Contact

Abstract

A contact 100 comprises: a base plate 110 extending along mutually intersecting first and second directions D1, D2; a pair of contacts 120, 120 protruding from a pair of first portions 111, 111 that are arranged side by side along the first direction D1 in the base plate 110, said contacts sandwiching a mating contact 90 in the first direction D1; a pair of elastic supports 130, 130 protruding from a pair of second portions 112, 112 that are arranged side by side along the second direction D2 in the base plate 110, said elastic supports 130, 130 protruding in the opposite direction to the direction in which the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 protrude, and applying a reaction force to each of the pair of second portions 112, 112; and a mounting portion 140 mounted on a circuit board 21 and supporting the base plate 110 with the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 interposed therebetween.

Description

contact

[0001] The present disclosure relates to contacts.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a female contact constructed by bending a conductive plate to include a pair of elastic piece portions, a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a pair of elastic pieces. The pair of elastic piece portions are elastically deformable in the thickness direction. A pair of female contact portions are provided at the tips of the pair of elastic piece portions, respectively. The pair of female contact portions contact male contacts arranged between the pair of elastic piece portions, respectively. The fixed portion is connected to an object to be energized. Each elastic piece portion is provided on the movable portion. The pair of elastic pieces are arranged in parallel to each other between the movable portion and the fixed portion.

[0003] JP 2010-55868 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides a contact that makes smoother contact with a mating contact.

[0005] A contact according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a conductive contact that is electrically connected to a conductive mating contact, and includes a base plate that extends along a first direction and a second direction that intersect with each other, a pair of contact pieces that protrude from a pair of first portions of the base plate that are aligned along the first direction and that sandwich the mating contact in the first direction, a pair of elastic supports that protrude from a pair of second portions of the base plate that are aligned along the second direction in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pair of contact pieces protrude and that apply a reaction force to the pair of second portions, respectively, and a mounting portion that is mounted on a circuit board and supports the base plate via the pair of elastic supports.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a contact that makes smoother contact with a mating contact.

[0007] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a contact system; Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a mating contact; Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a contact; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the contact of Fig. 3 as viewed from another direction; Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the contact; Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another modified example of the contact; Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the contact; Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the contact.

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0009] The contact system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that enables repeated electrical connection and disconnection between, for example, a pair of devices. Examples of such a pair of devices include a pair of circuit boards, and a pair of a drive device (e.g., a motor, an actuator, etc.) and a circuit board that controls it. The pair of devices is mounted on electrical equipment. Examples of electrical equipment include, but are not limited to, a charging station (power supply device) for charging the battery of a battery-powered AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), an electric power steering system, a power conversion device (e.g., a DC / DC converter, an inverter, etc.), a distribution board, a switchboard, and a control panel. The pair of devices may be any device that can at least repeatedly be electrically connected and disconnected.

[0010] The contact system 1 includes a conductive contact 90 and a conductive contact 100. The contact 90 and the contact 100 are provided on a pair of devices, respectively. The contact 90 and the contact 100 are configured to be capable of repeatedly electrically connecting and disconnecting with each other.

[0011] For example, contact 90 is connected to power line 12 for power supply in circuit board 11 as device 10. Contact 100 is connected to power line 22 for power supply in circuit board 21 as device 20. Contact 100 can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from contact 90. Electrical connection between contact 90 and contact 100 enables power to be supplied via power line 12 of circuit board 11 and power line 22 of circuit board 21. Contact 90 is a "mating contact" for contact 100, and contact 100 is a "mating contact" for contact 90.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2 , the contact 90 has a mounting plate 91 and a contact piece 93. The mounting plate 91 extends in a plate shape. The mounting plate 91 is disposed along the surface of the circuit board 11 so as to cover at least a portion of the power line 12 and is connected to the power line 12. The contact piece 93 extends in a plate shape connected to the mounting plate 91 and protrudes from the mounting plate 91 in one direction. When the mounting plate 91 is connected to the power line 12, the contact piece 93 protrudes from the peripheral edge of the circuit board 11.

