Terminal, connector, and connector device

Abstract

To provide a technique of suppressing deterioration in heat dissipation of a terminal.SOLUTION: A mating power terminal 110 includes: a cylinder part 112 constituted of a wall part 114; a spring shaped part 111 formed by a part of the wall part 114 cut and raised toward the inside of the cylinder part 112; and an outer wall part 113 overlapping the outside of the wall part 114 to cover the spring shaped part 111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal, a connector, and a connector device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a floating connector including a movable housing, a fixed housing supporting the movable housing, and signal contacts and power contacts mounted across the movable housing and the fixed housing. In this floating connector, the movable housing moves relative to the fixed housing to absorb misalignment between boards and misalignment of the mating position with the mating connector. The portion of the contacts held by the movable housing moves relative to the portion held by the fixed housing as the movable housing moves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-131161 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the floating connector described in Patent Document 1, the portion of the contact held by the movable housing and the portion held by the fixed housing are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction with the mating connector.

[0005] In particular, in the case of power contacts, it is expected that a large current will flow through the contact. When such a large current flows through the contact, a large amount of heat may be generated at the connection between the contact and the mating contact. A terminal with good heat dissipation properties that can easily dissipate such heat is desired.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing the deterioration of the heat dissipation properties of a terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The terminal of the present disclosure comprises a tubular portion constituted by a wall portion, a spring-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a portion of the wall portion toward the inside of the tubular portion, and an outer wall portion overlapping the outside of the wall portion so as to cover the spring-shaped portion.

[0008] In addition, a connector having a terminal of the present disclosure comprises a terminal having a tubular portion constituted by a wall portion, a spring-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a part of the wall portion toward the inside of the tubular portion, and an outer wall portion overlapping the outside of the wall portion so as to cover the spring-shaped portion, and a housing that holds the terminal.

[0009] In addition, a connector device having a connector of the present disclosure includes a connector including a terminal having a tubular portion constituted by a wall portion, a spring-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a portion of the wall portion toward the inside of the tubular portion, and an outer wall portion overlapping the outside of the wall portion so as to cover the spring-shaped portion, a housing that holds the terminal, and a floating connector connected to the connector, wherein the floating connector includes a second terminal connected to the terminal and a second housing that holds the second terminal, the second housing includes a fixed housing and a movable housing that is movably provided relative to the fixed housing, the second terminal is formed of a plate material and includes a first end held by the fixed housing, a second end held by the movable housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first end and the second end, and a slit is formed in the connecting portion extending along a direction extending between the first end and the second end. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat dissipation properties of the terminal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a floating connector and a connector device including the floating connector according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded front view showing the connector device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the floating connector shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a signal terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a power terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of region IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable housing according to the first embodiment has moved. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded front view showing a connector device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a signal terminal according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a power terminal according to a modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a mating power supply terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a mating power terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a developed state of the mating power supply terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a mating power supply terminal according to the first embodiment in the process of being formed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a completed state of the mating power supply terminal according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0013] The terminals of the present disclosure are as follows:

[0014] (1) The device comprises a tubular portion composed of a wall portion, a spring-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a portion of the wall portion toward the inside of the tubular portion, and an outer wall portion overlapping the outside of the wall portion to cover the spring-shaped portion.

[0015] According to the terminal of (1), the outer wall portion is provided on the outside of the spring-shaped portion, so that the heat dissipation performance is improved. The deterioration of the heat dissipation performance caused by the depression caused by the formation of the spring-shaped portion is suppressed.

[0016] (2) In the terminal of (1), the wall portion and the outer wall portion may be formed from a single plate material. According to the terminal of (2), since the terminal is formed from a single plate material, the number of parts is reduced and manufacturing is easier than when the terminal is formed from multiple parts.

[0017] (3) The terminal of (1) or (2), wherein the tube portion is a rectangular tube shape, the wall portion has a pair of main wall portions arranged at a distance from each other and a pair of connecting wall portions connecting the pair of main wall portions, and the spring-shaped portion may further include a board connecting portion formed in one of the pair of main wall portions and extending from the other of the pair of main wall portions. The board connecting portion is a portion that is prone to heat generation, and a portion where a second terminal connected to this terminal is pressed against the spring-shaped portion is also a portion that is prone to heat generation. Of the pair of main wall portions, a portion from a portion facing the spring-shaped portion to the board connecting portion becomes a main conductive path and is prone to heat generation. Therefore, according to the terminal of (3), by forming this portion as a single plate material without a recess due to the formation of the spring-shaped portion, a decrease in heat dissipation can be suppressed.

[0018] (4) The terminal may be any one of (1) to (3), and may include a protrusion formed by cutting and raising a part of the outer wall portion toward the spring-shaped portion. According to the terminal of (4), the protrusion can prevent the spring-shaped portion from bending too much when the spring-shaped portion is pressed by the second terminal. Furthermore, the protrusion is partially provided at a position corresponding to the spring-shaped portion, thereby preventing a decrease in heat dissipation. In other words, by providing the protrusion in a portion of the terminal that is not prone to heat generation, a decrease in heat dissipation can be prevented. Furthermore, since the protrusion is provided on the outer wall portion, it is easier to position the tip of the protrusion below the spring-shaped portion than when the protrusion is provided on the connecting wall portion.

[0019] The connectors of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0020] (5) A connector comprising the terminal according to any one of (1) to (4) and a housing for holding the terminal. According to the connector of (5), an outer wall is provided on the outside of the spring-shaped portion, so that heat dissipation is improved. A decrease in heat dissipation caused by a recess formed in the spring-shaped portion is suppressed.

[0021] (6) The connector of (5), wherein the tubular portion is a rectangular tubular portion, the wall portion has a pair of main wall portions arranged at a distance from each other and a pair of connecting wall portions connecting the pair of main wall portions, and the spring-shaped portion is formed in one of the pair of main wall portions, and the connector may include one or more sets of terminals arranged so that the outer wall portions covering one of the main wall portions are back-to-back. According to the connector of (6), in a set of terminals arranged so that the outer wall portions are back-to-back, the spring-shaped portions have a biasing force in a direction in which they move away from each other. This allows the contact between the spring contact portion of one terminal and the second terminal and the contact between the spring contact portion of the other terminal and the second terminal to be arranged as far apart as possible in the set of terminals. In other words, the distance between the contacts that are likely to generate heat can be made as far as possible.

[0022] The connector device of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0023] (7) A connector device comprising the connector of (5) or (6) and a floating connector connected to the connector, the floating connector including a second terminal connected to the terminal and a mating housing that holds the second terminal, the second housing including a fixed housing and a movable housing that is movable relative to the fixed housing, the second terminal being formed of a plate material and including a first end held by the fixed housing, a second end held by the movable housing, and a connecting portion that connects the first end and the second end, the connecting portion being formed with a slit extending along a direction extending between the first end and the second end. According to the connector device of (7), since the slit extending along a direction extending between the first end and the second end is formed, the connecting portion is more easily deformed than when the slit is not formed. Therefore, when the second terminal is misaligned with the power terminal, the misalignment is absorbed by the deformation of the connecting portion.

