Connector, method for connecting the connector to a connection board, and jig

Abstract

This enables the creation of a connector that allows for replacement of the connecting board. [Solution] A connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a contact assembly (12) having a first contact group (31) and a second contact group (32) that can be connected to a connecting substrate (2) while sandwiching the connecting substrate (2), and an insulating member (34) that holds the first contact group (31) and the second contact group (32), and a guide member (11) that guides the contact assembly (12) to the side of the connection connector (4) to the connector (1) in the insertion direction. By moving the contact assembly (12) guided by the guide member (11) while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member (11) and the connecting substrate (2), the first contact group (31) and the second contact group (32) can be connected to the connecting substrate (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a method for connecting a connection substrate to the connector, and a jig.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in FIGS. 27(a) and (b), the connector 101 of Patent Document 1 sandwiches the connection substrate 106 between the end portion 103a of the contact 103 in the first contact group 102 and the end portion 105a of the contact 105 in the second contact group 104, and the end portion 103a of the contact 103 and the end portion 105a of the contact 105 are connected to the pad 106a of the connection substrate 106.

[0003] Such a connector 101 of Patent Document 1 can be connected to the connection substrate 106, for example, by the following procedure. First, as shown in FIG. 27(a), a locator 107 is disposed in the vicinity of the connection substrate 106, the housing 108 is moved toward the connection substrate 106 side, and the end portion 103a of the contact 103 and the end portion 105a of the contact 105 are inserted into the insertion portion 107a of the locator 107, and the interval in the thickness direction of the connector 101 between the end portions 103a and 105a is widened with respect to the thickness dimension of the connection substrate 106.

[0004] Then, as shown in FIG. 27(b), the housing 108 is further moved toward the connection substrate 106 side so that the end portion 103a of the contact 103 and the end portion 105a of the contact 105 cross over the insertion portion 107a of the locator 107, and the end portions 103a and 105a are connected to each other to the connection substrate 106.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The connector 101 in Patent Document 1 is configured to connect to the connection board 106 by moving the housing 108. Therefore, it is necessary to secure space for moving the housing 108 in the space on the opposite side from the connection board 106.

[0007] Therefore, for example, if the connector 101 is mounted on an electrical device and covered by a housing while connected to the connection board 106, it may not be possible to replace only the connector 101 with a new connector 101 and connect it to the connection board 106 because the housing prevents space from being secured to move the housing 108.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to realize a connector that can be replaced on a connecting board, a method for connecting the connector to a connecting board, and a jig. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A connector according to one aspect of this disclosure is a connector that connects a connection board and a connection connector, A contact assembly having a first contact group and a second contact group that can be connected to the connecting board while the connecting board is sandwiched between them, and an insulating member that holds the first contact group and the second contact group, A guide member that guides the contact assembly toward the side of the connection connector that is inserted into the connector, Equipped with, While maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member and the connecting substrate, the contact assembly moves guided by the guide member, thereby enabling the first contact group and the second contact group to be connected to the connecting substrate.

[0010] The above-mentioned connector includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the contact assembly to the guide member in a temporary assembly position, It is preferable that the contact assembly is guided by the guide member and moves from the temporary assembly position to the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector, thereby enabling the first contact group and the second contact group to be connected to the connecting substrate.

[0011] In the connector described above, The aforementioned fixing mechanism is The engagement portion provided on the contact assembly, The guide member is provided with an engaged portion into which the engaging portion is engaged, An elastically deformable portion is provided on the guide member so as to be continuous with the engaged portion, and which is elastically deformable on the outer side of the connector and capable of releasing the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaged portion. It is preferable to include the following.

[0012] In the connector described above, the contact assembly includes a midplate positioned between the first contact group and the second contact group in the thickness direction of the connector. The engagement portion has a protrusion that projects outward from the connector in the width direction of the connector on the midplate, The elastically deformable portion is provided on the side wall portion of the connector in the width direction of the guide member and has a leaf spring portion that extends in the direction in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector. Preferably, the engaged portion has a recess provided at the tip of the elastically deformable portion.

[0013] In the connector described above, the midplate includes a contact portion that contacts the elastic deformation portion and maintains the elastic deformation portion in a state where it is pushed outward from the connector. Preferably, the contact portion is positioned relative to the engagement portion on the side of the connector that is removed from the connector, and has a protrusion that projects outward from the connector in the width direction of the connector on the midplate.

[0014] In the above-described connector, it is preferable that the connecting connector does not come into contact with the fixing mechanism when the connecting connector is connected to the connector.

[0015] In the connector described above, the connector is connected to the protruding portion of the connecting board, Preferably, the guide member has a relief portion in the thickness direction of the connector that allows the protruding portion of the connecting substrate to pass through.

[0016] The above-described connector is positioned on the side of the insulating member in the direction in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, and includes an alignment member that aligns the first contact group and the second contact group in the width direction of the connector. The array member has through which the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group that connect to the connecting substrate pass, and has a through portion that widens the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group that connects to the connecting substrate and the end of the second contact group that connects to the connecting substrate. Preferably, the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the passing portion through which the first contact group passes in the array member on the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector and the end of the passing portion through which the second contact group passes in the array member on the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector is wider than the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group on the side connected to the connecting substrate and the end of the second contact group on the side connected to the connecting substrate in the natural state, and is wider than the thickness of the connecting substrate.

[0017] A method for connecting a connector to a connecting board according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for connecting a connector that connects a connecting board and a connecting connector to the connecting board, A step of placing a contact assembly having insulating members that hold a first contact group and a second contact group on a guide member, The step of disposing the guide member at a preset relative position with respect to the connection substrate; While maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member and the connection substrate, moving the contact assembly in the insertion direction side of the connection connector into the connector while guiding the contact assembly with the guide member, and connecting the first contact group and the second contact group to the connection substrate; comprises.

[0018] The connection method to the connection substrate in the above connector comprises the step of fixing the contact assembly to the temporary assembly position on the guide member by a fixing mechanism, releasing the fixing mechanism, moving the contact assembly from the temporary assembly position in the insertion direction side of the connection connector into the connector while guiding the contact assembly with the guide member, and preferably connecting the first contact group and the second contact group to the connection substrate.

