First connector, connector module, and electronic device

Abstract

A first connector 60 according to the present disclosure comprises: a first insulator 70 having a first recess disposed on a first outer surface; and a first contact 80 attached to the first insulator 70 and having a first contact part 85 on one end side and a first mounting part 81 on the other end side. The first recess overlaps the first contact 80 when the first outer surface is viewed from the front. In the first contact 80, and the first mounting part 81 is wider than the first contact part 85.

Description

First Connector, Connector Module, and Electronic Device Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025 - 020300 filed in Japan on February 10, 2025, and incorporates the entire disclosure of this application herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a first connector, a connector module, and an electronic device.

[0003] In recent years, with the advancement of, for example, advanced driver assistance systems, the number of sensors and control devices mounted on vehicles has tended to increase. In order to drive a large number of sensors in such vehicles, the demand for a large current has been increasing. When a large current flows through a connector, heat is likely to be generated. Conventionally, technologies related to heat dissipation in connectors are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a movable connector that improves the heat dissipation of the movable connector.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020 - 202042

[0005] The first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first insulator having a first recess disposed on a first outer surface; a first contact attached to the first insulator, having a first contact portion on one end side and a first mounting portion on the other end side. The first recess overlaps the first contact when the first outer surface is viewed from the front. In the first contact, the first mounting portion is wider than the first contact portion.

[0006] The connector module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above - mentioned first connector; and a second connector that fits with the first connector along a fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the first contact.

[0007] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above - mentioned first connector.

[0008] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the above - mentioned connector module.

[0009] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the mated state of a connector module according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, viewed from above. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the separated state of the connector module in Figure 1, viewed from above. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the first connector unit connected to the second connector, viewed from above. Figure 3 is an exploded external perspective view showing the first connector from above. Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing the contact unit from above. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI. Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the first connector unit. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the second connector unit from above, viewed from above. Figure 8 is an exploded external perspective view showing the second connector from above, viewed from above. Figure 9 is an external perspective view showing the contact unit from above, viewed from above. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI. Figure 8 is an enlarged side view of the second connector unit. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the mated state of a connector module according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, viewed from above. Figure 14 is an external perspective view showing the separated state of the connector module from above. Figure 15 is a top-view perspective view of the first connector unit, which is connected to the second connector.

[0010] When a large current flows through a connector, heat is generated at the contact points, causing creep to occur, which can easily degrade the spring properties of the contacts. This can lead to a decrease in contact pressure. As a result, the long-term reliability of connectors intended for vehicles or other industrial equipment may be reduced. In the movable connector described in Patent Document 1, there was room for improvement in the heat dissipation of the connector.

[0011] According to a first connector, connector module, and electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve heat dissipation.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the directions of front / back, left / right, and up / down are based on the directions of the arrows in the figures. The directions of each arrow are consistent across different drawings in Figures 1 and 2, and Figures 8 to 15 and 17. The directions of each arrow are also consistent across different drawings in Figures 3 to 7 and 16. In some drawings, for the purpose of simplified illustration, the circuit boards CB1 and CB2, which will be described later, are omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the mated state of a connector module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. In Figure 1, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 according to the first embodiment are connected to each other. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the separated state of the connector module 1 of Figure 1, viewed from above. In Figure 2, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 are separated from each other. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first connector 60 has a first insulator 70, a power supply contact 80, and a signal contact 90. The second connector 10 has a second insulator 20 as a fixed insulator, a third insulator 30 as a movable insulator, a power supply contact 40, and a signal contact 50.

[0014] In the following, for example, the second connector 10 according to the first embodiment will be described as a plug connector. For example, the first connector 60 will be described as a receptacle connector. The first connector 60 will be described as a receptacle connector if, in a mated state in which the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10 and the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60 are mated with each other, the contacts 80 and 90 each undergo elastic deformation. On the other hand, the second connector 10 will be described as a plug connector if, in a mated state, the contacts 40 and 50 each do not undergo elastic deformation. The types of the second connector 10 and the first connector 60 are not limited to these. For example, the second connector 10 may function as a receptacle connector and the first connector 60 may function as a plug connector.

[0015] As described later, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 are mounted on circuit boards CB1 and CB2, respectively. The second connector 10 electrically connects circuit board CB1 and circuit board CB2, on which the first connector 60 is mounted, via the first connector 60 which is mated with the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10. Circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be rigid boards or any other type of circuit board. For example, at least one of circuit boards CB1 and CB2 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0016] In the following description, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 are connected to each other perpendicularly to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. As an example, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 are connected to each other along the vertical direction. When the first insulator 70 and the third insulator 30 are mated to each other, the mating direction is perpendicular to the respective circuit boards CB1 and CB2.

[0017] The connection method is not limited thereto. The first connector 60 and the second connector 10 may be connected to each other in a direction parallel to the circuit boards CB1 and CB2. The first connector 60 and the second connector 10 may be connected to each other such that one is perpendicular to the mounted circuit board and the other is parallel to the mounted circuit board.

[0018] In the following explanation, "mating direction" refers, for example, to the up-and-down direction. "Short-side direction" refers, for example, to the front-to-back direction. "Long-side direction" refers, for example, to the left-to-right direction. "Alignment direction of multiple contacts" refers, for example, to the left-to-right direction. "Width direction" refers, for example, to the left-to-right direction. "Mating side" refers, for example, to the bottom side. "Removal side" refers, for example, to the top side.

[0019] "Inside" corresponds to the direction toward the center of the first connector 60 or the second connector 10. For example, "inside" in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the direction toward the center of the first connector 60 or the second connector 10 in the front-to-back direction. However, it is not limited to this, and "inside" does not have to be a direction toward the center in the front-to-back direction, but may correspond to a direction toward the center along a slight angle. The same applies to other directions. "Outside" is the opposite of "inside".

[0020] "Mated state" means the state in which the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10 and the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60 are mated with each other. In the mated state, contact 80 is in contact with contact 40 and undergoes elastic deformation. Similarly, contact 90 is in contact with contact 50 and undergoes elastic deformation. "Dismated state" means the state in which the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10 and the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60 are not mated with each other. In the dismated state, neither contact 80 nor contact 90 undergoes elastic deformation due to external force.

[0021] The second connector 10 according to the first embodiment has a floating structure. The second connector 10 allows the connected first connector 60 to move relative to the circuit board CB2 along at least one of six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right. Even when connected to the second connector 10, the first connector 60 can move within a predetermined range along at least one of the six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right. For example, in addition to the six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right, the first connector 60 may also be able to move within a predetermined range in diagonal directions between each of these directions.

[0022] Figure 3 is a top-view perspective view of the first connector 60 alone, which is connected to the second connector 10 in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an exploded top-view perspective view of the first connector 60 in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top-view perspective view of the contact 80 alone in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. Figure 7 is an enlarged side view of the first connector 60 alone in Figure 3. The first connector 60 is assembled, for example, by press-fitting contacts 80 and 90 into the first insulator 70 from below.

[0023] The structure and function of each component of the first connector 60 in the non-mated state will be described mainly with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The configuration of the first insulator 70 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 4 and 6.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first insulator 70 is a rectangular prism-shaped member made by injection molding, for example, an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The first insulator 70 has four side walls, front, back, left, and right, and an outer peripheral wall 71 surrounding the internal space. 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 first insulator 70 has a fitting recess 72 at its upper part, surrounded on the outside in the front, back, left, and right directions by the outer peripheral wall 71. The first insulator 70 has a fitting projection 73 that protrudes upward from the center of the fitting recess 72 in the front-rear direction. The fitting projection 73 extends substantially over the entire left-right direction in the fitting recess 72.

[0025] The first insulator 70 has a first mounting groove 74 that is recessed in the vertical direction from the mating projection 73 to the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71b. Multiple first mounting grooves 74 are recessed on both the left and right ends of the mating projection 73 and the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71b. For example, four first mounting grooves 74 are arranged on one end of the first connector 60 in the left and right direction, two on each side of the front and rear. Four first mounting grooves 74 are arranged on the other end of the first connector 60 in the left and right direction, two on each side of the front and rear. Contacts 80 are mounted in the first mounting grooves 74.