[0024] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal, connector, and connector device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The "terminal" in the claims is the "mating terminal" in [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure], the "housing" in the claims is the "mating housing" in [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure], the "connector" in the claims is the "mating connector" in [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure], the "second terminal" in the claims is the "terminal" in [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure], and the "second housing" in the claims is the "fixed housing" and the "movable housing" in [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure].

[0025] [Embodiment 1] The floating connector according to the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a floating connector 10 according to the first embodiment and a connector device 100 including the same. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector device 100. Fig. 3 is an exploded front view showing the connector device 100. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the floating connector 10. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a signal terminal 40. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a power terminal 60. In each drawing, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown.

[0026] In the present disclosure, a connector device 100 includes a floating connector 10 and a mating connector 90 that fits into the floating connector 10. As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, in this embodiment, the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are described as board connectors that are electrically connected to boards B1 and B2, respectively. When the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are fitted together, a terminal of the floating connector 10 and a terminal of the mating connector 90 are electrically connected. As a result, the boards B1 and B2 to which the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are connected are electrically connected to each other. The floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 may be connectors other than board connectors.

[0027] The floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are mated by moving toward each other along the mating direction. In this embodiment, the mating direction is a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the boards B1 and B2, and is shown as the Z direction in each figure. The X and Y directions in each figure are directions perpendicular to the mating direction and are directions along the main surfaces of the boards B1 and B2. Hereinafter, the X direction may be referred to as the front-back direction, the Y direction as the left-right direction, and the Z direction as the up-down direction. Note that the mating direction of the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 may be a direction other than the Z direction.

[0028] The floating connector 10 includes a fixed housing 20, a movable housing 30, a plurality of signal terminals 40, and a plurality of power terminals 60. The fixed housing 20 is fixed to a board B1 via a fixture 80. The movable housing 30 is provided so as to be movable relative to the fixed housing 20. The plurality of signal terminals 40 and the plurality of power terminals 60 are bridged between the fixed housing 20 and the movable housing 30. In this embodiment, the movable housing 30 is supported in a floating state relative to the fixed housing 20 via the signal terminals 40 and the power terminals 60. In this manner, the movable housing 30 is supported so as to be movable relative to the fixed housing 20.

[0029] The movable housing 30 is movable relative to the fixed housing 20 along a first direction intersecting with the mating direction. In this embodiment, the movable housing 30 is movable relative to the fixed housing 20 along a second direction intersecting with the mating direction and the first direction. In this embodiment, the X direction indicates the first direction, and the Y direction indicates the second direction. However, it is sufficient that the movable housing 30 is movable along the first direction, and it is not necessary that the movable housing 30 is movable along both the first direction and the second direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the movable housing 30 is movable in both the first direction and the second direction without being restricted by each other. That is, the movable housing 30 is movable relative to the fixed housing 20 not only in the X direction and the Y direction, but also in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction and the Y direction in the XY plane. The movable housing 30 is movable relative to the fixed housing 20 in any direction in a plane including the first direction and the second direction. It can also be understood that the movement vector indicating the direction and amount of movement of the movable housing 30 can be expressed as the sum of the movement vector in the first direction and the movement vector in the second direction.

[0031] In this embodiment, the signal terminals 40 and the power terminals 60 are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. The power terminals 60 are arranged on both sides of the signal terminals 40 in the X direction. For example, the number of parallel connections of the signal terminals 40 in the X direction is 10 or more (here, 80), and the number of parallel connections of the signal terminals 40 in the Y direction is 2. On one side and the other side of the signal terminals 40 in the X direction, the power terminals 60 are arranged in two rows in each of the X direction and the Y direction. However, the number of parallel connections of the terminals 40 and 60 in the X direction and the number of parallel connections of the terminals 40 and 60 in the Y direction are not particularly limited and can be set appropriately. As in the example of the embodiment, it is preferable that the number of parallel connections of the signal terminals 40 in the X direction is greater than the number of parallel connections of the signal terminals 40 in the Y direction.

[0032] A pair of adjacent signal terminals 40 along the X direction are oriented in the same direction. A pair of adjacent signal terminals 40 along the Y direction are oriented in opposite directions. Similarly, a pair of adjacent power terminals 60 along the X direction are oriented in the same direction, and a pair of adjacent power terminals 60 along the Y direction are oriented in opposite directions.

[0033] The fixed housing 20 is molded using an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The fixed housing 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening at the top and bottom. The fixed housing 20 includes a pair of wall portions 21X extending along the X direction and a pair of wall portions 21Y extending along the Y direction. The pair of wall portions 21X and the pair of wall portions 21Y are connected to form a peripheral wall 21 that covers the periphery of the opening. The lower portion of the movable housing 30 is disposed in the internal space of the peripheral wall 21. The upper portion of the movable housing 30 protrudes upward from the upper opening of the fixed housing 20. In the X direction and the Y direction, the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21 and the outer surface of the movable housing 30 face each other with a gap therebetween. The fixed housing 20 includes a signal terminal holding portion 22, a power terminal holding portion 24, a first cover portion 26, and a fixture holding portion 29.

[0034] The signal terminal holding portion 22 is a portion that holds a first end 42 of the signal terminal 40. The signal terminal holding portion 22 has a pair of holding bodies 23 formed in a rectangular block shape. Each holding body 23 protrudes from the inner surface of each wall portion 21X toward the internal space of the peripheral wall 21. Each holding body 23 is provided at a middle portion of each wall portion 21X in the X direction and at a lower portion in the Z direction. The pair of holding bodies 23 are aligned at an interval in the Y direction. Each holding body 23 is formed with a first holding hole 23H penetrating in the Z direction.

[0035] The first retaining hole 23H has a plurality of first hole portions 23H1 and one second hole portion 23H2. In one retaining body 23, the plurality of first hole portions 23H1 are aligned in the X direction. The plurality of signal terminals 40 aligned in the X direction are individually passed through the plurality of first hole portions 23H1. One second hole portion 23H2 is located below the plurality of first hole portions 23H1. The plurality of first hole portions 23H1 and the one second hole portion 23H2 are continuous along the Z direction. The plurality of signal terminals 40 aligned in the X direction are collectively passed through the one second hole portion 23H2.

[0036] The power terminal holding portion 24 is a portion that holds the first end 42 of the power terminal 60. The power terminal holding portion 24 has two pairs of holding bodies 25 formed in a rectangular block shape. Each holding body 25 protrudes from the inner surface of each wall portion 21X toward the internal space of the peripheral wall 21. The holding body 23 of the signal terminal holding portion 22 is located between the first pair of holding bodies 25 and the second pair of holding bodies 25. Each holding body 25 is provided on the lower part along the Z direction of each wall portion 21X. Each pair of holding bodies 25 is arranged at intervals along the Y direction. Two recesses 25A are formed in each holding body 25. Each recess 25A is formed from the lower surface of the holding body 25 to the inner surface facing inward along the Y direction. A power terminal 60 is individually accommodated in each recess 25A.

