Connector structure

Abstract

To provide a connector structure that can reduce the operating force required when mating the first connector and the second connector without increasing the overall size. [Solution] The connector structure 10 includes a first connector 100 having a first contact 120, and a second connector 200 having a second contact 400 and a pressing member 500. The pressing member 500 has a spring portion 510 and at least one projection 520. When the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120, and the projection 520 is located in the groove of the first contact portion 122, when the posture of the pressing member 500 is switched from the first posture to the second posture AT2, the projection 520 comes out of the groove and rides up onto the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact portion 122, and uses the elasticity of the spring portion 510 to press the pressed surface 1224, pressing the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector structure comprising a first connector and a second connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses this type of lever-type connector (connector structure) 900. As shown in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the connector structure 900 of Patent Document 1 comprises a first connector housing (first connector) 910 and a second connector housing (second connector) 920. The first connector 910 and the second connector 920 can be fitted to each other along the Z-direction (first direction). A cam pin 912 is formed on the first connector 910. The second connector 920 has a lever 922 rotatable between a first operation position shown in FIG. 37 and a second operation position shown in FIG. 38. A cam groove 9222 is formed in the lever 922. The cam pin 912 and the cam groove 9222 constitute a cam structure.

[0003] In the connector structure 900, the fitting operation of the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 is performed as follows. First, the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are brought close to each other in the first direction, and the cam pin 912 of the first connector 910 is inserted into the cam groove 9222 of the second connector 920. Thereafter, the lever 922 of the second connector 920 is rotated from the first operation position to the second operation position. Then, the cam pin 912 moves within the cam groove 9222, and the first connector 910 is further drawn toward the second connector 920 in the first direction, so that the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are fitted together. That is, in the connector structure 900, the lever principle of the lever 922 is utilized, and the rotational operation of the lever 922 is converted by the cam structure into linear motion that draws the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 toward each other in the first direction. Thereby, in the connector structure 900, the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 can be fitted together with a smaller operating force compared to a case where the lever 922 and the cam structure are not provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-216065 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In connector structures such as the connector structure 900 in Patent Document 1, there is a need to reduce the operating force required when mating the first connector and the second connector without increasing the size.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a connector structure that can reduce the operating force required when mating the first connector and the second connector without increasing their size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector structure, A connector structure comprising a first connector and a second connector, The first connector and the second connector are matable with each other along a first direction. The aforementioned first connector comprises a first housing and a first contact, The first contact is held in the first housing, The first contact has a first contact portion, The first contact portion is located at a predetermined position in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The first contact portion has a groove and a surface to be pressed, The groove extends along the first direction, The pressed surface is adjacent to the groove in the third direction, The aforementioned second connector comprises a second housing, a second contact, and a pressing member. The second contact and the pressing member are each held directly or indirectly in the second housing. The aforementioned second contact has a second contact portion, The second contact portion is located adjacent to the predetermined position in the second direction, The pressing member is capable of switching between a first and second posture by rotating about a predetermined axis, at least in the second direction, with the second contact portion adjacent to the first contact portion. The pressing member has a spring portion and at least one projection, The spring portion has elasticity. The spring portion is located away from the second contact portion in the second direction. The projection is supported by the spring portion and is movable in the second direction by utilizing the elasticity of the spring portion. The projection protrudes toward the second contact portion in the second direction, The projection is movable in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction, at a position offset from the predetermined axis in accordance with the switching of the orientation of the pressing member. With the pressing member in the first position and the position of the groove and the position of the projection aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, when the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction, the first contact portion is inserted between the second contact portion and the spring portion and the projection is received in the groove, so that the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion. When the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion and the projection is located within the groove, switching the position of the pressing member from the first position to the second position causes the projection to emerge from the groove and ride up onto the surface to be pressed, using the elasticity of the spring portion to press against the surface to be pressed, thereby pressing the first contact portion against the second contact portion. Provides a connector structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a second connector structure, which is a first connector structure, The first housing guides the second housing while suppressing the movement of the second housing in the plane defined by the second and third directions, until the projection moves within the groove and the second contact portion is positioned adjacent to the first contact portion. Provides a connector structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third connector structure, which is a first connector structure, The previous 2 connector further includes a shaft, The shaft is held in the second housing so as to be rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position. The predetermined axis is the rotation center of the shaft, The pressing member is held on the shaft and is movable as the shaft rotates. When the shaft is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position while the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion, the posture of the pressing member switches from the first posture to the second posture. Provides a connector structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth connector structure, which is a third connector structure, The connector structure further includes a lever for controlling the rotation of the shaft, The lever is attached to the shaft. Provides a connector structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fifth connector structure, which is a third connector structure, The pressing member is made of metal. The pressing member further has a receiving portion, The receiving portion is located away from the spring portion in the second direction. Said second contact portion is located between said spring portion and said receiving portion in said second direction A connector structure is provided.

[0012] Also, the present invention provides, as a sixth connector structure, the first connector structure, The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein One of said first housing and said second housing is provided with a bearing portion, The other of said first housing and said second housing is provided with a shaft portion, When said shaft portion is supported by said bearing portion, said second housing is rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position, Said predetermined shaft is the center of rotation of said shaft portion, Said pressing member is held by said second housing and is movable along with the rotation of said shaft portion, In a state where said second contact portion is adjacent to said first contact portion, rotating said second housing from said first rotational position to said second rotational position switches the posture of said pressing member from said first posture to said second posture A connector structure is provided.

[0013] Also, the present invention provides, as a seventh connector structure, the sixth connector structure, wherein Said second contact and said pressing member are integrally formed A connector structure is provided.

[0014] Also, the present invention provides, as an eighth connector structure, the first connector structure, wherein Said second contact is held by said second housing A connector structure is provided.