[0019] In the connection method to the connection substrate in the above connector, the fixing mechanism comprises an engaging portion provided on the contact assembly, a engaged portion provided on the guide member and engaged with the engaging portion, and an elastic deformation portion provided on the guide member so as to be continuous with the engaged portion, and preferably, when the contact assembly is pushed and moved from the temporary assembly position in the insertion direction side of the connection connector into the connector by a jig inserted into the connector, the jig pushes the elastic deformation portion to the outer side of the connector to release the engagement state between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

[0020] In the connection method to the connection substrate in the above connector, the contact assembly comprises a mid-plate formed with the engaging portion and a contact portion disposed on the side of the removal direction of the connection connector from the connector with respect to the engaging portion. With the jig removed from the connector, it is preferable to bring the contact portion of the midplate into contact with the elastic deformation portion and maintain the elastic deformation portion in a state where it is pushed outwards from the connector.

[0021] The method for connecting the connector to the connecting board described above is to insert the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group that are connected to the connecting board into the passing portion of the array member arranged on the side of the insertion direction of the connector into the connector relative to the insulating member, thereby expanding the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group that is connected to the connecting board and the end of the second contact group that is connected to the connecting board, thereby elastically deforming the first contact group and the second contact group, and when the ends of the first contact group that are connected to the connecting board and the end of the second contact group that are connected to the connecting board exceed the passing portion, the connecting board is preferably sandwiched by the restoring force of the elastic deformation.

[0022] A jig according to one aspect of this disclosure is a jig used in a method for connecting a connector to a connecting board as described above, The aforementioned jig is An insertion portion is inserted into the connector, and the portion of the contact assembly on the side of the connector that is removed from the connector is inserted into the connector, The insertion portion is provided with a push-in portion for pushing in the contact assembly, A gripping portion, which is continuous with the insertion portion, is used by an operator to grasp the contact assembly when moving it in the direction of insertion of the connecting connector into the connector, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to this disclosure, a connector that can be replaced with a connecting board, a method for connecting the connector to a connecting board, and a jig can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector of the embodiment, showing the connector connected to the connection board. [Figure 2] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector of the embodiment in a state where the connecting connector and the connecting board are connected. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector of the embodiment before it is connected to the connecting board. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, seen from the Z-axis + side. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, seen from the Z-axis side. [Figure 6] This is a view of the connector of the embodiment from the Y-axis side. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment, using the YZ cross-section. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the connector housing of the embodiment, seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the connector housing of the embodiment, seen from the Z-axis side. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly of the embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly of the embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis side. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the first contact group, the second contact group, and the midplate in the connector contact assembly of the embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the connector arrangement members of the embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the connector arrangement members of the embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis side. [Figure 16] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism of the embodiment, with the connector connected to the connection board, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 17]This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a connector with a contact assembly fixed in a temporary assembly position on a guide member. [Figure 18] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism, with the contact assembly fixed in a temporary assembly position, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 19] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the contact assembly fixed in a temporary assembly position and positioned on a connecting board so that it can be connected. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view from the Z-axis+ side of the jig used to press in the contact assembly of the connector in the embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing how a contact assembly is pushed from its temporary assembly position towards the Y-axis+ side using a jig. [Figure 22] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 21, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 23] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the contact assembly pushed towards the Y-axis + side. [Figure 24] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 23, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 25] This is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector connected to the connection board. [Figure 26] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 25, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing Figure 2 of Patent Document 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Specific embodiments applying this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate. Herein, for clarity, the following description will use a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system.

[0026] First, the configuration of the connector in this embodiment will be described. In the following description of the connector configuration, the configuration of the connector will be described as being connected to the connection board. Figure 1 is a perspective view from the Z-axis + side of the connector in this embodiment, with the connector and the connection board connected.

[0027] Figure 2 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector of this embodiment connected to the connection board. Figure 3 is a perspective view from the Z-axis + side showing the connector of this embodiment before it is connected to the connection board.

[0028] Connector 1 is an interface connector that connects the connection board 2 and the connection connector 4 by inserting the connection connector 4 into connector 1, while connector 1 is fixed to the connection board 2 by a bolt 3, which is a typical example of a fastening member, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0029] Here, the X-axis direction is the width direction of connector 1, the Y-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of connecting connector 4, and the Z-axis direction is the thickness direction of connector 1. Furthermore, reference numeral 1 may be used not only to refer to the connector when it is connected to the connecting board 2, but also to refer to the connector in other states, such as when the contact assembly 12 is fixed to the temporary assembly position of the guide member 11, as will be described later.

[0030] The connection board 2 is, for example, a main board on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is mounted. The connection board 2 is fixed to the housing 5 of the electrical equipment, for example, as shown in Figure 1. Here, the connection board 2 has a substantially rectangular cutout portion 2a that is open on the Y-axis side when viewed from the Z-axis direction, for example, as shown in Figure 3.

[0031] Inside the notch 2a, for example as shown in Figure 3, a roughly rectangular projection 2b protrudes toward the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Pads (not shown) are placed on the Z-axis+ side and Z-axis- side of the projection 2b. The connection connector 4 can be configured to connect to, for example, connector 1.

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connector of this embodiment from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connector of this embodiment from the Z-axis- side. Figure 6 is a view of the connector of this embodiment from the Y-axis- side. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of this embodiment from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 8 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector of this embodiment.

[0033] Connector 1 includes, for example, a guide member 11, a contact assembly 12, an array member 13, and a fixing mechanism 14, as shown in Figures 4 to 8. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing of the connector of this embodiment from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the housing of the connector of this embodiment from the Z-axis- side.

