Floating connectors and floating connector assemblies

Abstract

A floating connector is provided that prevents the loss of a relay connector during transportation. According to one embodiment of the invention, the floating connector includes a relay connector and a first connector. The relay connector includes: a first terminal and a retaining member for retaining the first terminal. The first connector includes: a second terminal; a housing that receives at least a portion of the retaining member and the second terminal; an opening into which the relay connector can be inserted, and the opening is formed in a second portion located on the opposite side of a first portion disposed in the housing on the second connector side; and a stop formed in the first portion of the housing to prevent the retaining member from being exposed from the first portion of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a floating connector and a floating connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In a typical floating connector assembly, the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected via a relay connector. For example... Figure 20 As shown, Japanese Patent No. 2006-134899 discloses a bonding device 100 for bonding a chip 102 held by a chip holding member 101 and a substrate 104 held by a substrate holding member 103.

[0003] like Figure 20 As shown, in the bonding device 100 disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2006-134899, the substrate holding member 103 is supported by the copying and locking mechanism 107, wherein the convex spherical surface 105a of the spherical member 105 is in contact with the concave spherical surface 106a of the receiving member 106, and the substrate holding member 103 can rotate to maintain the parallelism of the chip 102 held by the chip holding member 101 and the substrate 104 held by the substrate holding member 103. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some cases, for example, a typical floating connector assembly is transported with the first connector and the relay connector temporarily secured together. However, it is possible that during the transport of the floating connector assembly, the temporary securing between the first connector and the relay connector is released, exposing the relay connector from the first connector and resulting in the relay connector being lost.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a floating connector and a floating connector assembly that suppresses the loss of relay connectors during transportation.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a floating connector is provided, the floating connector forming part of a floating connector assembly, the floating connector assembly comprising: a first connector electrically connected to a first device; a second connector electrically connected to a second device; and a relay connector inserted into the first connector and also inserted into the second connector to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector, wherein the floating connector includes the relay connector and the first connector, the relay connector including: a first terminal and a retaining member configured to retain the first terminal, and the first connector including: a second terminal; a housing configured to receive the second terminal and at least a portion of the retaining member when the relay connector and the first connector are electrically connected; an opening into which the relay connector can be inserted when the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected via the relay connector, and the opening being formed in a second portion located on the opposite side of a first portion disposed on the second connector side of the housing; and a stop formed in the first portion of the housing to prevent the retaining member from being exposed from the first portion of the housing when the housing receives at least a portion of the retaining member.

[0007] According to the present invention, a floating connector and a floating connector assembly are realized, which suppress the loss of relay connectors during transportation.

[0008] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing the usage state of the floating connector assembly according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an oblique view when viewing the floating connector assembly according to the embodiment from the positive z-axis side.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an oblique view when viewing the floating connector according to the embodiment from the negative z-axis side.

[0012] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the V portion shown.

[0014] Figure 6This is an exploded view of the first connector.

[0015] Figure 7 This is an oblique view when viewing the first housing of the first connector from the positive z-axis side.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an oblique view when viewing the grounding terminal of the first connector from the negative z-axis side.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an oblique view when viewing the second housing of the first connector from the negative z-axis side.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an oblique view when viewing the second connector from the positive z-axis side.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the second connector.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a diagram of the second connector viewed from the negative z-axis side.

[0021] Figure 13 This is an oblique view of the repeater connector when viewed from the positive z-axis side.

[0022] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the relay connector.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a diagram of the relay connector viewed from the negative z-axis side.

[0024] Figure 16 This is an oblique view of the repeater connector housing when viewed from the negative z-axis side.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a diagram depicting the process of electrically connecting the first connector and the relay connector.

[0026] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the output connector and the imaging unit when the connection axis between the output connector and the first connector and the connection axis between the imaging unit and the second connector are misaligned.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of the XIX section shown.

[0028] Figure 20 It discloses the publication of Japanese Patent No. 2006-134899. Figure 1 The image. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 19An embodiment will be described. First, the structure of the floating connector assembly according to this embodiment will be described. It should be noted that in the following description of the structure of the floating connector assembly, a Cartesian coordinate system (XYZ coordinate system) is used for clarity.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the usage state of the floating connector assembly according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, for example, the floating connector assembly 1 according to this embodiment can be used to electrically connect the output connector 2 and the imaging unit 3, wherein the output connector 2 is a typical example of a first device and the imaging unit 3 is a typical example of a second device. However, it should be noted that the first device and the second device electrically connected via the floating connector assembly 1 are not particularly limited.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an oblique view when viewing the floating connector assembly according to the embodiment from the positive z-axis side. Figure 3 This is an oblique view when viewing the floating connector according to the embodiment from the negative z-axis side. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line IV-IV in the diagram. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the V-section shown. (See diagram below.) Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the floating connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 4, a second connector 5, and a relay connector 6. The first connector 4 and the relay connector 6 constitute the floating connector 11.

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the first connector. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, the first connector 4 includes: a first housing 41, a ground terminal (second terminal) 42, a first package 43, a second housing (retaining member) 44, a signal terminal 45, and a second package 46.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an oblique view of the first housing of the first connector when viewed from the positive z-axis direction. For example, the first housing 41 is a molded insulating resin material. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first housing 41 holds the grounding terminal 42 and the signal terminal 45. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, for example, the first housing 41 includes: a base 41a, a first insertion-receiving portion 41b, a second insertion-receiving portion 41c, and a through portion 41d.

[0034] like Figure 7As shown, the base (first part) 41a has a plate-like shape that is substantially parallel to the xy plane. For example, the base 41a has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the z-axis direction. A fixing part 41e for fixing a fixing clamp (not shown) is preferably formed in the base 41a. For example, the fixing part 41e protrudes from the base 41a on the positive z-axis side and is provided at a corner of the base 41a. For example, the fixing part 41e has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the first insertion-receiving unit 41b has a structure in which the portion of the housing 31 in the imaging unit 3 on the positive z-axis side can be inserted. For example... Figure 3 As shown, for example, the first insertion-receiving portion 41b has a tubular shape protruding from the base 41a on the negative z-axis side and is disposed along the edge of the base 41a. The stepped portion 41f is preferably formed at the boundary between the base 41a and the first insertion-receiving portion 41b.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the second insertion-receiving section (second part) 41c has a structure in which the housing 21 of the output connector 2 can be inserted. Figure 7 As shown, the second insertion-receiving part 41c includes a first tubular part 41g and a second tubular part 41h.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the first tubular portion 41g protrudes from the base 41a on the positive z-axis side, and when viewed from the z-axis direction, the first tubular portion 41g is substantially located at the center of the base 41a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the first tubular portion 41g has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0038] like Figure 7 As shown, the second tubular portion 41h protrudes from the base 41a on the positive z-axis side and surrounds the first tubular portion 41g. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the second tubular portion 41h is substantially located at the center of the base 41a, and, for example, the second tubular portion 41h has a substantially convex shape that protrudes on the positive y-axis side.

