includes: a pair of rectangular flat plate-shaped long wall portions 12a, which are parallel to each other and extend along the length direction of the first connector 10; a pair of parallel rectangular thick plate-shaped short wall portions 12b, which are shorter than the long wall portions 12a and connect the ends of the long wall portions 12a along their length direction; and a movable base receiving cavity 15, which is a prismatic cavity defined on four sides by the long wall portions 12a and the short wall portions 12b and is open at both ends (both ends in the Z-axis direction). The lower surface of the first fixed base 11 is a mounting surface 11b facing the surface of the first substrate. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), on the surface (i.e. the inner surface) of the movable base receiving cavity 15, a signal terminal mounting portion 13 is formed at the lower end (negative Z-axis direction end) of each long wall portion 12a, and a power terminal mounting portion 14 is formed on the inner surface at the lower end of each short wall portion 12b.

[0182] Note that at the lower end of each long wall portion 12a, a lower end recess 12c is formed on both sides of the adjacent signal terminal mounting portion 13 in the longitudinal direction. When the first movable base 31 is received within the movable base receiving cavity 15, the feet 33a extending outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) from the lower ends of a pair of feet 33 located at both ends of the first movable base 31 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) are received within the lower end recess 12c. Accordingly, the range of motion of the first movable base 31 relative to the first fixed base 11 is appropriately limited in both the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0183] A signal terminal fixing-side retaining recess 13a is formed in the signal terminal mounting portion 13 to retain the fixing-side retaining portion 62 of the first signal terminal 61, which is the signal terminal in the first terminal of the first connector 10. Each signal terminal fixing-side retaining recess 13a is an elongated groove-shaped recess extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the fixing-side retaining portion 62 of each first signal terminal 61 is housed within it. In addition, the signal terminal fixing-side retaining wall 13b is formed to protrude relative to each other on both sides of each signal terminal fixing-side retaining recess 13a toward the center of the width direction of the first fixing base 11. Furthermore, a signal terminal fixing-side retaining groove 13b1 extending upward from the lower end is formed on both sides of each signal terminal fixing-side retaining recess 13a (i.e., the side wall surface of the signal terminal fixing-side retaining wall 13b). In addition, the bottom surface of each signal terminal fixing-side retaining recess 13a has a signal terminal fixing-side retaining portion thickening portion 13a1 formed by the thickness reduction of the elongated groove-shaped recess extending in the vertical direction. The signal terminal mounting portion 13a1 is formed to match the impedance of the first signal terminal 61. Furthermore, an eave 13c is formed at the upper end of the signal terminal mounting portion 13, protruding towards the center in the width direction of the first mounting base 11, defining the upper end of the signal terminal mounting portion 13a. Note that in the example shown in the figure, 30 signal terminal mounting portions 13a are formed on the left and right sides of the signal terminal mounting portion 13 of the first mounting base 11, respectively. This number varies depending on the number of first signal terminals 61.

[0184] Additionally, a power terminal fixing-side retaining recess 14a is formed in the power terminal mounting portion 14 to retain the power terminal among the first terminals of the first connector 10, that is, to retain the fixing-side retaining portion 52 of the first power terminal 51, which is a power terminal. Each power terminal fixing-side retaining recess 14a is an elongated groove-shaped recess extending in the vertical direction, and the fixing-side retaining portion 52 of each first power terminal 51 is received and retained therein. In addition, a power terminal fixing-side retaining wall 14b is formed on both sides of each power terminal fixing-side retaining recess 14a, protruding relative to each other toward the center of the first fixing base 11 in the longitudinal direction. A power terminal fixing-side retaining groove 14b1 extending upward from the lower end is formed on the two sides of each power terminal fixing-side retaining recess 14a (that is, the side wall surface of the power terminal fixing-side retaining wall 14b). Furthermore, an eave 14c is formed at the upper end of the power terminal mounting portion 14, protruding toward the center of the first fixing base 11 in the longitudinal direction, defining the upper end of the power terminal fixing-side retaining recess 14a. Note that in the example shown in the figure, two power terminal fixing side retaining recesses 14a are formed at both ends of the power terminal mounting portion 14 in the length direction of the first fixing base 11, and the number of power terminal fixing side retaining recesses 14a varies according to the number of first power terminals 51.

[0185] The first movable base 31 includes: a generally groove-shaped body portion 32 extending along the length of the first connector 10; and a pair of feet 33 extending downward from their lower ends at both ends along the length of the body portion 32. Note that feet 33a extending outward in the width direction are connected to the lower ends of each foot 33. The lower surface of the feet 33a is a mounting surface 11b facing the surface of the first substrate. The body portion 32 includes: a pair of rectangular, thick plate-shaped long wall portions 32a, parallel to each other and extending in the length direction of the first connector 10; a short wall portion 32b, which is a pair of parallel rectangular, thick plate-shaped components extending in the width direction of the first connector 10, shorter than the long wall portions 32a, and connecting the ends of the long wall portions 32a in the length direction; a mating base receiving cavity 35, which is defined on four sides by the long wall portions 32a and the short wall portions 32b and has a prismatic cavity with an open upper end (positive Z-axis end); and a bottom 32c, which is connected to the lower end of the long wall portions 32a and the lower end of the short wall portions 32b and blocks the lower end (negative Z-axis end) of the mating base receiving cavity 35. Note that outwardly protruding engagement protrusions 32d are formed on the outer surface near both ends of the long wall portions 32a in the length direction to engage the movable side retaining portion 56 of the first power terminal 51.

[0186] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are engaged, at least a portion of the upper side 131 of the second base 111 of the second connector 101 is received within the mating base receiving cavity 35. A thick plate-shaped central wall 34 extending along the length of the first connector 10 is provided within the mating base receiving cavity 35. The central wall 34 is a component extending upward from the upper surface of the bottom 32c, as shown in Figure 6(b), and the outer peripheral surface of the central wall 34 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the long wall 32a and the inner surface of the short wall 32b. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(a), a plurality of inverted U-shaped signal terminal contact receiving grooves 34a are continuously formed from the top end and span across both sides in the central wall 34. In addition, signal terminal movable side retaining recesses 32e extending in the vertical direction and penetrating from the lower surface of the bottom 32c to the upper surface of the bottom 32c are formed at positions corresponding to each signal terminal contact receiving groove 34a of the bottom 32c. The contact portion 65 and the movable side holding portion 66 of the first signal terminal 61 are respectively housed in the left and right sides of the left and right sides of the signal terminal contact portion receiving groove 34a and the left and right sides of the signal terminal movable side holding recess 32e that communicates with the signal terminal contact portion receiving groove 34a, which extend in the vertical direction.

[0187] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9(b), the first thickened portion 32c1 and the second thickened portion 32c2 of the active-side holding portion of the signal terminal are formed in each active-side holding recess 32e of the signal terminal. These thickened portions are elongated, groove-shaped recesses extending in the vertical direction, and are located near the outer side and inner side of the first connector 10 in the width direction, respectively, relative to the active-side holding portion 66. The first thickened portion 32c1 and the second thickened portion 32c2 of the active-side holding portion of the signal terminal are formed to match the impedance of the first signal terminal 61. In the example shown in the figure, 30 signal terminal contact receiving grooves 34a are formed, and 30 active-side holding recesses 32e of the signal terminal are formed on the left and right sides, respectively, and this number varies according to the number of first signal terminals 61.

[0188] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the power terminal movable side receiving recess 32g is formed at the four corner portions 32h of the body portion 32, for receiving a portion of the movable side holding portion 56 of the first power terminal 51. The power terminal movable side receiving recess 32g includes: a first receiving recess 32g1, formed near the upper end of the inner surface 32b1 of the short wall portion 32b; and a second receiving recess 32g2, formed near the upper end of the inner surface 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a. Figures 8(a)-8(d)As shown, the movable side of the first power terminal 51 is received by the first upper end cover 57a, the first upper end cover extension 57a1, the second upper end cover 57b, and the contact portion 55 of the holding portion 56, respectively, within the first receiving recess 32g1 and the second receiving recess 32g2. Note that the surfaces of the first upper end cover extension 57a1 and the contact portion 55, respectively received within the first receiving recess 32g1 and the second receiving recess 32g2, are preferably recessed further into the short wall portion 32b and the long wall portion 32a than the inner surface 32b1 of the short wall portion 32b and the inner surface 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a, respectively. Furthermore, the top surfaces (upper end surfaces) of the first upper end cover 57a and the second upper end cover 57b are preferably located above the upper end surface 32b2 of the short wall portion 32b and the upper end surface 32a2 of the long wall portion 32a, respectively.

[0189] Each of the plurality of first signal terminals 61 is an integrally formed, slender, rod-shaped component with elasticity, formed by stamping, bending, or other processes on a conductive metal plate, and as... Figure 7 As shown, the connector includes: a fixed-side holding portion 62; a tail portion 63 connected to the lower end of the fixed-side holding portion 62 as a substrate connection portion; a bent portion 64 connected to the upper end of the fixed-side holding portion 62; a movable-side holding portion 66 connected to the upper end of the bent portion 64; and a contact portion 65 connected to the upper end of the movable-side holding portion 66. In the example shown in the figure, there are 30 first signal terminals 61 extending side by side in the length direction of the first connector 10, forming a pair of left and right columns, each column having a predetermined spacing (e.g., about 0.3-0.5 mm). The spacing and number of the first signal terminals 61 can be appropriately varied. In addition, the first signal terminals 61 in the left and right columns are arranged symmetrically when viewed in the length direction of the first connector 10. Furthermore, each first signal terminal 61 is formed of a plate extending in a plane parallel to the length direction of the first connector 10 and bent in the cross-section (YZ plane) of the first connector 10 as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b).

