JP2010232155A - Floating connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a floating connector coping with position shift between substrates. <P>SOLUTION: The floating connector for connecting two substrates having electric wiring has two female connectors fixed to respective substrates, and male connector for electrically connecting one female connector and the other female connector. In the female connector, a plurality of groove parts having openings on a side opposite to the side to which the substrate is fixed are formed, the groove parts are along a direction in which the substrates are connected, the groove parts have respective U-shaped contacts, the male connector has a plate-like conductive contact of a shape suitale for the U-shaped contacts, and since the U-shaped contacts and the plate-like contacts contact, via the plate-like contacts, one female connector and other female connectors are electrically connected to solve problems. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a floating connector.

  There is a floating connector as a connector for connecting printed circuit boards inside an electronic device (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Such a floating connector is used when the printed circuit boards are mounted in parallel in the horizontal direction or connected in the vertical direction, and is used in various applications for connecting the printed circuit boards.

JP-A-4-28186 JP 2008-16271 A

  By the way, such a floating connector is provided at the horizontal end of the printed circuit board to be connected when the printed circuit board is connected in the horizontal direction. Components could not be mounted, and there was a limit in high integration and high density. Moreover, since the printed circuit board to be connected is fixed with a screw or the like, a connector that can be connected without accurately aligning the printed circuit boards has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in the case where the printed circuit board is connected in the horizontal direction, the connector portion does not become a dead space, and a positional deviation or the like occurs between the printed circuit boards. Another object of the present invention is to provide a floating connector capable of reliably connecting a printed circuit board in the horizontal direction with high density.

  The present invention is a floating connector for connecting two substrates having electrical wiring, and electrically connects two female connectors, one female connector and the other female connector fixed to each of the substrates. A male connector for connecting, wherein the female connector has a plurality of grooves formed on the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed, and the grooves are in a direction in which the substrate is connected. Each of the groove portions has a U-shaped contact, and the male connector has a conductive plate-shaped contact that fits into the U-shaped contact. The U-shaped contact and the plate-shaped contact are in contact with each other, so that the one female connector and the other female connector are electrically connected via the plate-shaped contact. It is a thing to do.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that after the female connector is fixed to the substrate, the male connector is inserted and fitted from the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the groove portion is formed in an arc shape, and has a shape that spreads on both sides of the groove portion along the direction in which the substrate is connected with the U-shaped contact as the center. And

  In the present invention, the U-shaped contact is provided with a contact portion that contacts the plate-shaped contact, and the contact portion is formed in an arc shape, and the U-shaped contact It is a shape which spreads on both sides of the groove portion along the direction in which the substrate is connected around the contact.

  In the present invention, the female connector is characterized in that a taper is formed at the tip of the groove on the side opposite to the side fixed to the substrate.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the male connector is provided with a hook for hooking on the outer side surface of the female connector so that the mated state is maintained in a state of being mated with the female connector. And

  In the present invention, in the two substrates, the surface opposite to the surface on which the female connector is fixed is in the same plane when the female connector and the male connector are fitted. And

  The present invention is also a floating connector for connecting two boards having electrical wiring, wherein two male connectors fixed to each of the boards, one male connector and the other male connector are electrically connected. A female connector for electrically connecting, the male connector has a conductive connection terminal extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface, and the female connector fits the connection terminal A fitting portion having conductivity for, and by fitting the fitting portion of the female connector and the connection terminals of the two male connectors, via the fitting portion of the female connector, The one male connector and the other male connector are electrically connected to each other.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that after fixing the male connector to the substrate, the female connector is fitted from the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that a taper is formed at the tip of the connection terminal.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the fitting portion is formed by extending a U-shaped cross section in the cross-sectional direction, and the interval between the U-shaped tip portions is narrow. To do.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the female connector is provided with a hook for hooking on the outer side surface of the male connector so that the mated state is maintained in a state of being mated with the male connector. And

  In the present invention, in the two substrates, the surface opposite to the surface on which the male connector is fixed is in the same plane when the female connector and the male connector are fitted. And

  In addition, the present invention is a floating connector for connecting two substrates having electrical wiring, and an electrode terminal and an opening are provided at an end of the substrate, and the floating connector includes the opening A fitting part that fits into the part and an electrode part made of a conductive material that comes into contact with the electrode terminal are provided, and the electrode part comes into contact with the electrode terminals of two of the boards, whereby one substrate The electrode terminal is electrically connected to the electrode terminal of the other substrate.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the opening is formed long in a direction in which the substrate is connected.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the electrode portion is made of a metal material and has a spring property.

  According to the present invention, when the printed circuit board is connected in the horizontal direction, the connector portion does not become a dead space, and the printed circuit board is surely placed in the horizontal direction even when there is a positional deviation between the printed circuit boards. It is possible to provide a floating connector that can be connected to a high density.

