Connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly which can prevent detachment of a connector.SOLUTION: A connector assembly 1 comprises a first connector 100, and a second connector 200. The first connector 100 has: a first signal terminal 110; a first fixing part 120 which fixes a first portion of the first signal terminal; a first terminal 130 which fixes the first signal terminal 110 across the first fixing part 120; a second fixing part 140 which fixes a second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110; and a second terminal 150 which fixes the first signal terminal 110 to the inside across the second fixing part 140. The second connector 200 has: a second signal terminal 210; a third fixing part 220 which fixes the second signal terminal 210; and a third terminal 230 which fixes the second signal terminal 210 across the third fixing part 220. Because a diameter of a bent part 116 is smaller than that of the second portion 112, the second fixing part 140 is prevented from being detached by being hooked onto the second portion 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0003] , ,

[0001] <00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] From the perspective of the present disclosure, the connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, the first connector comprising: a first signal terminal extending along a mating axis; a first fixing portion for fixing a first portion of the first signal terminal spaced apart from its tip; a first terminal having a recess with a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface, which fixes the first signal terminal by sandwiching the first fixing portion such that the first signal terminal protrudes from the bottom surface; a second fixing portion for fixing a second portion of the first signal terminal between its tip and the first portion; and a tubular shape with the mating axis as its central axis, having one first opening and the other second opening, sandwiching the second fixing portion. The second connector has a second terminal in which the first signal terminal is fixed internally, and the second connector has a second signal terminal, a third fixing part having a hole into which the tip of the first signal terminal fits and fixing the second signal terminal, and a tubular third terminal having one third opening and the other fourth opening, with the second signal terminal fixed internally on either side of the third fixing part, and the second connector is inserted into the second terminal from the third opening, and the diameter of the bend between the first and second parts of the first signal terminal is smaller than the diameter of the second part of the first signal terminal, so the second fixing part is caught on the second part and prevented from coming out.

[0007] In the connector assembly described above, the second portion has an upper section with the mating shaft as its central axis, and a lower section with the mating shaft as its central axis, located closer to the tip than the upper section, and the diameter of the lower section may be larger than the diameter of the upper section.

[0008] In the above connector assembly, the length of the lower section in the mating axis direction may be longer than the length of the upper section in the mating axis direction.

[0009] In the above connector assembly, the diameter of the lower section may be twice or more the diameter of the bent section.

[0010] In the above connector assembly, the length of the first fixing portion in the mating axis direction may be longer than the length of the bent portion in the mating axis direction.

[0011] In the above connector assembly, the first opening has an elastic enlarged diameter portion, the enlarged diameter portion slides on the inner circumferential surface of the recess, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the recess, including the fitting shaft, may include a part of the circumference centered on a point within the bent portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector assembly that can prevent the connector from falling off during use or transportation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a side view illustrating a connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the second connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first signal terminal of the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a side view illustrating the second portion of the first signal terminal in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10]In the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the bent portion of the first signal terminal is bent. [Figure 11] In the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the bent portion of the first signal terminal is bent, and it is an enlarged view of the line XI-XI in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] In the floating connector according to the comparative example, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mating connector and the relay connector. [Figure 13] In the floating connector according to the comparative example, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connection connector that relays and connects the relay connector to the mating connector.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the present embodiment will be described 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 embodiments. In the following description, those denoted by the same reference numerals indicate substantially the same content.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) The connector assembly of Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the second connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first connector in the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. The second connector 200 connects to the first connector 100. In the connector assembly 1, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are, for example, coaxial connectors and may be used for high-frequency signal transmission. However, the use of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 in the connector assembly 1 is not limited to high-frequency signal transmission. When the mating axis C1 of the first connector 100 and the mating axis C2 of the second connector 200 are aligned, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected by mating along the mating axes C1 and C2 which extend in one direction.

[0017] Here, for the sake of convenience in describing the connector assembly 1, we introduce the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. For example, in the state where the connectors are mated along mating axes C1 and C2, the direction in which the mating axes C1 and C2 extend is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction from the second connector 200 toward the first connector 100 is defined as the +Z-axis direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is also called upward, and the -Z-axis direction is also called downward. The two directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, upward, and downward are for the sake of convenience in describing the connector assembly 1 and do not actually indicate the direction in which the connector assembly 1 is used.

