connector

Abstract

A connector is provided that can electrically connect a connector terminal and an opposite-side connector terminal with high reliability even in the case where the opposite-side connector terminal is relatively moved in any direction with respect to the connector terminal. The connector has a connector terminal (12) having a flat connection surface (12A); a ball-shaped ball that has at least a surface that is electrically conductive; a ball holding portion that holds the ball so as to be rotatable in a state where a portion of the surface of the ball that is in contact with the connection surface and a portion of the surface of the ball that faces the opposite side of the connection surface protrude; a ball guide portion (14) that is fixed to the connector terminal and holds the ball holding portion so as to be movable two-dimensionally along the connection surface (12A); and a terminal spring (13F) that presses the connection surface of the opposite-side connector terminal (21) that is inserted into an opposite-side connector terminal housing portion (13G) and the connection surface of the connector terminal toward each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector having a receiving portion for inserting a portion of a counterpart connector terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a connector was known that, with the aim of reducing the sliding resistance of the mating connector terminal relative to the connector terminal during insertion and removal, was movably disposed between the connector terminal and the mating connector terminal using a metal ball as a contact element. The connector terminal was electrically connected to the mating connector terminal via the metal ball.

[0003] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector in which connector terminals 2 are electrically connected to the counterpart connector terminals 3 within a connector housing 1 made of resin material. Three metal balls 5 and a helical spring 6, held by a contact retainer 4, are disposed within the connector housing 1. The connector terminals 2 are pressed against the three metal balls 5 by the helical spring 6, and are electrically connected to the counterpart connector terminals 3 via the three metal balls 5.

[0004] like Figure 17 As shown, the three metal balls 5, together with the compression coil springs 8, are respectively housed in the three contact receiving portions 7 formed in the contact retainer 4. When the opposite connector terminal 3 is inserted into the connector housing 1, the three metal balls 5 roll along with the opposite connector terminal 3, elastically compressing the corresponding compression coil springs 8. As a result, the sliding resistance accompanying the insertion of the opposite connector terminal 3 is reduced.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-67499

[0008] However, as Figure 17 As shown, the three contact receiving portions 7 formed on the contact holder 4 extend parallel to each other along the insertion direction D of the opposite connector terminal 3. Therefore, although the three metal balls 5 can roll along the insertion direction D of the opposite connector terminal 3, they cannot move in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D.

[0009] Therefore, when the other side connector terminal 3 is inserted into the connector housing 1, or when the connector terminal 2 and the other side connector terminal 3 are connected, and the other side connector terminal 3 moves relative to the connector terminal 2 in a direction different from the insertion direction D due to some external force, the sliding resistance cannot be reduced, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the connector terminal 2 and the other side connector terminal 3 may be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention was made to solve this prior art problem, and its object is to provide a connector that can provide a highly reliable electrical connection between the connector terminals and the counterpart connector terminals even when the counterpart connector terminals move relative to each other in any direction.

[0011] The connector of the present invention has a counterpart connector terminal receiving portion for inserting a portion of the counterpart connector terminal, the connector comprising:

[0012] The connector terminal has a flat contact surface that is opposite to the counterpart connector terminal that is inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving portion;

[0013] At least one spherical ball is disposed on the connecting surface and at least its surface is conductive;

[0014] The ball retainer holds the ball so that it can rotate, with a portion of the ball's surface in contact with the connecting surface and protruding toward the ball's surface opposite to the connecting surface.

[0015] A ball guide portion, fixed to the connector terminal and holding the ball retaining portion so as to be movable two-dimensionally along the connection surface; and

[0016] Terminal springs are used to press the connecting faces of the connector terminals, which are inserted into the terminal receiving portion of the connector on the other side, toward each other in a direction that they approach each other.

[0017] The connector terminal inserted into the connector terminal receiving part is pressed against the connection surface by the terminal spring and contacts the protruding part of the surface of the ball held by the ball retainer, and is electrically connected to the connector terminal via the ball.

