ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR CIRCUIT BOARDS

Abstract

An electrical connector for printed circuit boards is provided, which allows a high current to flow without an increase in the size of the connections in the connection width direction.A first arm section 42 of a first connection 40 has a first extension section 42A and a first contact section 42B, wherein a connection width dimension of the first extension section 42A decreases upwards, wherein the first contact section 42B is provided at a position that is further on one side in the connection width direction, wherein the second leg section 52 of the second connection 50 has a second extension section 52A and a second contact section 52B, wherein, when considering the second extension section 52A in a sheet thickness direction, a part of the second extension section 52A overlaps with the first extension section 42A and its connection width dimension decreases upwards, wherein the second contact section 52B is provided at a position different from the first contact section 42B further on another side in the connection width direction.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector for printed circuit boards, which is arranged on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and with which a mating connector is plugged together. General state of the art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an electrical socket connector that is arranged on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and to which a plug-in connector is mated. In this socket connector, a first socket terminal and a second socket terminal are provided spanning between a fixed housing and a movable housing. The movable housing is movable relative to the fixed housing by means of elastic displacement of the first socket terminal and the second socket terminal.

[0003] The first and second socket connections each have a shape in which a sheet metal element is bent in the sheet thickness direction and are arranged such that they overlap each other in the sheet thickness direction. Specifically, the first socket connection is arranged so that it overlaps the second socket connection from above.The first socket connector has a first mounting section of the fixed side, which is held in the fixed housing by crimping, a first mounting section of the movable side, which is held in the movable housing by crimping, a leg section extending downwards from the first mounting section of the fixed side and connectable to the circuit board, a first connection section extending upwards from the first mounting section of the movable side and connectable to the plug connector, and a first elastic section that is elastically displaceable and couples the first mounting section of the fixed side and the first mounting section of the movable side to each other.

[0004] The first mounting section of the fixed side and the first mounting section of the movable side form a single plate shape that extends across the entire area of ​​the first socket connection in a connection width direction. The leg section, the first connection section, and the first elastic section are formed as thin webs that extend longitudinally along the first socket connection and are arranged side by side in multiple rows in the connection width direction.

[0005] The second socket connector has approximately the same shape as the first socket connector and comprises a second mounting section on the fixed side, a second mounting section on the movable side, a leg section, a second connection section, and a second elastic section. The second connection section is positioned offset from the first connection section in the connection width direction. Consequently, when the first and second socket connectors are superimposed, the first and second connection sections are arranged alternately in the connection alignment direction. State-of-the-art documents, patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP 2019-192347 A Brief description of the invention; Problem of the present invention

[0007] The task is to provide an electrical connector for printed circuit boards that can carry a high current without increasing the size of the connections in the connection width direction. Means of solving the task (1) An electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to the present invention is an electrical connector for printed circuit boards which is arranged on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and with which a mating connector is plugged together, and has several terminals which have a shape in which a sheet metal element is bent in a sheet thickness direction and which are arranged in a position in which a sheet thickness plane forms a right angle to the mounting surface, and a housing which holds the several terminals, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing which is fixed to the printed circuit board via the terminals and a movable housing which is movable relative to the fixed housing.

[0008] The electrical connector for printed circuit boards is characterized in that the multiple connections have a first connection and a second connection, which is arranged with respect to the first connection such that it overlaps it in the sheet thickness direction, wherein the first connection has a first connecting section formed on one end side and connectable to a circuit section of the printed circuit board, at least a first leg section formed on another end side and which can come into contact with the mating connector, and a first intermediate section located between the first connecting section and the first leg section, wherein the first leg section has a first extension section extending towards the other end of the first connection and a first contact section located further than the first extension section on the other end side.wherein on the first extension section a connection width dimension decreases towards the other end side in a connection width direction that is perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction, wherein the first contact section is provided at a position that lies further on one side in the connection width direction, wherein the second connection has a second connecting section formed on one end side and connectable to a circuit section of the printed circuit board, at least a second leg section formed on another end side and which can come into contact with the mating connector, and a second intermediate section located between the second connecting section and the second leg section and extending along the first intermediate section, wherein the second leg section has a second extension section,which extends towards the other end of the second connection along the first extension section, and has a second contact section that lies further than the second extension section on the other end side, wherein the second extension section, when viewed in the sheet thickness direction, partially overlaps the first extension section and its connection width dimension becomes smaller towards the other end side, wherein the second contact section is provided at a position of overlap with the first contact section on the side opposite in the connection width direction.

[0009] In this electrical connector for printed circuit boards, the width of the first section of the first connector decreases towards the opposite end. Similarly, the width of the second section of the second connector decreases towards the opposite end. In other words, the portions on the side opposite the other end (referred to here as the "foot portions") of both the first and second sections are larger, i.e., wider, than the portions on the other end. By making the foot portion of both the first and second sections wider, the cross-sectional area of ​​these portions can be increased, allowing a higher current than usual to flow through the first and second connectors.

[0010] Furthermore, the first and second extension sections are positioned where they partially overlap when viewed in the sheet thickness direction. Thus, the foot-side portion of the first extension section can have a connection width dimension that extends over an area reaching the second extension section in the connection width direction. Similarly, the foot-side portion of the second extension section can have a connection width dimension that extends over an area reaching the first extension section in the connection width direction.The first extension section and the second extension section can therefore be maximally extended at the foot end without increasing the size of the connections in the connection width direction, which are designed so that the first connection and the second connection overlap each other.

[0011] (2) In the invention of (1) the first extension section can extend such that its connection width dimension becomes continuously smaller towards the other end side of the first connection, and the second extension section can extend such that its connection width dimension becomes continuously smaller towards the other end of the second connection.

[0012] (3) In the invention of (1) or (2) at least one of the first connection and the second connection may be a power supply connection. Effect of the invention

