Substrate-mounted connector

Abstract

To perform reliable mounting while improving the workability of mounting (fixing) a compression connector on a substrate.SOLUTION: A substrate-mounted connector 10 that mounts a compression type connector 31 to be pressed and connected to a connection target and a substrate 11 via a cage 21 comprises the compression connector 31 including a contact 32 in contact with the substrate 11, a housing 33 to which the contact 32 is fixed, and a cover shell 34 covering an upper surface of the housing 33. The compression connector 31 is inserted into the cage 21 fixed to the substrate 11. A lock hole 37 and a lock piece 24 entering the lock hole 37 and fixing a position of the compression connector 31 with respect to the cage 21 are formed in the compression connector 31 or the cage 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a board-mounted connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Compression type connectors that are pressed against a connection target such as a circuit board to connect have been known for some time. The structure of this type of connector is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 below. The conventional compression type connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is configured as an electrical connector (1) equipped with contacts (20) having elastic spring portions (23), as shown in FIG. 113. In this electrical connector (1), a plurality of contacts (20) are arranged in an aligned state.

[0003] The contact (20) has a board connection portion (22) soldered to the first circuit board (30) and a contact portion (24) that contacts the second circuit board (40). An elastic spring portion (23) having spring properties is provided between the board connection portion (22) and the contact portion (24). When the second circuit board (40) is pressed from above the contact (20) attached to the first circuit board (30) by soldering, the elastic spring portion (23) of the contact (20) exerts spring properties and generates contact pressure between the second circuit board (40) and the contact (20). Note that the symbols related to the explanations of the prior art documents are distinguished from the embodiments of the present invention by adding parentheses.

[0004] Conventional compression connectors have been attached (fixed) to a board using screws. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-12123 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when fixing a compression connector to a board with screws, a typical method is to attach a nut from the board surface opposite to the connector mounting surface on which the connector is mounted, and then tighten the screw from the connector mounting surface side. In the case of such conventional technology, the worker needs to hold the connector and nut with his / her hand while tightening the screw, which makes it difficult to install (fix) the connector. In other words, the conventional structure for fixing a compression connector to a board by screws requires a separate nut in addition to the screw, which creates problems such as the possibility of the nut being lost and the labor required.

[0007] In other words, in conventional compression connectors, there has been a demand for a configuration that improves the ease of attachment when attaching (fixing) the connector to a board while ensuring reliable attachment.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a configuration that simplifies the connector installation (fixing) work when fixing a compression connector to a board and enables the compression connector to be fixed to the board with fewer operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The connector with a board of the present invention is a connector with a board in which a compression type connector that is connected by pressing it against an object to be connected is attached to a board via a cage, and has a compression connector having contacts that contact the board, a housing to which the contacts are fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing, and the compression connector is inserted into the cage fixed to the board, and the compression connector or the cage is formed with a locking hole and a locking piece that enters the locking hole and fixes the position of the compression connector relative to the cage.

[0010] That is, the connector with board according to the present invention has a mechanism for attaching the compression type connector and the board via a cage, and since the cage can be attached to the board in advance, it will not fall off or get lost like conventional screws and nuts. In addition, the connector with board according to the present invention employs a mechanism for fixing with a latch, so the labor required for installation is reduced and torque management of the screw is not required as in the past. Furthermore, in the conventional technology, the device dimensions were large because of the height of the screw head and the protrusion of the screw tip and nut, but in the present invention, the height of the top surface of the connector and the protrusion from the bottom surface of the board can be reduced, so the entire device can be made compact.

[0011] Furthermore, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the locking hole can be formed in the cover shell of the compression connector, and the cage can have one or more compression springs in the same direction as the arrangement of the contacts for pressing the top surface of the cover shell toward the board, and can also have one or more locking pieces that enter the locking hole formed in the cover shell and fix the horizontal positions of the cage and the compression connector.

[0012] Furthermore, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage consists of two components: a cage base and a cage cover, and the cage cover has one or more compression springs in the same direction as the arrangement of the contacts for pressing the top surface of the cover shell toward the board, and the cage cover rotates relative to the cage base fixed to the board, and can have one or more spring-like locking pieces that enter locking holes formed in the cage base to fix the cage cover to the cage base.

[0013] In addition, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage has a cage top surface that cooperates with the board to receive the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector, and can have one or more locking holes that receive a locking claw formed on a locking piece of the compression connector.

[0014] In addition, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage has a bottom surface with holes for accommodating the contacts of the compression connector, and can have one or more locking holes on each of two surfaces extending upright in a third direction from the bottom surface for accommodating locking claws formed on each of a pair of locking pieces formed on two surfaces of the compression connector facing in a first direction.

[0015] In addition, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage can consist of two components: a cage base and a cage cover, and the cage cover can have a cage top surface that cooperates with the board to receive the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector, a rotating part that rotates relative to the cage base fixed to the board, and a locking hole that receives a locking claw formed on a locking piece of the compression connector.

[0016] In the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage can have one or more locking holes for receiving a locking claw formed on a locking piece of the compression connector.

[0017] Furthermore, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the cage consists of two components, a cage base and a cage cover, the cage base is fixed to the board, and the cage cover is fixed to the cage base by rotating relative to the cage base fixed to the board, and the cage cover can have one or more compression springs in the same direction as the arrangement of the contacts for pressing the top surface of the cover shell toward the board, and one or more locking holes into which a locking claw formed in a locking piece of the cage base can be inserted.

[0018] Furthermore, in the board-mounted connector of the present invention, the compression connector can have a locking claw formed on a locking piece, the cage can have a locking hole into which the locking claw fits, and the locking claw can be fitted into the locking hole by sliding the compression connector in a first direction relative to the cage.

[0019] Furthermore, in the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, the compression connector may include a bottom shell that covers a lower surface portion of the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, when fixing the compression connector to the board, the work of attaching (fixing) the connector is simple, and a configuration can be realized in which the compression connector can be fixed to the board with few operations. In particular, in the present invention, the compression connector only needs to be installed in a cage formed in advance on the board, and a latch mechanism is used as the attachment means, so positioning and fixing are simple. Therefore, according to the present invention, the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector to the board can be improved while ensuring reliable attachment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Diagram 2] 1 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment, seen from the upper left rear. [Diagram 3] 1 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. [Figure 4] 1 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which a compression connector has been detached from a cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which a compression connector has been detached from a cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front view of a compression connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line AA in FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 12] 1 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the lower left rear. [Figure 13] 1 is a front view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is a rear view of the cage of the board-mounted connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a top view of a cage of the board-mounted connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line BB in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] 11 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 19] 11 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the second embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is an external perspective view of a board with a cage of a board connector according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 23] 13 is an external perspective view of a board with a cage of a board connector according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 24]13 is a right side view of a cage of the board-mounted connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 25] A figure for explaining the operating state of the cage of the board-mounted connector of the second embodiment, in which part (a) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in an open state, and part (b) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in a closed state. [Figure 26] 11 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 27] 11 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the third embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the third embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 29] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the third embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the third embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a front view of a compression connector according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the third embodiment. [Diagram 36] 35 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line CC in FIG. 34. [Figure 37]35 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line DD in FIG. 34. [Figure 38] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 39] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. [Diagram 40] 13 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Diagram 41] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Diagram 42] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Diagram 43] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fourth embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Diagram 45] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Diagram 46] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. [Figure 47] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is a front view of a compression connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 50] 49 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along line EE in FIG. 48. [Figure 51] 49 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along the line FF in FIG. 48. [Figure 52] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Diagram 53] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left and rear. FIG. [Figure 54] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. [Figure 55] 13 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 56] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 57] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 58] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 59] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Figure 60] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 61] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. [Figure 62] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. [Figure 63] FIG. 13 is a front view of a compression connector according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 65] FIG. 64 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross section along line GG in FIG. 63. [Figure 66]FIG. 64 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cross section along the line HH in FIG. 63. [Figure 67] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 68] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left and rear. FIG. [Figure 69] A figure for explaining the operating state of the cage of the board-mounted connector of the fifth embodiment, in which part (a) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in the open state, and part (b) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in the closed state. [Figure 70] 13 is an external perspective view of a board-mounted connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 71] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the sixth embodiment, seen from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 72] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the sixth embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 73] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the sixth embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 74] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the sixth embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Figure 75] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the sixth embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the lower right front. FIG. [Figure 76] 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. [Figure 78]FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. [Figure 79] FIG. 13 is a front view of a compression connector according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 81] 79. FIG. 80 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a cross section along line II in FIG. [Figure 82] 79. FIG. 79 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cross section along the line JJ in FIG. [Figure 83] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 84] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. [Figure 85] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 86] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 87] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 88] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the seventh embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 89] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the seventh embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Figure 90] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. [Figure 91] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from the rear lower left. [Figure 92] FIG. 13 is a front view of a compression connector according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 94] 93 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cross section along line KK in FIG. 92. [Figure 95] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 96] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from the upper left and rear. FIG. [Figure 97] A figure for explaining the operating state of the cage of the board-mounted connector of the seventh embodiment, in which part (a) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in the open state, and part (b) shows the cage base and cage cover that make up the cage in the closed state. [Figure 98] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, as viewed from the front upper right. FIG. [Figure 99] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, seen from the upper left rear. FIG. [Figure 100] 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, as viewed from the lower front right. FIG. [Figure 101] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 102] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, seen from the upper left and rear, showing a state in which the compression connector has been detached from the cage-equipped board. [Figure 103] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a compression connector according to an eighth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 104] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the compression connector according to the eighth embodiment, as viewed from the lower rear left. [Figure 105]FIG. 13 is a front view of a compression connector according to an eighth embodiment. [Fig. 106] FIG. 23 is a right side view of the compression connector according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 13 is a top view of a compression connector according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 108] FIG. 106 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cross section along line LL in FIG. [Fig. 109] FIG. 106 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the cross section along line MM in FIG. [Figure 110] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to an eighth embodiment, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 111] 13 is an external perspective view of a cage of a board-mounted connector according to an eighth embodiment, as viewed from the lower left rear. FIG. [Figure 112] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of assembling a board-mounted connector according to the eighth embodiment, in which (a) shows the compression connector removed from the board-mounted with a cage, (b) shows the compression connector being lowered vertically toward the board from a position diagonally above and behind the board-mounted with a cage, and (c) shows the compression connector being fixed to the board-mounted with a cage by sliding the compression connector forward from the position shown in (b). [Figure 113] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional compression type connector disposed between circuit boards. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are defined for the convenience of explanation. In this specification, the first direction is the front-rear direction. In the drawings, the front-rear direction is shown as the X direction. In particular, the front is the +X direction, and the rear is the -X direction. In addition, in this specification, the second direction is the left-right direction. In the drawings, the left-right direction is shown as the Y direction. In particular, the right side is the +Y direction, and the left side is the -Y direction. In addition, in this specification, the third direction is the up-down direction. In the drawings, the up-down direction is shown as the Z direction. In particular, the upper side is the +Z direction, and the lower side is the -Z direction. However, the first direction, the X direction, the second direction, the Y direction, and the third direction, the Z direction, defined in this specification do not limit the direction when the board-mounted connector of each embodiment is used. The board-mounted connector of each embodiment can be used in any direction.