[0034] The guide member 11 is, for example, a shell made of a conductive material. The guide member 11 comprises, for example, a main body portion 21, a support portion 22, and a connecting portion 23, as shown in Figures 6 to 10. The main body portion 21 is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends in the Y-axis direction. The main body portion 21 is, for example, substantially rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the main body 21 includes a ground contact portion 21a and a relief portion 21b. The ground contact portion 21a contacts the shell 4a (see Figure 2) of the connecting connector 4 inserted into the connector 1. The ground contact portion 21a is formed by cutting out the Y-axis-side portion of the Z-axis-+ side ceiling portion 21c of the main body 21.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10, the ground contact portion 21a is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis-side end of the ground contact portion 21a is connected to the ceiling portion 21c of the main body portion 21, and it is inclined toward the Z-axis-side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side. The ground contact portions 21a are spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0037] The relief portion 21b is located on the Y-axis+ side of the bottom portion 21d on the Z-axis- side of the main body portion 21, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The relief portion 21b is substantially rectangular in shape, and when viewed from the Z-axis direction, it is possible to pass the protruding portion 2b of the connecting substrate 2 in the Z-axis direction, with the Y-axis+ end of the relief portion 21b being open.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the support portion 22 is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the main body portion 21. The support portion 22 comprises, for example, a main body portion 22a, a projection portion 22b, and a through portion 22c. The main body portion 22a has a roughly hat shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction from the Z-axis+ side to cover the main body portion 21.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the protruding portion 22b extends outward from the main body portion 22a in the X-axis direction toward the support portion 22. The protruding portion 22b is, for example, approximately semi-elliptical when viewed from the Z-axis direction. A bolt 3 is passed through the through portion 22c when fixing the connector 1 to the connecting substrate 2. The through portion 22c penetrates the protruding portion 22b in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion 23 connects the Y-axis-side end of the ceiling portion 21c of the main body portion 21 to the Y-axis-side end of the main body portion 22a of the support portion 22. The connecting portion 23 is positioned approximately in the center of the main body portion 21 and the support portion 22 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0041] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly of this embodiment, viewed from the Z+ side. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly of this embodiment, viewed from the Z- side. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first contact group, the second contact group, and the midplate in the connector contact assembly of this embodiment, viewed from the Z+ side.

[0042] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the contact assembly 12 comprises a first contact group 31, a second contact group 32, a mid-plate 33, and an insulating member 34. The first contact group 31 comprises a plurality of contacts 35.

[0043] The contacts 35 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 13. The contacts 35 are, for example, compression contacts with a roughly Z-shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, and comprise a first portion 35a, a second portion 35b, and a third portion 35c.

[0044] The first portion 35a extends in the Y-axis direction, for example, as shown in Figure 13. The Y-axis-side portion of the first portion 35a constitutes a first electrical contact 35d that is connected to the contacts of the connector 4.

[0045] The second portion 35b extends in the Y-axis direction, for example, as shown in Figure 13. The Y-axis positive portion of the second portion 35b constitutes a second electrical contact 35e that connects to a pad formed on the Z-axis positive surface of the connecting substrate 2. The second electrical contact 35e is curved in a roughly C-shape, for example, with the Z-axis positive side open when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0046] The third portion 35c is inclined toward the Z-axis+ side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side, as shown in Figure 13, for example, and connects the Y-axis+ end of the first portion 35a to the Y-axis- end of the second portion 35b.

[0047] The second contact group 32 comprises multiple contacts 36, as shown in Figure 13. The contacts 36 are, for example, plane-symmetric with respect to the contacts 35 of the first contact group 31, with respect to the XY plane, and are spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0048] More specifically, the contact 36 comprises a first portion 36a having a first electrical contact 36d connected to a contact of the connection connector 4, a second portion 36b having a second electrical contact 36e connected to a pad formed on the Z-axis side of the connection substrate 2, and a third portion 36c connecting the first portion 36a and the second portion 36b, as shown in Figures 2 and 13.

[0049] The midplate 33 is made of, for example, a conductive material. The midplate 33 is plate-shaped, substantially parallel to the XY plane, as shown in Figure 13, and substantially C-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The midplate 33 is provided with a notch 33a.

[0050] The notch 33a is, for example, as shown in Figure 13, substantially rectangular in shape with the Y-axis+ side open when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and is positioned substantially in the center of the mid-plate 33 in the X-axis direction. In this case, the notch 33a may have an inclined portion 33b at its Y-axis+ end that slopes toward the outward side of the mid-plate 33 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the midplate 33 is positioned in the Z-axis direction between the first portion 35a of contact 35 of the first contact group 31 and the first portion 36a of contact 36 of the second contact group 32.

[0052] At this time, as shown in Figure 13, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 35c of contact 35 in the first contact group 31 and the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 36c of contact 36 in the second contact group 32 are arranged in the notch 33a of the midplate 33.

[0053] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the insulating member 34 is an insulator (housing) that holds the first contact group 31, the second contact group 32, and the midplate 33. The insulating member 34 comprises a main body portion 34a and a wall portion 34b.

[0054] The main body portion 34a is, for example, a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and is substantially rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The main body portion 34a is shaped to correspond to the shape of the insulating member of the connection connector 4, so that the insulating member that holds the contacts in the connection connector 4 can be fitted into the main body portion 34a.

[0055] As shown in Figure 11, the first portion 35a of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 is exposed from the Z-axis+ side of the Y-axis-side portion of the main body 34a. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the first portion 36a of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 is exposed from the Z-axis-side side of the Y-axis-side portion of the main body 34a.

[0056] Viewed from the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the X-axis positive end and the X-axis negative end of the midplate 33 protrude from the insulating member 34 in the X-axis direction from the main body 34a. Also, viewed from the X-axis direction, the X-axis positive end and the X-axis negative end of the midplate 33 protrude from the main body 34a in the Y-axis positive direction. The notch 33a of the midplate 33 is positioned on the Y-axis positive side relative to the Y-axis positive end of the main body 34a.

[0057] Therefore, the Y-axis+ side portion of contact 35 in the first contact group 31, including the third portion 35c, and the Y-axis+ side portion of contact 36 in the second contact group 32, including the third portion 36c, protrude from the main body 34a toward the Y-axis+ side, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0058] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the wall portion 34b protrudes from the Y-axis-side end of the main body portion 34a towards the Z-axis+ and Z-axis-sides. The wall portion 34b is, for example, a roughly isosceles trapezoidal shape, where the Y-axis-side side is shorter than the Y-axis+ side when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and has thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the Z-axis+ end of the Z-axis+ side wall portion 34b and the Z-axis- end of the Z-axis- side wall portion 34b is approximately equal to the height in the Z-axis direction inside the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11.

[0060] As will be described in detail later, such a contact assembly 12 is inserted into the main body 21 of the guide member 11 from the Y-axis side to the Y-axis + side, and is housed inside the main body 21 of the guide member 11, as shown in Figure 2.

