Terminal and connector

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a terminal capable of suppressing peeling of a film of a mating terminal while ensuring contact pressure against the mating terminal. A first terminal (14) formed by press working a plate-shaped base according to one mode of the present disclosure is provided with: a pair of plate-shaped elastic displacement parts (30); and a connection part (40) that connects the pair of elastic displacement parts to each other. Each of the pair of elastic displacement parts has a contact part (34) that is in contact with the mating terminal inserted between the pair of elastic displacement parts by the elastic force of each elastic displacement part. Each of the pair of elastic displacement parts (30) has a plate shape having a plate surface (31) and an end surface (32). The pair of elastic displacement parts (30) are juxtaposed so that the end surfaces (32) thereof face each other. Each of the pair of elastic displacement parts (30) has a folded part (33) as a bent part that extends from the end surface (32) and is formed by bending. The contact part (34) is formed by a portion of the plate surface (31) in the folded part (33).

Description

Terminals and Connectors

[0001] The present disclosure relates to terminals and connectors.

[0002] For example, the terminal in the connector device described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of elastic displacement portions each formed in a plate shape, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of elastic displacement portions. Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions has a contact portion for a mating terminal inserted between the pair of elastic displacement portions. The terminal is formed by cutting it from a plate-shaped base material such as a metal plate by press working. In other words, the terminal as a whole, including each elastic displacement portion and the connecting portion, has a plate shape. The plate-shaped elastic displacement portion has a plate surface that serves as a main surface, and an end surface. The plate surface of the elastic displacement portion is formed by a portion of the surface of the plate-shaped base material. The end surface of the elastic displacement portion is formed by a fracture surface that occurs when the terminal is cut from the base material.

[0003] In the terminal described in Patent Document 1, a pair of elastic displacement portions are arranged side by side in a direction along their plate surfaces. That is, the pair of elastic displacement portions are arranged side by side with their end faces facing each other. Furthermore, the contact portions of each elastic displacement portion are formed on the end faces of the elastic displacement portions that face each other. With this configuration, the pair of elastic displacement portions are less likely to deform in a direction toward or away from each other than a configuration in which the pair of elastic displacement portions face each other on their plate surfaces. Therefore, it is possible to increase the elastic force of the pair of elastic displacement portions in a direction toward or away from each other. This makes it easier to ensure the contact pressure of the contact portions with the mating terminal.

[0004] JP 2017-120696 A

[0005] In the terminal described in Patent Document 1, the contact portion of each elastic displacement portion is formed on the end face of the elastic displacement portion, i.e., on the fracture surface that occurs when the terminal is separated from the base material. Therefore, when the contact portion formed on the fracture surface comes into contact with the mating terminal, there is a risk that a coating such as plating on the surface of the mating terminal may peel off.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal and a connector that can suppress peeling of the coating of the mating terminal while ensuring contact pressure with the mating terminal.

[0007] The terminal of the present disclosure is a terminal formed by press processing from a plate-shaped base material, and comprises a pair of elastic displacement portions and a connecting portion connecting the pair of elastic displacement portions, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions having a contact portion that contacts a mating terminal inserted between the pair of elastic displacement portions by the elastic force of the respective elastic displacement portions, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions is plate-shaped having a plate surface and an end surface, the pair of elastic displacement portions are arranged side by side so that their end surfaces face each other, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions has a bent portion that extends from the end surface and is formed by bending, and the contact portion is formed by a portion of the plate surface at the bent portion.

[0008] According to the terminal and connector of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the coating of the mating terminal from peeling off while ensuring contact pressure with the mating terminal.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a connector according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first terminal and a second terminal in the connector according to the same embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the first terminal in the same embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a portion of the first terminal in the same embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first terminal in a modified example.