[0023] Furthermore, the following embodiments do not limit the inventions related to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0024] [First embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the board-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0025] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0026] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 3). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (assuming 13 in the first embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0027] 11 to 16, the cage 21 is a member formed by pressing and bending a flat metal plate, and has a cage top surface 21a forming the upper surface, and a vertical front surface 21b, a vertical right side surface 21c, and a vertical left side surface 21d formed as the vertical surfaces of the present invention by bending vertically from the front and the left and right sides of the cage top surface 21a. The area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, the vertical front surface 21b, the vertical right side surface 21c, the vertical left side surface 21d, and the upper surface of the board 11 is the area for storing and installing the compression connector 31.

[0028] A plurality of legs 22 (13 in the second embodiment) are formed on the lower end faces of the vertical front side 21b, the vertical right side 21c, and the vertical left side 21d. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11 to reliably fix the substrate 11 and the cage 21. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the multiple mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be inserted into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bent to reliably fix the legs 22.

[0029] Furthermore, a plurality of pressing springs 23 (six in the first embodiment) curved toward the substrate 11 and having spring properties are formed on the cage top surface 21a. When the compression connector 31 is not stored in the area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, vertical front surface 21b, vertical right side surface 21c, and vertical left side surface 21d that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the substrate 11, the pressing springs 23 are arranged to protrude into said area (see FIG. 14). When the compression connector 31 is inserted and installed in the area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, vertical front surface 21b, vertical right side surface 21c, and vertical left side surface 21d that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the substrate 11, the pressing springs 23 can press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the substrate 11. In addition, the six pressing springs 23 of the cage 21 in the first embodiment are formed in a line in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 21a, so that they can press against the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper side of the compression connector 31 described later.

[0030] Furthermore, at the left and right ends of the cage top surface 21a, there are formed two locking pieces 24, one on each side, which restrict the horizontal movement of the cage 21 and the compression connector 31 by inserting into locking holes 37 formed in the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 described later.

[0031] As shown in more detail in Fig. 16, the lock piece 24 has an external shape with a slope in a side view, and is formed to have a wedge shape with a slope that gradually protrudes toward the board 11 from the open rear side of the cage 21 toward the vertical front surface 21b. The wedge shape of the lock piece 24 is a shape that does not hinder the insertion operation of the compression connector 31 that is inserted from the rear side of the cage 21 toward the front, and is also a shape that allows the lock piece 24 to be gradually lifted upward when the compression connector 31 is inserted into the cage 21. Furthermore, when the lock piece 24 fits into a lock hole 37 formed in a cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 described later, the lock piece 24 functions as a stopper that prevents the compression connector 31 from coming out of the cage 21.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 to 10, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0033] As shown particularly in FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 10, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in Fig. 10). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0035] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 10, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0036] Lock holes 37 are formed at the left and right ends of the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33. A total of two lock holes 37 are formed, one at each of the left and right ends of the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34, and are formed so as to correspond to the positions at which the lock pieces 24 are formed when the compression connector 31 is inserted inside the cage 21, so that the lock holes 37 are configured so that the lock pieces 24 can fit into them.

[0037] Regarding the members constituting the compression connector 31 of the first embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0038] The above has described the configuration of the board connector 10 according to the first embodiment. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 that constitutes the board connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally toward the front (+X direction) from the state shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Then, when the compression connector 31 is inserted toward the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is inserted into the area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, the vertical front surface 21b, the vertical right side surface 21c, and the vertical left side surface 21d that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the board 11, while pushing up the six pressing springs 23 that are arranged protruding into the area in the +Z direction. Therefore, the force based on the spring elasticity exerted by the six pressing springs 23 acts downward (-Z direction), so that the six pressing springs 23 press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the board 11.

[0040] At this time, the compression connector 31 inserted into the board 11 with the cage 21 exerts a vertical contact reaction force on the board 11, which is exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31. However, the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 is offset by a force based on the spring elasticity of the six pressing springs 23, and is received by the cage 21 housing the compression connector 31, particularly by the cage top surface 21a that constitutes the upper surface of the cage 21, so that a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 is maintained.

[0041] The six pressing springs 23 of the cage 21 of the first embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 21a, and this arrangement is in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts 32. Therefore, the six pressing springs 23 can uniformly exert force based on spring elasticity against the contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32, and can appropriately press the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31.

[0042] Furthermore, as the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally forward (in the +X direction) relative to the board 11 with the cage 21, the two locking pieces 24 formed at the left and right ends of the cage top surface 21a gradually lift upward due to the action of their wedge shapes, and as the compression connector 31 is further inserted, the locking pieces 24 fit into the locking holes 37 formed in the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31. When the locking pieces 24 fit into the locking holes 37, the locking pieces 24 function as a retainer that prevents the compression connector 31 from slipping out of the cage 21, thereby fixing the position of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21.

[0043] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the board 11 with the cage 21, the user lifts up the two lock pieces 24 formed at the left and right ends of the cage top surface 21a and moves the compression connector 31 horizontally backward (-X direction). In this case, the lock pieces 24 are released from their function of preventing the compression connector 31 from coming off, and the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 is offset by the force based on the spring elasticity exerted by the six pressing springs 23 formed on the cage top surface 21a of the cage 21, so that the compression connector 31 can be easily moved horizontally backward (-X direction). In this way, the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally backward (-X direction) and completely pulled out from the board 11 with the cage 21, thereby removing the compression connector 31 from the board 11 with the cage 21.

[0044] As described above, in the board-mounted connector 10 of the first embodiment, the locking holes 37 are formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the upper surface side of the compression connector 31, and the locking pieces 24 are formed at the left and right end positions of the cage top surface 21a constituting the cage 21, and the locking pieces 24 fit into the locking holes 37, thereby fixing the horizontal position of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21. Furthermore, the cage 21 is formed with a plurality of pressing springs 23 in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the contacts 32 for pressing the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 toward the board 11, so that when the compression connector 31 is inserted into the area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, vertical front surface 21b, vertical right side surface 21c, and vertical left side surface 21d that constitute the cage 21, and the top surface of the board 11, the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the top surface side of the compression connector 31 can be pressed toward the board 11, so that a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 is maintained. In other words, the board-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment improves the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11 and ensures reliable attachment.

[0045] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the first embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the first embodiment.

[0046] For example, in the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which six pressure springs 23 are formed on the cage top surface 21a that constitutes the cage 21, but the number of pressure springs according to the present invention can be selected to be any number greater than or equal to one.

[0047] Also, for example, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example was shown in which two lock holes 37 are formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the upper surface side of the compression connector 31, and one lock piece 24 is formed at each of the left and right ends of the cage top surface 21a constituting the cage 21, for a total of two lock holes 37, but the positions of the lock holes and lock pieces according to the present invention may be reversed. That is, the lock holes may be formed on the cage side, and the lock pieces may be formed on the compression connector side. Furthermore, the number of each of the lock holes and lock pieces according to the present invention may be selected arbitrarily as long as there is at least one of each.

[0048] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 16. Next, a board-mounted connector 100 according to a second embodiment, which is another possible form of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 25. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0049] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 25. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the board-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0050] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0051] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 19). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (assuming 13 in the second embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0052] The cage 21 according to the second embodiment is made up of two members, a cage base 121 and a cage cover 131, as shown in FIGS.

[0053] A plurality of legs 22 (13 in the second embodiment) are formed on the cage base 121. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward from the bottom side of the cage base 121, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11, thereby reliably fixing the substrate 11 to the cage base 121. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be fixed reliably by inserting the legs 22 into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bending them.

[0054] The cage cover 131 rotates relative to the cage base 121 fixed to the substrate 11. When the cage cover 131 is open relative to the cage base 121 (see the state in FIG. 25(a)), a compression connector 31 (described later) can be installed or removed from the substrate 11, and when the cage cover 131 is closed relative to the cage base 121 (see the state in FIG. 25(b)), the compression connector 31 can be stored and installed in the area surrounded by the cage cover 131, the cage base 121, and the upper surface of the substrate 11.

[0055] Furthermore, a plurality of (six in the second embodiment) pressing springs 133 that are curved toward the substrate 11 and have spring properties are formed on the cage top surface 131a of the cage cover 131. When the cage cover 131 is in an open state, that is, when no external force is acting on the pressing springs 133, curved portions of the pressing springs 133 protrude from the cage top surface 131a. When the compression connector 31 is stored in the cage base 121 fixed to the substrate 11 and the cage cover 131 is then closed from that state, the six pressing springs 133 press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the substrate 11. In addition, the six pressing springs 133 of the cage 21 of the second embodiment are arranged in a line in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 131a, so that they can press against the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper side of the compression connector 31 described later.

