Connector

Abstract

To improve reliability of repetitive electric connection between a connector and an external terminal in a state that a height of the connector is reduced with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A connector is electrically connected to an external terminal. The connector includes: a plurality of contact parts electrically connected to the external terminal; and a plurality of support parts which elastically support the contact parts so that the contact parts contact with the external terminal in directions different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various connectors have been developed. Patent Document 1 describes a socket contact. This socket contact has a contact point for contacting one surface of a tab contact and a guide surface for sliding the other surface of the tab contact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-224249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in applications where external terminals are repeatedly attached and detached to and from a connector, there is a demand for improved reliability of the repeated electrical connection between the connector and the external terminal.Furthermore, when the connector is housed in a relatively small electronic device, there is a demand for a connector with a low profile that is simple in configuration.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of repeated electrical connections between a connector and external terminals while reducing the height of the connector with a simple configuration. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is A connector electrically connecting to an external terminal, a plurality of contact portions electrically connected to the external terminals; a plurality of support portions that elastically support the plurality of contact portions so that the plurality of contact portions come into contact with the external terminals from different directions; A connector comprising:

[0007] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector and the external terminals while reducing the height of the connector with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of two connectors according to the first embodiment mounted on a substrate. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the front side of a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector and the board according to the first embodiment, seen from the side, in a state in which the board and the external terminals are electrically connected to each other via the connector. [Figure 5] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector and the substrate according to the first embodiment as seen from the side, illustrating the attachment of an external terminal to the connector. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector and the board according to the first embodiment as seen from the side, illustrating removal of an external terminal from the connector. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first modified example, showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front side of a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rear side of the connector according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector and the board according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the side, with the connector mounted on the board. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector according to a second modification. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of a connector according to a second modified example, showing a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 12. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of two connectors 10A according to embodiment 1 mounted on a board 20A. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of the connector 10A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the connector 10A according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 10A according to embodiment 1 and the board 20A as viewed from the side in a state in which the board 20A and the external terminals 30 are electrically connected to each other via the connector 10A.

[0011] 1 to 4, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined to explain the directions. The Z direction is the height direction of the connector 10A. The X direction is one of the directions perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction is a direction parallel to the direction from one side to the other of an elastic holding arm 140A, which will be described later. The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction.

[0012] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the +X side refers to the side indicated by the tip of the X axis indicating the X direction, and the -X side refers to the side opposite the side indicated by the tip of the X axis indicating the X direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the +Y side refers to the side indicated by the tip of the Y axis indicating the Y direction, and the -Y side refers to the side opposite the side indicated by the tip of the Y axis indicating the Y direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the +Z side refers to the side indicated by the tip of the Z axis indicating the Z direction, and indicates the front side of the connector 10A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the -Z side refers to the side opposite the side indicated by the tip of the Z axis indicating the Z direction, and indicates the back side of the connector 10A. In Figure 4, the white circle with an X indicating the Y axis indicates that the tip of the Y axis points into the paper.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector 10A and a substrate 20A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, two connectors 10A are mounted on the +Z side surface of the substrate 20A, with the substrate 20A disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. As viewed from the Z direction, the two connectors 10A are aligned in the X direction. The substrate 20A is, for example, a flexible substrate such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a rigid substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the substrate 20A and an electronic device having two external terminals 30 aligned in the X direction can be electrically connected to each other via the two connectors 10A aligned in the X direction. An example of the electronic device is a battery. The connectors 10A can be used, for example, in truly wireless earphones (TWS). By mounting the number of connectors 10A on the substrate 20A corresponding to the number of external terminals 30 of the electronic device, the substrate 20A can also be electrically connected to an electronic device having one or three or more external terminals 30.

[0015] The connector 10A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4 and, if necessary, Figure 1. In Figure 4, a cross section of the central portion in the Y direction of the top plate 110A and the board 20A is shown hatched, with two mounting arms 120A and one guide arm 130A located on the -Y side of the top plate 110A removed.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector 10A according to the first embodiment includes a top plate 110A, four mounting arms 120A, a pair of guide arms 130A, and a pair of resilient holding arms 140A. The connector 10A according to the first embodiment is formed by pressing a metal or alloy such as a plated copper alloy or unplated stainless steel. The material of the connector 10A is not particularly limited as long as it has predetermined properties such as conductivity and strength, and may be, for example, a metal or alloy not exemplified above. The method of forming the connector 10A is not limited to pressing.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top plate 110A is disposed substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the top plate 110A has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. The top plate 110A defines a slit 112A extending in the Y direction at a substantially central portion of the top plate 110A in the X direction. The surface on the +Z side of the top plate 110A is a substantially flat surface substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. Therefore, the connector 10A can be moved while a suction nozzle (not shown) and the surface on the +Z side of the top plate 110A are suction-attached to each other, facilitating automatic mounting of the connector 10A. The shape of the top plate 110A is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0018] 2 and 3, the four mounting arms 120A are arranged approximately symmetrically when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, when viewed from the +Z side, the four mounting arms 120A include a pair of mounting arms 120A provided on both sides of the -X side end of the top plate 110A that face each other in the Y direction, and another pair of mounting arms 120A provided on both sides of the +X side end of the top plate 110A that face each other in the Y direction. When viewed from the +Z side, the pair of mounting arms 120A includes a pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A drawn out to the -Z side from both sides of the -X side end of the top plate 110A that face each other in the Y direction, and a pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A drawn out from the -Z side ends of the pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A to sides that are separated from each other in the Y direction. When viewed from the +Z side, the other pair of mounting arms 120A includes another pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A drawn out to the -Z side from both sides facing each other in the Y direction of the +X side end of the top plate 110A, and another pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A drawn out to sides away from each other in the Y direction from the -Z side end portions of the other pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pair of mounting arms 120A are bent at approximately right angles from the pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A to the pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A, with rounded corners between the pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A and the pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the other pair of mounting arms 120A are bent at approximately right angles from the other pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A to the other pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A, with the corners between the other pair of mounting arm extension portions 122A and the other pair of mounting arm tip portions 124A being rounded.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 10A and the board 20A are attached to each other such that the −Z side surface of each mounting arm tip 124A is electrically connected to each pad 22A provided on the +Z side surface of the board 20A via soldering or other bonding techniques. Thus, each mounting arm 120A serves as a terminal for electrically connecting to the pad 22A on the board 20A. Using four mounting arms 120A arranged approximately symmetrically facilitates mounting the connector 10A on the +Z side surface of the board 20A, facilitating automated mounting of the connector 10A. The number and arrangement of the mounting arms 120A provided on the top plate 110A are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The number of mounting arms 120A provided on the top plate 110A may be, for example, one, two, three, five, or more. When multiple mounting arms 120A are provided, the multiple mounting arms 120A may be arranged approximately symmetrically or asymmetrically.