[0190] The tail portion 63 is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the retaining portion 62 extending in the vertical direction and connected to the retaining portion 62, extending outward in the width direction of the first fixing base 11. Furthermore, the lower surface of the tail portion 63 is substantially flush with the mounting surface 11b, which is the lower surface of the first fixing base 11, and is connected and fixed to a connecting pad formed on the surface of the first substrate (not shown) by welding or the like. This connecting pad is typically connected to conductive traces on the first substrate for signal transmission. Additionally, as shown in FIG8(c), the tail portion 63 is configured such that at least its end is located outward in the width direction of the long wall portion 12a of the first fixing base 11, forming a column extending along the long wall portion 12a and in the length direction of the first connector 10. Accordingly, during the operation of mounting the first connector 10 onto the surface of the first substrate, the operator can easily visually confirm the connection status between the tail portion 63 and the connecting pad formed on the surface of the first substrate. Furthermore, the length of the tail portion 63 protruding beyond the width direction of the long wall portion 12a of the first fixed base 11 is set short to shorten the length of the tail portion 63. This prevents an increase in the impedance of the first signal terminal 61.

[0191] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the bending portion 64 is a portion that bends serpentinely when viewed from the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first connector 10, and serves as an elastic deformation portion. The bending portion 64 includes: a straight portion including a first straight portion 64a1 and a second straight portion 64a2; a first curved portion 64b1; and a curved portion including a second curved portion 64b2 and a third curved portion 64b3, both bent at approximately 180 degrees. The first curved portion 64b1 has its upper end connected to the lower end of the movable side retaining portion 66 and its lower end connected to the first straight portion 64a1, and the first curved portion 64b1 is bent into a generally S-shape when viewed from the side. The first straight portion 64a1 is a portion that extends in the vertical direction and has its two ends connected to the first curved portion 64b1 and the second curved portion 64b2, respectively. Furthermore, the second straight section 64a2 extends obliquely towards the ground relative to the width direction of the first fixed base 11, and its two ends are respectively connected to the second curved section 64b2 and the third curved section 64b3. Note that the first end of the third curved section 64b3 is connected to the second straight section 64a2, while the second end of the third curved section 64b3 is connected to the upper end of the fixed-side retaining section 62.

[0192] In this manner, the bending portion 64 connects its first end to the fixed-side held portion 62 held in the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a of the first fixed base 11, and its second end to the movable-side held portion 66 held in the signal terminal movable-side holding recess 32e of the first movable base 31. The bending portion 64 has a curved shape, when viewed from the side, including a straight first straight portion 64a1 and a second straight portion 64a2 connected to a first curved portion 64b1, a second curved portion 64b2, and a third curved portion 64b3. Therefore, the portion not constrained by the first fixed base 11 or the first movable base 31 (i.e., the length of the portion that can freely and elastically deform) is long. Thus, the bending portion 64 existing between the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a and the signal terminal movable-side holding recess 32e can be softly deformed, which allows the first movable base 31 to move softly relative to the first fixed base 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the curved portion 64 is located below the eaves 13c of the upper end of the signal terminal fixing side retaining recess 13a of the first fixed base 11 and below the bottom 32c of the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31 housed within the movable base receiving cavity 15 of the first fixed base 11, thereby allowing it to deform without interfering with the first fixed base 11 or the first movable base 31. Accordingly, relative to the first fixed base 11, the first movable base 31 can move in the transverse direction of the first signal terminal 61 (or in other words, the width direction of the first connector 10) and the spacing direction of the first signal terminals 61 (or in other words, the length direction of the first connector 10). Furthermore, the first movable base 31 can tilt relative to the first fixed base 11 in the transverse direction of the first signal terminal 61.

[0193] The contact portion 65 of each first signal terminal 61 is the part that contacts the second signal terminal 161 of the second connector 101, which serves as a mating signal terminal. It is a straight rod-shaped or even strip-shaped part with a rectangular cross-section that is generally uniform in size in the width direction (X-axis direction) and thickness direction (Y-axis direction). It serves as a cantilever with its lower end as the base end (fixed end) connected to the movable side retaining portion 66 and its upper end as the free end. Specifically, the contact portion 65 includes: a contact arm portion 65b, the lower end of which is connected to the movable side retaining portion 66. In the initial state without external force, it is gently inclined as a whole, and its upper end is located further outward in the width direction than the movable side retaining portion 66 towards the first movable base 31; a contact protrusion 65a, which is connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion 65b and bulges outward in the width direction of the first movable base 31; and a contact end portion 65c, which is the upper end of the contact protrusion 65a and faces inward in the width direction of the first movable base 31. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the contact portion 65 housed in the signal terminal contact portion receiving groove 34a of the central wall portion 34 of the first movable base 31 is configured such that at least a portion of the contact protrusion 65a protrudes out of the side of the central wall portion 34.

[0194] Furthermore, the movable-side retaining portion 66 connected to the lower end of the contact portion 65 includes: a straight rod-shaped or even strip-shaped body portion 66a having a rectangular cross-sectional shape with uniform dimensions in its width direction (X-axis direction) and thickness direction (Y-axis direction); and a plurality of protrusions 66b protruding outward from both sides of the body portion 66a in the width direction (X-axis direction). The width dimension of the body portion 66a is smaller than the width dimension of the movable-side retaining recess 32e of the signal terminal, while the distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 66b is set to be greater than the width dimension of the movable-side retaining recess 32e of the signal terminal. As a result, the movable-side retaining portion 66 of the first signal terminal 61, inserted from below into the movable-side retaining recess 32e of the signal terminal, is stably held by the left and right protrusions 66b biting into the left and right walls of the movable-side retaining recess 32e of the signal terminal. Furthermore, because the first curved portion 64b1 of the bent portion 64 is connected to the lower end of the movable-side held portion 66, the first straight portion 64a1 of the bent portion 64 is offset relative to the movable-side held portion 66. Therefore, while holding the first straight portion 64a1, the operator can easily insert the movable-side held portion 66 into the movable-side held recess 32e of the signal terminal from below.

[0195] Furthermore, the fixed-side holding portion 62 includes: a straight rod-shaped or even strip-shaped body portion 62a having a rectangular cross-sectional shape with uniform dimensions in both the width direction (X-axis direction) and the thickness direction (Y-axis direction); and a plurality of protrusions 62b protruding outward from both sides of the body portion 62a in the width direction (X-axis direction). Additionally, the width dimension of the body portion 62a is smaller than the width dimension of the portion of the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a corresponding to the signal terminal fixed-side holding groove 13b1. The distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 62b is set to be greater than the width dimension of the portion of the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a corresponding to the signal terminal fixed-side holding groove 13b1. As a result, the fixed-side holding portion 62 of the first signal terminal 61, inserted from below into the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a, is stably held by the left and right protrusions 62b biting into the left and right walls of the signal terminal fixed-side holding groove 13b1.

[0196] Although the first signal terminal 61 is used for signal transmission, in recent years, with the increasing speed of various signals, high-frequency signals can be transmitted, for example, at 8 (GHz) (16 (Gbps)). If such high-frequency signals are transmitted, impedance matching is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, a signal terminal fixed-side holding portion thickened portion 13a1 containing a space with an air having a lower dielectric constant than the first fixed base 11 is established between the fixed-side held portion 62 and the bottom surface of the signal terminal fixed-side holding recess 13a of the first fixed base 11, which is a dielectric material. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material around the fixed-side held portion 62 can be adjusted, and a signal terminal active-side holding portion first thickened portion 32c1 and a signal terminal active-side holding portion second thickened portion 32c2 containing a space with an air having a lower dielectric constant than the first active base 31 are established between the active-side held portion 66 and the bottom 32c of the body portion 32 of the first active base 31, which is a dielectric material. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material surrounding the active side held portion 66 can be adjusted, which allows the impedance of the first signal terminal 61 to be adjusted.

[0197] Furthermore, a pair of first signal terminals 61 adjacent to each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) in each of the left and right columns can be used as a differential pair to transmit high-frequency signals. In this case, the impedance of the first signal terminals 61 adjacent to each other in the width direction needs to be matched. In this embodiment, the width dimension of the bent portion 64 is set to be larger than the width dimension of the fixed-side held portion 62, the movable-side held portion 66, or the contact portion 65, and a portion of the first fixed base 11 or the first movable base 31 is located between the first signal terminals 61 adjacent in the width direction. In the absence of the first fixed base 11 or the first movable base 31 located between adjacent bent portions 64, shortening the distance between adjacent bent portions 64 can adjust the dielectric constant of the space surrounding the bent portion 64. This allows adjustment of the impedance between the first signal terminals 61 adjacent in the width direction.

[0198] Each first power terminal 51 is an integrally formed, flexible component created by stamping, bending, or other processes on a conductive metal plate. As shown in FIG. 5(b), it includes: a fixed-side holding portion 52; a tail portion 53, serving as a substrate connecting portion, connected to the lower end of the fixed-side holding portion 52; a bending portion 54, connected to the upper end of the fixed-side holding portion 52; a movable-side holding portion 56, connected to the upper end of the bending portion 54; and a contact portion 55, connected to the movable-side holding portion 56. In the example shown in the figure, the first power terminals 51 are arranged in pairs at both ends of the length direction of the first connector 10, and are configured such that two first power terminals 51 at each end of the length direction of the first connector 10 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the first connector 10. Thus, the first connector 10 has power lines through which positive and negative power currents flow at both ends of the length direction. Furthermore, the left and right first power terminals 51 at each end of the length direction of the first connector 10 are configured to be symmetrical when viewed from the length direction of the first connector 10. The first power terminal 51 is generally formed by bending a plate extending in the width and vertical directions of the first connector 10 in a plane parallel to the length direction of the first connector 10.