[0018] Preferably, the connector includes a terminal spring retainer that is mounted on the connector terminal and holds the terminal spring facing the connection surface.

[0019] A receiving portion for the opposite connector terminal is formed between the terminal spring and the connecting surface.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the ball guide portion has a fixing portion fixed to the connector terminal, and a return spring connected to the fixing portion for returning the ball retaining portion to the initial position on the connecting surface.

[0021] The ball retainer moves two-dimensionally along the connection surface according to the movement of the other side connector terminal when it is inserted into the other side connector terminal receiving part and when it is connected to the connector terminal. When the other side connector terminal is pulled out from the other side connector terminal receiving part, it is reset to the initial position by the return spring.

[0022] The return spring can be formed from a strip-shaped component that extends and bends along the connecting surface.

[0023] The ball retainer can also be integrally formed with the ball guide fixing part and the return spring. In this case, the ball guide can also be formed from a single plate component.

[0024] It can be configured to have multiple balls and multiple ball holding parts that hold the multiple balls so that they can rotate.

[0025] In this case, it is preferable to have three balls arranged on the connecting surface in a manner that are not in a straight line, and three ball retaining parts.

[0026] It can be configured to have a retaining plate integrally formed with multiple ball retaining parts, and a return spring connected to the retaining plate.

[0027] In this case, it is preferable that the ball guide has a retaining plate pressing part for preventing the retaining plate from displacing from the connecting surface in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

[0028] Furthermore, preferably, the ball guide has a return spring pressing part, which is used to prevent the return spring from displacing from the connecting surface in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

[0029] Alternatively, the ball guide may have multiple return springs corresponding to multiple ball retainers, and the multiple ball retainers are held by the ball guide so that they can move individually along the connecting surface in two dimensions.

[0030] The effects of the invention:

[0031] According to the present invention, the invention includes: a ball retainer that holds the ball in a state in which at least a portion of the surface of the ball having a conductive surface contacts the flat connection surface of the connector terminal and the portion of the ball surface facing the opposite side of the connection surface is exposed, thereby enabling the ball to rotate; a ball guide that holds the ball retainer in a state in which it can move two-dimensionally along the connection surface; and a terminal spring for pressing the connection surfaces of the opposite-side connector terminal and the connector terminal toward each other in a direction that brings them closer together. The opposite-side connector terminal is electrically connected to the connector terminal via the ball, so that even if the opposite-side connector terminal moves relative to the connector terminal in any direction, the connector terminal and the opposite-side connector terminal can be electrically connected with high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the connector and the opposite connector terminal of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the connector of Embodiment 1 and the connector terminals on the opposite side.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the ball guide and the retaining plate held by the ball guide used in Embodiment 1, viewed from an oblique top.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the ball guide and the retaining plate held by the ball guide used in Embodiment 1, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the ball guide and the retaining plate held by the ball guide used in Embodiment 1.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the connector terminal used in Embodiment 1, the ball guide fixed to the connector terminal, and the retaining plate held by the ball guide.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the balls held by the ball retainer.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the state in which the connector terminal on the other side is inserted into the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A sectional view along line AA.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the state of displacement of the retaining plate relative to the ball guide.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing another state of displacement of the retaining plate relative to the ball guide.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the connector terminal used in Embodiment 2, the ball guide fixed to the connector terminal, and the plurality of ball retaining portions held by the ball guide.

[0044] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 BB line section view.

[0045] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the connector terminal used in Embodiment 2, the ball guide fixed to the connector terminal, and the multiple ball holding portions held by the ball guide and displaced.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing an existing connector.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the contact retainer and three metal balls of an existing connector.

[0049] Figure Labels

[0050] 1. Connector housing; 2. Connector terminals; 3. Partner-side connector terminals; 4. Contact retainer.

[0051] 5. Metal ball; 6. Inclined coil spring; 7. Contact housing; 8. Compression coil spring.

[0052] 11 Connector, 12 Connector terminal, 12A Connecting surface, 13 Terminal spring retainer.

