A connector that can tolerate misalignment when inserting the mating terminal.

Abstract

To eliminate the need for a movable housing to be provided in order to accommodate misalignment at the time of counterpart terminal insertion.SOLUTION: A connector includes: a housing having a height direction, a width direction, and a depth direction; and cantilevered terminals having one end side secured to the housing on one side in the depth direction and having a resilient member forming a free end in an end portion on the other end side opposite to the one end side on the side opposite to the one side in the depth direction. Counterpart terminals are inserted into an insertion space within the housing from locations spaced apart in the height direction through insertion apertures occupying a predetermined area in a plane formed by the depth direction and the width direction of the housing. The resilient member has contact points that contact with the counterpart terminals inserted through the insertion apertures, and at least a portion of the resilient member other than the contact points, along with the contact points, is positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area in at least the plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector that can tolerate misalignment when a mating terminal is inserted.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional connector of the above type. In this conventional connector, a movable housing is held on one end side of the terminal, and a fixed housing is held on the other end side of the terminal, and the movable housing can move relative to the fixed housing by elastic deformation of the terminal. This movement of the movable housing relative to the fixed housing helps to tolerate misalignment between the mating connector due to vibration or shock during connection with the mating connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional connector, in order to tolerate misalignment when the mating terminal is inserted, in addition to the fixed housing, a movable housing is provided. Further, in the above conventional configuration, since the movable housing is substantially supported by the fixed housing only by the terminal, a large load is likely to be applied to the terminal due to the weight of the movable housing, and as a result, there is a problem that the endurance of the terminal against large shocks and vibrations is not sufficient. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that eliminates the above drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, a connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a height direction, a width direction, and a depth direction, and a cantilevered terminal having an elastic member having one end fixed to the housing on one side in the depth direction and a free end formed at the other end opposite to the one end on the opposite side in the depth direction, wherein the mating terminal is configured to be inserted into the insertion space of the housing from a position separated in the height direction through an insertion opening that occupies a predetermined area on the surface formed by the depth direction and the width direction of the housing, the elastic member has a contact that contacts the mating terminal inserted through the insertion opening, and at least a portion of the elastic member other than the contact is positioned together with the contact within the range of the predetermined area on the surface. This type of connector reduces the load on the terminals by eliminating the movable housing, thereby improving the durability of the terminals. Furthermore, since there is no need for a movable housing, the structure can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional connectors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an upper perspective view of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a plan view of the connector. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the connector. [Figure 6] This is a rear view showing the state of the connector fixed to the circuit board. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the housing body. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the housing body of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a bottom view of the housing body of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is an upper perspective view of the lid member. [Figure 11] It is a lower perspective view of the lid member of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 6. [Figure 13] It is an upper perspective view of the terminal. [Figure 14] It is a lower perspective view of the terminal of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a side view of the terminal of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] It is a plan view of the terminal of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage mode of the connector. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage mode of the connector. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing a configuration for preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a configuration for preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member. [Figure 21] It is an upper perspective view of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a plan view of the connector of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] It is a bottom view of the connector of FIG. 21. [Figure 25] It is a perspective view of the housing body. [Figure 26] It is a plan view of the housing body of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] It is a bottom view of the housing body of FIG. 25. [Figure 28] It is an upper perspective view of the lid member. [Figure 29]Figure 28 is a lower perspective view of the lid-like member. [Figure 30] This is a top-view perspective of the terminal. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is an upper perspective view of the terminals. [Figure 32] Figure 30 is a lower perspective view of the terminals. [Figure 33] Figure 30 is a side view of the terminal. [Figure 34] This is a plan view of the terminals in Figure 30. [Figure 35] This figure shows an example of how the connector is used. [Figure 36] This is an upper perspective view of the connector shown as an example. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. [Figure 38] Figure 36 is a plan view of the connector. [Figure 39] Figure 36 is a bottom view of the connector. [Figure 40] This is a floor plan of the housing. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a bottom view of the housing. [Figure 42] This is a top-view perspective of the terminal. [Figure 43] Figure 40 is a side view of the terminal. [Figure 44] Figure 40 is a plan view of the terminals. [Figure 45] Figure 40 is a bottom view of the terminal. [Figure 46] This figure shows an example of how the connector is used. [Figure 47] This figure shows an example of how the connector is used. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the materials, size, shape, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0009] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of connector 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of connector 1 of Figure 1, Figure 3 shows a plan view thereof, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3, and Figure 5 shows a bottom view thereof. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a rear view of an example of connector 1 in use.

[0010] The connector 1 has a generally rectangular shape and includes a housing (2, 3), terminals 6 fixed to the housing (2, 3), and fixing brackets 8. In this embodiment, three terminals 6 are provided, but the number is not limited to this, and there may be fewer or more than three. The arrangement direction of the terminals 6 coincides with the width direction "γ" of the housing (2, 3).

[0011] As shown in Figure 6, in actual use, the connector 1 is used attached to a substrate 13 or housing (not shown), which is the component to be fixed. Attachment to the substrate 13, etc., is mainly done using a fixing bracket 8 attached to the housing (2, 3), and the fixing portion 630 of the terminal 6 can also be used. The fixing bracket 8 includes a base portion 80 and a screw-fastening portion 82, and the whole structure forms a roughly L-shape in side view. To fix the fixing bracket 8 to the housing (2, 3), press-fitting protrusions 80a that project outward are provided on both sides of the base portion 80. When attaching the connector 1 to the substrate 13 or housing (not shown), the screw-fastening portion 82 of the fixing bracket 8 is positioned along, for example, the back surface of the substrate 13, and a part of the screw (not shown) is hooked into a semicircular notch 82a provided in the screw-fastening portion 82, and the screw is then screwed to the substrate 13.