[0018] The first connector 100 is, for example, a rear case connector. The first connector 100 has a first signal terminal 110, a first fixing part 120, a first terminal 130, a second fixing part 140, a second terminal 150, and a housing 190.

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first signal terminal 110 of the first connector 100 in a connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the first signal terminal 110 has, broadly speaking, a rod-like shape extending in the Z-axis direction. The first signal terminal 110 extends along a mating axis C1 that extends in the Z-axis direction. The length of the first signal terminal 110 in the mating axis direction is, for example, 12.2 [mm]. Note that the dimensions of the main components shown in this specification are illustrative and not limited to those dimensions. The first signal terminal 110 contains a conductive material. The first signal terminal 110 has a first portion 111, a second portion 112, a tip 113, the other end 114, a rod-shaped portion 115, a bent portion 116, and a rod-shaped portion 117. It is preferable that the first signal terminal 110 is integrally molded.

[0020] The tip 113 is the lower end, i.e., the end on the -Z axis side, and the other end 114 is the upper end, i.e., the end on the +Z axis side. The parts are arranged in order from top to bottom as follows: the other end 114, the rod-shaped part 115, the first part 111, the bent part 116, the second part 112, the rod-shaped part 117, and the tip 113.

[0021] The first part 111 is the portion of the first signal terminal 110 that is spaced apart from the tip 113. The first part 111 is the portion that is fixed by the first fixing part 120. The first part 111 is the portion between the rod-shaped portion 115 and the bent portion 116.

[0022] The first part 111 is preferably larger in diameter than the rod-shaped part 115. For example, the diameter of the first part 111 is φ0.8 [mm], and the diameter of the rod-shaped part 115 is φ0.5 [mm]. For example, the first part 111 is fixed by press-fitting it into a through hole in the cylindrical first fixing part 120. Therefore, the first part 111 is the upper press-fit part. Note that the first part 111 may have the same diameter as the rod-shaped part 115 as long as it can be fixed to the first fixing part 120. The first part 111 is preferably larger in diameter than the bent part 116. For example, the diameter of the bent part 116 is φ0.45 [mm]. 116This makes it easier to bend. Furthermore, if the bending portion 116 can be bent, the first portion 111 may have the same diameter as the bending portion 116.

[0023] Preferably, the length of the first part 111 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the length of the first part 111 in the mating axis direction, is longer than the length of the bent part 116 in the mating axis direction. For example, the length of the first part 111 in the mating axis direction is 2.15 [mm], and the length of the bent part 116 in the mating axis direction is 1.7 [mm]. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of a reaction force at the other end 114 in the opposite direction to the bending direction when the bent part 116 is bent, as shown in Figure 10 which will be described later. It also makes it possible to suppress adverse effects such as interference with other members when the second connector 200 is mated. However, if the generation of reaction force can be suppressed, it is not necessary for the length of the first part 111 in the mating axis direction to be longer than the length of the bent part 116 in the mating axis direction.

[0024] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110 in the connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second portion 112 is the portion of the first signal terminal 110 between the tip 113 and the first portion 111. The second portion 112 is the portion fixed by the second fixing portion 140. The second portion 112 is the portion between the bent portion 116 and the rod-shaped portion 117.

[0025] The second portion 112 has a larger diameter than the bent portion 116. That is, the diameter of the bent portion 116, which is the part between the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110, is smaller than the diameter of the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110. As a result, the second fixing portion 140 is prevented from coming loose by catching on the second portion 112. This also makes it easier to bend the bent portion 116. The second portion 112 is fixed by being press-fitted into the through hole of the cylindrical second fixing portion 140. Therefore, the second portion 112 is the lower press-fit portion. The second portion 112 has a larger diameter than the rod-shaped portion 117. For example, the diameter of the second portion 112 is φ2 [mm]. The diameter of the rod-shaped portion 117 is φ0.5 [mm].

