Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of ensuring reliability of electrical connection even if position offset occurs in a direction orthogonal to a pressing direction of an object to be connected. A connector (11) is provided with: a housing (12); a contact (14) held in the housing; and a positioner (13) which is held by the housing so as to cover the front surface of the housing, and from which a first extension part (16C) of a first plunger (movable part) (16) of the contact protrudes and a second extension part wider than the first extension part is positioned within a movable part insertion hole (13D) of the positioner when an object to be connected (31) is not pressed against the connector. When an object to be connected is pressed against the connector, a counterpart-side contact (31B) of the object to be connected is brought into contact with and pressed against the first connection part (S1), the first plunger is elastically displaced, and the first extension part is positioned in the movable part insertion hole of the positioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector that connects to a connecting object by pressing it along a predetermined pressing direction.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a connector assembly having such a connector and a connected object. Background Technology

[0003] As such a connector, for example in Patent Document 1, such as Figure 27 As shown, a connector 3 is disclosed in which a plurality of conductive probes 2 are held in a housing 1. Each probe 2 has a first plunger 2A and a second plunger 2B that are pushed in opposite directions by an internal spring.

[0004] By placing the connector 3 between the intermediate layer 4 and the substrate 5, and pressing the substrate 5 toward the intermediate layer 4, the front ends of each first plunger 2A elastically contact the terminals of the wiring layer 4A of the intermediate layer 4, thereby electrically connecting the first plunger 2A to the terminals of the wiring layer 4A, and the front ends of each second plunger 2B elastically contact the terminals of the wiring layer 5A of the substrate 5, thereby electrically connecting the second plunger 2B to the terminals of the wiring layer 5A.

[0005] Thus, multiple terminals of the wiring layer 5A of the substrate 5 are connected to multiple terminals of the wiring layer 4A of the intermediate layer 4 via multiple probes 2.

[0006] In this way, the first plunger 2A of the probe 2, which is connected to the terminal of the wiring layer 4A of the interposer 4, is connected to the corresponding bump electrode 6A of the chip substrate 6 via the interposer 4.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-35498

[0010] The first plunger 2A and the second plunger 2B of each probe 2 can move elastically along the pressing direction of the intermediary layer 4 and the substrate 5. Therefore, even if a positional offset occurs in the pressing direction between multiple terminals of the wiring layer 4A of the intermediary layer 4, multiple probes 2 and multiple terminals of the wiring layer 5A of the substrate 5 due to manufacturing tolerances, the positional offset can be absorbed to ensure the electrical connection state.

[0011] However, if there is a positional offset along the surface direction of the wiring layers 4A and 5A orthogonal to the pressing direction between multiple terminals of the wiring layer 4A of the interposer layer 4, multiple probes 2 and multiple terminals of the wiring layer 5A of the substrate 5, it is difficult to absorb the positional offset, which may impair the reliability of the electrical connection. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made to solve such conventional problems, and its object is to provide a connector that can ensure the reliability of electrical connection even if the connector is offset in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the connected object.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also aims to provide a connector assembly having such a connector and a connected object.

[0014] The connector according to the present invention connects to a connecting object by pressing it along a predetermined pressing direction, and the connector comprises:

[0015] The housing is formed of an insulating material and has a front surface facing the object to be connected;

[0016] A conductive contact is held in the housing and extends along the pressing direction; and

[0017] The positioner, formed of an insulating material, is held in place of the housing in a manner that covers the front surface of the housing.

[0018] The contact includes a movable part that is elastically displaceable relative to the housing in a pressing direction, and at least a portion of it protrudes from the positioner toward the object to be connected.

[0019] The movable part has:

[0020] The front end is opposite to the object being connected, along the direction of pressing;

[0021] The first connecting part is disposed at the front end;

[0022] The first elongated portion extends from the first connecting portion along the pressing direction in a direction opposite to the front end portion, and has a first width in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the pressing direction; and

[0023] The second elongated portion extends from the first elongated portion in the direction opposite to the front end along the pressing direction, and has a second width that is wider than the first width in the orthogonal direction.

[0024] The positioner has a movable part through-hole through which the second extended part of the movable part can be inserted.

[0025] When the object to be connected is not pressed onto the connector, the second extension is located in the movable part insertion hole of the locator, and the first extension protrudes from the locator toward the object to be connected. When the object to be connected is pressed onto the connector, the first connection part contacts the opposite side contact of the object to be connected and is pushed in the pressing direction, and the movable part is elastically displaced in the opposite direction to the object to be connected, and the first extension is located in the movable part insertion hole of the locator.

[0026] Preferably, the contact has: a second connecting portion disposed at an end in the opposite direction to the object to be connected; and a spring portion disposed between the movable portion and the second connecting portion, and used to elastically displace the movable portion along the pressing direction.