[0012] Connector 1 can be connected to a mating connector, in particular to its mating terminal 11 (see Figures 1 and 6). When connected, at least a portion of the mating terminal 11 can be inserted into the insertion space 20 of the housing (2, 3) from a position separated by a height "α" in the housing (2, 3) from one side (m) to the other side (n), or from the other side (n) to one side (m), and can be electrically connected to at least a portion of the terminal 6 positioned in the insertion space 20. As will be described later, the mating terminal 11 can also be inserted from the other side (n) to one side (m).

[0013] The housing includes a housing body 2 and a lid-shaped member 3. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the housing body 2, Figure 8 shows a plan view thereof, and Figure 9 shows a bottom view thereof. Figure 10 shows an upper perspective view of the lid-shaped member 3, Figure 11 shows a lower perspective view thereof, and Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 6, VI-VI, showing the relationship between the lid-shaped member 6 and the housing body 2. Both the housing body 2 and the lid-shaped member 3 are made of resin.

[0014] To attach the fixing bracket 8 to the housing body 2, a pair of grooves 23a are provided on opposing sides of the housing body 2 in the width direction "γ", respectively, recessed in the width direction "γ" along the height direction "α" and the depth direction "β". The fixing bracket 8 can be press-fitted into each groove 23a by pressing it in from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) along the height direction "α", thereby using the press-fitting projection 80a to press-fit and fix the fixing bracket 8 to the housing body 2.

[0015] The housing body 2 and the lid-shaped member 3 form an insertion space 20 inside the housing (2, 3) into which the mating terminal 11 is inserted. In the insertion space 20, a portion of the terminal 6 is positioned so as to be able to contact the inserted mating terminal 11 and to be able to move within the insertion space 20 through contact with the mating terminal 11. On one side "m" and the other side (n) of the housing (2, 3) in the height direction "α", there are insertion openings 21 (first insertion opening) and 22 (second insertion opening), respectively, which communicate with the insertion space 20 and are for inserting the mating terminal 11.

[0016] The insertion opening 21 occupies a predetermined area (x) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) (see Figure 3) formed by the depth direction "β" and the width direction "γ" of the housing (2, 3), while the insertion opening 22 occupies a predetermined area (y) on the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) (see Figure 5) formed by the same direction. The insertion opening 21 is provided on the housing body 2, or more precisely, on the neck portion 24 of the housing body 2 that protrudes to one side (m) in the height direction "α". The insertion opening 21 is provided with inclined surfaces 21a and 21b to facilitate the insertion of the mating terminal 11 into the insertion space 20. The inclined surfaces 21a are a pair of inclined surfaces that extend along the width direction "γ" at opposing positions in the depth direction "β" of the first "β-γ" surface (X surface). On the other hand, the inclined surfaces 21b are a pair of inclined surfaces that extend along the depth direction "β" at opposing positions in the width direction "γ" of the first "β-γ" surface (X surface). Here, the inclined surfaces 21a extend further into the insertion opening 21 in the height direction "α" compared to the inclined surfaces 21b. Therefore, the inclined surfaces 21a and 21b form a stepped portion in the height direction "α" near their boundary. On the other hand, the insertion opening 22 is provided on the lid-shaped member 3, not on the housing body 2. The insertion opening 22 is also provided with inclined surfaces 22a and 22b to facilitate the insertion of the mating terminal 11 into the insertion space 20. The inclined surfaces 22a are a pair of inclined surfaces that extend along the width direction "γ" at opposing positions in the depth direction "β" of the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane). On the other hand, the inclined surfaces 22b are a pair of inclined surfaces that extend along the depth direction "β" at opposing positions in the width direction "γ" of the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane). Here, since both the inclined surfaces 22a and 22b extend the same amount inside the insertion opening 21 in the height direction "α", these inclined surfaces 22a and 22b form a rectangular circumferential inclined surface on the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane).

[0017] The mating terminal 11 is inserted through the insertion opening 21 from one side (m) towards the other side (n) into the insertion space 20 of the housing (2, 3) from a position separated by a height "α", and also through the insertion opening 22 from the other side (n) towards the one side (m) into the insertion space 20 of the housing (2, 3) from a position separated by a height "α".

[0018] The insertion openings 21 and 22 also function as through-holes that allow the mating terminal 11 to pass through. For example, if the mating terminal 11 is inserted from one insertion opening 21 toward one side "m" and the other side (n), and the mating terminal 11 has a length relative to the size of the housing (2, 3), the mating terminal 11 can pass through the insertion space 20 and even protrude from the other insertion opening 22. Therefore, the connector can be connected without paying attention to the length of the mating terminal 11.

[0019] To attach the terminals 6, one groove 25a is provided for each terminal 6 on one side (f) in the depth direction "β" of the housing body 2, along the height direction "α". In this embodiment, since there are three terminals 6, a total of three grooves 25a are provided along the width direction "γ". Each terminal 6 is inserted into the insertion space 20 from the other side (n) in the height direction "α" toward the one side (m) through an opening 27 provided across the second "β-γ" surface (Y surface) and the "α-β" surface (Z surface) formed by the height direction "α" and the width direction "γ" of the housing (2, 3). At this time, a part (621) of the terminal 6 is press-fitted into each groove 25a along the height direction "α", and the terminal 6 is fixed to the housing body 2 at one end 61a and elastically supported in a cantilevered manner.