The perspective view of the state which connected the floating connector in 1st Embodiment The perspective view of the female connector in 1st Embodiment Top view of female connector in first embodiment Side view in the longitudinal direction of the female connector in the first embodiment Side view of short-side direction of female connector in first embodiment The perspective view of the female connector terminal in 1st Embodiment Top view of female connector terminal in the first embodiment The perspective view of the bottom face part of the male connector in a 1st embodiment The perspective view of the upper surface part of the male connector in a 1st embodiment Top view of male connector in the first embodiment Side view in the longitudinal direction of the male connector in the first embodiment Side view of short direction of male connector in first embodiment Configuration diagram (1) of the connected state of the floating connector in the first embodiment Top view of connected state of floating connector in first embodiment (1) The perspective view (1) of the state which the floating connector in 1st Embodiment connected Configuration diagram (2) of the connected state of the floating connector in the first embodiment Top view of the floating connector connected in the first embodiment (2) Top view (3) of the connected state of the floating connector in the first embodiment The perspective view (2) of the state which the floating connector in 1st Embodiment connected Side view of the connected state of the floating connector in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of the state which the floating connector in 1st Embodiment connected The perspective view of the example of a connection using the floating connector in 1st Embodiment Top view of a connection example using a floating connector in the first embodiment Side view of a connection example using the floating connector in the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of another example of connection using the floating connector in 1st Embodiment The perspective view of the state which connected the floating connector in 2nd Embodiment The perspective view of the male connector in 2nd Embodiment Top view of male connector in the second embodiment Side view in the longitudinal direction of the male connector in the second embodiment Side view of male connector according to second embodiment in short direction The perspective view of the bottom face part of the female connector in 2nd Embodiment The perspective view of the upper surface part of the female connector in 2nd Embodiment Top view of female connector in second embodiment Side view in the longitudinal direction of the female connector in the second embodiment Side view of short-side direction of female connector in second embodiment Schematic diagram of the connected state of the floating connector in the second embodiment (1) Top view of connected state of floating connector in second embodiment (1) The perspective view of the state which the floating connector in 2nd Embodiment connected (1) Conceptual diagram (2) of the connected state of the floating connector in the second embodiment Top view of the floating connector connected in the second embodiment (2) Top view (3) of the connected state of the floating connector in the second embodiment The perspective view (2) of the state which the floating connector in 2nd Embodiment connected The side view of the state which the floating connector in 2nd Embodiment connected Explanatory drawing of the state which the floating connector in 2nd Embodiment connected The perspective view of the state which connected the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment The top view of the printed circuit board connected by the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment The perspective view of the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment Side view of the floating connector in the third embodiment Side view of the state where the floating connector in the third embodiment is connected (1) Explanatory drawing (1) of the state which the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment connected Explanatory drawing (2) of the state which the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment connected Explanatory drawing (3) of the state which the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment connected Side view (2) of the state which connected the floating connector in 3rd Embodiment The perspective view of the state which connected the floating connector of the modification in 3rd Embodiment The top view of the printed circuit board connected by the floating connector of the modification in 3rd Embodiment The perspective view of the floating connector of the modification in 3rd Embodiment The side view of the state which connected the floating connector of the modification in 3rd Embodiment

  A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described. The floating connector according to the present embodiment includes a male connector and a female connector. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the female connector 21 fixedly connected to the printed circuit board 11 or the female connector 22 fixedly connected to the printed circuit board 12, and the female connector 21 and the female connector 22 are electrically connected. It consists of a male connector 23 for this purpose. The female connector 21 and the female connector 22 have the same shape. Thereby, the two printed circuit boards 11 and 12 are connected in the direction (board connection direction) in which the printed circuit board shown by the arrow A is connected.

(Female connector)
First, the female connector in the present embodiment will be described. 2 is a perspective view of the female connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a top view, FIG. 4 is a side view in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 5 is a side view in the short direction.