[0027] It can be configured such that the contact consists of a cylinder and a probe, the cylinder extending in the pressing direction, the probe including a plunger that forms a movable part and is held in the cylinder in a manner that allows elastic displacement along the pressing direction, and a spring part disposed inside the cylinder.

[0028] Preferably, the housing has a contact on the opposite side of the object to be connected that contacts the first connecting part and pushes it in the pressing direction, a movable part that elastically displaces in the opposite direction to the object to be connected, a contact through hole through which the part passes, and the cylinder is held in the contact through hole.

[0029] The housing may be configured such that it has a side extending from the end of the front surface along the pressing direction and a limiting portion formed on the side.

[0030] The positioner has: a flat plate extending in an orthogonal direction and covering the front surface of the housing; an arm extending from the end of the flat plate along the side of the housing; and a restrained portion formed in the arm.

[0031] The limiting positioner is hooked onto the limited part by the limiting part, and moves relative to the housing in the pressing direction.

[0032] The movable part has a through hole formed in the flat plate.

[0033] In this case, it is preferable that the positioner is held in the housing in such a way that the plate portion can move relative to the housing in an orthogonal direction.

[0034] Alternatively, the first and second elongated portions may each have a cylindrical shape extending along the pressing direction.

[0035] The first width and the second width are respectively represented by the outer diameters of the first elongation and the second elongation.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be configured such that multiple contacts are held within the housing.

[0037] The positioner has multiple through holes for movable parts corresponding to multiple contacts.

[0038] Multiple opposite-side contacts of the connected object respectively contact the first connecting portion of the multiple contacts.

[0039] The connector assembly according to the present invention comprises:

[0040] The aforementioned connector; and

[0041] Connect objects.

[0042] It can be configured such that the contact has a first connecting portion in the shape of a cone.

[0043] The opposite-side contact of the object being connected has an annular opposite-side connecting portion that contacts the first connecting portion.

[0044] Alternatively, the contact may be configured such that it has a ring-shaped first connecting portion.

[0045] The opposite contact of the connected object has a spherical opposite contact portion that contacts the first connecting portion.

[0046] Effects of the invention:

[0047] According to the present invention, the movable portion of the contact has: a first elongated portion having a first width in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the pressing direction; and a second elongated portion having a second width wider than the first width in the orthogonal direction. The locator has a movable portion insertion hole through which the second elongated portion of the movable portion can be inserted. When the object to be connected is not pressed, the second elongated portion is located in the movable portion insertion hole of the locator, and the first elongated portion protrudes from the locator toward the object to be connected. When the object to be connected is pressed, the first connecting portion is contacted by the opposite contact of the object to be connected and pushed in the pressing direction, and the movable portion is elastically displaced in the opposite direction to the object to be connected. The first elongated portion is located in the movable portion insertion hole of the locator. Therefore, even if a positional offset occurs in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the object to be connected, the reliability of the electrical connection can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector of Embodiment 1 mounted on the mounting substrate.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the connector of Embodiment 1 mounted on the mounting substrate.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the connector of Embodiment 1 mounted on the mounting substrate.

[0051] Figure 4 From and Figure 3 Side views of the connector of Embodiment 1 mounted on the mounting substrate, viewed from different directions.

[0052] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the connector according to Embodiment 1.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the housing used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0054] Figure 7This is a perspective view showing the positioner used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the positioner used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the contacts used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the contacts used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the mounting substrate of the connector in embodiment 1.

[0059] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line AA.

[0060] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 BB line section view.

[0061] Figure 14 It is a three-dimensional view showing the connected objects.

[0062] Figure 15 This is a side view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1, showing the object not being pressed.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1, showing the object to be connected in a pressed-down state.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a top view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1, showing the object to be connected in a pressed-down state.

[0065] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 CC-line sectional view.

[0066] Figure 19 It shows from and Figure 18 Side sectional views of the connector and the object to be connected, showing the state of the object being pressed from different directions in Implementation 1.

[0067] Figure 20 This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1, showing the state in which the object to be connected is not pressed when a positional offset occurs between the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1.

[0068] Figure 21This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1, showing the state of the object to be connected being pressed when a positional offset occurs between the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 1.

[0069] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the contacts used in the connector of Embodiment 2.

[0070] Figure 23 This is a perspective view showing the connected objects in Embodiment 2.

[0071] Figure 24 This is a side view showing the connected object in Embodiment 2.

[0072] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 2, showing the object to be connected in a pressed-down state.

[0073] Figure 26 This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector and the object to be connected in Embodiment 2, showing the object being pressed and connected.

[0074] Figure 27 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an existing connector.