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. The terminal of the present disclosure includes: [1] a terminal formed by press working from a plate-shaped base material, the terminal including a pair of elastic displacement portions and a connecting portion connecting the pair of elastic displacement portions, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions having a contact portion that contacts a mating terminal inserted between the pair of elastic displacement portions by the elastic force of the respective elastic displacement portions, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions having a plate shape having a plate surface and an end surface, the pair of elastic displacement portions being arranged side by side with the end surfaces facing each other, each of the pair of elastic displacement portions having a bent portion extending from the end surface and formed by bending, the contact portion being formed by a part of the plate surface at the bent portion.

[0011] According to this configuration, the pair of elastically deformable portions are arranged side by side with their end faces facing each other. This makes it less likely for the pair of elastically deformable portions to deform toward or away from each other than in a configuration in which the pair of elastically deformable portions are arranged with their plate surfaces facing each other. As a result, it is possible to increase the elastic force of the pair of elastically deformable portions in the direction of moving toward or away from each other. This makes it easier to ensure the contact pressure of the contact portion with the mating terminal. Furthermore, in each elastically deformable portion, the contact portion is formed at a bent portion that extends from the end face of the elastically deformable portion and is formed by a portion of the plate surface of the elastically deformable portion. Therefore, the end face of the elastically deformable portion, i.e., the fracture surface created by the press working, can be configured not to come into contact with the mating terminal, thereby preventing the coating of the mating terminal from peeling off due to contact with the terminal.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], the bending portion may be a folded portion that is folded back so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion, and the contact portion may be a curved surface formed at an intermediate position between the base end and the tip end of the folded portion.

[0013] According to this configuration, by forming a folded portion in the elastically deformable portion, it is possible to form a contact portion made of a plate surface at the folded portion. [3] In the above [1] or [2], the folded portion may be bent so as to rise along the plate thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion, and the contact portion may be a convex portion formed by embossing the folded portion.

[0014] According to this configuration, by forming a convex portion by embossing in the bent portion that rises along the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion, it is possible to form a contact portion consisting of a part of the plate surface of the elastic displacement portion.

[0015] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], the connecting portion may be bent so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion. According to this configuration, by bending the connecting portion connecting the pair of elastically deformable portions so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portions, the distance between the pair of elastically deformable portions is narrowed, and as a result, the distance between each contact portion can be formed to be an appropriate dimension. Furthermore, by bending the connecting portion so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portions, it is possible to prevent the mating terminal from interfering with the connecting portion when inserting the mating terminal between the contact portions.

[0016] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the mating terminal may be inserted between a pair of the contact portions from a direction along the plate surface of the elastic displacement portion, and the connecting portion may be configured so as not to overlap with the contact portions when viewed from the insertion direction of the mating terminal.

[0017]

[0013] In any one of the above [1] to [5], each of the pair of elastically deformable portions may have an offset portion, the offset portion being positioned at a position offset in a thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion relative to a portion of the elastically deformable portion other than the offset portion, and the contact portion of each of the pair of elastically deformable portions may be provided on the offset portion.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the offset amount (amount of positional deviation) of the contact portion relative to a portion of the elastically deformable portion other than the offset portion in the plate thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion.

[0019] [7] In any of the above [1] to [6], each of the pair of elastic displacement portions may have a press-fit protrusion for fixing, and the press-fit protrusion may be provided at a position corresponding to the connecting portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, the press-fit convex portion is provided at a position corresponding to the connecting portion that connects the pair of elastic displacement portions, so that the press-fit convex portion can be suitably fixed to the fixing object. [8] A connector of the present disclosure includes a first connector part having the terminal described in any one of [1] to [7] above, and a second connector part having a mating terminal connected to the terminal of the first connector part.

[0021] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the terminal described above. [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal and connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from one drawing to another. Furthermore, in this specification, "vertical" does not only mean strictly vertical, but also includes approximately vertical within the range in which the functions and effects of this embodiment are achieved.

[0022] In this specification, "facing" refers to surfaces or components facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" refers to both cases where a component separate from the two components is interposed between the two components, and cases where nothing is interposed between the two components.