[0020] 2 and 3, the pair of guide arms 130A are disposed approximately symmetrically when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, when viewed from the +Z side, the pair of guide arms 130A include a pair of guide arm extensions 132A drawn toward the -Z side from both sides facing each other in the Y direction at approximately the center of the tabletop 110A in the X direction, and a pair of guide arm tip portions 134A drawn from the -Z side ends of the pair of guide arm extensions 132A to sides separating from each other in the Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of guide arms 130A are bent at approximately right angles from the pair of guide arm extensions 132A to the pair of guide arm tip portions 134A, with rounded corners between the pair of guide arm extensions 132A and the pair of guide arm tip portions 134A.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the corners of the pair of guide arms 130A between the pair of guide arm extensions 132A and the pair of guide arm tip ends 134A have a pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA facing each other in the Y direction. The distance between the pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA in the Y direction decreases toward the +Z side. Therefore, when viewed from the X direction, the pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA have a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap between the pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA in the Y direction decreases toward the +Z side. As shown in FIG. 4, when the connector 10A is mounted on the +Z side surface of the board 20A, each guide arm tip end 134A enters the hole 24A of the board 20A. Therefore, mutual interference between the guide arms 130A and the board 20A can be suppressed, and the connector 10A can be made low-profile in the Z direction.

[0022] 2 and 3, the pair of elastic support arms 140A are arranged approximately symmetrically when viewed from the Z direction. Specifically, the pair of elastic support arms 140A are provided on both sides facing each other with respect to an approximate central axis along the Y direction that passes through approximately the center of the tabletop 110A in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 3, each elastic support arm 140A has an elastic support portion 142A, two support beam portions 144A, and two tip contact portions 146A. As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic support portion 142A of each elastic support arm 140A includes a spring portion 142aA. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the -X side elastic support portion 142A, the -X side spring portion 142aA, the two -X side holding beam portions 144A, and the two -X side tip contact portions 146A refer to the elastic support portion 142A, the spring portion 142aA, the two -X side holding beam portions 144A, and the two tip contact portions 146A of the elastic holding arm 140A provided on the -X side edge of the tabletop 110A, respectively. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the +X side elastic support portion 142A, the +X side spring portion 142aA, the two +X side holding beam portions 144A, and the two pairs of +X side tip contact portions 146A refer to the elastic support portion 142A, the spring portion 142aA, the two +X side holding beam portions 144A, and the two pairs of tip contact portions 146A of the elastic holding arm 140A provided on the +X side edge of the tabletop 110A, respectively.

[0023] 2 to 4, -X-side elastic support portion 142A is bent at a substantially right angle from the -X-side edge of tabletop 110A to the -Z-side edge of -X-side elastic support portion 142A, with the corner between the -X-side edge of tabletop 110A and the -Z-side edge of -X-side elastic support portion 142A being rounded. -X-side spring portion 142aA is located at the corner of -X-side elastic support portion 142A between the -X-side edge of tabletop 110A and the -Z-side edge of -X-side elastic support portion 142A, and is curved from the -X-side edge of tabletop 110A to the -Z-side edge of -X-side elastic support portion 142A. The -X side spring portion 142aA is elastically deformable due to the curvature of the -X side spring portion 142aA from the -X side edge of the tabletop 110A to the -Z side tip end of the -X side elastic support portion 142A. The two -X side holding beam portions 144A are bent at approximately right angles toward the +X side from both ends facing each other in the Y direction of the -Z side end of the -X side elastic support portion 142A. The two -X side tip contact portions 146A are provided at the +X side ends of the two -X side holding beam portions 144A.