[0039] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown, the joint 41i is preferably formed on the portion of the second tubular portion 41h on the positive y-axis side, and the joint 41i engages with the joint 21a of the housing 21 of the output connector 2. Figure 7 As shown, for example, the joint 41i is a through hole that passes through the portion of the second tubular portion 41h on the positive side of the y-axis, and, for example, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the joint 41i has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0040] like Figure 7As shown, the through portion 41d penetrates the first housing 41 in the z-axis direction. The through portion 41d includes a first portion 41j and a second portion 41k. The first portion 41j is the internal space of the first tubular portion 41g of the second insertion-receiving portion 41c, and, for example, the first portion 41j has a substantially rectangular column shape.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the second part 41k penetrates the base 41a in the z-axis direction and continues to the first part 41j. The second part 41k is positioned on the negative z-axis side relative to the first part 41j. Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the second part 41k is substantially located at the center of the first part 41j, and, for example, the second part 41k has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second part 41k preferably includes a small-diameter portion 41l and a large-diameter portion 41m. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the edges of the small-diameter portion 41l and the large-diameter portion 41m are arranged in a substantially concentric manner. The small-diameter portion 41l is positioned on the negative z-axis side relative to the large-diameter portion 41m. Specifically, a stepped portion 41n is formed at the boundary between the small-diameter portion 41l and the large-diameter portion 41m.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second portion 41k is preferably narrowed at one end on the negative z-axis by a stop 41o formed at one end of the base 41a on the negative z-axis. Although the detailed function of the stop 41o will be described later, for example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the stop portion 41o protrudes from the base portion 41a on the negative z-axis side. The stop portion 41o includes a tubular portion 41p and a circular portion 41q.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the tubular portion 41p protrudes from the base 41a on the negative z-axis side. For example, the tubular portion 41p has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the internal space of the tubular portion 41p forms the portion of the second part 41k of the through portion 41d on the negative z-axis side.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the circular portion 41q has a plate-like shape that is substantially parallel to the xy plane, and, for example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the circular portion 41q has a substantially annular shape. The outer edge of the circular portion 41q is connected to one end of the tubular portion 41p on the negative z-axis side.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 7As shown, the through portion 41r of the circular portion 41q forms a narrow portion at one end of the second part 41k in the through portion 41d on the negative z-axis side. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the edge of the second part 41k of the through portion 41d and the edge of the through portion 41r of the circular portion 41q in the stop portion 41o are arranged in a substantially concentric manner.

[0047] The diameter of the through portion 41r of the circular portion 41q will be explained later. Although detailed functions will be explained later, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the spherical portion 41s is preferably formed around the portion of the through portion 41r of the circular portion 41q on the positive z-axis side.

[0048] The spherical portion 41s has a concave shape on the negative z-axis side. For example... Figure 5 As shown and described later, the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s is located at substantially the same position as the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42. The diameter of the spherical portion 41s can be any diameter.

[0049] Figure 8 This is an oblique view of the grounding terminal of the first connector when viewed from the negative z-axis side. Grounding terminal 42 is conductive, and, as... Figure 1 As shown, it is electrically connected to the ground terminal 22 of the output connector 2. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the grounding terminal 42 is inserted into the through portion 41d of the first housing 41.

[0050] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, for example, the grounding terminal 42 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes: a first portion 42a, a second portion 42b, a spherical portion 42c, a first protrusion 42d, and a second protrusion 42e.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the first portion 42a is disposed in the small-diameter portion 41l of the second portion 41k of the through portion 41d in the first housing 41. The outer diameter of the first portion 42a is substantially equal to the diameter of the small-diameter portion 41l of the second portion 41k of the through portion 41d in the first housing 41. The height of the first portion 42a in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the height of the small-diameter portion 41l of the second portion 41k of the through portion 41d in the z-axis direction.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the second part 42b is disposed on the positive z-axis side relative to the first part 42a, and spans across the first part 41j of the through portion 41d in the first housing 41 and the large diameter portion 41m of the second part 41k.

[0053] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the outer diameter of the second portion 42b is smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion 42a. Therefore, at the outer periphery of the grounding terminal 42, a step portion 42f is formed at the boundary between the first portion 42a and the second portion 42b.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the height of the second part 42b in the z-axis direction is substantially equal to the total height of the first part 41j of the through part 41d and the large diameter part 41m of the second part 41k in the z-axis direction.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, a spherical portion 42c is formed on the inner periphery of the grounding terminal 42. The spherical portion 42c is disposed on the portion of the grounding terminal 42 on the negative z-axis side. The spherical portion 42c has a concave shape that extends outward in the radial direction toward the grounding terminal 42.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, for example, the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c is located on the central axis AX1 of the grounding terminal 42, and is substantially located at the center of the height of the first portion 42a of the grounding terminal 42 in the z-axis direction. The diameter of the spherical portion 42c can be any diameter.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the first protrusion 42d protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the grounding terminal 42 in the radial direction of the grounding terminal 42. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the first protrusion 42d has a substantially annular shape. The first protrusion 42d is provided at one end of the spherical portion 42c on the positive z-axis side.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the second protrusion 42e protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the first portion 42a in the radial direction. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the second protrusion 42e has a substantially annular shape.

[0059] With the grounding terminal 42 inserted into the through portion 41d of the first housing 41, as follows Figure 5 As shown, the second protrusion 42e is in close contact with the periphery of the small-diameter portion 41l of the second part 41k of the through portion 41d in the first housing 41, thereby the grounding terminal 42 is held by the first housing 41.

[0060] For example, the first encapsulation component 43 is a waterproof sealing material, and Figure 6Revealing its hardened state. With the grounding terminal 42 inserted into the through portion 41d of the first housing 41, the first encapsulation member 43 is applied around the stepped portion 42f of the grounding terminal 42, and as... Figure 5 The ground is hardened as shown to prevent water or the like from entering the gap between the first portion 42a of the grounding terminal 42 and the through portion 41d of the first housing 41.

[0061] Figure 9 This is an oblique view when viewing the second housing of the first connector from the negative z-axis side. For example, the second housing 44 is an insulating resin molded article, and, as... Figure 5 It is inserted into the grounding terminal 42 as shown. The second housing 44 includes a tubular portion 44a, a protrusion 44b, and a flange portion 44c.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the tubular portion 44a spans the first protrusion 42d of the grounding terminal 42. (As indicated...) Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, for example, the tubular portion 44a has a substantially cylindrical shape. (As...) Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter of the tubular portion 44a is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first protrusion 42d in the grounding terminal 42.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 44b protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the tubular portion 44a in the radial direction of the tubular portion 44a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the protrusion 44b has a substantially annular shape. The protrusion 44b is substantially located at the center of the height of the tubular portion 44a in the z-axis direction.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the flange portion 44c is positioned on the positive z-axis side relative to the first protrusion 42d of the grounding terminal 42. Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the flange portion 44c protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 44a in the radial direction of the tubular portion 44a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the flange portion 44c has a substantially annular shape. The flange portion 44c is provided at one end of the tubular portion 44a on the positive z-axis side.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter of the flange 44c is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the second portion 42b of the grounding terminal 42. When the second housing 44 is inserted into the grounding terminal 42, the flange 44c is in close contact with the inner periphery of the second portion 42b of the grounding terminal 42, thereby holding the second housing 44 in place by the grounding terminal 42.

