Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of preventing intrusion of liquid from the outside.SOLUTION: A connector comprises: a contact 8 including a contact part 8a which presses a connection terminal of an external apparatus in a predetermined direction, thereby electrically connecting with the connection terminal; a protective member 6 which protects the contact part 8a by covering the contact 8 and includes a first opening through which the contact part 8a protrudes in an opposite direction to the predetermined direction; and a base body 4 in which the contact 8 and the protective member 6 are accommodated and which includes a second opening 4c through which the protective member 6 protrudes in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. The connector also comprises: a first waterproof elastic member 12 which is provided between the contact 8 and the first opening and prevents intrusion of liquid from a gap between the contact 8 and the first opening; and a second waterproof elastic member 14 which is provided between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c and prevents intrusion of liquid from a gap between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector connected to a connection terminal of an external device.

Background Art

[0002] A connector including a contact having a contact point that is electrically connected to an external device when the connection terminal of the external device is pressed, a protection member that protects the contact point by covering the periphery of the contact point, and a base body that houses the contact and the protection member is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this connector, the protection member includes an opening that projects the contact point in a predetermined direction, and the base body includes an opening that projects the protection member in a predetermined direction. When the connection terminal of the external device is pressed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the contact point moves in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the protection member, and the protection member moves in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the base body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described connector, since the contact point projects from the opening of the protection member and is configured to be movable with respect to the protection member, there is a gap between the contact point and the opening of the protection member, and there is a risk that liquid such as water may enter from the outside. Similarly, in the above-described connector, since the protection member projects from the opening of the base body and is configured to be movable with respect to the base body, there is a gap between the protection member and the opening of the base body, and there is a risk that liquid such as water may enter from the outside.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing intrusion of liquid from the outside.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The connector of the present invention includes a contact having a contact portion that electrically connects to a connection terminal of an external device by pressing the connection terminal in a predetermined direction, a protective member that covers the contact to protect the contact portion and has a first opening that projects the contact portion in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and a base body that houses the contact and the protective member and has a second opening that projects the protective member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. The contact portion is movable in the predetermined direction and the direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the first opening, the protective member is movable in the predetermined direction and the direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the second opening, a first waterproof elastic member provided between the contact and the first opening to prevent intrusion of liquid from between the contact and the first opening, and a second waterproof elastic member provided between the protective member and the second opening to prevent intrusion of liquid from between the protective member and the second opening.

[0007] Further, the connector of the present invention further includes a resin member that covers the contact near the contact portion, and the first waterproof elastic member is interposed between the resin member and the first opening.

[0008] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized in that the first waterproof elastic member includes a first pressing portion that presses the periphery of the contact near the contact portion in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

[0009] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized in that the second waterproof elastic member includes a second pressing portion that presses the periphery of the protective member located near the second opening in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

[0010] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the second waterproof elastic member is an X shape.

[0011] Further, the connector of the present invention has a wall extending in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction that covers the periphery of the contact portion, and when the contact portion of the contact electrically connects to the connection terminal of the external device, it is provided with a third waterproof elastic member that prevents the intrusion of liquid around the contact portion.

[0012] Further, the third waterproof elastic member of the connector of the present invention is characterized by including a third pressing portion that presses the surface where the connection terminal of the external device is exposed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0013] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized by including an elastic member that presses the protective member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the external device and the connector are fitted together.

[0014] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized in that the first waterproof elastic member and the third waterproof elastic member are formed of a single member.

[0015] Further, the connector of the present invention has a plurality of the contacts, and the third waterproof elastic member is characterized by having a waterproof wall extending in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction between the contact portions.