[0013] An electrical connector for printed circuit boards can be provided that allows a high current to flow without an increase in the size of the connections in the connection width direction. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector of an embodiment together with a mating connector and showing a state immediately before the electrical connector and mating connector are plugged together. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the individual elements of the electrical connector separately. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the electrical connector, showing it omitting part of a fixed housing and a movable housing. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the electrical connector in a plane at a right angle to a terminal alignment direction, showing a section at the position of the terminals. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are sectional views of a part of the electrical connector in a plane at right angles to a connector width direction, wherein Fig. 5A shows a sectional view at a position of a first plate section of the fixed side of a first connection and Fig. Figure 5B shows a sectional view at a position of a second plate section on the fixed side of a second connection. Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows sectional views of a part of the electrical connector in a plane at right angles to a connector mating direction, wherein Fig. 6A shows a sectional view at the position of a plate section of the movable side and the plate section of the fixed side of the connection and Fig. 6B a part of Fig. 6A shows enlarged images. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are perspective views of the first connection alone, where Fig. 7A shows a state when viewed from an end side in the connector width direction and Fig. Figure 7B shows a state when viewed from an end side that is different in the connector width direction. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are perspective views of the second connection alone, where Fig. 8A shows a state when viewed from an end side in the connector width direction and Fig. Figure 8B shows a state when viewed from an end side that is different in the connector width direction. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are perspective views of the connections, where Fig. 9A shows a state when viewed from an end side in the connector width direction and Fig. Figure 9B shows a state when viewed from an end side that is different in the connector width direction. Fig. Figure 10 shows a side view of the terminals opposite each other in the connector width direction. Fig. 11A is a front view of the connectors, Fig. 11B is a rear view of the connectors and Fig. 11C is a top view of the connectors. Fig. Figure 12 is a sectional view of the electrical connector and mating connector in a plane at a right angle to the terminal alignment direction, showing a section at the position of the terminals. Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a first connection according to a modified example alone and Fig. Figure 13B is a perspective view of a second connection according to a modification example alone. Fig. 14A and Fig. Figure 14B shows sectional views of a part of the electrical connector according to a modified example in a plane perpendicular to a connector width direction, wherein Fig. Figure 14A shows a sectional view at a position of a first plate section of the fixed side of a first connection and Fig. Figure 14B shows a sectional view at a position of a second plate section of the fixed side of a second connection. embodiment of the invention

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the attached Characters described.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a connector assembly is formed by an electrical connector 1 (hereinafter referred to as "connector 1") and a mating connector 2, which is plugged into the connector 1. The connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are each electrical connectors for printed circuit boards, which are mounted on different printed circuit boards (not shown). In the present embodiment, the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are used to transmit a power supply signal.

[0016] Connector 1 is mounted on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board (not shown), where the mounting surface is perpendicular to the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction), which is the vertical direction of the connector. Mating connector 2 is mounted on a mounting surface of another printed circuit board (not shown), where the mounting surface is perpendicular to the top-bottom direction. Starting from a position where the mounting surfaces of the two printed circuit boards are aligned vertically, the two connectors 1 and 2 are mated together with the vertical direction as the connection direction. Specifically, and as shown in Fig. As indicated by an arrow, the mating connector 2 is connected to connector 1 from above. Therefore, the top side (Z1 side) of connector 1 is the side that connects to mating connector 2. The bottom side (Z2 side) of mating connector 2 is the side that connects to connector 1 (mother side).

[0017] The connector 1 has a housing 10 which extends with a longitudinal direction parallel to the mounting surface of the circuit board (Y-axis direction), several terminals 40, 50 made of sheet metal which are held in the housing 10 with the longitudinal direction as the terminal alignment direction, and two fixing brackets 60 which are held in the housing 10.

[0018] Terminals 40 and 50 are power supply terminals used to transmit a power supply signal, and the first terminals 40 and second terminals 50 have different shapes. For simplicity, if a distinction between the first terminals 40 and the second terminals 50 is not necessary in the following, both will be referred to collectively as "terminals 40 and 50". In a position where a sheet thickness plane of terminals 40 and 50, as in Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, forming a right angle to the mounting surface (not shown) of the printed circuit board, a single first terminal 40 and a single second terminal 50 are arranged in a state where they overlap each other in the sheet thickness direction and form a pair (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal pair"). The terminal pairs form two terminal rows opposite each other in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) and are arranged in pairs in the terminal alignment direction (Y-axis direction). Thus, four terminal pairs are provided on connector 1.

[0019] The housing 10 is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic or the like and comprises a fixed housing 20, which is attached to the circuit board via the terminals 40, 50, and a movable housing 30, which consists of an element separate from the fixed housing 20 and is movable relative to the fixed housing 20. The terminals 40, 50 are provided spanning the fixed housing 20 and the movable housing 30, and an elastic displacement of the terminals 40, 50 allows relative movement (tolerance compensation) of the movable housing 30 with respect to the fixed housing 20.

[0020] The fixed housing 20 essentially forms the outer shape of a cuboid, extending longitudinally with the connection alignment direction, and has perimeter walls in the form of a rectangular frame with an interior space 24 that runs continuously in the top-bottom direction. The perimeter walls of the fixed housing 20, as shown in Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show two side walls 21 of the fixed side extending in the connection alignment direction and two end walls 22 of the fixed side extending in the connector width direction, which couple the end sections of the side walls 21 of the fixed side to each other. The two side walls 21 of the fixed side are coupled at a position central in the connection alignment direction by a coupling section 23 extending in the connector width direction at their upper end sections. When viewed from above, the interior of the fixed housing 20 is thus divided in two by the coupling section 23.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the side walls 21 of the fixed side have an intermediate wall 21A extending across the connection alignment area and a confining section 21E located on both outer sides of the intermediate wall 21A. Two recessed sections 21B of the fixed side are formed on the intermediate wall 21A in the direction of the connection alignment. The recessed sections 21B of the fixed side are, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the recesses are set into the inner surface (surface perpendicular to the connector width direction) and extend in a top-bottom direction, accommodating part of the first connections 40 (part of a first elastic section 46 and a first plate section 44 of the fixed side, described below) and part of the second connections 50 (part of a second elastic section 56 and a second plate section 54 of the fixed side, described below). The recessed sections 21B of the fixed side extend with their upper portion through the partition 21A, and their lower end is open.

[0022] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figures 5A and B, on both sides of the recessed sections 21B of the fixed side, in the terminal alignment direction, a first groove section 21C of the fixed side and a second groove section 21D of the fixed side are formed, which form part of the recessed sections 21B of the fixed side. The first groove section 21C of the fixed side receives part of the first terminal 40 (a border section 44A described below). The second groove section 21D of the fixed side is formed further inward in the connector width direction than the first groove section 21C of the fixed side and receives part of the second terminal 50 (a second retained section 54A of the fixed side described below). Fig. 5B was based on the representation of the in Fig. The first connection shown in 5A is omitted (40).

[0023] If, in the following, it is not necessary to distinguish between the first groove section 21C of the fixed side and the second groove section 21D of the fixed side, both will be referred to collectively as "groove sections 21C, 21D of the fixed side" for the sake of simplicity. The groove sections 21C, 21D of the fixed side are recessed from the inner surface of the lower section of the recess sections 21B of the fixed side (surface at right angles to the connection alignment direction) and form a groove shape that extends in a top-bottom direction. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the upper end of the groove sections 21C and 21D of the fixed side is closed, and the lower end is open. The second groove section 21D of the fixed side is longer in the top-bottom direction than the first groove section 21C of the fixed side, and its upper end is located further up than the upper end of the first groove section 21C of the fixed side.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the first groove section 21C of the fixed side, in a state where a gap is formed between it and the edge section 44A of the first terminal 40, receives the edge section 44A without holding it. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the second groove section 21D of the fixed side receives the second retained section 54A of the fixed side of the second connection 50 in a crimped state. The second groove section 21D of the fixed side thus serves as a retaining section of the fixed side, which holds the second retained section 54A of the fixed side.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, on the second groove section 21D of the fixed side, an inner surface of a corner section that is outer in the connector width direction is considered to be an inner surface in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) towards the inside (in Fig. 6A in the X1 direction) increasingly inclined outwards in the connection alignment direction (Y-axis direction) a inclined surface 21D-1 is formed. A force component directed inwards in the connector width direction thus acts on a corner section of the second held section 54A of the fixed side, which abuts the inclined surface 21D-1. As a result, the second held section 54A of the fixed side is pressed against an inner surface of the second groove section 21D of the fixed side (in the connector width direction) that is inwards in the connector width direction. Fig. 6A a surface on the X1 side) pressed against it. Since the second held section 54A of the fixed side is thus supported by this inner surface, the position of the second plate section 54 of the fixed side can be stabilized.