[0013] In the following description of the contact 90, the direction in which the mounting plate 91 and the contact pieces 93 are aligned will be referred to as the "direction D11," the thickness direction of the mounting plate 91 will be referred to as the "thickness direction D12," and the direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the direction D11 and the thickness direction D12 will be referred to as the width direction D13. In addition, in the direction D11, the direction in which the contact pieces 93 protrude from the mounting plate 91 will be referred to as the "forward direction."

[0014] The contact 90 may further include a plurality of protrusions 92. The plurality of protrusions 92 protrude from the mounting plate 91 toward the circuit board 11 and are inserted into a plurality of through holes 13 provided in the circuit board 11, respectively. For example, the mounting plate 91 includes a first pair of protrusions 92, 92 and a second pair of protrusions 92, 92.

[0015] The first pair of protrusions 92 are aligned along the width direction D13 at the boundary between the mounting plate 91 and the contact piece 93. The contact piece 93 is located between the first pair of protrusions 92. The second pair of protrusions 92 are aligned along the width direction D13 at the rear edge of the mounting plate 91. The second pair of protrusions 92 face the first pair of protrusions 92 in the direction D11.

[0016] The first pair of protrusions 92, 92 each extend forward from the mounting plate 91 and are bent relative to the mounting plate 91 at a bending line along the width direction D13. The second pair of protrusions 92, 92 each extend rearward from the mounting plate 91 and are bent relative to the mounting plate 91 at a bending line along the width direction D13. The mounting plate 91 is connected to the power line 12 by soldering, solid-state welding, or the like, with the multiple protrusions 92 inserted into the multiple through holes 13, respectively. An example of solid-state welding is ultrasonic bonding. The mounting plate 91 exemplified above is formed by punching and bending a thin metal plate material such as copper.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the contact 100 includes a base plate 110 , a pair of contact pieces 120 , a pair of elastic supports 130 , and a mounting portion 140 .

[0018] The base plate 110 extends in a plate shape along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that intersect (e.g., perpendicular to) each other. The contact 100 has a pair of first portions 111, 111 aligned along the first direction D1 and a pair of second portions 112, 112 aligned along the second direction D2. Each of the pair of first portions 111, 111 extends along the second direction D2, and each of the pair of second portions 112, 112 extends along the first direction D1.

[0019] The pair of contact pieces 120, 120 are connected to the base plate 110 at the pair of first portions 111, 111, respectively. The pair of contact pieces 120, 120 each protrude from the pair of first portions 111, 111 toward one side in a third direction D3 that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the base plate 110. In the following description of the contact 100, the one side in the third direction D3 is referred to as the "forward side." Each of the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 protrudes forward and extends in a plate shape along the second direction D2.

[0020] The contact 100 is connected to the contact 90 with the first direction D1 aligned with the thickness direction D12 of the contact 90 and the third direction D3 aligned with the direction D11 of the contact 90. The state in which the first direction D1 aligned with the thickness direction D12 includes a state in which the first direction D1 is slightly tilted within a range in which electrical connection between the contact 100 and the contact 90 can be maintained. The same applies to the state in which the third direction D3 is aligned with the direction D11. The pair of contact pieces 120, 120 sandwich the contact piece 93 of the contact 90 in the first direction D1 and respectively contact both sides of the contact piece 93 that intersect (e.g., perpendicular to) the thickness direction D12. This electrically connects the contact 100 to the contact 90.

[0021] The pair of contact pieces 120 may be configured to contact both surfaces of the contact piece 93 at a contact portion 121 away from the base plate 110. The pair of contact pieces 120 are curved so as to approach each other from the base plate 110 toward the contact portion 121 and to move away from each other further forward from the contact portion 121. In the third direction D3, the distance from the base plate 110 to the contact portion 121 may be greater than the distance from the contact portion 121 to the tips of the pair of contact pieces 120.