[0024] The two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side are rotatably supported by the -X side spring portion 142aA. Specifically, when viewed from the Y direction, the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side are rotatable around the -X side spring portion 142aA within a range in which the -X side spring portion 142aA can deform. Therefore, the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side are movable within a plane substantially parallel to the Z direction. In other words, the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side are movable within a plane substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Therefore, the -X-side elastic support portion 142A including the -X-side spring portion 142aA serves as a support portion for elastically supporting the two -X-side hold beam portions 144A and the two -X-side tip contact portions 146A while the two -X-side hold beam portions 144A and the two -X-side tip contact portions 146A are in a state in which the two -X-side hold beam portions 144A and the two -X-side tip contact portions 146A are movable within a plane substantially parallel to the Z direction. Therefore, even if the two -X-side hold beam portions 144A and the two -X-side tip contact portions 146A are displaced by an external force, the biasing force of the -X-side spring portion 142aA can restore the two -X-side hold beam portions 144A and the two -X-side tip contact portions 146A to their original positions.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the +X-side elastic support portion 142A, the +X-side spring portion 142aA, the two +X-side holding beam portions 144A, and the +X-side tip contact portion 146A are arranged such that the -X-side elastic support portion 142A and the +X-side elastic support portion 142A are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to an approximate central axis along the Y direction that passes through the approximate center of the top board 110A in the X direction, and the -X-side spring portion 142aA and the +X-side spring portion 142aA are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the approximate central axis, and the -X-side The two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the two holding beam portions 144A on the +X side are arranged approximately symmetrically about the central axis, and the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side and the two tip contact portions 146A on the +X side are arranged approximately symmetrically about the central axis, except that they are approximately the same as the -X side elastic support portion 142A, the -X side spring portion 142aA, the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the -X side tip contact portion 146A.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the -Y-side tip contact portion 146A of the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side and the -Y-side tip contact portion 146A of the two tip contact portions 146A on the +X side face each other in the X direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the +Y-side tip contact portion 146A of the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side and the +Y-side tip contact portion 146A of the two tip contact portions 146A on the +X side face each other in the X direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, a pair of holding beam portions 144A refers to the pair of holding beam portion 144A on the -Y side of the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the -Y-side holding beam portion 144A of the two holding beam portions 144A on the +X side, and the pair of holding beam portion 144A on the +Y side of the two holding beam portions 144A on the -X side and the +Y-side holding beam portion 144A of the two holding beam portions 144A on the +X side. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, a pair of tip contact portions 146A refers to a pair of tip contact portion 146A on the -Y side of the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side and a pair of tip contact portion 146A on the -Y side of the two tip contact portions 146A on the +X side, and a pair of tip contact portion 146A on the +Y side of the two tip contact portions 146A on the -X side and a pair of tip contact portion 146A on the +Y side of the two tip contact portions 146A on the +X side, respectively.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of tip contact portions 146A are at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the substrate 20A and the -Z side surface of the top plate 110A in the Z direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of tip contact portions 146A include a pair of contact surfaces 146aA facing each other in the X direction at a predetermined distance, a pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA located on the -Z side of the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, and a pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA located on the +Z side of the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the pair of contact surfaces 146aA refers to the contact surfaces 146aA facing each other in the X direction, the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA refers to the guide inclined surfaces 146bA facing each other in the X direction, and the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA refers to the tip inclined surfaces 146cA facing each other in the X direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of contact surfaces 146aA are substantially parallel to the Z direction. Therefore, the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA is substantially constant regardless of the position in the Z direction. When the external terminal 30 is not inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, the dimension of the gap in the X direction between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA is less than the dimension of the external terminal 30 in the X direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, the pair of tip contact portions 146A can sandwich the external terminal 30. When the external terminal 30 is sandwiched between the pair of tip contact portions 146A, the pair of tip contact portions 146A become contact portions that contact different portions of the external terminal 30. In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, the pair of contact surfaces 146aA contact both side surfaces of the external terminal 30 that face each other in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of tip contact portions 146A also serve as terminals for electrical connection to the external terminals 30.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA are inclined in directions away from each other in the X direction as they move away from the pair of contact surfaces 146aA toward the -Z side. Therefore, when viewed from the Y direction, the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA have a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap in the X direction between the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA decreases as they approach the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA are inclined in directions away from each other in the X direction as they move away from the pair of contact surfaces 146aA toward the +Z side. Therefore, when viewed from the Y direction, the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA have a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap in the X direction between the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA decreases as they approach the pair of contact surfaces 146aA.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the +Z side edge of the tip contact portion 146A protrudes toward the +Z side beyond the +Z side edge of the holding beam portion 144A. As shown in FIG. 4, the -Z side edge of the tip contact portion 146A and the -Z side edge of the holding beam portion 144A are substantially flush with each other. In other words, by forming the +Z side edge of the tip contact portion 146A to protrude toward the +Z side beyond the +Z side edge of the holding beam portion 144A, the Z-direction width of the holding beam portion 144A can be made smaller than the Z-direction width of the tip contact portion 146A. By forming a gap between the top plate 110A and the holding beam portion 144A, it is possible to easily form the curved shape of the spring portion 142aA. The shapes of the holding beam portion 144A and the tip contact portion 146A are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. For example, the +Z side edge of the tip contact portion 146A and the +Z side edge of the holding beam portion 144A may be substantially flush with each other.

[0031] 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 10A and the board 20A according to the first embodiment as seen from the side, illustrating the attachment of the external terminals 30 to the connector 10A. In FIG. 5, similar to FIG. 4, the cross section of the central portion in the Y direction of the top plate 110A and the board 20A is illustrated by hatching, with two mounting arms 120A and one guide arm 130A located on the -Y side of the top plate 110A removed. The attachment of the external terminals 30 to the connector 10A will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and, if necessary, to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the first embodiment, the direction from the -Z side to the +Z side is the attachment direction of the external terminals 30, i.e., the insertion direction of the external terminals 30.

[0032] First, the +Z-side tip of the external terminal 30 is inserted from the -Z-side opening of the hole 24A in the substrate 20A toward the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. During insertion, the +Z-side tip of the external terminal 30 is drawn into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA by the tapered shapes of the pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA facing each other in the Y direction and the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA facing each other in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of guide curved surfaces 130aA facing each other in the Y direction and the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA facing each other in the X direction function as guides for guiding the +Z-side tip of the external terminal 30 into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. This facilitates guiding the external terminal 30 toward the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. For example, even by manual operation, the external terminal 30 can be easily guided toward the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA.