[0026] The second part 112 may have a two-tiered shape. That is, a step may be formed on the side surface of the second part 112. Specifically, the second part 112 may have an upper tier 112a and a lower tier 112b. The upper tier 112a is the upper part of the second part 112, and the lower tier 112b is the lower part of the second part 112. The upper tier 112a is cylindrical with the fitting shaft C1 as its central axis. The lower tier 112b is cylindrical with the fitting shaft C1 as its central axis and is positioned closer to the tip 113 than the upper tier 112a.

[0027] The diameter of the lower section 112b is larger than the diameter of the upper section 112a. For example, the diameter of the lower section 112b is φ2 [mm], and the diameter of the upper section 112a is φ1.9 [mm]. Therefore, a step is formed between the upper section 112a and the lower section 112b. By making the diameter of the upper section 112a smaller than the diameter of the lower section 112b, the press-fitting of the second section 112 into the second fixing section 140 can be facilitated. In addition, the posture stability during press-fitting can be improved. Furthermore, the second fixing section 140 can firmly fix the second section 112.

[0028] The peripheral edge of the upper surface of the lower section 112b is a stepped surface. The peripheral edge of the upper surface of the upper section 112a may also be chamfered. Similarly, the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the lower section 112b may also be chamfered. By chamfering at least one of the peripheral edges, the second section 112 can be easily press-fitted into the through-hole of the second fixing section 140.

[0029] The diameters of the upper section 112a and the lower section 112b are larger than the diameter of the bent section 116. The diameter of the lower section 112b may be more than twice the diameter of the bent section 116. This allows the second fixing section 140 to firmly fix the second section 112. In addition, the length of the lower section 112b in the fitting axis direction may be longer than the length of the upper section 112a in the fitting axis direction. This makes it easier to press-fit the second section 112 into the second fixing section 140. Furthermore, the second fixing section 140 can firmly fix the second section 112 and improve its anti-loosening function. For example, the length of the lower section 112b in the fitting axis direction is 0.45 [mm], and the length of the upper section 112a in the fitting axis direction is 0.25 [mm].

[0030] The tip 113 is the lower end of the first signal terminal 110. The tip 113 may be mated with the mating shape of the second signal terminal 210 of the second connector 200. The other end 114 is the upper end of the first signal terminal 110. The other end 114 may be exposed at the opening of the upper end of the first terminal 130.

[0031] The rod-shaped portion 115 is rod-shaped. Its central axis extends along the fitting axis C1. The rod-shaped portion 115 protrudes upward from the first portion 111, which is fixed to the first fixing portion 120. The rod-shaped portion 115 is located inside the first terminal 130. The diameter of the rod-shaped portion 115 may be smaller than the diameter of the first portion 111.

[0032] The rod-shaped portion 117 is rod-shaped. Its central axis extends along the fitting axis C1. The rod-shaped portion 117 protrudes downward from the second portion 112, which is fixed to the second fixing portion 140. The rod-shaped portion 117 is located inside the second terminal 150. The diameter of the rod-shaped portion 117 is smaller than the diameter of the second portion 112. The diameter of the rod-shaped portion 117 may be larger than the diameter of the bent portion 116.

[0033] The bent portion 116 is rod-shaped. Its central axis extends along the fitting axis C1. The bent portion 116 is the portion between the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. The diameter of the bent portion 116 is smaller than the diameter of the second portion 112. The diameter of the bent portion 116 may also be smaller than the diameter of the first portion 111. The length of the bent portion 116 in the fitting axis direction is shorter than the length of the first portion 111 in the fitting axis direction.

[0034] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the bent portion 116 of the first signal terminal 110 is bent in the connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the bent portion 116 of the first signal terminal 110 is bent in the connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1, and is an enlarged view of line XI-XI in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the bent portion 116 is bendable. Specifically, when mating the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, if the mating axis C1 of the first connector 100 and the mating axis C2 of the second connector 200 are misaligned, the bent portion 116 will bend.