  The female connectors 21 and 22 in the present embodiment are provided with groove portions 32, 33, and 34 for connecting to the male connector 23 described later in the main body portion 31. The groove portions 32, 33, 34 are provided with female connector terminals 37, 38, 39 for electrical connection with the terminals in the male connector 23. Further, the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39 are electrically connected to the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39. Connection terminals 47, 48 and 49 are provided, which are connected to each other and fixed to the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 and electrically connected to the electrical wiring. The grooves 32, 33, and 34 have openings in a U-shape in the opposite direction to the side fixed to the printed circuit boards 11 and 12, and the grooves 32, 33, and 34 are connected to the board indicated by the arrow A. It is formed in a direction along the direction. Further, a taper 40 is formed in the vicinity of the surface of the main body portion 31 of the groove portions 32, 33, 34 so that the terminals of the male connector 23 can be easily inserted. Further, a hook portion 43 is provided on the side surface of the female connectors 21 and 22 in the short direction.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39. The female connector terminals 37, 38, and 39 are made of a metal material such as copper having electrical conductivity. The female connector terminals 37, 38 and 39 have the same shape and have a metal portion 41 formed in a U-shape. Similarly, the metal part 41 is also formed in a U-shape, and has an opening on the side connected to the male connector 23, that is, on the side opposite to the side on which the printed boards 11 and 12 are formed. The metal part 41 has elasticity, and contact parts 42a and 42b are formed at the tip part which becomes an opening, and is formed so that the terminals in the male connector 23 can be sandwiched and contacted. .

  FIG. 7 is a top view of the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39. In the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39, the contact portions 42 a and 42 b are formed in an arc shape in the board connection direction indicated by the arrow A. This is to ensure that the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 to be connected can be reliably connected even when there is a deviation or the like in the positions of the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 to be connected.

  Similarly, the grooves 32, 33, 34 are also formed in an arc shape, narrow in the center portion and widen toward the outside, that is, in the board connection direction from the portion where the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39 are formed. Are formed in a shape that spreads outward.

(Male connector)
Next, the male connector in the present embodiment will be described. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the male connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a top perspective view, FIG. 10 is a top view, FIG. 11 is a side view in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. FIG.

  The male connector 23 in the present embodiment is inserted into the main body portion 51 and the groove portions 32, 33, 34 of the female connectors 21 and 22 and is electrically connected to the female connector terminals 37, 38, 39. 52, 53, and 54 are provided. The male connector terminals 52, 53 and 54 are formed in a plate shape from a metal material such as copper having conductivity. The female connectors 21 and 22 are electrically connected via the male connector terminals 52, 53, and 54, and the electrical wirings on the printed circuit board 11 and the printed circuit board 12 are electrically connected.

  The male connector terminals 52, 53, and 54 are arranged in parallel so as to follow the board connection direction indicated by the arrow A.

  In the state where the male connector 23 and the female connectors 21 and 22 are fitted to the side portions 56 of the male connector 23, the hook portions 43 of the female connectors 21 and 22 are not easily detached. A hook 57 is provided to be caught. That is, the hook 57 is configured to maintain the state in which the male connector 23 and the female connectors 21 and 22 are fitted.

  In the connector in the present embodiment, the male connector terminals 52, 53, and 54 of the male connector are formed in a plate shape, and the number of parts can be reduced, so that it can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, since the male connector terminal is inserted into the groove formed in the female connector for electrical connection, it is possible to cope with a wide tolerance range against the positional deviation of the printed circuit board. No stress is applied to the connector and the male connector, and an electrical connection can be reliably made.

(Connection with floating connector)
Next, connection by the floating connector according to the present embodiment will be described. The connection by the floating connector according to the present embodiment is, for example, by fixing and connecting the female connectors 21 and 22 to the printed circuit boards 11 and 12, respectively, and then fixing the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 to respective predetermined positions by screws or the like, Thereafter, the female connectors 21 and 22 and the male connector 23 are connected.

  In this case, since the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 are fixed by screwing or the like, a positional shift or the like is likely to occur relatively. Therefore, when connecting such printed boards, the relative positional relationship between the printed boards 11 and 12 is important.

  First, the case where the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 are fixed at predetermined positions by screws or the like will be described. The connection state of the floating connector in this embodiment in this case is shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 14 is a top view of the connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view. As shown in the figure, the male connector terminal 52 of the male connector 23 is inserted into the groove 32a of the female connector 21 and the groove 32b of the female connector 22, and the groove 33a of the female connector 21 and the groove 33b of the female connector 22 are inserted into the groove 33b. The male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23 is inserted into the groove 34 a of the female connector 21 and the male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23. Female connector terminal 37a of female connector 21 and male connector terminal 52 of male connector 23, female connector terminal 38a of female connector 21 and male connector terminal 53 of male connector 23, female connector terminal 39a of female connector 21 and male of male connector 23 The connector terminals 54 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Also, the female connector terminal 37b of the female connector 22 and the male connector terminal 52 of the male connector 23, the female connector terminal 38b of the female connector 22 and the male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23, the female connector terminal 39b of the female connector 22 and the male connector 23 are provided. The male connector terminals 54 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Thus, the female connector terminal 37a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 37b of the female connector 22 are connected via the male connector terminal 52, and the female connector terminal 38a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 38b of the female connector 22 are connected via the male connector terminal 53. The female connector terminal 39a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 39b of the female connector 22 are electrically connected via the male connector terminal 54, respectively.

