Connector and electronic device

Abstract

A connector (10) according to the present disclosure comprises a first insulator (20), a second insulator (30) that can move relative to the first insulator (20) and that is fitted to a connection object (60), and a first contact (40) that is attached to only the first insulator (20) in the connector (10). The second insulator (30) can move relative to the first contact (40).

Description

Connectors and electronic devices CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-100823, filed on June 21, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector and an electronic device.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of autonomous driving technology, for example, the number of sensors installed in vehicles has tended to increase. As the number of sensors increases, the amount of data acquired by the sensors about the vehicle's surrounding environment also increases. As a result, semiconductors that process data increase in performance, resulting in increased power consumption. Therefore, for example, connectors that can carry large currents are needed to drive high-spec chips mounted on circuit boards.

[0004] In addition, connectors with a floating structure have been known as a technology for improving connection reliability with connection objects. Such connectors absorb misalignment with connection objects by, for example, moving a movable insulator, which is part of the connector, during and after mating. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a board-to-board connector that can absorb and eliminate misalignment in both the X and Y directions.

[0005] Patent No. 4431674

[0006] A connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first insulator; a second insulator movable relative to the first insulator and adapted to mate with a connection target; and a first contact attached only to the first insulator in the connector, wherein the second insulator is movable relative to the first contact.

[0007] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the connector described above.

[0008] 14A is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, the connector according to the first embodiment in a state where a connection object is connected. FIG. 14B is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, the connector according to the first embodiment in a state where the connection object is separated from the connection object. FIG. 14C is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, the connector alone of FIG. 1. FIG. 14D is an exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 3 as viewed from above. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the V-V arrow line of FIG. 3. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI arrow line of FIG. 3. FIG. 14C is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, a connection object to be connected to the connector of FIG. 3. FIG. 14D is an exploded perspective view of the connection object of FIG. 7 as viewed from above. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the IX-IX arrow line of FIG. 1. FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-X arrow line of FIG. 1. FIG. 14B is an enlarged view showing an area XI enclosed by a dashed dotted line of FIG. 10. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing the floating operation of the connector. FIG. 14C is an enlarged view showing an area XIII enclosed by a dashed dotted line of FIG. 12. FIG. 14D is an external perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3 as viewed from above, showing a connector alone of a second embodiment. FIG. 14B is an external perspective view showing, as viewed from above, only a plurality of contacts of the connector of FIG. 14A and the connection object in a connected state. 14A . FIG. 14B is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to a third embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14C is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to a fourth embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14D is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to a fifth embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14E is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to a sixth embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14F is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to a seventh embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14G is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of a connector according to an eighth embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as viewed from above. FIG. 14G is an external perspective view showing a first example of a first contact of a connector according to a ninth embodiment, when the connector is cut along the XXI-XXI arrow line in FIG. 14A . FIG. 14G is an external perspective view showing a second example of a first contact of a connector according to the ninth embodiment, when the connector is cut along the XXII-XXII arrow line in FIG. 14A .24A is an external perspective view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a connector unit according to a tenth embodiment in a top view. FIG. 23A is a bottom view of the connector of FIG. 23A. FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view taken along the XXIII-XXIII arrow line of FIG. 23A. FIG. 23A is an external perspective view showing a restricting member unit according to FIG. 23A in a top view. FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view taken along the XXIV-XXIV arrow line of FIG. 23A. FIG. 24A is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of the connector according to an eleventh embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as seen from above. FIG. 24A is a side view showing only a plurality of contacts of FIG. 24A. FIG. 25A is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of the connector according to a twelfth embodiment and a connection object in a connected state, as seen from above. FIG. 25A is a side view showing only a plurality of contacts of FIG. 25A.

[0009] In the floating connector described in Patent Document 1, the power terminal is attached to both the fixed housing and the movable housing and functions to connect to the fixed housing while holding the movable housing. Therefore, in order to allow the movable housing to move relatively in the width direction of the power terminal, the power terminal itself had to maintain floating performance in that width direction. To allow the power terminal itself to elastically deform in that width direction, it was necessary to arrange notches in the power terminal that intersect in the width direction. This reduced the cross-sectional area of ​​the power terminal in the width direction, making it difficult to pass large currents.

[0010] According to a connector and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is easier to pass current while maintaining floating performance.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down directions refer to the directions of the arrows in the drawings. The directions of the arrows in different drawings in Figures 1 to 6 and 9 to 23C are consistent with each other. The directions of the arrows in different drawings in Figures 7 and 8 are consistent with each other. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, circuit boards CB1 and CB2, which will be described later, are omitted in some drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing, from above, a connector 10 according to a first embodiment in a state where a connection object 60 is connected. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing, from above, the connector 10 according to the first embodiment in a state where the connector 10 is separated from the connection object 60. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the connector 10 has a first insulator 20 as a fixed insulator, a second insulator 30 as a movable insulator, a first contact 40, and a second contact 50. The connection object 60 has an insulator 70, a third contact 80, and a fourth contact 90.

[0013] In the following, for example, the connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described as a plug connector. For example, the connection object 60 will be described as a receptacle connector. A connection object 60 in which the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 each elastically deform in a mated state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are mated with each other will be described as a receptacle connector. On the other hand, a connector 10 in which the first contact 40 and the second contact 50 each do not elastically deform in a mated state will be described as a plug connector. The types of the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are not limited to these. For example, the connector 10 may function as a receptacle connector. The connection object 60 may function as a plug connector.

[0014] As will be described later, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are mounted on circuit boards CB1 and CB2, respectively. The connector 10 electrically connects the circuit board CB1 to the circuit board CB2 on which the connection object 60 is mounted, via the connection object 60 mated with the second insulator 30 of the connector 10. The circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be rigid boards or any other circuit boards. For example, at least one of the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0015] In the following description, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected to each other in a direction perpendicular to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. As an example, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected to each other in the up-down direction. The mating direction when the second insulator 30 and the insulator 70 are mated to each other is perpendicular to the circuit board CB1.

[0016] The connection method is not limited to this. The connector 10 and the connection object 60 may be connected to each other in a direction parallel to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The connector 10 and the connection object 60 may be connected to each other so that one is perpendicular to the circuit board on which they are mounted and the other is parallel to the circuit board on which they are mounted.

[0017] In the following description, the "mating direction" refers to, for example, the up-down direction. The "short side direction of the connector 10" refers to, for example, the front-to-back direction. The "longitudinal direction of the connector 10" refers to, for example, the left-to-right direction. The "arrangement direction of the multiple contacts" refers to, for example, the left-to-right direction. The "mating side" refers to, for example, the bottom side. The "mounting section 41 side" refers to, for example, the bottom side. The "removal side" refers to, for example, the top side.

[0018] "Inside" corresponds to the direction toward the center of the connector 10 or the connection object 60. For example, the inside in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the direction toward the center of the connector 10 or the connection object 60 in the front-to-back direction. This is not limited to this, and the inside does not have to be a direction completely toward the center in the front-to-back direction, but may correspond to a direction toward the center at a slight angle. The same applies to other directions. "Outside" is the opposite of inside.

[0019] The "mated state" refers to a state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are mated with each other. In the mated state, the third contact 80 comes into contact with the first contact 40 and elastically deforms. Similarly, the fourth contact 90 comes into contact with the second contact 50 and elastically deforms. The "unmated state" refers to a state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are not mated with each other. In the unmated state, neither the third contact 80 nor the fourth contact 90 is elastically deformed by an external force.

[0020] The connector 10 according to the first embodiment has a floating structure. The connector 10 allows the connected connection object 60 to move relative to the circuit board CB1 in at least one of six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right. Even when connected to the connector 10, the connection object 60 can move within a predetermined range in at least one of the six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right. For example, the connection object 60 may be able to move within a predetermined range in diagonal directions between the six directions, in addition to the six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connector 10 shown in Fig. 1 when viewed from above. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 10 shown in Fig. 3 when viewed from above. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 3.

[0022] As can be seen from Figure 4, the connector 10 is assembled, for example, by the following method. The second insulator 30 is inserted into the first insulator 20 from below and positioned inside the first insulator 20 in the front-rear and left-right directions. The second contacts 50 are press-fitted into each of the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 from below. This attaches the second contacts 50 to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. The first contacts 40 are press-fitted into only the first insulator 20 from below. This attaches the first contacts 40 to only the first insulator 20.