[0026] The first insulator 70 has a second mounting groove 75 that is recessed in the vertical direction from the fitting projection 73 to the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 71b. The second mounting groove 75 is recessed over a wide area in the central part in the left-right direction on the inner surface of the fitting projection 73 and the longitudinal wall 71b. Multiple second mounting grooves 75 are arranged along the left-right direction. The contact 90 is attached to the second mounting groove 75.

[0027] The first insulator 70 has recesses 76a and 76b located on its first outer surface. Recesses 76a and 76b correspond to the first recess described in the claims. The first outer surface includes, for example, the front-to-back outer surface of the longitudinal wall 71b. The pair of recesses 76a are located at both ends of the first outer surface in the left-to-right direction. The plurality of recesses 76b are located in the center of the first outer surface in the left-to-right direction. The plurality of recesses 76b are arranged at equal intervals along the left-to-right direction between the pair of recesses 76a located on both the left and right sides.

[0028] Each of the recesses 76a and 76b is positioned wider in the left-right direction than each of the first mounting groove 74 and the second mounting groove 75. The left-right width of recess 76a is slightly wider than the left-right width of recess 76b. The vertical width of recess 76a is the same as the vertical width of recess 76b.

[0029] The recess 76a overlaps with the entire width in the left-right direction of the first mounting groove 74, which is located furthest out in the left-right direction, when the first outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. The recess 76a and the first mounting groove 74 face each other in the front-rear direction such that the left-right arrangement area of ​​the first mounting groove 74 is encompassed within the left-right arrangement area of ​​the recess 76a.

[0030] The outermost recess 76b in the left-right direction overlaps with a portion of the left-right width of the first mounting groove 74 adjacent to the plurality of second mounting grooves 75 on the left-right side when the first outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the recess 76b overlaps in the left-right direction with a portion of the second mounting grooves 75 located on the left-right side of the plurality of second mounting grooves 75. The other recesses 76b, excluding the outermost recess 76b in the left-right direction, overlap in the left-right direction with a portion of the second mounting grooves 75 located in the central part of the plurality of second mounting grooves 75.

[0031] Each of the recesses 76a and 76b is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the first outer surface, excluding the lower part, relative to the corresponding mounting grooves that face each other in the front-rear direction. Each of the recesses 76a and 76b is recessed up to the upper end of the first outer surface so as to face the upper end of the corresponding mounting groove in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The configuration of contact 80 will be explained, primarily with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Contact 80 is used as a power terminal, for example.

[0033] The contact 80 is formed from a thin sheet of copper alloy or Corson-type copper alloy containing pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, which has spring elasticity, using a progressive die (stamping) to form the shape shown in Figures 4 and 5. The contact 80 is manufactured by a process of bending the sheet in the thickness direction after punching. The manufacturing method of the contact 80 is not limited to this and may include only the punching process. The contact 80 may also be constructed flat without bending in the thickness direction.

[0034] The contact 80 is constructed from a metal material with a low elastic modulus, for example, so that its shape changes significantly with elastic deformation. The surface of the contact 80 is plated with gold or tin after a nickel plating base coat has been created.

[0035] Multiple contacts 80 are arranged at both ends of the first connector 60 in the longitudinal direction. The same sets of contacts 80 arranged along the left-right direction in one of the front-to-back directions are also arranged symmetrically in the other of the front-to-back directions.

[0036] The contact 80 has a first mounting portion 81 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction at the lower end of the contact 80. The contact 80 has a retained portion 82 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the first mounting portion 81. The retained portion 82 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 80. The contact 80 has a first intermediate portion 83 that extends upward from the upper end of the retained portion 82 and is crank-shaped inward in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The contact 80 has a retained portion 84 that extends linearly upward from the inner end in the front-rear direction of the first intermediate portion 83. The retained portion 84 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 80. The contact 80 has a first contact portion 85 that extends upward from the upper end of the retained portion 84 and extends diagonally outward in the front-rear direction. The first contact portion 85 is configured as an elastic contact piece. The first contact portion 85 has a contact portion 85a that is located at the outermost point in the front-rear direction of the first contact portion 85.

[0038] Contact 80 is wider in the left-right direction compared to contact 90. Contact 80 is wider than contact 90 by a predetermined left-right width without having slits or notches in the portion of contact 80 excluding the first contact portion 85, i.e., the entirety of the first mounting portion 81, the held portion 82, the first intermediate portion 83, and the held portion 84. For example, the first mounting portion 81 is continuously arranged along the width direction of contact 80 over the entire width of the multiple first contact portions 85. The first intermediate portion 83 is continuously arranged along the width direction of contact 80 over the entire width of the first mounting portion 81.

[0039] On the other hand, the first contact portions 85 are arranged in multiples along the width direction of the contact 80. Each of the multiple first contact portions 85 is configured to be narrower in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 80. The upper end of the contact 80 is divided in a slit shape by the multiple first contact portions 85. The contact 80 has the first contact portions 85 on one end and the first mounting portion 81 on the other end. In the contact 80, the first mounting portion 81 is wider than the first contact portions 85. In the contact 80, the first mounting portion 81 is arranged with a left-right width that is approximately the same as the overall left-right width of the multiple first contact portions 85 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0040] The width direction of the contact 80 is along the longitudinal direction of the first connector 60. For example, the width direction of the contact 80 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the contact 80 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the contact 80 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is contained within a plane that extends up, down, front, and back. The thickness of the contact 80 is approximately uniform at any point on the contact 80.

[0041] The configuration of contact 90 will be explained, primarily with reference to Figure 4. Contact 90 is used as a signal terminal, for example.

[0042] The contact 90 is formed from a thin sheet of copper alloy or Corson-type copper alloy containing pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, which has spring elasticity, using a progressive die (stamping) to form the shape shown in Figure 4. The contact 90 is manufactured by a process of bending the sheet in the thickness direction after punching. The manufacturing method of the contact 90 is not limited to this and may include only the punching process. The contact 90 may also be constructed flat without bending in the thickness direction.

[0043] The contact 90 is constructed from a metal material with a low elastic modulus, for example, so that its shape changes significantly with elastic deformation. The surface of the contact 90 is plated with gold or tin after a nickel plating base coat has been created.

[0044] The contacts 90 are arranged in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the first connector 60. A set of a plurality of contacts 90 arranged along the left - right direction in one of the front - back directions is symmetrically arranged in the other of the front - back directions as well.

[0045] The contact 90 has a mounting portion 91 that extends outward in the front - back direction in an L - shape at the lower end of the contact 90. The contact 90 has a held portion 92 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 91. The held portion 92 includes a protrusion that is wider in the left - right direction compared to other parts of the contact 90. The contact 90 has an intermediate portion 93 that extends upward from the upper end of the held portion 92 and is arranged in a crank - shape inside in the front - back direction.

[0046] The contact 90 has a held portion 94 that extends linearly upward from the inner end in the front - back direction of the intermediate portion 93. The held portion 94 includes a protrusion that is wider in the left - right direction compared to other parts of the contact 90. The contact 90 has a contact portion 95 that extends upward from the upper end of the held portion 94 and extends obliquely outward in the front - back direction. The contact portion 95 is configured as an elastic contact piece. The contact portion 95 has a contact point portion 95a that is located at the outermost side in the front - back direction in the contact portion 95.

[0047] The contact 90 is narrower in width than the contact 80. For example, the contact 90 is narrower in width in the left - right direction compared to the contact 80. The contact 90 is continuously narrower in width than the contact 80 with a predetermined left - right width from the mounting portion 91 to the upper end of the contact portion 95.

[0048] The width direction of the contact 90 is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the first connector 60. As an example, the width direction of the contact 90 is the left - right direction. The width direction of the contact 90 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of contacts. The thickness direction of the contact 90 is an arbitrary direction orthogonal to the left - right direction and is included in the plane extending vertically and in the front - back directions. The thickness of the contact 90 is substantially uniform at any location of the contact 90.