[0066] Although the detailed structure will be explained later, such as Figure 9As shown, the spherical portion 44d is preferably formed at one end of the second housing 44 on the negative z-axis side. The spherical portion 44d has a concave shape on the positive z-axis side. Figure 5 As shown, the center C3 of the spherical portion 44d is located at substantially the same position as the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42. The diameter of the spherical portion 44d can be any diameter.

[0067] Signal terminal 45 is conductive, and, as Figure 1 As shown, the signal terminal 23 is electrically connected to the output connector 2. Figure 5 As shown, the signal terminal 45 is inserted into the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44. For example, the signal terminal 45 includes a post portion 45a and a flange portion 45b.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the column 45a spans the protrusion 44b of the second housing 44. (As...) Figure 6 As shown, for example, column 45a has a substantially columnar shape. Figure 5 As shown, the diameter of the column 45a is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the protrusion 44b of the second housing 44.

[0069] With the signal terminal 45 inserted into the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44, as follows: Figure 5 As shown, one end of the column portion 45a on the positive z-axis side is provided at substantially the same height as the end of the grounding terminal 42 on the positive z-axis side. Furthermore, the portion of the column portion 45a on the negative z-axis side protrudes from the second housing 44 on the negative z-axis side.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the flange portion 45b is positioned on the positive z-axis side relative to the protrusion 44b of the second housing 44. Figure 6 As shown, the flange portion 45b protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the column portion 45a in the radial direction. The flange portion 45b is substantially located at the center of the height of the column portion 45a in the z-axis direction.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, for example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the flange 45b has a substantially annular shape. Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter of the flange 45b is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44. When the signal terminal 45 is inserted into the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44, the flange 45b is in close contact with the inner periphery of the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44, thereby holding the signal terminal 45 in place by the second housing 44.

[0072] For example, the second encapsulation 46 is a waterproof sealing material, and Figure 6Revealing its hardened state. With the signal terminal 45 inserted into the tubular portion 44a of the second housing 44, the second encapsulation member 46 is applied to one end of the second housing 44 on the positive z-axis side, and as... Figure 5 The ground is hardened as shown to prevent water and the like from entering the gap between the grounding terminal 42 and the second housing 44 and the gap between the signal terminal 45 and the second housing 44.

[0073] Figure 10 This is an oblique view when viewing the second connector from the positive z-axis side. Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the second connector. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the second connector when viewed from the negative z-axis side. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the second connector 5 includes: a first housing 51, a grounding terminal 52, a second housing 53, and a signal terminal 54.

[0074] For example, the first housing 51 is an insulating resin molded article. (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first housing 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The first housing 51 has a groove 51a on its inner periphery. Figure 12 As shown, the groove 51a extends in the z-axis direction and is configured to face each other in the x-axis direction.

[0075] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first housing 51 has a cavity 51b on its inner periphery. For example, the cavity 51b extends in the z-axis direction and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the central axis AX2 of the first housing 51 in the radial direction outwards. Figure 12 As shown, the cavities 51b are substantially equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the first housing 51.

[0076] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first housing 51 has a notch 51c, which opens at one end on its negative z-axis side toward the negative z-axis side. For example, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the notch 51c has a substantially rectangular shape, and the notches 51c are arranged to face each other in the y-axis direction.

[0077] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a tapered inclined surface 51d is formed at one end of the first housing 51 on the positive z-axis side. The inclined surface 51d is inclined toward the central axis AX2 side of the first housing 51 and toward the negative z-axis side.

[0078] Grounding terminal 52 is conductive, and, as Figure 1 As shown, the substrate 32 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 3. Figure 10 As shown, the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the first housing 51. Figure 11 As shown, the grounding terminal 52 includes: a tubular portion 52a, a first contact spring portion 52b, a second contact spring portion 52c, a foot portion 52d, and an insertion portion 52e.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the tubular portion 52a is disposed within the first housing 51. Figure 11 As shown, for example, the tubular portion 52a has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 52a is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first housing 51.

[0080] With the grounding terminal 52 inserted into the first housing 51, as follows Figure 10 As shown, one end of the tubular portion 52a on the positive z-axis side is set to a height substantially the same as one end of the inclined surface 51d on the inner diameter side of the first housing 51.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, the first contact spring portion 52b is disposed within the groove 51a of the tubular portion 52a. For example... Figure 11 As shown, a first contact spring portion 52b is disposed within a first opening 52f in a tubular portion 52a. The first contact spring portion 52b is plate-shaped, and one end of the first contact spring portion 52b on the positive z-axis side is connected to one end of the first opening 52f of the tubular portion 52a on the positive z-axis side.

[0082] like Figure 11 As shown, for example, the first contact spring portion 52b has: an inclined portion 52g that is inclined outward toward the negative z-axis side in the radial direction of the tubular portion 52a; and a flat portion 52h that extends from the inclined portion 52g to the negative z-axis side.

[0083] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first contact spring portion 52b is configured to face each other in the x-axis direction, and when the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the first housing 51, the flat portion 52h of the first contact spring portion 52b contacts the bottom surface of the groove 51a of the first housing 51.

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown, the second contact spring portion 52c is configured to face the opening 51b of the first housing 51. Figure 11 As shown, the second contact spring portion 52c is disposed within the second opening 52i in the tubular portion 52a. The second contact spring portion 52c has a plate shape, and one end of the second contact spring portion 52c on the negative z-axis side is connected to one end of the second opening 52i of the tubular portion 52a on the negative z-axis side.

[0085] like Figure 11As shown, when viewed from the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 52a, the second contact spring portion 52c has a wavy shape. Specifically, the second contact spring portion 52c includes: a first curved portion 52j that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 52a; and a second curved portion 52k that is disposed on the negative z-axis side relative to the first curved portion 52j and protrudes outward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 52a.

[0086] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second contact spring portion 52c is substantially equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 52a, and when the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the first housing 51, the second bent portion 52k of the second contact spring portion 52c contacts the bottom surface of the hole 51b of the first housing 51.