[0033] Next, the external terminal 30 is pushed in the Z direction into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the external terminal 30 is inserted, the pair of holding beams 144A may rotate around the −X-side spring portion 142aA and the +X-side spring portion 142aA due to contact between the opposing X-direction side surfaces of the external terminal 30 and the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, causing the pair of tip contact portions 146A to displace toward the +Z side. However, even if the pair of tip contact portions 146A displace toward the +Z side, the +Z-side surfaces of the pair of tip contact portions 146A and the −Z-side surface of the top plate 110A come into contact with each other, suppressing excessive deformation of the spring portions 142aA. Therefore, the top plate 110A functions as a restricting portion for restricting the displacement of the pair of tip contact portions 146A toward the +Z side.

[0034] With the external terminals 30 held by the pair of tip contact portions 146A, the connector 10A and the external terminals 30 are electrically connected to each other by contact between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA and both side surfaces of the external terminals 30 that face each other in the X direction. Thus, the board 20A and the external terminals 30 can be electrically connected to each other via the connector 10A.

[0035] 4 and 5, the slit 112A and the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA overlap each other in the Z direction. Therefore, the external terminal 30 can be seen through the slit 112A while it is held by the pair of tip contact portions 146A. By seeing the external terminal 30 through the slit 112A, it is possible to check whether the external terminal 30 is inserted and how far it has been inserted. Therefore, it is easier to check whether the external terminal 30 is inserted and how far it has been inserted than when the slit 112A is not provided.

[0036] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 10A and the board 20A according to the first embodiment as seen from the side, illustrating the removal of the external terminals 30 from the connector 10A. In FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 4, the cross section of the central portion in the Y direction of the top plate 110A and the board 20A is illustrated by hatching, with the two mounting arms 120A and one guide arm 130A located on the -Y side of the top plate 110A removed. The removal of the external terminals 30 from the connector 10A will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and, if necessary, to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the first embodiment, the direction from the +Z side to the -Z side is the removal direction of the external terminals 30, i.e., the direction in which the external terminals 30 are removed.

[0037] The external terminal 30 is removed from the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA by pulling the external terminal 30 toward the -Z side while held by the pair of tip contact portions 146A. As shown in FIG. 6 , when removing the external terminal 30, contact between the opposing X-direction side surfaces of the external terminal 30 and the pair of contact surfaces 146aA may cause the pair of holding beam portions 144A to rotate around the -X-side spring portion 142aA and the +X-side spring portion 142aA, displacing the pair of tip contact portions 146A toward the -Z side. However, even if the pair of tip contact portions 146A displaces toward the -Z side, the -Z-side surfaces of the pair of tip contact portions 146A and the +Z-side surface of the substrate 20A contact each other, suppressing excessive deformation of the spring portion 142aA. Therefore, the substrate 20A functions as a restricting portion for restricting displacement of the pair of tip contact portions 146A toward the -Z side. The restricting portion for restricting the displacement of the pair of tip contact portions 146A to the -Z side does not have to be provided on the board 20A, but may be provided on the connector 10A.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6, when removing the external terminal 30, the inclination of the pair of holding beam portions 144A facing each other in the X direction may narrow the X-direction dimension of the +Z side end of the gap between the pair of tip contact portions 146A. If the X-direction dimension of the +Z side end of the gap between the pair of tip contact portions 146A narrows when removing the external terminal 30, it may be difficult to prevent the +Z side tip of the external terminal 30 from getting caught on the +Z side end of the gap between the pair of tip contact portions 146A. However, as shown in Fig. 6, by forming a tapered shape at the +Z side end of the pair of tip contact portions 146A by a pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA, it is possible to prevent the +Z side tip of the external terminal 30 from getting caught.

[0039] After the external terminal 30 is removed from the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, the pair of holding beam portions 144A and the pair of tip contact portions 146A are restored to their original positions approximately parallel to the X direction by the force of the -X side spring portion 142aA and the +X side spring portion 142aA.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the elastic support of the -X side elastic support portion 142A and the +X side elastic support portion 142A makes it possible to easily maintain a substantially constant X-direction dimension of the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA when no external terminal 30 is inserted between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, during repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminal 30. Furthermore, the elastic support of the -X side elastic support portion 142A and the +X side elastic support portion 142A makes it possible to easily maintain a substantially constant pushing load required to insert the external terminal 30 into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, during repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminal 30. Furthermore, the elastic support of the -X side elastic support portion 142A and the +X side elastic support portion 142A makes it possible to easily maintain a substantially constant pulling load required to remove the external terminal 30 from the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, during repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminal 30. Therefore, the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminals 30 can be improved by the elastic support of the -X side elastic support portion 142A and the +X side elastic support portion 142A.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the elastic support member 142A is formed by a member constituting the connector 10A. That is, the connector 10A itself includes the elastic support member 142A. Therefore, there is no need to provide an elastic support member, such as a leaf spring, separate from the connector 10A for biasing the tip contact portion 146A. If the elastic support member is provided separate from the connector, the assembly structure of the connector and the elastic support member may be relatively complex, and it may be relatively difficult to reduce the height of the connector. However, in the first embodiment, the height of the connector 10A in the Z direction can be reduced with a simpler configuration than when the elastic support member is provided separate from the connector.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the -X-side elastic support portion 142A and the +X-side elastic support portion 142A serve as a plurality of support portions that elastically support the pair of tip contact portions 146A so that the pair of tip contact portions 146A contact the external terminal 30 from mutually different directions. Specifically, the pair of tip contact portions 146A are elastically supported so that they contact the external terminal 30 from mutually opposite directions in the X direction. Therefore, compared to a case where the tip contact portion 146A located on only one of both sides of the external terminal 30 in the X direction is elastically supported, it is possible to more easily maintain constant the X-direction dimension of the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA during repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminal 30, the pushing load required to insert the external terminal 30 into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA, and the tensile load required to remove the external terminal 30 from the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA. Furthermore, as described above, when the connector 10A is provided with the elastic support portion 142A, the connector 10A can be made low-profile with a simple configuration compared to when the elastic support portion is provided separately from the connector. Therefore, in embodiment 1, the connector 10A can be made low-profile with a simple configuration, and the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A and the external terminal 30 can be improved.