[0016] Further, the connector of the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the first waterproof elastic member and the second waterproof elastic member is silicone rubber.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can prevent the intrusion of liquid from the outside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a push - type connector that electrically connects to a connection terminal of an external device by pressing the connection terminal of an external device such as a portable information terminal will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the connector according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the connector and the external device are fitted, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the connector, FIG. 4 is a cross - sectional view showing the configuration of the connector (sectional view taken along line B - B in FIG. 3), and FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the connector. Also, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the connector and the external device are fitted, and FIG. 7 is a cross - sectional view showing a state where the connector and the external device are fitted (sectional view taken along line A - A in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 according to this embodiment includes a base body 4, a protective member 6, and a plurality (24 in this embodiment) of contacts 8. In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 is set, and the positional relationship and the like of each member will be described with reference to this orthogonal coordinate system. The Y - axis is set to be parallel to the direction in which the 24 contacts 8 are arranged. The Z - axis is set to be parallel to the direction in which the external device 2 is pressed against the connector 1. The X - axis is set to be perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like, the base body 4 is composed of two insulating members 4a and 4b such as resin, and houses the protective member 6 and the 24 contacts 8. The insulating member 4a of the base body 4 is provided with a second opening 4c penetrating in the Z direction. The insulating member 4b is disposed on the - Z direction side of the second opening 4c, and the protective member 6 is disposed on the + Z direction side of the second opening 4c. The second opening 4c causes the protective member 6 to project in the + Z direction.

[0021] The protective member 6 is made of an insulator such as resin, and protects the contact portions 8a of the 24 contacts 8 by covering the 24 contacts 8 from the +Z direction side. As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, 24 circular first openings 6a arranged in a row in the Y direction are formed on the surface of the protective member 6 on the +Z direction side. In each of the first openings 6a, each of the contact portions 8a and each of the resin members 10 described later are arranged, and the first openings 6a project the contact portions 8a in the +Z direction. The protective member 6 is configured to be movable in the ±Z direction with respect to the second opening 4c of the base body 4.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the like, the protective member 6 is provided with a recess 6b that circumscribes the outer peripheral surface, and an annular waterproof silicone rubber 14 is fitted into the recess 6b. The waterproof silicone rubber 14 is provided between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c, and functions as a second waterproof elastic member that prevents the intrusion of liquid from between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c. The cross-sectional shape of the waterproof silicone rubber 14 is an X shape as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and the waterproof silicone rubber 14 includes two second pressing portions 14a that press the periphery of the protective member 6 located in the vicinity of the second opening 4c, that is, the recess 6b, in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis toward the central portion of the protective member 6. Further, the waterproof silicone rubber 14 includes two pressing portions 14b that radially press the base body 4 (insulating member 4a) in a direction perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0023] Each second pressing portion 14a is a convex portion protruding from the waterproof silicone rubber 14 toward the center of the protection member 6, and presses the concave portion 6b of the protection member 6. Each pressing portion 14b is a convex portion protruding from the waterproof silicone rubber 14 in a direction radiating from the center of the base body 4, and presses the insulating member 4a of the base body 4. Since the second pressing portion 14a presses the outer peripheral wall of the protection member 6 and the pressing portion 14b presses the inner peripheral wall of the base body 4 without a gap, it prevents liquid from entering between the protection member 6 and the second opening 4c (inside the base body 4). Also, even while the protection member 6 is moving in the ±Z direction with respect to the second opening 4c, the second pressing portion 14a continues to press the outer peripheral wall of the protection member 6 and the pressing portion 14b presses the inner peripheral wall of the base body 4, preventing liquid from entering between the protection member 6 and the second opening 4c (inside the base body 4). In this embodiment, the case of including two second pressing portions 14a and pressing portions 14b has been described as an example, but a configuration including one or three or more second pressing portions and pressing portions may also be acceptable.

[0024] The 24 contacts 8 are made of a member having conductivity such as metal, and are arranged in a row in the Y direction as shown in FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of one contact 8 and the resin member 10. The configurations of the 24 contacts 8 and the resin member 10 are the same. Each of the contacts 8 has a contact portion 8a that electrically connects to the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 by pressing each of the connection terminals 18 of the external device 2 in the -Z direction. Each contact portion 8a is configured to be individually movable in the ±Z direction with respect to the first opening 6a. Also, each of the contacts 8 has an elastic portion 8b that pushes up the protection member 6 and the contact portion 8a in the +Z direction and a held portion 8c that is held on a holding surface 4d that is a plane parallel to the XY plane. The holding surface 4d is formed on the insulating member 4b of the base body 4. In this embodiment, the case of including a plurality of contacts 8 has been described as an example, but a configuration including one contact may also be acceptable.