[0075] Figure Labels

[0076] 1. Housing, 2. Probe, 2A. First plunger, 2B. Second plunger, 3. Connector, 4. Intermediate layer, 4A, 5A. Wiring layers, 5. Substrate, 6. Chip substrate, 6A. Bump electrode, 11. Connector, 12. Housing, 12A. Front surface, 12B, 12C. Side surface, 12D. Contact through hole, 12E, 12G. Groove, 12F, 12H. Stepped portion, 12J. Restricting portion, 13. Positioner, 13A. Surface, 13B. Protrusion, 13C. Flat plate, 13D. Movable part insertion hole, 13E, 13F. Arm, 13G. Restricted portion, 14, 44. Contact, 15. Cylinder 15A, 15B Through holes, 16, 46 First plungers, 16A, 46A Front end, 16B Rear end, 16C First extension, 16D Second extension, 17 Second plunger, 18 Helical spring, 21 Mounting base plate, 21A Mounting surface, 21B Conductive pad, 31, 51 Connecting object, 31A, 51A Connecting base plate, 31B, 51B Counter-side contact, 31C Positioning hole, S1 First connecting part, S2 Second connecting part, S3 Counter-side connecting part, D1 First width, D2 Second width, D3 Inner diameter, GX, GY gap. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Implementation Method 1

[0079] Figures 1-4 The connector 11 according to Embodiment 1 is shown. The connector 11 is mounted on the mounting base plate 21 and includes a housing 12, a positioner 13 held in the housing 12, and a plurality of contacts 14 held in the housing 12.

[0080] The connector 11 has a generally rectangular shape overall, including the housing 12 and the positioner 13. The positioner 13 has a pair of protrusions 13B that project vertically from the surface 13A of the positioner 13, and a plurality of contacts 14 are respectively configured to partially protrude from the surface 13A of the positioner 13.

[0081] In addition, the mounting substrate 21 has a flat plate shape.

[0082] For convenience, the surface extending from the flat mounting base 21 is referred to as the XY surface, the direction in which the pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 are arranged is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the surface 13A of the locator 13 and in which the pair of protrusions 13B protrude is referred to as the +Z direction.

[0083] A portion of each of the multiple contacts 14 protrudes from the surface 13A of the positioner 13 in the +Z direction.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of protrusions 13B of the positioner 13 have a height higher than the plurality of contacts 14 protruding from the positioner 13, that is, they extend to the +Z direction side more than the plurality of contacts 14.

[0085] Figure 5 An exploded view of connector 11 is shown. A housing 12 of connector 11 is disposed on the +Z direction side of mounting base plate 21, a plurality of contacts 14 are disposed on the +Z direction side of housing 12, and a positioner 13 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the plurality of contacts 14.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 12 is formed of an insulating material and has a generally rectangular shape. Furthermore, the housing 12 has: a generally rectangular front surface 12A extending along the XY plane and facing the +Z direction; a pair of side surfaces 12B extending from the +X and -X ends of the front surface 12A along the -Z direction, respectively; and a pair of side surfaces 12C extending from the +Y and -Y ends of the front surface 12A along the -Z direction, respectively.

[0087] The housing 12 has a plurality of contact through holes 12D that extend through the housing 12 in the Z direction.

[0088] Furthermore, a groove 12E that opens in the X direction and extends in the Z direction is formed on a pair of side surfaces 12B of the housing 12, and a step portion 12F in the X direction is formed at the -Z end of the groove 12E.

[0089] Similarly, grooves 12G that open in the Y direction and extend in the Z direction are formed on a pair of side surfaces 12C of the housing 12. Each groove 12G has a width in the X direction that is wider in the Y direction than the groove 12E of the side surface 12B. A stepped portion 12H in the Y direction is formed at the -Z end and the center in the X direction of the groove 12G. Furthermore, a limiting portion 12J protruding in the Y direction is formed on the +Z side of the stepped portion 12H.

[0090] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the positioner 13 is formed of an insulating material and has a flat plate portion 13C that extends along the XY plane and has a rectangular planar shape when viewed from the Z direction. The surface 13A of the positioner 13 is formed by the +Z direction side of the flat plate portion 13C, and a pair of protrusions 13B are formed on the surface 13A that protrude toward the +Z direction.

[0091] Furthermore, a plurality of movable part insertion holes 13D are formed in the flat plate portion 13C, extending through the flat plate portion 13C in the Z direction. The plurality of movable part insertion holes 13D correspond to the plurality of contact through holes 12D in the housing 12, and each has an inner diameter D3.

[0092] Furthermore, the positioner 13 has: a pair of flat, I-shaped arms 13E extending from the +X and -X direction ends of the flat plate portion 13C along the YZ direction towards the -Z direction, respectively; and a pair of flat, U-shaped arms 13F extending from the +Y and -Y direction ends of the flat plate portion 13C along the XZ direction towards the -Z direction, respectively. The pair of arms 13E are respectively formed to be elastically deformable in the X direction, and the pair of arms 13F are respectively formed to be elastically deformable in the Y direction.

[0093] The arm portion 13F has a width in the X direction that is wider in the Y direction than the arm portion 13E, and has a restricted portion 13G consisting of an opening formed on the inner side of the U-shaped part. The restricted portion 13G corresponds to the restricted portion 12J of the housing 12, and is configured such that the restricted portion 12J protruding in the Y direction is inserted into and hooked onto the restricted portion 13G.