[0061] In this case, the Y-axis-side end of the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34 is preferably positioned so that when the connecting connector 4 is inserted into the connector 1, the Y-axis-+ side end of the shell 4a of the connecting connector 4 comes into contact with it.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the array member 13 is a locator for aligning the contacts 35 of the first contact group 31 and the contacts 36 of the second contact group 32. The array member 13 is housed and held inside the main body 21 of the guide member 11 and is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the contact assembly 12.

[0063] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the connector array member of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the connector array member of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis- side. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the array member 13 is substantially rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and has thickness in the Y-axis direction. The array member 13 includes a first through portion 13a, a second through portion 13b, and an insertion portion 13c.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the first through portion 13a penetrates the array member 13 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first through portion 13a is located on the Z-axis+ side of the array member 13 and is spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0065] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first through section 13a is provided with an extended section 13d on the Y-axis side of the first through section 13a that inclins toward the Z-axis side as it moves toward the Y-axis side. As shown in Figure 2, the second portion 35b of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 passes through the first through section 13a.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the second through portion 13b penetrates the array member 13 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the second through portion 13b is located on the Z-axis side of the array member 13 and is spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0067] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the second through section 13b includes an extended section 13e on the Y-axis side of the second through section 13b that inclins toward the Z-axis side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side. As shown in Figure 2, the second portion 36b of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 passes through the second through section 13b.

[0068] The distance between the Y-axis+ end of the first through portion 13a and the Y-axis+ end of the second through portion 13b is wider than the distance between the Y-axis+ end of contact 35 and the Y-axis+ end of contact 36 when the contacts 35 of the first contact group 31 and the second contact group 32 are not elastically deformed (i.e., in their natural state), and is also wider than the Z-axis thickness of the connecting substrate 2.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the peripheral portion of the notch 33a of the midplate 33 is inserted into the insertion portion 13c. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the insertion portion 13c is a recess formed to be continuous with the X-axis+ end of the array member 13, the Y-axis- end of the array member 13, and the X-axis- end of the array member 13.

[0070] Here, as shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the contact assembly 12 is sandwiched and fixed at a predetermined position on the guide member 11 by the arrangement member 13 and the push-in portion 11a of the guide member 11. The push-in portion 11a is formed on the support portion 22 of the guide member 11, for example, as shown in Figure 9.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, the push-in portion 11a is formed by cutting out the Y-axis+ side portion of the main body portion 22a of the support portion 22 in the guide member 11, and the Y-axis- side end of the push-in portion 11a is connected to the main body portion 22a of the support portion 22.

[0072] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the push-in portion 11a is an arm portion that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis-positive end of the push-in portion 11a on the Z-axis-positive side protrudes inward from the main body portion 21, passing through the through portion 21e formed in the main body portion 21. The push-in portion 11a is approximately rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0073] Then, when the contact assembly 12 is inserted into the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 from the Y-axis side toward the Y-axis + side, the push-in portion 11a overcomes the push-in portion 34c (see Figures 11 and 12) formed at least at the Z-axis + end of the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34 toward the Y-axis - side.

[0074] At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the Y-axis+ end of the push-in portion 11a contacts the push-in portion 34c from the Y-axis- side. The contact assembly 12 is also positioned so that the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34 contacts the arrangement member 13. This allows the contact assembly 12 to be firmly fixed in a predetermined position on the guide member 11 by sandwiching it between the push-in portion 11a of the guide member 11 and the arrangement member 13.

[0075] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pressed portion 34c of the insulating member 34 in the contact assembly 12 is located inside a passing portion 34d formed at least at the Z-axis+ end of the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34. The passing portion 34d is a recess that has a shape that allows the Y-axis+ end of the pressed portion 11a of the guide member 11 to pass through in the Y-axis direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0076] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pressed portion 34c is a roughly right-angled triangle with a hypotenuse at its Y-axis-positive end that slopes outward in the Z-axis direction towards the insulating member 34 as it moves toward the Y-axis-side when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and it is preferable that it has thickness in the X-axis direction. The pressed portion 34c is located at the Y-axis-positive end of the passing portion 34d.

[0077] The fixing mechanism 14, for example, fixes the contact assembly 12 to the temporary assembly position of the guide member 11 before connecting the connector 1 to the connecting board 2, although this will be described in detail later. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism of this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis+ side, with the connector connected to the connecting board.

[0078] As shown in Figure 16, the fixing mechanism 14 includes an engaging portion 14a, a contact portion 14b, an elastically deformable portion 14c, and an engaged portion 14d. The engaging portion 14a has, for example, a protrusion that projects outward from the midplate 33 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figures 11 to 13. The engaging portion 14a is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0079] The contact portion 14b is positioned on the Y-axis- side relative to the engaging portion 14a, for example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13. The contact portion 14b has a protrusion that projects outward from the midplate 33 in the X-axis direction. The contact portion 14b is a substantially right-angled trapezoid, for example, having a hypotenuse at its Y-axis-side end that slopes outward from the midplate 33 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0080] The elastically deformable portion 14c is formed, for example, by cutting out the X-axis positive side wall portion 21f and the X-axis negative side wall portion 21g of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the Y-axis negative end of the elastically deformable portion 14c is connected to the side wall portion 21f or the side wall portion 21g of the main body portion 21.

[0081] The elastically deformable portion 14c is approximately Z-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 16, for example. The Y-axis positive portion 14e and the Y-axis negative portion 14f of the elastically deformable portion 14c are connected via a bent portion 14g, and the Y-axis negative end of the Y-axis positive portion 14e is positioned on the inner side of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 in the X-axis direction relative to the Y-axis positive end of the Y-axis negative portion 14f.

[0082] The elastically deformable portion 14c has a substantially rectangular leaf spring portion that is elongated in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction. As will be described later, the elastically deformable portion 14c is pressed by the jig 6 in the X-axis direction toward the outer side of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 and undergoes elastic deformation.

[0083] The engaged portion 14d is located on the Y-axis positive side portion 14e of the elastically deformable portion 14c, for example, as shown in Figures 9 and 16. The engaged portion 14d has, for example, a recess having a shape into which the engaging portion 14a can engage.

[0084] Next, the process of fixing the contact assembly 12 to the temporary assembly position of the guide member 11 in the connector 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 17 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector with the contact assembly fixed to the temporary assembly position of the guide member. Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism with the contact assembly fixed to the temporary assembly position, viewed from the Z-axis+ side.