[0049] Referring primarily to Figures 6 and 7, the configuration relationships of the components of the first connector 60 when contacts 80 and 90 are attached to the first insulator 70 will be described.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the retained portion 82 and retained portion 84 of the contact 80 are locked into the first mounting groove 74 of the first insulator 70. The contact 80 is attached to the first insulator 70 via the retained portion 82 and retained portion 84. When each of the multiple contacts 80 is attached to the first insulator 70, the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85, which acts as an elastic contact piece of the contact 80, is exposed from the first mounting groove 74 of the first insulator 70 and is located inside the fitting recess 72. The first contact portion 85, as an elastic contact piece, is arranged to be elastically deformable along the front-rear direction inside the first mounting groove 74.

[0051] The first intermediate portion 83 of the contact 80 is located between the first contact portion 85 and the first mounting portion 81, and is positioned closer to the recess 76a than the first contact portion 85. For example, the first intermediate portion 83 is positioned vertically between the held portion 82 and the held portion 84, and is positioned one step further outward in the front-rear direction than the first contact portion 85. The first intermediate portion 83 is arranged in a crank shape along the inner surface of the first insulator 70 located opposite the first outer surface in which the recess 76a is recessed.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the recess 76a overlaps with the contact 80 when the first outer surface is viewed from the front. The recess 76a overlaps with the entire width of the contact 80 in the width direction. The recess 76a and the contact 80 face each other in the front-to-back direction such that the left-to-right arrangement area of ​​the contact 80 is contained within the left-to-right arrangement area of ​​the recess 76a. The recess 76a overlaps with the entire left-to-right width of the outermost contact 80 in the left-to-right direction, and also overlaps with a portion of the left-to-right width of the contact 80 adjacent to the multiple contacts 90 on the left-to-right outer side.

[0053] The outermost recess 76b in the width direction of contact 80 overlaps with a portion of the width in the left-right direction of adjacent contacts 80 when the first outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction, relative to the plurality of contacts 90. Similarly, this recess 76b overlaps in the left-right direction with some of the contacts 90 located on the outer side in the left-right direction. The other recesses 76b, excluding the outermost recess 76b in the left-right direction, overlap in the left-right direction with some of the contacts 90 located in the central part in the left-right direction.

[0054] The recess 76a overlaps with the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 80. The recess 76a is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the first outer surface, excluding the lower part, relative to the contacts 80 facing each other in the front-rear direction. The recess 76a extends to the upper end of the first outer surface so as to face at least the contact portion 85a located at the upper end of the corresponding contact 80 in the front-rear direction.

[0055] The outermost recess 76b in the width direction of the contact 80 overlaps with the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 80. The recess 76b is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the first outer surface, excluding the lower part, for contacts 80 facing each other in the front-rear direction. The recess 76b extends to the upper end of the first outer surface so as to face at least the contact portion 85a located at the upper end of the corresponding contact 80 in the front-rear direction.

[0056] The recess 76b located on the outermost side in the width direction of the contact 80 also overlaps with the contact portion 95a of the contact portion 95 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 80. The recess 76b is located on substantially the entire vertical portion of the first outer surface, excluding the lower part, relative to the contact 90 facing each other in the front-rear direction. The recess 76b is recessed up to the upper end of the first outer surface so as to face at least the contact portion 95a located at the upper end of the corresponding contact 90 in the front-rear direction.

[0057] As can be easily understood from Figures 4 and 6, the retained portion 92 and retained portion 94 of the contact 90 are locked into the second mounting groove 75 of the first insulator 70. The contact 90 is attached to the first insulator 70 via the retained portion 92 and retained portion 94. When each of the multiple contacts 90 is attached to the first insulator 70, the contact portion 95a of the contact portion 95, which acts as an elastic contact piece of the contact 90, is exposed from the second mounting groove 75 of the first insulator 70 and is located inside the fitting recess 72. The contact portion 95, which acts as an elastic contact piece, is arranged to be elastically deformable along the front-rear direction inside the second mounting groove 75.

[0058] The first connector 60 having the structure described above is mounted, for example, on the circuit surface located on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB1, as shown in Figure 3. More specifically, the first mounting portion 81 of the contact 80 is placed on solder paste applied to the power supply pattern on the circuit board CB1. The mounting portion 91 of the contact 90 is placed on solder paste applied to the signal pattern on the circuit board CB1.

[0059] By heating and melting each solder paste in a reflow oven or the like, the first mounting section 81 and the mounting section 91 are soldered to the power supply pattern and the signal pattern, respectively. As a result, the mounting of the first connector 60 to the circuit board CB1 is completed. Other electronic components, such as a camera module or a sensor, are mounted on the circuit side of the circuit board CB1.

[0060] Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the second connector 10 shown in Figure 2, viewed from above. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 10 shown in Figure 8, viewed from above. Figure 10 is an external perspective view of the contact 40 shown in Figure 9, viewed from above. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in Figure 8. Figure 12 is an enlarged side view of the second connector 10 shown in Figure 8.

[0061] As can be seen from Figure 9, the second connector 10 is assembled in the following way, for example: The third insulator 30 is inserted into the second insulator 20 from above, and positioned inward relative to the second insulator 20 in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions. The contacts 40 and 50 are press-fitted into the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30, respectively, from below. This attaches the contacts 40 and 50 to the second insulator 20. Similarly, the contacts 40 and 50 are attached to the third insulator 30.

[0062] The structure and function of each component of the second connector 10 in the non-mated state will be described mainly with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The configuration of the second insulator 20 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 9 and 11.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the second insulator 20 is a rectangular tubular member extending in the left-right direction, for example, made by injection molding of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The second insulator 20 is hollow and arranged in a frame shape. The second insulator 20 has openings 21a and 21b on both its upper and lower sides, respectively. The second insulator 20 has an outer peripheral wall 22 that surrounds the internal space, including four side walls on the front, back, left, and right sides. 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 rear sides.

[0064] The second insulator 20 has a first mounting groove 23 recessed at its lower end on the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 22b. Multiple first mounting grooves 23 are recessed on both ends in the left-right direction of the longitudinal wall 22b. For example, four first mounting grooves 23 are arranged in total, two on each side of the front and rear at one end of the second connector 10 in the left-right direction. Four first mounting grooves 23 are arranged in total, two on each side of the front and rear at the other end of the second connector 10 in the left-right direction. Contacts 40 are mounted in the first mounting grooves 23.

[0065] The second insulator 20 has a second mounting groove 24 recessed at its lower end on the inner surface of the longitudinal wall 22b. The second mounting groove 24 is recessed over a wide area in the central part of the longitudinal wall 22b in the left-right direction. Multiple second mounting grooves 24 are arranged along the left-right direction. The contact 50 is attached to the second mounting groove 24.

[0066] The second insulator 20 has recesses 25a and 25b located on the second outer surface of the second insulator 20. Recesses 25a and 25b correspond to the second recesses described in the claims. The second outer surface includes, for example, the front-to-back outer surface of the longitudinal wall 22b. The pair of recesses 25a are located at both ends in the left-to-right direction on the second outer surface. The plurality of recesses 25b are located in the center in the left-to-right direction on the second outer surface. The plurality of recesses 25b are arranged at equal intervals along the left-to-right direction between the pair of recesses 25a located on both the left and right sides, respectively.

[0067] Each of the recesses 25a and 25b is positioned wider in the left-right direction than each of the first mounting groove 23 and the second mounting groove 24. The left-right width of recess 25a is slightly wider than the left-right width of recess 25b. The vertical width of recess 25a is the same as the vertical width of recess 25b.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, recess 25a is located directly above the first mounting groove 23 such that, when the second outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction, it includes the entire width in the left-right direction of the first mounting groove 23 that is located furthest outward in the left-right direction. Recess 25b, which is located furthest outward in the left-right direction, is located directly above the first mounting groove 23 such that, when the second outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction, it includes a portion of the width in the left-right direction of the first mounting groove 23 that is adjacent to the plurality of second mounting grooves 24 on the outside in the left-right direction. Similarly, recess 25b is located directly above the second mounting groove 24 such that it includes some of the second mounting grooves 24 that are located on the outside in the left-right direction. Recesses 25b other than the recess 25b located furthest outward in the left-right direction are located directly above the second mounting groove 24 such that it includes some of the second mounting grooves 24 that are located in the central part in the left-right direction of the plurality of second mounting grooves 24.