[0025] In addition, the connector 1 includes 24 resin members 10. Each resin member 10 has a covering portion 10a for covering the contact 8 near the contact portion 8a and a pressing surface 10b for pushing up the protective member 6 in the +Z direction. Inside the covering portion 10a, the contact 8 on the -Z direction side of the contact portion 8a (between the contact portion 8a and the elastic portion 8b) is insert-molded. The resin member 10 is provided to be interposed between the contact 8 and a waterproof silicone rubber 12 described later, preventing the waterproof silicone rubber 12 from being cut at the edge of the contact 8 and preventing a gap from occurring between the contact 8 and the waterproof silicone rubber 12.

[0026] The connector 1 also includes a waterproof silicone rubber 12 adhesively bonded with an adhesive or the like on the surface on the +Z direction side of the protective member 6. Note that the waterproof silicone rubber 12 may be attached to the protective member 6 by insert molding or the like. The waterproof silicone rubber 12 functions as a first waterproof elastic member for preventing the intrusion of liquid from between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a. The waterproof silicone rubber 12 is provided with cylindrical portions 12a (24 cylindrical portions 12a) for covering the covering portions 10a of the resin members 10, and the cylindrical portions 12a are disposed between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a. That is, the cylindrical portions 12a are interposed between the covering portion 10a covering the contact 8 and the first opening 6a. Inside each cylindrical portion 12a, two first pressing portions 12b for pressing the contact 8 covered by the covering portion 10a through the covering portion 10a in a direction orthogonal to the Z axis are provided.

[0027] Each first pressing portion 12b is a convex portion that circumscribes the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 12a, projects from the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 12a toward the central portion of the cylindrical portion 12a, and presses the outer peripheral wall of the covering portion 10a. Since the first pressing portion 12b presses the outer peripheral wall of the covering portion 10a without a gap, it prevents liquid from entering between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a. Also, while the contact 8 is moving in the ±Z direction with respect to the first opening 6a, the first pressing portion 12b continues to press the outer peripheral wall of the covering portion 10a, preventing liquid from entering between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a. In this embodiment, the case of providing two first pressing portions 12b has been described as an example, but a configuration including one or three or more first pressing portions may also be used.

[0028] Further, the waterproof silicone rubber 12 functions as a third waterproof elastic member that prevents liquid from entering around the contact portion 8a when the contact portion 8a of the contact 8 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2. That is, in this embodiment, the first waterproof elastic member and the third waterproof elastic member are formed by a single member (the waterproof silicone rubber 12). Note that a configuration in which the first waterproof elastic member and the third waterproof elastic member are formed by different members (separate members) may also be used.

[0029] The waterproof silicone rubber 12 is provided with an outer peripheral wall 12c that extends in the +Z direction and covers the periphery of the 24 contact portions 8a. When the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is pressed against the contact portion 8a of the contact 8, the top of the outer peripheral wall 12c is pressed against the surface 20 that exposes the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2, so that the periphery of the 24 contact portions 8a becomes a closed region with the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed as the upper surface, the outer peripheral wall 12c as the side surface, and the surface 12e parallel to the XY plane of the waterproof silicone rubber 12 as the bottom surface, preventing liquid from entering around the contact portion 8a. That is, the top of the outer peripheral wall 12c functions as a third pressing portion that presses the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed in the +Z direction.

[0030] In addition, the waterproof silicone rubber 12 is provided with 23 waterproof walls 12d extending in the +Z direction between adjacent contact portions 8a and 8a. When the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is pressed against the contact portion 8a of the contact 8, the top portions of the outer peripheral wall 12c and the waterproof wall 12d are pressed against the surface 20 exposing the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2. As a result, the periphery of each contact portion 8a located on the outermost ±Y direction side forms a closed region with the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed as the upper surface, the outer peripheral wall 12c as three side surfaces, the waterproof wall 12d as one side surface, and the surface 12e parallel to the XY plane of the waterproof silicone rubber 12 as the bottom surface, preventing liquid from entering the periphery of each contact portion 8a located on the outermost ±Y direction side. Further, the periphery of each contact portion 8a other than the contact portions 8a located on the outermost ±Y direction side forms a closed region with the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed as the upper surface, the outer peripheral wall 12c as two opposing side surfaces, the two waterproof walls 12d as two side surfaces, and the surface 12e parallel to the XY plane of the waterproof silicone rubber 12 as the bottom surface, preventing liquid from entering the periphery of each contact portion 8a other than the contact portions 8a located on the outermost ±Y direction side.