[0026] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an upper section 21E-1 is located further inward in the connector width direction than a lower section 21E-2 on the confining section 21E, with a boundary portion between the upper section 21E-1 and the lower section 21E-2 forming a step shape. A confining recess section 21F is formed on the confining section 21E, recessed from the inner surface of the confining section 21E, and the confining recess section 21F accommodates a portion of the movable housing 30 (a confined section 37 described below). The confining recess section 21F is formed in a region extending in the top-bottom direction from an intermediate position of the upper section 21E-1 to the lower end of the lower section 21E-2.The restrictive recess section 21F is formed in an area that spans the upper section 21E-1 and the lower section 21E-2 in the connector width direction and extends through the restrictive section 21E at the boundary portion. The inner surface of the restrictive recess section 21F limits displacement of the movable housing 30 beyond a defined extent.

[0027] The end walls 22 of the fixed side point, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows the lower section with retaining sections 22A for holding the fixing brackets 60. The retaining sections 22A are formed in a groove shape that extends in a top-bottom direction at a position central to the connector width and hold the fixing brackets 60 by compression.

[0028] The movable housing 30 features, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows two plug-in sections 31 for connection with the mating connector 2, a central wall section 35 between the two plug-in sections 31, a guide section 36 coupled to the upper end section of the plug-in sections 31, and the restricted section 37. The movable housing 30 is received in the interior 24 of the fixed housing 20.

[0029] The two plug-in sections 31 are arranged in a line in the connection direction. The plug-in sections 31 form the shape of a rectangular tube extending in a top-bottom direction and have two side walls 32 of the movable side extending in the connection direction and two end walls 33 of the movable side extending in the connector width direction and coupling end sections of the side walls 32 of the movable side to one another. The interior of the plug-in sections 31, i.e., the space enclosed by the side walls 32 of the movable side and the end walls 33 of the movable side and continuous in a top-bottom direction, is formed as a receiving section 34 for receiving a part of the mating connector 2.

[0030] On the side walls 32 of the movable side, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a recessed section 32A of the movable side is formed, extending in the top-bottom direction from the inner surface (surface at right angles to the connector width direction). The recessed section 32A of the movable side is closed at the top and open at the bottom. The recessed section 32A of the movable side accommodates part of the first connector 40 (a first arm section 42 and a first plate section 45 of the movable side, which are described below) and part of the second connector 50 (a second leg section 52 and a second plate section 55 of the movable side, which are described below). As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, on both sides of the recessed sections 32A of the moving side, in the terminal alignment direction, a first groove section 32B of the moving side and a second groove section 32C of the moving side are formed, which form part of the recessed sections 32A of the moving side. The first groove section 32B of the moving side receives part of the first terminal 40 (a first retained section 45A of the moving side described below). The second groove section 32C of the moving side is formed further inward in the connector width direction than the first groove section 32B of the moving side and receives part of the second terminal 50 (a second retained section 55A of the moving side described below).

[0031] If, in the following, it is not necessary to distinguish between the first groove section 32B of the moving side and the second groove section 32C of the moving side, both will be referred to collectively as "groove sections 32B, 32C of the fixed side" for the sake of simplicity. The groove sections 32B, 32C of the fixed side are recessed from the inner surface of the lower section of the recess sections 32A of the moving side (surface at right angles to the connection alignment direction) and form a groove shape that extends in a top-bottom direction. The groove sections 32B, 32C of the fixed side are closed at the upper end and open at the lower end.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the first groove section 32B of the movable side receives the first retained section 45A of the movable side of the first connection 40 in a crimped state. The first groove section 32B of the movable side thus serves as a first retaining section of the movable side, which holds the first retained section 45A of the movable side. As shown in Figure 6A, B, the first groove section 32B of the movable side thus serves as a first retaining section of the movable side, which holds the first retained section 45A of the movable side. Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and B, the second groove section 32C of the movable side receives the second retained section 55A of the movable side of the second terminal 50 in a crimped state. The second groove section 32C of the movable side thus serves as a second retaining section of the movable side, which holds the second retained section 55A of the movable side.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the first groove section 32B of the movable side has an inner surface of a corner section in the connector width direction (in Fig. 6B on the X1 side) is formed as an inclined surface 32B-1 that increases inward in the direction of the connector width and inward in the direction of the connection alignment. A force acting outward in the connector width direction (toward the X2 side) thus acts on a corner section of the first held section 45A of the movable side, which abuts the inclined surface 32B-1. Fig. 6B) directed force component. As a result, the first plate section 45 of the movable side is pressed against a connector width direction on the outside (in Fig. The inner surface of the recessed section 32A of the movable side and the first groove section 32B of the movable side (6B of the X2 side) is pressed against this inner surface. Since the first plate section 45 of the movable side is thus held by this inner surface, the position of the first plate section 45 of the movable side can be stabilized. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and B, in the present embodiment, a wall section located on the outside of the first plate section 45 of the movable side in the connector width direction is thicker than an inner wall section. Since the first plate section 45 of the movable side is thus pressed against a thicker wall section, the load acting on the movable housing 30 can be reduced.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the second groove section 32C of the movable side has an inner surface at an outer corner section in the connector width direction (in Fig. 6B on the X2 side) is formed as an inclined surface 32C-1 that is inclined outwards in the connector width direction and inwards in the connection alignment direction. A force acting inwards in the connector width direction (towards the X1 side) thus acts on a corner section of the second held section 55A of the movable side, which rests against the inclined surface 32C-1. Fig. 6B) directed force component. As a result, the second held section 55A of the movable side is pressed against an inner surface of the second groove section 32C of the movable side on the side inner in the connector width direction (in Fig. 6B on the X1 side). Since the second held section 55A of the movable side is thus supported by this inner surface, the position of the second plate section 55 of the movable side can be stabilized. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and B, in the present embodiment, a wall section located on the inside, in the connector width direction, with respect to the second held section 55A of the movable side, is thicker than an outer wall section. Since the second held section 55A of the movable side is thus pressed against a thicker wall section, the load acting on the movable housing 30 can be reduced.

