Connection structure

Abstract

To provide a connection structure capable of improving contact reliability.SOLUTION: A connection structure 1 includes: a first terminal 10 that has a first contact part 18 including a plurality of first protrusions 19 or first recesses which are arranged at a first array pitch in a first direction and arranged at a second array pitch in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a second terminal 20 having a second contact part 28 that opposes and contacts the first contact part 18, the second contact part 28 including a plurality of second protrusions 29 or second recesses 59 which are arranged at a third array pitch in the first direction and arranged at a fourth array pitch in the second direction when the second contact part opposes the first contact part 18. Of the first array pitch and the third array pitch, one is arranged with a pitch that is a first integer multiple of the other, and, of the second array pitch and the fourth array pitch, one is arranged with a pitch that is a second integer multiple of the other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes, for example, a protrusion 111 formed on a male terminal 110 and a bulge 121 formed on a female terminal 120 as shown in Fig. 16. The protrusion 111 of the male terminal 110 extends in the insertion direction of the male terminal 110. The connection structure of Patent Document 1 has protrusions on the contact portions of both the male terminal 110 and the female terminal 120, bringing the male terminal 110 and the female terminal 120 into contact with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5831611 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the connection structure of Patent Document 1, the contact portion easily moves when an unintended load such as vibration or impact is applied to the contact portion. This makes the contact portion of Patent Document 1 prone to wear. There is also a concern that a portion of the contact portion may be worn away, weakening the contact force. Furthermore, there is a concern that the contact portion of Patent Document 1 may result in a single-point contact, making it difficult to improve contact reliability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a connection structure that can improve contact reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the aspects of the present disclosure, a terminal device includes a first terminal having a first contact portion including a plurality of first convex portions or first concave portions arranged at a first arrangement pitch in a first direction and arranged at a second arrangement pitch in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second terminal having a second contact portion that faces and makes contact with the first contact portion, the second contact portion including a plurality of second convex portions or second concave portions that, when facing the first contact portion, are arranged at a third arrangement pitch in the first direction and arranged at a fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction, wherein one of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is a first integer multiple of the other, and one of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is a second integer multiple of the other.

[0007] In the above connection structure, the first contact portion may include a plurality of the first convex portions, the second contact portion may include a plurality of the second convex portions, the first integer multiple and the second integer multiple may be 1, and each first convex portion may be positioned between the second convex portions, thereby causing the first contact portion to come into contact with the second contact portion.

[0008] In the connection structure, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be quadrangular pyramidal.

[0009] In the above connection structure, the first contact portion may include a plurality of the first convex portions, the second contact portion may include a plurality of the second concave portions, the first integer multiple and the second integer multiple may be 1, and the first contact portion may come into contact with the second contact portion by fitting each first convex portion into each second concave portion.

[0010] In the connection structure, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, and the first protrusion may be in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.

[0011] In the above connection structure, the first contact portion may include a plurality of the first recesses, the second contact portion may include a plurality of the second protrusions, the first integer multiple and the second integer multiple may be 1, and the first contact portion may come into contact with the second contact portion by each first recess engaging with each second protrusion.

[0012] In the connection structure, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, and the second protrusion may be in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.

[0013] The above connection structure may further include a movement space that moves the first contact portion without insertion force to a position opposite the second contact portion, and a holding means that moves the first contact portion in a direction in which the first contact portion faces the second contact portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, thereby maintaining contact between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0014] In the above connection structure, the combined thickness in the third direction of the first terminal and the second terminal when the holding means maintains contact between the first contact portion and the second contact portion may be smaller than the sum of the thickness in the third direction of the first terminal and the thickness in the third direction of the second terminal.

[0015] In the connection structure, the movement space may extend in the first direction, and the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0016] The above connection structure may further include a pressing means for pressing the first contact portion against the second contact portion in a direction in which the first contact portion moves toward the second contact portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction when the first contact portion is moved to a position opposite the second contact portion.

[0017] In the above connection structure, the first terminal and the second terminal may be connectable and detachable connectors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection structure that improves contact reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connection structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first contact portion of a first terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second contact portion of a second terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal and a second terminal in the connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first terminal and a second terminal in the connection structure according to the first embodiment, taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal and a second terminal that are in ZIF contact in the connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal and the second terminal in ZIF contact in the connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal and the second terminal in ZIF contact in the connection structure according to the first embodiment, showing the cross section taken along line XX in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal and the second terminal in ZIF contact in the connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal and the second terminal in another connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal and the second terminal in another connection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal in a connection structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal in a connection structure according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating connection structures of related art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The specific configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following description, parts with the same reference numerals indicate substantially the same content.