[0022] Each of the pair of contact pieces 120 may have an opposing surface 123 and one or more protrusions 122. For example, each of the pair of contact pieces 120 has a pair of protrusions 122. The opposing surface 123 faces the contact piece 93 of the contact 90. Each of the pair of protrusions 122 protrudes from the opposing surface 123 toward the contact piece 93 at least in the contact portion 121. Each of the pair of protrusions 122 is located between both edges of the opposing surface 123 in the second direction D2 and protrudes from the opposing surface 123 toward the contact piece 93 at least in the contact portion 121. Each of the pair of protrusions 122 extends along the third direction D3 over a range that covers the contact portion 121. The distance between the pair of protrusions 122, 122 (the distance between the centers of the protrusions 122) may be 0.5 times or more, or 0.7 times or more, the width of the opposing surface 123 in the second direction D2. The pair of protrusions 122, 122 is formed, for example, by pressing the contact piece 120. With one or more protrusions 122, the edge of the opposing surface 123 comes into contact with the contact piece 93, and it is possible to suppress changes in contact resistance caused by damage to the contact piece 93.

[0023] The pair of elastic supports 130, 130 respectively protrude rearward (opposite the direction from which the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 protrude) from the pair of second portions 112, 112. The mounting portion 140 is mounted on the circuit board 21, and supports the base plate 110 via the pair of elastic supports 130, 130.

[0024] The mounting portion 140 may be divided into a pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 respectively connected to the pair of elastic supports 130, 130. In this case, both of the pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 are mounted on the circuit board 21.

[0025] When the mounting portion 140 is mounted on the circuit board 21, the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 apply a reaction force to the pair of second portions 112, 112. For example, each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 is elastically deformed by any of the displacement of the corresponding second portion 112 in the third direction D3, the displacement of the corresponding second portion 112 in the second direction D2, and the displacement of the corresponding second portion 112 in the first direction D1, and applies a reaction force of the elastic deformation to the corresponding second portion 112.

[0026] The pair of elastic supports 130, 130 respectively apply a reaction force to the pair of second portions 112, 112 aligned along the second direction D2, thereby stabilizing the posture of the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 around the first direction D1, and therefore the contact piece 93 is smoothly guided between the pair of contact pieces 120, 120. Therefore, this contact 100 comes into contact with the contact 90 more smoothly.

[0027] In the second direction D2, the pair of first portions 111, 111 may be located between the pair of second portions 112, 112. This further stabilizes the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 around the first direction D1.

[0028] In the first direction D1, the pair of second portions 112 may be located between the pair of first portions 111. This further stabilizes the posture of the pair of contact pieces 120 in the second direction D2. This improves the smoothness of contact between the pair of contact pieces 120 and the contact 90.

[0029] Each of the pair of elastic supports 130 has a zigzag spring portion 150. The zigzag spring portion 150 is bent so as to repeatedly cross a line L1 that intersects the base plate (for example, along the third direction D3). By improving the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130, the pair of contact pieces 120 can more flexibly follow the positional deviation of the contact piece 93. This further improves the smoothness of contact with the contact 90.

[0030] The zigzag spring portion 150 may be repeatedly bent when viewed from the first direction D1. Viewed from the first direction D1 means viewed from one side in the first direction D1. For example, the zigzag spring portion 150 may be repeatedly bent along a plane F1 that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the first direction D1. This allows the contact to have a low profile in the first direction D1.

[0031] The positions of the zigzag spring portions 150 in the second direction D2 may be different between the pair of elastic supports 130, 130, and the positions of the zigzag spring portions 150 in the first direction D1 may at least partially overlap between the pair of elastic supports 130, 130. For example, the positions of the zigzag spring portions 150 in the first direction D1 may be the same between the pair of elastic supports 130, 130.

[0032] The pair of elastic supports 130 may be line-symmetrical to each other when viewed from the first direction D1. Since the difference in elasticity between the pair of elastic supports 130 is reduced, the posture of the pair of contact pieces 120 around the first direction D1 is further stabilized.