[0020] After fixing the terminals to the housing body 2, a lid-shaped member 3 is attached to the opening 27. By attaching the lid-shaped member 3 to the housing body 2, the insertion space 20 is substantially closed, preventing foreign objects such as dust from entering the insertion space 20. In addition, by providing the lid-shaped member 3, it is possible to prevent the terminals 6 from falling out of the housing body 2. The lid-shaped member 3 is attached to the opening 27 provided in the housing body 2 by sliding it along the depth direction "β" from the other side (b) toward the one side (f) in the depth direction "β".

[0021] The lid-like member 3 has a roughly box-shaped main body 31 with an open top, a locking portion 32 provided on the front end side of the main body 31, and a closing portion 35 provided in an upright position on the rear end side of the main body 31. The main body 31 is provided with an opening that penetrates in the height direction "α" to define the insertion opening 22. The locking portion 32 is provided with an elastic locking piece 32a that can be elastically deformed in the width direction "γ", and can be locked onto a projection 28 provided in the opening 27 when the lid-shaped member 3 is attached to the housing body 2. The closing portion 35 has a complementary shape to the opening portion of the opening 27 in the peripheral wall of the housing body 2 on the side opposite (b) to one side (f) in the depth direction "β" of the housing body 2 in the "α-β" plane (Z plane), and can substantially close the peripheral wall of the housing when the lid-shaped member 3 is attached to the housing body 2.

[0022] Figure 13 shows an upper perspective view of terminal 6, Figure 14 shows a lower perspective view thereof, Figure 15 shows a side view thereof, and Figure 16 shows a top view thereof. Terminal 6 is formed into a roughly plate-like shape by punching out and bending a single metal plate.

[0023] Each terminal 6 has an elastic member 62 at one end 61a, which includes a base portion 621 and a fixing portion 630, and at the other end 61b opposite to the one end 61a, which forms a free end. When the terminal 6 is attached to the housing body 2, the one end 61a is positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction "β", and the other end 61b is positioned on the opposite side (b) of the depth direction "β".

[0024] The base portion 621 has outwardly projecting press-fitting protrusions 621a on both sides in the width direction "γ". By press-fitting the base portion 621 of each terminal 6 into the respective grooves 25a (see Figure 9, etc.) provided in the housing body 2 from a position separated in the height direction "α", each terminal 6 is press-fitted and fixed to the housing body 2 using the press-fitting protrusions 621a.

[0025] The fixing portion 630 is a part that forms a roughly L-shape in side view with respect to the base portion 621, and is positioned along, for example, the back surface of the substrate 13 with the base portion 621 press-fitted into the groove 25a. The fixing portion 630 is fixed to the substrate 13, which is the member to be fixed, using solder or the like. Therefore, the fixing portion 630 can also be used to attach the connector 1 to the substrate 13, etc., in the same way as the fixing bracket 8.

[0026] Terminal 6 is fixed to the housing body 2 only at one end 61a and is provided in a cantilevered manner in the insertion space 20. The other end 61b, on which the elastic member 62 is formed, is not fixed. Therefore, the elastic member 62 is installed in the insertion space 20 of the housing body 2 with some play, and the other end 61b of terminal 6 can move relative to the insertion space 20 and to the housing (2, 3), in particular to its insertion opening 21. The size of terminal 6 must be such that it can be installed in the insertion space 20 with some play, but the size that terminal 6 occupies in the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) may be larger than the predetermined area (x) that the insertion opening 21 occupies in that plane (X plane), and similarly, the size that terminal 6 occupies in the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) may be larger than the predetermined area (y) that the insertion opening 21 occupies in that plane (Y plane). As a result, the elastic member 62 is not affected by other members, such as vibration, and the resonant frequency can be appropriately suppressed. Furthermore, unlike conventional connectors described in the prior art, there is no movable housing fixed to the terminal 6, which reduces the load on the terminal 6 and improves the durability of the terminal.

[0027] The elastic member 62 includes a plurality of height portions 622, 623 extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", a plurality of curved portions 631, 632, 633, 634 having tops 631a, 632a, 633a, 634a on one side (m) or the other side (n), respectively, and a contact member 64 that forms a free end at the end of the other end side 61b. The curved portions 633, 634 also constitute a part of the contact member 64. The plurality of height portions 622, 623 and the plurality of curved portions 631, 632, 633, 634 are connected alternately, and these portions and the contact member 64 as a whole are connected to each other so as to extend toward the depth direction "β".

[0028] The height portions 622 and 623 are formed as substantially straight members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", but they may be slightly inclined. The curved portions 631, 632, 633, and 634, together with the height portions 622 and 623, connect the contact member 64 to one end 61a of the terminal 6, and together they impart elasticity to the contact member 64. The curved portions 631 and 633 are formed as roughly U-shaped sections, and their apex portions 631a and 633a are directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the insertion opening 22. Similarly, the curved portion 632 is also formed as a roughly U-shaped section, but its apex portion 632a is directed toward the other side (m) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the insertion opening 21. On the other hand, the curved portion 634 is formed as roughly half a U-shaped section, and its apex portion 634a is directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the insertion opening 22.