[0035] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate wall 35 lies between the two plug-in sections 31 and couples the inner end walls 33 of the movable side to each other in the direction of connection alignment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the guide section 36 is coupled to the outer end wall 33 of the movable side in the connection alignment direction and essentially forms a rectangular column extending in a top-bottom direction. The upper end of the guide section 36 is narrow and lies higher than the plug-in section 31. When the connectors are plugged together, the guide section 36 guides the mating connector 2 to the standardized plug-in position.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the restricted section 37 lies on both sides of the guide section 36 in the connector width direction and is provided such that it is coupled to a corner section of the plug section 31. The restricted section 37 essentially forms the shape of a rectangular column extending in the top-bottom direction and is offset downwards with respect to the plug section 31. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the restricted section 37 is incorporated into the restriction recess section 21F, and the restriction recess section 21F limits its movement outwards in the connection alignment direction and outwards in the connector width direction to a specified extent.

[0037] The first connections 40 are produced by bending a sheet metal plate element in the sheet thickness direction and are arranged in a position where the connection alignment direction (Y-axis direction) is the connection width direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction). Fig. Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of a single first terminal 40 provided in the terminal array on the X2 side. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 7A and B, the first connection 40 has a first leg section 41 formed on one end side, two first arm sections 42 formed on another end side, and a first intermediate section 43 located between the first leg section 41 and the first arm sections 42. The first intermediate section 43 has a first plate section 44 of the fixed side, which is received in the fixed housing 20, a first plate section 45 of the movable side, which is received and held in the movable housing 30, and a first elastic section 46, which couples the first plate section 44 of the fixed side and the first plate section 45 of the movable side to each other and is elastically displaceable.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the first leg section 41 extends from the lower end of the part on the Y2 side of the first plate section 44 of the fixed side. The first leg section 41 has a first extension section 41A extending downward from the lower end of the first plate section 44 of the fixed side, a first connection section 41B branching off at the lower end of the first extension section 41A and extending outward in the connector width direction, and a mating section 41C extending from the first connection section 41B in the terminal width direction. The first connection section 41B is located on the circuit section of the mounting area of ​​the printed circuit board and soldered to the circuit section.

[0039] The connecting piece section 41C extends from the side edge of the Y1 side of the first connecting section 41B. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the connecting piece section 41C extends from the side edge of the first connecting section 41B in a crank-shaped curve towards the Y1 side and lies above the first connecting section 41B by the sheet thickness dimension of the connections 40, 50. If the first connection 40 and the second connection 50 are arranged superimposed on each other, then, as shown in Fig. 5A shows the lower surface of the component section 41C from above (from the side opposite the mounting surface of the printed circuit board in the top-bottom direction) to an upper surface of a second connection section 51B of the second terminal 50 described below.

[0040] The first two arm sections 42 are positioned adjacent to each other in the direction of connection width. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, the first arm sections 42 have a first extension section 42A, which extends upwards from the upper end of the first plate section 45 of the movable side, i.e., towards the other end of the first terminal 40, and a first contact section 42B, which is located further up than the first extension section 42A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first extension section 42A is inclined inwards in the connector width direction. Consequently, the first contact section 42B projects from the recess section 32A of the movable side and lies in a receiving section 34. The first arm sections 42 are elastically displaceable in the sheet thickness direction (X-axis direction) and come into contact at the first contact section 42B with a mating connector 80, which is provided on the mating connector 2 (see Figure 4). Fig. 12).

[0041] The first extension section 42A extends such that its connection width dimension (width dimension in the Y-axis direction) decreases continuously upwards. The two end edges of the first extension section 42A extend such that they are increasingly inclined upwards in the connection width direction towards the Y1 side. Specifically, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, on the first extension section 42A of the two first extension sections 42A, which lies on the Y1 side, the side edge 42A-2 on the Y2 side is inclined at a larger angle than the side edge 42A-1 on the Y1 side. On the first extension section 42A on the Y2 side, the side edge 42A-3 on the Y1 side is inclined at the same angle as the side edge 42A-2, and the side edge 42A-4 on the Y2 side is inclined at a larger angle than the side edge 42A-3 on the Y1 side. Consequently, the two first contact sections 42B are provided adjacent to each other at a position further along the Y1 side in the connection width direction.

[0042] In this way, the first extension section 42A extends upwards while its terminal width decreases. In other words, the portion of the first extension section 42A at the lower end (the foot-side portion) is larger, i.e., wider, in the terminal width direction than the portion at the upper end. Because the portion at the lower end of the first extension section 42A is wider, the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion at the lower end can be increased, allowing a higher current than usual to flow through the first terminal 40.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first plate section 44 of the fixed side forms a plate shape extending with the connection width direction as its longitudinal direction and is arranged in a position where the plate surface is at a right angle to the connector width direction. The first plate section 44 of the fixed side has a larger connection width dimension than the first elastic section 46, and its edge sections 44A on both sides in the connection width direction are located further outwards than the first elastic section 46. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the first plate section 44 of the fixed side is received in the recess section 21B of the fixed side of the fixed housing 20. The edge section 44A is received in the first groove section 21C of the fixed side. The edge section 44A is arranged such that a gap is formed between it and the inner surface of the first groove section 21C of the fixed side, and it can move within this gap.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first plate section 45 of the movable side forms a plate shape extending with the connection width direction as its longitudinal direction and is arranged in a position where the plate surface is at a right angle to the connector width direction. The first plate section 45 of the movable side has a larger connection width dimension than the first elastic section 46, and the first restrained section 45A of the movable side, formed at its two edge sections in the connection width direction, is located further outward than the first elastic section 46. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figures 6A and B, the first retained section 45A of the movable side is received in the recessed section 32A of the movable side of the movable housing 30. The first retained section 45A of the movable side is received in the first groove section 32B of the movable side. The first retained section 45A of the movable side allows for several crimping projections 45A-1 (see Figure 6A, B). Fig. 7A, B), which project outwards in the direction of the connection width, engage in the inner surface of the first groove section 32B of the movable side and are thus held in the first groove section 32B of the movable side by compression.

[0045] The first elastic section 46 is, as in Fig. As shown in Figures 7A and B, the first elastic section 46 is bent at several points in the longitudinal direction of the first connection 40 in the sheet thickness direction, coupling the upper end of the first plate section 44 of the fixed side and the lower end of the first plate section 45 of the movable side. Several slot sections 46A are formed on the first elastic section 46, extending longitudinally at several positions in the connection width direction and passing through it in the sheet thickness direction. In addition, several web sections 46B extending along the slot sections 46A are formed on the first elastic section 46. Due to the web sections 46B, the first elastic section 46 is elastically displaceable in the connector width direction, the connection alignment direction, and the top-bottom direction.Thus, in the present embodiment, the first elastic section 46 is elastically displaced by the web sections 46B, which have a small connection width dimension. Therefore, it displaces more easily and elastically compared to when the web sections are not provided. Consequently, an even greater degree of movement, i.e., an even greater tolerance compensation, of the movable housing 30 can be ensured.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the first elastic section 46 has an outer tongue section 46B-1 extending upwards from the upper end of the first plate section 44 of the fixed side, an upper tongue section 46B-2 bending at the upper end of the outer tongue section 46B-1 and extending inwards in the connector width direction, an inner tongue section 46B-3 bending at the inner end of the upper tongue section 46B-2 (inner end in the connector width direction) and extending downwards, and a lower tongue section 46B-4 bending at the lower end of the inner tongue section 46B-3, extending inwards in the connector width direction, and coupled to the lower end of the first plate section 45 of the movable side. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 7A and B, the inner tongue section 46B-3 is formed with a connection width dimension that is smaller, i.e., narrower, at an intermediate section in the top-bottom direction than at the other parts. This narrowing of the intermediate section of the inner tongue section 46B-3 allows the inner tongue section 46B-3 to move elastically even more easily.