[0094] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the contact 14 is formed of a conductive material and has a so-called probe structure extending in the Z direction. That is, the contact 14 has: a cylindrical body 15; a first plunger 16 and a second plunger 17, respectively held in the cylindrical body 15; and a helical spring 18 disposed inside the cylindrical body 15 and between the first plunger 16 and the second plunger 17.

[0095] In addition, the cylinder 15 has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the contact through hole 12D of the housing 12, and is configured such that the contact 14 is held in the housing 12 by pressing the cylinder 15 into the contact through hole 12D.

[0096] The first plunger 16 constitutes a movable part, passing through the through hole 15A formed at the +Z direction end of the cylinder 15, and is held in the cylinder 15 by means of the action of the helical spring 18 so as to be elastically displaced relative to the cylinder 15 in the Z direction.

[0097] The first plunger 16 has: a front end portion 16A, disposed at the +Z direction end and protruding from the cylinder 15 in the +Z direction; and a rear end portion 16B, disposed at the -Z direction end and received inside the cylinder 15. A first connecting portion S1 in a conical shape is formed at the front end portion 16A, and the rear end portion 16B has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 15A so as not to dislodge from the cylinder 15 in the +Z direction.

[0098] Furthermore, the first plunger 16 has a cylindrical first elongated portion 16C extending from the first connecting portion S1 in the -Z direction, and a cylindrical second elongated portion 16D extending from the first elongated portion 16C in the -Z direction. In the XY plane orthogonal to the Z direction, the first elongated portion 16C has a first width D1, and the second elongated portion 16D has a second width D2 that is wider than the first width D1 of the first elongated portion 16C. Specifically, both the first elongated portion 16C and the second elongated portion 16D have a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, so the first width D1 and the second width D2 are respectively represented by the outer diameters of the first elongated portion 16C and the second elongated portion 16D.

[0099] Furthermore, the second width D2 of the second elongated portion 16D has a size slightly smaller than the inner diameter D3 of the movable part insertion hole 13D of the locator 13. When the second elongated portion 16D is located within the movable part insertion hole 13D, the second elongated portion 16D is configured to be inserted into the movable part insertion hole 13D without wobbling in the XY plane. On the other hand, when the first elongated portion 16C with a first width D1 is located within the movable part insertion hole 13D, a predetermined gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first elongated portion 16C and the inner peripheral surface of the movable part insertion hole 13D. The first elongated portion 16C is configured to be able to move in the XY plane within the range of this gap.

[0100] Furthermore, the second plunger 17 passes through the through hole 15B formed at the -Z direction end of the cylindrical body 15 and is held in the cylindrical body 15 by means of the action of the helical spring 18 so as to be able to elastically displace relative to the cylindrical body 15 in the Z direction.

[0101] A second connecting portion S2 is formed at the -Z direction end of the second plunger 17, protruding from the cylinder 15 in the -Z direction. The +Z direction end of the second plunger 17 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 15B, so that it will not come out from the cylinder 15 in the -Z direction.

[0102] A helical spring 18 constitutes a spring portion for elastically displacing the first plunger 16, which is a movable part, along the Z direction, and is disposed between the rear end 16B of the first plunger 16 and the +Z direction end of the second plunger 17. Specifically, the helical spring 18 applies an elastic force to the first plunger 16 and the second plunger 17, pressing them in opposite directions along the Z direction.

[0103] like Figure 11 As shown, the mounting substrate 21 for mounting connector 11 is formed of insulating material and has a mounting surface 21A facing the +Z direction, on which a plurality of conductive pads 21B are formed.

[0104] Here, Figure 12 and Figure 13 A connector 11 mounted on a mounting base plate 21 is shown. The cylindrical bodies 15 of a plurality of contacts 14 are pressed into a plurality of contact through-holes 12D of a housing 12. A positioner 13 is disposed on the housing 12. The flat plate portion 13C of the positioner 13 covers the front surface 12A of the housing 12, and the first plungers 16 of the plurality of contacts 14 are respectively inserted into a plurality of movable portion through-holes 13D of the flat plate portion 13C of the positioner 13. In each contact 14, the first connecting portion S1 of the first plunger 16 protrudes from the flat plate portion 13C of the positioner 13 in the +Z direction, and the second connecting portion S2 of the second plunger 17 protrudes from the housing 12 in the -Z direction.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, a pair of arms 13E of the positioner 13 are inserted into grooves 12E of a pair of sides 12B of the housing 12 facing the X direction. The -Z direction ends of the pair of arms 13E respectively contact or approach the stepped portions 12F formed at the -Z direction ends of the corresponding grooves 12E. Due to the presence of the stepped portions 12F, a predetermined gap GX is formed between the arms 13E of the positioner 13 and the +Z direction side portions of the grooves 12E of the housing 12.