[0085] First, the array member 13 is inserted into the main body 21 of the guide member 11 from the Y-axis + side to the Y-axis - side and held in place by the main body 21. Meanwhile, the contacts 35 of the first contact group 31, the contacts 36 of the second contact group 32, and the midplate 33 are insert-molded into the insulating member 34 to form the contact assembly 12.

[0086] Next, the contact assembly 12 is inserted into the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 from the Y-axis side to the Y-axis + side and moved. Then, the second portion 35b of the contact 35 in the first contact group 31 is inserted into the first passing portion 13a of the array member 13, and the second portion 36b of the contact 36 in the second contact group 32 is inserted into the second passing portion 13b of the array member 13.

[0087] As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the expansion portion 13d of the first passing portion 13a causes the third portion 35c of the contact 35 to elastically deform while the second portion 35b is pushed up toward the Z-axis+ side. Also, the expansion portion 13e of the second passing portion 13b causes the third portion 36c of the contact 36 to elastically deform while the second portion 36b is pushed down toward the Z-axis- side.

[0088] At this time, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the Z-axis-positive end of the Z-axis-positive wall portion 34b and the Z-axis-negative end of the Z-axis-negative wall portion 34b is approximately equal to the height in the Z-axis direction inside the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11, so that the contact assembly 12 can be moved stably inside the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11. In other words, the inside of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 functions as a guide portion that guides the movement of the contact assembly 12.

[0089] Furthermore, since the first passing portion 13a of the array member 13 is equipped with an expansion portion 13d, and the second passing portion 13b of the array member 13 is equipped with an expansion portion 13e, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the Y-axis positive end of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 and the Y-axis positive end of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 can be easily expanded.

[0090] Then, the contact assembly 12 is further inserted and moved to the Y-axis+ side to be positioned in the temporary assembly location. At this time, as shown in Figure 17, the Y-axis+ side end of the second electrical contact 35e of contact 35 is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the expanded portion 13d of the first passing portion 13a of the array member 13. Also, the Y-axis+ side end of the second electrical contact 36e of contact 36 is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the expanded portion 13e of the second passing portion 13b of the array member 13.

[0091] At the same time, as shown in Figure 18, the engaging portion 14a of the fixing mechanism 14 engages with the engaged portion 14d. More specifically, for example, the engaging portion 14a contacts the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c, pushing the elastically deformable portion 14c outward in the X-axis direction.

[0092] Furthermore, since the elastically deformable portion 14c of the fixing mechanism 14 extends to the Y-axis+ side, it elastically deforms at the Y-axis- side end of the elastically deformable portion 14c, and the engaging portion 14a of the fixing mechanism 14 moves over the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c and engages with the engaged portion 14d.

[0093] This allows the contact assembly 12 to be fixed in the temporary assembly position on the guide member 11. In this way, the connector 1 can be transported with the contact assembly 12 fixed to the main body 21 of the guide member 11, preventing the contact assembly 12 from detaching from the guide member 11 and being lost during transport.

[0094] Here, as shown in Figure 17, when the contact assembly 12 is fixed in the temporary assembly position on the guide member 11, it is preferable that the Y-axis positive end and the Y-axis negative end of the contact assembly 12 do not protrude from the main body 21 of the guide member 11 in the Y-axis direction. This prevents damage to the contact assembly 12 when the connector 1 is transported with the contact assembly 12 fixed in the temporary assembly position on the main body 21 of the guide member 11.

[0095] Next, we will explain the process of connecting the connector 1, which is positioned in the temporary assembly position of the guide member 11 as described above, to the connection board 2. In this embodiment, the connector 1 is connected to the connection board 2, which is positioned in a predetermined location inside the housing 5 of the electrical equipment.

[0096] Figure 19 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a connector with the contact assembly fixed in a temporary assembly position, positioned to connect to a connecting board. Figure 20 is a perspective view from the Z-axis+ side of the jig used to press the contact assembly of the connector in this embodiment.

[0097] Figure 21 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the contact assembly being pushed from its temporary assembly position towards the Y-axis+ side using a jig. Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 21, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 23 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the contact assembly pushed towards the Y-axis+ side.

[0098] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 23, viewed from the Z-axis + side. Figure 25 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing the connector connected to the connecting board. Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism in the state shown in Figure 25, viewed from the Z-axis + side.

[0099] First, the connector 1, with the contact assembly 12 fixed to the temporary assembly position of the guide member 11, is brought closer to the connecting board 2 from the Z-axis+ side to the Z-axis- side. Then, the connector 1 is positioned inside the notch 2a of the connecting board 2 while inserting the protruding part 2b of the connecting board 2 into the relief part 21b of the main body part 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1.

[0100] Next, the connector 1 is fixed to the housing 5 together with the connecting board 2 by a bolt 3 that passes through the through-hole 22c of the support portion 22 of the guide member 11 of the connector 1. This maintains the relative positional relationship between the guide member 11 of the connector 1 and the connecting board 2.

[0101] At this time, as shown in Figure 19, the connecting substrate 2 is positioned between the Y-axis positive end of the first through portion 13a of the array member 13 in the connector 1 and the Y-axis positive end of the second through portion 13b of the array member 13, when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Also, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the through portion 5a formed in the housing 5 of the electrical equipment and the inside of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1 are positioned to overlap.

[0102] Here, as shown in Figure 19, the distance between the Y-axis+ end of the first passing portion 13a of the array member 13 and the Y-axis+ end of the second passing portion 13b of the array member 13 is wide relative to the Z-axis thickness of the connecting substrate 2.

[0103] Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, the second electrical contact 35e of contact 35 of the first contact group 31 in connector 1 is positioned on the Z-axis+ side with respect to the Z-axis+ side surface of the connecting board 2. Also, the second electrical contact 36e of contact 36 of the second contact group 32 in connector 1 is positioned on the Z-axis- side with respect to the Z-axis- side surface of the connecting board 2.

[0104] Next, as shown in Figure 19, in order to push the contact assembly 12 toward the Y-axis + side, the jig 6 is inserted into the main body 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1 through the through-hole 5a of the housing 5 of the electrical equipment. As shown in Figure 20, the jig 6 has an insertion part 6a, a pushing part 6b, and a gripping part 6c.