  In this case, in the female connector terminals 37a, 38a, 39a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminals 37b, 38b, 39b of the female connector 22, the male connector terminals 52, 53, 54 are in contact with each other, the wiring on the printed circuit board 11 and the printed circuit board 12 can be reliably connected electrically.

  Next, a case where the printed boards 11 and 12 are fixed at positions slightly deviated from predetermined positions by screwing or the like will be described. The connection state of the floating connector in this embodiment in this case is shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, FIGS. 17 and 18 are top views of the connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view. 17 and 18 show a case where the misalignment directions of the printed circuit boards 11 and 12 are relatively opposite directions. As shown in the figure, the male connector terminal 52 of the male connector 23 is inserted into the groove 32a of the female connector 21 and the groove 32b of the female connector 22, and the groove 33a of the female connector 21 and the groove 33b of the female connector 22 are inserted into the groove 33b. The male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23 is inserted into the groove 34 a of the female connector 21 and the male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23. Female connector terminal 37a of female connector 21 and male connector terminal 52 of male connector 23, female connector terminal 38a of female connector 21 and male connector terminal 53 of male connector 23, female connector terminal 39a of female connector 21 and male of male connector 23 The connector terminals 54 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Also, the female connector terminal 37b of the female connector 22 and the male connector terminal 52 of the male connector 23, the female connector terminal 38b of the female connector 22 and the male connector terminal 53 of the male connector 23, the female connector terminal 39b of the female connector 22 and the male connector 23 are provided. The male connector terminals 54 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected. Thus, the female connector terminal 37a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 37b of the female connector 22 are connected via the male connector terminal 52, and the female connector terminal 38a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 38b of the female connector 22 are connected via the male connector terminal 53. The female connector terminal 39a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminal 39b of the female connector 22 are electrically connected via the male connector terminal 54, respectively.

  In this case, in the female connector terminals 37a, 38a, 39a of the female connector 21 and the female connector terminals 37b, 38b, 39b of the female connector 22, the contact portions 42a and 42b are formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. Therefore, the male connector terminals 52, 53, and 54 of the male connector 23 formed in a flat plate shape can be reliably brought into contact with each other. Thereby, even when the positional displacement has arisen in the printed circuit boards 11 and 12, the printed circuit board 11 and the printed circuit board 12 can be electrically connected.

  Next, the hook 57 provided on the side portion 56 of the male connector 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. The floating connector in the present embodiment is electrically connected to the printed boards 11 and 12 by inserting the male connector 23 into the female connectors 21 and 22 in the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that this electrical connection is not easily disconnected. For this reason, a hook 57 is provided on the side portion 56 of the male connector 23, and the hook 57 is hooked and fixed to the hook portion 43 provided on the side surface portion of the main body portion 31 of the female connectors 21 and 22. Further, the connection between the female connectors 21 and 22 and the male connector 23 is configured to absorb the displacement in the height direction, and the connection state is from the connection state between the female connector 21 and the male connector 23 shown in FIG. The connection state between the female connector 22 and the male connector 23 is allowed. 20 is a view as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG.

  Next, a case where three or more printed circuit boards are connected using the floating connector in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22, 23, and 24.

  When the printed circuit boards 111, 112, and 113 are arranged in a one-dimensional manner, female connectors 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 is fixedly connected. The female connectors 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 are formed with grooves along the board connection direction indicated by arrow A.

  The female connectors 122 and 123 are connected by inserting the male connector 131 from above, and the female connectors 124 and 125 are connected by inserting the male connector 132 from above. The printed circuit boards 111, 112, and 113 are integrated by connecting the female connector 121 to a male connector 141 having a different shape and connecting the female connector 126 to a male connector 142 having a different shape for input / output from / to the outside. It can be used in the same manner as the substrate. FIG. 22 shows a state in the middle of connection between the male connector and the female connector.

  Next, a case where a printed circuit board is connected two-dimensionally using the floating connector in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25A is a perspective view when a printed circuit board is connected two-dimensionally, and FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view when the printed circuit board is connected two-dimensionally. In addition, although the male connector in this Embodiment is formed so that a main-body part may cover the whole, an internal structure is the same as that of the male connector 23 grade | etc., Mentioned above.

  The printed circuit boards 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 to be connected are fixed to the housing 201 with a plurality of screws 202. Each printed circuit board 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216 is provided with female connectors 221, 222, 223, 224, etc. on the side where the printed circuit boards are adjacent to each other, and the respective printed circuit boards are adjacent to each other. The female connectors provided on the side are connected by male connectors 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 and the like. Accordingly, the printed boards 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 can be used in the same manner as an integrated board. FIG. 25 shows a state in the middle of connecting the male connector, and the female connectors 221, 222, 223, and 224 are respectively connected by male connectors (not shown).