[0037] The first cover portion 26 covers the middle portion of the signal terminal 40 from the outside in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first cover portion 26 is a portion of the wall portion 21X above the portion where the holding body 23 is formed. The inner surface of the first cover portion 26 is made into the first inclined surface portion 27. The first inclined surface portion 27 is continuous from the upper surface of the holding body 23 to the upper surface of the wall portion 21X. The entire inner surface of the first cover portion 26 is made into the first inclined surface portion 27.

[0038] The fastener holding portion 29 is a portion that holds the fastener 80. The fastener holding portion 29 is formed on the outer surface of the wall portion 21Y. The fastener holding portion 29 is formed in a slot shape into which the fastener 80 can be inserted from above.

[0039] The movable housing 30 is molded using an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The movable housing 30 is formed in a block shape that is longer in the X direction than in the Y direction. The movable housing 30 includes a signal terminal holding portion 31, a power terminal holding portion 34, a second cover portion 36, and a guide portion 39.

[0040] The signal terminal holding portion 31 is a portion that holds the second end 48 of the signal terminal 40. The signal terminal holding portion 31 includes a base portion 32 and a rib 33. The base portion 32 is located between a pair of signal terminals 40 arranged in the Y direction. The rib 33 protrudes outward in the Y direction from the lower portion of the base portion 32. A plurality of holding grooves 32G are formed on the outer surface of the upper portion of the base portion 32 that faces outward in the Y direction. A plurality of second holding holes 33H are formed in the rib 33. The plurality of holding grooves 32G and the plurality of second holding holes 33H are provided in the same number and correspond one-to-one. Each holding groove 32G and each second holding hole 33H are continuous in the Z direction. The lower portions of the second end portions 48 of the plurality of signal terminals 40 are individually passed through the plurality of second holding holes 33H. The upper portions of the second end portions 48 of the plurality of signal terminals 40 are individually accommodated in the plurality of holding grooves 32G.

[0041] The power terminal holding portion 34 holds the second end 64 of the power terminal 60. The power terminal holding portion 34 has two holding bodies 35 formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped block. The signal terminal holding portion 31 is disposed between the two holding bodies 35. A plurality of holding holes 35H are formed in each holding body 35. The plurality of power terminals 60 are individually passed through the plurality of holding holes 35H.

[0042] The second cover portion 36 protrudes downward from the lower portion of the base portion 32. A second inclined surface portion 37 is provided on an outer surface of the second cover portion 36 facing the Y direction. An upper portion of the second inclined surface portion 37 is continuous with the lower surface of the rib 33.

[0043] The guide portions 39 are provided on both ends of the movable housing 30 in the X direction. Two power terminal holding portions 34 are located between the two guide portions 39, and one signal terminal holding portion 31 is located between the two power terminal holding portions 34. The guide portions 39 are the portions that first come into contact with the mating connector 90 when the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90, which are located apart from each other, approach each other in the fitting direction. By providing the guide portions 39, misalignment between the movable housing 30 of the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 in the X direction and Y direction is corrected before the terminals come into contact with each other.

[0044] Each of the signal terminal 40 and the power terminal 60 is made of a plate material. Each of the signal terminal 40 and the power terminal 60 is formed into a predetermined shape by pressing (punching and bending) a flat plate of a conductive material such as metal. The flat plate extends approximately in the Z direction so as to be long in the Z direction while bending in the YZ plane. The cross section of the flat plate is, for example, rectangular. The short side direction of the rectangular cross section is the plate thickness direction, and the long side direction is the plate width direction. Each of the signal terminal 40 and the power terminal 60 is disposed in a posture in which the plate width direction of the flat plate is along the X direction. Also, the thickness of the flat plate in the Y direction at a portion where the flat plate extends parallel to the Z direction is the plate thickness. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fitting direction is the extension direction of the plate material, the first direction (X direction) is the plate width direction of the plate material, and the second direction (Y direction) is the plate thickness direction of the plate material.

[0045] The signal terminal 40 includes a first end 42 held by the fixed housing 20, a second end 48 held by the movable housing 30, and a connecting portion 54 connecting the first end 42 and the second end 48. The first end 42 and the second end 48 are spaced apart from each other along the mating direction (here, the Z direction). The connecting portion 54 extends along the mating direction. When the movable housing 30 moves along the X direction or the Y direction, the connecting portion 54 is elastically deformed while the second end 48 can follow the movable housing 30.

[0046] The first end 42 has a board connecting portion 43 connected to the board B1 and a first held portion 44 held by the fixed housing 20. The board connecting portion 43 is exposed below the fixed housing 20. The board connecting portion 43 is formed in a shape extending along the main surface of the board B1 and is formed so as to be surface mountable on the board B1. The board connecting portion 43 may be formed in a pin shape or the like so as to be connectable to the board B1 by a through hole. The first held portion 44 is press-fitted and held in the first holding hole 23H of the fixed housing 20. The first held portion 44 is provided with press-fit protrusions 45 at two locations along the longitudinal direction of the flat plate. Each press-fit protrusion 45 protrudes outward from both outer edges along the board width direction (X direction). One of the two press-fit protrusions 45 is provided in a portion that fits in the first hole portion 23H1, and the other is provided in a portion that fits in the second hole portion 23H2.

[0047] The first end 42 is provided with three orthogonal bent portions 46. The three orthogonal bent portions 46 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the signal terminal 40. The three orthogonal bent portions 46 are provided so that the principal surfaces of the flat plate that are the inner peripheral side of the bends are reversed in order. The first orthogonal bent portion 46 located at the bottom of the three orthogonal bent portions 46 and the third orthogonal bent portion 46 located at the innermost side along the Y direction are bent so that the principal surface facing outward along the Y direction of the flat plate is the inner peripheral side. The second orthogonal bent portion 46 in the middle is bent so that the principal surface facing inward along the Y direction of the flat plate is the inner peripheral side. The first orthogonal bent portion 46 connected to the board connection portion 43 is bent at an angle slightly smaller than 90 degrees, but a bent portion of about 90 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees can also be considered as an orthogonal bent portion 46. The second orthogonal bent portion 46 and the third orthogonal bent portion 46 are bent at approximately 90 degrees.

[0048] Here, the second end 48 is held by the movable housing 30 with a holding force weaker than that at the first end 42. Here, the first end 42 is provided with a press-fit protrusion 45 that is press-fitted into the fixed housing 20. The second end 48 is not provided with a press-fit protrusion 45 that protrudes in the plate width direction and is press-fitted into the movable housing 30, unlike the press-fit protrusion 45 at the first end 42. As a result, the second end 48 is held by the movable housing 30 with a holding force weaker than that at the first end 42.

[0049] The holding force of the first end 42 in the fixed housing 20 and the holding force of the second end 48 in the movable housing 30 are, for example, holding forces along the mating direction. For example, the first end 42 is held more difficult to move along the mating direction than the second end 48. For example, the first end 42 may be held by the fixed housing 20 so as to be immovable along the mating direction even by a force generated when the movable housing 30 moves. In contrast, the second end 48 may be held by the movable housing 30 so as to be movable along the mating direction by a force generated when the movable housing 30 moves.