[0105] The insertion portion 6a is, for example, as shown in Figure 20, insertable into the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1, and has a substantially cylindrical shape into which the main body portion 34a of the insulating member 34 in the connector 1 can be inserted.

[0106] The insertion portion 6a, as shown in Figure 20, for example, is a hollow, substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The insertion portion 6a includes a first notch 6d and a second notch 6e.

[0107] As shown in Figure 20, the first notch 6d is located at the Y-axis+ end of the insertion portion 6a and has a shape that allows the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34 in the connector 1 to be inserted. The first notch 6d is, for example, a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the Y-axis+ end of the first notch 6d is open.

[0108] In other words, as shown in Figure 20, the insertion portion 6a is provided with protrusions 6f at both the X-axis + end and the X-axis - end of the insertion portion 6a that protrude toward the Y-axis + end relative to the Y-axis - end of the first notch portion 6d.

[0109] As shown in Figure 20, the second notch 6e is positioned on the protruding portion 6f and has a shape that allows the portion protruding from the insulating member 34 in the midplate 33 of the connector 1 to be inserted. The second notch 6e is, for example, a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis+ end of the second notch 6e is open.

[0110] As will be described later, the push-in portion 6b contacts the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34 in the contact assembly 12 when the jig 6 pushes the contact assembly 12 of the connector 1 towards the Y-axis + side. As shown in Figure 20, the push-in portion 6b is located at the Y-axis - end of the first notch portion 6d.

[0111] The gripping portion 6c is the part that the worker grips when connecting the connector 1 to the connecting board 2. The gripping portion 6c is positioned on the Y-axis side relative to the insertion portion 6a, as shown in Figure 20, for example, and is continuous with the insertion portion 6a. The gripping portion 6c is, for example, roughly rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0112] Move the jig 6 to the Y-axis + side, and as shown in Figure 21, insert the main body 34a of the insulating member 34 of the connector 1 into the insertion part 6a of the jig 6, while inserting the wall part 34b of the insulating member 34 of the connector 1 into the first notch 6d of the jig 6.

[0113] Then, the push-in portion 6b of the jig 6 is brought into contact with the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34. Also, as shown in Figure 22, the portion of the connector 1's midplate 33 that protrudes from the insulating member 34 is inserted into the second notch 6e of the jig 6.

[0114] At this time, as shown in Figure 22, the Y-axis positive end of the protruding portion 6f of the jig 6 contacts the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c of the fixing mechanism 14 in the connector 1, and pushes the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c to the outside of the connector 1 in the X-axis direction. This releases the engagement between the engaging portion 14a and the engaged portion 14d of the fixing mechanism 14 in the connector 1.

[0115] Next, the jig 6 is moved further towards the Y-axis + side, pushing the contact assembly 12 of the connector 1 towards the Y-axis + side, as shown in Figure 23. As a result, the Y-axis + side end of contact 35 of the first contact group 31 of the connector 1 exceeds the first passing portion 13a of the array member 13, and the Y-axis + side end of contact 36 of the second contact group 32 exceeds the second passing portion 13b of the array member 13.

[0116] Then, the restoring force of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 presses the second electrical contact 35e of the contact 35 against the pad on the Z-axis+ side of the connecting substrate 2. Also, the restoring force of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 presses the second electrical contact 36e of the contact 36 against the pad on the Z-axis- side of the connecting substrate 2.

[0117] Furthermore, the portion surrounding the notch 33a in the midplate 33 is inserted into the insertion portion 13c of the array member 13. In this case, if an inclined portion 33b is formed in the notch 33a of the midplate 33, the portion surrounding the notch 33a in the midplate 33 can be smoothly inserted into the insertion portion 13c of the array member 13.

[0118] In addition, as shown in Figure 24, the protruding portion 6f of the jig 6 contacts the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c of the fixing mechanism 14 of the connector 1, and while maintaining a state in which the bent portion 14g of the elastically deformable portion 14c is pushed outward in the X-axis direction, the contact portion 14b of the fixing mechanism 14 of the connector 1 is positioned adjacent to the bent portion 14g.

[0119] At this time, the push-in portion 11a of the guide member 11 in the connector 1 moves over the pushed-in portion 34c on the Y-axis- side inside the passage portion 34d of the insulating member 34, and the Y-axis-+ end of the push-in portion 11a contacts the pushed-in portion 34c from the Y-axis- side.

[0120] This allows the contact assembly 12 to be firmly fixed to a predetermined position on the guide member 11 by the push-in portion 11a of the guide member 11 and the arrangement member 13. Here, if the portion to be pushed 34c has a hypotenuse at its Y-axis + end, the push-in portion 11a can smoothly move over the portion to be pushed 34c.

[0121] Next, as shown in Figure 25, when the insertion portion 6a of the jig 6 is removed from the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 of the connector 1, the connection of the connector 1 to the connection board 2 is completed. In other words, the connector 1 in this embodiment is connected to the connection board 2 by solderless means. At this time, as shown in Figure 26, the contact portion 14b of the fixing mechanism 14 comes into contact with the bent portion 14g. This allows a ground path to be formed.

[0122] In this case, while a typical connector has the contact assembly positioned internally relative to the shell opening to protect it, the amount of movement of the contact assembly 12 on the Y-axis + side from the temporary assembly position to the connection board 2 should be approximately equal to the length from the shell opening to the position where the contact assembly is positioned in a typical connector. This allows the contact assembly 12 to be connected to the connection board 2 by effectively utilizing the space that is typically reserved to protect the contact assembly.

[0123] Next, the process of connecting the connector 4 to the connector 1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 4 is inserted into the main body 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1 through the through-hole 5a of the housing 5 of the electrical equipment, and the contacts of the connector 4 are connected to the contacts 35 of the first contact group 31 and the contacts 36 of the second contact group 32 of the connector 1, thereby connecting the connector 4 to the connector 1.