[0035] Returning to Figures 1 to 7, the first fixing part 120 is, for example, an internal housing. The first fixing part 120 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the first fixing part 120 extends along the mating axis C1. The first fixing part 120 contains an insulating material such as resin. Note that the first fixing part 120 is not limited to resin as long as it contains an insulating material. The first fixing part 120 fixes the first signal terminal 110. Specifically, the first fixing part 120 surrounds and fixes the first portion 111 of the first signal terminal 110. For example, the first portion 111 of the first signal terminal 110 is press-fitted into the through hole of the cylindrical first fixing part 120. In this way, the first fixing part 120 fixes the first signal terminal 110. The length in the mating axis direction in which the first fixing part 120 fixes the first portion 111 is longer than the length in the mating axis direction of the bent portion 116.

[0036] The first terminal 130 is, for example, a GND terminal. The first terminal 130 contains a conductive material. The first terminal 130 is roughly cylindrical, but a recess 133 is formed in the lower opening. The recess 133 opens downwards. The recess 133 has a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface. The bent portion of the first signal terminal 110 extends downwards from the bottom surface of the recess 133. 116 It stands out.

[0037] Specifically, the first terminal 130 is cylindrical with a wider lower section, and the inner and outer diameters of the lower section are larger than those of the upper section. In other words, the first terminal 130 can be described as having two cylindrical sections 131 and 132 connected in the axial direction with their central axes coaxial. The central axis of the first terminal 130, including the cylindrical sections 131 and 132, extends along the mating axis C1. Cylindrical section 131 is the upper part of the first terminal 130. Cylindrical section 132 is the lower part of the first terminal 130. The inner and outer diameters of cylindrical section 131 are smaller than those of cylindrical section 132, respectively. The lower opening of cylindrical section 132 is a recess 133.

[0038] The first fixing part 120 is fixed to the lower side of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 131. The length of the cylindrical part 131 in the fitting axis direction is longer than the length of the first fixing part 120 in the fitting axis direction. For example, the first fixing part 120 is fitted into the lower side of the through hole of the cylindrical part 131. The first signal terminal 110 is located in the through hole of the first fixing part 120. Therefore, the first terminal 130 and the first signal terminal 110 are insulated by the first fixing part 120. The first terminal 130 fixes the first signal terminal 110 with the first fixing part 120 in between.

[0039] The lower opening of the cylindrical portion 131 is closed by the first fixing portion 120 and the first signal terminal 110. The other end 114 of the first signal terminal 110 may be located inside the cylindrical portion 131. The opening surrounding the upper opening of the cylindrical portion 131 may be exposed on the upper surface of the housing 190. The other end 114 of the first signal terminal 110 may be exposed in the opening surrounded by the upper opening of the cylindrical portion 131.

[0040] The lower opening of the cylindrical portion 131 is connected to the upper opening of the cylindrical portion 132. The upper opening of the cylindrical portion 132 is closed by the end face of the cylindrical portion 131, the first fixing portion 120, and the first signal terminal 110. Therefore, the bottom surface of the recess 133 is formed above the interior of the cylindrical portion 132 by the end face of the cylindrical portion 131 and the first fixing portion 120. The bent portion 116 of the first signal terminal 110 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the recess 133.

[0041] The lower side of the cylindrical portion 132 is open. Therefore, a recess 133 is formed at the lower end of the first terminal 130. The inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 includes the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 132. Thus, the recess 133 has a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface. Therefore, the first terminal 130 has a recess 133 with a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the first signal terminal 110 is fixed by sandwiching the first fixing portion 120 so that the first signal terminal 110 protrudes from the bottom surface.

[0042] The second fixing part 140 is, for example, a housing. The second fixing part 140 has a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the second fixing part 140 extends along the mating axis C1. The second fixing part 140 contains an insulating material such as resin. However, the second fixing part 140 is not limited to resin as long as it contains an insulating material. The second fixing part 140 fixes the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110. For example, the second fixing part 140 surrounds and fixes the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110. The inner diameter of the lower part of the second fixing part 140 may be larger than the inner diameter of the upper part. The second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110 is press-fitted into the lower part of the second fixing part 140 from below. In this way, the second fixing part 140 fixes the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110. In other words, the second fixing part 140 is secured to the second part 112 and prevented from coming loose.