[0087] In this manner, the first contact spring portion 52b and the second contact spring portion 52c come into contact with the inner periphery of the first housing 51, thereby securing the grounding terminal 52 to the first housing 51. It should be noted that the first contact spring portion 52b and the second contact spring portion 52c can be formed by cutting and bending the tubular portion 52a.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the foot 52d is positioned on the negative z-axis side relative to the first housing 51. Figure 11 As shown, the foot 52d protrudes outward from one end of the tubular portion 52a on the negative z-axis side in the radial direction of the tubular portion 52a.

[0089] like Figure 11 As shown, the feet 52d are substantially evenly spaced along the circumference of the tubular portion 52a. With the grounding terminal 52 inserted into the first housing 51, as... Figure 12 As shown, the foot 52d is pulled out from the outer periphery of the first housing 51.

[0090] like Figure 11 As shown, an insertion portion 52e is disposed within a notch 52m, which is formed at one end of the tubular portion 52a on the negative z-axis side. The insertion portion 52e has a plate-like shape, and one end of the insertion portion 52e on the positive z-axis side is connected to one end of the notch 52m of the tubular portion 52a on the positive z-axis side. For example, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the insertion portion 52e has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0091] like Figure 11 As shown, the insertion portion 52e preferably has a first protrusion 52n that protrudes outward from the insertion portion 52e in the radial direction of the tubular portion 52a. Further, the insertion portion 52e preferably has a second protrusion 52o that protrudes from the insertion portion 52e in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 52a.

[0092] For example, the second housing 53 is an insulating resin molded article. (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the second housing 53 is inserted into the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52. Figure 11 As shown, the second housing 53 includes: a tubular portion 53a, a flange portion 53b, a protrusion 53c, and an insertion-receiving portion 53d.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, the tubular portion 53a is disposed within the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52. For example... Figure 11 As shown, for example, the tubular portion 53a has a substantially cylindrical shape. (As...) Figure 12 As shown, the grooves 53e can be provided at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 53a.

[0094] With the second housing 53 inserted into the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52, as follows Figure 5 As shown, the end of the tubular portion 53a on the positive z-axis side is positioned lower than the end of the grounding terminal 52 on the positive z-axis side.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the flange portion 53b is disposed within the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52. Figure 11 As shown, the flange portion 53b protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 53a in the radial direction of the tubular portion 53a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the flange portion 53b has a substantially annular shape. The flange portion 53b is provided at one end of the tubular portion 53a on the negative z-axis side.

[0096] like Figure 12 As shown, at one end of the tubular portion 53a and the flange portion 53b on the negative z-axis side, an insertion-receiving portion 53f is preferably formed to connect with the inner side of the tubular portion 53a. The insertion-receiving portion 53f extends in the x-axis direction to cross the inner side of the tubular portion 53a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the insertion-receiving portion 53f has a substantially rectangular shape, and the insertion-receiving portion 53f opens towards the negative z-axis side.

[0097] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the cavity 53g is preferably formed at one end of the tubular portion 53a and the flange portion 53b on the negative z-axis side. The cavity 53g extends from the inside of the tubular portion 53a on the positive y-axis side. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the cavity 53g has a substantially convex shape protruding on the positive y-axis side, and the cavity 53g opens toward the negative z-axis side.

[0098] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the protrusion 53c passes through the notch 51c on the negative y-axis side of the first housing 51. (As...) Figure 11 As shown, the protrusion 53c protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the flange portion 53b in the radial direction of the flange portion 53b. The protrusion 53c is provided at one end of the tubular portion 53a on the negative z-axis side and faces each other in the y-axis direction.

[0099] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the insertion-receiving portion 53d is a through portion, formed on the negative y-axis side of the protrusion 53c. The insertion-receiving portion 53d extends in the z-axis direction. Figure 12 As shown, the insertion-receiving portion 53d preferably has a protrusion 53h that protrudes from the inner periphery of the insertion-receiving portion 53d. With the second housing 53 inserted into the grounding terminal 52, the insertion portion 52e of the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the insertion-receiving portion 53d.

[0100] In this state, the protrusion 53h of the insertion-receiving portion 53d of the second housing 53 presses the insertion portion 52e on the positive y-axis side through the first protrusion 52n of the grounding terminal 52, and the insertion portion 52e of the grounding terminal 52 is embedded between the protrusion 53h of the insertion-receiving portion 53d of the second housing 53 and the inner periphery of the insertion-receiving portion 53d on the positive y-axis side.

[0101] Furthermore, the second protrusion 52o of the insertion portion 52e in the grounding terminal 52 is in close contact with the inner periphery of the insertion-receiving portion 53d of the second housing 53. The second housing 53 is thus held in place by the grounding terminal 52.

[0102] Signal terminal 54 is conductive, and, as Figure 12 As shown, it is inserted into the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53. Figure 11 As shown, the signal terminal 54 includes: a tubular portion 54a, a contact spring portion 54b, a foot portion 54c, and an insertion portion 54d.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, a tubular portion 54a is disposed within the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53. For example, the tubular portion 54a has a substantially cylindrical shape. A contact spring portion 54b is disposed within the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53. Figure 11 As shown, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the contact spring portions 54b are substantially equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 54a.

[0104] like Figure 11As shown, the contact spring portion 54b is plate-shaped and includes: a bent portion 54e, which, for example, protrudes inward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 54a; and a connecting portion 54f, which extends from the bent portion 54e on the negative z-axis side. One end of the connecting portion 54f on the negative z-axis side is connected to one end of the tubular portion 54a on the positive z-axis side. Therefore, the contact spring portion 54b protrudes from the tubular portion 54a on the positive z-axis side.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, the foot 54c is pulled out from the inside of the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53 through the hole 53g and notch 51c of the first housing 51 on the positive y-axis side to the outside of the first housing 51. Figure 11 As shown, for example, when viewed from the x-axis direction, the foot 54c is substantially L-shaped, and the end of the foot 54c on the positive z-axis side is connected to the end of the tubular portion 54a on the negative z-axis side.

[0106] like Figure 12 As shown, the insertion part 54d is inserted into the insertion-receiving part 53f of the second housing 53. (As indicated...) Figure 11 As shown, the insertion portion 54d protrudes from the foot portion 54c on both the positive and negative x-axis sides. For example, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the insertion portion 54d has a substantially rectangular shape. The insertion portion 54d is substantially located at the center of the height of the portion of the foot portion 54c extending in the z-axis direction.

[0107] like Figure 12 As shown, the insertion portion 54d preferably has a protrusion 54g that protrudes from the insertion portion 54d on the positive y-axis side. When the signal terminal 54 is inserted into the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53, the insertion portion 54d is in close contact with the periphery of the insertion-receiving portion 53f of the second housing 53, and the protrusion 54g of the insertion portion 54d is embedded between them, thereby securing the signal terminal 54 to the second housing 53.