[0033] Each of the pair of elastic supports 130 may have a plate-like portion 131 that extends along a plane F1 intersecting the first direction D1, and the zigzag spring portion 150 may be formed on the plate-like portion 131. This can further reduce the height of the contact 100 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, since the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130 in the first direction D1 is improved, the pair of contact pieces 120 can more flexibly follow positional deviation of the contact 90 in the first direction D1 and posture deviation of the contact 90 around the third direction D3.

[0034] Corresponding to the plate-shaped portion 131, each of the pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 may have a mounting plate 142 and a protruding portion 143. The mounting plate 142 protrudes rearward from the plate-shaped portion 131 of the corresponding elastic support 130. The mounting plate 142 is disposed along the surface of the circuit board 21 so as to cover at least a portion of the power line 22. The protruding portion 143 protrudes from the mounting plate 142 toward the circuit board 21 and is inserted into a through-hole 23 provided in the circuit board 21 (see FIG. 1 ). For example, the protruding portion 143 bends around the second direction D2 relative to the mounting plate 142, intersects with the third direction D3, and faces the base plate 110. In the following description, the direction in which the protruding portion 143 protrudes from the mounting plate 142 is referred to as "downward."

[0035] The mounting plate 142 is connected to the power line 22 by soldering, solid-state welding, or the like, with the protruding portions 143 inserted into the through holes 23. In this manner, with the pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 each connected to the power line 22, the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 protrude from the periphery of the circuit board 21.

[0036] The position of the plate-shaped portion 131 in the first direction D1 may be offset to one side with respect to the pair of second portions 112. For example, the position of the plate-shaped portion 131 in the first direction D1 may be offset upward with respect to the pair of second portions 112. Corresponding to this, each of the pair of elastic supports 130 may further include a connecting portion 132. The connecting portion 132 bends downward about the third direction D3 with respect to the plate-shaped portion 131 and intersects with the second direction D2, connecting the plate-shaped portion 131 to the corresponding second portion 112. The connecting portion 132 makes it possible to easily connect the plate-shaped portion 131 to the second portion 112 located between the pair of first portions 111.

[0037] The plate-like portion 131 of each of the pair of elastic supports 130 may be located between the pair of second portions 112 in the second direction D2. While the pair of second portions 112 are spaced apart from each other to further stabilize the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120 around the first direction D1, the space between the pair of second portions 112 is effectively utilized as a placement space for the plate-like portion 131, thereby preventing the contact 100 from becoming larger. When each of the pair of second portions 112 has a thickness in the second direction D2, being located between the pair of second portions 112 means being located between the outermost portion of one second portion 112 (the portion of one second portion 112 that is farthest from the other second portion 112) and the outermost portion of the other second portion 112 (the portion of the other second portion 112 that is farthest from the one second portion 112). In an example in which the elastic support 130 has a connecting portion 132 , the outer surface of the connecting portion 132 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the other connecting portion 132 ) corresponds to the outermost portion of the second portion 112 .

[0038] The zigzag spring portion 150 is formed, for example, by punching the plate-shaped portion 131 into a shape with multiple bends. For example, the zigzag spring portion 150 has bends 151, 152, and 153. The zigzag spring portion 150 protrudes forward from an inner portion of the mounting plate 142 (a portion closer to the other mounting plate 142) and is bent outward (away from the other zigzag spring portion 150) at bend 151. The zigzag spring portion 150 protrudes outward from bend 151 and crosses line L1, and is bent inward (toward the other zigzag spring portion 150) at bend 152. The zigzag spring portion 150 protrudes inward from bend 152 and crosses line L1, and is bent outward at bend 153. The zigzag spring portion 150 that protrudes outward from the bent portion 153 and crosses the line L1 is connected to the connecting portion 132 .

[0039] Each of the pair of elastic supports 130 may further include a sub-support 160. The sub-support 160 protrudes in one direction (e.g., downward) from the plate-shaped portion 131 along the first direction D1 and resists deformation of the plate-shaped portion 131 in one direction. For example, the sub-support 160 contacts the frame 24 of the device 20 or the like to resist downward deformation of the plate-shaped portion 131. The sub-support 160 can stabilize the initial positions of the pair of contact pieces 120 in the first direction D1.