[0053] 13A Base plate, 13B Top plate, 13C Front plate, 13D Rear plate, 13E Opening.

[0054] 13F terminal spring, 13G opposite-side connector terminal receiving part, 14, 24 ball guide part.

[0055] 14A and 24A fixing parts, 14B and 24B return springs, 14C retaining plate pressing part.

[0056] 14D return spring pressing part, 15 retaining plate, 15A, 24C ball retaining parts.

[0057] 15B, 24D opening, 16 ball bearing, 21 opposite-side connector terminal, P1 initial position.

[0058] Position P2, lines LX and LY, opening C. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Implementation Method 1

[0061] Figure 1 The diagram shows a connector 11 according to Embodiment 1, and a counterpart connector terminal 21 for insertion into the connector 11. The connector 11 has a connector terminal 12 electrically connected to the counterpart connector terminal 21, and a terminal spring retainer 13 mounted on the connector terminal 12.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the counterpart connector terminal 21 is formed from a plug contact with a flat plate shape. The connector terminal 12, like the counterpart connector terminal 21, is also formed from a socket contact with a flat plate shape and has a flat contact surface 12A.

[0063] In addition, Figure 2 In the diagram, the terminal spring retainer 13 is indicated by a dashed line so that the interior of the terminal spring retainer 13 can be seen.

[0064] For ease of explanation, the flat connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 extends along the XY plane. The direction in which the opposite connector terminal 21 is inserted into the connector 11 is called the +Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 is called the Z direction.

[0065] The terminal spring retaining portion 13 is composed of a plate-shaped component such as a bent metal plate, and has a generally rectangular shape with its central axis extending along the X direction. That is, the terminal spring retaining portion 13 has: a bottom plate portion 13A, located on the -Z direction side and extending along the XY plane; an upper plate portion 13B, located on the +Z direction side and extending along the XY plane; a front plate portion 13C, located on the -Y direction side and extending along the XZ plane; and a rear plate portion 13D, located on the +Y direction side and extending along the XZ plane.

[0066] An opening 13E is formed in the front plate portion 13C for inserting the terminal 21 of the opposite connector, and a terminal spring 13F is formed at the -Y direction end of the upper plate portion 13B, which bends and extends in the -Z and +Y directions.

[0067] The height of the upper plate portion 13B relative to the bottom plate portion 13A in the Z direction is greater than the thickness of the connector terminal 12 in the Z direction. The terminal spring retaining portion 13 is mounted on the connector terminal 12 in such a way that the connector terminal 12 contacts the bottom plate portion 13A of the terminal spring retaining portion 13 and is located inside the terminal spring retaining portion 13.

[0068] Inside the terminal spring retaining portion 13, a counterpart connector terminal receiving portion 13G is formed between the terminal spring 13F and the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 for the counterpart connector terminal 21 to be inserted.

[0069] Furthermore, a ball guide 14 and a retaining plate 15 held by the ball guide 14 are disposed on the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12.

[0070] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This indicates the structure of the ball guide 14 and the retaining plate 15.

[0071] The ball guide 14 is composed of a plate-shaped component such as a metal plate, and has a U-shaped fixing part 14A that opens in the -Y direction, and two return springs 14B that are connected to the +Y direction side of the fixing part 14A and extend into the U-shaped fixing part 14A. A rectangular retaining plate 15 is connected to the front end of the two return springs 14B.

[0072] Each return spring 14B is formed from a strip-shaped component that is bent multiple times in the XY plane, thus enabling it to elastically deform in the XY plane.

[0073] Furthermore, a pair of rectangular retaining plate pressing portions 14C are formed from the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the fixing portion 14A on the -Y direction side, respectively, extending in the -X direction and +X direction along the surfaces of the fixing portion 14A and the retaining plate 15 on the +Z direction side. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the two ends of the retaining plate 15 in the X direction are located at positions that overlap with the -Z direction sides of the pair of retaining plate pressing portions 14C.