[0108] Figure 13 This is an oblique view of the repeater connector when viewed from the positive z-axis side. Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the relay connector. Figure 15 This is an oblique view of the repeater connector when viewed from the negative z-axis side. For example... Figure 5 As shown, relay connector 6 is electrically connected to first connector 4 and second connector 5. Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the relay connector 6 includes: a housing (holding member) 61, a signal terminal 62, and a ground terminal (first terminal) 63.

[0109] Figure 16 This is an oblique view of the repeater connector housing when viewed from the negative z-axis side. For example, housing 61 is a molded insulating resin material. Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the housing 61 includes: a tubular portion 61a, a first spherical portion 61b, a flange portion 61c, a wall portion 61d, and a second spherical portion 61e.

[0110] like Figure 16 As shown, for example, the tubular portion 61a has a substantially cylindrical shape. An insertion-receiving portion 61f is formed at one end of the tubular portion 61a on the negative z-axis side, to connect with the inner side of the tubular portion 61a. The insertion-receiving portion 61f extends in the x-axis direction to cross the inner side of the tubular portion 61a.

[0111] like Figure 16 As shown, for example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the insertion-receiving portion 61f has a substantially rectangular shape, and the insertion-receiving portion 61f opens towards the negative z-axis side. It should be noted that at the inner periphery of the tubular portion 61a, as... Figure 15 As shown, the grooves 61g can be formed at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 61a.

[0112] like Figure 14 As shown, a first spherical portion 61b is formed at one end of the tubular portion 61a on the positive z-axis side, and when viewed from the z-axis direction, a through portion 61h is formed at the substantially center of the spherical portion 61b. The through portion 61h continues to the inner side of the tubular portion 61a, and, for example, has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0113] When viewed from the z-axis direction, the outer diameter (inner diameter) of the tubular portion 61a and the edge of the through portion 61h are arranged in a substantially concentric manner. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the first spherical portion 61b is convex on the positive z-axis side. The diameter of the first spherical portion 61b is substantially equal to the diameter of the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 in the first connector 4.

[0114] like Figure 14 As shown, the flange portion 61c protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 61a in the radial direction of the tubular portion 61a. For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the flange portion 61c has a substantially rectangular shape, and each edge of the flange portion 61c bends along the inner periphery of the first portion 42a of the grounding terminal 42 in the first connector 4.

[0115] When viewed from the z-axis direction, the circle formed by connecting the rim of the flange portion 61c is substantially concentric with the edge of the through portion 61h of the first spherical portion 61b. The flange portion 61c is provided on the portion of the tubular portion 61a on the positive z-axis side.

[0116] like Figure 16As shown, an inclined surface 61i is formed on the portion of the flange portion 61c on the negative z-axis side. The inclined surface 61i is inclined outward toward the positive z-axis side in the radial direction of the tubular portion 61a. The inclined surface 61i is disposed between the edges of the flange portion 61c.

[0117] like Figure 14 As shown, the insertion-receiving portion 61j is formed on the flange portion 61c. The insertion-receiving portion 61j extends through the flange portion 61c in the z-axis direction, and, for example, has a substantially rectangular column shape when viewed from the z-axis direction.

[0118] like Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the wall portion 61d extends from each edge of the flange portion 61c in the negative z-axis direction and also protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 61a in the radial direction of the tubular portion 61a. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the side surface of the wall portion 61d is curved to connect with each edge of the flange portion 61c.

[0119] like Figure 16 As shown, the second spherical portion 61e is formed at one end of the wall portion 61d on the negative z-axis side. The second spherical portion 61e is convex on the negative z-axis side. The diameter of the second spherical portion 61e is substantially equal to the diameter of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 in the first connector 4.

[0120] Signal terminal 62 is conductive, and, as Figure 5 As shown, it is inserted into the tubular portion 61a of the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, the signal terminal 62 includes: a tubular portion 62a, a contact spring portion 62b, an insertion portion 62c, and a post portion 62d. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, a tubular portion 62a is disposed within the tubular portion 61a of the housing 61. For example, the tubular portion 62a has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, the contact spring portion 62b is disposed within the tubular portion 61a of the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the contact spring portions 62b are substantially equally spaced along the circumference of the tubular portion 62a. The contact spring portions 62b are plate-shaped, and one end of the contact spring portion 62b on the negative z-axis side is connected to the end of the tubular portion 61a on the positive z-axis side.

[0122] like Figure 14As shown, for example, when viewed from the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 62a, the contact spring portion 62b has a wavy shape. Specifically, the contact spring portion 62b includes: a first curved portion 62e that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 62a; and a second curved portion 62f that is disposed on the negative z-axis side relative to the first curved portion 62e and protrudes outward in the radial direction of the tubular portion 62a.

[0123] like Figure 15 As shown, the insertion part 62c is inserted into the insertion-receiving part 61f of the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, for example, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the insertion portion 62c has a substantially lying H shape, and one end of the insertion portion 62c on the positive z-axis side is connected to one end of the tubular portion 62a on the negative z-axis side. The insertion portion 62c is located on the negative y-axis side of the tubular portion 62a.

[0124] With the insertion part 62c inserted into the insertion-receiving part 61f of the housing 61, the insertion part 62c is in close contact with the periphery of the insertion-receiving part 61f of the housing 61, thereby the signal terminal 62 is held by the housing 61.

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown, the column 62d protrudes from the housing 61 on the negative z-axis side. For example, the column 62d has a substantially cylindrical shape, and, as... Figure 14 As shown, the column 62d gradually narrows at one end on the negative z-axis side.

[0126] like Figure 14 As shown, the column portion 62d extends from the insertion portion 62c on the negative z-axis side. The column portion 62d is substantially located at the center of the width of the insertion portion 62c in the x-axis direction. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the outer periphery (inner periphery) of the column portion 62d and the outer periphery (inner periphery) of the tubular portion 62a are arranged substantially concentrically.

[0127] Grounding terminal 63 is conductive, and, as Figure 13 As shown, surrounding the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, the grounding terminal 63 includes: a first tubular portion 63a, a second tubular portion 63b, a connecting portion 63c, a contact spring portion 63d, and an insertion portion 63e. For example, the first tubular portion 63a has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0128] The second tubular portion 63b is disposed on the positive z-axis side relative to the first tubular portion 63a, and, for example, has a substantially cylindrical shape. Figure 14 As shown, the outer diameter of the second tubular portion 63b is smaller than the outer diameter of the first tubular portion 63a.

[0129] like Figure 5As shown, the inner diameter of the second tubular portion 63b is smaller than that shown. Figure 5 The inner diameter of the first tubular portion 63a is shown. When viewed from the z-axis direction, the outer periphery (inner periphery) of the first tubular portion 63a and the outer periphery (inner periphery) of the second tubular portion 63b are arranged in a substantially concentric manner.

[0130] like Figure 14 As shown, the connecting portion 63c connects the first tubular portion 63a and the second tubular portion 63b. The connecting portion 63c has a substantially tapered shape that tapers inward toward the positive z-axis in the radial direction of the connecting portion 63c. The connecting portion 63c may have an opening 63f.