[0124] At this time, the shell 4a of the connection connector 4 contacts the ground contact portion 21a of the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 in the connector 1. Here, as shown in Figure 16, it is preferable that the Y-axis + side end of the shell 4a of the connection connector 4 does not contact the portion protruding from the insulating member 34 in the mid plate 33 of the connector 1, and consequently does not contact the fixing mechanism 14. This allows the connection connector 4 to push in the portion protruding from the insulating member 34 in the mid plate 33, releasing the contact between the contact portion 14b of the fixing mechanism 14 and the bent portion 14g, thereby preventing the ground path from being disrupted.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable to bring the Y-axis positive end of the shell 4a of the connection connector 4 into contact with the wall portion 34b of the insulating member 34. This allows the connection connector 4 to be accurately inserted to a predetermined depth in the Y-axis direction of the connector 1.

[0126] Next, we will explain the procedure for replacing connector 1 with connector board 2. First, remove connector 1 from connector board 2 by pulling it up towards the Z-axis + side. At this time, since the main body 21 of the guide member 11 in connector 1 is equipped with a relief portion 21b, interference with connector board 2 can be suppressed when pulling connector 1 up towards the Z-axis + side. Also, for example, if connector 1 is connected to connector board 2 by a solderless connection, connector 1 can be easily removed from connector board 2.

[0127] Subsequently, by moving the contact assembly 12, with the new contact 1 positioned in the temporary assembly location, closer to the connecting board 2 from the Z-axis+ side to the Z-axis- side, and maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member 11 of the connector 1 and the connecting board 2, the above-described process of connecting the connector 1, which is positioned in the temporary assembly location, to the connecting board 2 can be performed, thereby replacing the connector 1 with respect to the connecting board 2.

[0128] As described above, the connector 1 and the method of connecting the connector 1 to the connecting board 2 in this embodiment are achieved by moving the contact assembly 12 housed inside the main body 21 of the guide member 11 to the Y-axis + side while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member 11 of the connector 1 and the connecting board 2.

[0129] Therefore, when replacing connector 1 on the connection board 2, there is no need to secure space to move the contact assembly 12 toward the Y-axis side relative to connector 1, and the new connector 1 can be replaced on the connection board 2 using the space where the old connector 1 was located.

[0130] In the connector 1 and the method of connecting the connector 1 to the connection board 2 of this embodiment, if the connector 1 is equipped with a fixing mechanism 14, the contact assembly 12 can be fixed to a temporary assembly position inside the main body 21 of the guide member 11. This allows the connector 1 to be transported with the contact assembly 12 fixed to the temporary assembly position inside the main body 21 of the guide member 11, thereby preventing the contact assembly 12 from detaching from the guide member 11 and being lost during transport.

[0131] In the connector 1 and the method for connecting the connector 1 to the connection board 2 of this embodiment, if the fixing mechanism 14 is provided with a contact portion 14b for the bent portion 14g, when the insertion portion 6a of the jig 6 is removed from the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 of the connector 1, the contact portion 14b of the fixing mechanism 14 can be brought into contact with the bent portion 14g to form a ground path.

[0132] In the connector 1 and the method of connecting the connector 1 to the connection board 2 of this embodiment, when the connection connector 4 is inserted into the main body portion 21 of the guide member 11 of the connector 1, if the Y-axis + side end of the shell 4a of the connection connector 4 does not contact the portion protruding from the insulating member 34 on the mid plate 33 of the connector 1, and consequently does not contact the fixing mechanism 14, the connection connector 4 can push in the portion protruding from the insulating member 34 on the mid plate 33, releasing contact between the contact portion 14b and the bent portion 14g of the fixing mechanism 14, thereby preventing the ground path from being disrupted.

[0133] In the connector 1 and the method for connecting the connector 1 to the connection board 2 of this embodiment, if the first through portion 13a of the array member 13 is provided with an expansion portion 13d and the second through portion 13b of the array member 13 is provided with an expansion portion 13e, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the Y-axis positive end of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 and the Y-axis positive end of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 can be easily expanded.

[0134] Using the jig 6 of this embodiment, the process of connecting the contact assembly 12 described above to the connector 1 which is positioned in a temporary assembly location on the connecting board 2 can be easily carried out.

[0135] In this embodiment, the array member 13 is provided with an extension portion 13d in the first passing portion 13a and an extension portion 13e in the second passing portion 13b, but the extension portions 13d and 13e are not required. In this case, it is preferable that the Y-axis+ end of the contact 35 of the first contact group 31 extends toward the Z-axis+ side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side, and the Y-axis+ end of the contact 36 of the second contact group 32 extends toward the Z-axis- side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side, so that the connecting substrate 2 can be guided between the Y-axis+ ends of the contacts 35 and 36.

[0136] The guide member 11 in this embodiment constitutes a so-called shell, but it is sufficient if it is configured to guide the contact assembly 12 towards the Y-axis + side. The configuration of the contact assembly 12 is also illustrative, and it is sufficient if it has a shape that allows it to move inside the guide member 11.

[0137] The configuration of the fixing mechanism 14 in this embodiment is illustrative, and any configuration that can fix the contact assembly 12 to a predetermined temporary assembly position on the guide member 11 is acceptable.

[0138] In this embodiment, the connector 1 is connected to the connection board 2 which is located in a predetermined position inside the housing 5 of the electrical equipment. However, after connecting the connector 1 to the connection board 2, the connector 1 and the connection board 2 may be placed in a predetermined position inside the housing 5 of the electrical equipment and fixed to the housing 5 with bolts 3.

[0139] In this embodiment, the contact assembly 12 was pushed in using the jig 6, but for example, a worker could push in the contact assembly 12 by hand.

[0140] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Connector 2. Connecting board, 2a. Notch, 2b. Protruding part 3 bolts 4 connection connectors, 4a shell 5 Housing, 5a Through-hole 6 Jig, 6a Insertion part, 6b Push-in part, 6c Thumb part, 6d First notch, 6e Second notch, 6f Protruding part 11 Guide member, 11a Push-in part 12 Contact Assembly 13 Arrangement members 13a First passage section, 13d Expansion section 13b Second passage section, 13e Expansion section 13c Inserted part 14 Fixing mechanism, 14a Engaging part, 14b Contact part, 14c Elastic deformation part, 14d Engaged part, 14e Y-axis + side part of the elastic deformation part, 14f Y-axis - side part of the elastic deformation part, 14g Bending part 21 Main body, 21a Ground contact part, 21b Relief part, 21c Top part of the main body on the Z-axis + side, 21d Bottom part of the main body on the Z-axis - side, 21e Through part, 21f Side wall part of the main body on the X-axis + side, 21g Side wall part of the main body on the X-axis - side 22 Support part, 22a Main body part, 22b Projection part, 22c Penetration part 23 Connecting part 31. First Contact Group 32. Second Contact Group 33 Mid-plate, 33a Notch, 33b Inclined section 34 insulating member, 34a main body, 34b wall, 34c pressed portion, 34d passage portion 35 Contacts, 35a First part, 35b Second part, 35c Third part, 35d First electrical contact, 35e Second electrical contact 36 Contacts, 36a First part, 36b Second part, 36c Third part, 36d First electrical contact, 36e Second electrical contact 101 Connector 102 First Contact Group 103 Contact, 103a End 104 Second Contact Group 105 Contact, 105a End 106 Connection board 106a pad 107 Locator, 107a Insertion part 108 Housing