[0029] As clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the terminal 6 is installed in the housing body 2, at least a portion of the curved portions 633 and 634, for example, portions 633b and 634b that are slightly closer to the insertion opening 22 than the top portions 633a and 634a of the curved portions 633 and 634, are positioned within a predetermined region (y) occupied by the insertion opening 22 in the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane). This allows the portion 633b and 634b of the curved portions 633 and 634 to be used as a guide portion, thereby reliably guiding the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 22, into the insertion space 20. Furthermore, the term "misalignment" in this embodiment and the embodiments and reference examples described later includes not only the misalignment that may occur when the mating terminal 11 is inserted linearly along the height direction "α", but also, for example, the misalignment that may occur when the mating terminal 11 is inserted in a direction that does not perfectly align with the height direction "α", i.e., in an oblique direction. It also includes the misalignment that occurs when the mating terminal 11 is forcibly inserted while significantly misaligned from the insertion opening 22, regardless of whether it is inserted linearly or obliquely. In other words, the term "misalignment" in this specification includes all possible forms of misalignment that may occur when the mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion opening 22 from a position separated in the height direction "α". In all forms of misalignment in this embodiment and the embodiments and reference examples described later, the mating terminal 11 can be reliably guided into the insertion space 20.

[0030] The contact member 64 forms a free end at the end of the elastic member 62. The contact member 64 includes a pair of contact pieces 624 and 625 spaced apart from each other in the depth direction "β", a plate-shaped support portion 640 extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the depth direction "β" and connecting the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625 at the end of one side (m) in the height direction "α", and further includes curved portions 633 and 634 which are also part of the contact member 64, as well as a plate-shaped support portion 642 connecting these curved portions 633 and 634, and further includes a plate portion 641 extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α" and connecting the plate-shaped support portion 642 and the plate-shaped support portion 640. The contact point 62a with the mating terminal 11 is formed convex by bending the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625 in a "V" shape toward the side that is closer to each other in the depth direction "β" at a part of the position on the other side (n) in the height direction "α". By bending them in a "V" shape, the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625 form an inclination that moves closer to each other as it goes towards the back of the insertion space 20 in the height direction "α", and these inclined portions 624a and 625a are curved portions minutes 633, 634 enticing parts minutes 633b and 634b work together to guide the mating terminal 11, ensuring that the mating terminal 11 is led to the contact 62a. The mating terminal 11, inserted into the insertion space 20 through the insertion openings 21 and 22, is ultimately held between the contacts 62a formed on the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625, and connected to terminal 6 in an elastic contact state.

[0031] As is clear from Figures 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., in this configuration, at least a portion of the elastic member 62 other than the contact 62a of the terminal 6, for example, at least a portion 624a, 625a or 624b, 625b of the pair of contact pieces 624, 625, together with the contact 62a, is positioned within a predetermined region (x) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) defined by the insertion opening 21, and also within a predetermined region (y) on the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) defined by the insertion opening 22. In other words, the insertion openings 21 and 22 are large openings relative to the contact 62a. In this case, the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion openings 21 and 22, will collide with the mating terminal 11 at a portion other than the contact 62a, such as portions 624a, 625a, or 624b, 625b, before contacting the contact 62a. Through this collision, the contact member 64, which is formed as a free end, is moved in a predetermined region (x) or (y) by the action of the elastic member 62, correcting the misalignment and ensuring that the mating terminal 11 makes reliable contact with the contact 62a. Thus, the contact pieces 624 and 625 not only have the function of guiding the mating terminal 11 inserted through the insertion openings 21 and 22 to the contact 62a, but also have the function of correcting the misalignment through collision with the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion openings 21 and 22. Therefore, with this configuration, misalignment during insertion of the mating terminal 11 can be tolerated without providing a movable housing. Furthermore, in order to allow for "misalignment" such as when the mating terminal 11 is forcibly inserted while significantly misaligned from the insertion opening 22, a portion of terminal 6 may be provided in a location offset from the insertion opening 22. In other words, in this configuration, it is sufficient that the portion other than the contact 62a with the mating terminal 11 is located within the range of the insertion opening 22, and this also includes configurations in which a portion of terminal 6 is located outside the range of the insertion opening 22.

[0032] Figures 17 to 20 show examples of how connector 1 is used. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the state in which the mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20 through the insertion opening 21 from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α", and is held between the contacts 62a provided on the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625, in other words, the state in which the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6 are completely connected. On the other hand, Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20 through the insertion opening 22 from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction "α", and the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6 are completely connected. As is clear from these diagrams, with this configuration, the mating terminal 11 can be inserted not only from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α", but also from the other side (n) to the one side (m) in the height direction "α".

[0033] Figures 19 and 20 are side cross-sectional views showing the state before the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6 are fully connected, or more precisely, diagrams illustrating the configuration for preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member 62. Figure 19 shows the state when the mating terminal 11 is inserted through the insertion opening 21 from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α" and collides with the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625. Figure 20 shows the state when the mating terminal 11 is inserted through the insertion opening 22 from the other side (n) to the one side (m) in the height direction "α" and collides with the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625.

[0034] According to this configuration, by utilizing the elastic action of the elastic member 62, at least a portion of the elastic member 62 can be made to collide with one of the inner walls in the insertion space 20, thereby preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member 62.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 19, when the mating terminal 11 is inserted through the insertion opening 21 and collides with the contact pieces 624 and 625, the elastic member 62 causes the contact member 64 to be pushed together with the mating terminal 11 from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α". As a result, at least a portion of the curved portions 633 and 634, for example, the top portions 633a and 634a, may collide with the inner walls 33a and 34a of the lid-shaped member 3 that constitutes the housing. This prevents excessive displacement to the other side (n).