[0074] Furthermore, a rectangular return spring pressing portion 14D is formed, extending in the -Y direction from the +Y direction end of the fixing portion 14A along the +Z direction side of the fixing portion 14A and the two return springs 14B. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the two return springs 14B is located at a position that overlaps with the -Z direction side of the return spring pressing portion 14D.

[0075] Since a retaining plate 15 is connected to the front end of the two return springs 14B, when an external force is applied to the retaining plate 15 along the XY plane, the retaining plate 15 can move relative to the fixed part 14A and is held by the ball guide part 14 to move two-dimensionally along the XY plane.

[0076] Here, since the two ends of the retaining plate 15 in the X direction are located at positions that overlap with the -Z direction side of the pair of retaining plate pressing parts 14C, the presence of the pair of retaining plate pressing parts 14C prevents the retaining plate 15 from displacing in the +Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane when moving in the XY plane.

[0077] Similarly, since a portion of the two return springs 14B is located at a position overlapping the -Z direction side of the return spring pressing portion 14D, the presence of the return spring pressing portion 14D prevents the two return springs 14B from shifting in the +Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane when they elastically deform as they move in the XY plane along with the holding plate 15.

[0078] Three ball retaining portions 15A are formed on the retaining plate 15, arranged separately from each other. Two of the three ball retaining portions 15A are arranged at the same Y-direction position, separated from each other in the X-direction, while the remaining ball retaining portion 15A is arranged at the midpoint of the two ball retaining portions 15A in the X-direction, and at a different Y-direction position from the two ball retaining portions 15A. That is, the three ball retaining portions 15A are arranged in the XY plane at the three vertices of an approximately equilateral triangle in a manner that they are not arranged in a straight line.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, each ball retaining part 15A has a cylindrical shape protruding in the +Z direction, configured to accommodate and retain the balls described later inside.

[0080] The ball guide 14 with this structure, including the fixing part 14A, the two return springs 14B, and the retaining plate 15, can be integrally formed from a single metal plate, for example.

[0081] However, the ball guide 14 and the retaining plate 15 can also be formed by connecting them together after the fixing part 14A of the ball guide 14, the two return springs 14B and the retaining plate 15 are made separately.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the ball 16 is accommodated in the three ball holding portions 15A of the retaining plate 15 from the -Z direction. In this state, the ball guide portion 14 and the retaining plate 15 are disposed on the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12. For example, multiple parts of the fixing portion 14A of the ball guide portion 14 are welded to the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 by laser welding or the like, thereby fixing the ball guide portion 14 to the connector terminal 12.

[0083] like Figure 7As shown, the balls 16 housed in each ball retainer 15A are formed into a spherical shape from a conductive metal. In each ball retainer 15A, an opening 15B with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ball 16 is formed at a position higher than the radius and lower than the diameter of the ball 16, extending from the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 towards the +Z direction. The formation position and diameter of the openings 15B in each ball retainer 15A in the retaining plate 15 are set such that the balls 16 housed in the ball retainer 15A can move slightly and rotate within the space surrounded by the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 and the ball retainer 15A.

[0084] The opening 15B of the ball retaining portion 15A has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ball 16, so the ball 16 will not come out of the space surrounded by the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 and the ball retaining portion 15A.

[0085] Because the ball retainer 15A has such an opening 15B, therefore... Figure 7 The ball 16 is positioned such that its -Z direction end is in contact with the connecting surface 12A, which is enclosed in the space surrounded by the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 and the ball retaining portion 15A, and its +Z direction end protrudes from the opening 15B in the +Z direction.

[0086] In addition, the ball 16 only needs to be conductive at least on its surface. For example, a ball with a conductive metal layer formed on the surface of a spherical component made of a non-conductor can also be used.

[0087] Furthermore, the +Z direction end of the ball 16 held by the ball retainer 15A is located at a position greater than... Figure 2 The portion of the terminal spring 13F of the terminal spring retaining portion 13 shown is located further away from the -Z direction side, and the Z direction interval between the two is less than the thickness of the flat-shaped opposite connector terminal 21.