[0015] Also, the present invention provides, as a ninth connector structure, the first connector structure, wherein Said at least one protrusion includes two of said protrusions, The pressing member has a connecting portion that connects the two protrusions, The connecting portion protrudes toward the second contact portion in the second direction, When the pressing member is in the first position, the connecting portion is aligned linearly with the two protrusions in the first direction. When the pressing member is positioned in the first position and the position of the groove and the position of the projection are aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction, and the connecting portion is received in the groove. Provides a connector structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a 9th connector structure as a 10th connector structure, When the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion, the connecting portion passes along the predetermined axis in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction. Provides a connector structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides a first connector structure as an eleventh connector structure, The first contact portion is flat. Provides a connector structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The connector structure of the present invention is configured as follows: When the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction with respect to the first connector, with the pressing member in a first position and the position of the groove and the position of the projection aligned in a plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion is inserted between the second contact portion and the spring portion and the projection is received in the groove, so that the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion; when the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion and the projection is located in the groove, when the position of the pressing member is switched from the first position to the second position, the projection comes out of the groove and rides up onto the surface to be pressed, pressing the surface to be pressed using the elasticity of the spring portion and pressing the first contact portion against the second contact portion. As a result, in the connector structure of the present invention, when the second connector is brought close to the first connector while the pressing member is in the first position, the second contact of the second connector can be inserted into the first connector with a zero insertion force (ZIF). After this insertion, when the position of the pressing member is switched from the first position to the second position, the projection of the pressing member presses against the pressed surface of the first contact, connecting the first contact portion of the first contact and the second contact portion of the second contact. In other words, in the connector structure of the present invention, the operating force required when mating the first connector and the second connector is reduced without increasing the size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a connector structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a state before mating, and the shaft is in the first rotation position. [Figure 2] This is another perspective view showing the connector structure of Figure 1. In the figure, the first and second connectors are in the ZIF insertion state, and the shaft is in the first rotation position. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a side view showing the connector structure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along line AA. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a bottom view showing the connector structure. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along line BB. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is another perspective view showing the connector structure. In the figure, the first and second connectors are mated, and the shaft is in the second rotation position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a front view showing the connector structure. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a rear view showing the connector structure. [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a side view showing the connector structure. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the CC line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the DD line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 13] Figure 7 is a top view showing the connector structure. [Figure 14] Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the connector structure. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the EE line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view showing the first connector included in the connector structure of Figure 1. [Figure 17] This is a side view showing one of the first contacts included in the first connector of Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a top view showing the first contact. [Figure 19] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the second connector included in the connector structure. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing one of the pressing members included in the second connector. [Figure 21]Figure 20 is a front view showing the pressing member. [Figure 22] Figure 20 is a top view showing the pressing member. [Figure 23] Figure 20 is a bottom view showing the pressing member. [Figure 24] Figure 20 is a side view showing the pressing member. [Figure 25] This is another side view showing the pressing member in Figure 20. [Figure 26] This is a side view showing one of the second contacts included in the second connector in Figure 19. [Figure 27] This is another side view showing the second contact in Figure 26. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing a connector structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a state before mating. Also, in the figure, a part of the first connector is shown in an enlarged view. [Figure 29] Figure 28 is another perspective view showing the connector structure. In the figure, the first and second connectors are in the ZIF insertion state, and the shaft is in the first rotation position. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a side view showing the connector structure. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the FF line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 32] Figure 29 is another perspective view showing the connector structure. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are mated, and the shaft is in the second rotation position. [Figure 33] Figure 32 is a side view showing the connector structure. [Figure 34] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the GG line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 35] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure along the HH line. A portion of the connector structure is shown in enlargement in the figure. [Figure 36]Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view showing the second connector included in the connector structure. In the figure, a portion of the second contact and a portion of the pressing member are shown in enlargement. [Figure 37] This is a side view showing the lever-type connector described in Patent Document 1. In the figure, the first connector housing and the second connector housing are in an unmated state, and the lever is in the first operating position. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a side view showing the lever-type connector. In the figure, the first connector housing and the second connector housing are mated together, and the lever is in the second operating position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] (First Embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, the connector structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are matable with each other along a first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction. The first direction is also the up and down direction. Here, the upward direction is defined as the +Z direction and the downward direction as the -Z direction. The connector structure 10 of this embodiment is for high-current power supplies. However, the connector structure 10 may be used for other purposes.

[0021] As shown in Figure 16, the first connector 100 of this embodiment comprises a first housing 110 and two first contacts 120. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of first contacts 120 may be one. That is, the first connector 100 only needs to comprise a first housing 110 and one first contact 120.

[0022] Referring to Figure 16, the first housing 110 of this embodiment is made of an insulator. The first housing 110 has a restraining portion 114, a bottom portion 115, and a fitting portion housing portion 116.

[0023] Referring to Figure 16, the restraining portion 114 in this embodiment extends from the bottom portion 115 in a first direction. That is, the restraining portion 114 extends upward in the vertical direction from the bottom portion 115. The restraining portion 114 defines one end of the first housing 110 in the first direction. That is, the restraining portion 114 defines the upper end of the first housing 110 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper end of the first housing 110 is also the upper end of the first connector 100. The restraining portion 114 defines both ends of the first housing 110 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The restraining portion 114 defines both ends of the first connector 100 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is the Y direction.

[0024] Referring to Figure 16, the bottom portion 115 in this embodiment defines the other end of the first housing 110 in the first direction. That is, the bottom portion 115 defines the lower end of the first housing 110 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lower end of the first housing 110 is also the lower end of the first connector 100.

[0025] Referring to Figure 16, the fitting portion housing 116 of this embodiment has an open end in the first direction. That is, the upper end of the fitting portion housing 116 is open in the vertical direction. The fitting portion housing 116 is surrounded by the restraining portion 114 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The fitting portion housing 116 is located above the bottom portion 115 in the vertical direction.

[0026] Referring to Figure 17, the first contact 120 in this embodiment is made of metal. As shown in Figure 1, the first contact 120 is held in the first housing 110. More specifically, the first contact 120 is press-fitted into the first housing 110. The first contact 120 is press-fitted into the bottom 115.

[0027] As shown in Figure 17, the first contact 120 has a first contact portion 122.

[0028] As shown in Figure 17, the first contact portion 122 in this embodiment is flat. The first contact portion 122 defines one end of the first contact 120 in the first direction. That is, the first contact portion 122 defines the upper end of the first contact 120 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figure 4, the first contact portion 122 in this embodiment is located at a predetermined position PP in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 17, the first contact portion 122 has a groove 1222 and two press surfaces 1224. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of press surfaces 1224 may be one or three or more. In other words, the first contact portion 122 only needs to have a groove 1222 and one press surface 1224.

[0030] As shown in Figure 17, the groove 1222 in this embodiment extends along a first direction. The groove 1222 has a size S in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the third direction is the X direction. The third direction is also the front-back direction. Here, the front is defined as the +X direction and the rear as the -X direction. As shown in Figure 18, the groove 1222 is recessed in the second direction. The groove 1222 has an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction. One end of the groove 1222 in the first direction is open. That is, the upper end of the groove 1222 in the vertical direction is open. One end of the groove 1222 in the second direction is open. The inner end of the groove 1222 in the second direction is open. As described above, in the first contact 120 of this embodiment, since the first contact portion 122 is flat, the formation of the groove 1222 is easy.

[0031] As shown in Figure 18, each of the pressed surfaces 1224 in this embodiment intersects with the second direction. More specifically, each of the pressed surfaces 1224 is a surface perpendicular to the second direction. The pressed surfaces 1224 are adjacent to the groove 1222 in the third direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 17, the pressure surface 1224 includes a first pressure surface 1225 and a second pressure surface 1226. The groove 1222 is located between the first pressure surface 1225 and the second pressure surface 1226 in a third direction. The first pressure surface 1225 is located in front of the second pressure surface 1226 in the front-rear direction. The first pressure surface 1225 is located in front of the groove 1222 in the front-rear direction.

[0033] Referring to Figure 19, the second connector 200 of this embodiment comprises a second housing 210, two second contacts 400, and two pressing members 500. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of second contacts 400 and pressing members 500 may be one each. That is, the second connector 200 only needs to comprise a second housing 210, one second contact 400, and one pressing member 500.

[0034] Referring to Figure 19, the second housing 210 in this embodiment is made of an insulator. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the first housing 110 suppresses the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane defined by the second and third directions. That is, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the first housing 110 suppresses the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 19, the second housing 210 has a top plate portion 211 and a restrained portion 214.