[0023] The second contact 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. On the other hand, in the connector 10, the first contact 40 is attached only to the first insulator 20. The first contact 40 does not hold the second insulator 30 and does not connect the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30. The second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first contact 40, which is attached and fixed to the first insulator 20.

[0024] The following mainly describes the configuration of each component of the connector 10 in the non-mated state. The configuration of the first insulator 20 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4, the first insulator 20 is a rectangular cylindrical member extending in the left-right direction, for example, injection-molded from an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The first insulator 20 is hollow and arranged in a frame shape. The first insulator 20 has openings 21a and 21b on both the top and bottom sides. The first insulator 20 includes four side walls (front, back, left, and right) and an outer peripheral wall 22 that surrounds an internal space. More specifically, the outer peripheral wall 22 includes short walls 22a on both the left and right sides and long walls 22b on both the front and back sides.

[0026] The first insulator 20 has a first mounting groove 23 recessed into the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 22b from the center in the up-down direction to the bottom end. The first mounting groove 23 is recessed in two locations on the longitudinal wall 22b: the center in the left-right direction and one side in the left-right direction. A plurality of first mounting grooves 23 are arranged in the left-right direction. The first contacts 40 are attached to the first mounting grooves 23.

[0027] The first insulator 20 has second mounting grooves 24 recessed into the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 22b from the center in the up-down direction to the lower end. A plurality of second mounting grooves 24 are recessed into the longitudinal wall 22b on the other left-right side. A plurality of second mounting grooves 24 are arranged in the left-right direction. Second contacts 50 are attached to the second mounting grooves 24.

[0028] The first insulator 20 has a restricting portion 25 obtained by cutting out a rectangular portion of the lower part of the short-side wall 22a at the center in the front-rear direction of the short-side wall 22a.

[0029] The following mainly describes the configuration of the second insulator 30. The lower half of the second insulator 30 is disposed in the internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the first insulator 20. The upper half of the second insulator 30 is located above and exposed from the internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the first insulator 20. The second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first insulator 20. The second insulator 30 is fitted into the connection object 60.

[0030] The second insulator 30 is a member extending in the left-right direction, for example, injection-molded from an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The second insulator 30 has a base 31 located in the center in the up-down direction. The second insulator 30 has L-shaped retained portions 32 located on both left-right sides of the base 31 and extending downward from the base 31. The second insulator 30 has a mating protrusion 33 that protrudes upward continuously from a lower half of the second insulator 30 formed by the base 31 and the retained portion 32. The mating protrusion 33 forms the upper half of the second insulator 30. The second insulator 30 has a mating recess 34 recessed inside the mating protrusion 33.

[0031] The second insulator 30 has grooves 35 recessed from the center in the up-down direction to the bottom end on the inner surface of the fitting protrusion 33 along the left-right direction. The grooves 35 are recessed in two locations on the inner surface of the fitting protrusion 33 along the left-right direction: the center in the left-right direction and one side in the left-right direction. A plurality of grooves 35 are arranged along the left-right direction. First contacts 40 are arranged in the grooves 35.

[0032] The second insulator 30 has mounting grooves 36 recessed from the center in the up-down direction to the bottom end on the inner surface of the fitting protrusion 33 along the left-right direction. A plurality of mounting grooves 36 are recessed on the other left-right side of the inner surface of the fitting protrusion 33 along the left-right direction. A plurality of mounting grooves 36 are arranged along the left-right direction. Second contacts 50 are attached to the mounting grooves 36.

[0033] 6, the second insulator 30 has a housing portion 37 arranged adjacent to and continuous with the groove 35 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The housing portion 37 is arranged on both sides of the groove 35 in the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The housing portion 37 is recessed inside a wall portion along the left-right direction of the mating protrusion 33 and is covered by the wall portion.

[0034] The configuration of the first contact 40 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

[0035] The first contact 40 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin plate of spring-elastic copper alloy such as pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium-copper-containing copper alloy, or a Corson copper alloy, into the shape shown in Fig. 4 using a progressive die. The first contact 40 is fabricated by punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. The processing method for the first contact 40 is not limited to this, and may include only the punching process. The first contact 40 may also be flat without being bent in the thickness direction.

[0036] The first contact 40 is made of, for example, a metal material with a low elastic modulus so that it undergoes a large change in shape due to elastic deformation. The surface of the first contact 40 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel plating.

[0037] A plurality of first contacts 40 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The same set of first contacts 40 arranged along the left-right direction on one side in the front-rear direction is also arranged symmetrically on the other side in the front-rear direction.

[0038] The first contact 40 has a mounting portion 41 that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction in an L-shape at the lower end of the first contact 40. The first contact 40 has a held portion 42 that extends upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 41. The held portion 42 includes a portion that is slightly wider in the left-to-right direction compared to other portions of the first contact 40. The first contact 40 has a connecting portion 43 that bends in a crank shape from the upper end of the held portion 42 and extends inward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0039] The first contact 40 has an extension portion 44 that bends from the inner end of the connecting portion 43 in the front-rear direction and extends linearly upward. The extension portion 44 is disposed over substantially the entire first contact 40 in the up-down direction. The first contact 40 has a contact portion 45 located on the inner surface of the extension portion 44 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] The first contact 40 is wider in the left-right direction than the second contact 50. The first contact 40 has no notch from the mounting portion 41 to the upper end of the extending portion 44, and is wider than the second contact 50 by a predetermined left-right width. The first contact 40 is used as a power terminal, for example.

[0041] 5 and 6 , the width direction of the first contact 40 is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. As an example, the width direction of the first contact 40 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the first contact 40 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the first contact 40 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is included in a plane extending from top to bottom to front to back. The thickness of the first contact 40 is approximately uniform at any point on the first contact 40.

[0042] The configuration of the second contact 50 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

[0043] The second contact 50 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin plate of spring-elastic copper alloy or Corson copper alloy, such as pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, into the shape shown in Fig. 4 using a progressive die. The second contact 50 is fabricated by punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. The processing method for the second contact 50 is not limited to this, and may include only the punching process. The second contact 50 may also be flat without being bent in the thickness direction.

[0044] The second contact 50 is made of, for example, a metal material with a low elastic modulus so that the change in shape due to elastic deformation is large. The surface of the second contact 50 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel plating.

[0045] A plurality of second contacts 50 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The same set of second contacts 50 arranged along the left-right direction on one side in the front-rear direction is also arranged symmetrically on the other side in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The second contact 50 has a mounting portion 51 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-to-rear direction at the lower end of the second contact 50. The second contact 50 has a first held portion 52 that extends upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 51. The first held portion 52 includes a portion that is slightly wider in the left-to-right direction compared to other portions of the second contact 50. The second contact 50 has a connecting portion 53 that bends in a crank shape from the upper end of the first held portion 52 and extends inward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0047] The second contact 50 has an extending portion 54 that bends from the inner end of the connecting portion 53 in the front-to-rear direction and extends linearly upward. The extending portion 54 is disposed over substantially the entire second contact 50 in the up-and-down direction. The second contact 50 has a contact portion 55 located on the inner surface of the extending portion 54 in the front-to-rear direction. The second contact 50 has a second held portion 56 that is disposed at the upper part of the extending portion 54, where the contact portion 55 is located, and that is slightly wider in the left-to-right direction.

[0048] The second contact 50 is narrower than the first contact 40. For example, the second contact 50 is narrower in the left-right direction than the first contact 40. The second contact 50 is continuously narrower than the first contact 40 by a predetermined left-right width from the mounting portion 51 to the upper end of the extension portion 54. The second contact 50 is used as a signal terminal, for example.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the width direction of the second contact 50 is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. As an example, the width direction of the second contact 50 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the second contact 50 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the second contact 50 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is included in a plane extending from top to bottom to front to back. The thickness of the second contact 50 is approximately uniform at any point on the second contact 50.

[0050] 5 , the held portion 42 of the first contact 40 engages with the first mounting groove 23 located on the longitudinal wall 22b of the first insulator 20. The held portion 42 is attached to the first insulator 20. The first contact 40 has the held portion 42 only on the first insulator 20 side, and is attached to the first insulator 20 via the held portion 42. On the other hand, the first contact 40 does not have the held portion 42 on the second insulator 30 side, and is not attached to the second insulator 30.

[0051] When each of the multiple first contacts 40 is attached to the first insulator 20, the connecting portion 43 of the first contact 40 is located between the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 in the front-to-rear direction. The extending portion 44 of the first contact 40 is arranged on the second insulator 30 side. The upper portion of the extending portion 44 is arranged along the groove 35 of the mating protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30. The contact portion 45 of the first contact 40 is exposed from the groove 35 and located inside the mating recess 34 of the second insulator 30.

