JP2022519503A - Spring-loaded electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector or electrical connector assembly having a housing, a contact carrier, at least one spring member, and an interposer. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between the electrically uncoupled and coupled positions.

Description

Related Application This application is filed in US Patent Application No. 15 / 615,470 (currently US Pat. No. 10,050,367) entitled "Spring-Supported Electrical Connector" filed June 6, 2017. One of the continuing applications, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 054,746 (currently U.S. Pat. No. 10,249,973) entitled "Spring-Supported Electrical Connector" filed on August 3, 2018. It claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 262,085 entitled "Spring-Supported Electrical Connectors" filed on January 30, 2019, which is a continuation of the section. The content is incorporated by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has a spring-supported (spring-suspended, spring-pushed, spring-forced, spring-loaded) core or contact carrier (contact carrier) of a coupling partner. It relates to an electric connector (electrical connector) in which an optimum coupling force is obtained with a connector and a consistent signal can be stably obtained.

Traditional high-density electrical connectors require shorter spacing and higher densities to reduce package size, which can lead to cumulative tolerances, connection failures, intermittent connections, and coupling. Interfaces often have join reliability issues. Further, the conventional high-density connector has a high manufacturing cost, and the volume increases as the number of signals increases. Therefore, an electrical connector that can increase the density of contacts without increasing the size of the connector and can provide a connector system that provides a stable signal when combined with another connector in the connector system. Is requested.

Therefore, according to the present invention, an electrical connector (electrical connection) comprising a housing having an interface (connection) end section for coupling (male-female coupling), a cable termination section on the opposite side, and an internal support member. Electrical connectors) may be provided. The core is slidably coupled to an internal support member of the housing and includes an accommodating end (accepting end, receiving end) and a spring connecting end (spring engaging end). The spring member is housed (accepted) behind the core inside the housing so as to abut against the spring connecting end of the core. The interposer may be housed in the housing end of the core and away from the spring member. The core is axially slidable along the longitudinal axis of the housing with respect to the internal support member, and the uncoupled position where the spring member pushes the core outward away from the cable end of the housing ( It moves between the position where the connection is released) and the connection position where the core is pushed inward with respect to the spring member.

In one preferred embodiment, the electrical connector comprises a contact (contact member, contact member) connected to the core, the contact member being at one end adjacent to the interposer and near or near the cable termination section of the housing. Has one other end. The contact member may be a flexible printed circuit board having an end face and an end on the opposite side thereof. The interposer may include at least one contact surface (contact side, contact side) for electrical connection to the contact member. The interposer may be supported in the housing end of the core by an internal support member of the housing.

In another embodiment, the at least one connecting surface described above comprises a plurality of individual (independent) contacts that electrically connect to a contact member connected to the core, and the interposer is with respect to the at least one connecting surface. A second connection surface (contact side, connection side) on the opposite side, including a second connection surface for electrically connecting to the connector of the coupling partner, extending through the interposer and extending into the core. At least one alignment pin for aligning the interposer and the contact member may be provided. These alignment pins may have the ability to align accurately, and by extending to the connector of the mating partner and aligning the connectors with sufficient accuracy, all contacts will have multiple flex circuits. It may be aligned with the pad of the other party. In another embodiment, the internal support member of the housing is a central column (center post, center post) extending longitudinally, the center post crossing the interface end for coupling of the housing and penetrating the interposer. Has a free (free) tip (distal end) that extends. In one embodiment, the spring member is at least one corrugated spring.

The invention may also include an electrical connector comprising a housing including a coupling interface end section, a contralateral cable end section, and an internal support member, the core slidable to the internal support member of the housing. It is connected and includes a housing end (storage end) and a spring connecting end. The spring member is housed behind the core inside the housing so as to abut against the spring connecting end of the core. The first contact member is connected to the core. The interposer for double-sided connection is housed in the accommodating end of the core and may be separated from the spring member, includes the first and second connecting surfaces facing each other, and the first connecting surface (connecting side) is the first. It is configured to be electrically connected to the contact member, and the second connection surface (connection side) is configured to be electrically connected to the connector to be coupled. The core is the longitudinal direction of the housing between the uncoupled position where the spring member pushes the core outward away from the cable end of the housing and the coupling position where the core pushes the core inward with respect to the spring member. It is slidable axially with respect to the internal support member along the axis of.