[0043] In the first embodiment, in each elastic holding arm 140A, two holding beams 144A are elastically supported by one elastic support 142A. This makes it easier to miniaturize the connector 10A compared to when the two holding beams 144A are elastically supported by two separate elastic support parts. The number of holding beams 144A supported by one elastic support part 142A is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the plurality of tip contact portions 146A contact the external terminals 30 from opposite directions in the X direction. However, the plurality of tip contact portions 146A may contact the external terminals 30 from a plurality of directions other than the opposite directions in the X direction.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the connector 10A1 according to Modification 1. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the connector 10A1 according to Modification 1 in a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 7. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 8 shows external terminals 30 electrically connected to the connector 10A1 according to Modification 1. The connector 10A1 according to Modification 1 is similar to the connector 10A according to Embodiment 1 except for the following points.

[0046] The connector 10A1 according to the first modification includes a pair of elastic retainer arms 140A1. Each elastic retainer arm 140A1 includes an elastic support portion 142A1, a retaining beam portion 144A1, and a curved contact portion 146A1. Unless otherwise specified, the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1, the -X-side retaining beam portion 144A1, and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 refer to the elastic support portion 142A1, the retaining beam portion 144A1, and the curved contact portion 146A1 of the elastic retainer arm 140A1 provided on the -X-side edge of the top panel 110A, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, +X-side elastic support portion 142A1, +X-side holding beam portion 144A1, and +X-side curved contact portion 146A1 refer to elastic support portion 142A1, holding beam portion 144A1, and curved contact portion 146A1 of elastic holding arm 140A1 provided on the +X-side edge of tabletop 110A, respectively. Tabletop 110A according to Modification 1 defines slit 112A extending in the Y direction in approximately the center in the X direction of tabletop 110A, similar to tabletop 110A according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] The -X-side elastic support 142A1 is folded back approximately 180° with the tip of the -X-side elastic support 142A1 extended from the -X-side edge of the tabletop 110A toward the -Z side. When viewed from the Y direction, the -X-side elastic support 142A1 curves from the -X-side edge of the tabletop 110A to the tip of the -X-side elastic support 142A1. The -X-side elastic support 142A1 is elastically deformable due to the curvature of the +X-side elastic support 142A1 from the -X-side edge of the tabletop 110A to the tip of the -X-side elastic support 142A1. The -X-side holding beam 144A1 extends from the tip of the -X-side elastic support 142A1 toward the +X side. The -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 is folded back approximately 180 degrees, with the tip of the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 pulled out toward the +Z side from the +X-side end of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1. When viewed from the Y direction, the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 curves from the +X-side end of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1 to the tip of the curved contact portion 146A1. The Y-direction widths of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1, and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are approximately constant from the -X-side edge of the tabletop 110A to the tip of the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1. The thickness perpendicular to the Y-direction width of the -X side elastic support portion 142A1, the -X side holding beam portion 144A1, and the -X side curved contact portion 146A1 is approximately constant from the -X side edge of the top plate 110A to the tip of the -X side curved contact portion 146A1.

[0048] The -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are elastically supported in the Z direction by the elastic deformation of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the external terminal 30 is not held, an elastic force acts on the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 in the -Z direction due to the elastic deformation of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1, as viewed from the Y direction. Therefore, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are displaced toward the +Z side when a force is applied in a direction approximately parallel to the +Z side, and are returned to their original positions when the force applied in the direction approximately parallel to the +Z side is reduced, so that they are movable within a plane approximately parallel to the Z direction. In other words, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are movable within a plane approximately perpendicular to the Y direction. Furthermore, the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1 serves as a support portion for elastically supporting the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 while the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are movable within a plane substantially parallel to the Z direction. Therefore, even if the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are displaced by an external force, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 can be restored to their original positions by the biasing force of the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1.

[0049] The +X-side elastic support portion 142A1, the +X-side holding beam portion 144A1, and the +X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are approximately the same as the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1, and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1, respectively, except that the -X-side elastic support portion 142A1 and the +X-side elastic support portion 142A1 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to an approximate central axis along the Y direction that passes through approximately the center of the tabletop 110A in the X direction, the -X-side holding beam portion 144A1 and the +X-side holding beam portion 144A1 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the approximate central axis, and the -X-side curved contact portion 146A1 and the +X-side curved contact portion 146A1 are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the approximate central axis.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of curved contact portions 146A1 facing each other in the X direction includes a pair of contact surfaces 146aA1 facing each other in the X direction, a pair of guide curved surfaces 146bA1 located on the -Z side of the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1, and a pair of tip curved surfaces 146cA1 located on the +Z side of the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1.