[0052] 3 to 6 , the first held portion 52 of the second contact 50 engages with the second mounting groove 24 located in the longitudinal wall 22b of the first insulator 20. The first held portion 52 is attached to the first insulator 20. The second held portion 56 of the second contact 50 engages with the mounting groove 36 located in the fitting protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30. The second contact 50 has the first held portion 52 and the second held portion 56 on the first insulator 20 side and the second insulator 30 side, respectively. The second contact 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 via the first held portion 52 and the second held portion 56, respectively.

[0053] When each of the multiple second contacts 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30, the connecting portion 53 of the second contact 50 is located between the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 in the front-rear direction. The extending portion 54 of the second contact 50 is arranged along the second insulator 30. The contact portion 55 of the second contact 50 is exposed from the attachment groove 36 and is located inside the fitting recess 34 of the second insulator 30.

[0054] When each second contact 50 is attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30, the second insulator 30 is spaced apart from the first insulator 20 and supports the second insulator 30 in a floating state.

[0055] At this time, the base 31 and the retained portion 32 constituting the lower half of the second insulator 30 are arranged in an internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the first insulator 20, spaced apart from and floating above the outer peripheral wall 22. The lower end of the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 is arranged relative to the restricting portion 25 of the first insulator 20. The upper surface of the portion of the lower end of the retained portion 32 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction faces the vertical surface of the restricting portion 25.

[0056] The mating protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30 protrudes upward from the opening 21 a of the first insulator 20 and is located above the internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22. The mating protrusion 33 is exposed from the internal space. The mating protrusion 33 and the mating recess 34 of the second insulator 30 are disposed above the outer peripheral wall 22 of the first insulator 20 in a state in which they can be mated with the insulator 70 of the connection object 60.

[0057] 3, the connector 10 having the above structure is mounted on, for example, the circuit surface located on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1. More specifically, the mounting portion 41 of the first contact 40 is placed on solder paste applied to the power supply pattern on the circuit board CB1. The mounting portion 51 of the second contact 50 is placed on solder paste applied to the signal pattern on the circuit board CB1.

[0058] By heating and melting the solder pastes in a reflow oven or the like, the mounting portions 41 and 51 are soldered to the power supply pattern and signal pattern, respectively. As a result, the mounting of the connector 10 on the circuit board CB1 is completed. Electronic components other than the connector 10, including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a controller, and a memory, are mounted on the circuit surface of the circuit board CB1.

[0059] The structure of the connection object 60 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0060] Fig. 7 is an external perspective view showing, from above, the connection object 60 to be connected to the connector 10 of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing, from above, the connection object 60 of Fig. 7. As an example, the connection object 60 is assembled by press-fitting each of the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 into the insulator 70 from below.

[0061] The insulator 70 is, for example, a rectangular pillar-shaped component injection-molded from an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The insulator 70 includes four side walls (front, rear, left, and right) and an outer peripheral wall 71 that surrounds the interior. More specifically, the outer peripheral wall 71 includes short walls 71a on both the left and right sides and long walls 71b on both the front and rear sides. The insulator 70 has a fitting recess 72 at its upper part, the outer sides of which are surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 71 in the front-rear and left-right directions. The insulator 70 has a fitting protrusion 73 that protrudes upward from the center of the fitting recess 72 in the front-rear direction.

[0062] The insulator 70 has a third mounting groove 74 recessed in the up-down direction from the mating protrusion 73 to the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71b. The third mounting groove 74 is recessed in two locations on the mating protrusion 73 and the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71b: in the left-right center and on one side in the left-right direction. A plurality of third mounting grooves 74 are arranged in the left-right direction. Third contacts 80 are attached to the third mounting grooves 74.

[0063] The insulator 70 has a fourth mounting groove 75 recessed in the up-down direction from the fitting protrusion 73 to the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71 b. A plurality of fourth mounting grooves 75 are recessed on the other left-right side of the fitting protrusion 73 and the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71 b. A plurality of fourth mounting grooves 75 are arranged in the left-right direction. A fourth contact 90 is attached to the fourth mounting groove 75.

[0064] The third contact 80 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin plate of spring-elastic copper alloy or Corson copper alloy, such as pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, into the shape shown in FIG. 8 using a progressive die. The third contact 80 is fabricated by punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. The processing method for the third contact 80 is not limited to this, and may include only the punching process. The third contact 80 may be flat without being bent in the thickness direction. The surface of the third contact 80 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel.

[0065] A plurality of third contacts 80 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The same set of third contacts 80 as that arranged along the left-right direction on one side in the front-rear direction is also arranged symmetrically on the other side in the front-rear direction.

[0066] The third contact 80 has a mounting portion 81 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-to-rear direction at the lower end of the third contact 80. The third contact 80 has a held portion 82 that extends upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 81. The held portion 82 includes a portion that is wider in the left-to-right direction compared to other portions of the third contact 80. The third contact 80 has a connecting portion 83 that extends upward from the upper end of the held portion 82 and is arranged in a crank shape on the inner side in the front-to-rear direction. The third contact 80 has a resilient contact piece 84 that extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the connecting portion 83 toward the outer side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0067] The third contact 80 is wider in the left-right direction than the fourth contact 90. The third contact 80 does not have any notches in the held portion 82 or the connecting portion 83, and is wider than the fourth contact 90 continuously with a predetermined left-right width. The third contact 80 is used as a power terminal, for example.

[0068] The width direction of the third contact 80 is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. As an example, the width direction of the third contact 80 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the third contact 80 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the third contact 80 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is included in a plane extending from top to bottom to front to back. The thickness of the third contact 80 is approximately uniform at any point on the third contact 80.

[0069] The fourth contact 90 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin plate of spring-elastic copper alloy or Corson copper alloy, such as pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, into the shape shown in FIG. 8 using a progressive die. The fourth contact 90 is fabricated by punching and then bending the plate in the thickness direction. The processing method for the fourth contact 90 is not limited to this, and may include only the punching process. The fourth contact 90 may be flat without being bent in the thickness direction. The surface of the fourth contact 90 is plated with gold, tin, or the like after forming a base with nickel.

[0070] A plurality of fourth contacts 90 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The same set of fourth contacts 90 as that arranged along the left-right direction on one side in the front-rear direction is also arranged symmetrically on the other side in the front-rear direction.

[0071] The fourth contact 90 has a mounting portion 91 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-to-rear direction at the lower end of the fourth contact 90. The fourth contact 90 has a held portion 92 that extends upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 91 and is arranged in a crank shape on the inner side in the front-to-rear direction. The held portion 92 has the same left-to-right width as the mounting portion 91, but is wider left-to-right than a resilient contact piece 93 (described below). The fourth contact 90 has a resilient contact piece 93 that extends diagonally upward from the upper end of the held portion 92 toward the outer side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0072] The fourth contact 90 is narrower than the third contact 80. For example, the fourth contact 90 is narrower in the left-right direction than the third contact 80. The fourth contact 90 is continuously narrower than the third contact 80 by a predetermined left-right width from the mounting portion 91 to the upper end of the resilient contact piece 93. The fourth contact 90 is used as a signal terminal, for example.

[0073] The width direction of the fourth contact 90 is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. As an example, the width direction of the fourth contact 90 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the fourth contact 90 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the fourth contact 90 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is included in a plane extending from top to bottom to front to back. The thickness of the fourth contact 90 is approximately uniform at any point on the fourth contact 90.

[0074] The retained portions 82 of the third contacts 80 engage with the third mounting grooves 74 of the insulator 70. The third contacts 80 are attached to the insulator 70 via the retained portions 82. When each of the multiple third contacts 80 is attached to the insulator 70, the outer ends in the front-to-rear direction of the resilient contact pieces 84 of the third contacts 80 are exposed from the third mounting grooves 74 of the insulator 70 and positioned inside the fitting recess 72. The resilient contact pieces 84 are arranged inside the third mounting grooves 74 so as to be resiliently deformable along the front-to-rear direction.

[0075] The retained portions 92 of the fourth contacts 90 engage with the fourth mounting grooves 75 of the insulator 70. The fourth contacts 90 are attached to the insulator 70 via the retained portions 92. When each of the multiple fourth contacts 90 is attached to the insulator 70, the outer ends in the front-to-rear direction of the resilient contact pieces 93 of the fourth contacts 90 are exposed from the fourth mounting grooves 75 of the insulator 70 and positioned inside the fitting recess 72. The resilient contact pieces 93 are arranged inside the fourth mounting grooves 75 so as to be resiliently deformable along the front-to-rear direction.