[0036] Referring to Figure 19, the top plate portion 211 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction. The top plate portion 211 defines one end of the second housing 210 in the first direction. That is, the top plate portion 211 defines the upper end of the second housing 210 in the vertical direction. The top plate portion 211 defines both ends of the second housing 210 in the second direction. The top plate portion 211 defines one end of the second housing 210 in the third direction. That is, the top plate portion 211 defines the front end of the second housing 210 in the front-rear direction.

[0037] Referring to Figure 19, the restrained portion 214 in this embodiment extends from the top plate portion 211 in a first direction. That is, the restrained portion 214 extends downward in the vertical direction from the top plate portion 211. The restrained portion 214 defines the other end of the second housing 210 in the first direction. That is, the restrained portion 214 defines the lower end of the second housing 210 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lower end of the second housing 210 is also the lower end of the second connector 200. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the restrained portion 114 restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214 in the plane defined by the second direction and the third direction. That is, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the restrained portion 114 restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214 in the plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0038] Referring to Figure 26, the second contact 400 in this embodiment is made of metal. As shown in Figure 19, a cable 800 is connected to the second contact 400. The cable 800 is connected to the rear end of the second contact 400 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 4, the second contact 400 is held in the second housing 210. That is, the second contact 400 is directly held in the second housing 210. More specifically, the second contact 400 is press-fitted into the second housing 210. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second contact 400 may be indirectly held in the second housing 210. That is, the second contact 400 may be held directly or indirectly in the second housing 210. The second contact 400 corresponds to the first contact 120, respectively.

[0039] As shown in Figure 26, the second contact 400 has a second contact portion 410.

[0040] As shown in Figure 19, the second contact portion 410 in this embodiment is flat. As shown in Figure 26, the second contact portion 410 has a plurality of protrusions 412. Each of the protrusions 412 projects inward in the second direction. As shown in Figure 4, the second contact portion 410 is located adjacent to a predetermined position PP in the second direction.

[0041] As described above, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 are flat plates, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the first contact portion 122 does not have to be flat, and the second contact portion 410 does not have to be flat. However, when the connector structure 10 is used for high-current applications, it is desirable to make the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 flat in order to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path.

[0042] Referring to Figure 24, the pressing member 500 in this embodiment is made of metal. As shown in Figure 4, the pressing member 500 is indirectly held by the second housing 210. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pressing member 500 may be directly held by the second housing 210. That is, the pressing member 500 may be directly or indirectly held by the second housing 210. The pressing member 500 corresponds to the second contact 400. The pressing member 500 corresponds to the first contact 120. Referring to Figures 4 and 11, the pressing member 500 is capable of switching its orientation between a first orientation AT1 and a second orientation AT2 by rotating around a predetermined axis 700, with the second contact portion 410 adjacent to the first contact portion 122 in at least the second direction. Here, the predetermined axis 700 extends in the second direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 23, the pressing member 500 has a spring portion 510 and two protrusions 520. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of protrusions 520 may be one or three or more. In other words, the pressing member 500 only needs to have a spring portion 510 and at least one protrusion 520.

[0044] Referring to Figure 20, the spring portion 510 in this embodiment is elastic. As shown in Figure 4, the spring portion 510 is located away from the second contact portion 410 in the second direction. The predetermined position PP is located between the spring portion 510 and the second contact portion 410 in the second direction. The second connector 200 has a gap GP between the second contact portion 410 and the spring portion 510 in the second direction. That is, the second connector 200 has two gaps GP. Each gap GP corresponds to the first contact 120.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12, the projection 520 in this embodiment has an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the third direction when the posture of the pressing member 500 is the second posture AT2. As shown in Figure 20, the projection 520 is supported by the spring portion 510 and is movable in the second direction by utilizing the elasticity of the spring portion 510. As shown in Figure 4, the projection 520 protrudes toward the second contact portion 410 in the second direction. Referring to Figures 4, 11, and 12, the projection 520 is movable on a position offset from a predetermined axis 700 in the plane defined by the first and third directions as the posture of the pressing member 500 is switched. Referring to Figures 1 and 4, when the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the projection 520 is received by the groove 1222. More specifically, when the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the projection 520 is at least partially received by the groove 1222. As shown in Figure 4, when the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 is located away from the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 in the second direction. When the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 faces the groove 1222 of the first contact 120 in a second direction. Referring to Figures 6 and 17, when the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 does not ride up onto the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120. As shown in Figure 12, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the projection 520 is in contact with the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 in a second direction. When the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the projection 520 rides up onto the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120. When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the projection 520 rides up onto the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120.

[0046] As shown in Figure 24, the two protrusions 520 include a first protrusion 521 and a second protrusion 522. As shown in Figure 6, when the pressing member 500 is in a first position AT1, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are aligned in a first direction. When the pressing member 500 is in a first position AT1, the first protrusion 521 is located below the second protrusion 522 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 15, when the pressing member 500 is in a second position AT2, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are aligned in a third direction. When the pressing member 500 is in a second position AT2, the first protrusion 521 is located in front of the second protrusion 522 in the front-rear direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 24, the pressing member 500 has a connecting portion 530.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion 530 in this embodiment protrudes toward the second contact portion 410 in the second direction. As shown in Figure 6, the connecting portion 530 is located between the two protrusions 520. The connecting portion 530 connects the two protrusions 520 to each other. When the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the connecting portion 530 is aligned linearly with the two protrusions 520 in the first direction. This facilitates the formation of the protrusions 520 and the connecting portion 530 in the pressing member 500 of this embodiment. When the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the size of the connecting portion 530 in the third direction is the same as the size of the protrusions 520 in the third direction.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, when the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the protrusion 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the connecting portion 530 is received by the groove 1222. More specifically, when the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the protrusion 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the connecting portion 530 is at least partially received by the groove 1222. As shown in Figure 4, when the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the connecting portion 530 faces the groove 1222 in the second direction. Referring to Figures 6 and 17, when the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120. As shown in Figure 11, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 has an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the third direction. When the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 is facing the groove 1222 of the first contact 120 in the second direction. As shown in Figure 15, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 is aligned linearly with the two protrusions 520 in the third direction. Referring to Figures 15 and 17, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4, when the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the connecting portion 530 passes along a predetermined axis 700 in a plane defined by the first and third directions. Furthermore, when the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the groove 1222 passes along a predetermined axis 700 in a plane defined by the first and third directions.

[0051] As shown in Figure 25, the pressing member 500 further has a receiving portion 540. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pressing member 500 does not have to have the receiving portion 540.

[0052] As shown in Figure 25, the receiving portion 540 in this embodiment is circular. As shown in Figure 20, the receiving portion 540 is located away from the spring portion 510 in the second direction. As shown in Figure 4, the second contact portion 410 is located between the spring portion 510 and the receiving portion 540 in the second direction. The receiving portion 540 passes along a predetermined axis 700 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The center of the circular receiving portion 540 in the plane perpendicular to the second direction is located on the predetermined axis 700. When the posture of the pressing member 500 is the first posture AT1, the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 is in contact with the receiving portion 540 in the second direction. As shown in Figure 11, when the posture of the pressing member 500 is the second posture AT2, the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 is in contact with the receiving portion 540 in the second direction. When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 is in contact with the receiving portion 540 in the second direction. As shown in Figure 12, when the position of the pressing member 500 is the second position AT2, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 are sandwiched between the protrusion 520 and the receiving portion 540. When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 are sandwiched between the protrusion 520 and the receiving portion 540.