[0069] Each of the recesses 25a and 25b is located directly above the corresponding mounting groove and covers substantially the entire vertical portion of the second outer surface, excluding the lower part. Each of the recesses 25a and 25b extends to the upper end of the second outer surface.

[0070] The configuration of the third insulator 30 will be described with reference primarily to Figures 9 and 11.

[0071] The central and lower parts of the third insulator 30 are located within the internal space enclosed by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second insulator 20. The upper part of the third insulator 30 is located above the internal space enclosed by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second insulator 20 and is exposed. The third insulator 30 is movable relative to the second insulator 20. The third insulator 30 is mated with the first connector 60.

[0072] The third insulator 30 is a member extending in the left-right direction, for example, made by injection molding of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The third insulator 30 has a base portion 31 that forms the central and lower parts in the vertical direction. The third insulator 30 has a fitting projection 32 that continuously protrudes upward from the base portion 31. The fitting projection 32 forms the upper part of the third insulator 30. The third insulator 30 has a fitting recess 33 that is recessed inside the fitting projection 32.

[0073] The third insulator 30 has a first mounting groove 34 recessed in substantially the entire length in the vertical direction on the inner surface of the mating projection 32 along the left-right direction. Multiple first mounting grooves 34 are recessed on both ends in the left-right direction on the inner surface of the mating projection 32. For example, four first mounting grooves 34 are arranged in total, two on each side of the front and rear at one end of the second connector 10 in the left-right direction. Four first mounting grooves 34 are arranged in total, two on each side of the front and rear at the other end of the second connector 10 in the left-right direction. Contacts 40 are mounted in the first mounting grooves 34.

[0074] The third insulator 30 has a second mounting groove 35 which is recessed on the inner surface of the fitting projection 32 along the left-right direction, extending substantially over the entire vertical surface. The second mounting groove 35 is recessed over a wide area in the central part of the inner surface of the fitting projection 32 in the left-right direction. Multiple second mounting grooves 35 are arranged along the left-right direction. The contact 50 is mounted in the second mounting groove 35.

[0075] The configuration of contact 40 will be explained, primarily with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Contact 40 is used as a power terminal, for example.

[0076] The contact 40 is formed from a thin sheet of copper alloy or Corson-type copper alloy containing pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, which has spring elasticity, using a progressive die (stamping) to form the shape shown in Figures 9 and 10. The contact 40 is manufactured by a process of bending the sheet in the thickness direction after punching. The manufacturing method of the contact 40 is not limited to this and may include only the punching process. The contact 40 may also be constructed flat without bending in the thickness direction.

[0077] The contact 40 is made of a metal material with a low elastic modulus, for example, so that the shape change due to elastic deformation is large. The surface of the contact 40 is plated with gold or tin after a nickel plating base coat is created.

[0078] Multiple contacts 40 are arranged at both ends of the second connector 10 in the longitudinal direction. The same sets of contacts 40 arranged along the left-right direction in one of the front-to-back directions are also arranged symmetrically in the other of the front-to-back directions.

[0079] The contact 40 has a second mounting portion 41 that extends outward in the front-rear direction in an L-shape at the lower end of the contact 40. The contact 40 has a retained portion 42 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the second mounting portion 41. The retained portion 42 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 40. The contact 40 has a second intermediate portion 43 that bends inward in the front-rear direction in an S-shape from the upper end of the retained portion 42 and bends inward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction.

[0080] The contact 40 has a retained portion 44 that extends linearly upward from the inner end in the front-rear direction of the second intermediate portion 43. The retained portion 44 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 40. The contact 40 has a second contact portion 45 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the retained portion 44.

[0081] Contact 40 is wider in the left-right direction compared to contact 50. Contact 40 is wider than contact 50 by a predetermined left-right width without having slits or notches in the entirety of the second mounting portion 41, the held portion 42, the held portion 44, and the second contact portion 45, excluding the second intermediate portion 43. For example, the second mounting portion 41 is continuously arranged along the width direction of contact 40 over the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43. The second contact portion 45 is continuously arranged along the width direction of contact 40 over the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43.

[0082] On the other hand, the second intermediate portion 43 has a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions. The second intermediate portion 43 is configured, for example, in a slit shape by having a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions. Each of the plurality of plate thickness portions, i.e., the plurality of connecting portions, that are divided in a slit shape in the second intermediate portion 43 is configured to be narrower in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 40. The contact 40 has a second contact portion 45 on one end and a second mounting portion 41 on the other end. In the contact 40, the second mounting portion 41 is arranged with a left-right width that is approximately the same as the left-right width of the second contact portion 45.

[0083] The width direction of the contact 40 is along the longitudinal direction of the second connector 10. For example, the width direction of the contact 40 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the contact 40 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the contact 40 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is contained within a plane that extends up, down, front, and back. The thickness of the contact 40 is approximately uniform at any point on the contact 40.

[0084] The configuration of contact 50 will be explained, primarily with reference to Figure 9. Contact 50 is used as a signal terminal, for example.

[0085] The contact 50 is formed from a thin sheet of copper alloy or Corson-type copper alloy containing pure copper, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper, which has spring elasticity, using a progressive die (stamping) to form the shape shown in Figure 9. The contact 50 is manufactured by a process of bending the sheet in the thickness direction after punching. The manufacturing method of the contact 50 is not limited to this and may include only the punching process. The contact 50 may also be constructed flat without bending in the thickness direction.

[0086] The contact 50 is made of a metal material with a low elastic modulus, for example, so that the shape change due to elastic deformation is large. The surface of the contact 50 is plated with gold or tin after a nickel plating base coat is created.

[0087] Multiple contacts 50 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the second connector 10. The same sets of contacts 50 arranged along the left-right direction in one of the front-to-back directions are also arranged symmetrically in the other of the front-to-back directions.

[0088] The contact 50 has a mounting portion 51 that extends outward in an L-shape in the front-rear direction at its lower end. The contact 50 has a retained portion 52 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the mounting portion 51. The retained portion 52 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to other parts of the contact 50. The contact 50 has an intermediate portion 53 that bends inward in an S-shape from the upper end of the retained portion 52 in the front-rear direction and bends inward in an L-shape.

[0089] The contact 50 has a retained portion 54 that extends linearly upward from the inner end in the front-rear direction of the intermediate portion 53. The retained portion 54 includes a projection that is wider in the left-right direction compared to the other parts of the contact 50. The contact 50 has a contact portion 55 that extends linearly upward from the upper end of the retained portion 54.

[0090] Contact 50 is narrower than contact 40. For example, contact 50 is narrower in the left-right direction compared to contact 40. Contact 50 is continuously narrower than contact 40 for a predetermined left-right width from the mounting portion 51 to the upper end of the contact portion 55.

[0091] The width direction of the contact 50 is along the longitudinal direction of the second connector 10. For example, the width direction of the contact 50 is the left-right direction. The width direction of the contact 50 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the multiple contacts. The thickness direction of the contact 50 is any direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and is contained within a plane that extends up, down, front, and back. The thickness of the contact 50 is approximately uniform at any point on the contact 50.

[0092] Referring primarily to Figures 11 and 12, the configuration relationships of the components of the second connector 10 when contacts 40 and 50 are attached to the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30 will be described.

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, the retained portion 42 of the contact 40 engages with the first mounting groove 23 located on the longitudinal wall 22b of the second insulator 20. The contact 40 is attached to the second insulator 20 via the retained portion 42. The retained portion 44 of the contact 40 engages with the first mounting groove 34 located on the fitting projection 32 of the third insulator 30. The contact 40 is attached to the third insulator 30 via the retained portion 44. The contact 40 is attached to the third insulator 30 in addition to the second insulator 20.