[0056] Furthermore, four lock holes 127, two on each side, are formed at the left and right ends of the cage base 121. Meanwhile, four springy lock pieces 134, two on each side, are formed at the left and right ends of the cage cover 131, which fasten the cage cover 131 to the cage base 121 by fitting into the lock holes 127 formed in the cage base 121. These four lock holes 127 and lock pieces 134 are configured so that when the cage cover 131 is closed relative to the cage base 121, the lock pieces 134 can fit into the lock holes 127 at four positions.

[0057] 25 etc., the locking pieces 134 have an exterior shape with a slope, and are formed so as to have a wedge shape with a slope that gradually protrudes outward to the left and right from the lower side toward the upper side when the cage cover 131 is closed on the cage base 121. The wedge shape of the locking pieces 134 is a shape that does not impede the insertion operation when inserting the locking pieces 134 into the locking holes 127, and once the locking pieces 134 fit into the locking holes 127, it functions as a stopper that prevents the locking pieces 134 from slipping out of the locking holes 127.

[0058] Incidentally, the compression connector 31 of the second embodiment has a similar configuration to the compression connector 31 of the first embodiment described above, except that the compression connector 31 does not have a lock hole 37 formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the upper side of the compression connector 31 and that the shape of the housing 33 is different, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The above has described the configuration of the board connector 100 according to the second embodiment. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 that constitutes the board connector 100 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0060] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (in the -Z direction) from the state shown in Figs. 20, 21, and 25, i.e., from the state where the cage cover 131 is open relative to the cage base 121. Then, after the compression connector 31 is placed at the position of the cage base 121, the cage cover 131 is rotated to close the upper surface of the cage base 121 fixed to the substrate 11. At this time, the rotation of the cage cover 131 also rotates the four lock pieces 134, and each of them enters into the four lock holes 127. When the lock pieces 134 enter into the lock holes 127, the closing operation of the cage cover 131 relative to the cage base 121 is completed, and the compression connector 31 is stored in the area surrounded by the cage cover 131, the cage base 121, and the upper surface of the substrate 11.

[0061] When the compression connector 31 is stored in the area surrounded by the cage cover 131, the cage base 121, and the top surface of the substrate 11, the six compression springs 133 formed on the cage top surface 131a of the cage cover 131 exert a force based on their spring elasticity in a downward direction (-Z direction), and the six compression springs 133 press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the top side of the compression connector 31 toward the substrate 11.

[0062] At this time, the compression connector 31 inserted into the board 11 with the cage 21 exerts a vertical contact reaction force on the board 11, which is exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31. However, the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 is offset by a force based on the spring elasticity of the six pressing springs 133, and is received by the cage 21 that houses the compression connector 31, particularly by the cage cover 131 that constitutes the upper surface of the cage 21, so that the compression connector 31 is maintained in a stably fixed state with respect to the board 11.

[0063] The six pressing springs 133 of the cage cover 131 of the second embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 131a, and this arrangement is in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts 32. Therefore, the six pressing springs 133 can uniformly exert force based on spring elasticity against the contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32, and can appropriately press the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-mentioned contact reaction force is ultimately received by the cage base 121 fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 11 and the cage cover 131 fixed via the locking piece 134 fitted into the locking hole 127 of the cage base 121, thereby achieving a secure fixation of the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0065] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user operates the lock piece 134 to pull out the lock piece 134 that is fitted into the lock hole 127, thereby releasing the restrained state of the cage cover 131 from the cage base 121. Then, the cage cover 131 is rotated to open the upper surface of the cage base 121 fixed to the substrate 11. In other words, by bringing the cage cover 131 into an open state relative to the cage base 121 (see the state in FIG. 25(a)), the compression connector 31 can be removed as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0066] As described above, the board-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment has a cage cover 131 that rotates relative to the cage base 121 fixed to the board 11, and the lock pieces 134 formed on the cage cover 131 fit into the lock holes 127 formed in the cage base 121, thereby enabling the compression connector 31 arranged in the area surrounded by the cage cover 131, the cage base 121, and the upper surface of the board 11 to be securely fixed. Also, the cage cover 131 is provided with a plurality of pressing springs 133 in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the contacts 32, which press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 toward the board 11. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is inserted and installed in the area surrounded by the cage cover 131 and the cage base 121 that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the board 11, the pressing springs 133 can press the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the board 11. Therefore, the board connector 100 according to the second embodiment maintains a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11. In other words, the board connector 100 according to the second embodiment can improve the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11 while ensuring reliable attachment.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned second embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-mentioned second embodiment.

[0068] For example, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example was shown in which six compression springs 133 are formed on the cage cover 131 that constitutes the cage 21, but the number of compression springs according to the present invention can be selected to be any number greater than or equal to one.

[0069] Also, for example, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, an example was shown in which two lock holes 127 are formed on each of the left and right positions of the cage base 121, for a total of four lock pieces 134, and two lock pieces 134 are formed on each of the left and right ends of the cage top surface 131a that constitutes the cage cover 131, for a total of four lock holes 127, but the positions of the lock holes and lock pieces according to the present invention may be reversed. That is, the lock holes may be formed on the cage cover side, and the lock pieces may be formed on the cage base side. Furthermore, the number of each of the lock holes and lock pieces according to the present invention may be selected arbitrarily as long as there is at least one of each.

[0070] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 100 according to the second embodiment has been described above with reference to Figs. 17 to 25. Next, a board-mounted connector 200 according to a third embodiment, which is another possible embodiment of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs. 26 to 39. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first and second embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0071] [Third embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 39. As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the board-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0072] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0073] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 28). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21, which will be described later, are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (twelve are assumed in the third embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0074] As shown in Figures 38 and 39, the cage 21 is a member formed by pressing and bending a flat metal plate, and has a cage top surface 21a forming the upper surface, and a vertical front surface 21b, a vertical right side surface 21c, and a vertical left side surface 21d formed as the vertical surfaces of the present invention by bending vertically from the front and the left and right sides of the cage top surface 21a. The area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, the vertical front surface 21b, the vertical right side surface 21c, the vertical left side surface 21d, and the upper surface of the board 11 is the area for storing and installing the compression connector 31.

[0075] A plurality of legs 22 (12 in the third embodiment) are formed on the lower end faces of the vertical front side 21b, the vertical right side 21c, and the vertical left side 21d. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11 to reliably fix the substrate 11 and the cage 21. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the multiple mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be inserted into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bent to reliably fix the legs 22.

[0076] On the other hand, the cage top surface 21a is a portion that cooperates with the board 11 to receive a vertical contact reaction force exerted from the compression connector 31 when the cage 21 and the board 11 house and install the compression connector 31. The center of the cage top surface 21a in the third embodiment has a shape that protrudes upward, and further, two lock holes 223 are formed in the protruding portion of the center portion into which lock claws 238 formed on lock pieces 237 of the compression connector 31 described later enter. The lock claws 238 formed on lock pieces 237 of the compression connector 31 described later enter into the two lock holes 223, respectively, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21.

[0077] As shown in Figures 31 to 37, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0078] As shown particularly in FIGS. 33 and 34, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 36, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in Fig. 36). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0080] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 36, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0081] A lock piece 237 that curves upward from the front and then curves rearward and extends rearward is formed in the center of a top surface 34a of a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface portion of the housing 33. As shown in Figures 35 to 37, this lock piece 237 is formed to be approximately J-shaped in side view.

[0082] Furthermore, the lock piece 237 according to the third embodiment is formed with two lock claws 238 extending upward from the left and right side surfaces. As shown in more detail in FIG. 37 and the like, the lock claws 238 have an external shape with a sloping surface in a side view, and are formed to have a wedge shape with a slope that gradually increases in the upward projection from the front side to the rear side of the compression connector 31. The wedge shape of the lock claws 238 is a shape that does not hinder the insertion operation of the compression connector 31 that is inserted from the rear side of the cage 21 to the front, and is also a shape that gradually bends downward by contacting the lock claws 238 with the cage top surface 21a when the compression connector 31 is inserted into the cage 21. When the compression connector 31 is further inserted into the cage 21 from this state, the two lock claws 238 enter into the two lock holes 223 formed in the cage top surface 21a, respectively.

[0083] When the two locking claws 238 formed on the locking piece 237 of the compression connector 31 fit into the two locking holes 223 formed in the cage top surface 21a, the downwardly bent locking piece 237 is released from the constraint of the cage top surface 21a and returns to its original shape, which is substantially J-shaped in side view. In this state, the locking claws 238 are completely fitted into the locking holes 223, so that the horizontal movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21 is restricted. In other words, the locking claws 238 and the locking holes 223 work together to function as a retainer that prevents the compression connector 31 from slipping out of the cage 21.

[0084] Regarding the components constituting the compression connector 31 of the third embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0085] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment has been described above. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 constituting the board-mounted connector 200 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0086] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally toward the front (+X direction) from the state shown in Figures 29 and 30. Then, when the compression connector 31 is inserted toward the area surrounded by the cage top surface 21a, the vertical front surface 21b, the vertical right side surface 21c, and the vertical left side surface 21d that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the board 11, the compression connector 31 exerts a vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 on the board 11. However, the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 is received by the cage 21 that houses the compression connector 31, particularly by the cage top surface 21a that constitutes the upper surface of the cage 21, so that the compression connector 31 is maintained in a stably fixed state with respect to the board 11.

[0087] Furthermore, when the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally forward (in the +X direction) and inserted into the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the two locking claws 238 formed on the locking piece 237 formed on the cover shell 34 of the compression connector 31 gradually bend downward and sink as they come into contact with the cage top surface 21a that constitutes the cage 21, and when the compression connector 31 is further inserted into the inside of the cage 21 from this state, each of the two locking claws 238 formed on the locking piece 237 fits into each of the two locking holes 223 formed in the cage top surface 21a.

[0088] When each of the two locking claws 238 formed on the locking piece 237 of the compression connector 31 completely fits into each of the two locking holes 223 formed in the cage top surface 21a, the locking claws 238 have a wedge shape, so that horizontal movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21 (particularly, movement in the -X direction) is restricted.