[0051] The pair of contact surfaces 146aA1 are located closest to each other in the X direction among the pair of curved contact portions 146A1. When the external terminal 30 is not inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1, the dimension of the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1 in the X direction is less than the dimension of the external terminal 30 in the X direction. Therefore, when the external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1, the pair of curved contact portions 146A1 can hold the external terminal 30. Therefore, the pair of curved contact portions 146A1 according to Modification 1 are contact portions that contact different portions of the external terminal 30, similar to the tip contact portion 146A according to Embodiment 1. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1, the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1 are in contact with both surfaces of the external terminal 30 that face each other in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of curved contact portions 146A1 also serve as terminals for electrical connection to the external terminals 30.

[0052] 8, the pair of guide curved surfaces 146bA1 have a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap between the pair of guide curved surfaces 146bA1 in the X direction decreases as the pair of guide curved surfaces 146bA1 approaches the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1. Thus, the pair of guide curved surfaces 146bA1 according to Modification 1, like the pair of guide inclined surfaces 146bA according to Embodiment 1, serve as guide portions for guiding the tip end portion on the +Z side of the external terminal 30 into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1 when the external terminal 30 is inserted.

[0053] 8, the gap between the pair of tip curved surfaces 146cA1 has a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap in the X direction between the pair of tip curved surfaces 146cA1 decreases toward the pair of contact surfaces 146aA1. Therefore, similar to the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA according to the first embodiment, the pair of tip curved surfaces 146cA1 can prevent the tip of the +Z side of the external terminal 30 from getting caught at the end of the gap between the pair of tip inclined surfaces 146cA on the +Z side when the external terminal 30 is removed.

[0054] In the first modification, as in the first embodiment, a pair of curved contact portions 146A1 located on both sides in the X direction of the external terminal 30 are elastically supported by the −X side elastic support portion 142A1 and the +X side elastic support portion 142A1. Therefore, the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector 10A1 and the external terminal 30 can be improved while the connector 10A1 is made low-profile with a simple configuration.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the front side of the connector 10B according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back side of the connector 10B according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 10B according to the second embodiment and the board 20B as viewed from the side with the connector 10B mounted on the board 20B. The connector 10B according to the second embodiment is similar to the connector 10A according to the first embodiment except for the following points. For the sake of explanation, FIGS. 9 and 11 show external terminals 30 electrically connected to the connector 10B according to the second embodiment. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 11 shows cross sections of approximately the center in the Y direction of a pair of bottom plates 110B and a pair of guide protrusions 120B, which will be described later, with hatching.

[0056] 9 to 11, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined to explain the directions. The Z direction is the height direction of the connector 10B. The X direction is one of the directions perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction is a direction parallel to the direction from one of a pair of side plates 130B (described later) to the other. The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. In FIG. 11, the white circle with an X indicating the X axis indicates that the tip of the X axis points into the paper.

[0057] 9 and 10, the connector 10B according to the second embodiment includes a pair of bottom plates 110B, a pair of guide projections 120B, and a pair of side plates 130B. The connector 10B according to the second embodiment is formed, for example, by press working. The connector 10B according to the second embodiment can be formed with less bending work than the connector 10A according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the connector 10B according to the second embodiment can be manufactured more easily than the connector 10A according to the first embodiment.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a pair of bottom plates 110B are aligned in the Y direction. Each bottom plate 110B is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , when viewed from the Z direction, each bottom plate 110B has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides approximately parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides approximately parallel to the Y direction. The +Z side surface of each bottom plate 110B is a substantially flat surface approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. Therefore, the connector 10B can be moved while the nozzle (not shown) and the +Z side surface of the bottom plate 110B are attracted to each other, facilitating automatic mounting of the connector 10B. Pads (not shown) on the −Z side surface of each bottom plate 110B and the +Z side surface of the board 20B are electrically connected to each other when the connector 10B is mounted on the +Z side surface of the board 20B. Therefore, the −Z side surface of each bottom plate 110B serves as a terminal for electrical connection to the board 20B. The shape of each bottom plate 110B is not limited to the example shown in FIGS.

[0059] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pair of guide protrusions 120B extend from the sides of the pair of bottom plates 110B that face each other in the Y direction. The pair of guide protrusions 120B curve from the sides of the pair of bottom plates 110B that face each other in the Y direction to the tips of the pair of guide protrusions 120B, with the tips of the pair of guide protrusions 120B facing the +Z side. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tips of the pair of guide protrusions 120B have a pair of guide curved surfaces 120aB that face each other. As shown in Figure 11, when viewed from the X direction, the pair of guide curved surfaces 120aB have a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap in the Y direction between the pair of guide curved surfaces 120aB decreases toward the +Z side.

[0060] 9 and 10, the pair of side plates 130B extend from both sides of the bottom plate 110B on the -Y side that face each other in the X direction to both sides of the bottom plate 110B on the +Y side that face each other in the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the -X side side plate 130B has two straight line portions 132B that are bent at approximately right angles from the -X side sides of the pair of bottom plates 110B toward the +Z side and extend in the Y direction, and an elastic support portion 134B located between the two straight line portions 132B. The +X side side plate 130B includes two other straight line portions 132B that are bent at approximately right angles from the +X side sides of the pair of bottom plates 110B toward the +Z side and extend in the Y direction, and another elastic support portion 134B located between the other two straight line portions 132B.