[0106] In addition, the groove 12E of the housing 12 is formed to be wider in the Y direction than the arm 13E of the positioner 13, so that the positioner 13 can move in the Y direction.

[0107] Similarly, as Figure 13As shown, a pair of arms 13F of the positioner 13 are inserted into grooves 12G on a pair of sides 12C of the housing 12 facing the Y direction. The -Z direction ends of the pair of arms 13F respectively contact or approach the stepped portions 12H formed at the -Z direction ends of the corresponding grooves 12G. Due to the presence of the stepped portions 12H, a predetermined gap GY is formed between the arms 13F of the positioner 13 and the +Z direction side portions of the grooves 12G of the housing 12.

[0108] In addition, the groove 12G of the housing 12 is formed to be wider in the X direction than the arm 13F of the positioner 13, so that the positioner 13 can move in the X direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the limiting portion 12J of the groove portion 12G formed on a pair of side portions 12C of the housing 12 is inserted into and hooked onto the limiting portion 13G of a pair of arm portions 13F of the positioner 13, thereby placing the positioner 13 in a state where its movement in the +Z direction relative to the housing 12 is restricted.

[0110] Here, the pair of arms 13E of the positioner 13 are formed to be elastically deformable in the X direction, and the pair of arms 13F are formed to be elastically deformable in the Y direction. Therefore, the flat plate 13C is configured to be able to move relative to the housing 12 along the XY plane within the range of gap GX and gap GY.

[0111] Furthermore, the connector 11 is mounted on the mounting surface 21A of the mounting substrate 21 by electrically connecting the second connecting portion S2 of the second plunger 17 of the plurality of contacts 14 protruding from the housing 12 in the -Z direction to the plurality of conductive pads 21B of the mounting substrate 21. However, it is not limited to this; the second connecting portion S2 may also be soldered to the conductive pads 21B for electrical connection.

[0112] In addition, the second plunger 17 is held in the cylinder 15 by means of the action of the helical spring 18 so that it can be elastically displaced relative to the cylinder 15 in the Z direction. Therefore, even if a positional offset in the Z direction occurs between the multiple conductive pads 21B of the mounting substrate 21, the second connection part S2 of the multiple contacts 14 can be reliably connected to the multiple conductive pads 21B.

[0113] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, when no external force other than gravity acts on the first plunger 16 of each contact 14, the first extension 16C of the first plunger 16 protrudes entirely from the positioner 13 in the +Z direction, and the second extension 16D is located within the movable insertion hole 13D of the positioner 13.

[0114] Here, Figure 14A connection object 31 connected to connector 11 is shown. Connection object 31 has: a flat plate-shaped connection substrate 31A formed of an insulating material and extending along the XY plane; and a plurality of opposing contacts 31B mounted on the connection substrate 31A and corresponding to a plurality of contacts 14 of the connector. The opposing contacts 31B have a so-called through-hole structure, in which a conductive layer (through-hole plating) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of a through-hole in the connection substrate 31A in the Z direction and around both ends of the through-hole. An annular opposing connection portion S3, described later, is formed at the -Z direction end of the through-hole.

[0115] In addition, the through hole constituting the opposite-side contact 31B has a greater than that in Figure 9 The contact 14 shown has a small inner diameter at the front end 16A of the first plunger 16, which has a conical first connecting portion S1.

[0116] Furthermore, a pair of positioning holes 31C are formed on the connecting substrate 31A, each penetrating the connecting substrate 31A in the Z direction. The pair of positioning holes 31C correspond to a pair of protrusions 13B on the connector 11.

[0117] A pair of positioning holes 31C are arranged along the Y direction. The positioning hole 31C on the +Y direction side forms a through hole with a circular cross-sectional shape, and the positioning hole 31C on the -Y direction side forms a through hole with an elongated oval cross-sectional shape that is longer in the Y direction.

[0118] When connecting the object 31 to the connector 11 to form a connector assembly, firstly, as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the connecting object 31 is moved from the +Z direction toward the connector 11 in the -Z direction. The connector 11 and the connecting object 31 are aligned in the XY plane by inserting the front ends of a pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 into a pair of positioning holes 31C of the connecting object 31.

[0119] If the object to be connected 31 is moved further toward the connector 11, the first plunger 16 of the plurality of contacts 14 protruding from the positioner 13 in the +Z direction is pushed into the object to be connected 31 in the -Z direction, as... Figures 16-18 As shown, the pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 become a state in which they pass through the pair of positioning holes 31C of the object 31.

[0120] At this time, the positioning hole 31C on the +Y direction side of the pair of positioning holes 31C of the connecting substrate 31A has a circular cross-sectional shape, but the positioning hole 31C on the -Y direction side has an elongated oval cross-sectional shape that is longer in the Y direction. Therefore, even if a positional offset occurs between the pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 and the pair of positioning holes 31C of the connecting substrate 31A due to manufacturing tolerances, the pair of protrusions 13B can be inserted into the pair of positioning holes 31C to position the connector 11 and the connected object 31.