[0089] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user can push the lock piece 237 downward (-Z direction) to release the engagement between the two lock claws 238 and the two lock holes 223. When the compression connector 31 is moved horizontally backward (-X direction) in such a released state, the compression connector 31 can be smoothly removed from the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0090] In addition, since the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 is received by the cage top surface 21a of the cage 21, it is easy to move the compression connector 31 horizontally backward (-X direction). By moving the compression connector 31 horizontally backward (-X direction) in this manner and completely pulling it out from the board 11 with the cage 21 attached, the compression connector 31 can be removed from the board 11 with the cage 21 attached.

[0091] As described above, in the board-attached connector 200 according to the third embodiment, two locking claws 238 are formed on the locking piece 237 of the cover shell 34 constituting the upper surface side of the compression connector 31, and two locking holes 223 are formed on the cage top surface 21a constituting the cage 21, and the locking claws 238 enter the locking holes 223, thereby fixing the horizontal position of the compression connector 31 to the cage 21. In addition, since the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 of the cage 21 can stably receive the contact reaction force exerted by the contacts 32, the stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 is maintained. In other words, according to the board-attached connector 200 according to the third embodiment, the compression connector 31 can be reliably attached to the board 11 while improving the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned third embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-mentioned third embodiment.

[0093] For example, in the above-mentioned third embodiment, an example was shown in which two lock holes 223 are formed in the cage top surface 21a constituting the cage 21, and a lock piece 237 is formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the upper surface side of the compression connector 31, and two lock claws 238 are formed on this lock piece 237, but the member in which the lock hole and the lock piece with the lock claw according to the present invention are formed may be either the cage or the compression connector. That is, the lock hole may be formed on the compression connector side, and the lock piece with the lock claw may be formed on the cage side. Furthermore, the number of lock holes and lock claws according to the present invention can be selected arbitrarily as long as there is one or more of each.

[0094] The configuration of the board connector 200 according to the third embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 26 to 39. Next, a board connector 300 according to a fourth embodiment, which is another possible embodiment of the board connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 54. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to third embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0095] [Fourth embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 54. As shown in Figures 40 to 42, the board-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0096] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0097] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 42). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (13 are assumed in the fourth embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0098] As shown in Figures 52 to 54, the cage 21 is a member formed by pressing and bending a flat metal plate, and has a cage bottom surface 321a forming the bottom surface of the present invention, a vertical front surface 321b and a vertical rear surface 321e formed as the vertical surfaces of the present invention by bending the front and rear of the cage bottom surface 321a vertically upward, and a vertical right side surface 321c and a vertical left side surface 321d formed as the vertical surfaces of the present invention by bending the left and right ends of the vertical front surface 321b backward. The area surrounded by the cage bottom surface 321a, the vertical front surface 321b, the vertical right side surface 321c, the vertical left side surface 321d, and the vertical rear surface 321e is the area in which the compression connector 31 is stored and installed.

[0099] A plurality of legs 22 (13 in the fourth embodiment) are formed on the lower end faces of the vertical front side 321b, the vertical right side 321c, and the vertical left side 321d. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11 to reliably fix the substrate 11 and the cage 21. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the multiple mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be inserted into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bent to reliably fix the legs 22.

[0100] On the other hand, the cage bottom surface 321a is formed with a contact storage hole 326 as a hole according to the present invention for storing a plurality of contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 described later. When the cage 21 is attached to the substrate 11, the contact storage hole 326 is blocked by the upper surface of the substrate 11, so that a groove having a depth equal to the thickness of the metal flat plate constituting the cage bottom surface 321a is formed at the location where the contact storage hole 326 is formed. By arranging the plurality of contacts 32 at the position of the groove, the compression connector 31 is positioned within the area surrounded by the cage bottom surface 321a, the vertical front surface 321b, the vertical right side surface 321c, the vertical left side surface 321d, and the vertical rear surface 321e constituting the cage 21.

[0101] Furthermore, two lock holes 327 are formed on each of a vertical front surface 321b and a vertical rear surface 321e, which are two surfaces erected in the +Z direction upward, which is the third direction, from a cage bottom surface 321a forming the bottom surface of the present invention. These lock holes 327 are used to fix the compression connector 31 to the cage 21 by fitting lock claws 338 formed on each of a pair of lock pieces 337 formed on two surfaces of the compression connector 31, which will be described later, facing the first direction. That is, the lock holes 327 are portions that receive, via the lock claws 338, a vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector 31 when the cage 21 and the board 11 house and install the compression connector 31, and the lock holes 327 and the lock claws 338 work together to restrict the vertical movement of the compression connector 31 to the cage 21.

[0102] As shown in Figures 45 to 51, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0103] As shown particularly in FIGS. 47 and 48, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 50, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in FIG. 50). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface position of the cage bottom surface 321a arranged below the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0105] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 50, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0106] Moreover, in the compression connector 31 according to the fourth embodiment, a pair of locking pieces 337 is formed at the center of the front and rear faces, which are two faces facing in the first direction (the X-direction, which is the front-rear direction) of the compression connector 31. The pair of locking pieces 337 are plate-like members erected upward from the center of the front and rear faces of the bottom shell 35, and further, each of the pair of locking pieces 337 is formed with two locking claws 338 in total.

[0107] The locking claws 338 formed on the locking pieces 337 are formed as claw members extending outward from the front and rear surfaces, and as shown in more detail in FIG. 50 and the like, the locking claws 338 have an external shape with a sloping shape in a side view, and are formed to have a wedge shape with a sloping surface that gradually increases the amount of outward protrusion from the lower side to the upper side of the compression connector 31. The wedge shape of the locking claws 338 is a shape that makes it easy to insert the locking claws 338 from above to below into the locking holes 327. In other words, the wedge shape of the locking claws 338 is a shape that does not hinder the insertion operation of the compression connector 31 that is inserted from the upper side of the cage 21 downward, and when the compression connector 31 is inserted into the cage 21, the locking claws 338 come into contact with the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e in which the locking holes 327 are formed, so that the locking pieces 337 are gradually bent inward. When the compression connector 31 is further inserted into the cage 21 from this state, the locking claws 338 completely enter the locking holes 327 formed in the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e.

[0108] When the two locking claws 338 formed on each of the two locking pieces 337 of the compression connector 31 (a total of four locking claws) fit into the four locking holes 327 formed on the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e, the locking pieces 337 in the inwardly bent state are released from the constraints of the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e, and the inwardly bent state is eliminated and the original shape is restored. In this state, the locking claws 338 are completely fitted into the locking holes 327, so that the vertical movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21 is restricted. In other words, the locking claws 338 and the locking holes 327 work together to function as a retainer that prevents the compression connector 31 from slipping out of the cage 21.

[0109] Regarding the members constituting the compression connector 31 of the fourth embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes physical protection from the external environment as well as electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0110] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment has been described above. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 constituting the board-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0111] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (-Z direction) from the state shown in Figures 43 and 44. Then, when the compression connector 31 is inserted into the area surrounded by the cage bottom surface 321a, the vertical front surface 321b, the vertical right side surface 321c, the vertical left side surface 321d, and the vertical rear surface 321e that constitute the cage 21, the compression connector 31 exerts a vertical contact reaction force on the board 11, which is exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is further inserted downward (in the -Z direction) by applying a force resisting the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32, the locking claws 338 formed on the locking pieces 337 formed on the bottom shell 35 of the compression connector 31 gradually bend inward as they come into contact with the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e in which the locking holes 327 are formed. When the compression connector 31 is further inserted into the cage 21 from this state, the locking claws 338 formed on the locking pieces 337 enter the locking holes 327 formed in each of the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e.

[0112] When each of the four locking claws 338 formed on a pair of locking pieces 337 of the compression connector 31 completely fits into each of the four locking holes 327 formed in the vertical front face 321b and the vertical rear face 321e, the locking claws 338 have a wedge shape, so that the vertical movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21 (movement in the +Z direction) is restricted. In particular, when the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 is exerted on the board 11, the compression connector 31 always exerts a force in a direction to come out upward from the cage 21, but when the locking claws 338 fit into the locking holes 327, the locking holes 327 and the locking claws 338 cooperate to receive the contact reaction force.

[0113] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user can push each of the pair of lock pieces 337 inward to release the engagement between the total of four lock claws 338 and the total of four lock holes 327. When the compression connector 31 is moved vertically upward (in the +Z direction) in such a released state, the compression connector 31 can be smoothly removed from the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0114] Since the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 is received by the locking hole 327 and the locking claw 338 in cooperation with each other, the compression connector 31 can be easily moved vertically upward (in the +Z direction) by releasing the engagement between the locking claw 338 and the locking hole 327. By moving the compression connector 31 vertically upward (in the +Z direction) in this manner and completely pulling it out from the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 can be removed from the board 11 with the cage 21.

[0115] As described above, in the board-attached connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment, the compression connector 31 can be fixed in position in the vertical direction relative to the cage 21 by fitting the locking claws 338 formed on each of a pair of locking pieces 337 formed on two surfaces of the compression connector 31 facing the first direction into the locking holes 327 formed on the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e constituting the cage 21. In addition, the locking holes 327 and the locking claws 338 can cooperate to receive the contact reaction force, so that the compression connector 31 is maintained in a stably fixed state relative to the board 11. In other words, according to the board-attached connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment, the compression connector 31 can be reliably attached to the board 11 while improving the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11.

[0116] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-mentioned fourth embodiment.

[0117] For example, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, an example was shown in which lock holes 327 are formed in the vertical front surface 321b and the vertical rear surface 321e that constitute the cage 21, and lock pieces 337 having lock claws 338 are formed in the bottom shell 35 that constitutes the bottom surface side of the compression connector 31, but the member in which the lock holes and lock pieces with lock claws according to the present invention are formed may be either the cage or the compression connector. That is, the lock holes may be formed on the compression connector side, and the lock pieces with lock claws may be formed on the cage side. Furthermore, the number of lock holes and lock claws according to the present invention can be selected arbitrarily as long as there is at least one of each.