[0088] Next, the function of connector 11 in embodiment 1 will be explained.

[0089] When electrically connecting the connector terminal 21 on the opposite side to the connector terminal 12 on the connector 11, Figure 1 As shown, the connector terminal 21 on the opposite side moves from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction, as... Figure 8 As shown, the front end of the opposite connector terminal 21 is inserted into the terminal spring retaining part 13 through the opening 13E of the terminal spring retaining part 13 of the connector 11.

[0090] At this time, as Figure 9As shown, the front end of the +Y direction side of the opposite connector terminal 21 elastically compresses the terminal spring 13F of the terminal spring holding part 13 in the +Z direction while inserting it into the opposite connector terminal receiving part 13G formed between the terminal spring 13F and the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12, and is pressed by the terminal spring 13F in the direction close to the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12, i.e., in the -Z direction.

[0091] Therefore, the -Z direction side surface of the opposite connector terminal 21 contacts the +Z direction end of the ball 16 held by the three ball holding portions 15A respectively, which protrudes from the ball holding portion 15A in the +Z direction, with a specified contact pressure, and the -Z direction end of the ball 16 held by the three ball holding portions 15A respectively contacts the connection surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 with a specified contact pressure.

[0092] As a result, the connector terminal 21 and connector terminal 12 on the other side are electrically connected to each other via three balls 16.

[0093] The three balls 16 contact the -Z side surface of the opposite connector terminal 21 and the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 with a specified contact pressure. Therefore, as the opposite connector terminal 21 is inserted into the opposite connector terminal receiving portion 13G, they rotate and move in the +Y direction. The retaining plate 15, which has three ball retaining portions 15A, moves together with the three balls 16 along the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 in the +Y direction.

[0094] That is, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, before the connector terminal 21 on the other side is inserted, the retaining plate 15, which is located at the initial position P1 relative to the fixing part 14A of the ball guide 14, moves in the +Y direction while elastically compressing the two return springs 14B. After the connector terminal 21 on the other side is inserted, it is displaced to... Figure 10 Position P2 is shown.

[0095] At this time, the retaining plate 15 and the two return springs 14B are prevented from displacing in the +Z direction perpendicular to the connection surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 by means of a pair of retaining plate pressing parts 14C and a return spring pressing part 14D, which contain ball guide parts 14.

[0096] Therefore, by rotating and moving the three balls 16 arranged between the opposite-side connector terminal 21 and the connector terminal 12 in the +Y direction, the sliding resistance generated during the insertion of the opposite-side connector terminal 21 into the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G can be reduced.

[0097] Similarly, even when the opposite-side connector terminal 21, which is in a connected state with the connector terminal 12, is pulled out from the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G, the sliding resistance can be reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, the retaining plate 15 is held relative to the fixing portion 14A of the ball guide portion 14 so that it can move not only in the Y direction, but also in two dimensions in the XY plane. Therefore, when the opposite-side connector terminal 21 is inserted into the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G, or when the opposite-side connector terminal 21 is pulled out from the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G, if the opposite-side connector terminal 21 moves relative to the connector terminal 12 in a direction different from the Y direction, the three balls 16 can also move in the same direction as the opposite-side connector terminal 21.

[0099] Therefore, the retaining plate 15, for example, towards Figure 11 The displacement at position P3 shown can reduce sliding resistance.

[0100] Furthermore, not only when the opposite-side connector terminal 21 is inserted or removed from the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G, but also when connected to the connector terminal 12, the opposite-side connector terminal 21 may move relative to the connector terminal 12 due to external forces such as vibration acting on the connector 11. However, even if the opposite-side connector terminal 21 moves relative to the connector terminal 12 in any direction within the XY plane, the retaining plate 15 can move together with the three balls 16 in the same direction as the opposite-side connector terminal 21. Therefore, the sliding resistance is reduced, enabling a highly reliable electrical connection between the connector terminal 12 and the opposite-side connector terminal 21.