[0023] 1 is a floating connector that electrically connects a first substrate S1 and a second substrate S2. The connector 10 includes a first connector portion 11 provided on the first substrate S1 and a second connector portion 12 provided on the second substrate S2. The connector 10 as a floating connector has a configuration that can absorb positional errors between the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12.

[0024] In each drawing, three mutually orthogonal axes are illustrated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis may be referred to as the X-axis direction or the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. In the following description, the direction along the Y-axis may be referred to as the Y-axis direction or the width direction of the connector 10. In the following description, the direction along the Z-axis may be referred to as the Z-axis direction or the height direction of the connector 10.

[0025] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, each of the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the X-axis direction. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are assembled to each other along the Z-axis direction.

[0026] (First Connector Portion 11) The first connector portion 11 has a first housing 13 and first terminals 14 accommodated in the first housing 13. The first terminals 14 are provided, for example, in pairs aligned in the Y-axis direction, and in multiple sets along the X-axis direction. Each first terminal 14 is formed by cutting out a plate-shaped base material made of a conductor by press working. The plate-shaped base material is, for example, a metal plate. Each first terminal 14 has, for example, the same shape as the others. Each first terminal 14 has a first board connection portion 15 connected to the first board S1. When the first board connection portion 15 is connected to the first board S1, the first board S1 and the first terminals 14 are electrically connected to each other.

[0027] (Second Connector Portion 12) The second connector portion 12 has a second housing 16 and second terminals 17 accommodated in the second housing 16. For example, a plurality of second terminals 17 are provided corresponding to the plurality of first terminals 14, respectively. That is, for example, a plurality of pairs of second terminals 17 are provided along the X-axis direction, each pair being aligned in the Y-axis direction. Each second terminal 17 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. For example, each second terminal 17 has the same shape as the others. Each second terminal 17 has a second board connecting portion 18 connected to the second board S2. By connecting the second board connecting portion 18 to the second board S2, the second board S2 and the second terminals 17 are electrically connected to each other.

[0028] The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are connected to each other along the Z-axis direction, thereby electrically connecting the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 17. Therefore, the electrical conduction between the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 17 electrically connects the first substrate S1 and the second substrate S2 to each other.

[0029] (Second Terminal 17) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second terminal 17 includes the second board connection portion 18, a misalignment absorbing portion 21 extending from the second board connection portion 18, and an insertion portion 22 extending from the misalignment absorbing portion 21. For example, at least a portion of the second terminal 17 including the second board connection portion 18 is held and fixed in the second housing 16. The misalignment absorbing portion 21 connects the second board connection portion 18 and the insertion portion 22. The misalignment absorbing portion 21 has an elastically deformable shape so that the insertion portion 22 can be displaced in the X-axis and Y-axis directions relative to the second board connection portion 18. The shape of the misalignment absorbing portion 21 is, for example, a substantially U-shape with an open end at the end in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction. The insertion portion 22 has a shape that extends linearly along the Z-axis direction. The insertion portion 22 serves as a contact point for the first terminal 14. Any relative positional misalignment along the XY plane that may occur between the first terminal 14 and the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the positional misalignment absorbing portion 21 .

[0030] 2, the first terminal 14 includes a pair of plate-shaped elastic displacement portions 30 and a connecting portion 40 connecting the pair of elastic displacement portions 30. Each elastic displacement portion 30 has an elongated shape that extends linearly along the Z-axis direction, for example. That is, the length of each elastic displacement portion 30 in the Z-axis direction is greater than the length in the Y-axis direction. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction.

[0031] (Elastic displacement portion 30) As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, each elastic displacement portion 30 has a plate surface 31 that serves as a main surface, and an end surface 32. The plate surface 31 is formed on a part of the surface of the plate-shaped base material that forms the first terminal 14. In other words, the plate surface 31 is a surface that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion 30. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are formed, for example, so that the plate surfaces 31 of each elastic displacement portion 30 are located on the same plane along the YZ plane. The plate surface 31 of each elastic displacement portion 30 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0032] The end face 32 of each elastic displacement portion 30 is formed by a fracture surface that occurs when the first terminal 14 is separated from the plate-shaped base material. The end face 32 is a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the plate surface 31. The end face 32 is one end of the elastic displacement portion 30 in the Y-axis direction. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are formed so that the end faces 32 face each other in the Y-axis direction. In the following description, the direction in which the end faces 32 of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 face each other in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the "inside in the Y-axis direction," and the opposite direction is referred to as the "outside in the Y-axis direction."