In one embodiment, the first contact member connected to the core has an end face that contacts the first connection surface of a double-sided interposer and an end that is located at or near the cable termination section of the housing. It is a flexible printed circuit board. In another embodiment, the contact member may be a conventional inflexible printed circuit board. The first and second connection surfaces (connection sides) of the double-sided connection type interposer may include a plurality of individual contacts. In another embodiment, the double-sided interposer has a wafer body that supports a plurality of individual contacts, each of which is a C-clip. The internal support member of the housing may be a longitudinally extending center post (center post, center post), the center post extending beyond the interface end of the housing through a double-sided interposer. It has a free (free) tip (distal end).

In one of the preferred embodiments, the connector to be coupled is coupled to the housing when the core is in the coupling position, whereby a second contact member of the connector to be coupled is housed within the core and is double-sided. The first contact member is electrically connected to the first surface of the double-sided connection type interposer. The second connecting member may be a flexible printed circuit board having an end surface that abuts on the second connecting surface of the double-sided connection type interposer. In yet another embodiment, the external coupling member is housed in a coupling interface end section of the housing to couple (connect) the connector to be coupled to the housing. In another embodiment, the internal support member of the housing is a longitudinally extending center post, the post (pillar) extending beyond the end of the housing's connecting interface and through an interposer for double-sided connectivity. It is present and has a tip (distal free end) that is combined (engaged, engaged) with the corresponding post of the connector to which it is coupled. At least one alignment pin extends through a first contact member, a double-sided interposer, and a second contact member to align them. Further, the spring member is at least one corrugated spring. In another embodiment, the connector and the connector to be coupled may be provided with a keyway that functions as an overall alignment mechanism in order to properly align the plurality of connectors.

The present invention further comprises an electrical connector (electrical connector, electrical connector), including a coupling interface end section and a contralateral cable termination section, having a housing including an internal support member, and a contact. A carrier (connecting carrier) is slidably connected to the housing, the contact carrier including an accommodating end and a spring connecting end, the contact carrier supporting at least one contact member (connecting member, contact member) and at least. One spring member is housed inside the housing adjacent to the contact carrier to connect (contact) with the spring connection end of the contact carrier, and the interposer is housed in the accommodation end of the contact carrier and away from the spring member. Electrical connectors may be provided. The contact carrier is slidable with respect to the housing along the bond axis between the unbonded position and the bonded position.

In certain embodiments, the interposer comprises at least one connecting surface for electrical connection to the contact member, the at least one connecting surface having a plurality of electrical connections to the contact member connected to the contact carrier. Includes individual (independent) contacts, and / and the interposer is a connection surface opposite at least one contact side, with a second connection surface for electrical connection to the connector to which it is coupled. include. In another embodiment, at least one alignment pin extending through the interposer into the contact carrier aligns the interposer with the contact member and / or the connector associated with the housing to be coupled. Connect the connector to the housing.

The invention further includes a housing with a coupling interface end (coupling interface end section, mating interface end section, coupling interface end) and a contralateral cable termination (cable termination end section), and is slidable into the housing. A contact carrier (contact carrier, moving body for connection) connected to the contact carrier, the contact carrier includes a housing end and a spring connecting end, the contact carrier supports at least one contact member, and at least one spring member. Is housed adjacent to the contact carrier inside the housing to be connected to the spring connection end of the contact carrier, the interposer is housed away from the spring member within the contact carrier housing end, and the connecting member is further housed. An electrical connector associated with the housing may be provided. The contact carrier is slidable with respect to the housing along the bond axis between the non-bonded position and the bonded position.

In some embodiments, the contact member (connecting member, contact member) is a flexible printed circuit board, the interposer has a wafer body that supports a plurality of individual contacts, each of the plurality of individual contacts. , C clips, and / or at least one alignment pin extends through the first contact member, the interposer, and the second contact member to align them.

The present invention may also provide an electrical connector having a housing including a storage area and a coupling interface and a contact carrier housed within the housing. The contact carrier may include an accommodating portion and a spring connecting portion (spring engaging portion), and may support the contact member. The interposer is mounted on the accommodating portion of the contact carrier with the contact member sandwiched between them. At least one spring member is provided to work in concert with the spring connection portion of the contact carrier. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between the electrically uncoupled position and the coupled position along an axis perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal coupling axis.