[0118] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 300 according to the fourth embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 40 to 54. Next, a board-mounted connector 400 according to a fifth embodiment, which is another possible form of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 55 to 69. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to fourth embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0119] [Fifth embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 55 to 69. As shown in Figures 55 to 57, the board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0120] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0121] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 57). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (13 are assumed in the fifth embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0122] The cage 21 is made up of two members, a cage base 421 and a cage cover 431, as shown in FIGS.

[0123] The cage base 421 is a member formed by pressing and bending a flat metal plate, and is fixed to the substrate 11. The cage base 421 according to the fifth embodiment has a vertical front surface 421b constituting the front side, and a vertical right side surface 421c and a vertical left side surface 421d formed by bending the left and right ends of the vertical front surface 421b backward.

[0124] A plurality of legs 22 (13 in the fifth embodiment) are formed on the lower end faces of the vertical front side 421b, the vertical right side 421c, and the vertical left side 421d. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11, thereby reliably fixing the substrate 11 and the cage 21. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the multiple mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be inserted into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bent, for reliable fixation.

[0125] On the other hand, the cage cover 431 is a member rotatably attached to the cage base 421. As shown in Fig. 69(b), the cage cover 431 according to the fifth embodiment has a cage top surface 431a that covers the upper side of the cage base 421 when the upper side of the cage base 421 is closed, and a cover right side surface 431c and a cover left side surface 431d that are formed by bending the left and right ends of the cage top surface 431a downward.

[0126] A rotation axis 432, which is the rotating part of the present invention, is formed on the cover right side 431c and the cover left side 431d so that the cage cover 431 can rotate relative to the cage base 421, and the cage cover 431 is configured to be rotatable relative to the cage base 421 fixed to the substrate 11.

[0127] Furthermore, two lock holes 433 are formed on the cage top surface 431a to receive lock claws 438 formed on lock pieces 437 of the compression connector 31, which will be described later. These two lock holes 433 are used to restrict movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21 by fitting lock claws 438 formed on lock pieces 437 formed on the compression connector 31, which will be described later. In other words, when the cage 21 and the board 11 house and install the compression connector 31, the lock holes 433 and the lock claws 438 work together to restrict horizontal and vertical movement of the compression connector 31 relative to the cage 21.

[0128] 69(b), when the cage cover 431 closes the upper side of the cage base 421, the area surrounded by the cage top surface 431a, the vertical front surface 421b, the vertical right side surface 421c, the vertical left side surface 421d, and the upper surface of the substrate 11 is the area for storing and installing the compression connector 31. Therefore, the cage top surface 431a cooperates with the substrate 11 to receive the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector 31.

[0129] As shown in Figures 60 to 66, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0130] As shown particularly in FIGS. 62 and 63, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 65, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in FIG. 65). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0132] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 65, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0133] Moreover, in the compression connector 31 according to the fifth embodiment, one lock piece 437 is formed at the center position of the cover shell 34 constituting the compression connector 31. This lock piece 437 is a plate-like member extending rearward from the center position of the upper surface of the cover shell 34, and further, a total of two lock claws 438 are formed on the lock piece 437, one on each side.

[0134] As shown in more detail in FIG. 64 etc., the locking claw 438 formed on the locking piece 437 is formed as a plate-like member bent upward. This locking claw 438 is configured to be able to enter into the locking hole 433 formed in the cage top surface 431a. More specifically, when the cage cover 431 is left open relative to the cage base 421 fixed to the substrate 11, the compression connector 31 is moved downward from above the cage base 421, and the cage cover 431 is closed with the bottom side of the compression connector 31 in contact with the upper surface of the substrate 11, the locking claw 438 formed on the cover shell 34 of the compression connector 31 is configured to enter completely into the locking hole 433 formed in the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431.

[0135] The two locking claws 438 formed on the locking piece 437 of the compression connector 31 fit into the two locking holes 433 formed on the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431, respectively, so that the locking claws 438 and the locking holes 433 fit tightly while exerting a frictional force on each other. In this state, the compression connector 31 stored and installed in the area surrounded by the cage top surface 431a, the vertical front surface 421b, the vertical right side surface 421c, the vertical left side surface 421d, and the upper surface of the substrate 11 is restricted from moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. In other words, the locking claws 438 and the locking holes 433 work together to function as a retainer that prevents the compression connector 31 from slipping out of the cage 21.

[0136] Regarding the components constituting the compression connector 31 of the fifth embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0137] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment has been described above. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 constituting the board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0138] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the board 11 with the cage 21, as shown in Figures 58 and 59, the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (-Z direction) from a state in which the cage cover 431 is open relative to the cage base 421 fixed to the board 11. Then, when the compression connector 31 is lowered toward the area surrounded by the vertical front surface 421b, vertical right side surface 421c, and vertical left side surface 421d constituting the cage base 421 and the upper surface of the board 11 and pressed against the upper surface of the board 11, the compression connector 31 exerts a vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 on the board 11. When the cage cover 431 is rotated from this state and moved so as to close the top side of the cage base 421, two locking claws 438 formed on a locking piece 437 of the compression connector 31 fit into two locking holes 433 formed in a cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431, respectively. The locking claws 438 and the locking holes 433 fit firmly together while exerting a frictional force on each other, so that the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431 presses the upper side of the compression connector 31 downward (in the -Z direction). In this state, the compression connector 31, which is housed and installed in the area surrounded by the cage top surface 431a, the vertical front surface 421b, the vertical right side surface 421c, the vertical left side surface 421d, and the top surface of the substrate 11, is restricted from moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 is received by the substrate 11 and the cage top surface 431 a of the cage cover 431 .

[0139] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user presses the rear end of the lock piece 437 downward (-Z direction) toward the substrate, thereby releasing the engagement of the lock claw 438 that has been fitted into the lock hole 433. From this released state, the user rotates the cage cover 431 in the opening direction, thereby opening the upper side of the cage base 421. When the compression connector 31 is moved vertically upward (+Z direction) with the top surface of the cage in such an open state, the compression connector 31 can be smoothly removed from the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0140] As described above, in the board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment, the compression connector 31 is arranged facing the area surrounded by the vertical front surface 421b, the vertical right side surface 421c, and the vertical left side surface 421d constituting the cage base 421 and the top surface of the board 11, and then the cage cover 431 is rotated to close the top surface of the cage base 421, so that each of the two locking claws 438 formed on the locking piece 437 of the compression connector 31 fits into each of the two locking holes 433 formed on the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431, thereby fixing the position of the compression connector 31 in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the cage 21. At this time, the top surface of the board 11 and the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431 can cooperate to receive the contact reaction force, so that the compression connector 31 is maintained in a stably fixed state relative to the board 11. In other words, according to the board-mounted connector 400 of the fifth embodiment, the compression connector 31 can be attached (fixed) to the board 11 with improved workability and with reliable attachment.

[0141] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-mentioned fifth embodiment.

[0142] For example, in the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, one lock piece 437 and two lock claws 438 are formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the compression connector 31, and two lock holes 433 are formed in the cage top surface 431a of the cage cover 431 constituting the cage 21. However, the member in which the lock hole and the lock piece with the lock claw according to the present invention are formed may be either the cage or the compression connector. That is, the lock hole may be formed on the compression connector side, and the lock piece with the lock claw may be formed on the cage side. Furthermore, the number of the lock holes and the lock claws according to the present invention may be selected arbitrarily as long as there is at least one of each.

[0143] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 400 according to the fifth embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 55 to 69. Next, a board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment, which is another possible embodiment of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 70 to 84. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to fifth embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0144] [Sixth embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 70 to 84. As shown in Figures 70 to 72, the board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0145] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is configured to be capable of transmitting electrical signals, power supply power, etc. by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 attached to the top surface of the substrate 11.

[0146] 72, the substrate 11 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) and openings 13. A plurality of legs 22 of a cage 21, which will be described later, are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (12 are assumed in the sixth embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11. The plurality of openings 13 (three in the sixth embodiment) are formed so that a lower end of a lock piece 537 of the compression connector 31 can be inserted therein when the compression connector 31, which will be described later, is fixed to the substrate 11. Therefore, the presence of the openings 13 does not impede the fixed connection between the substrate 11 and the compression connector 31.

[0147] As shown in Figures 83 and 84, the cage 21 is a member formed by bending a flat metal plate material into a substantially U-shape. Twelve legs 22 are formed on the bottom side of the cage 21 so as to extend downward. As described above, the twelve legs 22 are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11, thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0148] Furthermore, a total of three lock holes 523 are formed in the cage 21, one at the front and one each at the left and right sides. These three lock holes 523 are used to fix and hold the compression connector 31.

[0149] As shown in Figures 76 to 82, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0150] As shown particularly in FIGS. 78 and 79, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 81, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in FIG. 81). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0152] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 81, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0153] Regarding the members constituting the compression connector 31 of the sixth embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0154] 76 to 80, the cover shell 34 of the sixth embodiment is provided with three locking pieces 537. In the cover shell 34 of the sixth embodiment, one of the three locking pieces 537 is disposed at a center front position of the cover shell 34, one is disposed at a position toward the rear right side of the cover shell 34, and one is disposed at a position toward the rear left side of the cover shell 34.

[0155] As shown in Figures 79 and 80, the three lock pieces 537 are bent into a U-shape at the points extending downward from the front and left and right sides of the cover shell 34, and then rise upward, and a lock claw 537a protruding outward is formed at the center of each of the raised portions. The lower side of the lock claw 537a is inclined, and the upper side is cubic (see Figures 79 to 82 in particular). That is, the lock claw 537a is formed so as to gradually protrude upward from the surface of the lock piece 537 from the lowest position. These three lock claws 537a are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of the three lock holes 523 formed in the cage 21 described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is moved in the -Z direction and pressed against the cage 21 arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 11, the force of the spring elasticity due to the approximately U-shaped bent shape of the lock piece 537 and the effect of the shape of the slope on the lower side of the lock claw 537a push the lock piece 537 towards the cover shell 34 while the lock claw 537a gradually enters the lock hole 523, and finally, an outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the lock piece 537 acts, and the lock claw 537a is completely fitted into the lock hole 523, thereby realizing engagement of the cover shell 34 with the cage 21. In this state, the compression connector 31 is fixedly held against the substrate 11.