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, when the mating terminal 11 is inserted through the insertion opening 22 and collides with the contact pieces 624 and 625, the elastic member 62 causes the contact piece 64 to be pushed together with the mating terminal 11 from the other side (n) to the other side (m) in the height direction "α". As a result, the edge 640a of the pair of contact pieces 624 and 625 and the plate-shaped support portion 640 on one side (m) in the height direction "α" may collide with the inner wall 24a of the insertion space 20. This prevents excessive displacement to one side (m).

[0037] <Second Embodiment> Next, a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same reference number will be used for the component corresponding to connector 1 in the first embodiment, and the letters "AB" will be added. Matters not specifically described can be considered in the same way as connector 1.

[0038] Figure 21 shows an upper perspective view of connector 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 22 shows a plan view of connector 1A in Figure 1, Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII in Figure 22, and Figure 24 shows its bottom view. Connector 1A according to the second embodiment differs from connector 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of terminal 6A and the insertion direction of mating terminal 11, that is, in that it is configured to be inserted into the insertion space 20A of the housing (2A, 3A) only from one side (m) to the other side (n). In other respects, it can be considered to have basically the same or corresponding configuration as connector 1 according to the first embodiment. It is also possible to insert mating terminal 11 from the other side (n) to the one side (n), but basically such an insertion method is not intended.

[0039] Connector 1A, like connector 1 in the first embodiment, includes a housing (2A, 3A) and terminals 6A and fixing brackets 8A fixed to the housing (2A, 3A).

[0040] Figure 25 shows a perspective view of the housing body 2A, Figure 26 shows a plan view thereof, and Figure 27 shows a bottom view thereof. Figure 28 shows an upper perspective view of the lid-like member 3A, and Figure 29 shows a lower perspective view thereof.

[0041] An insertion space 20A is formed inside the housing (2A, 3A) by the housing body 2A and the lid-shaped member 3A. A portion of the terminal 6A is positioned in the insertion space 20A in a state where it can contact the inserted mating terminal 11 and can move within the insertion space 20A through contact with the mating terminal 11. Similar to the first embodiment, both sides (m) and (n) in the height direction "α" are open, but only one side "m" functions as an insertion opening 21A for inserting the mating terminal 11, while the other side "n" functions mainly as a through opening 22A for allowing the mating terminal 11 to pass through. The mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20A of the housing (2A, 3A) from a position spaced apart in the height direction "α" from one side (m) to the other side (n) through the insertion opening 21A.

[0042] The insertion opening 21A occupies a predetermined region (xA) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) formed by the depth direction "β" and the width direction "γ" of the housing (2A, 3A). The insertion opening 21A is provided with inclined surfaces 21Aa and 21Ab to facilitate the insertion of the mating terminal 11 into the insertion space 20A.

[0043] Each terminal 6A is inserted into the insertion space 20A through an opening 27A provided across the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) and the "α-β" plane (Z plane), moving from the other side (n) to the one side (m) in the height direction "α", and is fixed in a predetermined position on the housing body 2A.

[0044] After fixing the terminal 6A to the housing body 2A, a lid-like member 3A is attached to the opening 27A provided for attaching the terminal 6A. The lid-like member 3A has a roughly box-shaped body 31A with an open top, a locking portion 32A provided on the front end side of the body 31A, and a closing portion 35A provided on the rear end side of the body 31A. Although it differs slightly in shape from the lid-like member 3A in the first embodiment, there is no substantial difference in its function.

[0045] Figures 30 and 31 show an upper perspective view of terminal 6A, Figure 32 shows a lower perspective view thereof, Figure 33 shows a side view thereof, and Figure 34 shows a top view thereof.

[0046] Terminal 6A is elastically supported in a cantilevered manner by being fixed to the housing body 2A at one end 61Aa. Each terminal 6A has an elastic member 62A at one end 61Aa, which includes a base portion 621A and a fixing portion 630A, and at the other end 61Ab opposite to the one end 61Aa, which forms a free end. When terminal 6A is attached to the housing body 2A, one end 61Aa is positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction "β", and the other end 61Ab is positioned on the opposite side (b) of the depth direction "β".

[0047] The base portion 621A has press-fitting protrusions 621Aa and is press-fitted into the housing body 2A by press-fitting into the respective grooves 25aA (see Figure 27, etc.) provided in the housing body 2A, thereby fixing it to the housing body 2A. The fixing portion 630A is fixed to the substrate 13, etc., in the same way as the fixing bracket 8A.

[0048] The elastic member 62A includes a plurality of height portions 622A, 623A, 626 extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", a plurality of curved portions 631A, 632A, 633A having tops 631Aa, 632Aa, 633Aa on one side (m) or the other side (n), respectively, and a contact member 64A forming a free end at the end of the other end side 61Ab. The plurality of height portions 622A, 623A and the plurality of curved portions 631A, 632A, 633A are alternately connected, and these portions and the contact member 64A are connected to each other so as a whole that they extend toward the depth direction "β".

[0049] The height portions 622A, 623A, and 626 are formed as substantially straight members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", but they may be slightly inclined. The height portion 626 constitutes a part of the contact member 64A. The curved portions 631A, 632A, and 633A, together with the height portions 622A and 623A, connect the contact member 64A to one end 61Aa of the terminal 6A, thereby providing elasticity to the contact member 64A. The curved portions 631A and 633A are formed as roughly U-shaped sections, and their tops 631Aa and 633Aa are directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the through-hole 22A. Similarly, the curved portion 632A is also formed as a roughly U-shaped section, but its top 632Aa is directed toward the other side (m) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the insertion opening 21A.