In certain embodiments, the contact member is a flexible circuit board, the interposer comprises at least one connecting surface (connecting side) for electrical connection to the contact member, the at least one connecting surface being a contact carrier. Contains a plurality of individual contacts (connections) that electrically connect to a contact member connected to, and / or the interposer is electrically connected to the connector of the coupling partner on the surface opposite to at least one connection surface. Includes a second connection surface (connection side) for connection. In one embodiment, the electrical connector further comprises at least one alignment pin extending into the interposer through a contact carrier or through the interposer in order to align the interposer with the contact member of the connector to which it is coupled. You may be prepared.

The invention may further provide an electrical connector assembly (electric connection device assembly) that includes a receptacle (outlet, socket), wherein the receptacle includes a housing that includes a containment area and a contact carrier that is housed within the housing. A contact carrier that includes a housing portion and a spring connecting portion and supports a first contact member (connecting member), and a contact member sandwiched between the housing portion of the contact carrier. It includes an on-board interposer and at least one spring member that works in conjunction with (associates and works) with the spring connecting portion of the contact carrier. The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing between the electrically uncoupled and coupled positions. The assembly may further include a plug containing the housing, the housing comprising a coupling interface configured to be inserted into the housing area of the housing, and the interposer of the housing opposite the first contact member. Includes a second contact member configured to join on the side.

In one embodiment, the assembly's contact carriers are positioned to electrically couple (non-bonded) along an axis perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal coupling axis of the receptacle and plug (non-bonded position). Move to and from the bond position). In another embodiment, one or more alignment pins extend through the first contact member, the interposer, and the second contact member to align them.

In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a latching mechanism for fixing the contact carrier in an electrically coupled position, the latching mechanism rotating between the inactive and active positions. The cam member is configured to move the contact member of the plug, thereby moving the contact carrier or contact system of the receptacle between the electrically uncoupled and coupled positions, respectively. A selected or predetermined angle (or other suitable angle) from the inactive position to the active position, eg, about 45 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 135 degrees, about 180 degrees, or about 225 degrees. ), In addition, the cam member includes a stem (shaft, elongated member) having width and thickness, the width is greater than the thickness, and the cam member is connected to the connecting nut of the plug. The latch mechanism is a slide latch member configured to slide between the inactive and active positions, with the end being electrically decoupled to the contact carrier or contact system of the receptacle. A slide latch member that moves the contact member of the plug that is moved to and from the coupling position, respectively, and / or the plug includes an elevating support associated with a second contact member, the elevating support. , The slide latch member is configured to move between a first position and a second position that cooperate with the inactive and active positions, respectively, and / or the latch mechanism is such that the plug is plugged into the receptacle. Includes a latching release (latching release, latching start) in the coupling interface of a plug configured to press when coupled (male-female coupling).

In another embodiment, the latch mechanism allows the latch / coupling mechanism to operate only when the system is combined within the receptacle of the coupling partner (when meshed, i.e., fully coupled). Latch operation release (latch operation start, latch operation release) system may be provided. This latch actuation release system may be equipped with a spring probe system at the tip (nose) of the plug, which, when combined with the receptacle, presses the probe, which activates the coupling mechanism ( It is meshed) and the stopper (latch) operates.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and many of the advantages of the present invention will be better understood and obtained by reference to the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electric connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electric connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1 showing the core or contact carrier of the electrical connector in the uncoupled position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1, showing the electrical connector coupled to the connector to which it is coupled, and showing the core or contact carrier of the electrical connector at the coupled position.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one side of the interposer of the electric connector shown in FIG.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the individual contacts of the interposer shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a connector to be joined to the electric connector shown in FIG.

7A and 7B are perspective views and exploded views of a pair of coupled electrical connectors according to different exemplary embodiments of the invention, showing an electrical connector assembly.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of one of the electrical connectors shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

9A and 9B are exploded views and perspective views of the other of the electrical connectors shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the electrical connector assembly of FIG. 7A, showing electrically uncoupled and electrically coupled positions, respectively.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an electrical connector assembly according to a further different exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, the present invention relates to an electrical connector (electrical connector, electrical connector) 100, and more particularly to a high density electrical connector. The electrical connector 100 is a spring-suspended core or contact carrier designed to provide a positive electrical connection to and from the connector 200 to be coupled (coupling, joining, male-female coupling). Body, connection carrier, contact carrier, contact carrier) 110 is incorporated to ensure (consistently) accurate signal transmission throughout the connector system, which is pre-use, even during use of the system. But it's not a break. A spring-loaded (spring-loaded, spring-supported) core or contact carrier 110 eliminates and moves beyond the tolerances that stack when the connectors are coupled (joined, joined, male-female joined). It is designed to be possible so that each contact (each contact) is fully meshed (contacted). In addition, the spring-supported core or contact carrier 110 can be electrically connected between the connectors when the connectors are coupled, even if each of the coupling surfaces is not relatively flat. It is designed to maintain a target connection. In one embodiment, the spring-supported core or contact carrier 110 of the electrical connector 100 works with the interposer 112, which is a connection surface on both sides, to provide an even electrical connection between the connector 100 and the connector 200. I will provide a. Another advantage of the connector of the present invention is that it is possible to increase the density, for example, 1 mm pitch, and it can be attached / detached (combined / separated) up to 5,000 times. Further, the connector of the present invention can increase the density of signal contacts at low cost and with reliability up to 5000 cycles. The connectors of the present invention allow the user to increase the number of signals without changing the size of the connector and the original cable.