[0076] 7, the connection object 60 having the above structure is mounted on, for example, a circuit surface located on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2. More specifically, the mounting portion 81 of the third contact 80 is placed on solder paste applied to the power supply pattern on the circuit board CB2. The mounting portion 91 of the fourth contact 90 is placed on solder paste applied to the signal pattern on the circuit board CB2.

[0077] By heating and melting the solder pastes in a reflow furnace or the like, the mounting portion 81 and the mounting portion 91 are soldered to the power supply pattern and the signal pattern, respectively. As a result, the mounting of the connection object 60 on the circuit board CB2 is completed. Electronic components other than the connection object 60, such as a camera module and a sensor, are mounted on the circuit surface of the circuit board CB2.

[0078] The operation of the connector 10 having a floating structure will be mainly described.

[0079] The mounting portions 41 of the first contacts 40 and the mounting portions 51 of the second contacts 50 are soldered to the circuit board CB1, thereby fixing the first insulator 20 to the circuit board CB1. The second insulator 30 becomes movable relative to the first insulator 20 fixed to the circuit board CB1 due to elastic deformation of the first contacts 40 and the second contacts 50. For example, the second insulator 30 is movable in the front-rear direction due to elastic deformation of the first contacts 40 and the second contacts 50 in the front-rear direction. The second insulator 30 is movable in the left-right direction due to elastic deformation of only the second contacts 50 in the left-right direction.

[0080] The connection object 60 is placed facing the connector 10 having the floating structure described above in the vertical direction while the front-to-back and left-to-right positions of the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are approximately aligned. The connection object 60 is then moved downward. At this time, the connection object 60 is guided into the connector 10 even if their positions are slightly misaligned, for example, in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions.

[0081] At this time, the floating structure of the connector 10 causes the second insulator 30 to move relative to the first insulator 20. More specifically, the mating protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30 is guided into the mating recess 72 of the insulator 70. When the connection object 60 is moved downward, the mating recess 34 of the second insulator 30 and the mating protrusion 73 of the insulator 70 fit together.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line IX-IX in FIG.

[0083] 9 , when the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are mated with each other, the first contact 40 of the connector 10 and the third contact 80 of the connection object 60 come into contact with each other. For example, the contact portion 45 of the first contact 40 and the resilient contact piece 84 of the third contact 80 come into contact with each other. At this time, the resilient contact piece 84 of the third contact 80 is slightly elastically deformed inward in the front-rear direction and elastically displaced inward in the front-rear direction within the third mounting groove 74.

[0084] Similarly, in a mated state in which the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 and the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 are mated with each other, the second contact 50 of the connector 10 and the fourth contact 90 of the connection object 60 come into contact with each other. For example, the contact portion 55 of the second contact 50 and the elastic contact piece 93 of the fourth contact 90 come into contact with each other. At this time, the elastic contact piece 93 of the fourth contact 90 is slightly elastically deformed inward in the front-to-rear direction and elastically displaced inward in the front-to-rear direction within the fourth mounting groove 75.

[0085] As a result, the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are completely connected. At this time, the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 are electrically connected to each other via the connector 10 and the connection object 60. For example, a power supply current flows between the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 via the first contact 40 and the third contact 80. An electrical signal flows between the circuit boards CB1 and CB2 via the second contact 50 and the fourth contact 90.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the area XI enclosed by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 10.

[0087] 10 and 11 show a state in which the second insulator 30 is in a reference position relative to the first insulator 20 when the connector 10 and the connection object 60 are connected to each other. In the present disclosure, the "reference position" includes, for example, a position in which neither the first contact 40 nor the second contact 50 in the connector 10 is elastically deformed. The reference position includes, for example, a position in which the second insulator 30 is not moving relative to the first insulator 20 due to a floating operation.

[0088] When the second insulator 30 is in a reference position relative to the first insulator 20, the first contact 40 is disposed so as to correspond to the position of the groove 35 of the second insulator 30. At this time, the accommodating portion 37 of the second insulator 30 faces an edge portion of the first contact 40 in the width direction of the first contact 40. For example, the accommodating portion 37 is disposed on both sides of the first contact 40 in the width direction. The pair of accommodating portions 37 are disposed so as to sandwich the first contact 40 from both left and right sides. The pair of accommodating portions 37 are adjacent to both left and right end edges of the first contact 40 in the left and right direction.

[0089] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 10, showing the floating operation of the connector 10. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the area XIII enclosed by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 12.

[0090] When the second insulator 30 is in the reference position, the accommodation portion 37 is disposed relative to the first contact 40, and therefore the second insulator 30 can move in the width direction of the first contact 40 even if the first contact 40 does not elastically deform in the width direction of the first contact 40. For example, the second insulator 30 can move outward in the left-right direction relative to the first insulator 20 due to the floating operation of the connector 10.

[0091] When the second insulator 30 moves outward in the left-right direction relative to the first insulator 20, the second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 elastically deform in the left-right direction. For example, the lower portions of the extending portions 54 of the second contacts 50 in the up-down direction elastically deform in the left-right direction. The contact portions 55 and second held portions 56 of the second contacts 50 move in the left-right direction together with the second insulator 30.

[0092] On the other hand, the first contact 40 is fixed in position in the left-right direction while attached to the first insulator 20, and remains stationary even when the second insulator 30 moves outward in the left-right direction. While the first contact 40 remains stationary, the accommodating portion 37 of the second insulator 30 moves relative to the first contact 40 in the left-right direction.

[0093] At this time, the left-right edge portions of the first contacts 40 are accommodated in the accommodating portions 37, shifted in the left-right direction from positions corresponding to the grooves 35 of the second insulator 30. The left-right edge portions of the first contacts 40 approach or come into contact with the side surfaces of the accommodating portions 37 that face the left-right edge portions in the left-right direction. For example, when the second insulator 30 moves significantly outward in the left-right direction relative to the first insulator 20, the left-right edge portions of the first contacts 40 come into contact with the side surfaces of the accommodating portions 37 in the left-right direction.

[0094] In addition to this left-right contact between the first contact 40 and the accommodating portion 37, the outer left-right surface of the second insulator 30 and the inner left-right surface of the short wall 22a of the first insulator 20 may also be in contact with each other. The above-described left-right contact restricts excessive left-right movement of the second insulator 30 beyond the design value.

[0095] The first contacts 40 elastically deform only in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts 40. This allows the second insulator 30 to move also in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts 40. For example, the second insulator 30 can move outward in the front-to-rear direction relative to the first insulator 20 due to the floating operation of the connector 10.

[0096] When the second insulator 30 moves outward in the front-rear direction relative to the first insulator 20, the second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 elastically deform in the front-rear direction. For example, the lower portions of the extending portions 54 of the second contacts 50 in the up-down direction elastically deform in the front-rear direction. The contact portions 55 and second held portions 56 of the second contacts 50 move in the front-rear direction together with the second insulator 30.

[0097] In addition, when the second insulator 30 moves outward in the front-rear direction relative to the first insulator 20, the first contact 40 attached to the first insulator 20 is pressed inward in the front-rear direction by the inner surface of the mating protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30 in the front-rear direction. This causes the first contact 40 to elastically deform in the front-rear direction. For example, the lower portion of the extending portion 44 of the first contact 40 in the up-down direction elastically deforms in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 45 of the first contact 40 moves in the front-rear direction together with the second insulator 30.

[0098] As described above, the second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first contacts 40. For example, the second insulator 30 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the first contacts 40 by receiving a portion of the first contacts 40 in the accommodating portion 37. For example, the second insulator 30 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first contacts 40 by pressing a portion of the first contacts 40 with the mating protrusions 33 to elastically deform the first contacts 40.

[0099] The following description will focus mainly on the connector 10 and explain its effects, but the same explanation also applies to electronic devices that have the connector 10.

[0100] The connector 10 according to the first embodiment described above allows current to flow more easily while maintaining floating performance. In the connector 10, the first contacts 40 are attached only to the first insulator 20. Therefore, unlike the prior art, the first contacts 40 are not required to be flexible enough to follow the movement of the second insulator 30 in all of the multiple directions in which the second insulator 30 moves. In the prior art, the power terminals are attached to both the fixed housing and the movable housing. Therefore, unlike the prior art power terminals that have notches to maintain floating performance in the power terminal itself, the first contacts 40 do not require or can reduce the number of notches required to improve flexibility. As a result, compared to the prior art, the connector 10 allows the first contacts 40 to have an increased size or cross-sectional area while increasing the amount of current allowed through the first contacts 40.