[0050] The second end 48 has a terminal portion 49 which is connected to a terminal of the mating connector 90, and a second held portion 51 which is held by the movable housing 30. The terminal portion 49 has a leaf spring-shaped portion 50 which is bent in the plate thickness direction. The main portion of the second held portion 51 is lower than the leaf spring-shaped portion 50, and here includes the portion which is inserted into the second holding hole 33H.

[0051] From one end of the signal terminal 40 to the other end, the board connecting portion 43, the first held portion 44, the connecting portion 54, the second held portion 51, and the terminal portion 49 are arranged in this order. When assembling the floating connector 10, the signal terminal 40 is passed through the first holding hole 23H and the second holding hole 33H in this order, starting from the terminal portion 49. Since the terminal portion 49 is provided with the leaf spring portion 50, the dimension of the terminal portion 49 in the Y direction is larger than the plate thickness. In order to allow the terminal portion 49 to pass through, the dimension of each of the holding holes 23H, 33H in the Y direction is larger than the plate thickness.

[0052] The inner surfaces of the second retaining hole 33H that face in the opposite directions along the plate thickness direction (here, the Y direction) of the signal terminal 40 are the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B. Here, the surface that is continuous with the bottom surface of the retaining groove 32G is the first inner surface 33A. The distance between the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B is larger than the plate thickness of the signal terminal 40. The distance between the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B is larger than the dimension of the leaf spring shaped portion 50 along the Y direction. This prevents the terminal portion 49 having the leaf spring shaped portion 50 from contacting both the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B when passing through the second retaining hole 33H. The second retained portion 51 contacts both the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B while bending in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, here, the dimension of the second retained portion 51 along the Y direction is larger than the dimension of the leaf spring shaped portion 50 along the Y direction. The second held portion 51 is in slidable contact with, for example, both the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B.

[0053] The second held portion 51 has two bent portions 52. The two bent portions 52 are bent so that the main surfaces facing inversely to each other are on the inner circumferential side. The second held portion 51 has two bent portions 52, so that the second held portion 51 can contact both the first inner surface 33A and the second inner surface 33B facing inversely to each other of the second holding hole 33H, which is larger than the plate thickness. The upper portion of the second held portion 51 above the two bent portions 52 extends upward while contacting the first inner surface 33A or the bottom surface of the holding groove 32G connected thereto. The portion of the second end 48 from the second held portion 51 to the spring-shaped portion 50 extends straight upward from the upper end of the second held portion 51 while following the holding groove 32G. Both sides of the portion in the X direction are partitioned from the adjacent signal terminal 40 by both side surfaces of the holding groove 32G. A portion of second held portion 51 below lower bent portion 52 extends downward while contacting second inner surface 33B.

[0054] In addition, since the first inner surface 33A and the bottom surface of the holding groove 32G are continuous, the bottom surface of the holding groove 32G can also be regarded as an extension of the first inner surface 33A. Therefore, the second held portion 51 is regarded as being in contact with the first inner surface 33A not only when it is in contact with the first inner surface 33A inside the second holding hole 33H, but also when it is in contact with the bottom surface of the holding groove 32G outside the second holding hole 33H. In addition, both of the two bent portions 52 of the second held portion 51 may be inside the second holding hole 33H. Both of the two bent portions 52 of the second held portion 51 may be outside the upper part of the second holding hole 33H. Of the two bent portions 52 of the second held portion 51, the lower bent portion 52 may be inside the second holding hole 33H, and the upper bent portion 52 may be outside the upper part of the second holding hole 33H. The two bent portions 52 and the portion extending diagonally between the two bent portions 52 with respect to the Z direction can also be considered as an offset portion that offsets the position along the Y direction of the signal terminal 40 that extends straight in the Z direction.

[0055] The connecting portion 54 connects the upper end of the first held portion 44 and the lower end of the second held portion 51. The upper end of the first held portion 44 and the lower end of the second held portion 51 are located at the same position along the Y direction. The lower part of the connecting portion 54 extends straight upward from the upper end of the first held portion 44. The upper part of the connecting portion 54 extends straight downward from the lower end of the second held portion 51. An elastic portion 55 is provided in the middle part along the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 54.

[0056] The elastic portion 55 extends in a trapezoidal wave shape from the first end 42 to the second end 48. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the trapezoid is an isosceles trapezoid. The trapezoid may have a shape other than an isosceles trapezoid. The elastic portion 55 may have a shape other than a trapezoidal wave shape, such as a stepped shape.

[0057] The elastic portion 55 can be considered to have two offset portions 55A and 55B. The offset portions 55A and 55B offset the position of the signal terminal 40 along the Y direction, which extends straight in the Z direction. Of the two offset portions 55A and 55B, the one located on the first end 42 side is the first offset portion 55A, and the one located on the second end 48 side is the second offset portion 55B. The position of the connecting portion 54 extending in the Z direction from the first end 42 to the second end 48 is shifted from the outside to the inside in the Y direction by the first offset portion 55A, and shifted from the inside to the outside in the Y direction by the second offset portion 55B. The offset amount of the first offset portion 55A and the offset amount of the second offset portion 55B are the same along the Y direction. In addition, the first offset portion 55A and the second offset portion 55B are provided so as to have inclined surfaces of the same angle.

[0058] The first offset portion 55A is provided in the same direction as the offset portion of the second held portion 51. The offset amount of the first offset portion 55A and the offset amount of the offset portion of the second held portion 51 are the same along the Y direction. Here, the slope of the first offset portion 55A is provided to be steeper than the slope of the offset portion of the second held portion 51. The offset portions of the first offset portion 55A and the second held portion may be provided to have slopes of similar angles.

[0059] The fixed housing 20 and the movable housing 30 each have a retaining hole 23H, 33H through which the signal terminal 40 passes. The second retaining hole 33H of the movable housing 30 is located on an extension line of the first hole 23H1 of the fixed housing 20. The first hole 23H1 of the fixed housing 20 and the second retaining hole 33H of the movable housing 30 have the same shape and size in the XY plane except for the guide surface. The first hole 23H1 and the second retaining hole 33H are located at the same position on the XY plane and overlap when viewed from the fitting direction. For example, the size of the first hole 23H1 and the second retaining hole 33H in the X direction is approximately the same as the plate width at a portion of the flat plate without the press-fit protrusion 45 (for example, the same or slightly smaller). The size of the first hole 23H1 and the second retaining hole 33H in the Y direction is the same as the offset amount in the Y direction of the second retained portion 51 and the elastic portion 55.

[0060] The connecting portion 54 is covered by the first cover portion 26 of the fixed housing 20 from one side along a first direction (here, the Y direction) intersecting the fitting direction, and is covered by the second cover portion 36 of the movable housing 30 from the other side. The first cover portion 26 or the second cover portion 36 has a slope portion that is inclined with respect to the fitting direction (here, the Z direction). The first cover portion 26 is provided with a first slope portion 27 as a slope portion. The second cover portion 36 is provided with a second slope portion 37 as a slope portion. As shown in FIG. 6, the first slope portion 27 and the second slope portion 37 may not have an uneven shape, and the first slope portion 27 and the second slope portion 37 may be smooth surfaces.