[0131] like Figure 13 As shown, the contact spring portion 63d covers the inclined surface 61i of the housing 61, and the second spherical portion 61e is disposed on the positive z-axis side relative to the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the contact spring portions 63d are substantially equally spaced along the circumference of the second tubular portion 63b. The contact spring portion 63d is plate-shaped, and one end of the contact spring portion 63d on the negative z-axis side is connected to one end of the second tubular portion 63b on the positive z-axis side.

[0132] like Figure 14 As shown, for example, when viewed from the circumferential direction of the second tubular portion 63b, the contact spring portion 63d is bent to protrude outward in the radial direction of the second tubular portion 63b. Specifically, the contact spring portion 63d includes: a bent portion 63g, which bends outward in the radial direction of the second tubular portion 63b; and a connecting portion (inclined portion) 63h, which connects the bent portion 63g to the second tubular portion 63b, and is inclined outward in the radial direction of the second tubular portion 63b toward the positive z-axis. The connecting portion 63h is inclined along the inclined surface 61i of the housing 61.

[0133] like Figure 5 As shown, the curvature of the side surface of the bent portion 63g of the contact spring portion 63d (that is, the surface of the second tubular portion 63b on the radially outer side) is preferably greater than the curvature of the ball portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4.

[0134] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, the side surface of the bent portion 63g of the contact spring portion 63d preferably has a contact point 63i, which protrudes outward from the side surface of the bent portion 63g in the radial direction of the second tubular portion 63b. The protruding surface of the contact point 63i is spherical, and the curvature of the protruding surface of the contact point 63i is greater than the curvature of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, the distance between the outer end of the second tubular portion 63b in the radial direction of the contact point 63i and the center line AX3 of the grounding terminal 63 (that is, the distance in the direction orthogonal to the center line AX3) is preferably slightly larger than the radius of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4.

[0136] like Figure 13 As shown, the insertion part 63e is inserted into the insertion-receiving part 61j of the housing 61. Figure 14 As shown, the insertion part 63e protrudes from the second tubular part 63b on the positive z-axis side. The insertion part 63e is provided on the negative y-axis side of the second tubular part 63b.

[0137] like Figure 14 As shown, the insertion portion 63e is plate-shaped and, for example, substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the y-axis direction. The insertion portion 63e preferably has a protrusion 63j that protrudes from the insertion portion 63e on the negative y-axis side.

[0138] With the insertion part 63e inserted into the insertion-receiving part 61j of the housing 61, the insertion part 63e is in close contact with the periphery of the insertion-receiving part 61j of the housing 61, and the protrusion 63j of the insertion part 63e is embedded between them, thereby securing the grounding terminal 63 to the housing 61. Figure 5 As shown, the grounding terminal 63 is positioned at the same height as the signal terminal 62 at the same height on the negative z-axis side.

[0139] The process of electrically connecting the first connector 4 and the relay connector 6 will then be explained. Figure 17 It is a diagram depicting the process of electrically connecting the first connector and the relay connector. Figure 17 The cross-sectional position in the middle corresponds to Figure 4 The cross-sectional position in the middle. First, assemble a part of the first connector 4 and the relay connector 6.

[0140] Specifically, the signal terminal 45 of the first connector 4 is inserted into the second housing 44 from the positive z-axis side, and the flange 45b of the signal terminal 45 is inserted into the second housing 44 until the flange 45b of the signal terminal 45 makes substantial contact with the protrusion 44b of the second housing 44, thereby fixing the signal terminal 45 and the second housing 44 to each other.

[0141] Next, the second housing 44, to which the signal terminal 45 is fixed, is inserted into the ground terminal 42 from the positive z-axis side, and the flange portion 44c of the second housing 44 is inserted into the ground terminal 42 until the flange portion 44c of the second housing 44 makes substantial contact with the first protrusion 42d of the ground terminal 42, thereby fixing the second housing 44 and the ground terminal 42 to each other.

[0142] A portion of the first connector 4 is assembled accordingly. In this state, as... Figure 2 As shown, the central axis AX1 of the grounding terminal 42, the central axis AX4 of the second housing 44, and the central axis AX5 of the signal terminal 45 are substantially coaxially arranged.

[0143] At the same time, the portion of the relay connector 6 including the insertion portion 62c of the signal terminal 62 is inserted into the housing 61 from the negative z-axis side on the positive z-axis side, and the insertion portion 62c of the signal terminal 62 is inserted into the insertion-receiving portion 61f of the housing 61, thereby fixing the housing 61 and the signal terminal 62 to each other.

[0144] In this state, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the contact spring portion 62b of the signal terminal 62 is provided along the edge of the through portion 61h of the housing 61. Furthermore, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the post portion 62d of the signal terminal 62 is provided within the through portion 61h of the housing 61.

[0145] Next, the portion of housing 61 on the negative z-axis side is inserted into grounding terminal 63, thereby the contact spring portion 63d of grounding terminal 63 is disposed between the wall portions 61d of housing 61, and further, the insertion portion 63e of grounding terminal 63 is inserted into the insertion-receiving portion 61j of housing 61, thereby fixing housing 61 and grounding terminal 63 to each other.

[0146] Relay connector 6 is assembled accordingly. In this state, as... Figure 13 As shown, the central axis AX3 of the grounding terminal 63, the central axis AX6 of the signal terminal 62, and the central axis AX7 of the housing 61 are substantially coaxially arranged.

[0147] Subsequently, the relay connector 6 is inserted into the first connector 4. Specifically, the relay connector 6 is inserted through the through-hole 41d of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 in the positive z-axis direction.

[0148] Next, the portion of the grounding terminal 63 in the relay connector 6 on the negative z-axis side passes through the through portion 41r of the stop portion 41o of the first housing 41 in the first connector 4, thereby making the second spherical portion 61e of the housing 61 of the relay connector 6 substantially spherically contacting the spherical portion 41 of the first housing 41. In other words, the first spherical contact portion 7 (see...) Figure 4 It is formed by the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 and the housing 61 of the relay connector 6.

[0149] The through portion 41d of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 has a shape that allows the relay connector 6 to be inserted from the positive z-axis side. Further, as will be explained later, the through portion 41r of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 allows the relay connector 6 to rotate at a specified angle around the center C1 (i.e., the first spherical contact portion 7) of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, and has a smaller radius than the distance between the outer end of the tubular portion 61a in the radial direction and the centerline AX7 of the housing 61 in the second spherical portion 61e of the housing 61 of the relay connector 6.

[0150] The relay connector 6 thereby grips the stop portion 41o of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, preventing the relay connector 6 from being exposed from the first connector 4 on the negative z-axis side.