[0047] The second connections 50 are produced by bending a sheet metal plate element of the same sheet thickness dimension as the first connections 40 in the sheet thickness direction and are arranged in a position in which the connection alignment direction (Y-axis direction) is the connection width direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction). Fig. Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of a single second terminal 50 provided in the terminal array on the X2 side. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and B, the second connection 50 has a second leg section 51 formed on one end side, two second arm sections 52 formed on another end side, and a second intermediate section 53 located between the second leg section 51 and the second arm sections 52. The second intermediate section 53 has a second plate section 54 of the fixed side, which is received and held in the fixed housing 20, a second plate section 55 of the movable side, which is received and held in the movable housing 30, and a second elastic section 56 that couples the second plate section 54 of the fixed side and the second plate section 55 of the movable side to each other and is elastically displaceable.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8A, the second leg section 51 extends from the lower end of the part on the Y1 side of the second plate section 54 of the fixed side. The second leg section 51 has a second extension section 51A extending downward from the lower end of the second plate section 54 of the fixed side, and a second connection section 51B that bends at the lower end of the second extension section 51A and extends outward in the connector width direction. The second connection section 51B is located on a circuit section of the mounting area of ​​the printed circuit board and is soldered to the circuit section.

[0049] The two second arm sections 52 are positioned adjacent to each other in the direction of connection width. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the second arm sections 52 have a second extension section 52A, which extends upwards from the upper end of the second plate section 55 of the movable side, i.e., towards the other end of the second terminal 50, and a second contact section 52B, which is located further up than the second extension section 52A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second extension section 52A is inclined inwards in the connector width direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the inclination angle of the second extension section 52A is smaller than the inclination angle of the first extension section 42A. The second contact section 52B projects from the recessed section 32A of the movable side and lies in the receiving section 34. The second arm sections 52 are elastically displaceable in the sheet thickness direction (X-axis direction) and come into contact at the second contact section 52B with the mating connector 80 described below, which is provided on the mating connector 2 (see Figure 4). Fig. 12).

[0050] The second extension section 52A extends in such a way that its connection width dimension decreases continuously towards the top. The two end edges of the second extension section 52A extend in such a way that they are increasingly inclined towards the Y2 side in the connection width direction towards the top. Specifically, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, on the second extension section 52A of the two second extension sections 52A, which lies on the Y2 side, the side edge 52A-2 on the Y1 side is inclined at a larger angle than the side edge 52A-1 on the Y1 side. On the second extension section 52A on the Y1 side, the side edge 52A-3 on the Y2 side is inclined at the same angle as the side edge 52A-2, and the side edge 52A-4 on the Y1 side is inclined at a larger angle than the side edge 52A-3 on the Y2 side. Consequently, the two second contact sections 52B are provided adjacent to each other at a position further along the Y2 side in the connection width direction.

[0051] In this way, the second extension section 52A extends upwards, while its terminal width becomes smaller. In other words, the part at the lower end (the foot-side part) of the second extension section 52A is larger, i.e., wider, in the terminal width direction than the part at the upper end. Because the part at the lower end of the second extension section 52A is wider, the cross-sectional area of ​​the part at the lower end can be increased, allowing a higher current than usual to flow through the second terminal 50.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and B, the second plate section 54 of the fixed side forms a plate shape extending with the connection width direction as its longitudinal direction and is arranged in a position where the plate surface is at a right angle to the connector width direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second plate section 54 of the fixed side is larger in the top-bottom direction than the first plate section 44 of the fixed side and is located further inward in the connector width direction than this first plate section 44 of the fixed side. The second plate section 54 of the fixed side is larger in the top-bottom direction than the first plate section 44 of the fixed side. The second plate section 54 of the fixed side has a larger connection width dimension than the second elastic section 56, and the second held section 54A of the fixed side, which is formed at its two edge sections in the connection width direction, is located further outward than the second elastic section 56.

[0053] As in Fig. 4, Fig. 5B and Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, the second plate section 54 of the fixed side is received in the recess section 21B of the fixed side of the fixed housing 20. The second retained section 54A of the fixed side is also received in the second groove section 21D of the fixed side. The second retained section 54A of the fixed side has several crimping projections 54A-1 (see Figure 6A). Fig. 8A, B), which project outwards in the connection width direction, engage in the inner surface of the second groove section 21D of the fixed side and are thus held in the second groove section 21D of the fixed side by compression.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and B, the second plate section 55 of the movable side forms a plate shape that extends with the connection width direction as its longitudinal direction and is arranged in a position in which the plate surface is at a right angle to the connector width direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second plate section 55 of the moving side is approximately the same size in the top-bottom direction as the first plate section 45 of the moving side and is located further inwards in the connector width direction than this first plate section 45 of the moving side.

[0055] The second plate section 55 of the movable side has a larger connection width dimension than the second elastic section 56, and the second retained section 55A of the movable side, which is formed at its two edge sections in the connection width direction, is located further outwards than the second elastic section 56. The second retained section 55A of the movable side is received in the recess section 32A of the movable side of the movable housing 30. The second retained section 55A of the movable side is received in the second groove section 32C of the movable side. The second retained section 55A of the movable side has several crimping projections 55A-1 (see Figure 1). Fig. 8A, B), which project outwards in the direction of the connection width, engage in the inner surface of the second groove section 32C of the movable side and are thus held in the second groove section 32C of the movable side by compression.