[0033] For example, the first substrate connection portion 15 extends along the Y-axis direction from one end portion in the Z-axis direction of the elastic displacement portion 30. For ease of explanation, the side of the first terminal 14 on which the first substrate connection portion 15 is provided will be referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the upper side.

[0034] (Folded portion 33 and contact portion 34) Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 has a folded portion 33 that extends from the end face 32 and is folded back so as to overlap in the plate thickness direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the elastic displacement portion 30. The folded portion 33 first extends inward in the Y-axis direction from the end face 32 of the elastic displacement portion 30 and is then folded back 180 degrees toward the opposite side (i.e., outward in the Y-axis direction). The folded portion 33 is formed so as to protrude inward in the Y-axis direction beyond the end face 32.

[0035] The folded portion 33 has a base end 33a connected to the end surface 32 of the elastically deformable portion 30 and a tip end 33b overlapping the base end 33a in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 5 ). The tip end 33b faces outward in the Y-axis direction. The contact portion 34 is a curved surface formed at an intermediate position between the base end 33a and the tip end 33b of the folded portion 33. The contact portion 34 is formed at the inner end of the folded portion 33 in the Y-axis direction. The contact portion 34 is formed by a portion of the surface of the plate surface 31 of the elastically deformable portion 30. In other words, the contact portion 34 is formed by a portion of the surface of the plate-shaped substrate from which the first terminal 14 is formed. In addition, an inclined surface 35 is formed on the upper end surface of the folded portion 33, sloping downward toward the inner end in the Y-axis direction.

[0036] The folded portions 33 of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are provided at the same positions in the Z-axis direction, so that the contact portions 34 of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Each elastic displacement portion 30 has a stepped offset portion 36 in a portion of the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction). The offset portion 36 is a portion of the elastic displacement portion 30 that is shifted in position in the X-axis direction in a portion of the longitudinal direction. The folded portion 33 including the contact portion 34 described above is formed in the offset portion 36. The folded portion 33 is formed so as to fold on the side opposite the offset direction (misalignment direction) of the offset portion 36. In other words, when the offset direction of the offset portion 36 is set to the rear side in the X-axis direction, the folded portion 33 is formed so as to fold on the front side in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to reduce the offset amount (misalignment amount) of the contact portion 34 in the X-axis direction relative to portions of the elastic displacement portion 30 other than the offset portion 36.

[0038] (Connecting Portion 40) As shown in FIG. 2 , the first terminal 14 has, for example, a plurality of connecting portions 40 connecting a pair of elastic displacement portions 30. The plurality of connecting portions 40 include, for example, a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a third connecting portion 43. The first connecting portion 41 is provided at the upper end position of the elastic displacement portion 30 in the Z-axis direction and connects the upper end portions 30a of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in the Z-axis direction. The second connecting portion 42 is provided at the lower end position of the elastic displacement portion 30 in the Z-axis direction and connects the lower end portions 30b of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in the Z-axis direction. The third connecting portion 43 is provided at an intermediate position of the elastic displacement portion 30 in the Z-axis direction. The elastic displacement portion 30 including the contact portion 34 is provided between the first connecting portion 41 and the third connecting portion 43 in the Z-axis direction.