[0101] Additionally, because the second insulator 30 is movable relative to the first contacts 40, the connector 10 can maintain the mobility of the second insulator 30 associated with the floating operation, regardless of whether or not the first contacts 40 are elastically deformed. For example, the connector 10 can perform the floating operation without elastically deforming the first contacts 40 in the width direction of the first contacts 40. On the other hand, the connector 10 can also perform the floating operation by elastically deforming the first contacts 40 in the thickness direction of the first contacts 40. As described above, the connector 10 can maintain floating performance.

[0102] The second insulator 30 has accommodating portions 37 that face the edge portions of the first contacts 40 in the width direction of the first contacts 40. This allows the connector 10 to easily achieve a structure in which the second insulator 30 slides in the width direction relative to the first contacts 40. The second insulator 30 can slide in the width direction by receiving the edge portions of the first contacts 40 that move in the width direction relative to the first contacts 40 in the accommodating portions 37. The connector 10 can achieve floating movement in the width direction even without elastic deformation of the first contacts 40 in the width direction. The space in the accommodating portions 37 of the second insulator 30 allows the connector 10 to absorb misalignment in the width direction due to mounting misalignment or the like when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are connected to each other.

[0103] The accommodating portions 37 are disposed on both sides of the first contacts 40 in the width direction. This allows the connector 10 to easily realize a structure in which the second insulator 30 slides to both sides in the width direction relative to the first contacts 40. The second insulator 30 can slide in the width direction by receiving, in the accommodating portions 37, edge portions of the first contacts 40 that move relative to both sides in the width direction of the first contacts 40. The connector 10 can achieve floating movement to both sides in the width direction even without elastic deformation of the first contacts 40 in the width direction. The space in the accommodating portions 37 on both sides of the second insulator 30 allows the connector 10 to absorb positional deviations to both sides in the width direction due to mounting deviations or the like when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are connected to each other.

[0104] The first contacts 40 elastically deform only in the thickness direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts 40. As a result, unlike conventional technology, the first contacts 40 do not require or can reduce the need for notches to ensure flexibility in the width direction of the first contacts 40. As a result, the connector 10 can increase the allowable current amount in the first contacts 40 while increasing the size or cross-sectional area of ​​the first contacts 40 compared to conventional technology. In addition, the connector 10 can achieve floating operation in the thickness direction by elastically deforming the first contacts 40 in the thickness direction. The elastic deformation of the first contacts 40 allows the connector 10 to absorb misalignment in the thickness direction due to mounting misalignment or the like when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are connected to each other.

[0105] The connector 10 has a plurality of second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30, the second contacts 50 being narrower than the first contacts 40. This allows the connector 10 to maintain the second insulator 30 in a floating state relative to the first insulator 20 to achieve a floating operation. The connector 10 can also use the wider first contacts 40 as power terminals, while using the narrower second contacts 50 as signal terminals.

[0106] The width direction of the first contacts 40 is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10. As a result, the connector 10 can arrange the accommodating portions 37 in the longitudinal direction relative to the first contacts 40, and can achieve floating movement in the longitudinal direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts, even if the first contacts 40 do not elastically deform in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the connector 10 can configure the first contacts 40 to elastically deform only in the lateral direction of the connector 10, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and can achieve floating movement in the lateral direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts.

[0107] The contact portions 55 of the first contacts 40 are located only on the inner surface of the extension portion 54 in the front-rear direction. This minimizes the number of contact points between the second insulator 30 and the third contacts 80 of the connection object 60, allowing the second insulator 30 to move smoothly relative to the first contacts 40 during floating operation. Therefore, the connector 10 can reduce the load on the first contacts 40 and their mounting portions 41 during floating operation.

[0108] Because the first contacts 40 are made of a metal material with a small elastic modulus, the connector 10 can ensure the required amount of movement of the second insulator 30 in the thickness direction even when a small force is applied to the second insulator 30. The second insulator 30 can move smoothly in the thickness direction relative to the first insulator 20. This allows the connector 10 to easily absorb misalignment in the thickness direction when mated with the connection object 60.

[0109] The connector 10 absorbs vibrations caused by some external factor through elastic deformation of the first contacts 40. This reduces the possibility of a large force being applied to the mounting portion 41 of the first contacts 40. This reduces damage to the connection portion with the circuit board CB1. This reduces the risk of cracks occurring in the solder at the connection portion between the circuit board CB1 and the mounting portion 41. This improves connection reliability even when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are connected.

[0110] Because the second contacts 50 are made of a metal material with a small modulus of elasticity, the connector 10 can ensure the required amount of movement of the second insulator 30 even when a small force is applied to the second insulator 30. The second insulator 30 can move smoothly relative to the first insulator 20. This allows the connector 10 to easily absorb misalignment when mating with the connection object 60.

[0111] The connector 10 absorbs vibrations caused by some external factor through elastic deformation of the second contacts 50. This reduces the possibility of a large force being applied to the mounting portion 51 of the second contacts 50. This reduces damage to the connection portion with the circuit board CB1. This reduces the risk of cracks occurring in the solder at the connection portion between the circuit board CB1 and the mounting portion 51. This improves connection reliability even when the connector 10 and the connection target 60 are connected.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the second insulator 30 has been described as having the accommodation portion 37 that faces the edge portion of the first contact 40 in the width direction of the first contact 40, but this is not limiting. The second insulator 30 does not have to have the accommodation portion 37. The second insulator 30 may have a space outside the wall portion that receives the edge portion of the first contact 40, instead of the accommodation portion 37 that is recessed inside the wall portion that is aligned with the left-right direction of the mating protrusion 33 and covered by the wall portion.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the accommodating portions 37 are described as being disposed on both sides of the first contact 40 in the width direction, but this is not limiting. The accommodating portions 37 may be disposed on one side of the first contact 40 in the width direction.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the first contacts 40 are described as elastically deforming only in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts 40, but this is not limited to this. The first contacts 40 may also elastically deform in the width direction of the first contacts 40 as long as this makes it easier for current to flow while maintaining the floating performance of the connector 10.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the first contact 40 is described as being made of a metal material with a small elastic modulus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first contact 40 may be made of a metal material with any elastic modulus as long as the required amount of elastic deformation can be ensured.

[0116] In the first embodiment, the second contact 50 is described as being made of a metal material with a small elastic modulus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second contact 50 may be made of a metal material with any elastic modulus as long as the required amount of elastic deformation can be ensured.

[0117] In the first embodiment, the connection object 60 is described as a receptacle connector connected to the circuit board CB2, but is not limited to this. The connection object 60 may be any object other than a connector. For example, the connection object 60 may be an FPC, a flexible flat cable, a rigid board, or a card edge of any circuit board.

[0118] The assembly methods of the connector 10 and the connection object 60 described above in the first embodiment are not limited to the above description. Any method may be used to assemble the connector 10 and the connection object 60 as long as the method can assemble them so that their respective functions can be exerted.

[0119] For example, at least one of the first contact 40 and the second contact 50 may be integrally molded with the first insulator 20 by insert molding rather than press-fitting. The second contact 50 may be integrally molded with the second insulator 30 by insert molding rather than press-fitting. For example, at least one of the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 may be integrally molded with the insulator 70 by insert molding rather than press-fitting.

[0120] Second Embodiment Fig. 14A is an external perspective view corresponding to Fig. 3 , showing a connector 10 according to a second embodiment in a top view. Fig. 14B is an external perspective view showing only a plurality of contacts of the connector 10 and the connection object 60 in a connected state in a top view. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, Fig. 14B omits the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 from among the plurality of components of the connector 10, and shows only the first contact 40. Similarly, the insulator 70 from among the plurality of components of the connection object 60 is omitted, and shows only the third contact 80.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the connector 10 is described as having a plurality of second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 and narrower than the first contacts 40, but this is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have the second contacts 50 and only has the first contacts 40. Other configurations, functions, effects, modifications, etc. are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the second embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0122] The connector 10 according to the second embodiment has a first insulator 20, a second insulator 30, and a first contact 40. The connection object 60 does not have a fourth contact 90 in accordance with the configuration of the connector 10, and has only an insulator 70 and a third contact 80.