[0061] The distance between the first inclined surface portion 27 and the second inclined surface portion 37 along the first direction gradually increases from the second end portion 48 toward the first end portion 42. The lower end of the second inclined surface portion 37 is located higher than the lower end of the first inclined surface portion 27. The second inclined surface portion 37 is a steeper inclined surface having a larger inclination angle with respect to the Z direction than the first inclined surface portion 27. The second cover portion 36 has a vertical surface portion 38 continuing below the second inclined surface portion 37. The lower end of the vertical surface portion 38 extends downward beyond the lower end of the first inclined surface portion 27. The lower end of the vertical surface portion 38 is located between the pair of holding bodies 23 of the fixed housing 20.

[0062] The power terminal 60 has a conductor cross-sectional area larger than that of the signal terminal 40. The power terminal 60 is held in a press-fit state in the movable housing 30. Here, the power terminal 60 is also held in a press-fit state in the fixed housing 20. Like the signal terminal 40, the power terminal 60 also has a first end 62 held in the fixed housing 20, a second end 64 held in the movable housing 30, and a connecting portion 66 connecting the first end 62 and the second end 64.

[0063] The first end 62 of the power terminal 60 is longer in the Y direction than the first end 42 of the signal terminal 40. The first end 62 of the power terminal 60 also has three orthogonal bent portions, and the portion between the first and third orthogonal bent portions fits into the recess 25A of the holding body 25. For example, the first end 62 is press-fitted into the power terminal holding portion 24 of the fixed housing 20 and held therein.

[0064] The second end 64 of the power terminal 60 has a larger dimension in the plate thickness direction than the first end 62. For example, the flat plate constituting the power terminal 60 is folded back and overlapped at the second end 64 to increase the dimension in the plate thickness direction. For example, the second end 64 is press-fitted and held in the power terminal holding portion 34 of the movable housing 30. The second end 64 extends straight in the Z direction. The mating power terminal 110 is provided with a spring-shaped portion 111, and the power terminal 60 is not provided with a spring-shaped portion. However, the power terminal 60 may be provided with a spring-shaped portion.

[0065] The connecting portion 66 of the power terminal 60 is also provided with an elastic portion 67. The elastic portion 67 extends in a trapezoidal wave shape along the fitting direction, similar to the elastic portion 55. Furthermore, the connecting portion 66 of the power terminal 60 is provided with a slit 68 extending along the direction extending between the first end 62 and the second end 64. More specifically, for example, in the intermediate portion along the extending direction of the power terminal 60, a slit 68 extending along the extending direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the plate width direction of the flat plate. As a result, in the intermediate portion along the extending direction of the power terminal 60, the flat plate is divided in the plate width direction. Here, two parallel slits 68 are provided in one flat plate, and one flat plate is divided into three. One slit may be provided in one flat plate, and one flat plate may be divided into two. Three or more parallel slits 68 may be provided in one flat plate, and one flat plate may be divided into four or more. The slit 68 is formed over the entire connecting portion 66 along the extending direction. The slit 68 also reaches a portion of the first end 62 and a portion of the second end 64 .

[0066] The movable housing 30 surrounds the periphery of each of the power terminals 60 below the power terminal holding portion 34. As shown in Fig. 5, the holding holes 35H of the power terminal holding portion 34 widen and extend to the lower end of the movable housing 30. The movable housing 30 has a peripheral wall portion 35A that surrounds the connecting portion 66 of each of the power terminals 60 on all four sides while leaving a gap between the connecting portion 66 and the connecting portion 66. The movable housing 30 surrounds the periphery of the multiple power terminals 60 collectively above the power terminal holding portion 34. The movable housing 30 has a peripheral wall portion 35B that extends upward from the outer edge of the upper portion of the power terminal holding portion 34.

[0067] Fig. 9 is an enlarged side view of region IX of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of one of the orthogonal bends 46.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 9, the signal terminal 40 has a first extending portion 56 extending linearly and a second extending portion 57 extending linearly in a direction intersecting the first extending portion 56. The first extending portion 56 and the second extending portion 57 are connected to each other via a plurality of bent portions that bend in the same direction. A linear extending portion is provided between the plurality of bent portions. For example, in the orthogonal bending portion 46, a third extending portion 58 is provided that is interposed between the first extending portion 56 and the second extending portion 57 and extends linearly in a direction intersecting each of the first extending portion 56 and the second extending portion 57. One bent portion C1 is interposed between the first extending portion 56 and the third extending portion 58. One bent portion C2 is interposed between the second extending portion 57 and the third extending portion 58. The bent portion C1 and the bent portion C2 are connected to each other by the flat third extending portion 58. Here, two bent portions C1 and C2 are provided between the first extending portion 56 and the second extending portion 57, but three or more bent portions may be provided.

[0069] In FIG. 9, the curved extension portion 59 shown by a virtual line is a virtual extension portion in which the first extension portion 56 and the second extension portion 57 are connected with a constant bend R in place of the third extension portion 58. The curved extension portion 59 is a circular arc, and the first extension portion 56 and the second extension portion 57 are tangents to the circular arc. Here, the outer surface of the signal terminal 40 from the first extension portion 56 to the second extension portion 57 on the outer circumferential side of the two bend portions C1 and C2 is a C-chamfered surface. In contrast, the surface of the signal terminal 40 from the first extension portion 56 to the second extension portion 57 on the outer circumferential side of the virtual curved extension portion 59 is an R-chamfered surface. As shown in FIG. 9, the outer surface of the third extension portion 58 is located on the inner circumferential side of the outer surface of the curved extension portion 59. In this way, the first extension portion 56 and the second extension portion 57 are connected via one or more straight extension portions, and the one or more straight extension portions are arranged so that the outer peripheral surface of the one or more straight extension portions is positioned more inward than the outer peripheral surface of the virtual curved extension portion 59.

[0070] In FIG. 9, the line segments L1, L2, and L3 shown by virtual lines are virtual lines along the extending direction of the extending portions 56, 57, and 58, respectively. Angle A1 is the bending angle of the second extending portion 57 with respect to the first extending portion 56. Here, the bending angle of the second extending portion 57 with respect to the first extending portion 56 is the bending angle in the extending direction of the second extending portion 57 when the first extending portion 56 is assumed to extend linearly. The same applies to the following bending angles. Angle A2 is the bending angle of the third extending portion 58 with respect to the first extending portion 56, and angle A3 is the bending angle of the third extending portion 58 with respect to the second extending portion 57. The angles A2 and A3 are smaller than angle A1. In the example shown in FIG. 9, angle A1 is an angle that is perpendicular to the first extending portion 56. Angle A1 may be an angle other than perpendicular. Angle A2 and angle A3 may be the same angle as each other or may be different. It is preferable that the difference between the angles A2 and A3 is as small as possible. When the angle A1 is a perpendicular angle, the angles A2 and A3 are preferably in the range of 45 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees, for example.