In general, the electrical connector 100 is housed in a housing 102 that slidably supports the core or contact carrier 110, a spring member 114 housed (accepted) in the housing 102 behind the core 110, and in the core 110. Includes (accepted) interposer 112 and contact member 116. The core or contact carrier 110 slides axially along the longitudinal axis of the housing 102, and the core 110 is biased outward and can be coupled to the connector 200 to be coupled in a separated position (male-female coupling). No position, unmated position, FIG. 3) and the coupling position where the core 110 is pushed inward to compress the spring 114 and electrically connected to the connector to be coupled (male-female bonded position, metered position, FIG. 4). ) And move between. The spring member 114 may be any urging member (member that causes bias) such as one or more corrugated springs.

As a general rule, the housing 102 is an interface end portion (interface end section, contact end, connection end) for connection that is an interface (structure for connection, boundary surface, contact surface) with the connection end 202 of the connector 200 to be connected. ) 104, a cable termination portion 106 accommodating an end for connecting the cable C, an internal support member 108 that slidably supports the core 110, and at least a portion of the core 110 around the internal support member 108. It includes an internal accommodation area (internal receiving area, internal receiving area) 109 for accommodating the spring member 114 and the inside of the housing 102. As is well known in the art, the cable end portion 106 may accommodate the potting member 10 and the tension relief member 12 for the connected end of the cable C, eg, boots. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the internal support member 108 may be a center post or a barrel (barrel) extending in the longitudinal direction. As best shown in FIG. 4, the post 108 may have its tip extending outward beyond the coupling interface end portion 104, thereby engaging with the corresponding component 204 of the mating connector 200. In addition, the connector system may be more stable when the connectors 100 and 102 are coupled. In one embodiment, the post 108 accommodates a hollow tip of the post 108, if sized so that the corresponding component 204 of the connector 200 to be coupled can be inserted into the tip of the post 108. It may be like this.

The core or contact carrier (contact carrier) 110 is mounted on the internal post 108 of the housing 102 and slides along it between the separated position (non-bonded position) and the bonded position. The core 110 may also be slidably attached to the housing 102, such as by a clasp (snap). As a schematic configuration of the core 110, a spring joining end portion (spring engaging end portion, spring connecting end portion) 120 that abuts on the spring member 114 when the core 110 is pushed inward at the coupling position, and an interposer. Includes a containment end (accepting end) 122 of a size and shape that accommodates the 112. The contact member (connecting member, contact member) 116 is mounted on the spring connecting end 102 of the core, one end adjacent to the interposer 112 and the other end near or near the cable termination 106 of the housing 102. It is desirable to be located in that part. The contact member 116 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board, a front end surface 126 housed in a core 110, an end surface 126 configured to be electrically connected to an interposer 112, and a terminal connected to a cable C. It may be provided with 128. The end 128 of the flexible printed circuit board may bend as the core 110 moves between the separation and coupling positions while being spring-supported along the internal post 108.

The interposer 112 preferably includes at least one contact side (connecting surface, connecting side) 130 for electrically connecting to the contact member 116 at its end face 126. In a preferred embodiment, the interposer 112 is a double-sided connection type interposer, has a second connecting side 132 on the opposite side of the connecting side 130, and has a contact member (connecting member, contact member) 216 of the connector 200 of the coupling partner. It is configured to make electrical contact with. As shown in FIG. 6, the contact member 216 of the connector 200 to be coupled may also be a flexible printed circuit board having an end face 226 and an end face 228, similarly to the contact member 116. The end face 226 is configured to abut on the second connecting side 132 of the interposer 112.