[0021] (Embodiment 1) A connection structure according to a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the connection structure according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the connection structure 1 includes a first terminal 10 and a second terminal 20. The connection structure 1 is, for example, a connector for in-vehicle use including a cable CB through which a large current flows. The connection structure 1 controls the flow of current by connecting and disconnecting the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. Note that the connection structure 1 is not limited to a connector for in-vehicle use including a cable CB through which a large current flows, but may also be a connector for a low-current cable CB. Furthermore, the connection structure 1 is not limited to a connector that can connect and disconnect the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20, but may also be a connection structure 1 that fastens the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 by screws or the like, and maintains a connected state between the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 without intending to disconnect them.

[0022] The first terminal 10 is, for example, a pin contact 10p. Note that the first terminal 10 is not limited to the pin contact 10p as long as it can come into contact with the second terminal 20 to allow a current to flow. The second terminal 20 is, for example, a socket contact 20s. Note that the second terminal 20 is not limited to the socket contact 20s as long as it can come into contact with the first terminal 10 to allow a current to flow. The socket contact 20s may be covered by a socket SC. The socket SC has an insertion opening 30 through which the pin contact 10p can be inserted up to a position facing the socket contact 20s. The pin contact 10p is connected to the socket contact 20s by being inserted into the socket SC through the insertion opening 30.

[0023] Here, for convenience in explaining the connection structure 1, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system will be introduced. When the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 are in contact with each other, the direction in which the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 face each other is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction from the first terminal 10 toward the second terminal 20 is defined as the +X-axis direction. Of the two directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction, for example, the direction in which the first terminal 10 as a pin contact 10p moves within the socket SC is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the direction in which the pin contact 10p is inserted into the socket SC is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. The first terminal 10 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like shape and has two plate surfaces 11 and 12, two side surfaces 13 and 14, and two end surfaces 15 and 16. The end surface 16 is, for example, connected to a base 17 and connected to a cable CB or the like via the base 17. The plate surface 11 serves as a first contact portion 18 that comes into contact with the second terminal 20. Thus, the first terminal 10 has the first contact portion 18. Note that the shape of the first terminal 10 is not limited to a plate shape, as long as it has the first contact portion 18 that comes into contact with the second terminal 20, and may be, for example, a hemispherical shape with the first contact portion 18 as its cross section.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the first contact portion 18 of the first terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the first contact portion 18 includes a plurality of first protrusions 19. In Fig. 3, some reference numerals are omitted to avoid cluttering the drawing. In the drawings following Fig. 3, some reference numerals may also be omitted to avoid cluttering the drawing.

[0026] Considering the surfaces of the multiple first protrusions 19 on the plate surface 11, the first contact portion 18 can also be called a contact surface. The multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged at a predetermined first arrangement pitch in a first direction. The first direction is, for example, the Z-axis direction. The multiple first protrusions 19 are also arranged at a predetermined second arrangement pitch in a second direction. The second direction is, for example, the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] The first and second directions in which the multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged are not limited to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. For example, the first and second directions may be directions inclined toward the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the YZ plane, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second directions are not limited to directions perpendicular to each other, as long as they intersect each other.

[0028] The first protrusions 19 are, for example, in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid. The bottom surface of the quadrangular pyramid-shaped first protrusions 19 is a rectangle having two sides extending in the Y-axis direction and two sides extending in the Z-axis direction. The multiple first protrusions 19 are formed, for example, by forming multiple V-shaped cross-sectional grooves extending in the Z-axis direction on the plate surface 11, and then forming multiple V-shaped cross-sectional grooves extending in the Y-axis direction on the plate surface 11. Note that the method for forming the multiple first protrusions 19 is not limited to forming V-shaped cross-sectional grooves, and may also be forming by casting, forging, a 3D printer, or the like.

[0029] The shape of the first protrusion 19 is not limited to a quadrangular pyramid, but may be a cone or a semispherical shape. Also, for example, it may be a triangular pyramid with the angle between the first direction and the second direction being 60 degrees.