[0056] The second elastic section 56 is, as in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and B, the second connection 50 is bent at several points in the longitudinal direction in the sheet thickness direction and couples the upper end of the second plate section 54 of the fixed side and the lower end of the second plate section 55 of the movable side. On the second elastic section 56, several slot sections 56A of the same shape as the slot sections 46A of the first connection 40 are formed in the connection width direction at the same positions. These slot sections extend longitudinally and run through the second elastic section 56 in the sheet thickness direction. Also on the second elastic section 56, several web sections 56B of the same shape as the web sections 46B along the slot sections 56A are formed in the connection width direction at the same positions as the web sections 46B of the first connection 40.The second elastic section 56 is elastically displaceable in the connector width direction, the connection alignment direction, and the top-bottom direction due to the web sections 56B. Thus, in the present embodiment, the second elastic section 56 displaces elastically on the web sections 56B, which have a small connection width dimension. Therefore, it displaces more easily elastically compared to when the web sections are not provided. Consequently, an even greater degree of movement, and thus an even greater tolerance compensation, of the movable housing 30 can be ensured.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second elastic section 56 has an outer tongue section 56B-1 extending upwards from the upper end of the second plate section 54 of the fixed side, an upper tongue section 56B-2 bending at the upper end of the outer tongue section 56B-1 and extending inwards in the connector width direction, an inner tongue section 56B-3 bending at the inner end of the upper tongue section 56B-2 (inner end in the connector width direction) and extending downwards, and a lower tongue section 56B-4 bending at the lower end of the inner tongue section 56B-3, extending inwards in the connector width direction, and coupled to the lower end of the second plate section 55 of the movable side. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the outer tongue section 56B-1 is shorter than the outer tongue section 46B-1, the upper tongue section 56B-2 is shorter than the upper tongue section 46B-2, the inner tongue section 56B-3 is approximately the same length as the inner tongue section 46B-3, and the lower tongue section 56B-4 is longer than the lower tongue section 56B-4. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the inner tongue section 56B-3 is formed with a connection width dimension that is smaller, i.e., narrower, at an intermediate section in the top-bottom direction than at the other parts. This narrowing of the intermediate section of the inner tongue section 56B-3 allows the inner tongue section 56B-3 to move elastically even more easily.

[0058] The first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50, which form a terminal pair, are arranged overlapping each other in the sheet thickness direction. Specifically, the first terminal 40 is arranged so that it overlaps the second terminal 50 from above. As shown in Fig. 9A, B and Fig. As shown in Figures 11A, B, C, the first connection 40 and the second connection 50 are located in the same area in the connection width direction.

[0059] In the connection pair, the second connection section 51B is adjacent to the first connection section 41B at a position on the Y1 side with respect to the first connection section 41B and rests against the bottom of the attachment section 41C, as shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 11A, C shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second extension section 51A is located further ahead than the first extension section 41A.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the second plate section 54 of the fixed side lies in front of the first plate section 44 of the fixed side at a distance between it and the first plate section 44 of the fixed side. The second plate section 55 of the movable side lies in front of the first plate section 45 of the movable side at a distance between it and the first plate section 45 of the movable side.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the first extension section 42A extends in the connection width direction (Y-axis direction) inclined towards the Y1 side, and the second extension section 52A inclined towards the Y2 side. As in Fig. 9A, B and Fig. As shown in Figures 11B and C, the first contact sections 42B of the terminal pair are located further on the Y1 side and the second contact section 52B further on the Y2 side, so that the two first contact sections 42B and the two second contact sections 52B are aligned at equal intervals in the connector width direction. Since the first extension section 42A is inclined at a larger angle in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) than the second extension section 52A, the terminal pair, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows the first contact sections 42B and the second contact sections 52B in the connector width direction and top-bottom direction at the same positions.

[0062] As in Fig. 9B and Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, in the connection pair, the first extension sections 42A and the second extension sections 52A, viewed in the sheet thickness direction (i.e., in the connector width direction), are arranged at positions where they partially overlap. Thus, the portion of the first extension section 42A on the lower end face can have a connection width dimension that extends over a region reaching up to the second extension section 52A in the connection width direction. Similarly, the portion of the second extension section 52A on the lower end face can have a connection width dimension that extends over a region reaching up to the first extension section 42A in the connection width direction.The first extension sections 42A and the second extension sections 52A can therefore be extended to their maximum extent at the base without increasing the size of terminals 40 and 50 in the terminal width direction. As a result, a maximum cross-sectional area can be ensured at the respective base sections, thus allowing a higher current to flow.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the slot sections 46A and web sections 46B of the first elastic section 46 and the slot sections 56A and web sections 56B of the second elastic section 56 are provided at the same positions in the connector width direction and in the same shape. As shown in Fig. As shown in 11A, C, when viewed in the top-bottom direction and in the connector width direction, the slot sections 46A and the slot sections 56A are in overlapping positions, and the web sections 46B and the web sections 56B are also in overlapping positions.

[0064] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, on the second elastic section 56, the outer tongue section 56B-1 is located further inwards in the connector width direction than the outer tongue section 46B-1. The upper tongue section 56B-2 is located further down than the upper tongue section 46B-2. The inner tongue section 56B-3 is located further outwards in the connector width direction than the inner tongue section 46B-3. The lower tongue section 56B-4 is located further down than the lower tongue section 46B-4. The second elastic section 56 is thus positioned at a distance from the first elastic section 46 along its entire length. Consequently, when the first elastic section 46 and the second elastic section 56 move elastically, they do not come into contact with each other.

[0065] The terminal pairs of the X1-side terminal row and the terminal pairs of the X2-side terminal row are arranged in a position where they are rotated 180° about an axis extending in the top-bottom direction, or in other words, in a position that is point-symmetrical to each other when viewed in the top-bottom direction, and are opposite each other in the connector width direction (X-axis direction). The first contact section 42B of the first terminals 40 on the X1-side and the second contact section 52B of the second terminals 50 on the X2-side are opposite each other, and the second contact section 52B of the second terminals 50 on the X1-side and the first contact section 42B of the first terminals 40 on the X2-side are opposite each other (see Fig. 10) In the connected state, the opposing first contact sections 42B and second contact sections 52B clamp a mating-side contact section 83 of the mating connector 80 as described below, as shown in Fig. 12 shown.

[0066] The fixing bracket 60 is manufactured by bending a sheet metal element in the direction of the sheet thickness. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fixing bracket 60 has a base section 61 extending upwards and downwards with a plate surface at a right angle to the connection alignment direction, and a fixing section 62 that bends at the lower end of the base section 61 and extends outwards in the connection alignment direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base section 61 is pressed into the mounting retaining section 22A of the fixed housing 20 and is thus held in place. The fixing section 62 is positioned on a corresponding section (not shown) of the mounting surface of the printed circuit board and soldered to it, thereby fixing it to the corresponding section.

[0067] The connector 1 is assembled by successively attaching the first terminals 40 and the second terminals 50 to the housing 10 from below (from the side of the circuit board mounting surface in a top-bottom direction) and attaching the fixing brackets 60 to the housing 10. By attaching the first terminals 40 to the housing 10 before the second terminals 50 in this way, any obstruction between the first terminals 40 and the second terminals 50 is avoided.

[0068] Specifically, the first retained sections 45A of the movable side are first pressed into the first groove sections 32B of the movable side from below, thus attaching the first connections 40 to the movable housing 30. Then, the movable housing 30 is received from below in the interior 24 of the fixed housing 20, and the edge sections 44A of the first connections 40 are received from below in the first groove sections 21C of the fixed side of the fixed housing 20.