In one embodiment, the interposer 112 has a wafer body 136 and may include a central opening 138 of a size to accommodate the post 108 of the housing 102. Each of the connecting sides 130 and 132 of the interposer 112 may include a plurality of independent connecting portions (contacts) 140 for electrical connection with the contact members 116 and 216, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5A. The individual contacts 140 may be, for example, a conductive C-clip or the like, as shown in FIG. 5B. It is desirable that the force (urgency) pushed by the spring member 114 is higher than the force to which each of the individual (independent) C-clips 140 mounted on the interposer 112 joins, and the C-clip by the spring member 114. It is desirable to move (move) the core or contact carrier 110 to obtain a perfect connection, more than the pressure to be fully coupled is obtained. This allows the end faces 126 of the connecting members on the individual contacts 140 to be completely compressed (applied sufficient pressure) so that the built-in spring member 114 provides sufficient coupling force. can. The coupling force of this connector system may be adjusted for the use of different spring members. For example, the number of independent contacts 140 of the interposer 112 may be increased or decreased, whereby the pressing force (urging force) may be increased or decreased, and the urging force of the spring member 114 may be increased or decreased by the pressing force (attachment) for the contacts 140. It may be changed so as to compensate for the increase or decrease of the power) so that the core or the contact carrier 110 can move sufficiently. That is, the connector system can be configured to have at least the maximum insertion force required for a given number of contacts.

Once the connectors 100 and 200 are coupled (male-female coupled), coupling members (coupling members) 150, such as coupling nuts (coupling nuts), may be used to fasten (latch) these connectors together. The coupling nut 150 is, for example, supported by a spring and may automatically rotate and latch into a predetermined position. The coupling nut 150 is suitable for latching (hooking) the connectors 100 and 200, but uses any known latch mechanism and / or friction coupling to latch or secure the connectors 100 and 200 together. You may.

In one embodiment, the center post 108 and its corresponding component 204 of the connector 200 to be coupled align the overall position of the connector system with one or more alignment members 160, eg, alignment. Pins align the precise position of the connector system. One or more alignment pins 160 extend into the core 110 through the connecting end face 226, the interposer 112, the connecting end face 126, and the interposer 112, in particular the individual contacts 140. It can be aligned with the end faces 126 and 226 of the contact members 116 and 216 of the connectors 100 and 200, respectively. The alignment pin 160 may also extend to the mating connector to allow sufficiently accurate alignment between the connectors so that all contacts are aligned with the mating pad of the flex circuit. You may do so.

7A-11 show the connector 100', which is another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As described in the above embodiment, the connector 100'is designed with backspring overtravel (with a spring at the rear and excessive movement). Further, the connector 100'and the connector 200'to which the connector is connected are the same as those described above, except that they mesh with each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection axis or the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly. It has the characteristic of being interconnected. The design of the connector 100'includes the advantage that the outer diameter of the connector can be reduced at the expense of increasing the length of the connector to allow for a higher density of contacts. It is particularly suitable for handheld applications where a small outer diameter is desired to facilitate the handling and operation of the connector (ie, to fit the user's hand), such as the handle of a catheter. be.

As a general rule, like the connector 100, the connector 100 ′ includes a housing 102 ′ that movably supports a core or a contact carrier (contact carrier, connection carrier, contact carrier) 110 ′, as shown in FIG. One or more spring members 114 ′ housed in the housing 102 ′ in relation to the contact carrier 110 ′, an interposer 112 ′, and a contact member (connecting member, contact member) 116 supported by the contact carrier 110 ′. And include. In the connector 100 ′, the contact carrier 110 ′ moves in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal coupling axis L of the connector assembly in the housing 102 ′, and the contact carrier 110 ′ moves the connector 200 ′ to which the connector assembly is coupled. A separate (uncoupled) position (FIG. 10A) that is supported (urged) in the direction of'and is ready to be electrically coupled to the connector 200'of the coupling partner, and the contact carrier 110'. Operates as an overtravel relief between the contact member 216'of the connector 200', which is compressed with respect to the spring member 114', and the electrically connected coupling position (male / female coupling position) (FIG. 10B). It is designed to do (excessively move with a margin). The spring member 114'can be a member (bias member, urging member) that generates an arbitrary bias, such as one or more corrugated springs, a compression spring, and an elastic material.