[0061] 9 and 10, a pair of elastic support portions 134B facing each other in the X direction includes a pair of proximity contact portions 136B that are located closest to each other in the X direction among the pair of elastic support portions 134B. The pair of proximity contact portions 136B are located at approximately the center of the pair of elastic support portions 134B in the Y direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when viewed from the Z direction, the pair of elastic support portions 134B are curved in a convex shape toward approximately the center of the pair of elastic support portions 134B in the Y direction where the pair of proximity contact portions 136B are located. The pair of elastic support portions 134B are elastically deformable due to the curvature of the pair of elastic support portions 134B.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a pair of proximity contact portions 136B facing each other in the X direction includes a pair of contact surfaces 136aB facing each other in the X direction. When an external terminal 30 is not inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB, the X-direction dimension of the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB is less than the X-direction dimension of the external terminal 30. Therefore, when an external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B facing each other in the X direction can sandwich the external terminal 30. When the external terminal 30 is sandwiched between the pair of proximity contact portions 136B, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B facing each other in the X direction are contact portions that contact different portions of the external terminal 30. In the second embodiment, when an external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB, the pair of contact surfaces 136aB can contact both side surfaces of the external terminal 30 facing each other in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B facing each other in the X direction also serve as terminals for electrical connection to the external terminals 30.

[0063] The pair of proximity contact portions 136B are elastically supported by the pair of elastic support portions 134B so as to be able to move toward and away from each other. Specifically, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B are movable in the direction of approaching each other in the X direction and in the direction of moving away from each other in the X direction within a range in which the pair of elastic support portions 134B can deform. Therefore, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B are movable within a plane substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. Therefore, the pair of elastic support portions 134B serve as support portions that elastically support the pair of proximity contact portions 136B while the pair of proximity contact portions 136B is movable within a plane substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. Therefore, even if the pair of proximity contact portions 136B is displaced by an external force, the biasing force of the pair of elastic support portions 134B can restore the pair of proximity contact portions 136B to their original positions.

[0064] 9 and 10, the -Z side of each of the pair of elastic support parts 134B is inclined toward the +Z side as it approaches the proximity contact part 136B. Therefore, when viewed from the X direction, the -Z side of each elastic support part 134B has a tapered shape in which the dimension of the gap between the sides in the Y direction decreases as it approaches the +Z side.

[0065] Attachment of the external terminal 30 to the connector 10B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0066] First, the +Z-side end of the external terminal 30 is inserted from the -Z-side opening of the hole 24B in the substrate 20B toward the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB. During insertion of the external terminal 30, the +Z-side end of the external terminal 30 is pulled into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB due to the tapered shapes of the pair of guide curved surfaces 120aB facing each other in the Y direction and the tapered shapes of the -Z-side edges of the pair of elastic support portions 134B facing each other in the X direction. Therefore, the pair of guide curved surfaces 120aB facing each other in the Y direction and the -Z-side edges of the pair of elastic support portions 134B facing each other in the X direction serve as guide portions for guiding the +Z-side end of the external terminal 30 into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB. This makes it easier to guide the external terminal 30 toward the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB.

[0067] Next, the external terminal 30 is pushed in the Z direction into the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB. The elastic support member 134B according to the second embodiment is movable in the X direction but can be fixed in the Z direction. Therefore, the deformation resistance strength of the elastic support member 134B according to the second embodiment can be made higher than the deformation resistance strength of the spring member 142aA according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, deformation of the proximity contact member 136B toward the +Z side due to contact between the opposing side surfaces of the external terminal 30 in the X direction and the pair of contact surfaces 136aB when the external terminal 30 is inserted can be easily suppressed. Therefore, the pair of elastic support members 134B function as restricting members for restricting displacement of the pair of proximity contact members 136B toward the -Z side.

[0068] With the external terminals 30 held by the opposing elastic support portions 134B, the connector 10B and the external terminals 30 are electrically connected to each other by contact between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB and both side surfaces of the external terminals 30 that face each other in the X direction. Thus, the board 20B and the external terminals 30 are electrically connected to each other via the connector 10B.

[0069] With the external terminals 30 held by the opposing elastic support portions 134B, the external terminals 30 can be seen through the opening on the +Z side of the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB. By seeing the external terminals 30 through this opening, it is possible to check whether the external terminals 30 are inserted and the amount of insertion of the external terminals 30. Therefore, compared to when this opening is not provided, it is easier to check whether the external terminals 30 are inserted and the amount of insertion of the external terminals 30.

[0070] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the removal of the external terminal 30 from the connector 10B will be described.

[0071] The external terminal 30 is pulled toward the -Z side while held by the pair of proximity contact portions 136B, thereby removing the external terminal 30 from the gap between the pair of proximity contact portions 136B. As described above, the deformation resistance strength of the elastic support portion 134B according to the second embodiment can be made higher than the deformation resistance strength of the spring portion 142aA according to the first embodiment. Therefore, when removing the external terminal 30, deformation of the proximity contact portion 136B toward the -Z side due to contact between both opposing side surfaces of the external terminal 30 in the X direction and the pair of contact surfaces 136aB can be easily suppressed. Therefore, the pair of elastic support portions 134B function as restricting portions for restricting displacement of the pair of proximity contact portions 136B toward the +Z side.

[0072] After the external terminal 30 is removed from the gap between the pair of contact surfaces 136aB, the pair of proximity contact portions 136B are restored to their original positions by the biasing force of the pair of elastic support portions 134B.

[0073] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a pair of proximity contact portions 136B located on both sides of the external terminal 30 in the X direction are elastically supported by a pair of elastic support portions 134B. Therefore, the connector 10B can be made low-profile with a simple configuration, and the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector 10B and the external terminal 30 can be improved.

[0074] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the connector 10B1 according to Modification 2. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the connector 10B1 according to Modification 2 in a cross section taken along line BB in Fig. 12. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 12 shows external terminals 30 electrically connected to the connector 10B1 according to Modification 2. The connector 10B1 according to Modification 2 is similar to the connector 10B according to embodiment 2 except for the following points.