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The floating connector according to the present embodiment includes a male connector and a female connector. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the male connector 321 fixedly connected to the printed circuit board 311 and the male connector (not shown) fixedly connected to the printed circuit board 312 are electrically connected to the male connector 321 and the male connector not shown. It consists of a female connector 323 for connection. A male connector (not shown) fixedly connected to the printed circuit board 312 has the same shape as the male connector 321. Thereby, the two printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are connected in the direction in which the printed circuit board indicated by the arrow C is connected (board connection direction).

(Male connector)
First, the male connector in the present embodiment will be described. 27 is a perspective view of the male connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 28 is a top view, FIG. 29 is a side view in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 30 is a side view in the short direction.

  The male connector 321 in the present embodiment is provided with male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 for electrical connection with terminals provided on the female connector 323 described later on the main body portion 331. The male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 are formed in a pin shape from a conductive material such as metal. The male connector 321 is electrically connected to male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334, and connection terminals 347, 348, and 349 for fixing to the printed circuit board 311 and electrically connecting to the electrical wiring are provided. Is provided. A taber 340 is formed at the tip of the male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 so that a terminal of a female connector 323 described later can be easily inserted. Further, a hook portion 343 is provided on the side surface of the male connector 321 in the short direction.

(Female connector)
Next, the female connector in the present embodiment will be described. 31 is a perspective view of the bottom of the female connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 32 is a top perspective view, FIG. 33 is a top view, FIG. 34 is a longitudinal side view, and FIG. 35 is a short side view. It is a side view.

  The female connector 323 in this embodiment is provided with a main body 351 and female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354 into which male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 of the male connector 321 are inserted. The female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354 are made of a conductive metal material such as copper, and the U-shaped cross section is formed by extending in the cross-sectional direction. The distance between the tip portions is narrow, and the male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 are formed so as to be sandwiched and fitted. When the male connector terminals 332, 333, and 334 are fitted to the female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354, the male connectors 321 are electrically connected to each other via the female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354. As shown in FIG. 26, the electrical wiring in the printed circuit board 311 and the printed circuit board 312 is electrically connected.

  The female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354 are arranged along the board connection direction indicated by an arrow C in the longitudinal direction.

  In addition, the side portion 356 of the female connector 323 is hooked to the hook 357 so that the female connector 323 and the male connector 321 are not easily detached when the male connector 321 is fitted. Is provided. That is, the hook 357 is configured to maintain the state in which the female connector 323 and the male connector 321 are fitted.

  In the connector according to the present embodiment, the male connector terminal is inserted into the groove-shaped female connector terminal for electrical connection. Therefore, no excessive stress is applied to the female connector and the male connector, and an electrical connection can be reliably made.

  In addition, the side surface in the short direction of the main body 331 of the male connector 321 in the present embodiment is formed in an arc shape. This is to ensure that the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 to be connected can be securely connected even when there is a deviation in the positions of the printed circuit boards 311 and 312. In other words, the female connector 323 is configured to rotate somewhat around the male connector terminal 333.

(Connection with floating connector)
Next, connection by the floating connector according to the present embodiment will be described. For the connection by the floating connector according to the present embodiment, for example, the male connectors 321 and 322 are fixedly connected to the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 respectively, and then the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are fixed to predetermined positions by screwing or the like, Thereafter, the male connectors 321 and 322 and the female connector 323 are connected.

  In this case, since the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are fixed by screwing or the like, relative displacement is likely to occur. Therefore, when connecting such printed boards, the relative positional relationship between the printed boards 311 and 312 is important.

  First, the case where the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are fixed at predetermined positions by screwing or the like will be described. The connection state of the floating connector in this embodiment in this case is shown in FIGS. FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram showing the connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, FIG. 37 is a top view of the connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 38 is a perspective view. As shown in the figure, the male connector terminal 332 a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 332 b of the male connector 322 are inserted into the female connector terminal 352 of the female connector 323, and the male connector terminal 353 of the female connector 323 is inserted into the male connector terminal 353. The male connector terminal 333a of the connector 321 and the male connector terminal 333b of the male connector 322 are inserted, and the male connector terminal 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 334b of the male connector 322 are inserted into the female connector terminal 354 of the female connector 323. Has been.

  Accordingly, the male connector terminal 332a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 332b of the male connector 322 are electrically connected via the female connector terminal 352 of the female connector 323, and the female connector terminal 353 of the female connector 323 is connected. The male connector terminal 333a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 333b of the male connector 322 are electrically connected to each other, and the male connector terminal 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 334 of the male connector 321 are connected to each other. The male connector terminal 334b of the connector 322 is electrically connected.