[0043] The second terminal 150 is, for example, a GND terminal. Roughly speaking, the second terminal 150 has a tubular shape with the mating shaft C1 as its central axis. For example, the second terminal 150 has a cylindrical shape. The second terminal 150 contains a conductive material. The second terminal 150 has an upper first opening 151 and a lower second opening 152. The upper end enclosed by the first opening 151 is open, and the lower end enclosed by the second opening 152 is open.

[0044] The first opening 151 above the second terminal 150 has an outwardly bulging enlarged portion 153. The enlarged portion 153 surrounds the upper opening. The enlarged portion 153 is elastic. The first opening 151 may have a plurality of enlarged portions 153 divided into a plurality of fragments. The enlarged portion 153 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133. The enlarged portion 153 may slide on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 in a direction that rotates around the fitting shaft C1 as the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the enlarged portion 153 may slide on the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 in the direction of the fitting axis.

[0045] The inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 is curved. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133, including the fitting shaft C1, may include a part of the circumference centered at any point within the bent portion 116. The circumference has, for example, a radius of R2.55 [mm]. The enlarged diameter portion 153 slides along the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133. Therefore, the enlarged diameter portion 153 is located on the circumference centered at any point within the bent portion 116. With this configuration, when the bent portion 116 bends, the enlarged diameter portion 153 rotates along the trajectory of the contact point with the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 while maintaining uniform spring contact pressure. This makes it possible to maintain a good GND connection with the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133.

[0046] The second opening 152 on the lower side of the second terminal 150 has a reduced diameter portion 154 that is contracted inward. The reduced diameter portion 154 surrounds the lower opening. The reduced diameter portion 154 is elastic. The second opening 152 may have a plurality of reduced diameter portions 154 divided into a plurality of fragments. The reduced diameter portion 154 slides on the outer circumferential surface of the third terminal 230 in the second connector 200. The reduced diameter portion 154 may slide on the outer circumferential surface of the third terminal 230 in a direction that rotates with the mating shaft C1 as the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the reduced diameter portion 154 may slide on the outer circumferential surface of the third terminal 230 in the direction of the mating axis.

[0047] The second fixing part 140 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the second terminal 150. The first signal terminal 110 is fixed to the through hole of the second fixing part 140. Therefore, the second terminal 150 and the first signal terminal 110 are insulated from each other by the second fixing part 140. The second terminal 150 fixes the first signal terminal 110 with the second fixing part 140 in between.

[0048] The second connector 200 is, for example, a circuit board connector. The second connector 200 has a second signal terminal 210, a third fixing part 220, a third terminal 230, and a circuit board 290.

[0049] The second signal terminal 210 contains a conductive material. The second signal terminal 210 may have a shape into which the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 fits. For example, the second signal terminal 210 may have a cylindrical portion 211 with a mating shaft C2 as its central axis. The tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 is connected by inserting it into the cylindrical portion 211.

[0050] The third fixing part 220 is, for example, a housing. The third fixing part 220 contains an insulating material such as resin. However, the third fixing part 220 is not limited to resin as long as it contains an insulating material. The third fixing part 220 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the third fixing part 220 extends along the fitting axis C2.

[0051] The third fixing part 220 fixes the second signal terminal 210. Specifically, the third fixing part 220 surrounds and fixes the cylindrical portion 211 of the second signal terminal 210. For example, the cylindrical portion 211 of the second signal terminal 210 is positioned inside the through hole of the cylindrical third fixing part 220. In this way, the third fixing part 220 fixes the second signal terminal 210. The through hole of the third fixing part 220 communicates with the through hole of the cylindrical portion 211 of the second signal terminal 210. Therefore, the third fixing part 220 has a hole into which the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 fits. The first signal terminal 110 fits into the second signal terminal 210 through the through hole of the third fixing part 220. In this way, the first signal terminal 110 and the second signal terminal 210 are connected.