[0030] The first arrangement pitch at which the multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged in the first direction is the distance between adjacent first protrusions 19 in the first direction. The first arrangement pitch at which the multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged in the first direction is, for example, the length of one side of the base of a quadrangular pyramid. The second arrangement pitch at which the multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged in the second direction is the distance between adjacent first protrusions 19 in the second direction. The second arrangement pitch at which the multiple first protrusions 19 are arranged in the second direction is, for example, the length of one side of the base of a quadrangular pyramid, similar to the first arrangement pitch.

[0031] 4 is a perspective view illustrating the second terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The second terminal 20 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like shape and has two plate surfaces 21 and 22, two side surfaces 23 and 24, and two end surfaces 25 and 26. The end surface 26 is connected to, for example, a base 27 and is connected to a cable CB or the like via the base 27. The plate surface 21 serves as a second contact portion 28 that contacts the first terminal 10. Therefore, the second terminal 20 has the second contact portion 28 that faces and contacts the first contact portion 18. Note that the shape of the second terminal 20 is not limited to a plate shape, and may be, for example, a hemispherical shape with the second contact portion 28 as its cross section, as long as it has the second contact portion 28 that contacts the first terminal 10.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the second contact portion 28 of the second terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the second contact portion 28 includes a plurality of second protrusions 29. Considering the surface of the plurality of second protrusions 29 on the plate surface 21, the second contact portion 28 can also be called a contact surface. When the second contact portion 28 faces the first contact portion 18, the plurality of second protrusions 29 are arranged at a predetermined third arrangement pitch in a first direction. The first direction is, for example, the Z-axis direction. The plurality of second protrusions 29 are also arranged at a predetermined fourth arrangement pitch in a second direction. The second direction is, for example, the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0033] As with the first protrusions 19, the first and second directions in which the multiple second protrusions 29 are arranged are not limited to the Z-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively. For example, the first and second directions may be directions inclined toward the Z-axis and Y-axis directions in the YZ plane, respectively. Furthermore, the first and second directions are not limited to directions that are orthogonal to each other, as long as they intersect each other.

[0034] The second protrusions 29 are, for example, quadrangular pyramid-shaped. The bottom surface of the quadrangular pyramid-shaped second protrusions 29 is a rectangle having two sides extending in the Y-axis direction and two sides extending in the Z-axis direction. The method for forming the plurality of second protrusions 29 may be the same as the method for forming the plurality of first protrusions 19, or may be a different method.

[0035] The shape of the second protrusion 29 is not limited to a quadrangular pyramid, but may be a cone or a semispherical shape. Also, for example, it may be a triangular pyramid with the angle between the first direction and the second direction being 60 degrees.

[0036] The third arrangement pitch at which the multiple second protrusions 29 are arranged in the first direction is the distance between adjacent second protrusions 29 in the first direction. The third arrangement pitch at which the multiple second protrusions 29 are arranged in the first direction is, for example, the length of one side of the base of a quadrangular pyramid. The fourth arrangement pitch at which the multiple second protrusions 29 are arranged in the second direction is the distance between adjacent second protrusions 29 in the second direction. The fourth arrangement pitch at which the multiple second protrusions 29 are arranged in the second direction is, for example, the length of one side of the base of a quadrangular pyramid, similar to the third arrangement pitch.

[0037] One of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is a first integer multiple of the other. For example, the first integer multiple is 1. That is, the multiple first protrusions 19 arranged in the first direction are arranged at the same arrangement pitch as the multiple second protrusions 29 arranged in the first direction. One of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch is arranged at a second integer multiple of the other. For example, the second integer multiple is 1. That is, the multiple first protrusions 19 arranged in the second direction are arranged at the same arrangement pitch as the multiple second protrusions 29 arranged in the second direction.

[0038] The larger the arrangement pitch, the larger the distance between adjacent first protrusions 19 and the distance between adjacent second protrusions 29. For example, when the first arrangement pitch at which the first protrusions 19 are arranged is twice the third arrangement pitch at which the second protrusions 29 are arranged, this means that the distance between adjacent first protrusions 19 is twice the distance between adjacent second protrusions 29.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 in the connection structure 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 in the connection structure 1 according to the first embodiment, showing a cross section taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, in the connection structure 1, each first protrusion 19 in the first contact portion 18 of the first terminal 10 is positioned between the second protrusions 29, so that the first contact portion 18 comes into contact with the second contact portion 28. In other words, each second protrusion 29 is positioned between the first protrusions 19, so that the second contact portion 28 comes into contact with the first contact portion 18.