  In this case, the male connector terminals 332a, 333a, and 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminals 332b, 333b, and 334b of the male connector 322 are pin-shaped and cylindrical, and thus the female connector terminal 352 of the female connector 323. 353 and 354, the wirings on the printed circuit board 311 and the printed circuit board 312 can be reliably connected electrically.

  Next, a case where the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are fixed by screwing or the like at a position slightly deviated from a predetermined position will be described. The connection state of the floating connector in this embodiment in this case is shown in FIG. 39, FIG. 40, FIG. 41, and FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, FIGS. 40 and 41 are top views of the connection state of the floating connector in the present embodiment, and FIG. 42 is a perspective view. FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 show a case where the misalignment directions of the printed boards 311 and 312 are relatively opposite directions. As shown in the figure, the male connector terminal 332 a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 332 b of the male connector 322 are inserted into the female connector terminal 352 of the female connector 323, and the male connector terminal 353 of the female connector 323 is inserted into the male connector terminal 353. The male connector terminal 333a of the connector 321 and the male connector terminal 333b of the male connector 322 are inserted, and the male connector terminal 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 334b of the male connector 322 are inserted into the female connector terminal 354 of the female connector 323. Has been.

  Accordingly, the male connector terminal 332a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 332b of the male connector 322 are electrically connected via the female connector terminal 352 of the female connector 323, and the female connector terminal 353 of the female connector 323 is connected. The male connector terminal 333a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 333b of the male connector 322 are electrically connected to each other, and the male connector terminal 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminal 334 of the male connector 321 are connected to each other. The male connector terminal 334b of the connector 322 is electrically connected.

  As described above, even in the case where the printed circuit boards 311 and 312 are relatively misaligned, the male connector terminals 332a, 333a, 334a of the male connector 321 and the male connector terminals 332b, 333b, 334b of the male connector 322 are Since the female connector terminals 352, 353, and 354 of the female connector 323 are in contact with each other, the printed circuit board 11 and the printed circuit board 12 can be reliably electrically connected.

  Next, the hook 357 provided on the side portion 356 of the female connector 323 will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44. The floating connector in the present embodiment is electrically connected to the printed boards 311 and 312 by inserting the female connector 323 into the male connectors 321 and 322 in the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that this electrical connection is not easily disconnected. For this reason, a hook 357 is provided on the side portion 356 of the female connector 323, and the hook 357 is hooked and fixed to the hook portion 343 provided on the side surface portion of the main body portion 331 of the male connectors 321 and 322. Further, the connection between the male connectors 321 and 322 and the female connector 323 is configured to absorb the displacement in the height direction, and the connection state is from the connection state between the male connector 321 and the female connector 323 shown in FIG. The connection state between the male connector 322 and the female connector 323 is allowed. 43 is a view as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG.

  The contents other than those described above, such as when three or more printed boards are connected, are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The floating connector according to the present embodiment is one connector that connects a plurality of printed circuit boards.

  As shown in FIG. 45, the connector 410 in the present embodiment is a plate-like connector that connects the printed circuit boards 411 and 412. With this connector 410, the printed circuit board 411 and the printed circuit board 412 are connected in the direction in which the printed circuit boards are connected, that is, in the board connection direction indicated by the arrow E.

  As shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the printed board 411 is provided with an oval opening 421, and electrode terminals 423a and 423b are provided on both sides in the vicinity of the opening 421. The electrode terminals 423a and 423b are pad portions made of a conductive material, and are preferably formed thicker than other wiring portions by a material such as solder. The printed circuit board 412 has the same configuration, and an oval opening 422 is provided, and electrode terminals 424 a and 424 b are provided on both sides in the vicinity of the opening 422.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, the connector 410 is provided with two hook portions 431 and 432 having a shape having a widened diameter at the tip and divided into a cross at the center. Electrode portions 433 and 434 are provided on both sides of the two hook portions 431 and 432. The hook portions 431 and 432 are made of a resin material or the like, and are configured to fit into openings 421 and 422 provided in the printed circuit boards 411 and 412. Specifically, the tip portions of the hook portions 431 and 432 are configured to insert the opening portions 421 and 422 so that after the insertion, the widened portion is caught by the opening portions 421 and 422 and cannot be easily detached. ing. The hook portions 431 and 432 can be removed by pulling them with a strong force or by pulling them out by applying a force in a direction in which the diameter is reduced at the tip portion. The electrode portions 433 and 434 are formed in a plate shape from a metal conductive material such as a copper plate, and the vicinity of both end portions of the electrode portions 433 and 434 is bent and has a spring property in the surface direction. . The electrode portions 433 and 434 are arranged along the substrate connection direction indicated by an arrow E in the longitudinal direction of the electrode portions 433 and 434.