[0052] The third terminal 230 is, for example, a GND terminal. The third terminal 230 has a tubular shape with the mating shaft C2 as its central axis. For example, the third terminal 230 has a cylindrical shape. The third terminal 230 contains a conductive material. The third terminal 230 has an upper third opening 231 and a lower fourth opening 232. A third fixing part 220 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the third terminal 230. For example, the third fixing part 220 is fitted into a through hole in the third terminal 230. The second signal terminal 210 is positioned in the through hole of the third fixing part 220. Therefore, the third terminal 230 and the second signal terminal 210 are insulated by the third fixing part 220. The third terminal 230 fixes the second signal terminal 210 inside, sandwiching the third fixing part 220. The second connector 200 is inserted into the second terminal 150 through the third opening 231.

[0053] Next, the operation of the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, the operation when the mating shaft C1 of the first connector 100 and the mating shaft C2 of the second connector 200 are aligned will be described. When the mating shafts C1 and C2 are aligned, the second connector 200 is positioned below the first connector 100. Then, the third terminal 230 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the second terminal 150 of the first connector 100. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the third opening 231 of the third terminal 230 is slid against the reduced diameter portion 154 of the second opening 152 of the second terminal 150. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the third opening 231 is slid in the direction of the mating axis against the reduced diameter portion 154 of the second opening 152. As a result, the second terminal 150 is connected to the third terminal 230.

[0054] At the same time, the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 is inserted into the through hole of the third fixing part 220 and then connected to the second signal terminal 210. Specifically, the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 is fitted into the cylindrical part 211 of the second signal terminal 210. In this way, the first signal terminal 110 is connected to the second signal terminal 210.

[0055] Next, we will explain the operation when the mating shaft C1 of the first connector 100 and the mating shaft C2 of the second connector 200 are misaligned. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, for example, we will explain the case where both the mating shafts C1 and C2 are parallel to the mating shaft direction, but the mating shaft C1 is misaligned with respect to the mating shaft C2 in the -Y direction. In this case, the third terminal 230 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the second terminal 150 of the first connector 100. As a result, the upper part of the second terminal 150 tilts in the -Y direction, and the lower part of the second terminal 150 tilts in the +Y direction. The enlarged diameter portion 153 then rotates around one of the points within the bent portion 116. This causes the enlarged diameter portion 153 to slide along the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133.

[0056] At the same time, the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 is inserted into the through hole of the third fixing part 220. Then, the tip 113 of the first signal terminal 110 is advanced so as to fit into the hole of the second signal terminal 210. As a result, the bent part 116 bends around one of the points within the bent part 116. The first signal terminal 110 can be connected to the second signal terminal 210 by bending the bent part 116.

[0057] Next, before describing the effects of this embodiment, we will describe the comparative floating connector 40 and the problems of the comparative example. Then, we will describe the effects of this embodiment in comparison with the comparative example. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mating connector 10 and the relay connector 20 in the comparative floating connector 40. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting connector 30 that connects to the mating connector 10 via the relay connector 20 in the comparative floating connector 40. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the connector assembly of the comparative example is a floating connector 40, comprising a mating connector 10, a relay connector 20, and a connecting connector 30.

[0058] In the comparative example, in order to function as a floating structure, the mating connector 10 is designed to hold the intermediate connector 20 only by spring contact. Therefore, the intermediate connector 20 may detach from the mating connector 10 during use or transport. Furthermore, the intermediate connector 20 is not fixed and has room to move freely within a certain range. As a result, the intermediate connector 20 cannot determine a reference position and may move. Moreover, when the connecting connector 30 is detached, the mating connector 10 may not be able to hold the intermediate connector 20. In this case, the intermediate connector 20 may detach following the connecting connector 30.

[0059] Next, the effects of the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the second terminal 150, which has the function of a relay connector 20, is prevented from coming off the first connector 100, which includes the first terminal 130, etc. Specifically, the diameter of the second portion 112 of the first signal terminal 110 is made larger than the diameter of the bent portion 116, so that the second fixing portion 140 and the second terminal 150 hook onto the second portion 112 to prevent them from coming off. In particular, the second fixing portion 140 hooks onto the thick lower portion 112b of the second portion 122, further reinforcing the prevention of detachment. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the second terminal 150 from falling off the first connector 100 during use or transport.