[0040] 5, recesses 29a are formed between adjacent second protrusions 29. For example, recesses 29a are formed between each second protrusion 29 arranged in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and an adjacent second protrusion 29. The recesses 29a are arranged in the first direction. The first protrusions 19 arranged in the first direction of the first terminal 10 fit into the recesses 29a arranged in the first direction of the second terminal 20.

[0041] 3, recesses 19a are formed between the first protrusions 19. For example, recesses 19a are formed between each of the first protrusions 19 arranged in the first direction and the adjacent first protrusions 19. The recesses 19a are arranged in the first direction. The second protrusions 29 arranged in the first direction of the second terminal 20 fit into the recesses 19a arranged in the first direction of the first terminal 10.

[0042] Similarly, in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction), the first protrusions 19 arranged in the second direction of the first terminals 10 fit into the recesses 29a arranged in the second direction of the second terminals 20. The second protrusions 29 arranged in the second direction of the second terminals 20 fit into the recesses 19a arranged in the second direction of the first terminals 10.

[0043] Furthermore, when the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other, the same applies to a direction tilted 45 degrees from both directions in a plane including the first direction and the second direction. Specifically, a direction tilted 45 degrees from the Y axis and the Z axis in the YZ plane is called a 45-degree direction. In this case, each of the first protrusions 19 arranged in the 45-degree direction may fit into each of the recesses 29a arranged in the 45-degree direction, and each of the second protrusions 29 arranged in the 45-degree direction may fit into each of the recesses 19a arranged in the 45-degree direction.

[0044] Next, the operation of the connection structure 1 when it makes ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) contact will be described. Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 making ZIF contact in the connection structure 1 according to embodiment 1. Figs. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 making ZIF contact in the connection structure 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 10 shows a cross section taken along line XX in Fig. 8.

[0045] 8 to 11, the connection structure 1 may have a socket SC. The socket SC has an insertion opening 30 for inserting the first terminal 10, a movement space 31 in which the first terminal 10 inserted through the insertion opening 30 moves, and a holding means 32 for holding contact between the first contact portion 18 of the first terminal 10 and the second contact portion 28 of the second terminal.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, in the movement space 31, the length in the X-axis direction between the holding means 32 and the second contact portion 28 is greater than the length of the first terminal 10 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the first terminal 10 can be inserted into the socket SC without any insertion force. As shown in Fig. 10, the first terminal 10 inserted into the socket SC moves the first contact portion 18 to a position facing the second contact portion 28. In this way, the connection structure 1 may be provided with a movement space 31 that moves the first contact portion 18 to a position facing the second contact portion 28 without any insertion force.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11 , the holding means 32 moves the first contact portion 18, which has moved to a position facing the second contact portion 28, in the +X direction, thereby maintaining contact between the first contact portion 18 and the second contact portion 28. For example, the holding means 32 may include a leaf spring 32a and a lever 32b. By pulling the lever 32b out of the socket SC in the -X-axis direction, the leaf spring 32a is moved in the -X-axis direction. Then, after inserting the first terminal 10, the lever 32b is moved in the +X-axis direction, thereby moving the first contact portion 18 in the +X-axis direction via the leaf spring 32a. In this way, contact between the first contact portion 18 and the second contact portion 28 is maintained.

[0048] The combined thickness in the X-axis direction of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 when the retaining means 32 maintains contact between the first contact portion 18 and the second contact portion 28 is smaller than the sum of the thickness in the X-axis direction of the first terminal 10 and the thickness in the X-axis direction of the second terminal 20. That is, when the contact between the first contact portion 18 and the second contact portion 28 is maintained, the first protrusion 19 and the second protrusion 29 are interlocked. Therefore, the combined length in the X-axis direction of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 is reduced by the amount of interlocking of the first protrusion 19 and the second protrusion 29. By achieving ZIF contact in this manner, the mated state between the first protrusion 19 of the first contact portion 18 and the second protrusion 29 of the second contact portion 28 can be maintained, improving contact reliability.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first direction in which the first protrusions 19 and the second protrusions 29 are arranged is perpendicular to the second direction. The movement space 31 extends in the first direction, and the insertion direction of the first terminal 10 is the first direction. In this case, when the first contact portion 18 is moved in the first direction to a position facing the second contact portion 28, the first contact portion 18 can pass through the row of the multiple first protrusions 19 lined up in the first direction, as if sliding between the rows of the multiple second protrusions 29 lined up in the first direction. This allows the first terminal 10 to move smoothly.