[0039] The first connecting portion 41, the second connecting portion 42, and the third connecting portion 43 have the same shape. The shapes of the first connecting portion 41, the second connecting portion 42, and the third connecting portion 43 will be described below using the first connecting portion 41 as an example.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the first connecting portion 41 is bent to protrude along the thickness direction of the elastically displaceable portion 30. That is, the first connecting portion 41 protrudes in the X-axis direction relative to the elastically displaceable portion 30. The first connecting portion 41 also protrudes in the X-axis direction so as to form a substantially U-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the first connecting portion 41 has an extending portion 44 at the upper end portion 30a of each elastically displaceable portion 30. The extending portion 44 extends from the end surface 32, is bent at a substantially right angle, and extends along the X-axis direction. The first connecting portion 41 also has a connecting portion 45 connecting the tips of the pair of extending portions 44 in the X-axis direction. The second connecting portion 42 and the third connecting portion 43 also each have a pair of extending portions 44 and a connecting portion 45.

[0041] 5 , the first connecting portion 41 is bent to protrude from the elastic displacement portion 30 in the X-axis direction, and is configured so as not to overlap with the contact portions 34 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, each contact portion 34 is located, for example, between a pair of extending portions 44. This prevents the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 from interfering with the first connecting portion 41 when the insertion portion 22 is inserted between the contact portions 34 along the Z-axis direction.

[0042] 3 , each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 has a press-fit protrusion 51 that protrudes outward in the Y-axis direction from the elastic displacement portion 30. Each press-fit protrusion 51 protrudes from the outer end surface of the elastic displacement portion 30 in the Y-axis direction. When the first terminal 14 is inserted into the first housing 13 from the upper end portion 30 a of each elastic displacement portion 30 along the Z-axis direction and assembled, each press-fit protrusion 51 is press-fitted into a wall surface (not shown) inside the first housing 13 so as to bite into it.

[0043] Each press-fit protrusion 51 is provided at a position corresponding to the third connecting portion 43. More specifically, each press-fit protrusion 51 is provided on the outer side of the third connecting portion 43 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, each press-fit protrusion 51 and the third connecting portion 43 are provided at the same position in the Z-axis direction. In the pair of elastic displacement portions 30, the portion where each connecting portion 40 is provided is less likely to be displaced in the Y-axis direction than the portion where each connecting portion 40 is not provided. Therefore, by providing each press-fit protrusion 51 on the outer side of the third connecting portion 43 in the Y-axis direction, each press-fit protrusion 51 can be suitably press-fitted into the first housing 13.

[0044] Next, a manufacturing method of the first terminal 14 will be described. The first terminal 14 is formed by cutting it from a plate-shaped substrate such as a metal plate by press working. That is, the press working forms the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 of the first terminal 14, the folded portion 33 including the contact portion 34, and each connecting portion 40. Each connecting portion 40 is formed by bending the elastic displacement portion 30 so as to protrude in the plate thickness direction. This narrows the gap between the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 whose end faces 32 face each other, and as a result, the gap between each contact portion 34 can be formed to have an appropriate dimension.

[0045] The operation of this embodiment will be described. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are connected to each other along the Z-axis direction. At this time, the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 is inserted between the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 from between the upper end portions 30a along the Z-axis direction. The insertion portion 22 is then inserted between the contact portions 34 of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 while widening the gap between the contact portions 34. Each contact portion 34 contacts the insertion portion 22 due to the elastic force generated by the deformation of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the contact pressure of each contact portion 34 against the insertion portion 22 is obtained by the elastic force of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in the Y-axis direction. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are arranged side by side with their end faces 32 facing each other. This makes it less likely that the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 will deform toward or away from each other (in the Y-axis direction) compared to a configuration in which the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 face each other at their plate surfaces 31. Therefore, it is possible to increase the elastic force in the direction in which the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 move toward and away from each other.

[0046] Furthermore, each contact portion 34 in this embodiment is formed by a part of the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30, i.e., a part of the surface of the plate-shaped base material that forms the first terminal 14. This makes it possible to minimize the effect on the coating of the second terminal 17 compared to a configuration in which contact is made with the second terminal 17 at the fracture surface of the terminal created by press working.