[0123] The connector 10 according to the second embodiment does not have second contacts 50 that support the second insulator 30 from below. Even in this case, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1, and the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1 and the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 come into contact with each other in the vertical direction, thereby reducing downward removal of the second insulator 30 from the first insulator 20. In addition, the second insulator 30 is supported in the vertical direction by fitting into the insulator 70 of the connection object 60.

[0124] 15 is an external perspective view showing only the contacts of a connector 10 according to a third embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplicity, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 are omitted from the illustration in FIG. 15, and only the first contact 40 and the second contact 50 are shown. Similarly, the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 is omitted from the illustration, and only the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 are shown.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the first contacts 40 have been described as having contact portions 45 only on the inner surface of the extension portion 44 in the front-rear direction, but this is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first contacts 40 have more contact portions 45. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the connector 10 according to the third embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0126] In the connector 10 according to the third embodiment, the first contact 40 has a first contact portion 45a and a second contact portion 45b that come into contact with the third contact 80 of the connection object 60. The first contact portion 45a and the second contact portion 45b are located on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the first contact 40. For example, the first contact portion 45a is located on the inner surface of the extension portion 44 in the front-rear direction. For example, the second contact portion 45b is located on the outer surface of the extension portion 44 in the front-rear direction.

[0127] The third contact 80 of the connection object 60 has more resilient contact pieces 84 than in the first embodiment, corresponding to the configuration of the first contact 40. For example, the third contact 80 has a first component 80a including a first resilient contact piece 84a and a second component 80b including a second resilient contact piece 84b.

[0128] The first contact portion 45a of the first contact 40 contacts the first resilient contact piece 84a of the first component 80a of the third contact 80 at a position further inward in the front-rear direction. The second contact portion 45b of the first contact 40 contacts the second resilient contact piece 84b of the second component 80b of the third contact 80 at a position further outward in the front-rear direction.

[0129] The connector 10 has first contact portions 45a and second contact portions 45b located on the inner and outer surfaces of the first contacts 40, respectively, which improves contact reliability with the connection object 60 in the direction between the contacts, i.e., the front-to-rear direction. This allows the connector 10 to improve the ability of the second insulator 30 to follow the movement of the connection object 60 during floating operation. In addition, the connector 10 has multiple contact points on the inner and outer surfaces of the first contacts 40, which allows for an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path through current shunting. This allows the connector 10 to increase the allowable current value of the first contacts 40 compared to the first embodiment, allowing for a larger current to flow. By increasing the number of contact points, the connector 10 reduces the proportion of poor contact points due to foreign matter compared to all contact points, thereby reducing poor conduction.

[0130] 16 is an external perspective view showing only the contacts of a connector 10 according to a fourth embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplicity, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 of the connector 10 are omitted from the illustration in FIG. 16, and only the first contacts 40 are shown. Similarly, the insulator 70 of the connection object 60 is omitted from the illustration, and only the third contacts 80 are shown.

[0131] In the third embodiment, the connector 10 has a plurality of second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 and narrower than the first contacts 40, but is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it does not have the second contacts 50 and only has the first contacts 40. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0132] Similar to the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment has a first insulator 20, a second insulator 30, and a first contact 40. The connection object 60 does not have a fourth contact 90 in accordance with the configuration of the connector 10, and has only an insulator 70 and a third contact 80.

[0133] Like the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the fourth embodiment does not have second contacts 50 that support the second insulator 30 from below. Even in this case, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1, and the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1 and the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 come into contact with each other in the vertical direction, thereby reducing downward removal of the second insulator 30 from the first insulator 20. In addition, the second insulator 30 is supported in the vertical direction by fitting into the insulator 70 of the connection object 60.

[0134] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 17 is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to a fifth embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, of the plurality of components of the connector 10, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 are omitted, and only the first contact 40 and the second contact 50 are shown in Fig. 17. Similarly, of the plurality of components of the connection object 60, the insulator 70 is omitted, and only the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 are shown.

[0135] In the third embodiment, the first contact 40 is configured as a single component, but this is not limiting. The connector 10 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the first contact 40 is configured as a plurality of components. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the fifth embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0136] In the connector 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the first contact 40 is configured, for example, with two components: a first component 40a including a first contact portion 45a, and a second component 40b including a second contact portion 45b.

[0137] The first contact portion 45a of the first component 40a of the first contact 40 contacts the first resilient contact piece 84a of the first component 80a of the third contact 80 at a position further inside in the front-rear direction. The second contact portion 45b of the second component 40b of the first contact 40 contacts the second resilient contact piece 84b of the second component 80b of the third contact 80 at a position further outside in the front-rear direction.

[0138] As a result, the connector 10 can increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path by dividing the current by arranging multiple contact points on the inner surface of the first component 40a and the outer surface of the second component 40b of the first contact 40. As a result, the connector 10 can increase the allowable current value of the first contact 40 compared to the third embodiment, allowing a larger current to flow.

[0139] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 18 is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to a sixth embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, Fig. 18 omits the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 from among the plurality of components of the connector 10, and shows only the first contact 40. Similarly, the insulator 70 from among the plurality of components of the connection object 60 is omitted, and shows only the third contact 80.

[0140] In the fifth embodiment, the connector 10 has a plurality of second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 and narrower than the first contacts 40, but is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that it does not have the second contacts 50 and only has the first contacts 40. Other configurations, functions, effects, modifications, etc. are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the connector 10 according to the sixth embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the fifth embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0141] Similar to the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the sixth embodiment has a first insulator 20, a second insulator 30, and a first contact 40. The connection object 60 does not have a fourth contact 90 in accordance with the configuration of the connector 10, and has only an insulator 70 and a third contact 80.

[0142] Similar to the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the sixth embodiment does not have second contacts 50 that support the second insulator 30 from below. Even in this case, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1, and the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1 and the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 come into contact with each other in the vertical direction, thereby reducing downward removal of the second insulator 30 from the first insulator 20. In addition, the second insulator 30 is supported in the vertical direction by fitting into the insulator 70 of the connection object 60.

[0143] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 19 is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to a seventh embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, of the plurality of components of the connector 10, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 are omitted, and only the first contact 40 and the second contact 50 are shown. Similarly, of the plurality of components of the connection object 60, the insulator 70 is omitted, and only the third contact 80 and the fourth contact 90 are shown.

[0144] In the first embodiment, the width direction of the first contacts 40 is described as being along the longitudinal direction of the connector 10, but this is not limited thereto. The connector 10 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the width direction of the first contacts 40 is along the lateral direction of the connector 10. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the seventh embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0145] The connector 10 has the accommodating portions 37 disposed in the widthwise direction of the connector 10 relative to the first contacts 40, and can achieve a floating operation in the widthwise direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts even if the first contacts 40 do not elastically deform in the widthwise direction. In addition, the connector 10 can configure the first contacts 40 to elastically deform only in the lengthwise direction of the connector 10 perpendicular to the widthwise direction, and can achieve a floating operation in the lengthwise direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts.

[0146] Eighth Embodiment Figure 20 is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to an eighth embodiment in a connected state and a connection object 60, as seen from above. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, of the plurality of components of the connector 10, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 are omitted, and only the first contact 40 is shown. Similarly, of the plurality of components of the connection object 60, the insulator 70 is omitted, and only the third contact 80 is shown.

[0147] In the seventh embodiment, the connector 10 has a plurality of second contacts 50 attached to the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 and narrower than the first contacts 40, but is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the eighth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in that it does not have the second contacts 50 and only has the first contacts 40. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the seventh embodiment, and the corresponding explanations also apply to the connector 10 according to the eighth embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Differences from the seventh embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0148] Similar to the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the eighth embodiment has a first insulator 20, a second insulator 30, and a first contact 40. The connection object 60 does not have a fourth contact 90 in accordance with the configuration of the connector 10, and has only an insulator 70 and a third contact 80.

[0149] Similar to the second embodiment, the connector 10 according to the eighth embodiment does not have second contacts 50 that support the second insulator 30 from below. Even in this case, the connector 10 is mounted on the circuit board CB1, and the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1 and the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 come into contact with each other in the vertical direction, thereby reducing downward removal of the second insulator 30 from the first insulator 20. In addition, the second insulator 30 is supported in the vertical direction by fitting into the insulator 70 of the connection object 60.

[0150] Ninth embodiment Fig. 21A is an external perspective view showing a first example of a first contact 40 of a connector 10 according to a ninth embodiment. Fig. 21B is a first cross-sectional view of the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment taken along the XXI-XXI arrow line in Fig. 14A. The first cross-sectional view in Fig. 21B includes a cross-section of the first contact 40 shown in Fig. 21A.