[0053] As shown in Figure 25, the pressing member 500 has a connecting portion 550, a base portion 560, and a press-fit portion 570.

[0054] As shown in Figure 20, the connecting portion 550 in this embodiment connects the spring portion 510 and the base portion 560. The connecting portion 550 bends from the spring portion 510 and extends outward in the second direction, then bends further and extends to the base portion 560. More specifically, when the posture of the pressing member 500 is the second posture AT2, the connecting portion 550 bends from the spring portion 510 and extends outward in the second direction, then bends further and extends downward in the vertical direction to the base portion 560.

[0055] As shown in Figure 23, the base 560 of this embodiment is flat. The receiving portion 540 protrudes inward from the base 560 in a second direction. The receiving portion 540 protrudes toward the projection 520 in a second direction from the base 560. The receiving portion 540 protrudes toward the connecting portion 530 in a second direction from the base 560.

[0056] As shown in Figure 25, the press-fit portion 570 of this embodiment extends outward from the base portion 560 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. When the position of the pressing member 500 is the second position AT2, the press-fit portion 570 extends upward in the vertical direction from the base portion 560.

[0057] As shown in Figure 19, the second connector 200 further comprises a shaft 300.

[0058] Referring to Figure 19, the shaft 300 in this embodiment is made of an insulator. More specifically, the shaft 300 is made of resin. The shaft 300 has a center of rotation 310. The predetermined axis 700 is the center of rotation 310 of the shaft 300. As shown in Figure 4, the projection 520 is offset from the center of rotation 310 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The connecting portion 530 is located on the center of rotation 310 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The receiving portion 540 is located on the center of rotation 310 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The center of the circular receiving portion 540 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction is located on the center of rotation 310.

[0059] As can be seen from Figures 3 and 10, the shaft 300 is held in the second housing 210 so as to be rotatable between a first rotational position R1 and a second rotational position R2. The shaft 300 is rotatable by 90° between the first rotational position R1 and the second rotational position R2. As shown in Figure 6, when the shaft 300 is in the first rotational position R1, the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1. As shown in Figure 15, when the shaft 300 is in the second rotational position R2, the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2.

[0060] As described above, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the second contact 400 was directly held by the second housing 210. However, if the second contact 400 is not directly held by the second housing 210, but is held by the shaft 300 or configured to rotate with the shaft 300, the following problems arise: the structure of the connector structure 10 becomes complex because the second housing 210 must be made of two parts; and when the second contact 400 rotates with the shaft 300, the position of the second contact portion 410 in the plane perpendicular to the second direction varies.

[0061] On the other hand, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the second contact 400 is directly held by the second housing 210. As a result, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the configuration of the second housing 210 is simplified, and the position of the second contact portion 410 in the plane perpendicular to the second direction is determined regardless of the rotation of the shaft 300. Therefore, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the contact reliability of the second contact 400 with respect to the first contact 120 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated is improved. Thus, it is more preferable that the second contact 400 is directly held by the second housing 210, as in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4 and 11, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the second contact portion 410 does not come into contact with the shaft 300. Regardless of the position of the shaft 300, the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400 does not come into contact with the shaft 300.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the pressing member 500 is held on the shaft 300. That is, the pressing member 500 is directly held on the shaft 300. The pressing member 500 is press-fitted onto the shaft 300. More specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 19, the press-fit portion 570 of the pressing member 500 is press-fitted onto the press-fitted portion 320 of the shaft 300. As a result, the pressing member 500 cannot move relative to the shaft 300 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0064] Referring to Figures 6 and 15, the pressing member 500 is movable in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 300. That is, when the shaft 300 rotates around the rotation center 310 (see Figure 19), the pressing member 500 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 300. Referring to Figures 4 and 12, when the shaft 300 is rotated from the first rotation position R1 to the second rotation position R2 with the second contact portion 410 adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the posture of the pressing member 500 switches from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2. As shown in Figure 4, when the shaft 300 is at the first rotation position R1, the projection 520 is positioned offset from the rotation center 310 of the shaft 300 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. That is, when the pressing member 500 is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 is positioned offset from the rotation center 310 of the shaft 300 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, when the shaft 300 is in the second rotation position R2, the projection 520 is positioned offset from the rotation center 310 of the shaft 300 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. That is, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the projection 520 is positioned offset from the rotation center 310 of the shaft 300 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0065] As described above, the pressing member 500 of this embodiment has a projection 520 and a receiving portion 540. This ensures that even if there is variation in the relative position of the pressing member 500 on the shaft 300 during assembly of the pressing member 500 onto the shaft 300, a constant distance can be maintained between the projection 520 and the receiving portion 540 when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2. Furthermore, as described above, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 are sandwiched between the projection 520 and the receiving portion 540. Therefore, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, when the pressing member 500 is in the second position AT2, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 can be sandwiched between the projection 520 and the receiving portion 540 and make stable contact without being affected by the above-mentioned variation.

[0066] When the connector structure 10 is used for high-current applications, the amount of heat generated at the contact point between the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410 increases. For this reason, in the connector structure 10 for high-current applications, it is more preferable from the viewpoint of heat dissipation, etc., that when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the second contact portion 410 is in contact with a metal member rather than the resin shaft 300. On the other hand, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, as described above, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the second contact portion 410 is not in contact with the resin shaft 300, but is in contact with the receiving portion 540 of the metal pressing member 500. Therefore, when the connector structure 10 is used for high-current applications, this embodiment is more preferable.

[0067] As described above, the shaft 300 is held in the second housing 210 so as to be rotatable, and the pressing member 500 is held in the shaft 300. As a result, the pressing member 500 is able to move relative to the second housing 210 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the second connector 200 has a mating portion 206.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, the mating portion 206 in this embodiment defines the other end of the second connector 200 in the first direction. That is, the mating portion 206 defines the lower end of the second connector 200 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated, the mating portion 206 is housed in the mating portion housing 116.

[0070] As shown in Figure 19, the connector structure 10 further comprises a lever 600. More specifically, the lever 600 is provided on the second connector 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connector structure 10 does not necessarily have to include the lever 600.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the lever 600 is for controlling the rotation of the shaft 300. The lever 600 is attached to the shaft 300. By operating the lever 600, the shaft 300 can be rotated by 90°.

[0072] The mating operation between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 will be described in detail below.

[0073] First, referring to Figure 1, the second connector 200, with the shaft 300 in the first rotation position R1, is positioned above the first connector 100 in the vertical direction, while aligning the position of the groove 1222 with the position of the projection 520 in the plane defined by the second and third directions. This state is called the pre-mating state. In this pre-mating state, the position of the pressing member 500 is the first position AT1.

[0074] In this pre-mating state, the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200 is moved downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100. Then, the mating portion housing 116 of the first connector 100 partially accommodates the mating portion 206 of the second connector 200. At this time, the first housing 110 suppresses the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane defined by the second and third directions. More specifically, at this time, the suppressing portion 114 suppresses the movement of the suppressed portion 214 in the plane defined by the second and third directions.