[0047] The effects of this embodiment are described below. (1) Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 is plate-shaped and has a plate surface 31 and an end surface 32. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are arranged side by side with their end surfaces 32 facing each other. Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 has a folded portion 33 extending from the end surface 32 and formed by bending it. The contact portion 34 is formed by a part of the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30 at the folded portion 33. With this configuration, the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are arranged side by side with their end surfaces 32 facing each other. Therefore, the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 are less likely to deform in a direction toward or away from each other than a configuration in which the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 face each other with their plate surfaces 31 facing each other. As a result, it is possible to increase the elastic force of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in a direction toward or away from each other. This makes it easier to ensure the contact pressure of the contact portion 34 with the second terminal 17. In each elastic displacement portion 30, the contact portion 34 is formed at a bent portion that extends from the end face 32 of the elastic displacement portion 30 and is bent, so that the contact portion 34 is formed by a part of the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30. Therefore, the end face 32 of the elastic displacement portion 30, i.e., the fracture surface created by the press working, can be configured not to come into contact with the second terminal 17, making it possible to prevent the coating of the second terminal 17 from peeling off due to contact with the terminal.

[0048] (2) The folded portion 33 is folded back so as to overlap in the plate thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion 30. The contact portion 34 is a curved surface formed at an intermediate position between the base end 33a and the tip end 33b of the folded portion 33. According to this configuration, by forming the intermediate position of the folded portion 33 in the elastically deformable portion 30, it is possible to form the contact portion 34 consisting of a part of the plate surface 31 in the folded portion 33.

[0049] (3) The connecting portion 40 is bent so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion 30. According to this configuration, the connecting portion 40 connecting the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 is bent so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portions 30, thereby narrowing the gap between the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 and, as a result, the gap between each contact portion 34 can be formed to have an appropriate dimension. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 40 is bent so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portions 30, it is possible to prevent the second terminal 17 from interfering with the connecting portion 40 when the second terminal 17 is inserted between each contact portion 34.

[0050] (4) When connecting the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12, the second terminals 17 are inserted between the contact portions 34 from a direction along the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30 (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). The linking portions 40 are configured so as not to overlap with the contact portions 34 when viewed from the insertion direction (the Z-axis direction) of the second terminals 17. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the second terminals 17 from interfering with the linking portions 40 when the second terminals 17 are inserted between the contact portions 34.

[0051] (5) Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 has an offset portion 36. The offset portion 36 is positioned offset in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the elastic displacement portion 30 relative to portions of the elastic displacement portion 30 other than the offset portion 36. In each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30, the contact portion 34 is provided in the offset portion 36. With this configuration, by appropriately adjusting the shape of the offset portion 36, it is possible to reduce the offset amount (positional deviation amount) of the contact portion 34 relative to portions of the elastic displacement portion 30 other than the offset portion 36 in the thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion 30.

[0052] (6) Each of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 has a press-fit protrusion 51 for fixation. In each elastic displacement portion 30, the press-fit protrusion 51 is provided at a position corresponding to the third connecting portion 43. That is, the press-fit protrusion 51 is provided on the outer side of the third connecting portion 43 in the Y-axis direction. In the pair of elastic displacement portions 30, the location where each connecting portion 40 is provided is less likely to be displaced in the Y-axis direction than the location where each connecting portion 40 is not provided. Therefore, by providing each press-fit protrusion 51 on the outer side of the third connecting portion 43 in the Y-axis direction, it is possible to suitably press-fit each press-fit protrusion 51 into the first housing 13, which is the object to be fixed.

[0053] (Modifications) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0054] The configuration of each contact portion 34 of the first terminal 14 in the above embodiment may be modified to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 . In the configuration shown in FIG. 6 , each elastic displacement portion 30 has a bent portion 61 extending from the end surface 32 and formed by bending. Each bent portion 61 is bent, for example, so as to rise along the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the elastic displacement portion 30. Each bent portion 61 is formed with a contact portion 62 that contacts the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 by the elastic force of the elastic displacement portion 30. Each contact portion 62 is a convex portion formed by embossing the bent portion 61. That is, each contact portion 62 is formed so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the bent portion 61 by pressing a portion of the bent portion 61 in the thickness direction with a punch (not shown) of a press machine. The contact portion 62 formed by embossing in this manner is formed by a portion of the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30, i.e., a portion of the surface of the plate-shaped substrate from which the first terminal 14 is formed. The contact portion 62 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The surface of the contact portion 62, which is a convex portion, has a curved surface that is approximately arc-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The surface of the contact portion 62, which is a convex portion, also has a curved surface that is approximately arc-shaped when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0055] The same effect as effect (1) of the above embodiment can be obtained with the configuration shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, with the configuration shown in Fig. 6, a convex portion is formed by embossing in the bent portion 61 that rises along the plate thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion 30, making it possible to form a contact portion 62 that is made up of a part of the plate surface 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30.