[0050] The contact member 64A forms a free end at the end of the elastic member 62. The contact member 64A includes a pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A spaced apart from each other in the depth direction "β", a pair of height portions 626 and 627 spaced apart from each other in the depth direction "β" with the pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A sandwiched between them in the depth direction "β", a plate-shaped connecting portion 640A extending between one side (f) and the other side (b) in the depth direction "β" and connecting the height portions 626 and 627 at an intermediate position in their height direction "α", a curved portion 635 connecting the height portion 626 and the contact piece 624A, and a curved portion 636 connecting the height portion 627 and the contact piece 625A. The contact point 62Aa with the mating terminal 11 is formed in a convex shape by bending the pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A in a "V" shape toward the side that is closer to each other in the depth direction "β" at a point on the other side (n) in the height direction "α". By bending them in a "V" shape, the pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A form an inclination that moves closer to each other as they move toward the back of the insertion space 20A in the height direction "α", and these inclined portions 624Aa and 625Aa guide the mating terminal 11 and reliably lead it to the contact point 62Aa. The mating terminal 11, inserted into the insertion space 20A through the insertion opening 21A, is finally connected to terminal 6A in a state of elastic contact with the contact point 62Aa formed on the pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A.

[0051] As clearly shown in Figures 22 and 23, when the terminal 6A is installed in the housing body 2A, at least a portion of the curved portions 635 and 636, for example, portions 635b and 636b that are slightly closer to the insertion opening 21A than the top portions 635a and 636a of the curved portions 635 and 636, are positioned within a predetermined region (xA) occupied by the insertion opening 21A in the first "β-γ" plane (X plane). This allows the portion 635b and 636b of the curved portions 635 and 636 to be used as a guide portion, thereby reliably guiding the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 21A, into the insertion space 20A.

[0052] As is clear from Figures 22, 23, 26, 33, etc., in this configuration, at least a portion of the elastic member 62A other than the contact 62Aa of the terminal 6, for example, at least a portion 624Ab, 625Ab of the pair of contact pieces 624A, 625A, are positioned together with the contact 62Aa within a predetermined region (xA) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) defined by the insertion opening 21A. In other words, the insertion opening 21A is widely open relative to the contact 62Aa. In this case, the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 21A, will collide with the mating terminal 11 at a location other than the contact 62Aa, for example, at portions 624Ab and 625Ab, before contacting the contact 62Aa. Through this collision, the contact member 64A, which is formed as a free end, is moved in a predetermined region (xA) by the action of the elastic member 62A, and the misalignment is corrected, allowing the mating terminal 11 to reliably make contact with the contact 62Aa. Thus, the contact pieces 624A and 625A not only have the function of guiding the mating terminal 11 inserted through the insertion opening 21A to the contact 62Aa, but also have the function of correcting the misalignment through collision with the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 21A.

[0053] Figure 35 shows an example of how connector 1A is used. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the state in which the mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20A through the insertion opening 21A from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α", and is held between the contacts 62Aa provided on the pair of contact pieces 624A and 625A, respectively, in other words, the state in which the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6A are completely connected.

[0054] In this configuration as well, by utilizing the elastic action of the elastic member 62A, at least a portion of the elastic member 62A can be made to collide with one of the inner walls in the insertion space 20A, thereby preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member 62A. For example, as is clear from Figures 23 and 35, the edges 640Aa and 640Ab on one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α" of the plate-shaped connecting portion 640A can be made to collide with one of the inner walls of the housing body 2A that forms the insertion space 20A, for example, the upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36 formed on the rear side of the housing body 2A. This prevents excessive displacement to one side (m) and the other side (n).

[0055] <Reference example> Next, a reference example connector utilizing the technical concept of the present invention will be described. The component corresponding to connector 1 in the first embodiment will use the same reference number and be denoted with the letter "B". Matters not specifically described can be considered in the same way as connector 1.

[0056] Figure 36 shows an upper perspective view of connector 1B in the reference example, Figure 37 shows an exploded perspective view of connector 1B in Figure 36, Figure 38 shows its plan view, and Figure 39 shows its bottom view.

[0057] Connector 1B differs from connector 1 according to the first embodiment primarily in the shape of the housing 2B, the shape of the terminal 6B, and the insertion direction of the mating terminal 11, that is, it is configured to be inserted into the insertion space 20B of the housing 2 only from one side (m) to the other side (n). Although it is possible to insert the mating terminal 11 from the other side (n) to the one side (n), such an insertion method is not basically intended. In other respects, it can be considered to have the same or corresponding configuration as connectors 1 and 1A according to the first or second embodiment.

[0058] Connector 1B, like connector 1 in the first embodiment, includes a housing and terminals 6A and fixing brackets 8A fixed to the housing. However, housing 2B consists of a single housing and is not separated into a housing body 2 and a lid-like member 3, as in the first and second embodiments.