[0151] In the second embodiment, the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1 reduces downward slippage of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20, and the second insulator 30 is supported in the vertical direction by mating with the insulator 70 of the connection target 60. However, this is not limited to this. The connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the first contacts 40 include a mounting portion 41 mounted on the circuit board CB1 and a restricting portion 46. The restricting portion 46 bends in the thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts 40 and faces the second insulator 30 from the mounting portion 41 side. Other configurations, functions, effects, and variations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment. Below, components similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. Differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0152] In a first example of the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment, the restricting portion 46 of the first contact 40 is disposed at the center of the extending portion 44 in both the up-down and left-right directions. The restricting portion 46 is bent in an L-shape and protrudes outward in the front-to-rear direction from the extending portion 44. The restricting portion 46 faces the mating protrusion 33 of the second insulator 30, which is mated with the connection object 60, from the mounting portion 41 side. The restricting portion 46 is disposed directly below the mating protrusion 33 and is adjacent to the mating protrusion 33 from below.

[0153] In the connector 10, the first contacts 40 have the restricting portions 46 as described above, which can reduce downward slippage of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20. For example, the restricting portions 46 of the second insulator 30 contact the mating protrusions 33 from the mounting portion 41 side in opposition to each other, thereby restricting downward movement of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20.

[0154] Fig. 22A is an external perspective view showing a second example of the first contact 40 of the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment. Fig. 22B is a second cross-sectional view of the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment taken along the line XXII-XXII in Fig. 14A. The second cross-sectional view of Fig. 22B includes a cross-section of the first contact 40 shown in Fig. 22A.

[0155] In a second example of the connector 10 according to the ninth embodiment, the restricting portions 46 of the first contacts 40 are disposed at the upper ends of the extending portions 44, at both ends in the left-right direction. The restricting portions 46 are bent in a crank shape and protrude outward in the front-rear direction from the extending portions 44. Inside the second insulator 30, the restricting portions 46 face the inner wall of the second insulator 30 from the mounting portion 41 side. The restricting portions 46 are disposed inside the mating protrusions 33 and are adjacent to the inner wall of the mating protrusions 33 from below.

[0156] In the connector 10, the first contacts 40 have the restricting portions 46 as described above, which can reduce downward slippage of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20. For example, the restricting portions 46 of the second insulator 30 contact the inner wall of the mating protrusion 33 from the mounting portion 41 side, thereby restricting downward movement of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20.

[0157] Tenth embodiment Fig. 23A is an external perspective view corresponding to Fig. 3, showing a connector 10 alone according to a tenth embodiment as seen from above. Fig. 23B is a bottom view of the connector 10 of Fig. 23A. Fig. 23C is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 23A. Fig. 23D is an external perspective view showing the restricting member 100 alone as seen from above. Fig. 23E is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows XXIV-XXIV of Fig. 23A.

[0158] In the ninth embodiment, the first contact 40 is provided with a component that reduces downward slippage of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20. However, this is not limiting. The connector 10 according to the tenth embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in that the first contact 40 has a mounting portion 41 that is mounted on the circuit board CB1 and a restricting member 100 that is attached to the first insulator 20 and faces the second insulator 30 from the mounting portion 41 side. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the ninth embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the tenth embodiment. Below, components similar to those of the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. Differences from the ninth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0159] The regulating member 100 is formed by stamping a thin plate of any metal material into the shape shown in FIG. 23D . The processing method for the regulating member 100 includes a step of punching the plate and then bending it in the plate thickness direction. The regulating member 100 has a regulating portion 110 that is flat and disposed in the center of the regulating member 100 in the front-to-rear direction. The regulating member 100 has a regulating surface 110a that faces upward on the regulating portion 110. The regulating member 100 has mounting portions 120 that extend outward in an L-shape in the front-to-rear direction at each end of the regulating member 100 in the front-to-rear direction. The regulating member 100 has an inverted U-shaped connecting portion 130 that connects the regulating portion 110 and the mounting portion 120 along the front-to-rear direction. The regulating member 100 has a held portion 140 that is disposed on the outer side of the connecting portion 130 in the front-to-rear direction and is wide in the left-to-right direction.

[0160] 23E , the held portion 140 of the regulating member 100 engages with the third mounting groove 26 located on the longitudinal wall 22 b of the first insulator 20. The held portion 140 is attached to the first insulator 20. The regulating member 100 has the held portion 140 only on the first insulator 20 side, and is attached to the first insulator 20 via the held portion 140. On the other hand, the regulating member 100 does not have the held portion 140 on the second insulator 30 side, and is not attached to the second insulator 30.

[0161] 23B and 23C , when the restricting member 100 is attached to the first insulator 20 via the held portion 140, the restricting surface 110a of the restricting portion 110 of the restricting member 100 is disposed adjacent to and directly below the second insulator 30. The restricting surface 110a faces the lower surface of the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 from below. The restricting surface 110a is close to or in contact with the lower surface of the retained portion 32 of the second insulator 30 in the up-down direction.

[0162] By including the restricting member 100 as described above, the connector 10 can reduce downward slippage of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20. For example, the restricting surface 110a of the restricting portion 110 of the restricting member 100 comes into contact with the retained portion 32 from below, thereby restricting downward movement of the second insulator 30 relative to the first insulator 20.

[0163] 24A is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to an eleventh embodiment and a connection object 60 in a connected state, as seen from above. 24B is a side view showing only the plurality of contacts of FIG. 24A. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, in FIGS. 24A and 24B, of the plurality of components of the connector 10, the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 are omitted, and only the first contact 40 is shown. Similarly, of the plurality of components of the connection object 60, the insulator 70 is omitted, and only the third contact 80 is shown.

[0164] In the sixth embodiment, the first component 40a and the second component 40b of the first contact 40 are spaced apart from each other and not in contact with each other, but this is not limiting. The connector 10 according to the eleventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the first component 40a and the second component 40b are in contact with each other. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connector 10 according to the eleventh embodiment. In the following, components similar to those of the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Differences from the sixth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0165] In the connector 10 according to the eleventh embodiment, the first component 40a of the first contact 40 also has a first contact portion 45a located on the inner surface of the first extending portion 44a in the front-rear direction. The first contact portion 45a of the first component 40a makes contact with the first resilient contact piece 84a of the first component 80a of the third contact 80 at a position further inward in the front-rear direction. The second component 40b of the first contact 40 has a second contact portion 45b located on the outer surface of the second extending portion 44b in the front-rear direction. The second contact portion 45b of the second component 40b makes contact with the second resilient contact piece 84b of the second component 80b of the third contact 80 at a position further outward in the front-rear direction.

[0166] In the connector 10 according to the eleventh embodiment, the first extending portion 44a of the first component 40a, which has the first contact portion 45a located on its inner surface in the front-rear direction, and the second extending portion 44b of the second component 40b, which has the second contact portion 45b located on its outer surface in the front-rear direction, contact each other. For example, at least a portion of the first extending portion 44a and at least a portion of the second extending portion 44b may contact each other. Figures 24A and 24B show an example in which the first extending portion 44a and the second extending portion 44b contact each other over substantially the entire surface. For example, the outer surface of the first extending portion 44a and the inner surface of the second extending portion 44b may contact each other over substantially the entire surface.

[0167] In the connector 10 according to the eleventh embodiment, the shapes and arrangements of the first mounting portion 41a of the first component 40a and the second mounting portion 41b of the second component 40b are also different from those of the sixth embodiment. For example, unlike the first mounting portion 41a of the sixth embodiment, which is bifurcated in the left-right direction in Fig. 18 , the first mounting portion 41a of the first component 40a extends continuously and biased toward one side in the left-right direction in the first contact 40. For example, unlike the second mounting portion 41b of the sixth embodiment, which extends continuously at the center in the left-right direction in Fig. 18 , the second mounting portion 41b of the second component 40b extends continuously and biased toward the other side in the left-right direction in the first contact 40.

[0168] In the connection object 60 according to the eleventh embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the first mounting portion 81a of the first component 80a and the second mounting portion 81b of the second component 80b are also different from those of the sixth embodiment. For example, unlike the first mounting portion 81a of the sixth embodiment, which is bifurcated and branched in the left-right direction in Fig. 18 , the first mounting portion 81a of the first component 80a extends continuously and biased toward one side in the left-right direction in the third contact 80. For example, unlike the second mounting portion 81b of the sixth embodiment, which extends continuously at the center in the left-right direction in Fig. 18 , the second mounting portion 81b of the second component 80b extends continuously and biased toward the other side in the left-right direction in the third contact 80.