[0199] The fixed-side retaining portion 52 is a portion held in the short wall portion 12b of the first fixing base 11, and includes: a flat body portion 52a extending in the width direction and vertical direction of the first connector 10; and a plurality of protrusions 52b protruding outward from both sides of the body portion 52a in the width direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the width dimension of the body portion 52a is smaller than the width dimension of the portion of the power terminal fixed-side retaining recess 14a corresponding to the power terminal fixed-side retaining groove 14b1. The distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 52b is set to be greater than the width dimension of the portion of the power terminal fixed-side retaining recess 14a corresponding to the power terminal fixed-side retaining groove 14b1. Thus, the fixed-side retaining portion 52 of the first power terminal 51, inserted from below into the power terminal fixed-side retaining recess 14a, is stably held based on the left and right protrusions 52b biting into the left and right walls of the power terminal fixed-side retaining groove 14b1.

[0200] The movable-side retaining portion 56 is the portion retained by the short wall portion 32b of the first movable base 31, and includes: a first body portion 56a, which is a flat first retaining portion extending in the width and vertical directions of the first connector 10; and a second body portion 56b, which is a flat second retaining portion, bent at approximately 90 degrees at the outer edge of the first connector 10 in the width direction and connected to the first body portion 56a, and extending toward the center of the first connector 10 in the length direction. At least a portion of the first body portion 56a extends along the short wall portion 32b, and at least a portion of the second body portion 56b extends along the long wall portion 32a. Note that an engagement opening 58 is formed in the second body portion 56b, which is engaged with the first movable base 31 as a engaged portion. Specifically, the engagement opening 58 engages with an engagement protrusion 32d formed on the outer surface of the long wall portion 32a of the first movable base 31 as an engagement portion.

[0201] The first upper end cover 57a is connected to the upper end of the first body part 56a, and the second upper end cover 57b is connected to the upper end of the second body part 56b. The first upper end cover 57a and the second upper end cover 57b are components that respectively cover the upper end of the short wall part 32b and the upper end of the long wall part 32a near the corner part 32h of the first movable base 31, and are formed by bending at approximately 180 degrees so that the ends (lower ends) face downwards. In addition, a flat plate-shaped first upper end cover extension 57a1 is connected to the lower end of the first upper end cover 57a, and a flat plate-shaped contact part 55 is connected to the lower end of the second upper end cover 57b. The contact part 55 is a rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction, and serves as a contact surface for contacting the second power terminal 151 of the second connector 101, which is a mating power terminal. This contact surface is parallel to the inner side surface 32a1 of the long wall part 32a, but preferably recessed into the long wall part 32a more than the inner side surface 32a1. In addition, the top surfaces (upper surfaces) of the first upper cover portion 57a ​​and the second upper cover portion 57b are preferably located above the upper surface 32b2 of the short wall portion 32b and the upper surface 32a2 of the long wall portion 32a.

[0202] In this manner, the movable side retaining portion 56 covers the inner and outer surfaces, upper end face 32a2, and upper end face 32b2 of the long wall portion 32a and short wall portion 32b near both ends of the first connector 10 in the first movable base 31 along the longitudinal direction, thus effectively protecting the first movable base 31 and improving its robustness. In other words, in addition to serving as a contact point for the second power terminal 151, the movable side retaining portion 56 also effectively functions as a reinforcing accessory near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31.

[0203] Furthermore, the bending portion 54 is a portion that bends in a generally S-shape when viewed in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first connector 10 and serves as an elastic deformation portion. The bending portion 54 includes: a straight portion comprising a first straight portion 54a1, a second straight portion 54a2, and a third straight portion 54a3; and a curved portion comprising a first curved portion 54b1 and a second curved portion 54b2, both bent at approximately 180 degrees. The first straight portion 54a1 is a portion extending in the vertical direction, with its upper end connected to the lower end of the first body portion 56a of the movable-side retaining portion 56 and its lower end connected to the first curved portion 54b1. The second straight portion 54a2 is a portion extending in the vertical direction with its two ends connected to the first curved portion 54b1 and the second curved portion 54b2, respectively. The third straight portion 54a3 is a portion extending in the vertical direction, with its upper end connected to the second curved portion 54b2 and its lower end connected to the upper end of the body portion 52a of the fixed-side retaining portion 52. In addition, the curved portion 54 is bisected in the width direction (Y-axis direction) via a slit 54c extending along the entire length of the curved portion 54.

[0204] In this manner, the curved portion 54 has a curved shape when viewed from the side, with its first end connected to the fixed-side held portion 52 held in the power terminal fixed-side holding recess 14a of the first fixed base 11 and its second end connected to the movable-side held portion 56 held at both ends of the body portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the first movable base 31. It includes a straight first straight portion 54a1, a second straight portion 54a2, and a third straight portion 54a3, and a first curved portion 54b1 and a second curved portion 54b2 connecting the first straight portion 54a1, the second straight portion 54a2, and the third straight portion 54a3. Therefore, the portion not constrained by the first fixed base 11 or the first movable base 31 (i.e., the portion that can freely and elastically deform) is long. Thus, the curved portion 54, existing between the power terminal fixed-side holding recess 14a and both ends of the body portion 32 in the longitudinal direction, can deform softly, allowing the first movable base 31 to move softly relative to the first fixed base 11. Furthermore, the bent portion 54 is located below the eaves 14c of the upper end of the power terminal fixing side retaining recess 14a of the first fixed base 11 and below the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31 housed within the movable base receiving cavity 15 of the first fixed base 11; therefore, deformation is easily achieved between the first fixed base 11 and the first movable base 31. Additionally, the bent portion 54 is bisected in its width direction via the slit 54c. Therefore, the first movable base 31 can move not only relative to the first fixed base 11 in the transverse direction of the first power terminal 51 (i.e., the length direction of the first connector 10), but also in the spacing direction of the first power terminals 51 (i.e., the width direction of the first connector 10). Furthermore, the first movable base 31 can tilt relative to the first fixed base 11 in the spacing direction of the first power terminals 51.

[0205] Furthermore, regarding the first signal terminal 61, the bending portion 64 bends when viewed from the X-axis direction and is primarily flexible in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the width direction of the first connector 10). On the other hand, regarding the first power terminal 51, the bending portion 54 bends when viewed from the Y-axis direction and is primarily flexible in the X-axis direction (i.e., the length direction of the first connector 10). Therefore, through the coordinated elastic deformation of the first signal terminal 61 and the first power terminal 51, the first movable base 31 can stably displace relative to the first fixed base 11 in any direction.

[0206] Furthermore, regarding the first power terminal 51, although the bending portion 54 is mainly flexible in the length direction of the first connector 10, the contact surface of the contact portion 55 faces in the width direction of the first connector 10, which is different from the deformation direction of the bending portion 54 and thus can stably maintain the contact state with the second power terminal 151 of the second connector 101.

[0207] Furthermore, the tail portion 53 is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the body portion 52a of the retaining portion 52 extending in the vertical direction and extends towards the center in the length direction of the first fixing base 11. Note that the tail portion 53 includes: a relay portion 53b connected to the body portion 52a of the retaining portion 52; and a body portion 53a connected to the relay portion 53b via a stepped portion 53c and extending outward in the width direction of the first fixing base 11. The lower surface of the body portion 53a is substantially flush with the mounting surface 11b, which is the lower surface of the first fixing base 11, and is connected and fixed to a connecting pad (not shown) formed on the surface of the first substrate by welding or the like. This connecting pad is connected to a conductive trace on the first substrate for transmitting power current. The relay portion 53b, connected to the body portion 53a via the stepped portion 53c, is located above the body portion 53a, and the lower surface of the relay portion 53b is spaced apart from the surface of the first substrate. Furthermore, the tail portion 53 extends from the lower end of the body portion 52a of the retaining portion 52 on the fixed side toward the center of the first fixing base 11 in the longitudinal direction, and is thus located inside rather than outside both ends of the first fixing base 11 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the mounting surface of the first connector 10 does not increase the dimension in the longitudinal direction on the surface of the first substrate.

[0208] Furthermore, as shown in FIG8(c) and viewed from above, the end of the body portion 53a is located at least outward of the long wall portion 12a of the first fixing base 11 and is located in the same column as the tail portion 63 of the first signal terminal 61 extending in the length direction of the first connector 10 along the long wall portion 12a. Therefore, during the operation of mounting the first connector 10 on the surface of the first substrate, the tail portion 53 of the first power terminal 51 can be connected to the connection pad formed on the surface of the first substrate by the same operation as the tail portion 63 of the first signal terminal 61, which improves the operation efficiency. In addition, as with the tail portion 63 of the first signal terminal 61, the operator can easily visually confirm the connection status of the tail portion 53 of the first power terminal 51 on the connection pad formed on the surface of the first substrate.

[0209] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0210] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 12(a)-12(d) This is a four-view view of the second connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are perspective views showing the terminals of the second connector according to the first embodiment. Figures 15(a)-15(c) This is a view showing the signal terminals of the second connector according to the first embodiment attached to the fixed base. Figures 12(a)-12(d)In the figures, Figure 12(a) is a top view, Figure 12(b) is a side view, Figure 12(c) is a bottom view, and Figure 12(d) is a front view. In Figures 14(a) and 14(b), Figure 14(a) shows the signal terminals, while Figure 14(b) shows the power terminals. Figures 15(a)-15(c) In the figure, Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view along line GG of Figure 12(a), Figure 15(b) is a perspective view, and Figure 15(c) is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 15(b).