[0031] Also, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the connector 1 is attached to the insulating member 4b of the base body 4, and when the external device 2 and the connector 1 are fitted together, it includes return springs 16a and 16b as elastic members that push the protection member 6 in the +Z direction. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the return springs 16a and 16b. The return spring 16a is attached to the +X direction side, and the return spring 16b is attached to the -X direction side. When the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is pressed against the contact portion 8a of the contact 8, the tip portions 22a and 22b of the return spring 16a in contact with the bottom surface 6c of the protection member 6 push up the bottom surface 6c (protection member 6) in the +Z direction due to the elasticity of the elastic portions 24a and 24b of the return spring 16a. Similarly, when the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is pressed against the contact portion 8a of the contact 8, the tip portions 22c and 22d of the return spring 16b in contact with the bottom surface 6c of the protection member 6 push up the bottom surface 6c (protection member 6) in the +Z direction due to the elasticity of the elastic portions 24c and 24d of the return spring 16b. Due to the action of these return springs 16a and 16b, the pressing of the top of the outer peripheral wall 12c and the top of the waterproof wall 12d against the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed becomes firm, and it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering around each contact portion 8a.

[0032] According to the connector 1 according to this embodiment, since it includes the waterproof silicone rubber 12 as the first waterproof elastic member, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering from the outside of the connector 1 between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a (protection member 6). Also, since it has the first pressing portion 12a, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering from the outside of the connector 1 between the contact 8 and the first opening 6a (protection member 6) even when the contact 8 moves in the Z direction with respect to the protection member 6.

[0033] Also, according to the connector 1 according to this embodiment, since the waterproof silicone rubber 14 as the second waterproof elastic member is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering from the outside of the connector 1 between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c (base body 4). Further, since the second pressing portion 14a is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering from the outside of the connector 1 between the protective member 6 and the second opening 4c (base body 4) even when the protective member 6 moves in the Z direction with respect to the base body 4.

[0034] Also, according to the connector 1 according to this embodiment, since the waterproof silicone rubber 12 as the third waterproof elastic member is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering around the contact portion 8a when the external device 2 and the connector 1 are fitted together. In particular, since the outer peripheral wall 12c is provided, it is possible to prevent liquid such as water from entering around the contact portion 8a from the outside of the external device 2 and the connector 1. Further, since the waterproof wall 12d is provided in addition to the outer peripheral wall 12c, for example, even if liquid has entered around one of the contact portions 8a before the external device 2 and the connector 1 are fitted together, it is possible to prevent liquid from entering around the other contact portions 8a. Also, since the return springs 16a, 16b are provided, the tops of the outer peripheral wall 12c and the waterproof wall 12d are reliably pressed against the surface 20 of the external device 2 without gaps, so that it is possible to reliably prevent liquid such as water from entering around the contact portion 8a.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the return springs 16a, 16b are provided in order to reliably press the tops of the outer peripheral wall 12c and the waterproof wall 12d against the surface 20 of the external device 2 without gaps has been described as an example. However, for example, a configuration further including return springs 26a, 26b as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 may be used. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modification of the above-described embodiment, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 10.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the connector 1' according to the modified example includes return springs 26a and 26b instead of the two contacts 8 arranged in the most ±Y directions. The shapes of the return springs 26a and 26b are the same as the shapes of the 22 contacts 8, and the return spring 26a, the 22 contacts 8, and the return spring 26b are arranged in a row in the Y direction in this order. The return springs 26a and 26b are not covered by the resin member 10. Also, on the +Z direction side of the return springs 26a and 26b, the first opening 6a of the protective member 6 and the cylindrical portion 12a of the waterproof silicone rubber 12 are not provided. Therefore, although the return springs 26a and 26b have the same shape as the contacts 8, they do not function as contacts that electrically connect to the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2.