[0056] In the above embodiment, each connecting portion 40 may be set on the same plane as each elastic displacement portion 30. The number of connecting portions 40 provided on the first terminal 14 is not limited to that in the above embodiment, and may be two or less, or four or less. The number of connecting portions 40 may be set depending on the length of the first terminal 14 in the Z-axis direction and the required magnitude of the elastic force of a pair of elastic displacement portions 30.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the terminals of a floating connector that electrically connects the first board S1 and the second board S2, but is not limited to this and may be applied to the terminals of a connector other than a floating connector.

[0058] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first connector portion 11 may be referred to as a first board direct-mount connector configured to be mounted on the first board S1, and the second connector portion 12 may be referred to as a second board direct-mount connector configured to be mounted on the second board S2.

[0059] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the pair of contact portions 34 (FIGS. 1 and 5) of the first terminal 14 may be referred to as a tip-side contact pair or a pinching-type contact pair configured to resiliently clamp the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 and establish electrical contact with the insertion portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each contact portion 34 of the first terminal 14 may be an elongated convex curved surface extending in the length direction of the insertion portion 22. This elongated convex curved surface may have a top surface length that extends linearly in the length direction of the insertion portion 22, as shown, for example, as the length in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3 . This top surface length is advantageous for ensuring or extending the contact length between the contact portion 34 and the insertion portion 22 in the length direction of the insertion portion 22. The pair of contact portions 34 of the first terminal 14 may be referred to as a pair of elongated convex curved contacts that face each other at an opposing distance. The same applies to the contact portion 62 of the first terminal 14 in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2 , the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 of the first terminal 14 may be referred to as a pair of parallel legs. The pair of elastic displacement portions 30 may extend so as to rise up relative to the board surface of the first substrate S1 when the first connector portion 11 is mounted on the first substrate S1. The first board connection portion 15 of the first terminal 14 may be referred to as a base-side electrical contact or a foot-side electrical contact of the first terminal 14 and may be configured to directly contact the board surface of the first substrate S1. As shown in FIG. 2 , each elastic displacement portion 30 of the first terminal 14 may be formed as a flat, needle-like or slender, flat flexible bar configured to increase the contact pressure of the contact portion 34 of the first terminal 17 against the insertion portion 22 of the second terminal 17 by controlling and / or limiting the direction of elastic bending deformation of the elastic displacement portion 30. The same applies to the first terminal 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

[0061] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first connecting portion 41, the second connecting portion 42, and the third connecting portion 43 of the first terminal 14 are provided discretely in the length direction of the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 of the first terminal 14 and may be referred to as multiple discrete bridges bridging the pair of elastic displacement portions 30 in parallel. Each of the first connecting portion 41, the second connecting portion 42, and the third connecting portion 43 may include multiple non-planar plastic bent portions. The first connecting portion 41 of the first terminal 14 may be referred to as a distal or head-side bridge of the first terminal 14. The second connecting portion 42 may be referred to as a proximal or foot-side bridge of the first terminal 14. The third connecting portion 43 may be referred to as an intermediate bridge. As shown in Fig. 5, discrete bridges including a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a third connecting portion 43 may connect a pair of elastically deformable portions 30 of a first terminal 14 so that the plate surfaces 31 of the pair of elastically deformable portions 30 extend on the same imaginary plane and the end faces of the pair of elastically deformable portions 30 are perpendicular to the same imaginary plane. A structure in which a pair of elastically deformable portions 30, each of which may be a flat needle-like or slender flat flexible bar, are connected in parallel by multiple discrete bridges is advantageous in reducing the weight of the first terminal 14 and in maintaining the pair of contact portions 34 (elongated convex curved surfaces) of the first terminal 14 in a directly opposed state, for example, maintaining the shortest opposing distance between the pair of contact portions 34. The same applies to the first terminal 14 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0062] 3 and 5, the folded portion 33 may be referred to as a 180-degree folded portion, may have a crushed U-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the tip end 33b of the folded portion 33 may be parallel to and adjacent to or in contact with the base end 33a, and may have a convex curved surface or an outwardly bent surface that functions as the contact portion 34. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the convex curved surface (contact portion 34) of the folded portion 33 is continuous with the plate surface located in the offset direction of the offset portion 36, of the pair of plate surfaces 31 that face each other in the plate thickness direction of the elastic displacement portion 30.