[0211] In this embodiment, as Figures 12(a)-12(d) As shown, the second connector 101 is configured to be symmetrical when viewed in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and also symmetrical when viewed in the length direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the second base 111 of the second connector 101 is a component integrally formed using an insulating material (dielectric) such as synthetic resin.

[0212] The second base 111 has a lower side portion 112 and an upper side portion 131 connected to the upper end of the lower side portion 112. The lower surface of the lower side portion 112 (i.e. the lower surface of the second base 111) is a mounting surface 111b facing the surface of the second substrate.

[0213] The lower portion 112 is a generally cylindrical component and includes: a pair of rectangular flat plate-shaped long wall portions 112a, which are parallel to each other and extend in the length direction; a pair of parallel rectangular thick plate-shaped or even prismatic components, which extend in the width direction and connect to the two ends of the long wall portions 112a; and a lower cavity 134, defined on all four sides by the long wall portions 112a and the short wall portions 112b, which is a prismatic cavity open at its lower end (positive Z-axis end). Note that, as shown in FIG15(a), the upper end of the lower cavity 134 is closed by a dividing wall 135, which is a flat plate extending in the XY direction and is the boundary between the lower portion 112 and the upper portion 131. In addition, as shown in FIG12(c), the interior of the lower cavity 134 is divided into multiple compartments by multiple partition plates 134a, which are multiple plates extending in the YZ direction. Furthermore, an outer protrusion 112c is formed at the lower end of the short wall portion 112b. Additionally, a metal fitting retaining recess 112d is formed on the outer protrusion 112c, and the base-fixed metal fitting 171 is received and held within the metal fitting retaining recess 112d.

[0214] Note that the lower end recess 112g is formed at the lower end of the adjacent long wall portion 112a of each short wall portion 112b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG12(c), the lower end of the power terminal holding recess 112e is open on the bottom surface of the short wall portion 112b at a location corresponding to the lower end recess 112g. The power terminal holding recess 112e is an elongated groove or hole penetrating the interior of the short wall portion 112b in the vertical direction, and the power terminals of the second terminals of the second connector 101 (i.e., the held portion 152 of the second power terminal 151, which serves as the power terminal) are held in their respective power terminal holding recesses 112e. Furthermore, the tail portion 153 of the second power terminal 151, extending outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) from the lower end of the held portion 152, is received within the lower end recess 112g. Note that in the example shown in the figure, two power terminal holding recesses 112e are formed on each of the short wall portions 112b at both ends of the second base 111 in the length direction, but the number of power terminal holding recesses 112e varies depending on the number of second power terminals 151.

[0215] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12(c) and 15(a), a plurality of elongated, groove-shaped signal terminal holding recesses 112f extending in the vertical direction are formed on the inner surface of the elongated wall portion 112a. The holding portions 162 of the second signal terminals 161, which are the second terminals of the second connector 101, are received within their respective signal terminal holding recesses 112f. Note that in the example shown in the figures, 30 signal terminal holding recesses 112f are formed in each of the elongated wall portions 112a on both the left and right sides of the second base 111, but the number of signal terminal holding recesses 112f varies depending on the number of second signal terminals 161.

[0216] The upper portion 131 is a generally cylindrical component similar to the lower portion 112, but with smaller overall dimensions. Furthermore, the upper portion 131 includes: a pair of rectangular, flat, long wall portions 131a, parallel to each other and extending in the length direction; short wall portions 131b, which are a pair of parallel, rectangular, thick plate-like or even prismatic components extending in the width direction, connected to both ends of the long wall portions 131a; and an upper cavity 133, defined on all four sides by the long wall portions 131a and short wall portions 131b, an open prismatic cavity at its upper end (negative Z-axis direction). Note that the lower ends of the long wall portions 131a and short wall portions 131b are integrally connected to the upper ends of the long wall portions 112a and short wall portions 112b of the lower portion 112. Furthermore, the upper cavity 133 has a cross-sectional shape and area that is substantially the same as that of the lower cavity 134, but as shown in FIG15(a), the lower end of the upper cavity 133 is closed by a partition wall 135 and separated from the lower cavity 134. Note that there is no component corresponding to the partition plate 134a in the upper cavity 133.

[0217] Additionally, a generally frustum-shaped upper protruding end 131c is formed at the upper end of each short wall portion 131b. Furthermore, each short wall portion 131b has a groove-shaped power terminal receiving recess 131e extending vertically on its side surface along the length direction of the second connector 101. The number of these power terminal receiving recesses 131e is equal to the number of power terminal holding recesses 112e, and the lower end of each power terminal receiving recess 131e communicates with the upper end of the corresponding power terminal holding recess 112e. Furthermore, the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 is received within each power terminal receiving recess 131e, and at least a portion of the contact protrusion 155a protrudes beyond the side surface of the short wall portion 131b.

[0218] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown in Figure 15(a), a plurality of elongated, groove-shaped signal terminal receiving recesses 131f extending in the vertical direction are formed on the inner surface of the elongated wall portion 131a. The number of signal terminal receiving recesses 131f is equal to the number of signal terminal holding recesses 112f, and the lower end of each signal terminal receiving recess 131f communicates with the upper end of the corresponding signal terminal holding recess 112f. The contact portion 165 of the second signal terminal 161 is received within its respective signal terminal receiving recess 131f. The surface of the contact portion 165 is substantially flush with the inner surface of the elongated wall portion 131a and protrudes slightly beyond the inner surface into the upper cavity 133.

[0219] Each of the plurality of second signal terminals 161 is an elongated, flexible rod-shaped component integrally formed by stamping, bending, or other processes on a conductive metal plate, and as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), includes: a holding portion 162, a tail portion 163 connected to the lower end of the holding portion 162 as a substrate connecting portion, and a contact portion 165 connected to the upper end of the holding portion 162. In the example shown in the figures, the plurality of second signal terminals 161 are configured to form a pair of left and right columns extending in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101 and arranged with the same spacing (e.g., about 0.3-0.5 mm) and the same number (e.g., 30) as the first signal terminals 61. The number and spacing of the second signal terminals 161 can be suitably varied in the same manner as the first signal terminals 61. In addition, the second signal terminals 161 in the left and right columns are arranged symmetrically when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second connector 101. Furthermore, each of the second signal terminals 161 is formed of a plate extending in a plane parallel to the length direction of the second connector 101 and bent in the cross section (YZ plane) of the second connector 101, as shown in FIG15(a).

[0220] The tail portion 163 is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the retaining portion 162 extending in the vertical direction and is connected to the retaining portion 162, extending outward in the width direction of the second base 111. Furthermore, the lower surface of the tail portion 163 is substantially flush with the mounting surface 111b, which is the lower surface of the second base 111, and is connected and fixed to a connecting pad (not shown) formed on the surface of the second substrate by welding or the like. This connecting pad is typically connected to conductive traces on the second substrate for signal transmission. Additionally, as shown in FIG12(a), the tail portion 163 is configured such that at least its end is located outward in the width direction of the long wall portion 112a of the lower side portion 112 of the second base 111, forming a row extending along the long wall portion 112a and extending in the length direction of the second connector 101. Accordingly, during the operation of mounting the second connector 101 onto the surface of the second substrate, the operator can easily visually confirm the connection status of the tail portion 163 and the connecting pad formed on the surface of the second substrate. Furthermore, the length of the end of the tail 163 protruding outward in the width direction of the long wall portion 112a of the lower side portion 112 of the second base 111 is set to be short, so as to shorten the length of the tail 163. This can prevent the impedance of the second signal terminal 161 from increasing.

[0221] Furthermore, the held portion 162 includes: a straight rod-shaped or even strip-shaped body portion 162a having a rectangular cross-sectional shape with uniform dimensions in both the width direction (X-axis direction) and the thickness direction (Y-axis direction); and a plurality of protrusions 162b protruding outward from the two sides of the body portion 162a in the width direction (X-axis direction). Additionally, the body portion 162a is configured such that its width is smaller than the width of the signal terminal holding recess 112f, while the distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 162b is set to be greater than the width of the signal terminal holding recess 112f. Thus, the held portion 162 of the second signal terminal 161, inserted into the signal terminal holding recess 112f from the mounting surface 111b of the second base 111, is stably held based on the left and right protrusions 162b biting into the left and right walls of the signal terminal holding recess 112f.

[0222] Furthermore, the contact portion 165 connected to the upper end of the held portion 162 is a straight rod-shaped or even strip-shaped portion having the same dimensions as the body portion 162a of the held portion 162 in the width direction (X-axis direction) and thickness direction (Y-axis direction), and extends straight upward (negative Z-axis direction). In addition, most of the contact portion 165 is housed within the signal terminal receiving recess 131f, and the surface of the second connector 101 of the contact portion 165 on the center side in the width direction is exposed within the upper cavity 133.

[0223] Similar to the first signal terminal 61, the second signal terminal 161 is used to transmit signals. However, in recent years, with the increasing speed of various signals, high-frequency signals can be transmitted, for example, at 8 GHz (16 Gbps). If such high-frequency signals are transmitted, impedance matching is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, a first thickened portion 131d1 and a second thickened portion 131d2 of the signal terminal receiving recess, which are spaces occupied by air having a lower dielectric constant than the second base 111, are established behind the contact portion 165 of the long wall portion 131a of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111, which is a dielectric material. This allows adjustment of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material surrounding the contact portion 165 and thereby allows adjustment of the impedance of the second signal terminal 161.