[0121] If the object to be connected, 31, is moved toward the connector, then... Figure 19 As shown, the conical first connecting portion S1 formed at the front end 16A of the first plunger 6 of the plurality of contacts 14 is inserted into the through hole of the corresponding opposite side contact 31B of the connected object 31. An annular opposite side connecting portion S3 is formed at the -Z direction end of the through hole of the opposite side contact 31B. If the connected object 31 is pressed against the connector 11, the opposite side connecting portions S3 of the plurality of opposite side contacts 31B of the connected object 31 contact the first connecting portions S1 of the plurality of contacts 14 and push them in the -Z direction. The first plunger 16 of each contact 14 elastically displaces in the -Z direction while compressing the helical spring 18. As a result, the first extension portion 16C of the first plunger 16 is located in the movable part insertion hole 13D of the positioner 13.

[0122] Therefore, a predetermined gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the first elongation 16C and the inner peripheral surface of the movable insertion hole 13D, allowing the first elongation 16C to move within the XY plane within this gap. That is, the conical first connecting portion S1 formed at the front end 16A of the first plunger 16 can move within the XY plane. Even if a positional offset occurs between the contact 14 of the connector 11 and the opposing contact 31B of the connected object 31 due to manufacturing tolerances, the first connecting portion S1 can still contact the opposing connecting portion S3 when the center of the conical first connecting portion S1 of the contact 14 is approximately aligned with the center of the opposing connecting portion S3 of the opposing contact 31B. In other words, the first connecting portion S1 and the opposing connecting portion S3 form a contact area that is approximately circular in shape, and they make contact approximately around the entire circumference of this contact area. Therefore, a connector assembly that ensures the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 14 and the opposing contact 31B can be realized.

[0123] As described above, when no external force other than gravity acts on the first plunger 16 of the plurality of contacts 14, the second extension 16D of each contact 14 is located in the movable insertion hole 13D of the positioner 13 without wobbling in the XY plane. However, a pair of arms 13E of the positioner 13 are respectively formed to be elastically deformable in the X direction, and a pair of arms 13F are respectively formed to be elastically deformable in the Y direction.

[0124] Therefore, as Figure 20 As shown, for example, when the connected object 31 is offset in the -X direction relative to the connector 11, when the front end of the pair of protrusions 13B of the positioner 13 is inserted into the pair of positioning holes 31C of the connected object 31, the flat plate portion 13C moves in the -X direction relative to the housing 12 due to the elastic deformation of the arm 13E on the +X direction side of the pair of arms 13E of the positioner 13, and the second extension portion 16D of the plurality of contacts 14 moves in the -X direction together with the positioner 13.

[0125] As a result, the first plunger 16 of the plurality of contacts 14 tilts, and the plurality of first connecting parts S1 move in the -X direction to the -Z direction side of the opposite connecting part S3 of the plurality of opposite contact 31B of the connecting object 31 which is offset in the -X direction.

[0126] In this state, if the object to be connected 31 is pressed against the connector 11, then as follows: Figure 21 As shown, the opposing side connecting portions S3 of the multiple opposing side contacts 31B of the connecting object 31 contact the first connecting portions S1 of the multiple contacts 14 and push them in the -Z direction. With the center of each conical first connecting portion S1 approximately aligned with the center of the opposing side connecting portion S3, the first connecting portion S1 contacts the opposing side connecting portion S3. Thus, the multiple contacts 14 and the multiple opposing side contacts 31B are electrically connected to each other.

[0127] Furthermore, even when the object to be connected 31 is offset relative to the connector 11 in the +X direction, it is still possible to electrically connect the multiple contacts 14 and the multiple opposite-side contacts 31B to each other.

[0128] Furthermore, when the connected object 31 is offset relative to the connector 11 in the +Y or -Y direction, the flat plate 13C moves relative to the housing 12 in the +Y or -Y direction due to the elastic deformation of one of the pair of arms 13F of the positioner 13. Similarly, the multiple contacts 14 and the multiple opposite side contacts 31B are electrically connected to each other.

[0129] Furthermore, when the object to be connected 31 is pressed against the connector 11, the first extension 16C of the first plunger 16 of each contact 14 is located within the movable insertion hole 13D of the positioner 13. Therefore, even if there is a positional deviation in the XY plane of the plurality of opposing side contacts 31B of the object to be connected 31, the first extension 16C can move within a predetermined gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 16C and the inner peripheral surface of the movable insertion hole 13D. This allows the first connecting part S1 to contact the opposing side connecting part S3 when the center of the conical first connecting part S1 of the contact 14 is approximately aligned with the center of the opposing side connecting part S3, ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 14 and the opposing side contact 31B.