[0050] 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20 in another connection structure 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the another connection structure may have a pressing means 33 instead of the holding means 32.

[0051] 12, in the movement space 31, the length in the X-axis direction between the pressing means 33 and the second contact portion 28 is shorter than the length in the X-axis direction of the first terminal 10. The pressing means 33 is, for example, an elastic member such as a leaf spring. Therefore, when the first contact portion 18 is moved to a position facing the second contact portion 28, the first terminal 10 moves while contacting the pressing means 33 and the second contact portion 28. At that time, the pressing means 33 presses the first contact portion 18 against the second contact portion 28 in the +X-axis direction. Therefore, an insertion force is required when inserting the first terminal 10 into the socket SC.

[0052] 13, the pressing means 33 presses the first contact portion 18, which has moved to a position facing the second contact portion 28, in the +X-axis direction. Therefore, the pressing means 33 can maintain contact between the first contact portion 18 and the second contact portion 28.

[0053] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The connection structure 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of first protrusions 19 and second protrusions 29 arranged at a predetermined pitch, like a metal file, on the first contact portion 18 and second contact portion 28 of both the first terminal 10 and the second terminal 20. Each first protrusion 19 is positioned between the second protrusions 29, so that the first contact portion 18 comes into contact with the second contact portion 28. Therefore, the connection structure 1 can improve frictional force by friction locking at multiple points, and can suppress movement of the first terminal 10 and contact wear even if a load is applied to the first terminal 10 due to vibration, impact, or the like.

[0054] Specifically, by setting the relationship between the arrangement pitch of the first protrusions 19 and the arrangement pitch of the second protrusions 29 to an integer multiple, each first protrusion 19 can be disposed between two second protrusions 29. This increases the contact area and improves contact reliability. For example, by setting the integer multiple to 1, the contact area can be further increased and contact reliability can be improved.

[0055] As described above, the connection structure 1 of this embodiment consistently achieves stable multi-point contact, thereby improving contact reliability. Furthermore, the contact surface area is large, resulting in excellent heat dissipation. By orthogonally ...

[0056] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of a connection structure according to embodiment 2. This embodiment is a variation in the arrangement pitch of the first convex portions and the second convex portions.

[0057] Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal in the connection structure according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 14, first terminal 40 of this embodiment has a first contact portion 48 including a plurality of first protrusions 49 arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and at a second pitch in a second direction. The first and second directions are the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively.

[0058] In contrast, the second terminal 20, as in embodiment 1, has a second contact portion 28 that, when facing the first contact portion 48, includes a plurality of second protrusions 29 arranged at a third arrangement pitch in the first direction and at a fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction, as shown in Figure 5.

[0059] Therefore, one of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch in the first direction is arranged at a pitch that is twice the pitch of the other. Specifically, the first arrangement pitch is twice the third arrangement pitch. One of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction is arranged at a pitch that is twice the pitch of the other. Specifically, the second arrangement pitch is twice the fourth arrangement pitch. Note that the first arrangement pitch is not limited to twice the third arrangement pitch and may be three times or more, and the third arrangement pitch may be two or three times or more the first arrangement pitch. Note that the second arrangement pitch is not limited to twice the fourth arrangement pitch and may be three times or more, and the fourth arrangement pitch may be two or three times or more the second arrangement pitch.

[0060] In this way, one of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch in the first direction is not limited to 1 as long as it is an integer multiple of the other. Similarly, one of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction is not limited to 1 as long as it is an integer multiple of the other. Note that the integer multiple of one arrangement pitch in the first direction relative to the other and the integer multiple of one arrangement pitch in the second direction relative to the other may be the same integer multiple or different integer multiples.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom of the arrangement pitch can be improved. Also, this embodiment can obtain stable multi-point contact, thereby improving contact reliability. Other configurations and effects are included in the description of embodiment 1.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) Next, a description will be given of a connection structure according to embodiment 3. This embodiment is a variation of the convex portions and concave portions of the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0063] Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal in the connection structure according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 15, when facing the first contact portion 18, the second terminal 50 has a second contact portion 58 including a plurality of second recesses 59 arranged at a third arrangement pitch in the first direction and at a fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction. The second recesses 59 are quadrangular pyramidal recesses into which the quadrangular pyramidal first protrusions 19 fit.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first contact portion 18 of the first terminal 10 includes a plurality of first protrusions 19. The second contact portion 58 of the second terminal 50 includes a plurality of second recesses 59. Furthermore, one of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is one time that of the other, and one of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is one time that of the other. In this embodiment, the first contact portions 18 come into contact with the second contact portions 58 by fitting the first protrusions 19 of the first terminal 10 into the second recesses of the second terminal 50.