As a general rule, the housing 102'is connected (male-female combined) with the coupling end 202'of the connector 200'of the coupling partner, so that the coupling interface end (bonding interface end, coupling contact end, coupling boundary end) 104 ′ And an internal accommodation area 109 ′ for accommodating the contact carrier 110 ′, the interposer 112 ′, and the spring member 114 ′ inside the housing 102 ′. The contact carrier 110'is located within the housing 102'and is electrically movable between uncoupled and coupled positions, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As a general rule, the contact carrier 110 ′ includes a spring joining portion 120 ′ that connects to the spring member 114 ′ when the contact carrier 110 ′ is pushed to the coupling position by the connector 200 ′ of the coupling partner, and a contact member (connecting member). , Contact member) 116'and accommodating portion 122'supporting the interposer 112'. The contact member 116 ′ includes, for example, one surface 126 ′ mounted on the receiving portion 122 ′ of the contact carrier 110 ′ and the opposite surface 128 ′ configured to be electrically connected to the interposer 112 ′. It may be a flexible printed circuit board (flexible printed circuit board) having.

The interposer 112'is similar to the interposer 112 described in the above embodiment, and is preferably a first connecting surface (connecting side, which is arranged on the surface 126'for electrical contact with the contact member 116'. A second connection surface configured to electrically connect to the contact member (connection member) 216'of the connector 200'to be coupled, on the opposite side of the contact side) 130'and the first connection surface 130'. (Connected side, contact side) 132'and included. Similar to the interposer 112, the interposer 112'of this embodiment may include a wafer body 136', each of the connecting surfaces 130'and 132' having a plurality of independent contacts, such as a conductive C-clip. It may be included. The deflection force (urging force) of the spring member 114'is preferably higher than the force (coupling force, joining force) for each independent contact mounted on the interposer 112' to be coupled, and the individual contacts are complete. The contact carrier 110'move beyond the state of being able to be compressed so as to be coupled to the contact member 216' so that it can be uniformly (completely, surely, and sufficiently) connected to the contact member 216'. This allows the contact member (contact member) on each contact of the interposer 112'to be completely pressed (compressed), ensuring (sufficient) a connector system or assembly consisting of multiple coupled connectors. It is designed to have a bonding force.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the connector 200'of the coupling partner is a housing having an interface end (connection end, contact end, connection boundary end) 204 and a coupling nut 150'on the opposite side. It may have 202'. The housing 202'includes an internal elevating support 208' that accommodates a second contact member (connecting member, contact member) 216'. The elevating support 208'is a first position (FIG. 10A) and a second position corresponding to each of the electrically uncoupled position (uncoupled position) and the coupled position (bonded position) with the contact carrier 110'. Move to and from position (FIG. 10B). The elevating support 208'may be spring-suspended in a non-coupling position by, for example, a spring 208A'for deflecting (energizing) for elevating, and the coupling destination before being electrically connected. It may be possible to prevent "collision" when the entire connector 100'is aligned in the axial direction and joined. The contact member 216'of the connector 200'to be coupled may be a flexible printed circuit board provided with a connection surface 226', like the contact member 116'.

The connector 100'may be, for example, a receptacle (outlet, socket), and the connector 200'to be coupled may be, for example, a plug inserted into the receptacle. When the connectors 100'and 200'are assembled axially, that is, when the interface end 204'of the plug 200'is housed in the housing 102' of the receptacle 100', the latch mechanism (retaining mechanism) is activated. Also well, the electrical connection between the receptacle and the plug can be completed and maintained. The latch mechanism is designed to move the contact member 216'of the plug toward the interposer 112' of the receptacle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the coupling axis of the plug and the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the latch mechanism may include a cam member 300 that is supported by a plug and can rotate between an inactive position and an active position. The cam member 300 may include an elongated stem 302 having one end 304 connected to a plug connecting nut (coupling nut) 150'and a locking end 306 on the opposite side. The elongated stem 302 may be substantially flat, i.e., wider rather than thicker so that the cam member 300 is inactive at a predetermined angle, eg, 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. When rotated from the position (FIG. 10A) to its active position (FIG. 10B), the stem 302 causes the plug elevating support 208'to support the contact member 216' of the plug from its first position to the receptacle interposer. Move towards its second position towards 112'(downward in FIGS. 10A and 10B). That is, when the connecting nut 150'is rotated, the cam member 300 operates to move the contact member 216' via the elevating support 208', and the coupling partner is connected from an electrically uncoupled position. It moves toward the receptacle connection system and moves it to the electrically coupled position, thereby electrically connecting the plug and the receptacle. At that position, the lock end 306 is locked or attached to the plug housing 202'.