  Next, a method for connecting the connector 410 and the printed boards 411 and 412 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, connector 410 in the present embodiment has hook portion 431 of connector 410 fitted in opening 421 provided on printed board 411, and hook of connector 410 is fitted in opening 422 provided on printed board 412. Connection is made by fitting the part 432. At this time, the electrode terminal 423a provided on the printed circuit board 411 and the electrode portion 433 provided on the connector 410 are connected, and the electrode terminal 424a provided on the printed circuit board 412 and the electrode portion 433 provided on the connector 410 are connected. And are connected. As a result, the electrode terminal 423 a provided on the printed board 411 and the electrode terminal 424 a provided on the printed board 412 are connected via the electrode portion 433 provided on the connector 410. Furthermore, the electrode terminal 423a provided on the printed board 411 and the electrode part 433 provided on the connector 410 are connected, and the electrode terminal 424a provided on the printed board 412 and the electrode part 433 provided on the connector 410 Is connected. As a result, the electrode terminal 423 b provided on the printed board 411 and the electrode terminal 424 b provided on the printed board 412 are connected via the electrode portion 434 provided on the connector 410. In this way, the electrodes of the printed circuit boards 411 and 412 are connected to each other and can be used in the same manner as a single printed circuit board.

  The openings 421 and 422 provided in the printed circuit boards 411 and 412 are formed in an oval shape having a long diameter in the substrate connection direction indicated by the arrow E. The connector 410 can be connected even when the distance between the substrates 411 and 412 is widened or narrowed.

  FIG. 50 shows a state where the distance between the printed boards 411 and 412 is widened. In this state, as described above, the electrode terminal 423a provided on the printed board 411 and the electrode terminal 424a provided on the printed board 412 are connected by the electrode portion 433 of the connector 410 and provided on the printed board 411. The electrode terminal 423 b and the electrode terminal 424 b provided on the printed board 412 are kept connected by the electrode portion 434 of the connector 410.

  FIG. 51 shows a state where the distance between the printed boards 411 and 412 is narrowed. Similarly in this state, the electrode terminal 423a provided on the printed circuit board 411 and the electrode terminal 424a provided on the printed circuit board 412 are connected by the electrode portion 433 of the connector 410 and the electrode provided on the printed circuit board 411. The terminal 423 b and the electrode terminal 424 b provided on the printed board 412 are kept connected by the electrode portion 434 of the connector 410.

  FIG. 52 shows a state where the distance between the printed circuit boards 411 and 412 is widened and the positions of the printed circuit board 411 and the printed circuit board 412 are shifted in the direction perpendicular to the substrate connection direction indicated by the arrow E. Yes. Similarly in this state, the electrode terminal 423a provided on the printed circuit board 411 and the electrode terminal 424a provided on the printed circuit board 412 are connected by the electrode portion 433 of the connector 410 and the electrode provided on the printed circuit board 411. The terminal 423 b and the electrode terminal 424 b provided on the printed board 412 are kept connected by the electrode portion 434 of the connector 410.

  FIG. 53 shows a state where the printed circuit board 411 and the printed circuit board 412 are displaced in the height direction. Similarly in this state, the electrode terminals 423a and 423b provided on the printed circuit board 411 and the electrode terminals 424a and 424b provided on the printed circuit board 412 are connected by the electrode portions 433 and 434 of the connector 410, respectively. Note that the hook portion 431 of the connector 410 is fitted into the opening portion 421 provided in the printed board 411, and the hook portion 432 of the connector 410 is fitted into the opening portion 422 provided in the printed board 412. In this state, since a large force is applied to the electrode parts 433 and 434 on the printed board 411 side, the electrode parts 433 and 434 have a spring property, so that the electrode part on the printed board 411 side rather than the printed board 412 side. 433 and 434 are connected in a more contracted state.

(Modification)
Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 54, a connector 510 in a modification of the present embodiment is a plate-like connector that connects printed circuit boards 511 and 512. With this connector 510, the printed circuit board 511 and the printed circuit board 512 are connected in the direction in which the printed circuit board is connected, that is, in the board connection direction indicated by the arrow F.

  As shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, the printed board 511 is provided with a hook portion 521 that has a shape having a widened diameter at the tip portion and the center portion is split into a cross. Electrode terminals 523a and 523b are provided on both sides in the vicinity. The electrode terminals 523a and 523b are pad portions made of a conductive material, and are preferably formed thicker than other wiring portions by a material such as solder. The printed circuit board 512 has the same configuration, and is provided with a hook portion 522 that has a portion with an enlarged diameter at the tip and is divided into a cross at the center, and on both sides in the vicinity of the hook portion 521. Electrode terminals 524a and 524b are provided.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 56, the connector 510 is provided with two oval openings 531 and 532, and electrode parts 533 and 534 are provided on both sides of the two openings 531 and 532, respectively. It has been.