[0060] Furthermore, the second part 112 has a two-tiered structure, with the diameter of the upper part 112a being smaller than the diameter of the lower part 112b. This facilitates the press-fitting of the second part 112 into the second fixing part 140.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the bent portion 116 in the first signal terminal 110 is made smaller than the diameter of the second portion 112. As a result, the first signal terminal 110 can bend at the bent portion 116, and can absorb any misalignment between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0062] In this embodiment, the length of the first fixing portion 120 in the fitting axis direction is made longer than the length of the bending portion 116 in the fitting axis direction. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of a bending reaction force at the other end 114 of the first signal terminal 110 when the bending portion 116 is bent. In addition, by making the inner circumferential surface of the recess 133 a curved shape with a radius, the enlarged diameter portion 153 can slide while maintaining uniform spring contact pressure.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of components corresponding to the intermediate connector can be reduced, thereby lowering the cost of the connector assembly 1 and making it smaller.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, this disclosure includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its purpose and advantages, and is not limited by the above embodiments. Furthermore, the components in Embodiment 1 may be combined in appropriate ways. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Connector assembly 10. The other side connector 11 Signal terminals 12 GND terminal 20 relay connectors 21 Signal terminals 22 GND terminal 30 connection connectors 31 Signal terminals 32 GND terminal 40 Floating Connectors 100 First connector 110 1st signal terminal 111 Part 1 112 Part 2 112a Upper section 112b Lower section 113 Tip 114 Other end 115 Rod-shaped part 116 Bending section 117 Rod-shaped part 120 1st fixed part 130 1st terminal 131, 132 Cylindrical section 133 Recess 140 Second fixed part 150 2nd terminal 151 First opening 152 Second opening 153 Expanded diameter part 154 Reduced diameter section 190 Housing 200 Second connector 210 2nd signal terminal 211 Cylindrical section 220 Third fixed part 230 3rd terminal 231 Third opening 232 Fourth opening 290 circuit boards C1, C2 mating shaft

Claims

1. First connector and A second connector connected to the first connector, Equipped with, The first connector is, A first signal terminal extending along the mating shaft, A first fixing part that fixes a first portion of the first signal terminal that is spaced apart from the tip, A recess having a bottom surface and an inner circumferential surface is formed, and the first signal terminal is fixed by sandwiching the first fixing part so that the first signal terminal protrudes from the bottom surface, A second fixing portion surrounds and fixes the second portion between the tip and the first portion of the first signal terminal, The second terminal is tubular with the aforementioned fitting shaft as its central axis, and has one first opening and the other second opening, with the first signal terminal fixed inside, sandwiching the second fixing portion. It has, The second connector is, The second signal terminal and A third fixing part having a hole into which the tip of the first signal terminal fits, and fixing the second signal terminal, A tubular third terminal having one third opening and the other fourth opening, with the second signal terminal fixed inside, sandwiching the third fixing portion, It has, The second connector is inserted into the second terminal through the third opening. The diameter of the bent portion between the first and second portions of the first signal terminal is smaller than the diameter of the second portion of the first signal terminal. If the tip portion of the second fixing part is considered the lower part and the first portion portion of the second fixing part is considered the upper part, then the inner diameter of the lower part is larger than the inner diameter of the upper part. The second part is press-fitted into the lower part from below. The upper part of the second fixing part is hooked onto the second portion and prevented from coming off. A connector assembly characterized by the following features.

2. The second part is, The upper section with the aforementioned fitting shaft as its central axis, With the aforementioned fitting shaft as the central axis, the lower portion is closer to the tip than the upper portion, It has, The diameter of the lower section is larger than the diameter of the upper section. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

3. The length of the lower portion in the fitting axis direction is longer than the length of the upper portion in the fitting axis direction. The connector assembly according to claim 2.

4. The diameter of the lower section is at least twice the diameter of the bent section. The connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The length of the first fixed portion in the fitting axis direction is longer than the length of the bent portion in the fitting axis direction. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first opening has an elastic enlarged diameter portion, The enlarged diameter portion slides along the inner circumferential surface of the recess, The cross-sectional shape of the inner circumferential surface of the recess, formed by the surface including the fitting shaft, includes a part of the circumference centered on a point within the bent portion. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images