As an alternative, the latch mechanism (disengagement prevention mechanism) may be a slide latch member 400 as shown in FIG. The slide latch member 400 is configured to slide (slide) between the inactive position and the active position. That is, when the slide latch member moves from the inactive position and slides to the active position, the elevating support 208'of the plug moves from the first position to the second position toward the interposer 112'of the receptacle, thereby making contact. The carrier 110'moves from the electrically uncoupled position to the electrically coupled position and electrically connects the contact member 216'of the plug to the interposer 112' of the receptacle. The slide latch member 400 may have a function 402 such as a snapping function (pulling function) that prevents the components from being prematurely coupled before the plug / receptacle assembly is assembled. In this embodiment, the receptacle 100'can prevent the function 402 from interfering within the plug 200' and allow the slide latch member 400 to later engage.

In yet another embodiment, the mechanism that latches (when installed) when the plug is fully contained within the receptacle is friction fitting, spring clipping (spring clip latching), or locking latching. It may be provided by a mechanism (with a key to prevent it from coming off). The latch mechanism may incorporate a latch operation release system (latch operation start system, latch operation release system) configured so that the connecting nut of the contact system does not operate unless the plug and receptacle are combined. This allows the plug and receptacle to be housed (mounted) without damaging the plug contact system (plug coupling system). A spring-supported mechanism, such as a spring probe, may be included in the interface end 204'of the plug, which causes the cam member 300 to interfere with the interface end 204'of the cam member. Prevents the from being actuated / rotated by the user (this mechanism may act as a locking function for the receptacle when actuated in combination). When the interface end 204'of the plug is inserted (fully) into the receptacle to the bottom, the spring-supported mechanism is pushed out of the cam member 300, thereby causing the user to rotate the connecting nut 150'. The plug contact system and the receptacle contact system are connected (mounted and combined) with the connecting nut 150', and the plug is stopped so that it does not come off the receptacle, and the user manually connects the connecting nut 150'. The combination of plugs (connection, mounting) cannot be released unless the is rotated so that it returns to the non-operational state.

In one embodiment, the connecting nut 150'may be locked by a spring. The coupling nut 150'may have a function that defines the direction of the coupling, such as a plurality of protrusions in the extruded state, which is a function for coupling the corresponding receptacle, for example, the extruded state. In connection with (combined with) multiple protrusions, the connecting nut 150'is rotated during coupling to bring it into an unlocked state. When the receptacle and plug are assembled together, the alignment (orientation) function of the connecting nut 150'overtakes the alignment function of the receptacle and is latched in place. Thus, at the same time as being latched, or at about the same time, an electrical connection between these components is made by the latch mechanism (disengagement mechanism).

In another embodiment, the connecting nut 150'is used as a coupling alignment function corresponding to the coupling alignment (orientation) function on the receptacle, as above, but with latching and electrical. The bonds do not have to occur at the same time. After the receptacle and plug are first assembled, the connecting nut 150'may be rotated towards the locking direction, which causes the plug's contact system, ie, the elevating support 208' and the contact member'216, to join. It is cam-coupled to the receptacle contact system, i.e., the interposer 112', which allows a perfect combination of electrical junctions and overtraveling springs 114'. As a result, the user can obtain a strong coupling force in the axial direction by using a latch mechanism such as the cam member 300 that exerts a mechanical advantage.

A plurality of alignment pins 160' may be provided on the receptacle housing 102', and a latch mechanism such as a cam member 300 may be actuated to complete the electrical coupling between the receptacle and the plug. At that time, the alignment of the plug with the connector system can be facilitated. As shown in FIG. 10A, the plurality of pins 160 ′ extend through the contact carrier 110 ′ and the contact member 116 ′ to enter the interposer 112 ′, and their ends 162 ′ mesh with the contact member 216 ′ of the plug. It may be like this. The contact member 216'of the plug may include a plurality of holes 218' corresponding to the plurality of pins 160'for aligning the receptacle, and when the latch mechanism is activated, the plurality of holes 218'of the plug , The ends 162'of the plurality of alignment pins 160' can be accepted to enable highly accurate alignment, and the interposer 112' of the receptacle can be aligned and connected to the contact member 216' of the plug. Alternatively, a plurality of alignment pins may be provided in the plug 200'and may be combined with the corresponding holes in the receptacle 100'.