[0071] The signal terminal 40 is provided with a plurality of bent portions including the bent portion 52 of the second held portion 51. The angles of the plurality of bent portions are preferably smaller than 45 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees, such as angles A2 and A3. Here, the angles of the bent portions at the offset portions 55A and 55B of the elastic portion 55, the bent portion 52 of the second held portion 51, and the bent portion at the spring-shaped portion 50 are smaller than 45 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees, such as angles A2 and A3. For example, when it is desired to bend the signal terminal 40 by more than 50 degrees, it is preferable to interpose a short linear extending portion such as the third extending portion 58 so that the bending angle of each bent portion 52 is smaller than 45 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees.

[0072] <About the mating connector 90> Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a mating power terminal 110 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mating connector 90 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 5. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in Fig. 5. In Fig. 17, the interior is shown with hidden lines.

[0073] The mating connector 90 has a mating housing 91, a plurality of mating signal terminals 95, and a plurality of mating power terminals 110. The mating housing 91 holds a plurality of mating terminals 95, 97 in the same arrangement as the plurality of terminals 40, 60. The mating housing 91 has a signal terminal holding portion 92 that holds the mating signal terminal 95, a power terminal holding portion 93 that holds the mating power terminal 110, and a guide receiving portion 94 that contacts the guide portion 39. The mating signal terminal 95 has a spring-shaped portion 96. The mating power terminal 110 has a spring-shaped portion 111 and is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the terminal portion 65 of the second end portion 64 of the power terminal 60 is inserted. More specifically, the mating power terminal 110 has a cylindrical portion 112, the spring-shaped portion 111, and an outer wall portion 113. The cylindrical portion 112 surrounds the periphery of the power terminal 60. The tube portion 112 is formed by bending a plate material constituting the mating power terminal 110 into a tube shape. The tube portion 112 is composed of a wall portion 114. Here, the tube portion 112 is a square tube shape. The tube portion 112 may be another square tube shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like. The tube portion 112 has a pair of main wall portions 114X (114X1, 114X2) extending in the X direction as the wall portion 114, and a pair of connecting wall portions 114Y extending in the Y direction as the wall portion 114. The pair of main wall portions 114X (114X1, 114X2) are arranged at intervals from each other along the Y direction. Similarly, the pair of connecting wall portions 114Y are arranged at intervals from each other along the X direction. Press-fitting protrusions 116 for press-fitting into the power terminal holding portion 93 are provided on the outer surfaces of the pair of connecting wall portions 114Y. The spring-shaped portion 111 is formed on the main wall portion 114X1 of the pair of main walls 114X1, X2. One of the pair of connecting walls 114Y connects the pair of main walls 114X1, 114X2. The other connecting wall portion 114Y connects the main wall portion 14X2 and the outer wall portion 113.

[0074] The mating power terminal 110 further includes a board connection portion 115. The board connection portion 115 extends from the other of the pair of main wall portions 114X. As shown in FIG. 5, the board connection portion 115 connects to the board B2.

[0075] The spring-shaped portion 111 is formed by cutting and raising a part of the wall portion 114 toward the inside of the tube portion 112. Here, the spring-shaped portion 111 is formed on the main wall portion 114X1. The spring-shaped portion 111 is bent so that the Z-direction intermediate portion is closest to the main wall portion 114X2. The plate portion constituting the spring-shaped portion 111 is curved so that the X-direction intermediate portion (here, the center portion) is located inside the tube portion 112 rather than both ends in the X-direction. The inner surface of the spring-shaped portion 111 is a curved surface 117 that is curved when viewed from the fitting direction. A contact portion 117A is provided on the curved surface 117. The contact portion 117A is a portion that contacts the power terminal 60 and is electrically connected. The portion of the curved surface 117 that protrudes most toward the inside of the tube portion 112 is the contact portion 117A. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the spring-shaped portion 111 may have a slit 126 formed in the extension direction of the spring-shaped portion 111. In FIG. 17, two parallel slits 126 are provided in one flat plate, and the flat plate is divided into three parts. One slit may be provided in one flat plate, and the flat plate may be divided into two parts. Three or more parallel slits 126 may be provided in one flat plate, and the flat plate may be divided into four or more parts. When such slits 126 are formed, the flat plate becomes easier to deform compared to when no slits are formed. This makes it easier for the power terminal 60 to enter between the main wall portion 114X2 and the spring-shaped portion 111.

[0076] In the mating power supply terminal 110, a convex rib portion 127 protruding toward the spring shaped portion 111 may be provided on the main wall portion 114X2 facing the spring shaped portion 111. By providing the convex rib portion 127, the terminal portion 65 can be firmly clamped by the convex rib portion 127 and the spring shaped portion 111.

[0077] The outer wall portion 113 overlaps the outside of the main wall portion 114X1 so as to cover the spring-shaped portion 111.

[0078] In addition, in the mating power terminal 110, a part of the outer wall portion 113 is provided with a protrusion 118. The protrusion 118 is formed by cutting and raising toward the spring-shaped portion 111. The protrusion 118 is formed in a portion facing the portion including the contact portion 117A. The protrusion 118 is partially provided at a position corresponding to the spring-shaped portion 111. When the mating power terminal 110 clamps the terminal portion 65, the spring-shaped portion 111 bends toward the outer wall portion 113. At this time, the provision of the protrusion 118 can prevent the spring-shaped portion 111 from bending too much toward the outer wall portion 113.

[0079] The mating housing 91 is provided with one or more pairs of mating power terminals 110. The pair of mating power terminals 110 aligned in the Y direction are arranged so that the outer wall portions 113 are back-to-back. As shown in FIG. 5, the main wall portion 114X1 in which the spring-shaped portion 111 is formed is located inside the back-to-back outer wall portions 113. Therefore, the terminal portion 65 is located closer to the main wall portion 114X2 in which the spring-shaped portion 111 is not formed than to the main wall portion 114X1 in which the spring-shaped portion 111 is formed. Compared to the case in which the main wall portions 114X2 are back-to-back, the distance between the pair of terminal portions 65 aligned in the Y direction can be made larger.

[0080] The signal terminal holding portion 31 of the movable housing 30 fits into the signal terminal holding portion 92 of the mating connector 90, and the power terminal holding portion 34 of the movable housing 30 fits into the power terminal holding portion 93 of the mating connector 90. Before these fittings, the guide portion 39 comes into contact with the guide receiving portion 94, thereby correcting misalignment in the X and Y directions.

[0081] <Manufacturing process of the mating power terminal 110> Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing an expanded state of the mating power terminal 110 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a process of forming the mating power terminal 110 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing a completed state of the mating power terminal 110 according to embodiment 1.

[0082] 20 to 22, the wall portion 114 and the outer wall portion 113 of the mating power terminal 110 are formed from a single plate material. The mating power terminal 110 is manufactured by the following manufacturing process.