[0224] Each of the plurality of second power terminals 151 is an integrally formed, elastic component created by stamping, bending, or other processes on a conductive metal plate, and as shown in FIG14(b), includes: a holding portion 152; a tail portion 153, which serves as a substrate connecting portion and is connected to the lower end of the holding portion 152; a middle portion 154, which is connected to the upper end of the holding portion 152; and a contact portion 155, which is connected to the upper end of the middle portion 154. In the example shown in the figure, the plurality of second power terminals 151 are respectively arranged near both ends of a pair of sides extending in the length direction of the second connector 101. Thus, the second connector 101 has power lines through which positive and negative power currents flow near both ends in the length direction. In addition, the left and right second power terminals 151 near each of the two ends in the length direction of the second connector 101 are configured to be symmetrical when viewed in the length direction of the second connector 101. Each second power terminal 151 is generally formed by bending a sheet extending in the length direction of the second connector 101 in a plane parallel to the length direction of the second connector 101.

[0225] The held portion 152 includes: a flat body portion 152a extending in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the second connector 101; and a plurality of protrusions 152b protruding outward from both sides of the body portion 152a in the width direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, the body portion 152a is configured such that its width is smaller than the width of the power terminal holding recess 112e, while the distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 152b is set to be greater than the width of the power terminal holding recess 112e. Thus, the held portion 152 of the second power terminal 151, inserted from the mounting surface 111b side of the second base 111, is stably held by the left and right protrusions 152b engaging with the left and right walls of the power terminal holding recess 112e.

[0226] In addition, the middle part 154 is a long, thin strip-shaped component that extends upward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the upper end of the body part 152a of the held part 152, and the dimension of the middle part 154 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is set to be smaller than the dimension of the body part 152a in the width direction.

[0227] Furthermore, the contact portion 155 is a strip-shaped portion whose dimensions in the width direction (X-axis direction) and thickness direction (Y-axis direction) are the same as those of the intermediate portion 154, and which contacts the first power terminal 51 of the first connector 10. It serves as a cantilever portion, with its lower end as a base end (fixed end) connected to the upper end of the intermediate portion 154 and its upper end as a free end. Specifically, the contact portion 155 has: a contact arm portion 155b, whose lower end is connected to the intermediate portion 154, which is gently inclined overall in the initial state without external force applied, and whose upper end is located further outward in the width direction than the intermediate portion 154 towards the second base 111; a contact protrusion 155a, connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion 155b, which bulges outward in the width direction towards the second base 111; and a contact end portion 155c, located at the upper end of the contact protrusion 155a, facing inward in the width direction towards the second base 111. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the contact portion 155 housed in the power terminal receiving recess 131e of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 causes at least a portion of the contact protrusion 155a to protrude out of the side of the short wall portion 112b.

[0228] Furthermore, the tail portion 153 is bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the body portion 152a of the held portion 152, which extends vertically, and is connected to the body portion 152a of the held portion 152, extending outward in the width direction of the second base 111. Note that the tail portion 153 includes: a relay portion 153b connected to the body portion 152a of the held portion 152; and a body portion 153a connected to the relay portion 153b via a step portion 153c and extending outward in the width direction of the second base 111. The lower surface of the body portion 153a is substantially flush with the mounting surface 111b, which is the lower surface of the second base 111, and is connected and fixed to a connecting pad (not shown) formed on the surface of the second substrate by welding or the like. This connecting pad is connected to a conductive trace on the second substrate for transmitting power current. The relay portion 153b, connected to the main body portion 153a via the step portion 153c, is located above the main body portion 153a, and the lower surface of the relay portion 153b is spaced apart from the surface of the second substrate. Furthermore, as shown in FIG12(a), when viewed from above, the tail portion 153 positions at least the end of the main body portion 153a outside the width direction of the sidewall of the outer protrusion 112c of the second base 111. Therefore, similar to the tail portion 163 of the second signal terminal 161, the operator can easily visually confirm the connection status of the tail portion 153 of the second power terminal 151 on the connection pad formed on the surface of the second substrate.

[0229] The base fixing metal fitting 171 is a flexible component integrally formed by processing a metal sheet through stamping, bending, etc., and such... Figure 13 As shown, it includes: a holding portion 172; and a tail portion 173, which serves as a substrate connecting portion and is connected to the lower end of the holding portion 172. In the example shown in the figure, the base fixing metal fittings 171 are arranged one-to-one at both ends of the second connector 101 in the longitudinal direction and are attached parallel to the end face of the outer protrusion 112c of the lower side portion 112 facing the outer side of the second connector 101 in the longitudinal direction.

[0230] The held portion 172 includes: a flat body portion 172a extending in the width and vertical directions of the second connector 101; and a plurality of protrusions 172b protruding outward from both sides of the body portion 172a in the width direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the body portion 172a has a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the outer protrusion 112c of the metal fitting holding recess 112d, while the distance between the ends of the left and right protrusions 172b is set to be greater than the width dimension of the metal fitting holding recess 112d. Thus, the held portion 172, which is inserted into the metal fitting holding recess 112d from the opposite side of the mounting surface 111b of the second base 111, is stably held by the left and right protrusions 172b biting into the left and right walls of the metal fitting holding recess 112d.

[0231] Two tails 173 are formed for a base fixing metal fitting 171. Specifically, the tails 173 are bent at approximately 90 degrees relative to the retaining portion 172 extending in the vertical direction and are connected to the retaining portion 172 and extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the second base 111. Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the two tails 173 are substantially flush with the mounting surface 111b, which is the lower surface of the second base 111, and are connected and fixed to a connecting pad (not shown) formed on the surface of the second substrate by welding or the like. The connecting pad typically does not connect to the conductive traces of the second substrate but only serves to fix the base fixing metal fitting 171 to the surface of the second substrate.

[0232] In this manner, the base fixing metal fitting 171 is fixed to the surface of the second substrate. Therefore, the second base 111 is firmly attached to the surface of the second substrate, and as a result, the installation state of the second connector 101 on the second substrate is more reliable.

[0233] For ease of explanation, the second connector 101 is described here as a so-called straight-type connector in the state of being mounted on the surface of the second substrate (i.e., mounted with the upper cavity 133 facing upward (negative Z-axis direction)). The upper cavity 133 is described as a connector extending in a direction perpendicular to the second substrate. However, the second connector 101 is not limited to a straight type and can also be a right-angle type connector. For the right-angle type, the long wall portion 112a of the lower portion 112 and the long wall portion 131a of the upper portion 131 are mounted substantially parallel to the surface of the second substrate, and the upper cavity 133 is also substantially parallel to the surface of the second substrate.

[0234] Next, the operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 having the above configuration will be described.

[0235] Figures 16(a)-16(c) This is a three-view view showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first and second connectors in a mating state according to the first embodiment, taken along line KK of FIG16(a). Note that in Figures 16(a)-16(c) In the figure, Figure 16(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 16(a), and Figure 16(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ of Figure 16(a).

[0236] Here, the first connector 10 is connected and thus surface-mounted to the first substrate by soldering the tail 63 of the first signal terminal 61 and the tail 53 of the first power terminal 51 to a connecting pad (not shown) on the surface of the first substrate. Additionally, the connecting pad connected to the tail 63 of the first signal terminal 61 is connected to a conductive trace on the first substrate for signal transmission. Similarly, the connecting pad connected to the tail 53 of the first power terminal 51 is connected to a conductive trace on the first substrate for power transmission.

[0237] Similarly, by soldering the tail 163 of the second signal terminal 161, the tail 153 of the second power terminal 151, and the tail 173 of the base fixing metal fitting 171 to connecting pads on the surface of the second substrate, the second connector 101 is connected and thus surface-mounted onto the second substrate. Additionally, the connecting pad connected to the tail 163 of the second signal terminal 161 is connected to conductive traces on the second substrate for signal transmission. The connecting pad connected to the tail 153 of the second power terminal 151 is connected to conductive traces on the second substrate for power transmission.

[0238] First, the operator will position the mating surface of the first connector 10 ( Figure 2The upper surface of the middle) and the mating surface of the second connector 101 ( Figure 11 The upper surfaces of the first connector 101 and the second connector 101 are arranged to face each other, and the position of the upper side 131 of the second base 111 of the second connector 101 is aligned with the position of the mating base receiving cavity 35 of the first movable base 31 of the first connector 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG1(b), the alignment of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 is completed.

[0239] In this state, when the first connector 10 and / or the second connector 101 are moved in a direction approaching each other (i.e., in the mating direction), the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 inserts into the mating base receiving cavity 35 of the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31, and the central wall portion 34 of the mating base receiving cavity 35 inserts into the upper cavity 133 of the upper side portion 131. Note that the generally frustum-shaped upper protruding ends 131c at both ends in the longitudinal direction have inclined surfaces formed at the upper ends of the upper side portion 131, so that the upper side portion 131 smoothly inserts into the mating base receiving cavity 35 when mated. In addition, the upper ends of the short wall portion 32b and the long wall portion 32a near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31 are covered by a first upper end cover 57a and a second upper end cover 57b made of metal, so that even if they come into contact with the upper protruding ends 131c of the second base 111 during mating, they will not be damaged or broken.

[0240] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1(a), Figures 16(a)-16(c) and Figure 17 As shown, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are in the mating state, the first active base 31 and the second base 111 are mated, and the corresponding first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are turned on, while the corresponding first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are turned on.