[0151] Next, the ground terminal 42, fixed to the signal terminal 45, is inserted through the through portion 41d of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 into the opening on the positive z-axis side. Then, the first portion 42a of the ground terminal 42 is inserted into the small-diameter portion 41l of the second portion 41k of the through portion 41d of the first housing 41, and the second protrusion 42e of the first portion 42a of the ground terminal 42 is inserted into the small-diameter portion 41l of the second portion 41k of the through portion 41d of the first housing 41, until one end of the ground terminal 42 on the negative z-axis side substantially contacts the stop portion 41o, thereby fixing the first housing 41 and the ground terminal 42 to each other.

[0152] In this state, such as Figure 2 As shown, the central axis AX1 of the grounding terminal 42, the central axis AX4 of the second housing 44, the central axis AX5 of the signal terminal 45, and the central axis AX8 of the first housing 41 are substantially coaxially arranged in the first connector 4.

[0153] Subsequently, the post portion 45a of the signal terminal 45 of the first connector 4 is inserted into the contact spring portion 62b of the signal terminal 62 of the repeater connector 6. The signal terminal 45 of the first connector 4 and the signal terminal 62 of the repeater connector 6 are thus electrically connected.

[0154] Furthermore, the contact spring portion 63d of the grounding terminal 63 in the relay connector 6 is inserted into the portion of the grounding terminal 42 in the first connector 4 on the negative z-axis side, and the contact point 63i of the contact spring portion 63d is substantially in point contact with the ball portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42.

[0155] Contact part P1 (see) Figure 5 It is manufactured by electrically connecting the ball-shaped portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4 and the contact point 63i of the contact spring portion 63d of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6, and the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4 and the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6.

[0156] As described above, since the curvature of the contact point 63i is greater than the curvature of the ball portion 42c of the ground terminal 42 of the first connector 4, the contact point 63i is in proper point contact with the ball portion 42c of the ground terminal 42 of the first connector 4.

[0157] Next, the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 of the first connector 4 makes substantial spherical contact with the first spherical portion 61b of the housing 61 of the repeater connector 6. In other words, the second spherical contact portion 8 (see...) Figure 4 It is formed by the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 of the first connector 4 and the first spherical portion 61b of the housing 61 of the relay connector 6.

[0158] In this state, the housing 61 of the repeater connector 6 is embedded between the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 and the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44. Accordingly, as Figure 5 As shown, the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42, and the center C3 of the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 (that is, the second spherical contact portion 8) are kept in substantially the same position.

[0159] Therefore, the repeater connector 6 can rotate at a specified angle around the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4. In this state, the contact point 63i of the grounding terminal 63 of the repeater connector 6, that is, the contact portion P1, is substantially located on the diameter of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41.

[0160] Subsequently, a first encapsulation 43 is applied to the stepped portion 42f of the grounding terminal 42 of the first connector 4, and a second encapsulation 46 is applied to one end of the second housing 44 in the first connector 4 on the positive z-axis side. The relay connector 6 is thus inserted into the first connector 4, and an electrical connection is established between them. In other words, the floating connector 11 is thus assembled.

[0161] The assembly process of the second connector 5 will now be described. First, the portion of the signal terminal 54, including the insertion portion 54d, on the positive z-axis side is inserted into the second housing 53 from the negative z-axis side, and the insertion portion 54d of the signal terminal 54 is inserted into the insertion-receiving portion 53f of the second housing 53, thereby fixing the second housing 53 and the signal terminal 54 to each other.

[0162] At this time, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the contact spring portion 54b of the signal terminal 54 is provided along the opening on the positive z-axis side of the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53. Furthermore, the foot portion 54c of the signal terminal 54 is received in the cavity 53g of the second housing 53.

[0163] Next, the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the first housing 51 from the negative z-axis side, and the flat portion 52h of the first contact spring portion 52b of the grounding terminal 52 contacts the bottom surface of the groove 51a of the first housing 51, and the second curved portion 52k of the second contact spring portion 52c also contacts the bottom surface of the hole 51b of the first housing 51, thereby fixing the first housing 51 and the grounding terminal 52 to each other.

[0164] At this time, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the insertion portion 52e of the grounding terminal 52 is provided in the notch 51c on the negative y-axis side of the first housing 51. Furthermore, the foot 52d of the grounding terminal 52 protrudes outward from the first housing 51 in the radial direction of the first housing 51.

[0165] Next, the tubular portion 53a of the second housing 53 fixed to the signal terminal 54 is inserted from the negative z-axis side into the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52 fixed to the first housing 51, and the insertion portion 52e of the grounding terminal 52 is inserted into the insertion-receiving portion 53d of the second housing 53.

[0166] The first housing 51, grounding terminal 52, second housing 53, and signal terminal 54 are thus integrally assembled. In this state, the foot 54c of the signal terminal 54 protrudes outward from the notch 51c on the positive y-axis side of the first housing 51 in the radial direction of the first housing 51.

[0167] In the second connector 5, such as Figure 10 As shown, the central axis AX2 of the first housing 51, the central axis AX9 of the grounding terminal 52, the central axis AX10 of the second housing 53, and the central axis AX11 of the signal terminal 54 are substantially coaxially arranged.

[0168] The process of electrically connecting the output connector 2 and the imaging unit 3 using the floating connector assembly 1 according to this embodiment will then be described. Figure 1 As shown, for example, the output connector 2 has a structure in which a ground terminal 22 and a signal terminal 23 are housed in a housing 21. The ground terminal 42 of the first connector 4 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 22 of the output connector 2, and the signal terminal 45 of the first connector 4 is electrically connected to the signal terminal 23.

[0169] In this state, the housing 21 of the output connector 2 is inserted into the second insertion-receiving portion 41c of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 at one end on the negative z-axis side, and the engaging portion 21a of the housing 21 of the output connector 2 engages with the engaging portion 41i of the first housing 41. The output connector 2 is thus securely fixed to the first connector 4.

[0170] like Figure 1As shown, for example, the imaging unit 3 has a structure in which a substrate 32 on which an imaging element is mounted is housed in a housing 31. The foot 52d of the ground terminal 52 and the foot 54c of the signal terminal 54 of the second connector 5 are electrically connected to the substrate 32 of the imaging unit 3.

[0171] Next, the first tubular portion 63a of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 is inserted into the tubular portion 52a of the grounding terminal 52 of the second connector 5 from the positive z-axis side. Accordingly, the second contact spring portion 52c of the grounding terminal 52 of the second connector 5 contacts the outer periphery of the first tubular portion 63a of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6, thereby electrically connecting the grounding terminal 52 of the second connector 5 to the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6.

[0172] Simultaneously, the post portion 62d of the signal terminal 62 of the repeater connector 6 is inserted from the positive z-axis side into the contact spring portion 54b of the signal terminal 54 of the second connector 5, thereby electrically connecting the signal terminal 54 of the second connector 5 with the signal terminal 62 of the repeater connector 6. The output connector 2 and the imaging unit 3 are thus electrically connected via the first connector 4, the second connector 5, and the repeater connector 6.