[0130] Similarly, even if there is a positional deviation in the XY plane of the multiple contacts 14 in the connector 11, the reliability of the electrical connection between the multiple contacts 14 and the multiple opposite side contacts 31B can be improved.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, in the first plunger 16, a portion with a width narrower than the second elongation 16D is formed at a position adjacent to the -Z direction side of the second elongation 16D, so that the first plunger 16 of each contact 14 will not interfere with the cylinder 15 when tilted.

[0132] Implementation Method 2

[0133] In the above embodiment 1, the conical first connecting portion S1 of the contact 14 in the connector 11 contacts the opposite contact 31B of the through hole structure of the connected object 31, but it is not limited to this.

[0134] Figure 22 The contact 44 used in Embodiment 2 is shown. Contact 44 in... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the contact 14 shown, the first plunger 46 is used instead of the first plunger 16, and the other structures are the same as those of the contact 14 in Embodiment 1.

[0135] That is, the contact 44 has a cylindrical body 15 and a first plunger 46 and a second plunger 17 respectively held in the cylindrical body 15, and a [missing information] is disposed inside the cylindrical body 15 and between the first plunger 46 and the second plunger 17. Figure 10 The helical spring 18 shown.

[0136] In Embodiment 1, the first plunger 16 of the contact 14 has a conical first connecting portion S1 formed at the front end portion 16A, but in Embodiment 2, the first plunger 46 of the contact 44 has an annular first connecting portion S1 formed at the front end portion 46A. The other structures of the first plunger 46 are the same as those of the first plunger 16 in Embodiment 1.

[0137] That is, the first plunger 46 constitutes a movable part, passing through a through hole 15A formed at the +Z direction end of the cylindrical body 15, and is held in the cylindrical body 15 by means of a coil spring 18 so as to be elastically displaced relative to the cylindrical body 15 in the Z direction. In addition, the first plunger 46 has a cylindrical first elongated portion 16C extending from the annular first connecting portion S1 in the -Z direction, and a cylindrical second elongated portion 16D extending from the first elongated portion 16C in the -Z direction.

[0138] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The connecting object 51 used in Embodiment 2 is shown. In the connecting object 31 used in Embodiment 1, a plurality of opposing contacts 51B, which are in the form of bump electrodes, are formed on the surface of the connecting substrate 51A in the -Z direction, instead of the opposing contacts 31B formed in the plurality of through-hole structures on the connecting substrate 31A. Each opposing contact 51B has a opposing connection portion S3 with a spherical shape facing the -Z direction.

[0139] Furthermore, a pair of positioning holes 31C are also formed on the connecting substrate 51A and the connecting substrate 31A of the connecting object 31 in Embodiment 1.

[0140] When connecting the object 51 to the connector 41 of Embodiment 2 to form a connector assembly, such as Figure 25 As shown, similar to Embodiment 1, with the pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 inserted into the pair of positioning holes 31C of the connecting object 51, the connecting object 51 is pressed toward the connector 41.

[0141] Therefore, as Figure 26 As shown, the spherical opposing side connecting portion S3 of the multiple opposing side contacts 51B of the connecting object 51 contacts contacts the annular first connecting portion S1 of the multiple contacts 44 and pushes it in the -Z direction. As a result, the first plunger 46 of each contact 44 elastically displaces in the -Z direction while compressing the helical spring 18. As a result, the first extension portion 16C of the first plunger 46 is located in the movable part insertion hole 13D of the positioner 13.

[0142] As a result, the annular first connecting portion S1 of the first plunger 46 can move in the XY plane. Even if a positional offset occurs between the contact 44 of the connector 41 and the opposite contact 51B of the connected object 51 due to manufacturing tolerances, the annular first connecting portion S1 of the contact 44 will contact the spherical opposite connecting portion S3 of the opposite contact 51B, thus ensuring the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 44 and the opposite contact 51B.

[0143] Furthermore, even if there is a positional deviation in the XY plane of the plurality of opposite-side contacts 51B of the connected object 51, or a positional deviation in the XY plane of the plurality of contacts 44 in the connector 41, the reliability of the electrical connection between the plurality of contacts 44 and the plurality of opposite-side contacts 51B can be improved, just as in Embodiment 1.

[0144] In addition, in embodiment 2, the second connecting portions S2 of the second plungers 17 of the plurality of contacts 44 protrude from the housing 12 in the -Z direction, and the connector 41 is mounted on the mounting substrate 21 by making these second connecting portions S2 contact with the plurality of conductive pads 21B of the mounting substrate 21 respectively. However, it is not limited to this, the second connecting portions S2 may also be soldered to the conductive pads 21B for electrical connection.

[0145] The contact 14 used in Embodiment 1 and the contact 44 used in Embodiment 2 both have a so-called probe structure with a helical spring 18 disposed between the first plunger 16, 46 and the second plunger 17, but are not limited thereto. For example, the contact can also be formed by cutting a metal plate and bending it.