[0241] Specifically, at least a portion near the upper end of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 enters the mating base receiving cavity 35, located between the long wall portion 32a and the central wall portion 34. The contact portion 165 of the second signal terminal 161, housed in the signal terminal receiving recess 131f of the upper side portion 131, contacts the portion of the contact protrusion 65a of the contact portion 65 of the first signal terminal 61, housed in the signal terminal contact portion receiving groove 34a of the central wall portion 34, which protrudes beyond the side of the central wall portion 34. Thus, the first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are connected. Here, the contact portion 65 of the first signal terminal 61 acts as a cantilever, and the contact protrusion 65a presses against the surface of the contact portion 165 of the second signal terminal 161 by the elasticity of the cantilever; therefore, the conductive state of the first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 is reliably maintained.

[0242] Furthermore, at least a portion near the upper end of the short wall portion 131b of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 enters the mating base receiving cavity 35 near the short wall portion 32b, and a portion of the contact protrusion 155a of the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151, which is received in the power terminal receiving recess 131e formed on the side extending in the longitudinal direction of the short wall portion 131b and protrudes beyond the side of the short wall portion 131b, comes into contact with the contact surface of the flat contact portion 55 that connects to the lower end of the second upper end cover 57b that covers the upper end of the long wall portion 32a near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31. Thus, the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are connected. Here, the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 acts as a cantilever, and the contact protrusion 155a presses against the contact surface of the contact portion 55 of the first power terminal 51 based on the elasticity of the cantilever; therefore, the conducting state of the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 is reliably maintained.

[0243] In this manner, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are engaged, if the positional relationship between the first substrate and the second substrate changes and the second connector 101 is displaced relative to the first connector 10, or if there is an external force such as impact or vibration, the bent portion 54 of the first power terminal 51 and the bent portion 64 of the first signal terminal 61 will deform softly to appropriately absorb the displacement of the first movable base 31, which is engaged with the second base 111, relative to the first fixed base 11. Therefore, the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 is maintained and will not be released.

[0244] In this manner, for this embodiment, the first connector 10 includes: a first fixed base 11; a first movable base 31 that is movable relative to the first fixed base 11; and a first power terminal 51 held in the first fixed base 11 and the first movable base 31. Furthermore, the first fixed base 11 includes: a long wall portion 12a extending in the length direction of the first connector 10; and a short wall portion 12b extending in the width direction of the first connector 10 and connecting the end of the long wall portion 12a. The first movable base 31 includes: a long wall portion 32a extending in the length direction of the first connector 10; and a short wall portion 32b extending in the width direction of the first connector 10 and connecting the end of the long wall portion 32a. The first power terminal 51 includes: a fixed-side held portion 52 held in the short wall portion 12b of the first fixed base 11; a movable-side held portion 56 held in the first movable base 31; and a bent portion 54 connecting the fixed-side held portion 52 and the movable-side held portion 56. The movable side retaining portion 56 includes: a first body portion 56a, at least a portion of which extends along the short wall portion 32b; and a second body portion 56b, at least a portion of which extends along the long wall portion 32a.

[0245] Therefore, the first movable base 31 has a high degree of freedom of displacement, which improves its robustness and ensures reliable engagement with the second connector 101. Furthermore, this allows for miniaturization of the first connector 10, simplifies its construction, reduces the number of parts, facilitates manufacturing, lowers costs, and improves reliability.

[0246] Furthermore, the first body portion 56a includes a first upper end cover 57a covering the upper end of the short wall portion 32b, while the second body portion 56b includes a second upper end cover 57b covering the upper end of the long wall portion 32a. Therefore, even when it comes into contact with the second base 111 when engaged with the second connector 101, the long wall portion 32a or the short wall portion 32b of the first movable base 31 will not be damaged or broken.

[0247] Furthermore, the contact portion 55 for contacting the second power terminal 151 is disposed inside the elongated wall portion 32a and extends along the inner surface 32a1 of the elongated wall portion 32a. Preferably, the contact portion 55 extends in the vertical direction parallel to the inner surface 32a1 of the elongated wall portion 32a and connects to the second upper end cover portion 57b. Therefore, the conductive state between the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 is reliably maintained.

[0248] Furthermore, the bend 54 bends in a generally S-shape when viewed from the width direction of the first connector 10; the first end of the bend 54 is connected to the upper end of the fixed-side retaining portion 52, while the second end of the bend 54 is connected to the lower end of the first body portion 56a of the movable-side retaining portion 56. Therefore, the first power terminal 51 is flexible mainly in the length direction of the first connector 10, and the first movable base 31 can be stably displaced relative to the first fixed base 11.

[0249] Furthermore, the second body portion 56b of the movable side retaining portion 56 includes an engagement opening 58 that engages with the first movable base 31. Therefore, the movable side retaining portion 56 is reliably held in the first movable base 31.

[0250] Furthermore, the first power terminal 51 includes a tail portion 53 connected to the fixed-side retaining portion 52, and the tail portion 53 includes: a relay portion 53b extending from the lower end of the fixed-side retaining portion 52 toward the center of the first connector 10 in the longitudinal direction; and a body portion 53a connected to the relay portion 53b and extending outward in the width direction of the first connector 10. Therefore, because the tail portion 53 is not located outside the longitudinal direction of the first fixing base 11, the mounting surface of the first connector 10 on the surface of the first substrate does not increase in the longitudinal direction.

[0251] The first power terminals 51 are arranged in pairs at both ends of the length direction of the first connector 10, and are arranged side by side at both ends of the length direction in the width direction of the first connector 10. Therefore, the first movable base 31 is stably and flexibly displaced relative to the first fixed base 11. In addition, the first connector 10 can have power lines through which positive and negative power currents flow at both ends of the length direction.

[0252] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts having the same structure as in the first embodiment are omitted by using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, descriptions of actions and effects identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0253] Figure 18 This is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the second embodiment. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminals of the first connector according to the second embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 20(a)-20(c) The power terminal of the first connector according to the second embodiment is shown mounted on the movable base.

[0254] In Figures 19(a) and 19(b), Figure 19(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with a cross-section, viewed obliquely from below, while Figure 19(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with a side section, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 20(a)-20(c) In the figure, Figure 20(a) is a top view of the first connector, Figure 20(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line LL of Figure 20(a), and Figure 20(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line MM of Figure 20(a).

[0255] In the first embodiment, the movable side retaining portion 56 of the first power terminal 51 includes: a first upper end cover 57a connected to the upper end of the first body portion 56a; a second upper end cover 57b connected to the upper end of the second body portion 56b; and an engagement opening 58 formed on the second upper end cover 57b and the second body portion 56b. The movable side retaining portion 56 moves downward relative to the first movable base 31 and is mounted near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31. The first upper end cover 57a and the second upper end cover 57b cover the upper ends of the short wall portion 32b and the long wall portion 32a near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31.

[0256] In contrast, in this embodiment, the movable side retaining portion 56 of the first power terminal 51 does not include the first upper end cover 57a, the second upper end cover 57b, or the engagement opening 58. The movable side retaining portion 56 moves relative to the first movable base 31 from bottom to top and is attached to the vicinity of the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31.

[0257] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the tail 53 of the first power terminal 51, the partial structure of the first movable base 31, and the partial structure of the first fixed base 11 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0258] In this embodiment, the first body portion 56a of the movable side of the first power terminal 51, which is held by the first body portion 56, is an elongated strip extending in the width direction of the first connector 10, and its vertical dimension is smaller than that of the first body portion 56a in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second body portion 56b of this embodiment is bent at approximately 90 degrees in the width direction of the first connector 10 and connected to the outer edge of the first body portion 56a in the width direction. It is an elongated strip extending towards the center in the length direction of the first connector 10, and its vertical dimension is smaller than that of the second body portion 56b in the first embodiment. Note that the second body portion 56b in this embodiment does not include the engagement opening 58.

[0259] Furthermore, the contact portion 55 is connected to the second body portion 56b via the contact portion connecting piece 55d. Specifically, the contact portion connecting piece 55d is an elongated strip-shaped component that is bent at approximately 90 degrees at the center end of the first connector 10 in the length direction at the lower edge of the second body portion 56b and extends inward in the width direction of the first connector 10. The contact portion 55 is an elongated strip-shaped component that is bent at approximately 90 degrees at the end of the contact portion connecting piece 55d and extends in the vertical direction. In addition, the engaging tab 58a extends upward from the portion near the first body portion 56a at the upper edge of the second body portion 56b, serving as the engaged portion for engaging the first movable base 31.

[0260] Additionally, a power terminal movable-side receiving recess 32g, which accommodates a portion of the movable side of the first power terminal 51 held by the retaining portion 56, is formed at the four corner portions 32h of the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31. However, in this embodiment, the power terminal movable-side receiving recess 32g includes a second receiving recess 32g2 formed on the inner surface 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a, but does not include a first receiving recess 32g1 formed on the inner surface 32b1 of the short wall portion 32b. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 32d is not formed on the outer surface of the long wall portion 32a.

[0261] However, the thickened portion 32j is formed near both ends of the outer surface of the long wall portion 32a in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the power terminal movable side receiving recess 32g in this embodiment includes a third receiving recess 32g3 formed in the thickened portion 32j as a joining recess. The third receiving recess 32g3 is a slit-shaped cavity extending in the vertical direction and opening to the downward surface of the first movable base 31 (specifically, the bottom surface of the thickened portion 32j), and is a cavity in which the engaging tab 58a of the holding portion 56 of the first power terminal 51 is inserted and held from below.