[0040] For example, the sub-support 160 has a protruding portion 161 and a support plate 162. The protruding portion 161 protrudes inward from the bent portion 151 and bends downward about the third direction D3 relative to the plate-shaped portion 131 to intersect with the second direction D2. The support plate 162 bends outward about the third direction D3 relative to the protruding portion 161 to intersect with the first direction D1. The support plate 162 widens forward to the vicinity of the base plate 110. The widening of the support plate 162 makes it possible to support the plate-shaped portion 131 over a wide surface.

[0041] The contact 100 illustrated above is formed by punching and bending a thin metal plate material such as a copper alloy (e.g., at least one selected from the group consisting of Corson alloy, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, titanium copper, and copper-magnesium alloy).

[0042] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the contact 100. The contact 100A shown in Fig. 5 is obtained by replacing the pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 in the contact 100 with a pair of individual mounting portions 141A, 141A. Each of the pair of individual mounting portions 141A, 141A has a protrusion 144 and a connection leg portion 145.

[0043] The protrusion 144 protrudes inward from the distal end of the zigzag spring portion 150 relative to the base plate 110, bends in one direction (e.g., downward) about the third direction D3, and intersects with the second direction D2. The connection leg 145 bends outward about the third direction D3 with respect to the protrusion 144, and intersects with the first direction D1. The connection leg 145 extends forward to the vicinity of the base plate 110 and faces the plate-like portion 131. The connection leg 145 is disposed along the surface of the circuit board 21 so as to cover at least a portion of the power line 22, and is connected to the power line 22 by soldering, solid-state welding, or the like.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another modified example of the contact 100. The contact 100B shown in FIG. 6 has a facing portion 146 instead of the protruding portion 144 of the contact 100A. The facing portion 146 bends in one direction (e.g., downward) about the second direction D2 relative to the distal end of the zigzag spring portion 150, intersects with the third direction D3, and faces the base plate 110. The connection leg portion 145 bends forward about the second direction D2 relative to the facing portion 146, intersects with the first direction D1. The connection leg portion 145 extends forward to the vicinity of the base plate 110 and faces the plate-like portion 131. Compared to the contact 100A, the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130 can be improved.

[0045] 6, the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 may further include a second plate-shaped portion 133. The second plate-shaped portion 133 protrudes outward from the plate-shaped portion 131 and is bent in one direction (e.g., downward) around the third direction D3. The zigzag spring portion 150 may be formed across both the plate-shaped portion 131 and the second plate-shaped portion 133. Flexibility can be improved by increasing the overall length of the zigzag spring portion 150.

[0046] 6 , for example, the bent portion 152 is located at the second plate-shaped portion 133. The zigzag spring portion 150, which protrudes outward from the bent portion 151 and crosses the line L1, moves from the plate-shaped portion 131 to the second plate-shaped portion 133, protrudes downward, and is bent upward at the bent portion 152. The zigzag spring portion 150, which protrudes upward from the bent portion 152, moves from the second plate-shaped portion 133 to the plate-shaped portion 131, protrudes inward, crosses the line L1, and is bent outward at the bent portion 153.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the contact 100. The contact 100C shown in FIG. 7 replaces the plate-shaped portion 131, the connecting portion 132, and the second plate-shaped portion 133 of the contact 100B with a plate-shaped portion 134. The plate-shaped portion 134 is connected to the second portion 112, extends parallel to the first direction D1, and is connected to the facing portion 146 from the outside. In the contact 100C, a zigzag spring portion 150 is formed on the plate-shaped portion 134. For example, the zigzag spring portion 150 is formed by repeatedly bending the plate-shaped portion 134 around the first direction D1. This increases the rigidity of the pair of elastic supports 130 in the first direction D1, thereby suppressing displacement of the pair of contact pieces 120 in the first direction D1.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the contact 100. The contact 100D shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by replacing the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 in the contact 100B with elastic supports 130A and 130B. The elastic support 130A has a plate-shaped portion 135A instead of the plate-shaped portion 131 and the second plate-shaped portion 133, and the elastic support 130B has a plate-shaped portion 135B instead of the plate-shaped portion 131 and the second plate-shaped portion 133. In the first direction D1, the positions of the plate-shaped portion 135A and the plate-shaped portion 135B are different from each other. In the second direction D2, the positions of the plate-shaped portion 135A and the plate-shaped portion 135B at least partially overlap. For example, the plate-shaped portion 135A extends along a plane F2 intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction D1. The plate-shaped portion 135B extends along a plane F3 that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the first direction D1 below the plane F2, so that at least a portion of the plate-shaped portion 135A overlaps the upper portion of the plate-shaped portion 135B.