[0094] When each of the multiple contacts 40 is attached to the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30, the second contact portion 45 of the contact 40 is positioned along the third insulator 30. The second contact portion 45 of the contact 40 exposes its contact surface toward the interior of the fitting recess 33 in the first mounting groove 34 of the third insulator 30.

[0095] The second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 is located between the second contact portion 45 and the second mounting portion 41. For example, the second intermediate portion 43 is positioned vertically between the held portion 42 and the held portion 44. The second intermediate portion 43 is positioned closer to the recess 25a than the second contact portion 45. The second intermediate portion 43 is positioned one step further outward in the front-rear direction than the second contact portion 45. Only an air gap exists between the second intermediate portion 43 and the second insulator 20. No other components, such as the third insulator 30, are interposed between the second intermediate portion 43 and the second insulator 20.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12, the recess 25a overlaps with the contact 40 when the second outer surface is viewed from the front. The recess 25a overlaps with the entire width of the contact 40 in the width direction. The recess 25a and the contact 40 face each other in the front-to-back direction such that the left-to-right arrangement area of ​​the contact 40 is contained within the left-to-right arrangement area of ​​the recess 25a. The recess 25a overlaps with the entire left-to-right width of the outermost contact 40 in the left-to-right direction, and also overlaps with a portion of the left-to-right width of the contact 40 adjacent to the multiple contacts 50 on the left-to-right outer side.

[0097] The outermost recess 25b in the width direction of contact 40 overlaps with a portion of the width in the left-right direction of a contact 40 adjacent to the plurality of contacts 50 on the left-right side when the second outer surface is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. Similarly, this recess 25b overlaps in the left-right direction with some of the contacts 50 that are located on the left-right side of the plurality of contacts 50. The other recesses 25b, excluding the outermost recess 25b in the left-right direction, overlap in the left-right direction with some of the contacts 50 that are located in the center of the plurality of contacts 50.

[0098] The recess 25a overlaps with the second intermediate portion 43 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 40. The recess 25a is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 facing each other in the front-rear direction, excluding the lower part of the second outer surface. The recess 25a is recessed up to the upper end of the second outer surface so as to face substantially the entire second intermediate portion 43 of the corresponding contact 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0099] The outermost recess 25b in the width direction of the contact 40 overlaps with the second intermediate portion 43 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 40. The recess 25b is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the second outer surface, excluding the lower part, for contacts 40 facing each other in the front-rear direction. The recess 25b extends to the upper end of the second outer surface so as to face substantially the entire second intermediate portion 43 of the corresponding contact 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0100] The outermost recess 25b in the width direction of the contact 40 also overlaps with the intermediate portion 53 in the fitting direction that intersects the width direction of the contact 40. The recess 25b is positioned over substantially the entire vertical portion of the second outer surface, excluding the lower part, relative to the contacts 50 facing each other in the front-rear direction. The recess 25b extends to the upper end of the second outer surface so as to face substantially the entire intermediate portion 53 of the corresponding contact 50 in the front-rear direction.

[0101] As can be easily understood from Figures 9 and 11, the retained portion 52 of the contact 50 engages with the second mounting groove 24 located on the longitudinal wall 22b of the second insulator 20. The contact 50 is attached to the second insulator 20 via the retained portion 52. The retained portion 54 of the contact 50 engages with the second mounting groove 35 located on the fitting projection 32 of the third insulator 30. The contact 50 is attached to the third insulator 30 via the retained portion 54. The contact 50 is attached to the third insulator 30 in addition to the second insulator 20.

[0102] When each of the multiple contacts 50 is attached to the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30, the contact portion 55 of the contact 50 is positioned along the third insulator 30. The contact portion 55 of the contact 50 exposes its contact surface toward the inside of the fitting recess 33 in the second mounting groove 35 of the third insulator 30.

[0103] When contacts 40 and 50 are attached to the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30, each of them supports the third insulator 30 in a state where it is separated from and floating relative to the second insulator 20. The second connector 10 has a plurality of signal contacts 50 in addition to the power contact 40. The pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting portions in the second intermediate portion 43 of contact 40 is the same as the pitch of a pair of adjacent contacts 50.

[0104] The base portion 31, which constitutes the central and lower parts of the third insulator 30, is positioned in the internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second insulator 20, spaced apart from the outer peripheral wall 22 and floating. The fitting projection 32 of the third insulator 30 protrudes upward from the opening 21a of the second insulator 20 and is positioned above the internal space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 22. The fitting projection 32 is exposed from the internal space. The fitting projection 32 and fitting recess 33 of the third insulator 30 are positioned above the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second insulator 20 in a manner that allows them to be fitted with the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60.

[0105] The second connector 10 having the structure described above is mounted, for example, on the circuit surface located on the mounting surface of the circuit board CB2, as shown in Figure 8. More specifically, the second mounting portion 41 of the contact 40 is placed on solder paste applied to the power supply pattern on the circuit board CB2. The mounting portion 51 of the contact 50 is placed on solder paste applied to the signal pattern on the circuit board CB2.

[0106] By heating and melting each solder paste in a reflow oven or the like, the second mounting section 41 and the mounting section 51 are soldered to the power pattern and signal pattern, respectively. As a result, the mounting of the second connector 10 to the circuit board CB2 is completed. Other electronic components, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controller, or memory, are mounted on the circuit side of the circuit board CB2, separate from the second connector 10.

[0107] The operation of the second connector 10, which has a floating structure, will be described in detail.

[0108] The second insulator 20 is fixed to the circuit board CB2 by soldering the first mounting portion 41 of contact 40 and the mounting portion 51 of contact 50 to the circuit board CB2. The third insulator 30 becomes movable relative to the second insulator 20 fixed to the circuit board CB2 by the elastic deformation of contacts 40 and 50. For example, the third insulator 30 is movable in the front-to-back direction by the elastic deformation of contacts 40 and 50 in the front-to-back direction. The third insulator 30 is movable in the left-to-right direction by the elastic deformation of contacts 40 and 50 in the left-to-right direction.

[0109] With respect to the second connector 10 having the floating structure described above, the first connector 60 is positioned vertically opposite the second connector 10 while aligning their front-to-back and left-to-right positions to approximately coincide. Then, the first connector 60 is moved downward. At this time, even if their positions are slightly misaligned in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, the second connector 10 will be drawn into the first connector 60.

[0110] At this time, the floating structure of the second connector 10 causes the third insulator 30 to move relative to the second insulator 20. More specifically, the mating projection 32 of the third insulator 30 is drawn into the mating recess 72 of the first insulator 70. When the first connector 60 is moved downward, the mating recess 33 of the third insulator 30 and the mating projection 73 of the first insulator 70 engage with each other. The second connector 10 engages with the first connector 60 along the mating direction that intersects the width direction of the contact 80.

[0111] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 1.

[0112] As shown in Figure 13, in the mated state in which the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10 and the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60 are fitted together, the contact 40 of the second connector 10 and the contact 80 of the first connector 60 are in contact with each other. For example, the second contact portion 45 of the contact 40 and the first contact portion 85 of the contact 80, which acts as an elastic contact piece, are in contact with each other via the contact portion 85a. At this time, the first contact portion 85 of the contact 80 is slightly elastically deformed inward in the front-rear direction and is elastically displaced inward in the front-rear direction inside the first mounting groove 74.

[0113] Similarly, in the mated state in which the third insulator 30 of the second connector 10 and the first insulator 70 of the first connector 60 are fitted together, the contact 50 of the second connector 10 and the contact 90 of the first connector 60 come into contact with each other. For example, the contact portion 55 of the contact 50 and the contact portion 95 of the contact 90, which is an elastic contact piece, come into contact with each other via the contact portion 95a. At this time, the contact portion 95 of the contact 90 is slightly elastically deformed inward in the front-rear direction and is elastically displaced inward in the front-rear direction inside the second mounting groove 75.