Claims

1. A connector that connects a connection board and a connection connector, A contact assembly having a first contact group and a second contact group that can be connected to the connecting board while the connecting board is sandwiched between them, and an insulating member that holds the first contact group and the second contact group, A guide member that guides the contact assembly toward the side of the connection connector that is inserted into the connector, Equipped with, A connector in which, while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member and the connecting substrate, the contact assembly is guided and moved by the guide member, thereby enabling the first contact group and the second contact group to be connected to the connecting substrate.

2. The system includes a fixing mechanism for fixing the contact assembly to the guide member in a temporary assembly position, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact assembly is guided by the guide member and moves from the temporary assembly position to the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector to the connector, thereby enabling the first contact group and the second contact group to be connected to the connecting substrate.

3. The aforementioned fixing mechanism is The engagement portion provided on the contact assembly, The guide member is provided with an engaged portion into which the engaging portion is engaged, An elastically deformable portion is provided on the guide member so as to be continuous with the engaged portion, and which is elastically deformable on the outer side of the connector and capable of releasing the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaged portion. The connector according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The contact assembly includes a midplate positioned between the first contact group and the second contact group in the thickness direction of the connector. The engagement portion has a protrusion that projects outward from the connector in the width direction of the connector on the midplate, The elastically deformable portion is provided on the side wall portion of the connector in the width direction of the guide member and has a leaf spring portion that extends in the direction in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the engaged portion has a recess provided at the tip of the elastically deformable portion.

5. The midplate includes a contact portion that contacts the elastically deformable portion and maintains the elastically deformable portion in a state where it is pushed outward from the connector, The connector according to claim 4, wherein the contact portion is positioned relative to the engagement portion on the side in the direction of removing the connecting connector from the connector, and has a protrusion that projects outward from the connector in the width direction of the connector on the midplate.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, when the connecting connector is connected to the connector, the connecting connector does not come into contact with the fixing mechanism.

7. The connector is connected to the protruding portion of the connection board, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide member has a relief portion in the thickness direction of the connector in the guide member through which the protruding portion of the connecting substrate can pass.

8. The insulating member is provided with an alignment member positioned on the side of the connector that is inserted into the connector, and which aligns the first contact group and the second contact group in the width direction of the connector. The array member has through which the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group that connect to the connecting substrate pass, and has a through portion that widens the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group that connects to the connecting substrate and the end of the second contact group that connects to the connecting substrate. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the passing portion through which the first contact group passes in the arrangement member on the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector and the end of the passing portion through which the second contact group passes in the arrangement member on the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector is wider than the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group on the side connected to the connecting substrate and the end of the second contact group on the side connected to the connecting substrate in the natural state of the first contact group and the second contact group, and is wider than the thickness of the connecting substrate.

9. A method for connecting a connector to a connection board, wherein the connector connects the connection board to the connection board, A step of placing a contact assembly having insulating members that hold a first contact group and a second contact group on a guide member, The steps include: positioning the guide member at a predetermined relative position with respect to the connecting substrate; The steps include: maintaining the relative positional relationship between the guide member and the connecting substrate, guiding the contact assembly with the guide member and moving it toward the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector, thereby connecting the first contact group and the second contact group to the connecting substrate; A method for connecting a connector to a connecting board, comprising the above.

10. The process includes fixing the contact assembly to the guide member in a temporary assembly position using a fixing mechanism, A method for connecting a connector to a connecting board according to claim 9, comprising releasing the fixing mechanism, moving the contact assembly from the temporary assembly position to the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector to the connector while guiding it with the guide member, and connecting the first contact group and the second contact group to the connecting board.

11. The aforementioned fixing mechanism is The engagement portion provided on the contact assembly, The guide member is provided with an engaged portion into which the engaging portion is engaged, An elastically deformable portion is provided on the guide member so as to be continuous with the engaged portion, Equipped with, A method for connecting to a connecting board in a connector according to claim 10, wherein when the contact assembly is pushed from the temporary assembly position to the side in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector by a jig inserted into the connector, the jig pushes the elastically deformable portion outward from the connector, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

12. The contact assembly comprises an engaging portion and a midplate having a contact portion formed thereon on the side of the connector that is removed from the connector relative to the engaging portion. A method for connecting to a connecting substrate in a connector according to claim 11, wherein, with the jig removed from the connector, the contact portion of the midplate is brought into contact with the elastic deformation portion, and the elastic deformation portion is kept in a state where it is pushed outwards from the connector.

13. A method for connecting a connector to a connecting substrate according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group that are connected to the connecting substrate are inserted into the passing portion of an array member arranged on the side of the insertion direction of the connector to the connector relative to the insulating member, the distance in the thickness direction of the connector between the end of the first contact group that is connected to the connecting substrate and the end of the second contact group that is connected to the connecting substrate is increased, thereby elastically deforming the first contact group and the second contact group, and when the ends of the first contact group that are connected to the connecting substrate and the ends of the second contact group that are connected to the connecting substrate exceed the passing portion, the connecting substrate is clamped by the restoring force of the elastic deformation.

14. A jig used in a method for connecting a connector to a connecting board according to any one of claims 9 to 12, The aforementioned jig is An insertion portion is inserted into the connector, and the portion of the contact assembly on the side of the connector that is removed from the connector is inserted into the connector, The insertion portion is provided with a push-in portion for pushing in the contact assembly, A gripping portion, which is continuous with the insertion portion, is used by an operator to grasp the contact assembly when moving it in the direction of insertion of the connecting connector into the connector, A jig equipped with the following features.

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