[0049] The zigzag spring portion 150 is formed on each of the plate-shaped portion 135A and the plate-shaped portion 135B. The bent portions 151 and 153 of the zigzag spring portion 150 formed on the plate-shaped portion 135A overlap above the bent portion 152 of the zigzag spring portion 150 formed on the plate-shaped portion 135B. The bent portion 152 of the zigzag spring portion 150 formed on the plate-shaped portion 135A overlaps above the bent portions 151 and 153 of the zigzag spring portion 150 formed on the plate-shaped portion 135B. In accordance with the vertical relationship between the plate-shaped portions 135A and 135B, the connecting portion 132 of the elastic support 130A is bent downward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 135A, and the connecting portion 132 of the elastic support 130B is bent upward with respect to the plate-shaped portion 135B.

[0050] In this way, by configuring the position of the plate-shaped portion 135A and the position of the plate-shaped portion 135B to at least partially overlap in the second direction D2, the plate-shaped portion 135A can be expanded in the elastic support 130A, and the plate-shaped portion 135B can also be expanded in the elastic support 130B, thereby further improving the flexibility of the zigzag spring portion 150.

[0051] In addition, in the second direction D2, the connection leg portion 145 protrudes outward more than the plate-shaped portion 135A and the plate-shaped portion 135B. In addition, the outward protruding portion of the connection leg portion 145 protrudes further forward and rearward, thereby increasing the contact area with the power line 22.

[0052] 3 to 8, the zigzag spring portion 150 is repeatedly bent when viewed from the first direction D1, but the zigzag spring portion 150 may also be repeatedly bent when viewed from a direction different from the first direction D1. For example, the zigzag spring portion 150 may also be repeatedly bent when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0053] [Summary] The above-described exemplary embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0054] (1) A conductive contact 100 electrically connected to a conductive mating contact 90, the contact 100 comprising: a base plate 110 extending in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that intersect with each other; a pair of contact pieces 120, 120 that protrude from a pair of first portions 111, 111 that are aligned in the first direction D1 on the base plate 110 and sandwich the mating contact 90 in the first direction D1; a pair of elastic supports 130, 130 that protrude from a pair of second portions 112, 112 that are aligned in the second direction D2 on the base plate 110 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 protrude and apply a reaction force to the pair of second portions 112, 112; and a mounting portion 140 that is mounted on a circuit board 21 and supports the base plate 110 via the pair of elastic supports 130, 130. In this contact 100, a pair of elastic supports 130 apply a reaction force to a pair of second portions 112 aligned along a second direction D2 that intersects with the first direction D1 in which the pair of contact pieces 120 are aligned. This stabilizes the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120 around the first direction D1, allowing the mating contact 90 to be smoothly guided between the pair of contact pieces 120. This allows the contact 100 to come into contact with the mating contact 90 more smoothly.

[0055] (2) In the contact 100 described in (1), the pair of first portions 111, 111 are located between the pair of second portions 112, 112 in the second direction D2. This further stabilizes the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 around the first direction D1.

[0056] (3) In the contact 100 described in (2), the pair of second portions 112 are located between the pair of first portions 111 in the first direction D1. This further stabilizes the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120 in the second direction D2. This improves the smoothness of contact with the mating contact 90.