Although specific embodiments have been selected to illustrate the invention, it is possible to make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be understood by the trader. A method may be incorporated to prevent the coupling mechanism of the contact system from operating when the plug and receptacle are not combined. This allows the plug and receptacle to be combined (mounted) without damaging the contact system or interposer. A spring-supported mechanism, such as the spring-loaded probe 209'shown as an embodiment, may be included in the interface end 204'of the plug, thereby interfering with the interface end 204' of the cam member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cam member 300 from being actuated / rotated by the user (which also acts as a locking function for the receptacle when actuated in combination). When the interface end 204'of the plug is fully inserted into the receptacle, the spring-loaded mechanism (spring-supported mechanism, spring-loaded mechanism) is pushed out of the cam member 300 by the coupling function within the receptacle. Allows the user to rotate the connecting nut 150', which connects (engages) the plug contact system to the receptacle contact system and then latches (stops) the plug to the receptacle. The connection nuts 150'are not disconnected unless the user manually turns them back to disconnect them.

Claims (19)

A housing with a containment area and an interface for coupling,
A contact carrier housed in the housing, including a housing portion and a spring connecting portion, and supporting the contact member.
An interposer incorporated in the accommodating portion of the contact carrier so that the contact member can be inserted between the interposer and the interposer.
It comprises at least one spring member that can operate in association with the spring connecting portion of the contact carrier.
The contact carrier is movable with respect to the housing along an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal coupling axis between the electrically uncoupled position and the coupled position. Is an electrical connector. In claim 1,
The contact member is an electric connector which is a flexible circuit board. In claim 2,
The interposer is an electrical connector comprising at least one connecting surface for electrically connecting to the contact member. In claim 3,
The at least one connecting surface is an electrical connector comprising a plurality of individual contacts that are electrically connected to the contact member connected to the contact carrier. In claim 3,
The interposer is an electrical connector which is a second connection surface opposite to the at least one connection surface and includes a second connection surface for electrically connecting to a connector of a coupling partner. In claim 1,
An electrical connector further comprising at least one alignment pin for penetrating the contact carrier into the interposer and aligning the interposer with the contact member of the connector to which it is coupled. It has a receptacle and a plug,
The receptacle includes a housing including a housing area and a housing.
A contact carrier housed in the housing, including a housed portion and a spring connecting portion, and supporting the first contact member.
An interposer incorporated in the accommodating portion of the contact carrier so that the contact member can be inserted between the interposer and the interposer.
It comprises at least one spring member that is operable in association with the spring connecting portion of the contact carrier, the contact carrier being coupled to a position electrically uncoupled to the housing. Can move between and
The plug connects to a coupling interface configured to be inserted into the accommodation area of the receptacle housing and the interposer of the receptacle housing on the opposite side of the first contact member. An electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a configured second contact member. In claim 7,
Each of the first contact member and the second contact member is an electrical connector assembly that is a flexible printed circuit board. In claim 7,
The contact carrier moves between the electrically uncoupled and coupled positions along an axis that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal coupling axis of the receptacle and plug. Electrical connector assembly. In claim 7,
An electrical connector assembly further comprising a latching mechanism for holding the connector assembly in said electrically coupled position. In claim 10,
The latch mechanism is a cam member that rotates between an inactive position and an active position, moves the second contact member of the plug, and electrically decouples the contact carrier of the receptacle. An electrical connector assembly that moves between the position of and the position of the combined state. In claim 11,
The cam member is an electrical connector assembly that is rotated from the inactive position to the active position in any of about 45, about 90, about 135, about 180, or about 225. In claim 11,
The cam member comprises a stem having a width and a thickness, the width being greater than the thickness, an electrical connector assembly. In claim 11,
The cam member is an electrical connector assembly that includes an end that is connected to a connecting nut of the plug. In claim 11,
The plug includes an elevating support associated with the second contact member, wherein the elevating support has a first position that cooperates with the inactive position and the active position of the cam member, respectively. An electrical connector assembly that is configured to move to and from a second position. In claim 10,
The latch mechanism is a slide latch member configured to slide between an inactive position and an active position, moves the second contact member of the plug, and electrifies the contact carrier of the receptacle. An electrical connector that moves between the uncoupled position and the coupled position, respectively. In claim 16,
The plug includes an elevating support associated with the second contact member, the elevating support having a first position and a first position that cooperate with the inactive position and the active position of the slide latch member, respectively. An electrical connector assembly that is configured to move between positions 2. In claim 10,
The latch mechanism comprises an release portion for latching operation in the coupling interface of the plug, the release portion being configured to press when the plug is coupled to the receptacle. In claim 7,
An electrical connector assembly in which at least one alignment pin extends through the first contact member, the interposer, and the second contact member to align them.

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