[0069] Next, the second retained sections 54A of the fixed side are pressed from below into the second groove sections 21D of the fixed side, and the second retained sections 55A of the movable side are pressed from below into the second groove sections 32C of the movable side, thus attaching the second connections 50 to the fixed housing 20 and the movable housing 30. By bringing the second connecting sections 51B of the second leg sections 51 into contact with and being supported by the connecting sections 41C of the first leg sections 41 from below, the first connecting sections 41B are correctly positioned in the top-bottom direction.

[0070] Next, the base sections 61 of the fixing brackets 60 are pressed from below into the bracket retaining sections 22A of the fixed housing 20, thus attaching the fixing brackets 60 to the fixed housing 20. This completes the assembly of the connector 1.

[0071] The assembly sequence of connector 1 is not limited to the sequence described above. For example, it is also possible to first place the movable housing 30 inside the interior 24 of the fixed housing 20, then attach the first terminals 40 to the housing 10, and then attach the second terminals 50 to the housing 10. The attachment of the fixing brackets 60 to the fixed housing 20 can also be carried out before or simultaneously with the attachment of the terminals 40 and 50.

[0072] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the mating connector 2 has a mating housing 70 and several mating terminals 80 held in series within the mating housing 70. In the present embodiment, two mating terminals 80 are provided. The mating housing 70 has a base body section 71 with a substantially cuboid outer shape, extending longitudinally in one direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board, and guided inner wall sections 72 extending downwards from end sections on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the base body section 71.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, several retaining hole sections 71A for holding the mating connection 80 are arranged longitudinally in the base body section 71. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the retaining hole sections 71A extend in a top-bottom direction through the base body section 71 and hold the mating connectors 80 pressed into it. A guided groove section 72A is formed in the guided inner wall sections 72, which is recessed inwards from the inner surface in the connection alignment direction and extends in a top-bottom direction. During the assembly of the connectors, the guide sections 36 of the connector 1 are received from below in the guided groove sections 72A, and the guided inner wall sections 72 are guided through the guide sections 36 into the interior 24 of the fixed housing 20.

[0074] The mating terminals 80 are formed by punching out a thicker sheet metal element than terminals 40 and 50 and are arranged in a position where their plate surface forms a right angle to the connector width direction. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the mating terminals 80 have mating-side retained sections 81 which are held in the retaining hole sections 71A of the mating housing 70, mating-side connecting sections 82 which extend upwards from the mating-side retained sections 81, and mating-side contact sections 83 which extend downwards from the mating-side retained sections 81.

[0075] The mating-side connecting sections 82 are formed with a smaller connection width dimension (dimension in the Y-axis direction) than the mating-side held sections 81. The upper end section of the mating-side connecting sections 82 projects upwards beyond the mating-side housing 70, and they are soldered at their upper end sections to circuit sections (not shown) of the printed circuit board. The mating-side contact sections 83 are formed with a smaller connection width dimension than the mating-side held sections 81 and a larger connection width dimension than the mating-side connecting sections 82. The mating-side contact sections 83 extend downwards from the mating-side held sections 81 to a position approximately corresponding to the guided inner wall sections 72. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the mating contact sections 83 on the plate surface come into contact with the terminals 40, 50. In the present embodiment, the mating contact sections 83 are formed with approximately the same width dimension as the terminals 40, 50, and their respective contact surfaces are in contact with the two first contact sections 42B and the two second contact sections 52B.

[0076] The mating connector 2 is assembled by pressing the mating-side held sections 81 from above into the retaining hole sections 71A of the mating housing 70 and thus attaching them to it.

[0077] Next, the process of mating connector 1 and mating connector 2 is described. First, connector 1 is soldered onto the mounting area of ​​the printed circuit board (not shown), and mating connector 2 is soldered onto the mounting area of ​​another printed circuit board (not shown). As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the plug-in sections 31 of connector 1 are next arranged in an upward-facing position, and the mating-side contact sections 83 of the mating terminals 80 of mating connector 2 are brought into a downward-extending position and arranged above connector 1. Then mating connector 2 is moved downwards to begin the mating connection with connector 1.

[0078] During the mating process, the guide sections 36 of connector 1 penetrate from below into the guided groove sections 72A of mating connector 2 and guide the guided inner wall sections 72 into the interior 24. The mating-side contact sections 83 of the mating terminals 80 penetrate into the receiving sections 34 of connector 1 and slide between the first contact sections 42B and second contact sections 52B, which are opposite each other in the connector width direction, and spread them apart. The first arm sections 42 and the second foot sections 52 each move outwards in the connector width direction, thus allowing further penetration of the mating-side contact sections 83.

[0079] When, during the further process of connecting the connectors, connector 1 reaches the standardized mating position, the following results, as shown in Fig. Figure 12 shows the mating state between connector 1 and mating connector 2, thus completing the mating connection process. In the mated state, the elastic displacement of the first arm sections 42 and the second foot sections 52 is maintained, and the mating contact sections 83 and the first contact sections 42B and second contact sections 52B are in contact with each other under contact pressure. In this way, terminals 40, 50 and the mating terminals 80 are electrically connected.

[0080] In the state immediately before mating and in the state of the mated connection of connectors 1, 2, there is no restriction requiring the mating position of connector 1 and mating connector 2 to be in the standardized position in the pin alignment direction and in the connector width direction; instead, this position can also deviate in these directions. In the present embodiment, the deviation between connectors 1, 2 is absorbed by a so-called tolerance compensation, in which the movable housing 30 is moved in the direction of the deviation by the elastic displacement of the elastic sections 46, 56 of the terminals 40, 50.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the second plate sections 54 of the fixed side of the second terminals 50 are held on the fixed housing 20, while the first plate sections 44 of the fixed side of the first terminals 40 are not held on the fixed housing 20. Therefore, the first plate sections 44 of the fixed side of the first terminals 40 can be parts that, together with the first elastic sections 46, are elastically displaceable. Compared to holding the first plate sections 44 of the fixed side on the fixed housing 20, the length of the elastically displaceable part of the first terminals 40, i.e., the so-called spring length, can thus be increased, thereby creating a greater degree of tolerance compensation for the movable housing 30. Since the first terminals 40 do not need to be lengthened overall, an increase in the size of the first terminals 40, and thus of the connector 1, can also be avoided.

[0082] In the embodiment discussed above, the first plate sections 44 of the fixed side of the first connections 40 are not held on the fixed housing 20, but the second plate sections 54 of the fixed side of the second connections 50 are held on the fixed housing 20; however, as an alternative example, the first plate sections of the fixed side of the first connections can be held on the fixed housing, while the second plate sections of the fixed side of the second connections are not held on the fixed housing.

[0083] This variation example will be illustrated below using the following: Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 described. In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are the parts that correspond to the sections of the elements of the above based on Fig. Parts 1 to 12 of the embodiment discussed above are identified by reference numerals, with "100" added to the reference numerals of the embodiment discussed above. For the modified example, the description focuses on the parts whose design differs from the embodiment discussed above, while the description of common parts is omitted.