[0083] First, as shown in FIG. 20, a plate-like body 120 is formed by punching out a flat plate by a press or the like. The plate-like body 120 is composed of the parts constituting the tube part 112, the spring-shaped part 111, the outer wall part 113, and the board connection part 115. Among them, the main wall part 114X1 is formed with two slits 121 extending from one end to the inside. The plate part 119 between the slits 121 is the part that becomes the spring-shaped part 111. In addition, the main wall part 114X2 is provided with an extension that constitutes the board connection part 115. In addition, an H-shaped slit 122 is formed in the outer wall part 113. Furthermore, an elongated slit 123 is formed between the outer wall part 113 and the connecting wall part 114Y adjacent to the outer wall part 113 of the pair of connecting walls 114Y. In addition, an insertion piece 124 is extended in the main wall part 114X1. When the main wall portion 114X, the connecting wall portion 114Y, and the outer wall portion 113 are bent into a cylindrical shape, the insertion piece 124 is inserted into the slit 123. As a result, the main wall portions 114X1, 114X2, the connecting wall portion 114Y, and the outer wall portion 113 are fixed in a cylindrical shape. In this manner, the mating power terminal 110 is maintained in a cylindrical shape.

[0084] 21, the plate portion 119 between the two slits 121 is raised in the direction A in the figure from within the main wall portion 114X1. This forms the spring-shaped portion 111. The position of the contact portion 117A is set to a gap between the main wall portion 114X2 that is smaller than the thickness of the terminal portion 65 of the power terminal 60. By cutting and raising the portion between the slits 121, a recess 125 is formed in the main wall portion 114X1.

[0085] Also, the portion that constitutes board connection part 115 is bent and formed into the shape of board connection part 115. Furthermore, the portion surrounded by H-shaped slit 122 formed in outer wall part 113 is raised from within outer wall part 113 in the direction B in the figure. As a result, protrusion part 118 is formed.

[0086] 22, the main walls 114X1 and 114X2, the connecting wall 114Y, and the outer wall 113 are bent so that the spring-shaped portion 111 faces inward. Then, the rectangular cylindrical portion 112 is formed. At this time, the insertion piece 124 is inserted into the slit 123 and fixed. In addition, the protrusion 118 is disposed below the spring-shaped portion 111, penetrating the recess 125.

[0087] <Mating of the floating connector 10 with the mating connector 90> When connecting the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90, an operator moves the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 relatively in the fitting direction. Here, the boards B1 and B2 are moved relatively to each other in the fitting direction.

[0088] When the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 approach each other, the guide portion 39 comes into contact with the guide receiving portion 94 of the mating connector 90 and is guided. At this time, if there is a positional deviation between the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 along the X direction and the Y direction, the movable housing 30 moves in the direction in which the positional deviation occurs. When the movable housing 30 moves, the second end 48 of the signal terminal 40 and the second end 64 of the power terminal 60 receive a force from the movable housing 30 at the contact surface with the movable housing 30. For example, when the movable housing 30 moves leftward from the state shown in FIG. 4, the left signal terminal 40 receives a leftward force from the first inner surface 33A and the bottom surface of the holding groove 32G. The right signal terminal 40 receives a leftward force from the second inner surface 33B. As a result, the elastic portion 55 of the signal terminal 40 and the elastic portion 67 of the power terminal 60 are elastically deformed, and the second end 48 of the signal terminal 40 and the second end 64 of the power terminal 60 follow the movable housing 30. As a result, the positional deviation between the floating connector 10 and the mating connector 90 in the X and Y directions is corrected.

[0089] Here, a case will be considered in which the signal terminal 40 receives a force from the movable housing 30 and is elastically deformed when the movable housing 30 moves.

[0090] Consider a hypothetical case in which the first end 42 and the second end 48 are held by the same holding force by providing a press-fit protrusion on each of the first end 42 and the second end 48. In this case, when the movable housing 30 moves relative to the fixed housing 20, the part of the first end 42 where the press-fit protrusion is provided is held at a predetermined position on the fixed housing 20, and the part of the second end 48 where the press-fit protrusion is provided is held at a predetermined position on the movable housing 30. Therefore, a relatively large tensile stress along the terminal extension direction is generated in the part between the press-fit protrusion of the first end 42 and the press-fit protrusion of the second end 48. In particular, since the second end 48 is the moving side, a relatively large tensile stress along the terminal extension direction is generated near the press-fit protrusion of the second end 48.

[0091] In contrast, here, the holding force of the second end 48 in the movable housing 30 is smaller than the holding force of the first end 42 in the fixed housing 20. Therefore, compared to a hypothetical case in which the first end 42 and the second end 48 are each provided with a press-fit protrusion, the tensile stress along the terminal extension direction is smaller on the second end 48 side than the press-fit protrusion 45 of the first end 42.

[0092] When the second end 48 is movable in the fitting direction relative to the second retaining hole 33H, the second end 48 can move in the fitting direction relative to the second retaining hole 33H on the second end 48 side of the press-fit protrusion 45 of the first end 42, thereby releasing the tensile stress along the terminal extension direction. This reduces the tensile stress along the terminal extension direction.

[0093] With the second end 48 of the signal terminal 40 and the second end 64 of the power terminal 60 following the movable housing 30, the signal terminal holding portions 31, 92 are fitted together and the power terminal holding portions 34, 93 are fitted together. As a result, the signal terminals 40, 95 are electrically connected to each other and the power terminals 60, 97 are electrically connected to each other.

[0094] The spring-shaped portion 96 of the mating signal terminal 95 contacts between the spring-shaped portion 50 and the second held portion 51 of the signal terminal 40. The length between the spring-shaped portion 50 and the second held portion 51 of the signal terminal 40 is longer than the length of the spring-shaped portion 96 of the mating signal terminal 95. If the positions of the boards B1 and B2 are misaligned in the Z direction, the position where the spring-shaped portion 96 of the mating signal terminal 95 contacts the signal terminal 40 along the Z direction changes. In addition, the terminal portion 65 of the power terminal 60 extends linearly. The insertion amount of the terminal portion 65 of the power terminal 60 into the cylindrical portion of the mating power terminal 110 is changeable. If the positions of the boards B1 and B2 are misaligned in the Z direction, the insertion amount of the power terminal 60 into the mating power terminal 110 changes. As a result, the positional deviation in the Z direction is also absorbed.

[0095] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable housing 30 has moved. In Fig. 10, the movable housing 30 has moved to the left in the Y direction. In Fig. 10, the amount of movement of the movable housing 30 in the Y direction is at approximately its maximum.

[0096] 10, when the first cover part 26 and the second cover part 36 approach each other in the Y direction and the amount of movement of the movable housing 30 relative to the fixed housing 20 is maximized, the connecting part 54 is separated from the first cover part 26 or the second cover part 36 in the Y direction at any position along the fitting direction. In the example shown in FIG 10, the connecting part 54 is separated from the first cover part 26 and the second cover part 36 in the Y direction at any position along the fitting direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, the signal terminal 40, the first cover part 26, and the second cover part 36 are provided in pairs on the left and right in a symmetrical shape. In this embodiment, when one pair of the two pairs of the first cover part 26 and the second cover part 36 on the left and right approaches each other along the Y direction, the first cover part 26 and the second cover part 36 of the other pair moves away from each other along the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first cover part 26 and the second cover part 36 of the left pair move toward each other along the Y direction while the amount of movement of the movable housing 30 relative to the fixed housing 20 is maximized. At this time, the connecting parts 54, 66 of the left signal terminal 40 are separated from the first cover part 26 or the second cover part 36 along the Y direction at any position along the fitting direction.