[0169] As described above, the connector 10 has a first contact 40 in which the first extending portion 44a of the first component 40a and the second extending portion 44b of the second component 40b are arranged in two layers and in contact with each other, thereby making it possible to increase the overall thickness of the first contact 40. As a result, the connector 10 can increase the amount of current that can flow through the first contact 40. Therefore, the connector 10 makes it possible to obtain a target current value while improving temperature rise in the first contact 40.

[0170] Twelfth Embodiment Fig. 25A is an external perspective view showing only the plurality of contacts of a connector 10 according to a twelfth embodiment and a connection object 60 in a connected state, as seen from above. Fig. 25B is a side view showing only the plurality of contacts of Fig. 25A. For the purpose of simplifying the illustration, Figs. 25A and 25B omit the first insulator 20 and the second insulator 30 from among the plurality of components of the connector 10, and show only the first contact 40. Similarly, the insulator 70 from among the plurality of components of the connection object 60 is omitted, and show only the third contact 80.

[0171] In the eleventh embodiment, the third contact 80 of the connection object 60 is fabricated by a process of punching and then bending the third contact 80 in the thickness direction, but this is not limited to this. The connection object 60 according to the twelfth embodiment differs from the eleventh embodiment in that the third contact 80 is fabricated only by a punching process and is configured flat without being bent in the thickness direction. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as those of the eleventh embodiment, and the corresponding descriptions also apply to the connection object 60 according to the twelfth embodiment. Below, components similar to those of the eleventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Differences from the eleventh embodiment will be mainly described.

[0172] In the connection object 60 according to the twelfth embodiment, the third contact 80 contacts both the first component 40a and the second component 40b of the first contact 40 of the connector 10 as a single component, rather than as two components. The connection object 60 has a plurality of third contacts 80 densely arranged along the left-right direction so as to fit within the left-right width of the extending portion 44 of the first contact 40. The third contact 80 has a mounting portion 81, a held portion 82, and a resilient contact piece 84 extending in a bifurcated manner from the tip of the held portion 82. The bifurcated resilient contact piece 84 contacts the first contact portion 45a of the first component 40a and the second contact portion 45b of the second component 40b from both sides in the front-rear direction, respectively, with the first contact portion 45a and the second contact portion 45b being positioned between the bifurcated portions.

[0173] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications within the range of equivalents of any modifications are intended to be embraced therein.

[0174] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each of the above-described components are not limited to those described above and illustrated in the drawings, and may be arbitrarily configured as long as the function can be realized.

[0175] The connector 10 described above is mounted on an electronic device. Examples of the electronic device include any in-vehicle device, such as a camera, radar, drive recorder, or engine control unit. Examples of the electronic device include any in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle system, such as a car navigation system, an advanced driver assistance system, or a security system. Examples of the electronic device include any information device, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction device. Examples of the electronic device also include any industrial equipment.

[0176] Such an electronic device has the advantage that it is easier to pass current while maintaining the floating performance in the connector 10 having a floating structure, thereby improving the convenience of the electronic device as a product having the connector 10.

[0177] The excellent floating structure of the connector 10 absorbs misalignment between circuit boards, improving workability when assembling electronic devices. The manufacturing of electronic devices becomes easier. The connector 10 reduces damage to the connection with the circuit board CB1, improving the reliability of the electronic device as a product.

[0178] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Supplementary Note 1] A connector comprising: a first insulator; a second insulator movable relative to the first insulator and adapted to mate with a connection object; and first contacts attached only to the first insulator in the connector, wherein the second insulator is movable relative to the first contacts. [Supplementary Note 2] The connector according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the second insulator has accommodating portions facing edge portions of the first contacts in a width direction of the first contacts. [Supplementary Note 3] The connector according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the accommodating portions are arranged on both sides of the first contacts in the width direction. [Supplementary Note 4] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the first contacts elastically deform only in a thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts. [Supplementary Note 5] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of second contacts attached to the first insulator and the second insulator, the second contacts being narrower than the first contacts. [Supplementary Note 6] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, the first contacts having first and second contact portions that come into contact with contacts of the connection object, the first and second contact portions being located on the inner and outer surfaces of the first contacts, respectively. [Supplementary Note 7] The connector according to Supplementary Note 6, the first contacts having a first component including the first contact portions and a second component including the second contact portions. [Supplementary Note 8] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, the width direction of the first contacts being a direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector. [Supplementary Note 9] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, the width direction of the first contacts being a direction along the lateral direction of the connector.[Supplementary Note 10] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 9, wherein the first contact has a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board, and a restricting portion bent in a plate thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contact and facing the second insulator from the mounting portion side. [Supplementary Note 11] The connector according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the second insulator has a mating convex portion to be mated with the connection object, and the restricting portion faces the mating convex portion from the mounting portion side. [Supplementary Note 12] The connector according to Supplementary Note 10 or 11, wherein the restricting portion faces an inner wall of the second insulator from the mounting portion side inside the second insulator. [Supplementary Note 13] The connector according to any one of Supplements 1 to 12, wherein the first contact has a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board, and includes a restricting member attached to the first insulator and facing the second insulator from the mounting portion side. [Supplementary Note 14] An electronic device comprising the connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13.

[0179] 10 Connector 20 First insulator 21a Opening 21b Opening 22 Outer peripheral wall 22a Short wall 22b Longitudinal wall 23 First mounting groove 24 Second mounting groove 25 Restricting portion 26 Third mounting groove 30 Second insulator 31 Base 32 Retained portion 33 Fitting protrusion 34 Fitting recess 35 Groove 36 Mounting groove 37 Storage portion 40 First contact 40a First component 40b Second component 41 Mounting portion 41a First mounting portion 41b Second mounting portion 42 Held portion 43 Connecting portion 44 Extension portion 44a First extension portion 44b Second extension portion 45 Contact portion 45a First contact portion 45b Second contact portion 46 Restricting portion 50 Second contact 51 Mounting portion 52 First held portion 53 Linking portion 54 Extension portion 55 Contact portion 56 Second held portion 60 Connection object 70 Insulator 71 Outer peripheral wall 71a Short wall 71b Longitudinal wall 72 Fitting recess 73 Fitting protrusion 74 Third mounting groove 75 Fourth mounting groove 80 Third contact (contact) 80a First component 80b Second component 81 Mounting portion 81a First mounting portion 81b Second mounting portion 82 Held portion 83 Linking portion 84 Resilient contact piece 84a First resilient contact piece 84b Second resilient contact piece 90 Fourth contact 91 Mounting portion 92 Held portion 93 Resilient contact piece 100 Restricting member 110 Restricting portion 110a Restricting surface 120 Mounting portion 130 Linking portion 140 Part to be held CB1 Circuit board CB2 Circuit board

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a first insulator; a second insulator that is movable relative to the first insulator and that mates with a connection object; and a first contact that is attached only to the first insulator in the connector, wherein the second insulator is movable relative to the first contact.

2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the second insulator has a receiving portion that faces an edge portion of the first contact in the width direction of the first contact.

3. A connector according to claim 2, wherein the accommodating portion is disposed on both sides of the first contact in the width direction.

4. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first contacts are elastically deformed only in a thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contacts.

5. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of second contacts attached to said first insulator and said second insulator, said second contacts being narrower than said first contacts.

6. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first contact has a first contact portion and a second contact portion that come into contact with a contact of the connection object, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are located on the inner and outer surfaces of the first contact, respectively.

7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein the first contact has a first part including the first contact portion and a second part including the second contact portion.

8. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the width direction of the first contact is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the connector.

9. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the width direction of the first contact is a direction parallel to the short side direction of the connector.

10. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first contact has a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board, and a restricting portion that is bent in a board thickness direction perpendicular to the width direction of the first contact and faces the second insulator from the mounting portion side.

11. A connector according to claim 10, wherein the second insulator has a mating protrusion that mates with the connection object, and the restricting portion faces the mating protrusion from the mounting portion side.

12. A connector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the restricting portion is located inside the second insulator and faces an inner wall of the second insulator from the mounting portion side.

13. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first contact has a mounting portion to be mounted on a circuit board, and is provided with a restricting member attached to the first insulator and facing the second insulator from the mounting portion side.

14. An electronic device comprising a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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