[0114] As a result, the second connector 10 and the first connector 60 are fully connected. At this time, circuit boards CB1 and CB2 are electrically connected to each other via the first connector 60 and the second connector 10. For example, power supply current flows between circuit boards CB1 and CB2 via contacts 80 and 40. Electrical signals flow between circuit boards CB1 and CB2 via contacts 90 and 50.

[0115] The following explanation will primarily focus on the first connector 60 or the second connector 10 and describe their effects. However, the same explanation also applies to the connector module 1 having the first connector 60 and the second connector 10, and to electronic equipment having the first connector 60 or the connector module 1.

[0116] As described above, the first connector 60 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to improve heat dissipation. In the first connector 60, the first insulator 70 has a first recess on its first outer surface. This allows the first connector 60 to increase the surface area of ​​the first outer surface by arranging the first recess on the first outer surface that is in contact with the outside of the first insulator 70. In addition, when the first outer surface of the first connector 60 is viewed from the front, the first recess overlaps with the contact 80, making it possible to dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 based on the current flowing through the contact 80 to the outside of the first connector 60 through the first recess.

[0117] In the first connector 60, the first mounting portion 81 of the contact 80 is wider than the first contact portion 85. This allows the first connector 60 to dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 based on the current flowing through the contact 80 to the circuit board CB1 on which the first connector 60 is mounted, via the first mounting portion 81.

[0118] Based on the above-described configuration of the first recess or first mounting portion 81, the first connector 60 can improve heat dissipation. By improving heat dissipation, the first connector 60 can reduce, for example, the deterioration of the springiness of the contact 80 due to creep. The first connector 60 can also reduce the transfer of heat generated in the contact 80 to the signal contact 90, thereby similarly reducing the deterioration of the springiness of the contact 90. The first connector 60 can maintain the springiness of the contact 90 even for multiple contacts 90 that are susceptible to heat due to their narrow pitch and fine spring portion used for signals. As a result, the first connector 60 can also improve the long-term reliability of the connector. The first connector 60 can also improve long-term reliability even when the signal terminals and power terminals tend to be closer to each other in response to the demand for miniaturization.

[0119] In the first connector 60, the first recess overlaps with the entire width of the contact 80 in the width direction of the contact 80. This allows the first connector 60 to efficiently dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 based on the current flowing through the contact 80 to the outside of the first connector 60 through the first recess.

[0120] The first recess overlaps with the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85 in the mating direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 80. This allows the first connector 60 to overlap the first recess with the contact portion 85a of the contact 80, which is more prone to heat generation than other parts of the contact 80. Therefore, the first connector 60 can also dissipate the heat generated at the contact portion 85a of the contact 80 to the outside of the first connector 60 through the first recess.

[0121] The contact 80 has a plurality of first contact portions 85 arranged along the width direction of the contact 80. The first connector 60 can also improve heat dissipation by allowing the heat generated from the plurality of first contact portions 85, which are prone to generating heat due to the upper end of the contact 80 being divided into slits and becoming finer, to escape to the outside of the first connector 60 through the first recess.

[0122] The first mounting portion 81 is arranged continuously along the width direction of the contact 80, spanning the entire width of the multiple first contact portions 85. This allows the first connector 60 to integrally arrange the first mounting portion 81 as a wide component. Therefore, the first connector 60 can also dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 based on the current flowing through the contact 80 to the circuit board CB1 on which the first connector 60 is mounted, via the first mounting portion 81.

[0123] The contact 80 has a first intermediate portion 83 located between the first contact portion 85 and the first mounting portion 81, and is positioned closer to the first recess than the first contact portion 85. This allows the first connector 60 to bring the components of the contact 80 closer to the first recess. Therefore, the first connector 60 can also dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 due to the current flowing through the contact 80 to the outside of the first connector 60 through the first recess.

[0124] The first intermediate section 83 is continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 80, spanning the entire width of the first mounting section 81. This allows the first connector 60 to integrally arrange the first intermediate section 83 as a wide component. Consequently, the first connector 60 can also dissipate the heat generated in the contact 80 based on the current flowing through the contact 80 to the circuit board CB1 via the first mounting section 81.

[0125] The first connector 60 has multiple signal contacts 90 in addition to the power contact 80. This allows the first connector 60 to integrate signal and power connection functions into a single connector. Therefore, the first connector 60 can reduce costs in terms of the number of parts or assembly man-hours.

[0126] In the second connector 10, the second insulator 20 has a second recess on its second outer surface. This allows the second connector 10 to increase the surface area of ​​the second outer surface by placing the second recess on the second outer surface that is in contact with the outside of the second insulator 20. In addition, when the second outer surface of the second connector 10 is viewed from the front, the second recess overlaps with the contact 40, making it possible to dissipate the heat generated in the contact 40 due to the current flowing through the contact 40 to the outside of the second connector 10 through the second recess.

[0127] Based on the above-described configuration of the second recess, the second connector 10 can improve heat dissipation. By improving heat dissipation, the second connector 10 can reduce the degradation of the contacts 40. The second connector 10 can reduce the transfer of heat generated in the contacts 40 to the signal contacts 50, thereby similarly reducing the degradation of the contacts 50. The second connector 10 can maintain the reliability of the contacts 50 even for multiple contacts 50 that are susceptible to heat due to their narrow pitch and miniaturization for signaling. As a result, the second connector 10 can also improve the long-term reliability of the connector. The second connector 10 can also improve long-term reliability even when the signal terminals and power terminals tend to be closer to each other in accordance with the demand for miniaturization.

[0128] In the second connector 10, the second recess overlaps with the entire width of the contact 40 in the width direction of the contact 40. This allows the second connector 10 to efficiently dissipate the heat generated in the contact 40 based on the current flowing through the contact 40 to the outside of the second connector 10 through the second recess.

[0129] The second recess overlaps the second intermediate portion 43, which is located between the second contact portion 45 and the second mounting portion 41, in the mating direction. This allows the second connector 10 to overlap the second recess with the second intermediate portion 43, which is more prone to heat generation in the contact 40 than other parts. Therefore, the second connector 10 can also dissipate the heat generated in the second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 to the outside of the second connector 10 through the second recess.

[0130] In the second connector 10, only an air gap exists between the second intermediate portion 43 and the second insulator 20. Therefore, the second connector 10 can also facilitate the transfer of heat generated in the second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 to the second recess through the air gap. Therefore, the second connector 10 can also release the heat generated in the second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 to the outside of the second connector 10 through the second recess.

[0131] The second intermediate section 43 has multiple elastically deformable connecting parts. This allows the second connector 10 to follow the movement of the third insulator 30, which acts as a movable insulator, and to elastically deform the contact 40. Therefore, the second connector 10 can achieve floating operation. The second connector 10 can also improve heat dissipation by allowing the heat generated in the second intermediate section 43, where heat tends to be generated due to the central part of the contact 40 being divided into fine parts such as slits, to escape to the outside of the second connector 10 through the second recess.

[0132] The second connector 10 has multiple signal contacts 50 in addition to the power contact 40. This allows the second connector 10 to integrate signal and power connection functions into a single connector. Therefore, the second connector 10 can reduce costs in terms of the number of parts or assembly man-hours.

[0133] In the second intermediate section 43, the pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting sections is the same as the pitch of a pair of adjacent contacts 50. This makes it possible for the second connector 10 to make the behavior of the contacts in floating operation identical between contacts 40 and contacts 50 when the third insulator 30, which acts as a movable insulator, moves.

[0134] The second contact portion 45 is continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 40, spanning the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43. This allows the second connector 10 to integrally arrange the second contact portion 45 as a wide component. Therefore, the second connector 10 can also efficiently absorb the heat generated at the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85 of the first contact 80 based on the contact between the second contact portion 45 and the contact portion 85a.

[0135] The second mounting section 41 is continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 40, spanning the entire width of the second intermediate section 43. This allows the second connector 10 to integrally arrange the second mounting section 41 as a wide component. Therefore, the second connector 10 can also dissipate the heat generated in the contact 40 due to the current flowing through the contact 40 to the circuit board CB2 on which the second connector 10 is mounted, via the second mounting section 41.