[0075] Subsequently, the second connector 200 is moved further relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200 is moved further downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100. Then, while the first housing 110 suppresses the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410 and the spring portion 510. More specifically, while the restraining portion 114 suppresses the movement of the restrained portion 214 in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 of the first connector 100 is inserted into the corresponding gap GP of the second connector 200.

[0076] Subsequently, the second connector 200 is moved further relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200 is moved further downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100. As a result, the first housing 110 suppresses the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the projection 520 is received in the groove 1222 and moves within the groove 1222, and the second contact portion 410 becomes adjacent to the first contact portion 122. More specifically, the restraining portion 114 suppresses the movement of the restrained portion 214 in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the two projections 520 and the connecting portion 530 of the pressing member 500 of the second connector 200 are received in the groove 1222 of the corresponding first contact 120 of the first connector 100 and move downward within the groove 1222, and the second contact portion 410 becomes adjacent to the first contact portion 122. As a result, the connector structure 10 transitions from the pre-mating state to the ZIF insertion state shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0077] In summary, when the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410 and the spring portion 510, and the projection 520 is received by the groove 1222, so that the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122. Thus, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, when the second connector 200 is brought close to the first connector 100 with the pressing member 500 in the first position AT1, the second contact 400 of the second connector 200 can be inserted into the first connector 100 in a ZIF (Zero Integral Fit) manner. Furthermore, the first housing 110 guides the second housing 210 while suppressing the movement of the second housing 210 in the plane defined by the second and third directions, until the projection 520 moves within the groove 1222 and the second contact portion 410 is positioned adjacent to the first contact portion 122.

[0078] In the connector structure 10 with the ZIF inserted, the lever 600 is tilted backward to rotate the shaft 300 from the first rotation position R1 to the second rotation position R2. As a result, the posture of the pressing member 500 switches from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2, and the first projection 521 moves forward from the groove 1222 and rides onto the first pressed surface 1225, while the second projection 522 moves backward from the groove 1222 and rides onto the second pressed surface 1226. As a result, the connector structure 10 transitions from the ZIF inserted state to the mated state shown in Figures 7 to 15. In this mated state, the projection 520 presses the pressed surface 1224 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, pressing the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410. More specifically, in this fitted state, the first projection 521 presses against the first pressed surface 1225 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, and the second projection 522 presses against the second pressed surface 1226 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, pressing the first contact portion 122 against the convex portion 412 of the second contact portion 410. In this fitted state, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressed surface 1224, but is located inward in the second direction of the groove 1222.

[0079] In summary, when the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122 and the projection 520 is located within the groove 1222, switching the posture of the pressing member 500 from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2 causes the projection 520 to emerge from within the groove 1222 and ride up onto the surface to be pressed 1224, using the elasticity of the spring portion 510 to press against the surface to be pressed 1224, and pressing the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410. As a result, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, after the second contact 400 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the first connector 100 using the ZIF method, when the position of the pressing member 500 is switched from the first position AT1 to the second position AT2, the projection 520 of the pressing member 500 presses against the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120, thereby connecting the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 and the second contact portion 410 of the second contact 400. Therefore, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the operating force required when mating the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is reduced without increasing the size.

[0080] As described above, a lever 600 for controlling rotation is attached to the shaft 300. In this embodiment, the connector structure 10 utilizes the lever principle to further reduce the operating force required when mating the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, when the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the connecting portion 530 passes along a predetermined axis 700 in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction. As a result, in the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the operating force required when mating the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is further reduced.

[0082] In the connector structure 10 of this embodiment, the shaft 300 was rotatable by 90°, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as long as the connector structure 10 has the following configuration, the rotatable range of the shaft 300 may be less than 90°: When the second connector 200 is moved relative to the first connector 100 along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100, with the position of the pressing member 500 set to the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410 and the spring portion 510 and the projection 520 When the second contact portion 410 is received in the groove 1222 and the second contact portion 410 is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, and the projection 520 is located within the groove 1222, when the posture of the pressing member 500 is switched from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2, the projection 520 comes out of the groove 1222 and rides up onto the surface to be pressed 1224, and using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, presses the surface to be pressed 1224, pressing the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410.

[0083] (Second embodiment) Referring to Figure 28, the connector structure 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a first connector 100B and a second connector 200B. Referring to Figures 28 and 29, the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B are matable with each other along the first direction. The connector structure 10B of this embodiment is for high-current power supplies. However, the connector structure 10B may be used for other purposes. The connector structure 10B according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the connector structure 10 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) described above. Therefore, among the components shown in Figures 28 to 36, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment. Also, the same expressions for orientation and direction as in the first embodiment are used below.

[0084] As shown in Figure 28, the first connector 100B of this embodiment comprises a first housing 110B and two first contacts 120. The first contacts 120 have a flat first contact portion 122. Here, the first contacts 120 of this embodiment have the same structure as the first contacts 120 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0085] Referring to Figure 28, the first housing 110B in this embodiment is made of an insulator. The first housing 110B is provided with a bearing portion 112.

[0086] As shown in Figure 28, the bearing portion 112 in this embodiment is located at both ends of the first housing 110B in the second direction.

[0087] As shown in Figure 28, the first housing 110B is provided with a groove 113.

[0088] As shown in Figure 28, the groove 113 in this embodiment has an open end in the first direction. That is, the upper end of the groove 113 is open in the vertical direction. The grooves 113 are located at both ends of the first housing 110B in the second direction. The grooves 113 extend from the bearing portion 112 in the first direction. That is, the grooves 113 extend upward from the bearing portion 112 in the vertical direction. Each groove 113 corresponds to a bearing portion 112. Each groove 113 extends upward from the corresponding bearing portion 112 in the vertical direction.

[0089] As shown in Figure 28, the first housing 110B has a restraining portion 114B, a bottom portion 115, and a fitting portion housing portion 116B. Here, the bottom portion 115 in this embodiment has the same structure as the bottom portion 115 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0090] Referring to Figure 28, the restraining portion 114B in this embodiment extends from the bottom portion 115 in a first direction. That is, the restraining portion 114B extends upward in the vertical direction from the bottom portion 115. The restraining portion 114B defines one end of the first housing 110B in a first direction. That is, the restraining portion 114B defines the upper end of the first housing 110B in the vertical direction. The restraining portion 114B defines both ends of the first housing 110B in a second direction. The bearing portion 112B penetrates the restraining portion 114B in a second direction. The groove 113 penetrates the restraining portion 114B in a second direction.

[0091] Referring to Figure 28, in this embodiment, the fitting portion housing 116B has an open end in the first direction. That is, the upper end of the fitting portion housing 116B is open in the vertical direction. The rear end of the fitting portion housing 116B is open in the front-rear direction. The bearing portion 112B communicates with the fitting portion housing 116B in the second direction. The groove 113 communicates with the fitting portion housing 116B in the second direction. The fitting portion housing 116B is located above the bottom portion 115 in the vertical direction.