[0156] In the sixth embodiment, when the compression connector 31 is fixed to the substrate 11 with the cage 21, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. Since the cover shell 34 is formed of a thin metal plate having a shape long in the left-right direction, it is preferable that the cover shell 34 has a structure that prevents deformation of the cover shell 34 itself when it receives a force for connection and fixing. Therefore, the cover shell 34 according to the sixth embodiment is formed with multiple protrusions 534a extending in the left-right direction on the upper surface. The shape of the multiple protrusions 534a makes it possible to strengthen the deformation of the cover shell 34 itself.

[0157] The above has described the configuration of the board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 that constitutes the board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0158] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the substrate 11 with the cage 21, as shown in Figs. 73 to 75, the compression connector 31 is placed above the cage 21 fixed to the substrate 11, and the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (in the -Z direction). The compression connector 31 is then lowered toward the inside of the cage 21, which is roughly U-shaped when viewed from above, and pressed against the upper surface of the substrate 11. During this pressing operation, the lock claw 537a formed on the lock piece 537 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the cage 21 and descends while pressing the inner wall surface outward. At this time, the lock piece 537 is pushed toward the cover shell 34 by the spring elastic force of the lock piece 537 bent into a substantially U-shape and the shape of the lower slope of the lock claw 537a, so that the lock claw 537a gradually enters the lock hole 523, and finally, the lock piece 537 is pressed outward by the spring elastic force exerted by the lock piece 537, and the lock claw 537a is completely fitted into the lock hole 523. The state in which the lock claw 537a is completely fitted into the lock hole 523 is reliably maintained by the force of the spring elasticity exerted by the lock piece 537 and the force of the material plasticity that tries to maintain the shape. As described above, the engagement of the cover shell 34 with the cage 21 is easily achieved by pushing the compression connector 31 into the cage 21. In this state, the compression connector 31 is fixed and held to the board 11 with the cage 21.

[0159] In addition, when the compression connector 31 is fixedly held to the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 exerts a vertical contact reaction force from the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 on the board 11. However, this contact reaction force is received by the lock hole 523 in cooperation with the lock claw 537a fitted into the lock hole 523, so that the compression connector 31 is reliably fixedly held to the board 11 with the cage 21.

[0160] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user pinches the three lock pieces 537 and tilts them inward, thereby releasing the lock claws 537a from the lock holes 523. After creating such a released state, the compression connector 31 can be moved vertically upward (in the +Z direction) to smoothly remove the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0161] As described above, in the board-attached connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment, the lock hole 523 for receiving the lock claw 537a formed on the lock piece 537 of the compression connector 31 is formed in the cage 21, and the lock claw 537a is fitted into the lock hole 523 to fix the vertical position of the compression connector 31 to the cage 21. At this time, the lock hole 523 and the lock claw 537a fitted into the lock hole 523 cooperate to receive the contact reaction force, so that the stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 with the cage 21 is maintained. In other words, according to the board-attached connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment, the compression connector 31 can be reliably attached to the board 11 while improving the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11.

[0162] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the sixth embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the sixth embodiment.

[0163] For example, in the sixth embodiment described above, three lock pieces 537 are provided on the cover shell 34 constituting the compression connector 31, and one lock claw 537a is formed on each of the three lock pieces 537. In addition, three lock holes 523 are formed in the cage 21 so as to correspond to the positions where the three lock claws 537a are formed. Then, the three sets of lock claws 537a and the lock holes 523 are engaged with each other, thereby realizing a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 with the cage 21. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the form exemplified in the sixth embodiment, and it is sufficient that there are one or more sets of lock claws and lock holes in the present invention. In other words, in the present invention, the number of lock pieces with lock claws and the number of lock holes can be changed arbitrarily.

[0164] Also, for example, in the sixth embodiment described above, a configuration was shown in which the lock hole 523 was formed in the cage 21, and the lock piece 537 having the lock claw 537a was formed in the cover shell 34 constituting the compression connector 31, but in the present invention, a lock piece having a lock claw may be formed in the cage, and a lock hole may be formed in the compression connector. That is, in the present invention, the arrangement positions of the lock piece with the lock claw and the lock hole can be changed as desired.

[0165] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 500 according to the sixth embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 70 to 84. Next, a board-mounted connector 600 according to a seventh embodiment, which is another possible embodiment of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 85 to 97. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to sixth embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0166] [Seventh embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 85 to 97. As shown in Figures 85 to 87, the board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0167] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is electrically connected to a compression connector 31 via a cage 21 attached to the upper surface of the substrate 11, thereby enabling the transfer of electrical signals, power supply power, and the like.

[0168] Further, a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) are formed in the substrate 11 (see FIG. 87). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) (13 are assumed in the seventh embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0169] The cage 21 according to the seventh embodiment is made up of two members, a cage base 621 and a cage cover 631, as shown in FIGS.

[0170] A plurality of legs 22 (13 in the seventh embodiment) are formed on the cage base 621. The legs 22 are shaft-shaped members extending downward from the bottom side of the cage base 621, and are inserted into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in the substrate 11, thereby reliably fixing the substrate 11 to the cage base 621. Note that the legs 22 may be fixed to the plurality of mounting holes (not shown) using solder or adhesive, or may be fixed reliably by inserting the legs 22 into the mounting holes (not shown) and then bending them.

[0171] The cage cover 631 is installed via three mounting shafts 611 to a cage base 621 fixed to the substrate 11, and is rotatable and fixed to the cage base 621. When the cage cover 631 is open relative to the cage base 621 (see the state in FIG. 97(a)), a compression connector 31 (described later) can be installed or removed from the substrate 11, and when the cage cover 631 is closed relative to the cage base 621 (see the state in FIG. 97(b)), the compression connector 31 can be stored and installed in the area surrounded by the cage cover 631, the cage base 621, and the upper surface of the substrate 11.

[0172] Furthermore, a plurality of (six in the seventh embodiment) pressing springs 633, which are curved toward the substrate 11 and have spring properties, are formed on a cage top surface 631a of the cage cover 631. When the cage cover 631 is in an open state, that is, when no external force is applied to the pressing springs 633, curved portions of the pressing springs 633 protrude from the cage top surface 631a. When the compression connector 31 is stored in the cage base 621 fixed to the substrate 11 and the cage cover 631 is then closed from that state, the six pressing springs 633 press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the substrate 11. In addition, the six pressing springs 633 of the cage 21 of the seventh embodiment are arranged in a line in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 631a, so that they can press against the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 described later.

[0173] Furthermore, two lock holes 637, one on each side, are formed at the left and right ends of the cage cover 631. Meanwhile, two lock claws 625, one on each side, are formed on the left and right ends of the cage base 621. The lock claws 625 are formed on the spring-like lock pieces 624, which fix the cage cover 631 to the cage base 621 by fitting into the lock holes 637 formed in the cage cover 631. The two lock holes 637 and the two lock claws 625 formed on the lock pieces 624 are configured so that the lock claws 625 can fit into the lock holes 637 at two positions when the cage cover 631 is closed relative to the cage base 621.

[0174] 96 and 97(a) in more detail, the locking claw 625 has an external shape with a sloping surface, and is formed into a wedge shape with a sloping surface that gradually protrudes inwardly to the left and right from the upper side toward the lower side. The wedge shape of the locking claw 625 is a shape that does not impede the insertion operation when the locking claw 625 is inserted into the locking hole 637, and once the locking claw 625 fits into the locking hole 637, it functions as a stopper that prevents the locking claw 625 from slipping out of the locking hole 637.

[0175] As shown in Figures 90 to 94, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0176] As shown particularly in FIGS. 91 and 92, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0177] As shown in Fig. 94, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in Fig. 94). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0178] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 94, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0179] Regarding the members constituting the compression connector 31 of the seventh embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0180] The above has described the configuration of the board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 that constitutes the board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0181] When mounting the compression connector 31 on the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (-Z direction) from the state shown in Figs. 88 and 89, i.e., the state where the cage cover 631 is open relative to the cage base 621. Then, after the compression connector 31 is placed at the position of the cage base 621, the cage cover 631 is rotated to close the upper surface of the cage base 621 fixed to the substrate 11. At this time, the two lock holes 637 also rotate and move due to the rotation of the cage cover 631, and each of them receives two lock claws 625. When the lock claws 625 enter the lock holes 637, the closing operation of the cage cover 631 on the cage base 621 is completed, and the compression connector 31 is stored in the area surrounded by the cage cover 631, the cage base 621, and the upper surface of the substrate 11.

[0182] When the compression connector 31 is stored in the area surrounded by the cage cover 631, the cage base 621, and the upper surface of the substrate 11, the six compression springs 633 formed on the cage top surface 631a of the cage cover 631 exert a force based on their spring elasticity in a downward direction (-Z direction), and therefore the six compression springs 633 press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper side of the compression connector 31 toward the substrate 11.

[0183] At this time, the compression connector 31 inserted into the board 11 with the cage 21 exerts a vertical contact reaction force on the board 11, which is exerted by the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31. However, the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32 is offset by a force based on the spring elasticity of the six pressing springs 633, and is received by the cage 21 housing the compression connector 31, particularly by the cage top surface 631a of the cage cover 631 that constitutes the upper surface of the cage 21, so that a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 is maintained.

[0184] The six pressing springs 633 of the cage cover 631 of the seventh embodiment are aligned in the left-right direction of the cage top surface 631a, and this arrangement is in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts 32. Therefore, the six pressing springs 633 can uniformly exert force based on spring elasticity against the contact reaction force exerted by the multiple contacts 32, and can appropriately press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 over the entire area.

[0185] Furthermore, the above-mentioned contact reaction force is ultimately received by the cage base 621 fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 11, the locking claw 625 formed on the locking piece 624 of the cage base 621, and the cage cover 631 fixed via the locking hole 637 into which the locking claw 625 is fitted, thereby achieving a secure fixation of the compression connector 31 to the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0186] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user uses a dedicated tool to bend the lock pieces 624 of the cage base 621 outwardly to the left and right, thereby releasing the lock claws 625 from the lock holes 637. By achieving such a released state, the cage cover 631 is released from the cage base 621. Then, the cage cover 631 is rotated to open the upper surface of the cage base 621 fixed to the substrate 11. In other words, by bringing the cage cover 631 into an open state relative to the cage base 621 (see the state in FIG. 97(a)), the compression connector 31 can be removed as shown in FIG. 88 and FIG. 89.