[0101] Furthermore, if the connection between connector terminal 12 and the counterpart connector terminal 21 is released, and the counterpart connector terminal 21 is pulled out from the counterpart connector terminal receiving portion 13G, the retaining plate 15 will be reset along the connection surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 by the action of the two return springs 14B. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The initial position P1 is shown.

[0102] The number of rotatable balls 16 held by the retaining plate 15 is not limited to three. One, two, or more ball retaining portions 15A may be formed on the retaining plate 15, holding one, two, or more balls 16. However, as described in Embodiment 1 above, using three balls 16 allows for stable positioning of the opposite connector terminal 21 relative to the connector terminal 12. Furthermore, compared to using one or two balls 16, a larger current path can be formed between the opposite connector terminal 21 and the connector terminal 12, making this method preferable.

[0103] The return spring 14B of the ball guide 14 is not limited to two; one return spring 14B or three or more return springs 14B can be used to hold the retaining plate 15 in the fixed part 14A.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the terminal spring 13F of the terminal spring holding part 13 contacts the counterpart connector terminal 21 inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving part 13G, and presses the counterpart connector terminal 21 toward the connection surface 12A of the connector terminal 12, but is not limited thereto.

[0105] The terminal spring retaining part 13 only needs to retain a terminal spring that presses the connecting surfaces 12A of the counterpart connector terminal 21 and connector terminal 12, which are inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving part 13G, toward each other in a direction of approach. For example, it can also be configured such that by using the terminal spring to press the connector terminal 12 toward the counterpart connector terminal 21, the ball 16 contacts the surface of the counterpart connector terminal 21 in the -Z direction and the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0106] Implementation Method 2

[0107] In the above-described embodiment 1, the arrangement positions of the three ball retaining portions 15A in the retaining plate 15 are fixed, and the retaining plate 15 as a whole is kept relative to the return spring 14B of the ball guide portion 14 so that it can move two-dimensionally relative to the fixed portion 14A, but it is not limited thereto.

[0108] Figure 12 The structure of the ball guide 24 used in the connector of Embodiment 2 is shown. The ball guide 24 is made of a plate-shaped component such as a metal plate, has a rectangular shape, and has a fixing part 24A that is fixed to the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12. Three circular openings C are formed in the fixing part 24A, and a ball holding part 24C held by three return springs 24B is disposed inside each opening C.

[0109] The ball retainer 24C is held at the center of the corresponding circular opening C, that is, at the initial position of the intersection of the two straight lines LX and LY extending along the opening C in the X and Y directions. The three ball retainers 24C held within the three openings C are arranged at the three vertices of an approximately equilateral triangle in a manner that they are not arranged in a straight line.

[0110] Each return spring 24B is formed from a strip-shaped component that is bent multiple times in the XY plane. One end is connected to the fixing part 24A at the edge of the corresponding opening C and the other end is connected to the corresponding ball retaining part 24C, so that it can be elastically deformed in the XY plane.

[0111] With this structure, the three ball retainers 24C are held in a position to move independently along the XY plane in two dimensions.

[0112] The three ball retainers 24C each have the same characteristics as... Figure 7 The ball retainer 15A in Embodiment 1 shown has the same structure. That is, as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the ball retainer 24C has a cylindrical shape protruding in the +Z direction, and the balls 16 are configured to rotate inside.

[0113] An opening 24D is formed at the +Z direction end of the ball holding portion 24C. A ball 16 is housed in the space surrounded by the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 and the ball holding portion 24C. The -Z direction end of the ball 16 contacts the connecting surface 12A, and the +Z direction end of the ball 16 protrudes from the opening 24D in the +Z direction.

[0114] The fixing part 24A of the ball guide 24, the multiple return springs 24B and the three ball retaining parts 24C can be integrally formed from a single metal plate, for example.