[0262] Furthermore, the second receiving recess 32g2 penetrates the bottom 32c of the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31 in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the second receiving recess 32g2 is open on the lower surface of the bottom 32c. In addition, the movable side of the first power terminal 51 is inserted from below into the contact portion 55 of the holding portion 56 and received in the second receiving recess 32g2.

[0263] In this embodiment, the foot 33 of the first movable base 31 is not connected to the foot 33a. Accordingly, the lower end recess 12c is omitted in the first fixed base 11.

[0264] In this embodiment, the tail portion 53 of the first power terminal 51 has a relay portion 53b. The relay portion 53b is formed by bending approximately 90 degrees at the outer edge of the first connector 10 in the width direction of the body portion 52a of the holding portion 52 and connecting it, and extending toward the center in the length direction of the first fixed base 11. Furthermore, the body portion 53a of the tail portion 53 is bent approximately 90 degrees and connected to the relay portion 53b, and extends outward in the width direction of the first fixed base 11.

[0265] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the first connector 10 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, so their description is omitted.

[0266] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0267] Figure 21 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the second embodiment.

[0268] Unlike the second connector 101 in the first embodiment, the second connector 101 in this embodiment does not include the base fixing metal fitting 171. Therefore, the outer protrusion 112c formed on the metal fitting retaining recess 112d for the second base 111 is omitted.

[0269] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the second connector 101 in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, therefore its description is omitted.

[0270] Next, the operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 having the above configuration will be described.

[0271] Figures 22(a)-22(c) This is a three-view view showing the state of the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the second embodiment. Figure 23 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first and second connectors in a mating state according to the second embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line PP of FIG22(a). Note that in Figures 22(a)-22(c) In the figure, Figure 22(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 22(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line NN of Figure 22(a), and Figure 22(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line OO of Figure 22(a).

[0272] like Figures 22(a)-22(c) and Figure 23 As shown, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are in the mating state, the first movable base 31 and the second base 111 are mated, and the corresponding first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are turned on, and the corresponding first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are turned on.

[0273] Specifically, at least the uppermost portion of the upper side 131 of the second base 111 enters the mating base receiving cavity 35, located between the long wall portion 32a and the central wall portion 34. The contact portion 165 of the second signal terminal 161, which is received in the signal terminal receiving recess 131f of the upper side 131, contacts the portion of the contact protrusion 65a of the contact portion 65 of the first signal terminal 61, which is received in the signal terminal contact receiving groove 34a of the central wall portion 34, protruding beyond the side of the central wall portion 34. Thus, the first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are connected. Here, the contact portion 65 of the first signal terminal 61 acts as a cantilever, and the contact protrusion 65a is pressed against the surface of the contact portion 165 of the second signal terminal 161 by the elasticity of the cantilever; therefore, the conductive state of the first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 is reliably maintained.

[0274] Furthermore, at least the upper end of the short wall portion 131b of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 enters the mating base receiving cavity 35 near the short wall portion 32b. The portion of the contact protrusion 155a of the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151, which is received in the power terminal receiving recess 131e formed on the power terminal receiving recess 131e extending in the longitudinal direction of the short wall portion 131b, contacts the surface of the flat contact portion 55, which serves as the contact surface, in the second receiving recess 32g2 formed on the inner side 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31. Thus, the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are connected. Here, the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 acts as a cantilever, and the contact protrusion 155a presses against the contact surface of the contact portion 55 of the first power terminal 51 based on the elasticity provided by the cantilever, thereby reliably maintaining the conducting state of the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151.

[0275] In this manner, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are engaged, if the positional relationship between the first substrate and the second substrate changes and the second connector 101 is displaced relative to the first connector 10, or if there is an external force such as impact or vibration, the bent portion 54 of the first power terminal 51 and the bent portion 64 of the first signal terminal 61 will deform softly to appropriately absorb the displacement of the first movable base 31, which is engaged with the second base 111, relative to the first fixed base 11. Therefore, the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 is maintained and will not be released.

[0276] In this manner, for this embodiment, the engaging tab 58a is inserted from below and engages with the third receiving recess 32g3, whose lower end is open to the downward surface of the first movable base 31. Accordingly, similar to the movable side holding portion 66 of the first signal terminal 61, the movable side holding portion 56 of the first power terminal 51 can be inserted into and fixed in the first movable base 31. Therefore, the assembly process of the first connector 10 is simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the first connector 10 can be reduced.

[0277] Note that the basic structure and effect of the engagement of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 in this embodiment, as well as the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101, are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0278] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts having the same structure as the first and second embodiments are omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. Furthermore, descriptions of actions and effects identical to those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0279] Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are perspective views showing the first connector and the second connector of the third embodiment. Figure 25 This is an exploded view of the first connector according to the third embodiment. Figures 26(a) and 26(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminals of the first connector according to the third embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 27(a)-27(c) The power terminal of the first connector according to the third embodiment is shown mounted on the movable base.

[0280] Note that in Figures 24(a) and 24(b), Figure 24(a) shows the engaged state, while Figure 24(b) shows the state before engagement. In Figures 26(a) and 26(b), Figure 26(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with cross-section, viewed obliquely from below, while Figure 26(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with side cross-section, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 27(a)-27(c) In the figure, Figure 27(a) is a top view of the first connector, Figure 27(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ of Figure 27(a), and Figure 27(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line RR of Figure 27(a).

[0281] As shown in Figures 24(a) and 24(b), compared with the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 of the first and second embodiments, the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 of this embodiment have significantly reduced dimensions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0282] Specifically, for the first movable base 31 of the first connector 10, the vertical dimension of the body portion 32 is almost the same as that of the first and second embodiments, while the vertical dimension of the foot portion 33 is significantly reduced compared to the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, compared to the first and second embodiments, the vertical dimensions of the first fixed base 11, the first signal terminal 61, and the first power terminal 51 are significantly reduced.

[0283] The first signal terminal 61 in this embodiment is modified in that the first straight portion 64a1 and the first curved portion 64b1 of the bent portion 64 are omitted. Furthermore, the second curved portion 64b2 is provided with: a straight bottom straight portion 64b23 extending in the width direction of the first connector 10; and a bottom first curved portion 64b21 and a bottom second curved portion 64b22, respectively connected to the two ends of the bottom straight portion 64b23. The bottom first curved portion 64b21 is a curved portion with a bend of approximately 180 degrees, where the first end is connected to the lower end of the body portion 66a of the movable side retaining portion 66 and the second end is connected to the bottom straight portion 64b23. Similarly, the bottom second curved portion 64b22 is a curved portion with a bend of approximately 180 degrees, where the first end is connected to the lower end of the second straight portion 64a2 and the second end is connected to the bottom straight portion 64b23. Therefore, the vertical dimension of the first signal terminal 61 is significantly reduced compared to the first and second embodiments, so that the contact end portion 65c of the contact portion 65 is located only slightly above the upper end of the third curved portion 64b3. Note that the height (vertical position) of the upper end of the third curved portion 64b3 is almost the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

[0284] In addition, the first power terminal 51 of this embodiment has a first straight portion 54a1 with a significantly reduced length (dimension in the vertical direction) compared to the second embodiment, and the movable side located above the second curved portion 54b2 in the second embodiment is changed by the holding portion 56 to be located below the second curved portion 54b2.

[0285] Furthermore, the first fixing base 11 of this embodiment has a significantly reduced dimension in the vertical direction compared to the first and second embodiments, thereby changing the eaves 13c of the upper end of the limiting signal terminal fixing side retaining recess 13a formed on the inner side of the long wall portion 12a from being located in the middle or lower half of the long wall portion 12a in the vertical direction in the first and second embodiments to being located near the upper end of the long wall portion 12a.

[0286] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the first connector 10 in this embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0287] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0288] Figure 28 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the third embodiment.

[0289] In the second base 111 of the second connector 101 in this embodiment, the upper side portion 131 has a vertical dimension that is almost the same as that in the first and second embodiments, while the lower side portion 112 has a vertical dimension that is significantly smaller than that in the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, the vertical dimensions of the holding portion 162 of the second signal terminal 161 and the holding portion 152 of the second power terminal 151 are significantly smaller than those in the first and second embodiments.

[0290] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the second connector 101 in this embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0291] Next, the operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 having the above configuration will be described.

[0292] Figures 29(a)-29(c) This is a three-view diagram showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the third embodiment. Figure 30 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first and second connectors in a mating state according to the third embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line UU of FIG. 29(a). Note that in Figures 29(a)-29(c) In the figure, Figure 29(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 29(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS of Figure 29(a), and Figure 29(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line TT of Figure 29(a).

[0293] As shown in Figure 24(a), Figures 29(a)-29(c) and Figure 30 As shown, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are in the mating state, the first movable base 31 and the second base 111 are mated, and the corresponding first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are turned on, and the corresponding first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are turned on.

[0294] In this manner, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are engaged, if the positional relationship between the first substrate and the second substrate changes and the second connector 101 is displaced relative to the first connector 10, or if there is an external force such as impact or vibration, the bent portion 54 of the first power terminal 51 and the bent portion 64 of the first signal terminal 61 are softly deformed, appropriately absorbing the displacement of the first movable base 31, which is engaged with the second base 111, relative to the first fixed base 11. Therefore, the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 is maintained and will not be released.

[0295] It should be noted that the basic structure and effect of the engagement of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 in this embodiment, as well as the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101, are the same as those in the second embodiment described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0296] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of parts having the same structure as the first to third embodiments are omitted by giving them the same reference numerals. Furthermore, descriptions of actions and effects identical to those in the first to third embodiments will also be omitted.