[0092] Referring to Figure 36, the second connector 200B of this embodiment comprises a second housing 210B, two second contacts 400B, and two pressing members 500B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of second contacts 400B and pressing members 500B may each be one. That is, the second connector 200B only needs to comprise a second housing 210B, one second contact 400B, and one pressing member 500B.

[0093] Referring to Figure 36, the second housing 210B in this embodiment is made of an insulator. The second housing 210B is provided with a shaft portion 212.

[0094] As shown in Figure 36, each of the shaft portions 212 in this embodiment protrudes outward in the second direction. The shaft portions 212 define the outer end of the second housing 210B in the second direction. The shaft portions 212 have a rotation center 2122. Referring to Figures 30 and 33, when the shaft portions 212 are supported by the bearing portion 112, the second housing 210B is rotatable between a first rotation position R1 and a second rotation position R2. The second housing 210B is rotatable by 90° between the first rotation position R1 and the second rotation position R2.

[0095] As shown in Figure 36, the second housing 210B has a restrained portion 214B.

[0096] Referring to Figure 36, in this embodiment, the restrained portion 214B corresponds to the shaft portion 212. Each of the restrained portions 214B is located inward in the second direction of the corresponding shaft portion 212. Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B are mated, the restraining portion 114B restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction.

[0097] Referring to Figure 36, the second contact 400B in this embodiment is made of metal. The second contact 400B and the pressing member 500B are integrally formed. The second contact 400B corresponds to the pressing member 500B. That is, the second contact 400B and the corresponding pressing member 500B are integrally formed. A cable 800 is connected to the second contact 400B. The cable 800 is connected to the rear end of the second contact 400B in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 31, the second contact 400B is held in the second housing 210B. That is, the second contact 400B is directly held in the second housing 210B. More specifically, the second contact 400B is press-fitted into the second housing 210B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second contact 400B may be indirectly held in the second housing 210B. In other words, the second contact 400B only needs to be held directly or indirectly by the second housing 210B. Referring to Figures 31 and 34, the second contact 400B is movable in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 212. That is, when the second housing 210B rotates around the rotation center 2122, the second contact 400B moves in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing 210B. The second contact 400B corresponds to the first contact 120.

[0098] As shown in Figure 36, the second contact 400B has a second contact portion 410B.

[0099] As shown in Figure 36, the second contact portion 410B in this embodiment is flat. As shown in Figure 31, the second contact portion 410B is located adjacent to the predetermined position PP in the second direction.

[0100] As described above, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410B are flat plates, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the first contact portion 122 does not have to be flat, and the second contact portion 410B does not have to be flat. However, when the connector structure 10B is used for high-current applications as in this embodiment, it is desirable to make the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 410B flat plates in order to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path.

[0101] As shown in Figure 36, the second contact portion 410B has a protrusion 412B.

[0102] As shown in Figure 36, the protrusion 412B in this embodiment is circular. The protrusion 412B projects inward in the second direction. As shown in Figure 34, the protrusion 412B is located on the rotation center 2122 in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The center of the circular protrusion 412B in the plane perpendicular to the second direction is located on the rotation center 2122.

[0103] Referring to Figure 36, the pressing member 500B in this embodiment is made of metal. As shown in Figure 31, the pressing member 500B corresponds to the first contact 120. The pressing member 500B is held in the second housing 210B. As a result, unlike the pressing member 500 of the first embodiment, the pressing member 500B in this embodiment cannot move relative to the second housing 210B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0104] Referring to Figures 31 and 34, the pressing member 500B is movable in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft portion 212. That is, when the second housing 210B rotates around the rotation center 2122, the pressing member 500B moves in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing 210B. The pressing member 500B can rotate around a predetermined axis 700B to switch between a first posture AT1 and a second posture AT2, at least in the second direction, when the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122. Here, the predetermined axis 700B is the rotation center 2122 of the shaft portion 212. The predetermined axis 700B also extends in the second direction. When the second housing 210B is rotated from the first rotation position R1 to the second rotation position R2 while the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the posture of the pressing member 500B switches from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2. When the second housing 210B is at the first rotation position R1, the pressing member 500B is in the first posture AT1. When the second housing 210B is at the second rotation position R2, the pressing member 500B is in the second posture AT2. The protrusion 412B passes along a predetermined axis 700B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The center of the circular protrusion 412B in the plane perpendicular to the second direction is located on the predetermined axis 700B.

[0105] As shown in Figure 36, the pressing member 500B has a spring portion 510 and two protrusions 520. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of protrusions 520 may be one or three or more. In other words, the pressing member 500B only needs to have a spring portion 510 and at least one protrusion 520.

[0106] Referring to Figure 36, the spring portion 510 in this embodiment is elastic. As shown in Figure 31, the spring portion 510 is located away from the second contact portion 410B in the second direction. The spring portion 510 is located away from the convex portion 412B in the second direction. The predetermined position PP is located between the spring portion 510 and the second contact portion 410B in the second direction. The predetermined position PP is located between the spring portion 510 and the convex portion 412B in the second direction. The second connector 200B has a gap GPB between the second contact portion 410B and the spring portion 510 in the second direction. That is, the second connector 200B has two gaps GPB. Each gap GPB corresponds to the first contact 120.

[0107] As shown in Figure 35, the projection 520 of this embodiment has an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the third direction when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the second posture AT2. As shown in Figure 36, the projection 520 of this embodiment is supported by the spring portion 510 and is movable in the second direction by utilizing the elasticity of the spring portion 510. As shown in Figure 31, the projection 520 protrudes toward the second contact portion 410B in the second direction. Referring to Figures 31, 34, and 35, the projection 520 is movable in a plane defined by the first and third directions, at a position offset from a predetermined axis 700B as the posture of the pressing member 500B changes.

[0108] Referring to Figures 28 and 31, when the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the pressing member 500B in a first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the projection 520 is received by the groove 1222. More specifically, when the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the pressing member 500B in a first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the projection 520 is at least partially received by the groove 1222. As shown in Figure 31, when the second housing 210B is in the first rotation position R1, the projection 520 is offset from the rotation center 2122 of the second housing 210B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. That is, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the first posture AT1, the projection 520 is offset from the rotation center 2122 of the second housing 210B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. When the posture of the pressing member 500B is the first posture AT1, the projection 520 is located away from the second contact portion 410B of the second contact 400B in the second direction. When the posture of the pressing member 500B is the first posture AT1, the projection 520 is located away from the convex portion 412B in the second direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 faces the groove 1222 of the first contact 120 in the second direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the projection 520 does not ride up onto the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120.

[0109] As can be seen from Figures 34 and 35, when the second housing 210B is in the second rotation position R2, the projection 520 is offset from the rotation center 2122 of the second housing 210B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. That is, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the second posture AT2, the projection 520 is offset from the rotation center 2122 of the second housing 210B in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. As shown in Figure 35, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the second posture AT2, the projection 520 is in contact with the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 in the second direction. When the posture of the pressing member 500B is the second posture AT2, the projection 520 is riding up on the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120. When the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the first contact portion 122 is sandwiched between the projection 520 and the second contact portion 410B. When the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the first contact portion 122 is sandwiched between the projection 520 and the convex portion 412B. When the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B are mated together, the first contact portion 122 is sandwiched between the projection 520 and the second contact portion 410B. When the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B are mated together, the first contact portion 122 is sandwiched between the projection 520 and the convex portion 412B.