[0084] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13A, the first plate sections 144 of the fixed side of the first terminals 140 have the same shape as the second plate sections 54 of the fixed side of the second terminals 50 of the embodiment discussed above (see Figure 13A). Fig. 8A, B). On the first plate sections 144 of the fixed side, the edge section on both sides in the connection width direction is thus formed as the first held section 144A of the fixed side and is, as in Fig. 14A, held in place by compression projections 144A-1 of the first plate sections 144 of the fixed side in the first groove sections 121C of the fixed side of the fixed housing 120. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14A, the first groove sections 121C of the fixed side are formed in the same shape as the second groove sections 21D of the fixed side of the embodiment discussed above.

[0085] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, the second plate sections 154 of the fixed side of the second terminals 150 have the same shape as the first plate sections 44 of the fixed side of the first terminals 40 of the embodiment discussed above (see Figure 13B). Fig. 7A, B). The edge sections 154A on both sides of the second plate sections 154 of the fixed side in the connection width direction are therefore, as in Fig. 14B shown, taken in the second groove sections 121D of the fixed side of the fixed housing 120. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14B, the second groove sections 121D of the fixed side are formed in the same shape as the first groove sections 21C of the fixed side of the embodiment discussed above. The edge sections 154A are received in the first groove sections 21C of the fixed side in a state in which a gap is formed between them and the inner surface of the first groove sections 21C of the fixed side and can move within this gap. Fig. 14B was used to depict the in Fig. The first connection shown in 14A is omitted.

[0086] In the modified example, the second plate sections 154 of the fixed side, whose edge sections 154A are not held, can be the parts that, together with the first elastic sections 156, are elastically displaceable at the second terminals 150. In contrast to holding the second plate sections 154 of the fixed side to the fixed housing 20, the length of the elastically displaceable part of the second terminals 150, i.e., the so-called spring length, can therefore be increased, thus creating a greater degree of tolerance compensation for the movable housing. Since the second terminals 150 do not need to be lengthened overall, an increase in the size of the second terminals 150, and thus of the connector, can also be avoided.

[0087] In this modified example as well, when assembling the connector, the first terminals 140 and the second terminals 150 are attached to the housing 110 from below in that order. When attaching the second terminals 150, the first plate sections 144 of the fixed side of the first terminals 140 are held against the fixed housing 120, which is why, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 14A, the lower surface of the connecting section 141C of the first terminals 140 is positioned from above against the upper surface of the second connecting section 151B of the second terminals 150 and is supported by it. Consequently, excessive upward movement of the second leg sections 151 is restricted, and the second connecting section 151B is properly positioned in the connector height direction.

[0088] In the embodiment discussed above and in the modified example, the first extension sections 42A, 142A of the first connections 40, 140 and the second extension sections 52A, 152A of the second connections 50, 150 extend such that their connection width dimension decreases continuously upwards. However, the connection width dimension need not necessarily decrease continuously; it can also decrease discontinuously. In this case, for example, the first extension sections 42A, 142A and the second extension sections 52A, 152A can have a stepped section at their side edge, and their connection width dimension can decrease upwards at the position of the stepped section.

[0089] In the embodiment discussed above and in the modified example, the first terminals 40, 140 and the second terminals 50, 150 are each power supply terminals, but not both need to be power supply terminals, and instead at least the first terminals or the second terminals can be signal terminals. If either the first terminals or the second terminals are signal terminals and the others are power supply terminals, no connecting piece is provided at the first terminals to prevent contact between the terminals.

[0090] In the embodiment discussed above and the modified example, two first extension sections 42A, 142A and two second extension sections 52A, 152A are provided, but the number of first extension sections and second extension sections is not limited to this, and there may also be one, three or more of each.

[0091] In the embodiment discussed above and in the modified example, the slotted sections 46A, 146A and the web sections 46B, 146B are formed on the first elastic sections 46, 146, and the slotted sections 56A, 156A and the web sections 56B, 156B are formed on the second elastic sections 56, 156. However, as long as sufficient elasticity can be ensured on the first elastic sections and the second elastic sections, the slotted sections and the web sections are not strictly necessary, and the first elastic sections and the second elastic sections can each be formed as a continuous, band-shaped part in the connection width direction. It is also possible for slotted sections and web sections to be formed only on either the first elastic sections or only on the second elastic sections. Explanation of reference symbols 1 connector 2 mating connectors 10 cases 20, 120 fixed housing 30 movable housing 40, 140 first connection 41B first connecting section 41C, 141C Plant section 42 first foot section 42A, 142A first extension section 42B first contact section 43 first intermediate section 44, 144 first plate section of the fixed side 45 first plate section of the movable side 46, 146 first elastic section 46B, 146B Bridge section 50, 150 second connection 51B, 151B second connecting section 52 second foot section 52A, 152A second extension section 52B second contact section 53 second intermediate section 54, 154 second plate section of the fixed side 55 second plate section of the movable side 56, 156 second elastic section 56B, 156B Bridge section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019-192347 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards, which is arranged on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board and is connected to a mating connector by plugging it together, comprising several connections which have a shape in which a sheet metal element is bent in one sheet thickness direction, and which are arranged in a position in which a sheet thickness surface forms a right angle to the mounting surface, and a housing that holds the multiple connectors, wherein the housing comprises a fixed housing which is fixed to the circuit board via the connections, and a movable housing which is movable relative to the fixed housing, characterized by , that the multiple connections have a first connection and a second connection which is arranged in relation to the first connection such that it overlaps it in the sheet thickness direction, wherein the first connection has a first connecting section formed on one end side and connectable to a circuit section of the printed circuit board, at least a first leg section formed on another end side and which can come into contact with the mating connector, and a first intermediate section located between the first connecting section and the first leg section, wherein the first leg section has a first extension section extending towards the other end of the first connection and a first contact section located further than the first extension section on the other end side, where, on the first extension section, a connection width dimension in a connection width direction that is perpendicular to the sheet thickness direction becomes smaller towards the other end side, where the first contact section is provided at a position that lies further on one side in the connection width direction, wherein the second connection has a second connecting section formed on one end side and connectable to a circuit section of the printed circuit board, at least a second leg section formed on another end side and which can come into contact with the mating connector, and a second intermediate section located between the second connecting section and the second leg section and extending along the first intermediate section, wherein the second leg section has a second extension section which extends towards the other end of the second connection along the first extension section and a second contact section which lies further than the second extension section on the other end side, where, when considering the second extension section in the sheet thickness direction, it partially overlaps the first extension section and its connection width dimension becomes smaller towards the other end side, wherein the second contact section is provided in a different position than the first contact section on the side opposite the connection width direction. [2] Connectors for printed circuit boards according to claim 1, wherein the first extension section extends such that its connection width dimension becomes continuously smaller towards the other end side of the first connection, and the second extension section extends such that its connection width dimension becomes continuously smaller towards the other end of the second connection. [3] Electrical connector for printed circuit boards according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first connection and the second connection is a power supply connection.

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