[0075] In the connector 10B1 according to the second modification, the pair of elastic support portions 134B define a pair of protruding portions 138B that protrude toward each other. In the second modification, the pair of protruding portions 138B are formed by, for example, pressing the elastic support portion 134B. As shown in FIG. 13 , the pair of protruding portions 138B have a convexly curved shape. Therefore, when an external terminal 30 is inserted into the gap between the pair of proximity contact portions 136B, both side surfaces of the external terminal 30 facing each other in the X direction come into contact with the vertices of the pair of protruding portions 138B. This limits the contact position between the external terminal 30 and the proximity contact portions 136B to the vertices of the protruding portions 138B. This clarifies the contact position between the external terminal 30 and the proximity contact portions 136B. Furthermore, it is possible to make it difficult for the external terminal 30 to come into contact with the −Z side or +Z side of the pair of proximity contact portions 136B. Edges are likely to be formed on the −Z side and the +Z side of the pair of proximity contact portions 136B. In Modification 2, even if edges are formed on the −Z side and the +Z side of the pair of proximity contact portions 136B, wear of the external terminals 30 due to the edges of the pair of proximity contact portions 136B can be suppressed during repeated electrical connection between the connector 10B1 and the external terminals 30.

[0076] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0077] According to the present specification, there is provided a connector having the following aspects. (Aspect 1) In aspect 1, a connector that electrically connects to an external terminal includes a plurality of contact portions that electrically connect to the external terminal, and a plurality of support portions that elastically support the plurality of contact portions so that the plurality of contact portions contact the external terminal from different directions.

[0078] The "contact portion" corresponds to the "tip contact portion" in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the "curved contact portion" in the above-mentioned first modification, and the "proximal contact portion" in the above-mentioned second embodiment and the above-mentioned second modification. The "support portion" corresponds to the "elastic support portion" in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the above-mentioned first modification, the above-mentioned second embodiment, and the above-mentioned second modification.

[0079] According to the above-described aspect, there is no need to provide a support portion separate from the connector. Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector and the external terminals can be improved compared to when the contact portion contacts only a portion of the terminal. Therefore, according to the above-described aspect, the reliability of repeated electrical connections between the connector and the external terminals can be improved while the connector is low-profile with a simple configuration.

[0080] (Aspect 2) In a second aspect, the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane that is substantially parallel to the direction in which the external terminal is attached to the plurality of contact portions or the direction in which the external terminal is removed from the plurality of contact portions.

[0081] According to the above-described aspect, the support portion can elastically support the plurality of contact portions in a state in which the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane substantially parallel to the attachment direction of the external terminal or the removal direction of the external terminal.

[0082] (Aspect 3) In a third aspect, the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the external terminal is attached to the plurality of contact portions or the direction in which the external terminal is removed from the plurality of contact portions.

[0083] According to the above-described aspect, the support portion can elastically support the plurality of contact portions in a state in which the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane substantially perpendicular to the attachment direction of the external terminal or the removal direction of the external terminal.

[0084] (Aspect 4) In a fourth aspect, the connector further includes a restricting portion that restricts displacement of the plurality of contact portions.

[0085] The "restriction portion" corresponds to the "top plate" in the first embodiment and the first modification and the "elastic support portion" in the second embodiment and the second modification.

[0086] According to the above-described aspect, excessive deformation of the support portion can be suppressed.

[0087] (Aspect 5) In a fifth aspect, the connector further includes a guide portion that guides the external terminal toward the plurality of contact portions.

[0088] The "guide portion" corresponds to the "guide curved surface" and "guide inclined surface" in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the "guide curved surface" in the above-mentioned modification 1, and the "guide curved surface" and "elastic support portion" in the above-mentioned embodiment 2 and modification 2.

[0089] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to easily guide the external terminals toward the plurality of contact portions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10A, 10A1, 10B, 10B1 connector, 20A, 20B substrate, 22A pad, 24A, 24B hole, 30 external terminal, 110A top plate, 110B bottom plate, 112A slit, 120A mounting arm, 120B guide protrusion, 120aB guide curved surface, 122A mounting arm extension portion, 124A mounting arm tip portion, 130A guide arm, 130aA guide curved surface, 130B side plate, 132A guide arm extension portion, 132B straight portion, 134A guide arm tip portion, 134B elastic support portion, 136B proximity contact portion, 136aB contact surface, 138B convex portion, 140A, 140A1 elastic holding arm, 142A, 142A1 Elastic support portion, 142aA spring portion, 144A, 144A1 holding beam portion, 146A tip contact portion, 146A1 curved contact portion, 146aA, 146aA1 contact surface, 146bA guide inclined surface, 146bA1 guide curved surface, 146cA tip inclined surface, 146cA1 tip curved surface

Claims

1. A connector electrically connecting to an external terminal, a plurality of contact portions electrically connected to the external terminals; a plurality of support portions that elastically support the plurality of contact portions so that the plurality of contact portions come into contact with the external terminals from different directions; A connector comprising:

2. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane substantially parallel to a direction in which the external terminals are attached to the plurality of contact portions or a direction in which the external terminals are removed from the plurality of contact portions.

3. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of contact portions are movable within a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the external terminals are attached to the plurality of contact portions or a direction in which the external terminals are removed from the plurality of contact portions.

4. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting portion that restricts displacement of the plurality of contact portions.

5. 4. The connector according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion that guides the external terminal toward the plurality of contact portions.

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