[0173] In this state, the housing 31 of the imaging unit 3 is inserted into the first insertion-receiving portion 41b of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 at one end on the positive z-axis side. The output connector 2 and the imaging unit 3 are thus fixed to each other, and the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 is built between them.

[0174] The connection state of the output connector 2 and the imaging unit 3 is then described when the connection axis AX12 between the output connector 2 and the first connector 4 and the connection axis AX13 between the imaging unit 3 and the second connector 5 are misaligned.

[0175] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view showing the connection state of the output connector and the imaging unit when the connection axis between the output connector and the first connector and the connection axis between the imaging unit and the second connector are misaligned. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of section XIX shown. Note that... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The cross-sectional position in the middle corresponds to Figure 4 The location of the cross section.

[0176] As described above, the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42, and the center C3 of the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 are located at substantially the same position. The contact point 63i of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 is substantially located on the diameter of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41.

[0177] Accordingly, the distance between each contact point 63i of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 and the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 does not change substantially, and, as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, when the connecting shaft AX12 between the output connector 2 and the first connector 4 and the connecting shaft AX13 between the imaging unit 3 and the second connector 5 are misaligned, the relay connector 6 rotates around the center C1.

[0178] At this time, the contact spring portion 62b of the signal terminal 62 of the repeater connector 6, the second contact spring portion 52c of the ground terminal 52 in the second connector 5, and the contact spring portion 54b of the signal terminal 54 change shape, thereby not restricting the rotation of the repeater connector 6.

[0179] As described above, in the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, the second spherical portion 61e of the housing 61 of the relay connector 6 grips the stop portion 41o of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4.

[0180] Therefore, for example, when transporting the relay connector 6 fixed to the first connector 4, the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 according to this embodiment prevent the relay connector 6 from contacting the first connector 4. Accordingly, for example, the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 according to this embodiment reduce the risk of loss or damage to the relay connector 6 during transportation.

[0181] In the floating connector assembly 1 and floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, when the connecting axis AX12 between the output connector 2 and the first connector 4 and the connecting axis AX13 between the imaging unit 3 and the second connector 5 are misaligned, the relay connector 6 rotates around the center C1 without substantially changing the distance between each contact point 63i of the ground terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 and the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4. Accordingly, in the floating connector assembly 1 and floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, the contact pressure of each contact point 63i of the ground terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 on the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4 is substantially the same, thereby maintaining the stability of the electrical connection.

[0182] Furthermore, in the floating connector assembly 1 and floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, each contact point 63i of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 is internally connected to the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4. Accordingly, compared to the case where the contact spring portion of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 is externally connected to the spherical portion formed on the outer periphery of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, the increase in the size of the relay connector 6 is minimized, and the size reduction of the floating connector assembly 1 and floating connector 11 is achieved.

[0183] In the floating connector assembly 1 and floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, the housing 61 of the relay connector 6 is built between the first housing 41 and the second housing 44 of the first connector 4, so that the second spherical portion 61e of the housing 61 of the relay connector 6 is substantially in spherical contact with the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, and the first spherical portion 61b of the first relay connector 6 is substantially in spherical contact with the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 of the first connector 4.

[0184] Accordingly, the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 of this embodiment allow the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, the center C2 of the spherical portion 42c of the grounding terminal 42, and the center C3 of the spherical portion 44d of the second housing 44 to be located at substantially the same position. Furthermore, the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 of this embodiment allow the contact point 63i of the grounding terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 to be substantially located on the diameter of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41.

[0185] Accordingly, in the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 according to this embodiment, the relay connector 6 is suitably rotated about the center C1 without substantially changing the distance between each contact point 63i of the ground terminal 63 of the relay connector 6 and the center C1 of the spherical portion 41s of the first housing 41 of the first connector 4.

[0186] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0187] For example, as long as the relay connector 6 is not removed from the first housing 41 of the first connector 4, and the relay connector 6 can be inserted from the portion of the first housing 41 located on the positive z-axis side, the floating connector assembly 1 and the floating connector 11 according to this embodiment can have any structure. Accordingly, the relay connector 6 does not necessarily have to be rotatable, and the shape of the stop 41o is not limited to the example described above.

[0188] For example, only the shapes of the signal terminals and ground terminals of each connector are shown as typical examples. As long as the signal terminals and ground terminals of the first connector 4 and the signal terminals and ground terminals of the second connector 5 can be electrically connected through the signal terminals and ground terminals of the relay connector 6, the shapes are not particularly restricted.

[0189] For example, the relay connector 6 does not need to be built between the first housing 41 and the second housing 44 of the first connector 4.

[0190] As will be apparent from the invention described herein, embodiments of the invention can be modified in various ways. Such modifications should not be considered contrary to the spirit and scope of the invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A floating connector, characterized in that, The floating connector forms part of a floating connector assembly, which includes: a first connector electrically connected to a first device; a second connector electrically connected to a second device; and a relay connector inserted into the first connector and also into the second connector to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector, wherein... The floating connector includes the relay connector and the first connector. The relay connector includes: a first terminal and a retaining member configured to retain the first terminal, and, The first connector includes: a second terminal; a housing configured to receive the second terminal and at least a portion of the retaining member when the relay connector and the first connector are electrically connected; an opening into which the relay connector can be inserted when the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected via the relay connector, and the opening is formed in a second portion located opposite to a first portion of the housing disposed on the second connector side; and a stop formed in the first portion of the housing to prevent the retaining member from being exposed from the first portion of the housing when the housing receives at least a portion of the retaining member. With the floating connector and the second connector connected, the second connector is positioned on the side of the relay connector that is inserted into the housing.

2. The floating connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal includes a plurality of contact spring portions, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first terminal. The second terminal includes: a tubular portion, with a spherical portion formed therein. When the relay connector and the first connector are electrically connected, the plurality of contact spring portions contact the ball-shaped portion of the second terminal, and... When the relay connector rotates around the first connector, the distance from the center of the ball portion to the contact portion between each of the contact spring portions and the ball portion is the same.

3. The floating connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the contact spring portion is disposed within the second terminal, the contact spring portion of the first terminal contacts the spherical portion, which is formed on the inner periphery of the second terminal.

4. The floating connector as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The stop portion makes spherical contact with the retaining member, and the center of the spherical contact portion between the stop portion and the retaining member coincides with the center of the spherical portion.

5. The floating connector as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first connector includes: a retainer configured to house the retaining member between the stop and the retainer, and, The retainer blocks a portion of the opening in the housing.

6. The floating connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The retainer makes spherical contact with the retainer, and the center of the spherical contact portion between the retainer and the retainer coincides with the center of the spherical portion.

7. A floating connector assembly, characterized in that, Include: The floating connector according to claim 1 or 2; and The second connector.

Images