[0110] As shown in Figure 36, the two protrusions 520 include a first protrusion 521 and a second protrusion 522. As shown in Figure 31, when the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are aligned in the first direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the first protrusion 521 is located below the second protrusion 522 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 36, when the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are aligned in the third direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the first protrusion 521 is located in front of the second protrusion 522 in the front-rear direction.

[0111] As shown in Figure 36, the pressing member 500B has a connecting portion 530.

[0112] As shown in Figure 36, the connecting portion 530 of this embodiment protrudes toward the second contact portion 410B in the second direction. The connecting portion 530 is located between the two protrusions 520. The connecting portion 530 connects the two protrusions 520 to each other. As shown in Figure 31, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the first posture AT1, the connecting portion 530 is aligned linearly with the two protrusions 520 in the first direction. This makes it easy to form the protrusions 520 and the connecting portion 530 in the pressing member 500B of this embodiment. When the posture of the pressing member 500B is the first posture AT1, the size of the connecting portion 530 in the third direction is the same as the size of the protrusions 520 in the third direction.

[0113] Referring to Figures 28 and 31, when the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the pressing member 500B in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the protrusion 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the connecting portion 530 is received by the groove 1222. More specifically, when the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the pressing member 500B in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the protrusion 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the connecting portion 530 is at least partially received by the groove 1222. As shown in Figure 31, when the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the connecting portion 530 faces the groove 1222 in the second direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the first position AT1, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressed surface 1224. As shown in Figure 34, when the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 has an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the third direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 is facing the groove 1222 of the first contact 120 in the second direction. When the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120. As shown in Figure 36, when the pressing member 500B is in the second position AT2, the connecting portion 530 is aligned linearly with the two protrusions 520 in the third direction.

[0114] As shown in Figures 31 and 34, when the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the connecting portion 530 passes along a predetermined axis 700B in a plane defined by the first and third directions. When the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the groove 1222 passes along a predetermined axis 700B in a plane defined by the first and third directions.

[0115] As shown in Figure 36, the pressing member 500B has a connecting portion 550B.

[0116] As shown in Figure 36, the connecting portion 550B in this embodiment connects the spring portion 510 and the second contact portion 410B. The connecting portion 550B bends from the spring portion 510 and extends outward in the second direction, then bends further and extends in the first direction to the second contact portion 410B. More specifically, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is the second posture AT2, the connecting portion 550B bends from the spring portion 510 and extends outward in the second direction, then bends further and extends downward in the vertical direction to the second contact portion 410B.

[0117] As shown in Figure 36, the second connector 200B has a mating portion 206B.

[0118] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B are mated, the mating portion 206B is housed in the mating portion housing 116B. As shown in Figure 29, when the second housing 210B is in the first rotation position R1, the mating portion 206B defines the other end of the second connector 200B in the first direction. That is, when the second housing 210B is in the first rotation position R1, the mating portion 206B defines the lower end of the second connector 200B in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 32, when the second housing 210B is in the second rotation position R2, the mating portion 206B defines one end of the second connector 200B in the third direction. That is, when the second housing 210B is in the second rotation position R2, the mating portion 206B defines the front end of the second connector 200B in the front-rear direction.

[0119] As shown in Figure 36, the second connector 200B has an operating section 208.

[0120] Referring to Figures 30 and 32, the operating unit 208 in this embodiment is for controlling the rotation of the second housing 210B. The operating unit 208 is located away from the rotation center 2122.

[0121] The mating operation between the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B will be described in detail below.

[0122] First, referring to Figure 28, the second connector 200B, with the pressing member 500B in the first position AT1, is positioned above the first connector 100B in the vertical direction, while aligning the position of the groove 1222 with the position of the projection 520 in the plane defined by the second and third directions. This state is called the pre-mating state.

[0123] In this pre-mating state, the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200B is moved downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100B. Then, the mating portion housing 116B of the first connector 100B partially accommodates the mating portion 206B of the second connector 200B, and the groove 113 of the first housing 110B partially accommodates the shaft portion 212 of the second housing 210B. At this time, the restraining portion 114B restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction.

[0124] Subsequently, the second connector 200B is moved further relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200B is moved further downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100B. As a result, the restraining portion 114B restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction, the shaft portion 212 moves downward within the groove 113, and the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410B and the spring portion 510. More specifically, as the restraining portion 114B restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction, the shaft portion 212 moves downward within the groove 113, and the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 of the first connector 100B is inserted into the corresponding gap GPB of the second connector 200B.

[0125] Subsequently, the second connector 200B is moved further relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction. That is, the second connector 200B is moved further downward in the vertical direction relative to the first connector 100B. As a result, the restraining portion 114B restrains the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction, the shaft portion 212 is received by the bearing portion 112, and the projection 520 is received by the groove 1222 and moves within the groove 1222, so that the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122. More specifically, the restraining portion 114B suppresses the movement of the restrained portion 214B in the second direction, while the shaft portion 212 is received by the bearing portion 112. At the same time, the two protrusions 520 and the connecting portion 530 of the pressing member 500B of the second connector 200B are received by the groove 1222 of the corresponding first contact 120 of the first connector 100B and move downward within the groove 1222, causing the second contact portion 410B to be adjacent to the first contact portion 122. As a result, the connector structure 10B transitions from the pre-mating state to the ZIF insertion state shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0126] In summary, when the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the pressing member 500B in the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410B and the spring portion 510, and the projection 520 is received by the groove 1222, so that the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122. Thus, in the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, when the second connector 200B is brought close to the first connector 100B with the pressing member 500B in the first position AT1, the second contact 400B of the second connector 200B can be inserted into the first connector 100B via ZIF insertion.

[0127] In the connector structure 10B with the ZIF inserted, the operating part 208 is pushed backward to rotate the second housing 210B from the first rotation position R1 to the second rotation position R2. As a result, the posture of the pressing member 500B switches from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2, and the first projection 521 of the projection 520 moves forward from inside the groove 1222 and rides onto the first pressed surface 1225 of the pressed surface 1224, while the second projection 522 of the projection 520 moves backward from inside the groove 1222 and rides onto the second pressed surface 1226 of the pressed surface 1224. As a result, the connector structure 10B transitions from the pre-mating state to the mated state shown in Figures 32 to 35. In this fitted state, the projection 520 presses against the pressure surface 1224 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, and presses the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410B. More specifically, the first projection 521 presses against the first pressure surface 1225 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, and the second projection 522 presses against the second pressure surface 1226 using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, and presses the first contact portion 122 against the convex portion 412B of the second contact portion 410B. In this fitted state, the connecting portion 530 does not ride up on the pressure surface 1224, but is located inward in the second direction of the groove 1222.

[0128] In summary, when the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122 and the projection 520 is located within the groove 1222, switching the posture of the pressing member 500B from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2 causes the projection 520 to emerge from within the groove 1222 and ride up onto the surface to be pressed 1224, using the elasticity of the spring portion 510 to press against the surface to be pressed 1224, and pressing the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410B. As a result, in the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, after the second contact 400B of the second connector 200B is inserted into the first connector 100B using the ZIF method, when the position of the pressing member 500B is switched from the first position AT1 to the second position AT2, the projection 520 of the pressing member 500B presses against the pressed surface 1224 of the first contact 120, thereby connecting the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 and the second contact portion 410B of the second contact 400B. Therefore, in the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, the operating force required when mating the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B is reduced without increasing the size.