[0098] 4 shows a state in which the movable housing 30 is in the initial position (nominal state with no positional deviation). As shown in Fig. 4, when the movable housing 30 is in the initial position, the connecting portion 54 of the signal terminal 40 is separated from the first cover portion 26 and the second cover portion 36 along the Y direction at any position along the mating direction. Therefore, in a state in which the first cover portion 26 and the second cover portion 36 are further away from each other in the Y direction than in this state (the state on the right side of Fig. 10), the connecting portion 54 of the signal terminal 40 is naturally separated from the first cover portion 26 and the second cover portion 36 along the Y direction at any position along the mating direction.

[0099] <Effects, etc.> According to the mating power terminal 110 configured as described above, the outer wall portion 113 overlaps the outside of the main wall portion 114X1 so as to cover the spring-shaped portion 111, thereby suppressing a decrease in heat dissipation performance caused by the recess 125 resulting from the formation of the spring-shaped portion 111.

[0100] Furthermore, since mating power terminal 110 is made of a single plate material, the number of parts is reduced and manufacturing is easier than when it is made of multiple parts.

[0101] Furthermore, the board connection portion 115 is a portion that is prone to heat generation, and the portion where the power terminal 60 connected to the mating power terminal 110 is pressed by the spring-shaped portion 111 is also a portion that is prone to heat generation. Of the main wall portion 114X2, the portion from the portion facing the spring-shaped portion 111 to the board connection portion 115 serves as a main conductive path and is prone to heat generation. Therefore, by forming the main wall portion 114X2 from a single plate material without the recess 125, the deterioration of heat dissipation is suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, since the outer wall portion 113 is provided with the protrusion 118 formed by cutting and raising a part of the outer wall portion 113 toward the spring-shaped portion 111, the protrusion 118 can prevent the spring-shaped portion 111 from bending too much when the power terminal 60 presses the spring-shaped portion 111. The protrusion 118 is partially provided at a position corresponding to the spring-shaped portion 111, thereby preventing a decrease in heat dissipation. Furthermore, since the protrusion 118 is provided on the outer wall portion 113, it is easier to position the tip of the protrusion 118 below the spring-shaped portion 111 than when the protrusion 118 is provided on the connecting wall portion 114Y.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the mating connector 90 configured as described above, the outer wall portion 113 is provided with the mating power terminal 110 that overlaps the outside of the main wall portion 114X1 so as to cover the spring-shaped portion 111, thereby suppressing the reduction in heat dissipation performance caused by the recess 125 resulting from the formation of the spring-shaped portion 111.

[0104] In addition, since one or more pairs of mating power terminals 110 are provided with outer wall portions 113 covering the main wall portion 114X1 on which the spring-shaped portions 111 are formed, and arranged back-to-back, the spring-shaped portions 111 have a biasing force in a direction in which they move away from each other. This makes it possible to maximize the distance between contacts that easily generate heat.

[0105] Furthermore, the connector device 100 configured as described above includes the connecting portion 66 that connects the first end 62 and the second end 64, and the slit 68 is formed in the connecting portion 66, extending in the direction extending between the first end 62 and the second end 64. Therefore, the connecting portion 66 is more likely to deform than when the slit 68 is not formed. When a positional deviation occurs between the mating power terminal 110 and the power terminal 60, the deformation of the connecting portion 66 can absorb the positional deviation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Floating Connector 14X2 main wall 20 Fixed Housing 21 Peripheral wall 21X,21Y wall 22 Signal terminal holding part 23 Holding body 23H First holding hole 23H1 First hole part 23H2 Second hole part 24 Power terminal holding part 25 Holding body 25A Recess 26 First cover part 27 First inclined surface part 29 Fixture holding part 30 Movable housing 31 Signal terminal holding part 32 Base part 32G Holding groove 33 Rib 33A First inner surface 33B Second inner surface 33H Second holding hole 33H Holding hole 34 Power terminal holding part 35 Holding body 35A, 35B Peripheral wall part 35H Holding hole 36 Second cover part 37 Second inclined surface part 38 Vertical surface part 39 Guide part 40 Signal terminal 42 First end part 43 Substrate connection part 44 First held part 45 Press-fit protrusion 46 Orthogonal bending part 48 Second end part 49 Terminal part 50 Leaf spring shaped part 51 Second held part 52 Bending part 54 Connecting part 55 Elastic part 55A First offset part 55B Second offset part 56 First extending part 57 Second extending part 58 Third extending part 59 Curved extending part 60 Power terminal 62 First end part 64 Second end 65 Terminal section 66 Connecting part 67 Elastic part 68 Slit 80 Fixtures 90 Mating connector 91 Mating Housing 92 Signal terminal holding part 93 Power terminal holding part 94 Guide receiving part 95 Mating signal terminal 96 Spring-shaped part 97 Power terminal 100 Connector device 110 Mating power terminal 111 Spring-shaped part 112 Cylinder part 113 Exterior wall 114 Wall 114X,114X1,114X2 Main wall 114Y Connecting wall section 115 Board connection part 116 Press-fit protrusion 117 Curved Surface 117A Contact part 118 Protrusion 119 Board part 120 Plate-shaped body 121,122,124,126 Slit 124 Insert 125 Dent 127 Convex strip A1,A2,A3 Angle B1,B2 board C1, C2 bending section IX area L1, L2, L3 line segments R bend

Claims

1. A cylindrical portion constituted by a wall portion; a spring-shaped portion formed by cutting and raising a part of the wall portion toward the inside of the cylindrical portion; an outer wall portion overlapping the outer side of the wall portion so as to cover the spring-shaped portion; A terminal comprising:

2. 2. The terminal according to claim 1, The wall portion and the outer wall portion are formed from a single plate material.

3. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, The cylindrical portion has a rectangular cylindrical shape, The wall portion includes a pair of main wall portions arranged at a distance from each other and a pair of connecting wall portions connecting the pair of main wall portions, The spring-shaped portion is formed in one of the pair of main wall portions, The terminal further includes a board connection portion extending from the other of the pair of main wall portions.

4. The terminal according to claim 1 or 2, A terminal comprising a protrusion formed by cutting and raising a part of the outer wall portion toward the spring-shaped portion.

5. A terminal according to claim 1 or 2; a housing for holding the terminals; A connector comprising:

6. 6. The connector of claim 5, The cylindrical portion has a rectangular cylindrical shape, The wall portion includes a pair of main wall portions arranged at a distance from each other and a pair of connecting wall portions connecting the pair of main wall portions, The spring-shaped portion is formed in one of the pair of main wall portions, A connector comprising one or more sets of the terminals arranged with the outer wall portions back-to-back.

7. A connector according to claim 5 and a floating connector connected to the connector, the floating connector includes a second terminal connected to the terminal, and a second housing that holds the second terminal; the second housing includes a fixed housing and a movable housing that is movable relative to the fixed housing; The second terminal is It is formed from plate material, a first end held by the stationary housing; A second end portion held by the movable housing; a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion, A connector device, wherein the connecting portion has a slit formed therein, the slit extending along a direction extending between the first end and the second end.

Images