[0057] (4) The contact 100 according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the mounting portion 140 is divided into a pair of individual mounting portions 141, 141 connected to the pair of elastic supports 130, 130, respectively. The pair of contact pieces 120, 120 to the mounting portion 140 can be easily manufactured by bending a single plate.

[0058] (5) The contact 100 according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130 has a zigzag spring portion 150 that is bent so as to repeatedly cross a line L1 that intersects with the base plate 110. By improving the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130, the pair of contact pieces 120 can more flexibly follow the positional deviation of the mating contact 90. This further improves the smoothness of contact with the mating contact 90.

[0059] (6) The contact 100 according to (5), wherein the zigzag spring portion 150 is repeatedly bent along a plane F1 intersecting the first direction D1, thereby enabling the height of the contact 100 to be reduced in the first direction D1.

[0060] (7) The contact 100 according to (6), wherein the pair of elastic supports 130 are symmetrical with respect to each other. This further stabilizes the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120 around the first direction D1.

[0061] (8) The contact 100 according to (6) or (7), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130 has a plate-like portion 131 extending along a plane F1 intersecting the first direction D1, and the zigzag spring portion 150 is formed on the plate-like portion 131. This can further reduce the height of the contact 100 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, because the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130 in the first direction D1 is improved, the pair of contact pieces 120 can more flexibly follow positional shifts of the mating contact 90 in the first direction D1 and posture shifts of the mating contact 90 around a third direction intersecting the base plate 110.

[0062] (9) The contact 100 according to (8), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 further includes a connecting portion 132 that is bent relative to the plate-shaped portion 131 so as to intersect with the second direction D2 and connects the plate-shaped portion 131 to the corresponding second portion 112. Even if the pair of second portions 112, 112 are located between the pair of first portions 111, 111 in the first direction D1, the plate-shaped portion 131 along the second direction D2 can be easily connected to the second portion 112.

[0063] (10) The contact 100 according to (8) or (9), wherein the plate-like portion 131 of each of the pair of elastic supports 130 is located between the pair of second portions 112 in the second direction D2. To further stabilize the orientation of the pair of contact pieces 120 around the first direction D1, the pair of second portions 112 are spaced apart from each other, and the space between the pair of second portions 112 is effectively used as a space for arranging the plate-like portion 131, thereby preventing the contact 100 from becoming larger.

[0064] (11) The contact 100 according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 further includes a second plate-shaped portion 133 bent relative to the plate-shaped portion 131 so as to intersect with the second direction D2, and the zigzag spring portion 150 is formed across both the plate-shaped portion 131 and the second plate-shaped portion 133. This can improve the flexibility of the zigzag spring portion 150.

[0065] (12) The contact 100 according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the positions of the plate-shaped portions 131 in the first direction D1 are different between the pair of elastic supports 130, 130, and the positions of the plate-shaped portions 131 in the second direction D2 at least partially overlap. In each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130, the plate-shaped portions 131 can be expanded to further improve the flexibility of the zigzag spring portion 150.

[0066] (13) The contact 100 according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 further includes a sub-support 160 that protrudes in one direction from the plate-shaped portion 131 along the first direction D1 and resists deformation of the plate-shaped portion 131 in one direction. This can stabilize the initial positions of the pair of contact pieces 120, 120 in the first direction D1.

[0067] (14) The contact 100 according to any one of (8) to (13), wherein each of the pair of contact pieces 120 has an opposing surface 123 that faces the mating contact 90 and one or more protrusions 122 that protrude from the opposing surface 123 toward the mating contact 90 between both edges of the opposing surface 123 in the second direction D2. This can suppress a change in contact resistance caused by the edge of the opposing surface 123 in the second direction D2 hitting the mating contact 90 and damaging the mating contact 90.

[0068] (15) The contact 100 according to any one of (8) to (14), wherein the mounting portion 140 includes a facing portion 146 bent relative to the plate-like portion 131 of each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130 so as to face the base plate 110, and a connection leg portion 145 bent relative to the facing portion 146 so as to face the plate-like portion 131 of each of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130, and connected to the circuit board 21. This can improve the fixing strength of the contact 100 to the circuit board 21 while maintaining the flexibility of the pair of elastic supports 130, 130.