[0136] In the first embodiment described above, the first recess overlaps with the entire width of the contact 80 in the width direction of the contact 80, but this is not limited to this. The first recess may overlap with a portion of the width of the contact 80 in the width direction of the contact 80.

[0137] In the first embodiment described above, the first recess is said to overlap with the contact portion 85a of the first contact portion 85 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 80, but this is not limited to this. The first recess does not have to overlap with the contact portion 85a in the fitting direction.

[0138] In the first embodiment described above, the contact 80 is said to have a plurality of first contact portions 85 arranged along the width direction of the contact 80, but it is not limited thereto. The contact 80 may have a single first contact portion 85.

[0139] In the first embodiment described above, the first mounting portion 81 is described as being continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 80 across the entire width of the plurality of first contact portions 85, but this is not limited to this. The first mounting portion 81 may be arranged along the width direction of the contact 80 to be narrower or wider than the entire width of the plurality of first contact portions 85. The first mounting portion 81 does not have to be continuously arranged. For example, the first mounting portion 81 may be divided into slits along the width direction of the contact 80.

[0140] In the first embodiment described above, the contact 80 is said to have a first intermediate portion 83 located between the first contact portion 85 and the first mounting portion 81, and positioned closer to the first recess than the first contact portion 85. However, it is not limited to this. The first intermediate portion 83 does not have to be positioned closer to the first recess than the first contact portion 85. The contact 80 does not have to have a first intermediate portion 83 between the first contact portion 85 and the first mounting portion 81.

[0141] In the first embodiment described above, the first intermediate portion 83 is described as being continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 80 across the entire width of the first mounting portion 81, but it is not limited to this. The first intermediate portion 83 may be arranged along the width direction of the contact 80 to be narrower or wider than the entire width of the first mounting portion 81. The first intermediate portion 83 does not have to be continuously arranged. For example, the first intermediate portion 83 may be divided into slits along the width direction of the contact 80.

[0142] In the first embodiment described above, the second insulator 20 of the second connector 10 is described as having a second recess located on its second outer surface, but it is not limited to this. The second insulator 20 does not have to have a second recess.

[0143] In the first embodiment described above, the second recess is said to overlap with the contact 40 when the second outer surface is viewed from the front, but this is not limited to this. The second recess does not have to overlap with the contact 40 when the second outer surface is viewed from the front.

[0144] In the first embodiment described above, the second recess overlaps with the entire width of the contact 40 in the width direction, but is not limited to this. The second recess may overlap with a portion of the width of the contact 40 in the width direction.

[0145] In the first embodiment described above, the contact 40 is said to have a second intermediate portion 43 located between the second contact portion 45 and the second mounting portion 41, but it is not limited to this. The contact 40 does not have to have a second intermediate portion 43 between the second contact portion 45 and the second mounting portion 41.

[0146] In the first embodiment described above, the second recess overlaps with the second intermediate portion 43 in the fitting direction intersecting the width direction of the contact 40, but this is not limited to this. The second recess does not have to overlap with the second intermediate portion 43 in the fitting direction.

[0147] In the first embodiment described above, only an air gap is described as being between the second intermediate portion 43 and the second insulator 20, but this is not the only possible configuration. Other components of the second connector 10 may be interposed between the second intermediate portion 43 and the second insulator 20.

[0148] In the first embodiment described above, the second intermediate portion 43 is described as being configured in a slit shape, but is not limited to this. The second intermediate portion 43 does not have to be configured in a slit shape, having a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions. Alternatively, the second intermediate portion 43 does not have a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions. The second intermediate portion 43 may be arranged continuously along the width direction of the contact 40.

[0149] In the first embodiment described above, the second connector 10 is said to have a plurality of signal contacts 50 in addition to the power contact 40, but it is not limited to this. The second connector 10 may have only the power contact 40 and not the plurality of signal contacts 50.

[0150] In the first embodiment described above, the pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting portions in the second intermediate portion 43 is the same as the pitch of a pair of adjacent contacts 50, but this is not limited to this. The pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting portions in the second intermediate portion 43 may be different from the pitch of a pair of adjacent contacts 50.

[0151] In the first embodiment described above, the second contact portion 45 is described as being continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 40 over the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43, but is not limited to this. The second contact portion 45 may be arranged along the width direction of the contact 40 to be narrower or wider than the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43. The second contact portion 45 does not have to be continuously arranged. For example, the second contact portion 45 may be divided into slits along the width direction of the contact 40.

[0152] In the first embodiment described above, the second mounting portion 41 is described as being continuously arranged along the width direction of the contact 40 across the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43, but this is not limited to this. The second mounting portion 41 may be arranged along the width direction of the contact 40 to be narrower or wider than the entire width of the second intermediate portion 43. The second mounting portion 41 does not have to be continuously arranged. For example, the second mounting portion 41 may be divided into slits along the width direction of the contact 40.

[0153] In the first embodiment described above, the second connector 10 is described as having a third insulator 30 that is movable relative to the second insulator 20 and mates with the first connector 60, but it is not limited to this. The second connector 10 may have only the second insulator 20 and not the third insulator 30. The second connector 10 does not have a floating structure.

[0154] In the first embodiment described above, the contact 40 is attached to both the second insulator 20 and the third insulator 30, but this is not limited to that. The contact 40 may be attached to either the second insulator 20 or the third insulator 30.

[0155] On the other hand, although it was explained that the first connector 60 does not have a floating structure in the first embodiment described above, it is not limited to this. The first connector 60 may have a floating structure. At least one of the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 may have a floating structure, or neither may have a floating structure.

[0156] If at least one of the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 has a floating structure, an elastically deformable portion is required in the connector to allow the movable insulator to move. This is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of heat dissipation. However, even if the above portion of the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 is prone to generating heat due to its miniaturization, it is possible to improve heat dissipation by releasing the generated heat to the outside of the connector through at least one of the first recess and the second recess. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the second connector 10 is miniaturized into a slit shape at the connecting portion of the second intermediate portion 43 of the contact 40 in order to realize a floating structure. However, even in such a case, the second connector 10 can efficiently release heat to the outside through the second recess that overlaps with the second intermediate portion 43.

[0157] In the first embodiment, the assembly methods for the second connector 10 and the first connector 60 described above are not limited to those described above. The assembly methods for the second connector 10 and the first connector 60 can be any method, as long as they can be assembled in a way that allows them to perform their respective functions.

[0158] For example, at least one of contacts 40 and 50 may be integrally molded with the second insulator 20 by insert molding rather than press-fitting. At least one of contacts 40 and 50 may be integrally molded with the third insulator 30 by insert molding rather than press-fitting. For example, at least one of contacts 80 and 90 may be integrally molded with the first insulator 70 by insert molding rather than press-fitting.

[0159] (Second Embodiment) Figure 14 is a top-view perspective view showing the mated state of the connector module 1 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. In Figure 14, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 according to the second embodiment are connected to each other. Figure 15 is a top-view perspective view showing the separated state of the connector module 1 of Figure 14. In Figure 15, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 are separated from each other. Figure 16 is a top-view perspective view showing the first connector 60 alone connected to the second connector 10 of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a top-view perspective view showing the second connector 10 alone of Figure 15.

[0160] In the first embodiment described above, the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 each had a total of eight power terminals, but this is not limited to this. The first connector 60 and the second connector 10 in the second embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that they each have a different number of power terminals. Other configurations, functions, effects, and modifications are the same as in the first embodiment, and corresponding descriptions apply to the first connector 60 and the second connector 10 in the second embodiment. In the following, components the same as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0161] As shown in Figure 16, in the first connector 60 according to the second embodiment, the contacts 80 may be arranged in a total of two, one on each side of the front and rear at one end of the first connector 60 in the left-right direction, and one on each side of the front and rear at the other end, for a total of two. Unlike the first embodiment which has eight contacts 80, the first connector 60 may have four contacts 80.