[0063] 6, the bending portion 61 may have an open U-shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the base end and the tip end of the bending portion 61 may be orthogonal to each other or point in different directions, and may have a convex curved surface or an outwardly curved surface that functions as the contact portion 62. As shown in FIG. 6, the convex curved surface (contact portion 62) of the bending portion 61 may be continuous with one of the pair of plate surfaces 31 of the elastic displacement portion 30 that is located in the offset direction of the offset portion 36.

[0064] The embodiments and modified examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0065] 10 Connector 11 First connector portion 12 Second connector portion 13 First housing 14 First terminal (terminal) 15 First board connecting portion 16 Second housing 17 Second terminal (mating terminal) 18 Second board connecting portion 21 Absorption portion 22 Insertion portion 30 Elastic displacement portion 30a Upper end portion 30b Lower end portion 31 Plate surface 32 End surface 33 Folded portion (bent portion) 33a Base end portion 33b Tip portion 34 Contact portion (curved surface) 35 Inclined surface 36 Offset portion 40 Connecting portion 41 First connecting portion (connecting portion) 42 Second connecting portion (connecting portion) 43 Third connecting portion (connecting portion) 44 Extension portion 45 Joint portion 51 Press-fit convex portion 61 Bent portion 62 Contact portion (convex portion) S1 First board S2 Second substrate

Claims

1. A terminal formed by pressing a plate-like base material, comprising: a pair of elastic displacement parts and a connecting part connecting the pair of elastic displacement parts, each of the pair of elastic displacement parts having a contact part that contacts a mating terminal inserted between the pair of elastic displacement parts by the elastic force of the each elastic displacement part, each of the pair of elastic displacement parts is plate-like having a plate surface and an end surface, the pair of elastic displacement parts are arranged side by side with their end surfaces facing each other, each of the pair of elastic displacement parts has a bent part extending from the end surface and formed by bending, and the contact part is formed by a part of the plate surface at the bent part.

2. A terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the bent portion is a folded portion that is folded back so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion, and the contact portion is a curved surface formed at a midpoint between the base end and tip end of the folded portion.

3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion is bent so as to rise along the plate thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion, and the contact portion is a convex portion formed by embossing the bent portion.

4. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is formed by bending the connecting portion so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion.

5. A terminal as described in claim 1, wherein the mating terminal is inserted between the pair of contact portions from a direction along the plate surface of the elastic displacement portion, and the connecting portion is configured so as not to overlap with the contact portions when viewed from the insertion direction of the mating terminal.

6. A terminal as described in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of elastic displacement parts has an offset part, the offset part is positioned offset in the plate thickness direction of the elastic displacement part relative to a portion of the elastic displacement part other than the offset part, and in each of the pair of elastic displacement parts, the contact part is provided on the offset part.

7. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of elastically deformable portions has a press-fit protrusion for fixing, and the press-fit protrusion is provided at a position corresponding to the connecting portion.

8. A connector comprising: a first connector part having a terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a second connector part having a mating terminal connected to the terminal of the first connector part.

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