[0065] Although the first terminal 10 has the first contact portion 18 including a plurality of first protrusions 19, and the second terminal 50 has the second contact portion 58 including a plurality of second recesses 59, the reverse configuration is also possible. That is, the second terminal 20 may have the second contact portion 28 including a plurality of second protrusions 29, and the first terminal may have the first contact portion including a plurality of first recesses. In this case, the first recesses fit into the second protrusions 29, thereby causing the first contact portion to contact the second contact portion 28.

[0066] Furthermore, although it has been described above that one of the first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is 1 times the pitch of the other, and one of the second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch is arranged at a pitch that is 1 times the pitch of the other, this is not limited to this. If the first arrangement pitch and the second arrangement pitch for the first protrusions 19 are larger than the third arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch for the second recesses 59, the first integer multiple and the second integer multiple may be a value other than 1. If the first arrangement pitch and the second arrangement pitch for the first recesses are smaller than the third arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch for the second protrusions 29, the first integer multiple and the second integer multiple may be a value other than 1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the convex portion and the concave portion fit together, so the contact area can be increased, further improving contact reliability. Other configurations and effects are included in the descriptions of the first and second embodiments.

[0068] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages thereof, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, if the first terminal 10 has a first contact portion including a plurality of first recesses, the second terminal 50 may have a second contact portion 58 including a plurality of second recesses 59. Even in such a case, contact between the first contact portion and the second contact portion 58 can be maintained. Furthermore, the configurations in the first to third embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Connection structure 10 1st terminal 10p pin contact 11, 12 Board surface 13, 14 Side 15, 16 End face 17 Foundation 18 1st contact part 19 First convex part 19a Recess 20 2nd terminal 20s Socket Contact 21, 22 plate surface 23, 24 Side 25, 26 end face 27 Foundation 28 Second contact part 29 Second convex part 29a Recess 30 Insertion port 31 Moving Space 32 Holding means 32a Leaf spring 32b Lever 33 Pressing means 40 1st terminal 48 1st contact part 49 First convex part 50 2nd terminal 58 2nd contact part 59 Second recess 110 Male terminal 111 Convex part 120 female terminal 121 Bulge CB cable SC Socket

Claims

1. a first terminal having a first contact portion including a plurality of quadrangular pyramidal first protrusions arranged at a first arrangement pitch in a first direction and at a second arrangement pitch in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second terminal having a second contact portion that faces and comes into contact with the first contact portion, the second contact portion including a plurality of quadrangular pyramidal second protrusions that are arranged at a third arrangement pitch in the first direction and at a fourth arrangement pitch in the second direction when facing the first contact portion; Equipped with The first arrangement pitch and the third arrangement pitch are arranged at the same pitch, The second arrangement pitch and the fourth arrangement pitch are arranged at the same pitch, Each of the first protrusions is positioned between the second protrusions, so that the first contact portion comes into contact with the second contact portion. Connection structure.

2. a movement space for moving the first contact portion without insertion force to a position facing the second contact portion; a holding means for moving the first contact portion in a direction in which the first contact portion moves toward the second contact portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and for holding the first contact portion and the second contact portion in contact with each other; Furthermore, The connection structure according to claim 1 .

3. a thickness in the third direction of the first terminal and the second terminal combined in a state in which the holding means holds the first contact portion and the second contact portion in contact with each other is smaller than a sum of a thickness in the third direction of the first terminal and a thickness in the third direction of the second terminal; The connection structure according to claim 2 .

4. The movement space extends in the first direction, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other; The connection structure according to claim 2 .

5. The present invention further includes a pressing means for pressing the first contact portion against the second contact portion in a direction in which the first contact portion moves toward the second contact portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction when the first contact portion is moved to a position facing the second contact portion. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a connector capable of connecting and disconnecting the first terminal and the second terminal; The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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