[0187] As described above, the board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment has a cage cover 631 that rotates relative to a cage base 621 fixed to the board 11, and the locking claws 625 of the locking pieces 624 formed on the cage base 621 fit into the locking holes 637 formed in the cage cover 631, thereby enabling the compression connector 31 arranged in the area surrounded by the cage cover 631, the cage base 621, and the upper surface of the board 11 to be reliably fixed. Also, the cage cover 631 is formed with a plurality of pressing springs 633 in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the contacts 32, which press the top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 toward the board 11. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is inserted and installed in the area surrounded by the cage cover 631 and the cage base 621 that constitute the cage 21, and the upper surface of the board 11, the pressing springs 633 can press the entire top surface 34a of the cover shell 34 that constitutes the upper surface side of the compression connector 31 toward the board 11. Therefore, the connector with board 600 according to the seventh embodiment maintains a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11. In other words, the connector with board 600 according to the seventh embodiment can improve the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11 and ensure reliable attachment.

[0188] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the seventh embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the seventh embodiment.

[0189] For example, in the above-mentioned seventh embodiment, an example was shown in which six compression springs 633 are formed on the cage cover 631 that constitutes the cage 21, but the number of compression springs according to the present invention can be selected to be any number greater than or equal to one.

[0190] Also, for example, in the above-mentioned seventh embodiment, an example was shown in which a total of two lock holes 637 are formed at the left and right ends of the cage top surface 631a constituting the cage cover 631, and a total of two lock pieces 624 having lock claws 625 are formed at the left and right ends of the cage base 621, but the positions of the lock holes according to the present invention and the lock pieces having lock claws may be reversed. That is, the lock pieces having lock claws may be formed on the cage cover side, and the lock holes may be formed on the cage base side. Furthermore, the number of each of the lock holes according to the present invention and the lock pieces having lock claws may be selected arbitrarily as long as there is at least one of each.

[0191] The configuration of the board-mounted connector 600 according to the seventh embodiment has been described above with reference to Figures 85 to 97. Next, a board-mounted connector 700 according to an eighth embodiment, which is another possible embodiment of the board-mounted connector according to the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 98 to 112. In the following description, members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first to seventh embodiments above will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0192] [Eighth embodiment] The configuration of a board-mounted connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 98 to 112. As shown in Figures 98 to 100, the board-mounted connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment has a board 11, a cage 21 installed on the upper surface of the board 11, and a compression connector 31 attached to the board 11 via the cage 21.

[0193] The substrate 11 includes a printed circuit (not shown) and is configured to be capable of transmitting electrical signals, power supply power, etc. by electrically connecting to a compression connector 31 attached to the top surface of the substrate 11.

[0194] 100, the substrate 11 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes (not shown). A plurality of legs 22 of the cage 21 (described later) are inserted into the mounting holes (not shown) (thirteen holes are assumed in the eighth embodiment), thereby fixing the cage 21 to the substrate 11.

[0195] As shown in Figures 110 and 111, cage 21 is a member formed by bending a flat metal plate material into a substantially U-shape. Thirteen legs 22 are formed on the bottom side of cage 21 so as to extend downward. As described above, cage 21 is fixed to substrate 11 by inserting thirteen legs 22 into a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) formed in substrate 11.

[0196] Furthermore, the cage 21 is formed with a total of five lock holes 725, 727, three at the front and one each on the left and right sides. The three lock holes 725 formed at the front and the two lock holes 727, one each on the left and right side surfaces, are used to securely hold the compression connector 31.

[0197] As shown in Figures 103 to 109, the compression connector 31 has contacts 32 that contact the board 11, a housing 33 to which the contacts 32 are fixed, a cover shell 34 that covers the upper surface of the housing 33, and a bottom shell 35 that covers the lower surface of the housing 33.

[0198] As shown particularly in FIGS. 104 and 105, a plurality of contacts 32 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 108, each of the contacts 32 is fixed to the housing 33, and the front end 32a of the contact 32 is curved to have a shape having spring elasticity. That is, when the compression connector 31 is not in contact with the board 11, the front end 32a of the contact 32 is arranged to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 (as shown in FIG. 108). Therefore, when the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 constituting the compression connector 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 in the -Z direction, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 is pressed down to the bottom surface of the bottom shell 35 while exerting a force due to the spring elasticity on the upper surface of the board 11. That is, the front end 32a of the contacts 32 receives a force in the +Z direction. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is attached to the board 11, each of the multiple contacts 32 is pressed against the upper surface of the board 11 by the force of the spring elasticity, so that, for example, a printed circuit (not shown) or the like arranged on the upper surface of the board 11 and the multiple contacts 32 can maintain a stable and reliable connection state.

[0200] On the other hand, the rear end 32b of the contact 32 has a straight, linear shape. As shown in Fig. 108, an electric cable 36 is connected to the rear end 32b of the contact 32 by soldering or the like. Therefore, an electric signal, power from a power source, etc. from the outside are transmitted to the board 11 side via the electric cable 36 and the contact 32.

[0201] Regarding the members constituting the compression connector 31 of the eighth embodiment, the contacts 32 are made of a conductive metal material, and the housing 33 for fixing the contacts 32 is made of a non-conductive resin material or the like. The cover shell 34 covering the upper surface of the housing 33 and the bottom shell 35 covering the lower surface of the housing 33 are combined in the vertical direction with the housing 33 enclosed between them to form the outer shape of the compression connector 31. The cover shell 34 and the bottom shell 35 are arranged to wrap the outer periphery of the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 are embedded, thereby protecting the housing 33 in which the contacts 32 that receive electricity from the electric cable 36 are embedded. This protection includes not only physical protection from the external environment, but also electrical and magnetic protection such as electromagnetic shielding.

[0202] As shown in Figures 103 to 109, the cover shell 34 of the eighth embodiment has one lock piece 735 formed on the upper part, and two lock pieces 737 formed on each of the left and right side surfaces.

[0203] As shown in Figures 108 and 109, the upper lock piece 735 is bent into a U-shape at a point extending further rearward from the rear of the upper surface of the cover shell 34, and then extends forward, forming a substantially inverted J-shape in side view, and three lock claws 735a protruding outward are formed at the tip of the forward extension. The three lock claws 735a are curved so that the front side is slightly downward. (See Figures 103, 106, 108, and 109, in particular.) The three lock claws 735a are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of the three lock holes 725 formed on the front side of the cage 21 described above. Therefore, when compression connector 31 is slid in the first direction, that is, the +X direction, toward cage 21 arranged on the upper surface of substrate 11, the force of the spring elasticity of locking piece 735, which is bent into an approximately inverted J shape when viewed from the side, and the action of the downwardly curved shape of locking claw 735a push locking piece 735 toward substrate 11 while locking claw 735a gradually enters lock hole 725, and eventually, the upward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by locking piece 735 and the frictional force exerted by locking claw 735a entering lock hole 725 in cooperation with lock hole 725 act to completely fit locking claw 735a into lock hole 725.

[0204] As shown in Fig. 103 and Fig. 107, the two lock pieces 737 arranged on the left and right side surfaces are bent from the front side of the cover shell 34 to the left and right side surfaces, and have a flat plate shape extending from the front of the left and right side surfaces to the rear, and a lock claw 737a protruding outward from each of the left and right side surfaces is formed at approximately the center of the lock piece 737 extending rearward. The lock claw 737a has a slope on the front side and a cube shape on the rear side (see Fig. 107 in particular). In other words, the lock claw 737a is formed so as to gradually protrude from the surface of the lock piece 737 to the rear from the most forward position. These two lock claws 737a are arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of the two lock holes 727 formed in the cage 21 described above. Therefore, when the compression connector 31 is slid in the +X direction, which is the first direction, toward the cage 21 arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 11, the locking piece 737 is pushed toward the cover shell 34, i.e., inward, by the force of the spring elasticity of the flat plate shape of the locking piece 737 and the action of the shape of the inclined surface on the front side of the locking claw 737a, while the locking piece 737 is gradually inserted into the locking hole 727, and finally, an outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the locking piece 737 acts, and the locking claw 737a is completely fitted into the locking hole 727, thereby realizing the engagement of the cover shell 34 with the cage 21. Then, when the above-mentioned state in which the three locking claws 735a are fitted into the three locking holes 725 and the two locking claws 737a are fitted into the two locking holes 727 is realized, the compression connector 31 is firmly fixed and held to the substrate 11.

[0205] In the eighth embodiment, when the compression connector 31 is fixed to the substrate 11 with the cage 21, a force is applied to the cover shell 34 during connection. In particular, since the lock piece 735 arranged above the cover shell 34 is formed of a thin metal plate having a shape long in the left-right direction, it is preferable to have a structure that prevents the lock piece 735 itself from deforming when it receives a force for connection and fixing. Therefore, the lock piece 735 according to the eighth embodiment is formed with one protrusion 735b extending in the left-right direction on the upper surface. The shape of this one protrusion 735b strengthens the deformation of the lock piece 735 itself and maintains the lock piece 735 in a state in which it can appropriately exert a force due to its spring elasticity.

[0206] The above has described the configuration of the board-mounted connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment. Next, a method for attaching and detaching the compression connector 31 to and from the board 11 with the cage 21 that constitutes the board-mounted connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment will be described.

[0207] When attaching a compression connector 31 to a substrate 11 with a cage 21, the compression connector 31 is placed at a position diagonally above and rearward of the substrate 11 with the cage 21, as shown in Figure 112(a), and from this state, the compression connector 31 is moved vertically downward (-Z direction), which is the third direction, to reach the state shown in Figure 112(b).