[0037] When the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is pressed against the contact portion 8a of the contact 8, the return springs 16a and 16b push up the protective member 6 in the +Z direction, and the return springs 26a and 26b in contact with the back surface 6d of the protective member 6 push up the back surface 6d (protective member 6) in the +Z direction. Due to the action of these return springs 16a, 16b, 26a, and 26b, the pressing of the top of the outer peripheral wall 12c and the top of the waterproof wall 12d against the surface 20 where the connection terminal 18 of the external device 2 is exposed becomes strong, and it is possible to surely prevent liquid from entering around each of the contact portions 8a. In the modified example shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, although the return springs 16a, 16b, 26a, and 26b are provided, a configuration may be adopted in which the return springs 16a and 16b are not provided and only the return springs 26a and 26b are provided.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, the case where a silicone rubber is provided as the waterproof elastic member has been described as an example, but other waterproof elastic members than the silicone rubber can also be applied to the present invention. Also, in the above-described embodiment, although a resin member is provided, when contacts without edges are used, there is no risk of damage to the waterproof elastic member, so a configuration without a resin member may be adopted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0039] 1, 1´…connector, 2…external device, 4…base body, 4a, 4b…insulating members, 4c…second opening, 4d…holding surface, 6…protective member, 6a…first opening, 6b…recess, 8…contact, 8a…contact portion, 8b…elastic portion, 8c…held portion, 10…resin member, 10a…covering portion, 10b…pressing surface, 12…waterproof silicone rubber, 12a…cylindrical portion, 12b…first pressing portion, 12c…outer peripheral wall, 12d…waterproof wall, 14…waterproof silicone rubber, 14a…second pressing portion, 14b…pressing portion, 16a, 16b, 26a, 26b…return springs, 18…connection terminal.

Claims

1. A contact having a contact portion that is electrically connected to the connection terminal by pressing the connection terminal of the external device in a predetermined direction, A protective member that covers the contact to protect the contact portion and has a first opening portion that protrudes the contact portion in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction and a recess on the outer peripheral surface, A base body that houses the contact and the protective member and has a second opening portion that protrudes the protective member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, The contact portion is movable in the predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the first opening portion, The protective member is movable in the predetermined direction and in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction with respect to the second opening portion, A first waterproof elastic member provided between the contact and the first opening portion to prevent intrusion of liquid from between the contact and the first opening portion, A second waterproof elastic member provided between the protective member and the second opening portion to prevent intrusion of liquid from between the protective member and the second opening portion and having an X-shaped cross-sectional shape, The second waterproof elastic member has a second pressing portion that protrudes toward the protective member and is fitted into the recess of the protective member, and the second pressing portion presses the recess of the protective member in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction while the protective member is moving with respect to the second opening portion. A connector characterized by this.

2. Further comprising a resin member that covers the contact near the contact portion, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first waterproof elastic member is interposed between the resin member and the first opening portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first waterproof elastic member includes a first pressing portion that presses the periphery of the contact near the contact portion in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second waterproof elastic member includes a pressing portion that presses the base body in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction while the protective member is moving with respect to the second opening portion.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third waterproof elastic member having a wall extending in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction that covers the periphery of the contact portion, and preventing intrusion of liquid around the contact portion when the contact portion of the contact is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the external device.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the third waterproof elastic member includes a third pressing portion that presses the surface of the external device where the connection terminal is exposed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

7. The connector according to claim 6, further comprising an elastic member that presses the protection member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the external device and the connector are fitted together.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first waterproof elastic member and the third waterproof elastic member are formed of a single member.

9. having a plurality of the contacts, The connector according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the third waterproof elastic member has a waterproof wall that extends in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction between the contact portions.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first waterproof elastic member and the second waterproof elastic member is made of silicone rubber.

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