[0059] Figure 40 shows a perspective view of the housing 2B, and Figure 41 shows its bottom view. The housing 2B is made of resin. An insertion space 20B is formed inside the housing 2B. A portion of the terminal 6B is positioned in the insertion space 20B in a state where it can contact the inserted mating terminal 11 and can move within the insertion space 20B through contact with the mating terminal 11. Similar to the first embodiment, both sides (m) and (n) in the height direction "α" are open, but only one side "m" functions as an insertion opening 21B for inserting the mating terminal 11, while the other side "n" functions mainly as a through-hole 22B for the mating terminal 11 to escape. The mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20A of the housing 2B from a position spaced apart in the height direction "α" through the insertion opening 21B, from one side (m) to the other side (n).

[0060] The insertion opening 21B occupies a predetermined region (xB) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) formed by the depth direction "β" and the width direction "γ" of the housing 2B, while the through-opening 22B occupies a predetermined region (yB) on the substantially flat second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) formed by the same direction.

[0061] Each terminal 6B is inserted into the insertion space 20B from the other side (f) to the one side (n) in the depth direction "β" through an opening 27B provided only on the "α-β" plane (Z plane), and fixed in a predetermined position in the housing 2B. At this time, the opening 27B is at least partially closed by a part (621B) of the terminal 6B on the "α-β" plane (Z plane). Thus, each terminal 6B is attached to the housing 2B along the depth direction "β", and the opening 27B of the housing 2B is closed using the terminal 6B. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, no cover-like member is provided.

[0062] Figure 42 shows an upper perspective view of terminal 6B, Figure 43 shows a side view thereof, Figure 44 shows a plan view thereof, and Figure 45 shows a plan view thereof. Terminal 6B is fixed to the housing 2B at one end 61Ba and elastically supported in a cantilevered manner. Each terminal 6B has an elastic member 62B at one end 61Ba, which includes a base portion 621B and a fixing portion 630B, and at the other end 61Bb opposite to the one end 61Ba, which forms a free end. When terminal 6B is attached to the housing 2B, one end 61Ba is positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction "β", and the other end 61Bb is positioned on the opposite side (b) from the one side (f) in the depth direction "β".

[0063] A fixing plate portion 610 extends from the base portion 621B along the depth direction "β". The plate portion 610 has a press-fit projection 610a, and each terminal 6B is press-fitted and fixed to the housing 2B by press-fitting it into each groove 25Ba (see Figures 36, 37, etc.) provided in the housing 2B. The fixing portion 630B is fixed to the substrate 13, etc., in the same way as the fixing bracket 8B.

[0064] The elastic member 62B includes a plurality of height portions 622B, 623B extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", a plurality of curved portions 631B, 632B, 633B having top portions 631Ba, 632Ba, 633Ba on one side (m) or the other side (n), respectively, and a contact member 64B that forms a free end at the end of the other end side 61Bb. The plurality of height portions 622B, 623B and the plurality of curved portions 631B, 632B, 633B are alternately connected, and these portions and the contact member 64B are connected to each other so as a whole that they extend toward the depth direction "β".

[0065] The height portions 622B and 623B are formed as substantially straight members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α", but they may be slightly inclined. The curved portions 631B, 632B, and 633B, together with the height portions 622B and 623B, are the parts that connect the contact member 64B to one end 61Ba of the terminal 6B, and impart elasticity to the contact member 64B. The curved portions 631B and 633B are formed as roughly U-shaped sections, and their tops 631Ba and 633Ba are directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the through-hole 22B. Similarly, the curved portion 632B is also formed as a roughly U-shaped section, but its top 632Ba is directed toward the other side (m) in the height direction "α", in other words, toward the insertion opening 21B.

[0066] The contact member 64B forms a free end at the end of the elastic member 62B. The contact member 64B includes a pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B spaced apart from each other in the depth direction "β", and a plate-shaped connecting portion 640B that extends between one side (f) and the other side (b) in the depth direction "β", and connects the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B at the end of one side (n) in the height direction "α". The contact point 62Ba with the mating terminal 11 is formed convex by bending these pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B in a "V" shape toward the side approaching each other in the depth direction "β" at a part of the position closer to one side (m) in the height direction "α". By bending them into a "V" shape, the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B form an inclination that moves closer to each other as they move towards the back of the insertion space 20 in the height direction "α". These inclined portions 624Ba and 625Ba guide the mating terminal 11 and reliably lead it to the contact 62Ba. The mating terminal 11, inserted into the insertion space 20B through the insertion opening 21B, is finally connected to terminal 6B in elastic contact with the contact 62Ba formed on the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B.

[0067] As is clear from Figures 38 to 41, in this configuration, at least a portion of the elastic member 62B other than the contact 62Ba of terminal 6B, for example, at least a portion 624Bb and 625Bb of the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B, are positioned together with the contact 62Ba within a predetermined region (xB) on the first "β-γ" plane (X plane) defined by the insertion opening 21B, and within a predetermined region (yB) on the second "β-γ" plane (Y plane) defined by the through-hole 22B. In other words, the insertion opening 21B and the through-hole 22B are large openings relative to the contact 62Ba. In this case, the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 21B (and / or through-opening 22B), will collide with the mating terminal 11 at a portion other than the contact 62Ba, for example, portions 624Bb and 625Bb, before contacting the contact 62Ba. Through this collision, the contact member 64B, which is formed as a free end, is moved in a predetermined region (xB) or (yB) by the action of the elastic member 62B, thereby correcting the misalignment and ensuring that the mating terminal 11 makes reliable contact with the contact 62Ba. Thus, the contact pieces 624B and 625B not only have the function of guiding the mating terminal 11 inserted through the insertion opening 21B (or through-opening 22B) to the contact 62Ba, but also have the function of correcting the misalignment through collision with the mating terminal 11, which is inserted with a misalignment relative to the insertion opening 21B (or through-opening 22B).