[0115] Even with such a ball guide 24, it can be inserted into the same way as in Embodiment 1, via the three balls 16 electrically connected to each other. Figure 2 The opposite-side connector terminal 21 and connector terminal 12 are shown in the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G.

[0116] Furthermore, when the opposite-side connector terminal 21 moves relative to the connector terminal 12, the three ball retaining portions 24C of the ball guide portion 24 can each move in the same direction as the opposite-side connector terminal 21 together with the internally held rotatable balls 16. That is, as the opposite-side connector terminal 21 moves, such as Figure 15 The three ball retaining parts 24C shown are displaced from the intersection of the two straight lines LX and LY of the corresponding opening C.

[0117] As a result, the sliding resistance is reduced, enabling a highly reliable electrical connection between connector terminal 12 and the opposite connector terminal 21.

[0118] Furthermore, if the other-side connector terminal 21 is pulled out from the other-side connector terminal receiving portion 13G, the three ball retaining portions 24C of the ball guide portion 24 are respectively reset along the connecting surface 12A of the connector terminal 12 by the action of the three connected return springs 24B. Figure 12 The initial position is shown.

[0119] Inside the openings C of each ball guide portion 24, the return springs 24B that hold the ball retainer portion 24C so that it can move in two dimensions are not limited to three. Two or fewer return springs 24B or four or more return springs 24B can also be used to hold the ball retainer portion 24C.

Claims

1. A connector having a counterpart connector terminal receiving portion into which a portion of a counterpart connector terminal is inserted, characterized in that, The connector includes: The connector terminal has a flat contact surface opposite to the counterpart connector terminal inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving portion; At least one spherical ball is disposed on the connecting surface and at least its surface is conductive; The ball retainer holds the ball so that it can rotate, with a portion of the surface of the ball in contact with the connecting surface and protruding toward a portion of the surface of the ball opposite to the connecting surface. A ball guide is fixed to the connector terminal and holds the ball retainer so that it can move two-dimensionally along the connection surface; as well as A terminal spring is used to press the connecting surfaces of the opposite-side connector terminal and the connector terminal, which are inserted into the opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion, in a direction in which they approach each other. The counterpart connector terminal inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving portion is pressed against the connecting surface by the terminal spring and contacts the protruding portion of the surface of the ball held by the ball retainer, and is electrically connected to the connector terminal via the ball; The ball guide portion has a fixing portion fixed to the connector terminal, and a return spring connected to the fixing portion for returning the ball holding portion to its initial position on the connecting surface. The ball retainer moves two-dimensionally along the connection surface according to the movement of the counterpart connector terminal when it is inserted into the counterpart connector terminal receiving part and when it is connected to the counterpart connector terminal. When the counterpart connector terminal is pulled out from the counterpart connector terminal receiving part, it is reset to the initial position by the return spring.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a terminal spring retaining portion, which is mounted on the connector terminal and holds the terminal spring opposite to the connecting surface. The opposite-side connector terminal receiving portion is formed between the terminal spring and the connecting surface.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The return spring is formed from a strip-shaped component that extends and bends along the connecting surface.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ball retaining part is integrally formed with the fixing part of the ball guide part and the return spring.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ball guide is formed from a single plate component.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a plurality of balls and a plurality of ball retaining portions that hold the plurality of balls in a rotatable manner.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector includes three balls arranged on the connecting surface in a manner not in a straight line, and three ball retaining portions.

8. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector includes a retaining plate integrally formed with the plurality of ball retaining portions. The return spring is connected to the retaining plate.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ball guide portion has a retaining plate pressing portion for preventing the retaining plate from displacing from the connecting surface in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

10. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ball guide portion has a return spring pressing portion to prevent the return spring from displacing from the connecting surface in a direction perpendicular to the connecting surface.

11. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ball guide portion has a plurality of return springs corresponding to the plurality of ball retaining portions. The plurality of ball retaining portions are held by the ball guide portions so that they can move individually along the connecting surface in two dimensions.

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