[0146] However, in this case, the contact also needs to have a movable part that can elastically displace relative to the housing 12 in the Z direction. The movable part includes a first connecting part, a first elongated part having a first width, and a second elongated part having a second width that is wider than the first width.

[0147] Furthermore, by forming at least one bent portion in the metal plate connected to the movable part, a spring portion for elastically displacing the movable part can be formed.

[0148] Furthermore, by making the thicknesses of the metal plate constituting the first elongation portion and the metal plate constituting the second elongation portion different from each other, a second elongation portion having a second width wider than the first width of the first elongation portion can be formed in both the X and Y directions.

[0149] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2, multiple opposite-side contacts 31B and 51B of the connected objects 31 and 51 are connected to multiple contacts 14 and 44 of the connectors 11 and 41. However, the number of opposite-side contacts 31B and 51B and contacts 14 and 44 is not limited, and it is also possible that one opposite-side contact of the connected object is connected to one contact of the connector.

[0150] In embodiments 1 and 2, the connectors 11 and 41 are mounted on the mounting substrate 21 by connecting the second connection portion S2 of the plurality of contacts 14 and 44 to the plurality of conductive pads 21B of the mounting substrate 21, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to electrically connect the plurality of contacts 14 and 44 to the plurality of signal lines of the cable by various known wiring methods.

[0151] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2, the connecting objects 31 and 51 are positioned on the connectors 11 and 41 by inserting a pair of protrusions 13B of the locator 13 into a pair of positioning holes 31C of the connecting objects 31 and 51. However, this is not the only option. For example, the connecting substrates 31A and 51A of the connecting objects 31 and 51 can be positioned by the locator 13 guiding the outer periphery of the connecting substrates 31A and 51A of the connecting objects 31 and 51.

Claims

1. A connector that connects to a connecting object by pressing it along a predetermined pressing direction, characterized in that, The connector includes: The housing is formed of an insulating material and has a front surface facing the object to be connected; A conductive contact is held in the housing and extends along the pressing direction; as well as The positioner, formed of an insulating material, is held in place of the housing in such a manner that it covers the front surface of the housing. The contact includes a movable portion that is elastically displaceable relative to the housing in the pressing direction, and at least a portion protrudes from the locator toward the object to be connected. The movable part has: The front end is opposite to the object to be connected along the pressing direction; A first connecting portion is disposed at the front end portion; The first elongated portion extends from the first connecting portion along the pressing direction in a direction opposite to the front end portion, and has a first width in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the pressing direction; as well as The second elongated portion extends from the first elongated portion along the pressing direction in a direction opposite to the front end portion, and has a second width wider than the first width in the orthogonal direction. The positioner has a movable part insertion hole through which the second extended portion of the movable part can be inserted. When the object to be connected is not pressed against the connector, the second elongated portion is located within the movable part insertion hole of the locator, and the first elongated portion protrudes from the locator toward the object to be connected. When the object to be connected is pressed against the connector, the first connecting portion contacts the opposite side contact of the object to be connected and is pushed in the pressing direction, and the movable part elastically displaces in the opposite direction to the object to be connected, and the first elongated portion is located within the movable part insertion hole of the locator.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact has: a second connecting portion disposed at an end opposite to the object to be connected; and a spring portion disposed between the movable portion and the second connecting portion, and for elastically displacing the movable portion along the pressing direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The contact is composed of a cylinder and a probe. The cylinder extends in the pressing direction, and the probe includes a plunger that forms the movable part and is held in the cylinder in a manner that allows for elastic displacement along the pressing direction. The spring section is disposed inside the cylinder.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing has a contact through hole through which the contact passes. The cylinder is held within the contact through hole.

5. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a side extending from an end of the front surface along the pressing direction and a limiting portion formed on the side. The positioner has: a flat plate portion extending in the orthogonal direction and covering the front surface of the housing; and an arm portion extending from an end of the flat plate portion along the side of the housing. And the restricted portion, formed in the arm portion, The locator is hooked onto the restricted part by the limiting part, restricting its movement relative to the housing in the pressing direction. The movable part insertion hole is formed in the flat plate part.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioner is held in the housing in such a way that the flat plate portion can move relative to the housing in the orthogonal direction.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion each have a cylindrical shape extending along the pressing direction. The first width and the second width are respectively represented by the outer diameter of the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion.

8. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of contacts are held in the housing. The positioner has a plurality of movable part insertion holes corresponding to the plurality of contacts. The plurality of opposite-side contacts of the connected object respectively contact the first connecting portion of the plurality of contacts.

9. A connector assembly, characterized in that, have: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The connected object.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locator has a protrusion that extends along the pressing direction. The object to be connected has a positioning hole for inserting the protrusion.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact has a first connecting portion in the shape of a cone. The opposite-side contact of the object to be connected has an annular opposite-side connecting portion that contacts the first connecting portion.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The contact has a ring-shaped first connecting portion. The opposing contact of the object being connected has a spherical opposing contact portion that contacts the first connecting portion.

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