[0068] Figures 46 and 47 show an example of how connector 1B is used. Figure 46 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the state in which the mating terminal 11 is inserted into the insertion space 20B through the insertion opening 21B from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α", and is held between the contacts 62Ba provided on the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B, respectively, in other words, the state in which the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6B are completely connected. On the other hand, Figure 47 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state before the mating terminal 11 and terminal 6B are fully connected, or more precisely, a diagram illustrating a configuration to prevent excessive displacement of the elastic member 62B, showing the state when the mating terminal 11B is inserted through the insertion opening 21B from one side (m) to the other side (n) in the height direction "α", and collides with the pair of contact pieces 624B and 625B.

[0069] In this configuration as well, by utilizing the elastic action of the elastic member 62B, at least a portion of the elastic member 62B can be made to collide with one of the inner walls in the insertion space 20B, thereby preventing excessive displacement of the elastic member 62B. For example, as is clear from Figures 46 and 47, the edges 640Ba and 640Bb of the plate-shaped connecting portion 640B on one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction "α" can be made to collide with one of the inner walls of the housing 2B that forms the insertion space 20B, for example, the stepped portion 35B and the bottom inner wall 36B formed on the rear side of the housing 2B. This prevents excessive displacement to one side (m) and the other side (n).

[0070] It should be understood that the above description relates to preferred embodiments and is merely representative of the article. Variations and modifications of different embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. Thus, exemplary and alternative embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the article and method described in the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Connector 2. Housing body (housing) 3. Cover-like member (housing) 6 terminals 8 Fixing brackets 11. Mating terminal 13 circuit boards 20 Insertion space 21 Insertion port (first insertion port) 22 Insertion port (second insertion port) 62 Elastic members 62a Contact 64 Contact Member 622, 623 Height section 624, 625 Contact piece 631, 632, 633, 634 Curved section 633a, 634a top 640 Plate-shaped connecting part 640a Edge x, y predetermined region X First side Y Second side

Claims

1. A housing having height, width, and depth dimensions, and used while fixed to a member to be fixed, The terminal is supported in a cantilevered manner by the housing, Equipped with, The terminal has an elastic member, the elastic member having one end fixed to the housing on one side in the depth direction, and the other end opposite to the one end on the opposite side in the depth direction not fixed to the housing, and the other end of the elastic member has a contact member having a free end at the end of the other end, and an elastic portion extending along the depth direction and connecting the one end and the contact member. The mating terminal is configured to be inserted into the insertion space of the housing from a position separated in the height direction through an insertion opening that occupies a predetermined area on the surface formed by the depth direction and the width direction of the housing. The contact member has a contact point in the insertion space that contacts the mating terminal inserted through the insertion opening, and is provided to be able to move relative to the housing by the action of the elastic portion. Viewed from the aforementioned height direction, the inclined portion, which is inclined to approach the contact as it moves from the side of the insertion opening toward the contact, is positioned together with the contact, at least on the surface, within the range of the predetermined region. A portion of the elastic member positioned within the predetermined region when viewed from the height direction protrudes inward from the predetermined region, forming a curved guiding portion that approaches the contact as it moves from the insertion opening towards the contact. A connector characterized in that the guide portion and the inclined portion are arranged in that order in the direction from the insertion opening towards the contact.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion and the inclined portion are spaced apart from each other in the direction from the insertion opening towards the contact.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the height direction, a part of the inclined portion is positioned closer to the contact within the range of the predetermined region than the guide portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the contact member is positioned so as to collide with the mating terminal inserted through the insertion opening before the mating terminal comes into contact with the contact, thereby allowing the free end to move within the predetermined area.

5. The aforementioned elastic portion A plurality of height portions extending between one side and the other side in the height direction, A plurality of curved portions, each having a peak on one side or the other side in the height direction, The connector according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the plurality of height portions and the plurality of curved portions are alternately connected.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the contact member includes a pair of contact pieces spaced apart from each other in the depth direction.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein the contacts are formed by bending a portion of the pair of contact pieces in a "V" shape toward the side that is approaching each other in the depth direction.

8. The connector according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least a portion of the elastic member is configured to collide with any inner wall in the insertion space.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of curved portions is configured to collide with the inner wall of any of the insertion spaces.

10. The connector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the pair of contact pieces are connected at one end in the height direction using a plate-shaped support portion that extends between one side and the other side in the depth direction.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the pair of contact pieces and one edge of the plate-shaped support portion in the height direction may collide with the inner wall of either of the insertion spaces.

12. The connector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each of the pair of contact pieces is connected to the height portion using the curved portion, and the pair of height portions connected to each of the pair of contact pieces are connected at an intermediate position in the height direction using a plate-shaped connecting portion that extends between one side and the other side in the depth direction.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the edges of one side and the other side of the plate-shaped connecting portion in the height direction may collide with the inner wall of either of the insertion spaces.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the top of at least one of the curved portions is positioned facing toward the insertion opening, and at least a portion of the at least one curved portion is positioned together with the contact within the range of the predetermined area on the surface.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the insertion opening includes a first insertion opening into which the mating terminal is inserted from one side in the height direction toward the other side, and a second insertion opening into which the terminal is inserted from the other side in the height direction toward the one side.

16. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an opening is provided in the surface of the housing formed by the depth direction and the width direction for installing a part of the terminal in the insertion space.

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the opening is at least partially blocked by a part of the terminal.

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