[0129] As described above, when the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, the connecting portion 530 passes along a predetermined axis 700B in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction. As a result, in the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, the operating force required when mating the first connector 100B and the second connector 200B is further reduced.

[0130] In the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, the second housing 210B was rotatable by 90°, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as long as the connector structure 10B satisfies the following configuration, the rotatable range of the second housing 210B may be less than 90°: When the second connector 200B is moved relative to the first connector 100B along the first direction with respect to the first connector 100B, with the position of the pressing member 500B set to the first position AT1 and the position of the groove 1222 and the position of the projection 520 aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the first contact portion 122 is inserted between the second contact portion 410B and the spring portion 510 and the projection 5 When the 20 is received in the groove 1222 and the second contact portion 410B is adjacent to the first contact portion 122, and the projection 520 is located inside the groove 1222, when the posture of the pressing member 500B is switched from the first posture AT1 to the second posture AT2, the projection 520 comes out of the groove 1222 and rides up onto the surface to be pressed 1224, and using the elasticity of the spring portion 510, presses the surface to be pressed 1224 and presses the first contact portion 122 against the second contact portion 410B.

[0131] In the connector structure 10B of this embodiment, the first housing 110B is provided with a bearing portion 112 and the second housing 210B is provided with a shaft portion 212. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first housing 110B may be provided with a shaft portion 212 and the second housing 210B may be provided with a bearing portion 112. That is, it is sufficient that one of the first housing 110B and the second housing 210B is provided with a bearing portion 112 and the other of the first housing 110B and the second housing 210B is provided with a shaft portion 212.

[0132] In the connector structures 10 and 10B of the first and second embodiments described above, the pressing members 500 and 500B have two protrusions 520, and the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 has two pressed surfaces 1224. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the connector structures 10 and 10B can be configured such that the pressing member 500 and 500B has one protrusion 520, and the first contact portion 122 of the first contact 120 has one pressed surface 1224.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to embodiments above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 10,10B Connector Structure 100, 100B First Connector 110,110B Housing 1 112 Bearing section 113 Groove 114,114B Suppression part 115 Bottom 116, 116B Fitting part housing 120 First Contact 122 1st contact part 1222 Groove 1224 Pressed surface 1225 First pressed surface 1226 Second pressed surface 200, 200B Second Connector 206,206B Fitting part 208 Operation section 210,210B Second Housing 211 Top panel 212 Shaft section 2122 Center of rotation 214,214B Suppressed part 300 shaft 310 Rotation Center 320 Press-fit portion 400,400B Second Contact 410,410B 2nd contact part 412,412B protrusions 500, 500B Pressing Member 510 Spring section 520 Protrusion 521 First Pier 522 Second Pier 530 Connection part 540 Receiving part 550, 550B connection section 560 base 570 Press-fit section 600 Lever 700,700B Predetermined axis 800 Cable AT1 First Posture AT2 2nd posture GP Gap GPB Gap PP in place R1 First rotation position R2 Second rotation position Size S

Claims

1. A connector structure comprising a first connector and a second connector, The first connector and the second connector are matable with each other along a first direction. The aforementioned first connector comprises a first housing and a first contact, The first contact is held in the first housing, The first contact has a first contact portion, The first contact portion is located at a predetermined position in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The first contact portion has a groove and a surface to be pressed, The groove extends along the first direction, The pressed surface is adjacent to the groove in the third direction, The aforementioned second connector comprises a second housing, a second contact, and a pressing member. The second contact and the pressing member are each held directly or indirectly in the second housing. The aforementioned second contact has a second contact portion, The second contact portion is located adjacent to the predetermined position in the second direction, The pressing member is capable of switching between a first and second posture by rotating about a predetermined axis, at least in the second direction, with the second contact portion adjacent to the first contact portion. The pressing member has a spring portion and at least one projection, The spring portion has elasticity. The spring portion is located away from the second contact portion in the second direction. The projection is supported by the spring portion and is movable in the second direction by utilizing the elasticity of the spring portion. The projection protrudes toward the second contact portion in the second direction, The projection is movable in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction, at a position offset from the predetermined axis in accordance with the switching of the orientation of the pressing member. With the pressing member in the first position and the position of the groove and the position of the projection aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, when the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction, the first contact portion is inserted between the second contact portion and the spring portion and the projection is received in the groove, so that the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion. When the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion and the projection is located within the groove, switching the position of the pressing member from the first position to the second position causes the projection to emerge from the groove and ride up onto the surface to be pressed, using the elasticity of the spring portion to press against the surface to be pressed, thereby pressing the first contact portion against the second contact portion. Connector structure.

2. A connector structure according to claim 1, The first housing guides the second housing while suppressing the movement of the second housing in the plane defined by the second and third directions, until the projection moves within the groove and the second contact portion is positioned adjacent to the first contact portion. Connector structure.

3. A connector structure according to claim 1, The aforementioned second connector further includes a shaft, The shaft is held in the second housing so as to be rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position. The predetermined axis is the rotation center of the shaft, The pressing member is held on the shaft and is movable as the shaft rotates. When the shaft is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position while the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion, the posture of the pressing member switches from the first posture to the second posture. Connector structure.

4. A connector structure according to claim 3, The connector structure further includes a lever for controlling the rotation of the shaft, The lever is attached to the shaft. Connector structure.

5. A connector structure according to claim 3, The pressing member is made of metal. The pressing member further has a receiving portion, The receiving portion is located away from the spring portion in the second direction. The second contact portion is located between the spring portion and the receiving portion in the second direction. Connector structure.

6. A connector structure according to claim 1, A bearing portion is provided in one of the first housing and the second housing. The other of the first and second housings is provided with a shaft portion. When the shaft is supported by the bearing, the second housing is rotatable between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. The predetermined axis is the rotation center of the shaft portion, The pressing member is held in the second housing and is movable as the shaft rotates. When the second housing is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position while the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion, the posture of the pressing member switches from the first posture to the second posture. Connector structure.

7. A connector structure according to claim 6, The second contact and the pressing member are integrally formed. Connector structure.

8. A connector structure according to claim 1, The second contact is held in the second housing. Connector structure.

9. A connector structure according to claim 1, The at least one projection has two projections, The pressing member has a connecting portion that connects the two protrusions, The connecting portion protrudes toward the second contact portion in the second direction, When the pressing member is in the first position, the connecting portion is aligned linearly with the two protrusions in the first direction. When the pressing member is in the first position and the position of the groove and the position of the projection are aligned in the plane defined by the second and third directions, the second connector is moved relative to the first connector along the first direction, and the connecting portion is received in the groove. Connector structure.

10. A connector structure according to claim 9, When the second contact portion is adjacent to the first contact portion, the connecting portion passes along the predetermined axis in a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction. Connector structure.

11. A connector structure according to claim 1, The first contact portion is flat. Connector structure.

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