  The hook portions 521 and 522 provided on the connector 510 are made of a resin material or the like, and are configured to fit into the openings 531 and 532 provided on the printed circuit boards 511 and 512.

  In addition, the electrode portions 533 and 534 are formed in a plate shape from a metal conductive material such as a copper plate, and the vicinity of both ends of the electrode portions 533 and 534 is bent so as to have a spring property in the surface direction. Have. The electrode portions 533 and 534 are arranged along the substrate connection direction indicated by the arrow F in the longitudinal direction of the electrode portions 533 and 534.

  The details of the connection method of the connector 510 are the same as those of the connector 410 described above, except that the arrangement of the hook portions 521 and 522 and the openings 531 and 532 is different.

  The same effect can be obtained even in a configuration in which an electrode terminal having spring property is provided on the printed circuit board side and an electrode portion having no spring property is provided on the connector side.

  The contents other than those described above, such as when three or more printed boards are connected, are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although the form which concerns on implementation of this invention was demonstrated, the said content does not limit the content of invention.

11, 12 Printed circuit boards 21, 22 Female connector 23 Male connector 31 Main body (female connector)
32, 33, 34 Groove part 37, 38, 39 Female connector terminal 40 Taper 41 Metal part 42a, 42b Contact part 43 Hook part 47, 48, 49 Connection terminal 51 Main body part (male connector)
52, 53, 54 Male connector terminal 56 Side 57 Hook

Claims (16)

A floating connector for connecting two substrates having electrical wiring,
Two female connectors secured to each said board;
A male connector for electrically connecting one female connector and the other female connector;
Have
The female connector is formed with a plurality of grooves having openings on the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed, and the grooves are along the direction in which the substrate is connected, It has a U-shaped contact,
The male connector has a conductive plate-like contact that fits into the U-shaped contact,
The U-shaped contact and the plate-shaped contact are in contact with each other to electrically connect the one female connector and the other female connector via the plate-shaped contact. Floating connector featuring   2. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein after fixing the female connector to the substrate, the male connector is inserted and fitted from the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed.   The groove portion is formed in an arc shape, and has a shape that spreads on both sides of the groove portion along a direction in which the substrate is connected around the U-shaped contact point. 2. The floating connector according to 2. The U-shaped contact is provided with a contact portion that comes into contact with the plate-shaped contact,
The contact portion is formed in an arc shape, and has a shape that spreads on both sides of the groove portion along a direction in which the substrate is connected with the U-shaped contact as a center. The floating connector according to any one of 1 to 3.   5. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein the female connector is formed with a taper at a tip portion of the groove portion on a side opposite to a side fixed to the substrate. 6.   The hook for hooking on the outer side surface of the said female connector is provided so that the said male connector may maintain the said fitting state in the state fitted with the said female connector. The floating connector according to any one of 5.   2. The surface of the two substrates opposite to the surface on which the female connector is fixed is in the same plane when the female connector and the male connector are fitted. The floating connector according to any one of 6. A floating connector for connecting two substrates having electrical wiring,
Two male connectors fixed to each said board;
A female connector for electrically connecting one male connector and the other male connector;
Have
The male connector has a conductive connection terminal extending in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface,
The female connector has a conductive fitting portion for fitting the connection terminal,
When the fitting portion of the female connector and the connection terminals of the two male connectors are fitted, the one male connector and the other male connector are electrically connected via the fitting portion of the female connector. Floating connector characterized by being connected to.   9. The floating connector according to claim 8, wherein after the male connector is fixed to the substrate, the female connector is fitted from the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is fixed.   The floating connector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a taper is formed at a tip of the connection terminal.   11. The fitting portion is formed by extending a U-shaped cross section in the cross-sectional direction, and the interval between the U-shaped tip portions is narrowed. The floating connector according to any one of the above.   The hook for hooking on the outer side surface of the said male connector is provided so that the said female connector may be maintained in the said fitting state in the state fitted with the said male connector. The floating connector according to any one of 11.   9. The surface of the two boards opposite to the surface on which the male connector is fixed is in the same plane when the female connector and the male connector are fitted. The floating connector according to any one of 12. A floating connector for connecting two substrates having electrical wiring,
An electrode terminal and an opening are provided at the end of the substrate,
The floating connector is provided with a fitting portion that fits into the opening, and an electrode portion made of a conductive material that comes into contact with the electrode terminal,
A floating connector, wherein the electrode portion electrically connects the electrode terminal of one substrate and the electrode terminal of the other substrate by contacting the electrode terminals of the two substrates.   The floating connector according to claim 14, wherein the opening is formed long in a direction in which the substrate is connected.   The floating connector according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the electrode portion is made of a metal material and has a spring property.

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