[0162] As shown in Figure 17, in the second connector 10 according to the second embodiment, the contacts 40 may be arranged in a total of two, one on each side of the front and rear at one end of the second connector 10 in the left-right direction, and one on each side of the front and rear at the other end, for a total of two. Unlike the first embodiment which has eight contacts 40, the second connector 10 may have four contacts 40.

[0163] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be implemented in other predetermined forms besides the embodiments described above without deviating from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the prior description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the prior description but by the added claims. Any modifications within their equivalent scope are included therein.

[0164] For example, the shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component described above are not limited to those shown in the above description and drawings. The shape, pattern, size, arrangement, orientation, type, and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily, as long as they can achieve their function.

[0165] The first connector 60 or connector module 1 described above is mounted on an electronic device. The electronic device includes, for example, any in-vehicle equipment such as cameras, radar, drive recorders, and engine control units. The electronic device includes, for example, any in-vehicle equipment used in in-vehicle systems such as car navigation systems, advanced driver-assistance systems, and security systems. The electronic device includes, for example, any information equipment such as personal computers, smartphones, copiers, printers, fax machines, and multifunction devices. In addition, the electronic device includes any industrial equipment.

[0166] Such electronic devices have the effect of improving heat dissipation. Therefore, the long-term reliability of the electronic device having the first connector 60 or connector module 1 as a product is improved.

[0167] The excellent floating structure of the second connector 10 absorbs misalignment between circuit boards, improving work efficiency when assembling electronic equipment. This makes the manufacturing of electronic equipment easier. The second connector 10 reduces damage to the connection point with the circuit board CB2, improving the reliability of the electronic equipment as a product.

[0168] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below. However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] A first connector comprising: a first insulator having a first recess disposed on a first outer surface; and a first contact attached to the first insulator, having a first contact portion on one end and a first mounting portion on the other end, wherein the first recess overlaps with the first contact when the first outer surface is viewed from the front, and in the first contact, the first mounting portion is wider than the first contact portion. [Note 2] The first connector according to Note 1, wherein the first recess overlaps with the entire width of the first contact in the width direction of the first contact. [Note 3] The first connector according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the first recess overlaps with the contact portion of the first contact in a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the first contact. [Note 4] A first connector according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first contact has a plurality of first contact portions arranged along the width direction of the first contact. [Note 5] A first connector according to Note 4, wherein the first mounting portion is continuously arranged along the width direction over the entire width of the plurality of first contact portions. [Note 6] A first connector according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first contact has a first intermediate portion located between the first contact portion and the first mounting portion, and positioned closer to the first recess than the first contact portion. [Note 7] A first connector according to Note 6, wherein the first intermediate portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the first contact over the entire width of the first mounting portion. [Note 8] A connector module comprising: a first connector according to any one of Notes 1 to 7; and a second connector that mates with the first connector along a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the first contact.[Note 9] A connector module according to Note 8, wherein the second connector comprises a second insulator having a second recess disposed on a second outer surface, and a second contact attached to the second insulator having a second contact portion on one end and a second mounting portion on the other end, wherein the second recess overlaps with the second contact when the second outer surface is viewed from the front. [Note 10] A connector module according to Note 9, wherein the second recess overlaps with the entire width of the second contact in the width direction of the second contact. [Note 11] A connector module according to Note 9 or 10, wherein the second contact has a second intermediate portion located between the second contact portion and the second mounting portion, and the second recess overlaps with the second intermediate portion in a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the second contact. [Note 12] A connector module according to Note 11, wherein only an air gap is interposed between the second intermediate portion and the second insulator. [Note 13] A connector module according to Note 11 or 12, wherein the second intermediate portion has a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions. [Note 14] A connector module according to Note 13, wherein the second connector has a plurality of third contacts for signals in addition to the second contact for power, and the pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting portions in the second intermediate portion is the same as the pitch of a pair of adjacent third contacts. [Note 15] A connector module according to any one of Notes 11 to 14, wherein the second contact portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the second contact over the entire width of the second intermediate portion. [Note 16] A connector module according to any one of Notes 11 to 15, wherein the second mounting portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the second contact over the entire width of the second intermediate portion.[Note 17] A connector module according to any one of Notes 9 to 16, wherein the second connector is movable relative to the second insulator and comprises a third insulator that mates with the first connector, and the second contact is attached to the third insulator in addition to the second insulator. [Note 18] An electronic device comprising the first connector according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, or the connector module according to any one of Notes 8 to 17.

[0169] 1 Connector module 10 Second connector 20 Second insulator 21a Opening 21b Opening 22 Outer wall 22a Short side wall 22b Long side wall 23 First mounting groove 24 Second mounting groove 25a Recess (second recess) 25b Recess (second recess) 30 Third insulator 31 Base 32 Mating projection 33 Mating recess 34 First mounting groove 35 Second mounting groove 40 Contact (second contact) 41 Second mounting part 42 Retained part 43 Second intermediate part 44 Retained part 45 Second contact part 50 Contact 51 Mounting part 52 Retained part 53 Intermediate part 54 Retained part 55 Contact part 60 First connector 70 First insulator 71 Outer wall 71a Short side wall 71b Long wall 72 Fitting recess 73 Fitting protrusion 74 First mounting groove 75 Second mounting groove 76a Recess (first recess) 76b Recess (first recess) 80 Contact (first contact) 81 First mounting part 82 Retained part 83 First intermediate part 84 Retained part 85 First contact part 85a Contact part 90 Contact 91 Mounting part 92 Retained part 93 Intermediate part 94 Retained part 95 Contact part 95a Contact part CB1 Circuit board CB2 Circuit board

Claims

1. A first connector comprising: a first insulator having a first recess disposed on a first outer surface; and a first contact attached to the first insulator, having a first contact portion on one end and a first mounting portion on the other end, wherein the first recess overlaps with the first contact when the first outer surface is viewed from the front, and in the first contact, the first mounting portion is wider than the first contact portion.

2. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein the first recess overlaps with the entire width of the first contact in the width direction of the first contact.

3. A first connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first recess overlaps with the contact portion of the first contact portion in a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the first contact.

4. A first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first contact has a plurality of first contact portions arranged along the width direction of the first contact.

5. The first connector according to claim 4, wherein the first mounting portion is continuously arranged along the width direction over the overall width of the plurality of first contact portions.

6. A first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first contact has a first intermediate portion located between the first contact portion and the first mounting portion, and positioned closer to the first recess than the first contact portion.

7. The first connector according to claim 6, wherein the first intermediate portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the first contact over the entire width of the first mounting portion.

8. A connector module comprising: a first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a second connector that mates with the first connector along a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the first contact.

9. A connector module according to claim 8, wherein the second connector comprises: a second insulator having a second recess disposed on a second outer surface; and a second contact attached to the second insulator, having a second contact portion on one end and a second mounting portion on the other end, wherein the second recess overlaps with the second contact when the second outer surface is viewed from the front.

10. A connector module according to claim 9, wherein the second recess overlaps with the entire width of the second contact in the width direction of the second contact.

11. A connector module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second contact has a second intermediate portion located between the second contact portion and the second mounting portion, and the second recess overlaps the second intermediate portion in a mating direction intersecting the width direction of the second contact.

12. A connector module according to claim 11, wherein only an air gap is interposed between the second intermediate portion and the second insulator.

13. A connector module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second intermediate portion has a plurality of elastically deformable connecting portions.

14. A connector module according to claim 13, wherein the second connector has a plurality of third contacts for signals in addition to the second contact for power, and the pitch of a pair of adjacent connecting portions in the second intermediate portion is the same as the pitch of a pair of adjacent third contacts.

15. A connector module according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second contact portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the second contact over the entire width of the second intermediate portion.

16. A connector module according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second mounting portion is continuously arranged along the width direction of the second contact over the entire width of the second intermediate portion.

17. A connector module according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the second connector comprises a third insulator that is movable relative to the second insulator and mates with the first connector, and the second contact is attached to the third insulator in addition to the second insulator.

18. Electronic equipment comprising a first connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or a connector module according to any one of claims 8 to 17.

Images