[0208] Then, the compression connector 31 is slid toward the inside of the cage 21, which is substantially U-shaped when viewed from above, that is, toward the front (+X direction), which is the first direction. During this sliding movement, the compression connector 31 is kept pressed against the upper surface of the substrate 11. During this downward pressing action (-Z direction) and forward sliding action (+X direction), at the front side of cover shell 34, the force of the spring elasticity of lock piece 735, which is bent into an approximately inverted J shape when viewed from the side, and the action of the downwardly curved shape of lock claw 735a, press lock piece 735 towards board 11 while lock claw 735a gradually enters lock hole 725, and finally, the upward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by lock piece 735 and the frictional force exerted by lock claw 735a, which has entered lock hole 725, in cooperation with lock hole 725, act to completely fit lock claw 735a into lock hole 725. At the same time, on the left and right side surfaces of the cover shell 34, the force of the spring elasticity of the flat plate shape of the lock piece 737 and the action of the shape of the inclined surface on the front side of the lock claw 737a push the lock piece 737 towards the cover shell 34 side, i.e., inward, while the lock claw 737a gradually enters the lock hole 727, and finally, an outward pressing force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the lock piece 737 acts, and the lock claw 737a becomes completely fitted into the lock hole 727. The state in which the lock claws 735a, 737a are completely fitted into the lock holes 725, 727 is reliably maintained by the frictional force exerted by the lock holes 725, 727 and the lock claws 735a, 737a in cooperation with each other, the force due to the spring elasticity exerted by the lock pieces 735, 737, and the force due to the plasticity of the material that tries to maintain the shape. As described above, by pushing the compression connector 31 into the cage 21, the cover shell 34 can be easily engaged with the cage 21. In this state, the compression connector 31 is firmly fixed and held to the board 11 with the cage 21 attached.

[0209] In addition, when the compression connector 31 is fixedly held to the board 11 with the cage 21, the compression connector 31 exerts a vertical contact reaction force from the multiple contacts 32 of the compression connector 31 on the board 11. However, this contact reaction force is received by the lock holes 725, 727 in cooperation with the lock claws 735a, 737a fitted in the lock holes 725, 727, so that the compression connector 31 is reliably fixedly held to the board 11 with the cage 21.

[0210] On the other hand, when removing the compression connector 31 from the substrate 11 with the cage 21, the user pushes one lock piece 735 arranged at the top downward to tilt it downward, and pushes two lock pieces 737 arranged on the left and right side surfaces inward to tilt them inward, thereby releasing the engagement state of the lock claws 735a, 737a with the lock holes 725, 727. After creating such a released state, the compression connector 31 is slid backward (-X direction), which is the first direction (the state in FIG. 112(b)), and further moved vertically upward (+Z direction), which is the third direction (the state in FIG. 112(a)), whereby the compression connector 31 can be smoothly removed from the substrate 11 with the cage 21.

[0211] As described above, in the board-attached connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment, the lock holes 725, 727 for receiving the lock claws 735a, 737a formed on the lock pieces 735, 737 of the compression connector 31 are formed in the cage 21, and the lock claws 735a, 737a are fitted into the lock holes 725, 727 to fix the horizontal and vertical positions of the compression connector 31 to the cage 21. At this time, the lock holes 725, 727 and the lock claws 735a, 737a fitted into the lock holes 725, 727 cooperate to receive the contact reaction force, so that the stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 with the cage 21 is maintained. In other words, according to the board-attached connector 700 according to the eighth embodiment, the workability of attaching (fixing) the compression connector 31 to the board 11 can be improved and reliable attachment can be performed.

[0212] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-mentioned eighth embodiment. Various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-mentioned eighth embodiment.

[0213] For example, in the above-mentioned eighth embodiment, three lock pieces 735, 737 are provided on the cover shell 34 constituting the compression connector 31, and three lock claws 735a are formed on one lock piece 735 arranged at the top, and two lock pieces 737 arranged on the left and right side sides are formed with one each, for a total of two lock claws 737a. Furthermore, three lock holes 725 and two lock holes 727 are formed in the cage 21 so as to correspond to the formation positions of the three lock claws 735a and the formation positions of the two lock claws 737a. Then, the five sets of lock claws 735a, 737a and the lock holes 725, 727 are engaged with each other, thereby realizing a stable fixed state of the compression connector 31 to the board 11 with the cage 21. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the form exemplified in the eighth embodiment, and the lock claws and lock holes of the present invention may be formed in any position as long as there is one or more sets. That is, in the present invention, the number and arrangement positions of the locking pieces on which the locking claws are formed and the locking holes can be changed as desired.

[0214] It will be apparent from the description of the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0215] The first to eighth embodiments have been described above to explain specific configuration examples of the board-attached connector according to the present invention. The board-attached connector according to the present invention shown in the first to eighth embodiments is a board-attached connector in which a compression type connector that is pressed against a connection object to connect and a board are attached via a cage, and the compression connector has contacts that contact the board, a housing to which the contacts are fixed, and a cover shell that covers the upper surface of the housing. The compression connector is inserted into a cage fixed to the board, and the compression connector or the cage is formed with a lock hole and a lock piece that enters the lock hole and fixes the position of the compression connector relative to the cage. In the board-attached connector according to the present invention, the lock hole and the lock piece that enters the lock hole are fitting and fixing means based on a so-called latch mechanism, and the mounting (fixing) of the compression connector to a board with a cage can be performed firmly and easily. In this way, the board-attached connector according to the present invention can exert effects in the technical field of connectors that could not be realized by the conventional technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 10 (First embodiment) connector with substrate 100 (Second embodiment) connector with substrate 200 (third embodiment) board-mounted connector 300 (Fourth embodiment) Connector with substrate 400 (Fifth embodiment) Connector with substrate 500 (sixth embodiment) board-mounted connector 600 (Seventh embodiment) Connector with substrate 700 (Eighth embodiment) Connector with substrate 11 Substrate 13 Opening 21 Cage 21a Cage top 21b Vertical front (vertical surface) 21c Vertical right side (vertical surface) 21d Vertical left side (vertical surface) 22 Legs 23 Compression spring 24 Lock piece 31 Compression connector (compression type connector) 32 Contacts 32a Front end 32b Rear end 33 Housing 34 Cover shell 34a (Cover shell) top surface 35 Bottom Shell 36 Electrical Cable 37 Lock hole 121 Cage Base 127 Lock hole 131 Cage cover 131a Cage top 133 Compression spring 134 Lock piece 223 Lock hole 237 Lock Piece 238 Locking Claw 321a Cage bottom (bottom) 321b Vertical front (vertical surface) 321c Vertical right side (vertical surface) 321d Vertical left side (vertical plane) 321e Vertical rear surface (vertical surface) 326 Contact storage hole (hole) 327 Lock hole 337 Lock Piece 338 Locking Claw 421 Cage Base 421b Vertical front (vertical surface) 421c Vertical right side (vertical surface) 421d Vertical left side (vertical surface) 431 Cage Cover 431a Cage top 431c Right side of cover 431d Left side of cover 432 Rotating shaft (rotating part) 433 Lock hole 437 Lock Piece 438 Locking Claw 523 Lock hole 534a Convex 537 Lock Piece 537a Locking Claw 611 Mounting shaft 621 Cage Base 624 Lock piece 625 Locking Claw 631 Cage cover 631a Cage top 633 Compression spring 637 Lock hole 725 Lock hole 727 Lock hole 735 Lock Piece 735a Locking Claw 735b Convex 737 Lock Piece 737a Locking Claw

Claims

1. A connector with a board in which a compression type connector that is pressed against a connection object to connect and a board are attached via a cage, a compression connector including a contact that contacts the board, a housing to which the contact is fixed, and a cover shell that covers an upper surface of the housing; the compression connector is inserted into the cage fixed to the substrate; The compression connector or the cage may include: A lock hole; A connector with a board, comprising a lock piece formed thereon for entering the lock hole to fix the position of the compression connector relative to the cage.

2. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The lock hole is formed in the cover shell of the compression connector, a connector with a board, the connector having one or more compression springs in the same direction as the arrangement of the contacts, which press the top surface of the cover shell toward the board, and one or more locking pieces which fit into the locking holes formed in the cover shell and fix the horizontal positions of the cage and the compression connector.

3. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage is composed of two members, a cage base and a cage cover. The cage cover has one or more pressing springs for pressing the top surface of the cover shell toward the board in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the contacts, A connector with a board, wherein the cage cover rotates relative to the cage base fixed to the board, and has one or more springy locking pieces that enter into locking holes formed in the cage base to fix the cage cover to the cage base.

4. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage has a cage top surface that cooperates with the substrate to receive the vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector, and has one or more locking holes that receive a locking claw formed on a locking piece of the compression connector.

5. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage has a bottom surface with holes for accommodating the contacts of the compression connector, and has one or more locking holes on each of two surfaces extending upright in a third direction from the bottom surface for accommodating locking claws formed on each of a pair of locking pieces formed on two surfaces of the compression connector facing a first direction.

6. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage is composed of two members, a cage base and a cage cover. The cage cover comprises: a cage top surface that cooperates with the substrate to receive a vertical contact reaction force exerted by the compression connector; a rotating part that rotates with respect to the cage base fixed to the substrate; a lock hole for receiving a lock claw formed on a lock piece of the compression connector; A connector with a substrate comprising:

7. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage has one or more locking holes for receiving locking claws formed on a locking piece of the compression connector.

8. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The cage is composed of two members, a cage base and a cage cover. the cage base is fixed to the substrate; the cage cover is fixed to the cage base by rotating with respect to the cage base fixed to the substrate, The connector with board is characterized in that the cage cover has one or more compression springs that press the top surface of the cover shell toward the board in the same direction as the arrangement of the contacts, and also has one or more locking holes into which a locking claw formed on a locking piece of the cage base fits.

9. 2. The connector with board according to claim 1, The compression connector has a locking claw formed on a locking piece, the cage has a lock hole into which the lock claw fits, a locking claw that is fitted into the locking hole by sliding the compression connector in a first direction relative to the cage;

10. The connector with board according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The compression connector is a board-mounted connector characterized in that it includes a bottom shell that covers a lower surface portion of the housing.

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