[0297] Figure 31 This is an exploded view showing the first connector according to the fourth embodiment. Figures 32(a) and 32(b) are perspective views showing the relationship between the movable base and the signal terminals of the first connector according to the fourth embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 33(a)-33(c) The power terminal of the first connector according to the fourth embodiment is shown mounted on the movable base.

[0298] In Figures 32(a) and 32(b), Figure 32(a) is a perspective view of the first connector with a cross-section, viewed obliquely from below, while Figure 32(b) is a perspective view of the first connector with a side section, viewed obliquely from below. Figures 33(a)-33(c) In the figure, Figure 33(a) is a top view of the first connector, Figure 33(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 33(a), and Figure 33(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line WW of Figure 33(a).

[0299] In the first to third embodiments, the contact portion 55 of the first power terminal 51 is a rectangular plate that is elongated in the vertical direction, and the surface of the contact portion 55 serves as a contact surface for contacting the second power terminal 151 of the second connector 101. Furthermore, the contact portion 55 is housed within a second receiving recess 32g2 formed on the inner side surface 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a of the first movable base 31. Additionally, the contact surface is parallel to the inner side surface 32a1.

[0300] In contrast, in this embodiment, the contact portion 55 of the first power terminal 51 includes: a contact arm portion 55b, housed within the second receiving recess 32g2; a contact protrusion 55a, connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion 55b and bulging inward in the width direction of the first movable base 31; and a contact end portion 55c, located at the upper end of the contact protrusion 55a and facing outward in the width direction of the first movable base 31. Furthermore, in the state before the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are engaged (i.e., the initial state without external force applied), the contact arm portion 55b is generally gently inclined with its upper end facing inward in the width direction of the first connector 10 (i.e., inward in the width direction of the first movable base 31). At least a portion of the contact protrusion 55a protrudes from the inner surface 32a1 into the width direction of the first movable base 31.

[0301] Specifically, similar to the second and third embodiments, the first body portion 56a of the movable side of the first power terminal 51 being held by the retaining portion 56 is an elongated strip extending in the width direction of the first connector 10, and the second body portion 56b is bent at approximately 90 degrees and connected to the outer edge of the first connector 10 in the width direction of the first body portion 56a and extends toward the center in the length direction of the first connector 10. However, in this embodiment, the second body portion 56b is a plate having a generally L-shaped shape in the side view (viewed from the width direction of the first connector 10), and includes: a strip-shaped vertical portion 56b1 that extends downward from the connecting portion of the first body portion 56a; and a strip-shaped horizontal portion 56b2 that extends from the lower end of the vertical portion 56b1 toward the center in the length direction of the first connector 10.

[0302] Furthermore, the engaging tab 58a extends upward from the upper edge near the end of the horizontal portion 56b2, and the upper end of the engaging tab 58a is connected to the lower end of the contact portion 55 (i.e., the lower end of the contact arm portion 55b). The engaging tab 58a extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), while the contact arm portion 55b is inclined and connected to the engaging tab 58a, extending upward and obliquely inward in the width direction facing the first movable base 31. Note that, for this embodiment, the contact connecting piece 55d is omitted.

[0303] Additionally, similar to the second and third embodiments, the thickened portion 32j is formed on the long wall portion 32a of the body portion 32 of the first movable base 31, and the power terminal movable side receiving recess 32g includes a third receiving recess 32g3 formed within the thickened portion 32j. However, in this embodiment, the thickened portion 32j is formed over a wide area of ​​the long wall portion 32a, and the third receiving recess 32g3 is formed such that its lower end is open on the lower surface of the thickened portion 32j, and its upper end communicates with the lower end of a second receiving recess 32g2 formed on the inner side surface 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a. Furthermore, the movable side of the first power terminal 51 is inserted from below into and received in the second receiving recess 32g2 via the third receiving recess 32g3 through the contact portion 55 of the retaining portion 56. Note that at least a portion of the contact protrusion 55a protrudes from the inner side surface 32a1 into the width direction of the first movable base 31. Additionally, the engaging tab 58a, which is connected to the lower end of the contact portion 55, is received and held within the third receiving recess 32g3.

[0304] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the first connector 10 in this embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0305] Next, the configuration of the second connector 101 will be described.

[0306] Figure 34 This is an exploded view showing the second connector according to the fourth embodiment.

[0307] According to the first to third embodiments, the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 includes: a contact arm portion 155b, which is gently inclined as a whole in an initial state without external force applied; a contact protrusion 155a, which is connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion 155b and bulges outward in the width direction of the second base 111; and a contact end portion 155c, which is the upper end of the contact protrusion 155a and faces inward in the width direction of the second base 111. In addition, the contact portion 155 received in the power terminal receiving recess 131e of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 causes at least a portion of the contact protrusion 155a to protrude outward from the side of the short wall portion 112b.

[0308] In contrast, in this embodiment, the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 is a rectangular plate that is elongated in the vertical direction, and the surface of the contact portion 155 serves as a contact surface for contacting the first power terminal 51 of the first connector 10. Furthermore, the contact portion 155 is housed within the power terminal receiving recess 131e and is in a stationary state. Additionally, the contact surface is parallel to the side of the short wall portion 112b, but preferably recessed further into the short wall portion 112b than that side.

[0309] Note that the basic configuration of other points of the second connector 101 in this embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0310] Next, the operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 having the above configuration will be described.

[0311] Figures 35(a)-35(c) This is a three-view diagram showing the first connector and the second connector in a mating state according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 36 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first and second connectors in a mating state according to the fourth embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line ZZ of FIG. 35(a). Note that in Figures 35(a)-35(c) In the figure, Figure 35(a) is a top view taken from the second connector side, Figure 35(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Figure 35(a), and Figure 35(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of Figure 35(a).

[0312] like Figures 35(a)-35(c) and Figure 36 As shown, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 are in the mating state, the first movable base 31 and the second base 111 are mated, and the corresponding first signal terminal 61 and the second signal terminal 161 are turned on, and the corresponding first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are turned on.

[0313] Specifically, at least a portion near the upper end of the short wall portion 131b of the upper side portion 131 of the second base 111 enters the mating base receiving cavity 35 near the short wall portion 32b, and a portion of the contact portion 55 of the contact protrusion 55a that protrudes from the inner side 32a1 to the inner side of the width direction of the first movable base 31 within the second receiving recess 32g2 formed on the inner side 32a1 of the long wall portion 32a near the corner portion 32h of the first movable base 31 contacts the surface of the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 within the power terminal receiving recess 131e formed on the side extending in the length direction of the short wall portion 131b. Thus, the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 are connected. Here, the contact arm 55b of the first power terminal 51 acts as a cantilever, and the contact protrusion 55a presses against the contact surface of the contact portion 155 of the second power terminal 151 based on the elasticity provided by the cantilever. Therefore, the conducting state of the first power terminal 51 and the second power terminal 151 is reliably maintained.

[0314] Note that the basic structure and effect of the engagement of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101 in this embodiment, as well as the engagement state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 101, are the same as those in the third embodiment described above, and therefore their description is omitted.

[0315] It should be noted that the disclosure in this specification describes features relevant to suitable exemplary embodiments. By reviewing the disclosure in this specification, those skilled in the art will naturally conceive of various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0316] Industrial utilization potential

[0317] This disclosure applies to connectors.

Claims

1. Connector, including: Fixed base; The movable base is movable relative to the fixed base; And power terminals, held in place by the fixed base and the movable base. in, The fixing base includes: a long wall portion extending in the length direction of the connector; and a short wall portion extending in the width direction of the connector and connecting the end of the long wall portion; The movable base includes: a long wall portion extending in the length direction of the connector; and a short wall portion extending in the width direction of the connector and connecting the end of the long wall portion; The power terminal includes: a fixed-side retaining portion held in the short wall portion of the fixed base; a movable-side retaining portion held in the movable base; and a bending portion connecting the fixed-side retaining portion and the movable-side retaining portion; and The active side retaining portion includes at least a first retaining portion extending along the short wall portion and at least a second retaining portion extending along the long wall portion. The first retaining portion extends in the width direction and vertical direction of the connector. The second retaining portion bends at approximately 90 degrees at the outer edge of the connector in the width direction and connects to the first retaining portion, and extends toward the center of the connector in the length direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first retained portion includes a first upper end cover covering the upper end of the short wall portion, and the second retained portion includes a second upper end cover covering the upper end of the long wall portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second holding part is disposed on the inner side of the long wall and connected to the contact part that contacts the mating power terminal.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The contact portion extends vertically along the inner side of the long wall portion.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The contact portion includes: a contact arm portion that extends obliquely toward the ground in a vertical direction relative to the inner side of the long wall portion; and a contact protrusion portion that is connected to the upper end of the contact arm portion and bulges inward toward the width direction of the connector.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second retained portion of the movable side retained portion includes a retained portion that is engaged with the movable base.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The part to be joined is inserted from below and engaged with the engagement recess that is open to the face downwards on the movable base.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The bent portion is bent in a generally S-shape when viewed from the width direction of the connector, such that the first end is connected to the upper end of the fixed-side retained portion and the second end is connected to the lower end of the first retained portion of the movable-side retained portion.

9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The power terminal includes a substrate connection portion connected to the fixed-side retaining portion, and the substrate connection portion includes: a relay portion extending from the fixed-side retaining portion toward the center of the connector in the length direction; and a body portion connected to the relay portion and extending outward in the width direction of the connector.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The power terminals are arranged in pairs at both ends of the connector along its length and are arranged side by side at both ends of the connector along its width.

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