[0069] (16) The contact 100 according to (6) or (7), wherein each of the pair of elastic supports 130 has a plate-like portion 134 extending along a plane parallel to the first direction D1, and the zigzag spring portion 150 is formed on the plate-like portion 134. This increases the rigidity of the pair of elastic supports 130 in the first direction D1, and can suppress displacement of the pair of contact pieces 120 in the first direction D1.

[0070] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0071] 90...mating contact, 21...circuit board, 100...contact, 110...base plate, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, 111, 111...pair of first portions, 112, 112...pair of second portions, 120, 120...pair of contact pieces, 122...convex portion, 130, 130...pair of elastic supports, 140...mounting portion, 141, 141...pair of individual mounting portions, L1...line, 150...zigzag spring portion, F1...surface, 131, 134...plate-shaped portion, 132...connecting portion, 160...sub-support, 145...connecting leg portion, 146...opposing portion, 133...second plate-shaped portion.

Claims

1. A conductive contact that is electrically connected to a conductive mating contact, comprising: a base plate that extends in a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other; a pair of contact pieces that protrude from a pair of first portions of the base plate that are aligned in the first direction and that sandwich the mating contact in the first direction; a pair of elastic supports that protrude from a pair of second portions of the base plate that are aligned in the second direction in a direction opposite to the protrusion of the pair of contact pieces and that apply a reaction force to the pair of second portions; and a mounting section that is mounted on a circuit board and supports the base plate via the pair of elastic supports.

2. The contact according to claim 1, wherein the pair of first portions are located between the pair of second portions in the second direction.

3. The contact according to claim 2, wherein the pair of second portions are located between the pair of first portions in the first direction.

4. A contact according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting portion is divided into a pair of individual mounting portions connected to the pair of elastic supports, respectively.

5. A contact according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports has a zigzag spring portion that is bent so as to repeatedly cross a line that intersects with the base plate.

6. The contact according to claim 5, wherein the zigzag spring portion is repeatedly bent along a plane intersecting the first direction.

7. The contact according to claim 6, wherein the pair of elastic supports are axisymmetric with each other.

8. The contact according to claim 6, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports has a plate-like portion extending along a plane intersecting the first direction, and the zigzag spring portion is formed on the plate-like portion.

9. The contact according to claim 8, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports further has a connecting portion that is bent relative to the plate portion so as to intersect with the second direction and connects the plate portion to the corresponding second portion.

10. The contact according to claim 8, wherein the plate-shaped portion of each of the pair of elastic supports is located between the pair of second portions in the second direction.

11. A contact as described in claim 8, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports further has a second plate-like portion bent relative to the plate-like portion so as to intersect with the second direction, and the zigzag spring portion is formed across both the plate-like portion and the second plate-like portion.

12. A contact according to claim 8, wherein the positions of the plate-shaped portions in the first direction between the pair of elastic supports are different from each other, and the positions of the plate-shaped portions in the second direction at least partially overlap.

13. The contact according to claim 8, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports further includes a sub-support that protrudes in one direction from the plate-like portion along the first direction and resists deformation of the plate-like portion in one direction.

14. A contact as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of the pair of contact pieces has an opposing surface facing the mating contact, and one or more protrusions protruding from the opposing surface toward the mating contact between both edges of the opposing surface in the second direction.

15. A contact as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mounting portion includes: opposing portions bent relative to the plate-like portions of the pair of elastic supports so as to face the base plate; and connection leg portions bent relative to the opposing portions so as to face the plate-like portions of the pair of elastic supports and connected to the circuit board.

16. The contact according to claim 6, wherein each of the pair of elastic supports has a plate-like portion extending along a plane parallel to the first direction, and the zigzag spring portion is formed on the plate-like portion.

17. An electrical device comprising: a contact according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and a circuit electrically connected to the contact.

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